i'm going to hell anyways

“Okay well as long as you don’t disappear entirely,” Layla replied, trying not to sound doubtful. She didn’t want him to cut himself off from the world. She grinned, “I’d love a date,” she said, “Just tell me when.”

“I won’t. You’ll always know where to find me.” Tommy smiled widely. “Great, what about tomorrow?”

15: Have you got any pets?

No I don't really have the time to take on that responsibility right now.

22: Do you want to have kids? How many?

That's a tough question. I honestly don't know. My history with my family is quite complicated and I don't want that to bleed onto my own children.

76: What is your ideal date night?

“That’s very wise and mature of you. Those friends who really know you and take the time for you are the ones worth your time,” Elena replied supportively. “I’m the same. I’m very social in nature, but the friends I keep closest to my heart are the ones I know I share a special bond with.”

“Yeah, it definitely took time for me to not care as much.” Tommy commented. “Have you always been like that too?”

“Are you aware that you’ve only met me under the influence?” Jonah asked, “I mean, I guess I am social sober too but I’m not really feeling it tonight. Too fresh into sobriety perhaps.”

“No i was not...” Tommy shook his head. “understandable, I am glad you are able to set boundaries for yourself. I am learning it’s important.”

“Tommy, that’s not what I asked you to do,” Layla pointed out, “No more lies is what I said and also to stop punching my best friends,” she explained, “Flying under the radar means that I don’t get to see you and even though I said we’re taking it slow, I do want to see you.”

“Well that’s very important. Everyone deserves those types of connections in their lives,” she smiled in response. “Besides– quality over quantity is always the way to go.”

“I strongly believe in that. I don’t really want a lot of friends who don’t know really know me.” Tommy agreed. “What about you?”

“I’ve been okay. Keeping myself busy. What about you?” Layla asked. When he spoke next, she turned so she could stand in front of him and stopped them both from walking, “Tommy, if we’re going to move on from this, you need to stop apologising what happened then, at least with your words. I just want you to show me that you mean it, okay?”

“I know you want to see actions. And I believe I have been doing so. I’ve been keeping to myself more. Flying under the radar as some may call it.” Tommy replied.

“Clearly! You’ve shown me that I really need to broaden my horizons,” Archer chuckled in response. “Ah well I’ve always been a fan of grilled cheese, but that’s not the most interesting on a culinary level. Maybe some good new pasta places would be useful to know though?”

“There’s actually an excellent grilled cheese food truck nearby that puts different ingredients, like lobster or ground beef in it. Quite delicious.” Tommy suggested.

“Trying to get me alone, are you?” Layla asked, grinning, “I’m in. Lead the way,” she added on a more serious note.

“I appreciate that, thank you,” Jonah said, nodding, “It was a hard thing, getting sober but I’m here now. This is the first obstacle. An event with lots of alcohol, I mean.”

“I’m very grateful to have those types of relationships in my life,” Elena admitted after the other’s words. What he said resonated with her and she couldn’t help but ask, “Have you got anybody like that?”

Tommy didn’t know if he should lie or tell the truth. He wasn’t the most social person out there. He barely had friends, but he didn’t care much about that, he only wanted one person in his life and that was Layla. “I don’t know if it’s much of a friendship, but I do have someone special in my life.”

“Thanks for showing me– I can definitely see myself coming back here,” he admitted. “That’s pretty cool. I’m sure that every time you do that you stumble upon some cool places like this one?”

“Yeah, there’s a lot to see off the beaten track.” Tommy agreed. “What’s your favorite type of food or drink? I’ll see if I can recommend something.”

“Sure, why not?” Elena shrugged in response before taking the seat across from him. “Well one of the biggest things about my connection with her is that I’m the godmother of her son. We’d been close for ages but that had been a big honor for me that she trusted me so much.”

“That is awesome. Trusting a friend enough to trust them with their child is special. It’s type of friendship that only comes around every once in a while.” Tommy replied. 

“Lucky indeed!” she exclaimed with a nod as he handed it back to her. “It was a gift from a family friend so I would’ve hate to lose it or find it damaged. Is there any way I can repay you?”

“I am glad I could help.” Tommy smiled. “Maybe some company?” Tommy asked the other as he gestured towards the empty chair across from him. “I have some downtime and maybe you could tell me more about that family friend of yours.”