once upon a dream

“What? No.” Tam shook their head and flashed Phillip a smile. “Don’t be stupid jughead, you didn’t cost me this race. That prick pretending his car was qualified is what cost us the race. We’re obviously the better racers… and take that helmet off, you’re safe now.” They laughed as they weaved through the crowd that had come out onto the street in order to congratulate the winner. “When he brings the damn thing to my shop in a few days I’ll make sure to something that’ll show him how I feel about this race. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything illegal, but I’ll make sure he never lies about what’s under his hood again. Besides, after that awful burnout he can’t go much longer without needing a mechanic and I’m the best on the island.” They sighed. They hated losing more than most things, but they were trying not to make a big deal of it. “Any other ideas for tonight?”

Phillip noticed they were being a lot more forgiving than he’d been expecting, and actually cracked a grin at being given the nickname jughead. It seemed somehow fitting for him, and though his head was definitely still spinning between the alcohol and having just been in a drag race, he pulled the helmet off at Tam’s insistence. “Okay, I believe you.” He laughed, leaning against the side door and figuring they’d make good on everything they were saying now. “Remind me not to cross you if I ever get a car and need a mechanic, okay?” Trying to think of something else for the evening, Phillip took a shot in the dark. “Well, how do you feel about karaoke?”

“A roll cage.” They reached up and tapped their fist against the metal bars that surrounded them. “If we flip, this thing will protect us. Won’t feel too nice if that happens, but at least we won’t be dead.” Tam hardly time for a shrug in response to Phillip’s words because the light slid from red to yellow and finally flashed emerald green. Coming off the break, Tam’s muscle memory moved a thousand times quicker than their thoughts as they mashed the pedal down and swiftly switched from first to second gear after a few feet. They were in front of the others for a little while but it wasn’t long before they heard someone sneaking up on their right. Gritting their teeth, Tam kept their foot jammed on the pedal and finished shifting gears, the spray-painted finish line growing closer every second…. and just as quickly as it had begun the race was over with Tam in second place. Raising a brow, they looked over to their passenger as they allowed their car to slow. “Well, maybe having you here was more of an omen than a talisman.” They joked. “That race sucked and if I wasn’t responsible for setting a good example I’d probably break that guy’s nose for sand bagging. His car is obviously not qualified for this race. There’s no way in hot hell a Chevy motor should outrun mine.”

Phillip tried his best to focus completely on Tam’s words, and not just because there was potentially life-saving information in what they were saying too. Following their gestures to the bars above them, it was just seconds later that they were taking off at the start of the race. Everything around him was moving so fast, it was hard to really take in everything that was going on but Phillip had to admit Tam knew exactly what they were doing in the moment, actively sprinting towards the finish line... but a second place finish was the end result. Tam joked about his lack of being lucky tonight, which Phillip sheepishly shrugged his shoulders at even though he knew they weren’t being serious... or at least not completely. “Still, I’m sorry if I cost you this race in any way, Tam.” He didn’t know what sand bagging was, but from every indication it couldn’t have been legal. He also fully believed Tam would be capable of breaking the opposition’s nose. “You know, if you’re worried about setting a good example for me, don’t worry... break away.” He laughed. “If you think he pulled something to cheat to win that race, he deserves it anyway.”

“It’s ok, we’re thinking of making it a big road trip and I thought having a few more friends might make it a little more fun.” Elena paused. “I completely understand if you want to pass though, I’m the same way with my old home.”

Phillip felt bad, it was a nice offer considering they’d just met, he just happened to be a little wary of setting foot back inside Los Angeles. “Oh, really? Well if you’re sure, then maybe it’s definitely something to consider? Either way, really... thank you for the offer. Let me know if it’s really happening, then?”

Acting as hostess would never be putting Joy out– she lived for that kind of stuff. Especially for the right person. Her smile continued to grow as Phillip settled onto her couch, sinking into the plushness of it with an easy smile that she hadn’t seen from him in a while. Phillip seemed relaxed, and she wanted to see to it that he remained that way. She was thrilled for the opportunity to spend more time with him; that Josephine also knew he would be safe was another plus. “You’re welcome, Phillip! And thank you. I try and keep it neat - though the kitchen sometimes loses that game,” she chuckled softly as she threw her coat on the hook near the door. “I promise you won’t be! I can make us some decaf so it doesn’t keep us up all night,” she insisted warmly as she slipped her shoes off by the doorway as well. “Are you hungry at all? I don’t know about you, but I could use a midnight snack.” Brown eyes sparkled as they landed on him; it felt nice to have a guest over… especially this particular one. “Here,” she handed him the remote, their fingers brushing in the process. “Put it on whatever you want.”

The way the evening had gone, the last place Phillip expected to be now was at Joy’s home. But she was so welcoming, offering him a place to sleep off his latest bender and being such a good hostess he thanked her as he took a seat on the couch she beckoned him to. “You’re welcome.” Laughing at her comment about the kitchen, “But that’s where you make magic Joy, I’d be surprised if your kitchen wasn’t well used. I’m sure mine is worse, and I’m not even a chef or anything.” Coffee sounded great to him, and her offer of decaf was probably the better call. “Again, thank you Joy. And if you’re in for a snack, then so am I. But please don’t go to any trouble, okay? For real.” He couldn’t help but fall into her stare now, and as she passed him the remote to the television Phillip’s fingers met Joy’s, lingering a bit as he smiled warmly again. “Okay... maybe there’s a Christmas movie or something on? Don’t they play around the clock this time of year?”

Elena was surprised. “My family lives in Los Angeles. My friend Kiara and I are planning on going up there to visit them sometime. Maybe I can talk her into letting you tag along. We could make it a big group trip.”

Phillip was likewise surprised to hear Elena was from Los Angeles. And though her offer was a nice one, returning to LA wasn’t necessarily something he wanted right now. “Oh really? I’d hate to put you two out though. And Los Angeles... it and I have a bit of a love hate relationship, honestly.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Joy agreed, her smile glowing as their gazes lingered on each other for a moment. Phillip had certainly caught the blush that came across her cheeks– and she couldn’t be bothered to try and hide it, either. Although relationships had been very rare in her instance, she wasn’t against his flirtations. In fact, Joy was digging the boldness, even if not intentional. His smile was so cute - so genuine - and she hated having to break her stare away from it as their ride pulled up. She made sure Phillip made it inside in one piece, and shot another smile at him in the back seat as the car took off toward her address. “I can make us some coffee or something when we get back, if you want,” Joy pointed out as she settled into the seat. “And whip us up some food, if you’re hungry. Have you eaten at all?” It was a thought that just occurred to her; food could always help someone sober up. In a matter of minutes they reached her apartment. First she got out, then helped Phillip, taking his hand in hers. “Good thing I’m on the bottom floor,” she mused as they rounded a corner of the building to her front door. Quickly, Joy opened the lock and led him inside; the place was spotless, and lit up by a few lamps. Which probably would help him out since he was still quite tipsy. “Make yourself at home,” Joy insisted as she pulled him inside.

Another nod of agreement from Phillip, he enjoyed too how similar they viewed each other’s friendship... as a balance to the other. Still in shock that she’d invited him to crash back at her place for the night, they were soon seated in the car she’d called for them. He hated that he seemed so helpless right now, though Joy seemed perfectly content with helping to make sure his night would end safely. “Coffee would be great, but I don’t want to put you out either. I mean, you’re not headed to work, it’s your place. You should be able to rest too after today.” They were soon at her apartment and leaving the vehicle, Joy offering her hand to help him out of the car. He at least managed to scramble and pay the driver himself, the very least he could do for all she was doing for him. He followed her, curious to see her place and when they were inside it seemed perfectly suited to Joy. Neat and tidy, organized, efficient. “Thank you,” he beamed at her as he made it to the sofa. “Your place is awesome, Joy. It looks great!” He sank into the cushions, sighing in content. “I mean it though, I don’t want to put you out or make you go to any more trouble than you ever have.”

“You’ve got a helmet and a roll cage, you’re about as safe as safe can get out here.” They shot back with a chuckle. They hadn’t intended on enjoying the man’s company as much as they were and silently wondered if he was this entertaining sober as well. Tam nodded once as they crept through the crowd, acknowledging the few familiar faces they knew would be placing bets in their favor. As they approached the starting line they pulled up between two other cars, the race was four in total, and sized up the others. From what they could tell it was going to be a pretty interesting half mile so long as they were able to keep their car in the right lane. “This is the worst part, waiting for that flashlight to ding.” They nodded towards a man who was lining up the last car who was holding a flashlight in one hand. “He runs back and hits to light… not as effective as at a real track with a super bright light, but you gotta work with what you’re given.” Tam knew they were babbling because of nerves. Although when the race was started and they were actually driving, the waiting for the light was always nerve-wrecking.

“A helmet and a what now?” Still feeling the effects of the bar Phillip tried to keep focused on what Tam was saying; he figured the second part of their words was another safety feature. The helmet, of which there was only one for both of them, was safely on his head, and another pang of guilt knowing it wasn’t there for Tam. He sat quietly as they crept up to the starting point, lining up beside a few other cars and listened to everything Tam was saying. He trusted in their seeming experience with street racing, and that it all sounded logical gave him slight comfort- just slight. “Well that makes sense, I guess it’s all or nothing right?” He let out a deep breath, “Reflexes must be everything, huh?” He paused, not knowing exactly when the race would be on and any distraction at all could cost Tam their shot at winning.

“There’s nothing wrong with being a little wild– you just have to know your limits,” Joy pointed out sweetly. “I mean, I’m probably pretty boring by those kinds of standards, so you balance it out.” While she was lively and spirited, that was mostly limited to her career and plans. Not so much going out or relationships. Josephine didn’t want to take advantage of his vulnerability, but once she offered a comforting touch, she didn’t really want to stop. Phillip seemed to respond well to it, so why should she? “I promise it’s no problem. Trust me -  I wouldn’t offer if it was.” While caring, Jo was also known for being a bit blunt. She wouldn’t suggest something she was uncomfortable with. Phillip’s words were kind and genuine, and Joy felt heat flood her cheeks as he said them. Her smile grew soft and bashful, and she leaned into him, accepting the hug. “When you put it that way it sounds like I’m trying to make a move on you,” she giggled, letting warm eyes meet his icy blue. It was a joke, but her cheeks were fuming. She definitely shouldn’t have pointed that out. Searching his eyes for a moment, she was swimming in Phillip’s glassy gaze when their Uber showed up. Gently, she stood and took his hand, helping him balance as they slid into the back seat beside each other. “I’m not far from here,” she told Phillip with a grin; both nervous and excited that he was coming to her place.

Joy was always far too forgiving for his wild antics, gently allowing him his transgressions without judgement. “You could never be boring, Joy,” he pledged back to her. Maybe she wasn’t as reckless as he was but that wasn’t a bad thing in his eyes. “So you’re saying we balance each other out. I kinda like that.” He smiled again, and her offer once again to spend the night at her place rather than try and get himself all the way home in his current state was too nice a gesture to pass up from Joy. He agreed so long as it wasn’t an imposition on her, declaring he’d be happy to go home with her and it drew a laugh out of her as she joked about how it sounded as if she was trying to put the moves on him. Phillip laughed along with her and took note of how her cheeks turned a shade of red from it, while catching her gaze with his. Though this wasn’t the time or place to confirm he truly wouldn’t mind that either, he just gave her an even wider smile. Their ride appeared, and as she helped him to stand up, taking his hand in hers Phillip breathed out and tried his best to steady himself. The night air helped maybe a little, and as they climbed into the backseat of the car she spoke again. “Perfect,” he replied. “I can’t wait to see  your place. And thank you.”

The Basics

Given Name: Phillip Prescott

Aliases/Nicknames: Phil

Age: 25 years old

Occupation/Workplace:

Date of Birth: January 16th, 1994

Place of Birth: Los Angeles, CA

Citizenship: American

Languages: English

Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual

Powers/Magic (if any): None

Joy wanted to talk to Phillip about his drinking; she had no problem with it occasionally, but it seemed to be a habit for him. Maybe even an addiction. Now wasn’t the time though; she wanted to provide comfort and safety tonight. Maybe one morning over a muffin and coffee, or something. His arm around her shoulder was nice, and warm… even if mostly there for support. “Wild District, huh?” Jo’s lips curled into a soft smirk. “That suits you.” It wasn’t a bad thing– his rebelliousness seemed to balance out her lack-there-of. She really didn’t mind him crashing at her place, though she wasn’t used to guests. Sometimes her sister would visit, but it was rare that a friend was close enough to want to stay. And Joy’s love life… well, was pretty much non-existent. Past-tense. Maybe? “You’re not putting me out, I promise. Then we know we’ll both have made it home safely. I’m off tomorrow so you can sleep in without me stirring you awake. I promise I’m good with it. It might be nice to have some company.” She would for sure insist he took the bed, but would wait until they arrived to bring that detail up. She had a feeling he’d fight her on it. “How are you feeling?” Joy asked softly as her hand soothingly rubbed his upper back while they waited.

While waiting for the car to come and pick them up, Phillip’s mind reeled at the thought that she was offering to let him stay at her place for the evening. It was an incredibly generous offer of her, and one he didn’t feel like he could really pass up. She was as cute as she was kind, and who was he to say no to an easier chance to get somewhere where he could sleep off the binge drinking he’d put himself through... again. “Well... yeah. It sounded good when I moved in, maybe I take the name a little too far though.” He offered another warm smile as she sat beside him, placing a hand against his back and lightly rubbing it... once again he had to wonder just how he lucked into spending time with somebody so genuinely nice. “Okay, but just if you’re absolutely sure it’s not a problem, then?” A night’s rest sounded good, but he didn’t plan on sleeping away half of the next day; not when the idea of being able to wake up and keep Joy company and have breakfast the next day. “You really are something, Joy... okay. I’ll go home with you tonight.” He rubbed his eyes, trying to will himself into a clearer head now, and put his arm around her shoulders again, pulling her closer in for a hug.

“Always glad to hear that. Yeah, I don’t usually have passengers but what the hell, right? You need a designated driver anyway.” Tam grinned and watched him pull the helmet over his head then walked to the driver’s side and slid in. “Either really good or really stupid. I guess you’ll be the judge of which it is.” They started up the car, marveling in the sound of the engine. “Sure you’re ready for this?” They already began slowly moving through the crowd towards where they knew the starting line was.

They weren’t wrong, a designated driver was definitely in need, although this wasn’t exactly what he was thinking of. “Good point.” He laughed after getting into the passenger side of the car and pulled on the helmet. “That doesn’t exactly fill me with a whole lot of confidence, you know. Kidding though.” The engine roared to life, already louder than just about any vehicle he’d ever been in before. “Whoa.” He nodded at Tam, giving them a thumbs up and a smile. “All ready, let’s do this.” Not that he really had any part of this, the adrenaline was still starting to flow now as the car crept towards the starting line, Tam seemed to know exactly what they were doing.

“Beauty, ain’t she?” Tam was smiling between the car and Philip, pride basically rolling off of them. “It’s my dream car - well, it was my dad’s dream car and he always said that when he retired he was gonna get one. I worked my ass off and got one since he couldn’t.” They cleared their throat, not meaning to get so deep. Chuckling, they nodded. “All you have to do as passenger is try not to pee yourself… and here.” They’d walked over to the car and opened the passenger side and tossed a helmet into the man’s arms. “Wear that. It’s only a precaution, I’m very careful and don’t make a habit of crashing. I should be fine without it for just one race.”

He whistled, nodding in agreement over the car before them. “Sure is,” he added in a chipper voice. Nodding over the explanation, he caught the more serious tone in their voice and his smile lessened appropriately. “I think I can manage that at least!” Drinking or not, he could hold his bladder at least. Taking the helmet in his hands, Phillip bit his lip upon hearing they wouldn’t be wearing one. “Wait... you just have the one? Well, if you’re absolutely sure, then?” Tentatively he slipped the helmet on and did the strap up, then slid into the passenger’s seat as he watched Tam. “So you’ve been racing for a while, that must mean you’re really good at it.”

It was one thing to drink your woes away every now and again, but Joy worried that Phillip was doing so more often than not. And she was concerned. Regardless of his state though, she wanted to be around him. Phillip grounded her, and Josephine felt like she could be herself in his presence. She didn’t have to keep up the sunny facade all of the time. “I highly doubt that,” she assured, noting that Phillip paid for her drink as well. “Thank you.” She said it softly and flashed him another smile, hoping he knew what she meant it for. Though him being all wobbly and intoxicated worried her, Joy wasn’t balking at the excuse for closeness. His arm sliding around her shoulder made the baker sink against him a bit, her own winding about Phillip’s waist so they could balance on each other while they left together. “It’s not too personal,” she promised, spotting a bench they could rest on. Joy guided Phillip to it and joined him, sitting snug enough that her leg brushed against his. Calling an Uber would likely be cheaper and quicker than a cab, so she opened the app on her phone and requested one. “Even if we’re not, I don’t mind!” she promised sincerely. “I’m in the Summer District. How about you?” Jo tilted her head softly, her gaze meeting his shyly. “But if you need a place to crash, I have extra room, too.”

Paying for her drink before trying to stand up, Phillip nearly faceplanted and had to steady himself with a hand on the bar. Joy was quick to steady him too, and if he wasn’t so embarrassed for almost humiliating himself he’d have enjoyed the closeness even more. Soon he put an arm over her shoulder, and was walking out of the bar with Joy right beside him. “Oh, good then,” he beamed and moved to the bench outside where they could take a better seat to arrange for a ride. “Well... you’re sure?” He bit his lip for a moment, learning she was in the Summer District which wasn’t exactly close to his own home. “Wild District, actually.” He frowned at first, trying to figure out how to make it work... she deserved to get home safely first, he could pay the extra charge for the ride to then turn around and take him home after. But Joy’s suggestion came as a surprise to him, her eyes meeting his inquisitively. “Wait, really?” He hated to be a burden to her, but maybe it would be easier. “Well... I  hate to put you out, Joy. Are you sure?” He very much wanted to make it up to her, doing so with some sleep and a clearer head would be easier.

Joy was trying her best not to let her smitten emotions toward Phillip cloud her judgement, but it was too late. A rare, flirtatious side slipped out of her despite only a mere few drops of alcohol. He seemed to reciprocate, though Josephine wondered– was he liked that with every girl he nudge at the bar? Or just her? “Oh, I promise I’ll be using it. So we’ll see soon enough just what a pain I can really be.” Some of her best inspiration came in the wee hours when normal people were sleeping. A pealing giggle sprung from her again, and Joy slid the glass over insistently. “Yes, way. And I’m sure. I really just wanted to taste it.” Chestnut eyes locked with Phillip’s vivacious (albeit at the moment, glassy) ones sweetly. Her blush crept back knowing full and well that she had been the one to make him feel better. “Good! I’m happy to do that anytime you need, Philly. You should feel wonderful about yourself. You’re pretty great.” Cutting away from his gaze bashfully, Joy let him rise from his seat first. Although a walk would allow more time for talking, she wasn’t sure Phillip was in the best shape for it. Nor did she want him in trouble for public intoxication. Him nearly toppling over though cemented it. Joy was quick to rise to her own feet, her hands moving to Phillip’s waist, resting there securely and gently. “A cab it is then,” she tried to tease tenderly. “Are you okay?”

Undeniably, Phillip felt better around Joy. Even if he was having trouble holding his alcohol at the moment, it was still far better than drinking alone at the bar. And she seemed happy enough to be there with him too, keeping her company as best he could too. With an exchange of phone numbers he promised there wasn’t any way she could ever bother him, not even with late night calls or chats. “Well okay, then deal. But betcha I’ll be a bigger pain than you ever could be.” She allowed him the last taste of her martini, insisting she just wanted to sample it, and with a capture of his gaze he believed her. Once admitting he felt better it drew a sweet smile from her, and as they agreed to either walk or share a cab home he tried to get to his feet and stumbled against the bar. Joy acted quickly, as he steadied himself she sprang to action and her hands at his waist as well for support. All at once Phillip felt dumb for being in this condition around Joy, but at the same time he didn’t mind her hands on him. Turning to face her, he put an arm around her shoulders lightly, and smiled at her joke. “Okay, that probably is better. And I’m fine, I promise. I’ll be okay.” Plunking down some money on the bar to pay for his tab as well as for Joy’s drink too, he stuck close to her as they headed for the door. “Not to get too personal or anything, but where are you headed, Joy? I mean... where do you live? Are we going in the same direction?”

Tam smiled wider and nudged him with their elbow. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I knew I’d be coming here tonight, just hadn’t anticipated having a guest. I had a good friend drive my baby here to get her ready.” They were leading the man through the crowd as they spoke, trying to be heard over the others and the music in the distant. When they finally reached Tam’s car, they placed their hands on their hips and beamed with pride. “There’s no way in hell I’d let you race in her, but you can ride passenger if you want. There’s just a few rules you have to follow.”

His head was still swirling now that he realized he was right in the middle of a street race, and Tam bringing him along was actually a really cool gesture. “Whoa, that’s your car?” Phillip couldn’t help but be impressed by the automobile and the obvious improvements they made to it. “Oh I wouldn’t even know where to start, but if you’re sure you’re fine with me as a passenger, then I’d love to! What are the rules?”

Elena took a moment to think. “I’m not too sure. Maybe a year now. How about you? You definitely seem like a local.”

“Oh wow, okay so still fairly new to town then?” Phillip chuckled, he wished he was local compared to where he was actually from. “No, I’m from Los Angeles originally. I’ve been here for a few years now, for college.”