all for us

“How do you expect to make a profit if the highest you would go is ten dollars? You so could get more for that.” Brooke didn’t really understand the complexities of the moral high ground it seemed, but her suggestions came from a good place. She wanted Winnie to succeed, and didn’t want her talents to be taken for granted in such a cruel and brutal business. People could be harsh. “You really need to have more confidence that your product could sell to people willing to pay that much. Show me others.” She demanded, gesturing to the pile. “I bet you could easily make 500 dollars in that pile alone.”

“well, if my work is as good as you think it is, i think the price is fair enough and i’ll sell enough to keep me living comfortably.” winnie grew up with a family that couldn’t afford nice things. so, she was always grateful for good finds with affordable prices and wanted to continue that on. “i mean, i could believe that it can definitely sell at that price point but i always want people to look hot on a budget like how yours truly does it,” she joked. winnie set off the shirt to the side. she lifted up a plaid pink shirt with small patches on the bottom right side of it. “this one could sell for eight bucks, for sure.” 

⁂

The mention of a guardian angel makes Rosemarie want to roll her eyes fondly, but she settles for a slow, long blink and a smirk instead. There’s some belief in fate, for her, and guardians and angels sounds like a sweet song, but Rose believes more in the forces of people. Not that it matters in a passing conversation, but she would tell the younger she could be her own guardian angel some day, with the right help; if she needs it. “I think it’s a beautiful idea, but I would not want you overworked, Winnie, it’s true.” Her smirk falters only slightly as reality comes crashing down on them. She pulls out her wallet, finding the exact amount and handing it over with a bubbly grin. “I didn’t know I was one of your favorite people,” she practically sings, “you’re just trying to keep me coming back aren’t you little beast.” It’s a frequent term of endearment that slips from her lips. “I’ll see you around, yeah?” 

the girl was confident in her abilities when it came to her schooling and accomplishments. although, there were times that luck was on her side with some projects. “considering i’ve been single since forever now, i don’t see that changing soon so it may be an idea. whenever i get the courage to sign myself up for that.” winnie took the cash from the other, finalizing the purchase and printed out a receipt. she gave the other a quick smile, shrugging one of her shoulders. “i mean, the mood’s a bit better whenever you stop by. i want you around always, even if you don’t buy anything,” she teased. winnie rested her elbows on the counter, handing over the receipt. “i’ll see you around, honeybee,” she confirmed. 

nell: You work at funkytown?

nell: We could try, but TBH I'm not good with putting outfits together and making a costume.

nell: I have a Britney Spears outfit that I wore for this 90s party over the summer, but that was luck.

winnie: i sure do!

winnie: it's okay. with me and pinterest ideas, you'll be set

⁂

She’s thankful for the help transporting the new bits of her collection, holding onto the coat she had picked out as she follows Winnie to the counter. Trying to conjure up a better mood after thoughts of those vandals, she moves her shoulders to the tune of the register’s chiming; grooving a little with each little ‘bleep’. “Oh you should not speak like that, you will make it, you’ve made it this far, no?” Though she herself can’t imagine what such a rigorous schooling and schedule must be like, not when time, in her world, is at her beck and call. “Oh I’d love that, and as for the selling your wares on the street, perhaps you could, find a generous benefactor to help you with a storefront. Are there not sites for them? Sugar fathers.” She suggests with some tease, though the benefactor she means is herself and she’ll make it known if the other is truly interested. Having studied anthropology, she loves to help where she’s allowed. 

winnie glanced her eyes up briefly to catch rosemarie’s figure moving to the sounds of the register, causing her to grin softly as she went back to look at her work. after ringing up all of her items, winnie folded the clothes, her eyes going back up to the blonde in front of her. “yeah, my guardian angel really has been keeping an eye on me,” she joked. winnie let out a small laugh, placing her items into one of the larger bags. “oh, i don’t think i could do something like that. i’ll have to work here full-time if i have to. although, i will admit it doesn’t sound too bad of an idea.” winnie pressed on a couple more buttons on the register. “okay, that’s gonna be twelve dollars in total, including the one of winnie’s favorite people discount,” she teased, resting herself against the counter. 

Brooke growled teasingly, rolling her eyes behind her shades. “Okay, you get the best friend privilege, but that’s it.” She didn’t have many friends, most of the people that had gotten close to Brooke she’d pushed away either intentionally or not, usually her attitude and stuck up behaviour did that for her. However, Winnie seemed to have fallen through the cracks somehow, but she didn’t mind too much. It was nice to have the company, especially unjudged. “You’re joking, right?” She quirked a brow, looking almost shocked that she’d suggest five bucks as a price as she gazed over the shirt. “It’s worth so much more than that. You need to put that exquisite piece of clothing up for at least forty dollars and even that’s giving it away.”

she smiled triumphantly at brooke, knowing that she couldn’t get rid winnie, even if she tried. although not many people would put the two of them together, it was the most successful friendship she’d had. she was able to see through the almost primadonna personality brooke has and liked the time they’ve spent together. winnie frowned slightly, looking at the top her held, shaking her head. “no! i found the fabric for free. it was a couple of dollars for the thread. if anything, the labor is what should be charged,” she responded, laying it back down on her lap. “forty dollars? i think the highest i would go is ten dollars.”

⁂

“A guard dog?” She remembers those, had a few back when she lived with her brothers in Ukraine and they were some of the most loyal but vicious dogs she’s ever known. She thinks American guard dogs might, hopefully, come by a different more fluffy breed. And it isn’t that the idea scares her, it’s that it fills her with a sense of power. “Maybe I will look into it. I am in that big place alone, who knows what someone will do should they break in.” She shivers like a cold wind passes, solemn in her words. 

“Thank you,” she says, leaving that headspace and perking up again, ready to follow Winnie back out to the front counter. “Your small shop idea, when do we make this a reality? I would,” and suddenly she’s demure, like Winnie might reject her offer or request, “I would be so interested in seeing your work and perhaps buying? You think you have anything that fits my… style?” She asks and she’s not so heavily dressed up, but in all her jewelry, expensive dress, and fluffy pink fall coat, perhaps she was a little, or dramatically, dare she say, posh. 

winnie frowned slightly as she noticed how nervous the other was getting with the topic. growing up in detriot, burglary was something that had crossed her mind. luckily, she never had an experience like that and figured now that living in silver lake, she felt as if she was in a more safe place. although, noticing rosemarie’s behavior and journey with vandalizers, she may think it’s much different than she thought. she didn’t like seeing her troubled and just wanted to change the subject overall. 

Brooke raised her shades, sneaking a grin towards her friend as she threw the pieces of paper down onto the grass beside her own lawn chair. “Just because I love you, are you expecting me to treat you differently to how I would anyone else? That seems highly unfair in the name of equality.” She teased, as she shifted in her seat to gaze over at the fabric in the lap of Winnie. “Well, anything you make is fabulous. But go ahead, show me your wares.”

“not to be dramatic, but i’m one of the best things that’s happened to you. i absolutely expect that special treatment,” she teased back. she knew they were almost completely different people, but found the other girl’s company welcoming. winnie lifted one of the button-up shirts, made of different pieces of fabric she had found in the thrift shop. “okay, would someone pay at least five bucks for this? i will take any criticism from you cause i trust your judgement.” 

“If you’re here to do anything than to help me put this sunscreen on, then go away. You’re blocking my sun.” The actress remarked, as she addressed the looming shadow that had stood in the way as she sunbathed near to the reservoir. Her eyes hid behind aviator shades and her fingers clasped pages of an unread script that she had no intention of spoiling the day by reading, but at least giving off the image that she was ‘working’. “I’m serious. Move.”

winnie raised her eyebrow as she walked up to the blonde, amused at the remarks she was passing along to her. “you know, brooke, after a lovely friendship for about four years now, i think my face would be somewhat memorable,” she joked. she moved off to the side, letting the sun radiated back onto the other. winnie sat on the lawn chair over next to her. she held a pile of clothes in her arms, resting them on her lap as she sat down. “i made a couple of new pieces and wanted to get a review on them.” 

Throwing his joint to the side of him, Callan entered into funkytown thrift, his eyes immediately landing on a leather jacket he’d been spying over the last couple of days. He’d walk passed here on his way to the studio and given he had an extra fifteen minutes, Callan thought he’d pop in. He started to make his way over towards the item of clothing before looking over towards the chick that had spoken, offering her a small smile. “Yeah.. I was just gonna take a look at this jacket you got..” Callan informed. “Been eyeing it up for the last week..” 

winnie gave the other a small nod, sliding off of her seat as she made her way towards him and the jacket he has interest in. as she got closer, the scent of marijuana, maybe tobacco, had hit her. she never participated in the use of any kind of weed or drugs, in fear of upsetting her brothers. she wasn’t sure what it was but decided not to question it or ponder on it. she let out a small sigh, taking the jacket off of the rack. “i don’t blame you at all. it’s actually a pretty good find considering it has little to no damage on it. if that’s all, i can check you out,” she offered, giving him a quick smile. 

⁂

More boxes, more boxes, and Rosemarie is ever so thankful. She has the connections she has around the city not only for good friends, but because they always came through too; and now Winnie’s doing more than enough for her. Business. Full of trials and tribulations she’s sure, but the other has made it so far already that Rosemarie doesn’t think on it too hard. And she laughs when Winnie switches the target of their fists to the teens trying to vandalize her home, unraveling an old pair of pants and holding them up in front of her as she speaks. 

“I am serious. And I have cameras, and lights, the works you know? But they wear masks, I detest the idea of calling up politsiya to my place so if you’ll help me I’d be eternally grateful. Though, I do believe it is illegal for an adult to wound a minor? But tell me they deserve it.” She winks and smiles, throwing the pants to the little pile before deciding she might have enough. “What kind of business are you into, the kind that might know how to ward off ghouls?” Though that seems more like her own job, and she knows they aren’t true spirits of the night. 

“wow, imagine first being cowardly enough to vandalize someone’s home to begin with. but to where a mask while doing so? that’s pretty pathetic. i think getting a guard dog might be the next move,” she teased. winnie went over to one of the counters in the back, hopping up on it to sit down as she let the other rummage through the boxes. winnie shrugged slightly, leaning back on the wall behind her. “to be honest, just a small shop where i can sell my own clothes. fashion and clothes has always been something i’ve been passionate about. i have so many pieces i made back in my apartment and i’d like to sell them someday.” she loved her passion of making clothing. she wasn’t sure what the next step would be for her after she graduated. guess that’s where school comes into play. 

she hopped off of her seated position, walking over to the pile of clothes rosemarie had picked out. “i can get these to the front and rung up,” she offered, leaning down to carry the assortment of used and torn fabrics. 

nell: Well, at least I'm not the only one who can't think of anything.

nell: Someone else suggested that. I'm super basic enough that it'll probably be the choice I go with.

nell: I'm not crafty enough for pinterest.

winnie: i mean, simple yet effective?

winnie: wait!! i literally work at a thrift shop, what am i thinking?

⁂

Rosemarie beamed when the other agreed the coat is a solid pick, something good and warm that will prepare her for the coming colder winds. She falls in line being lead to the back rooms of the establishment and her eyes glitter with possibility at the wide selection. “Kicking your ass?” She asks sourly, genuinely concerned. “Remind what you’re studying? And which professor I need to speak with to um, chill out? On the work?” She picks a tattered shirt from its hanger, smelling it without a second thought and deeming it good enough to add to her small, growing pile. “I’ve been… well… well not so.” She admits honestly, “I’ve been a little more afraid in my home these days, with the season. You know I’ve had teenagers try to vandalize my house with toilet paper three times now?”

winnie went to pull out a couple of boxes of the newer donations, opening them up for the other to take a look at. “business. so, i guess it only makes sense that it’s a lot of work and a lot of pressure. my professor has given me so much lenience already that i’m on some thin ice in his class.” she knew what she had gotten herself into when she chose to take up all of her time with school. however, she still had bills to pay at the end of the day. she frowned when rosemarie admitted to the rough time she’s been having. “are you serious? forget my professor, what teenagers are we fighting?” she said, half serious. “have you considered getting a camera for the front of your house to at least see who’s been doing that?”

⚘

Mere followed at a small distance as Winnie led her through the store, fiddling with the straps of her back as she looked around at the racks of clothes around them. 

“Nice, thanks.” When they reached a small shelf’s worth of what she was looking for, Mere nodded at her appreciatively and started looking through what they had, still glancing around the store in case anything else caught her eye. 

“…books, too? There was a mountain up at the front.”

winnie gave the other a small smile and nod, standing back to let the other look through the houseware. she glanced over to the front of the door to the pile of books that the other referred to, laughing to herself slightly. “yeah. i wouldn’t trust half of those books. a couple have missing pages, unidentifiable stains, and worn out spines that could fall apart at any second. i usually wouldn’t take them, but a donation is a donation.”

⁂

“Ah… perfect,” comes the soft sigh from Rosemarie’s lips as she choses and presses one of the many well-worn coats to her breast. It reaches her ankles, though the first choice isn’t quite the right color. It takes her a moment but she gets there, choosing exactly what she wanted and finding the price to be agreeable with it’s state. “This’ll do nicely, can you show me what is in the back? And how have you been?” She asks, hoping the other has some time to chat on the job, she didn’t stop by only for clothing after all. 

winnie stepped off to the side, crossing her arms over her chest as she watched the blonde looking through the coats. she smiled slightly and nodded. “solid pick. you can come to the back with me,” she responded, leading rosemarie to the back of the shop, hoping no other customers come into the store while she was away. “i’ve been doing pretty good. working here and then college classes have been kicking my ass as of lately,” she joked. winnie unlocked the back room, pulling open the door, letting the other enter first. “and how have you been?”

⚘

“Just looking,” Mere said without thinking as she stepped into the thrift store, backpack over her shoulders. Since she was new to the city and still had a few days before starting work, exploring the area was her goal for today. Funkytown was one of the first places she’d wanted to check out.

Mere only got a few steps past the counter before stopping, though, pausing before turning back to the woman behind the counter. “Actually–sorry, you don’t sell any housewares here, do you?”

winnie nodded silently, glancing back down at the books she had in front of her, taking a few quick notes as she let the other browse around. hearing the other acknowledge her again, winnie raised her head. she smiled softly as she got up from her seat and moved around the counter. “we have a couple of things,” she said, taking the lead to show the other a small shelf of houseware. “we have a few plates and cups, some silverware. clothes is usually what we carry but sometimes we’ll get a few gems like these.”