GG [Gay Gals] [Private]

[yummyluc]

The ice cream shop was quiet. Of course, it always was. It wasn't too popular, although it was good at what it served, and it was beginning to get cold outside, seeing as it was mid-September and leaves were starting to change colour and fall to the ground. However, it never stopped the regulars from coming, and that including Chichima. She loved it here. It was always quiet, and they served pastries and coffee and even tea, along with their ever-loved ice cream.

The dark-skinned girl pushed up her thick, round-rimmed glasses and finished the last sip of her coffee, flipping the page of her book. She always took the window seat right next to the counter and just left of the door placed right in the corner, so when you entered, you saw everything the small store had to offer. The chair even had her name on it in sloppy white paint. 'Chichi's Chair' the owner had dubbed it. They were good friends.

Chi sighed with a warm smile spreading her thick lips. Throwing the cup away in the trash can next to her, she glanced at her wristwatch. Darn.. She grumbled in her head, I have to go or I'll be late, and this client hates it if I'm even a second off on ringing the door bell.. As much as she loved her job, Chi couldn't hide the utter loathing she had for one such customer. Still, she had to get paid somehow.

Folding her book and sliding it into her bag, she headed to the counter, "One more of the usual, Hana! This is to go," She called to the familiar face behind the counter, the owner, Ms. Hana, everyone called her. Just Hana to good friends.

"Of course, Chi," The young lady said politely, already having more brewing in knowing Chi's oh so predictable nature. One when she comes in, one when she leaves.
[ woly ]

[graves]

The ice cream shop was quiet. Of course, it always was. It wasn't too popular, although it was good at what it served, and it was beginning to get cold outside, seeing as it was mid-September and leaves were starting to change colour and fall to the ground. However, it never stopped the regulars from coming, and that including Chichima. She loved it here. It was always quiet, and they served pastries and coffee and even tea, along with their ever-loved ice cream.

The dark-skinned girl pushed up her thick, round-rimmed glasses and finished the last sip of her coffee, flipping the page of her book. She always took the window seat right next to the counter and just left of the door placed right in the corner, so when you entered, you saw everything the small store had to offer. The chair even had her name on it in sloppy white paint. 'Chichi's Chair' the owner had dubbed it. They were good friends.

Chi sighed with a warm smile spreading her thick lips. Throwing the cup away in the trash can next to her, she glanced at her wristwatch. Darn.. She grumbled in her head, I have to go or I'll be late, and this client hates it if I'm even a second off on ringing the door bell.. As much as she loved her job, Chi couldn't hide the utter loathing she had for one such customer. Still, she had to get paid somehow.

Folding her book and sliding it into her bag, she headed to the counter, "One more of the usual, Hana! This is to go," She called to the familiar face behind the counter, the owner, Ms. Hana, everyone called her. Just Hana to good friends.

"Of course, Chi," The young lady said politely, already having more brewing in knowing Chi's oh so predictable nature. One when she comes in, one when she leaves.
[ woly ]
Unlike the other female she wasnt in much of a rush, now that is was daylight outside her work was off. She had just finsihed a job at the PolterGays Association (she helped with the name, and loved it) and was pretty tired from all night shifts. When she opened the door she was greeted with the mouth watering smell of pastries,ice cream and tea. Three of her favorite things, besides ghosts of course. She liked to come to the place when she needed a bit of energy to move on with the day, see as she was basically nocturnal with her jobs all nighters, she needed coffee to even stay awake at times. She set her bag down on a table with a large clank, several of her key chains and buttons kitting against the metal of the vintage looking tables. She didnt really know anybody in here, and she was to tired to make conversation or small talk. But she kept the best 'im awake i havent been up for over 24 hours' face she could. Though something did catch her eyes, very large thick rounded glasses. Which stuck out alot, n she kinda liked them, especially the girl that wore them. Normally she would talk to a cutie like this, but seeing as she was rather tired all that would come out would be sleep deprived mumbling. So instead, she simply stood behind the other girl in line for her weekly coffee that he desperately needed.

[yummyluc]

Unlike the other female she wasnt in much of a rush, now that is was daylight outside her work was off. She had just finsihed a job at the PolterGays Association (she helped with the name, and loved it) and was pretty tired from all night shifts. When she opened the door she was greeted with the mouth watering smell of pastries,ice cream and tea. Three of her favorite things, besides ghosts of course. She liked to come to the place when she needed a bit of energy to move on with the day, see as she was basically nocturnal with her jobs all nighters, she needed coffee to even stay awake at times. She set her bag down on a table with a large clank, several of her key chains and buttons kitting against the metal of the vintage looking tables. She didnt really know anybody in here, and she was to tired to make conversation or small talk. But she kept the best 'im awake i havent been up for over 24 hours' face she could. Though something did catch her eyes, very large thick rounded glasses. Which stuck out alot, n she kinda liked them, especially the girl that wore them. Normally she would talk to a cutie like this, but seeing as she was rather tired all that would come out would be sleep deprived mumbling. So instead, she simply stood behind the other girl in line for her weekly coffee that he desperately needed.
Chi snorted, "Oh, shut up, Hana! I don't need a date, frankly, I need a break." She was only half joking, she'd been working clients day and night, and didn't even have time to make a quickie tutorial in Instagram, let alone a tweet to let everyone know she was okay. Hana was always suggesting nice girls she knew swung her way, but Chi would always shrug her off. She didn't want a blind date. She wanted what you saw in the movies.Sure, it was unrealistic, but with Chi, everything that happened in the movies would happen. She just had that certain charm.

The coffee was out in no time after that, and Chi already had the payment out, setting her canary yellow wallet, even decorated in little feather outlines in black, on the counter. She took the cup and handed over the money. She and Hana chatted for a bit before Chi laughed again, dumping her change in the donation jar, and finally decided she should leave to tend to her client. She was a makeup artist after all, and beauty waits for no one. That was the slogan, anyways.

She wheeled around, nearly running into the taller person behind her, but she caught herself before she could collide with their stomach. They were much taller than her. She looked up at her, green eyes shimmering in the soft light of the ice cream shop. She smiled warmly at the other, "Oopsies! Almost ran into you, didn't even hear you come in!" Her reminder alarm went off and she suddenly looked very startled, swinging in the direction of the door and starting a light jog in her bright yellow boots to the door, "Have a nice day!" Chi called over her shoulder, disappearing in a flash to her car around the corner.

[graves]

Chi snorted, "Oh, shut up, Hana! I don't need a date, frankly, I need a break." She was only half joking, she'd been working clients day and night, and didn't even have time to make a quickie tutorial in Instagram, let alone a tweet to let everyone know she was okay. Hana was always suggesting nice girls she knew swung her way, but Chi would always shrug her off. She didn't want a blind date. She wanted what you saw in the movies.Sure, it was unrealistic, but with Chi, everything that happened in the movies would happen. She just had that certain charm.

The coffee was out in no time after that, and Chi already had the payment out, setting her canary yellow wallet, even decorated in little feather outlines in black, on the counter. She took the cup and handed over the money. She and Hana chatted for a bit before Chi laughed again, dumping her change in the donation jar, and finally decided she should leave to tend to her client. She was a makeup artist after all, and beauty waits for no one. That was the slogan, anyways.

She wheeled around, nearly running into the taller person behind her, but she caught herself before she could collide with their stomach. They were much taller than her. She looked up at her, green eyes shimmering in the soft light of the ice cream shop. She smiled warmly at the other, "Oopsies! Almost ran into you, didn't even hear you come in!" Her reminder alarm went off and she suddenly looked very startled, swinging in the direction of the door and starting a light jog in her bright yellow boots to the door, "Have a nice day!" Chi called over her shoulder, disappearing in a flash to her car around the corner.
She was to tired to even notice the smaller girl almost bump into, wide blue eyes looked down to the shortie, she opened her mouth but before she could even say anything it seemed like she was out the door. Even if they have litterally never talked besides that one sided conversation, it was enough to let Cjs gaze wander after her out the door as she left in those little yellow boots. It took a moment before a a greeting of Hana was upon her, snapping her out of her tired daydreaming and looking towards the counter. It was the usual exchange, she ordered and got her coffee pretty fast, pipping up a few quarters in the tip jar. Before walking away she looked down an noticed a wallet. She was tired but she wasnt dumb, the only reason she knew it was that girls way because it had the same yellow on it like her boots. She grabbed the wallet and sat down she put her bag, sitting on the table in the corner and opened it up. She was no robber, she liked to steal things but not from people, more like from the dead. Propping open the wallet she wasnt surprised at finding small little travel sized make up pallets, some cash and cards, a little built in mirror and other stuff that didnt shock her. Just seeing the pretty girl up close she knew she was probably successful, well dressed n all that. What were they called? Gurus right? Well, she herself wasnt interested in makeup. Instead pushing past the pallets and cash and finding a ID card. She took a sip of her pure black coffee as she read the card,"Chichima..interesting." Pretty name. Glazing over it more she got up, gulping her coffee down(it burned, but shes hardcore) and stuffed the wallet into her bag as she slung the strap over her shoulder.
She was on her way to a pretty girls apartment.

[rubinaito]

*silently stalking*

[yummyluc]

She was to tired to even notice the smaller girl almost bump into, wide blue eyes looked down to the shortie, she opened her mouth but before she could even say anything it seemed like she was out the door. Even if they have litterally never talked besides that one sided conversation, it was enough to let Cjs gaze wander after her out the door as she left in those little yellow boots. It took a moment before a a greeting of Hana was upon her, snapping her out of her tired daydreaming and looking towards the counter. It was the usual exchange, she ordered and got her coffee pretty fast, pipping up a few quarters in the tip jar. Before walking away she looked down an noticed a wallet. She was tired but she wasnt dumb, the only reason she knew it was that girls way because it had the same yellow on it like her boots. She grabbed the wallet and sat down she put her bag, sitting on the table in the corner and opened it up. She was no robber, she liked to steal things but not from people, more like from the dead. Propping open the wallet she wasnt surprised at finding small little travel sized make up pallets, some cash and cards, a little built in mirror and other stuff that didnt shock her. Just seeing the pretty girl up close she knew she was probably successful, well dressed n all that. What were they called? Gurus right? Well, she herself wasnt interested in makeup. Instead pushing past the pallets and cash and finding a ID card. She took a sip of her pure black coffee as she read the card,"Chichima..interesting." Pretty name. Glazing over it more she got up, gulping her coffee down(it burned, but shes hardcore) and stuffed the wallet into her bag as she slung the strap over her shoulder.
She was on her way to a pretty girls apartment.
The meeting had been quick, the person was just another wealthy person who ordered someone else's services because they could. Still, the touch up had worn Chi out. Perhaps she should take a break for a few days, make a video, then get back to the everyday schedule. Since the customer was a regular, the charge would automatically go to her bank account. She wheeled her decorated makeup cases [the size of normal travel suitcases] up to her car, opening up the back and sliding them into the compartment in the floor, the only reason she could carry as much as she did was the hidden compartments in the vehicle.

She slammed the back shut and slid into the driver's seat, dropping her purse in the passenger's seat and turning the car on. She flicked her blinker on, although it was sort of early in the day and there weren't many cars, she was a creature of habit.

She peeled out of the front of the building and started on her way home, going just a little bit over the speed limit. Her apartment building wasn't far, but she really wanted to get home so she could get out of his ankle boots. As much as she loved to look good, Chichima Emen was not one to deal well with foot pains.

She sighed, pulling up to the small parking lot of the rather mansion-like apartment complex. Chi grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder, then taking out her makeup bags to take up with her. Never put makeup in a bad temperature, and a car was the perfect place for that.

She rode the elevator to the top floor of the building, the 7th floor. She could afford it, and it was nice, so why not? She tiredly unlocked her door and put the cases by the door in their normal spots. Taking off her boots and coat, she put them in the closet near the door, sighing with relief. She took her hair down and took off her jewellery, bracelets, earrings, necklaces. She neatly put them in the correct drawers of her dresser in her bed room, changing into comfortable-- but cute, obviously-- pyjamas. Well, what she called pyjamas, she could probably go out in public in. Not that she would.

She didn't have anymore customers for the day, so she decided to wind down, putting a kettle on the stove to make her nightly cup of tea. She flicked on the stereo for some noise, just some soft piano music, and took the book out of her bag before hanging it on the rack next to the door.

Her apartment looked straight out of a Realtor magazine, soft canary yellows, baby blues, marshmallow pinks. Decor generous. from the door, a few steps forward, it opened into the main room, the left a kitchen, the right a living room. The living room had all the normal amenities, television, stereo, coffee table. There was a floor to ceiling window that let in enough light that the lights were actually off. There was a table against the wall covered in cacti and other succulents, among other decorations. The kitchen was a regular kitchen with a breakfast bar, plus a few extra things Chi considered necessary. There was a small hallway past all of that, including a small guest bedroom, Chi's own master bedroom, a small half bathroom, and another small closet. Truly, straight out of a movie.

[graves]

The meeting had been quick, the person was just another wealthy person who ordered someone else's services because they could. Still, the touch up had worn Chi out. Perhaps she should take a break for a few days, make a video, then get back to the everyday schedule. Since the customer was a regular, the charge would automatically go to her bank account. She wheeled her decorated makeup cases [the size of normal travel suitcases] up to her car, opening up the back and sliding them into the compartment in the floor, the only reason she could carry as much as she did was the hidden compartments in the vehicle.

She slammed the back shut and slid into the driver's seat, dropping her purse in the passenger's seat and turning the car on. She flicked her blinker on, although it was sort of early in the day and there weren't many cars, she was a creature of habit.

She peeled out of the front of the building and started on her way home, going just a little bit over the speed limit. Her apartment building wasn't far, but she really wanted to get home so she could get out of his ankle boots. As much as she loved to look good, Chichima Emen was not one to deal well with foot pains.

She sighed, pulling up to the small parking lot of the rather mansion-like apartment complex. Chi grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder, then taking out her makeup bags to take up with her. Never put makeup in a bad temperature, and a car was the perfect place for that.

She rode the elevator to the top floor of the building, the 7th floor. She could afford it, and it was nice, so why not? She tiredly unlocked her door and put the cases by the door in their normal spots. Taking off her boots and coat, she put them in the closet near the door, sighing with relief. She took her hair down and took off her jewellery, bracelets, earrings, necklaces. She neatly put them in the correct drawers of her dresser in her bed room, changing into comfortable-- but cute, obviously-- pyjamas. Well, what she called pyjamas, she could probably go out in public in. Not that she would.

She didn't have anymore customers for the day, so she decided to wind down, putting a kettle on the stove to make her nightly cup of tea. She flicked on the stereo for some noise, just some soft piano music, and took the book out of her bag before hanging it on the rack next to the door.

Her apartment looked straight out of a Realtor magazine, soft canary yellows, baby blues, marshmallow pinks. Decor generous. from the door, a few steps forward, it opened into the main room, the left a kitchen, the right a living room. The living room had all the normal amenities, television, stereo, coffee table. There was a floor to ceiling window that let in enough light that the lights were actually off. There was a table against the wall covered in cacti and other succulents, among other decorations. The kitchen was a regular kitchen with a breakfast bar, plus a few extra things Chi considered necessary. There was a small hallway past all of that, including a small guest bedroom, Chi's own master bedroom, a small half bathroom, and another small closet. Truly, straight out of a movie.
When she walked out of the ice cream palour she was greeted with her cat, named Ghost obviously. The windows were rolloed down allowing him not to over heat, the ac still going and the subtle sound of the radio was still booming just the way she liked it. Shed never leave her cat without making sure he was okay. Giving the solid black cat a few pats she opened her car door and got in, putting her bag in the seat next to her. Normally shed just throw it in the back, but she didnt want to damage anything Chichama had left in her wallet. Setting the GPS in her phone she was now on her way to the shorties apartment according to her ID card. "Hopefully its updated, what if I end up at some random dudes house?" she looked over to her cat, who simply meowed before settling in the back seat. She sighed, sticking her arm out of the window as she felt her dream blow in the breeze, punk rock music blaring from her radio. The drive wasnt too long, but she could tell it was on a different part of town. A more,, glamorous type of town it seemed. Everything seemed so clean, so nice and new. Wealthy to put it in one word. Cj wasnt used to these types of areas. She lived in a normal small cooped apartment with her cat alone. Nothing to fancy, but it seemed here apartments might aswel have been houses. Driving for a bit more, she parked when she herd the "you have arrived!" from her phone. "I'll be right back Ghost, I just gotta give some pretty girl her wallet back." she reassured her cat. Getting out and grabbing her bag, she was off. On the ID card it didnt say what room she was in, which made Cj on furrow her brow and sigh. She knocked on many doors, either they belonged to somebody else or the people werent home. Finally, she arrived at another door. "Hopefully this one wont be another bust." she mumbled under her breath. She kinda just wanted to crash on a couch, did matter if it was her couch at this point, as the long drive wore off her coffee and she was getting tired. She knocked on the door, clothed knuckles of her finger-less gloves hit the door.

[yummyluc]

When she walked out of the ice cream parlour she was greeted with her cat, named Ghost obviously. The windows were rolled down allowing him not to overheat, the AC still going and the subtle sound of the radio was still booming just the way she liked it. She'd never leave her cat without making sure he was okay. Giving the solid black cat a few pats she opened her car door and got in, putting her bag in the seat next to her. Normally shed just throw it in the back, but she didn't want to damage anything Chichama had left in her wallet. Setting the GPS on her phone she was now on her way to the shorties apartment according to her ID card. "Hopefully it's updated, what if I end up at some random dudes house?" she looked over to her cat, who simply meowed before settling in the back seat. She sighed, sticking her arm out of the window as she felt her dream blow in the breeze, punk rock music blaring from her radio. The drive wasn't too long, but she could tell it was on a different part of town. A more, glamorous type of town it seemed. Everything seemed so clean, so nice and new. Wealthy to put it in one word. Cj wasn't used to these types of areas. She lived in a normal small cooped apartment with her cat alone. Nothing to fancy, but it seemed here apartments might as well have been houses. Driving for a bit more, she parked when she heard the "you have arrived!" from her phone. "I'll be right back Ghost, I just gotta give some pretty girl her wallet back," she reassured her cat. Getting out and grabbing her bag, she was off. On the ID card, it didn't say what room she was in, which made Cj on furrow her brow and sigh. She knocked on many doors, either they belonged to somebody else or the people weren't home. Finally, she arrived at another door. "Hopefully this one won't be another bust," she mumbled under her breath. She kinda just wanted to crash on a couch, did matter if it was her couch at this point, as the long drive wore off her coffee and she was getting tired. She knocked on the door, clothed knuckles of her fingerless gloves hit the door.
Chi had only been reading, waiting for the kettle to finish when she heard a light knock at her door. People still knocked these days? Usually, they just told the office they were there to see so-and-so, and they'd get a call, alerting them that they were there. Weird. Maybe they weren't from around here. Still, Chi closed her book and pulled over her stool to look through the little peephole. The girl from the ice cream shop? What did she want? Chi only shrugged and shoved the stool away, unlocking the deadbolt and pulling the door open, putting on her brightest face.

"Hello! Did you need something?" She asked politely with her kind face. She still had to really look up at the girl to make eye contact. She looked so.. tired, like she hadn't slept in the last forty-eight hours. Before the other could speak, she asked, "Are you alright, dear? You look like, take no offence, a walking corpse." Chi was always this nice. The city was a nice place, lowest crime rate in the county, so she knew she could be nice to anyone.

[graves]

Chi had only been reading, waiting for the kettle to finish when she heard a light knock at her door. People still knocked these days? Usually, they just told the office they were there to see so-and-so, and they'd get a call, alerting them that they were there. Weird. Maybe they weren't from around here. Still, Chi closed her book and pulled over her stool to look through the little peephole. The girl from the ice cream shop? What did she want? Chi only shrugged and shoved the stool away, unlocking the deadbolt and pulling the door open, putting on her brightest face.

"Hello! Did you need something?" She asked politely with her kind face. She still had to really look up at the girl to make eye contact. She looked so.. tired, like she hadn't slept in the last forty-eight hours. Before the other could speak, she asked, "Are you alright, dear? You look like, take no offence, a walking corpse." Chi was always this nice. The city was a nice place, lowest crime rate in the county, so she knew she could be nice to anyone.
Since it took a few moments for Chi to answer the door, Cj was thinking this may have been yet, another wrong door. But soon she was greeted with that familiar smile and cheery attitude. "Oh um,-" she opened her bag back, rustling along it. Mainly things she had taken from last nights previous sight they had gone looking at. She could remember it too, a large abandon house that had many reports of the paranormal, yet nothing done about it. It was mainly filled with things like pictures, kick knacks and that sort of stuff she had helped herself too. But after a minute of rustling she took out the girls wallet. "you left your wallet at the ice cream place. I only looked at your ID, I promise I didnt take anything." she scratched the back of her neck, tilting her head to look down a bit to make proper eye contact. She motioned with her hand, giving the wallet to the other. She raised an eyebrow at the girls comment. Do I really look that bad today? She gave a nervous chuckle, "Oh, Im fine. Just have had a few all nighters at my job is all, just a bit tired." she couldnt help but end the sentence with a yawn. She couldnt see herself but there were slight bags under her eyes, not really getting much sleep. It was fall, which meant Halloween and many requests and work to do when dealing with the paranormal. It was normal for her to sometimes to not sleep for days at a time, she always had coffee and redbull to keep her awake. Though while handing the girl her wallet something was..different. Not in a bad way of course, but her long, curly hair was down. Even if she wasnt wearing what she was earlier, this girl still knew how to dress, even for bed apparently. Though she shook her head in a nod,hopfully she hadnt caught her staring. "Yeah, just tired is all."

[yummyluc]

Since it took a few moments for Chi to answer the door, Cj was thinking this may have been yet, another wrong door. But soon she was greeted with that familiar smile and cheery attitude. "Oh um,-" she opened her bag back, rustling along it. Mainly things she had taken from last nights previous sight they had gone looking at. She could remember it too, a large abandon house that had many reports of the paranormal, yet nothing done about it. It was mainly filled with things like pictures, knickknacks and that sort of stuff she had helped herself too. But after a minute of rustling she took out the girls wallet. "you left your wallet at the ice cream place. I only looked at your ID, I promise I didn't take anything." she scratched the back of her neck, tilting her head to look down a bit to make proper eye contact. She motioned with her hand, giving the wallet to the other. She raised an eyebrow at the girl's comment. Do I really look that bad today? She gave a nervous chuckle, "Oh, I'm fine. Just have had a few all-nighters at my job is all, just a bit tired." she couldn't help but end the sentence with a yawn. She couldn't see herself but there were slight bags under her eyes, not really getting much sleep. It was fall, which meant Halloween and many requests and works to do when dealing with the paranormal. It was normal for her to sometimes to not sleep for days at a time, she always had coffee and red bull to keep her awake. Though while handing the girl her wallet something was..different. Not in a bad way of course, but her long, curly hair was down. Even if she wasn't wearing what she was earlier, this girl still knew how to dress, even for bed apparently. Though she shook her head in a nod, hopefully, she hadn't caught her staring. "Yeah, just tired is all."
The girl only chuckled and mumbled something in Nigerian quietly under her breath, placing a hand on her hip as she leant against the doorframe, taking her wallet gratefully, "How about a compromise, hm? For returning my wallet, I give you some tea to help you sleep, and give you my spare room for the night?" She offered. Honestly, Chi was too kind. She didn't even know this girl's name, let alone who she was as a person. She could be letting a crazed axe murderer into her humble abode, and she wouldn't even know it. But this girl was a nice person, Chi could sense it. She was that kind of person. And the girl didn't seem to be carrying an axe, anyways.

As if cued, the kettle in the kitchen began to whistle and Chi went to take it off the burner, leaving the door open, so if the girl managed to make up her mind, she could either close it and leave, or enter. Either way, Chi got out two cups, and two types of tea. Peppermint tea, her favourite, and lavender tea, for her new friend.

What the heck is wrong with you, Chichima? You wouldn't even let a regular client in your house, let alone a complete stranger? They even had your wallet, and ever if they said they didn't take anything, they could still be a thief. Come to your senses girl. She scolded herself as she poured the hot water over the tea, placing the kettle back on the stove, but over a cold burner.

[graves]

The girl only chuckled and mumbled something in Nigerian quietly under her breath, placing a hand on her hip as she leant against the doorframe, taking her wallet gratefully, "How about a compromise, hm? For returning my wallet, I give you some tea to help you sleep, and give you my spare room for the night?" She offered. Honestly, Chi was too kind. She didn't even know this girl's name, let alone who she was as a person. She could be letting a crazed axe murderer into her humble abode, and she wouldn't even know it. But this girl was a nice person, Chi could sense it. She was that kind of person. And the girl didn't seem to be carrying an axe, anyways.

As if cued, the kettle in the kitchen began to whistle and Chi went to take it off the burner, leaving the door open, so if the girl managed to make up her mind, she could either close it and leave, or enter. Either way, Chi got out two cups, and two types of tea. Peppermint tea, her favourite, and lavender tea, for her new friend.

What the heck is wrong with you, Chichima? You wouldn't even let a regular client in your house, let alone a complete stranger? They even had your wallet, and ever if they said they didn't take anything, they could still be a thief. Come to your senses girl. She scolded herself as she poured the hot water over the tea, placing the kettle back on the stove, but over a cold burner.
"Thats really nice of you! You dont have to do that." but as she said those words the girl was walking away, hearing the whistling of the tea kettle. She thought about it for a moment in the doorway. She didnt really know this girl, but by the looks of it she seemed nice. Maybe it was her smile or hospitality, but she felt safe. But Ghost.. She left the car window opened. Not like she had anything worth value in it anyway. But the cat was very smart and would either sleep in the car or go find some grass until morning. Or even be scratching at the door, who knows. But he would be fine. It already seemed Chi was welcoming her by automatically taking to tea cups out. She stepped in the place, taking off her worn out red converse and placing them by the door, with nerdy mitch match socks to go with what she was wearing now. Her eyes took in the apartment,well, more like a mini house with its size. The pastel light colors of the interior was breath taking from her mainly maroon and brown house. Everything seemed to be altered to the other girls taste, the little plants and decorations were all little places that made Cj just want to touch everything. But of course she wouldnt, she was in her twenties and couldnt be like a kid in a candystore in a strangers house. "I promise I'll be gone by tonight, I dont want to be a burden." she placed her bag on the table. Normally she wouldnt do stuff like this, but she was incredibly tired. She sat down at a nearby kitchen table and rested her head in her hands before closing her eyes.

[yummyluc]

"Thats really nice of you! You dont have to do that." but as she said those words the girl was walking away, hearing the whistling of the tea kettle. She thought about it for a moment in the doorway. She didnt really know this girl, but by the looks of it she seemed nice. Maybe it was her smile or hospitality, but she felt safe. But Ghost.. She left the car window opened. Not like she had anything worth value in it anyway. But the cat was very smart and would either sleep in the car or go find some grass until morning. Or even be scratching at the door, who knows. But he would be fine. It already seemed Chi was welcoming her by automatically taking to tea cups out. She stepped in the place, taking off her worn out red converse and placing them by the door, with nerdy mitch match socks to go with what she was wearing now. Her eyes took in the apartment,well, more like a mini house with its size. The pastel light colors of the interior was breath taking from her mainly maroon and brown house. Everything seemed to be altered to the other girls taste, the little plants and decorations were all little places that made Cj just want to touch everything. But of course she wouldnt, she was in her twenties and couldnt be like a kid in a candystore in a strangers house. "I promise I'll be gone by tonight, I dont want to be a burden." she placed her bag on the table. Normally she wouldnt do stuff like this, but she was incredibly tired. She sat down at a nearby kitchen table and rested her head in her hands before closing her eyes.
Chi made the tea quietly, humming a song her mother used to sing to her. The girl obviously wasn't from around here, from the way she dressed and acted. Or maybe Chi was being stereotypical. Either way, she knew the girl, she came into Hana's shop from time to time, sometimes with friends, sometimes alone. She seemed like a kind girl. She thought about asking her if she wanted creamer or sugar, but decided against it. It worked better plain, anyways.

She took out the bags at just the right time and put them in the sink, putting the cups on saucers and carrying them over to the small kitchen table, just a square table, two stools on either side. Trendy.

Chi set the cup down in front of the girl who looked basically asleep, before sitting down in across from her. She snapped her fingers at the girl, "Tea's ready sweetheart. Drink up, then you can sleep." Chi looked at the clock. It was only nine in the morning, but if the girl was as tired as she thought, she'd probably sleep until the next day, depending on how her body took the tea.

She put her own cup in her hands, bringing it to her face so the fresh steam clouded her glasses and she let out a soft giggle. She liked it when that happened. Then she blew on the top a little bit and took a small sip, letting her legs swing back and forth as they dangled off the stool. The other girl's legs were long enough to comfortably reach the floor. Was Chi really that short? She sighed in contentment as the warm liquid hit her stomach and she felt a wave of calm ease flood over her. Even though all the tea was basically premade, she thought she always made it best.

[graves]

Chi made the tea quietly, humming a song her mother used to sing to her. The girl obviously wasn't from around here, from the way she dressed and acted. Or maybe Chi was being stereotypical. Either way, she knew the girl, she came into Hana's shop from time to time, sometimes with friends, sometimes alone. She seemed like a kind girl. She thought about asking her if she wanted creamer or sugar, but decided against it. It worked better plain, anyways.

She took out the bags at just the right time and put them in the sink, putting the cups on saucers and carrying them over to the small kitchen table, just a square table, two stools on either side. Trendy.

Chi set the cup down in front of the girl who looked basically asleep, before sitting down in across from her. She snapped her fingers at the girl, "Tea's ready sweetheart. Drink up, then you can sleep." Chi looked at the clock. It was only nine in the morning, but if the girl was as tired as she thought, she'd probably sleep until the next day, depending on how her body took the tea.

She put her own cup in her hands, bringing it to her face so the fresh steam clouded her glasses and she let out a soft giggle. She liked it when that happened. Then she blew on the top a little bit and took a small sip, letting her legs swing back and forth as they dangled off the stool. The other girl's legs were long enough to comfortably reach the floor. Was Chi really that short? She sighed in contentment as the warm liquid hit her stomach and she felt a wave of calm ease flood over her. Even though all the tea was basically premade, she thought she always made it best.
Blue eyes snapped open as she slightly jumped,"Sorry." she mumble an apology gazing down at the tea on the table. She didnt know people still used tea cups anymore honestly, she thought those were just for rich people and for fairy tales. Well actually, just by looking at the way the girl dressed and the place she lived in she knew was wealthy. And this place did seem to be like a fairy tale to be honest with its light colors. She picked the cup of gently and gave a warm sip, quietly purrs at the feeling of it running down her throat. It was soothing, after a 14 hour shift to just have some tea. "Thank you by the way, I dont think Ive said that yet," she gave a small chuckle. "But Ive seen you around Hanas shop before. Got your own special chair n everything." of course she knew about her chair. The girl basically came in the shop everyday, she was bond to grow a bond with the workers there. "My names Cj, I work with the local Poltergeist Paranormal team, its why Im so tired." Their group were always featured in the news papers for their finds, but not many read news papres anymore. Mainly magazines or social media. But she figured while in someone elses house shed atleast give the girl her name. Her work was mainly at night, which is why her sleeping pattern was so off, often sleeping duiring the day then night and having 14 hour shifts at a time. Though fall was always a busy time of year, constant reports for newly abandoned houses on the market that needed to be checked out. Last night she had stayed a bit late to help with extra paper work, and going out on a previous hunt that same night had left her exhausted, setting her tea cup down and resting her chin on the back of her hand, but not closing her eyes. While in someones home, she could atleast give respect.

[yummyluc]

Blue eyes snapped open as she slightly jumped,"Sorry." she mumble an apology gazing down at the tea on the table. She didnt know people still used tea cups anymore honestly, she thought those were just for rich people and for fairy tales. Well actually, just by looking at the way the girl dressed and the place she lived in she knew was wealthy. And this place did seem to be like a fairy tale to be honest with its light colors. She picked the cup of gently and gave a warm sip, quietly purrs at the feeling of it running down her throat. It was soothing, after a 14 hour shift to just have some tea. "Thank you by the way, I dont think Ive said that yet," she gave a small chuckle. "But Ive seen you around Hanas shop before. Got your own special chair n everything." of course she knew about her chair. The girl basically came in the shop everyday, she was bond to grow a bond with the workers there. "My names Cj, I work with the local Poltergeist Paranormal team, its why Im so tired." Their group were always featured in the news papers for their finds, but not many read news papres anymore. Mainly magazines or social media. But she figured while in someone elses house shed atleast give the girl her name. Her work was mainly at night, which is why her sleeping pattern was so off, often sleeping duiring the day then night and having 14 hour shifts at a time. Though fall was always a busy time of year, constant reports for newly abandoned houses on the market that needed to be checked out. Last night she had stayed a bit late to help with extra paper work, and going out on a previous hunt that same night had left her exhausted, setting her tea cup down and resting her chin on the back of her hand, but not closing her eyes. While in someones home, she could atleast give respect.
Chi scoffed and waved her hand in a dismissive way, "Don't apologise, you don't need to thank me, dear," She said, matter of factly, though she didn't state the fact. As if it was just something that just was. She stared at the girl for a moment, then let her eyes draw to her own little tea cup, tracing the simple designs of faux gold with her eyes, letting one of her painted matte nails scratching the lip of it.

"Mm, Hana's an old friend of mine, the special chair thing is a joke, but I suppose it doesn't stop people from obeying the rule that goes with it I suppose," She murmured, accent thick, tone low and melodic. "Chichima, most call me Chi, though. I like it better. I'm a makeup artist. A decently successful one. I've seen you around before, never spoke though. I've read about you and your friends in some of the papers. It's kind of interesting what you find," Chi admitted, though she wasn't strictly a "fan" of the paranormal, it was always interesting to read about.

She took a long drink of her tea, inhaling the welcoming scent of peppermint and warmth. Setting the cup down, she looked at CJ, "So, as long as we're getting friendly, tell me about yourself. I mean, other than what you've told me," She said, not demanding, but she said it in a sort of tone that made a person want to listen to her.

[graves]

Chi scoffed and waved her hand in a dismissive way, "Don't apologise, you don't need to thank me, dear," She said, matter of factly, though she didn't state the fact. As if it was just something that just was. She stared at the girl for a moment, then let her eyes draw to her own little tea cup, tracing the simple designs of faux gold with her eyes, letting one of her painted matte nails scratching the lip of it.

"Mm, Hana's an old friend of mine, the special chair thing is a joke, but I suppose it doesn't stop people from obeying the rule that goes with it I suppose," She murmured, accent thick, tone low and melodic. "Chichima, most call me Chi, though. I like it better. I'm a makeup artist. A decently successful one. I've seen you around before, never spoke though. I've read about you and your friends in some of the papers. It's kind of interesting what you find," Chi admitted, though she wasn't strictly a "fan" of the paranormal, it was always interesting to read about.

She took a long drink of her tea, inhaling the welcoming scent of peppermint and warmth. Setting the cup down, she looked at CJ, "So, as long as we're getting friendly, tell me about yourself. I mean, other than what you've told me," She said, not demanding, but she said it in a sort of tone that made a person want to listen to her.
The girl had an accent? It wasnt surprising, though it sounded nice and smooth and was nice to listen to. She herself only had a small Boston accent, nothing thick that influenced every word if she tried. When the girl told her her name she bit her tongue to stop herself from saying 'I know' since she read her ID card, but instead nodded,"I like your name Chi." though to her it sounded like her name was begging to have a better nickname. Perhaspe when they knew eachother better. "Thanks, I like my job n what we find. Its fun." she did love her job despite the hours it took. I mean, who else got to work with ghosts on a daily basis? Not many people, and get paid for it. When the girl asked about her, she couldnt deny. Even if she wasnt demanding information of her, there was something how her gaze through those rounded glasses made it impossible to deny, not to mention to tone of voice. "Not to much to say, Im from around here. Well, not here here but more north and suburban. And affordable," most of the places around here were fancy and expensive like this, and Chi wasnt lying when she said she was successful by the looks of it. The place she lived by you could walk to every place you wanted, graffiti on the walls and guys playing games in the streets. It was more of her style them a place like this, not that she minded it at all. "I work around 7pm to around 8am everyday for the group, Im what gets them in places." she shifted the necklace that was under her tank top, there were many keys on the necklace chain and a variety of sizing in lock picks. "Im their locksmith, though we do nothing illegal. Just abandoned places." which was true. On her necklace there were many keys and lock picks to many places around the city, each labeled with their addresses. There wasnt really much to say about herself, she was from here and flunked out of college to join some gay group chasing after ghosts, seemed legit. "What about you?" she was interested to learn more.

[yummyluc]

The girl had an accent? It wasn't surprising, though it sounded nice and smooth and was nice to listen to. She herself only had a small Boston accent, nothing thick that influenced every word if she tried. When the girl told her her name she bit her tongue to stop herself from saying 'I know' since she read her ID card, but instead nodded,"I like your name Chi." though to her it sounded like her name was begging to have a better nickname. Perhaps when they knew each other better. "Thanks, I like my job n what we find. It's fun." she did love her job despite the hours it took. I mean, who else got to work with ghosts on a daily basis? Not many people, and get paid for it. When the girl asked her, she couldn't deny. Even if she wasn't demanding information of her, there was something how her gaze through those rounded glasses made it impossible to deny, not to mention to the tone of voice. "Not too much to say, I'm from around here. Well, not here but more north and suburban. And affordable," most of the places around here were fancy and expensive like this, and Chi wasn't lying when she said she was successful by the looks of it. The place she lived by you could walk to every place you wanted, graffiti on the walls and guys playing games in the streets. It was more of her style them a place like this, not that she minded it at all. "I work from 7 pm to around 8 am every day for the group, I'm what gets them in places." she shifted the necklace that was under her tank top, there were many keys on the necklace chain and a variety of sizing in lock picks. "I'm their locksmith, though we do nothing illegal. Just abandoned places." which was true. On her necklace, there were many keys and lock picks to many places around the city, each labelled with their addresses. There wasn't really much to say about herself, she was from here and flunked out of college to join some gay group chasing after ghosts, seemed legit. "What about you?" she was interested in learning more.
Chi was somewhat surprised when the topic of the conversation turned to her. Sure, she was interviewed a lot, being a black woman that was the owner and founder of a very popular makeup line and business, Canary Cosmetics, but she never really talked about her. Chichima Emen, She sighed, what are you going to do with herself. She smiled gently, "Nothing really, just do a lot of work with cosmetics and sometimes videos on my social media. Nothing really interesting," Chi admitted quietly, assuring the girl her life was no different from her own, though they were probably incredibly different.

The girl took a sip of her tea, staring into the soft liquid a moment, just staring into her rare green eyes like they held the universe. But they didn't, someone else's did. Chi looked up, "I need to finish some paperwork and check if my clientele's transactions came through," She burst suddenly, feeling like her face was on fire. She left the cup on the table, a soft pink lipstick stain on the side that she'd drank from, and she hurried to her room.

Chi had no idea why she'd gotten so worried about her client's transactions right then, or why she felt she'd needed to get away from the calming situation. Maybe it was her anxiety flaring up like it did, or she had that aching thought in the back of her mind that she might need to go back to that client to ask them to send the transaction again because it didn't come through. Either way, she'd left quietly and politely, so that she didn't leave an akward silence or self-esteem drop in her wake.

[graves]

Chi was somewhat surprised when the topic of the conversation turned to her. Sure, she was interviewed a lot, being a black woman that was the owner and founder of a very popular makeup line and business, Canary Cosmetics, but she never really talked about her. Chichima Emen, She sighed, what are you going to do with herself. She smiled gently, "Nothing really, just do a lot of work with cosmetics and sometimes videos on my social media. Nothing really interesting," Chi admitted quietly, assuring the girl her life was no different from her own, though they were probably incredibly different.

The girl took a sip of her tea, staring into the soft liquid a moment, just staring into her rare green eyes like they held the universe. But they didn't, someone else's did. Chi looked up, "I need to finish some paperwork and check if my clientele's transactions came through," She burst suddenly, feeling like her face was on fire. She left the cup on the table, a soft pink lipstick stain on the side that she'd drank from, and she hurried to her room.

Chi had no idea why she'd gotten so worried about her client's transactions right then, or why she felt she'd needed to get away from the calming situation. Maybe it was her anxiety flaring up like it did, or she had that aching thought in the back of her mind that she might need to go back to that client to ask them to send the transaction again because it didn't come through. Either way, she'd left quietly and politely, so that she didn't leave an akward silence or self-esteem drop in her wake.
She raised an eyebrow,"Well obviously it seems interesting if you are living in a beautiful place like this." she gazed at the other girl with a smile before looking around. It was a royal place compared to her own house. Simple furniture, nothing real fancy about it. The only thing that was considered fancy were the stuff she would bring home from work which was pretty cool at times. But besides that, she were rather simple. Watching the girl get up and leave, she forgot to ask where the guest bedroom was. Well, it was only an apartment it shouldn't be to hard to find in this place. Watching her go to her own bedroom she finished her own tea, picking the two cups and saucers up and placing them in the sink for her and rinsing them. It was the least she could do after all. At least they were total strangers, even if they had never spoken. They went to the same cafe, thats all they seemed like they had in common so far but Cj had a never dying urge of curiosity. She looked around the house for a moment. It was really nice, allowing her tired body to wander around looking for anything that would flag as the guest bedroom. It seemed like every hallway was personally touched to perfection, as if taken out of a magazine and put into real life. But alas, she found the guest bedroom. Like the rest of the apartment, the room was dazzling. She set her bag down next to the bed and plopped down face first and sighed as she let the soft mattress and blankets surround her. It was like she was sleeping on clouds to say the least. Slipping her band bracelets off her wrists and putting them on the nightstand, she curled under the covers and allowed her eyes to gaze out of the window. It was a wild morning to say the least. Working over 12 hours, finding a pretty girls wallet and said pretty girl invites you for a sleepover. She shrugged it off, she had seen crazier things in her life happen. Her mind wandered to her cat Ghost and if he was okay, but she was sure he would be just fine. If not, probably would scratch at Chis door pretty soon. She let her mind wander and wander before closing her eyes and finally falling asleep.

[yummyluc]

She raised an eyebrow,"Well obviously it seems interesting if you are living in a beautiful place like this." she gazed at the other girl with a smile before looking around. It was a royal place compared to her own house. Simple furniture, nothing real fancy about it. The only thing that was considered fancy was the stuff she would bring home from work which was pretty cool at times. But besides that, she was rather simple. Watching the girl get up and leave, she forgot to ask where the guest bedroom was. Well, it was only an apartment it shouldn't be too hard to find in this place. Watching her go to her own bedroom she finished her own tea, picking the two cups and saucers up and placing them in the sink for her and rinsing them. It was the least she could do after all. At least they were total strangers, even if they had never spoken. They went to the same cafe, that's all they seemed like they had in common so far but Cj had a never dying urge of curiosity. She looked around the house for a moment. It was really nice, allowing her tired body to wander around looking for anything that would flag as the guest bedroom. It seemed like every hallway was personally touched to perfection as if taken out of a magazine and put into real life. But alas, she found the guest bedroom. Like the rest of the apartment, the room was dazzling. She set her bag down next to the bed and plopped down face first and sighed as she let the soft mattress and blankets surround her. It was like she was sleeping on clouds, to say the least. Slipping her band bracelets off her wrists and putting them on the nightstand, she curled under the covers and allowed her eyes to gaze out of the window. It was a wild morning, to say the least. Working over 12 hours, finding a pretty girls wallet and said pretty girl invites you for a sleepover. She shrugged it off, she had seen crazier things in her life happen. Her mind wandered to her cat Ghost and if he was okay, but she was sure he would be just fine. If not, probably would scratch at Chi's door pretty soon. She let her mind wander and wander before closing her eyes and finally falling asleep.
As always, the transaction went through. Like it always did. Of course, Chi knew it would. It's just that ever since that girl had stepped through her door, she felt a weird uneasiness, simply put. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't a feeling Chi had ever been familiar with. She closed out of her browser and stared at her computer backgrounds, different cities in her home, Nigeria. She didn't want to go back there, but she missed her mother. The reminder made her glance at the old photo last taken of her family. Her brothers, three of them, and her poor old mother. She could only send one of her children to the states at the time, and as much as she hated to leave her only daughter to fend for herself, her sons would have it no other way. Chichima was strong, and she still is. Strong, independent, successful. But their mother was dying, and with all of her brother's being the eldest and most capable of caring for her, Chi agreed to go. And now she was here, in a nice city, with a nice apartment, and a nice business. And a nice girl.

Chi paused. She stared at the picture, then set it down as her bright green eyes wandered to the door. A nice girl. CJ. CJ may as well know everything about Chi, she was a bit of a celebrity in this city. But CJ was, well, a nobody. The brains behind the access of a paranormal hunting group composed of LGBT+ people. And Chi could respect that, so to her, CJ wasn't a nobody.

The girl sighed, leaning back in her swivel chair. If she was honest, even in all the glamour of being famous and successful, Chi wasn't satisfied. She was, frankly, extremely lonely. She'd wake up every morning in a bed too big, and eat a breakfast for two, then went to work for the whole day. She played music because the quiet was overwhelming. She'd moved here at the age of 21, she was 26 now, and she still felt alone. Sometimes she got letters from Nigeria, it was her only reminder that she wasn't truly alone.

Chi groaned, looking up at her cream white ceiling with her hands in her puff of hair. It's just a girl, it's just a girl, it's just a girl.. She repeated in her head, clenching her eyes shut. CJ was just a girl, and Chi was just lonely. There was no such thing in love at first sight, right?

[graves]

As always, the transaction went through. Like it always did. Of course, Chi knew it would. It's just that ever since that girl had stepped through her door, she felt a weird uneasiness, simply put. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't a feeling Chi had ever been familiar with. She closed out of her browser and stared at her computer backgrounds, different cities in her home, Nigeria. She didn't want to go back there, but she missed her mother. The reminder made her glance at the old photo last taken of her family. Her brothers, three of them, and her poor old mother. She could only send one of her children to the states at the time, and as much as she hated to leave her only daughter to fend for herself, her sons would have it no other way. Chichima was strong, and she still is. Strong, independent, successful. But their mother was dying, and with all of her brother's being the eldest and most capable of caring for her, Chi agreed to go. And now she was here, in a nice city, with a nice apartment, and a nice business. And a nice girl.

Chi paused. She stared at the picture, then set it down as her bright green eyes wandered to the door. A nice girl. CJ. CJ may as well know everything about Chi, she was a bit of a celebrity in this city. But CJ was, well, a nobody. The brains behind the access of a paranormal hunting group composed of LGBT+ people. And Chi could respect that, so to her, CJ wasn't a nobody.

The girl sighed, leaning back in her swivel chair. If she was honest, even in all the glamour of being famous and successful, Chi wasn't satisfied. She was, frankly, extremely lonely. She'd wake up every morning in a bed too big, and eat a breakfast for two, then went to work for the whole day. She played music because the quiet was overwhelming. She'd moved here at the age of 21, she was 26 now, and she still felt alone. Sometimes she got letters from Nigeria, it was her only reminder that she wasn't truly alone.

Chi groaned, looking up at her cream white ceiling with her hands in her puff of hair. It's just a girl, it's just a girl, it's just a girl.. She repeated in her head, clenching her eyes shut. CJ was just a girl, and Chi was just lonely. There was no such thing in love at first sight, right?
If CJs friends could describe her in one word it would be strong. Not like, physically or anything. She was just a skinny Korean girl with some dreads. BUt on the outside she didnt let anything get to her. Having a paranormal job meant dealing with scary things, things that are unexplained by even scientist and Cj liked to push those boundaries or normal reality with what she would find on her jobs. Often coming off as cocky, loud, and the jokester of the group. The typical "punk" on that people would label her as a rebel. And she was. She was no good girl, and was tough. But when dealing with certain things or people, she was much softer. Offering smiles and flustered glances and could be embarrassed easily. But one thing she never liked to talk about were the nightmares shed get from time to time. Like any spooky job like this, you are bound to have nightmares throughout your life. It was like something they didnt put on your interview form when you signed up, but you knew it was there. The dreams werent to graphic; the typical dark surroundings and a scary thing chasing you. She grew up in a "tough love" kinda house, not really getting comfort from these childhood terrors and has never really gotten over it. A scene played in her head, she was on a case with another field worker named Marley. He was okay, they didnt really talk much. It was a typical scene: an abandoned place with both of their flashlights the only things illuminating the house.No one else in the group knew they were out, they wanted to surprise them with any new things theyd find. But chills ran up her spine. But when she looked next to herself, Marley was now gone, screaming in another room.Very rarely did an abandoned scene still have people lurking in it, most of them being chased off my the bank owners and all but. It was one of Cjs worst fears, being attacked on a job out like this. She could feel hands wrapping around her throat and eyes.. This was all in her dream of course. On the outside she furrowed her thick brow, tugging a pillow close to her chest as she let out a whimper.

[yummyluc]

If CJs friends could describe her in one word it would be strong. Not like, physically or anything. She was just a skinny Korean girl with some dreads. But on the outside, she didn't let anything get to her. Having a paranormal job meant dealing with scary things, things that are unexplained by even scientist and Cj liked to push those boundaries or normal reality with what she would find on her jobs. Often coming off as cocky, loud, and the jokester of the group. The typical "punk" on that people would label her as a rebel. And she was. She was no good girl and was tough. But when dealing with certain things or people, she was much softer. Offering smiles and flustered glances and could be embarrassed easily. But one thing she never liked to talk about was the nightmares she'd get from time to time. Like any spooky job like this, you are bound to have nightmares throughout your life. It was like something they didn't put on your interview form when you signed up, but you knew it was there. The dreams were to graphic; the typical dark surroundings and a scary thing chasing you. She grew up in a "tough love" kinda house, not really getting comfort from these childhood terrors and has never really gotten over it. A scene played in her head, she was on a case with another field worker named Marley. He was okay, they didn't really talk much. It was a typical scene: an abandoned place with both of their flashlights the only things illuminating the house.No one else in the group knew they were out, they wanted to surprise them with any new things they find. But chills ran up her spine. But when she looked next to herself, Marley was now gone, screaming in another room.Very rarely did an abandoned scene still have people lurking in it, most of them being chased off my the bank owners and all but? It was one of CJ's worst fears, being attacked on a job out like this. She could feel hands wrapping around her throat and eyes. This was all in her dream of course. On the outside she furrowed her thick brows, tugging a pillow close to her chest as she let out a whimper.
Chi groaned again, louder this time, slamming her elbows onto her desk and her face in her hands. Chi never lied to herself. She never lied to anyone, really, but she promised never to lie to herself. CJ was just a girl. Chi had been alone for a long time. Chi dragged her face from her hands, looking at the wall above her computer screens, dragging the skin until it hurt, then letting go and rubbing her face vigorously, though not angrily. CJ is just a girl, but give her a shot, Chi told herself, folding her arms and bringing her legs to criss-cross in the swivel chair.

Is this a smart idea? She's a complete stranger, and she'd never go on a date with you, you barely know her first name! Chi sighed, rolled her head. But the whole thing about a date is to get to know each other, and even if she said no, chances are you'll never see each other again after today. It's a big world, Chichima. Live a little. The pep talk had taken more time than she'd thought. Chi looked at her door, it was opened now after she heard CJ go into the guest bedroom. She liked keeping her door open. The girl stared at the door, decorated in cursive script, she'd actually painted that herself. It was in her own language, so there was probably no way to even read it unless you knew her language, Hausa. It was only one word, small, perfectly centred, in black paint that never wore away.

"Gida"

[graves]

Chi groaned again, louder this time, slamming her elbows onto her desk and her face in her hands. Chi never lied to herself. She never lied to anyone, really, but she promised never to lie to herself. CJ was just a girl. Chi had been alone for a long time. Chi dragged her face from her hands, looking at the wall above her computer screens, dragging the skin until it hurt, then letting go and rubbing her face vigorously, though not angrily. CJ is just a girl, but give her a shot, Chi told herself, folding her arms and bringing her legs to criss-cross in the swivel chair.

Is this a smart idea? She's a complete stranger, and she'd never go on a date with you, you barely know her first name! Chi sighed, rolled her head. But the whole thing about a date is to get to know each other, and even if she said no, chances are you'll never see each other again after today. It's a big world, Chichima. Live a little. The pep talk had taken more time than she'd thought. Chi looked at her door, it was opened now after she heard CJ go into the guest bedroom. She liked keeping her door open. The girl stared at the door, decorated in cursive script, she'd actually painted that herself. It was in her own language, so there was probably no way to even read it unless you knew her language, Hausa. It was only one word, small, perfectly centred, in black paint that never wore away.

"Gida"
No no no no! The brunet sat up in a flash. She may haven't even been asleep for a full hour, but the dream felt like ages. Her eyes watered like glass, putting her head in her hands and letting out a soft sob. The dream didnt get far, but she allowed her mind to wander and wander what couldve happened. Under the sheets a hand scrambled for her phone before picking it up and calling her boss. "No Ophelia Im f-fine I promise-" her voice cracked. She went on explained how she wouldnt be able to go to work tonight due to being sick, but would be there tomorrow night. Without her, no field work could be done. She felt bad, but when it came to dreams like that, or being attacked, it scared her. Guess the group would be doing paper work today. She couldnt really see, her eyes still watering, she didnt even noticed how her body slightly shivered. She pulled her knees close to her chest and rested her head in them, tears leaking into the rough torn fabric of her jeans. She let out a sob but bit her lip. She was in another persons house and god forbid Chi saw her like this. 'oh yeah Im a complete stranger whos just crying in your house from a nightmare, no biggie' shed be embarrassed. She hated moments like this, when she couldnt think of a joke to stop how she was feeling or let her every growing confidence cheer her up. Sometimes she couldnt be all tough and cover it up, and it scared her.

[yummyluc]

No no no no! The brunet sat up in a flash. She may haven't even been asleep for a full hour, but the dream felt like ages. Her eyes watered like glass, putting her head in her hands and letting out a soft sob. The dream didn't get far, but she allowed her mind to wander and wander what could've happened. Under the sheets, a hand scrambled for her phone before picking it up and calling her boss. "No Ophelia I'm f-fine I promise-" her voice cracked. She went on explained how she wouldn't be able to go to work tonight due to being sick but would be there tomorrow night. Without her, no field work could be done. She felt bad, but when it came to dreams like that or being attacked, it scared her. Guess the group would be doing paperwork today. She couldn't really see, her eyes still watering, she didn't even notice how her body slightly shivered. She pulled her knees close to her chest and rested her head in them, tears leaking into the roughly torn fabric of her jeans. She let out a sob but bit her lip. She was in another person house and god forbid Chi saw her like this. 'Oh yeah, I'm a complete stranger who's just crying in your house from a nightmare, no biggie' she'd be embarrassed. She hated moments like this when she couldn't think of a joke to stop how she was feeling or let her every growing confidence cheer her up. Sometimes she couldn't be all tough and cover it up, and it scared her.
Chi had only been walking past the guest door from the kitchen with a mug of a warm drink of her own making when she heard the small voice in the room. Was it CJ? She sounded.. scared. Like she was on the brink of tears even. Chi paused, placing a small hand on the gilded, engraved door knob, but she stopped, not turning it. She barely knew this girl, and all she was was a stranger whom she was helping for a day or two. She wasn't anything special.

The girl dug her nail into the intricate, smooth carvings on the metal of the door knob and shut her eyes, gently gnawing on her bottom lip. CJ was something special, even if Chi didn't know it, or if she was ready to admit it, just yet. Her hand tightened and she swallowed, looking up at the word painted on the door. Home. Was this some sort of cheesy symbol? Was this Chi's mind playing tricks on her? She sighed, looking down at her hand, resting anxiously on the knob.

Chi sighed. She didn't want to intrude on CJ, but what if she had a nightmare? What if she needed help? She gripped the mug in her hand, feeling the lukewarm substance inside it move, the creme coloured liquid swirling around almost impatiently. Like it was mocking her. The brown flecks of cinnamon collected around the edges, and if you were as mentally trouble as Chi was at that moment, you could just make out the curves of a heart.

Looking back at the door, she took her hand away from it, rapping her knuckles against the light wood of the door, "Uhm, CJ was it? Are you all right?" She asked gently, voice soft and wary, as if she spoke any louder, the mug in her hand would shatter, "Mind if I come in?"

[graves]

Chi had only been walking past the guest door from the kitchen with a mug of a warm drink of her own making when she heard the small voice in the room. Was it CJ? She sounded.. scared. Like she was on the brink of tears even. Chi paused, placing a small hand on the gilded, engraved door knob, but she stopped, not turning it. She barely knew this girl, and all she was was a stranger whom she was helping for a day or two. She wasn't anything special.

The girl dug her nail into the intricate, smooth carvings on the metal of the door knob and shut her eyes, gently gnawing on her bottom lip. CJ was something special, even if Chi didn't know it, or if she was ready to admit it, just yet. Her hand tightened and she swallowed, looking up at the word painted on the door. Home. Was this some sort of cheesy symbol? Was this Chi's mind playing tricks on her? She sighed, looking down at her hand, resting anxiously on the knob.

Chi sighed. She didn't want to intrude on CJ, but what if she had a nightmare? What if she needed help? She gripped the mug in her hand, feeling the lukewarm substance inside it move, the creme coloured liquid swirling around almost impatiently. Like it was mocking her. The brown flecks of cinnamon collected around the edges, and if you were as mentally trouble as Chi was at that moment, you could just make out the curves of a heart.

Looking back at the door, she took her hand away from it, rapping her knuckles against the light wood of the door, "Uhm, CJ was it? Are you all right?" She asked gently, voice soft and wary, as if she spoke any louder, the mug in her hand would shatter, "Mind if I come in?"
She sighed. Crying only made her body more tired. Her eyes felt heavy when she closed them, leaning forwards against her knees, allowing her socked feet to feel the plush blanket underneath. Her head perked up at the knock on the door. She almost forgot she was in another persons house. She sniffled, wiping her watered eyes and rubbing her now wet hands on her jeans. Grabbing a hair tie she pulled her thick brown dreads up into a messy pony tail. She didnt want to look like she was just crying, though that was hard. Her cheeks were flushed red, and under her eyes held tired bags and were also flushed pink from crying, her cheeks looked still a bit wet. She tried to ignore what had just happened. It was instinct to hide things, she didnt want Chi to worry. or anyone to worry for that matter. It was something she was used to doing for awhile, joking around and making corny puns but behind closed doors she was just sensitive. And she didnt want one of Chis first impressions of her to be some sobbing dread head in her guest bedroom. "Yeah-," she sniffled,"you can come in." Worried thoughts came into her mind. Was she too loud? Was she being disruptive? While Cj didnt want to admit it, she hated being a bother to anybody, liking to deal with things on her own, by herself.

[yummyluc]

She sighed. Crying only made her body more tired. Her eyes felt heavy when she closed them, leaning forwards against her knees, allowing her socked feet to feel the plush blanket underneath. Her head perked up at the knock on the door. She almost forgot she was in another person house. She sniffled, wiping her watering eyes and rubbing her now wet hands on her jeans. Grabbing a hair tie she pulled her thick brown dreads up into a messy ponytail. She didn't want to look like she was just crying, though that was hard. Her cheeks were flushed red, and under her eyes held tired bags and were also flushed pink from crying, her cheeks looked still a bit wet. She tried to ignore what had just happened. It was instinct to hide things, she didn't want Chi to worry. or anyone to worry for that matter. It was something she was used to doing for a while, joking around and making corny puns but behind closed doors, she was just sensitive. And she didn't want one of Chi's first impressions of her to be some sobbing dread head in her guest bedroom. "Yeah-," she sniffled,"you can come in." Worried thoughts came into her mind. Was she too loud? Was she being disruptive? While Cj didn't want to admit it, she hated being a bother to anybody, liking to deal with things on her own, by herself.
Now she twisted the knob, taking a peek in, eyes wide and glittering with concern. CJ had definitely been crying, Chi could already see that. She looked scared and exhausted. Nightmare, Chi concluded. But she pretended like she didn't see a scared, messy, tired little girl in her guest room. She knew people didn't like having stuff like that pointed out. Hell, some people didn't even want to talk about it, just sit there and be comforted.

"Hey," She said gently, fully opening the door and stepping in, taking a few steps towards the bed, leaving small footprints in the plush carpeted floor. She brought her eyes to the still-warm drink in her hands. It was something she'd found online and altered to make her own. Hot water, milk, honey, and cinnamon. It was something she drank when she was stressed or upset, it had a sort of healing, soothing property that calmed the nerves. She held it out to CJ, but then took it back.

"You're not allergic to anything, are you? Like milk or cinnamon or honey?" She asked quickly, picking at the gold embellishments on the tea cup. What was she doing?

[graves]

Now she twisted the knob, taking a peek in, eyes wide and glittering with concern. CJ had definitely been crying, Chi could already see that. She looked scared and exhausted. Nightmare, Chi concluded. But she pretended like she didn't see a scared, messy, tired little girl in her guest room. She knew people didn't like having stuff like that pointed out. Hell, some people didn't even want to talk about it, just sit there and be comforted.

"Hey," She said gently, fully opening the door and stepping in, taking a few steps towards the bed, leaving small footprints in the plush carpeted floor. She brought her eyes to the still-warm drink in her hands. It was something she'd found online and altered to make her own. Hot water, milk, honey, and cinnamon. It was something she drank when she was stressed or upset, it had a sort of healing, soothing property that calmed the nerves. She held it out to CJ, but then took it back.

"You're not allergic to anything, are you? Like milk or cinnamon or honey?" She asked quickly, picking at the gold embellishments on the tea cup. What was she doing?
She avoided the other girls gaze for a moment, slightly embarrassed. While it wasnt stated verbally, Chi obviously knew what was wrong. She scratched behind her ear in nervousness,"Hey," she replied back. He throat was scratchy and dry. She sat criss-cross on the bed infront of Chi looking up at her. The warm scent of whatever she was holding caught her interest to look up. She was glad that Chi wasnt going to baby her, pity her, and so on. Some things she just wasnt comfortable to talk about yet. It was hard for the dread head to share how she felt about things, especial sensitive topics. In summery: it was hard for her to open up to people. Chi of course seemed welcoming, allowing her to stay in her home and everything without questioning, be so kind and giving her tea. It seemed like she was in some sort of dream. A pretty girl letting Cj crash at her place? Sounded kind of unbelievable. She shook her head softly, "No Im not, no worries."

[yummyluc]

She avoided the other girls gaze for a moment, slightly embarrassed. While it wasn't stated verbally, Chi obviously knew what was wrong. She scratched behind her ear in nervousness,"Hey," she replied back. He throat was scratchy and dry. She sat criss-cross on the bed in front of Chi looking up at her. The warm scent of whatever she was holding caught her interest to look up. She was glad that Chi wasn't going to baby her, pity her, and so on. Some things she just wasn't comfortable to talk about yet. It was hard for the dread head to share how she felt about things, especial sensitive topics. In summary: it was hard for her to open up to people. Chi, of course, seemed welcoming, allowing her to stay in her home and everything without questioning, be so kind and giving her tea. It seemed like she was in some sort of dream. A pretty girl letting Cj crash at her place? Sounded kind of unbelievable. She shook her head softly, "No I'm not, no worries."
Chi took the reply as a go ahead, holding out the small cup on a saucer, "Good. You should try this, it's good for the mind," She said gently, more of an urge than a command. It was good for the mind because since she started drinking it Chi was much calmer and took bad news and things better. Perhaps it could help CJ. She could feel it, CJ was not as simple as she came off to be, there was a story behind her cover. Chi was good at sensing things like that. Sort of a sixth sense, rather than a talent.

She stepped closer and sat on the edge of the bed, tucking on hand under a thigh while the other still offered the drink. Chi felt like her heart was going to pound right out of her chest. What was wrong with her? CJ is just a girl, a stranger still, at that, why was she fidgeting so much? Why was she scared? Fear and anxiety and anticipation mixed into a toxic concoction in the pit of her stomach, boiling over and spreading out. Why? What was even wrong? There wasn't anything wrong, Chi knew that. It wasn't about something being wrong. It was about something being so oddly right but left unbeknownst to her.

Calm yourself, girl. You can live through this today. She's just a girl. Hana will help in the morning. Just breath. The cup on the saucer shook, only a little bit, not noticeably.

[graves]

Chi took the reply as a go ahead, holding out the small cup on a saucer, "Good. You should try this, it's good for the mind," She said gently, more of an urge than a command. It was good for the mind because since she started drinking it Chi was much calmer and took bad news and things better. Perhaps it could help CJ. She could feel it, CJ was not as simple as she came off to be, there was a story behind her cover. Chi was good at sensing things like that. Sort of a sixth sense, rather than a talent.

She stepped closer and sat on the edge of the bed, tucking on hand under a thigh while the other still offered the drink. Chi felt like her heart was going to pound right out of her chest. What was wrong with her? CJ is just a girl, a stranger still, at that, why was she fidgeting so much? Why was she scared? Fear and anxiety and anticipation mixed into a toxic concoction in the pit of her stomach, boiling over and spreading out. Why? What was even wrong? There wasn't anything wrong, Chi knew that. It wasn't about something being wrong. It was about something being so oddly right but left unbeknownst to her.

Calm yourself, girl. You can live through this today. She's just a girl. Hana will help in the morning. Just breath. The cup on the saucer shook, only a little bit, not noticeably.
Taking the offering she smiled, taking the cup. It smelled of sweet honey and cinnamon, something that youd smell in a cafe of some sort. She took a genorus sip, the warm liquid running down her throat and soothing it immediately. "My names Carmen," she said abruptly. She didnt know what had triggered her to say it, but she kept talking, "the J stands for Jade, my middle name. Dad didnt like my name as I got older so he started calling me Cj, kinda stuck." She realized that Chi didnt know to much about her. Cj could put together information about Chi herself, as said she was a smaller known make up artist for clients but seemed to be paid really well, running social medias and a youtube channel in her free time. All Cj had shared about herself was were she worked, and an abbreviation of her name. She was named after he mother, but growing up and she passed away, the name had left a bitter tone in the family, simply going by Cj instead. It fit her, but she didnt really like it though. She liked to be reminded of her mother. Things were much simpler back then, now adays she lived alone with a few pets at home away from her family and is a highschool drop out to persue the dream of Ghost hunting in the big city. It seemed easier to just get away and leave everything behind. Its what she did, she liked change and to be constantly moving, seeing different people and making new friends. But at moments like this she was tired of it, tired of her mind whirling at a hundred miles per hour and to just slow down. Chi was another thing that was new in her life, but she didnt seem so..pressuring. Living in the big city and being an openly gay female had its hardships, but something about that other just felt...calming. Like she could just slow down and settle for a little while. She hadnt told Chi work was called off tonight, but she still probably leave anyway due to not wanting to over welcome her stay here. Shed enjoy it while it lasted.

[yummyluc]

Taking the offering she smiled, taking the cup. It smelled of sweet honey and cinnamon, something that you'd smell in a cafe of some sort. She took a generous sip, the warm liquid running down her throat and soothing it immediately. "My name's Carmen," she said abruptly. She didn't know what had triggered her to say it, but she kept talking, "the J stands for Jade, my middle name. Dad didn't like my name as I got older so he started calling me Cj, kinda stuck." She realised that Chi didn't know too much about her. Cj could put together information about Chi herself, as said she was a smaller known makeup artist for clients but seemed to be paid really well, running social medias and a youtube channel in her free time. All Cj had shared about herself was where she worked, and an abbreviation of her name. She was named after her mother but growing up and she passed away, the name had left a bitter tone in the family, simply going by Cj instead. It fit her, but she didn't really like it though. She liked to be reminded of her mother. Things were much simpler back then, nowadays she lived alone with a few pets at home away from her family and is a high school drop out to pursue the dream of Ghost hunting in the big city. It seemed easier to just get away and leave everything behind. It's what she did, she liked change and to be constantly moving, seeing different people and making new friends. But at moments like this, she was tired of it, tired of her mind whirling at a hundred miles per hour and to just slow down. Chi was another thing that was new in her life, but she didn't seem so..pressuring. Living in the big city and being an openly gay female had its hardships, but something about that other just felt...calming. Like she could just slow down and settle for a little while. She hadn't told Chi work was called off tonight, but she still probably leaves anyway due to not wanting to over welcome her stay here. She'd enjoy it while it lasted.
The sudden statement startled Chi, making her jump a bit, turning her big green eyes to CJ, "O-Oh, that's a beautiful name. It, uh, it-it suits you, really," She mentally slapped herself in the face, it sounded like Chi was trying to flirt with her. How creepy was that? She barely knew the girl, still. But now Chi was even asking herself in what way she meant the compliment, exactly. Did she mean to flirt with her? Don't overthink it, it was just coincidence. She told herself, looking back to the wall, yes tracing the light patterns in the wallpaper as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. CJ-- well, Carmen, was obviously trying to make an effort for them to get to know each other, Chi might as well make the same effort.

She fidgeted her fingers in her lap, almost peeling off her nail polish, "Chichima means sweet and precious girl," She chuckled lightly and looked down at her fumbling fingers, "Don't know why my mother decided that but I suppose if you ask anyone it's true, though I personally don't agree." Chi's face was on fire and her legs wouldn't stop swinging over the edge of the bed, so she shuffled herself further on until the backs of her calves hit the bed.

Her mouth was dry and she couldn't stop moving, every action seeming anxious and jumpy. Of course, all those actions were her coping mechanisms when she was anxious, which wasn't often, but recognizeable. Could Carmen see her freaking out? Chi hoped not. Oh hi, I'm the rando that has anxiety attacks after meeting pretty girls and inviting them into my apartment, nothing weird there! Chi wanted to dig a hole in the plush white carpet and bury herself in it.

[graves]

The sudden statement startled Chi, making her jump a bit, turning her big green eyes to CJ, "O-Oh, that's a beautiful name. It, uh, it-it suits you, really," She mentally slapped herself in the face, it sounded like Chi was trying to flirt with her. How creepy was that? She barely knew the girl, still. But now Chi was even asking herself in what way she meant the compliment, exactly. Did she mean to flirt with her? Don't overthink it, it was just coincidence. She told herself, looking back to the wall, yes tracing the light patterns in the wallpaper as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. CJ-- well, Carmen, was obviously trying to make an effort for them to get to know each other, Chi might as well make the same effort.

She fidgeted her fingers in her lap, almost peeling off her nail polish, "Chichima means sweet and precious girl," She chuckled lightly and looked down at her fumbling fingers, "Don't know why my mother decided that but I suppose if you ask anyone it's true, though I personally don't agree." Chi's face was on fire and her legs wouldn't stop swinging over the edge of the bed, so she shuffled herself further on until the backs of her calves hit the bed.

Her mouth was dry and she couldn't stop moving, every action seeming anxious and jumpy. Of course, all those actions were her coping mechanisms when she was anxious, which wasn't often, but recognizable. Could Carmen see her freaking out? Chi hoped not. Oh hi, I'm the rando that has anxiety attacks after meeting pretty girls and inviting them into my apartment, nothing weird there! Chi wanted to dig a hole in the plush white carpet and bury herself in it.
Cj threaded her fingers in a lose strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear with a small smile, "Thank you," when smiling her eyes often got a bit smaller and her nose would crinkle a bit. She disliked it, but its always how you knew if her smiles were genuine. She raised an eyebrow at the meaning of the other girls name, nodding off immediately before she said anything else,"well that explains alot-it suits you pretty well." unlike Chi Carmen didnt stutter as she gave the compliment, though she smiled even more at Chis every growing nervousness. It was cute. She was cute. Pretty and precious indeed, but she had just met her and all, and she didnt even know if the other girl was even gay. So for the time being shed give small compliments and dorky smiles. Of course she wouldn't point out the girls nervousness, itd only make the conversation uncomfortable, and thats the last thing Cj wanted. "My name doesnt have a lot of meaning, I was just named after my mom n all." her voice was softer, looking down at her wrist and pushing past the bracelets that were cluttering up her arms. A simple tattoo was inked on her left wrist, 'Carmen Sawyer, 1979-2015' It was small and in simple cursive writing, but as soon as Cj could afford it she had the reminder put on her wrist. She didnt want to bum the mood out, she she looked up with another dorky smile, "She was a pretty neat mom, the type of mom that would cuss out other parents at a PTA meeting."

[yummyluc]

Cj threaded her fingers in a loose strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear with a small smile, "Thank you," when smiling her eyes often got a bit smaller and her nose would crinkle a bit. She disliked it, but it's always how you knew if her smiles were genuine. She raised an eyebrow at the meaning of the other girl's name, nodding off immediately before she said anything else,"well that explains a lot-- it suits you pretty well." unlike Chi Carmen didn't stutter as she gave the compliment, though she smiled even more at Chis every growing nervousness. It was cute. She was cute. Pretty and precious indeed, but she had just met her and all, and she didn't even know if the other girl was even gay. So for the time being shed give small compliments and dorky smiles. Of course, she wouldn't point out the girl's nervousness, it'd only make the conversation uncomfortable, and that's the last thing Cj wanted. "My name doesn't have a lot of meaning, I was just named after my mum n all." her voice was softer, looking down at her wrist and pushing past the bracelets that were cluttering up her arms. A simple tattoo was inked on her left wrist, 'Carmen Sawyer, 1979-2015' It was small and in simple cursive writing, but as soon as Cj could afford it she had the reminder put on her wrist. She didn't want to bum the mood out, she looked up with another dorky smile, "She was a pretty neat mum, the type of mum that would cuss out other parents at a PTA meeting."
Chi smiled at that, even a soft laugh, more of a huff than anything, but it was genuine. She wanted to state she hadn't seen her own mother in five, almost six, years, but she didn't want to dampen the situation. She hadn't even spoken to her brothers in seven years, let alone see them. Her last letter from Nigeria had been months ago, not that is was unusual, she tended to keep the long distance relationship with her family, well, long-distance. She'd changed a lot, and she wasn't sure her family would approve of her, not that they were against anything she did. She just felt they wouldn't recognise her if they ever got to America, and that was a big fat if. She didn't think about it too much.

"Yeah, my mother was sort of the same way, mostly with my brothers, though. Treated them like sweet baby angels, she wanted me to be independent and strong, know how to take care of myself. But she stepped in if it got messy," Chi laughed, twisted her body to face Carmen, folding her legs the way a kindergartener did, putting an elbow on a knee, resting her chin in one of her hands, the other still in her lap, picking at the fabric of her sweats.

Looking at Carmen now, beautiful was an understatement. Really looking at her, the dark hair, sleek and messy at the same time somehow, her dark eyes that sparkled in a way that reflected rebellion, something dangerous. Her small, genuine smiles that made her eyes squint and her nose crinkle. Chi bit her lip, realising she was staring and she averted them to the patterns of the light blue sheets of the guest bed.

[graves]

Chi smiled at that, even a soft laugh, more of a huff than anything, but it was genuine. She wanted to state she hadn't seen her own mother in five, almost six, years, but she didn't want to dampen the situation. She hadn't even spoken to her brothers in seven years, let alone see them. Her last letter from Nigeria had been months ago, not that is was unusual, she tended to keep the long distance relationship with her family, well, long-distance. She'd changed a lot, and she wasn't sure her family would approve of her, not that they were against anything she did. She just felt they wouldn't recognize her if they ever got to America, and that was a big fat if. She didn't think about it too much.

"Yeah, my mother was sort of the same way, mostly with my brothers, though. Treated them like sweet baby angels, she wanted me to be independent and strong, know how to take care of myself. But she stepped in if it got messy," Chi laughed, twisted her body to face Carmen, folding her legs the way a kindergartner did, putting an elbow on a knee, resting her chin in one of her hands, the other still in her lap, picking at the fabric of her sweats.

Looking at Carmen now, beautiful was an understatement. Really looking at her, the dark hair, sleek and messy at the same time somehow, her dark eyes that sparkled in a way that reflected rebellion, something dangerous. Her small, genuine smiles that made her eyes squint and her nose crinkle. Chi bit her lip, realizing she was staring and she averted them to the patterns of the light blue sheets of the guest bed.
"Well by the looks of it, seems like she did a good job. Looks like youre living the life up here." her blues eyes gazed around the bedroom. Everything seemed so custom and personalized to fit Chis style. From the simple fancy tea cups to the hand painted crafted door. Cjs life was a bit more simple regarding home life, having a smaller apartment with a cat that the land lord didnt know about. Though she wasn't jealous or anything, obvious Chi had worked hard to get where she was today and it was something that she admired a bit. Her life on the other hand was a bit..complicated. Working a night shift job every day excluding weekends, barely making rent most days without any family support, and constantly being tired, it was the life Carmen had grown accustomed to. She hadnt put any real thought in dating or any romantic relationships, though she wasnt opposed to the idea. It simply didnt cross her mind very often. Every day it seemed to be the same pattern, wake up at 7pm, go to work, come back at 7am, eat and feed Ghost, and repeat. She didnt live with anybody and it got rather lonely, having a bed to big even for her cat, watching nerdy movies and not having many to share the time with. She had friends sure, but it wasnt the same. She had dozed off for a moment, her vision coming back to a focus on the other girls face who was now looking away. Was she nervous? Surely she had nothing to be nervous about, it was just plain ol Carmen. "My mom was the one who inspired me to be in the paranormal business, we used to love watching horror movies, going to haunted houses and everything. Every year wed go all out on Halloween, but since I love away from family I think I'll just be spending it at work this year."

[yummyluc]

"Well by the looks of it, seems like she did a good job. Looks like youre living the life up here." her blues eyes gazed around the bedroom. Everything seemed so custom and personalized to fit Chis style. From the simple fancy tea cups to the hand painted crafted door. Cjs life was a bit more simple regarding home life, having a smaller apartment with a cat that the land lord didnt know about. Though she wasn't jealous or anything, obvious Chi had worked hard to get where she was today and it was something that she admired a bit. Her life on the other hand was a bit..complicated. Working a night shift job every day excluding weekends, barely making rent most days without any family support, and constantly being tired, it was the life Carmen had grown accustomed to. She hadnt put any real thought in dating or any romantic relationships, though she wasnt opposed to the idea. It simply didnt cross her mind very often. Every day it seemed to be the same pattern, wake up at 7pm, go to work, come back at 7am, eat and feed Ghost, and repeat. She didnt live with anybody and it got rather lonely, having a bed to big even for her cat, watching nerdy movies and not having many to share the time with. She had friends sure, but it wasnt the same. She had dozed off for a moment, her vision coming back to a focus on the other girls face who was now looking away. Was she nervous? Surely she had nothing to be nervous about, it was just plain ol Carmen. "My mom was the one who inspired me to be in the paranormal business, we used to love watching horror movies, going to haunted houses and everything. Every year wed go all out on Halloween, but since I love away from family I think I'll just be spending it at work this year."
Chi frowned a bit, she wasn't partial to Halloween, in fact, it's when the most business came in, people asking for her expertise for themselves or their kids, which she was glad to be of service, but that was for parties and the like, mostly during the day. Sometimes she even chaperoned for kids who wanted to go out but couldn't because their parents had someplace better to be. But to be working on cracking open some abandoned warehouse's door? Now, don't get Chi wrong, she didn't care what those kids did as long as they didn't end up dead in a ditch, and she didn't ridicule them for their beliefs or facts. But really? Not even a vacation? That was real torture.

"Why don't you take a rain check if you want to continue the tradition?" She asked, cocking her head to the side. From what she heard, in a job like that, the schedules were pretty flexible. Of course, she didn't really know what it was like but still, every job gave you a weekend off now and again. And from the looks of it, Carmen didn't miss a day of work, and with a holiday list that long, she should get some time to herself.

[graves]

Chi frowned a bit, she wasn't partial to Halloween, in fact, it's when the most business came in, people asking for her expertise for themselves or their kids, which she was glad to be of service, but that was for parties and the like, mostly during the day. Sometimes she even chaperoned for kids who wanted to go out but couldn't because their parents had someplace better to be. But to be working on cracking open some abandoned warehouse's door? Now, don't get Chi wrong, she didn't care what those kids did as long as they didn't end up dead in a ditch, and she didn't ridicule them for their beliefs or facts. But really? Not even a vacation? That was real torture.

"Why don't you take a rain check if you want to continue the tradition?" She asked, cocking her head to the side. From what she heard, in a job like that, the schedules were pretty flexible. Of course, she didn't really know what it was like but still, every job gave you a weekend off now and again. And from the looks of it, Carmen didn't miss a day of work, and with a holiday list that long, she should get some time to herself.
She didnt want to bluntly say her mother was dead, or that her dad couldnt care less about her. Instead brushing it off with a small sigh,"Families to busy with work, no point really." she didnt know how she managed it, living in the bg city by herself and everything. By all means it wasnt like her job was torture, giving low pay and making her work all of those hours. Infact, most of the time Carmen took extra shifts so she didnt have to be in her apartment alone. Looking out the nearby window, it was probably early noon at this point and Cj hadnt even gotten an hour of sleep. She didnt care though, sleepiness seeming to be washed away as her full attention was on the girl infront of her. "I dont think I'll be..sleeping anytime soon, no need for me to be a burden over staying my welcome." the brunette said with a small yawn, shifting and putting the now empty mug on the near by nightstand and standing up in a stretch. It was new for her to even accept help like this, it was new to her and as much as she would love to stay here, lay in the plush blankets and talk to Chi all day; she didnt want to over stay her welcome. The girl didnt know her all to well, she didnt want to be awkward or anything by sticking around another persons place to long. While she didnt know Chi to well, she wouldnt call her a stranger anymore.

[yummyluc]

She didn't want to bluntly say her mother was dead, or that her dad couldn't care less about her. Instead, brushing it off with a small sigh, "Families to busy with work, no point really." she didn't know how she managed it, living in the bg city by herself and everything. By all means, it wasn't like her job was torture, giving low pay and making her work all of those hours. In fact, most of the time Carmen took extra shifts so she didn't have to be in her apartment alone. Looking out the nearby window, it was probably early noon at this point and Cj hadn't even gotten an hour of sleep. She didn't care though, sleepiness seeming to be washed away as her full attention was on the girl in front of her. "I don't think I'll be..sleeping anytime soon, no need for me to be a burden overstaying my welcome." the brunette said with a small yawn, shifting and putting the now empty mug on the nearby nightstand and standing up in a stretch. It was new for her to even accept help like this, it was new to her and as much as she would love to stay here, lay in the plush blankets and talk to Chi all day; she didn't want to overstay her welcome. The girl didn't know her all too well, she didn't want to be awkward or anything by sticking around another person's place too long. While she didn't know Chi to well, she wouldn't call her a stranger anymore.
Chi nodded, though she really didn't want to go. And as awake as Carmen looked, she did look like she desperately needed sleep. Though Chi knew Carmen would feel awkward, so she stood, taking the cup and the saucer and stepping towards the door, "Of course," She smiled warmly, "It was lovely meeting you, Carmen." Then she turned the corner and left the room, down the hall to the half kitchen and placing the cup in the sink, running some hot water over it so the leftover cinnamon didn't tarnish it and glue itself to the inside. She took a deep breath. Carmen was a nice girl, pretty too, but Chi was scared. Not of Carmen, but of herself. She had not idea why she was anxious, or why she'd been burning up, or why her heart had nearly pounded itself out of her chest. She'd call Hana after Carmen left, she always knew everything about everything.

She placed the cup in the dishwasher, along with the plate, and dried her hands. She felt better now, she'd gotten out of the room and now she was thinking straight. She felt more confident now, she had a plan. She always felt better with a plan. After all, she was never one for going out on a limb or winging it or anything like that.

[graves]

Chi nodded, though she really didn't want to go. And as awake as Carmen looked, she did look like she desperately needed sleep. Though Chi knew Carmen would feel awkward, so she stood, taking the cup and the saucer and stepping towards the door, "Of course," She smiled warmly, "It was lovely meeting you, Carmen." Then she turned the corner and left the room, down the hall to the half kitchen and placing the cup in the sink, running some hot water over it so the leftover cinnamon didn't tarnish it and glue itself to the inside. She took a deep breath. Carmen was a nice girl, pretty too, but Chi was scared. Not of Carmen, but of herself. She had not idea why she was anxious, or why she'd been burning up, or why her heart had nearly pounded itself out of her chest. She'd call Hana after Carmen left, she always knew everything about everything.

She placed the cup in the dishwasher, along with the plate, and dried her hands. She felt better now, she'd gotten out of the room and now she was thinking straight. She felt more confident now, she had a plan. She always felt better with a plan. After all, she was never one for going out on a limb or winging it or anything like that.
She didnt know why but hearing her actual name from someone else gave her butterflies. She gave a small thank you as Chi made her way out of the room. Once she left, Carmen leaned back and flopped against the feathery pillowing and covered her face in her hands like some school girl. Hearing her name was nice, especially from Chi, it lefts her pale skin flushing a pretty pink. All she could do was let out a sigh and roll over before sitting up and grabbing her bag. She didnt want to go, but it was the right thing to do. She pulled out her journal, a log in which she usually wrote stuff about her findings at work and such. Flipping to a blank page she scribbled something on it, tearing the page out and stuffing it on her pocket before shoving the book bag in her bag. Making her way out of the bedroom door, she made her way down the hall, eyeing the neatly placed photos that littered the walls. Then she came upon the kitchen, not surprised to she Chi in there tidying up. Taking the crumpled page out of her pocket, she placed it on the kitchen island that was in the middle of the room. "Take care, maybe we'll see eachother around sometime hopefully." she gave one last smile before making her way to the door, slipping on her worn down red converse and walking out the door, shutting it behind. She was immediately greeted by her cat ghost, green eyes staring up at her waiting. Carmen picked the black cat up and held him close as she made her way to her car. She couldnt help but feel a bit sick, not in a bad way. The type when you have butterflies in your stomach out of giddy nervousness. She hadnt felt this way in awhile. Scribbled on the paper was Cjs phone number in sloppy hand writing, under it was a tiny chibi drawing of Chi herself, hugging the wallet Carmen had brought back for her. It was no mono lisa or anything, but it was enough to show she didnt mind if Chi called back.

[yummyluc]

She didnt know why but hearing her actual name from someone else gave her butterflies. She gave a small thank you as Chi made her way out of the room. Once she left, Carmen leaned back and flopped against the feathery pillowing and covered her face in her hands like some school girl. Hearing her name was nice, especially from Chi, it lefts her pale skin flushing a pretty pink. All she could do was let out a sigh and roll over before sitting up and grabbing her bag. She didnt want to go, but it was the right thing to do. She pulled out her journal, a log in which she usually wrote stuff about her findings at work and such. Flipping to a blank page she scribbled something on it, tearing the page out and stuffing it on her pocket before shoving the book bag in her bag. Making her way out of the bedroom door, she made her way down the hall, eyeing the neatly placed photos that littered the walls. Then she came upon the kitchen, not surprised to she Chi in there tidying up. Taking the crumpled page out of her pocket, she placed it on the kitchen island that was in the middle of the room. "Take care, maybe we'll see eachother around sometime hopefully." she gave one last smile before making her way to the door, slipping on her worn down red converse and walking out the door, shutting it behind. She was immediately greeted by her cat ghost, green eyes staring up at her waiting. Carmen picked the black cat up and held him close as she made her way to her car. She couldnt help but feel a bit sick, not in a bad way. The type when you have butterflies in your stomach out of giddy nervousness. She hadnt felt this way in awhile. Scribbled on the paper was Cjs phone number in sloppy hand writing, under it was a tiny chibi drawing of Chi herself, hugging the wallet Carmen had brought back for her. It was no mono lisa or anything, but it was enough to show she didnt mind if Chi called back.
The girl smiled with a light chuckle, looking to see the girl place the paper on the table. She went and picked it up, unfolding it and flattening it out to see the numbers and picture clearly. Chi gave a gentle smile, "Yeah, okay, thanks," She said softly, raising a hand to wave, "I'll see you--" The door shut, "--.. later..." She dropped her hand, looking at the paper on the table like it just might eat her alive. She chewed her lip. Smooth, Chi. Real smooth.

She picked up her phone and added a new contact, quickly typing in the numbers, but she paused on the name. She never put a password on her phone or put secret names for contacts, for she had nothing to hide. But something didn't want to just put CJ or Carmen. Something wanted more, but Chi only shook her head and put Carmen, then turned her phone off. Maybe later, She told herself, opening her freezer and taking out a microwavable meal. She was always busy, so basically it was all she ate, no time for homemade meals or takeout. Chi just settled for the artificial taste and rubbery texture.

Sighing, she slammed herself into one of her kitchen chairs, putting her elbows on the table and her face in her hands. She dragged them down until they covered her mouth. She sighed deeply again. She was in denial and she knew it, anyone that looked at her when she was around Carmen would see it. But she was even in denial about being in denial.

After eating and slamming back a few sodas, it was a little past one in the afternoon. Chi looked at her phone for a moment, then picked it up. She scrolled past Carmen in her contacts and dialed the familiar number after a couple seconds of hesitation. After a few rings, they picked up.

"Hana? Yeah, hey, what time do you get off?"

[graves]

The girl smiled with a light chuckle, looking to see the girl place the paper on the table. She went and picked it up, unfolding it and flattening it out to see the numbers and picture clearly. Chi gave a gentle smile, "Yeah, okay, thanks," She said softly, raising a hand to wave, "I'll see you--" The door shut, "--.. later..." She dropped her hand, looking at the paper on the table like it just might eat her alive. She chewed her lip. Smooth, Chi. Real smooth.

She picked up her phone and added a new contact, quickly typing in the numbers, but she paused on the name. She never put a password on her phone or put secret names for contacts, for she had nothing to hide. But something didn't want to just put CJ or Carmen. Something wanted more, but Chi only shook her head and put Carmen, then turned her phone off. Maybe later, She told herself, opening her freezer and taking out a microwavable meal. She was always busy, so basically it was all she ate, no time for homemade meals or takeout. Chi just settled for the artificial taste and rubbery texture.

Sighing, she slammed herself into one of her kitchen chairs, putting her elbows on the table and her face in her hands. She dragged them down until they covered her mouth. She sighed deeply again. She was in denial and she knew it, anyone that looked at her when she was around Carmen would see it. But she was even in denial about being in denial.

After eating and slamming back a few sodas, it was a little past one in the afternoon. Chi looked at her phone for a moment, then picked it up. She scrolled past Carmen in her contacts and dialed the familiar number after a couple seconds of hesitation. After a few rings, they picked up.

"Hana? Yeah, hey, what time do you get off?"
Usually she didnt get calls during working hours, especially from Chi. Usually she would wait until after work to call her. It wasnt that busy, they were never busy during the weekdays around lunch time, the Cafe only filled with the usual's that came in everyday. She took out her phone, greeting Chi like she usually did and all,"Im about it take my lunch break for the day, Im guessing you want me over?" Hana liked to spend time with Chi of course, having a simple lunch and catching up seeing as they both had busy lives, her running a Cafe and Chi having her own business. But by the tone she already knew something was up.

[yummyluc]

Usually she didn't get calls during working hours, especially from Chi. Usually, she would wait until after work to call her. It wasn't that busy, they were never busy during the weekdays around lunchtime, the Cafe only filled with the usual's that came in every day. She took out her phone, greeting Chi like she usually did and all,"I'm about it take my lunch break for the day, I'm guessing you want me over?" Hana liked to spend time with Chi, of course, having a simple lunch and catching up seeing as they both had busy lives, her running a Cafe and Chi having her own business. But by the tone, she already knew something was up.
Chi chuckled, "That's an understatement," She picked at the knots in the table, "It won't take long, promise." Chi didn't like pulling Hana out of work, not unless it was for a lunch break or any other special occasion, but she needed help. Hana knew everything about everything, she knew who was dating who, she knew who was a fraud, who was a snake, and everything else under the sun. She was just that sort of person, and Chi had no idea what was happening to her, or why it only started happening when Carmen popped up. All she did was return her wallet.

"How about we meet halfway? What about the park, that picnic table where we eat together?" She offered, not wanting to make Hana drive all the way to her apartment because she was being stupid about some girl.

[graves]

Chi chuckled, "That's an understatement," She picked at the knots in the table, "It won't take long, promise." Chi didn't like pulling Hana out of work, not unless it was for a lunch break or any other special occasion, but she needed help. Hana knew everything about everything, she knew who was dating who, she knew who was a fraud, who was a snake, and everything else under the sun. She was just that sort of person, and Chi had no idea what was happening to her, or why it only started happening when Carmen popped up. All she did was return her wallet.

"How about we meet halfway? What about the park, that picnic table where we eat together?" She offered, not wanting to make Hana drive all the way to her apartment because she was being stupid about some girl.
Even if Chi couldnt see it, she raised an eyebrow, "Aright alright, I'll meet you there in a bit, I'll bring something from the cafe over too, see you dear." and with that she hung up the phone, shoving it in her back pocket. Going in the back it smelled of sweets and fresh coffee as usual, taking off her apron she grabbed a few pastries and put them into a to-go box, grabbing the usual Chi always got everyday between working hours and a tea for herself. "Im going on my lunch break, I'll be back in a half hour!" she shouted to the back, nearby workers nodded and someone took over her job as cash register. Making her way out the door, the park wasnt that far away and she decided she would just walk. It was a nice day outside, why not. Her mind wondered what was wrong with Chi, something was obviously up.

[yummyluc]

Even if Chi couldnt see it, she raised an eyebrow, "Aright alright, I'll meet you there in a bit, I'll bring something from the cafe over too, see you dear." and with that she hung up the phone, shoving it in her back pocket. Going in the back it smelled of sweets and fresh coffee as usual, taking off her apron she grabbed a few pastries and put them into a to-go box, grabbing the usual Chi always got everyday between working hours and a tea for herself. "Im going on my lunch break, I'll be back in a half hour!" she shouted to the back, nearby workers nodded and someone took over her job as cash register. Making her way out the door, the park wasnt that far away and she decided she would just walk. It was a nice day outside, why not. Her mind wondered what was wrong with Chi, something was obviously up.
"Thanks, Han," Chi smiled, shoving her phone in her pocket after Hana hung up. She changed into some shorts and a soft yellow tank top. After brushing out her curls, she pulled them into a low bun, putting a yellow headband around her edges. She pulled on her yellow converse, clean and new, unlike Carmen's worn down red ones. Chi rarely wore them, but she just needed to get out to the park, knowing Hana would already be leaving the cafe by the time she asked her to meet up. She grabbed a small backpack, one that fits only over one shoulder, and stuffed her wallet, phone, and glasses case with her cleaner inside it. She grabbed her keys, and stopped at the door, looking at the phone number left by Cameron. She left it on the kitchen island. After only a moment of hesitation, Chi grabbed it, then took her keys off the rack and shut the door behind her.

The cafe wasn't far from the park, but it was a lot further from Chi's apartment. She knew Hana knew that she was surprised she didn't put up a fight. Maybe Chi was a little too obvious about the fact she needed to talk.

She hurriedly stepped into her car and started it, pulling out fast and turning onto the road to the park. She turned on the radio, hoping to clear her head a bit before she poured it out to Hana. Just relax, Chichima, she knows what to do. She always does. Chi was confident until she started really listening to the song on the radio.

"And it started with a hello
Take the lead, and I will follow
I could love you for the rest of my life.."

[graves]

"Thanks, Han," Chi smiled, shoving her phone in her pocket after Hana hung up. She changed into some shorts and a soft yellow tank top. After brushing out her curls, she pulled them into a low bun, putting a yellow headband around her edges. She pulled on her yellow converse, clean and new, unlike Carmen's worn down red ones. Chi rarely wore them, but she just needed to get out to the park, knowing Hana would already be leaving the cafe by the time she asked her to meet up. She grabbed a small backpack, one that fits only over one shoulder, and stuffed her wallet, phone, and glasses case with her cleaner inside it. She grabbed her keys, and stopped at the door, looking at the phone number left by Cameron. She left it on the kitchen island. After only a moment of hesitation, Chi grabbed it, then took her keys off the rack and shut the door behind her.

The cafe wasn't far from the park, but it was a lot further from Chi's apartment. She knew Hana knew that she was surprised she didn't put up a fight. Maybe Chi was a little too obvious about the fact she needed to talk.

She hurriedly stepped into her car and started it, pulling out fast and turning onto the road to the park. She turned on the radio, hoping to clear her head a bit before she poured it out to Hana. Just relax, Chichima, she knows what to do. She always does. Chi was confident until she started really listening to the song on the radio.

"And it started with a hello
Take the lead, and I will follow
I could love you for the rest of my life.."
Once making it to the park, her eyes scanned for the same picnic table they always used. Once finding it, she sat down, placing the drinks and pastries down aswel. Taking a sip of her tea she waited,looking around the park. There werent to many people out, seeing as it was getting a bit chilly outside now that it was almost fall. She was glad she wore a long sleeve shirt, of course with her business name and logo on the front and back of it. She didnt bother to change her clothes, not that she could anyway at work. She was still very curious on what Chi was going to talk to her about, the last time they talked it was about minor catch up things, nothing major that she obviously wanted to talk about right away. She waited.

[yummyluc]

Once making it to the park, her eyes scanned for the same picnic table they always used. Once finding it, she sat down, placing the drinks and pastries down as well. Taking a sip of her tea she waited, weren't looking around the park. weren't too many people out, seeing as it was getting a bit chilly outside now that it was almost fall. She was glad she wore a long sleeve shirt, of course with her business name and logo on the front and back of it. She didn't bother to change her clothes, not that she could anyway at work. She was still very curious on what Chi was going to talk to her about, the last time they talked it was about minor catch up things, nothing major that she obviously wanted to talk about right away. She waited.
Chi left the car with chills, not from the slightly chilly weather. It felt weird like something was trying to tell her something. She turned it off and slung her bag over her shoulder, swinging her keys around her finger as she walked through the park entrance, already eyeing the familiar table, relieved to see Hana already sitting there.

She paused, almost dragging her foot over a crack in the sidewalk and tripping. What was she even going to say? She kept walking, a bit slower, but she waved at her friend, mind racing to find a sentence. Oh hi! You know that girl from the shop this morning? Yeah, well, she came to my apartment and we talked, now I have her phone number, and I'm sort of freaking out, please help. Chi groaned, she had a plan, she didn't have a plan, make up your mind!

Chi sat her bag down at the table, greeting Hana with a cheery hello and a small wave, doing her best to act like she didn't almost have a heart attack an hour and a half ago because a pretty girl gave her her number.

[graves]

Chi left the car with chills, not from the slightly chilly weather. It felt weird like something was trying to tell her something. She turned it off and slung her bag over her shoulder, swinging her keys around her finger as she walked through the park entrance, already eyeing the familiar table, relieved to see Hana already sitting there.

She paused, almost dragging her foot over a crack in the sidewalk and tripping. What was she even going to say? She kept walking, a bit slower, but she waved at her friend, mind racing to find a sentence. Oh hi! You know that girl from the shop this morning? Yeah, well, she came to my apartment and we talked, now I have her phone number, and I'm sort of freaking out, please help. Chi groaned, she had a plan, she didn't have a plan, make up your mind!

Chi sat her bag down at the table, greeting Hana with a cheery hello and a small wave, doing her best to act like she didn't almost have a heart attack an hour and a half ago because a pretty girl gave her her number.
Of course she returned the girls greeting with a smile and a hello, but she was rather blunt with things, she always was. "Whats up? Its unlike you to call me during work hours after all." she asked curiously. She placed her tea back down on the wooden table before looking up at Chi again. Well, they had just seen eachother that morning while she had her usual quick coffee, what in that time frame could have happened that couldnt wait until after work? She could tell she was nervous about something, she could just read people easily like that.

[yummyluc]

Of course she returned the girls greeting with a smile and a hello, but she was rather blunt with things, she always was. "Whats up? Its unlike you to call me during work hours after all." she asked curiously. She placed her tea back down on the wooden table before looking up at Chi again. Well, they had just seen eachother that morning while she had her usual quick coffee, what in that time frame could have happened that couldnt wait until after work? She could tell she was nervous about something, she could just read people easily like that.
Of course, Hana was blunt. It was like the girl could read her mind. Chi took a deep breath, then swallowed thickly, licked her lips. Nervous habits. She picked at her nails, and she sat down, swallowing again, "Well, yeah, about that. Sorry, but I needed advice, and I didn't want to keep you on the phone for hours," She said, brushing a loose coil behind her ear.

She took a deep breath, steadier this time, still avoiding eye contact with her best friend, "So, I sort of forgot my wallet at the shop this morning, by the register. I only realised by the time I got to my client for my job that it wasn't in my hand. I left pretty fast."

Chi looked up at the trees, the soft green starting to change to yellows and oranges. She put her hands in her lap, smoothing them down her thighs, "And the girl who was behind me had returned it, right? You saw must have seen her take it."

[graves]

Of course, Hana was blunt. It was like the girl could read her mind. Chi took a deep breath, then swallowed thickly, licked her lips. Nervous habits. She picked at her nails, and she sat down, swallowing again, "Well, yeah, about that. Sorry, but I needed advice, and I didn't want to keep you on the phone for hours," She said, brushing a loose coil behind her ear.

She took a deep breath, steadier this time, still avoiding eye contact with her best friend, "So, I sort of forgot my wallet at the shop this morning, by the register. I only realized by the time I got to my client for my job that it wasn't in my hand. I left pretty fast."

Chi looked up at the trees, the soft green starting to change to yellows and oranges. She put her hands in her lap, smoothing them down her thighs, "And the girl who was behind me had returned it, right? You saw must have seen her take it."
"Its alright dear, I needed a break from the cafe anyway." she reassured her. No matter what time shed always find a way to be there for the younger girl, even if it required her to spend her lunch break with her."Oh, that girl Cj? Yeah, I knew she had good intentions and all which is why I didnt stop her." she replied. She knew of the girl, seen her around town with her Ghost group and everything, but she was curious why Chi was bringing her up,"What about her? I assumed she gave you your wallet right?"

[yummyluc]

"Its alright dear, I needed a break from the cafe anyway." she reassured her. No matter what time shed always find a way to be there for the younger girl, even if it required her to spend her lunch break with her."Oh, that girl Cj? Yeah, I knew she had good intentions and all which is why I didnt stop her." she replied. She knew of the girl, seen her around town with her Ghost group and everything, but she was curious why Chi was bringing her up,"What about her? I assumed she gave you your wallet right?"
"Of course she did! I'm guessing she did find my ID and the business card of my apartment building, because she showed up there soon after I finished with my client, nothing was missing," Chi explained, trying to look anywhere but Hana, "And, you know, me being me, I invited her in for tea. I didn't want to just grab my wallet and give her the boot, you know?"

Chi took a breath, now came the more difficult part, "And she looked tired, you know, she works night shifts at that paranormal hunting job, you know, the local one? So I gave her lavender tea and said she could sleep in the guest room. I know it's sort of forward because she just gave me my wallet and she should have been gone, but she accepted it, and.. after a while, I went to check my transactions and stuff, and she went to sleep. But I think she had a nightmare or something, she was awake and crying a little bit. I gave her that drink I always have to calm my nerves, and we sort of started talking. She has a beautiful name, Carmen Jade," Chi sighed, a small smile passing her lips as she said the name. Just thinking about it brought butterflies to her stomach.

[graves]

"Of course she did! I'm guessing she did find my ID and the business card of my apartment building, because she showed up there soon after I finished with my client, nothing was missing," Chi explained, trying to look anywhere but Hana, "And, you know, me being me, I invited her in for tea. I didn't want to just grab my wallet and give her the boot, you know?"

Chi took a breath, now came the more difficult part, "And she looked tired, you know, she works night shifts at that paranormal hunting job, you know, the local one? So I gave her lavender tea and said she could sleep in the guest room. I know it's sort of forward because she just gave me my wallet and she should have been gone, but she accepted it, and.. after a while, I went to check my transactions and stuff, and she went to sleep. But I think she had a nightmare or something, she was awake and crying a little bit. I gave her that drink I always have to calm my nerves, and we sort of started talking. She has a beautiful name, Carmen Jade," Chi sighed, a small smile passing her lips as she said the name. Just thinking about it brought butterflies to her stomach.
Listening to this story of what happened, Han could only raise an eyebrow. It wasnt a surprise for Chi to invite strangers into her home, it would be weird if she didnt. "You sound like youre heads over heals for her already, Chi." the elder gave a small chuckle. From they way she was talking about her, they seemed to be hitting it off pretty well so far. "Oh yeah, the GhostGays, I know about them," she paused for a moment thinking,"She moved here by herself awhile ago, when she was about 15 or so. She seemed pretty lonely up until recently, Im glad shes socializing a bit more." she commented. She didnt know a lot about Carmen, she didnt talk to much to anyone outside of her work space, but by the looks of when she came in after work hours in the morning it seemed she put on extra shifts at times.

[yummyluc]

Listening to this story of what happened, Han could only raise an eyebrow. It wasnt a surprise for Chi to invite strangers into her home, it would be weird if she didnt. "You sound like youre heads over heals for her already, Chi." the elder gave a small chuckle. From they way she was talking about her, they seemed to be hitting it off pretty well so far. "Oh yeah, the GhostGays, I know about them," she paused for a moment thinking,"She moved here by herself awhile ago, when she was about 15 or so. She seemed pretty lonely up until recently, Im glad shes socializing a bit more." she commented. She didnt know a lot about Carmen, she didnt talk to much to anyone outside of her work space, but by the looks of when she came in after work hours in the morning it seemed she put on extra shifts at times.
"Oh, that's ridiculous, Hana! We only just met." Chi rolled her eyes, "Besides, I don't lean that way, I mean, I've never really leaned any sort of way." Chi took a sip of the drink that Hana so graciously brought her, giving her a nod of thanks as she went on with her story. "After that, she said she probably wouldn't be able to sleep anytime soon, and I agreed. Assuming she didn't want to overstay her welcome, I gave her a wave, but she was already gone by the time I could say anything. And she left something on my kitchen island."

Chi paused, opening her backpack and digging around in it for a second until the feeling of torn paper brushed her fingertips. She took out a scrap of paper, making sure it was what Carmen had left her, then slid it across the table. She didn't look at Hana, she knew Hana probably already knew what it was, and she knew Hana knew she knew what it was. Chi simply stayed quiet, taking a long drink of her coffee as she waited for Hana to say something.

[graves]

"Oh, that's ridiculous, Hana! We only just met." Chi rolled her eyes, "Besides, I don't lean that way, I mean, I've never really leaned any sort of way." Chi took a sip of the drink that Hana so graciously brought her, giving her a nod of thanks as she went on with her story. "After that, she said she probably wouldn't be able to sleep anytime soon, and I agreed. Assuming she didn't want to overstay her welcome, I gave her a wave, but she was already gone by the time I could say anything. And she left something on my kitchen island."

Chi paused, opening her backpack and digging around in it for a second until the feeling of torn paper brushed her fingertips. She took out a scrap of paper, making sure it was what Carmen had left her, then slid it across the table. She didn't look at Hana, she knew Hana probably already knew what it was, and she knew Hana knew she knew what it was. Chi simply stayed quiet, taking a long drink of her coffee as she waited for Hana to say something.
"Well Chi youre growing up, I dont suppose you plan on living in an apartment alone for the rest of your life," she replied. Listening more and seeing the paper slid across the table, she already knew what it was before she even pulled the paper out. Grabbing it, looking at the sloppy hand writing and the little drawing she couldnt help but give a smile. "Well obviously she wants to keep in touch with you even if she doesnt say it out loud. Whats one call going to do?" she put the paper down. Every since knowing Chi she had never heard or seen her with anybody. No dating, no interests, no nothing. It was strange, a young attractive girl and not atleast one person she was into in this big city.

[yummyluc]

"Well Chi youre growing up, I dont suppose you plan on living in an apartment alone for the rest of your life," she replied. Listening more and seeing the paper slid across the table, she already knew what it was before she even pulled the paper out. Grabbing it, looking at the sloppy hand writing and the little drawing she couldnt help but give a smile. "Well obviously she wants to keep in touch with you even if she doesnt say it out loud. Whats one call going to do?" she put the paper down. Every since knowing Chi she had never heard or seen her with anybody. No dating, no interests, no nothing. It was strange, a young attractive girl and not atleast one person she was into in this big city.
Chi scoffed, "Please, I was grown up before I left Nigeria." She took the paper back, even though she already had it on her phone, she wanted to keep the memento. "And I did plan on that, actually. But I don't know anymore, Han. It's like, the second I opened the door and looked at her, my heart stopped beating. And when I was in the room with her, sitting on the bed, just talking, it's like it was trying to beat its way out of my chest. We were so close, right then. Close enough to touch, even if I didn't dare. I was burning up, I couldn't breathe."

"I just looked into those dark eyes of her's, and my god, Hana, she's just got those eyes that hold the universe in them. And her smile, like, her genuine smile, it was genuine, I could tell. It makes her eyes squint up and her nose crinkle and it's like looking at something that's been missing for thousands of years, and she's just--" Chi stopped, realising her voice had raised, her face was burning, and literally, no one talks about someone like that. She took a breath and mumbled under it, "I'm head over heels for this girl..."

Chi put her face in her hands and groaned. She really had planned on living alone for the rest of her life, or, at least until the rest of her family got here, if ever. Currently, the only person of her family that was in the US at the moment was a really, really distant cousin, who was intent on leaving her alone. It's not that she didn't want someone in her life, it's more like she couldn't. Of course, her family was extremely supportive, when she came out to her brothers, they protected her, and her mother was ecstatic. I knew I'd have a daughter eventually! But she still didn't feel like they really wanted her. Chichima. She felt like they wanted Chase, even though she knew they didn't. So she wanted to wait until they were there. She didn't want to give the news over a letter, she wanted it to be face to face.

[graves]

Chi scoffed, "Please, I was grown up before I left Nigeria." She took the paper back, even though she already had it on her phone, she wanted to keep the memento. "And I did plan on that, actually. But I don't know anymore, Han. It's like, the second I opened the door and looked at her, my heart stopped beating. And when I was in the room with her, sitting on the bed, just talking, it's like it was trying to beat its way out of my chest. We were so close, right then. Close enough to touch, even if I didn't dare. I was burning up, I couldn't breathe."

"I just looked into those dark eyes of her's, and my god, Hana, she's just got those eyes that hold the universe in them. And her smile, like, her genuine smile, it was genuine, I could tell. It makes her eyes squint up and her nose crinkle and it's like looking at something that's been missing for thousands of years, and she's just--" Chi stopped, realising her voice had raised, her face was burning, and literally, no one talks about someone like that. She took a breath and mumbled under it, "I'm head over heels for this girl..."

Chi put her face in her hands and groaned. She really had planned on living alone for the rest of her life, or, at least until the rest of her family got here, if ever. Currently, the only person of her family that was in the US at the moment was a really, really distant cousin, who was intent on leaving her alone. It's not that she didn't want someone in her life, it's more like she couldn't. Of course, her family was extremely supportive, when she came out to her brothers, they protected her, and her mother was ecstatic. I knew I'd have a daughter eventually! But she still didn't feel like they really wanted her. Chichima. She felt like they wanted Chase, even though she knew they didn't. So she wanted to wait until they were there. She didn't want to give the news over a letter, she wanted it to be face to face.
"I think you gave yourself the advice you needed." By the way Chi described her, the girl seemed to be pretty nice. "Its normal to feel that way, its how you know you like someone Chi," she gave a humble smile,"Oh young love." she sighed happily, reaching across the table and giving the girl a rub on her shoulder. "I know things havent been easy since you came to america but, just take another chance with this one. Perhaps have a coffee together at the cafe," and of course so she could supervise. No way in hell was she going to be left out of this, from the way she described Cj it seemed like she was some love struck puppy dog with hearts for eyes, not that that was a bad thing.

[yummyluc]

"I think you gave yourself the advice you needed." By the way, Chi described her, the girl seemed to be pretty nice. "It's normal to feel that way, it's how you know you like someone Chi," she gave a humble smile,"Oh young love." she sighed happily, reaching across the table and giving the girl a rub on her shoulder. "I know things haven't been easy since you came to America but, just take another chance with this one. Perhaps have a coffee together at the cafe," and of course so she could supervise. No way in hell was she going to be left out of this, from the way she described Cj it seemed like she was some love struck puppy dog with hearts for eyes, not that that was a bad thing.
Chi sighed. She was still sort of in denial. Carmen wasn't exactly her type, she didn't think anyone was her type, really. Or that she was anyone's type herself, she was perfectly fine being alone. Except that she wasn't. She just didn't want to acknowledge that. "Hana, you're not that old, and I'm 26," Chi chuckled, smiling gently at the idea of going out with this girl. Carmen. She's not just that girl anymore. She's Carmen. Carmen Jade. CJ.

Chi put the paper back in her bag, hesitating a bit, then taking out her cell phone. She set her arms on the table, holding the phone and looking at it like her life depended on it. She gnawed on her lip. She felt like it really did. She looked at Hana, eyes almost pleading, "I just met her, Hana. What do I even say?" She sighed, eyeing the phone again, staring at the little telephone icon next to Carmen's name. Was calling her too forward? What if Carmen didn't like phone calls? Should she just text her first, or would Carmen want a call instead? What if Carmen didn't even want her to call her, it was just an act of courtesy?

And Chichima was overthinking again.

[graves]

Chi sighed. She was still sort of in denial. Carmen wasn't exactly her type, she didn't think anyone was her type, really. Or that she was anyone's type herself, she was perfectly fine being alone. Except that she wasn't. She just didn't want to acknowledge that. "Hana, you're not that old, and I'm 26," Chi chuckled, smiling gently at the idea of going out with this girl. Carmen. She's not just that girl anymore. She's Carmen. Carmen Jade. CJ.

Chi put the paper back in her bag, hesitating a bit, then taking out her cell phone. She set her arms on the table, holding the phone and looking at it like her life depended on it. She gnawed on her lip. She felt like it really did. She looked at Hana, eyes almost pleading, "I just met her, Hana. What do I even say?" She sighed, eyeing the phone again, staring at the little telephone icon next to Carmen's name. Was calling her too forward? What if Carmen didn't like phone calls? Should she just text her first, or would Carmen want a call instead? What if Carmen didn't even want her to call her, it was just an act of courtesy?

And Chichima was overthinking again.
"Just call her and ask if she wanted to go get coffee since your by the cafe, nothing wrong with that, she said she wouldnt be able to sleep soon right? Dont be too nervous dearie." if she was getting so worked up over a simple phone call this girl must mean something. "id suggest calling soon or I will hit the call button myself." she couldnt help but give a little chuckle, eyeing her phone as she did so. This was probably new to her so she couldnt blame her for being so nervous, but she didnt want Chi to over think simple things either. "Im sure she wont mind, you guys saw eachother only an hour ago."

[yummyluc]

"Just call her and ask if she wanted to go get coffee since your by the cafe, nothing wrong with that, she said she wouldnt be able to sleep soon right? Dont be too nervous dearie." if she was getting so worked up over a simple phone call this girl must mean something. "id suggest calling soon or I will hit the call button myself." she couldnt help but give a little chuckle, eyeing her phone as she did so. This was probably new to her so she couldnt blame her for being so nervous, but she didnt want Chi to over think simple things either. "Im sure she wont mind, you guys saw eachother only an hour ago."
"Yeah, okay, but what if it's too soon? Like, a complete stranger just invites you into their house, they socialise with you, you give them their number to be nice, and then an hour later they call up asking you on a date? That wouldn't be creepy to you?" Chi paused to breathe, "What if I just text her? That would be playing it safe, right? Nothing too forward, just a 'hey, texting you so you have my number' sort of thing. Then maybe she'll start a conversation, and I can ask the cafe thing later. That's a good idea, right?"

Don't get her wrong, Chi loved to talk, she was kind and open and sociable. She would call people more often than text them, believing it to be more genuine than just a simple text message. But something about Carmen, something about hearing her voice, or seeing the way her dark eyes bit into her soul, or the way she smiled because of Chi's stupid family stories, or the way her sleek, messy hair fell around her face, the overgrown sidecut that gave her this dangerous, cute look about her, it... it made Chi's heart skip a beat that she'll never get back. She was afraid she might stutter or say the wrong thing, or Carmen would just up and reject her. That was what scared her most.

[graves]

"Yeah, okay, but what if it's too soon? Like, a complete stranger just invites you into their house, they socialise with you, you give them their number to be nice, and then an hour later they call up asking you on a date? That wouldn't be creepy to you?" Chi paused to breathe, "What if I just text her? That would be playing it safe, right? Nothing too forward, just a 'hey, texting you so you have my number' sort of thing. Then maybe she'll start a conversation, and I can ask the cafe thing later. That's a good idea, right?"

Don't get her wrong, Chi loved to talk, she was kind and open and sociable. She would call people more often than text them, believing it to be more genuine than just a simple text message. But something about Carmen, something about hearing her voice, or seeing the way her dark eyes bit into her soul, or the way she smiled because of Chi's stupid family stories, or the way her sleek, messy hair fell around her face, the overgrown sidecut that gave her this dangerous, cute look about her, it... it made Chi's heart skip a beat that she'll never get back. She was afraid she might stutter or say the wrong thing, or Carmen would just up and reject her. That was what scared her most.
"Oh you get so nervous about the littlest of things." she couldnt help but chuckle. "It wont seem creepy, make it sound more of a hangout thing then a date." leaning over to get a good look at Chis phone, she pressed the call button, before leaning back with a grin. "Now you have to call." If Chi was this nervous to get things started, then she would do it herself in that matter. Hana was more blunt about things like this, liking to have her feelings out in the open. Now of course this was different since Cj didnt know Chi to well, but hopefully with a coffee date that would change.

[yummyluc]

"Oh you get so nervous about the littlest of things." she couldn't help but chuckle. "It won't seem creepy, make it sound more of a hangout thing than a date." leaning over to get a good look at Chi's phone, she pressed the call button, before leaning back with a grin. "Now you have to call." If Chi was this nervous to get things started, then she would do it herself in that matter. Hana was blunter about things like this, she likes to have her feelings out in the open. Now, of course, this was different since Cj didn't know Chi to well, but hopefully with a coffee date that would change.
"What-- Hana!" Chi panicked, but only for a second. She couldn't hang up right then, CJ would no doubt call back, making it ten times more awkward than if Chi just went through with it. And she couldn't just say it was the wrong number and hang up, then she wouldn't be able to call back later, she'd have to explain why she did that in the first place. She stared at the screen, watching the three dots load. She was kind of in disbelief that Hana would just do that, but Hana had always been blunt and straightforward, sort of a shoot-ask-questions-later kind of person, which Chi could admire. If Chi didn't have a plan, she rarely went through with anything. But CJ was different. So, Chi went out on a limb, putting the phone up to her ear, she stood up, walking a few paces and facing away from Hana. She wanted to feel like she was doing this without Hana peeking over her shoulder.

"Please don't pick up, please don't pick up, please don't pick up..." Chi whispered gently into the receiver, listening to the dial tone as it tried to reach Carmen's phone. Chi tried not to think, because that would lead to overthinking, and worse. She took a deep breath, held it for a second, then let it out, nice and slow. She stood up straight and braced herself for if Carmen would pick up. Confidence, Chichima, confidence. People love that. Wing it. You've done it before.

[graves]

"What-- Hana!" Chi panicked, but only for a second. She couldn't hang up right then, CJ would no doubt call back, making it ten times more awkward than if Chi just went through with it. And she couldn't just say it was the wrong number and hang up, then she wouldn't be able to call back later, she'd have to explain why she did that in the first place. She stared at the screen, watching the three dots load. She was kind of in disbelief that Hana would just do that, but Hana had always been blunt and straightforward, sort of a shoot-ask-questions-later kind of person, which Chi could admire. If Chi didn't have a plan, she rarely went through with anything. But CJ was different. So, Chi went out on a limb, putting the phone up to her ear, she stood up, walking a few paces and facing away from Hana. She wanted to feel like she was doing this without Hana peeking over her shoulder.

"Please don't pick up, please don't pick up, please don't pick up..." Chi whispered gently into the receiver, listening to the dial tone as it tried to reach Carmen's phone. Chi tried not to think, because that would lead to overthinking, and worse. She took a deep breath, held it for a second, then let it out, nice and slow. She stood up straight and braced herself for if Carmen would pick up. Confidence, Chichima, confidence. People love that. Wing it. You've done it before.
Cj on the other hand wasnt at the park, simply sitting in her living room with movies and books scattered every where. She was bored and had nothing else to do, so she thought she might aswel get some needed cleaning done. She sat infront of the entertainment center her TV was sat upon and fitted the many horror movies into the right places. Ghost was on the couch, with Cjs phone resting ontop of him. The cat really didnt care what was placed on him when tired. Though her phone buzzed at the incoming call, standing up and stepping over the mess on her floor, she picked up the phone and stared at it. It was from an unknown number. While she didnt have Chis number, she was secretly hoping that it was her even if she didnt admit it to herself. It seemed since she left her mind kept wandering back to the shorty, big brown eyes that reminded her of coffee and a nice smelling perfume that seemed to blend in with her apartment. Though at times some unknown callers called her phone for whatever weirdo had the phone before her. Though shed take the chance. Hitting answer, she held the phone up to her ear,"Hello?"

[yummyluc]

Cj on the other hand wasnt at the park, simply sitting in her living room with movies and books scattered every where. She was bored and had nothing else to do, so she thought she might aswel get some needed cleaning done. She sat infront of the entertainment center her TV was sat upon and fitted the many horror movies into the right places. Ghost was on the couch, with Cjs phone resting ontop of him. The cat really didnt care what was placed on him when tired. Though her phone buzzed at the incoming call, standing up and stepping over the mess on her floor, she picked up the phone and stared at it. It was from an unknown number. While she didnt have Chis number, she was secretly hoping that it was her even if she didnt admit it to herself. It seemed since she left her mind kept wandering back to the shorty, big brown eyes that reminded her of coffee and a nice smelling perfume that seemed to blend in with her apartment. Though at times some unknown callers called her phone for whatever weirdo had the phone before her. Though shed take the chance. Hitting answer, she held the phone up to her ear,"Hello?"
Chi froze, just for a moment, like her brain didn't want to acknowledge the fact that CJ had really answered the phone and was speaking to her. She tried to speak, opening her mouth, but nothing came out. Chi paused a second, then cleared her throat, this time able to speak, making herself sound confident, "Hey! It's Chichima from this morning," She said, looking over her shoulder at Hana, who seemed pretty happy with herself. "I, uh, just wanted to give you my number, you know, so you don't have to be guessing who it is every time I call,"

You can do this, you're doing great Chi. Wait for her to reply, make it a normal conversation. Then ask her to the coffee shop, not a date, just ask if you can hang out. It's not hard. Just do it. Chi told herself, trying not to breathe into her phone.

[graves]

Chi froze, just for a moment, like her brain didn't want to acknowledge the fact that CJ had really answered the phone and was speaking to her. She tried to speak, opening her mouth, but nothing came out. Chi paused a second, then cleared her throat, this time able to speak, making herself sound confident, "Hey! It's Chichima from this morning," She said, looking over her shoulder at Hana, who seemed pretty happy with herself. "I, uh, just wanted to give you my number, you know, so you don't have to be guessing who it is every time I call,"

You can do this, you're doing great Chi. Wait for her to reply, make it a normal conversation. Then ask her to the coffee shop, not a date, just ask if you can hang out. It's not hard. Just do it. Chi told herself, trying not to breathe into her phone.
She almost choked on her spit when she had guessed right. She cleared her throat,"Oh right! Hey Chi, thanks. I'll put you in my phone asap," she was surprised she would call her so soon, not that she was complaining or anything or course. Usually after you crash a persons house, especially a strangers, they wouldnt take up on your offering of your phone number. But she was glad she called, even if Chi couldnt see her she was smiling again, picking at the stitching on the couch with her fingers. "Whats up?" she didnt know her to well and frankly, wasnt good at conversation with people besides good friends that were close to her. Even if she only heard her voice a few hours ago, it made all her butterflies and giddiness come back in an instant.

[yummyluc]

She almost choked on her spit when she had guessed right. She cleared her throat,"Oh right! Hey Chi, thanks. I'll put you in my phone asap," she was surprised she would call her so soon, not that she was complaining or anything or course. Usually after you crash a persons house, especially a strangers, they wouldnt take up on your offering of your phone number. But she was glad she called, even if Chi couldnt see her she was smiling again, picking at the stitching on the couch with her fingers. "Whats up?" she didnt know her to well and frankly, wasnt good at conversation with people besides good friends that were close to her. Even if she only heard her voice a few hours ago, it made all her butterflies and giddiness come back in an instant.
Chi fidgeted with the hem of her shorts, keeping her head down and trying not to talk loud enough for Hana to hear, "Well, I'm just out at the park with a friend and I thought I should give you my number, you know. I was just thinking that maybe you should take a rain check with your paranormal group, just for a night, you know, get some sleep if you can," Chi advised, starting to pace,"Sleep, it's good for the soul." Chi mentally slapped herself in the face. "And I wanted to make sure you were okay, you know because friends are like that, and I can't necessarily call you a stranger, can I?" Chi gave a nervous chuckle, squinting as she looked up at the bright sun. She shoved a hand into her pocket, fidgeting with the fabric and lint inside it.

She could feel Hana's light blue eyes burning daggers into the back of her skull. She loved Hana, and Hana loved her. Hana had been the first person to welcome her to the states, she was her best friend, and she was a great friend, but sometimes Chi just wanted to give her a sharp right hook to the chin. In a friend way, of course.

[graves]

Chi fidgeted with the hem of her shorts, keeping her head down and trying not to talk loud enough for Hana to hear, "Well, I'm just out at the park with a friend and I thought I should give you my number, you know. I was just thinking that maybe you should take a rain check with your paranormal group, just for a night, you know, get some sleep if you can," Chi advised, starting to pace,"Sleep, it's good for the soul." Chi mentally slapped herself in the face. "And I wanted to make sure you were okay, you know because friends are like that, and I can't necessarily call you a stranger, can I?" Chi gave a nervous chuckle, squinting as she looked up at the bright sun. She shoved a hand into her pocket, fidgeting with the fabric and lint inside it.

She could feel Hana's light blue eyes burning daggers into the back of her skull. She loved Hana, and Hana loved her. Hana had been the first person to welcome her to the states, she was her best friend, and she was a great friend, but sometimes Chi just wanted to give her a sharp right hook to the chin. In a friend way, of course.
Carmen ran a nervous hand through her thick dreads, a small blush coming to her cheeks. She called to check in on her? "Dont worry, I have the rest of the day off to catch up on sleep," it warmed her that the girl had called in to make sure she was okay. And she called her her friend! Normally Cj wouldnt get so giddy over a small thing, it was a simple step up from being strangers. Though the simple action made her smile a bit more,"You'll have to give the the recipe for that honey milk thing that you gave me, it was really good. Probably could put me to sleep in seconds." Though it probably wouldnt come out the same way Chi made it. She could still remember how it soothed her throat. It calmed her instantly after the whole nightmare thing. Though she didnt know if it was that or simply Chis presence that calmed her after that.

[yummyluc]

Carmen ran a nervous hand through her thick dreads, a small blush coming to her cheeks. She called to check in on her? "Dont worry, I have the rest of the day off to catch up on sleep," it warmed her that the girl had called in to make sure she was okay. And she called her her friend! Normally Cj wouldnt get so giddy over a small thing, it was a simple step up from being strangers. Though the simple action made her smile a bit more,"You'll have to give the the recipe for that honey milk thing that you gave me, it was really good. Probably could put me to sleep in seconds." Though it probably wouldnt come out the same way Chi made it. She could still remember how it soothed her throat. It calmed her instantly after the whole nightmare thing. Though she didnt know if it was that or simply Chis presence that calmed her after that.
"Yeah, of course! I'll text it to you later. It's great after a stressful day or a bad night or whatever, calms the nerves and all that," Chi laughed, glad she got the initial awkwardness of the call out of the way. It felt more natural now. She glanced over her shoulder to see Hana grin and give her a double thumbs up. Chi gave her one back with a small smile, then turned back to her call. "I, uh, hope it's not too forward of me, I know we only met today, but..." She paused, taking a deep breath, thoughts going a million miles a minute.

The world seemed to slow, the noise muffled, even the air seemed to stop moving, just for a moment. Chi thought, she really thought about this. Was she really in love with this girl? Or just infatuated? Would this be a one time deal? Something that'd last three weeks, maybe a month, then melt into thin air? Was she really ready for that? Carmen was a nice girl, beautiful on the inside and the outside, and Chi had never really felt like that for anyone. But was this lust or love? A difficult decision, she didn't want to break Carmen's heart, and she didn't want to break her own by chasing something that didn't exist, or something that simply wouldn't last. She didn't realise she was holding her breath, but the moment she let it out and started breathing again, the world seemed to start turning again.

"I'd love to get to know you better, I don't have many friends around here. Could we meet at Hana's shop tomorrow? Around two o'clock?" Chi said it all really fast, almost too fast, but just clear enough to understand.

[graves]

"Yeah, of course! I'll text it to you later. It's great after a stressful day or a bad night or whatever, calms the nerves and all that," Chi laughed, glad she got the initial awkwardness of the call out of the way. It felt more natural now. She glanced over her shoulder to see Hana grin and give her a double thumbs up. Chi gave her one back with a small smile, then turned back to her call. "I, uh, hope it's not too forward of me, I know we only met today, but..." She paused, taking a deep breath, thoughts going a million miles a minute.

The world seemed to slow, the noise muffled, even the air seemed to stop moving, just for a moment. Chi thought, she really thought about this. Was she really in love with this girl? Or just infatuated? Would this be a one time deal? Something that'd last three weeks, maybe a month, then melt into thin air? Was she really ready for that? Carmen was a nice girl, beautiful on the inside and the outside, and Chi had never really felt like that for anyone. But was this lust or love? A difficult decision, she didn't want to break Carmen's heart, and she didn't want to break her own by chasing something that didn't exist, or something that simply wouldn't last. She didn't realize she was holding her breath, but the moment she let it out and started breathing again, the world seemed to start turning again.

"I'd love to get to know you better, I don't have many friends around here. Could we meet at Hana's shop tomorrow? Around two o'clock?" Chi said it all really fast, almost too fast, but just clear enough to understand.
As soon as she paused she too held her breath, nervousness edging her on to hear what she had to say. Her eyes widened. She was embarrassed that she could feel her face heat up at the question,"O-f course! Id love to." usually at 2pm Carmen would be sleeping or something after a 12 hour night shift, but she supposed she could take a smaller nap before hand,after all, this was important. Ghost looked up at her, lazy green eyes oblivious to her flustered out look but Cj could only pull the cat in her arms so her hands had something to fidget with while talking. She could feel her heart beat a little bit faster at even the thought of being able to see her tomorrow. Out of nervousness and the want of not wanting to stutter from the simple audio of a pretty girl, she decided to cut the call short. "I have to go fill out some paper work for my job but, it sounds like a date. I'll see you then!" she hung up the phone quickly, setting it down and flopping down on her couch, Ghost in her arms. The cat stared lazily at her, purring and gave the brunette a nuzzle. "Oh Ghost Im love struck." Of course worried thoughts came into her mind. Was it a date? Was is just to hang out as friends? Was Chi even gay? did she even look at her that way? A meow from her cat cut her mind whirling faster, giving a simple smile. "Itll be fine."

[yummyluc]

As soon as she paused she too held her breath, nervousness edging her on to hear what she had to say. Her eyes widened. She was embarrassed that she could feel her face heat up at the question,"O-f course! I'd love to." usually at 2 pm Carmen would be sleeping or something after a 12 hour night shift, but she supposed she could take a smaller nap before hand, outlook, after all, this was important. Ghost looked up at her, lazy green eyes oblivious to her floutlook but Cj could only pull the cat in her arms so her hands had something to fidget with while talking. She could feel her heart beat a little bit faster at even the thought of being able to see her tomorrow. Out of nervousness and the want of not wanting to stutter from the simple audio of a pretty girl, she decided to cut the call short. "I have to go fill out some paperwork for my job but, it sounds like a date. I'll see you then!" she hung up the phone quickly, setting it down and flopping down on her couch, Ghost in her arms. The cat stared lazily at her, purring and gave the brunette a nuzzle. "Oh, Ghost I'm love struck." Of course, worried thoughts came into her mind. Was it a date? Was is just to hang out just as friends? Was Chi even gay? did she even look at her that way? A meow from her cat cut her mind whirling faster, giving a simple smile. "It'll be fine."
Chi sputtered, "Date?!" But the phone had already clicked. She stared at it. Date? Was that how CJ had taken it? Chi didn't mind that too much, but she had only known the girl, for what? A couple hours, maybe? Chi was taking this too fast. She needed to slow down. Don't make it seem like a date, make it like a hangout. Sighing, she turned her phone off and walked back to the table, putting it back in her backpack. Her face conveyed a variety of emotions, some of which were hard to separate from one another.

Fear, anxiety, excitement. Happiness. It was all so jumbled it made her stomach tighten. Chi took a long drink of her coffee, draining the cup of its contents. She opened the bag of pastries and took out a doughnut, taking a big bite out of it. She was stress eating. It happened, not often, but it did. She didn't reply when Hana asked if she was all right, or even listen when she said she should slow down and tell her what happened.

[graves]

Chi sputtered, "Date?!" But the phone had already clicked. She stared at it. Date? Was that how CJ had taken it? Chi didn't mind that too much, but she had only known the girl, for what? A couple hours, maybe? Chi was taking this too fast. She needed to slow down. Don't make it seem like a date, make it like a hangout. Sighing, she turned her phone off and walked back to the table, putting it back in her backpack. Her face conveyed a variety of emotions, some of which were hard to separate from one another.

Fear, anxiety, excitement. Happiness. It was all so jumbled it made her stomach tighten. Chi took a long drink of her coffee, draining the cup of its contents. She opened the bag of pastries and took out a doughnut, taking a big bite out of it. She was stress eating. It happened, not often, but it did. She didn't reply when Hana asked if she was all right, or even listen when she said she should slow down and tell her what happened.
[timeskipping bc im an ass]
To be quite honest, what Carmen considered a date was totally different then what other people thought about it. Maybe it was because she barely had any dating experience ever, or maybe because she didnt really view anybody in the way she viewed Chi, so things got complicated. To Carmen, a date was simply hanging out, normal friend stuff. Going out was a totally different story. So in her life, especially at work, things got confusing when shed go on a 'date' with friends. Chi didnt know this, she didnt know her fully, so Carmen yet didnt know the true meaning of her words. She stared in the fully length mirror that was propped against a wall. She was always to lazy to hang it up for some reason. Looking in the mirror it was a typical sight, the girl had her dreads up in a sloppy pony tail and had put her gauges in, a baggy red flannel buttoned up to the collar, her favorite skinny jeans and of course her red converse. "What do you think?" she turned around to her cat Ghost, who was curled on her bed and propped an eye open before closing it, tucking his head away. She sighed, giving the cat a pat before checking her phone. 1:45. She lived about 15 minutes away from the cafe, so it was perfect timing. Not liking purses She stuffed her wallet,phone, and keys in her back pocket, not forgetting to slip on her glasses. She wore contacts most of the time, but after work she took them out and crashed on her couch for a few hours, and didnt feel like putting them back in. They were as fancy as Chis circular ones, a simple thick black framed pair. Slipping them on, she made her way out of the door.

[yummyluc]

[timeskipping bc im an ass]
To be quite honest, what Carmen considered a date was totally different then what other people thought about it. Maybe it was because she barely had any dating experience ever, or maybe because she didnt really view anybody in the way she viewed Chi, so things got complicated. To Carmen, a date was simply hanging out, normal friend stuff. Going out was a totally different story. So in her life, especially at work, things got confusing when shed go on a 'date' with friends. Chi didnt know this, she didnt know her fully, so Carmen yet didnt know the true meaning of her words. She stared in the fully length mirror that was propped against a wall. She was always to lazy to hang it up for some reason. Looking in the mirror it was a typical sight, the girl had her dreads up in a sloppy pony tail and had put her gauges in, a baggy red flannel buttoned up to the collar, her favorite skinny jeans and of course her red converse. "What do you think?" she turned around to her cat Ghost, who was curled on her bed and propped an eye open before closing it, tucking his head away. She sighed, giving the cat a pat before checking her phone. 1:45. She lived about 15 minutes away from the cafe, so it was perfect timing. Not liking purses She stuffed her wallet,phone, and keys in her back pocket, not forgetting to slip on her glasses. She wore contacts most of the time, but after work she took them out and crashed on her couch for a few hours, and didnt feel like putting them back in. They were as fancy as Chis circular ones, a simple thick black framed pair. Slipping them on, she made her way out of the door.
Chi sat in her car, waiting outside the cafe. She'd been there at least five minutes already, she'd arrived early out of pure anxiety. She had to admit, if she'd not given herself her own makeup treatment, she'd look like a wreck. She'd tossed and turned all night, nervousness nipping at her, fear fighting her. She'd just gotten up and drank at least half a gallon of her milk-honey-cinnamon combo before she could actually muster the exhaustion to sleep. It'd been nearly 3 am then. She slept until nearly 12 that afternoon. She'd been a bit rushed but still managed to keep her appearance intact.

She wore her hair in two puffs, adorned with milky pink ribbons. She wore a white, lacy cardigan with a matching pink dress, the hem decorated with small strawberries, linked together with green vines of the thread. She wore white heeled ankle boots with a small purse over her shoulder. The purse had a small silver chain with a strap, the bag itself behind a matte milk pink, the magnetic button a small strawberry pin. Chi knew how to clean up and make it match.

Sighing, she looked at the clock. 1:45. She should get out and walk around, she didn't want Carmen thinking she'd been waiting nearly twenty minutes for her when she did arrive. She pulled down her car's sun shade, flipping open the little mirror. She touched up her pink lip gloss and straightened her small hooped earrings, adjusting the silver rings on her fingers. She pushed up her circle glasses, making sure they sat right on her nose. After making sure she looked presentable, Chi stepped out of the car.

[graves]

Chi sat in her car, waiting outside the cafe. She'd been there at least five minutes already, she'd arrived early out of pure anxiety. She had to admit, if she'd not given herself her own makeup treatment, she'd look like a wreck. She'd tossed and turned all night, nervousness nipping at her, fear fighting her. She'd just gotten up and drank at least half a gallon of her milk-honey-cinnamon combo before she could actually muster the exhaustion to sleep. It'd been nearly 3 am then. She slept until nearly 12 that afternoon. She'd been a bit rushed but still managed to keep her appearance intact.

She wore her hair in two puffs, adorned with milky pink ribbons. She wore a white, lacy cardigan with a matching pink dress, the hem decorated with small strawberries, linked together with green vines of the thread. She wore white heeled ankle boots with a small purse over her shoulder. The purse had a small silver chain with a strap, the bag itself behind a matte milk pink, the magnetic button a small strawberry pin. Chi knew how to clean up and make it match.

Sighing, she looked at the clock. 1:45. She should get out and walk around, she didn't want Carmen thinking she'd been waiting nearly twenty minutes for her when she did arrive. She pulled down her car's sun shade, flipping open the little mirror. She touched up her pink lip gloss and straightened her small hooped earrings, adjusting the silver rings on her fingers. She pushed up her circle glasses, making sure they sat right on her nose. After making sure she looked presentable, Chi stepped out of the car.
Carmen could feel the nerves creeping up on her easily with every step she took down her apartment stairs. Something that always seemed to calm her was riding her motorcycle. It was something her mother had given her growing up, when she got her license she didnt ask for a car, but a motorcycle. Now adays with alot of tax and car payments, Cj now had a car too. It was a run down truck, but it was all she could afford at the moment. Picking up her helmet, she strapped it on and made her way on the road. Of course on the way there her mind wandered back to Chi, butterflies popping up in her stomach again. She focused more on the road, fidgeting with the radio knob until satisfied. Once there and parking, she stood in front of the cafe, looking down at her phone. 2:00pm. The number illuminated on the small screen. She had nothing to be scared of, it was just Chi. The same person that was so welcoming, had a small giggle that was contagious. The small girl that knew how to dress and had a good business, yet wasn't cocky at all. Humble and sweet. She stepped inside, blue hues wandering around the familiar cafe for the same shorty she had been thinkking about the whole trip here. Normally shed be asleep right now. Though she couldnt, her mind thinking of what she would say, do, talk about. If shed get nervous and mumble or something. Relax Carmen, youre just hanging out.

[yummyluc]

Carmen could feel the nerves creeping up on her easily with every step she took down her apartment stairs. Something that always seemed to calm her was riding her motorcycle. It was something her mother had given her growing up when she got her license she didn't ask for a car, but a motorcycle. Nowadays with a lot of tax and car payments, Cj now had a car too. It was a run down truck, but it was all she could afford at the moment. Picking up her helmet, she strapped it on and made her way on the road. Of course on the way there her mind wandered back to Chi, butterflies popping up in her stomach again. She focused more on the road, fidgeting with the radio knob until satisfied. Once there and parking, she stood in front of the cafe, looking down at her phone. 2:00pm. The number illuminated on the small screen. She had nothing to be scared of, it was just Chi. The same person that was so welcoming, had a small giggle that was contagious. The small girl that knew how to dress and had a good business, yet wasn't cocky at all. Humble and sweet. She stepped inside, blue hues wandering around the familiar cafe for the same shorty she had been thinking about the whole trip here. Normally she'd be asleep right now. Though she couldn't, her mind thinking of what she would say, do, talk about. If she'd get nervous and mumble or something. Relax Carmen, you're just hanging out.
Of course, Chi was in her spot by the window, big brown eyes staring out at the scenery. It was clear grass with scattered trees, a few flower patches. You could see the park from there. Her legs crossed over each other neatly, the one on top swinging slightly. Her hand rested on a coffee cup, fingers wrapped loosely around it, tapping lightly on the glass surface of the table. She hadn't heard anyone come in, too absorbed in her own mind to really pay attention.

Taking a sip of her drink, she looked over to Hana, who gave her a kind side-glance before returning it to the customer currently at the counter. Chi smiled. She was glad Hana was working that day, she was scared enough to face this date slash hang out slash not really sort of thing alone. It made her confident. She trained her eyes to her nails. She'd had Hana over after her shift the night before for some quality bonding time, something they hadn't had in a while. Hana painted them the soft, milky, strawberry pink they were now, and Chi had fallen in love with them.

Chi looked at her watch. 2:00. Was Carmen one to be late?

[graves]

Of course, Chi was in her spot by the window, big brown eyes staring out at the scenery. It was clear grass with scattered trees, a few flower patches. You could see the park from there. Her legs crossed over each other neatly, the one on top swinging slightly. Her hand rested on a coffee cup, fingers wrapped loosely around it, tapping lightly on the glass surface of the table. She hadn't heard anyone come in, too absorbed in her own mind to really pay attention.

Taking a sip of her drink, she looked over to Hana, who gave her a kind side-glance before returning it to the customer currently at the counter. Chi smiled. She was glad Hana was working that day, she was scared enough to face this date slash hang out slash not really sort of thing alone. It made her confident. She trained her eyes to her nails. She'd had Hana over after her shift the night before for some quality bonding time, something they hadn't had in a while. Hana painted them the soft, milky, strawberry pink they were now, and Chi had fallen in love with them.

Chi looked at her watch. 2:00. Was Carmen one to be late?
Her eyes came upon Chi, a smile immediately coming to her face. She seemed to already have her coffee, she must have been here for a bit.Seeing Chi gave her bit of a reviler.It wasnt that she didnt trust her or anything, but she didnt know if she was gonna be stood up or not. But that was Cj when it come to certain things, over thinking a bit. Going to the counter she order the usual solid black coffee, hardcore, but with lack of sleep Carmen needed it. Making her way to the table for two, she sat across from her a gave a small greeting. 2:01. Well, she wasnt that late at least. She felt a bit dumb founded, though not surprised. Chi seemed like the person to over dress anybody for any occasion- having all of her clothes match in little details even to the last nail on her tiny hands. Meanwhile Carmen what rockin a simple red flannel she picked up at a local mall. Clearing her throat so she wouldnt stutter, she smiled. "Only a minute late, that the best Ive gotten in my record."

[yummyluc]

Her eyes came upon Chi, a smile immediately coming to her face. She seemed to already have her coffee, she must have been here for a bit.Seeing Chi gave her bit of a reviler.It wasnt that she didnt trust her or anything, but she didnt know if she was gonna be stood up or not. But that was Cj when it come to certain things, over thinking a bit. Going to the counter she order the usual solid black coffee, hardcore, but with lack of sleep Carmen needed it. Making her way to the table for two, she sat across from her a gave a small greeting. 2:01. Well, she wasnt that late at least. She felt a bit dumb founded, though not surprised. Chi seemed like the person to over dress anybody for any occasion- having all of her clothes match in little details even to the last nail on her tiny hands. Meanwhile Carmen what rockin a simple red flannel she picked up at a local mall. Clearing her throat so she wouldnt stutter, she smiled. "Only a minute late, that the best Ive gotten in my record."
The girl nearly jumped when CJ sat down in front of her, but realising who it was, she smiled warmly, "It's nice to see you again," She admitted, "I wasn't sure if you'd come, seeing as someone in your line of work lacks sleep quite a bit." This felt... nice. It felt good. Not because Chi thought she might have a crush on a girl who might be her friend and who she might see more than twice. Because it felt good to have friends. Hana was her closest, but not a lot of people liked her, or even talked to her, despite how kind and humble she was. She didn't know if it was because she was black, a girl, or successful, but she couldn't call many people her friend, so it just felt good to have someone who put the same effort into being her friend as she did being theirs. Chi could count all her friends on one hand, even with Carmen being the newest addition.

"I didn't cause any disruption or anything with your schedule, I hope. I picked a little late in the afternoon so you'd have time to rest up a bit." Pretty girls need their rest, after all. Chi almost said, but she gave a chuckle instead. She really didn't want to mess with Carmen's schedule, it was probably really busy in the first place. Had she interrupted it because she just wanted to talk to a girl who might like her, let alone accept her?

[graves]

The girl nearly jumped when CJ sat down in front of her, but realising who it was, she smiled warmly, "It's nice to see you again," She admitted, "I wasn't sure if you'd come, seeing as someone in your line of work lacks sleep quite a bit." This felt... nice. It felt good. Not because Chi thought she might have a crush on a girl who might be her friend and who she might see more than twice. Because it felt good to have friends. Hana was her closest, but not a lot of people liked her, or even talked to her, despite how kind and humble she was. She didn't know if it was because she was black, a girl, or successful, but she couldn't call many people her friend, so it just felt good to have someone who put the same effort into being her friend as she did being theirs. Chi could count all her friends on one hand, even with Carmen being the newest addition.

"I didn't cause any disruption or anything with your schedule, I hope. I picked a little late in the afternoon so you'd have time to rest up a bit." Pretty girls need their rest, after all. Chi almost said, but she gave a chuckle instead. She really didn't want to mess with Carmen's schedule, it was probably really busy in the first place. Had she interrupted it because she just wanted to talk to a girl who might like her, let alone accept her?
She didnt sleep that much, either her train of thought interrupted with nervousness or Ghost waking her up with his meows. But instead she shook her head, small smile never wavering,"Nah, dont worry youre head over it, I got some sleep. I'd never ditch you." she replied. It warmed her that she cared to pick a certain time, taking account of her work hours. It was nice to socialize with people outside of work, Carmen didnt have to many friends that didnt work with her. He time was mainly put around work, not really caring for anything else. It wasnt like she had family here, not that they wanted to be anywhere near her anyway. Moving here at the age of 15 was a huge step though. Finding her what was now her job, and being committed to it ever since. It kept her busy, kept her mind from thinking to many things nd having only a certain thing to focus on. But outside of all that, it was nice to simply socialize on her own free time. It was refreshing to say the least, even a simple coffee 'date' brightened her mood by a tone. She didnt know how long she could stay in such a lonely apartment. Taking a sip of her coffee she looked up at her,"Whats up? Anything going on with you?" it was small talk, sure, but only to get the conversation going.

[yummyluc]

She didnt sleep that much, either her train of thought interrupted with nervousness or Ghost waking her up with his meows. But instead she shook her head, small smile never wavering,"Nah, dont worry youre head over it, I got some sleep. I'd never ditch you." she replied. It warmed her that she cared to pick a certain time, taking account of her work hours. It was nice to socialize with people outside of work, Carmen didnt have to many friends that didnt work with her. He time was mainly put around work, not really caring for anything else. It wasnt like she had family here, not that they wanted to be anywhere near her anyway. Moving here at the age of 15 was a huge step though. Finding her what was now her job, and being committed to it ever since. It kept her busy, kept her mind from thinking to many things nd having only a certain thing to focus on. But outside of all that, it was nice to simply socialize on her own free time. It was refreshing to say the least, even a simple coffee 'date' brightened her mood by a tone. She didnt know how long she could stay in such a lonely apartment. Taking a sip of her coffee she looked up at her,"Whats up? Anything going on with you?" it was small talk, sure, but only to get the conversation going.
'Literally everything is going on with me and it's almost positively all your fault!' Is what Chi had almost said, but instead she shrugged and smiled, "The usual, petty clients, stock elements, makeup line," She said, taking a long drink of her coffee, "Trying to get something new on my YouTube channel.." She added. Chi had contemplated offering CJ a part in her next youtube video. Mostly, they were different looks and styles, and she was the only star. Occasionally, Hana had popped in a few, and sometimes she posted sped up videos of clients that were okay with it, but almost always, it was just her. Testing makeup lines, showing off her own, tips for a clean face, that sort of thing. She hadn't posted anything in almost a week now, and it would be good to start a little drama with a complete stranger to her fans. When she first did a video with Hana, everyone immediately assumed they were in a relationship, before realising Hana actually said it herself she was aro/ace, and that they were both happily single, and had zero interest in one another.

Besides, it'd be a good change. Days were so boring and predictable, it'd be a good time to spice things up. And Chi wouldn't mind having a few hours of just bonding time with a new friend.

"You know it's been a while since my last video, I really need to switch things up," Chi said to herself, quietly, but also directing it at Carmen.

[graves]

'Literally everything is going on with me and it's almost positively all your fault!' Is what Chi had almost said, but instead she shrugged and smiled, "The usual, petty clients, stock elements, makeup line," She said, taking a long drink of her coffee, "Trying to get something new on my YouTube channel.." She added. Chi had contemplated offering CJ a part in her next youtube video. Mostly, they were different looks and styles, and she was the only star. Occasionally, Hana had popped in a few, and sometimes she posted sped up videos of clients that were okay with it, but almost always, it was just her. Testing makeup lines, showing off her own, tips for a clean face, that sort of thing. She hadn't posted anything in almost a week now, and it would be good to start a little drama with a complete stranger to her fans. When she first did a video with Hana, everyone immediately assumed they were in a relationship, before realising Hana actually said it herself she was aro/ace, and that they were both happily single, and had zero interest in one another.

Besides, it'd be a good change. Days were so boring and predictable, it'd be a good time to spice things up. And Chi wouldn't mind having a few hours of just bonding time with a new friend.

"You know it's been a while since my last video, I really need to switch things up," Chi said to herself, quietly, but also directing it at Carmen.
She took a sip of her coffee, nodding along and listening. Sometimes it amaze her how different they were, Cj could tell simply by the way her apartment looked. Pastel colors on every wall, little tea cups and saucers, neatly decorated door ways and rooms. Even the way she dressed, everything matched to the littlest of detail. Her daily life consisted of beauty, makeup, social media and glamour. Something both Carmen could not afford, nor could dream of. She herself dressed in more punk clothing, whatever wasn't dirty on the floor of her room she considered acceptable. "I dont know how you manage it all at once, seems like you're busy pretty often from the sound of how much you do." Which explains on how this all came to be; because she left her wallet. At the mention of a youtube channel again she was curious. She meant to look her up after she got home yesterday, but made a mental note to do it after this. Though she raised an eyebrow at her words when Chi mentioned needing to 'spice it up' and looking at her. "Me? Well I mean, Im not the fashion guru youd usually have on youre channel and all," the most shed wear would be eyeliner if she wasnt lazy to do it that day, mainly only doing it on special occasions. She was wearing it now. She always got nervous when it came to make up, especially growing up and having a mother who loved it to death. She could remember distinctly having to wear it do school and being made fun of for her eyes looking to small.It was a apart of having Korean genetics. But, shed put that nervousness aside if it meant shed be getting some bonding time with Chi, she was always up for new experiences.

[yummyluc]

She took a sip of her coffee, nodding along and listening. Sometimes it amaze her how different they were, Cj could tell simply by the way her apartment looked. Pastel colors on every wall, little tea cups and saucers, neatly decorated door ways and rooms. Even the way she dressed, everything matched to the littlest of detail. Her daily life consisted of beauty, makeup, social media and glamour. Something both Carmen could not afford, nor could dream of. She herself dressed in more punk clothing, whatever wasn't dirty on the floor of her room she considered acceptable. "I dont know how you manage it all at once, seems like you're busy pretty often from the sound of how much you do." Which explains on how this all came to be; because she left her wallet. At the mention of a youtube channel again she was curious. She meant to look her up after she got home yesterday, but made a mental note to do it after this. Though she raised an eyebrow at her words when Chi mentioned needing to 'spice it up' and looking at her. "Me? Well I mean, Im not the fashion guru youd usually have on youre channel and all," the most shed wear would be eyeliner if she wasnt lazy to do it that day, mainly only doing it on special occasions. She was wearing it now. She always got nervous when it came to make up, especially growing up and having a mother who loved it to death. She could remember distinctly having to wear it do school and being made fun of for her eyes looking to small.It was a apart of having Korean genetics. But, shed put that nervousness aside if it meant shed be getting some bonding time with Chi, she was always up for new experiences.
Chi got wondering why there was even this small part of her attracting her to this girl, they were nothing alike. Chi lived in all the glamour and bustle of city life, while it seemed CJ lived in the lazier part of town. Chi wasn't narcissistic or conceded in any way, but how crashingly opposite they were made her wonder. Still, she didn't say anything, just sipped her coffee and shrugged.

"Well, neither is Hana--" The comment earned her a sharp look from behind the counter, "--but see, I sort of do this thing where I test out my own looks on different people. Here, let me just," She took her phone out from her wallet and went to the Youtube app, going to her channel and scrolling down until she found the last video she did with Hana-- a night out look. Chi put her phone on the table and flipped it around so that Carmen could see it, "You wouldn't need to do anything, just sit and look pretty while I work my magic."

[graves]

Chi got wondering why there was even this small part of her attracting her to this girl, they were nothing alike. Chi lived in all the glamour and bustle of city life, while it seemed CJ lived in the lazier part of town. Chi wasn't narcissistic or conceded in any way, but how crashingly opposite they were made her wonder. Still, she didn't say anything, just sipped her coffee and shrugged.

"Well, neither is Hana--" The comment earned her a sharp look from behind the counter, "--but see, I sort of do this thing where I test out my own looks on different people. Here, let me just," She took her phone out from her wallet and went to the Youtube app, going to her channel and scrolling down until she found the last video she did with Hana-- a night out look. Chi put her phone on the table and flipped it around so that Carmen could see it, "You wouldn't need to do anything, just sit and look pretty while I work my magic."
Blue eyes grazed over the phone screen with curiosity. She took a look towards Hana and then a look back towards the phone. It seemed she was really really good at what she does, making the older womans face look seamlessly wonderful just by a few powers or eye color thingys they she put on her eyelids. Carmen wasnt good with that stuff. She looked up from the phone and gave a small nod,"I like to try new things, I wouldnt mind you giving me a makeover." she gave a small chuckle. She didnt wear makeup often, next to none. She didnt bother with it, with left her cheeks exposed with small freckles that werent covered along her cheeks, nose, and the sides of her face. She didnt bother with it, she didnt have the patience to do all of that like Chi could. It wasnt that she disliked it though, she wouldnt mind if Chi wanted her in a video or something. "A little makeup wouldnt hurt." she gave a small smile.

[yummyluc]

Blue eyes grazed over the phone screen with curiosity. She took a look towards Hana and then a look back towards the phone. It seemed she was really really good at what she does, making the older womans face look seamlessly wonderful just by a few powers or eye color thingys they she put on her eyelids. Carmen wasnt good with that stuff. She looked up from the phone and gave a small nod,"I like to try new things, I wouldnt mind you giving me a makeover." she gave a small chuckle. She didnt wear makeup often, next to none. She didnt bother with it, with left her cheeks exposed with small freckles that werent covered along her cheeks, nose, and the sides of her face. She didnt bother with it, she didnt have the patience to do all of that like Chi could. It wasnt that she disliked it though, she wouldnt mind if Chi wanted her in a video or something. "A little makeup wouldnt hurt." she gave a small smile.
"Of course, that's a more formal look, I didn't think you'd like all on your face anyways. We'll start small," Chi smiled, glad she finally had something decent to upload for her restless subscribers, but even more glad that she would be able to spend more time with Carmen. Now, she was taking things slow. Nothing too professional, but nothing too casual. Something friendly, but not overstepping boundaries. Maybe Chi could get used to this, a break from clients before the rush of Halloween, hanging out with friends at a nice coffee shop. It was movie material.

Chi had been unsure whether Carmen would accept the offer or not, seeing how little makeup she wore, not really the type for the glamour, but maybe that's what Chi liked about her. How plain and real she was. Chi seemed fake, out of a storybook or a movie, but Carmen seemed real. She was natural. Beautiful. Sure, Chi liked her apartment and the people she met on occasion, even the recognition, maybe she liked all that. She was good at staying humble and no bragging about her life, more or less just stating it. But Chi needed to be grounded sometimes, and maybe CJ was the solution to that. Someone real, someone who didn't live in a movie-like dream world, but a real world, where taxes and broken hearts exist. Maybe it's just what Chi needed, even if she might not know it yet.

[graves]

"Of course, that's a more formal look, I didn't think you'd like all on your face anyways. We'll start small," Chi smiled, glad she finally had something decent to upload for her restless subscribers, but even more glad that she would be able to spend more time with Carmen. Now, she was taking things slow. Nothing too professional, but nothing too casual. Something friendly, but not overstepping boundaries. Maybe Chi could get used to this, a break from clients before the rush of Halloween, hanging out with friends at a nice coffee shop. It was movie material.

Chi had been unsure whether Carmen would accept the offer or not, seeing how little makeup she wore, not really the type for the glamour, but maybe that's what Chi liked about her. How plain and real she was. Chi seemed fake, out of a storybook or a movie, but Carmen seemed real. She was natural. Beautiful. Sure, Chi liked her apartment and the people she met on occasion, even the recognition, maybe she liked all that. She was good at staying humble and no bragging about her life, more or less just stating it. But Chi needed to be grounded sometimes, and maybe CJ was the solution to that. Someone real, someone who didn't live in a movie-like dream world, but a real world, where taxes and broken hearts exist. Maybe it's just what Chi needed, even if she might not know it yet.
"Small sounds nice," she gave another chuckle. Makeup made her nervous, but at the mention of something small made her nervousness ease a bit. It was still something new though, and Cj would be lying to say that she wasnt excited. It had been awhile since she had hung out with friends, coworkers, family, ect. Mainly indulging in hours of work, so it felt nice. It felt nice to not have to worry about all of that, to simply have all of her attention focused on the girl infront of her. The nervousness she had felt earlier was gone, feeling more comfortable around Chi more and more the more they talked. It felt easy to talk to her. Cj was dumb at social ques and emotions, not having much of a love life left her dull when realizing she had a growing school crush on the girl sitting across from her. All she knew was that whenever she was around her her heart would beat a little faster, and little things like how her voice sounded pretty over the phone. Though she brushed those feelings off, thinking it was just a normal friend thing. She wouldnt admit it, atleast not now. "When would you like to do this? I'll make sure to take the day off so Im not tired." she never thought shed say those words honestly. The last time she had the day off was yesterday, and that was only because she had a nightmare. Besides that, she hadnt had a day off in months. No need to really. But now, she had someone to hang out with. It felt nice.

[yummyluc]

"Small sounds nice," she gave another chuckle. Makeup made her nervous, but at the mention of something small made her nervousness ease a bit. It was still something new though, and Cj would be lying to say that she wasnt excited. It had been awhile since she had hung out with friends, coworkers, family, ect. Mainly indulging in hours of work, so it felt nice. It felt nice to not have to worry about all of that, to simply have all of her attention focused on the girl infront of her. The nervousness she had felt earlier was gone, feeling more comfortable around Chi more and more the more they talked. It felt easy to talk to her. Cj was dumb at social ques and emotions, not having much of a love life left her dull when realizing she had a growing school crush on the girl sitting across from her. All she knew was that whenever she was around her her heart would beat a little faster, and little things like how her voice sounded pretty over the phone. Though she brushed those feelings off, thinking it was just a normal friend thing. She wouldnt admit it, atleast not now. "When would you like to do this? I'll make sure to take the day off so Im not tired." she never thought shed say those words honestly. The last time she had the day off was yesterday, and that was only because she had a nightmare. Besides that, she hadnt had a day off in months. No need to really. But now, she had someone to hang out with. It felt nice.
Chi thought, since the day before, she'd actually felt like working with clients, mostly to get her mind off of CJ. After she'd met with Hana, she tweeted that he schedule was open for the next week, so she was booked from dawn till dusk with clients. She didn't want to tell CJ that, so she just cocked her head like she was thinking for a day and time.

"Well, maybe next week. I'm going to be busy this week, you know, and I'm a little rusty, so it'd give me an opportunity to--" She was cut off by the loud tone of her phone's ringtone. It was a very specific ringtone, and Chi knew exactly who it was, from the annoying song they'd chosen as their special ringtone. She picked it up, telling CJ it'd only be a moment and sliding the green icon to open.

"What's up, Ky?" She greeted.

[graves]

Chi thought, since the day before, she'd actually felt like working with clients, mostly to get her mind off of CJ. After she'd met with Hana, she tweeted that he schedule was open for the next week, so she was booked from dawn till dusk with clients. She didn't want to tell CJ that, so she just cocked her head like she was thinking for a day and time.

"Well, maybe next week. I'm going to be busy this week, you know, and I'm a little rusty, so it'd give me an opportunity to--" She was cut off by the loud tone of her phone's ringtone. It was a very specific ringtone, and Chi knew exactly who it was, from the annoying song they'd chosen as their special ringtone. She picked it up, telling CJ it'd only be a moment and sliding the green icon to open.

"What's up, Ky?" She greeted.
Carmen open her mouth the reply but quickly at being cut off from the phone call. Instead she simply played with the hem of her flannel sleeve or picked at the wrapper that held her coffee cup tight and snug. She thought about how she would look with make up on. She didnt know if she wanted to see the sight or not, but she was curious. She wasnt exactly the most beautiful person in the world, but she didnt feel the need to wear make up at all. Carmen rested her gaze on the table, half listening to whatever conversation Chi was having and half day dreaming. She wasnt surprised Chi had gotten a call, she seemed like a busy person as it was anyway.

[yummyluc]

Carmen open her mouth the reply but quickly at being cut off from the phone call. Instead she simply played with the hem of her flannel sleeve or picked at the wrapper that held her coffee cup tight and snug. She thought about how she would look with make up on. She didnt know if she wanted to see the sight or not, but she was curious. She wasnt exactly the most beautiful person in the world, but she didnt feel the need to wear make up at all. Carmen rested her gaze on the table, half listening to whatever conversation Chi was having and half day dreaming. She wasnt surprised Chi had gotten a call, she seemed like a busy person as it was anyway.
The conversation was almost silent, and fast. Mostly you could hear a loud, overzealous voice talking a little too fast to understand, and Chi's panicky tone as she tried to match the speed. You could tell from the exasperated sigh and soft mumbles and angry look at her phone that she'd been hung up on. She plastered on a smile.

"Sorry about that! My friend, Ky, he's a little... kindly put, quick? He's invited himself to this friendly meet up," Chi explained with a nervous chuckle. She loved the guy, she did. She was outgoing, he was outgoing, they had matching schedules. It was kind of perfect for the two of them. Kyran was her best friend, they lived in the same high rise apartment even! But Kyran was loud, excitable, over the top. Chi was quiet, easy, and pretty relaxed. Polar opposites, but best friends, what are the odds?

She clicked her tongue, taking a long sip of her drink before returning the conversation, "Ahem, anyway, I was saying it would give me an opportunity to get back into the swing of things."

[graves]

The conversation was almost silent, and fast. Mostly you could hear a loud, overzealous voice talking a little too fast to understand, and Chi's panicky tone as she tried to match the speed. You could tell from the exasperated sigh and soft mumbles and angry look at her phone that she'd been hung up on. She plastered on a smile.

"Sorry about that! My friend, Ky, he's a little... kindly put, quick? He's invited himself to this friendly meet up," Chi explained with a nervous chuckle. She loved the guy, she did. She was outgoing, he was outgoing, they had matching schedules. It was kind of perfect for the two of them. Kyran was her best friend, they lived in the same high rise apartment even! But Kyran was loud, excitable, over the top. Chi was quiet, easy, and pretty relaxed. Polar opposites, but best friends, what are the odds?

She clicked her tongue, taking a long sip of her drink before returning the conversation, "Ahem, anyway, I was saying it would give me an opportunity to get back into the swing of things."
Carmen only let out a loose chuckle,"Thats alright, Im that way with my friends at times." she thought back to her friend Casper. The two lived far apart but they texted almost everyday. The two were fairly close, not as close as they were in highschool, but close. She could still remember when Casper had transfered from Australia to America, new to everything and clueless. He eventually liked it here and stayed in america (Satisfying Mjs pleas to stay) and the two have been friends ever since. "Well I wouldnt want your friend to be a third wheel and all, I have a friend that I could call up if youd like, his name is Casper; sweet guy." she didnt want Chi to feel out of place with her friend interupting or anything, not that Cj minded it or anything, and didnt want her friend..Ky was it? To feel like a third wheel or something. Casper was a sweet guy and needed to get out of the bio lab more often anyway. "And next week sounds good, Im off all week anyway, taking a well need relaxation week like you suggested."

[yummyluc]

Carmen only let out a loose chuckle,"Thats alright, Im that way with my friends at times." she thought back to her friend Casper. The two lived far apart but they texted almost everyday. The two were fairly close, not as close as they were in highschool, but close. She could still remember when Casper had transfered from Australia to America, new to everything and clueless. He eventually liked it here and stayed in america (Satisfying Mjs pleas to stay) and the two have been friends ever since. "Well I wouldnt want your friend to be a third wheel and all, I have a friend that I could call up if youd like, his name is Casper; sweet guy." she didnt want Chi to feel out of place with her friend interupting or anything, not that Cj minded it or anything, and didnt want her friend..Ky was it? To feel like a third wheel or something. Casper was a sweet guy and needed to get out of the bio lab more often anyway. "And next week sounds good, Im off all week anyway, taking a well need relaxation week like you suggested."
Chi was surprised at CJ's offer. Another person? Well, Ky certainly wouldn't mind meeting new people, seeing how eager he was to join in on Chi and her not date at the moment. She smiled, taking another sip of her drink.

"Sure! Ky, he won't mind. Honestly, he needs more real friends, I'm honestly thinking I'm his only one." Chi laughed. It was true. Kyran, he was easily friendly but didn't make friends easily. Too loud, too flamboyant, things like that. It was sort of sad, but Chi was happy to be his friend. They evened each other out. But with Carmen coming into play, that might change. A new friend might be a good change for the guy.

Chi nodded, "Great! It'll be good to get my account up and running again. I don't post often, but it has been a while." That was true, she usually posted maybe twice a week, once at the beginning, one at the ending. But she's skipped a video every so often, she could tell her viewers were getting antsy and worried about her. Something fresh would calm them down.

[graves]

Chi was surprised at CJ's offer. Another person? Well, Ky certainly wouldn't mind meeting new people, seeing how eager he was to join in on Chi and her not date at the moment. She smiled, taking another sip of her drink.

"Sure! Ky, he won't mind. Honestly, he needs more real friends, I'm honestly thinking I'm his only one." Chi laughed. It was true. Kyran, he was easily friendly but didn't make friends easily. Too loud, too flamboyant, things like that. It was sort of sad, but Chi was happy to be his friend. They evened each other out. But with Carmen coming into play, that might change. A new friend might be a good change for the guy.

Chi nodded, "Great! It'll be good to get my account up and running again. I don't post often, but it has been a while." That was true, she usually posted maybe twice a week, once at the beginning, one at the ending. But she's skipped a video every so often, she could tell her viewers were getting antsy and worried about her. Something fresh would calm them down.
Carmen smiled, pulling out her phone for a second, sending a quick text message before hitting send and closing her phone. "I texted him, he lives far away but with the way he speeds he'll be here in no time." Caspers driving did concern Carmen at times, its why she always drove when they were together. "Well Caspers a neat guy, Im sure he'll take well to Kyran. He's shy but he warms up fast." it was true, he wouldnt be surprised if Casper didnt come, or made up an excuse not to come to a place two hours away from where he lived, to sit down with his friend and two strangers. The boy had major anxiety, but needed to break out of his shell; id be good for him. "I'll have to watch a few of your videos to see what Im signing up for." she laughed. She had never been on a youtube channel before, especially a rather popular one. Hearing the buzz of her phone she opened it and checked her texts, smiling at she read it. "He's on his way."

[yummyluc]

Carmen smiled, pulling out her phone for a second, sending a quick text message before hitting send and closing her phone. "I texted him, he lives far away but with the way he speeds he'll be here in no time." Caspers driving did concern Carmen at times, its why she always drove when they were together. "Well Caspers a neat guy, Im sure he'll take well to Kyran. He's shy but he warms up fast." it was true, he wouldnt be surprised if Casper didnt come, or made up an excuse not to come to a place two hours away from where he lived, to sit down with his friend and two strangers. The boy had major anxiety, but needed to break out of his shell; id be good for him. "I'll have to watch a few of your videos to see what Im signing up for." she laughed. She had never been on a youtube channel before, especially a rather popular one. Hearing the buzz of her phone she opened it and checked her texts, smiling at she read it. "He's on his way."
Hana gave Chi an exhausted look as she mentioned Kyran. Chi smiled and rolled her eyes, "Well, that's good, because Ky will act like you've already met after he learns your names. And--" For Hana's sake,"--suppose when they get here, we can get something to go and maybe hang out around the city? I know some gorgeous spots around here that you'll love, and I'm sure Ky will entertain you with stories of us. Mostly me, because I'm embarrassing, but still. It'll let your friend Casper get a small introduction to him. His small introduction is what I'd call my loud one, so, just a warning."

[cuRSES writer's block :'(]

[graves]

Hana gave Chi an exhausted look as she mentioned Kyran. Chi smiled and rolled her eyes, "Well, that's good, because Ky will act like you've already met after he learns your names. And--" For Hana's sake,"--suppose when they get here, we can get something to go and maybe hang out around the city? I know some gorgeous spots around here that you'll love, and I'm sure Ky will entertain you with stories of us. Mostly me, because I'm embarrassing, but still. It'll let your friend Casper get a small introduction to him. His small introduction is what I'd call my loud one, so, just a warning."

[cuRSES writer's block :'(]
[it ok its just a date on th go]
"Your friend sounds like a human airhorn," Carmen couldnt help but saying with a laugh. "But its alright,Casper needs to learn to socialize without me, poor guy gets nervous at times. Im sure his 'small' greeting will knock his socks off." she was sure Casper wouldnt appreciate having to drive two hours just to be left with a stranger, but she could deny some alone time with Chi. "A nice walk around the city seems nice though, I have some cool places of my own too." most of the places involved paranormal things from past job hunts, but there was one spot in particular that Cj liked to hangout at by herself when being alone in her to plain apartment got to much.

[yummyluc]

[it ok its just a date on th go]
"Your friend sounds like a human airhorn," Carmen couldnt help but saying with a laugh. "But its alright,Casper needs to learn to socialize without me, poor guy gets nervous at times. Im sure his 'small' greeting will knock his socks off." she was sure Casper wouldnt appreciate having to drive two hours just to be left with a stranger, but she could deny some alone time with Chi. "A nice walk around the city seems nice though, I have some cool places of my own too." most of the places involved paranormal things from past job hunts, but there was one spot in particular that Cj liked to hangout at by herself when being alone in her to plain apartment got to much.
Chi snorted at the comparison, "If I'm honest, he pretty much is. But he's like an older brother, y'know? He gets along with people, people just don't... get along with him." She swirled her coffee cup. She really loved Ky, but he needed to tone it down sometimes. He was an understanding guy and did quiet down when people needed it, though he needed a few hints. Sometimes more than a few.

"There's this gorgeous park just down the block, you might have seen it. It's absolutely stunning, there's a pond, and the trees are just fabulous in the fall, I think you'll like it! Oh, and there's this book store, you come off as someone who likes books, and if you don't, they have all the latest movies and music, but mostly books. It's really nice there, you'll probably enjoy the quiet, along with your friend Casper. I don't think I could bring Ky within ten feet of that place though, hah," And Chi could go on and on about her favourite places in the city, but she stopped herself. She wanted to hear about Carmen's favourite places. So she took a breath, remembering this was her opportunity to get to know the girl in front of her. So she stopped and smiled.

"But I want to know the places you like, Carmen. Where do you plan on taking me when they get here?"

[graves]

Chi snorted at the comparison, "If I'm honest, he pretty much is. But he's like an older brother, y'know? He gets along with people, people just don't... get along with him." She swirled her coffee cup. She really loved Ky, but he needed to tone it down sometimes. He was an understanding guy and did quiet down when people needed it, though he needed a few hints. Sometimes more than a few.

"There's this gorgeous park just down the block, you might have seen it. It's absolutely stunning, there's a pond, and the trees are just fabulous in the fall, I think you'll like it! Oh, and there's this book store, you come off as someone who likes books, and if you don't, they have all the latest movies and music, but mostly books. It's really nice there, you'll probably enjoy the quiet, along with your friend Casper. I don't think I could bring Ky within ten feet of that place though, hah," And Chi could go on and on about her favourite places in the city, but she stopped herself. She wanted to hear about Carmen's favourite places. So she took a breath, remembering this was her opportunity to get to know the girl in front of her. So she stopped and smiled.

"But I want to know the places you like, Carmen. Where do you plan on taking me when they get here?"
"I get that, Caspers like a lil bro to me, I like to take care of him." He had trouble talking to people, dealing with his nervousness and all at times it was hard to socialize. But the thoughts went away at hearing Chi talk. Carmen liked listen to Chi talk, even if it was about the simplest things. She blinked out of her small daze when asked a question,"Oh um, its nothing fancy but its close to the park. Its on a hill but its surrounded by a flower field. You cant really see it from the park since the trees block most of the view bit, its pretty." When works got stressful or Cj needed a place to nap at for a few hours, it was the simple place to go to. No body really knew about it, most people stayed within the fence guidelines and followed the rules. But Carmen was anything but that. "But I love books, I probably have tons of comics littered all over my house,"

[yummyluc]

"I get that, Caspers like a lil bro to me, I like to take care of him." He had trouble talking to people, dealing with his nervousness and all at times it was hard to socialize. But the thoughts went away at hearing Chi talk. Carmen liked listen to Chi talk, even if it was about the simplest things. She blinked out of her small daze when asked a question,"Oh um, its nothing fancy but its close to the park. Its on a hill but its surrounded by a flower field. You cant really see it from the park since the trees block most of the view bit, its pretty." When works got stressful or Cj needed a place to nap at for a few hours, it was the simple place to go to. No body really knew about it, most people stayed within the fence guidelines and followed the rules. But Carmen was anything but that. "But I love books, I probably have tons of comics littered all over my house,"
"Oh! They have tons of comics, basically every issue of everything you can think of! It's sort of an everything store, you know? My favourite books are from there. They also sell a ton of cute things! Like real feather quills or other pens with calligraphy tips. There are completely blank journals, some with lines. Planners, organisers, binders, really anything you can think of for stationary and journaling and things. It's a pretty awesome place if I'm honest. I know I don't look like it, but I'm a sucker for places like that. They're like my second home. " Chi found herself rambling, her face growing hot when she realised. She cleared her throat.

"Uhm, what are your favourite books? Er, comics?" She asked. She didn't want to talk about herself, at least, not unless Carmen asked. She wanted to talk about Carmen. She just knew that CJ was more than this 2D character she'd once seen her as. There has to be more. There's always more. That was the case with most people, including Ky.

[graves]

"Oh! They have tons of comics, basically every issue of everything you can think of! It's sort of an everything store, you know? My favourite books are from there. They also sell a ton of cute things! Like real feather quills or other pens with calligraphy tips. There are completely blank journals, some with lines. Planners, organisers, binders, really anything you can think of for stationary and journaling and things. It's a pretty awesome place if I'm honest. I know I don't look like it, but I'm a sucker for places like that. They're like my second home. " Chi found herself rambling, her face growing hot when she realised. She cleared her throat.

"Uhm, what are your favourite books? Er, comics?" She asked. She didn't want to talk about herself, at least, not unless Carmen asked. She wanted to talk about Carmen. She just knew that CJ was more than this 2D character she'd once seen her as. There has to be more. There's always more. That was the case with most people, including Ky.
Carmen thought for a moment,"I know it might seem sterotypical but Im a sucker for the Ghostbusters comics," she smiled at the thought of them,"me and my mom would read them together instead of bedtime stories, wacky stuff to read before bed to a kid but I always thought they were cool." but at hearing the book shop probably had every comic ever known to man there? it left Carmen simply excited. "Comics are where I learned how to draw too, inspired me to want to make a comic some day, Ive just been packed with work lately I havent had time to sit down and draw lately as much as a like to." which is true, work had been piling up now that it was close to halloween but, carmen felt that with Chi new things were instore. She didnt know the last time she had taken a break was, and now shed have a whole week. "Perhaspe I'll pick up a sketch book or two, you can teach me your ways of makeup and maybe I can teach you how to draw."

[yummyluc]

Carmen thought for a moment,"I know it might seem sterotypical but Im a sucker for the Ghostbusters comics," she smiled at the thought of them,"me and my mom would read them together instead of bedtime stories, wacky stuff to read before bed to a kid but I always thought they were cool." but at hearing the book shop probably had every comic ever known to man there? it left Carmen simply excited. "Comics are where I learned how to draw too, inspired me to want to make a comic some day, Ive just been packed with work lately I havent had time to sit down and draw lately as much as a like to." which is true, work had been piling up now that it was close to halloween but, carmen felt that with Chi new things were instore. She didnt know the last time she had taken a break was, and now shed have a whole week. "Perhaspe I'll pick up a sketch book or two, you can teach me your ways of makeup and maybe I can teach you how to draw."
Taking a long drink, Chi hummed at that. She'd wanted to be an artist, before she left Nigeria, she'd drawn on everything, including walls, which was one thing her mother didn't appreciate. She'd grown into makeup after she moved here, drawing away from her art quite literally. She could make a full face of makeup on anyone, but drawing an actual face was beyond her now. She giggled inwardly.

"Yes, that would be nice. I'd really like that." Chi picked at the paper wrapping her cup with Hana's logo on it, staring at the intricate designs they put into the colourful lids. Not that she didn't want to look at CJ, it was just that Chi was sure if she did, she'd end up staring.

[graves]

Taking a long drink, Chi hummed at that. She'd wanted to be an artist, before she left Nigeria, she'd drawn on everything, including walls, which was one thing her mother didn't appreciate. She'd grown into makeup after she moved here, drawing away from her art quite literally. She could make a full face of makeup on anyone, but drawing an actual face was beyond her now. She giggled inwardly.

"Yes, that would be nice. I'd really like that." Chi picked at the paper wrapping her cup with Hana's logo on it, staring at the intricate designs they put into the colourful lids. Not that she didn't want to look at CJ, it was just that Chi was sure if she did, she'd end up staring.
Carmen smiled before looking down at the napkins on the table. She had always had a creative instinct. She grew up in a rather creative household,music, art and reading was a common thing going on in her house, whether it was her father playing the drum in one room or her mother painting in another, Carmen had always had a creative drive. It meant she could look at a simple napkin like the next piece of paper. She picked up a napkin from the center of the table and pulled a pen out from her pocket- she always carried a spare drawing pen. It took her probably thirty seconds before she was done, a small chibi headshot version of Chi herself, similar to the last one that had her phone number on it, but more detailed. her style was more cartoony then anything else. She signed it with her name and the date, labeling the napkin at the top with "Coffee meet up" and slipped the napkin over to Chi with a smile,"I know you love social media n stuff but, I think this is a good picture to represent a nice hangout too."

[yummyluc]

Carmen smiled before looking down at the napkins on the table. She had always had a creative instinct. She grew up in a rather creative household,music, art and reading was a common thing going on in her house, whether it was her father playing the drum in one room or her mother painting in another, Carmen had always had a creative drive. It meant she could look at a simple napkin like the next piece of paper. She picked up a napkin from the center of the table and pulled a pen out from her pocket- she always carried a spare drawing pen. It took her probably thirty seconds before she was done, a small chibi headshot version of Chi herself, similar to the last one that had her phone number on it, but more detailed. her style was more cartoony then anything else. She signed it with her name and the date, labeling the napkin at the top with "Coffee meet up" and slipped the napkin over to Chi with a smile,"I know you love social media n stuff but, I think this is a good picture to represent a nice hangout too."
Chi pulled the napkin toward her, looking at it like it was a piece of an art gallery. She smiled warmly. For someone she'd only just met the day before, Carmen was a nice friend. Chi would be glad to have her as good a friend as Kyran. She took the napkin in her hands, looking at it a moment before carefully putting it in her handbag, folding the blank edges so it would fit in an empty back pocket. She'd probably end up taping it to her wall if she didn't frame it or put it in a scrapbook.

"Yeah, I can take the time to appreciate stuff like this. It's nice." Chi liked art and things like it. Hell, makeup is an art in itself. She was more into painting when she'd gotten into it, but all the stuff she'd used was still back at home. She wasn't familiar with anything here. She'd been so into modern, abstract pieces, or realistic pieces, that she forgot the charm of cartoons until now.

[graves]

Chi pulled the napkin toward her, looking at it like it was a piece of an art gallery. She smiled warmly. For someone she'd only just met the day before, Carmen was a nice friend. Chi would be glad to have her as good a friend as Kyran. She took the napkin in her hands, looking at it a moment before carefully putting it in her handbag, folding the blank edges so it would fit in an empty back pocket. She'd probably end up taping it to her wall if she didn't frame it or put it in a scrapbook.

"Yeah, I can take the time to appreciate stuff like this. It's nice." Chi liked art and things like it. Hell, makeup is an art in itself. She was more into painting when she'd gotten into it, but all the stuff she'd used was still back at home. She wasn't familiar with anything here. She'd been so into modern, abstract pieces, or realistic pieces, that she forgot the charm of cartoons until now.
She could only return with a warm smile when she took the napkin to place it in her pocket. Hearing the door of the cafe bell ring again, Cj turned her head and was greeted with a familiar face, Casper. The two hasnt seen eachother in awhile, them living on different send of town. Cj towered over him in height when she stood up, Giving him a hug and an excited greeting that made them both giggle. Once seated, Carmen looked towards Chi again,"Chi, this is Casper. He lives two hours away but got here in half an hour,Im surprised he beat your friend here." There had been countless lectures carmen had given Casper about his driving habits, but it was in one ear out the other with the this boy at times. Casper gave a small hello as a greeting, a bit nervous.

[yummyluc]

She could only return with a warm smile when she took the napkin to place it in her pocket. Hearing the door of the cafe bell ring again, Cj turned her head and was greeted with a familiar face, Casper. The two hasnt seen eachother in awhile, them living on different send of town. Cj towered over him in height when she stood up, Giving him a hug and an excited greeting that made them both giggle. Once seated, Carmen looked towards Chi again,"Chi, this is Casper. He lives two hours away but got here in half an hour,Im surprised he beat your friend here." There had been countless lectures carmen had given Casper about his driving habits, but it was in one ear out the other with the this boy at times. Casper gave a small hello as a greeting, a bit nervous.
The girl greeted him with a gentle smile, already sensing how nervous he was, and from what CJ had told her, he was more anxious than what he gave off. She gave a small wave and a sympathetic smile, the sighed, "Yeah, Ky's slow driver. He's pretty careful, plus he stops basically every five minutes to window shop." And that's the one thing that annoyed Chi to death if she ever let Kyran drive. So she usually said no, even if he pouted, and drove herself.

"He should be here soon though, there are not many stores the route we usually take, but who knows, maybe he got distracted." As she finished her sentence, a buzz came from her phone. He was here. Then, about half a second later, he came flying in with his usual loud intro. She sighed like an annoyed parent, and she could see Hana groan out of the corner of her eye. The shop owner liked to keep a quiet place around here, and Kyran did not help. Chi would've introduced him, but it seemed he already had that covered.

[graves]

The girl greeted him with a gentle smile, already sensing how nervous he was, and from what CJ had told her, he was more anxious than what he gave off. She gave a small wave and a sympathetic smile, the sighed, "Yeah, Ky's slow driver. He's pretty careful, plus he stops basically every five minutes to window shop." And that's the one thing that annoyed Chi to death if she ever let Kyran drive. So she usually said no, even if he pouted, and drove herself.

"He should be here soon though, there are not many stores the route we usually take, but who knows, maybe he got distracted." As she finished her sentence, a buzz came from her phone. He was here. Then, about half a second later, he came flying in with his usual loud intro. She sighed like an annoyed parent, and she could see Hana groan out of the corner of her eye. The shop owner liked to keep a quiet place around here, and Kyran did not help. Chi would've introduced him, but it seemed he already had that covered.
Hearing the loud greeting Carmen didnt even have to bother turning around to know who it was. It seemed Chi wasnt really lying when she said he was loud. Though Cj didnt mind, she had loud friends herself and was used to it after working with them so long. Casper seemed to jump at hearing the boys very loud introduction, Carmen placing a hand on his in comfort under the table in silent comfort. Carmen looked at Chi and raised an amused eyebrow,"Not too distracted Im guessing."

[yummyluc]

Hearing the loud greeting Carmen didnt even have to bother turning around to know who it was. It seemed Chi wasnt really lying when she said he was loud. Though Cj didnt mind, she had loud friends herself and was used to it after working with them so long. Casper seemed to jump at hearing the boys very loud introduction, Carmen placing a hand on his in comfort under the table in silent comfort. Carmen looked at Chi and raised an amused eyebrow,"Not too distracted Im guessing."
Chi huffed, rolling her eyes at her friend's antics. He was like a giant child, but in a more loveable way, "Yeah, something like that," Chi hummed with a light laugh, elbowing Ky in the leg and eyeing him to sit down. Otherwise, he might get kicked out by Hana just for being there. She could see the poor shop owner was doing her best to tolerate him.

"Since they're here, we should order some things and head to the park. Ky and Cas can get to know each other, and you can show me that quiet spot you told me about, yeah?" Chi offered, watching Ky already talking up Casper with immediate interest out of the corner of her eye.

[graves]

Chi huffed, rolling her eyes at her friend's antics. He was like a giant child, but in a more loveable way, "Yeah, something like that," Chi hummed with a light laugh, elbowing Ky in the leg and eyeing him to sit down. Otherwise, he might get kicked out by Hana just for being there. She could see the poor shop owner was doing her best to tolerate him.

"Since they're here, we should order some things and head to the park. Ky and Cas can get to know each other, and you can show me that quiet spot you told me about, yeah?" Chi offered, watching Ky already talking up Casper with immediate interest out of the corner of her eye.
Carmen nodded eagerly, giving a smile. Looking over to Casper, "Me and Chi have some stuff to do,enjoy your time with Kyran for a bit," the small boy only raised an eyebrow and glared at her with an unamused expression. It was a better reaction then Carmen was expecting to get, "Ditch me so you can go on a date, I'll text you later." Carmen sputtered of course, "Its not a date!" she have whispered half yelled out of earshot of Chi. Casper didnt argue, it seemed like he was having a good conversation with the other boy which only made Carmen curious. Anyways, Carmen stood up in a stretch before walking up to the front desk and asking for the usual for both her and Chi. She figured by now Hana knew what Chi wanted so she didnt have to explain yourself. Quickly walking back with the new to go drinks she handed the other girls hers with a smile,"Here you go madame, only the finest."

[yummyluc]

Carmen nodded eagerly, giving a smile. Looking over to Casper, "Me and Chi have some stuff to do,enjoy your time with Kyran for a bit," the small boy only raised an eyebrow and glared at her with an unamused expression. It was a better reaction then Carmen was expecting to get, "Ditch me so you can go on a date, I'll text you later." Carmen sputtered of course, "Its not a date!" she have whispered half yelled out of earshot of Chi. Casper didnt argue, it seemed like he was having a good conversation with the other boy which only made Carmen curious. Anyways, Carmen stood up in a stretch before walking up to the front desk and asking for the usual for both her and Chi. She figured by now Hana knew what Chi wanted so she didnt have to explain yourself. Quickly walking back with the new to go drinks she handed the other girls hers with a smile,"Here you go madame, only the finest."
Chi found herself blushing at the way CJ had addressed her, and she giggled, taking the cup from her hand as she stood up. She felt Ky tap her shoulder, and when she looked, he was giving her a wink and a crooked grin. She flicked him on the side of the head, then gave it a quick kiss before going around him and opening the door for Carmen, beckoning her with her free hand.

"Come along, m'lady, the park awaits," She said in the poshest voice she could muster, not stopping herself when she ended it with a grin and a half snort, ushering the other girl out with a swooping motion of her arms.

[graves]

Chi found herself blushing at the way CJ had addressed her, and she giggled, taking the cup from her hand as she stood up. She felt Ky tap her shoulder, and when she looked, he was giving her a wink and a crooked grin. She flicked him on the side of the head, then gave it a quick kiss before going around him and opening the door for Carmen, beckoning her with her free hand.

"Come along, m'lady, the park awaits," She said in the poshest voice she could muster, not stopping herself when she ended it with a grin and a half snort, ushering the other girl out with a swooping motion of her arms.
Carmen couldnt help but join in with the giggles, giving a snort aswel,"Were such nerds." this felt..real. she wasnt worrying about crushes or feelings at the moment, simply focusing her attention on the girl next to her as she walked outside. It was a nice day, still the afternoon and was growing a bit chilly since fall was approaching. But it was nice, the sun wasnt to bright and there was a nice breeze. "You dont seem like a rule breaker, but to get to this place were going to have to hop a few fences," even walking down the street with Chi Cj could tell how much of opposites they were. Carmens hair up in dreads in a messy bun with simple flannel and jeans, while it seemed Chi was dressing for an award show; everything milky pink and matching. "Despite the fences, its worth it I can assure you."

[yummyluc]

Carmen couldnt help but join in with the giggles, giving a snort aswel,"Were such nerds." this felt..real. she wasnt worrying about crushes or feelings at the moment, simply focusing her attention on the girl next to her as she walked outside. It was a nice day, still the afternoon and was growing a bit chilly since fall was approaching. But it was nice, the sun wasnt to bright and there was a nice breeze. "You dont seem like a rule breaker, but to get to this place were going to have to hop a few fences," even walking down the street with Chi Cj could tell how much of opposites they were. Carmens hair up in dreads in a messy bun with simple flannel and jeans, while it seemed Chi was dressing for an award show; everything milky pink and matching. "Despite the fences, its worth it I can assure you."
"Honey, I've hopped plenty of fences. Just not here," Chi almost gloated with a wink. She'd been something of a trouble maker back home, breaking rules wasn't new to her. But that was her reputation there, and it sort of stuck. Here, she was a sweet girl who knew her way around makeup, nothing like the trouble child back home. It must've been an odd sight, seeing Chi and her formal self skipping down the sidewalk buddying with a girl that looked the exact opposite of her. Even when she walked with Ky, they were close and shared similar interests. The famous with the famous. The most famous Chi had ever seen CJ was in the new paper. But that really didn't matter to her right then. Carmen was her friend. A nice friend, someone she was getting to know. She didn't care about money or sales or clients right then, she just cared about spending time with Carmen. Chi was so worried about all that stuff, she didn't even realise she'd forgotten about it until CJ had walked through her apartment door.

[graves]

"Honey, I've hopped plenty of fences. Just not here," Chi almost gloated with a wink. She'd been something of a trouble maker back home, breaking rules wasn't new to her. But that was her reputation there, and it sort of stuck. Here, she was a sweet girl who knew her way around makeup, nothing like the trouble child back home. It must've been an odd sight, seeing Chi and her formal self skipping down the sidewalk buddying with a girl that looked the exact opposite of her. Even when she walked with Ky, they were close and shared similar interests. The famous with the famous. The most famous Chi had ever seen CJ was in the new paper. But that really didn't matter to her right then. Carmen was her friend. A nice friend, someone she was getting to know. She didn't care about money or sales or clients right then, she just cared about spending time with Carmen. Chi was so worried about all that stuff, she didn't even realise she'd forgotten about it until CJ had walked through her apartment door.
The walk wasnt that far, maybe a block or two away which wasnt bad at all. But Carmen could only raise and eyebrow,"I didnt know fashionistas could break rules, Im surprised." her grin didnt fade. She wasnt to surprised though, Chi seemed sweet but tough and could probably hop a few fences in those pink shoes she was wearing. Carmen liked walking around the streets, she preferred it to walking, liking to get the fresh air and the vibe of busy street shopping, and general street life. At times there would be sample foods outside or kids playing to close to the rode with their basketballs; it was nice. Soon enough they came to the park entrance. "aight, this place is so awesome that I want you to cover your eyes m'lady, I'll just..carry you over the fence or something. Dont wanna spoil the surprise." she was excited to say the least; to be able to share one of her prized hangout spots with someone, a place that was relatively secret to the public.

[yummyluc]

The walk wasnt that far, maybe a block or two away which wasnt bad at all. But Carmen could only raise and eyebrow,"I didnt know fashionistas could break rules, Im surprised." her grin didnt fade. She wasnt to surprised though, Chi seemed sweet but tough and could probably hop a few fences in those pink shoes she was wearing. Carmen liked walking around the streets, she preferred it to walking, liking to get the fresh air and the vibe of busy street shopping, and general street life. At times there would be sample foods outside or kids playing to close to the rode with their basketballs; it was nice. Soon enough they came to the park entrance. "aight, this place is so awesome that I want you to cover your eyes m'lady, I'll just..carry you over the fence or something. Dont wanna spoil the surprise." she was excited to say the least; to be able to share one of her prized hangout spots with someone, a place that was relatively secret to the public.
Chi sighed, "I'll cover my eyes if you're carrying my drink," She offered with a grin, narrowing her eyes as she held out her drink. She'd learned how to hop fences in dresses a long time ago, they'd be no problem. She could do them with her eyes closed. But, if Carmen was offering to carry her, she wouldn't decline.

She probably would have known about this place if she wasn't so keen on keeping her image. Hopefully, Carmen would help preserve that.

[graves]

Chi sighed, "I'll cover my eyes if you're carrying my drink," She offered with a grin, narrowing her eyes as she held out her drink. She'd learned how to hop fences in dresses a long time ago, they'd be no problem. She could do them with her eyes closed. But, if Carmen was offering to carry her, she wouldn't decline.

She probably would have known about this place if she wasn't so keen on keeping her image. Hopefully, Carmen would help preserve that.
"Sounds good to me," Carmen could only grin back when taking her cup. At first she was hesitant, but she took Chis hand in hers. She was only holding her hand to lead her,atleast thats what she kept telling herself. Her friends coffee was tight in her grip and wasnt going no where, her other hand was busy holding Chis. She started to walk, leading the way. The park was pretty at a time like this, wasnt to cold and wasnt to hot for anything. It was nice, and the park didnt have to many people in it which was good. "I think you'll like it, the flowers there remind me of the yellow sundress you wore when I first met you." the hill a bit beyond the park was pretty, a large flower field surrounding it. There were a mixture of so many flowers, and so many colors. But there were also sunflowers there; those were Carmens favorite. Bright and yellow and not a typical flower youd see growing in someones garden. She liked that. Once deep in thought she didnt realize that they were pretty much by the fence, she turned to her,"Were gonna have to piggy back it, not gonna pull a bridal style pick up as much as I want to."

[yummyluc]

"Sounds good to me," Carmen could only grin back when taking her cup. At first she was hesitant, but she took Chis hand in hers. She was only holding her hand to lead her,atleast thats what she kept telling herself. Her friends coffee was tight in her grip and wasnt going no where, her other hand was busy holding Chis. She started to walk, leading the way. The park was pretty at a time like this, wasnt to cold and wasnt to hot for anything. It was nice, and the park didnt have to many people in it which was good. "I think you'll like it, the flowers there remind me of the yellow sundress you wore when I first met you." the hill a bit beyond the park was pretty, a large flower field surrounding it. There were a mixture of so many flowers, and so many colors. But there were also sunflowers there; those were Carmens favorite. Bright and yellow and not a typical flower youd see growing in someones garden. She liked that. Once deep in thought she didnt realize that they were pretty much by the fence, she turned to her,"Were gonna have to piggy back it, not gonna pull a bridal style pick up as much as I want to."
Clicking her tongue, Chi snorted, "Elegant." She laughed, shutting her eyes and adjusting her glasses as she held out her arms to grab onto Carmen, "Ready when you are." It was new for Chi to trust someone so easily. Ky had been a struggle all on its own, but they'd gotten over it. Now, some stranger she barely knew was taking her to a 'special place' with her eyes closed? That sounded like a sketchy sentence just by itself. But Chi felt safe with Carmen. She trusted her. And she wasn't one to trust easily since she moved here, she'd been wary about every move. She barely trusted her clients!

Nonetheless, Chi was excited. Carmen was someone knew, she'd never really met anyone quite like her. It was strange, in an oddly good way.

[graves]

Clicking her tongue, Chi snorted, "Elegant." She laughed, shutting her eyes and adjusting her glasses as she held out her arms to grab onto Carmen, "Ready when you are." It was new for Chi to trust someone so easily. Ky had been a struggle all on its own, but they'd gotten over it. Now, some stranger she barely knew was taking her to a 'special place' with her eyes closed? That sounded like a sketchy sentence just by itself. But Chi felt safe with Carmen. She trusted her. And she wasn't one to trust easily since she moved here, she'd been wary about every move. She barely trusted her clients!

Nonetheless, Chi was excited. Carmen was someone knew, she'd never really met anyone quite like her. It was strange, in an oddly good way.
Bending down Carmen lifted the girl with ease. She was no ripped muscle man, but running a lot during jobs sure did pay off. The dropped Chis cup on the other side of the fence, it landing perfectly in the grass with not one drop spilled. Holding Chi on her back was easy, tucking her arms under the girls legs easily. She huffed, looking at the fence. Letting one hand free she propped a leg over the fence, her hand balancing her out and slipping the over one over with ease, and soon she was on the ground on the other side. "Do you want down or for me just to carry you the whole way there." carmen said jokingly, but she didnt mind either way. Chi was fairly light and it was easier then leading her around as much as Carmen liked to hold her hand.

[yummyluc]

Bending down Carmen lifted the girl with ease. She was no ripped muscle man, but running a lot during jobs sure did pay off. The dropped Chis cup on the other side of the fence, it landing perfectly in the grass with not one drop spilled. Holding Chi on her back was easy, tucking her arms under the girls legs easily. She huffed, looking at the fence. Letting one hand free she propped a leg over the fence, her hand balancing her out and slipping the over one over with ease, and soon she was on the ground on the other side. "Do you want down or for me just to carry you the whole way there." carmen said jokingly, but she didnt mind either way. Chi was fairly light and it was easier then leading her around as much as Carmen liked to hold her hand.
Chi had wrapped her arms around Carmen's shoulders, not tight enough to choke her any, but enough to keep herself in place. She hooked her legs around the other girl's thin frame, doing her best not to scratch her up with her shoes. She almost yelped as they hopped the fence, scrambling to keep her place. She relaxed once she felt them touch the ground, but instead of hopping off, scooted herself back into place.

She hummed like she was thinking about her question, but just sort of rested her head on her shoulder, "My legs are short," Was all Chi said before laughing lightly and relaxing onto Carmen's back.

[graves]

Chi had wrapped her arms around Carmen's shoulders, not tight enough to choke her any, but enough to keep herself in place. She hooked her legs around the other girl's thin frame, doing her best not to scratch her up with her shoes. She almost yelped as they hopped the fence, scrambling to keep her place. She relaxed once she felt them touch the ground, but instead of hopping off, scooted herself back into place.

She hummed like she was thinking about her question, but just sort of rested her head on her shoulder, "My legs are short," Was all Chi said before laughing lightly and relaxing onto Carmen's back.
Carmen only snorted in response,"I dont mind giving the princess a ride." the walk wasnt the far, past a few trees and they were there. She didnt mind carrying Chi, even if her excuse was simply because she was short. Walking, it was silent besides Cjs humming of an unidentifiable tune. She liked places like this, where it was calm and it seemed the world hadnt touched it yet with civilization. The sun was peaking through the trees, creating pretty dappled patterns on the ground as she walked. Soon enough the trees thinned out and to a more steep area, and carmen knew she had found the place. At the top of the hill you could see the rest of the hills, which where covered in flowers. Climbing up eagerly she secured her grip on Chi till she finally reached the top. "You can open your eyes now," it was more of a valley then simple hill; covered with bright flowers that were scattered along the fresh green grass;untouched by people and construction.

[yummyluc]

Carmen only snorted in response,"I dont mind giving the princess a ride." the walk wasnt the far, past a few trees and they were there. She didnt mind carrying Chi, even if her excuse was simply because she was short. Walking, it was silent besides Cjs humming of an unidentifiable tune. She liked places like this, where it was calm and it seemed the world hadnt touched it yet with civilization. The sun was peaking through the trees, creating pretty dappled patterns on the ground as she walked. Soon enough the trees thinned out and to a more steep area, and carmen knew she had found the place. At the top of the hill you could see the rest of the hills, which where covered in flowers. Climbing up eagerly she secured her grip on Chi till she finally reached the top. "You can open your eyes now," it was more of a valley then simple hill; covered with bright flowers that were scattered along the fresh green grass;untouched by people and construction.
First, one eye opened, then the other. Instead of dropping down, Chi put her hands on Carmen's shoulders and pushed herself up, eyes widening in awe. When CJ said the place was beautiful, she was lying. It was stunningly gorgeous. Just the sheer abundance of flowers was appalling. The distant trees turning yellow and orange, the soft colours of the valley meadow. It had no words. Everything reflected in her glasses. It was as if it hadn't even been seen by human eyes.

Slowly, Chi slid off of Carmen's back, the grass and foliage reaching up past her ankles. She took a few steps forward, still not saying anything. She took another step and... fell.

A yelp escaped her as she tumbled downwards, leaving a trail in the untouched grass. It didn't hurt, with so many untouched greenery, so she didn't try to stop herself. She rolled down the hill a short way to the bottom, somehow landing upright. Dizzy, but upright. She straightened her crooked glasses and brushed off some of the plants that'd come off the ground and caught onto her.

[graves]

First, one eye opened, then the other. Instead of dropping down, Chi put her hands on Carmen's shoulders and pushed herself up, eyes widening in awe. When CJ said the place was beautiful, she was lying. It was stunningly gorgeous. Just the sheer abundance of flowers was appalling. The distant trees turning yellow and orange, the soft colours of the valley meadow. It had no words. Everything reflected in her glasses. It was as if it hadn't even been seen by human eyes.

Slowly, Chi slid off of Carmen's back, the grass and foliage reaching up past her ankles. She took a few steps forward, still not saying anything. She took another step and... fell.

A yelp escaped her as she tumbled downwards, leaving a trail in the untouched grass. It didn't hurt, with so many untouched greenery, so she didn't try to stop herself. She rolled down the hill a short way to the bottom, somehow landing upright. Dizzy, but upright. She straightened her crooked glasses and brushed off some of the plants that'd come off the ground and caught onto her.
Oh boy. With such long silky grass under foot instead of falling Carmen slid down the hill a bit, the grass sliding easy under her worn out converse soles. Once reaching to where Chi was and bent down, bruching a few strands of stray grass from the other girls hair,"Are you okay? That looked like quote the tumble you took there," she felt kind of bad even if she knew it wasnt her fault that Chi was injured, so the least she could do was see if she was okay.

[yummyluc]

Oh boy. With such long silky grass under foot instead of falling Carmen slid down the hill a bit, the grass sliding easy under her worn out converse soles. Once reaching to where Chi was and bent down, bruching a few strands of stray grass from the other girls hair,"Are you okay? That looked like quote the tumble you took there," she felt kind of bad even if she knew it wasnt her fault that Chi was injured, so the least she could do was see if she was okay.
Chi picked herself up, dusting off her dress and batting Carmen's hand away, "It was nothing, Carmen. I'm fine." Petals and leaves sprinkled in her puffy hair, and she picked out a few but didn't bother with some she couldn't quite reach. It was really nothing, she'd taken worse falls, coming through without fault. The landing had been soft, mostly in the lush flowers rather than any rocks or dirt.

"How'd you find this place?" She asked, picking up a flower she'd pulled loose and tucking it behind her ear.

[graves]

Chi picked herself up, dusting off her dress and batting Carmen's hand away, "It was nothing, Carmen. I'm fine." Petals and leaves sprinkled in her puffy hair, and she picked out a few but didn't bother with some she couldn't quite reach. It was really nothing, she'd taken worse falls, coming through without fault. The landing had been soft, mostly in the lush flowers rather than any rocks or dirt.

"How'd you find this place?" She asked, picking up a flower she'd pulled loose and tucking it behind her ear.
Carmen stayed crouched down, instead just flopping backwards into the plush flowers under her and looking up at Chi to answer her question. "Sometimes life just gets to much, my apartment gets to quiet so I come out here often. I found it when searching for places to break into for my job, never told a soul about it. I like to keep this place to myself." she replied, shifting her arms so the were under her head. And it was true. She got lonely at times, or her apartment felt to small with with her in it-to empty. Here she was surrounded by flowers and plants in the open. "Sometimes I nap here, sounds weird but its relaxing when I have nothing to do. Just me and the stars for a night."

[yummyluc]

Carmen stayed crouched down, instead just flopping backwards into the plush flowers under her and looking up at Chi to answer her question. "Sometimes life just gets to much, my apartment gets to quiet so I come out here often. I found it when searching for places to break into for my job, never told a soul about it. I like to keep this place to myself." she replied, shifting her arms so the were under her head. And it was true. She got lonely at times, or her apartment felt to small with with her in it-to empty. Here she was surrounded by flowers and plants in the open. "Sometimes I nap here, sounds weird but its relaxing when I have nothing to do. Just me and the stars for a night."
After fixing her dress, Chi nodded, flopping back down onto her backside, leaning back on her hands, looking up to the other side of the valley, "Yeah," She said softly, "It's not weird. Sometimes, my apartment feels too big, just me there. I can't have any pets. That's why I hang around Hana's shop so much. Other people, noise, smaller space. I guess that's sort of counterproductive for you," Chi sighed, leaning back beside Carmen, folding her arms over her stomach as she sank into the flowers, "It's nice though. I can't even hear the city noise anymore."

[graves]

After fixing her dress, Chi nodded, flopping back down onto her backside, leaning back on her hands, looking up to the other side of the valley, "Yeah," She said softly, "It's not weird. Sometimes, my apartment feels too big, just me there. I can't have any pets. That's why I hang around Hana's shop so much. Other people, noise, smaller space. I guess that's sort of counterproductive for you," Chi sighed, leaning back beside Carmen, folding her arms over her stomach as she sank into the flowers, "It's nice though. I can't even hear the city noise anymore."
"When I get bored or overwhelmed I get claustrophobic I guess- just need a breather." It was a habit of hers to like to run away from everything. She had to reason to stay in place besides her stable job. Nothing was really keeping her in this city. Everyday it was was the same thing. Work, passout, wake up alone and watch tv and work again. But lately she had been hanging out with Chi and things seemed to be a bit better. She didnt want to over think it but she had a reason to stay now, to not run off when things got to hard. To work things out and put effort into something that wasnt work related to work. A friendship. "I like that you cant hear the city, you can truely tune stuff out here."

[yummyluc]

"When I get bored or overwhelmed I get claustrophobic I guess- just need a breather." It was a habit of hers to like to run away from everything. She had to reason to stay in place besides her stable job. Nothing was really keeping her in this city. Everyday it was was the same thing. Work, passout, wake up alone and watch tv and work again. But lately she had been hanging out with Chi and things seemed to be a bit better. She didnt want to over think it but she had a reason to stay now, to not run off when things got to hard. To work things out and put effort into something that wasnt work related to work. A friendship. "I like that you cant hear the city, you can truely tune stuff out here."
Chi nodded in understanding, the blue sky going straight through her glasses and reflecting in her eyes. How did she get here? One day, she goes from being a busy woman that couldn't spare a second to not let her coffee go cold, and then the next, she's buddying up with someone she barely knows, laying in a field of flowers, forgetting about the city she called home. Was this even real anymore? It seemed too fake, too good to be true. She turned her head to look at the lanky girl beside her. She was real. Chi didn't even have to touch her to know that, she just... it was just real. She sat up, leaving the flowers and petals sticking to her hair, she didn't mind. She took a deep breath. The air was different. Cleaner. The city wasn't far away, but here? It barely existed. Chi liked that.

She hummed, looking over to a nearby flower, somehow untouched by her fall. It was darker than the others around it, a shade of pretty red. She clipped the stem with her nail, picking it up and bringing it close to her. It was clean and sweet-smelling. She turned to Carmen, leaning down and pressing the flower behind her ear. Chi smiled, then turned back to the scenery.

[graves]

Chi nodded in understanding, the blue sky going straight through her glasses and reflecting in her eyes. How did she get here? One day, she goes from being a busy woman that couldn't spare a second to not let her coffee go cold, and then the next, she's buddying up with someone she barely knows, laying in a field of flowers, forgetting about the city she called home. Was this even real anymore? It seemed too fake, too good to be true. She turned her head to look at the lanky girl beside her. She was real. Chi didn't even have to touch her to know that, she just... it was just real. She sat up, leaving the flowers and petals sticking to her hair, she didn't mind. She took a deep breath. The air was different. Cleaner. The city wasn't far away, but here? It barely existed. Chi liked that.

She hummed, looking over to a nearby flower, somehow untouched by her fall. It was darker than the others around it, a shade of pretty red. She clipped the stem with her nail, picking it up and bringing it close to her. It was clean and sweet-smelling. She turned to Carmen, leaning down and pressing the flower behind her ear. Chi smiled, then turned back to the scenery.
After the flower was tucked behind her ear she couldnt stop smiling. She didnt know why the small little innocent action had done so much to brighten her already good mood, but it did. She sat up along with Chi, not caring if flowers were tangled in her dreads and shifting so they sat a bit closer. Blue eyes gazed at the scenery. She may have not known Chi for very long, not even a full 72 hours, but this felt genuine. A few weeks ago she was a workaholic, working until she passed out asoon as her face hit the pillow. But here she was, taking a week off, sitting in a flower field with a friend.

[yummyluc]

After the flower was tucked behind her ear she couldnt stop smiling. She didnt know why the small little innocent action had done so much to brighten her already good mood, but it did. She sat up along with Chi, not caring if flowers were tangled in her dreads and shifting so they sat a bit closer. Blue eyes gazed at the scenery. She may have not known Chi for very long, not even a full 72 hours, but this felt genuine. A few weeks ago she was a workaholic, working until she passed out asoon as her face hit the pillow. But here she was, taking a week off, sitting in a flower field with a friend.
There was a long, comfortable quiet. Just the sounds of friendly bugs and Chi's humming. She played with a loose curl, taking some of the nearby flora and putting it in her afro-bun. She smoothed down her dress and ran her fingers through the grass.

"Wannan ji kamar gida..." She whispered softly, eyes scanning the skyline. This feels like home. Chi didn't know Carmen's last name, but it felt okay here. She trusted her. Chi could usually tell a good person from a bad one, but there was something about CJ that bit at her. It wasn't something bad, and that's what really threw her off.

[graves]

There was a long, comfortable quiet. Just the sounds of friendly bugs and Chi's humming. She played with a loose curl, taking some of the nearby flora and putting it in her afro-bun. She smoothed down her dress and ran her fingers through the grass.

"Wannan ji kamar gida..." She whispered softly, eyes scanning the skyline. This feels like home. Chi didn't know Carmen's last name, but it felt okay here. She trusted her. Chi could usually tell a good person from a bad one, but there was something about CJ that bit at her. It wasn't something bad, and that's what really threw her off.
Carmen had no idea what she had just said, only knowing English and all, but she decided not to question it. She was afraid if she said anything shed break the peace of the place. But Cj couldnt get rid of that feeling. It was like a giddy bubbly feeling that made her heart beat a little bit faster. Maybe it was because Chi seemed like a good person, and so far a good friend. And that was always exciting, but this was a different type of excitement. She brushed it off, fingers wandering to the flower Chi had placed in her hair. She looked over and she couldnt help but stare. The vibrant flowers that seemed to be like magnets were gorgeous against her dark hair, glasses reflecting the sky as she looked at it. She looked away, not wanting to seem weird. But she made sure to take a mental image, she draw it someday.

[yummyluc]

Carmen had no idea what she had just said, only knowing English and all, but she decided not to question it. She was afraid if she said anything shed break the peace of the place. But Cj couldnt get rid of that feeling. It was like a giddy bubbly feeling that made her heart beat a little bit faster. Maybe it was because Chi seemed like a good person, and so far a good friend. And that was always exciting, but this was a different type of excitement. She brushed it off, fingers wandering to the flower Chi had placed in her hair. She looked over and she couldnt help but stare. The vibrant flowers that seemed to be like magnets were gorgeous against her dark hair, glasses reflecting the sky as she looked at it. She looked away, not wanting to seem weird. But she made sure to take a mental image, she draw it someday.
Chi crossed her legs, sitting like a kindergartener with her hands in her lap. The sun shined overhead. It was midday. How long had they been there? Hours, really? The sun felt as if it had risen only seconds ago, but now it was already looming over their heads. Where was Kyran? What about the other guy, Casper? She began to worry about them. Kyran, she trusted, and although Casper didn't seem much of a threat, she only knew the boy's name. Kyran was the closest thing she had to family in the states.

She looked at her bag, tempted to take out her phone and call. She looked at Carmen, then decided against it. She took the purse strap off of her shoulders, setting it aside and scooting closer to CJ. The scene was nice, and Ky was probably having fun anyways. She wouldn't ruin it by worrying.

[graves]

Chi crossed her legs, sitting like a kindergartener with her hands in her lap. The sun shined overhead. It was midday. How long had they been there? Hours, really? The sun felt as if it had risen only seconds ago, but now it was already looming over their heads. Where was Kyran? What about the other guy, Casper? She began to worry about them. Kyran, she trusted, and although Casper didn't seem much of a threat, she only knew the boy's name. Kyran was the closest thing she had to family in the states.

She looked at her bag, tempted to take out her phone and call. She looked at Carmen, then decided against it. She took the purse strap off of her shoulders, setting it aside and scooting closer to CJ. The scene was nice, and Ky was probably having fun anyways. She wouldn't ruin it by worrying.
As Chi shifted closer to her she felt some sort of contentment. It seemed right. She didnt even notice her hands moving closer to the other girls until she felt the warmth of the others hands. Hopefully Chi would freak out or anything, or think she was just some creep taking her out in the middle of no where just to make moves on her,no, she would never do that. It wasnt a gesture to anything, just a simple action of holding hands. She didnt know why she did it but it felt right. They were enjoying a moment together of the view, a nice personal moment. She kept her eyes on the hills as she grabbed her hand.

[yummyluc]

As Chi shifted closer to her she felt some sort of contentment. It seemed right. She didnt even notice her hands moving closer to the other girls until she felt the warmth of the others hands. Hopefully Chi would freak out or anything, or think she was just some creep taking her out in the middle of no where just to make moves on her,no, she would never do that. It wasnt a gesture to anything, just a simple action of holding hands. She didnt know why she did it but it felt right. They were enjoying a moment together of the view, a nice personal moment. She kept her eyes on the hills as she grabbed her hand.
Chi didn't even bat an eye when CJ grabbed her hand. In any case, she held Carmen's back. It didn't mean anything, Kyran held her hand all the time, it was just a thing friends did, right? Even if her heart beat a little faster and her face started to heat up, it was a friend thing, that's all. It was warm outside, that's all. It didn't mean anything, it was nothing. Carmen was her friend, and this was a one hundred percent platonic thing to do.

There was a calm silence. Then, Chi spoke, soft and gentle, not to shatter the silence, just loud enough for CJ to hear, "This feels like home," She said, then turned to look at the other girl with a smile, "That's what I said. Wannan ji kamar gida."

[graves]

Chi didn't even bat an eye when CJ grabbed her hand. In any case, she held Carmen's back. It didn't mean anything, Kyran held her hand all the time, it was just a thing friends did, right? Even if her heart beat a little faster and her face started to heat up, it was a friend thing, that's all. It was warm outside, that's all. It didn't mean anything, it was nothing. Carmen was her friend, and this was a one hundred percent platonic thing to do.

There was a calm silence. Then, Chi spoke, soft and gentle, not to shatter the silence, just loud enough for CJ to hear, "This feels like home," She said, then turned to look at the other girl with a smile, "That's what I said. Wannan ji kamar gida."
She turned her head when Chis words caught her attention. Home? Carmen could only respond with a smile. "It does feel like home- I dont think I could ever leave." whenever she came here she was always lost in thought to the point shed be here for hours, and next thing you know it would sundown, and Carmen would spend a whole day gazing. It was nice to be here with someone else. Not necessarily to talk but to just enjoy the moment with. "I didnt know our coffee meet up would end up like this, but Im kinda glad it did." either way shed be spending time with Chi so it didnt matter. "Its nice to be here with you."

[yummyluc]

She turned her head when Chis words caught her attention. Home? Carmen could only respond with a smile. "It does feel like home- I dont think I could ever leave." whenever she came here she was always lost in thought to the point shed be here for hours, and next thing you know it would sundown, and Carmen would spend a whole day gazing. It was nice to be here with someone else. Not necessarily to talk but to just enjoy the moment with. "I didnt know our coffee meet up would end up like this, but Im kinda glad it did." either way shed be spending time with Chi so it didnt matter. "Its nice to be here with you."
Chi hummed, sitting up but keeping their hands together, "It's nice to be with you." She said, barely above a whisper, not knowing if Carmen heard her or not. One hundred percent platonic. Nothing more. She reached for her bag, taking out her phone and opening a message. She wouldn't call him, but she needed to know where he was, and if Casper was with him if they were okay.

'Where are you? Is Casper with you?' She hit send, staring at the screen until she got a reply. Read. Typing. Received.

'@ tht old camping spot i should u hes here he wanted to take som pics' God his typing was infuriating.

'Ok, make sure he gets home OK." And she put her phone next to her bag, laying back down, still hand in hand with Carmen. The sky started to turn orange.

"The sun will set soon," She murmured, closing her eyes. Honestly, she could probably sleep there. Just her, and Carmen, hand in hand. She liked it that way.

[graves]

Chi hummed, sitting up but keeping their hands together, "It's nice to be with you." She said, barely above a whisper, not knowing if Carmen heard her or not. One hundred percent platonic. Nothing more. She reached for her bag, taking out her phone and opening a message. She wouldn't call him, but she needed to know where he was, and if Casper was with him if they were okay.

'Where are you? Is Casper with you?' She hit send, staring at the screen until she got a reply. Read. Typing. Received.

'@ tht old camping spot i should u hes here he wanted to take som pics' God his typing was infuriating.

'Ok, make sure he gets home OK." And she put her phone next to her bag, laying back down, still hand in hand with Carmen. The sky started to turn orange.

"The sun will set soon," She murmured, closing her eyes. Honestly, she could probably sleep there. Just her, and Carmen, hand in hand. She liked it that way.
Carmen had heard her perfectly, giving a small squeeze to her hand in a reply. She hummed in response. "It will, its pretty when its sets over the hills, oranges and pinks reflect off of the flowers," she got caught in a daze simply thinking about it. The sky a tye dye pattern of blue, oranges and pink hues that seemed to make the world stop for a minute. "The lightning bugs come out too, its like a scene from a movie." the little sparkles of the bugs were like the forest version of city lights, and Carmen could watch that all day. She leaned back, laying down beside Chi hands still intertwined. She had never felt this comfortable. She wasnt in her quiet apartment closed in, she didnt think about work or what she had to do tomorrow. All she thought about was the hues of the sky and the fireflies, and how nice Chis hand felt in hers.

[yummyluc]

Carmen had heard her perfectly, giving a small squeeze to her hand in a reply. She hummed in response. "It will, its pretty when its sets over the hills, oranges and pinks reflect off of the flowers," she got caught in a daze simply thinking about it. The sky a tye dye pattern of blue, oranges and pink hues that seemed to make the world stop for a minute. "The lightning bugs come out too, its like a scene from a movie." the little sparkles of the bugs were like the forest version of city lights, and Carmen could watch that all day. She leaned back, laying down beside Chi hands still intertwined. She had never felt this comfortable. She wasnt in her quiet apartment closed in, she didnt think about work or what she had to do tomorrow. All she thought about was the hues of the sky and the fireflies, and how nice Chis hand felt in hers.
Chi hummed, "I've never seen them before. I'm usually working, and there aren't many in the city. I guess if there are, they blended in." She watched the sky blend from blue to orange and red and purple. The whole sky turning magenta and scarlet. The stars started to poke out, the sky becoming clear. Little lights started to blink around them. The crickets sang the same way birds did in the mornings. The stars formed city lights and the flowers formed the sidewalks, the trees the skyscrapers. It was a city of nature.

There was nothing now. Just the sunset, the stars, and the city behind them that rebuilt itself around in front of them. Chi couldn't focus on anything else. Kyran and Casper slipped her mind, all the work she'd planned leaving her, the bustle of the city. It was gone, melting away like morning dew when the sun rose. All Chi could think about was the sounds of the night, and how warm she felt next to Carmen. How their hands seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces.

[graves]

Chi hummed, "I've never seen them before. I'm usually working, and there aren't many in the city. I guess if there are, they blended in." She watched the sky blend from blue to orange and red and purple. The whole sky turning magenta and scarlet. The stars started to poke out, the sky becoming clear. Little lights started to blink around them. The crickets sang the same way birds did in the mornings. The stars formed city lights and the flowers formed the sidewalks, the trees the skyscrapers. It was a city of nature.

There was nothing now. Just the sunset, the stars, and the city behind them that rebuilt itself around in front of them. Chi couldn't focus on anything else. Kyran and Casper slipped her mind, all the work she'd planned leaving her, the bustle of the city. It was gone, melting away like morning dew when the sun rose. All Chi could think about was the sounds of the night, and how warm she felt next to Carmen. How their hands seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces.
She was a bit shocked to hear she had never seen fireflies. It made Carmens heart break a little,"Theyre beautiful," she mumbled quietly in awe. She watched the sky change before her eyes, watching day light wisp into pastel colors that littered the sky effortlessly. The only thing that she could hear were crickets chirping, the subtle chirp every once and awhile. The fireflies lit up the field as if the stars had fallen to the ground themselves. Carmen saw a firefly pass by, its tiny wings making a humming sound and it lit up infront of her. With her free hand she swiped at the air and caught it in the palm, cupping it and presenting it to Chi,"Theyre harmless, I used to catch them as a kid." she wondered why Chi had never seen fireflies before. Growing up she could remember summer nights of catching fireflies and keeping them in jars over night, just to set them free in the morning. "Theyre tiny stars."

[yummyluc]

She was a bit shocked to hear she had never seen fireflies. It made Carmens heart break a little,"Theyre beautiful," she mumbled quietly in awe. She watched the sky change before her eyes, watching day light wisp into pastel colors that littered the sky effortlessly. The only thing that she could hear were crickets chirping, the subtle chirp every once and awhile. The fireflies lit up the field as if the stars had fallen to the ground themselves. Carmen saw a firefly pass by, its tiny wings making a humming sound and it lit up infront of her. With her free hand she swiped at the air and caught it in the palm, cupping it and presenting it to Chi,"Theyre harmless, I used to catch them as a kid." she wondered why Chi had never seen fireflies before. Growing up she could remember summer nights of catching fireflies and keeping them in jars over night, just to set them free in the morning. "Theyre tiny stars."
"Kankanin taurari," Chi murmured, putting out her hand so the bug could crawl into her palm. She smiled, letting out light giggles as the bug tickled her hand, blinking a few times as he wandered the surface of her palm. It wandered up to her forearm before taking off, still blinking brightly in the night. She smiled, turning back to Carmen, "Little stars." Like the ones in your eyes. She wanted to add, but she swallowed it down. Slowly, she got up, tugging CJ up with her, hands still clasped tight.

[graves]

"Kankanin taurari," Chi murmured, putting out her hand so the bug could crawl into her palm. She smiled, letting out light giggles as the bug tickled her hand, blinking a few times as he wandered the surface of her palm. It wandered up to her forearm before taking off, still blinking brightly in the night. She smiled, turning back to Carmen, "Little stars." Like the ones in your eyes. She wanted to add, but she swallowed it down. Slowly, she got up, tugging CJ up with her, hands still clasped tight.
Watching Chi play with the firefly only made her smile a bit more. The glowing light of the bug and how it reflected off of her glasses made it truly seem, she had stars in her eyes. Being tugged up she took the hint and stood up. From here now, higher up, she could see the fireflies in full view now,them dancing over the ground that they were viewing.

[yummyluc]

Watching Chi play with the firefly only made her smile a bit more. The glowing light of the bug and how it reflected off of her glasses made it truly seem, she had stars in her eyes. Being tugged up she took the hint and stood up. From here now, higher up, she could see the fireflies in full view now,them dancing over the ground that they were viewing.
The sky was fading now, from reds and oranges and pinks to purples and indigos and blues. The stars really started to show and when Chi looked up, she found herself in awe. There were so many stars, more than she'd ever seen in her life, more than she could remember. Each speck displayed twice as bright in the shine of her glasses. Her mouth hung half open. Really, she spent so much time in the city. She looked at sidewalks and graffiti, makeup art and faint hotel lights, expensive cars and small dogs, it was all so familiar. All so bland. She never looked up and saw the stars. She never saw the tiny pieces of grass poking out of the cement, or the cracks the trees made in the sidewalk. She never saw fireflies or flowers, or trees the colours of a sunrise. It was like stepping into a whole different world out here. It was like stepping off that plane again five years later. It was refreshing.

[graves]

The sky was fading now, from reds and oranges and pinks to purples and indigos and blues. The stars really started to show and when Chi looked up, she found herself in awe. There were so many stars, more than she'd ever seen in her life, more than she could remember. Each speck displayed twice as bright in the shine of her glasses. Her mouth hung half open. Really, she spent so much time in the city. She looked at sidewalks and graffiti, makeup art and faint hotel lights, expensive cars and small dogs, it was all so familiar. All so bland. She never looked up and saw the stars. She never saw the tiny pieces of grass poking out of the cement, or the cracks the trees made in the sidewalk. She never saw fireflies or flowers, or trees the colours of a sunrise. It was like stepping into a whole different world out here. It was like stepping off that plane again five years later. It was refreshing.
The night was honestly perfect now. It was warm with no sign of rain, not one cloud in the sky. It was mainly a darker blue color with some lingering pink and orange, the sun almost to a set. The fire flies seemed to be dancing acroass the hills, reflecting off of the flowers colors and lighting up the dark scene bring the sky below. Carmen had forgetten how beautiful this place really was. Maybe it was because She spent so much time working, she mainly came here to get away from everything instead of really sit down and enjoy the beauty of it. She had been here thousands of times and she didnt know why she was just truly seeing the beauty now. Carmen looked next to her for a moment and smiled. It seemed like Chi was enjoying just as much as she was.

[yummyluc]

The night was honestly perfect now. It was warm with no sign of rain, not one cloud in the sky. It was mainly a darker blue color with some lingering pink and orange, the sun almost to a set. The fire flies seemed to be dancing acroass the hills, reflecting off of the flowers colors and lighting up the dark scene bring the sky below. Carmen had forgetten how beautiful this place really was. Maybe it was because She spent so much time working, she mainly came here to get away from everything instead of really sit down and enjoy the beauty of it. She had been here thousands of times and she didnt know why she was just truly seeing the beauty now. Carmen looked next to her for a moment and smiled. It seemed like Chi was enjoying just as much as she was.
Chi took a deep breath, the air so clean, it felt like drinking a cool glass of water. She wanted to be out here forever. But she couldn't. She had clients from dawn till dusk the next day. She needed to get home. She sighed, turning to Carmen and swinging their hands, taking one of CJ's into both of her own as she faced her. Chi stepped close to her, closing the gap between them. She was close enough to feel Carmen's warmth ebb off of her. She looked up at her with wide eyes, mouth half open. She swore she could see more stars in CJ's eyes than there were in the sky. She felt her breathing grow laboured and her mouth start to go dry. Her heart was beating out of her chest. She swallowed. She was so close to Carmen right then, she nearly forgot was she was going to say. She cleared her throat.

"Carmen, it is beautiful. I wish I could stand here forever with you," She cooed, running her thumbs over the back of Carmen's hand. She looked disappointed, sad even. She held CJ's hand tightly.

"But you know I am having a busy week after this. We have to go. And I usually call Kyran before the sun sets if I go out, he must be worried sick. This was incredibly nice, though. Thank you." Chi bowed, pressing her forehead to the back of CJ's hand before standing and finally letting go of them, as much as she didn't want to.

Picking up her purse and sticking her phone back inside, she started up the hill, only taking a few steps before stopping, speaking over her shoulder, "If you wish to take me back to my car...?" She offered, knowing Carmen didn't want to go quite yet either.

[graves]

Chi took a deep breath, the air so clean, it felt like drinking a cool glass of water. She wanted to be out here forever. But she couldn't. She had clients from dawn till dusk the next day. She needed to get home. She sighed, turning to Carmen and swinging their hands, taking one of CJ's into both of her own as she faced her. Chi stepped close to her, closing the gap between them. She was close enough to feel Carmen's warmth ebb off of her. She looked up at her with wide eyes, mouth half open. She swore she could see more stars in CJ's eyes than there were in the sky. She felt her breathing grow laboured and her mouth start to go dry. Her heart was beating out of her chest. She swallowed. She was so close to Carmen right then, she nearly forgot was she was going to say. She cleared her throat.

"Carmen, it is beautiful. I wish I could stand here forever with you," She cooed, running her thumbs over the back of Carmen's hand. She looked disappointed, sad even. She held CJ's hand tightly.

"But you know I am having a busy week after this. We have to go. And I usually call Kyran before the sun sets if I go out, he must be worried sick. This was incredibly nice, though. Thank you." Chi bowed, pressing her forehead to the back of CJ's hand before standing and finally letting go of them, as much as she didn't want to.

Picking up her purse and sticking her phone back inside, she started up the hill, only taking a few steps before stopping, speaking over her shoulder, "If you wish to take me back to my car...?" She offered, knowing Carmen didn't want to go quite yet either.
It seemed like the world was in slow motion for a moment. Everything got slower, time seemed to stop as it got silent and Chi got closer. She was so close. The fireflies seemed to slow, only becoming blurry stars that danced around them as Chi held Carmens hand closer to her. The only thing she could focus on were the brown hues infront of her, trapped behind circular glasses. Everything seemed right as a breeze blew by, Carmen could still see the flowers that had embedded themselves in Chis thick hair. She wished that she could take her free hand and run a finger across the girls cheek to remind herself that this was real, Chi was real, and this was the closest thing Cj have ever felt to being alive. But she didnt. Chis words prevented her from doing that, and felt a pang of loss when she walked away. Carmen stood there for a moment, not really moving and staring at the space Chi was just in. Her throat felt dry and her heart was beating fast and slight dizziness. What the hell was that? She looked down to where Chis hands had once been intertwined with her and let her smile falter for a second. Chi was right, she was busy and Carmen didnt want to be the cause of her not having proper rest for an upcoming busy week. She smiled again though, taking one last look at the glowing field of flowers before following up after Chi nodding,"Id be happy to." she grabbed her hand again.

[yummyluc]

It seemed like the world was in slow motion for a moment. Everything got slower, time seemed to stop as it got silent and Chi got closer. She was so close. The fireflies seemed to slow, only becoming blurry stars that danced around them as Chi held Carmens hand closer to her. The only thing she could focus on were the brown hues infront of her, trapped behind circular glasses. Everything seemed right as a breeze blew by, Carmen could still see the flowers that had embedded themselves in Chis thick hair. She wished that she could take her free hand and run a finger across the girls cheek to remind herself that this was real, Chi was real, and this was the closest thing Cj have ever felt to being alive. But she didnt. Chis words prevented her from doing that, and felt a pang of loss when she walked away. Carmen stood there for a moment, not really moving and staring at the space Chi was just in. Her throat felt dry and her heart was beating fast and slight dizziness. What the hell was that? She looked down to where Chis hands had once been intertwined with her and let her smile falter for a second. Chi was right, she was busy and Carmen didnt want to be the cause of her not having proper rest for an upcoming busy week. She smiled again though, taking one last look at the glowing field of flowers before following up after Chi nodding,"Id be happy to." she grabbed her hand again.
Chi hummed, leading Carmen up the hill, all the way back to the fence hand-in-hand. Then she let go, taking her purse off her shoulder and tossing it over the fence, skimming her fingers over the links before gripping the fence tight and tossing herself up the fence, expertly scaling it and landing on the other side daintily. She hopped the fence in no more than two skips. She'd done this before.

She picked up her bag and put it on her shoulder again, folding her hands in front of her dress, that was remarkably still in tact. Turning, she smiled warmly at CJ. The hopping before had been so smooth, Chi didn't doubt CJ could do it as easily as she could.

[graves]

Chi hummed, leading Carmen up the hill, all the way back to the fence hand-in-hand. Then she let go, taking her purse off her shoulder and tossing it over the fence, skimming her fingers over the links before gripping the fence tight and tossing herself up the fence, expertly scaling it and landing on the other side daintily. She hopped the fence in no more than two skips. She'd done this before.

She picked up her bag and put it on her shoulder again, folding her hands in front of her dress, that was remarkably still in tact. Turning, she smiled warmly at CJ. The hopping before had been so smooth, Chi didn't doubt CJ could do it as easily as she could.
Cj scaled the fence just as easy,a lot of skill gained from having to break into places for her job. Usually she had to wear finger-less gloves because she did it so often. Carmen lead the way through the forest pathway that lead to the park. It was quiet to the point you could hear a pin drop. The fireflies were still apparent, floating through the gaps of the trees. And soon they were at the park entrance, and the parking lot to the cafe was only a short walk away-probably 5 minutes. She honestly didnt want this night to end, it had been so wonderful. She wanted to go back to the flower field,Chi holding her hand..Chi really close..so close Carmen could-
In the act of day dreaming she didnt realize they were now in the front of the parking lot. The cafe was closed now, Hanas logo of the cafe dimly lit along with the other shop lights. She sighed. Her motorcycle was still here, no other cars parked along side it as they were long gone. Depsite them both not wanting to leave eachother Carmen managed to smile,"Call me when you want me to come over okay? I'll be there."

[yummyluc]

Cj scaled the fence just as easy,a lot of skill gained from having to break into places for her job. Usually she had to wear finger-less gloves because she did it so often. Carmen lead the way through the forest pathway that lead to the park. It was quiet to the point you could hear a pin drop. The fireflies were still apparent, floating through the gaps of the trees. And soon they were at the park entrance, and the parking lot to the cafe was only a short walk away-probably 5 minutes. She honestly didnt want this night to end, it had been so wonderful. She wanted to go back to the flower field,Chi holding her hand..Chi really close..so close Carmen could-
In the act of day dreaming she didnt realize they were now in the front of the parking lot. The cafe was closed now, Hanas logo of the cafe dimly lit along with the other shop lights. She sighed. Her motorcycle was still here, no other cars parked along side it as they were long gone. Depsite them both not wanting to leave eachother Carmen managed to smile,"Call me when you want me to come over okay? I'll be there."
The walk seemed longer than it had actually been, seconds passing in decades. Chi had been so close. So very, very close to Carmen in that single moment. Had she meant to be? Looking back on it, she really didn't know. She wanted to believe it was an accident, but had it really been? As they walked, petals and leaves began to fall from her bun, leaving a small trail in their wake. Her heels clicked on the pavement, which suddenly seemed too loud. Everything seemed too loud after that experience.

When they stopped, Chi found herself not wanting to leave. Not wanting to go. But all the cars were gone, all that was left was her own, Carmen's motorcycle, and one on the very end. Even Hana's car was nowhere to be seen. She sighed, rubbing her thumb over Carmen's hand before, turning to her with a smile. One of the brightest, happiest smiles she'd ever done in a while.

"Of course," Was all she said before letting their hands fall from one another. It didn't feel right, just letting go and parting ways. It didn't feel finished. But Chi let go, giving a little wave before turning and clicking towards the car, parked just on the corner. She would see her again.

[graves]

The walk seemed longer than it had actually been, seconds passing in decades. Chi had been so close. So very, very close to Carmen in that single moment. Had she meant to be? Looking back on it, she really didn't know. She wanted to believe it was an accident, but had it really been? As they walked, petals and leaves began to fall from her bun, leaving a small trail in their wake. Her heels clicked on the pavement, which suddenly seemed too loud. Everything seemed too loud after that experience.

When they stopped, Chi found herself not wanting to leave. Not wanting to go. But all the cars were gone, all that was left was her own, Carmen's motorcycle, and one on the very end. Even Hana's car was nowhere to be seen. She sighed, rubbing her thumb over Carmen's hand before, turning to her with a smile. One of the brightest, happiest smiles she'd ever done in a while.

"Of course," Was all she said before letting their hands fall from one another. It didn't feel right, just letting go and parting ways. It didn't feel finished. But Chi let go, giving a little wave before turning and clicking towards the car, parked just on the corner. She would see her again.
Her smile reminded her of the fireflies, though she didnt think they could glow as much as she did. Even the small thumb dragged across her hand broke her heart to go. She wanted to run back to the flower field and sleep under the stars. She had done it before but not with someone, she had been here a million times but it simply didnt feel the same way with Chi here. She felt the familiarity of loneliness when she let go of her hand, heels clicking back to her car. She returned the wave, a small smile on her face. She didnt want to watch Chi leave, she didnt want to accept that the night was over. Parting ways didnt feel right. Carmen hopped on her motor cycle, to deep in her thoughts to bother with her helmet. She backed up out of the parking lot, noticing Caspers car still here. At first she was a little worried, but she knew Casper was a smart guy. Turning her attention to Chi she shouted,"See you in a week!" as she drove off along the streets, obviously going beyond the speed limit. She wanted to feel the breeze against her face again, the same way she felt it when Chi held her hands. The same way the breeze fluttered her hair to show the rays of petals that were in it. The same way the breeze carried the fireflies around them in their own little world. No matter how recklessly fast she went along the streets, nothing could could renact that moment to get it out of her head.

[yummyluc]

Her smile reminded her of the fireflies, though she didnt think they could glow as much as she did. Even the small thumb dragged across her hand broke her heart to go. She wanted to run back to the flower field and sleep under the stars. She had done it before but not with someone, she had been here a million times but it simply didnt feel the same way with Chi here. She felt the familiarity of loneliness when she let go of her hand, heels clicking back to her car. She returned the wave, a small smile on her face. She didnt want to watch Chi leave, she didnt want to accept that the night was over. Parting ways didnt feel right. Carmen hopped on her motor cycle, to deep in her thoughts to bother with her helmet. She backed up out of the parking lot, noticing Caspers car still here. At first she was a little worried, but she knew Casper was a smart guy. Turning her attention to Chi she shouted,"See you in a week!" as she drove off along the streets, obviously going beyond the speed limit. She wanted to feel the breeze against her face again, the same way she felt it when Chi held her hands. The same way the breeze fluttered her hair to show the rays of petals that were in it. The same way the breeze carried the fireflies around them in their own little world. No matter how recklessly fast she went along the streets, nothing could renact that moment to get it out of her head.
Chi had gone to unlock her car door, but stopped, hearing the rev of Carmen's motorcycle. She looked up, only seeing the headlights of the motorbike speed off, fading and becoming smaller. She sighed, did she make Carmen uncomfortable? It didn't seem that way, after all, it'd been Carmen that initiated most of that, right? Or was Chi just trying to mask over the facts now? She swallowed, looking back down at her car keys when CJ's lights had gone out of sight. What are you doing, Chichima... She took a breath and sighed, unlocking her car door and slumping into her seat as she slammed it.

She set her things down on the centre console, putting her face in her hands. Was Carmen speeding to get away from her or something else? Back at the meadow, why had she been so close to Carmen, had she meant to do that? The hand holding, the flowers, it had all been so... romantic, in a sense. Really, had that all been in her head? Had it been a normal night for Carmen? Chi was overthinking.

"Stop it... she's your friend, nothing more, nothing less..." Chi muttered, picking up her keys and turning over the ignition. The car came to life and she buckled in, turning out of the parking lot and taking a long, slow ride to the high rise. She needed time to think, and chances were she couldn't vent to Ky any time soon. She'd sleep on it. That would be the best thing to do.

[graves]

Chi had gone to unlock her car door, but stopped, hearing the rev of Carmen's motorcycle. She looked up, only seeing the headlights of the motorbike speed off, fading and becoming smaller. She sighed, did she make Carmen uncomfortable? It didn't seem that way, after all, it'd been Carmen that initiated most of that, right? Or was Chi just trying to mask over the facts now? She swallowed, looking back down at her car keys when CJ's lights had gone out of sight. What are you doing, Chichima... She took a breath and sighed, unlocking her car door and slumping into her seat as she slammed it.

She set her things down on the centre console, putting her face in her hands. Was Carmen speeding to get away from her or something else? Back at the meadow, why had she been so close to Carmen, had she meant to do that? The hand holding, the flowers, it had all been so... romantic, in a sense. Really, had that all been in her head? Had it been a normal night for Carmen? Chi was overthinking.

"Stop it... she's your friend, nothing more, nothing less..." Chi muttered, picking up her keys and turning over the ignition. The car came to life and she buckled in, turning out of the parking lot and taking a long, slow ride to the high rise. She needed time to think, and chances were she couldn't vent to Ky any time soon. She'd sleep on it. That would be the best thing to do.
Despite speeding along the streets she took one hand and grabbed the flower that was still tucked behind her ear and grabbed it, placing it between her fingers as she drove. The whole ride home was the same usual, the blurrs of color of street lights and the sound of people walking along the sidewalks to go to whatever bars were open. It was a pretty sight, it was dark now and the stars were more evident. Everytime she looked up she only thought about the fireflies. She didnt know what that feeling was that she felt when Chi held her hand, placed the flower behind her ear and leaned close. Or maybe she did know that feeling and only wanted to deny it;suppress it in fear. For now she let her mind go numb as she went from the busy city to the urban neighbors hoods to a smaller apartment complex compared to Chis. She saw Ghost on the porch, the tom following at her heels as she walked inside, throwing her bag down on the couch with a huff. The night that she spent with Chi was nice, she didnt know why she felt so lonely even though she saw her only moments ago. Ghost curled up on her lap,purrs rumbling in his throat as Carmen petting him and threading her fingers in his soft black fur. With a free hand she pulled out a phone, scrolling to Caspers contact. It had a ghost emoji next to it. Typing a lazy sentence,'We need to talk tomorrow ASAP'. She sighed and locked her phone, throwing on the other side of the couch, closing her eyes and leaning her lead back to sink into the pillow. "What am I gonna do."

[yummyluc]

Despite speeding along the streets she took one hand and grabbed the flower that was still tucked behind her ear and grabbed it, placing it between her fingers as she drove. The whole ride home was the same usual, the blurrs of color of street lights and the sound of people walking along the sidewalks to go to whatever bars were open. It was a pretty sight, it was dark now and the stars were more evident. Everytime she looked up she only thought about the fireflies. She didnt know what that feeling was that she felt when Chi held her hand, placed the flower behind her ear and leaned close. Or maybe she did know that feeling and only wanted to deny it;suppress it in fear. For now she let her mind go numb as she went from the busy city to the urban neighbors hoods to a smaller apartment complex compared to Chis. She saw Ghost on the porch, the tom following at her heels as she walked inside, throwing her bag down on the couch with a huff. The night that she spent with Chi was nice, she didnt know why she felt so lonely even though she saw her only moments ago. Ghost curled up on her lap,purrs rumbling in his throat as Carmen petting him and threading her fingers in his soft black fur. With a free hand she pulled out a phone, scrolling to Caspers contact. It had a ghost emoji next to it. Typing a lazy sentence,'We need to talk tomorrow ASAP'. She sighed and locked her phone, throwing on the other side of the couch, closing her eyes and leaning her lead back to sink into the pillow. "What am I gonna do."
The ride was quiet. Long. Slow. Lonely. It made Chi feel sort of empty, without Carmen here, it just didn't seem the same. Sighing, she picked up her phone at a stop light, hitting Kyran's speed dial number. Where would he even be? His motorcycle hadn't been out by Hana's shop, so he must have taken Casper somewhere. She knew they'd been out at Kyran's old camping area earlier, but it was late, and Kyran didn't like staying there past sunset, she knew.

"Pick up you lunatic..." She muttered. A few rings later, she was met with Kyran's voicemail.

'Hello! This is Kyran's voicemail. If you're hearing this, I didn't pick up because I'm either asleep, dead, or my phone died. Not to worry! Leave a message.'

Chi groaned, "Ky, we need to talk. Meet me on my lunch break tomorrow. Seriously." She hit the stop button and the message sent. It wasn't unlike Kyran to sleep early, or for his phone to die, so Chi wasn't that worried. She tossed her phone back into the passenger seat, continuing down the road with a million thoughts in her head. Oh, Chichima, what are you going to do...

[graves]

The ride was quiet. Long. Slow. Lonely. It made Chi feel sort of empty, without Carmen here, it just didn't seem the same. Sighing, she picked up her phone at a stop light, hitting Kyran's speed dial number. Where would he even be? His motorcycle hadn't been out by Hana's shop, so he must have taken Casper somewhere. She knew they'd been out at Kyran's old camping area earlier, but it was late, and Kyran didn't like staying there past sunset, she knew.

"Pick up you lunatic..." She muttered. A few rings later, she was met with Kyran's voicemail.

'Hello! This is Kyran's voicemail. If you're hearing this, I didn't pick up because I'm either asleep, dead, or my phone died. Not to worry! Leave a message.'

Chi groaned, "Ky, we need to talk. Meet me on my lunch break tomorrow. Seriously." She hit the stop button and the message sent. It wasn't unlike Kyran to sleep early, or for his phone to die, so Chi wasn't that worried. She tossed her phone back into the passenger seat, continuing down the road with a million thoughts in her head. Oh, Chichima, what are you going to do...
It was silent. Only the hum if Ghosts purring could be heard in the room. It was too quiet. She didnt know what made her do it but she picked up her phone quickly, opening it and scrolling to Chis name. She had made her a contact awhile ago, her contact name as 'Chi Chi' in it. Her eyes gazed at the little icon in the shape of a phone that symbolized a call. No. Chi would think she was weird for calling her after so soon of seeing her. What would she even say? 'Hey I feel lonely and wanted to hear you.' Yeah. not gonna happen.She sighed and closed her phone. She didnt know why she felt like this, she litterally saw her not even an hour ago. There was nothing different, it was silent at the flower field too. But it was different. She wasnt alone there. She felt slightly annoyed Casper didnt text her back, seeing as he usually texted back right away but she figured he was sleeping. Hopefully he got his car. She grabbed her phone and her bag and walked to her room and plugged her phone in. She had work tonight, maybe that would distract her. She flopped down on her bed and closed her eyes. All she had was one busy week and then she had a week off and could spend another day with Chi. That was going to be her motivation.

[yummyluc]

It was silent. Only the hum if Ghosts purring could be heard in the room. It was too quiet. She didnt know what made her do it but she picked up her phone quickly, opening it and scrolling to Chis name. She had made her a contact awhile ago, her contact name as 'Chi Chi' in it. Her eyes gazed at the little icon in the shape of a phone that symbolized a call. No. Chi would think she was weird for calling her after so soon of seeing her. What would she even say? 'Hey I feel lonely and wanted to hear you.' Yeah. not gonna happen.She sighed and closed her phone. She didnt know why she felt like this, she litterally saw her not even an hour ago. There was nothing different, it was silent at the flower field too. But it was different. She wasnt alone there. She felt slightly annoyed Casper didnt text her back, seeing as he usually texted back right away but she figured he was sleeping. Hopefully he got his car. She grabbed her phone and her bag and walked to her room and plugged her phone in. She had work tonight, maybe that would distract her. She flopped down on her bed and closed her eyes. All she had was one busy week and then she had a week off and could spend another day with Chi. That was going to be her motivation.
The parking lot was quiet when Chi pulled in. She didn't care to check if Kyran was in yet, she didn't even get out of her car. She put her head against the wheel, her bag was on her shoulder and the car was off, she had her phone. She wasn't getting out. The phone was on in her lap and she was staring at the contact. Carmen Jade. No, she couldn't call her. What would she even say? But she kept staring at the contact, thumb hovering over the green telephone icon. It's fine. No, it's not. It's late. She's probably asleep. Chi shut her phone off, sliding it into her bag and adjusting the strap as she got out of her small car.

Her heels clicked, but there was no bounce to it. They sounded slow and tired. She opened the door to the high rise, giving a wave to the front desk, who gave her a nod, and she started up the stairs. She didn't like elevators much, so she took the stairs more often than not. As sluggish as she was, she made it up them in no time and was at her door turning the key before she knew it.

Chi kicked off her boots, leaving her bag on the table and dressing in comfortable clothes. She wasn't hungry. She grabbed her phone and went to her room, dropping face down on the sheets. The girl groaned, plugging her phone in and turning over onto her back. Just one text. Just one text. Just one text. Chi could basically feel Hana breathing down her neck at the thoughts. She took a breath and opened CJ's contact again. Carmen Jade. Such a pretty name.

She hit the little envelope icon, typing a quick text and hitting send before shutting her phone and tucking herself under her covers before she could think and decide against it.

'Hey! Just wanted to make sure you got home okay :P See you in a week!'

[graves]

The parking lot was quiet when Chi pulled in. She didn't care to check if Kyran was in yet, she didn't even get out of her car. She put her head against the wheel, her bag was on her shoulder and the car was off, she had her phone. She wasn't getting out. The phone was on in her lap and she was staring at the contact. Carmen Jade. No, she couldn't call her. What would she even say? But she kept staring at the contact, thumb hovering over the green telephone icon. It's fine. No, it's not. It's late. She's probably asleep. Chi shut her phone off, sliding it into her bag and adjusting the strap as she got out of her small car.

Her heels clicked, but there was no bounce to it. They sounded slow and tired. She opened the door to the high rise, giving a wave to the front desk, who gave her a nod, and she started up the stairs. She didn't like elevators much, so she took the stairs more often than not. As sluggish as she was, she made it up them in no time and was at her door turning the key before she knew it.

Chi kicked off her boots, leaving her bag on the table and dressing in comfortable clothes. She wasn't hungry. She grabbed her phone and went to her room, dropping face down on the sheets. The girl groaned, plugging her phone in and turning over onto her back. Just one text. Just one text. Just one text. Chi could basically feel Hana breathing down her neck at the thoughts. She took a breath and opened CJ's contact again. Carmen Jade. Such a pretty name.

She hit the little envelope icon, typing a quick text and hitting send before shutting her phone and tucking herself under her covers before she could think and decide against it.

'Hey! Just wanted to make sure you got home okay :P See you in a week!'
It was around midnight when she woke up. She had a rough time sleeping and she could already tell it was going to be a tired day at work. Usually she wouldve woken up earlier, but considering she wanted more then 4 hours of sleep before work, she slept in slightly. God she couldnt wait for her vacation. It took her a bit to wake up, opening her phone but not seeing Chis messgae notification right away. It didnt pop up like usual, just a tiny little message icon at the top of her screen was displayed and Carmen didnt notice it. Casper still hadnt answered her text. Odd. She crolled around social media for awhile, looking at news and the weather before shoe realized the notification, sitting up in her bed eagerly and hitting it. Chi had texted her. She mustve been so tired she didnt hear her phone buzz. It warmed her that she texted her. Had she felt the some pang of loneliness Carmen had felt? No. She was over thinking it. But she couldnt help by smile as she messaged her back,'I did ! thanks for checking in on me, hope you did too c:' she would have put a heart at the end but something stopped her. She hit send and closed her phone, flopping back on her king sized bed that seemed a little top empty. She knew Chi was sleeping by now but her mood was a bit lifted by a simple text. Her phone buzzed, it was a reminder that she still had work to get up for. She sighed, sitting up.

[yummyluc]

It was around midnight when she woke up. She had a rough time sleeping and she could already tell it was going to be a tired day at work. Usually she wouldve woken up earlier, but considering she wanted more then 4 hours of sleep before work, she slept in slightly. God she couldnt wait for her vacation. It took her a bit to wake up, opening her phone but not seeing Chis messgae notification right away. It didnt pop up like usual, just a tiny little message icon at the top of her screen was displayed and Carmen didnt notice it. Casper still hadnt answered her text. Odd. She crolled around social media for awhile, looking at news and the weather before shoe realized the notification, sitting up in her bed eagerly and hitting it. Chi had texted her. She mustve been so tired she didnt hear her phone buzz. It warmed her that she texted her. Had she felt the some pang of loneliness Carmen had felt? No. She was over thinking it. But she couldnt help by smile as she messaged her back,'I did ! thanks for checking in on me, hope you did too c:' she would have put a heart at the end but something stopped her. She hit send and closed her phone, flopping back on her king sized bed that seemed a little top empty. She knew Chi was sleeping by now but her mood was a bit lifted by a simple text. Her phone buzzed, it was a reminder that she still had work to get up for. She sighed, sitting up.
A week. Seven days. It had been seven days since Chi had seen Carmen, and the last time she had texted her. She had looked at the message but never replied, and she had no idea why. She could have easily replied if it was anyone else, no problem, but something compelled her not to reply. The rest of the week she had busied herself with clients, day in and day out, that's all she did. She barely stopped by Hana's, and that was new for her. Chi spoke to Kyran once, and really it was her giving him advice than vice versa, which is what she had wanted. Don't get her wrong, she was happy to help the guy, but she really needed advice, and the last time she'd gone to Hana, it only resulted in making it worse despite her good intentions. Chi had found herself typing out messages to Carmen but not sending them, often staring at her phone screen. Seriously, this was a mess.

Sighing, she sipped her tea. It was the kind that was supposed to calm you down but wasn't really helping with her nerves. Again, her phone was open in front of her, CJ's name at the top and their few spared text on the screen. Just text her Chichima. She agreed to this. She might not remember, she was just as busy as you. Text her and remind her. Come on, you have everything set up, don't do this to yourself. With a defeated groan, Chi listened to the voice in her head and typed a quick message, hitting send before you could read it and talk herself out of it.

'Hey, Carmen! Just reminding you of the video we're making today. No rush, come over to the high rise a couple blocks down from Hana's whenever. Ask Melissa at the front for me and she'll give you my floor and apartment number. See you soon (: Ciao!'

For an extra measure, she flipped her screen over and pushed her phone to the other side of the kitchen island. Good. Good on you Chi. Congrats. Don't think about it, don't think. Don't try to unsend it. It's fine. She downed the rest of her tea and went to the sink to rinse it. It's fine.

[graves]

A week. Seven days. It had been seven days since Chi had seen Carmen, and the last time she had texted her. She had looked at the message but never replied, and she had no idea why. She could have easily replied if it was anyone else, no problem, but something compelled her not to reply. The rest of the week she had busied herself with clients, day in and day out, that's all she did. She barely stopped by Hana's, and that was new for her. Chi spoke to Kyran once, and really it was her giving him advice than vice versa, which is what she had wanted. Don't get her wrong, she was happy to help the guy, but she really needed advice, and the last time she'd gone to Hana, it only resulted in making it worse despite her good intentions. Chi had found herself typing out messages to Carmen but not sending them, often staring at her phone screen. Seriously, this was a mess.

Sighing, she sipped her tea. It was the kind that was supposed to calm you down but wasn't really helping with her nerves. Again, her phone was open in front of her, CJ's name at the top and their few spared text on the screen. Just text her Chichima. She agreed to this. She might not remember, she was just as busy as you. Text her and remind her. Come on, you have everything set up, don't do this to yourself. With a defeated groan, Chi listened to the voice in her head and typed a quick message, hitting send before you could read it and talk herself out of it.

'Hey, Carmen! Just reminding you of the video we're making today. No rush, come over to the high rise a couple blocks down from Hana's whenever. Ask Melissa at the front for me and she'll give you my floor and apartment number. See you soon (: Ciao!'

For an extra measure, she flipped her screen over and pushed her phone to the other side of the kitchen island. Good. Good on you Chi. Congrats. Don't think about it, don't think. Don't try to unsend it. It's fine. She downed the rest of her tea and went to the sink to rinse it. It's fine.
A week. Carmen was exhausted, but glad she had a week off finally. She couldnt remember the last time she took time off work. She sat in her living room, feet rested on the table as she listened to the quiet hum of the tv. She wasnt that focused on the tv though, she had her gave on her phone with was on the table. Ever since she texted Chi she hadnt replied. She wasnt to worried, she blew it off as Chi being busy with clients which was was almost positive that was true. She would be lying if she said she didnt miss her. She had her gaze so focused she almost didnt hear it buzz. Picking it up she smiled at the notification, slightly nervous to reply. But she opened the messages anyway. Oh right, the video today. She hadnt forgotten, she had just been caught up with work. She typed a reply, "I'll be there in an hour, see you ( :" she hit send before she could over think it. Her mood had suddenly changed from tired to wide awake, shutting the TV off to go get ready.

[yummyluc]

A week. Carmen was exhausted, but glad she had a week off finally. She couldnt remember the last time she took time off work. She sat in her living room, feet rested on the table as she listened to the quiet hum of the tv. She wasnt that focused on the tv though, she had her gave on her phone with was on the table. Ever since she texted Chi she hadnt replied. She wasnt to worried, she blew it off as Chi being busy with clients which was was almost positive that was true. She would be lying if she said she didnt miss her. She had her gaze so focused she almost didnt hear it buzz. Picking it up she smiled at the notification, slightly nervous to reply. But she opened the messages anyway. Oh right, the video today. She hadnt forgotten, she had just been caught up with work. She typed a reply, "I'll be there in an hour, see you ( :" she hit send before she could over think it. Her mood had suddenly changed from tired to wide awake, shutting the TV off to go get ready.
Chi nearly dropped her cup when her phone buzzed. She rinsed it and put it on the other side of the sink, drying her hands before moving to pick it up. Carmen Jade blinked in a notification under the time. She took a nervous breath and unlocked it, seeing she'd only replied. Right, an hour. Okay. Good, that was enough time for Chi to brace herself and make sure everything was in working order. She tapped out a quick reply and left her phone on the table, going to the closet and pulling out her camera with her tripod. She already set up the reflectors, set up in the living room. She put the camera in the middle of two love seats, a few feet in front of them and turning it on, making sure it was in a good place and didn't put too much light on her.

She went to her room and got her laptop. She'd tweeted out earlier that it would be a stream, she really didn't have the energy to edit things out, besides, it would be good for her fans. They needed something to get back into the groove just like she did, and a live stream was perfect for that. Most of her videos were cut or sped up, she took so much time in them they'd be probably thirty minutes long or more if she didn't edit them so well.

Setting up the stream, she reminded her followers that she would be live in an hour after her 'super secret special guest' arrived, and she went to pick out the makeup sets from her cases of them as she waited for Carmen to get there. She wanted to give her a nice, basic look, but also have high quality mixed into it. She knew Carmen wasn't really a makeup sort of person, and she did say she'd wanted to start small, so Chi would do that. Only they might have pretty different definitions of what 'small' was.

[graves]

Chi nearly dropped her cup when her phone buzzed. She rinsed it and put it on the other side of the sink, drying her hands before moving to pick it up. Carmen Jade blinked in a notification under the time. She took a nervous breath and unlocked it, seeing she'd only replied. Right, an hour. Okay. Good, that was enough time for Chi to brace herself and make sure everything was in working order. She tapped out a quick reply and left her phone on the table, going to the closet and pulling out her camera with her tripod. She already set up the reflectors, set up in the living room. She put the camera in the middle of two love seats, a few feet in front of them and turning it on, making sure it was in a good place and didn't put too much light on her.

She went to her room and got her laptop. She'd tweeted out earlier that it would be a stream, she really didn't have the energy to edit things out, besides, it would be good for her fans. They needed something to get back into the groove just like she did, and a live stream was perfect for that. Most of her videos were cut or sped up, she took so much time in them they'd be probably thirty minutes long or more if she didn't edit them so well.

Setting up the stream, she reminded her followers that she would be live in an hour after her 'super secret special guest' arrived, and she went to pick out the makeup sets from her cases of them as she waited for Carmen to get there. She wanted to give her a nice, basic look, but also have high quality mixed into it. She knew Carmen wasn't really a makeup sort of person, and she did say she'd wanted to start small, so Chi would do that. Only they might have pretty different definitions of what 'small' was.
Okay, well she was going to be infront of a camera. Carmen was used to this, she had done a view paranormal documentaries before. She knew there was alot that went into it, but this was something different. She wasnt a dressy person, but she wanted to look nice. From the brief look at Chi's youtube channels she had a lot of people on her heels with her content. It made Carmen slightly nervous, but excited at the same time. She went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror and raised an eyebrow. She loved her dreads dearly, it made life easier when it came to her thick hair, but today she was trying to look nice. Nice for Chi. nd her fans. Mainly Chi. She took a dread in her hand and started to part it, untangling the brown hair and brushing it out with her brush. She repeated this over and over until her head was sore but dread free. Her hair was naturally wavy, having some curl to it. It was a dark brown with some honey highlights, something you didnt notice when her hair was up in dreads. She put some water in it so it was less frizzy. She smiled at her work, satisfied. Wow, that had taken most of her time alone, about 30 minutes. That just meant she had to leave in 15. She went to her closet and scanned the place. It was rather messy but organized at the same time. She picked out a mauve colored tank top (she didnt wear pink often but she figured since this was Chi were talking about) that had a white ghost on the front with large text saying 'POLTERGAYS' on the front in gooey letters. Subtle promo. She picked out some jeans and slipped on her red converse, and grabbing a black beanie and sliding it on top of her head. She grabbed her back, slinging it over her shoulder. Ghost was laying on the counter grooming himself as she passed by, Carmen giving him a quick pet before she grabbed her keys and made her way out of the door.

[yummyluc]

Okay, well she was going to be infront of a camera. Carmen was used to this, she had done a view paranormal documentaries before. She knew there was alot that went into it, but this was something different. She wasnt a dressy person, but she wanted to look nice. From the brief look at Chi's youtube channels she had a lot of people on her heels with her content. It made Carmen slightly nervous, but excited at the same time. She went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror and raised an eyebrow. She loved her dreads dearly, it made life easier when it came to her thick hair, but today she was trying to look nice. Nice for Chi. nd her fans. Mainly Chi. She took a dread in her hand and started to part it, untangling the brown hair and brushing it out with her brush. She repeated this over and over until her head was sore but dread free. Her hair was naturally wavy, having some curl to it. It was a dark brown with some honey highlights, something you didnt notice when her hair was up in dreads. She put some water in it so it was less frizzy. She smiled at her work, satisfied. Wow, that had taken most of her time alone, about 30 minutes. That just meant she had to leave in 15. She went to her closet and scanned the place. It was rather messy but organized at the same time. She picked out a mauve colored tank top (she didnt wear pink often but she figured since this was Chi were talking about) that had a white ghost on the front with large text saying 'POLTERGAYS' on the front in gooey letters. Subtle promo. She picked out some jeans and slipped on her red converse, and grabbing a black beanie and sliding it on top of her head. She grabbed her back, slinging it over her shoulder. Ghost was laying on the counter grooming himself as she passed by, Carmen giving him a quick pet before she grabbed her keys and made her way out of the door.
Chi sat on one of the love seats, phone in hand, scrolling through a couple fan comments on her recent updates and replying to them. She had a couple of sets of makeup out, set up on the floor with some of the smaller ones on a fold-out table along with a mirror. She would never admit it, but she was nervous. Really nervous. She had no idea why, she's streamed makeup videos before, plenty, with random strangers. Carmen was her friend, that should make her feel better about this. But it didn't. There was something biting her, something at the back of her skull that made her nervous. She didn't know what it was, but it was so familiar. She felt it at the field of fireflies. Something that made it hurt to breathe and hard to focus. She shook it off. There was no reason for Chi to be nervous. No reason at all. She looked at the time. 15 minutes. Just 15 before Carmen would be there. Unless she skips out on you or she's late because she didn't want to come. Chi slapped herself in the face. Stop, she wanted to do this, you gave her an option. You aren't forcing her into anything. Just take a breath. Just relax. Smile. It's like your first video. Just relax and be you. That's what they like.

[graves]

Chi sat on one of the love seats, phone in hand, scrolling through a couple fan comments on her recent updates and replying to them. She had a couple of sets of makeup out, set up on the floor with some of the smaller ones on a fold-out table along with a mirror. She would never admit it, but she was nervous. Really nervous. She had no idea why, she's streamed makeup videos before, plenty, with random strangers. Carmen was her friend, that should make her feel better about this. But it didn't. There was something biting her, something at the back of her skull that made her nervous. She didn't know what it was, but it was so familiar. She felt it at the field of fireflies. Something that made it hurt to breathe and hard to focus. She shook it off. There was no reason for Chi to be nervous. No reason at all. She looked at the time. 15 minutes. Just 15 before Carmen would be there. Unless she skips out on you or she's late because she didn't want to come. Chi slapped herself in the face. Stop, she wanted to do this, you gave her an option. You aren't forcing her into anything. Just take a breath. Just relax. Smile. It's like your first video. Just relax and be you. That's what they like.
The drive there wasnt long at all, but nerve wracking. She didnt know why she felt nervous like some school girl. She was never nervous, she was confident and always had a plan. She was organized when it came emotionally, but ever since Chi came into view everything had been a mess. Now a doubted herself, made herself nervous when she was around, would jumble up on words and feel the heat rise to her cheeks. It was what she felt in the flower field. To tune out her own thoughts she turned the radio all the way up, blasting punk music. People driving next to her glared but she ignored them, liking the feeling of the wind in her freed hair from riding her bike. She never cared for a helmet. She saw the highrise came into view and she turned the radio off. Looking at the time on her phone, she had about 2 minutes. Jogging into the place and looking at the front desk it was a familiar place from when she had spent the night here before. She briefly asked the floor and the apartment number from the lady at the front desk and made her way up. Once there she stared at her door for a moment., hand up and ready to knock. She hesitated. She didnt know why. She knocked hastily before she could over think it, waiting for Chi to open the door.

[yummyluc]

The drive there wasnt long at all, but nerve wracking. She didnt know why she felt nervous like some school girl. She was never nervous, she was confident and always had a plan. She was organized when it came emotionally, but ever since Chi came into view everything had been a mess. Now a doubted herself, made herself nervous when she was around, would jumble up on words and feel the heat rise to her cheeks. It was what she felt in the flower field. To tune out her own thoughts she turned the radio all the way up, blasting punk music. People driving next to her glared but she ignored them, liking the feeling of the wind in her freed hair from riding her bike. She never cared for a helmet. She saw the highrise came into view and she turned the radio off. Looking at the time on her phone, she had about 2 minutes. Jogging into the place and looking at the front desk it was a familiar place from when she had spent the night here before. She briefly asked the floor and the apartment number from the lady at the front desk and made her way up. Once there she stared at her door for a moment., hand up and ready to knock. She hesitated. She didnt know why. She knocked hastily before she could over think it, waiting for Chi to open the door.
Suddenly there was a noise at the door and Chi let out a soft yelp, dropping her phone and coming back to the present, looking at her computer and the camera in a daze, like she had no idea what was going on. Right. Stream. Carmen. That whole thing that Chi herself had organised. It was happening today. Like, right now today. And Carmen was at the door because she was a part of it. How all of that had slipped Chi's mind was a mystery to her. None the less, she brushed off her clothes and flicked a curl out of her face, making sure she looked presentable in the mirror before standing up and going to the door to open it. Her hand paused on the door knob in hesitation, why, even Chi was unbeknownst to that. She took a deep breath, twisting the knob and peering around the corner. Carmen, of course, it was, who else would it be. She smiled, opening the door all the way and stepping aside for Carmen to enter.

"Hi!" She greeted cheerfully.

In her wait, Chi had decided to dress differently. She wore black leather ankle boots, much the style her yellow ones were. Ripped whitewashed jeans ran up her legs, white fishnet in the spaces that were open, all the way up to her hips, ending with elastic. She wore a black crop-top tank that cut off just below her chest, a black double choker adorning her neck. A whitewashed denim jacket hung off her shoulders, cropped like her shirt, only going half way down her torso. Her hair was down and messy, but in a sort of purposeful way, with a bright red scarf keeping most of her hair out of her face for a splash of colour. She wore her thick circular glasses as always, her makeup fairly plain. Eyeliner, minimal contour, a light highlight. The most that stuck out was the cherry red lip gloss accenting her thick lips nicely.

[graves]

Suddenly there was a noise at the door and Chi let out a soft yelp, dropping her phone and coming back to the present, looking at her computer and the camera in a daze, like she had no idea what was going on. Right. Stream. Carmen. That whole thing that Chi herself had organised. It was happening today. Like, right now today. And Carmen was at the door because she was a part of it. How all of that had slipped Chi's mind was a mystery to her. None the less, she brushed off her clothes and flicked a curl out of her face, making sure she looked presentable in the mirror before standing up and going to the door to open it. Her hand paused on the door knob in hesitation, why, even Chi was unbeknownst to that. She took a deep breath, twisting the knob and peering around the corner. Carmen, of course, it was, who else would it be. She smiled, opening the door all the way and stepping aside for Carmen to enter.

"Hi!" She greeted cheerfully.

In her wait, Chi had decided to dress differently. She wore black leather ankle boots, much the style her yellow ones were. Ripped whitewashed jeans ran up her legs, white fishnet in the spaces that were open, all the way up to her hips, ending with elastic. She wore a black crop-top tank that cut off just below her chest, a black double choker adorning her neck. A whitewashed denim jacket hung off her shoulders, cropped like her shirt, only going half way down her torso. Her hair was down and messy, but in a sort of purposeful way, with a bright red scarf keeping most of her hair out of her face for a splash of colour. She wore her thick circular glasses as always, her makeup fairly plain. Eyeliner, minimal contour, a light highlight. The most that stuck out was the cherry red lip gloss accenting her thick lips nicely.
Carmen smiled at the greeting, giving a hello back and walking inside. The place was just how she remembered it, the playful colors, the neatly placed decor. It was all so familiar and reminded of her of when she slept here, or atleast tried to. It was a big contrast to her apartment, decorated in greys and reds, but she liked it. She looked over to the open living room and gave a small gulp. There were cameras and the lighting, and mics and a lot..and a lot...of makeup. They had different takes on small. Though she stayed positive. This was going to be fun, she was going to have fun with Chi. She smiled, "Looks like I came just in time."

[yummyluc]

Carmen smiled at the greeting, giving a hello back and walking inside. The place was just how she remembered it, the playful colors, the neatly placed decor. It was all so familiar and reminded of her of when she slept here, or atleast tried to. It was a big contrast to her apartment, decorated in greys and reds, but she liked it. She looked over to the open living room and gave a small gulp. There were cameras and the lighting, and mics and a lot..and a lot...of makeup. They had different takes on small. Though she stayed positive. This was going to be fun, she was going to have fun with Chi. She smiled, "Looks like I came just in time."
Seeing the look on her face when Carmen saw the makeup made Chi nearly flinch. Right. Different definitions of small. Maybe Chi should ask how exactly small Carmen meant. But there was no way that Chi would use everything in those sets on one person, not even for her most makeup-savvy clients. She had just set out a few favourites and popular ones to see what would go well with Carmen's skin tone. She even went out and got a few new tubes of a paler skin tone, as the most she had matched her much darker skin. She just had most every brand because some worked differently for others than they did for most. She folded her arms behind her back and laughed a little nervously.

"Hope you don't mind, I wanted to make sure everything worked before you got here," She explained, moving to the place she'd set up, picking her phone up off the ground and tweeting that she was starting in a few minutes. She turned to her laptop, bending over slightly to start the stream, people already starting to pop into the chat box before she hit the button. She waved Carmen over, as she was off-camera at the moment.

[graves]

Seeing the look on her face when Carmen saw the makeup made Chi nearly flinch. Right. Different definitions of small. Maybe Chi should ask how exactly small Carmen meant. But there was no way that Chi would use everything in those sets on one person, not even for her most makeup-savvy clients. She had just set out a few favourites and popular ones to see what would go well with Carmen's skin tone. She even went out and got a few new tubes of a paler skin tone, as the most she had matched her much darker skin. She just had most every brand because some worked differently for others than they did for most. She folded her arms behind her back and laughed a little nervously.

"Hope you don't mind, I wanted to make sure everything worked before you got here," She explained, moving to the place she'd set up, picking her phone up off the ground and tweeting that she was starting in a few minutes. She turned to her laptop, bending over slightly to start the stream, people already starting to pop into the chat box before she hit the button. She waved Carmen over, as she was off-camera at the moment.
She set her bag down on the kitchen counter as she passed by before sitting down next to Chi, sitting criss-cross. She felt slightly nervous, she didnt know what she was getting herself into. She wasnt a makeup person at all, mainly wearing eyeliner once in awhile btu nothing beyond that. She didnt wear make up today, small freckles visible on her skin. Not as much as Caspers, just a few here and there on her cheeks. She was used to being in newspapers and articles online, but nothing this big. She was slightly nervous, but smiled anyway.

[yummyluc]

She set her bag down on the kitchen counter as she passed by before sitting down next to Chi, sitting criss-cross. She felt slightly nervous, she didnt know what she was getting herself into. She wasnt a makeup person at all, mainly wearing eyeliner once in awhile btu nothing beyond that. She didnt wear make up today, small freckles visible on her skin. Not as much as Caspers, just a few here and there on her cheeks. She was used to being in newspapers and articles online, but nothing this big. She was slightly nervous, but smiled anyway.
Chi made sure everything was in working order before backing up and sitting down, "Okay, the stream is live and there are already about 500 people watching," She said, watching the chat explode, though she pretty much ignored it, looking at the camera and speaking to it, though she was speaking to an audience, "Hello! I'm sorry I was gone for a while guys, been a tad busy with clients lately," She said, the chat box suddenly blowing up with messages. Most of them along the lines:

'It's okay, how are you!'
'We missed you so much, Chi!'
'Who's the girl next to you?'
'Is that your girlfriend?'

And a lot, a lot, of spam. Chi replied to a few of them, saying she was okay, that she missed them too, etcetera. She stifled a blush at those asking who Carmen was and already assuming that she was her girlfriend. She laughed, brushing them off and gesturing to Carmen, "Presenting to you, my Super Secret Special Guest, CJ!" She said, almost sounding fake with the voice she put on. She turned to smile at her.

[graves]

Chi made sure everything was in working order before backing up and sitting down, "Okay, the stream is live and there are already about 500 people watching," She said, watching the chat explode, though she pretty much ignored it, looking at the camera and speaking to it, though she was speaking to an audience, "Hello! I'm sorry I was gone for a while guys, been a tad busy with clients lately," She said, the chat box suddenly blowing up with messages. Most of them along the lines:

'It's okay, how are you!'
'We missed you so much, Chi!'
'Who's the girl next to you?'
'Is that your girlfriend?'

And a lot, a lot, of spam. Chi replied to a few of them, saying she was okay, that she missed them too, etcetera. She stifled a blush at those asking who Carmen was and already assuming that she was her girlfriend. She laughed, brushing them off and gesturing to Carmen, "Presenting to you, my Super Secret Special Guest, CJ!" She said, almost sounding fake with the voice she put on. She turned to smile at her.
500. Wowie. Watching the chat, the one with the Girlfriend comment made her snort for a second, and then Chi was introducing her. She gave a soft hello, not loud and bold like Chis voice for the camera but loud enough to hear. "My names Cj, the local locksmith for the Poltergays. Maybe have seen me in a newpaper or two." She wasnt used to talking to a camera, or having 500 people watching her at once. Though Carmen was always up for new things, this would be a breeze. A lot of people were posting in the chatbox, she had under estimated how popular Chi really was.

[yummyluc]

500. Wowie. Watching the chat, the one with the Girlfriend comment made her snort for a second, and then Chi was introducing her. She gave a soft hello, not loud and bold like Chis voice for the camera but loud enough to hear. "My names Cj, the local locksmith for the Poltergays. Maybe have seen me in a newpaper or two." She wasnt used to talking to a camera, or having 500 people watching her at once. Though Carmen was always up for new things, this would be a breeze. A lot of people were posting in the chatbox, she had under estimated how popular Chi really was.
Chi smiled, "That's right! And she's gonna be my guinea pig today." Chi bent down and picked up a big baking brush with colourful bristles, holding it up to Carmen, "Would you set an example to my lovely friends here exactly how extensive your makeup knowledge it by naming this brush?" She asked. It was probably the easiest brush to name. She looked at the chat box, there were a few nice people there, a lot of spammers she'd have to block later, and literally, everyone else was asking the question, albeit in different phrases.

'Is she your girlfriend?'

Chi frowned and shook her head, turning her attention back to Carmen and cocking her head.

[graves]

Chi smiled, "That's right! And she's gonna be my guinea pig today." Chi bent down and picked up a big baking brush with colourful bristles, holding it up to Carmen, "Would you set an example to my lovely friends here exactly how extensive your makeup knowledge it by naming this brush?" She asked. It was probably the easiest brush to name. She looked at the chat box, there were a few nice people there, a lot of spammers she'd have to block later, and literally, everyone else was asking the question, albeit in different phrases.

'Is she your girlfriend?'

Chi frowned and shook her head, turning her attention back to Carmen and cocking her head.
She raised an eyebrow,"Its colorful and looks edible," that was Cjs motto for most things. If it looks edible, then you could probably eat it. She giggled at herself a few times before clearing her throat and trying to actually answer the question,"Every brush looks like an eye shadow brush to me." she took a side glance at the comments. She held her breath for a second. Girlfriend? Well, she should have expected that seeing as this was infront of a lot of people right now. She brushed it off and kept on smiling.

[yummyluc]

She raised an eyebrow,"Its colorful and looks edible," that was Cjs motto for most things. If it looks edible, then you could probably eat it. She giggled at herself a few times before clearing her throat and trying to actually answer the question,"Every brush looks like an eye shadow brush to me." she took a side glance at the comments. She held her breath for a second. Girlfriend? Well, she should have expected that seeing as this was infront of a lot of people right now. She brushed it off and kept on smiling.
[relating to carmen, i don't have the faintest idea of makeup, so bear with me and my minuscule makeup knowledge]

Chi couldn't stop herself before she started giggling at CJ's response. Honestly, she had expected her to actually look at Chi like she was stupid and say the correct name, but those words alone were priceless, and her fans would not forget it anytime soon. Shaking her head, she rolled her eyes, putting the brush back in its case with others that looked like it, the same colourful scheme, but in different styles. With a sigh, she turned and produced a brand new bottle of foundation the same shade of Carmen's skin colour and showing it to the camera before turning to CJ.

"Let's get started, then," She said simply, taking a silver piece of metal that kind of looked like a tiny artist's pallet and unscrewing the bottle, tapping it upside down to get the pale liquid out. She put the bottle down and capped it, wiping some of the foundation onto her finger and onto the back of her hand just to show the contrast of it. Then she bent and took a blending sponge from a small box of them, this one looking relatively cleaner than all the others.

[also casually gonna avoid talking about the makeup because I'M LAZY]

[graves]

[relating to carmen, i don't have the faintest idea of makeup, so bear with me and my minuscule makeup knowledge]

Chi couldn't stop herself before she started giggling at CJ's response. Honestly, she had expected her to actually look at Chi like she was stupid and say the correct name, but those words alone were priceless, and her fans would not forget it anytime soon. Shaking her head, she rolled her eyes, putting the brush back in its case with others that looked like it, the same colourful scheme, but in different styles. With a sigh, she turned and produced a brand new bottle of foundation the same shade of Carmen's skin colour and showing it to the camera before turning to CJ.

"Let's get started, then," She said simply, taking a silver piece of metal that kind of looked like a tiny artist's pallet and unscrewing the bottle, tapping it upside down to get the pale liquid out. She put the bottle down and capped it, wiping some of the foundation onto her finger and onto the back of her hand just to show the contrast of it. Then she bent and took a blending sponge from a small box of them, this one looking relatively cleaner than all the others.

[also casually gonna avoid talking about the makeup because I'M LAZY]
[This whole scene is about makeup, n ur gonna avoid the topic]
Cj leaned back and rested her weight on her hand behind her. She was feeling less nervous now, more comfortable around the camera, still giving quiet giggles. Watching Chi put some pale liquid on some weird brush looking thing,"It looks and smells like paint Chi are you sure thats make up." she honestly had no idea what that was. That was going on her face? It honestly smelled like pure chemicals, she didnt know how Chi did this everyday. Seeing as she was prepping to put it on her, Carmen leaned close so she could apply it easier.

[yummyluc]

[This whole scene is about makeup, n ur gonna avoid the topic]
Cj leaned back and rested her weight on her hand behind her. She was feeling less nervous now, more comfortable around the camera, still giving quiet giggles. Watching Chi put some pale liquid on some weird brush looking thing,"It looks and smells like paint Chi are you sure thats make up." she honestly had no idea what that was. That was going on her face? It honestly smelled like pure chemicals, she didnt know how Chi did this everyday. Seeing as she was prepping to put it on her, Carmen leaned close so she could apply it easier.
[i am mum lEAVE ME ALONE]

Chi scoffed, "It does not smell like paint, who's the makeup artist here?" She felt much more comfortable now because she felt like she was in a room with nearly 800+ people now, rather than it being just her and Carmen. Alone. In a room. In close proximity with no escape. She pulled the seat closer so she could actually put the stuff on her face. As she leant closer, she noticed the faint freckles that dotted her face and smiled slightly, then frowned. They were cute, she didn't want to cover them up. But she didn't say that she just started dabbing the pale substance on Carmen's face, trying not to blush too hard.

[graves]

[i am mum lEAVE ME ALONE]

Chi scoffed, "It does not smell like paint, who's the makeup artist here?" She felt much more comfortable now because she felt like she was in a room with nearly 800+ people now, rather than it being just her and Carmen. Alone. In a room. In close proximity with no escape. She pulled the seat closer so she could actually put the stuff on her face. As she leant closer, she noticed the faint freckles that dotted her face and smiled slightly, then frowned. They were cute, she didn't want to cover them up. But she didn't say that she just started dabbing the pale substance on Carmen's face, trying not to blush too hard.
[Im gonna have carmen just make funny n sarcastic commentary this whole time]
Carmen was close. very close, so close she could see the blush on her face. Blue eyes gazed at her as she focused. But she blew it off, it was probably make up or something. That was a thing right, blush makeup? She was pretty sure. She gave a shaky breath at feeling the liquid being put on her face,"Why is it so cold," she playfully whined,"is there like, make up heaters?" She had no idea how makeup worked, not in the slightest and it felt like she was going into another world with this stream.

[yummyluc]

[Im gonna have carmen just make funny n sarcastic commentary this whole time]
Carmen was close. very close, so close she could see the blush on her face. Blue eyes gazed at her as she focused. But she blew it off, it was probably make up or something. That was a thing right, blush makeup? She was pretty sure. She gave a shaky breath at feeling the liquid being put on her face,"Why is it so cold," she playfully whined,"is there like, make up heaters?" She had no idea how makeup worked, not in the slightest and it felt like she was going into another world with this stream.
It was too far gone before Chi could stop it. She was it started out as a giggle but turned into full blown laughter with her struggling to keep herself steady enough to work on coating Carmen's face, She finished with that, the foundation instantly starting to dry. She put the blender and pallet on the table, opening a plastic case and rummaging through a few tubes of skin colours before coming to a paler one, one that seemed pretty unused. She squinted at it, unsure if it was even okay to use. It looked pretty new, but she remembers not buying it the day before. She shrugged, uncapping it with ease to reveal a little brush, still white from never being used. She squeezed the tube a little, some even lighter substance coming out of the brush. It seemed okay enough, so she painted a bit on her finger to make it easier to use, stopping a moment to glance at the chat.

'chi is she your girlfriend yes or no'
'Omg, she's so pretty, you're so lucky Chi'
'No Carmen, makeup heaters do not exist unless you count hands'

Chi snorted, "About 900 people just heard you say probably the silliest comment I've ever heard in the makeup industry," She told Carmen, wiping her finger on a tissue and bringing the tube to Carmen's face, putting a few stripes under her eyes and just above her eyebrows, taking the other end of the blending sponge and blending the new substance into the foundation.

[SHRIEKS BECAUSE I KNOW THAT'S WRONG BUT I'M GONNA GO WITH IT]

[graves]

It was too far gone before Chi could stop it. She was it started out as a giggle but turned into full blown laughter with her struggling to keep herself steady enough to work on coating Carmen's face, She finished with that, the foundation instantly starting to dry. She put the blender and pallet on the table, opening a plastic case and rummaging through a few tubes of skin colours before coming to a paler one, one that seemed pretty unused. She squinted at it, unsure if it was even okay to use. It looked pretty new, but she remembers not buying it the day before. She shrugged, uncapping it with ease to reveal a little brush, still white from never being used. She squeezed the tube a little, some even lighter substance coming out of the brush. It seemed okay enough, so she painted a bit on her finger to make it easier to use, stopping a moment to glance at the chat.

'chi is she your girlfriend yes or no'
'Omg, she's so pretty, you're so lucky Chi'
'No Carmen, makeup heaters do not exist unless you count hands'

Chi snorted, "About 900 people just heard you say probably the silliest comment I've ever heard in the makeup industry," She told Carmen, wiping her finger on a tissue and bringing the tube to Carmen's face, putting a few stripes under her eyes and just above her eyebrows, taking the other end of the blending sponge and blending the new substance into the foundation.

[SHRIEKS BECAUSE I KNOW THAT'S WRONG BUT I'M GONNA GO WITH IT]
She couldnt help but giggle along with her, her laugh was contagious. "I hunt ghosts, Chi. Its 2017, I think makeup heaters should be a thing by now." she snorted. Feeling another appliance being put on her face, she closed her eyes in relaxation. It was nice to have stuff patting on your face, despite it being cold. Again, she had no idea what Chi was actually doing, but she trusted her nonetheless. "I feel like Im putting war paint on, but in a fabulous way. I can hunt ghosts in style." she gave a cheesy grin.

[yummyluc]

She couldnt help but giggle along with her, her laugh was contagious. "I hunt ghosts, Chi. Its 2017, I think makeup heaters should be a thing by now." she snorted. Feeling another appliance being put on her face, she closed her eyes in relaxation. It was nice to have stuff patting on your face, despite it being cold. Again, she had no idea what Chi was actually doing, but she trusted her nonetheless. "I feel like Im putting war paint on, but in a fabulous way. I can hunt ghosts in style." she gave a cheesy grin.
Chi rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically, but there was a slight smile on her lips as she continued to work on Carmen's face, her side of the conversation fading as she started to focus more and more on what she was doing. Even her thoughts of how pretty Carmen looked were starting to fade as she worked, adding contour and highlight, using a large assortment of brushes and sponges, everything started to look more and more disorganised, but Chi just happened to know where everything was, often grabbing brushes without even looking. The whole stream was fading to the back of her mind, completely focused on the face in front of her. It was automatic, her brain matching tones and colours that would look perfect for a simple look, cutting up Carmen's face with dotted lines in her mind.

[graves]

Chi rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically, but there was a slight smile on her lips as she continued to work on Carmen's face, her side of the conversation fading as she started to focus more and more on what she was doing. Even her thoughts of how pretty Carmen looked were starting to fade as she worked, adding contour and highlight, using a large assortment of brushes and sponges, everything started to look more and more disorganised, but Chi just happened to know where everything was, often grabbing brushes without even looking. The whole stream was fading to the back of her mind, completely focused on the face in front of her. It was automatic, her brain matching tones and colours that would look perfect for a simple look, cutting up Carmen's face with dotted lines in her mind.
Carmen let her eyes flutter closed as she let Chi do the wonders to her face. She didnt know what she was actually doing but she trusted her. She felt more comfortable now, it didnt really feel like almost a thousand people were watching them, but just a couple of gals laughing along to Carmens lack of makeup skills. It felt natural to be around Chi like this, simply laughing along while she does her magic. She had been nervous to come do this before seeing as she wasnt a makeup person, but she was really glad she accepted the offer.

[yummyluc]

Carmen let her eyes flutter closed as she let Chi do the wonders to her face. She didnt know what she was actually doing but she trusted her. She felt more comfortable now, it didnt really feel like almost a thousand people were watching them, but just a couple of gals laughing along to Carmens lack of makeup skills. It felt natural to be around Chi like this, simply laughing along while she does her magic. She had been nervous to come do this before seeing as she wasnt a makeup person, but she was really glad she accepted the offer.
Chi sat back to look at her work, pursing her lips as she gently moved Carmen's face to show one cheek to the other, blending in a few parts. Everything looked good, really. But then again, with Carmen, everything looked good. She shook the thought out of her head. Stop it, you're working Chichima, not contemplating why this girl looks so good to you! She scolded herself, flashing CJ a smile as she was finally done with most of the look. All she had to do was finish up with the eyes and pick out something for her lips, and they were done. That thought alone made Chi's heart sink. Were they almost done? Really? Of course, they were, this was a simple day look, it should have been done maybe 15 minutes ago.

Chi was a perfectionist, but never so bad that it made her meetings with clients so long. But this wasn't a meeting for a client. It was a fun meetup for Chi to get to know Carmen, but all this time she'd been trying to distract herself with work. Her coping mechanism. To run from things she didn't understand and distract herself from them until they were forgotten and she no longer worried about them. But there was no forgetting Carmen. There was no forgetting the coffee shop, or the hand holding, or the almost kiss, or the fireflies in the meadow, or the meadow. There was no forgetting all of that. It ate away at Chi's mind for a week and had no now begun to disappear, and she hadn't understood why. She still didn't. She didn't know why when CJ was in the room, her every worry, her every anxiety, just melted away, and everything was okay. She was afraid to know. She shook her head, giving another smile.

"How about we ask the audience for some questions about yourself, CJ?" She suggested, turning to the camera, "Interrogate my good friend here guys, won't you?" And just like that, the chat that had just begun to calm down exploded again, Chi had to slow the flow of it down so she could actually read them. Most of them were the same questions. Chi skipped over them.

'Is she your GF?'
'Are y'all dating?'
'Since when did Chi have a girlfriend?'
'Wait, Chi's gay?'
'Whoa, are you bi?'

Clearing her throat, she read one that wasn't too intrusive, "What is your line of work like, CJ?" She asked, reading it off the ever-active stream of comments.

[graves]

Chi sat back to look at her work, pursing her lips as she gently moved Carmen's face to show one cheek to the other, blending in a few parts. Everything looked good, really. But then again, with Carmen, everything looked good. She shook the thought out of her head. Stop it, you're working Chichima, not contemplating why this girl looks so good to you! She scolded herself, flashing CJ a smile as she was finally done with most of the look. All she had to do was finish up with the eyes and pick out something for her lips, and they were done. That thought alone made Chi's heart sink. Were they almost done? Really? Of course, they were, this was a simple day look, it should have been done maybe 15 minutes ago.

Chi was a perfectionist, but never so bad that it made her meetings with clients so long. But this wasn't a meeting for a client. It was a fun meetup for Chi to get to know Carmen, but all this time she'd been trying to distract herself with work. Her coping mechanism. To run from things she didn't understand and distract herself from them until they were forgotten and she no longer worried about them. But there was no forgetting Carmen. There was no forgetting the coffee shop, or the hand holding, or the almost kiss, or the fireflies in the meadow, or the meadow. There was no forgetting all of that. It ate away at Chi's mind for a week and had no now begun to disappear, and she hadn't understood why. She still didn't. She didn't know why when CJ was in the room, her every worry, her every anxiety, just melted away, and everything was okay. She was afraid to know. She shook her head, giving another smile.

"How about we ask the audience for some questions about yourself, CJ?" She suggested, turning to the camera, "Interrogate my good friend here guys, won't you?" And just like that, the chat that had just begun to calm down exploded again, Chi had to slow the flow of it down so she could actually read them. Most of them were the same questions. Chi skipped over them.

'Is she your GF?'
'Are y'all dating?'
'Since when did Chi have a girlfriend?'
'Wait, Chi's gay?'
'Whoa, are you bi?'

Clearing her throat, she read one that wasn't too intrusive, "What is your line of work like, CJ?" She asked, reading it off the ever-active stream of comments.
She peaked her head at the comments. She was glad makeup was currently covering her face, she could feel it heat up slightly at the questions. Girlfriend. Woah. Carmen hadnt even thought of Chi in that way shed tell herself. The hadn holding, the fireflies, the closeness...that was all platonic. Completely platonic, there wasnt anything there. She hadnt had a girlfriend since highschool days and even then her memory was still fuzzy. She looked back towards Chi was a nervous smile, but a smile nonetheless. She gave a small hum,"I work with paranormal investigators to check out haunted places that are around here. Im the locksmith, I break into the places. Its kinda illegal but at this point the police let us slide aslong we arent causing trouble." she gave a small chuckle. Despite the work hours Carmen loved her job to death. Feeling the rush of finding some evidence, hearing something you cant explain. It was a thrill of adrenaline. "We check out a lot of historical building though, where like, murders happened n stuff. Its pretty cool."

[yummyluc]

She peaked her head at the comments. She was glad makeup was currently covering her face, she could feel it heat up slightly at the questions. Girlfriend. Woah. Carmen hadnt even thought of Chi in that way shed tell herself. The hadn holding, the fireflies, the closeness...that was all platonic. Completely platonic, there wasnt anything there. She hadnt had a girlfriend since highschool days and even then her memory was still fuzzy. She looked back towards Chi was a nervous smile, but a smile nonetheless. She gave a small hum,"I work with paranormal investigators to check out haunted places that are around here. Im the locksmith, I break into the places. Its kinda illegal but at this point the police let us slide aslong we arent causing trouble." she gave a small chuckle. Despite the work hours Carmen loved her job to death. Feeling the rush of finding some evidence, hearing something you cant explain. It was a thrill of adrenaline. "We check out a lot of historical building though, where like, murders happened n stuff. Its pretty cool."
Chi couldn't help but snort and laugh a little at that, "You have it here first, kids, CJ is a huge nerd." Her eyes continued to scan the chat box, looking for anything that wouldn't make her face burn any more than it was already. Mindlessly, she searched for the eye shadow brush she'd been using a moment ago, not even looking at the collection of used brushes but finding it with ease, turning her eyes to look for a certain set of eyeshadows she knew would be perfect for Carmen. She couldn't help but think of all the comments about CJ being her girlfriend. Really, was that what her fans thought any time they saw her with a girl? Really? They'd assumed Kyran was her boyfriend, and she denied it completely, not that it was insulting to be Ky's significant other, she just had a mild distaste for men, though she hadn't thought she had any sort of taste for women. She supposed, if she were in their shoes, she would think the same thing. She shrugged it off. It wasn't like the thought of being called CJ's girlfriend meant anything to her, no, not at all. Chi just... didn't mind it all that much. It didn't bother her, not like it bother her why everyone assumed she and Kyran were together. She just didn't think it was a big deal, that whole thing.

Shaking the thoughts away, she found the small set of brown eyeshadows, holding the palette up to Carmen's face and squinting, deciding which shade and style would be best. She went for a slightly matte but also slightly shiny light brown that would show up clearly on Carmen's skin, but in a nice, not overpowering sort of way. She had to be careful, with how pale CJ was, she couldn't make anything too dark or too light.

[graves]

Chi couldn't help but snort and laugh a little at that, "You have it here first, kids, CJ is a huge nerd." Her eyes continued to scan the chat box, looking for anything that wouldn't make her face burn any more than it was already. Mindlessly, she searched for the eye shadow brush she'd been using a moment ago, not even looking at the collection of used brushes but finding it with ease, turning her eyes to look for a certain set of eyeshadows she knew would be perfect for Carmen. She couldn't help but think of all the comments about CJ being her girlfriend. Really, was that what her fans thought any time they saw her with a girl? Really? They'd assumed Kyran was her boyfriend, and she denied it completely, not that it was insulting to be Ky's significant other, she just had a mild distaste for men, though she hadn't thought she had any sort of taste for women. She supposed, if she were in their shoes, she would think the same thing. She shrugged it off. It wasn't like the thought of being called CJ's girlfriend meant anything to her, no, not at all. Chi just... didn't mind it all that much. It didn't bother her, not like it bother her why everyone assumed she and Kyran were together. She just didn't think it was a big deal, that whole thing.

Shaking the thoughts away, she found the small set of brown eyeshadows, holding the palette up to Carmen's face and squinting, deciding which shade and style would be best. She went for a slightly matte but also slightly shiny light brown that would show up clearly on Carmen's skin, but in a nice, not overpowering sort of way. She had to be careful, with how pale CJ was, she couldn't make anything too dark or too light.
"Im a nerd but Im proud,Chi." Carmen scoffed playfully. She wondered what Chi thought of the Girlfriend comments. She obviously knew they werent true and they werent together, but Chi wasnt exactly denying it. Perhaps itd only cause more drama then it was worth. It didnt stop Carmens cheeks from burning slightly at the thought though. She didnt even know if Chi rolled at way, or any way for that matter. She took her mind off of it watching Chi hold out a brown eyeshadow pallet, her eyes lit up,"Chi that really looks like shades of chocolate, it looks delicious." she couldnt help but giggle at her own sentence. Why did she think almost everything Chi was doing edible? It didnt matter, all that matter was t caused her to make her own few snorts of laughter.

[yummyluc]

"Im a nerd but Im proud,Chi." Carmen scoffed playfully. She wondered what Chi thought of the Girlfriend comments. She obviously knew they werent true and they werent together, but Chi wasnt exactly denying it. Perhaps itd only cause more drama then it was worth. It didnt stop Carmens cheeks from burning slightly at the thought though. She didnt even know if Chi rolled at way, or any way for that matter. She took her mind off of it watching Chi hold out a brown eyeshadow pallet, her eyes lit up,"Chi that really looks like shades of chocolate, it looks delicious." she couldnt help but giggle at her own sentence. Why did she think almost everything Chi was doing edible? It didnt matter, all that matter was t caused her to make her own few snorts of laughter.
Chi rolled her eyes, "Just don't eat any of my products, okay?" She said with a playful grin. She closed Carmen's eyes, careful not to ruin any makeup she'd just applied, taking the eyeshadow brush and blending the brown shade with the light colour she'd already put near the inside of her eye, giving it a gentle smoky look. Again, her mind turned on professional mode, her hand turning steady and confident as she worked, knowing where and how exactly to blend the colours together. Still, in the back of her mind, she couldn't take her mind off the fact she and CJ were so close now, Chi wanted to do well and be precise. She didn't understand why her touch lingered, or why she was being so slow. She could do the same job with the same quality at a faster pace, but for some reason, she just wanted to be close to Carmen. She liked it, but she'd never admit that, even to herself.

[graves]

Chi rolled her eyes, "Just don't eat any of my products, okay?" She said with a playful grin. She closed Carmen's eyes, careful not to ruin any makeup she'd just applied, taking the eyeshadow brush and blending the brown shade with the light colour she'd already put near the inside of her eye, giving it a gentle smoky look. Again, her mind turned on professional mode, her hand turning steady and confident as she worked, knowing where and how exactly to blend the colours together. Still, in the back of her mind, she couldn't take her mind off the fact she and CJ were so close now, Chi wanted to do well and be precise. She didn't understand why her touch lingered, or why she was being so slow. She could do the same job with the same quality at a faster pace, but for some reason, she just wanted to be close to Carmen. She liked it, but she'd never admit that, even to herself.
Carmen gave a small snort and let her eyes come to a close. It was fun sitting pretty infront of a camera and letting Chi do her makeup. As much as she wasnt a makeup person, shed do this again if Chi ever offered. She couldnt help but think about the chatbox comments. Girlfriend. It didnt bother Carmen as much as it should have, she felt neutral towards it. She didnt really care about social media anyway, shed deny the comments once and move on. Along with those thoughts she couldnt help but think about how close Chi really was. She could like, feel her breath and everything. Carmen didnt mind it though, which is why she didnt speak up and tell Chi to move back a bit. She liked it, as much as shed deny it. She played it off as Chi just wanting to make sure she got all of the little details done with her look, nothing more. Right?

/

Luna was currently sitting on the steps to her and her best friends porch. In late afternoon like this she liked to watch the sunset, as soft as that may sound. She found the pretty rays of colors reminding her of tye dye or water colors. She sat on the top step of their cozy home, their feet resting on a step below her. She honestly had done nothing productive today. She was suppose to be online,ya know, actually doing her job but she was lazy with that sort of stuff. She was a procrastinator that was for sure. She was positive mie was outside along with her too. She piped up, not bothering to look behind her,"Dude, Mie, check out this sunset. Its hella rad,"

[yummyluc]

Carmen gave a small snort and let her eyes come to a close. It was fun sitting pretty infront of a camera and letting Chi do her makeup. As much as she wasnt a makeup person, shed do this again if Chi ever offered. She couldnt help but think about the chatbox comments. Girlfriend. It didnt bother Carmen as much as it should have, she felt neutral towards it. She didnt really care about social media anyway, shed deny the comments once and move on. Along with those thoughts she couldnt help but think about how close Chi really was. She could like, feel her breath and everything. Carmen didnt mind it though, which is why she didnt speak up and tell Chi to move back a bit. She liked it, as much as shed deny it. She played it off as Chi just wanting to make sure she got all of the little details done with her look, nothing more. Right?

/

Luna was currently sitting on the steps to her and her best friends porch. In late afternoon like this she liked to watch the sunset, as soft as that may sound. She found the pretty rays of colors reminding her of tye dye or water colors. She sat on the top step of their cozy home, their feet resting on a step below her. She honestly had done nothing productive today. She was suppose to be online,ya know, actually doing her job but she was lazy with that sort of stuff. She was a procrastinator that was for sure. She was positive mie was outside along with her too. She piped up, not bothering to look behind her,"Dude, Mie, check out this sunset. Its hella rad,"
Soon enough, Chi was finished, adding a few touches to Carmen's eye shadow before adding a soft highlight to her already high and visible cheek bones. She looked through her big container of lipsticks, screwing up her face as she didn't find the milky pink she was looking for. Really? Where could she have left it? She kept looking, any other normal person just sighing and settling for the next best thing. But no, not Chi. Chi was going through every single style of pink she had to find this. Lipstick, lip gloss, lip stains, lip pencils, you name it. Now, you'd probably think Chi would give up at the point of realising she didn't have it, anyone would, just going to whatever second idea they had, but no. Chi excused herself and walked over to her hallway closet, dragging out her two suitcases of makeup and pulling them just in view of the camera. She opened them both up and started to dig through them. She would pick up one pink and then frown and toss it back in, then pick up another pink that looked like the exact same shade and still frown and toss it back in. She finished with one case and moved to the other, looking like she might just kill a man until she found the one. She uncapped it, twisting it up and revealing what looked like a clear, plastic-like tube in the shape of a lipstick. It was some real aesthetic looking stuff, a light pink tint with little face pink flowers inside it. Chi looked closely at it for a moment, before smiling and giving an affirmative nod, shutting the case gently and stuffing them back in the closet, satisfied with her search and coming back to her set up with the lipstick she'd been looking for.

||

Correct in Luna's assumptions, Miesha was outside on the porch, swinging on the outdoor swing she put outside. She laid completely flat on it, still having to bend her legs to fit, sucking on a disgustingly grape flavoured lollipop with a flashy blue 3DS in her hands, hovering a few inches above her face. Mie hummed at Luna, sitting up and swinging her legs over, though her icy blue eyes were still glued to the screen, brows knit together in concentration. She mumbled around the lollipop in her mouth.

"Yeah Lu, looks great," She murmured, moving the lollipop into her cheek as she grit her teeth together. Usually, Mie was anything but distracted, but dang, if this gym leader would just stop using potions, she would probably have already beat them. This was her third go, and she was ready to rip her hair out after hours of grinding, "Seriously, how many potions do you have?" She hissed under her breath with a groan. Again, she lost the battle, and she was about to snap her DS in half. Actually, she very well could, given her strength, but it was expensive, and she didn't want to lose her game data, as much as the stupid game ticked her off. She just restarted again, muttering Russian curses under her breath as she walked to the tall grass.

[graves]

Soon enough, Chi was finished, adding a few touches to Carmen's eye shadow before adding a soft highlight to her already high and visible cheek bones. She looked through her big container of lipsticks, screwing up her face as she didn't find the milky pink she was looking for. Really? Where could she have left it? She kept looking, any other normal person just sighing and settling for the next best thing. But no, not Chi. Chi was going through every single style of pink she had to find this. Lipstick, lip gloss, lip stains, lip pencils, you name it. Now, you'd probably think Chi would give up at the point of realising she didn't have it, anyone would, just going to whatever second idea they had, but no. Chi excused herself and walked over to her hallway closet, dragging out her two suitcases of makeup and pulling them just in view of the camera. She opened them both up and started to dig through them. She would pick up one pink and then frown and toss it back in, then pick up another pink that looked like the exact same shade and still frown and toss it back in. She finished with one case and moved to the other, looking like she might just kill a man until she found the one. She uncapped it, twisting it up and revealing what looked like a clear, plastic-like tube in the shape of a lipstick. It was some real aesthetic looking stuff, a light pink tint with little face pink flowers inside it. Chi looked closely at it for a moment, before smiling and giving an affirmative nod, shutting the case gently and stuffing them back in the closet, satisfied with her search and coming back to her set up with the lipstick she'd been looking for.

||

Correct in Luna's assumptions, Miesha was outside on the porch, swinging on the outdoor swing she put outside. She laid completely flat on it, still having to bend her legs to fit, sucking on a disgustingly grape flavoured lollipop with a flashy blue 3DS in her hands, hovering a few inches above her face. Mie hummed at Luna, sitting up and swinging her legs over, though her icy blue eyes were still glued to the screen, brows knit together in concentration. She mumbled around the lollipop in her mouth.

"Yeah Lu, looks great," She murmured, moving the lollipop into her cheek as she grit her teeth together. Usually, Mie was anything but distracted, but dang, if this gym leader would just stop using potions, she would probably have already beat them. This was her third go, and she was ready to rip her hair out after hours of grinding, "Seriously, how many potions do you have?" She hissed under her breath with a groan. Again, she lost the battle, and she was about to snap her DS in half. Actually, she very well could, given her strength, but it was expensive, and she didn't want to lose her game data, as much as the stupid game ticked her off. She just restarted again, muttering Russian curses under her breath as she walked to the tall grass.
Carmen looked towards Chi with lidded eyes for a moment, watching her scavenge for whatever shade of lipstick she was looking for. There were probably hundreds she had, did she really need a specific one? To Carmen,most of these colors looked the same any way. She only raised an eyebrow watching her pull out more cases of makeup. In Carmens mind, she was friends with what seemed like a makeup god of some sort, having basically a whole stores worth in those simple two cases. "Chi, how much makeup do you have?" she couldnt really be shocked seeing as this was a girl who did peoples makeup for a living.

/

Luna rolled her eyes, taking a glance over to the swings were Mie was laying on them. She wasnt shocked to find her on her DS. She seemed hooked on that thing,"Pay attention to me you dumby," she huffed playfully. Leaning down she picked up a pebble, it was barely the size of her fingernail, no harm in that. Lifting it, she threw it in Mie's direction hoping to catch her attention. "One day Im gonna throw your DS charger down the garbage disposal and then you'll be forced to look at the sunset with me." Dispite living with her Luna liked Mie's attention almost all of the time and was smug about it. She looked back up at the sky, taking out her phone and taking a few pictures of the sky before putting it away, just incase Mie didnt look up from her dumb DS in time, Luna would have photos for her.

[yummyluc]

Carmen looked towards Chi with lidded eyes for a moment, watching her scavenge for whatever shade of lipstick she was looking for. There were probably hundreds she had, did she really need a specific one? To Carmen,most of these colors looked the same any way. She only raised an eyebrow watching her pull out more cases of makeup. In Carmens mind, she was friends with what seemed like a makeup god of some sort, having basically a whole stores worth in those simple two cases. "Chi, how much makeup do you have?" she couldnt really be shocked seeing as this was a girl who did peoples makeup for a living.

/

Luna rolled her eyes, taking a glance over to the swings were Mie was laying on them. She wasnt shocked to find her on her DS. She seemed hooked on that thing,"Pay attention to me you dumby," she huffed playfully. Leaning down she picked up a pebble, it was barely the size of her fingernail, no harm in that. Lifting it, she threw it in Mie's direction hoping to catch her attention. "One day Im gonna throw your DS charger down the garbage disposal and then you'll be forced to look at the sunset with me." Dispite living with her Luna liked Mie's attention almost all of the time and was smug about it. She looked back up at the sky, taking out her phone and taking a few pictures of the sky before putting it away, just incase Mie didnt look up from her dumb DS in time, Luna would have photos for her.
Chi tutted, rolling the lipstick down to a reasonable size, "You never ask a makeup guru how much makeup they have because chances are you will never find the end. It's like following a rainbow, okay?" She snorted, raising the lipstick to Carmen's lips, holding her jaw a moment to apply it. It wasn't something super obnoxious, and the clear appearance was so misleading, colouring Carmen's lips a pretty shade of soft pink, nothing too harsh, but definitely noticeable. It matched other aspects of the look perfectly. At this point, Carmen probably spent maybe an hour doing this to make sure the makeup was perfect, and it was. She sat back, narrowing her eyes and tilting her head a few ways before nodding as if finalizing her work, she turned to the camera with a grin.

"And we're done!" She couldn't help but keep looking at CJ. She was... pretty. Not because of the makeup, no, makeup doesn't make someone pretty, it only brings out the beauty that others can't see without it. The person was very much just as beautiful as before. She couldn't help it, her face burned. CJ was really pretty, even without the makeup. Chi would even say she liked it better that way. She shook the thought from her head, turning the mirror towards the other girl, "What do you think?"

||

Miesha's fingers stopped on the controls, hovering barely half an inch above the buttons, her head snapping up with narrowed eyes, "You wouldn't dare." Still, despite her disbelief, she paused the game and shut the 3DS, sliding the stylus back into its place and shoving the game into her pocket, putting on a pout with her face on her fists and her elbows on her knees. She looked up at the sky while Luna took pictures of it and scoffed, "Lu, it's like this every night, I could probably find pictures of it on Google," She said, standing up and folding her hands above her head to yawn, ambling over to Luna and plopping down next to her with a bored expression.

[graves]

Chi tutted, rolling the lipstick down to a reasonable size, "You never ask a makeup guru how much makeup they have because chances are you will never find the end. It's like following a rainbow, okay?" She snorted, raising the lipstick to Carmen's lips, holding her jaw a moment to apply it. It wasn't something super obnoxious, and the clear appearance was so misleading, colouring Carmen's lips a pretty shade of soft pink, nothing too harsh, but definitely noticeable. It matched other aspects of the look perfectly. At this point, Carmen probably spent maybe an hour doing this to make sure the makeup was perfect, and it was. She sat back, narrowing her eyes and tilting her head a few ways before nodding as if finalizing her work, she turned to the camera with a grin.

"And we're done!" She couldn't help but keep looking at CJ. She was... pretty. Not because of the makeup, no, makeup doesn't make someone pretty, it only brings out the beauty that others can't see without it. The person was very much just as beautiful as before. She couldn't help it, her face burned. CJ was really pretty, even without the makeup. Chi would even say she liked it better that way. She shook the thought from her head, turning the mirror towards the other girl, "What do you think?"

||

Miesha's fingers stopped on the controls, hovering barely half an inch above the buttons, her head snapping up with narrowed eyes, "You wouldn't dare." Still, despite her disbelief, she paused the game and shut the 3DS, sliding the stylus back into its place and shoving the game into her pocket, putting on a pout with her face on her fists and her elbows on her knees. She looked up at the sky while Luna took pictures of it and scoffed, "Lu, it's like this every night, I could probably find pictures of it on Google," She said, standing up and folding her hands above her head to yawn, ambling over to Luna and plopping down next to her with a bored expression.
They were done? Already? Even if the process was long, it didnt feel that long. She wouldnt mind if Chi took even longer, either. Opening her eyes she couldnt help but gape a bit, taking at mirror from Chi to see it up close herself. It seemed all the flaws Cj didnt like about herself were covered, every curve of her skin was amplified to be more noticeable, every feature painted to perfection. She couldnt help but smile,"Wow..,thats like, my face.." she was still in shock that it was her she was looking at. She didnt wear makeup often, even when she did it was next to none, nothing like this. She tucked a lose curl behind her ear before looking up to Chi,"Youre really talented, you did a really great job." she couldnt help but gush, her cheek flushing slightly.

//

Luna could only role her eyes as Mie sat next to her. She put her phone away, shoving it in her hoodie pocket. "Dont diss my sunset just because you cant play your nerd game," she chuckled, drawing her bi-colored eyes to the sky again. Sure, maybe it was weird that she looked at the sunset almost every night. But it made her sane. Made her feel a bit free, ts why she didnt like to spend to much in the house. Instead under the sky, the stars, the crisp air. "The fireflies are gonna come out soon, google cant capture that," she raised her eyebrows to the girl next to her.Luna was like a kid when the fireflies came out, liking to catch them in her hands. Like she was holding stars, mini lantern in the midst of her palm.

[yummyluc]

They were done? Already? Even if the process was long, it didnt feel that long. She wouldnt mind if Chi took even longer, either. Opening her eyes she couldnt help but gape a bit, taking at mirror from Chi to see it up close herself. It seemed all the flaws Cj didnt like about herself were covered, every curve of her skin was amplified to be more noticeable, every feature painted to perfection. She couldnt help but smile,"Wow..,thats like, my face.." she was still in shock that it was her she was looking at. She didnt wear makeup often, even when she did it was next to none, nothing like this. She tucked a lose curl behind her ear before looking up to Chi,"Youre really talented, you did a really great job." she couldnt help but gush, her cheek flushing slightly.

//

Luna could only role her eyes as Mie sat next to her. She put her phone away, shoving it in her hoodie pocket. "Dont diss my sunset just because you cant play your nerd game," she chuckled, drawing her bi-colored eyes to the sky again. Sure, maybe it was weird that she looked at the sunset almost every night. But it made her sane. Made her feel a bit free, ts why she didnt like to spend to much in the house. Instead under the sky, the stars, the crisp air. "The fireflies are gonna come out soon, google cant capture that," she raised her eyebrows to the girl next to her.Luna was like a kid when the fireflies came out, liking to catch them in her hands. Like she was holding stars, mini lantern in the midst of her palm.

Chi shook her head, "No, my job is to enhance the features that make a person beautiful," She said simply with a nod, "And while that's true, you're the reason this looks good." That's what Chi believed, at least. And she knew it was true, she looked at the chat box. Most of the comments of Chi and CJ's relationship status had stopped, quieting down to people advertising themselves, spam, and trying to get Chi to answer them. She had answered them in the past, but then everyone wanted attention, and Chi just wasn't ready for that. The chat started up again, a few people commenting on how Chi was right, and how pretty Carmen looked both with and without makeup, it was a nightmare. Chi pointed to the screen.

"See? You can't disagree with a thousand people, can you?" She asked, quirking a brow with a smirk. She gathered all the used brushes and blenders together, closing a couple makeup sets and putting them in a case by her feet, neat and in a way that made it look like she'd done it many times. She zipped the case closed and gathered the extra things she'd have to wash and clean before putting them away.

||

The girl rolled her eyes, Luna was a child. She stood up again, patting Luna on the shoulder, "I have to get ready for work," She stated simply, turning and going up the stairs. She only put her hand on the door knob when she heard a familiar voice call from across their yard. She turned her attention back, eyes scanning to find their neighbour had just pulled in. She rolled her eyes, moving to the railing over the porch to yell back at him.

"We're not married!" She replied to him with a playful scoff and a small smile. She turned around again, pulling the door open and stepping inside, liking the feeling of the warm air in the house. Unlike Luna, Miesha preferred the indoors. She never understood why people wanted to be outside willingly, it was just beyond her. She padded down the hall to the single bed room the two shared-- it was cheaper --and dug around her side of the room for her bomber jacket and car keys. It didn't take long, seeing as she kept her side of the room tidy and organised. She couldn't stand the mess. She looked in the mirror and ran a hand over her choppy haircut before sighing. As much as she liked her job, it was exhausting having to go out every night. She was just the most trusted employee there, and they needed her when the bar was most active. Mostly it was her dragging out the drunks.

[graves]

Chi shook her head, "No, my job is to enhance the features that make a person beautiful," She said simply with a nod, "And while that's true, you're the reason this looks good." That's what Chi believed, at least. And she knew it was true, she looked at the chat box. Most of the comments of Chi and CJ's relationship status had stopped, quieting down to people advertising themselves, spam, and trying to get Chi to answer them. She had answered them in the past, but then everyone wanted attention, and Chi just wasn't ready for that. The chat started up again, a few people commenting on how Chi was right, and how pretty Carmen looked both with and without makeup, it was a nightmare. Chi pointed to the screen.

"See? You can't disagree with a thousand people, can you?" She asked, quirking a brow with a smirk. She gathered all the used brushes and blenders together, closing a couple makeup sets and putting them in a case by her feet, neat and in a way that made it look like she'd done it many times. She zipped the case closed and gathered the extra things she'd have to wash and clean before putting them away.

||

The girl rolled her eyes, Luna was a child. She stood up again, patting Luna on the shoulder, "I have to get ready for work," She stated simply, turning and going up the stairs. She only put her hand on the door knob when she heard a familiar voice call from across their yard. She turned her attention back, eyes scanning to find their neighbour had just pulled in. She rolled her eyes, moving to the railing over the porch to yell back at him.

"We're not married!" She replied to him with a playful scoff and a small smile. She turned around again, pulling the door open and stepping inside, liking the feeling of the warm air in the house. Unlike Luna, Miesha preferred the indoors. She never understood why people wanted to be outside willingly, it was just beyond her. She padded down the hall to the single bed room the two shared-- it was cheaper --and dug around her side of the room for her bomber jacket and car keys. It didn't take long, seeing as she kept her side of the room tidy and organised. She couldn't stand the mess. She looked in the mirror and ran a hand over her choppy haircut before sighing. As much as she liked her job, it was exhausting having to go out every night. She was just the most trusted employee there, and they needed her when the bar was most active. Mostly it was her dragging out the drunks.
She took a glance at the chatbox and smiled to see Chi was right, giving a shy smile in response, "I guess I cant argue with that." giving a small chuckle. She still wasnt used to this, being in the spotlight, or having a friend that was constantly in the spotlight. She was used to the quiet popularity of the newspaper and documentaries, only a select audience knowing who she was, and she liked it that way. This was different then her usual setting, many more people tuning in to her every word, every movement and comment. Though she didnt really mind it, she wasnt paying attention to the screen. Most of the time she had her gaze set on Chi and what she was doing. It felt nice to spend time with her, she felt slightly nervous coming here but she was glad she did.

//

Luna gave a playful glare at hearing the comment from their neighbor, standing up and following Mie inside. Shutting the door she scoffed,"Okay, were like, kind of married." she replied a bit loud so Mie could hear her from the bedroom. Luna plopped down on the couch and let her head rest on the arm rest, bringing up the back of her hand to rest on her forehead dramatically,"With you gone, my wife, whos going to keep me company and dying from boredom?" she closed her eyes a sighed dramatically, obviously joking. Mie went out basically every night, she was used to it, doesnt mean she couldnt playfully complain about it. She had trouble sleeping whenever Mie wasnt in the house, which meant she often would stay awake till early hours of the morning till Mie arrived home. She didnt mind it though, it just meant she could binge watch netflix (the same netflix she had stolen from her neighbor) or doing something else to pass the time.

[yummyluc]

She took a glance at the chatbox and smiled to see Chi was right, giving a shy smile in response, "I guess I cant argue with that." giving a small chuckle. She still wasnt used to this, being in the spotlight, or having a friend that was constantly in the spotlight. She was used to the quiet popularity of the newspaper and documentaries, only a select audience knowing who she was, and she liked it that way. This was different then her usual setting, many more people tuning in to her every word, every movement and comment. Though she didnt really mind it, she wasnt paying attention to the screen. Most of the time she had her gaze set on Chi and what she was doing. It felt nice to spend time with her, she felt slightly nervous coming here but she was glad she did.

//

Luna gave a playful glare at hearing the comment from their neighbor, standing up and following Mie inside. Shutting the door she scoffed,"Okay, were like, kind of married." she replied a bit loud so Mie could hear her from the bedroom. Luna plopped down on the couch and let her head rest on the arm rest, bringing up the back of her hand to rest on her forehead dramatically,"With you gone, my wife, whos going to keep me company and dying from boredom?" she closed her eyes a sighed dramatically, obviously joking. Mie went out basically every night, she was used to it, doesnt mean she couldnt playfully complain about it. She had trouble sleeping whenever Mie wasnt in the house, which meant she often would stay awake till early hours of the morning till Mie arrived home. She didnt mind it though, it just meant she could binge watch netflix (the same netflix she had stolen from her neighbor) or doing something else to pass the time.
Sighing, Chi grinned, giving a small wave to the camera. Usually, she'd be pretty eccentric, because that's what her fans liked and got used to, but with Carmen there, it didn't... feel right, it felt kind of embarrassing actually, so she just gave a small wave, said she'd make a video soon, and shut the live stream off. Still, the chat was a little active, but they'd fade away sooner or later. She shut off the camera and laptop and started untangling the cords she had to hook up, wrapping them neatly around her hand before putting them in a big black box.

"If, uh, If-If you want to stay for a few moments, you're welcome to. I was just going to do some paperwork that isn't really paperwork and have some tea. You're very welcome to join me," She said, taking the camera off the tripod and setting it on the table, taking the tripod down and folding it to fit in the box, reaching for the reflectors and making sure not to step on any makeup she had set up on the floor.

||

Miesha couldn't help but snort, "I know, it's great!" She managed to yell back, digging through her drawers until she found a well-taken care of, but worn pair of brass knuckles. Technically, she wasn't allowed to use any sort of even potentially lethal weapons on even the rowdiest of bar patrons, but sometimes you needed a little insurance. And a long history with the manager. Mandy was probably her second closest friend, to Luna, so she didn't bat an eye when Mie wanted to bring in brass knuckles. For intimidation insurance, you know? She'd never actually hurt anyone. Unless they needed it. What could she say, she was an ex-cop, it was instinct. She slipped the knuckles into her jacket pockets and lacing up her boots before grabbing her keys and wallet and heading down the stairs. Miesha rolled her eyes at the scene, yanking her beloved hat off her head and rubbing it onto her face before playfully ruffling her hair.

"You'll be fine, Luna. It's the life of a bouncer, what can I say?" She grinned, heading towards the door, turning around to face Luna and winking, "It's exciting." With that, she turned, heading down the steps to her truck. An old Chevrolet, something from her dad when she'd moved out. The bar wasn't too far, but it was just out of walking distance. Sighing, she hopped into it, liking the familiar creak it gave when she sat down in the driver's seat. She jammed the key into the ignition and turned the engine over, backing out of the driveway and going towards the bar. More of a mix of a bar and a nightclub. It could be either.

[graves]

Sighing, Chi grinned, giving a small wave to the camera. Usually, she'd be pretty eccentric, because that's what her fans liked and got used to, but with Carmen there, it didn't... feel right, it felt kind of embarrassing actually, so she just gave a small wave, said she'd make a video soon, and shut the live stream off. Still, the chat was a little active, but they'd fade away sooner or later. She shut off the camera and laptop and started untangling the cords she had to hook up, wrapping them neatly around her hand before putting them in a big black box.

"If, uh, If-If you want to stay for a few moments, you're welcome to. I was just going to do some paperwork that isn't really paperwork and have some tea. You're very welcome to join me," She said, taking the camera off the tripod and setting it on the table, taking the tripod down and folding it to fit in the box, reaching for the reflectors and making sure not to step on any makeup she had set up on the floor.

||

Miesha couldn't help but snort, "I know, it's great!" She managed to yell back, digging through her drawers until she found a well-taken care of, but worn pair of brass knuckles. Technically, she wasn't allowed to use any sort of even potentially lethal weapons on even the rowdiest of bar patrons, but sometimes you needed a little insurance. And a long history with the manager. Mandy was probably her second closest friend, to Luna, so she didn't bat an eye when Mie wanted to bring in brass knuckles. For intimidation insurance, you know? She'd never actually hurt anyone. Unless they needed it. What could she say, she was an ex-cop, it was instinct. She slipped the knuckles into her jacket pockets and lacing up her boots before grabbing her keys and wallet and heading down the stairs. Miesha rolled her eyes at the scene, yanking her beloved hat off her head and rubbing it onto her face before playfully ruffling her hair.

"You'll be fine, Luna. It's the life of a bouncer, what can I say?" She grinned, heading towards the door, turning around to face Luna and winking, "It's exciting." With that, she turned, heading down the steps to her truck. An old Chevrolet, something from her dad when she'd moved out. The bar wasn't too far, but it was just out of walking distance. Sighing, she hopped into it, liking the familiar creak it gave when she sat down in the driver's seat. She jammed the key into the ignition and turned the engine over, backing out of the driveway and going towards the bar. More of a mix of a bar and a nightclub. It could be either.
Watching her put the camera she felt a bit of unease. Well, she came here what for what they were planned to do. She felt slightly nervous but it was washed away when Chi offered for her to stay longer. She stood up and gave a stretch, giving Chi a smile and a nod,"Id like that, if its not to much trouble." The thought of spending more time with Chi made her giddy again.

//

Luna took her hat off of her face and threw it at the door after Mie left. She gave a small huff. The house was quiet again. She could easily just go to bed right now and not have to deal with the boredom. But she was a night owl and completely wide awake at the moment, staring blankly at the TV screen which played nothing. She raised an eyebrow,"How dare she leave me here alone,Im gonna die here." she mumbled under her breath dramatically. With a jolt she sat up and looked at the drive way. Empty besides her car. Perhasp she could just pay a visit to Mie then, and maybe have some fun of her own. Getting up, she picked up her beloved hat and made her way out the door with a mischievous grin.

[yummyluc]

Watching her put the camera she felt a bit of unease. Well, she came here what for what they were planned to do. She felt slightly nervous but it was washed away when Chi offered for her to stay longer. She stood up and gave a stretch, giving Chi a smile and a nod,"Id like that, if its not to much trouble." The thought of spending more time with Chi made her giddy again.

//

Luna took her hat off of her face and threw it at the door after Mie left. She gave a small huff. The house was quiet again. She could easily just go to bed right now and not have to deal with the boredom. But she was a night owl and completely wide awake at the moment, staring blankly at the TV screen which played nothing. She raised an eyebrow,"How dare she leave me here alone,Im gonna die here." she mumbled under her breath dramatically. With a jolt she sat up and looked at the drive way. Empty besides her car. Perhasp she could just pay a visit to Mie then, and maybe have some fun of her own. Getting up, she picked up her beloved hat and made her way out the door with a mischievous grin.
Chi scoffed, "Of course not! I'm the one inviting you, silly," She laughed, packing in the makeup sets into the case on the floor. It would be nice, really, spending time with Carmen again. Although she'd call Ky her best friend, and closest, they never really had time for each other, and to be fair, they never really made time either. Just, meet up when they can, right? Unless they need to see each other. But, with CJ, it was... different, in a way Chi herself couldn't quite understand. Not yet, at least. She didn't know if she wanted to. She shrugged that off, folding the table and leaving the black box with the camera equipment and the little case of makeup back by the seats as she moved towards the kitchen, opening a drawer and taking out a few different boxes, looking at them and cocking her head. She turned to Carmen.

"Peppermint or Earl Grey?" She asked with a small smile.

||

She parked the truck about a block away from the bar, straightening her jacket and brushing some stray hairs back before turning and hurrying down the block. It was a lot colder when the sun actually set, making Miesha shiver and walk a little faster. The bar was pretty straightforward. Neon lights, bouncers at each door, no windows. Not the sketchiest place to be, but surely the most decent. She gave a wave to Xander, who breathed a sigh of relief at seeing her, in possibly the most obvious way. Mie chuckled.

"Rough night?" She asked, pushing past a few people to get to the actual bar, giving a small wave to the bartender, Abby.

"Mish, that's an understatement," He groaned, resting his face in his hands.

"So, give me a rerun, then."

Xander sighed, giving a small thanks to Abby as she slid him his evening whiskey shot, "Three underages, a couple bar fights. Oh, and a local drunk got into the back again."

Mie grimaced. It was always the hours just before the sun went down that got a little rough, people filing in like ants to a mound. She patted him on the shoulder, "Not to worry, my friend. Miesha Vyacheslav is here to free you of your burdens."

Xander scoffed, "Don't rough anyone up too bad tonight, okay? Keep the brass in the pockets." He gave her a stern look, to wish she replied with her hands up in surrender, putting them down with a chuckle.

"You do know good jokes, Xander. Tell Mandy I'm here."

"You got it."

They traded affirmative nods, and Xander left to go find Mandy, leaving Miesha to order her traditional shot of vodka with something fruity. She would need it. Abby always gave her a look, but she could only shrug. She was Russian, what was there to worry about? She downed it and tapped three dollars on the table. Her post wasn't by the doors, no, her post was to blend in wherever it looked fit. Frat boys, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, etcetera, etcetera. So she slipped off her jacket, tossing it over the counter to her dear, trusted Abby, and slipping away into the crowd.

[graves]

Chi scoffed, "Of course not! I'm the one inviting you, silly," She laughed, packing in the makeup sets into the case on the floor. It would be nice, really, spending time with Carmen again. Although she'd call Ky her best friend, and closest, they never really had time for each other, and to be fair, they never really made time either. Just, meet up when they can, right? Unless they need to see each other. But, with CJ, it was... different, in a way Chi herself couldn't quite understand. Not yet, at least. She didn't know if she wanted to. She shrugged that off, folding the table and leaving the black box with the camera equipment and the little case of makeup back by the seats as she moved towards the kitchen, opening a drawer and taking out a few different boxes, looking at them and cocking her head. She turned to Carmen.

"Peppermint or Earl Grey?" She asked with a small smile.

||

She parked the truck about a block away from the bar, straightening her jacket and brushing some stray hairs back before turning and hurrying down the block. It was a lot colder when the sun actually set, making Miesha shiver and walk a little faster. The bar was pretty straightforward. Neon lights, bouncers at each door, no windows. Not the sketchiest place to be, but surely the most decent. She gave a wave to Xander, who breathed a sigh of relief at seeing her, in possibly the most obvious way. Mie chuckled.

"Rough night?" She asked, pushing past a few people to get to the actual bar, giving a small wave to the bartender, Abby.

"Mish, that's an understatement," He groaned, resting his face in his hands.

"So, give me a rerun, then."

Xander sighed, giving a small thanks to Abby as she slid him his evening whiskey shot, "Three underages, a couple bar fights. Oh, and a local drunk got into the back again."

Mie grimaced. It was always the hours just before the sun went down that got a little rough, people filing in like ants to a mound. She patted him on the shoulder, "Not to worry, my friend. Miesha Vyacheslav is here to free you of your burdens."

Xander scoffed, "Don't rough anyone up too bad tonight, okay? Keep the brass in the pockets." He gave her a stern look, to wish she replied with her hands up in surrender, putting them down with a chuckle.

"You do know good jokes, Xander. Tell Mandy I'm here."

"You got it."

They traded affirmative nods, and Xander left to go find Mandy, leaving Miesha to order her traditional shot of vodka with something fruity. She would need it. Abby always gave her a look, but she could only shrug. She was Russian, what was there to worry about? She downed it and tapped three dollars on the table. Her post wasn't by the doors, no, her post was to blend in wherever it looked fit. Frat boys, bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, etcetera, etcetera. So she slipped off her jacket, tossing it over the counter to her dear, trusted Abby, and slipping away into the crowd.
Carmen followed her along to the kitchen, resting her elbows on the kitchen island. Last time she had been here it felt a bit awkward, seeing as they had never before that time and tried to nap here. But now, things were different. She had gotten to know Chi, and would consider her a friend. It didnt feel awkward or rushed, it felt nice being here. She smiled back,"Peppermint please," she couldnt remember the last time she had taken a break off of work. She couldnt really remember a time she had taken time out of her schedule t actually hang out with someone. Casper was two hours away, it wasnt often the two saw eachother, but they texted often. Hmm. Now that Cj thought about it, Casper hadnt been texted her asmuch lately. Maybe work had him caught up too. She didnt worry about it, right now she would enjoy her time with Chi. Even if that meant putting on in Carmens words "beauty war paint" was what they were gonna do, she would enjoy it just as much.

//

Luna eagerly got into her VW. It was a more vintage side of cars and basically like a oversized van, but she liked it. The inside decorated with posters and lanturns and bean bags. The only seats there were were in the front, the passenger and the driver. She liked it that way. Soon the bar came into view but she parked a bit farther down from it. It would be noticeable for Mie to not see from any windows. Getting out of the car she was giddy, she had been here a few times before but never long enough to stay. She clipped her ID on her over sized sweater like an ID tag, not really having pockets besides the one in her sweater. Reaching bright neon lights she eagerly walked inside. It reeked of booze and sweat, people packed in close spaces. Many people loomed over Luna, seeing as she was only 5ft set with a pretty baby face. She tried to blend in though, she would never hear the end of it if Mie caught her here.

[yummyluc]

Carmen followed her along to the kitchen, resting her elbows on the kitchen island. Last time she had been here it felt a bit awkward, seeing as they had never before that time and tried to nap here. But now, things were different. She had gotten to know Chi, and would consider her a friend. It didnt feel awkward or rushed, it felt nice being here. She smiled back,"Peppermint please," she couldnt remember the last time she had taken a break off of work. She couldnt really remember a time she had taken time out of her schedule t actually hang out with someone. Casper was two hours away, it wasnt often the two saw eachother, but they texted often. Hmm. Now that Cj thought about it, Casper hadnt been texted her asmuch lately. Maybe work had him caught up too. She didnt worry about it, right now she would enjoy her time with Chi. Even if that meant putting on in Carmens words "beauty war paint" was what they were gonna do, she would enjoy it just as much.

//

Luna eagerly got into her VW. It was a more vintage side of cars and basically like a oversized van, but she liked it. The inside decorated with posters and lanturns and bean bags. The only seats there were were in the front, the passenger and the driver. She liked it that way. Soon the bar came into view but she parked a bit farther down from it. It would be noticeable for Mie to not see from any windows. Getting out of the car she was giddy, she had been here a few times before but never long enough to stay. She clipped her ID on her over sized sweater like an ID tag, not really having pockets besides the one in her sweater. Reaching bright neon lights she eagerly walked inside. It reeked of booze and sweat, people packed in close spaces. Many people loomed over Luna, seeing as she was only 5ft set with a pretty baby face. She tried to blend in though, she would never hear the end of it if Mie caught her here.
Nodding, Chi put the Earl Grey back in the drawer, along with the other few boxes she'd taken out in making her decision. She was also nodding in Carmen's good taste, not that she didn't enjoy Earl Grey, it was just that peppermint was her favourite. She reached into her cupboard and pulled out an old kettle, the same one from the first time CJ was actually inside her house. She filled it with water and clicked on her old gas stove, blue flames shot up as she placed the kettle on the stove to let it heat up. She took out two little metal infusers. Just like everything else in the house, they were a cute little style, one end a metal bumble bee, to hold, the other end actually being the infuser, styled like a hive. She took out two tea cups to match the infusers, baby yellow with hexagons and golden little drips to look like honeycombs, and, of course, with hexagonal little saucers. Really, everything about Chi had to have a theme to it. She would probably call herself crazy, but it was much cuter, and much more organised that way.

||

Mie had found a friendly little spot of girls from the nearby college, all of the legal age of course, except for one, who was drinking lemonade and on hawk eyes from the oldest in the group. They were somewhat regulars, Mie didn't know them on a first name basis, but she knew they were good and responsible. Still, as she chatted with the girls and laughed with them, her eyes scanned the room. Everything seemed fine, no big fights, no disrespectful people hitting on some lonely chump, nothing that could tip her off her game. Good. That was good, fantastic, even. Smooth nights were her favourite. She couldn't help but fiddle with the little brass knuckles under the table. She didn't plan to use them, it was just that some people needed some extra encouragement to take a seat. She continued to socialize with the girls, not really watching the door. She was an inside man, not a door man. Dallas could handle himself.

When someone small and obviously underaged walked through the door, Dallas immediately grabbed their shoulder, "Hey kid, I know there are a few underaged here, but we keep them under close watch, and they're almost of age," He said coolly, in a firm, gentle voice, tugging the person back a bit. It looked like a girl, maybe 12 years old, "Why don't you turn around before we call your parents, huh?" He turned her toward him, spotting the I.D. tagged to her chest. He chuckled.

"If you go now, I won't even tell 'em about that fake piece of plastic. Why don't we call that good?" He offered, keeping a firm grip on her shoulder.

[graves]

Nodding, Chi put the Earl Grey back in the drawer, along with the other few boxes she'd taken out in making her decision. She was also nodding in Carmen's good taste, not that she didn't enjoy Earl Grey, it was just that peppermint was her favourite. She reached into her cupboard and pulled out an old kettle, the same one from the first time CJ was actually inside her house. She filled it with water and clicked on her old gas stove, blue flames shot up as she placed the kettle on the stove to let it heat up. She took out two little metal infusers. Just like everything else in the house, they were a cute little style, one end a metal bumble bee, to hold, the other end actually being the infuser, styled like a hive. She took out two tea cups to match the infusers, baby yellow with hexagons and golden little drips to look like honeycombs, and, of course, with hexagonal little saucers. Really, everything about Chi had to have a theme to it. She would probably call herself crazy, but it was much cuter, and much more organised that way.

||

Mie had found a friendly little spot of girls from the nearby college, all of the legal age of course, except for one, who was drinking lemonade and on hawk eyes from the oldest in the group. They were somewhat regulars, Mie didn't know them on a first name basis, but she knew they were good and responsible. Still, as she chatted with the girls and laughed with them, her eyes scanned the room. Everything seemed fine, no big fights, no disrespectful people hitting on some lonely chump, nothing that could tip her off her game. Good. That was good, fantastic, even. Smooth nights were her favourite. She couldn't help but fiddle with the little brass knuckles under the table. She didn't plan to use them, it was just that some people needed some extra encouragement to take a seat. She continued to socialize with the girls, not really watching the door. She was an inside man, not a door man. Dallas could handle himself.

When someone small and obviously underaged walked through the door, Dallas immediately grabbed their shoulder, "Hey kid, I know there are a few underaged here, but we keep them under close watch, and they're almost of age," He said coolly, in a firm, gentle voice, tugging the person back a bit. It looked like a girl, maybe 12 years old, "Why don't you turn around before we call your parents, huh?" He turned her toward him, spotting the I.D. tagged to her chest. He chuckled.

"If you go now, I won't even tell 'em about that fake piece of plastic. Why don't we call that good?" He offered, keeping a firm grip on her shoulder.
Carmen tucked a curl behind her ear and sat in the comfortable silence, humming some tune. When she really thought about it, it was mainly Chi that handled things. Her allowing Carmen to nap here, the not coffee date, this. Sure she had taken control to show her the Flower field, but she didnt count that. She felt the need to do something nice too. Something nice for Chi. She had taken a dive into her world for a day, maybe it was time for a switch. She piped up,"Next week my place is allowing us to bring along some people to a recent place we found. We do it every year as like, a halloween hype thing for our buisness to get the people involved in the paranormal." Okay, yikes, that sounded way more nerdy then she had intended. "I know its not your type of thing but its pretty good fun and gives people a good scare."

//

At feeling the tug on her shoulder, Luna, as if on instinct, turned around and straight out slapped the guy. She had been to bars before and had dealt with plenty of men who couldnt keep hands to themselves. She didnt even know she had slapped him until feeling the slight burning sensation in the palm of her hand. "Do not ever touch me." her voice was cold,having to look up at the guy to make eye contact. "I might have a baby face but I can assure you I am of age." the glared at him. She didnt liked to be touched unless by people she knew, and the fact she was touched in a bar only made her blood boil more. "And my parents are dead, have fun with that asshole." Okay, they werent dead legally, but Luna had considered them dead to her ages ago. Now she could feel the small pocket knife in her boot more clearly. Shed never use it, much less pull it out, but it only raised her confidence more. She held the her ID tag between her fingers, still pinned to her sweater,"Unless youre blind, or cant read, which I dont think you are that smart too, I have an ID. So if you excuse me, Im going to go take a few shots to drown out your ugly ass face." She gritted her teeth, pushing past the guy with a huff. men.

[yummyluc]

Carmen tucked a curl behind her ear and sat in the comfortable silence, humming some tune. When she really thought about it, it was mainly Chi that handled things. Her allowing Carmen to nap here, the not coffee date, this. Sure she had taken control to show her the Flower field, but she didnt count that. She felt the need to do something nice too. Something nice for Chi. She had taken a dive into her world for a day, maybe it was time for a switch. She piped up,"Next week my place is allowing us to bring along some people to a recent place we found. We do it every year as like, a halloween hype thing for our buisness to get the people involved in the paranormal." Okay, yikes, that sounded way more nerdy then she had intended. "I know its not your type of thing but its pretty good fun and gives people a good scare."

//

At feeling the tug on her shoulder, Luna, as if on instinct, turned around and straight out slapped the guy. She had been to bars before and had dealt with plenty of men who couldnt keep hands to themselves. She didnt even know she had slapped him until feeling the slight burning sensation in the palm of her hand. "Do not ever touch me." her voice was cold,having to look up at the guy to make eye contact. "I might have a baby face but I can assure you I am of age." the glared at him. She didnt liked to be touched unless by people she knew, and the fact she was touched in a bar only made her blood boil more. "And my parents are dead, have fun with that asshole." Okay, they werent dead legally, but Luna had considered them dead to her ages ago. Now she could feel the small pocket knife in her boot more clearly. Shed never use it, much less pull it out, but it only raised her confidence more. She held the her ID tag between her fingers, still pinned to her sweater,"Unless youre blind, or cant read, which I dont think you are that smart too, I have an ID. So if you excuse me, Im going to go take a few shots to drown out your ugly ass face." She gritted her teeth, pushing past the guy with a huff. men.
Chi hummed, sitting down at the kitchen island with Carmen as the kettle heated. She gave a surprised look, though she knew what CJ was talking about, she'd heard of it plenty of times from some of the locals, even did the makeup for a few who'd actually went. She thought a moment. Did she even want to go to something like that? Sure, Chi was no non-believer to the paranormal, but still, she wouldn't go on an all out hunt for something like it. Well, not normally. Besides, she always had plans near Halloween, with people going to parties and things, and the fact she wasn't half bad with horror makeup when it came down to it. She shrugged, tucking a dark curl back under her red headband and rubbing her arms. She wasn't cold, but she felt nervous. She flashed a smile anyway.

"I-I don't know, I've never been there. I have heard about it, though. I suppose it sounds like fun," She admitted with an embarrassed chuckle, "Besides, you dove into my world today, and pulled it off pretty fantastically if I do say so myself."

||

The slap caught him off guard, making him let go of the girl. Was she stupid? Was she assuming he was some jerk trying to hit on her? No, because first of all, gross, and second of all, it was against the rules, and no one was allowed to even bend those. He sighed, whistling over Nell, the one by the bar, who nodded. Dallas gestured with his head to the girl now walking away from him, and Nell nodded, making a beeline for her to cut her off. They spoke in their deep tone.

"Ma'am, even if you are of age, you just assaulted a bouncer," He stated, obviously hearing her words from earlier. He folded his arms over his chest, "You're causing when trouble when it isn't necessary. We'll be escorting you from the bar. Come back when you can show respect." He said all that fast and simple, grabbing the girl's arm before she could react while Dallas grabbed the other one, both with iron grips, starting to pull her away from her destination.

Mie watched the commotion out of the corner of her eye. A few patrons were staring, some giggled and took pictures or videos. Miesha just sighed and shook her head, taking a sip of water. Dallas wasn't the best at his job, but he was good enough. Nell was ex-military, he was a soldier from end to end, there was no stopping him. The girl had been a tad impulsive, though, not listening to Dallas in the first place. She was short and stood no chance against the two of them. She wouldn't worry about it.

[graves]

Chi hummed, sitting down at the kitchen island with Carmen as the kettle heated. She gave a surprised look, though she knew what CJ was talking about, she'd heard of it plenty of times from some of the locals, even did the makeup for a few who'd actually went. She thought a moment. Did she even want to go to something like that? Sure, Chi was no non-believer to the paranormal, but still, she wouldn't go on an all out hunt for something like it. Well, not normally. Besides, she always had plans near Halloween, with people going to parties and things, and the fact she wasn't half bad with horror makeup when it came down to it. She shrugged, tucking a dark curl back under her red headband and rubbing her arms. She wasn't cold, but she felt nervous. She flashed a smile anyway.

"I-I don't know, I've never been there. I have heard about it, though. I suppose it sounds like fun," She admitted with an embarrassed chuckle, "Besides, you dove into my world today, and pulled it off pretty fantastically if I do say so myself."

||

The slap caught him off guard, making him let go of the girl. Was she stupid? Was she assuming he was some jerk trying to hit on her? No, because first of all, gross, and second of all, it was against the rules, and no one was allowed to even bend those. He sighed, whistling over Nell, the one by the bar, who nodded. Dallas gestured with his head to the girl now walking away from him, and Nell nodded, making a beeline for her to cut her off. They spoke in their deep tone.

"Ma'am, even if you are of age, you just assaulted a bouncer," He stated, obviously hearing her words from earlier. He folded his arms over his chest, "You're causing when trouble when it isn't necessary. We'll be escorting you from the bar. Come back when you can show respect." He said all that fast and simple, grabbing the girl's arm before she could react while Dallas grabbed the other one, both with iron grips, starting to pull her away from her destination.

Mie watched the commotion out of the corner of her eye. A few patrons were staring, some giggled and took pictures or videos. Miesha just sighed and shook her head, taking a sip of water. Dallas wasn't the best at his job, but he was good enough. Nell was ex-military, he was a soldier from end to end, there was no stopping him. The girl had been a tad impulsive, though, not listening to Dallas in the first place. She was short and stood no chance against the two of them. She wouldn't worry about it.
Carmen smiled,"Were upping it up this time. Last year it was a bunch of fake stuff but this year its more like the real thing, youll get a taste of what I do." she chuckled. Last year it was more kid friendly, fake sound tracks of noises placed in houses with the lights off to give them a scare. This year it was more for adults, going to a real house with real murders that were held in them. It wasnt going to be as crowded this time either, invites only from the staff members. Carmen was always excited about the events the Poltergays held, specifically this one. It was probably the only moment she was in the spotlight, seeing as she was the one that organized where they went, broke into it and had to learn the history of the place. Basically the Poltergays locksmith and book keeper getting a little spotlight. She was incharge of organizing this event along with a few other of the higher ranks, it would be fun to make more memories with Chi in one of her favorite places.
//

Feeling the grip on her wrists she struggled, giving a huff with each wiggle she gave trying to get out of their grip. She tuned out the whistles and flashing of cameras around her. She turned her head to Dallas, and proceeded to spit directly onto his face. "Maybe you shouldnt touch a women in a bar, how about that?" even when obviously out numbered and powered she was still smug. She was small and thin, these two could obviously crush her in their grip if they wanted to. While she wasnt buff and strong like Mie, she was flexible and quick on her feet. Whipping around she turned to face the other guy, she didnt bother to learn names, she labeled him as they guy she didnt spit on. Gritting her teeth she kicked him, specifically where the sun didnt shine. Right now she didnt care about the people around her, she just wanted out of these guys grip so she could run.

[yummyluc]

Carmen smiled,"Were upping it up this time. Last year it was a bunch of fake stuff but this year its more like the real thing, youll get a taste of what I do." she chuckled. Last year it was more kid friendly, fake sound tracks of noises placed in houses with the lights off to give them a scare. This year it was more for adults, going to a real house with real murders that were held in them. It wasnt going to be as crowded this time either, invites only from the staff members. Carmen was always excited about the events the Poltergays held, specifically this one. It was probably the only moment she was in the spotlight, seeing as she was the one that organized where they went, broke into it and had to learn the history of the place. Basically the Poltergays locksmith and book keeper getting a little spotlight. She was incharge of organizing this event along with a few other of the higher ranks, it would be fun to make more memories with Chi in one of her favorite places.
//

Feeling the grip on her wrists she struggled, giving a huff with each wiggle she gave trying to get out of their grip. She tuned out the whistles and flashing of cameras around her. She turned her head to Dallas, and proceeded to spit directly onto his face. "Maybe you shouldnt touch a women in a bar, how about that?" even when obviously out numbered and powered she was still smug. She was small and thin, these two could obviously crush her in their grip if they wanted to. While she wasnt buff and strong like Mie, she was flexible and quick on her feet. Whipping around she turned to face the other guy, she didnt bother to learn names, she labeled him as they guy she didnt spit on. Gritting her teeth she kicked him, specifically where the sun didnt shine. Right now she didnt care about the people around her, she just wanted out of these guys grip so she could run.
The girl nodded slowly. It did sound like fun, at least a little bit. She'd seen the one last year, it was so obviously fake it made her laugh. But this one would be for adults? What did that mean? She was snapped out of her thoughts as the kettle began to whistle. She hurried over to it, turning off the heat and going to the box of peppermint tea. She scooped some into the little infusers and made sure they were tightly shut before grabbing the kettle and a little oven mitt, pouring a little hot water in each of the cups, taking them and bringing them to the table, dropping in the infusers to let them steep. She was back to her thoughts.

"Y-Yeah, no, yeah, sounds like fun. It would only be fair, anyhow. I do find some of the things you uncover... interesting, in a way," She said with a nervous laugh. She just wasn't one for real scares, and she could tell fake from real. If this one was for adults, it would definitely be real. As real as they could get, and Chi was a little soft-hearted.

||

Something damn near animalistic rumbled in the back of Dallas's throat and his grip on the girl tightened. He wasn't exactly allowed to hit a bar patron that was just being a little bit of a nuisance, and it was really against his morals to hit a female under any circumstance, but damn was it tempting. He couldn't help but snort when the girl gave a well-placed kick to Nell, watching him grunt and clench his jaw so hard he might have popped a vein. Still, they did their best to block the cameras and tried to get the girl out of the bar, though it was difficult with how much she was fighting and kicking, really causing a scene. Seriously, if all she'd wanted was a drink, she could have just shown him her I.D. a little closer in a decent manner and they'd call it good. But she had to just go off the handle. Mandy was protective of everyone that worked here, and assaulting a bouncer basically meant permanent ban. He huffed, the saliva dripping off of his face as he and Nell attempted to take her out of the bar. It was difficult with everyone trying to get an eyeful.

Then things got out of hand, the girl was kicking and fighting, even got a good one on Nell. Miesha glanced at Abby at the bar, who gave an exhausted sigh before nodded and rolling her eyes. She popped her neck with an audible crack, slipping her brass knuckles on and letting them glint in the light. She shoved through the crowd of people to the struggling bouncers, popping her fingers all at once. She stepped up to the two of them, more or less keeping her in place and obviously not trying to hurt her. It was hard to see who it was with how much they were moving. She cleared her throat, letting her Russian accent thicken.

"Relax boys, let the ladies talk," She said, voice low and dangerous as she crouched to look at the girl, eyes narrowing as she grabbed her face roughly. Her brows furrowed in confusion, then in anger, "Luna...?" She whispered.

[graves]

The girl nodded slowly. It did sound like fun, at least a little bit. She'd seen the one last year, it was so obviously fake it made her laugh. But this one would be for adults? What did that mean? She was snapped out of her thoughts as the kettle began to whistle. She hurried over to it, turning off the heat and going to the box of peppermint tea. She scooped some into the little infusers and made sure they were tightly shut before grabbing the kettle and a little oven mitt, pouring a little hot water in each of the cups, taking them and bringing them to the table, dropping in the infusers to let them steep. She was back to her thoughts.

"Y-Yeah, no, yeah, sounds like fun. It would only be fair, anyhow. I do find some of the things you uncover... interesting, in a way," She said with a nervous laugh. She just wasn't one for real scares, and she could tell fake from real. If this one was for adults, it would definitely be real. As real as they could get, and Chi was a little soft-hearted.

||

Something damn near animalistic rumbled in the back of Dallas's throat and his grip on the girl tightened. He wasn't exactly allowed to hit a bar patron that was just being a little bit of a nuisance, and it was really against his morals to hit a female under any circumstance, but damn was it tempting. He couldn't help but snort when the girl gave a well-placed kick to Nell, watching him grunt and clench his jaw so hard he might have popped a vein. Still, they did their best to block the cameras and tried to get the girl out of the bar, though it was difficult with how much she was fighting and kicking, really causing a scene. Seriously, if all she'd wanted was a drink, she could have just shown him her I.D. a little closer in a decent manner and they'd call it good. But she had to just go off the handle. Mandy was protective of everyone that worked here, and assaulting a bouncer basically meant permanent ban. He huffed, the saliva dripping off of his face as he and Nell attempted to take her out of the bar. It was difficult with everyone trying to get an eyeful.

Then things got out of hand, the girl was kicking and fighting, even got a good one on Nell. Miesha glanced at Abby at the bar, who gave an exhausted sigh before nodded and rolling her eyes. She popped her neck with an audible crack, slipping her brass knuckles on and letting them glint in the light. She shoved through the crowd of people to the struggling bouncers, popping her fingers all at once. She stepped up to the two of them, more or less keeping her in place and obviously not trying to hurt her. It was hard to see who it was with how much they were moving. She cleared her throat, letting her Russian accent thicken.

"Relax boys, let the ladies talk," She said, voice low and dangerous as she crouched to look at the girl, eyes narrowing as she grabbed her face roughly. Her brows furrowed in confusion, then in anger, "Luna...?" She whispered.
She couldnt help but notice the stuttering. Was she nervous? Carmen couldnt really understand, seeing as this was her job and she did it on a daily basis-she had grown immune to scares. She placed a hand on Chi's for a moment,"Dont worry, I'll be right there with you the whole time." drawing her thumb across the other girls knuckles in a comforting way before pulling away entirely. Most people would be scared, the paranormal was something that you couldnt explain, you couldnt give a label or scientific explanation to.It was why Carmen enjoyed it so much, it was like finding out mysteries that couldnt be explained. "It wont be hardcore like my job,but close to it. But still really fun nonetheless. Not to much to be nervous about."

//

Hearing another voice it only made Luna huffed. Seriously, how many people were there in this place? Feeling her face being grabbed she couldnt do anything, her hands held and locked against her back. She furrowed her brow and opened her eyes, preparing to spit in another persons face. But she stopped. She could feel physical chills go up her spine at seeing Mies face. She gave a small groan,"Dammit." she avoided the other girls gaze, she knew she would be angry and disappointed. And right now, Luna didnt exactly feel like being yelled at like a child in the middle of a bar. Once Mie had gripped her face she stopped struggling, letting her arms go limp in defeat. Even if Mie hadnt said anything yet she could imagine what she was planning to say and that was probably the only thing that actually got her to calm down.

[yummyluc]

She couldnt help but notice the stuttering. Was she nervous? Carmen couldnt really understand, seeing as this was her job and she did it on a daily basis-she had grown immune to scares. She placed a hand on Chi's for a moment,"Dont worry, I'll be right there with you the whole time." drawing her thumb across the other girls knuckles in a comforting way before pulling away entirely. Most people would be scared, the paranormal was something that you couldnt explain, you couldnt give a label or scientific explanation to.It was why Carmen enjoyed it so much, it was like finding out mysteries that couldnt be explained. "It wont be hardcore like my job,but close to it. But still really fun nonetheless. Not to much to be nervous about."

//

Hearing another voice it only made Luna huffed. Seriously, how many people were there in this place? Feeling her face being grabbed she couldnt do anything, her hands held and locked against her back. She furrowed her brow and opened her eyes, preparing to spit in another persons face. But she stopped. She could feel physical chills go up her spine at seeing Mies face. She gave a small groan,"Dammit." she avoided the other girls gaze, she knew she would be angry and disappointed. And right now, Luna didnt exactly feel like being yelled at like a child in the middle of a bar. Once Mie had gripped her face she stopped struggling, letting her arms go limp in defeat. Even if Mie hadnt said anything yet she could imagine what she was planning to say and that was probably the only thing that actually got her to calm down.
Somehow, the comfort of Carmen being at her side, the gentle touch, it... soothed her. She chuckled softly a moment, averting her eyes for a second before looking back at Carmen, "That would be nice." It was all so confusing. If it had been anyone else, Chi would have been scared and refusing. As much as she believed, she never actually imagined getting on the stage and dancing before. Naturally, she would have refused, should have refused. She didn't. She nodded, training her eyes on the steeping tea as the water began to change colour. She spoke softly.

"I'd like that," She said, chewing the inside of her lip and putting a hand on her ear to rub in nervously, the tips of them getting warm, "For-For the reassurance, of course."

||

Mie let out a deep sigh through her nose, letting go of Luna's face. Great. Awesome. Just aces. She slipped the knuckles from her fingers as she stood and put them in her back pockets, rolling her eyes and running a tongue over her teeth. She should have known. As much as she loved Luna, Miesha was taking more and more night shifts, and she knew well that Luna didn't sleep well on her own. Even slammed a couple all-nighters because she couldn't sleep alone. She looked at the crowd with an icy glare, and they all flinched, turning away, deleting whatever they'd captured on their phones. Miesha was not one to tamper with, especially if she was protecting a friend, which was a bit obvious.

"Like I said," Her voice was flat and plain, "Relax boys. The ladies will talk."

It was an obvious order, the two of them more or less dropping Luna to the floor. Dallas wiped the spit off on his shirt with a scowl. He'd spit on her back, but it was all too well known when Mie had a friend. He crossed his arms. Nell almost immediately collapsed against the bar, huffing to choke down grunts of pain. Mie put a hand on his shoulder, asking silently if he was okay. He nodded, saying he only needed some ice. She called Dallas over.

"Dallas, help him ice... that. I'll take care of this on my own," She said.

Dallas sputtered, "Help him ice what? Mish I-I--"

"An order."

The man growled, giving Mie a sneer and an eye roll before he shrugged Nell onto his shoulders, half walking and half dragging him to the back of the bar, face burning pink. Mie chuckled, then turned her attention sharply to Luna, showing no mercy in front of the patrons. She had to make an example. She also didn't want to embarrass Luna in front of a bunch of people. She grabbed her arm harshly, yanking her off of the floor and easily dragging her out of the bar. She needed to be professional about this. She still needed to be Luna's friend.

"Are you stupid?!"

[graves]

Somehow, the comfort of Carmen being at her side, the gentle touch, it... soothed her. She chuckled softly a moment, averting her eyes for a second before looking back at Carmen, "That would be nice." It was all so confusing. If it had been anyone else, Chi would have been scared and refusing. As much as she believed, she never actually imagined getting on the stage and dancing before. Naturally, she would have refused, should have refused. She didn't. She nodded, training her eyes on the steeping tea as the water began to change colour. She spoke softly.

"I'd like that," She said, chewing the inside of her lip and putting a hand on her ear to rub in nervously, the tips of them getting warm, "For-For the reassurance, of course."

||

Mie let out a deep sigh through her nose, letting go of Luna's face. Great. Awesome. Just aces. She slipped the knuckles from her fingers as she stood and put them in her back pockets, rolling her eyes and running a tongue over her teeth. She should have known. As much as she loved Luna, Miesha was taking more and more night shifts, and she knew well that Luna didn't sleep well on her own. Even slammed a couple all-nighters because she couldn't sleep alone. She looked at the crowd with an icy glare, and they all flinched, turning away, deleting whatever they'd captured on their phones. Miesha was not one to tamper with, especially if she was protecting a friend, which was a bit obvious.

"Like I said," Her voice was flat and plain, "Relax boys. The ladies will talk."

It was an obvious order, the two of them more or less dropping Luna to the floor. Dallas wiped the spit off on his shirt with a scowl. He'd spit on her back, but it was all too well known when Mie had a friend. He crossed his arms. Nell almost immediately collapsed against the bar, huffing to choke down grunts of pain. Mie put a hand on his shoulder, asking silently if he was okay. He nodded, saying he only needed some ice. She called Dallas over.

"Dallas, help him ice... that. I'll take care of this on my own," She said.

Dallas sputtered, "Help him ice what? Mish I-I--"

"An order."

The man growled, giving Mie a sneer and an eye roll before he shrugged Nell onto his shoulders, half walking and half dragging him to the back of the bar, face burning pink. Mie chuckled, then turned her attention sharply to Luna, showing no mercy in front of the patrons. She had to make an example. She also didn't want to embarrass Luna in front of a bunch of people. She grabbed her arm harshly, yanking her off of the floor and easily dragging her out of the bar. She needed to be professional about this. She still needed to be Luna's friend.

"Are you stupid?!"
"For reassurance," she smiled once more. She knew it was probably a nerve racking thing to do, she could sense the nervousness radiating off Chi. She looked down, the water of the tea cup turned into a deep brown. She picked it up and took a sip, humming at the taste. "There wont be that many people there this time, either. More like a one on mone thing so people can get to know the staff and all." The more she thought about it, the more giddy she got. Its not intimate alone time like on the flower field, nothing could ever come close to that, but it was still something.

//

Luna could only give a satisfied smirk at watching Nell fall to the ground along side her, but gave a yelp when being dragged. Okay, obviously she was in the wrong. But Luna would never admit that, she was to prideful to do so. Once out of the bar she avoided looking at Mie for a moment, it was like a parent scolding a child for doing something incredibly stupid. Honestly, if it wasnt for Mie Luna probably could have a police report on her hands right now. She looked back up at the tall girl, giving a nervous smile. It didnt hold any joy in it, simply trying to slide out of a scolding. She scratched the back of her neck, fingers fiddling with the puff balls at the end of her hat. "I totally forgot you worked here, this is your place? Its..uh...really cool, Mie." she could practically feel her glare on her as she spoke.

[yummyluc]

"For reassurance," she smiled once more. She knew it was probably a nerve racking thing to do, she could sense the nervousness radiating off Chi. She looked down, the water of the tea cup turned into a deep brown. She picked it up and took a sip, humming at the taste. "There wont be that many people there this time, either. More like a one on mone thing so people can get to know the staff and all." The more she thought about it, the more giddy she got. Its not intimate alone time like on the flower field, nothing could ever come close to that, but it was still something.

//

Luna could only give a satisfied smirk at watching Nell fall to the ground along side her, but gave a yelp when being dragged. Okay, obviously she was in the wrong. But Luna would never admit that, she was to prideful to do so. Once out of the bar she avoided looking at Mie for a moment, it was like a parent scolding a child for doing something incredibly stupid. Honestly, if it wasnt for Mie Luna probably could have a police report on her hands right now. She looked back up at the tall girl, giving a nervous smile. It didnt hold any joy in it, simply trying to slide out of a scolding. She scratched the back of her neck, fingers fiddling with the puff balls at the end of her hat. "I totally forgot you worked here, this is your place? Its..uh...really cool, Mie." she could practically feel her glare on her as she spoke.
The girl nodded in understanding. Of course, it wouldn't be an intimate kind of thing, there would be other people there. Besides, it was Carmen's profession, and naturally, Chi had to be professional about it. It wasn't her place to be blushing and flustered for CJ on the job, same as CJ had been fairly patient and kind for her. She took a small sip of her tea, careful not to smudge her lipstick on the teacup. She relished the warmth it gave her and surrounded her hands. She blamed the tea for how warm she felt, and not her embarrassing disappointment of not really being able to have Carmen to herself.

"Of course, I can be professional," She said with a light scoff, taking another sip of her tea for a long moment, "Besides, I need new hobbies."

||

Saying Miesha was pissed was an understatement. She was livid. She let go of Luna and crossed her arms, giving her a second to possibly explain and redeem herself, as she always did. But then she had to say possibly the stupidest thing Mie had ever heard in terms of getting yourself out of trouble. Her arms flexed, a silent threat that had happened on autopilot, everything in her trying to keep her from taking Luna's head off. She breathed hotly, pinching the bridge of her nose a moment, trying to collect herself before giving Luna a harsh 'You're really that stupid?' look and putting her hands on her hips.

"Luna, you know I work as a bouncer at Mandy's! I've been working here for three years! You know almost all my coworkers on a first name basis, and you're seriously trying this with me?" Her voice was low and stern, almost breathless by how hard she was trying not to shout, not that there wasn't plenty of space in the cold open air for her to scream into. She huffed, taking a couple deep breaths and looking Luna dead in the eye.

"Lu, I love you, I do, you are my friend and partner in crime, but please refrain from being so impulsive. You just screwed Dallas and Nell's records to hell-- and I applaud you, but that is still on me! They didn't even know it was you! I will not lie to my boss for you, Luna, but I will have charges, if any, dropped." Miesha sighed. She wouldn't lie or tell half truths, but she wouldn't sell out Luna.

[graves]

The girl nodded in understanding. Of course, it wouldn't be an intimate kind of thing, there would be other people there. Besides, it was Carmen's profession, and naturally, Chi had to be professional about it. It wasn't her place to be blushing and flustered for CJ on the job, same as CJ had been fairly patient and kind for her. She took a small sip of her tea, careful not to smudge her lipstick on the teacup. She relished the warmth it gave her and surrounded her hands. She blamed the tea for how warm she felt, and not her embarrassing disappointment of not really being able to have Carmen to herself.

"Of course, I can be professional," She said with a light scoff, taking another sip of her tea for a long moment, "Besides, I need new hobbies."

||

Saying Miesha was pissed was an understatement. She was livid. She let go of Luna and crossed her arms, giving her a second to possibly explain and redeem herself, as she always did. But then she had to say possibly the stupidest thing Mie had ever heard in terms of getting yourself out of trouble. Her arms flexed, a silent threat that had happened on autopilot, everything in her trying to keep her from taking Luna's head off. She breathed hotly, pinching the bridge of her nose a moment, trying to collect herself before giving Luna a harsh 'You're really that stupid?' look and putting her hands on her hips.

"Luna, you know I work as a bouncer at Mandy's! I've been working here for three years! You know almost all my coworkers on a first name basis, and you're seriously trying this with me?" Her voice was low and stern, almost breathless by how hard she was trying not to shout, not that there wasn't plenty of space in the cold open air for her to scream into. She huffed, taking a couple deep breaths and looking Luna dead in the eye.

"Lu, I love you, I do, you are my friend and partner in crime, but please refrain from being so impulsive. You just screwed Dallas and Nell's records to hell-- and I applaud you, but that is still on me! They didn't even know it was you! I will not lie to my boss for you, Luna, but I will have charges, if any, dropped." Miesha sighed. She wouldn't lie or tell half truths, but she wouldn't sell out Luna.
She quirked up an eyebrow,"Are you willing to add Ghost hunting to your hobbies?" she gave a small chuckle. She couldnt imagine Chi ghost hunting, it had nothing to do with her, but Carmen just didnt see her as her thing. She was glad Id be a new experience. Carmen would be working during this event, but once the actual exploring of the place started, Carmen was all hands free and allowed to do what she wanted. It wasnt that private, but it wasnt that public either. What she liked about her job is that she didnt have to be super professional. Well, to some point yes, but when youre not a super popular group that only ran there findings in newspaper, it meant you could kind of do what you want in the public without getting a lot of backlash. She could be herself and not have to tie herself down to kid friendly type things. It will be fun.

//

Luna looked towards the ground and mumbled 'I know' under her breath repetitively. This hadnt been her first bar fight, but it had never taken place at Mandy's before. She knew she was impulsive and often hot headed, but she couldnt help herself. "The dude touched me Mie, you know damn well if some guy yanked your shoulder youd be getting your brass rings out." she knew her words couldnt justify what she did though. She gave a small huff, lifting her head to return Mies glare with a more sincere one,"Look," she paused for a moment,"I know what I did was wrong and Im sorry." the last part was said quieter. Mie was probably the only person shed ever admit she was wrong too, every say sorry to, every push aside her pride for. She didnt know what it was but she knew Mie was a good friend, she had been there through everything and she knew this job meant a lot to her. So, she was willing to push aside her pride for her. It was the least she could do seeing as she just assaulted two of her employees.

[yummyluc]

She quirked up an eyebrow,"Are you willing to add Ghost hunting to your hobbies?" she gave a small chuckle. She couldnt imagine Chi ghost hunting, it had nothing to do with her, but Carmen just didnt see her as her thing. She was glad Id be a new experience. Carmen would be working during this event, but once the actual exploring of the place started, Carmen was all hands free and allowed to do what she wanted. It wasnt that private, but it wasnt that public either. What she liked about her job is that she didnt have to be super professional. Well, to some point yes, but when youre not a super popular group that only ran there findings in newspaper, it meant you could kind of do what you want in the public without getting a lot of backlash. She could be herself and not have to tie herself down to kid friendly type things. It will be fun.

//

Luna looked towards the ground and mumbled 'I know' under her breath repetitively. This hadnt been her first bar fight, but it had never taken place at Mandy's before. She knew she was impulsive and often hot headed, but she couldnt help herself. "The dude touched me Mie, you know damn well if some guy yanked your shoulder youd be getting your brass rings out." she knew her words couldnt justify what she did though. She gave a small huff, lifting her head to return Mies glare with a more sincere one,"Look," she paused for a moment,"I know what I did was wrong and Im sorry." the last part was said quieter. Mie was probably the only person shed ever admit she was wrong too, every say sorry to, every push aside her pride for. She didnt know what it was but she knew Mie was a good friend, she had been there through everything and she knew this job meant a lot to her. So, she was willing to push aside her pride for her. It was the least she could do seeing as she just assaulted two of her employees.
Chi shrugged, "Why not?" She asked, quirking a brow, "I can be a real life Ghostbuster." She couldn't help but giggle at that. She took another sip of her tea, twirling the end of the infuser. The engraved metal bee, twirling between her fingers as she chewed the inside of her cheek. Was Chi super interested in going to this thing? Not exactly. Was she willing to take it for a spin? Hell yeah. Would she enjoy it? Maybe. Would she enjoy it because Carmen would be there and it would allow some sort of bonding between her and her apparent new bestie? Absolutely. So she'd go. Not just because of Carmen, she truly was interested in the topic, but mostly because of Carmen. What could she say? The girl was lovable. Dark, silky hair, dark eyes, light skin to balance it all out. The awkward but funny sense of persona Chi felt with her. It was nice. So yeah, she'd go. A real life Ghostbuster.

||

Miesha sighed, watching Luna break like that. She and Luna, they went way back, back when Mie was a police officer. A simple misdemeanour, a late night, and a little charisma, Miesha started a conversation that hasn't ended for the last eight years with this girl. They were close, sisters basically. They've seen each other on highs and lows, sometimes literally which didn't end well. Still, years later, it felt like a stab to the chest knowing Luna would break so easily for her. She chewed on her lip and looked at the ground, stuffing her hands in her pockets. It was silent between them for a spell, the most sound being the local rodents and faint music from inside. She took a breath and huffed a groan, rolling her head back. She'd handled the situation as a bouncer. Now, she had to handle it like Luna's friend. Like how she should have handled it first. She ran a hand through her hair, though it just puffed back into place, and cleared her throat.

"You're not wrong, Luna. He was only doing his job, you know. I hate Dallas as much as anyone else that knows him." She nudged Luna's arm, "Just relax sometimes, no? Put a little brain in that pretty little head." She yanked her hat off and ruffled her hair, placing it back on lazily and tugging her into a hug. No matter how tough Luna acted, Miesha knew the truth. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders, as much as the could reach, and held her close.

[graves]

Chi shrugged, "Why not?" She asked, quirking a brow, "I can be a real life Ghostbuster." She couldn't help but giggle at that. She took another sip of her tea, twirling the end of the infuser. The engraved metal bee, twirling between her fingers as she chewed the inside of her cheek. Was Chi super interested in going to this thing? Not exactly. Was she willing to take it for a spin? Hell yeah. Would she enjoy it? Maybe. Would she enjoy it because Carmen would be there and it would allow some sort of bonding between her and her apparent new bestie? Absolutely. So she'd go. Not just because of Carmen, she truly was interested in the topic, but mostly because of Carmen. What could she say? The girl was lovable. Dark, silky hair, dark eyes, light skin to balance it all out. The awkward but funny sense of persona Chi felt with her. It was nice. So yeah, she'd go. A real life Ghostbuster.

||

Miesha sighed, watching Luna break like that. She and Luna, they went way back, back when Mie was a police officer. A simple misdemeanour, a late night, and a little charisma, Miesha started a conversation that hasn't ended for the last eight years with this girl. They were close, sisters basically. They've seen each other on highs and lows, sometimes literally which didn't end well. Still, years later, it felt like a stab to the chest knowing Luna would break so easily for her. She chewed on her lip and looked at the ground, stuffing her hands in her pockets. It was silent between them for a spell, the most sound being the local rodents and faint music from inside. She took a breath and huffed a groan, rolling her head back. She'd handled the situation as a bouncer. Now, she had to handle it like Luna's friend. Like how she should have handled it first. She ran a hand through her hair, though it just puffed back into place, and cleared her throat.

"You're not wrong, Luna. He was only doing his job, you know. I hate Dallas as much as anyone else that knows him." She nudged Luna's arm, "Just relax sometimes, no? Put a little brain in that pretty little head." She yanked her hat off and ruffled her hair, placing it back on lazily and tugging her into a hug. No matter how tough Luna acted, Miesha knew the truth. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders, as much as the could reach, and held her close.
Carmen snorted at the comment,sipping more of her tea. She didnt expect Chi to accept with her busy work life and all, but she was excited to do this. She loved her job dearly, wouldnt change it for the world, and was always excited and got a bit nerdy when it came to showing her job to other people. It wasnt for a week from now, so Carmen figured shed just text her to remind her when the day came. She had never taken anyone to her work before, this would be a first. "It's like being a Ghostbuster, just minus the slimy ghost monsters." She basically grew up reading the Ghostbusters comics and TV series with her mom. They were both nerds for the paranormal, its where she picked it up from. Her and Carmen used to go to this convention together before Carmen decided to live here. After her first convention, she knew she wanted to be apart of it. "I grew up with this kinda stuff with my mom, so its nice to take a friend there too."

//

She was stiff for a moment, not really expecting the hug. To be honest she expected Mie to give her a stern yell and send her home. But, the hug was welcomed too, giving a giggle and letting her arm wrap around the taller girls waist. It was moments like this she disliked their height difference, Lu standing up on her toes a little bit. As harsh as Mie could be at times, she was a good friend. "Does this mean Im allowed in?" she gave a cheesy smile before chuckling,"Im kidding, Nell probably wont be walking well for the rest of the week." The guy had it coming, Lu didnt know why but she just. hated to be touched. Obviously she didnt mind from Mie or anything, but she had always been antsy in bars or public places. Its the one thing that set her off immediately, and Dallas had pushed all of those buttons. She smiled at the red hand print mark she left across his face. She sighed though, resting her chin on Mie's shoulder. Most likely she would be sent home, a house that was too quiet for her liking, alone. She guessed it would be another all nighter, she knew she couldnt sleep.

[yummyluc]

Carmen snorted at the comment,sipping more of her tea. She didnt expect Chi to accept with her busy work life and all, but she was excited to do this. She loved her job dearly, wouldnt change it for the world, and was always excited and got a bit nerdy when it came to showing her job to other people. It wasnt for a week from now, so Carmen figured shed just text her to remind her when the day came. She had never taken anyone to her work before, this would be a first. "It's like being a Ghostbuster, just minus the slimy ghost monsters." She basically grew up reading the Ghostbusters comics and TV series with her mom. They were both nerds for the paranormal, its where she picked it up from. Her and Carmen used to go to this convention together before Carmen decided to live here. After her first convention, she knew she wanted to be apart of it. "I grew up with this kinda stuff with my mom, so its nice to take a friend there too."

//

She was stiff for a moment, not really expecting the hug. To be honest she expected Mie to give her a stern yell and send her home. But, the hug was welcomed too, giving a giggle and letting her arm wrap around the taller girls waist. It was moments like this she disliked their height difference, Lu standing up on her toes a little bit. As harsh as Mie could be at times, she was a good friend. "Does this mean Im allowed in?" she gave a cheesy smile before chuckling,"Im kidding, Nell probably wont be walking well for the rest of the week." The guy had it coming, Lu didnt know why but she just. hated to be touched. Obviously she didnt mind from Mie or anything, but she had always been antsy in bars or public places. Its the one thing that set her off immediately, and Dallas had pushed all of those buttons. She smiled at the red hand print mark she left across his face. She sighed though, resting her chin on Mie's shoulder. Most likely she would be sent home, a house that was too quiet for her liking, alone. She guessed it would be another all nighter, she knew she couldnt sleep.
Chi nodded affirmatively, "Then it's a date," She could say it before she realised her mistake, "I-I mean, it-it's a plan. Sounds... like a plan, heh..." And she took a long drink of her tea in an attempt to stop herself from saying anything else stupid. A date? Seriously? Stop thinking everything is a date. It was a not-date coffee date and a definitely platonic walk in a meadow, nothing about a date other than those being definitely not-date dates, they were friend dates. Friend not-dates that... aren't dates. Of course. One hundred percent friends. Friendly friends. Good friends. Gal pals. Yeah. Nothing about dates, only not-dates, and just... not... dating, because Carmen is her friend. Good friend. That she holds hands with because it's platonic love, of course. Nothing less, nothing more. Just friends. Of course. It's not like Chi enjoyed being just a little too close for comfort or anything like that. She should enjoy being close to Carmen, she was her friend, the same way Kyran was her best friend, that's all.

Where was Kyran, anyways? She'd barely seen him since the time they talked, even going to work in the morning, they usually bumped into each other. Of course, Kyran was babysitting his little niece this week, wasn't he? He did that all the time, right, so why wasn't he just out and about? It worried her. Chi should call him. Her fingers tapped, almost reaching for her phone. She stopped, though. She didn't want to interrupt her and CJ's definitely not-date.

||

Mie smiled, giving Luna a pat on the back and standing up straight with a sigh, putting her hands in her pockets. She looked down at the other girl. Luna wouldn't sleep tonight, Miesha knew that. Just from the look on her face, she knew that. It wouldn't be the first time, sometimes she'd come home from a hard night and find Luna just sitting on the couch eating ice cream, watching reruns of Full House. Once, she found her lying on the kitchen floor with chocolate ice cream all over her face and arms and a completely melted, mostly eaten pint sitting next to her. Yeah, that had been one for the history books. She had taken a picture and developed it and put it in a little photo album she kept between her mattress and bed frame. She didn't even know if Luna knew about that, but it was Luna was in every picture, only a select few of Mie included, she didn't have any of her own. Sometimes, she wondered if Luna had her own like it, but highly doubted it.

Turning, she paused, "Yeah, you technically aren't allowed in here for the rest of the year. Usually, it would be a permanent ban, but Mandy's a friend of mine. I know she'll lighten the sentence." She chewed the inside of her lip before turning to Luna and crouching down with her elbows on her knees, "I need you to give me a busted lip."

[graves]

Chi nodded affirmatively, "Then it's a date," She could say it before she realized her mistake, "I-I mean, it-it's a plan. Sounds... like a plan, heh..." And she took a long drink of her tea in an attempt to stop herself from saying anything else stupid. A date? Seriously? Stop thinking everything is a date. It was a not-date coffee date and a definitely platonic walk in a meadow, nothing about a date other than those being definitely not-date dates, they were friend dates. Friend not-dates that... aren't dates. Of course. One hundred percent friends. Friendly friends. Good friends. Gal pals. Yeah. Nothing about dates, only not-dates, and just... not... dating, because Carmen is her friend. Good friend. That she holds hands with because it's platonic love, of course. Nothing less, nothing more. Just friends. Of course. It's not like Chi enjoyed being just a little too close for comfort or anything like that. She should enjoy being close to Carmen, she was her friend, the same way Kyran was her best friend, that's all.

Where was Kyran, anyways? She'd barely seen him since the time they talked, even going to work in the morning, they usually bumped into each other. Of course, Kyran was babysitting his little niece this week, wasn't he? He did that all the time, right, so why wasn't he just out and about? It worried her. Chi should call him. Her fingers tapped, almost reaching for her phone. She stopped, though. She didn't want to interrupt her and CJ's definitely not-date.

||

Mie smiled, giving Luna a pat on the back and standing up straight with a sigh, putting her hands in her pockets. She looked down at the other girl. Luna wouldn't sleep tonight, Miesha knew that. Just from the look on her face, she knew that. It wouldn't be the first time, sometimes she'd come home from a hard night and find Luna just sitting on the couch eating ice cream, watching reruns of Full House. Once, she found her lying on the kitchen floor with chocolate ice cream all over her face and arms and a completely melted, mostly eaten pint sitting next to her. Yeah, that had been one for the history books. She had taken a picture and developed it and put it in a little photo album she kept between her mattress and bed frame. She didn't even know if Luna knew about that, but it was Luna was in every picture, only a select few of Mie included, she didn't have any of her own. Sometimes, she wondered if Luna had her own like it, but highly doubted it.

Turning, she paused, "Yeah, you technically aren't allowed in here for the rest of the year. Usually, it would be a permanent ban, but Mandy's a friend of mine. I know she'll lighten the sentence." She chewed the inside of her lip before turning to Luna and crouching down with her elbows on her knees, "I need you to give me a busted lip."
Carmen couldnt help but flush at the word date. She used the word all the time, yet when on the receiving end it felt different. Even when she corrected herself it didnt rest her nerves. A date. It was kinda like a date, semi-intimate bonding with one another. The place this was at was going to be dark. Carmen let her mind wander..shed have to hold Chi's hand. She blew it off, thats what friends do. They hold hands. And talk strolls through flower fields together. While also holding hands. They also put flowers in eachothers hair. They also stood really close to eachother. Yeah, totally a friend thing. Chi was a friend, nothing more nothing less. She gave a nervous chuckle, breaking the silence,"Either label works for me." she scratched behind her neck, seeing Chi reach for her phone. "If you have to call someone go ahead, I wont mind." she smiled. Speaking of, she hadnt really heard from Casper lately. The two texted constantly but recently these last two weeks they hadnt texted as nearly as much as they used to. It made her slightly worried. Casper usually liked to always check in on her, him usually being antsy if he didnt hear from her for awhile. She glanced at her phone to, which was sitting on the counter.

//

It was a nice moment in nice silence. Luna contemplated what she would do when she got home. Maybe shed watch Full House again for the hundredth time, she basically could recite the series word for word. Mie made fun of her for it, but Luna personally thought she deserved an award. Her eyes widened in shock,"What the hell Mie? I cant just punch you..thats like, against the bro code." it was probably just to cover Mie's ass to make it look like she did her job pulling Luna outside. Sure, they rough housed at times. Fun little wrestles that theyd get to competitive with, but never anything serious. She shook her foot, feeling the weight of the flip pocket knife still in her boot. She was shocked it hadnt fallen out she was was wrestling Nell and Dallas. She bent down, taking it out. The metal was a crimson color, along with the metallic silver blade, well polished and taken care of. "I cant punch you, but I can cut your lip if you want?"

[yummyluc]

Carmen couldnt help but flush at the word date. She used the word all the time, yet when on the receiving end it felt different. Even when she corrected herself it didnt rest her nerves. A date. It was kinda like a date, semi-intimate bonding with one another. The place this was at was going to be dark. Carmen let her mind wander..shed have to hold Chi's hand. She blew it off, thats what friends do. They hold hands. And talk strolls through flower fields together. While also holding hands. They also put flowers in eachothers hair. They also stood really close to eachother. Yeah, totally a friend thing. Chi was a friend, nothing more nothing less. She gave a nervous chuckle, breaking the silence,"Either label works for me." she scratched behind her neck, seeing Chi reach for her phone. "If you have to call someone go ahead, I wont mind." she smiled. Speaking of, she hadnt really heard from Casper lately. The two texted constantly but recently these last two weeks they hadnt texted as nearly as much as they used to. It made her slightly worried. Casper usually liked to always check in on her, him usually being antsy if he didnt hear from her for awhile. She glanced at her phone to, which was sitting on the counter.

//

It was a nice moment in nice silence. Luna contemplated what she would do when she got home. Maybe shed watch Full House again for the hundredth time, she basically could recite the series word for word. Mie made fun of her for it, but Luna personally thought she deserved an award. Her eyes widened in shock,"What the hell Mie? I cant just punch you..thats like, against the bro code." it was probably just to cover Mie's ass to make it look like she did her job pulling Luna outside. Sure, they rough housed at times. Fun little wrestles that theyd get to competitive with, but never anything serious. She shook her foot, feeling the weight of the flip pocket knife still in her boot. She was shocked it hadnt fallen out she was was wrestling Nell and Dallas. She bent down, taking it out. The metal was a crimson color, along with the metallic silver blade, well polished and taken care of. "I cant punch you, but I can cut your lip if you want?"
Still, Chi hesitated. She didn't want to stop the conversation but suddenly felt awkward. Did Carmen feel awkward? Was that why she was trying to get Chi to distract herself? Had Chi made her uncomfortable by calling it a date? No, CJ just said she didn't mind it, of course, it would be a friendly joking thing, right? Of course, what else could it be? CJ was... straight, right? Surely, even if she wasn't, there was no way that she could possibly have any shared interest in Chi herself. Why was Chi wanting that, anyway, huh? It made no sense. She'd never had an interest in a relationship, no, even if she felt lonely because she had never had any explicit interest in guys. All of this, with Carmen, and the romanticizing, the... confusion, it worried Chi. She couldn't be. She can't be. For her family.

Despite that, she nodded, flashing a smile. It would give her an excuse to lighten the awkwardness sitting in the pit of her stomach and check up on Kyran. He's been so quiet for the past few days, and even thinking that sentence something was wrong with it. She picked up her phone and slipped off of her seat, dialling Kyran's number and hoping he would pick up. It did, after a few rings too long, and he sounded sort of... worried?

"Hola, Kyran Gonzalez speaking," He greeted quickly, obviously not having looked at the contact name.

"Oh, hey Ky, everything okay with you?" Chi asked quietly, trying to keep the one sided conversation away from CJ.

"Oh yes, Fran is just a handful and all, you know-- Francisca Lisa--" He broke off into frantic Spanish, making Chi go silent for a moment. "A moment, please," He said quickly, the sound of the phone dropping echoed, and there was the distant sound of commotion. Chi couldn't help but giggle.

||

With a sigh and a roll of her eyes, Mie shut the knife in Luna's hand and lowered it for her, "Luna, мой друг, there are exceptions to your... "bro code," yes? Let this be one of them. A solid. Just here--" She pointed to the corner of her lip, "I know you can deliver a good one, okay? Just made it hard and quick. You have to make it look real." Truly, Mie knew it would hurt Luna than it would hurt her. After all, Mie has had a wide assortment of jobs that caused her extreme physical pain. A police officer, lifeguard, body guard, etcetera. She didn't want to make Luna hurt her, but this was a good way of covering her tracks, making sure she did her job. Plus, it would be a better impression than just telling Mandy she'd let her go without any consequences, Miesha couldn't play favourites. She gave Luna a look.

"If you help me with this, I'll bring home the greasiest thing on our menu, and maybe a six fresh off the ice, okay? Please, Lu. This job means a lot to me." It did, it really did. Being a bouncer, it was probably one of the best jobs of her life, and she had a lot of friends because of it. As much as she loved Luna, she had to keep this job. Someone like her, it wasn't easy. She couldn't waitress or be a cashier, not simple everyday jobs. Really, she'd kept this job for three years strong, and she couldn't lose it because she was trying to play favourites or spare feelings.

[graves]

Still, Chi hesitated. She didn't want to stop the conversation but suddenly felt awkward. Did Carmen feel awkward? Was that why she was trying to get Chi to distract herself? Had Chi made her uncomfortable by calling it a date? No, CJ just said she didn't mind it, of course, it would be a friendly joking thing, right? Of course, what else could it be? CJ was... straight, right? Surely, even if she wasn't, there was no way that she could possibly have any shared interest in Chi herself. Why was Chi wanting that, anyway, huh? It made no sense. She'd never had an interest in a relationship, no, even if she felt lonely because she had never had any explicit interest in guys. All of this, with Carmen, and the romanticizing, the... confusion, it worried Chi. She couldn't be. She can't be. For her family.

Despite that, she nodded, flashing a smile. It would give her an excuse to lighten the awkwardness sitting in the pit of her stomach and check up on Kyran. He's been so quiet for the past few days, and even thinking that sentence something was wrong with it. She picked up her phone and slipped off of her seat, dialling Kyran's number and hoping he would pick up. It did, after a few rings too long, and he sounded sort of... worried?

"Hola, Kyran Gonzalez speaking," He greeted quickly, obviously not having looked at the contact name.

"Oh, hey Ky, everything okay with you?" Chi asked quietly, trying to keep the one sided conversation away from CJ.

"Oh yes, Fran is just a handful and all, you know-- Francisca Lisa--" He broke off into frantic Spanish, making Chi go silent for a moment. "A moment, please," He said quickly, the sound of the phone dropping echoed, and there was the distant sound of commotion. Chi couldn't help but giggle.

||

With a sigh and a roll of her eyes, Mie shut the knife in Luna's hand and lowered it for her, "Luna, мой друг, there are exceptions to your... "bro code," yes? Let this be one of them. A solid. Just here--" She pointed to the corner of her lip, "I know you can deliver a good one, okay? Just made it hard and quick. You have to make it look real." Truly, Mie knew it would hurt Luna than it would hurt her. After all, Mie has had a wide assortment of jobs that caused her extreme physical pain. A police officer, lifeguard, body guard, etcetera. She didn't want to make Luna hurt her, but this was a good way of covering her tracks, making sure she did her job. Plus, it would be a better impression than just telling Mandy she'd let her go without any consequences, Miesha couldn't play favourites. She gave Luna a look.

"If you help me with this, I'll bring home the greasiest thing on our menu, and maybe a six fresh off the ice, okay? Please, Lu. This job means a lot to me." It did, it really did. Being a bouncer, it was probably one of the best jobs of her life, and she had a lot of friends because of it. As much as she loved Luna, she had to keep this job. Someone like her, it wasn't easy. She couldn't waitress or be a cashier, not simple everyday jobs. Really, she'd kept this job for three years strong, and she couldn't lose it because she was trying to play favorites or spare feelings.
Watching Chi go take her call she tuned her out, not wanting to be nosy and all. Carmen let her gaze settle on her phone for a minute. She hadnt spoken to Casper since he had left with Kyran abruptly. The guy made her suspicious, no matter how much he won Casper over. She wouldnt bud in unless necessary though, maybe Kyran was right. She'd trust Casper to make his own choices. But that wouldnt stop from big sis checking in, right? Picking up her phone she went into the living room which wasnt far from the kitchen, she could still see Chi from there but didnt want to interrupt her call with her own. Opening up her speed dial she found Casper, holding it up to her ear. It rung and rung, but no answer. The little voice message playing,

"H-hey ! This is Casper Lees phone. Im busy right now so leave a message and Ill g-get back to you, thanks!"

Carmen rolled her eyes, waiting till after the beep to leave her message, "If you dont pick up within 30 seconds Im stealing Cipher and letting her free."

She hit send, within thirty seconds Casper was calling her. She hit answer,"Please dont steal my baby."

She chuckled,"Wont make promises but, how have things been?"

//

Luna huffed, putting her knife back into her boot. Not even the offer of unhealthy food made her smile. Instead she grabbed Mie's face, her hand under the taller girls chin to bring it down to her height. She dragged a thumb across Mie's cheek. Lunas face didnt hold the usual cheesy smile. It was calm for a moment, Lunas eyes grazing over Mie's face before sighing, and with a quick motion she drew her arm back, clutching her hand in a fist, and letting it come in contact with her friends face. She felt a chill up her spine, hissing at the pain in her hand now. "Jesus Christ-" she muttered under her breath, glancing at her knuckles they were already staring to bruise. Though she looked up and realized she had hit directly where Mie had said to hit, the corner of her lip now bruised and bleeding. Immediately she took Mie's face in her hands again, bi colored eyes looking over what she had done,"Oh god Im so sorry I shouldnt have done that-" her tone was more serious, a tone she rarely used. She had never hurt Mie before. She got that this job was important but..to be honest she would have rather puched herself then Mie. It probably hurt her sense of character more then it hurt Mie at all.

[yummyluc]

Watching Chi go take her call she tuned her out, not wanting to be nosy and all. Carmen let her gaze settle on her phone for a minute. She hadnt spoken to Casper since he had left with Kyran abruptly. The guy made her suspicious, no matter how much he won Casper over. She wouldnt bud in unless necessary though, maybe Kyran was right. She'd trust Casper to make his own choices. But that wouldnt stop from big sis checking in, right? Picking up her phone she went into the living room which wasnt far from the kitchen, she could still see Chi from there but didnt want to interrupt her call with her own. Opening up her speed dial she found Casper, holding it up to her ear. It rung and rung, but no answer. The little voice message playing,

"H-hey ! This is Casper Lees phone. Im busy right now so leave a message and Ill g-get back to you, thanks!"

Carmen rolled her eyes, waiting till after the beep to leave her message, "If you dont pick up within 30 seconds Im stealing Cipher and letting her free."

She hit send, within thirty seconds Casper was calling her. She hit answer,"Please dont steal my baby."

She chuckled,"Wont make promises but, how have things been?"

//

Luna huffed, putting her knife back into her boot. Not even the offer of unhealthy food made her smile. Instead she grabbed Mie's face, her hand under the taller girls chin to bring it down to her height. She dragged a thumb across Mie's cheek. Lunas face didnt hold the usual cheesy smile. It was calm for a moment, Lunas eyes grazing over Mie's face before sighing, and with a quick motion she drew her arm back, clutching her hand in a fist, and letting it come in contact with her friends face. She felt a chill up her spine, hissing at the pain in her hand now. "Jesus Christ-" she muttered under her breath, glancing at her knuckles they were already staring to bruise. Though she looked up and realized she had hit directly where Mie had said to hit, the corner of her lip now bruised and bleeding. Immediately she took Mie's face in her hands again, bi colored eyes looking over what she had done,"Oh god Im so sorry I shouldnt have done that-" her tone was more serious, a tone she rarely used. She had never hurt Mie before. She got that this job was important but..to be honest she would have rather puched herself then Mie. It probably hurt her sense of character more then it hurt Mie at all.
After some moments of muffled Spanish and Fuego's distant barking, Ky came back to the phone, sounding a little more exhausted than when he'd first answered, "A-Apologies, Chichima, Fran, you know, she is a... complicated child, ahah..."

Chi snorted, "Come on, she can't be that bad."

"Chi. She just tried to dye Fuego lime green with markers."

"... Did it work?"

There was a moment of silence, "Eh... Sort of? Green really isn't her colour, not that it's any dog's colour, that's particularly unnatural-- Ah, Chi, what did you call for?"

Chi laughed, "Well, I was just wondering if you were okay, y'know, I haven't seen you in a while, Ky. I'm getting worried."

There was a nervous laugh from Ky's side, "Y-Yes! I mean, I'm-I'm good, working from home because of Fran, you see. Nothing to worry about, goodbye now, Chich--"

"Hey, no, you don't get to just say that and hang up, Kyran. What's going on, are you okay?" Chi asked, voice suddenly stern as if scolding a child.

A defeated sigh and a long pause, "Promise you won't say anything?"

"Chichi's Honour, Ky."

||

Being honest, the punch had taken Mie by surprise. She sort of expected a little bit more resistance than what had been given, at the very least. Her head snapped to the side, the shock of the punch starting to fuel adrenaline in her veins. Still, she forced herself to calm down because she literally asked Luna to clock her one. She sighed, feeling her lip pulse and start to bleed. She rose a finger to touch it. Yep, that's blood alright. She wiped it on her shirt, chuckling as Luna started to panic and put a hand on her wrist.

"It's fine," She said plainly. They were very close, right then. Nothing unnatural, but it felt nice. She looked at Luna's mismatched eyes with a small smirk. She almost moved forward for a second, but instead pulled away from Luna's worrying hands and turned to the bar, "Thanks, champ," She said, feeling the blood start to flow as she spoke. Damn, that hurt more than she thought it would. For someone so small, she was packing. Miesha moved to pull the door handle, light and sound flooding out into the night. She started to step inside, side-eyeing Luna for just a second.

"Stay safe, Lu. Go straight home, and..." I love you. She held her tongue, clicking it instead, "Don't stay up too late." She stepped inside and shut the door with a sigh. It was all too obvious that's not what she wanted to say, the both of them knew Luna wouldn't sleep tonight, Miesha had just improvised. Why couldn't she have just said it? They say I love you all the time, this wouldn't be any different. Maybe that's why she hadn't wanted to. Because Luna wouldn't have taken her seriously. Why did she want her to take her seriously? Stop. Mie shook the thoughts away. Just go with it. You have to talk to Mandy. She smeared the blood across her lip with the back of her hand, glaring at anyone who looked. It wasn't often she actually got hit by any idiot causing trouble, so it sent a message both ways. In favour of both her and Luna.

[graves]

After some moments of muffled Spanish and Fuego's distant barking, Ky came back to the phone, sounding a little more exhausted than when he'd first answered, "A-Apologies, Chichima, Fran, you know, she is a... complicated child, ahah..."

Chi snorted, "Come on, she can't be that bad."

"Chi. She just tried to dye Fuego lime green with markers."

"... Did it work?"

There was a moment of silence, "Eh... Sort of? Green really isn't her colour, not that it's any dog's colour, that's particularly unnatural-- Ah, Chi, what did you call for?"

Chi laughed, "Well, I was just wondering if you were okay, y'know, I haven't seen you in a while, Ky. I'm getting worried."

There was a nervous laugh from Ky's side, "Y-Yes! I mean, I'm-I'm good, working from home because of Fran, you see. Nothing to worry about, goodbye now, Chich--"

"Hey, no, you don't get to just say that and hang up, Kyran. What's going on, are you okay?" Chi asked, voice suddenly stern as if scolding a child.

A defeated sigh and a long pause, "Promise you won't say anything?"

"Chichi's Honour, Ky."

||

Being honest, the punch had taken Mie by surprise. She sort of expected a little bit more resistance than what had been given, at the very least. Her head snapped to the side, the shock of the punch starting to fuel adrenaline in her veins. Still, she forced herself to calm down because she literally asked Luna to clock her one. She sighed, feeling her lip pulse and start to bleed. She rose a finger to touch it. Yep, that's blood alright. She wiped it on her shirt, chuckling as Luna started to panic and put a hand on her wrist.

"It's fine," She said plainly. They were very close, right then. Nothing unnatural, but it felt nice. She looked at Luna's mismatched eyes with a small smirk. She almost moved forward for a second, but instead pulled away from Luna's worrying hands and turned to the bar, "Thanks, champ," She said, feeling the blood start to flow as she spoke. Damn, that hurt more than she thought it would. For someone so small, she was packing. Miesha moved to pull the door handle, light and sound flooding out into the night. She started to step inside, side-eyeing Luna for just a second.

"Stay safe, Lu. Go straight home, and..." I love you. She held her tongue, clicking it instead, "Don't stay up too late." She stepped inside and shut the door with a sigh. It was all too obvious that's not what she wanted to say, the both of them knew Luna wouldn't sleep tonight, Miesha had just improvised. Why couldn't she have just said it? They say I love you all the time, this wouldn't be any different. Maybe that's why she hadn't wanted to. Because Luna wouldn't have taken her seriously. Why did she want her to take her seriously? Stop. Mie shook the thoughts away. Just go with it. You have to talk to Mandy. She smeared the blood across her lip with the back of her hand, glaring at anyone who looked. It wasn't often she actually got hit by any idiot causing trouble, so it sent a message both ways. In favour of both her and Luna.
Carmen took note that he wasnt stuttering anymore,"Things have been..interesting. Work is being a pain as usual,"

It was the most boring answer Cj had ever heard,"But even when work is busy you always text me on your lunch breaks, what happened?"

You could hear an audible sigh on the other end of the phone. Casper spoke hesitantly,"Promise you wont get mad or over protective."

"No promises, but I'll try."

He knew that was the most he was going to get out of her, he cleared his throat,"Me and Kyran have been spending a lot of time together, its been really nice."

Oh great, that guy? She didnt know why but whenever Carmen was around Kyran it always rubbed her the wrong way. But she wouldnt ruin a friendship for Casper simply because of her better choice in friends,"Is that it Casper? Because Im happy for you just-"

"And something happened, nothing bad but. Just dont freak out when I tell you,okay?"

//

Luna wasnt dumb, she could hear the hesitance in her voice at the last part. She gave a small wave, looking at Mie as she stepped into the bar and the door closed, leaving her alone outside. She stood there for a moment, eyes staring at the neon lights, now glowing more in the dark. Without Mie there she suddenly felt how cold it was, every time she let out a breath she could see the little puff of cloud that follow after it. She shivered slightly, not having a jacket, instead only her large baggy blue sweater she was currently wearing. Mie was basically a human heater, if she were here right now Lu would be tucked under her arm and as warm as could be. But no, she had work. She couldnt really blame her either, she knew the job meant a lot to her. She sighed, tucking her hands under her arms and walked down the block to find her car. This would be a long night.

[yummyluc]

Carmen took note that he wasnt stuttering anymore,"Things have been..interesting. Work is being a pain as usual,"

It was the most boring answer Cj had ever heard,"But even when work is busy you always text me on your lunch breaks, what happened?"

You could hear an audible sigh on the other end of the phone. Casper spoke hesitantly,"Promise you wont get mad or over protective."

"No promises, but I'll try."

He knew that was the most he was going to get out of her, he cleared his throat,"Me and Kyran have been spending a lot of time together, its been really nice."

Oh great, that guy? She didnt know why but whenever Carmen was around Kyran it always rubbed her the wrong way. But she wouldnt ruin a friendship for Casper simply because of her better choice in friends,"Is that it Casper? Because Im happy for you just-"

"And something happened, nothing bad but. Just dont freak out when I tell you,okay?"

//

Luna wasnt dumb, she could hear the hesitance in her voice at the last part. She gave a small wave, looking at Mie as she stepped into the bar and the door closed, leaving her alone outside. She stood there for a moment, eyes staring at the neon lights, now glowing more in the dark. Without Mie there she suddenly felt how cold it was, every time she let out a breath she could see the little puff of cloud that follow after it. She shivered slightly, not having a jacket, instead only her large baggy blue sweater she was currently wearing. Mie was basically a human heater, if she were here right now Lu would be tucked under her arm and as warm as could be. But no, she had work. She couldnt really blame her either, she knew the job meant a lot to her. She sighed, tucking her hands under her arms and walked down the block to find her car. This would be a long night.
It was another long pause, but Chi knew Ky was still there. He was thinking. Trying to put the words together. That worried her, usually, he had no trouble building a sentence, his charisma and confidence just made it easy, if he was hesitating, it was obviously something he was struggling with. Kyran Gonzalez never hesitated, it just wasn't who he was, and Chi knew who he was, especially behind closed doors. Either something was wrong, or he didn't know if he trusted Chi with the information. Finally, he spoke, voice low, soft. Vulnerable. It was a message to Chi, that he trusted her completely. Good.

"I've been... spending some time with Casper, Carmen's friend," He started, voice tentative.

Chi rose a brow and crossed her arms, leaning against the counter, "Yeah, the Australian, right?"

"Si."

"Why are you so worried?"

"I... I like him, Chi, I really like him. I love him. And he loves me, I think."

Another pause, "That's... that's great, Ky, I'm glad you're--"

"But I think... I think I've met him before. I don't know, but it would explain a lot. It's a strange thing to say, I know, but you can't tell me we got along a little too easily for two strangers." He stopped and took a shaky breath, "I... I'll sound like a school girl saying this, but... we kissed. And... it was just too familiar, almost scarily."

Chi thoughtfully chewed her lip, "Okay, Ky. I get you, I do. You'll figure this out." Kyran sighed on the other side.

||

She made a beeline to Mandy's office, knocking on the door and giving about three seconds of warning before she walked in. Her mind was racing, but she left a calm facade on the outside. Clearly, Mandy was waiting for her. Of course, Miesha was her top security guard, all the others were more like insurance. Mandy smiled.

"Mura," She greeted plainly.

Mie sighed, "Mandy, it's Miesha. You know why I'm here."

The woman turned stern, folding her arms across her chest, eyes narrowing, "You were protecting that girl."

"She was... is, a friend," Mie cleared her throat, standing ramrod straight, arms folded behind her back.

[graves]

It was another long pause, but Chi knew Ky was still there. He was thinking. Trying to put the words together. That worried her, usually, he had no trouble building a sentence, his charisma and confidence just made it easy, if he was hesitating, it was obviously something he was struggling with. Kyran Gonzalez never hesitated, it just wasn't who he was, and Chi knew who he was, especially behind closed doors. Either something was wrong, or he didn't know if he trusted Chi with the information. Finally, he spoke, voice low, soft. Vulnerable. It was a message to Chi, that he trusted her completely. Good.

"I've been... spending some time with Casper, Carmen's friend," He started, voice tentative.

Chi rose a brow and crossed her arms, leaning against the counter, "Yeah, the Australian, right?"

"Si."

"Why are you so worried?"

"I... I like him, Chi, I really like him. I love him. And he loves me, I think."

Another pause, "That's... that's great, Ky, I'm glad you're--"

"But I think... I think I've met him before. I don't know, but it would explain a lot. It's a strange thing to say, I know, but you can't tell me we got along a little too easily for two strangers." He stopped and took a shaky breath, "I... I'll sound like a school girl saying this, but... we kissed. And... it was just too familiar, almost scarily."

Chi thoughtfully chewed her lip, "Okay, Ky. I get you, I do. You'll figure this out." Kyran sighed on the other side.

||

She made a beeline to Mandy's office, knocking on the door and giving about three seconds of warning before she walked in. Her mind was racing, but she left a calm facade on the outside. Clearly, Mandy was waiting for her. Of course, Miesha was her top security guard, all the others were more like insurance. Mandy smiled.

"Mura," She greeted plainly.

Mie sighed, "Mandy, it's Miesha. You know why I'm here."

The woman turned stern, folding her arms across her chest, eyes narrowing, "You were protecting that girl."

"She was... is, a friend," Mie cleared her throat, standing ramrod straight, arms folded behind her back.
Carmen leaned against the wall of the living room, eyebrows furrowing. If Casper was being hesitant to tell her something, it mustve been important. Cj was basically Caspers other half, platonically of course, she helped him settle into America, make a few friends and help him through Highschool. It was tough, but she would do and listen to anything if it was important to him. She sighed,"Alright."

There was a long pause on the other line of the phone, probably debating if he should open his mouth or not,"Kyran and me kissed the other day."

"You what?!" her voice could be described as 'whisper shouting' not wanting to disrupt Chi's call in the other room. She didnt even know Kyran, he could be a punk for all she knew. He could hurt Casper, he could- no, he wouldn't. Carmen had to learn to trust Casper to make good choices. She let him continue.

"I know I only met him a week or two ago but..Its like dejavu, Carmen. Everything seems so familiar. It was scary how fast I opened up to him." She could remember when they were all at the cafe. Casper had seemed nervous at first. Usually in new places he would barely talk, if at all, and stay close to Cj. But even she could see that they both had warmed up fast.

"So.."

"Look, Carmen. I found this photo on my shelf, I forgot I had it but..its from Highschool. It looks exactly like him minus the edgy look he had but..Im not sure." He sounded nervous, voice quivering slightly as he spoke,"Even if its true..itd would explain a lot."

"A lot of?"

"I love him, Carmen. Even if I think Ive known him for years or even if Im wrong and only have known him for a week. Its..really scary."

She knew how hard it was for Casper to take chances with people. Highschool was a rough time for him. It seemed he was the target for any person to simply hit on, use for their own needs and leave him. Casper would fall for every single one of them,giving them more then what they gave him and never got anything in return. Its why Cj was so protective of him when Casper would get along with people, she couldnt help it. It scared her too, to think it would only take one more person for Casper to crack completely. She sighed.

//

When she arrived home she sighed, walking though the door and slamming it shut with a huff. She had messed up, and only hoped that Mie wouldn't be punished in the process. She wouldnt forgive herself if she was. But, she didnt want to focus on the bad right now. She had already declared that she wasnt going to sleep until Mie was home, taking off her boots and trotting over to the kitchen. It was nights like these that she was glad Mie picked up ice cream, she took out a tub and a spoon, not bothering for a bowl, and plopped herself on the couch. It was getting a bit late now, usually the time that sitcoms would come on. As if on queue she smiled when she spotted Full House, putting it on and taking a large greedy bite of the ice cream. Looking around the living room it was not the tidiest, but not the messiest either (mainly Lu's fault) and saw an open Redbull. She didnt know how old it was, and frankly she didnt care. Picking up it was relatively full,picking it up and chugging it till it was gone. She let out a hum feeling the burning taste of caffeine run down her throat, crunching up the can and throwing it back on the table. This was going to be a long night.

[yummyluc]

Carmen leaned against the wall of the living room, eyebrows furrowing. If Casper was being hesitant to tell her something, it mustve been important. Cj was basically Caspers other half, platonically of course, she helped him settle into America, make a few friends and help him through Highschool. It was tough, but she would do and listen to anything if it was important to him. She sighed,"Alright."

There was a long pause on the other line of the phone, probably debating if he should open his mouth or not,"Kyran and me kissed the other day."

"You what?!" her voice could be described as 'whisper shouting' not wanting to disrupt Chi's call in the other room. She didnt even know Kyran, he could be a punk for all she knew. He could hurt Casper, he could- no, he wouldn't. Carmen had to learn to trust Casper to make good choices. She let him continue.

"I know I only met him a week or two ago but..Its like dejavu, Carmen. Everything seems so familiar. It was scary how fast I opened up to him." She could remember when they were all at the cafe. Casper had seemed nervous at first. Usually in new places he would barely talk, if at all, and stay close to Cj. But even she could see that they both had warmed up fast.

"So.."

"Look, Carmen. I found this photo on my shelf, I forgot I had it but..its from Highschool. It looks exactly like him minus the edgy look he had but..Im not sure." He sounded nervous, voice quivering slightly as he spoke,"Even if its true..itd would explain a lot."

"A lot of?"

"I love him, Carmen. Even if I think Ive known him for years or even if Im wrong and only have known him for a week. Its..really scary."

She knew how hard it was for Casper to take chances with people. Highschool was a rough time for him. It seemed he was the target for any person to simply hit on, use for their own needs and leave him. Casper would fall for every single one of them,giving them more then what they gave him and never got anything in return. Its why Cj was so protective of him when Casper would get along with people, she couldnt help it. It scared her too, to think it would only take one more person for Casper to crack completely. She sighed.

//

When she arrived home she sighed, walking though the door and slamming it shut with a huff. She had messed up, and only hoped that Mie wouldn't be punished in the process. She wouldnt forgive herself if she was. But, she didnt want to focus on the bad right now. She had already declared that she wasnt going to sleep until Mie was home, taking off her boots and trotting over to the kitchen. It was nights like these that she was glad Mie picked up ice cream, she took out a tub and a spoon, not bothering for a bowl, and plopped herself on the couch. It was getting a bit late now, usually the time that sitcoms would come on. As if on queue she smiled when she spotted Full House, putting it on and taking a large greedy bite of the ice cream. Looking around the living room it was not the tidiest, but not the messiest either (mainly Lu's fault) and saw an open Redbull. She didnt know how old it was, and frankly she didnt care. Picking up it was relatively full,picking it up and chugging it till it was gone. She let out a hum feeling the burning taste of caffeine run down her throat, crunching up the can and throwing it back on the table. This was going to be a long night.
Several more hushed words and Chi hung up, brows knitting together as she looked at the screen of the phone. She really hoped Kyran was okay, he sounded pretty mixed up about his entire situation. She knew that in his experience, he wasn't exactly the best when it came to past relationships, only having one that he swore didn't count because he didn't want it to, and it had a really rocky history itself. With a huff, she turned her phone off and stuffed it in her pocket, setting herself back into a stool and taking a sip from her tea which had grown cooler in the time she was speaking to Kyran.

"Ah, sorry about that! I just wanted to make sure he was all right, you know?" She explained, tapping the side of her cup anxiously, "Would you like a refill?" She asked although CJ had only taken a few sips.

||

Usually, Miesha would be home by the time the sun started to perch itself over the horizon line, but it was well into the afternoon when she finally stumbled through the doorway, completely exhausted, light bags under her dull eyes. The door unlocked noisily and she tossed her things on the kitchen table as she made her way into it and lazily made a breakfast that wasn't exactly on her health radar. She'd talked to Mandy for hours to talk her out of banning Luna from the bar, trying to bargain her out of it. In the end, she lost her job and Luna still got banned. Mandy said she was welcome back to the bar, but if she was going to play favourites, she had no place being a bouncer. For the rest of the night, she had been thinking of jobs she could sign up for, and she didn't want to go home early because what would Luna say to her coming home early? It was more natural for her to come in late.

As she made her oatmeal, she thought of ways to tell Luna that she had gotten fired. She didn't want it to be Luna's fault, and in fact, it was more or less Dallas's for not recognising her and placing his hands on her in the first place, really, but she knew Luna would blame herself for it. There was no way she could say she got fired. Sighing, she pressed the buttons on the microwave and leaned against the counter with her arms folded over her chest and her ankles crossed. She shut her eyes and found herself dosing off.

[graves]

Several more hushed words and Chi hung up, brows knitting together as she looked at the screen of the phone. She really hoped Kyran was okay, he sounded pretty mixed up about his entire situation. She knew that in his experience, he wasn't exactly the best when it came to past relationships, only having one that he swore didn't count because he didn't want it to, and it had a really rocky history itself. With a huff, she turned her phone off and stuffed it in her pocket, setting herself back into a stool and taking a sip from her tea which had grown cooler in the time she was speaking to Kyran.

"Ah, sorry about that! I just wanted to make sure he was all right, you know?" She explained, tapping the side of her cup anxiously, "Would you like a refill?" She asked although CJ had only taken a few sips.

||

Usually, Miesha would be home by the time the sun started to perch itself over the horizon line, but it was well into the afternoon when she finally stumbled through the doorway, completely exhausted, light bags under her dull eyes. The door unlocked noisily and she tossed her things on the kitchen table as she made her way into it and lazily made a breakfast that wasn't exactly on her health radar. She'd talked to Mandy for hours to talk her out of banning Luna from the bar, trying to bargain her out of it. In the end, she lost her job and Luna still got banned. Mandy said she was welcome back to the bar, but if she was going to play favourites, she had no place being a bouncer. For the rest of the night, she had been thinking of jobs she could sign up for, and she didn't want to go home early because what would Luna say to her coming home early? It was more natural for her to come in late.

As she made her oatmeal, she thought of ways to tell Luna that she had gotten fired. She didn't want it to be Luna's fault, and in fact, it was more or less Dallas's for not recognising her and placing his hands on her in the first place, really, but she knew Luna would blame herself for it. There was no way she could say she got fired. Sighing, she pressed the buttons on the microwave and leaned against the counter with her arms folded over her chest and her ankles crossed. She shut her eyes and found herself dosing off.
¨I gotta go Cj, I dont care if you tell close people or whatever but just..be c-careful, okay? K-kyran doesnt want our relationship all over the press or something.¨
Carmen sighed and mumbled an affectionate goodbye and hung up the phone, perking up when Chi asked her something. It took her a moment to answer before giving a small shake of the head,¨I think Im good, but thank you.¨ she smiled. She shoved her phone in her pocket for a moment, wondering. She thought about Casper in Kyran, back to the cafe. They seemed to hit it off well, she hadnt seen Casper that open with someone besides herself for awhile now. As much as Kyran seemed a bit..suspicious, shed be supportive. Thats what friends were for, right? She looked at Chi for a moment. She thought back to the cafe, and the flower field. How pretty the flowers looked in Chis hair..how it looked so nice to see the fireflies dancing around them. Maybe her and Chi hit it off too, just in a different way. She knew Chi was a friend now, but she just. Still had a feeling about something. She didnt know what it was, be she supposed when the time came to it shed work it out. For right now, she gave a small smile and chuckled,¨I think out friends hit it off more then we expected.¨

//

Luna had been laying in her bed, eyes lidded, tired. She hadnt slept one minute, and had almost been up a full twenty four house. She could easily have just closed her eyes and gone to sleep, she needed it, but she looked next towards Mies empty bed, sighing. This was the latest she had ever come home, and frankly it made Lu worried. Looking towards her night stand there were many empty five hour energy bottles, she closed her eyes for a moment, hands scrambling around for another full bottle. Eventually her hands clasped around a full one, popping the cap open and downing the bitter tasting artificially flavored liquid. She knew it wasnt healthy but she honestly just physically couldnt sleep when Mie wasnt in the house. She thought maybe she she went over and slept in Mies bed it would make things better, maybe then she could sleep. But she shook the thought away, tugging the covers off of herself with a huff. Her eyes felt so heavy, like weight, but she kept them open, blankly starring at the ceiling as the energy drink gave her a small buzz of energy, though not that much. It most likely just made her heart race at an unhealthy amount and claimed it woke people up. She almost didnt hear Mie come through the door, only sitting up when she heard the clink of the keys hitting the counter. She scrambled to get up out of their bedroom, walking down a few hallways to where she saw Mie basically asleep on her feet while the microwave let out a hum. She looked just as tired as Mie, beloved hat forgotten, hair fuzzy from rustling around in bed, sweater hanging off of her shoulder lazily. She gave a dopey smile, walking over to Mie and wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her head against her back and closed her eyes. Physical affection wasnt unfamiliar between the two, hugging Mie was the most familiar thing to her. She gave a small yawn,¨I missed you.¨

[yummyluc]

¨I gotta go Cj, I dont care if you tell close people or whatever but just..be c-careful, okay? K-kyran doesnt want our relationship all over the press or something.¨
Carmen sighed and mumbled an affectionate goodbye and hung up the phone, perking up when Chi asked her something. It took her a moment to answer before giving a small shake of the head,¨I think Im good, but thank you.¨ she smiled. She shoved her phone in her pocket for a moment, wondering. She thought about Casper in Kyran, back to the cafe. They seemed to hit it off well, she hadnt seen Casper that open with someone besides herself for awhile now. As much as Kyran seemed a bit..suspicious, shed be supportive. Thats what friends were for, right? She looked at Chi for a moment. She thought back to the cafe, and the flower field. How pretty the flowers looked in Chis hair..how it looked so nice to see the fireflies dancing around them. Maybe her and Chi hit it off too, just in a different way. She knew Chi was a friend now, but she just. Still had a feeling about something. She didnt know what it was, be she supposed when the time came to it shed work it out. For right now, she gave a small smile and chuckled,¨I think out friends hit it off more then we expected.¨

//

Luna had been laying in her bed, eyes lidded, tired. She hadnt slept one minute, and had almost been up a full twenty four house. She could easily have just closed her eyes and gone to sleep, she needed it, but she looked next towards Mies empty bed, sighing. This was the latest she had ever come home, and frankly it made Lu worried. Looking towards her night stand there were many empty five hour energy bottles, she closed her eyes for a moment, hands scrambling around for another full bottle. Eventually her hands clasped around a full one, popping the cap open and downing the bitter tasting artificially flavored liquid. She knew it wasnt healthy but she honestly just physically couldnt sleep when Mie wasnt in the house. She thought maybe she she went over and slept in Mies bed it would make things better, maybe then she could sleep. But she shook the thought away, tugging the covers off of herself with a huff. Her eyes felt so heavy, like weight, but she kept them open, blankly starring at the ceiling as the energy drink gave her a small buzz of energy, though not that much. It most likely just made her heart race at an unhealthy amount and claimed it woke people up. She almost didnt hear Mie come through the door, only sitting up when she heard the clink of the keys hitting the counter. She scrambled to get up out of their bedroom, walking down a few hallways to where she saw Mie basically asleep on her feet while the microwave let out a hum. She looked just as tired as Mie, beloved hat forgotten, hair fuzzy from rustling around in bed, sweater hanging off of her shoulder lazily. She gave a dopey smile, walking over to Mie and wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her head against her back and closed her eyes. Physical affection wasnt unfamiliar between the two, hugging Mie was the most familiar thing to her. She gave a small yawn,¨I missed you.¨
Chi hummed and nodded, taking a long drink from her cup and finishing the drink, sliding it aside and folding her hands on the counter. At Carmen's comment she couldn't help but giggle, "I suppose Casper told you, then," She said, focusing her eyes on her hands, a nervous smile pulling at her lips, "It's nice, isn't it? Kyran has struggled so much in the past with this sort of thing, I'm very happy for him!" She said, a wide grin spreading across her face. She was glad Kyran had found someone nice he could just click with, from how he told it, it had been so long since something like that happened. CJ was someone that Chi instantly clicked with, despite their differences. The thought tied Chi's stomach up in knots. Even if CJ was interested in girls, there was no way she could be attracted to someone like Chi. It just didn't seem possible to her, but she would never say that out loud. Carmen was a good friend! And Chi liked it that way. There was no reason for her to ruin that.

||

The sudden contact started Mie out of her half slumber, nearly making her yelp. She looked down at Luna with wide eyes, which then softened to admiring ones, with just a sprinkle of worry in them. She could tell Luna hadn't slept, and Luna could probably tell she hadn't gotten a wink either. She chuckled warmly, running her fingers over Luna's messy head of hair. Without warning, she pried Luna off of her and hauled her up under her arms and pressed a kiss to her forehead as she held her almost like a mother would a child on her hip. She pressed her head to Luna's and hummed in her deep tone.

"I missed you, too," She murmured, accent thick and almost unintelligible in her exhaustion. Still, her hands were warm, and she pressed her free one to Luna's face and grinned. After a stressful night and morning, it was nice to come home to someone who was always happy to see you.

[graves]

Chi hummed and nodded, taking a long drink from her cup and finishing the drink, sliding it aside and folding her hands on the counter. At Carmen's comment she couldn't help but giggle, "I suppose Casper told you, then," She said, focusing her eyes on her hands, a nervous smile pulling at her lips, "It's nice, isn't it? Kyran has struggled so much in the past with this sort of thing, I'm very happy for him!" She said, a wide grin spreading across her face. She was glad Kyran had found someone nice he could just click with, from how he told it, it had been so long since something like that happened. CJ was someone that Chi instantly clicked with, despite their differences. The thought tied Chi's stomach up in knots. Even if CJ was interested in girls, there was no way she could be attracted to someone like Chi. It just didn't seem possible to her, but she would never say that out loud. Carmen was a good friend! And Chi liked it that way. There was no reason for her to ruin that.

||

The sudden contact started Mie out of her half slumber, nearly making her yelp. She looked down at Luna with wide eyes, which then softened to admiring ones, with just a sprinkle of worry in them. She could tell Luna hadn't slept, and Luna could probably tell she hadn't gotten a wink either. She chuckled warmly, running her fingers over Luna's messy head of hair. Without warning, she pried Luna off of her and hauled her up under her arms and pressed a kiss to her forehead as she held her almost like a mother would a child on her hip. She pressed her head to Luna's and hummed in her deep tone.

"I missed you, too," She murmured, accent thick and almost unintelligible in her exhaustion. Still, her hands were warm, and she pressed her free one to Luna's face and grinned. After a stressful night and morning, it was nice to come home to someone who was always happy to see you.
Carmen couldnt help but giggle along with Chi,¨Well..Im glad theyre together, and Kyran found someone that makes him happy and all. Casper seems really happy too, hes such a love struck nerd.¨ It had been years since Carmen had to deal with Casper dating again. She was protective, but she had good reason. ¨Casper hasnt had it easy either, but from the sounds of it Kyran seems pretty good for him, Im really happy for them both.¨ She took a sip from her tea, not much left in it and finishing it off aswel, pushing it to the side. It had been awhile since Carmen herself was in a relationship. She had had crushes, sure, but never anything serious. She simply wasnt interested in alot of people or she just. Didnt have the time with her work. But no it was different. She had taken a whole week off in order to get rest, only because Chi had recommended it. Casper had been trying to get her to take breaks for years! And she never listened to him, yet when it came to Chi..she couldnt help but listen. It felt nice, honestly. To spend some genuine time with someone who you really like being around. Maybe she should take breaks more often.

//

She leaned most of her weight on Mie, only giving a small hum at the feeling of being picked up, locking her legs around her waist and wrapping her arms around her neck affectionately. She gave a small smile hearing her words, feeling the kiss pressed to her forehead, leaning her face into Mies soft touch on her face. Lidded Bicolored eyes stared against hers. Jeez, did she looked tired. She wondered what could have kept Mie so late at the bar, but right now she was to tired to ask, that could wait till later. Instead she too brought a free hand up to Mies face, thumb dragging across her cheek where she left a pretty good bruise and a few cuts along her lip. When Lu had had first met Mie it had been a rough start but they were inseparable now, and because of that Luna promised no matter what she would never lay a hand on Mie, no matter how impulsive she was. She felt slightly guilt still, furrowing her eyebrows,¨Mm sorry for punching you really hard,¨ her voice slurred, fingers ghosting over the bruise she left,¨mm gonna kiss it better.¨ and with that she leaned forward, letting her eyes close as she pressed her lips softly to Mies cheek and making sure not to press to hard. She pulled away, only to press her lips to her jawline lazily. She pressed kisses until she got closer to her mouth where the cut was. She pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth, a small smile on her face as she did so, giving Mie rare soft affection. She pulled away, letting her lips hover over Mies. She could feel her breath against hers, she could feel the heat of Mies face radiating off of her she was that close. She let her hands run through the bouncers hair as she opened her eyes, lidded, glancing from Mies lips to her eyes. She hesitated.

[yummyluc]

Carmen couldnt help but giggle along with Chi,¨Well..Im glad theyre together, and Kyran found someone that makes him happy and all. Casper seems really happy too, hes such a love struck nerd.¨ It had been years since Carmen had to deal with Casper dating again. She was protective, but she had good reason. ¨Casper hasnt had it easy either, but from the sounds of it Kyran seems pretty good for him, Im really happy for them both.¨ She took a sip from her tea, not much left in it and finishing it off aswel, pushing it to the side. It had been awhile since Carmen herself was in a relationship. She had had crushes, sure, but never anything serious. She simply wasnt interested in alot of people or she just. Didnt have the time with her work. But no it was different. She had taken a whole week off in order to get rest, only because Chi had recommended it. Casper had been trying to get her to take breaks for years! And she never listened to him, yet when it came to Chi..she couldnt help but listen. It felt nice, honestly. To spend some genuine time with someone who you really like being around. Maybe she should take breaks more often.

//

She leaned most of her weight on Mie, only giving a small hum at the feeling of being picked up, locking her legs around her waist and wrapping her arms around her neck affectionately. She gave a small smile hearing her words, feeling the kiss pressed to her forehead, leaning her face into Mies soft touch on her face. Lidded Bicolored eyes stared against hers. Jeez, did she looked tired. She wondered what could have kept Mie so late at the bar, but right now she was to tired to ask, that could wait till later. Instead she too brought a free hand up to Mies face, thumb dragging across her cheek where she left a pretty good bruise and a few cuts along her lip. When Lu had had first met Mie it had been a rough start but they were inseparable now, and because of that Luna promised no matter what she would never lay a hand on Mie, no matter how impulsive she was. She felt slightly guilt still, furrowing her eyebrows,¨Mm sorry for punching you really hard,¨ her voice slurred, fingers ghosting over the bruise she left,¨mm gonna kiss it better.¨ and with that she leaned forward, letting her eyes close as she pressed her lips softly to Mies cheek and making sure not to press to hard. She pulled away, only to press her lips to her jawline lazily. She pressed kisses until she got closer to her mouth where the cut was. She pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth, a small smile on her face as she did so, giving Mie rare soft affection. She pulled away, letting her lips hover over Mies. She could feel her breath against hers, she could feel the heat of Mies face radiating off of her she was that close. She let her hands run through the bouncers hair as she opened her eyes, lidded, glancing from Mies lips to her eyes. She hesitated.
Picking up the tea cups and saucers, she slipped off of the chair and to the sink to rinse out the cups, placing them on one side of the sink before drying her hands. It really was nice that Kyran and Casper were hitting it off so nicely, God knows it's impossible for Kyran to really connect with anyone, and Casper seemed anxious enough as it was. She was glad she had Carmen. It was nice, just to have a friend other than Kyran or Hana, who she rarely saw. Being honest, this was the most she's seen anyone to just relax with in a long time. With Carmen it was just so... easy to relax with her, so natural, despite Chi having butterflies in her stomach and flowers in her lungs any time CJ was so much as within visible vicinity. She couldn't deny that she liked the feeling, either.

"We should go out," She blurted, face burning immediately afterwards, quickly adding words that she didn't quite think about, "I-I mean as friends, of course! Hah, y-you know, this uh, this-this was pretty short, in-in-in terms of, uh, a-a hangout! I-I'd love to spend more time with you, aheh, y-you know, p-platonically, obviously." Every other word her voice cracked, nervous laughter filling in the lines between as she averted her eyes and struggled to speak clearly.

||

Luna kissing Miesha was no new factor, the two were comfortable with one another and extremely affectionate, it was natural. What was new was Luna mindlessly kissing the corner of her lips. Usually, the two were careful to respect one another's boundaries, not that they didn't mind being what others might say would be too close for comfort. Mie's dark eyes widened, staring into familiar mismatched ones, a certain type of sparkle glittering in them clearly. She swallowed, chewing the inside of her cheek. She could feel the soft ghosting of Luna's breath on her lips, and she knew Luna could feel the closeness. God, she looked so tired, but somehow energy sparked in the bi-coloured optics of Miesha's closest friend. They were barely inches away and Mie's heart was pounding out of her chest, new strength filling her chest, making her swell. This close. This close. So... close...

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The shrieking of the nearby microwave nearly made Mie drop the smaller girl in her arms. She swallowed her scream and cleared her throat, choking out a nervous laugh as she put Luna down, blushing so hard the tips of her ears were the colour of a ripe tomato. She whipped around, hurriedly escaping the awkward encounter and pulling the bowl from the microwave, the beeping giving her a headache. The heat stung her hands, but she acted like she didn't mind it, sliding open a drawer and pulling out a spoon. Her heart was still racing and her brows were knit together. Had they really been that close?

[graves]

Picking up the tea cups and saucers, she slipped off of the chair and to the sink to rinse out the cups, placing them on one side of the sink before drying her hands. It really was nice that Kyran and Casper were hitting it off so nicely, God knows it's impossible for Kyran to really connect with anyone, and Casper seemed anxious enough as it was. She was glad she had Carmen. It was nice, just to have a friend other than Kyran or Hana, who she rarely saw. Being honest, this was the most she's seen anyone to just relax with in a long time. With Carmen it was just so... easy to relax with her, so natural, despite Chi having butterflies in her stomach and flowers in her lungs any time CJ was so much as within visible vicinity. She couldn't deny that she liked the feeling, either.

"We should go out," She blurted, face burning immediately afterwards, quickly adding words that she didn't quite think about, "I-I mean as friends, of course! Hah, y-you know, this uh, this-this was pretty short, in-in-in terms of, uh, a-a hangout! I-I'd love to spend more time with you, aheh, y-you know, p-platonically, obviously." Every other word her voice cracked, nervous laughter filling in the lines between as she averted her eyes and struggled to speak clearly.

||

Luna kissing Miesha was no new factor, the two were comfortable with one another and extremely affectionate, it was natural. What was new was Luna mindlessly kissing the corner of her lips. Usually, the two were careful to respect one another's boundaries, not that they didn't mind being what others might say would be too close for comfort. Mie's dark eyes widened, staring into familiar mismatched ones, a certain type of sparkle glittering in them clearly. She swallowed, chewing the inside of her cheek. She could feel the soft ghosting of Luna's breath on her lips, and she knew Luna could feel the closeness. God, she looked so tired, but somehow energy sparked in the bi-coloured optics of Miesha's closest friend. They were barely inches away and Mie's heart was pounding out of her chest, new strength filling her chest, making her swell. This close. This close. So... close...

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

The shrieking of the nearby microwave nearly made Mie drop the smaller girl in her arms. She swallowed her scream and cleared her throat, choking out a nervous laugh as she put Luna down, blushing so hard the tips of her ears were the colour of a ripe tomato. She whipped around, hurriedly escaping the awkward encounter and pulling the bowl from the microwave, the beeping giving her a headache. The heat stung her hands, but she acted like she didn't mind it, sliding open a drawer and pulling out a spoon. Her heart was still racing and her brows were knit together. Had they really been that close?
Her eyes widened, face turning a shade of red hearing Chi talk, scratching the back of her neck and giving a nervous laugh. The thought of going out as friends or more then friends didnt bother Carmen honestly, she didnt really care what they were labeling it as, she just liked to spend time with Chi in general. ¨How about you show me that small bookstore you were telling me about? Since we didnt get to it last time.¨ The thought of sharing large comfy chairs and giggling over whatever was in a book together seemed appealing to Carmen, though anything sounded appealing if she was was doing it with Chi. She was incredibly positive and just...sweet with an innocent touch to her, it gave Carmen butterflies.

//

She flinched at hearing the loud beeps of the microwave. Everything came flooding back, how tired she was, how tired they were, that it was probably like 1pm at this point but she had been so caught up in oogling her best friend she didnt care. Her smile faded when Mie put her down. Right, food. Dumbass microwave. Walking over the a cabinet next to the fridge she stood on her tippy toes to open it, pulling out some advil. If the microwave had given her a headache, it probably gave one to Mie too, she knew her too well. Downing two pills raw with no drink, she placed two on the counter next to Mie, avoiding eye contact,¨Itll help you feel better.¨ her voice soft. With that she made her way out of the kitchen and down a few halls to their shared room. It was neat, Mies side cleaner then Lunas, but it was an organized mess she argued. She made her way around the bedroom with her eyes closed, not noticing that she landed in Mies bed, curling under the covers instantly and pulling them up to her head, a small bit of fluffy curly hair sticking out at the top that indicated that she was there. She wouldnt admit it, but she always slept better in Mies bed. Maybe it was the bed, or maybe it was Mie, she couldnt tell.