Delicate

Diana Taylor, 27, Model Interior Designer Sometimes I wonder how people find their happy endings so quickly.

[dianataylcr]

L O G A N :

Logan nodded. “I’ve heard that as well. Some dogs just don’t get along.” Like people. He wasn’t the most personable of human beings, but he could handle a shallow conversation every once and a while. But he certainly wouldn’t shoulder through talking with someone he didn’t like. “I might just take you two up on that.”

The blonde nodded slightly, knowing that Stella had certainly opened her eyes to just how similar dogs and people could be. “They’re just like us, really. Some things come easier to some than others.” Smile brightened as she watched the two of them, interaction still tentative but both dogs growing in confidence. “You’d be welcome to. I think it’d be a good idea for both of them.” 

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S O P H I E :

Sophie smiled as the blonde agreed and picked it up. She shook her head at the apology, “oh please don’t worry, definitely my fault for dropping it in the first place.” Sophie had a tendency to be clumsy so it wasn’t really a surprise that she was dropping something. “Thanks,” she said, accepting the battery. Sophie took out her hearing aid and easily removed the dead battery, throwing it into her bag before putting the new one in. 

“That happens.” Soft smile rested on her lips, all too aware that anyone was capable of a moment of clumsiness. She knew she’d dropped plenty but possibly not something that could be so essential. “I’m glad I could help though, especially when it seems so important.” Usually she was softly spoken after years of having to be careful with her words, but this time she made an effort to make her words that little bit clearer. 

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S A F I Y E : 

“Well we both make our own schedules so maybe we could sneak in a quick trip? Doesn’t have to be anything too long.” Reassuring her that they could do this, even if it would take some planning. “Well that sounds interesting.” Safiye commented with a raised eyebrow. “Care to elaborate more?”

“I’m sure we could. Even just a couple of hours would be wonderful.” The soft smile that had been on her lips faded slightly, hesitation rising when sharing was still something she was getting used to. “Um, well, I met my cousin properly and I think she might end up moving here. It’s all a bit up in the air and pretty far from how I was expecting things to go but I think it could be good.”

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M A R C O :

The idea of them perhaps being together in New York once day was a long way off, but a thought that Marco appreciated. He’d never been there and of all the people he knew, Diana was definitely the one he’d love to give him the grand tour. Maybe during the holidays, so they could walk about and take in the lights —- who knew, maybe it would snow and they could recreate this carriage ride properly. “Maybe…” his voice was soft as he echoed what she said, a gentle smile creeping across his features as she joined him in the carriage.

As Diana continued, he realised she was probably right and he hadn’t thought about it all that much. They did have the ocean and the golden sands, there was nothing that could compare to that really. “I think you’re right… and, I mean, the company’s not too bad either,” he mused with a playful chuckle.

It was strange how welcome the idea of making future plans was to her when she had thought that there’d never be anything that would make her want to go back East. She was still in no rush to but their joint, tentative ‘maybe’ was something she felt excited for instead of dreading. “New York isn’t the only place with charm after all. And Santa Monica is definitely growing on me.” In truth it felt more like home than the Big Apple ever had and she would be lying if she denied that the man next to her wasn’t part of that.

Blue eyes widened slightly in playful surprise, as though his words had almost offended. “Just not bad?” Light laughter slipped from her lips, nudging her shoulder into his gently as she spoke. “I was going to say the company was the best part but I guess I’ll be saving my compliments for later.”

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H O L L Y :

“You know me too well,” Holly answered, reaching out for the coffee with a bright smile. “Thank you.” A pause as she took a sip, and then she added, “Are you staying? Do you have time?” She would never say no to an excuse for a catch up with her friend.

“Almost a decade of friendship will do that.” Smile was given to her friend as she slid into the seat opposite. “I’ve just taken lunch so there’s no rush” A small sip of her own coffee was taking before she inquired gently. “What’s got you sleep deprived?”

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E R I N :

“I think you’re right, it’s just whether or not I’m ready for that kind of shift in line. I might end up never wanting to leave the house and I’m a little scared about how okay with that I am.” The brunette said with a little laugh as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Are they good or expensive?” She questioned with a furrow of her brow, knowing how much the vet cost she could only imagine how much a good doggy sitter could rack up. “Well, she seems amazing and if you ever need someone to watch her, I’d be totally fine with that.”

“It’s definitely a big shift but I found it worth it. I just end up taking her with me, there’s lots of dog friendly places around here too.” Light, almost self deprecating laughter bubbled up “A little bit of both.” Apologetic smile was flashed at the brunette when she knew keeping a pet wasn’t cheap. “But the one I use is on the cheaper end of things without compromising on quality.” Smile brightened at the suggestion. “I’ll definitely keep that in mind. It might help you decide if you’re ready for one yourself, too.” 

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S O P H I E :

Sophie didn’t intend for the afternoon to end this way, but that was often the case. Things seemed to upset Sophie’s schedule on a regular basis, it was like she was a character written by an incredibly indecisive author. The battery on her hearing aid had run out so she reached in her bag for a new one. She pulled out the small bag and unzipped it, cursing herself when she saw that the packet only contained one more battery. A moment of fumbling later and the battery as rolling across the pavement, “fuck!” she exclaimed, moving towards it as quickly as she could before it stopped near another person’s feet. “I’m sorry but I dropped something and it’s right by your feet, do you mind?” she asked. Sophie made sure to look at the person as she spoke, anticipating the need to half lip read their answer, with only one hearing aid in Sophie knew it’d be tricky to hear in the busy place.

Usually she was much more aware of her surroundings, generally preferring not to cause someone any inconvenience. For once though her attention had been on her phone and it wasn’t until someone spoke up that her gaze lifted from it. Blue eyes widened slightly at the request, looking down to see the item in question. “Oh, of course.”  She was quick to nod and quicker still to bend to pick it up, holding it out gently for the other woman to take. Apologetic smile on her lips, she felt guilty for not paying enough attention to what was going on around her. “I’m sorry if I almost stepped on it.”

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H O L L Y :

“Sorry, did you say something?” Holly was pretty sure she was about to drop to sleep in her ice-cream, so when she’d heard a voice, she had to snap herself from her revere —- no idea if they’d even been talking to her anyway,

Upon entering the shop she hadn’t really expected to see anyone she knew but after spotting a familiar redhead, she upped her order to two. “Just that I brought you a coffee.” The blonde smiled as she held out the cup for Holly to take. “It seemed like you might need one.”

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J A C K :

Location: Lucky’s Bar & Grill

Jack honestly had no idea what he was even doing there. He didn’t really do things like this, not since his early twenties when he’d been job hopping like it was going out of fashion. Karaoke just wasn’t his thing. His babysitter had suggested it, though, thought it was a good excuse for him to get out of the house for once. Now he was here he was thinking otherwise. Turning to the person beside him, list of song choices in hand, he cleared his throat lightly and asked, “Any idea of a good song for a guy who’s never done this before?”

Karaoke had been something she had never considered doing and she still wasn’t sure that she would end up taking the stage. But the draw of something new had brought her in and so far she had been able to enjoy some of the singing but admire each and every person who decided to sing. Attention was pulled to a man nearby and she gives him something of an apologetic look when she doesn’t have a helpful answer for him. “I think I’m probably the worst person to ask because I’ve never done this either. But maybe your favourite song or at least a song you know well? It might be easier to be more confident that way.”

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R E B E K A H :

location: ocean view park date: january 14, 2020 time: a little after noon

Taking a brief jog through Ocean View Park was a daily routine for Rebekah Danvers - always accompanied by her pitbull, Frenchie. With it being almost sixty degree weather, Rebekah sported a light pull up running hoodie with dark capri leggings. Apple Airpods in her ear, the woman was pretty much drowned from the world as she listened to the latest episode of yet another self-help podcast. She took a stop at the nearest water fountain to take a quick break; it fell short when Frenchie pulled at her leash, forcing Rebekah to let go. 

“Frenchie!” Running after her beloved canine, the woman continued to call out for her dog to stop.

While she was definitely enjoying her work after her recent career change, a lunchbreak was still always welcome. It felt like too much of a waste to spend it inside and so she had made the walk to the park to enjoy the salad she bought along the way. The blonde was just finishing up when she spotted a familiar dog running her way, moving to greet her. “Hey Frenchie.” The familiarity paid off and the pitbull stopped by her, glancing up in time to spot her owner heading their way.  “I’ve got her.” Smiling, she knew that she had found herself doing the same after Stella on more than one occasion. “It makes a change for it not to be me running after my dog.”

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E L I J A H :

When: January 11th, 2019

Where: Lucky’s Bar & Grill

What: Karaoke Night

Elijah wasn’t big on singing in public. It wasn’t like he had stage fright, he just hated singing in public and had bad experience with it back in college. Part of him wanted to bolt, but the other part of him knew that he needed to meet new people and expand his horizons. He ordered himself a drink, prayed for liquid luck and glanced around the place. It wasn’t all that bad, actually.  It wasn’t like he was trying out for American Idol and Simon Cowell was in the audience, judging him.  Once he got his drink, he sat down at an empty table and watched as people sang. Then he saw someone in the corner of his eye and took a sip of his drink. “You can sit with me, I don’t bite.” He replied as he looked at the person then back at the stage. 

A few months ago karaoke would have sounded like her worst nightmare and even though she wasn’t convinced that she would be one of the people taking to the mic, it had seemed like a fun enough way to spend the evening. Lucky’s was busier than expected when she eventually got there and she was beginning to feel as though she would never find a quiet spot to sit in when someone spoke up. “Thank you.” Grateful smile was flashed his way as the blonde slid into the spare seat. “I was getting worried I was going to have to stand awkwardly by the stage and I’m not sure I want to risk being pulled up.” 

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N O A H :

“Can’t wait for December.” He stated, a somewhat of a grin resting on his lips. He always thought it was a hilarious thing to say in January. “Oh damn that’s a possibility. Mood lighting.” He teasingly said, a sort of ‘swoon’ added to his voice. “Feel free to redecorate my house while you’re at it – I’m sure Gemma would want a hand in that too.” A chuckle, then followed by a nod per her suggestion. “That makes two of us.” He said, turning away from the tree to continue their walk. He watched Stella happily trotting in front of them, man to live a dog’s life. “How was your Christmas? And New Year?” 

Smile rested on her lips to match his tone light as she replied. “I don’t think you should go wishing the year away.” Things had always been easy with Noah and while she usually second guessed herself too much to joke with most people, words flowed freely with her friend. “Think of how impressed your dates would be.” She had no real idea about his current dating life but she could only hope he would see it as a gentle joke, instead of her prying. “Consider Alex, Gemma and I on it. How do you feel about purple for a colour scheme?” Teasing smile faded into a far more genuine one at his next question. “Quiet but the right kind of quiet, thank you. How about you?”

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E R I N :

Leaning dog to pet the dog who had immediately asked for rubs, the brunette couldn’t help but smile. “I’ve been thinking of getting one for a while but I move around so much that I’m not sure how fair that would be with my job.” Plus the fact that she often left for months at a time to go to the front lines when needed. “Oh, she’s still in the puppy stage. I can only imagine how much of a handful she could be. I know my friend had a big dog like this who was quite young and she practically had to put everything up on shelves in order to make sure the dog wouldn’t chew on it.”

The blonde nodded, knowing the brunette’s dilemma all too well. “I know what you mean, it took me months to convince myself that I had enough time to look after her properly. But I think that you find time for them too.” She knew how much Stella had changed her life though and she was more grateful than she could say to the little dog for helping her to move into a new chapter of her life. It made her all the more keen to try to help the brunette in her goal. “If you ever change your mind I know a very good pet sitter and a wonderful doggy day care.” Soft laughter fell from her lips. “I’ve been really lucky with her, she’s more playful than destructive but she does go through chew toys pretty quickly.”

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M A R C O :

At Diana’s words, Marco’s mouth turned up into a small smile —- glad to receive that reaction. He’d never really been good at this kind of stuff and after his last failed relationship, sometimes he wondered whether it was even trying anymore, yet when it came to her, he felt like it was worth the risk. So here he was, trying and risking something by maybe blurring those friendship lines a little… if he could. “You think so, too, huh?” He shrugged his shoulders very casually, and then approached someone to enquire, quickly told they could hop in whenever they were ready. Being that it wasn’t your typical carriage riding weather in these parts, it seemed it wasn’t quite as popular as it might be on a snowy evening. “Maybe one day we could head to New York and do this there, too,” he answered her with a smile, and then held his out to her so he could help her into the carriage. “Let’s go!”

Nod was given to him as she was happy to confirm again that she was more than happy with his idea. “I do.” She waited for him to enquire, smiling as he returned. Soft hum of acknowledgement was given to him at the mention of New York and even though she knew she wasn’t ready to go back just yet, the thought of going back with him made it more tempting than she had expected. “Maybe one day.” Taking his hand without hesitation, she stepped up into the carriage, almost forgetting why she tended to avoid any kind of contact at all. “But for now I’m more than happy with this.” The blonde settled herself into the seat, hands smoothing over her clothes as she did. Taking in the different angle it gave her as she waited for him to take the spot next to her. “We might not have the snow but I think the ocean will look amazing from here.” 

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L O G A N :

The young German Shepherd held her ground, nose wriggling at the new smells. Logan knelt, hand stroking the fur on her back as he held out a hand towards Stella. “Hey, Stella,” he addressed the other dog with a smile. “Aren’t you pretty.” Continuing his grin, Logan looked up and shook his head. “Nah, you both are good. Shelby’s gotta get used to meetin’ new dogs. I’ve gotta do a better job of acclimating her so this is good.”

Watching the two interact, Stella happily moving towards him for attention, she shook her head fondly at how without fear her dog was. “I’ve heard it’s not always easy to get them used to other dogs or other people but Stella did it all herself.” She smiled softly, making an offer she was only too happy to give to another dog owner. “I’m sure Shelby will get there though. We’d be happy to help at any point too.”

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D A N A :

“I know. I thought for sure the dress wouldn’t be comfortable but I took a chance and really glad I did.” It was nice talking fashion with another women. While she had her mom growing up, neither of them were very girly not fashionable so even at her age now, it was still something she tried to learn and improve on. “That’s true. I’m actually excited to have the chance to get this dressed up and it will be interesting to see what my co-workers say since I’ve never gotten this fancy around them.” 

“I think a lot of places are getting better at balancing comfort with glamour but it’s nice to know you’ve found one with a perfect mix of both.” Small smile was given to the other woman. “They’ll all love it, I’m sure of it.” She had no idea what the other woman’s coworkers were like but what she did know was that the dress was far too lovely for anyone to think otherwise. She wasn’t usually one to pry but the two of them had been talking long enough it would have felt rude for her not to ask. “What do you do?”

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H A Y D E N :

“ it’s a beautiful day, isn’t it? ” hayden began, swiping at his forehead with the back of his sleeve. he had stopped making new years resolutions when he found an entire patch of grey hair on his head, but he knew he needed to get more exercise than just running after a three year old all day. and it was a beautiful day in the park, even if he was desperately trying to catch his breath. “ weather forecast said it might rain, but - ” he peered up at the clear blue skies through the thicket of trees, “ - seems like a perfect morning to me. ”

The blonde had always been a fan of open spaces but since she’d gotten Stella, the park had been a firm favourite of the two of them. Attention shifted from the labrador that was busy trying to make friends a couple of meters away, to the man who had spoken. “It’s lovely.” Soft smile touched her lips as she replied. “I’ve heard that but we can always hope that it won’t. It’s not looking all that much like it right now.” Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Stella trotting back towards them and she moved slightly to block the inquisitive dog’s path. “Sorry, you don’t mind dogs, do you?”