Gunner Spears

British {26} Musician / Music Teacher

[gunnerspears]

aubrey

‘‘Wow, that’s creative,’‘ Aubrey nodded with a soft chuckle erupting from her chest. ‘’How many years did it take you to come up with that?” She teased, squinting a little in his direction as she prepared the paper towels. ‘’I will remember that. But I think I may accidentally add a couple of years to it, just a fair warning. Don’t blame me when you accidentally turn 40 or something,’’ She said and raised her hands at him defensively, but threatening with another laughter. Listening to his story about his friends, Aubrey thought how fun they all sounded. ‘’Oh Gosh,’’ She shook her head. ‘’That’s so mean. The guy didn’t get a proper birthday celebration in 4 years?” She asked, a little bit rhetorically, not expecting a direct response. ‘’I always wondered how those people celebrate their birthdays… February 29, that’s really being not in luck.’’ She commented and brought the tall glasses to the counter. ‘’It’s perfect!” She reassured Gunner after checking the consistency of the batter. ‘’Now, as you can see on those plates over there, I placed paper towels over them because once these babies come out of that oil, they’re going to need to be dried off from that excess oil that you don’t need in your body,’’ She explained and then slid the glasses towards him. ‘’And these will serve us to easily coat the hot dogs with the batter here. I will go first to demonstrate,’’ The brunette explained, taking the bowl with the mixture and distributing it across three glasses. Then, she took one hot dog and holding it by the wooden stick, Aubrey dipped it into the glass, coating the hot dog with the batter. ‘’Now we just drop it in the hot oil and let it deep fry.’’ And as she said it, she also did it, enjoying the sound of oil sizzling. ‘’Doesn’t look too difficult, does it? And you don’t want to wait more than 3 minutes for these, otherwise they might actually burn.’’

“My mom has the copy right to that one actually” Gunner let out a heartfelt laugh thinking about how her mom playfully would blame him for making her spend the Christmas at the hospital when he was only expected to be born a week after. To what his only response was is she rather had spend the new year’s eve, she claims that she was already expecting to do it so, and that Christmas was a much more meaningful holiday for her. “40?! That’s pushing it! I said you looked 23! I deserved better!” He joked, amused with the all playful chattering. “For real. That’s what’s called to be born without luck. We had fun though, and made it up for him eventually. When the 29th finally came we went over the top to make him the best birthday party any teenager could ask for. It was epic, and he’s forever thankful for it” Gunner laughed, at the memory of Robert’s eighteen birthday party. “Yes chef!” He tilted his head, getting hands on the task she just gave him and easily setting the paper towels over the plates. Listening to her instructions, Gunner took a minute to write down the basic instructions for future reference like he has been doing through all the cooking class Aubrey was giving him. “That makes sense...” He commented, watching as she demonstrated. “It would make a mess trying to do it directly from the bowl.” He grabbed is own hot dog holding it by the stick just like she did moments ago “Let’s try this” He muttered, more to himself then anything else, right before carefully holding his hot dog, dipping it in the batter and then into the boiling oil, a successfully not burning himself in the process. “This went well!” He exclaimed, surprise noticeable in his voice, for he was expecting to messing something something up in the process. But so far so good. “With you guidance it was easy enough! I really hope to manage doing it alone. I sure will try and let you know!” Gunner assured. “3 minutes, got it” He nodded, writing it down as well. “The one you put it first must be done then” He added, gazing down at his wrist checking the time in his watch. “You take it, and I’ll take mine” He stated, grabbing one of the plates with the paper towels he set out to her so she could place the fried corn dog into it. 

[gunnerspears]

ken

Making friends in a new city wasn’t exactly a foreign concept to Ken. In fact, he was very good at it. However, most of those people were just like him. Fast-moving, on-the-go, city people. Never had Ken been so distinctly aware of how fast he walked than now, here in Wilmington. While life carried on and everyone went about their day, there just seemed to be a sluggishness to it that he couldn’t quite comprehend. He was always willing to make an effort though. “Hey there,” he started cautiously, “I’m new to town and would love to buy you a cup of coffee in exchange for an hour of your time for a tour of downtown.” Ken could make his way around Manhattan blindfolded. It wasn’t so much that he needed the directions that he just wanted to see a friendly face, some company. “Doesn’t have to be right this second if you’re busy. I completely understand.” The question Ken really wanted to ask was ‘on a scale of 1-10, how awkward was this encounter for you?’

After over a month since Gunner moved into the lovely city of Wilmington, the place was finally feeling more like home and not as much foreign as before. Having already his handful of acquaintances around town, and a couple of people he could already call friends playing a major part of the deed. Today as his classes were over, Gunner was walking his way back home, but already having in mind a most needed stop to grab a coffee. So when he was stopped by a stranger he didn’t hesitated to stop to see in what he could be of help. “Hello there” He greeted with a smile, listening attentively, his head starting to nod at the stranger’s offer. “Oh man, I can only relate. I just moved here barely over a month ago!” Gunner was quick to say. “Do you live downtown?” He questioned. “Nah, Right now works fine! I’m not sure how great of a guide I can be, but to be fair I was just on my way to grab a coffee, and would be more then happy to have some company rather then going alone.” He offered, tilting his head. “I’m Gunner, Gunner Spears” He introduced himself, holding out his hand for a shake. 

[gunnerspears]

shiloh

Stepping through the doorframe into the kitchen was like stepping through a time warp. It was as if she had jumped back months to a rainy England morning with someone she loved attempting to make her a breakfast in bed. He had tried many times, but usually left her to been awoken by the screech of the smoke alarms. She remembered those mornings fondly, because those were the mornings she knew that was no one who could make her feel whole and complete the way Gunner had managed to in an entirely short time. Despite the charred toast and bitter tea, it was the sweet kisses her pepper along her face that had her feeling like she was floating. A blind devotion to him had formed, in the sense that he was the only person she wanted to wake up with and fall asleep next to. He was the first thought in the morning and the last before she fell to the pay of slumber. If that wasn’t love, what was?  And now, as she stood in the door way watching him move yet against to cook breakfast, Shiloh knew she had no right to be here. Months ago they would of crossed the distance for a warm kiss, a tender embrace to greet someone you missed thought they never really left. But now, she stood on the opposite end of the bar, offering him a warm smile. “Very impressive, I must say”, she hummed, unable to help the smile that naturally stretched at her features. Shiloh crossed the distance in favor of pouring herself a cup of coffee and to observe the work he had been doing with the promised food. “I think last night was the best night of sleep I’ve had in a very long time”, she admitted, almost lovingly as her emerald orbs turned up to his mess of blonde locks. God he was still adorable in the morning. “Did you?”

Not in a million years he would have guessed this was to happen when he left his place the day before to attend the Halloween Fright Night. Yet there was’t anything else he’d rather happening. As soon as their lips met for the first time last night it was just like a dream. And one that Gunner didn’t wanted to wake up from. He smiled at her words, such small achievement from him was indeed impressive, Shiloh of all people would’ve know after all the breakfast he tired to make her in the past always ending up burnt. His gaze drank her from head to toe as Shiloh walked her way closer to him in order to pour herself some coffee. Instinctively his tongue traced his lips, yet desired to taste another but his own. A much more sweet owns. He felt his heart swell inside his chest, the damn thing still beating for her, and her only, the time they’ve been apart meaning absolutely nothing to it. “I’m glad to hear” he smiled, gazing down at her emerald eyes as she turned from the coffee machine to face him. Placing the pan over the counter next to them, Gunner couldn’t help himself but to reach for her. Giving a single step towards her closing the gap between the two. His fingers played with a lock of her untamed morning hair, that he was so found of, something about the fact that this hair wasn’t a sight to all but only for a selected few in the red head life. Feeling extremely lucky to be one of those few and secretly wishing to be the only one here forward. After a moment just gazing down at her, he finally brushed the lock of hair behind her ear. “Best night I had in a very long time” He whispered, not really meaning the part where he actually slept, a big part of the night being spent admiring her asleep in his arms. With his gaze locked on hers, his hands reached each side of her face, holding her with care, his thumb tracing her lips, letting it show exactly what he was craving the most right before giving in to his desires. Leaning down, Gunner’s lips finally found it’s way to Shiloh’s plump ones, kissing her softly. God how he missed mornings like this. “Morning” He whispered against her lips, a sly smile in his face, his forehead glued to hers, finding it hard to break away. This being the proper greeting they should have shared in first place. 

[gunnerspears]

jaxon

“These devilish good looks of mine, they’re becoming a real problem…” He responded sarcastically, nodding as he took another sip of the coffee. “I don’t mind kids, I just don’t like them when they’re being assholes—” For the majority of his childhood he was the kid that he hated, which is why he tried to raise Alana to be the opposite. With a mouthful of coffee, Jaxon found himself struggling not to spray it out as he told an almost impossible story. “What kind of jumped up Hollywood script did that shit come from, huh?” He snorted, “That don’t sound like life to me.” Though it obviously was from the smile on his face, “Fuckin’ nuts man… So, what, you guys end on good or bad terms?” 

“Let me know if you ever need help to punch it bad. Free of charge” Gunner let out a laugh, as he joked with his favorite neighbor. Also the only one he actually talked with in the whole building so far. “And man can they be assholes!” Gunner exclaimed, in agreement. Kids had the ability to be the best and the worst all at the same time. “You tell me! I’d like to watch it and learn how is it going to end man.” Gunner shook his head, in disbelief. it was still unreal even for him. “Good, I guess” he shrugged his shoulders. It was a complicated. “She’s the only girlfriend I ever had man. Never had anything like her in my life before. It’s just messed up. When she left I really thought I’d never see her again. Just when I getting to terms with it, there she is.” He shared, taking a long sip into his coffee. “What was up with you? You said you had something to tell me” Gunner perked an eyebrow at his friend, curious to what could it possibly be. 

[hepburnaudrey]

[gunnerspears]

@shlhssmpsn

[gunnerspears]

peyton

“Yeah, we’re kind of off the radar, really. Glad to know you’re not disappointed by it. Though, I’d be disappointed considering only one person ran to your rescue after you fell. What does that say about us?” She laughed softly. Though, that sort of thing happened everywhere. Both in New York and Los Angeles, Peyton experienced people not being so kind. “Oh yeah, that makes sense. And you guys have the trains to take you from country to country too, so everything is within reach. Here you gotta take planes if you wanna see something big. It’s a shame too. One of the many reasons America isn’t that great.” Truthfully, the idea of living in Europe was so much more appealing. Not that she had ever been and could compare, but she just assumed. “Ah, so you got a real sweet tooth, huh? Now I know what to get you as a gift if I ever need to. You’re lucky it just goes straight through you and you don’t pack on any pounds. You get to blissfully eat away.” Something she had wished was could happen to her. Peyton was skinny, but she couldn’t overindulge—even though she did when it came to cereal. “Hmmm, well you’ll have to try some of mine then. See if it tastes like anything you’ve had back there. and then hopefully you like it because they’re amazing.” Once again, she laughed, smiling widely up at the man. “Me? Oh uh, I work at a radio station, actually. As a host. What about you? What’s the offer you got out here?”

“But then you’re a Wilmington born and raise, so I still have reasons to not be disappointed with it” Gunner smiled widely. “Any big city and I’ll still be laying on the floor unattended“ He added, with a tilt of his head. “We do! Some trips definitely are worth taking the train! It’s cheaper and faster then driving. Specially if you’re trying to visit the center of London. Forget using a car. It won’t get you anywhere.” He commented, the mention of his hometown leaving him somewhat homesick. “America is crazy. But I’m definitely enjoying my staying. Ever been to England or anywhere in Europe?” Gunner wondered, out of curiosity. “I do have a sweet tooth” He chuckled. His addiction to chocolate would get him into trouble someday. “December 23rd is the birthday, feel free to gift it away” He playfully added. “Looking forward to it! You have to make it happen on our tea hour next month!” He suggested, raising an eyebrow at Peyton. “That sounds exciting!” He exclaimed, surprised. “Music actually.” He replied. “I’m a musician. But I’m currently working as a music teacher, not so much in actual music. It’s a though field to make a living out of it. You’re either huge and making millions or you can barely survive out of it” 

[gunnerspears]

lara

Lara played with the rim of her coffee up and heard a slight accent from him, “Really? Why come here of all places and if you don’t mind me asking, where are you from?” She questioned, curious to always hear why people move to Wilmington. She did agree with this place being a gorgeous place to stay and people were rather friendly here, but she was bias since she lived here all her life and traveled around once and awhile but usually to see her mothers side of the family.

“I didn’t specifically choose Wilmington in all honesty. Some way it chose me” Gunner softly chuckled. “London, England” He proudly stated, his accent becoming more evident just by saying those words. “I got a job offer. Thought it would be a good change for me.” He shared, with a soft smile. “You’re from Wilmington I take it?” He perked a questioning eyebrow at the brunette. 

[gunnerspears]

haley

“Don’t give up so easily, you’re still young and there is chances of you finding the perfect Tinderella.” Haley lightly pat his shoulder, she knew the dating scene was a hit or miss, having a few mishaps that had her wishing she never agreed to the date or even wishing she returned the phone call, she couldn’t find the one person who she didn’t get annoyed around. “Then you pick the perfect chick, i am great fun. Also can introduce you to some of my friends who are a riot as well.” She offered the male, giving him some comfort on being the new guy in town wasn’t the easiest. “Now you’re asking me, took how long?” Haley teased, stirring her straw in her drink, “I’m a photographer, nothing exciting like following my father’s footsteps into the police field like he wanted but I’m happy with my job. What about you?”

“Says the old lady, so I’m taking your word for it” Gunner smirked as he playfully teased her about their one year age gap. Gunner was pretty sure he already found his own Cinderella so to say, and she left him ruined for all others to come after her. But that wasn’t something to bring up into the chill and fun conversation they were sharing, so he did his best to push the thoughts away. “You are great fun. If your friends are anything like you that makes me slightly afraid of that offer, but I was never one to turn my back at a challenge.” Gunner smiled, taking a sip into his beer. “Exactly two minutes sooner than it took you to ask me.” he tilted his head at her, letting out a soft laugh. “A photographer? Really? My ex is a photographer as well. What are the odds?” He slightly frowned, “I’m a musician, even if right now I’m more into the teaching field. I’m working as a music teacher at the elementary school” Gunner explained. 

[gunnerspears]

aubrey

‘‘December 23rd, right, I remember now, just before Christmas!” Excitement was obvious and very present in Aubrey’s voice – it was clear just how much she enjoyed the holiday. ‘’Oh please don’t keep your hopes up, I’m not a baker.’’ She noted, just in case he had those two mixed up – he wouldn’t be the first one, anyway. When people hear that you can cook, they thought it encompassed everything that was remotely edible, yet that was not the case. Sure, she could follow a recipe and make a semi-decent cake, but that didn’t count as being good at it. ‘’Mine is March 3rd. I always like to say how it’s super easy to remember because it’s 3 next to a 3, in all countries it’s the same.’’ She chuckled with a nod. She watched him preheat the oil, lowkey crossing her fingers that he was not going to burn himself or her in the process. It was a fairly easy thing to accomplish, but she still had no idea just how clumsy or not he happened to be in the kitchen. She was happy with how he did with the hot dogs and the oil, so she felt confident enough to let him take over with her observing. ‘’Yes, please, that’d be great.’’ She handed the bowl over to him. ‘’I like this a lot because the batter can be mixed in without an actual mixer. You really don’t need any appliances for this.’’ She nodded. ‘’Feel free to relax your hand a bit, here,’’ She placed her hand over his for a moment since he seemed a bit rigid in his actions, probably worried that he was going to make a mess. She’s seen it before with rookies.

“Christmas eve’s eve” He chuckled nodding in confirmation of his day of birth. “You might not be a baker but for sure you would be able to make an edible cake! Unlike me.” He defended, aware that cooking and baking were two different things, and once you’re good at one doesn’t necessarily means you’re also good at the other. “But a bought slice with a candle over it for me to blow will suffice.” He added. smiling at Aubrey. “It definitely makes it easier to memorize, even for me. I absolutely suck at knowing birthday’s by heart. But I think I got it!” Gunner declared confident in his words, even though he was taking a mental note to himself to mark it on his phone calendar anyways, just to be safe. He had a feeling she would be those kinds of friends that would never forget his own. “I have a friend whose birthday is February 29th! Can you imagine! Once we all ganged against him and actually took a four year gap between celebrating his birthday instead of doing it on March 1st like we usually do” Gunner shared, letting out a laugh at the thought of his friend Robert. Taking the bowl out of her reach he started to mix the batter then best he could, for obvious reasons Gunner wasn’t as comfortable with the movements as Aubrey was, so his looked stiff when hers looked absolutely effortless and fluid. A nervous laugh left his chest as she told him to relax, realizing she was right. He was putting way too much thought into it. Feeling her small hands over his own to help him through the movement Gunner nodded as he did his best to get an hold of the technique. “Thank you” he smiled. “Is it mixed enough like this?” He questioned, stirring it slowly, and checking the texture of it at this point, wondering if it was the right one.

[gunnerspears]

lara

              Lara was out enjoying the weather, the fact she was on a day off was a miracle since she was always jumping at the opportunity to get some more hours in at the fire station. The brunette figured she needed to socialize more before people assumed she died, a small smile appeared on her lips at the thought of running into anyone she knew asking the question of you’re still alive. She walked into the coffee shop, ordering herself a cup of joe and taking a seat before glancing over and waving at the familiar face, “Hey. Gorgeous day, huh?”

After a month since Gunner moved to Wilmington he started to realize that the place easily started to feel more and more like home. The faces in the street became familiar, on his way to work people would nod his way and Greetings were naturally shared, people around here being extremely welcoming to a newbie like him making it a lot easier for him to get used to living in a completely foreign country all of a sudden. Seating at his favorite coffee place, Gunner was having a Cappuccino for a change that day, looking outside the windows, enjoying the sun against his face. Something that didn’t happened often in the cloudy London. At the sound of a female voice right next to him Gunner smiled, turning his attention to the woman who spoke, her face not being completely unfamiliar, even if they never spoke before. “Hello. Gorgeous day indeed” He agreed with a nod. “And this why I don’t miss home as much” He chuckled.

[gunnerspears]

peyton

“Glad we can come to an agreement here.” The brunette nodded with a soft smile. Peyton wasn’t the most optimistic person in the world—in fact, she was actually quite the opposite, but it was easy to see the positivity here. “That’s a bold chance to take. I’d say why pick Wilmington, but if it’s a job offer, that makes sense. Gotta start somewhere. Hopefully, you’ll get to check out the other great places of the US.” And in Peyton’s mind, Wilmington was hardly a place to visit. Then again, she was from here, so there was clearly a bias. “The unhealthy things are usually the things we’re most addicted to. Like my addiction to sugary cereal. Terrible for me, but I can’t stop eating it.” She giggled, smiling softly at the other. “Well, then you’ll love an Almond Steamer… since it’s made specifically with milk. Ever have one?” It wasn’t the most popular choice on the menu, but Peyton was in love. “So enthusiastic, I like it. Let’s shoot for… maybe once a month and then try going to once weekly. How’s that sound?” 

“I’ve never heard of Wilmington until I got the offer to be honest. But so far it isn’t disappointing.” Even if it was still quite early to have is final decision about the place, but so far Gunner had nothing but good things to say about it. “I plan on it. I’m dying to see the big cities, but everything is so far away! I’m so used with my little small England! America is a crazy big ass country” He chuckled, in England he could pretty much drive his way through all country, sure it would take him a lot of time to go from north to south, but it was doable. “That sounds a lot like me and my chocolate. My mom still wonders how I never became fat, because I eat way too many chocolate, literally every kind really” He laughed, relating with her addiction to the sugary cereal. “I don’t think so, unless we name it differently in England” He shook his head. It was crazy how even if the language was the same, so many things were completely different, that alone made him feel a complete tourist around Wilmington this past few weeks. A smile quickly found its way to Gunner’s face at her suggestion. “That sounds perfect. I’d love to” He agreed, excited with the little arrangement they just got to terms with. “So, what do you do for a living? If you don’t mind my asking” 

[gunnerspears]

shiloh

starter for @gunnerspears

There was a lot about the previous night that had Shiloh wondering just exactly how she had gotten here. She remembered the alcohol, she remembered the costumes, and she remembered the lips of someone she missed more than the world.  She remembered stumbling back into his apartment, tossing that silly hat and her decretive vines in an effort to get down to the skin they craved. His moans still echoed in her ears and she knew his scent was left on her skin. It was rather refreshing to finally allow herself to have the one thing she wanted, but there was a nagging feeling in her gut telling her she was being the selfish bitch she left to avoid being. Her hands smoothed over the empty space in bed he once occupied. She didn’t worry where he had wandered off to, especially with the rather loud crash coming from the kitchen. With a chuckle,  she found herself slipping into the same red stripped shirt Gunner had worn the night before, stepping into the living room once more. “Somethings tells me you still don’t know how to cook.”

Waking up Gunner took a long while just staring at the ceiling. His mind was getting into place, and what he was starting to think to be a dream was turning out to be quite real. The warmth right beside him proving him just that. And he knew, just by how her sweet unique smell was invading all his senses that as he turns to his side he would be presented with hair of the color of fire spread across his pillows. His heart started to race just at the thought. Taking a deep breath he finally moved his eyes from the blank ceiling to the woman asleep beside him, his heart twisting and turning at the roll coaster of feelings running wild inside him. Last night felt all kinds of right. There wasn’t a single inch of him that wasn’t wiling to give in into her. Craving her touch, desperate for what he once called his. As soon as their lips touched it was as easy as breath to let himself fall into her and get completely lost. He wasn’t sure how long he just laid there like a creep taking in her features. She was deep asleep, and he figured she needed as much sleep as she could get remembering the looks of her face the night he saw her for the first time since she left him, at the diner. Brushing one lock of her long hair behind her hear, Gunner softly lean in and kissed her forehead, right before carefully standing up from his bed. Pieces of both their costumes all over the place, a mess that he quickly grew found of due it’s meaning. Only in his boxers, he decided to prepare some coffee. After a couple of cooking lessons with Aubrey Gunner finally gathered the guts to give it a try at making it at home again. And he also learnt how to make scrambled eggs with bacon. Deciding it would be the perfect breakfast for the two after the night they shared, Gunner got into work. The coffee was already filling the air, and the eggs were already cooked, all that was missing was the bacon, but he only owned one frying pan so he had to wash it to use it again to prepare the bacon. When he was about to dry the pan the damn thing slipped from his grasp making a shrill sound. “Fucks sake” He cursed, unaware of her presence behind him. Quickly turning at the sound of her voice a smile immediately took over his face at the sight of her petite body covered with his stripped shirt, a possessiveness running through him. “That would be about right” Gunner let out a low chuckle “But I did learn how to make scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast, and I managed not to burn the coffee either” he proudly announced, pan still in his hands, awkwardly standing in the middle of his small kitchen. Months ago he would have already closed the distance between the two and presses his lips against hers eager to taste her again even after a late night doing it so. “Did you sleep well?” 

[gunnerspears]

ava

“Not at all, not at all,” Ava said, waving the blonde off as he mentioned that he had already gotten his drink. “The latte’s here are lovely. Add a little vanilla and I am in heaven,” And in quick move, Ava got up from the table, placing her order and asking politely to have it delivered to her table so that she could get back to her conversation. She had frequented the place often enough, the barista knew her, and agreed to the extra effort as she slipped a dollar bill in their tip jar. As she slid in to her chair across from Gunner once more she opened her mouth to talk. “If you are feeling adventurous, I highly recommend the peanut-butter mocha or the lavender latte,” she added with a smile, before steering the conversation in another direction. “Say-you know who also loves the coffee here too, my good friend. Shiloh,” she said, placing a bit of emphasis on the name, not being nonchalant at all as she waited for Gunner’s response. 

“I went with the straight black coffee” He declared, “Rough night.” He added, tilting his head and gesturing with his mug. “But I’ll definitely give it a try soon” he smiled whilst she prompt herself out of her chair to get her own drink, not giving him the chance to be the gentleman he was raised to be and get it for her. “Next time I’ll let you pick my drink and surprise me!” He suggested, trying to memorize her suggestions that kept coming. Taking another long sip into his coffee Gunner almost felt the need to spit it all out as a reaction to the suddenly change of subject, but mostly, at the mention of his ex’s name. “Wait- What did you just said?” He pinched his browns together in confusion. “You’re friend Shiloh? As in Shiloh Sampson?” After learning that Shiloh was actually from Wilmington was only normal to find that people knew her around town, but the fact that he just became friend of a friend of her without having her directly presenting them as an unexpected coincidence that got him out of guard. “What were the odds” He muttered more to himself then anything else.

[gunnerspears]

haley

“That just means you matched with a few hotties, good work. Here I thought I was your only hope.” She teased Gunner, “Nope, you ruined all future Tinder dates but also because I decided to take a break in that department. Try the whole get my life together act–at least I keep telling myself that.” Haley chuckled, as much she loved meeting new people it did take a toll on her energy to keep up the small talk. “Me too, makes things a little less awkward instead of doing the whole awkward talk and avoiding each other. But hey, at least we got to be friends.” 

“You were the only one who I cared to go on a date with! I’m still doomed.” Gunner laughed, the infamous app still installed on his phone, but after bumping into a certain red head he might as well as delete it because there wasn’t a chance in hell he would put the damn thing to use again. “You’re welcome. You probably better off of it” He shrugged, smiling. “That’s something I can definitely relate. But let’s just it isn’t working at all as planned. I wish you a better luck then mine on that act.” Gunner rolled his eyes taking one last sip into his beer. “Definitely. It still worked in my favor, since I was in desperate need of a friend around here” He gave a warm smile, she was a really fun person to be around, their first ‘date’ didn’t do her any justice. “Now tell me, what do you do for a living? I don’t think we ever got to that in our date” He wondered, chuckling since he barely registered the small info they shared that night. 

[gunnerspears]

isobel

“This has to be some kind of fucking karma,” Isobel hissed to herself when she came out from the mall and realized that her car had been bumped into whilst simultaneously having a flat tire. “I was meant to be at an appointment ten minutes ago and the tow truck told me it would be here half an hour ago. — Please tell me that you know how to change a tire.”

Gunner looked from the dark haired woman to the flat tire. Someone was having a bad day. He raised an eyebrow at her, and then took a glance at his watch to make sure he wasn’t late as well. “It’s been a while since I had to do it, but I can give it a try. Do you have the basic tool kit though? Without it there isn’t much I can do” He offered his help to the stranger, taking off his leather jacket to be able to move more freely. 

[gunnerspears]

zak

“Not to shit on the whole seasonings greetings thing, and you know — everyone’s fascination with speeding time up; but if I hear It’s the most Wonderful of the Year one more time, or someone else telling me to get in the spirit. As if there isn’t a whole other holiday to get through first, I’m going to Grinch this whole thing out.” He muttered, as he pulled the cigarette away, and blew out a cloud of smoke towards no one in particular. “Why is everyone in such a damn hurry? Slow the fuck down.”

Gunner lips started to turn as he listened to the stranger next to him, a low laugh escaping him. “Couldn’t agree more mate” He found himself replying, even if the words weren’t directly to him. There was a time in his life where he looked forward for said time of the year. Thanksgiving and Christmas was a reason to seat around the table and share a good time with his family, nights he cherished and forever would remember. But everything changed with his father death. He tried, for many years he tried for the sake of his mother. But it just wasn’t the same without his father at the top of the table, setting the mood of the evening to everyone around him. “Let me know if you need a hand Grinching it up” Gunner smiled, at the way they were using Grinch as a verb. 

[gunnerspears]

aubrey

‘‘You’re walking a dangerous line here, Mister,’‘ Aubrey scolded him lowkey, even though she was joking with that playful undertone of a banter that was starting to be a regular thing between the two of them. ‘’When is your birthday again?” She had to ask again since she recalled only December but not the actual day. She liked people’s birthdays; it was a day when every single person would feel a little bit more special. ‘’Yes, you’re gonna love it, welcome to the U.S.’’ She chuckled as she looked over to see if he was drying them well. ‘’That’s good,’’ She nodded. ‘’Okay, now I’d like you to put the oil on the saucepan because we need it preheated. Put a generous amount since we are going to deep fry them.’’ She instructed as she started to prepare the ingredients for the actual batter. ‘’Then as I mix these all together, you can put the skewers into the hot dogs until you feel they’ve reached the tip from the inside. Like this,’’ She took one of the hot dogs and a wooden skewer before her, inserting a skewer into a hot dog slowly until she felt the resistance at the top and didn’t push further. ‘’See? Super easy. And over here, I’ll be mixing these all together – cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, sugar and baking powder. And then I will stir in eggs and milk into it as well.  So basically all ingredients together to create a batter you will use to dip those hot dogs in.’’ She explained carefully.

Gunner let out an heartfelt laugh raising his hands in the hair in surrender at her scold. “December 23rd” He stated, “Write it down ‘cause I’ll be expecting an cake from you” he titled his head, joking. “How about you though? March...? He wondered, not sure if she mentioned the day, but if she did, he didn’t recalled, and he wanted to make sure he would remember it. “Why thank you” He smiled widely, already feeling more then welcome with her actions towards him so far and in such a period of time knowing him. “Now comes the dangerous part” He stated, but got hands on and did just as she told him to. As he felt like it had the enough amount he closed the oil bottle and placed it back, turning the saucepan on so it would start heating the oil. “I think I got it” He quickly nodded, after watching carefully how she was doing it before getting started. Since the task in hand wasn’t that hard at all, just like she said, he took a look at what she was mixing at the same time he went on with preparing the hot dogs. “All done” He announced, cleaning his hands so that he could write down what he had to do to make the batter mix that Aubrey was just about to finish. “This seems easy enough” He commented, dropping his pen over his notebook. “Question is, will I be able to do it alone...” He chuckled. “Want me to finish mixing that up?”