Rory watched the signs as she passed them by, making her way downtown without any real destination in mind. With school starting in a few weeks, she supposed she should be gathering supplies, but at the moment, she wasn’t even sure of where she’d be living. It was a conversation she’d yet to have with Sawyer or even Eury and Aspen, but she was already dreading it. Sawyer had graciously accepted her into her home with kindness and open arms, but she feared overstaying her welcome, or worse, dealing with the possibility that her girlfriend would rather her stay somewhere else. Everything they’d done was completely backwards, and a part of her was afraid that they were doing too much, too fast, while the other part of her never wanted to leave. At the same time, she’d spent nearly a year with Aspen and Eury. They were family, and if rooming together for sophomore year was what they wanted, Rory would hate to disappoint. And she’d be lying if she said she didn’t miss it, but regardless, a choice had to be made… which was precisely why she was walking around aimlessly, avoiding the situation all together.
The comic book shop had just come into view, and she considered going inside until a familiar voice reach her ears. She cast her gaze forward and a slow grin stretched across her face when she recognized him.
“Hey there, Partner,” she greeted. Slowing to a stop, she lifted her hand in a small wave. “Where’ve you been all summer?” Reaching for his chin, she tilted his face to get a better look and narrowed her eyes as if inspecting his face. “No cuts or bruising,” she decided, a knowing glint in her eye. “Sounds fake, but at least you stayed out of trouble.” Chuckling, she dropped his chin and gave his shoulder a light shove. “You know me. I’m a sucker for a good taco. The real question is— Taco Bell or Los Tacos? Either way I’m putting queso on everything.”
Liam was glad he’d bumped into Rory. She was like a whirlwind of happiness and sunshine, tearing through his life and filling it with love and kindness. You could tell that she was related to Reese, because they were both just so good and pure. It was like they’d never lost their innocence, despite growing up in such a messed up world. Liam wished that he could be more like them, but he was also happy as he was. He liked to think that he was a pretty stand up guy, and that people liked him more than they hated him.
“I always knew you and Reese were cowboys,” Liam teased. When she took hold of his chin, he grinned brightly as she examined his face for any signs of injury. “I’ve just been clownin’ around, you know how it is. I’ve been working, too. I’ve got bills to pay, Marshall! I’m a responsible adult,” he chuckled. When she shoved his shoulder, he put a hand on top of her head before ruffling her hair. “I bet you are. I heard you and Sawyer are a thing now,” he grinned. “Hmm. Why don’t we go to BOTH?” he suggested. “Two tacos is better than one taco. Guacamole and queso on everything it is! But the real question is, will we eat so many tacos we throw up?”
