— spotted in the streets of brooklyn, it’s ROWAN VAN KESSEL. they have lived in the city for HER WHOLE LIFE, working as a MUSICIAN/MODEL. the 28 year old will probably be seen around WILLIAMSBURG a lot, seeing as that’s where they live. people say they can be a bit COCKY and SUPERFICIAL, but friends know them to be LOYAL and SMART. you know for sure you’ve found them when you’ve come across SMUDGED DARK EYELINER, TEXTS LEFT ON READ, AND ERRATIC EMOTIONS , . welcome to brooklyn, it’s been waiting for you! —
It's the TL;DR for now but i'm going to flesh it out when i don't have a migraine!
anxiety tw, depression tw, drug use tw
Adopted at birth, Rowan had always been a bit of a loose cannon. In that she just liked to have fun. Her report cards were never bad per se but she was certainly one of the kids who ‘heavily contributed’ in class, even when she didn’t know the answer. She just had a lot of opinions and since her parents were always there to listen at home she would carry that behaviour over to whatever setting she was in. However it aided her in being a good time to be around - and not surprising that she wanted to go into a profession that required showmanship.
She was in the choir, drama club, ballet classes, anything that allowed her to be creative was something that fed Rowan’s soul - and when she was ten years old she declared that she was going to become a world famous singer. As you do. Her parents being the supportive people they were encouraged their daughter to explore her creativity, after all she wasn’t the best at academics and it allowed her to channel all her fizzing energy that just increased the older she got. Except the career she craved hasn’t ever really taken off and the energy she was trying to channel started swinging wildly in two different directions. Throwing her into huge highs but also incredible lows. Therapy was tried in an attempt to battle it but she always hated it more than anything else, trying to make excuses as much as she could to not have to go each week. And as soon as she was old enough to drink (well not quite old enough technically) she would use partying as a way to avoid the din going on in her head, drowning it out. Recently she'd made better steps in her music, but modelling was still the place she'd had the most success...even if she kind of hated it.
Her lack of forward thrust with her music career didn’t stop her from writing songs and releasing a few demos but it didn’t gain any traction, and her feelings of inadequacy got worse as she watched the people around her excel. The girl was beautiful, stunning even with a great sense of style and arguably wonderful personality but it wasn’t enough, she felt like she was falling behind all those around her. Even her love life never really felt like it was up to par, she yearned for true love as a romantic lover of Disney films, but just with everything else, seemed to fall short every single time.
Only four months ago she announced that she was moving out of her parents house, needing a space of her own, even if daddy was still paying the rent (old habits die hard). And Rowan is putting on a face of being fine. That everything is going well. Her music tells a different story though as her issues with anxiety and especially depression are increasing, the intrusive thoughts getting louder and the need to drown them out driving her to ‘self medication’ in the form of reckless behaviour. She’d always been a party girl who needed her dad or brother to come bail her out of her messes, but it was getting worse by the week these days. If you’re looking for someone to go out with then Rowan is your girl - just don’t expect to know where the night will end. The girl tends to make her daddy sad with her choices.
One thing that does surprise people when they discover it is how much she loves fine art, and how deep her knowledge of it goes. Wandering around museums something that she finds incredibly calming, and reading books on the Italian masters a weird fixation for a while in her teen years there is no discussion on art that Rowan can’t hold her own in. Even if she might look on the face of it like someone who’d know more about fashion or make up (not that she doesn’t know her fair share!). If you catch her on a good day, Rowan is bubbly, witty, and a good time to be around. Just be aware than good days don’t happen all the time and she can come snappy, cutting, and judgmental without warning.
" 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐧! " he laughed. he took another bite when rowan started talking about her schedule. hearing everything that she did, he couldn't believe how busy she was. it sounded like a lot. maybe a little overwhelming. but there were people, like rowan, who seem to handle that kind of stuff. he respected that. he wasn't sure he could deal with all that stuff. it was a lot of work. he would end up getting flustered. " well, the fact that you end up doing that much, good on you. i don't know if i could handle that. hopefully you can get a break though. doing all that, when do you have time to sleep? " leon set his burger down and leaned back a bit. " yeah. all those rehearsals. workouts and dancing on top of that. it's fun, but i constantly get hungry. " he admitted. " perfect. i can't wait to see you there. it's going to be a packed house. oh, god, please no. " cillian couldn't help but laugh.
“Good!” She retorted quickly before taking what appeared as a triumphant bite even though she hadn’t won anything at all, she was behaving like she just had. A small smile at the praise for handling all that her mind flashed back to all the times she hadn’t handled it well at all, ending up laying in a dark room for a week letting herself go to wreck and ruin because she was so burnt out, there was a little sadness behind her eyes. “Eh, it’s not like I have much choice. They basically pay for your time and likeness, so if they say go out for a drink with this investor you put on one of their designs and off you go.” A shrug of her shoulders, finally taking a bite of her burger which was probably the nicest thing she’d put in her mouth for a while. There was something disgustingly perfect about a diner burger, Leon was right. “On the plane, between the hours of three am and five am if I’m lucky, but sleep becomes a bit of a hot commodity when I’m away for work.” Rowan mumbled through the food with her hand covering her mouth, gave a small chuckle, and swallowed her bite. “You have to work out on top o f all the dance rehearsals? Jesus. No wonder your downing that burger like you’ve never been given food before.” His reaction to her little threat making her break out into a shit eating grin, wiggling her eyebrows. “Darling, I make no promises. I’ll try to keep myself under control though, how about that?” @leonhrted
Emmy's eyes roll playfully at the parroted response back, a retort on the tip of her tongue before she's distracted by the woman moving closer to her. She feels like she did the first time she had a crush on a woman, the giddiness of a beautiful woman sitting close to her making her brain turn to mush. "Names have power you know. Literally every fantasy books mentions it. Take fairies for example, if you give them your name, it gives them power over you." She can tell that the Rowan is looking at her notebook, a desperate need to hide it away suddenly taking over Emmy. Those are her personal thoughts put into words, but the page she's currently working on is a story made up about one of the women she'd been watching. "You ever see that anime Death Note? The one where they carry around a book and write down names and as soon as they do that person ends up dead? This is my version." She holds the book against her chest, like it's a big secret and shouldn't be shown to anyone. She leans in close to Rowan, like she's letting the other woman in on a secret. "Or it's just a notebook full of scribbled down lyrics about random things happening around me, but that's for you to decide for yourself."
“Cryptic. I have to be honest I haven’t read too many fantasy books, but you remind me of a fairy, I thought that the first time I saw you. Kind of celestial. So does that mean you have power over me now? I better be careful.” Feigning concern as she held her hands up in surrender before breaking out into a grin, clocking how the blonde moved the notebook to hold it against her chest which made Rowan look away from it purposely, her aim not to make anyone uncomfortable. She was upfront if she wanted to know something but she would never force someone as sweet as Emerson call me Emmy appeared to be, to give her any kind of answer. “Can’t say I have. Shit, I’m really naught for two when it comes to having knowledge of the things you’re mentioning, it’s making me look like a right fucking idiot. Sorry about that.” A perfectly plucked eyebrow popping up at the mention of a book that causes people’s deaths, because that sounded like it would be right up Rowan’s street actually. Death Note, she was almost certainly going to forget that but she would try not to. “So what I’m hearing is that it was smart as hell for me to apologise just then, might have saved myself from certain death.” Smiling as she leaned closer, giving her their full attention. “If it was a notebook about scribbled down lyrics I’d be even more interested to be honest, I have one of those myself but I left it at home today.” @lavendcrhazed
Axel looked across the table at his dinner date, appreciating her beauty. Who wouldn't want to stay in the presence of models every now and then? She was nice, understanding, and easy to spend time with. Taking her home was just a bonus. "Well, gotta look the part right?" He said, adjusting the lapel of his suit. His thumb brushed her arm as she sat down. Returning to his side of the table he sat and smiled as she asked how his day was. "The usual. Fast and boring at the same time. How was yours?" Laughing lightly at her teasing he nodded. "I have. It will be nice to have some time together to catch up." His eyes glinted with flirtation. "You up for a nightcap at mine after?" He knew she was, he had asked ahead of time, but it never hurt to double check.
Rowan could bask in the attention of Axel for hours, he had an ability to make you feel beautiful without even saying a single word, which was a refreshing change from so many man she felt just leered at her. Especially if they were a bit older, but he was a perfect gentleman about it. Plus he was impossibly attractive that much couldn’t be denied, he didn’t smile constantly but when he did, she melted into a puddle just looking a the twinkle in his eyes. “You look more than the part, but that’s nothing new.” Something he never had an issue with was looking smart. Rowan almost reached out to take his hand across the table before stopping herself, not wanting to be too eager, she had to protect herself. “I had a fitting for the Met Gala this morning, then I went to the gym, and now I’m here with you - so on the whole I can’t complain.” Her nod of confirmation about the nightcap the easiest yes she could give. “Of course I’m up for it, it’s my favourite late night bar in the city. Plus the owner is a friend of mine.” Eyes twinkling as she smirked. @axel--mathis
Morning, his place
Burnt toast, Sunday
You keep his shirt
He keeps his word
And for once, you let go
Of your fears and your ghosts
One step, not much
But it said enough
You kiss on sidewalks
You fight and you talk
One night he wakes
Strange look on his face
Pauses, then says
You're my best friend
And you knew what it was
He is in love
You are in Love - Taylor Swift (Taylors Version) (2023)
They say, "You're a little much for me
You're a liability
You're a little much for me"
So they pull back, make other plans
I understand, I'm a liability
Get you wild, make you leave
I'm a little much for e-a-na-na-na, everyon
The Park is by far one of Emmy's favorite places to sit and write. She can people watch and give backstories to the people walking by and use them for inspiration for her songs, her notebook propped on a knee as she takes it all in. She's in her zone writing a new song, classical music playing in an Airpod to keep her focused, when suddenly the world becomes just a little darker. Or rather, someone is suddenly standing in the way of the sun in front of her. She glances up, pulling an Airpod out of her ear as she does so. "Broadway's more my brother's thing, he's always been the theater nerd. But I've also seen every show he's ever been in at least once a week so I guess you could say it's rubbed off on me." Emmy's curious about the other girl, having seen her around a few times (although, not quite as often as she'd seen Emmy apparently). "Don'tcha know you're not supposed to tell random strangers where you live? That's like kindergarten 101, my friend." She holds out a hand, waiting for the other girl to shake it. "Emerson, but everyone calls me Em or Emmy. And I'm not answering anymore questions until you tell me your name."
Rowan smirked at the response, it was blunt and to the point, she appreciated that. The longer the woman was talking the more the sparkle in her eyes increased, because wouldn’t it have been terribly boring if the blonde had just answered the question in some kind of bland way? No, she’d much rather they didn’t give the information up too easily, retained a bit of mystery. So pushing her sunglasses up onto her head, Rowan reached out to grab the outstretched hand, shaking it. “Emerson, but everyone calls me Em or Emmy, it’s nice to meet you properly.” Parroting her introduction straight back to her before boldly taking a seat next to her without bothering to wait for an invitation, this was a public space after all right? “Really, you can withhold information about yourself until I answer a question for you and the one you pick is what my name is? Alright, suit yourself. I’m Rowan, people call me Rowan, or Ro for short.” Glancing over at the notebook but unable to see what they were writing she gestured towards it with a nudge of her chin. “You an artist or something?” They were so etherial looking it was hard to pin down exactly what kind of impression they were giving off, especially bathed in the sun now Rowan was no longer standing in the direct path of it. Every time she’d seen them around Emerson had been giving people that big smile she seemed to have, and now the models primary focus was getting Emmy to direct it her direction. “Writer? Busybody? Private Investigator? You’re giving that notebook a lot of attention.” @lavendcrhazed
" 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬. so you know what, they can add a little more msg, " he laughed. " good, because i'm very happy. " cillian grabbed another french fry and he bit it. he then went for the attack on his burger. he was starving after having a long day. " still, a trip to london must have been fun. do anything during your free time? " he surely would take advantage if he ever got to travel for work. even if he were there for a couple of days. " well, with all the dancing and moving around i've been doing, the carbs have been nice. i've been needing that extra boost of energy. " but also, he just needed some of this food after a long week of rehearsals. " on the 10th. so you better be there. "
“Make sure you let them know that on your way out, I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.” Her tone was sarcastic but there was a grin on Rowan’s face as she sat back in the booth, not having touched her burger but happily scoffing her fries. “During my free time? Slept mainly. I don’t get much free time honestly. You’d think we might but between fittings, shoots, shows, and having to go to events to make designers and rich assholes look good, there is very little time to do anything else. I went to Primrose Hill though one morning when the sun was out - I fucking love it there. The view is like nowhere else.” Every time she went to London she made sure to go even if it was simply to walk up to the top, look at the view for a few minutes, and walk back down again. Every time it was worth it. “Valid as hell, didn’t think of it like that. Bet you burn a shit load of calories dancing around the whole time, could never be me, walking from one end of a catwalk to the other is enough working out for this girl.” For someone with such a tiny physique Rowan avoided gyms like the plague if she could, finding them totally daunting, she’d rather dance in a club for three hours as a workout instead. “The tenth, best believe I’ll be there. I told you I’d make a sign for it and everything, I plan on sticking to that. Big banner that just says ‘I’m just here to look at Cillian’s ass’ or something.” @leonhrted
" 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, that's all i'm asking. " he laughed. leon loved how delicious diner food was. and he was guilty of always craving the fries here. they were always so fresh. he looked up at rowan when she spoke. " of course, i mean not all diner places are the same. but there is something about this place that is just so good. i swear, they sprinkle some kind of magic in it cause the fries here have never disappointed. you have to admit that. " he loved coming here, once a week, seeing the waiters and just enjoying some good food. " listen, these fries are the best fries i've ever had, and you can't change my mind. " he nodded. " oh, how was london? " leon asked as he took another fry and bit it. " oh, you should maybe stay up as long as you can and try knocking out at a good time so you can fix that clock. " he never experience jet lag or any of that time shift, other than a couple hours from traveling from his home town and here. " i'm going on stage soon. and was curious to know if you are free for it. "
“Msg, they sprinkle it with msg babe. That’s the magic. I will admit that they never disappoint, that much is for fucking sure.” Rowan grinned as she bit into another French fry, enjoying it but knowing the guilt would hit once she was alone with her own thoughts. It was one of the reasons she only ever really went to diners with her friends so they could keep her occupied while they were eating. Holding up her hands in surrender as he doubled down on the passion about the fries, breaking out into a laugh. “Dude, I’m not trying to change your mind! I’m happy if you’re happy, and these fries clearly make you very happy.” Popping the rest of the fry in her hand into her mouth, nodding. “London was fine, it was just work which is never that fun. A long ass flight and then when you get there it’s insanely busy because it’s fashion week but I guess that’s what I signed up for with the whole modelling thing so eh…” people thought it was so glamorous but really it felt anything but when she was actively doing it. “Yeah, pretty sure this carb fest isn’t going to help me stay awake, I’ll be in a food coma before I know it. No but you’re right, otherwise I’ll just be laying awake looking at the ceiling all night because I slept in the day. Then again what’s the difference with what happens every other night of my life?” At the mention of watching him on stage though she perked up, nodding enthusiastically. “Fuck yeah! When? I'll put it straight into my diary!” Shooting him a cheeky wink. @leonhrted
Rowan was drinking her ice coffee from a little way off, watching the blonde as she silently cursed the fact her straw was disintegrating in her mouth. All for saving the turtles she had so many times told herself she was going to buy one of those reusable straws that was made of metal but she’d never gotten around to it. Plus cleaning it…it was a level of responsible organisation that was just never going to be attainable for someone like Ro, so instead she suffered her mushy straw fate. After a couple of seconds she crossed the grass in McCarren Park and shamelessly approached the blonde woman with a confidant look on her face, deciding now was the moment to talk to someone she’d seen far too often to be just a coincidence. “So, you work on broadway or you’re just a really fucking big fan of musicals? Because I keep seeing you like…everywhere. Not just there actually. Around Williamsburg as well, so I’m going to assume you live here?” No explanation for why she’d decided to pepper her with questions. “I’m kinda sick of you being a mystery to me.”
𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 at the response. " honestly, that might be the best bet. so much chaos in the world, and god said chill human race, have some fries. " he laughed. he dipped his fries in some ketchup and continued to munch on them. the perfect crips, warmth and amount of salt. this place definitely always made the perfect batch. " come on, i'm a foodie, of course i know the best food around brooklyn. besides, most diners have amazing fries, and this place never disappoints. " he grabbed a few more fries before moving on with the burger that he ordered. " so, catch me up, how are things with you? what's the latest tea as they say. "
“I should have given you more credit, that’s totally my bad.” She grinned, popping her own French fry into her mouth and letting the salty deliciousness envelop her mouth before she started to chew. “Okay that much I beg to differ on, while diners are a safe bet for fries it’s not always the best - like it depends on the freshness of the fries, if they’ve been sat around all day or if they’ve been freshly fried…makes a huge difference. Huge. Monumental. Sometimes catastrophic. You really should be careful throwing around reckless comments like that.” Giving him a pointed look, punctuating it with a jab of a new fry, looking serious before breaking out into a cheeky smirk giving him a quick wink. But then the conversation was turned onto her and she pulled a face, it was always her least favourite subject. “Just got back from London, was doing some work out there, so my fucking body clock is all over the place. I feel like I’m living in the twilight zone, it’s ageing me. What about you? Have you started your rehearsals for uh….what was it again? The show you’re doing.” @leonhrted
CLOSED STARTER FOR @rowanvankessel
LOCATION: retro bites
𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝, cillian was relieved. he was ready to eat everything on his plate, possibly more. but he had to collect himself. he started with dipping his fries with some ketchup and he hummed when he tasted the first bite. " i love fries. like, you can't tell me this wasn't god gracing the world. something good must have happened and he said let there be fries. yeah, that's how it must have gone. " he laughed. " how's your food? "
Rowan looked down at her plate as soon as it arrived, reaching across to grab the ketchup so she could squirt it next to her chicken tenders. Having ordered like a toddler, she had them with just fries, and a chocolate milkshake, the perfect order in her opinion. “Hmm?” Looking up mid squeeze, hearing him mention god giving them fries in return for something good happening. “Or, did God say ‘shit there is a whole load of mess going on around here, I need to cheer them up, here people - have the Frenchest of fries!’ might be something like that instead.” Dipping some chicken in the red sauce before taking a bite with a nod. “Fucking delicious. This was a good shout, my bad for calling you out when you suggested it.” She gave him a rueful half smile. @leonhrted
Axel often times just wanted some company. After long days at work, he usually wanted to just go out to get a drink and something nice to eat. At the same time, he always hated doing that alone. That's why contacts like Rowan were always a nice option. Thankful that she was available on short notice, he had ordered himself a drink at the bar while he waited. Hearing her he stood up and smiled. "Just came from the office." He said as he put his hand on her lower back and leaned down to politely kiss her cheek. Pulling her chair out for her, he waited for her to sit before he followed suit. "You look beautiful." He said, gesturing to her outfit. "Thanks for joining me by the way."
Some people might see what she and Axel did as strange or manufactured but the truth was the fact she got to see him, have dinner with him, spend the night with him, with no judgment attached was something she felt more comforting than she’d expected at first. Not to mention he was easy on the eye which…well, she wasn’t going to ever turn her nose up at that. “Ah, well if only everyone who worked at an office dressed as well as you do.” She replied smoothly, returning the kiss to the cheek before sitting down on the chair he’d pulled out for her. “Valentino. Alessandro is a visionary, so all the credit has to go to him.” Reaching to pick up the menu as she met his eye for a second. “Wouldn’t have missed it. How was your day?” It was very pedestrian conversation but they always started like this, polite, a small catch up as it were. "Feel free to lay on thick how much you missed me." @axel--mathis
Tobias decided that he was going to head out to the coffee shop so that he could get some caffeine in his system. He was feeling friendly (more than normal) as he walked up to the counter and ordered himself a nice hot coffee on this brittle morning and then turned to the person that was behind him. "And whatever this fine person would like." He shot a smile at the individual before looking back at the barista and giving them his card.
Rowan felt like she was dying, this hangover was pretty brutal but that was probably her own fault for mixing hard liquor and wine the night before. The problem was she started off trying to be a classy bitch like the rest of the dainty models around before…well wine just didn’t hit like a martini and so she eventually returned to where she belonged. Now from behind her sunglasses she was trying with all her might to pretend she didn’t exist until caffeine could be poured directly down her oesophagus. Hearing the man in front of her mention the person behind him she looked up, confused for a second. “Really? Shit, thanks dude. Uh…just a triple shot black americano please.” Giving the man a grateful if a little tired smile. “How come you’re feeling so charitable this morning? Or is this something you do everyday and I’m not as special as I’d like to pretend?” She joked. @rxshingpxlse
The tension between them made his chest feel tight. It wasn't just the obvious elephant in the room-- awkward, impromptu small talk with an ex was never fun-- but the underlying worry that Gar had trouble keeping down. It bubbled up and showed on his face faster than he could consciously stop it, and he only hoped she wouldn't mistake his concern for pity.
"You do too." He said without hesitation, maybe because it was what he'd been wanting to say. Pivoting, Gar refocused on her dinner plans and replied with a small, fleeting smile; "Dinner of champions."
Rowan's empty laugh was more than he could handle. Ever the fixer, Gar decided in that moment that he was going to make sure she left with a real dinner. Rather than push her when she was having a rough time, he took a more gentle approach. The subtle art of suggestion.
"Ever heard of Ravioli a la Betsy? Spinach and ricotta packed ravioli with a creamy basil sauce." Even thinking about it was enough to make his mouth water.
"I make it when I'm tired from work or feeling lazy. Hands off and only takes like… fifteen minutes." His expression and words had warmed considerably.
As he told her she looked good too, Rowan couldn’t help but laugh a little, shaking her head. She knew full well that she looked anything but - however his ability to still be so lovely to her in this kind of situation warmed her heart, testament to how good of a guy he was. Fuck she’d fumbled that ball.
“Breakfast, the dinner of champions.” She nodded, only to look slightly confused as he started talking about pasta named after what must be an old Italian woman because she’d certainly never actually met someone under eighty called Betsy. “No, can’t say I have. How come you never made that for me when we were together? You were holding out on me Gar.” Joking lightly as she gripped the handle of her basket with both hands.
“What is the chance of burning the house down when you make it - because you know my cooking abilities are non existent.” Not even that, she just never did it. Either she got take out, went hungry, or ate ramen. There wasn’t really any in between.
She wouldn’t make it, they both know she wasn’t going to, but before she even took a beat the brunette was nodding. “Yeah, yeah I’d love it. Thanks. It sounds … it actually sounds really fucking tasty.” No word of a lie, even if laying down on the floor right here and going to sleep also sounded just as appealing. @garlandkotsi
Gar looked at Rowan for a beat, taking in the exhaustion under her eyes, the hollow look on her face, the way she wasn’t really seeing anything. His chest tightened. For now, dinner didn’t matter—he was just worried about her.
“You-” The words stopped abruptly. He exhaled, recalibrating. “Yeah, me too.” He didn’t need to elaborate. There were things unsaid-- things he didn’t need to voice: the way she looked, how he was concerned, how something felt off-- but that wasn’t the point now.
His eyes flicked to her basket. He could feel the concern knot in his gut, but he said nothing about it. Instead, he softened the space between them with a quiet observation. “It’s been a while, huh.” He let the silence stretch, weighty but unpressured, before he pivoted.
“Whatcha getting?” His tone remained casual, unhurried, and ultimately lightened with a faint chuckle. “Maybe I can steal some dinner ideas off you, ‘cause I’m blanking.” @rowanvankessel
Rowan knew what he was thinking, what he wasn’t saying, even as she looked at him with a kind of detached gaze she could see it. They’d known each other long enough to get the subtle underlying intricacies even in this state. It made her want to close the gap between them to give him a hug…subconsciously that is, but she didn’t - and she wouldn’t. She just remained hovering where she was in the aisle.
“Yeah…yeah it’s a good time to be…doing groceries.” She mumbled, swapping her basket to the other hand as she looked down at what it contained. Instant coffee, a lime, two mini packets of fruit loops, vinegar, and a can of tomato soup. She didn’t even like tomato soup. “It’s been a while she agreed, looking up at him with a small nod of her head. So much more she wanted to say but didn’t.
She didn’t move towards him. She didn’t say the things she wanted to say. She just stood there.
“I don’t know if my dinner ideas are…I don’t think I’ve really formulated a proper idea. It looks like I might be having soup….or…fruit loops and coffee. Breakfast for dinner - right?” She tried to joke with a small empty laugh. “What are you getting?” After a beat she added. "You look good." @garlandkotsi
Jaz had been on his way back from visiting his mom, for once taking a casual stroll through the streets - not that he had a choice, his motorcycle was in for a service, but no one else needed to know that - he had a reputation. He was hardly surprised to see Rowan sat in the street, and even less surprised to see her smoking. Typical. This kid. "I'll pass. I don't think your lungs are gonna give a shit where the stuff comes from when you're hackin' it all up again in twenty years time." He pointed out as he came to a stop in front of her, shaking his head in exasperation (if secretly, a little fond). He ignored her outstretched hand with the lighter in it, wanting no part in her self destruction. "Kid, is there a reason you're sat on the floor in the middle of the day?"
“You sure? It’s premium.” Rowan joked, but she wasn’t going to push the cigarette on Jasper - hell if she didn’t have the addiction then she wouldn’t be doing it herself. But the thing about modelling as a) everyone did it but b) it was something that allowed her a moment away from work if she stepped off the set of a shoot in order to have one. That was a little trick she’d learnt early on and apparently by the time she’d figured out any other method it was too late. Not to mention it gave her something to do with her hands when she was anxious…overthinking…stressed…pick a synonym. “Maybe not, but I’ll remind them where they came from in twenty years, and that they were given the good shit.” Sighing as she retracted her hand to instead light it herself, a shrug of her shoulders. “It’s a pretty nice day - thought it would be good to get some fresh air.” Fully aware of the irony of that statement. “Wanna join me?” @reveryfm
