[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT 📨  TYLER

CHARLIE: Nah, well I mean maybe..

CHARLIE: But no actually not what I text you for. I was on my way in when I noticed some crazy noises coming from your apartment. Thought maybe you were redecorating or demolishing. But uh you're not home so awkward.

TYLER: The fuck.. demolishing? What do you mean? Did you see anyone? Are they still there?

TYLER: Wait no, fuck don't go look. Whatever you do just stay put, okay? I'll be there ASAP.

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT 📨  TYLER

CHARLIE: Dude. Where you at right now?

TYLER: At the courts. Why, you in need of some green? I'm heading home in a bit so I can drop some off if ya need.

[tylerfuckerman]

Let’s Kill Tonight.

[renegadefabray]

It may have seemed strange to essentially anyone else to invite your drug dealer to an art showcase but Charlie wasn’t exactly much like anybody else. Not to mention she actually enjoyed his company. So, it seemed like a no brainer when her roomie handed over two passes for her and naturally a guest of her choosing. What did take her by surprise though was Tyler’s willingness to go. She didn’t know him incredibly well but she knew him enough to feel that he might be into this sort of thing. Whatever it was, she hadn’t entirely figured that out. It pleased her immensely to know that she was actually right however. Opting out of her usual casual jeans and sneakers combo she switched it up a bit and slipped into a plaid little number. Accompanying the ensemble with chunky black boots and several studded bracelets. The evening was rapidly approaching. It wasn’t long before she found herself situated in the passenger’s seat of her new found friend’s car. “Amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone navigate through the city so skillfully. You’ll have to drop some of that knowledge of me because the level of frustration I experience every fucking time I get behind the wheel is just absurd.” She joked, shaking her head as she recounted the numerous times she considered literally getting out of her car and physically bashing someone’s head into the steering wheel. Driving in New York required so much more patience than she actually had. Thankfully it would appear as if the duo arrived just on time. The once long line had dwindled down considerably. They likely missed a small portion of the beginning but Charlie wasn’t really concerned much about that. This event was bound to be chalk full of interesting things for them still to see. 

Walking alongside Tyler, she couldn’t help the small smile which twitched at her lips when he spoke up. His unease was barely noticeable but she noted it. If it wasn’t her roommate who had extended the invite she probably would’ve been feeling the same. The outward appearance of the warehouse did little to comfort the feeling of that she was certain. “Something like that. From what I was told it’s a bunch of up and coming or wannabe artsy guys and gals just showing off their work. It’s supposed to be chill. A little abstract. A little weird.” She stole a glance upward at him as she tried to gauge his reaction. The next words which followed caused Charlie to laugh unexpectedly. Rolling her eyes at him affectionately she playfully nudged his arm. “You caught me. I actually brought you here with the intent on sacrificing you before a bunch of lunatics from a secret cult I’m in. Cover blown.” Her laughter eventually subsided as they drew nearer. The admittedly questionable people emerging from the exhibit made her curious as to what the hell was really going on in there. Joining the line it wasn’t long before they were up front, showing their tickets and gaining entry. Almost instantly her eyebrows rose in surprise as they strolled into the scene. Various works of art hanging on the walls, from the ceilings or displayed on easels. Music was thumping and consistent chatter surrounded them. Things were anything but dull around here. “CHARLIEEEE!” Shouted a short little chick with lengthy bright green dread from across the way. “So glad you made it.” She exclaimed happily as she squeezed through the masses, pulling her roommate into a tight embrace. Charlie returned the gesture before introducing the two. “Tyler, this is my roommate Tanya. Tanya, this is the guy who lives down the hall.” She joked with a smirk.

[tylerfuckerman]

Tyler couldn’t help the smile that curled on his lips when Charlie joked about this being some secret cult she was luring him into. “See I knew there was something off about you. This explains it all.” Tyler threw back at her playfully. It was almost ironic considering his gang involvement probably wasn’t all that different than being in a cult. He quickly shook that off, though. Lately all of these thoughts about his decision had been weighing heavy on his mind, but tonight he was determined to make it about having a good time with his new friend. Something that probably wasn’t going to be all that difficult if they had the same exciting experience that all the people leaving surely just had. When they got inside there was so much going on around them he wasn’t even sure where to put his focus. There were paintings, sculptures, and what he could only imagine were full exhibits since there seemed to be short lines formed near all the various sectioned-off areas throughout the entire warehouse. That goes without even mentioning the busyness of the music blaring, lights flashing and crowd of people dancing throughout the building. “So my only question is where is the dude handing out all the ecstasy in here?” Tyler said with an amused laugh, leaning in closer to Charlie so she could hear him over the music. But before she could say anything back Charlie was being bombarded by what he had to guess was a friend of hers (otherwise this whole thing was a lot weirder than he thought). When he got a better look though, he immediately recognized the green-haired hipster from their building.

Reaching out to shake her hand he nodded as Charlie introduced them. “Tanya, okay. I’ve definitely seen you around before. Nice to put a name to the face.” Tyler said with a polite smile. If he were being honest he half-expected her name to be as unique as her style. “As Charlie so kindly introduced I’m the guy who lives down the hall, but I know that’s a mouthful so you can just call me Tyler.” Surveying the room once more he nodded as he acknowledged the crowd. “Looks like you nailed yourself a pretty solid gig here, nice work.” Tyler congratulated, actually kind of eager to start checking the whole place out. After getting a drink, of course. “Any suggestions on what we should check out first?” Tyler asked Charlie’s roommate, hoping she could give them the inside scoop before they ventured on their own. The three of them talked for a few minutes more before Tanya had to return to her booth. Raising an eyebrow at Charlie, he tilted his head in the direction of the bar. “What do you say we go get ourselves nice and liquored up before we begin this little venture down the rabbit hole?” He asked with a grin, leading the way through the exuberant crowd of people who were either high as fuck or just really knew how to get high on life. Either way, Tyler had to admit it was a pretty cool atmosphere.

[tylerfuckerman]

Let’s Kill Tonight.

Though he wasn’t about to admit it, Tyler had been looking forward to this evening with Charlie ever since she brought it up to him. Not even so much because he had a thing for her (even though he sort of did), but because he needed something to distract him from the recent pressure he’d been under to step up his involvement with the gang. It was something he knew he wasn’t going to be able to avoid for long, and eventually he’d have to prove his commitment one way or another, but tonight he was really hoping to get it off his mind for at least a few hours with Charlie. They’d hung out together a few times since her lockout incident whenever he’d sell her a bag, but tonight would be a nice change of scenery from the usual business exchange followed by a casual smoke session on his couch and he was defintiely digging that. Still pretty unsure of what this “event” was supposed to be, Tyler decided to just keep it simple with dark jeans, a white v-neck, and a pair of Jordans. He didn’t go out too much, but he figured this would follow protocol well enough. Not like he cared what anyone else had to think anyway.

Tyler had offered to drive, knowing that it’d save time compared to if they decided to take the subway and money compared to if they’d decided to take a cab. Sure enough, it only took about a half hour, Tyler joking that it took a true New Yorker to get across town that quickly. He could have probably had a pretty successful career as a cabbie if he wasn’t so busy selling weed for a living. Parking felt almost like it took longer than the drive itself, but eventually they were on foot making their way towards the warehouse this little rendevous was being held in. “You said this was some kind of art thing, right?” Tyler asked curiously as they neared the building, starting to feel a little sketched out by the setting. Though, that was mostly due to the paranoia of someone always being after him. Especially since he was out of familiar territory. “So we’re not about to walk into some serial killer’s murder den.” Tyler clarified jokingly, getting more and more curious what this whole thing was going to be as he noted the various people coming in and out of the venue as they got closer. Some with damp clothes and paint splattered all over them, others with bizarre outfits and accesories. Now he was even more unsure about what the hell they were getting themselves into. “Well shit, looks like things are about to get interesting.” Tyler muttered to Charlie as they approached the short line of people outside of the entrance. 

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Charlie: I know. Don't worry I'll offer up my expertise.

Charlie: But let me ask, are you busy Saturday? My roomie is DJing at some event in the Bronx. She asked me to come check it out and I thought maybe I could drag you along.

Tyler: Hmm, Saturday? Gee I dunno, I'm gonna have to check my schedule..

Tyler: Haha just playin', I'll tag along. But only cause events like that usually have an open bar and bomb ass appetizers lmao. And I guess you're a cool enough chick to kick it with for a few hours. Do you know what the event is supposed to be for?

[spacebeets]

So you don’t know the name of the drug?

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Charlie: Those are all pretty damn good but I'm gonna have to go with Chicken Cacciatore. Ever made it?

Charlie: Then don't. I'm the last person you should ever feel like you need to explain shit to.

Tyler: Now that there is a damn good choice. I've made it a couple times, but I've yet to perfect it so next time I make it I'll need your expert opinion lol.

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Charlie: I'd like to take your word on that but I think I'm gonna need some proof. Next time you make something I'm gonna request that you bring me over some.

Charlie: Ah, so you're the troubled boy from the wrong side of the tracks? Seriously though that's unfortunate. I'm guessing that's the main reason you haven't up and left.

Tyler: I think I could handle that. Question is, what's your digs? Lasagna? Chicken parm? Parmigiana? Pizza? That way I know what I should whip up next time I break out the cooking skills.

Tyler: Yeah, I mean that about sums it up. The thing is when you're stuck somewhere your whole life it's a lot harder to get away from past demons, because they've followed you your whole life. I dunno, it's hard to explain.

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Charlie: Thought about it. But I'll happily stick to mixing drinks lol.

Charlie: Well at least something good came from that. If you don't mind my prying when did you decide to trade in an apron for what it is you do now?

Tyler: Well I must say, you are pretty damn good at it. Besides, a smart girl like you shouldn't be getting mixed up in all that bullshit.

Tyler: Hell yeah, I make some damn tasty Italian dishes. Ahh, yeah. It's actually kind of a long story. But in a nutshell I guess you could say I got mixed up with the wrong crowd and shit kind of just escalated from there.

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Charlie: Ah. All done ranting? Lol it sounds like cutting him off may be a bit overdue. You see now that's more like it.

Charlie: It works out kind of perfectly that way. Surely it helps that I'm a night owl anyway too. But what restaurants have you worked at? And were they as completely awful as I imagine them to be?

Tyler: Haha, you're so right. Clearly you're in the wrong line of work. Tou should be the one hustlin' instead of me.

Tyler: Ahhh man, I don't know if I can even name them all. There were a couple local burger joints, a few pizza places, a really shady Chinese place lol. I mainly did a lot of the bitch work, by I've managed to get a little cooking experience under my belt over the years. So I at least got those kind of skills out if it.

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Charlie: Damn, I can see why you'd be frustrated then. Sounds like a pain in the ass.

Charlie: Yeah. Can't complain about that. I get to sleep in and bullshit most of the day.

Tyler: That's an understatement lmao. But yeah, dude's at the end of his line. If he doesn't get his act together, he's gonna have to find someone else to get his stash from. But anyway, fuck that guy. Time to kick back haha.

Tyler: There's no complaining there. I've worked at a few restaurants in my days, so I know how sweet that life is. Kick back all day, get nice and stoned before work. Nothing better.

[gifthetv]

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Charlie: You've piqued my interest. What's his deal?

Charlie: Now that's what I find ironic for someone who doesn't have your average 9-5.

Tyler: I don't even fucking know lol. He either can't figure out how to use a clock, or doesn't know how to read street signs cause he's never where he says he's gonna be when he says he's gonna be there. That's my guess.

Tyler: Haha, what can I say? You must have some primo free time working night shifts though, huh?

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Charlie: Ha I'll take your word on it.

Charlie: I hear ya. Seems like you're an awfully busy guy lol

Tyler: As you should. Though, maybe if you did know him you could use your psychology skills and tell me what the fuck is wrong with the dude.

Tyler: Ha, I mean as busy as a guy who doesn't work a typical day job can be. I guess usually I just make myself seem busy so people don't waste my time lol. For the most part it works out I think.

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Charlie: Woah the hostility.

Charlie: Lol it's cool. Having a bad day?

Tyler: If you knew the guy, you'd understand my frustration.

Tyler: Not necessarily a bad day, just not a great one. Not a huge fan of waiting on people when I've got shit to do and places to be, ya know?

[tylerfuckerman]

TEXT | Charlie.

Tyler: You still want that half o or what? I'm about to call it a fucking day man.

Tyler: Aw shit, you're not Chubs. Lol my bad, Char.

[renegadefabray]

People Are Strange When You're a Stranger.

[renegadefabray]

Glancing down at the ink etched into her skin Charlie grinned proudly. That tattoo had a lot of meaning for her. As did all of the art printed on her body. “It certainly does.” She mused, running her fingers along the anchor she’d gotten a few years ago. Tyler had guessed correctly. College being the route in which she chose. The answer obvious since she was sitting there before him. “I couldn’t do the army thing. I know my dad would’ve been crazy proud of me if I did follow in his footsteps but that was never me. Instead I did some research and ended up back in Florida to attend school at Eckerd College.” Before she could carry on much further he was throwing around guesses as to what she majored in. “Don’t be a smartass. You don’t know me.” She argued playfully. In fact he was damn close. Shaking her head she continued, “I minored in psychology. So, you’re actually not wrong. What I majored in was communications. Contrary to what it may seem like I’m rather interested in people and the things that make them tick. When I was trying to decide on a major, communications really appealed to me because I felt like there were so many career options. I wouldn’t be stuck with the blatant choice like let’s say a teacher or author if I’d opted to go with an English major.” Charlie was all about being a jack of all trades so to speak. The idea of limiting herself when it came to most things didn’t feel right. Tyler made a very good point as he talked about himself briefly. Making friends and maintaining those relationships were incredibly difficult when you were always on the go. Halfheartedly she smiled, “It was. Which is why I’ve got like maybe five friends at the most. And they’re scattered about the country. I never had much of a sense of security because of that which fucked me up a little but hey that’s life I guess.”

Relief washed over Charlie as she realized Tyler wasn’t bothered by her bold statement. She didn’t know his life story so he definitely would’ve had every right to feel some type of way regarding what she said. Luckily he didn’t take it to heart. Instead appearing rather impressed by her candid way of speaking. Listening to him explain his reasoning for why it wasn’t as easy for him to pick up and go like she could made her see this was something she couldn’t relate to. “I wish I could say I know what you mean but I don’t. I’ve always just gotten up and gone. I think that’s why I have this notion that it could be the easiest thing to do but clearly it’s different when you’ve pretty much built your entire life here.” She sympathized for him. Not because she felt sorry or pitied him in any way. It was clear Tyler was doing okay for himself. But what she could feel for was more so his struggle. He’d obviously given thought to the idea of escaping this life but there were reasons unknown to her why that didn’t appear to be much of an option. At least not in this given moment. Still Charlie felt some sort of satisfaction with his overall final answer. Just knowing that possibly some day he’d be able to leave made her genuinely glad. “Alright, I’ll take that answer for now.” She replied with a taunting smirk. This felt like the start of a damn good friendship. His next remark only solidifying those feelings. Charlie rolled her eyes affectionately before retorting, “Got it. Would you like that to be in writing?” There was the sarcasm again, ever present between the two since the moment they’d met.

[tylerfuckerman]

“Look at that, I’m a god damned genius” Tyler said with a clap of his hands, a little too impressed with himself for at least getting close with his guess at what she’d studied in school. “And I didn’t even go to college to learn how to figure people out.” He teased, playfully nudging her shoulder. In the midst of his excitement over being at least partially correct, he hadn’t actually processed what she’d said was her actual major. Pausing abruptly, his eyebrows knit in slight confusion. “Wait a second, communication is a thing you go to college for? Shit, and here I thought communication was a skill I excelled at and it turns out people are getting their fucking degrees in that shit.” Shaking his head he chuckled, “Well congratulations, cause you just may be the first college graduate I’ve ever smoked weed with.” Tyler said, a combination of both respect and teasing in his tone. If he were being perfectly honest, this girl was introducing a number of firsts to him in the short time they’d gotten to know one another. Although a part of him may have been intimidated by the knowledge she had over him, he knew she wasn’t about to look at him any differently. Which is why he knew this would likely be a friendship worth pursuing. 

There was no getting past their differences; the fact that he’d lived one place all his life, whole she’d gotten a small taste of multiple cities all over the country. However, he never could have imagined that this girl who’d only entered his life but an hour or two ago would be someone he’d find himself so completely wrapped up in. Leaning forward, he grabbed for his jar once more, taking a moment to weigh out a few grams. In a flash the weed was tucked into a plastic baggie so he could pass it her way. He knew their time had probably gone on much longer than it felt, so he figured he’d giver her the couple of grams he promised before her roommate showed up out of the blue to whisk her away. “As I promised.” He stated, passing the baggie along to her with a nod. “Now there’s no excuse for you not to come back.” He added, with a small smirk. Shaking his head, he laughed as she asked whether or not to put his last request in writing. “You know what, I’ll take your word.” Tyler stated, letting her know (subtly, if nothing else) that he trusted her to come to him next time she was looking to score. “Plus, I know where you live.” He added, flashing her a quick smile with a wink to follow. Glancing at his watch he noticed time had flown by like it was nothing. “Shit, almost nine already. You hungry?” He asked, feeling the munchies creep up on him fairly suddenly. The least he could do was see if she was down to grabbing a bite with him before her roommate got back. After all, if she was as successful a DJ as Charlie made her out to be, it’d be a bit yet before her roommate showed up with a key. Plus, as the NY native in this predicament, he had a place or two to show her while she was in town.