cardboard box dream

[risingada]

Dawn nodded, sympathetic. If she wasn't so focused on soccer, maybe that would be her, bouncing around from thing to thing. She'd been lost after the accident, not knowing what her future would look like. She'd lost the love of her life, and with legs that didn't work, had she lost her dreams too?

"Well, at least make sure you're having fun whilst you try, yeah?" she reached for the record he'd so longingly been looking at, adding it to her pile. "C'mon, I'll get you this."

[whatisbloodworth]

He nodded. “I will,” he promised Oumar was at least good at that. He knew how to have a good time, which may have been his problem. He was always looking for ways to make things more fun. Not even just for himself, but for others around him. His parents had never liked that, given their no-nonsense attitudes. 

He opened his mouth to protest, but she had already added it to her pile. “I owe you,” he nodded. At least, he would try to find a way to repay her one day. But for now, at least, it felt like things could be just that much less awkward despite the fracture between him and Nehir.

the end.

[leepackett]

"It's kind of funny. Sometimes i wonder what life would be like if I'd just gone and become a teacher or something like that." She let out a small laugh. "Kind of ironic, given my job is something so many people had as a dream when they were kids." It wasn't lost on her how lucky she was. That she was able to turn her childhood dream into her reality.

"That's totally fair. Asking old ladies what kind of bread they want isn't for everyone. What was like -- your childhood dream?"

[whatisbloodworth]

Oumar shrugged. “I dunno. Pick one. I wanted to study archeology because I liked dinosaurs. Thought I might learn a couple languages and be able to travel as some sort of foreign ambassador. Thought I could learn to draw and maybe be a comic book artists. Honestly, I went through dream jobs the same way I go through hobbies, just adjusting what I thought would be cool based on what I was into.” His ever shifting hyperfixations also determined his ideal job.

Which he thought was part of his problem. Would he ever find a job he thought he could stick with for a long time? Enough to make a career? Or would he grow bored and want a change after a couple months? Jobs and careers didn’t exactly work that way. “It’s alright, though, I figure I’ll figure it out some day.”

[risingada]

She let out another laugh. She'd forgotten, perhaps, with the time spent apart and her loyalty to Nehir, how easy Oumar was to talk to. "I mean it. Truly. It's -- I've always known what I've wanted, so I've never tried anything else. Never wanted to. But you have this opportunity, I guess, to mess around. Go work at the zoo for a week, do some work here." She pointed at him, "I could see if mum needs any help at the bakery?" Summer was their busiest time, followed closely only by Christmas.

[whatisbloodworth]

“Yeah?” asked Oumar. “What’s that like?” He couldn’t imagine knowing what you wanted for so long. Oumar probably had the issue of having too many varied interests, moving from hyperfixation to hyperfixation, never really developing a talent in one specific area. Not to mention, most of his interests lay in pop culture, and he had no idea how to make a career of that. 

“Honestly? I don’t feel like a customer service industry is my strength?” said Oumar. “But I appreciate the offer. Your energy is really inspiring for me.”

[risingada]

"I think that's okay. It's fun -- you can try everything. See what clicks, and what doesn't. And make some stories along the way." She shrugged, reaching for another record as a laugh left her lips. "Oh yeah. I think I was probably born with football boots on."

[whatisbloodworth]

“Do you really think so or are you just saying that to make me feel better?” Oumar asked, eyebrow raised. He always felt most people were like his parents, thought he was running out of time to figure out what he ought to do and for the rest of his life.

“Yeah, I figure with sports that’s something you have to know when you’re young,” nodded Oumar. At least that was one thing he knew he had never wanted. Oumar had never been athletic and had never shown any interest in sports. One thing to cross off the list, anyway.

[risingada]

Dawn thought about it. Nehir was someone she considered one of her closest, even if their schedules and lives meant they didn't see each other as much as she'd like. But finally, she nodded. She'd seen her talking about her new guy, there was a sparkle in her eye, an excitement. "She is."

And of course he was right. Dawn had only heard Nehir's side of things. She had no idea what had gone through Oumar's head, or his why. "Are you?" She asked.

[whatisbloodworth]

Oumar nodded. “Yeah, I’m alright,” he said. “Out from under my parents’ thumbs, but not really sure what I want to be doing.” That had always been his problem. He had his passions, but he had no idea how to turn those hobbies into feasible careers. And Oumar was sure he would absolutely crumble in an office job. 

“You always know you wanted to do what you do?” he asked. Sports people felt like they had to know young, otherwise they’d miss their window to go professional.

[risingada]

Dawn's gaze followed the album he'd just placed down, catching the look on his face -- it must be a good one, she figured. She didn't reach for it though, instead grabbing some of his other suggestions, including the newest Taylor Swift.

A small smile crossed her face. She'd never experienced a break up herself. Worse, yes, the reason she was currently single. But she'd had one long and loving relationship, that, if she could change where they were that night, she would probably still be in with. "Just -- I had to be there for her after, y'know?"

[whatisbloodworth]

Oumar nodded. “I get that,” he said. “I know girls are really close, and honestly I’m glad she had someone.” He wouldn’t doubt that Nehir provided all the gory details, but had also maybe exaggerated many of them. “And I know there’s always the whole pressure to pick sides,” he added. “I don’t even hold any ill will towards her.” Oumar really didn’t, regardless of whether or not they could ever talk without arguing. 

“She doing okay?” he added after a beat of silence.

[risingada]

"Oh for sure. Like, when it's raining or sunny. The type of music she'd play in winter would be totally different than what you'd play in a shop at the beach in summer." Dawn got it. She was the same when it came to music. "We love pop, though." In all honesty, they loved it all. Her music taste was a blend of her parents through and through.

[whatisbloodworth]

“Well, who doesn’t love pop music,” said Oumar with a nod. “It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Reason why it’s called popular. Taylor Swift and Beyonce? Always a guaranteed hit.” He picked up another album, as he looked at it longingly, once again wishing he had the drive and motivation his parents desired of him with regards to their empire.

He put the album down. “I’m not great at not addressing the elephant in the room, so I get that when people break up, it’s easy to hold ill will towards the other person, and I don’t blame you for it, by the way. It’s all totally cool.”

[risingada]

Dawn's smile at he mention of her work became more genuine. Things were going really well for her when it came to soccer. She was performing the best she ever had, and there were whispers of captaincy. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm doing really well thanks."

She looked back at the records in front of them. "You have any recommendations? I'm getting some new ones for my mum's shop."

[whatisbloodworth]

“Loads,” said Oumar with a nod. “Is there a sort of vibe?” he asked. “I mean Fleetwood Mac is always a vibe,” he went on as he picked up their album, Rumours. “Or you can always go with Hozier. More contemporary but still mellow. The Smiths are great, too. Bit more of an edge but not too over-the-top. Yeah Yeah Yeahs is also kind of in the same realm but a couple decades more recent, too.”

Oumar then tilted his head. “Unless you’re looking for something that’s more pop, like a lot of places do. Although, if you ask me, I think doing something different always gives a place a different atmosphere that people notice. You know, like they may not notice the music, but it still ends up making them notice the place in a way they remember. Does that make sense?” Or maybe Oumar was too in tune with the way music had a way of affecting him. 

[risingada]

Dawn nodded, tucking the album under her arm, decision made. She kept looking though, incase something else tickled her fancy. After all, two records was always a better gift than one.

The smile Dawn offered him was tighter than her normal - polite. After all, Dawn was loyal, and Omar was, for all intents and purposes -- the enemy. "It's been a while. How are you?" Even the enemy deserved common decency.

[whatisbloodworth]

“I’m doing alright for myself,” said Oumar. He could practically see that her loyalty to Nehir kept her a lot more formal. However, he didn’t let it bother him, no. Besides, Dawn probably had heard a number of horror stories about him and he couldn’t be sure what she had been told. It almost didn’t matter. He was determined to stay upbeat. 

“How about you? I mean, you must be doing great, right? Your career and all that,” he said. Not that he followed sports too closely, but he knew enough that she was a successful player.

[risingada]

"You think?" Dawn was trying to decide which record her mum would like best. The classics, there was ABBA, and Fleetwood Mac. They had disco, and songs they put on when they needed a good cry. But then again, the pair loved to blast Taylor Swift in the bakery when no one else was there. Dawn had bought a record player for the shop a few months prior, knowing how much her mum liked to have music going. And now she just had to get a record from the shop every time she walked past, a collection quickly growing.

She glanced from the Beatles album in her hands to the man beside her, expression changing in recognition. "Oumar."

[whatisbloodworth]

“Yeah, I mean, you can never go wrong with a classic. That’s the great thing about classics, they’re timeless. They’ll stand the test of time.” Of course, he believed that about modern day albums, too. “Plus, things that are more recent are still readily available. Album like this? Only chance.” 

He nodded. “The one and only.” He recognized her, of course. Though, was never sure where he stood when it came to friends that were Nehir’s. He liked to think that everyone could get along, but he knew things were never actually that simple.

[whatisbloodworth]

when: 28 june 2024 where: record shop, obsidian city who: @risingada

Oumar’s cash flow was unsteady as always. He never had enough for things he might want. However, it didn’t stop him from going into record stores to browse. It was moments like these where he felt tempted to just acquiesce to his parents demands, to go home. He’d have to work at his parents’ real estate company, but he’d have money again to at least enjoy and engage in his hobbies. 

“Oh, that’s a good one,” he said to someone browsing nearby. It didn’t even matter what record they might have been holding, Oumar truly appreciated every genre of music. In his own hands he held L.A. Woman. “Only in my dreams,” he said as he waved The Doors record before he set it back down. Even if he could afford it, it's not as if he had a record player he lugged around to listen to it.

[evapravat]

Eva watched the entire string of events unfold like a paid observer. One moment she was trying her best not to snarl at him actually having rhythm, and the next she was almost positive she was about to witness some kind of murder. Instead, she stepped quickly to the side of the mess that was happening around her, using her supernatural speed to remain unblemished by current circumstances.

In fact, Eva was currently doing her best not to outright laugh, but she didn't want to have to embarrass any men that took offense to that sort of thing. Not tonight, anyway. Tomorrow would be a different story. She loved having the upper hand.

She moved with light, dainty feet, as though no part of her was touching the floor at all, and peered over Oumar. A large grin on her face, fangs showing.

"I think I have to give that a final score of 10, just for pure destruction caused. Impressive."

[whatisbloodworth]

Oumar blinked as he looked up at Eva who only peered at him, a passive observer. “You know, you could defend my honor,” he told her. “It’s not like you’ll face any pushback with those fangs,” he said. Oumar had definitely never been a fighter, regardless of his species. He was sure even if he had been a redcap, a species practically known for their innately violent natures, he would still have fought all instincts to be who he was. 

“Help me up here, why don’t you.” He reached out an arm so that he could pull himself to his feet. “And thank you. I will take that score for at least providing entertainment that you find amusing. Means you’ll come back around and see what other sort of shenanigans I have the potential to cause. I mean, it's already making you want to hang out again, right?"

[evapravat]

"I've made it my entire business to always prove other people wrong," Eva said in reply, continuing to ignore Oumar for the most part. She liked the spotlight, she liked being the center of attention. But most of the time, given her profession, it wasn't necessarily about her as a person, but what she had to say. What was coming out of her mouth in the defense, or maybe attack of someone else. Her stage was the courtroom, but tonight it was a small bar with patrons that were mostly ignorant of anything happening around them.

But not everyone. Eva did spy a few other people getting up to dance, drinks in their hand, enough alcohol that their bodies were looser than they might have been otherwise. "Well, come on. At least shake your hips a little."

[whatisbloodworth]

“Well, I appreciate knowing that information now because it means I can get you to do anything by just asking you to prove me wrong,” said Oumar. Not that he would. He wasn’t that kind of person, but he grinned mischievously all the same. 

“Alright, alright,” said Oumar. He went ahead and joined the people that slowly shifted to dance in the empty space. “And just remember, no matter what you think of my dancing, I’m embarrassment proof.” 

And he moved. Oumar probably wasn’t going to get any sort of awards for his dancing, but he wasn’t terrible either. He could move with the rhythm just fine. In fact, he got lost to it. It was easy when there was the slight haze of alcohol to make it natural to get wrapped up in the music and the scene of the dancefloor, moving while paying no mind to anyone else. 

That was until he accidentally moved into someone who was swaying nearby with a drink in hand. A drink that was knocked out of a man’s hands and spilled all over his shirt and splashed onto his date. “Oh, shit,” said Oumar, turning around realizing what he’d done. 

“What the fuck?” The anger and rage came on suddenly, as people often tended to swift from one emotion to another when they were drunk, easily able to access their immediate reactions when their inhibitions were lowered. 

“I’m so–” started Oumar, but he never got a chance to finish because there was a fist quickly swinging his way and it was too quick for him to avoid as he felt the way it made contact with the side of his face, the taste of blood filling his mouth as the inside of his cheek scraped against his teeth. He stumbled backward into the crowd, causing a domino effect as other people tumbled over.

He groaned, pushing himself up from the ground.

[evapravat]

Eva slammed down her drink, the one that still had residue of blood in it. The kind that had brightened up her skin, and made her hair shinier than ever before. In truth, there was a lot to love about being a vampire. The instant satisfaction that blood brought with it was a heady thing, offering her an easy fix for all of the woes that life offered up with it every passing day. She tried hard not to love it, but there was no point.

She stood, elegant, as always, and moved to the mostly empty center of the bar where some horrible song was playing. Eva believed herself to be a person of taste. Always enjoying the finer things in life despite not necessarily always having it all. But here, in a dingy bar, with strangers around her, and a stomach filled with blood, she supposed it could've all been far worse.

So she danced. Her arms above her head, her hips moving with the jagged, rugged beat. Had she planned this out better, maybe she would've asked for it to be changed beforehand. But wasn't this the point, too? That no matter what, she could shape the world to her own will. And that included switching a horrible song with a real lack of beat into something worth dancing to.

[whatisbloodworth]

Oumar almost didn’t expect her to prove him wrong. Or rather, he expected for her to not deliver on the expectations she had set. She was so rigid, there was only so much give he expected her to have. However, he was delightfully wrong. 

He loved the surprise of it. He watched as she stood up, still maintaining her usual grace. He couldn’t help the grin on his face, and even the awe in his eyes from shining as he watched. People always worked so hard to be proven right and to be right, but Oumar liked the unexpectedness of being proven wrong. It’s what made life so much fun, right? 

He whooped and cheered her on, because why not. "You know, Pravat," he said as he joined her on the dance floor. "I do love to be shown the error of my ways."

[evapravat]

Eva, in a quintessentially Eva move of throwing her hair over her shoulder, was never one to back down. Maybe it was already engrained in her nature, or maybe this had been heightened, too, but she wasn't about to let some weird Werewolf upstage her. Especially not one with horrible fashion sense, and the propensity to be completely unreliable. If she believed herself to be anything, it was that she was good at everything.

"You're on, Wolf Boy. I'm extremely confident in my abilities to embarrass you at any given moment. You've only ever known me in extreme distress situations. Everything you think you've figured out doesn't mean much." And she was positive that it was the truth, though sometimes her own memories were foggy these days. As if the vividness of her new life was wiping away everything else. Like one day, she might only ever know Eva the Vampire, and not Eva the Human.

[whatisbloodworth]

“You know, if your goal here is to embarrass me, you should know that is a tough feat to accomplish, because I don’t embarrass easily.” It was true. Oumar had very little shame. He wore his heart on his sleeve and had fallen victim to unrequited feelings. He was the butt of people’s jokes. And he was also currently alternating between living in his car and living on people’s couches. Oumar put himself out there often enough.

“Well, see, that’s exactly the point, I have only seen you in extreme distress situations. And before that, maybe caught a flash of you when your firm and my parents were doing business but I don’t count professional interactions, anyway.” Oumar knew all too well the difference between work personas and off hours personas. “So, it would be kinda fun to see another side of you. So, go on, let’s see that other side of you.”

[evapravat]

"Not anymore, no. But despite what you seem to believe about me, I did before my entire life had been taken away from me." And she did, to a degree. Eva was always going to be in control, but she understood how to let loose when the situation called for it. The issue she often came across was the fact that her line of work wasn't exactly the kind that could be left in the office during the weekends. It was demanding, and hard, and she loved it.

Eva scowled at him, showing her fangs in the process. "You're really not funny, you know. I'm positive I know how to have a better time at a party than you do. I'm also quite sure I can dance better than you, too."

[whatisbloodworth]

“You know, just a thought,” started Oumar, “maybe it’s still okay to let loose even now. You know, not in the vampire losing control sort of way. Just in the, you’re still allowed to have fun kind of way.”

Oumar grinned, even as her fangs were out. “Do you? Do you really?” he asked. “I mean, if you want to test that out, I’d be more than happy to have you prove me wrong, but I think, as it stands, I definitely know how to party. I also know how to dance. Definitely sounds like a challenge and I’m more than down for it. At least, I hope those aren’t empty words.” His gaze bore into hers, daring her to do exactly that.

[evapravat]

"I've told you before, I like being in control. Addiction, in its essence is a complete loss of it. You're letting a substance control your life in varying degrees of severity." She said the words casually, like it was the way everyone thought, and not its own addiction in a way. Control could be just as damaging to a person. Just as hard to give up and throw away. Eva had learned it all first hand throughout this ordeal.

She stared at him, blinking. "No, no, it's definitely the timing. Your bright and sunshiny personality doesn't usually hold much appeal to me." And she wasn't lying, but she wasn't fully telling the truth, either. Eva didn't have a problem with people. She just enjoyed being alone, but it was hard to be changed and be alone. The entire world had changed, and very few people cared at all. Most, upon seeing her, would congratulate her on immortality. Like it was a badge to be won and no an agonizing reality.

[whatisbloodworth]

“I know, I know,” said Oumar with a wave of his hand. He had memory of her saying something to that effect before. Besides, it was very in line with what he knew of her, anyway. “It’s caffeine, though. You don’t exactly hear horror stories about people destroying their lives over caffeine.” However, that also brought on a far more curious thought. “Do you ever just have fun?” he asked. “Let your hair down and just get a little wild?” He had a feeling he knew the answer.

“And you know, that’s fair,” said Oumar. He was well aware that the relentless optimism and cheeriness could be taxing. “What does appeal to you? Doom and gloom?”