ME
Less convinced. What are your thoughts on the possibility of zombies?
LYRIC
I really hope not, considering where I work. But I’m not a scientist. Though I’m fairly certain I would totally survive.
ME
Oh, I’m sure you would. You’re feisty as hell.
LYRIC
Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.
I laugh out loud, capturing the attention of Banks, which is unfortunate.
“What’s so funny?” he asks.
“Just something Lyric said.” I shrug, not thinking anything of it, and tuck my phone back into my pocket.
“So, that’s working out then?”
“What’s working out?” I might’ve snapped that out with a bit too much bite.
“Uh, being roommates? What else would I mean?” he asks, his eyebrows arching with suspicion.
“Oh, yeah, it’s fine.”
Banks stares at me as I do my best to ignore him. His eyes are burning a hole in the side of my face.
“Stop looking at me, dude.” I don’t even make eye contact with him.
“I’m not going to push,” he says, refilling his ink bottles. “But there’s definitely something you’re not telling me.”
“Listen, pretty boy, how about you go fluff your hair in the mirror and fuck off?”
“Classic deflection,” he says, shaking his head.
He goes back to his task, so I pull my phone back out.
LYRIC
I know we’re supposed to have that prepped chicken in the fridge for dinner, but I’m thinking we should blow each other, have a smoke session, and get some cheeseburgers delivered instead. Thoughts?
ME
Deal.
I put my phone away and focus on tracing over this image for my next client. It’s a floral piece with a dagger in the center. I’ve been given artistic freedom, which made me pretty happy.
“You know that’s totally couples’ stuff, right?” Banks says.
When I look over at him, he’s still just filling his bottles. No eye contact, no pause in his task. He’s just opening his dumbass mouth.
“Eating food together? That’s all it takes?” I don’t stop my task either. I just keep tracing my lines and rolling my eyes.
“Okay, I’m like 99.3% sure eating food isn’t all that’s going on, but I won’t push. But all I’m saying is that itfeelslike a little more. Very couple-y. Hosting a party together, having this many meals together, spending all your free time together.”He shrugs his shoulders, pressing his lips together tightly. “But who am I to say anything?”
