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asherfranklin​:

She shook her head. “You’re fine. I’m only teasing.” She took a drink of her water and sat back as she relaxed on her couch. She was glad to not be alone now. She was really struggling and even though she just met him, she felt comforted to have him as her company. She nodded as she listened to him. “I understand. I’ve been cutting back on drinking myself.” And other things, but she wasn’t going to get into that right now. “Well, maybe one day I’ll get to see this bad behavior.” Maybe when she was in a better mood. “But sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with trying to get into peoples pants.” She was trying to cut back on that right now as well and since she stopped the drugs, she found she hadn’t done anything in two weeks now. “But, tell me about yourself.”

...

“It’s a bitch, isn’t it? Cutting back on drinking, I mean. The last thing I need is to take a drunken stumble anywhere with my leg the way it is right now but sheesh-- it’s brutal,” Levi said with a shake of his head. He had never considered himself an alcoholic by any means but he’d definitely gone a little wild in his late teens and early twenties when he spent most of his time traveling to places with low drinking ages and spending time with people who loved nothing more than cutting lose in every way they could wherever they could. He smiled, “Anything’s possible, babe-- so I guess we’ll see how things go, right?” He wasn’t going to push anything today-- not when Asher had been gracious about accepting company from a total stranger which he appreciated more than he could say and a solid friendship was all he ever wanted when it came down to it. “Oh god, I guess I need to know what you wanna know? ‘Cause I could tell you loads of stuff. Like, uh-- I’m from California. I’ve been surfing professionally since I was fifteen and uh... I’m like, borderline obsessed with the ocean. Is that a decent start?”

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noahfielding​:

Though there were the rare occasions where Noah texted something loving to her friends, the vast majority of anything she sent them was stupid shit that she thought was funny. The evidence of her affection for her friends was there somewhere, but it wouldn’t be easy to find. “Good, take your time. I’ve got all day,” she grinned, leaning over against his shoulder with a wide smile. Pulling back a bit, Noah looked over at Levi with a chastising expression. “Are you kidding? That’s a better offer than I’ll get from anyone else, hell yeah. Count me in, I’ll come crash with you,” Noah nodded eagerly. She could go find a stranger to hook up with any time, but time with the people she cared about didn’t always come as easily. “You know you’ll always come before any hot strangers in my life.”

...

“You’re such a little shit,” Levi grumbled with feigned annoyance as he pulled Noah into his side in a half-hug. In all the years they’d known one another the little crush he’d had on Noah for the first year or two they’d spent together on the tour circuit had deepened into a genuine, hard to shake affection that had cemented her as one of the most important people in his life. It wasn’t unusual for him to have crushes on his friends, of course, but he felt odd using the term when he was pushing thirty and it seemed a little weird for a grown ass man to use the term but until he found a better one it was what he had. “Shit, okay,” He replied with a laugh. “I didn’t think you were gonna be so excited but I’m glad you are! So-- where are we gonna start getting into trouble, No? I’m open to suggestions.”

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maddiehawthxrne​:

Turning her head to catch his lips in a quick peck, Maddie grinned as she pulled back from the hug and playfully ruffled his hair. “You scare easy, huh?” She teased. It’d been a month since the wayward blonde had moved into her younger sister’s guest room and it was now officially the longest amount of time she’d stayed anywhere since she’d ended up in the hospital in Thailand after her rope broke while rock climbing and she’d almost plummeted down the side of a cliff. It’d been difficult even then to stay put, the pull to take off and explore new places was strong, but Maddie knew her responsibilities. She may have taken the job at her mother’s urging, but she’d always known in the back of her mind she’d have to come home eventually. But even with that knowledge, being back in Providence Peak wasn’t any easier. However, with so many people she’d met along the way finding their own way to the town things were a lot less boring than she’d remembered. “Um, you didn’t, no. How crazy is it that the world is so big and yet so, so small.” Shaking her head in amusement, Maddie’s grin remained plastered on her features. She still couldn’t believe they’d found themselves temporarily idle in the same place. “You know I’m the best damn part of your day.” She smirked, ruffling his hair once again before she tossed an arm around his shoulders. “You wanna go grab a drink? Or a milkshake?” Glancing up at the sign for the Burger Joint just down the block from them, Maddie kept her arm around him as she began to move in the direction of the restaurant. “Milkshakes and burgers, yeah? I’m starving.”

...

The smile that bloomed on Levi’s features as Maddie kissed him was one born of both familiarity and the general sense of comfort he felt in her presence; it mattered very little where they ran into each other or how long it had been since they’d last seen one another— they fell back into their routine exceptionally easily and it was something he’d come to appreciate about their friendship or whatever term he might use to classify their relationship on any given day. “Not usually but I don’t usually have adorable girls tackling me in surprise hugs either so, y’know, maybe my heart’s not equipped to deal with that yet. If you do it enough that might change,” He teased in return, a warm laugh rumbling in his chest. He couldn’t quite remember how long it had been since he’d seen Maddie but since he’d gotten hurt time had a habit of bleeding together in a way that he hadn’t quite gotten used to; it had always seemed so much easier to track his time when he was doing so in relation to his next competition or stop on the tour circuit and the lack of a steady routine was something he still hadn’t gotten used to in the time he’d been beached, for lack of a better term, in Providence Peak. “That’s totally my bad, then. I’m staying with them in Bighorn Hills— their place is fucking massive but it’s been nice to y’know-- not be totally by myself while I try to get over this whole bum knee thing I’ve got goin’ on.” He reached up to rub the back of his neck with a sheepish smile that widened into something far more comfortable as he ducked his head to kiss Maddie again, “Did I say you weren’t? I’m not in the business of arguing about stuff when I know I’m just gonna lose.” He followed her without complaint, slipping an arm around her waist as they walked towards the Burger Joint. “How’s your day been, Cup Condoms?” He asked playfully, glancing at Maddie from the corner of his eye as the new nickname he’d teasingly given her during the Pride celebrations left his mouth.

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TEXT 📲 Levi Blum 🏄🏻‍♂️🌺

MADDIE: i would say that seems kind of presumptuous of you but pretty sure we've taken advantage of your preparation before so... 🤷🏼‍♀️😉

MADDIE: my legacy is complete- cup condoms 😂

MADDIE: my cute lets me get away with a lot and if my looks don't work my mouth does...

MADDIE: i can talk my way out of anything 😋

MADDIE: idk about pretty fast since you're working with one leg but it'll be fast enough lol

MADDIE: isn't she?? she gets it from her favorite auntie 💁🏼‍♀️

MADDIE: sounds good to me. i'll see you soon, hon. can't wait 😘

LEVI: 😘 i've never had any complaints

LEVI: if you took a picture of it i'll make that your contact photo 😂

LEVI: ... that's valid and now i forgot what else i was gonna say

LEVI: mhmmmmm i'm sure you can, mads

LEVI: of course of course i didn't doubt that for a second

LEVI: 😊

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noahfielding·:

“Show me some receipts, then,” Noah replied back with another bright grin. It was incredible how easy it was to relax and not think about all the problems in her life when she got around Levi and she was eternally grateful to have him around to help her through a rough time in her life. “All of those sound like perfect plans. Drinking, music, and hot people everywhere to flirt with. Kind of the dream, innit?” Noah hummed happily at the prospect of such a good time ahead of her. She didn’t have any plans specifically, she never did. “Me, though, I don’t know. I’ll figure something out when it comes to me. Plans never work for me.” Noah much preferred to just fly by the seat of her pants and come up with ideas along the way. “Figure I’ll go out and flirt a bit, maybe go home with someone for the night. Or just get blasted drunk and pass out on Molly’s couch.”

...

“Oh, sure, I’ll get right on that,” Levi deadpanned with a shake of his head. He’d likely have to wade through their text messages for several months worth before he found anything that wasn’t mostly them texting memes to each other or teasing each other the way they often did whenever they spoke but he’d never questioned for a second whether Noah liked him or enjoyed having him in her life-- he was perfectly aware that she did. “It sure feels like it,” He replied with a hum. Between the two of them Levi knew they could get into their fair share of trouble— especially when they were looking for that trouble together but most things, in his experience, were made much more fun with Noah at his side. “Hm. Well, lemme make a counteroffer — if you don’t end up going home with anyone you can crash with me. How ‘bout it? I doubt I’m going anywhere unless you shoo me off so y’know-- totally up to you but the offer’s open.”

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asherfranklin·:

“Okay.” She nodded and felt a little twinge in her heart as he called her Doc. With how things were, it was strange being called that; even though she would still be considered that as she did have the degree no matter what. As they walked up the stairs, she listened to him talk and nodded as they went. “I definitely know how that is.” She said before walking inside the apartment and looking back at him. “Okay, Mr. Flirty. Just keep it in your pants.” She teased a bit before going to the fridge and grabbing two waters before going over and handing up one and sitting on the couch. “It does. Pricks definitely know how to ruin a mood.” She smiled and took a drink of her water. “Oh? And what exactly is your bad behavior?”

...

Levi smiled innocently as Asher teased him, a lazy shrug raising broad shoulders as he followed her into the apartment. “I’m a flirty guy— I dunno if I can really keep a lid on it but I’ll try if you want,” He said after a moment of consideration, taking a seat beside Asher with enough space between them that he wasn’t worried he was crowding her altogether. He’d always been a fairly self-aware person and the last thing he wanted in any situation was knowing he’d done anything at all to make whatever person he was with at any given time uncomfortable. He snorted at Asher’s final question, raising a hand to the back of his neck as he smiled. “I guess it depends? I flirt too much or uh, more when I’m not actively trying not to. I’d probably be way more forward than I am right now like-- bad behavior definitely revolves around me trying to get into peoples pants,” He explained with a laugh. “Or I drink too much but I’ve cut back on that lately so it’s not super hard to avoid that right now.”

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TEXT 📲 Levi Blum 🏄🏻‍♂️🌺

MADDIE: some as in multiple? look at you being ready for anything 😉 i'll keep an eye out for the fancy stuff but i doubt they'll be throwing it from floats lol

MADDIE: do it i dare you

MADDIE: ah yes, a man of the world. how could i forget? 😂

MADDIE: can't say it wouldn't be better if you were with me tho 😘

MADDIE: it's honestly not. i have a picture!

MADDIE: [PHOTO]

MADDIE: yeah, absolutely. tell me when and where and i'm there, babe

LEVI: yes ma'am -- you never know what's gonna go down. a guy's gotta be prepared 😊

LEVI: done and done, cup condoms

LEVI: you're lucky you're cute i don't take this shit from just anyone :(

LEVI: 🥰 i think we can correct that problem pretty fast, don't you?

LEVI: god damn she's the cutest kid

LEVI: uh, jagged yard in like fifteen minutes? i'd say less but i'm hobbling a little right now so i'm kinda slow

[leviblum]

asherfranklin·:

“I can imagine.” She said. She couldn’t imagine being invited back to a woman’s place. She definitely wouldn’t say no to that herself and there has been many times she hadn’t. A smile came from her that felt natural. The blonde was constantly surprised when that happened. “Only telling the truth.” She teased before listening to his story about having knee surgery. “If you’re sure, okay. I’m sure falling didn’t make it feel any better. And if it helps, I am a doctor.” More a female doctor, but she knew the general stuff and could help if he was actually hurting. Or try to. “Again, I don’t mind, but you’re welcome.” She unlocked the door and started leading them up the stairs before getting to the apartment she shared with her best friend. “Oh, I know. I think it’s worse when you’re bisexual because you fall for the girls and the guys.” Asher unlocked the door and let them inside. “Make yourself at home. And that whole complaining about you, we’ll see how this goes.” 

...

“Cross my heart I’ll let you know if it starts bothering me, Doc.” Levi promised, his eyes wrinkling around the edges as he offered Asher a broad smile. He wasn’t in anymore pain or discomfort than he’d become accustomed to since he’d hurt himself and it was easy enough to ignore the discomfort altogether when he had something or someone to distract him so he wasn’t remotely concerned in that moment. As far as he could tell he wasn’t making the worst impression on Asher so far so he hoped he’d earned at least a new friend from the experience of having been knocked on his ass-- more, even if things shifted that way-- not that he was expecting them to. “Fuck, ain’t that the truth. I’m definitely not straight and the general population reminds me of that regularly — like, you’re unfairly beautiful it’s actually kind of killing me but I just, like cool people in general I guess and I think pretty much everyone’s cute unless they’re total pricks. That sorta ruins the mood, y’know?” Levi grinned, “I promise to be on my best behavior. Unless you don’t want me to be-- then I can reconsider,” He joked.

[leviblum]

waverly-erickson​:

With the day off from work while her sister and father still went in for their jobs, Waverly found herself feeling a bit lonely and unsure of what to do with herself. Technically there were several people she could’ve reached out to but when it came to actually following through on that thought, the youngest Carlyle had balked and decided against sending any texts or making any calls. Even still, the need to be around people remained so she’d decided to wander downtown a bit. The light smattering of chatter and the presence of others offered a sense of comfort. Waverly had always preferred being alone in a crowd to being literally by herself. Perhaps it was because it was more difficult to just be completely alone with her thoughts, especially in recent years. As she started to head in the direction of Vinyl Countdown a somewhat familiar voice hit her ears. Matching the voice to a face, she smiled at the sight of Levi, waving as he walked over. “Hey! Sure thing, but I was headed in here so it won’t be a long walk.” Waverly laughed softly, pointing to the front door of the record shop.

...

“Even better!” Levi exclaimed brightly. He was the sort of person to develop a passing crush on the people he met after only a few minutes in their presence but during his normal routine— when surfing never allowed him to stay in one place for more than a couple weeks— it was something he could shrug off and ignore more often than not. Now that he was going to be in Providence Peak for the long haul it was something he was more aware of than ever but it had yet to get to a point where he felt it was a problem-- he could admire Waverly quietly and enjoy whatever time they spent together in a totally chill, super casual way. “Were you looking for something specifically? I’ve been in here a couple times already but I was pretty much just planning on hanging out-- seeing if I can track down anything especially cool. Are you big into music?” He asked, stepping into the shop and casting a glance over his shoulder at Waverly as he did so. He hoped he wasn’t talking too fast and that his general excitability wasn’t going to scare her off altogether. 

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asherfranklin·:

“No? And how about being asked to come to another girl’s home?” She asked; feeling strange to be playful and flirty, but it also feeling nice. More herself. “I think most have that as a general rule, but from what I’ve seen so far, I don’t know how well you do it.” She teased a bit and was glad to not be alone now. “Do you have a knee problem, then? Are you sure you’re okay? I can take a look if you want when we get to my place.” While she wasn’t a doctor technically anymore, she still had the need to help people if she could. That must be a good sign, right? “It was definitely out of being polite, but you’re lucky I don’t want to be alone.” More like she felt like she couldn’t be alone right now. If she was, she could make a bad decision that’d cost her a week of getting better. She looked over at him as he walked beside her. “I’ll take your word for it. I didn’t personally see him. And if that’s not the case, maybe you’re just magnetically attracted to cute girls.” She threw his words back at him as they crossed the street and she pulled the keys out to her building to let them in.

...

“That offer I do get and I’m always happy about it,” Levi replied with a grin. It wasn’t a secret to anyone who really knew him that Levi was a fan of being around people— in friendly or more-than-friendly environments— if there was attention to be had or a connection to pursue chances were that he’d run headlong into it and do it happily. Plus, he was a flirtatious person by nature and had been for as long as he could remember-- he couldn’t help but want to lean into situations that gave him opportunities to be outgoing in that way. “You’re killin’ me, babe.” Levi huffed with a shake of his head. “Uh, sort of? I tore it up during a surfing competition about a month and a half ago? It’s been a month since surgery and I’ve got like, eight more months of recovery to look forward to. Right now I guess I do have a knee problem. I promise I feel okay, though. Seriously.” He said emphatically. “And I’m always happy to spend time with new people so-- y’know-- thanks for the offer. You didn’t have to make it.” He laughed heartily as he followed her across the street, “Can you blame me? Girls are pretty fucking amazing in my experience so I don’t think I have any power to resist ‘em. No one’s complained about me yet so I think I’m doing okay so far.”

[leviblum]

asherfranklin·:

Cute girls. If she heard that two weeks ago, she’d probably kiss him right there and then without a second thought. “I’m sure the girls don’t mind. Plus, it’s an excuse to for them to play doctor with you if you hurt yourself.” She pointed out. “Speaking of, are you okay?” She asked. She gave a little roll of her eyes as he called her beautiful and shook her head. “It’s fine. It was my suggestion, after all.” She said and went to move towards her building. “I was going there anyways. I needed a breather myself.” She explained before nodding. “Right. I’m Asher.” She introduced herself back at him and gestured towards them walking. “Let’s get going before you take another spill.”

...

“Not really an offer I hear super regularly,” Levi replied with a shake of his head and a laugh. “I try not to fall in public, y’know, as a general rule. I can’t really help it when I can actually work so I figure I gotta have some sort of balance outside of that.” He flexed his leg for a moment but other than the dull throb that was usually an indicator that he needed to take a break he wasn’t feeling any more discomfort than usual. “Yeah, I think so. Doc gave me the okay to walk as much as I can deal with and I don’t feel like, extra fucked up after that fall so I think I’ll live,” He explained, raising his hands in a peaceful gesture though he was still smiling even in response to Asher’s eye-roll. “True but sometimes people make offers out of politeness or whatever and they really want people to turn ‘em down.” He followed Asher quickly-- falling into step beside her, “Hey, it’s not like I’m magnetically attracted to the ground or something. It was a legit accident. I’m pretty sure that dude probably benches as much as I weigh.”

[leviblum]

asherfranklin·:

Asher was debating going home and just watching from the balcony for the rest of the evening. It was becoming harder and harder to be out; especially after her best friend got called in to work. She had been hanging around the street she now lived on that a lot of the parade was seeing to be around and she knew she could just relax at home while still kinda being part of everything. She was about to head back towards her building when a man fell in front of her and she stumbled backward as she tried watching out for him. She looked down and tried helping him get up before looking at him. “No, I’m fine.” She promised and looked around for the person he said, but they must’ve been gone already. “Well, my place isn’t too far. We can see everything from there but should be quieter. Definitely not filled with drunk people.” She told him. “Or we can find somewhere else. Your choice.”

...

“I’m glad,” Levi said with an easy smile, ignoring the throbbing in his knee for the moment. “I really hate to run into cute girls and make a total jackass of myself.” It helped, he thought, that there were very few things in life that could ruffle his feathers in any overt way and even after having been pushed over he was already moving on to focusing on Asher rather than ruminating on the clumsiness of whoever had knocked him over in the first place. “Nah, I mean— if you’re cool with having a stranger in your place then I’m down for that. I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable or anything though so if I like, overstay my welcome you gotta promise to let me know. Otherwise-- lead the way, beautiful.” He paused, his head tilting lightly to one side before his smile widened and he held a hand to his chest, “I’m Levi, by the way. If you’re gonna let me into your house I figure you should at least know what my name is. Seems fair, right?”

[leviblum]

TEXT 📲 Levi Blum 🏄🏻‍♂️🌺

MADDIE: you want me to come find you and throw a condom at you? not mine but i'll find you your own 😂

MADDIE: oh absolutely 😘 look at that, everything happens for a reason, cup condoms and all.

MADDIE: it's okay clearly you've never been anywhere where condoms are tossed around like candy. we can forgive your ignorance just this once 😂

MADDIE: SAME. i don't think i've missed a pride in the last six years i've been traveling. but yeah! i'm having a good time probably for the first time since i've been home tbh

MADDIE: plus i got to see my niece in the cutest rainbow tutu and use glitter makeup. i mean, you can't NOT enjoy that

LEVI: i definitely already have some in my wallet but thanks 😂 if they have something extra fancy though i'll take it

LEVI: i really wanna change your contact name in my phone to 'cup condoms' but i'm gonna resist

LEVI: i'm a man of the world, hawthorne -- i'm sure it would've happened one way or another 😂

LEVI: i'm glad you're having fun, gorgeous 💙

LEVI: ... okay that sounds adorable, i don't think it's possible to have a bad day after that

LEVI: you wanna meet up somewhere? have a drink or something?

[leviblum]

noahfielding·:

The reaction from Levi was all Noah could have asked for. It was just enough to cause a small scene and get eyes on her, which was exactly what she always wanted. Noah thrived as the center of attention. Hanging off Levi comfortably, Noah was lit up excitedly, always happy to be in the man’s company. “Obviously just the koala thing, everyone knows I don’t like you. That would be ridiculous,” Noah teased, reaching up to ruffle his hair a bit. Levi was one of her closest friends, if not her closest, and joking around with him made being stuck in Providence just a little less dismal. “So, what kind of trouble are we getting into today? Can’t have a Pride event without some chaos.”

...

“I’m pretty sure we have it in writing that you’re full of shit about that,” Levi teased in return, rolling his eyes fondly as Noah ruffled his hair. He wouldn’t have changed their friendship for anything in the world and the fact that of all the places in the world either of them could have settled they’d both ended up in Providence Peak felt like a gift of the most divine sort. “I didn’t really have any plans, honestly,” He replied, shrugging awkwardly as best he could with Noah wrapped around him. “I figured I’d get kinda drunk, listen to some good music, hang out with people. Probably get hit on more than usual or maybe I’ll be doing the hitting on-- I hadn’t really gotten that far. Why? You got something planned, troublemaker?”

[leviblum]

LOCATION — Outside The Vinyl Countdown.  CHARACTERS — Levi Blum & Waverly Erickson ( @waverly-erickson​ )

If there was something in the world Levi loved more than surfing and photography: it was music. He’d been in the choir at temple when he was a child and his love of music had only grown as he’d gotten older and discovered what he enjoyed and where his tastes settled. The record collection he had as an adult was something he delighted in building on whenever he had the chance and there was no better reason to buy records, in his mind, than to have some part of it go to charity. He was eager to explore the store at his leisure and found his thoughts derailing spectacularly as he caught sight of Waverly on the street and called her name-- hoping, for a moment, that he wasn’t coming off entirely insane. “Hey!” Levi exclaimed as he approached her properly, “Where’re you headed? You want a walking buddy?”

[leviblum]

LOCATION — Pride Parade.  CHARACTERS — Levi Blum & Asher Franklin. ( @asherfranklin​ )

Levi was drunk on a combination of good feelings and relatively cheap alcohol— not to the point of being belligerent or reckless in any way, as he only felt enough of a buzz to be in a particularly good mood as he wandered through the crowds of people happily watching the parade. The atmosphere had been lively since he’d arrived and between the blasting music everywhere he turned and the general pain in his leg he was hobbling his way towards the first quiet place he could find-- or that was his plan until a passing parade-goer slammed into him and sent him toppling off balance and falling flat on his ass in front of a woman he didn’t recognize. “Fuck me,” Levi grumbled, trying his best to get to his feet with an expression that was part grimace and part sheepish half-smile. “I didn’t knock into you, did I? Fuckin’ dude might need glasses or somethin’-- he rammed into me like I wasn’t even there. Follow up question: you know anywhere that might be cool to hang out that isn’t full of loud drunk people and louder music? I think I need a breather.”

[leviblum]

Logan Lerman and Sarah Bolger in End of Sentence (2019)