thecelestexzhao

[thecelestexzhao]

closed - @nirawu

where - the pub

"So." She started with hardly any casualness. Celeste was on her second drink of the night and had taken a much needed sip before plucking up one of the fries in the basket between them, "Are you gonna give me shit if I tell you I'm stupid and maybe allowed myself to have feelings for a man again?"

[thecelestexzhao]

Celeste didn't know what to think about the relief she felt at his response, little tendrils flowing through her, relaxing the places she'd unconsciously tensed up in at the thought of him going on dates or having plans this weekend. Which was ridiculous, given that they weren't dating. They'd just....hung out a lot.

And if he maybe made her heart trip over itself every now and then, well, so what?

She took the envelope from him, resolutely not letting her hand touch his as she took the little instructions packet and slid it into her bag at her side, still sitting on the edge of his work table as she looked over to him. She couldn't not notice how his words stammered, how he seemed almost as nervous as she did. It definitely didn't help fuel her emotions too, thoughts flittering through her enamored little head that maybe he did have feelings for her too. "I was thinking of maybe heading to the boardwalk? There's that giant bonfire thing happening tonight. I was gonna maybe check it out?" She told him, biting her lip as she looked up at him with a little smile, "If you maybe...wanted to come too? Walk on the beach? Probably with food or a bottle of something too of course."

Not that he hadn't dated after gaining his freedom, he had. Mostly flings and girls that thought he was something he wasn't, interest fading quickly when they realize he isn't going to posture on their ex and no he has no plans to put his freedom in jeopardy. It was the nice thing about moving to Aurora Bay, no one knew and no one really asked. It felt like a secret and there was a bit of guilt there, but the pertinent people knew and he figured that was good enough.

The guilt still lingers in his head when he thinks of a future with Celeste, even if it's a short one. But he likes talking to her and he likes that they're similar on a lot of playing fields, he doesn't have to explain a shitty childhood, she just gets it. Tyler hums in response, pleased with the answer but keeping that to himself. In truth, he hopes it means she's single but it could also mean her current love affair was busy. "Me? No." He chuckles and shakes his head. "Got a hot date with this project I've been working on at home but that's it..." He hands over the envelope, chewing on his bottom lip for a moment.

"But, uhm, y'know, you wanna do something I'd... Like... That would be cool too." He finally chokes out, clearing his throat, fighting off the cool yet hot flash on his cheeks.

[thecelestexzhao]

"Okay that's fair." Celeste agreed with a laugh, because yeah. Days without something stupid happening were few and far in between, especially as the night went on and more alcohol went around. "Maybe I should rephrase it? Like, what was the stupidest encounter you had recently." She teased as she reached to the platter between them for a dumpling.

"I had a guy who was pretty hammered but attempting to beat my coworker at darts for twenty bucks. And when his foot slipped and the dart hit the floor instead of the board, he said he wanted to sue us for tampering....mind you, he spilled half his beer at his feet about two minutes prior, so he slid in his own mess."

"Tell me about it." Sage enjoyed talking to Celeste for many reasons, one being that they could complain about how stupid the service industry was and how stupid customers were. It was a great way to blow off steam and there was no better way to do that than talking about it over food at the Jade Bowl.

"When do I not have stupid patron encounters?" Sage laughed. "The other day I had woman finish her meal and tell me she didn't want to pay for it because she didn't like it. I think I actually lost brain cells during that conversation. What about you?"

@thecelestexzhao

[thecelestexzhao]

closed - @mackmontgomery

where - crescent moon

Was she using this as an excuse to maybe see Tyler? Absolutely. Was she going to admit to it? Absolutely not. It's what Celeste told herself over and over as she made her way into the tattoo shop, her second skin on her new tattoo peeling and a bag with some lunch dangling between her fingers as she looked around, trying not to feel dejected when she realized his station was completely cleaned off so he probably wasn't in today. Serves her right for trying to be spontaneous.

"Hey." She called out to the other artist in the shop. "I uh, was wondering if I could get a new wrap for my tattoo? And um...you want food?" She offered lamely, holding up the McDonalds bag.

[thecelestexzhao]

Celeste didn't mind playing the games in the bar at times, especially when evenings were on the slower side--like now. At least it helped pass the time. Not to mention that if she was playing, she had less chance of being accidentally stabbed by one of these darts.

Maybe she should talk to her boss about them, get something different that was less likely to hurt someone with how drunk people tended to get here.

"If that's what you consider close, then I'm also close just by standing a few feet away from the board too." She teased, shaking her head in amusement as she reached to the other side of the bar to grab her own drink and take a few long sips before she nodded over to the board. "Also, along with a level of sobriety, I may have the upper hand given that I practically live here and play this almost every day." And to prove her point Celeste stood up straight from where she was standing to line up her shot before easily sinking it into the board, close to the bullseye. "Any reason you're in here playing darts and not out there living amongst the Cupid-fest?"

closed starter / @thecelestexzhao

location: the reef bar

After his Ménage à Trois with the Firefighter and the Youtuber at the New Year's Eve party, TJ had been avoiding the bar inside The Seascape Hotel in favour of The Reef in case he had an awkward run in with either one of them. It wasn't like TJ regretted his decision but he preferred to keep his one night stands as just that—one night.

Collecting the darts he had embedded in the wall—and one in back of a chair, TJ returned to his table and handed the darts over to the brunette bartender who had been humouring in a game of best of three after a stray dart had almost impaled her in the shoulder.

"I'm getting closer with every round." He settles into his stool at the table, waiting for Celeste to begin her round and lifting his half-empty beer bottle to his lips. "I almost hit the board that time."

[thecelestexzhao]

Despite the teasing back and forth, Celeste couldn't deny that she'd wanted to see him too. She also couldn't deny that ever since December (and maybe even before that) Tyler had kind of taken up permanent residence in her head. She'd already had her heart messed with twice since being here though....should she really open herself up for a third? Or maybe she was just a glutton for punishment because she'd all too easily agreed to meet up with him, all too easily picked a random tattoo on a flash sheet and let him permanently ink it into her skin, all the while trying not to focus on how close he was.

Besides, the design was pretty cool with the hand and the skeleton.

Finally though he was done, and Celeste wasn't quite sure what to do--not until he spoke again. "Not in particular." She told him as she sat up, a bit slowly as to not get a head rush. "Given that it's Valentines weekend, you don't...have anything going on?" Was it a way to see if he was dating? Maybe? Did the mere idea make something twist inside her? Maybe.

for: @thecelestexzhao location: starting at Crescent Moon Tattoo, valentines day stuff to follow

"Alright, alright..." He sighs out, the tiny little flash tattoo completed on her wrist, the finishing touch as he wipes the soap away and reaches for the plastic wrap to bandage. "I'm going to assume you remember after care, but I'll send you with this anyway, and if you have any questions or things just look funky, text me." He speaks as he tapes up her skin, finally taking off the black gloves and stretching out his fingers.

Was it an excuse to see her? Absolutely. Was it also an excuse to be as close to her as possible? Also absolutely. But he would never admit that, nor push the line and break his professionalism. However, now the job is done, machines off, and ink fresh on her skin. Tyler figures, he can drop the mask a little bit. "You, uh, you doing anything else today?" He asks, folding up the little instruction sheet and putting it in an envelope with some lotion packets for her.

[thecelestexzhao]

closed - @ponderosus

where - starting at the reef!

Celeste was glad the night was done- not just because it meant no more having to clean up spilt beer, but also because she was looking forward to eating dinner and spending time with Layla. Her coworker had become a good friend to her, especially after the heartbreaks she went through last year, so now that she potentially had something new, Celeste figured Layla was the one to talk it all out to.

"Alright, what are you thinking? The diner? Pizza?"

[thecelestexzhao]

Cel: okay, i can be there in like a half hour? Cel: [lots of typing and erasing] right. misunderstood Cel: my bad Cel: i'll see you in a bit

ty: we have a bunch of fun ones i'll show you the sheets when you get here ty: no!! you misunderstand that's not my intention i'm very professional and would never disrespect you or aeris like that [deleted] well i didn't want to be too obvious about it [deleted] i'm just a simple man and have no idea what you're talking about [:

[thecelestexzhao]

Celeste felt some nervous-excitement rushing through her as they made their way through the crowd, everyone's energy around them infectious as couples started pairing off while others scrambled to find someone to spend the final moments of the year with. But she didn't have that panic blanketing over her....not when Ty was just inches away from her, so close that all she'd have to do was push up on her tiptoes...--

What? "O-Oh um..." She swallowed, a dumb little blush coloring her cheeks as she forced her gaze to move back up to his eyes as she huffed out a little laugh, "I dunno. I find them kinda overrated since most people only stick to them for a few weeks anyways? But maybe like..drink more water?" She offered with a laugh. "Maybe work on my resting bitch face." Celeste was laughing still as she said it, smiling up at him as she nudged at him, practically ignoring the rest of the world around them. "You?"

He gingerly takes one of the glasses, unsure if it's the alcohol not doing its job and instead amplifying the nerves in his system. He takes her stuttered agreement and leads them to the more spacious area, grateful to be out of the main crowd. His eyes go from the countdown clock back to Celeste. "We got over here just in time." He chuckles, the last minute on the clock counting down.

"You'll have to tell me if you have any resolutions."

[thecelestexzhao]

Cel: i don't have anything in mind tbh, i can't even remember the last time i got a tattoo Cel: but i suppose i wouldn't mind letting you give me a flash one Cel: altho if you wanted your hands on me, all you had to do was say so

ty: we have a few valentines day flash tats ty: if there was something you had in mind we could do that too

[thecelestexzhao]

Celeste hoped the flicker of disappointment isn't too obvious on her face as his hands pulled away and went into his pockets and she just swallowed, pulling herself together. A waiter walked by with a tray of champagne flutes to pass around and she snagged two for them, looking to where Ty motioned all the while and following his line of sight before nodding.

"Y-Yeah.." She voice wavered as she turned towards him and saw how much closer he was now, leaned more into her space, and Cel just swallowed again, unable to help it as her eyes darted down to his lips for just a second before back up to his eyes, letting out a breath as she offered him one of the glasses. "Let's go."

The tension has relieved momentarily but he would have and could have continued walking the tight rope as long as she let him. Tyler hadn't even realized how close to midnight they were, the time having gone much too fast in his opinion, and he wishes he could hold onto the feeling of her fingertips just a little longer. "Yeah, yeah good idea..." He sighs, putting his hands back in his pockets to ensure he keeps them to himself, walking with her so they can find a good spot for the main event.

Ty looks around, finding a good open area, reaching over and tapping her shoulder to point it out. "Will you be able to see from there?" He asks, leaning down a bit so she could hear him over the noise of the crowd that had gathered.

[thecelestexzhao]

Cel: bc you're so smart, duh ❤️ Cel: ugh, fine. Cel: works with tattoos. better? Cel: now tell me, where are you thinking we should go tonight?

Layla: Had an inkling that might be the case. Layla: That's a third of the towns population you gotta give me something more than that.

— @thecelestexzhao

[thecelestexzhao]

natasha liu bordizzo via instagram

[thecelestexzhao]

Celeste: ...really? Celeste: IF i were to say yes, what exactly did you have in mind?

ty: [: i have an opening this evening on my books ty: you should come get a tattoo

[thecelestexzhao]

Celeste: i'm not, no. i'm surprisingly off tonight Celeste: depends Celeste: what did you have in mind...?

ty —> celeste

ty: yo ty: you busy this evening? ty: do u wanna be? [:

@thecelestexzhao

[thecelestexzhao]

Celeste shot her coworker an easy smile as she walked her way into the bar that evening for her shift, greeting some regulars who called out to her as she walked by. "Well that's because Kaede's been giving me the shitty closing shifts lately, so we're like ships passing in the night." she was mainly joking though, since she didn't mind the closing shifts. She liked the quiet that came with the cleanup at the end of the night sometimes.

As she spoke Celeste tossed her bag and jacket beneath the bar, settling in beside him and giving him a little nudge with her hip. "How're things? Both here and with you?"

who: @thecelestexzhao where: the reef

The soft glow of the Reef’s overhead lights cast a golden hue over the polished bar, the steady hum of conversation filling the space. Theo stood behind the counter, idly drying a glass as he watched the ebb and flow of the evening crowd. It was the usual mix—regulars settling into their usual spots, newcomers hesitating at the entrance before sliding onto barstools or slipping into booths.

With a practiced ease, he set the glass aside and leaned slightly against the bar, glancing up as the door swung open again to see Celeste ready for her shift. “Hey,” he grinned. "I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."

[thecelestexzhao]

"No worries." Celeste replied without missing a beat, even waving him off as he apologized. "You're hardly the first person to sit at the bar and just...zone out." She gave him a little smile as she said it too before getting right into making the drink for him, coming back with it just a minute or two later. "All good?"

——- The voice pulled roman out of his thoughts — not even realizing he was zoned out until the voice hit his ears. looking at her after hearing her words before offering a friendly yet apologetic smile. ❝  i um — i'll just have an old fashion, if you don't mind. and um - sorry about that. ❞