Beneath the Boardwalk (Alex Turner)

21 {not picture perfect}

"I like, really like Breana. I don't know how to explain it, Quinn," Matt shrugs, walking into The Boardwalk as if I wasn't on a shift right now. I was working on a Pheonix tattoo for some guy named Julian with really cool stretched lobes. Chloe took a day off, and Jamie is nowehere to be found here today. Which concerns me, because only one of my employees called in for a legitimate reason. 

I continue to focus as Matt pulls up a stool and talks right beside me and the client, as if I wasn't busy. "It's such a weird feeling, but I kinda like it."

"Sorry about him," I tell Julian. "Do you want me to kick him out?" 

"Hey," Matt intervenes, mocking offense.

"Nah, he seems pree entertaining," Julian says chillly. 

"Thanks, mate," Matt turns to me. "She's so perfect. Cute, pretty, talented. How can I describe her?"

I'm used to hearing about how much he likes her. I continue to ink the guy's arm. "Try."

"It's um, I like her like a fat kid loves cake," Matt decides. Tasteful. "And it's like a really tempting cake. A very cute, frosted cake."

"Dude, you're in love, man," Julian chuckles. "Dude."

Matt goes red. "Er, who are you?" 

"You can call me Jules, bro," he nods.

I'm almost done with the tatt. "He's talked about her so much, I'm not suprised."

Matt's flushed. "Am not! Bloody hell. It's not middle school, don't jump to conclusions about love." He stands up. "I expected more from you, Jules," he jokes and goes to exit. 

"And we're childish?" I scoff. 

"Heard that!" Matt calls out, chiming the door on the way out. I laugh underneath my breath.

* * *

I decided to come early in the morning to English, and as I was hoping I found Alex reading Clarke, propping his feet on the desk. It was very early in the morning. I pulled up the chair right beside him. "Hi Alex," I smile. 

He sets down the book. "Hey," he smiles, a bit cheekily. "I like it when you smile."

"Guess I'm in a good mood today," I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "Just wondering... Why are you here so early every morning?"

Alex runs an hand through his hair. "It's stupid." He bites his lip. I nod for him to continue, and he sighs. "When you started coming earlier in the mornings more often. I kind of stayed in case you were gonna come."

"Oh. Huh." My cheeks are rosy. 

"Stupid, I know, darling," he shakes his head slightly, his hair swaying. 

"No, it's... endearing," I smile. 

"So, did you just come to see me?" Alex sits up. "Or did you need something."

"Hm. I actually need some advice," I shrug. 

"...And what would you need advice for? I'm not the best role model," he smirks. 

"I mean...um," I laugh. "So I really like this guy, right? And I'm trying to figure out how to ask him if he wants to go out and I don't know, go get ice cream or something." 

I saw a flash of jealously when I said 'this guy,' but then he's hit with realization afterwards Grinning, he  plays along. "Well, he sure seems like a lucky guy. But isn't it a bit frosty outside?" I realize I really like the way Alex says frosty. 

"A wise man once said, nothing should be predictable because that's not realistic; and some other crap I can't remember," I smile. 

"Charming. But I'll have to change real quick out of this suit. Can't be seen in my work clothes, now, can I? I have extra clothes in the staff room. Be right back."

* * *

It actually was very cold, and we were out getting ice cream. I had to think of something on the spot, on what to do. I chose ice cream? 

Well, it was a bit odd not seeing him in his suit, but wearing regular clothes was not a dissapointment. He had on jeans that fit him like holy damn, and a black shirt, and a worn out jean jacket. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and our breaths clouded the air. We got cheap ice cream because we both knew our stance with money. 

Then it started to slightly snow. And I'd like to say it was the romantic kind, the flurries that melted on the hair and stuck on eyelashes, but it was wet and cold and the first of the season. We ignored it, trying desperately to stay warm and I had a taste of the ice cream but--it didn't taste good. Of course. Well, what did I expect, getting it for a dollar. They probably didn't clean out the machines well. I looked over to Alex and he wiped his thumb over his lip, trying to hide disgust. 

"Not very good, is it?" I ask him. 

"Tastes horrid," he laughs lightly. "Um, we probably shouldn't 'ave it then."

"No," I laugh, trying to bundle up my hoodie closer, but I was still frozen. "D-did you wanna find someplace warmer to go?"

"I really do."

"My apartment isn't too far away from here."

* * * 

I fumbled with the keys after we ditched the cones, and opened the door. I prayed I didn't leave it too messy but I was horribly wrong. There was the draft still in the front door and it was a crummy space, all plain walls. I had clothes and papers lying around, but at least it smelled nice. Cold and lilac. 

"Nice place," Alex smirks. His gaze travels around the room, leaning back on his heels. 

"I'm sorry about the mess--not too organized." I try to push away some of the laundry and papers, embarassed. Since I live alone I toss around what all I need to wash for laundry day tomorrow, without caring. 

"Hm, love, I guarantee it's not a problem." How was my heart still beating fast around him? Even if he says simple things like that. I close the blinds to make it darker in here, as the snow outside was too bright. Then I turn on my lamp to make a better light. Or do I just worry too much? 

Alex clears his throat, and I look back to see him with raised eyebrows by the laundry. He was going through my clothes! Worse, he hooked his finger on my underwear questioningly. When he saw my face he chuckled. "You know, I always thought black lace was overrated, but my mind could be changed," he teases. 

I snatch it away from him. "Jesus, you have no respect for privacy," I mumble and move the laundry basket way further away. 

"I prefer, 'close quarters don't intimidate me.'" Alex laughs. 

"Absolutely wonderful," I mumble. "Want a drink? Tea? Hot chocolate?"

"Do you have anything stronger?" He takes off his shoes and wanders into the kitchen with me. He sits upon the counter I usually sit on, when I do homework. I get a bit distracted by that fact. 

"Uh--what? It's only eight in the morning."

"Time and alchohol have no connection," Alex shrugs it off. 

"Hm. My place, my rules. No drink of that sort at eight in the morning."

"It's five o' clock somewhere though," he grins, lopsidedly. 

"You're impossible."

"Undoubtedly so. But tea's fine, thanks."

- - - -

A/N: I was going for a lighter chapter this time :) And also, I'm getting really excited for that story I said I was going to write a while ago in another authors note awhile ago? I had wanted to wait until this one was done but I also have so many ideas for the next one. So I've done AM hair, humbug hair, but what am I missing? Fetus. I've done regular band one, this one with more sexual tension, and what am I missing? Cute romance. Oh yes. After this I'll be writing something more heartwarming. I actually can't wait, I've been planning for a while. But I still have great ideas for this one too so don't worry. Love you all.