Not Now (Sequel to Man Overboard) *On Hold*

12. Underneath Fluorescent Lights We'll Waste the Best Nights of Our Life

A/N: It's been over a year since I've updated this fic, but Tom's back in blink so I figured I'd finally edit this chapter. Idk if my updates will get more consistent, because life, but I hope you enjoy the chapter if you're reading this :)

Anne and I stood on the sidewalk outside the first-ever Atticus shop. From what I could see through the glass wall that faced the street, tons of people stood inside the small store for the launch party. Most of them wore black, which seemed to be the new brand's signature color, based on the clothes that lined the walls. I myself wore the black shirt Mark had given me for the occasion, which had the brand name printed in white in the center of it, with the two T's casting shadows under the word and creating the illusion of small X's. Anne on the other hand wore a white shirt with red text and a black logo: a dead bird on its back.

"Are you ready for this?" Anne asked as she took my hand in hers.

Tom had told his bandmates about the prospect of proposing to Jennifer shortly after his conversation with me. The couple had been engaged for a few days now. Tom had certainly acted fast. This would be my first time seeing him since the proposal. All I knew was that Jennifer had said yes.

Why wouldn't she?

Mark and Anne had been acting like I would break at any moment now. Which I had gotten used to after the breakup in '95, but it hadn't been this intense for a while. Mark had even assured me I didn't have to come tonight if I wasn't up to it. I'd told him that I wouldn't miss it for the world.

I wasn't going to miss any more of Mark's accomplishments because of Tom. And the engagement didn't affect me nearly as much as my friends thought it did. It helped that I'd known about it before it happened.

"I'm fine, Anne," I assured, squeezing her hand before letting go. I opened the door for her, figuring it was best to get inside before Mark started wondering where we were.

"Okay, but if you want to leave at any time, just say the word." She walked into the store, and I laughed as I followed her.

"Where was that attitude at Mark's wedding?" I joked. Music blasted in the store. I knew enough to recognize Jimmy Eat World, but not enough to know the song.

"A wedding is a little different from a party for a clothing brand that will probably only last a year, tops."

I laughed again. "I'll be sure to let your brother know how much faith you have in him."

Anne shrugged. We both knew it was just sibling ribbing, as was common between the two of them.

"Let's get a drink," she said. Anne took my hand once more and pulled me through the crowds, making her way to the makeshift bar set up in the back of the store. Whose idea had it been to serve alcohol around all their merchandise? Though I guess it wouldn't be a launch party without beverages, at least that was the case in the publishing world.

A miniature chalkboard was displayed on the bar, listing out the drinks available for the night. The staggering catalog consisted of champagne, red and white wine, and exactly one type of beer. That made more sense; it at least meant that the guys' friends wouldn't get too rowdy and damage any merchandise. Hopefully.

"Two champagnes, please," Anne ordered. The bartender nodded, poured the golden liquid into two flutes, and passed the glasses to Anne. "Thank you."

She handed me one, which I gratefully accepted and took a sip of. We walked around the store for a bit, moving away from the bar.

I looked around the party, watching people converse amongst each other over the music. I thought I recognized a few people from MTV, but I'd be lying if I said I knew who they were. Atticus was largely inspired by punk rock music though, and Mark and Tom had been working hard to get ambassadors for the brand, so it was logical that people in the music industry would be there.