𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴇꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ 4

Dinner In America| Request

AN: This one's loosely based on the movie Dinner In America. I've never seen or heard of the film, so I apologise if this isn't exactly like the plot or characters, I've just written something based on the vibes and some of the trailer. Also, Y/N is hinted at being autistic but it isn't explicitly said so- shout out to my fellow neurodivergent girlies! 

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I sit outside my work, doom scrolling as I blow out a bored breath and count down the minutes until I'm back to dealing with immature customers and screeching children. I chew on my lip, tugging at the skin there until the distant sounds of shouts have me jumping and dropping my phone. I swear under my breath, scooping it up and immediately checking the treasured phone case of my all time favourite band before I then check the screen- thankfully none are broken. When I look up again, I see the neighbourhood's least favourite troublemaker speed walking towards me down the alleyway. I swallow, heart already beginning to race at the prospect of being caught in the crossfire of whatever mayhem Leon's caused this time. He runs a hand through his blonde hair, looking over his shoulder as the cries and shouts of angry locals continue. The closer he gets, the more I begin to debate calling my lunch break early, but for some reason the idea of heading back inside is more daunting than colliding with the embodiment of 'bad boy chaos'. 

Leon's blue eyes meet mine as he stops in front of me, watching me as I avoid his eyes. I've never been good at the whole eye contact thing, so I shuffle my feet and force myself to take in his ripped jeans and worn shirt, paired with black boots and the iconic leather jacket covered in punk-rock pins and anti-society shit. Neither of us say anything, yet somehow it's not awkward, if anything it feels like two species noticing each other for the first time, we're both a little odd and out of place in this 'perfect' town, and that's why the second I hear the angry yells approaching, I grab Leon's arm and pull him behind a small alcove in the alley. I stand in front of him, palms sweating as I feel his warmth linger at my back, the angry locals stomp down the alley like a herd of elephants, completely ignoring me as per usual. Once they're gone, Leon steps out of hiding, brows knitting together in disbelief and...curiosity? 

"Thanks." He mumbles, voice deep yet soft at the same time as he walks backwards, waiting for me to respond. I nod, still unsure as he tilts his head at me before running off the way he came. I turn on my heel, excitement thrumming through me at the tiny secret I've now got all to myself. If anything I feel a little rebellious, and that energy somehow gets me through the rest of my shift. 

The same night, I hear from my best friend that my all time favourite punk-rock band, The Psyops, are playing in our town, they're known for spontaneous free shows, and I can't contain my excitement, I'll worry about the loud noise, busy crowd and sticky floors later on when I'm in the midst of it all, but right now I get changed and rush downstairs to where my parents block the door with their arms crossed. "And just where do you think you're going?" My dad asks, arching a brow at my jeans and band tee. 

"Just to a show. I'll be home in a couple of hours, and I won't bother you with needing a ride or anything." I grin, hopping from foot to foot as my parents share a look. My heart begins to deflate at the familiar disappointment, I want to shout and demand that they let me out, I'm old enough to make my own choices and know what I'm doing, yet instead I find myself turning and walking back upstairs as my parents murmur to each other about 'devil music' and 'bad influences'. I close my bedroom door, tears pricking my eyes, but then the earlier memories of helping Leon remind me how good it felt to just do something nobody would expect of me. My pulse pounds in my ears as I shove my stuffed animals under my duvet, making it look like me before I pack a bag and sneak out of the window with the grace of a wingless pigeon. I run around the block to where my best friend's waiting, then together we head to the impromptu show. I hate the hustle and bustle, and feel panic rising as we find a spot inside the venue, but when the masked band comes out and begins playing their most popular songs, all of my worries disappear.