the ballad of him and his brain ∙ van mccann (UNDER EDITING)

4

friday, 7:40 pm;

I twisted the lid of my mascara back on, and put one last layer of powder on my face. I don't usually wear loads of makeup, but hey, why not. I zipped a thin jacket over my simple outfit and locked my door behind me, making my way towards The Cross Keys.

it's a short jaunt, being it's just down the road from my flat. making my way through the thin, window-wearing doors, I don't see Van where we agreed to wait for each other. considering I haven't a clue where he lives, perhaps I'm the first to arrive. I waited for a while, until my phone told me it was fifteen-past eight. I shook my head, and decided to make my way further inside. honestly, even though I'm more than of age, I'd never visited The Cross Keys before, and considering it's my local boozer, that's quite sad. as I made my way to the barstools, I admired the sight of a classical jukebox and watched other folks play darts and pool. I climbed onto a barstool, and found myself sitting next to a large male, who must have felt my presence, because he turned around from his focus on the large television and smiled at me. I smiled back, resting my chin in my palms.

"you alright? I don't think I've seen you here before." the big guy spoke, quite softly to my surprise.

I think I blushed, but I wasn't sure. thank goodness it's dark. "I'm fine, and you're right - it's my first time here. I'm just waiting for someone."

"you're waiting for someone too?" he asked, looking down at the countertop in front of us, where his long fingers drew patterns. "I feel your pain, then. I've been here for well over thirty minutes. my friends suck ass." 

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sorry, that's a long time to make you wait."

he nodded his head and opened his mouth to speak, but got cut off when someone interrupted us.

"Sunshine! there you are." Van spoke loudly, slinging his arm over my shoulders. "ah, I see you've met Sir Benjamin Bobblewhops - the town drunk."

the guy who was sat next to me threw Van a look. "why the fuck do you call me that?" he snapped, taking a peanut out of the dish beside him, throwing it at Van. "and I am no worse of a drunk than you are, Ryan." he said, giving Van an unenthused look. I simply stared up at Van, confused as hell, yet enjoying the drama.

"whatever Benji. anyways Rose, I see you've met this guy," he said, pointing to who I assume is Benji. "what kind of drink do you want?" 

I smiled, masking my laughter. "anything is fine, Van." 

Van nodded, and took a seat next to me. once he got the bartender's attention, he ordered the three of us drinks. "I bought you an appletini," Van spoke in Benji's direction. "you know, your favourite lady drink."

"there's no such thing as a lady drink you asshat." Benji replied, gently kicking my foot and giving me a shy smile.

"so are you two supposed to be friends?" I asked, genuinely curious. they simultaneously nodded their heads and Van let out a chuckle. Van passed our drinks to us and placed his hand on my thigh. "we just argue sometimes." Van said.

"more like a lot," Benji added. "but it's just bullshit-filled banter, so don't worry."

I rolled my eyes, and the television caught I and Benji's attention. I felt Van barely squeeze my thigh, his baby-blues still locked on the television. "Rose, have you finished your drink?"

I nodded my head, turning my attention to him. 

"me too, do you want another one?"

"I don't think so, I think I'm good. thanks for buying it, I'll pay you back tomorrow."

Van shook his head. "do you want to come outside with me? I need a smoke." 

I didn't respond, just hopped off of my barstool and received a smile from Van. "bye Benji," I said, and he waved, but didn't remove his eyes from the sports that were on the telly.

"I almost forgot you smoked." I murmured, following Van outside. he chuckled, I think chuckling is Van's favourite thing to do. or maybe he's nervous, but that's doubtful.

Van cupped my hands, using them as a shield from the breeze as he brought his cigarette to life. "thank you for being my shield, Rose." he said, blowing out a cloud of smoke and planting a sloppy kiss on my forehead.

"I love how spontaneous you are." I blurted, not giving my sentence two thoughts. Van cocked an eyebrow before putting his cigarette out. "I'm spontaneous? nah, I don't think I am." he replied, staring into the night sky. 

"oh, Van, I think you are. once you're comfortable around someone, that is." I responded, reusing his own words. Van bursted into laughter - "Rose, that didn't make an ounce of sense."

"I don't want to make sense. ever."

Van rolled his eyes and pulled my body into his. "we need to get you home. I think you're lighter than a lightweight."