mnemophobia | dh + pl

four

A/N: You know, I always say that I'll write more in the summer but I think I have more consistent updates during the school year? I guess it's just that I'm on a schedule.

"Dude, are you even listening to me?"

"Mhm," I hummed, not looking up from my phone.

"What did I just say?" Liam inquired.

"You um, the thing about the old lady's tattoo."

"That was like ten minutes ago. What the hell are you doing that has you so preoccupied?" Before I had time to react, Liam snatched my phone away.

"Hey!"

"Dan? Who's—Oh, the flower shop guy. So, I take it things went well last night?" He handed me back my phone. "Maybe even really well? He winked, clearly suggesting something.

"Dude, chill, we've known each other for like, three days. But yeah, it went well I guess."

"You guess? You've been texting him all morning!"

I shrugged, slipping my phone into my pocket (Dan had to go help a customer). "Okay, so we kinda hit it off."

Liam seemed pleased he was finally getting some details. "Do you have a lot in common?"

"I thought for a moment. "Not really, no. We're quite different. But it's a good different; the kind of different that lets you learn more about life."

"Poetic much, Philiam Shakespeare?"

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up."

"So, what does he look like?"

"Hold on," I pulled up his Instagram, going to the most recent photo. "Here."

Liam whistled, taking the phone out of my hand. "Damn. I mean, I'm straight and all, but damn."

"Tell me about it..." I muttered, shoving my phone back in my pocket.

"He doesn't really look like your type though, does he?"

I looked at Liam skeptically. "And what exactly is my type?"

"You know...punkish. Lauren, Jack, Mable, Emmet: they all wore dark clothes with lots of tattoos and piercings, partied a lot, drank, smoked. He just seems a bit...soft for you."

"Maybe that's what I need," I countered defensively. "I mean, think about it. None of those people were good for me. Mable nearly got me arrested, Jack cheated, Emmet was a crack-head, the list goes on. Maybe I need someone that I won't have to keep out of trouble."

Liam only shrugged. "Whatever makes you happy, mate. So, are you going to ask him out again?"

"Isn't it a bit soon? We went out for coffee only last night."

"At least bring up the idea of a date, see what he says." Liam urged me, "You should go and see him today. Just pop by his shop to say hello."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Maybe...I'll think about it. But, before I make a decision, I was wondering if you could give me this tattoo? Marjie should be here in half an hour so she can man the desk."

"Yeah, sure. Do you have the stencil?"

I nodded, picking up my sketchbook and pulling the loose sheet out.

Liam was one of the best tattoo artists I knew, particularly when it came to calligraphy. Anytime I wanted a new one done, I went to him.

"Huh, this is from that poem you used to be obsessed with, isn't it?"