Like Tattoos on This Town

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack looked at her somewhat bemused, but confused as fuck. "Why would you need me?" He shook his head, she was always the strong, yet fun go loving girl. He didn't know why she didn't move on from their friendship. Her personality made her well liked, that's why they were even friends. And her looks could get he any guy in town she wanted. But yet here she was he assumed single and closed off. He hated seeing her like this, but he knew if she seen the true him she wouldn't like it either.

---

Laney nibbled on her lip as she drove home, she didn't know why she felt like she did. It wasn't like she expected him to text her right away. But then she felt giddy and excited just hoping he would. Arriving home she killed the car, before getting out and heading into the house. She didn't feel like standing over a hot stove, so she grabbed a frozen pizza from the freezer. Her father might not like coming home to pizza, but she was the cook. Preheating the oven she popped the pizza in before heading up to her room to change into something more relaxing.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden shook her head. She regretted even saying anything, it was too much to explain, especially to someone like Zacky who didn't really seem to care all that much. "Never mind, just forget I said anything," she mumbled, reaching for her coffee. She took another sip, making a face when she realized it was ice cold. She went to the sink and poured it out, leaning against the sink with a sigh. "I just...there are some things you can only talk about with someone who really knows you, you know? And nobody really knows me the way you did, Zack."

---

Matt got into the shower as soon as he got home, intent on washing away the grit of the past work day. Afterwards he went into his small kitchen, pilfering through his pantry for something to eat for dinner. In the end, all he could really find was bread and lunch meat. "Guess a bologna sandwich will have to do," he said to himself. Matt fixed a sandwich, grabbed a beer from his fridge, and went into the living room. As he munched on his sandwich, Matt's eyes traveled to his phone. He thought about texting Laney, but maybe it was too soon? He nodded to himself. He should probably wait until tomorrow.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack nodded before standing, moving over to her. He grasped her hips before pulling her into a hug. He was at a loss of what to say, and really he'd missed her. And seeing her again brought all his old feelings, though he still didn't know how to act. He had always been that shy nerdy outcast. Never much into the southern way of life. And had no experience with girls. She was the only reason he was happy when he lived here. But now he didn't know how to get in touch with his old self.

---

Laney munched on some pizza by herself. Her father still hadn't made it home, meaning he'd more than likely headed to the bar or one of his many women friends. Even being his age he still got tail. Shaking all the thoughts from her head, she put up the left overs. Then headed upstairs, she planned on soaking away the days stress. Placing her phone next to the tub she submerged her body into the warm water. She knew if her father got to hammered to drive she'd end up having to go and get him.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
To say Hayden was surprised that Zacky had hugged her would be an understatement. But she wasn't going to fight him; instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, pressing her face into his neck. "I'm sorry, Zack," she whispered, trying hard to hide the crack in her voice. "I'm sorry for everything horrible that's happened to you. You never deserved any of it and I hate that it had to happen to you."

---

When Matt woke up, he was still in his lounge chair and a quick glance at his phone told him it was just after ten in the morning. He groaned, getting to his feet. He collected his trash from last night and took it into the kitchen before walking back into the living room to fetch his phone. Matt turned the device over in his hand. He wondered if he should text Laney, or if it was too early. In the end he decided to go ahead and do it, just sending a simple 'Hey'.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack shrugged it off, he knew that shit happens. "It's made me a stronger person." He told her honestly. He didn't want her to feel sorry for him. But what he'd wanted her to understand was that he couldn't come back even if he had wanted too. But she was set in her ways about how she felt he never wanted to see her again. When that wasn't the case. He moved on with his life because he had to, there was no point in dwelling on the past.

---

Laney had went to bed at a decent time, she was shocked by her phone waking her up at ten. She'd never slept in this late. But the shock and grogginess disappeared once she realized why her phone was going off. Smiling she quickly, texted him 'hey'. Then got out of bed and started down stairs for some coffee.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden dropped her arms from Zacky's shoulders, moving away from him again. Talking to Zack was making her frustrated, because he was closed off and he seemed to brush away everything Hayden said. She didn't know what he wanted from her. Sighing, Hayden walked over to the fridge, pulling out two beers and brandishing one at Zacky. She didn't really see a point in talking anymore, so they might as well drink. "Want one?" she asked.

---

Matt picked up his phone when it buzzed, smiling slightly when he noticed that he had a message from Laney. I didn't wake you up, did I? he typed back. He tossed his phone into his bed, going to his dresser to find some clothes to wear. He decided to skip the shower, since he'd just had one last night and he really needed to get some grocery shopping done. A guy could only survive on bologna sandwiches for so long. Matt snatched up his phone and his keys before leaving the house, heading in the direction of the grocery store he'd passed his first day in town.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack smiled, before taking the beer. "Thanks." He said to her before opening it. Placing it to his lips he chugged back the contents, gulping down the fowl tasting liquid. He didn't have a problem drinking beer, but he was more of a whiskey man. "So you seemed to be doing good." He said looking around her nice place. It might not have been a mansion but it was still better than he ever had.

---

Laney smiled as the hot liquid warmed her body, she could feel it spreading through out, waking up her tired muscles. Stretching she grabbed her phone, looking over the text he'd sent her this morning. Nibbling on her lip as a smile spread, seeing another one pop up. Chuckling she didn't know if she should lie or just tell him the truth. 'Ya, but I needed to get up. ' She informed him. She knew it was the truth, but she didn't want him to feel bad.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden shrugged, taking a drink of her own beer. "I'm doing alright, I guess," she answered. She could tell by the way he was looking around that Zacky was talking about her house and Hayden smiled softly. "It's nothing fancy, but it's home," Hayden said. She took another big drink of her beer. "I moved here almost as soon as I turned eighteen. I just...I couldn't take it at home anymore, not with all the yelling. And this place is closer to the restaurant, which is also nice."

---

When Matt got to the grocery store, the first thing he did was check his phone, since he'd felt it vibrate while he was in the car. He read Laney's message and instantly felt a little bad. Ah, well glad I could be your alarm clock. Matt texted back. He shoved his phone back into his pocket and entered the store, immediately noticing the odd and somewhat dirty looks he was getting. Matt rolled his eyes.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zacky nodded listening to her, "they still haven't divorced?" He questioned about her parents. He remembered her always sneaking into his room at night, because her dad was drunk or just screaming of the family. He felt bad now, now remembering all the things he'd left behind for her to deal with by herself. "Sorry." He told her, he knew it didn't change anything. And he always hates when people tell him they're sorry for his troubled past. But he knew it didn't change things and it had made him a better man.

---

Laney grabbed her phone and headed back up stairs. Smiling when the buzzing sounded out, letting her know he texted her back. Shaking her head she bit her lip. How was she supposed to reply to that, it wasn't like she had to be up for any reason really. 'Thank you, you've found a true calling.' She smiled at her own joke before sending the text.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden shook her head. "There was no way Ma could do things on her own, even though me and Leigh don't live there anymore," she explained. She gripped her beer bottle tight in her hands. "And besides, you know how things work around here Zack, people don't get divorced." Hayden sighed heavily, throwing her head back and downing the rest of her beer. She got up and went to the fridge to get another one, but turned to the freezer at the last second. Hayden opened the freezer and reached to the back, pulling out a half-full bottle of Jack Daniels.

---

Maybe I'll be better at that than fixing cars. Matt joked, sending that text to Laney as he tossed a box of cereal into his cart. He was trying to build up a repertoire with her, so it wouldn't seem so weird if he decided to ask her out to dinner or something. She didn't seem to be totally put off by his er...advances so maybe she would actually say yes.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zacky nodded listening to her talk, he knew that much was true. He'd just hoped that the woman here would have wised up and stop taking the abuse. "Ya, she could have." He informed her, "she just didn't want you and your sister to go through what I had too." He shook his head. "Women, and your mama included are a lot stronger than we all know." He said sipping on his beer. "Your ma just to afraid to be alone." He said honestly, back when he was a teenager and they talked like this, he'd never had any sound advice. Now that he'd lived some he'd seen it first hand.

---

Laney chuckled at his response, smirking. Being mean to him seemed easy. 'Nah, I overslept.. And now I have to take a shower.' She sent to him, before starting to gather some clothes for the day. Biting on her lip she hoped he didn't think to much into that. She'd meant it as a warning she might not text back for a bit. But she could see how he'd take it, being a man and all.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
"Ma isn't afraid of anything," Hayden said. It came out a bit more harsh than she intended and she kicked herself. She really needed to learn how to bite her tongue. With a sigh, Hayden moved away from the fridge and went to the cabinet, grabbing two small glasses. Sitting back down, Hayden poured herself a good amount of whiskey before sliding the bottle to Zack. "I don't think Daddy will live too much longer anyway, with the way he's carrying on," she said sadly.

---

When Laney texted that she was taking a shower, Matt opted not to text back for now. He needed to concentrate on his shopping anyway, otherwise he wouldn't get anything that he needed. He'd wait until he was done, and then if Laney hadn't texted him back by then, he'd send her another message. Matt was really hoping to build up a good enough conversation to ask her out to dinner at least tomorrow night. Or maybe the weekend would be better. He'd decide later.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack sighed hearing the aggravation in her voice, quickly downing the rest of his beer. "Okay." He said putting his hands up in defeat, he knew he didn't know this girl anymore. And her stubbornness wasn't something he was used to. So really sitting here drinking with her like this it was just like any other night. Being back home he'd be at the bar on the corner and if he was lucky some pretty lady would sit and talk to him. Though this time he didn't feel like he'd be getting laid if he was nice. "Its not something to fret over." He said pouring himself some Jack. "If he doesnt want to clean up for you, then fuck em." He told her. "Because you deserve better than someone hurting you like that." He knew his words were harsh and hurt to hear. But he didn't like that she was feeling sorry for the bastard.

---

Laney sighed as the water droplets danced down her body. Gasping a towel she quickly wrapped herself up. She felt relaxed and happier. Normally she wouldn't shower during the day, but since she'd went to bed with wet hair, it had become unmanageable. Running her fingers through the wet locks, she looked at her phone noticed he hadn't text back. Biting on her lip she decided she'd get dressed and if he hadn't text her back maybe she'd message him. But she still didn't want to feel desperate, after all he was much older than her and could just be looking at her as a friend.

"I know, but he's still my dad," Hayden sighed. Her dad may not be the best man in the world, but he always made sure they were clothed, fed, and had a roof over their heads. Hayden swirled the whiskey around her glass before raising it to her lips and taking a sip. It scared her how the liquid hardly burned at all anymore. But she washed the thoughts down with another sizeable gulp of whiskey. "Whenever you want me to take you back to your car, let me know," Hayden mumbled to Zacky. She only said this because he didn't really seem like he wanted to be around her all that much.

---

Matt double-checked his list to make sure he had everything before heading to the check-out area. He loaded his groceries into his trunk and hopped in the driver's seat, pulling his phone from his back pocket. He noticed that Laney hadn't texted him again, so he decided to send her a message. God, you take long showers. he sent. He hoped she would realize that he was joking. Matt hated trying to flirt over text message, because it was so difficult to let the girl know when he was just joking.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zacky frowned at her, before raising a brow. "Light weight?" He questioned her, unsure how she forgot he drove. "I drove." He smirked at her. "But I can leave if I'm bugging you?" He questioned her, not sure if that was her way of telling him to piss off or not. Be really was trying to talk to her, but everything seemed to go in a negative way no matter what they were talking about.

---

Laney ran her brush through her hair for like the millionth time. She was starting to get bored just sitting here by herself. She nibbled on her lip looking over at her phone, willing it to go off. Normally she didn't have a problem busying herself with random task, or chores. It made her feel like she wasn't neglecting her father. Even if he wasn't home. A smile broke put on her face when her phone buzzed. 'Really? Is that the best you got?' She teased him, she'd been done for a while now waiting around on him, but she wouldn't let him know.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
"Right, I forgot," Hayden said, actually managing a laugh. "I'm just really frazzled, sorry. But you're not bugging me, I just...didn't think you'd want to spend all night at my house." With me. Hayden swirled her glass again, drinking what was left in two sips. She poured another glass of Jack for herself, taking a sip of that before looking up at Zacky. "But I've got movies, if you want to stay?"

---

Matt snorted when he read Laney's text message. He was feeling more and more sure of his chances the more they texted back and forth. Nah baby, I've got much better you just haven't seen it yet. he texted back. He shoved his phone into his back pocket and carried his groceries inside, putting everything away. Matt wished he could see the look on Laney's face when she read his message, because he was sure she'd blush and probably bite her lip and he honestly found that cute.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zacky smiled at her, hearing her laugh actually brought a smile to his face. He was glad that things were a bit lighter than earlier. "A movie sounds good." He informed her. He knew that if he went back to his grandparents he'd just be reminded of how he wasn't around before they passed. And he'd be bored out of his mind, at least here he could get pissed off and yell at someone, if it ever came down to that.

---

Laney had decided to make her something to eat, while she waited on his text. Deciding on something light she grabbed some pre-made salad mix and tossed some into a bowl. Grabbing her a pop and heading into the living room. She'd sat her self down into a tv show, before checking her phone. "Oh my gosh." She said to herself, feeling a blush light up her face. She couldn't believe how that simple text could make her blush, but what was worse was she didn't know how to reply. Nibbling on her lip, she typed a quick responses. 'Oh I bet you do.' She knew it could get her into trouble quickly, having no experience with guys she would be drowning if he took it to far.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden smiled a little. Collecting her glass and the bottle of Jack, she led Zacky into her small living room. "What kind of movie are you in the mood for?" she asked, plopping down in front ofher entertainment center. "I've mostly got horror and funny movies and--ooh, I've got Night of the Living Dead, I know that's your favorite." Hayden was vaguely aware of the fact that she was rambling, something she usually did when she was drinking. But she usually drank by herself, so at least this time she had another person to ramble to.

---

Matt laughed to himself when he read Laney's response. He wondered for a second how exactly she meant for that to come off, but he was sure it was more innocent than he was taking it. Hmm, well maybe you'd like to come check it out sometime? he sent back. Matt was getting brave now, and he knew he had to be careful. He didn't want to get in trouble with her dad and he didn't want her to think he was only after one thing.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zacky smiled at her, "oh you know me." He teased her. "Though I'd really like to laugh." He informed her, before placing himself down on the sofa. "It's been a stressful past couple of weeks." He told her. He really didn't want to get into his problems, but he felt that's the only way the communicated right now.

---

Laney smiled at the message, decided the hell with it. He seemed to be interested in her, and right now she knew that life was passing by her. 'Maybe I will.' She smiled a bashfully at the text she sent him, before quickly typing another. 'or maybe I won't.' She smirked at herself wondering where the hell she'd gotten this courage from. But then again he wasn't sitting in front of her watching her giggle and squirm.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden popped the movie into the DVD player and grabbed the remote before walking over to the couch. "I can't even imagine," she said to Zacky, sitting down and propping her feet up on her coffee table. She took a large gulp of her whiskey. "Maybe we can watch one of the funny ones after this," Hayden suggested, looking over at Zacky. She scooted over a bit closer to him, taking another drink of her Jack before setting the glass aside. She laughed. "If we can stay awake, that is."

---

Matt heard his phone vibrate twice and unlocked it to see he had two messages from Laney. He smirked when he read them. Surely this meant she returned his interest. After all, she was obviously flirting back. Oh you know you want to. he texted back. He wondered if Laney would be this courageous if they were sitting face to face. Hell, Matt wondered if he would be this brave. He might be pretty experienced, but that didn't mean he didn't get a little tongue-tied from time to time.