returned this flower to the dirt ,, seb

[kaitlin uri maddox]

In fields where nothing grew but wheat, I found a flower at my feet.

Bending there in my direction, I wrapped a hand around it's stem.
And pulled it until the roots gave in. Finding there what I've been missing.
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It was just an average day. It began with the morning, in which Kaitlin had found herself waking up rather late with the sun already high in the sky. The morning was followed by a regular work schedule, her hours at the photo gallery clocking in and clocking out. Nothing of importance or worthy of note had really happened at work, which had disappointed Kait greatly at the time. She thought if there was one thing she could count on, it would be excitement in her days. However, that didn't seem the case for this one. After work, Kaitlin had wandered the streets happily, her camera out and ready for action. There was never a day that Kaitlin got tired of New York. Life for Kait in the big city was absolutely amazing. It had it's ups and downs, it's pros and cons, and yet she loved it. This was what she had been missing all her life, and now that she had found it she didn't want to lose it. That was the reason that she found herself snapping shots as she walked down the streets on a daily basis, so that if she did ever leave (which was bound to happen, of course), then she would have all her memories with her. She knew that in fifty years, when she was in some random city in some random place, she would be able to flip through one of her many albums and remember a time where she had simply been happy to exist in New York. Even if the day had been boring, her evening walk could never be. New York was never a boring place, that was for sure. One day, Kait supposed, she would eventually get tired of the busy streets and rushing traffic and the hectic people, but it definitely wasn't today. Or tomorrow. It was starting to get chilly, though, with the wind picking up behind her, and Kait knew that she needed to get off the streets.

Turning down fifth avenue, Kaitlin hadn't really known where she was going until her feet hit the familiar street and her path began to lead towards one of her favorite spots. It was dark outside when she pushed through the front doors, finding herself in what looked like just a typical bar. But it wasn't. This one, unlike a few she'd been in, never failed to give drinks to minors. And that was why Kaitlin had came. She didn't care that the business had slowly began to trickle down to only a few regulars (her, being one of them, of course) and less and less people coming through the doors everyday. Somehow, miraculously, the bar managed to stay open. Kait was extremely glad for that, because although she was a fan of parties, it was also nice to sit back occasionally and drink without the hustle and bustle of other people bothering her every second. No matter how much Kaitlin loved excitement in her life, there were always moments where she wanted to relax above everything else. Of course, she would still enjoy the occasional conversation between herself and other customers, or even the bartender, but she enjoyed a moment away from all the stress. It was nice to be able to breathe.

Kaitlin tucked her camera into the camera bag that was slung over her body carefully, making sure to tuck everything away in it's proper place with love before turning back into the room she found herself standing in. There were a few people sitting around, drinks at their elbows or to their lips. It wasn't that late into the night, and Kait was sure that she would be able to stay much longer. After all, she didn't really have anything she had to do with the rest of her evening. These days, she never did. Ever since she had moved to New York, her life had become one big ocean; the waves washing in and out with the tide, but never staying in one place, or worrying much over which direction they took. In other words, Kaitlin was free to do what she wished with her time. As long as she went to work and took the appropriate classes, Kaitlin was happy. As long as she found enough time in her day to photograph the city and it's people, she would live. There had been a point in her life at New York where there had almost been structure . . . But those days were over. She had moved on---was still moving on---and was free once more. Turning her thoughts quickly from the dark corners of her mind, Kaitlin ignored the tendrils of memory that were pawing at her impatiently. Tonight, they didn't matter. In fact, they never mattered anymore. Kaitlin cherished memories, that was why she had picked up photography as her art, but she also knew that some were better off left alone.

Walking into the bar, Kaitlin's eyes scanned one more final time around the room. Satisfied with the occupants of the bar, she moved over to where the actual bar was. Sitting down, she waited for someone to come and tend her. There was no rush in Kaitlin's life, so she simply sat down and waited patiently with a relaxed grin playing subtly on her face.

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notes ,,it's up! i hope it's okay!
tags ,,leighton hill
word count ,,eight eight seven
outfit ,,rightoverhere
lyrics ,,rise against-the good left undone[/center]

[leighton sebastian hill]

Delivery days were always busy, but that didn’t mean Seb woke up any earlier than ten am. Sleeping in until late morning was just one of the things that Seb had became used to. Owning a bar was hard work, especially when it wasn’t making much money. He’d had to let two of his staff go. While he still had a small work force to help him out, so he didn’t always have to work every night, or lock up; it was something he felt he should do. After all, it was his choice to open the bar instead of listening to his father. He was the one that had acted out when his football career went down the drain; and even that was partly his fault. If he hadn’t drove so fast, or been so distracted; maybe he’d have seen the hazards. But that was in the past, and these days his life was very different.

Seb set the final box down on the counter of his dingy bar. It never used to be dingy; it was a quiet traditional style New York bar, but business had plummeted the last six months. He wasn’t sure why, but he figured it was something to do with the economical climate, and the fact that he’d often over look minors. Not that he served people that were obviously young, but that very much depended on how they looked. He was better at turning guys away, but anyone on any sports team, he pretty much accepted. He remembered what it was like to be at high school and want to go for the odd drink… and deep down Seb still craved for the life of a jock, which was probably why he attempted to befriend them. Yes, it sounded a little sad for a twenty three year old to be wanting to hang out with high school seniors, but most of Seb’s close friends had moved on, and he’d never had a serious girlfriend since he found out that his high school sweetheart was actually a lesbian. He just couldn’t trust himself to let anyone close to him.

As he unpacked the boxes and began to restock his fridges, he began to contemplate just how dull life was. He was meant to be meeting with his father in a few weeks time, go over the finances of his business. Although his accounts were up to date; Seb knew he’d have to produce a few fake copies to account for the extra money he was bringing in by shifting illegal substances. It was the only way he could keep his business afloat without asking his father for funds. He was determined to prove to his father that he wasn’t a waste of space, but in reality Seb knew unless he became a lawyer; like his father, brother and sister, his father would never really rate him. It was something he was dreading.

After he’d finished with the delivery, he gave the bar a good clean, it always looked its best on delivery days. He then spent the rest of his afternoon going for a run, having some food and then getting ready for work. The first few hours of business always seemed to drag. The main customers were all locals; a combination of students, tourists, and older men who enjoyed the traditional setting and the cheaper prices. Seb didn’t mind too much because his set of customers were eclectic and that was sort of what he’d wanted to achieve when he set out with the idea of opening a bar. Except he’d hoped it would have been busier for longer.

He stood against the bar, his arms folded across his chest as he listened to one of the regulars stories; he nodded and laughed appropriately and shook his head when he was meant to. He liked his regulars, but the man he was talking to was a drunk, and he repeated his stories at least five times a night. It was hard work putting on a fake smile all of the time. The door opened and he glanced over, a genuine smile cutting across his face. He nodded as one of his favourite customers sat down at the bar. She was intriguing and she had an appeal to her that genuinely made him want to find out more about her. He made his excuses to the man he was speaking to and made his way over to the girl who was called Kait.

Seb adjusted his white tee shirt as he moved over to her, and he smiled as he approached her. ”Hey Kait, what can I get you?” He asked her, picking up a glass in preparation. He glanced down at her bag and smirked as he commented on it, ”You been taking some more pictures?” He enquired curiously. It was probably all he really knew about her, that she was a photographer who took photo’s of random things, but thank fully he wasn’t one of them. Nevertheless she was interesting, not the general run of the mill customer, and it was obvious she wasn’t a permanent feature of the big city. It was a nice change.

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[kaitlin uri maddox]

In fields where nothing grew but wheat, I found a flower at my feet.

Bending there in my direction, I wrapped a hand around it's stem.
And pulled it until the roots gave in. Finding there what I've been missing.
______________________________________

[/color][/b]
[/center]

Kait wanted to laugh when she saw the bar tender, Seb was what everyone in town called him, dealing with a 'difficult' patron of the bar. He seemed to be doing well on his own, so Kait didn't feel too terrible as she watched, a small smile dancing over her lips. She wandered absently which story it was this time that kept the bar tender busy. But it didn't bother her, after all, she had plenty of time. If she had ever bothered to keep an agenda, it would have been entirely blank except for the spots reserved for work. Kaitlin always found herself feeling sorry for those people who hustled through life. The busy New York business men, the aspiring stars who walked down the side walk everyday, or even the night life of New York. Everyone just seemed so hectic and stressed these days. Maybe it was the economy---or maybe, Kait thought, people just needed to slow down and smell the roses. Life could be nice if people only calmed down enough to enjoy it. It also occurred to her, however, that her mindset could also be the reason behind her current homelessness, and the fact that she had just moved in with one of her friends in order to keep a roof over her head for the night. Tomorrow. . . Well, she didn't exactly know where she would be. Maybe a hotel, or a friends house, or maybe even on a park bench (although she did try to avoid those at all costs). She didn't mind, though. Life was still life, and she intended to enjoy it while she could.

"Hey Seb," Kait said in greeting as the man behind the bar made his way over to, finally parting from his previous customer---who didn't really seem to mind, finding their drink once more. "Hmm. Surprise me?" She really wasn't in the mood for any of her regular drinks. It had been a terribly boring day, with the only break being the pictures held in her camera, and she desperately needed something to take the edge of monotony away. She figured that if anyone could assist her, it would be Seb. Kait was up for anything---she always was. Smiling at the bar tender, Kait wondered just how many hours of how many days she had spent at this bar, with her body in the same chair and the same people around her. "I could definitely use something new right now," she added in a voice that offered both exhaustion and happiness at the same time.

Readjusting the strap of her bag that hung on her shoulder to Seb's comment, Kait grinned. "When I am ever not, Seb?" It was very true. In a life that was as volatile as day time lighting, the one constant factor in her life had always been her photography. From the day her brother had given her the old camera that was her first, Kait had been obsessed with the art. She knew that she'd die with a camera in her hand, if she could have it her way. These days, it was one of the only things that reminded her of what life could be. Photography was like an open door to another life that only a camera could unlock, and that was why Kait was so addicted to it. Her camera managed to reinvent everyday objects into things so completely different that it made her shiver sometimes with excitement. No matter where she was in life, Kait could always manage to make some sort of happiness for her through her camera. And one day, she hoped to be a loved and adored photographer if she could. And if that didn't happen, well, Kait didn't plan to beat herself up over it. After all, she did it for her own enjoyment, not for anyone else's. She worked in the small little photography gallery down town because she liked being in an environment filled with prints; not because she really cared about the money it was bringing in---which, to admit, wasn't all that much. Kait could have been working at McDonalds for more, but what fun would that be? Photography was her passion, and there was no way that Kait could ever dull that truth, or lessen the burning desire to capture as many images in her camera as possible. Photography was her life.

Looking back up at Seb, Kait felt the urge to talk to the man. The bar wasn't exceptionally busy, so she figured that she could steal him away from the few other customers for at least a moment. "So, how are you? How's business going?" And although her questions seemed like idle small talk, talk to just pass the time, she was sincerely curious. As far as people went, Kait thought that Seb was relatively decent. She didn't know him all that well, for they had only really talked in instances as such, but he seemed better than many of the other people that occupied New York. And anyway, he was kind enough not to worry about her age. Kaitlin could respect that.

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notes ,,sort of short. oh well :)
tags ,,leighton hill
word count ,,eight five nine
outfit ,,rightoverhere
lyrics ,,rise against-the good left undone[/center]

[leighton sebastian hill]

Seb rested his hands on the bar top as he stood in front of Kait. His eyes travelled across her face and smiled at her. The bartender laughed slightly as Kait asked for a surprise. He bit his bottom lip for a moment and looked around the bar wondering what drink he would surprise her with. ”Cocktail sound good?” Seb asked the customer, before deciding what ingredients he would use for the drink. He pulled up a tall glass and started with a helping of tequila. ”Yeah change is always good.” He advised as he began to show off and flipped a bottle of vodka behind his back and caught it with his other hand. He laughed slightly, because Seb had lost his enthusiasm for bar tricks about six months ago so he was still impressed with his skills. ”How about my version of a Tequila Sunrise?” He suggested as he added another spirit. Seb topped the glass with orange juice and then a hint of raspberry juice before he put it in his cocktail shaker. He topped up a tall glass with ice chippings and strained the cocktail into the glass before adding a little orange juice creating a sunrise colouring. Seb added a couple of straws and an umbrella before he presented it to his customer on a beer matt. ”It’s on the house.” He smirked hoping she enjoyed his creation. Seb had always enjoyed experimenting with cocktails but not many of his patrons ordered them, so it was a pastime that had been put to one side.

He cocked his head to the side as she readjusted her strap and commented on her photography. ”You ever show people your pictures?” He asked her curiously, he personally couldn’t go round taking photos, it wasn’t his thing, but he did enjoy people watching. It was easy to do, especially when you were often surrounded by many intoxicated people and you were the only one standing sober. ”Did you go see the exhibition at the museum? Some dude has all these photo’s that he took when he was in England; really random stuff mainly people.” He explained, he was often full of random facts, mainly because he read the paper daily. ”It’s meant to be good; well that’s what I read… sounds up your street.”. Not that Seb really knew Kait, but you never know she might be interested in the exhibition. He’d have probably gone if he had someone to take, a girl to impress. Going alone wouldn’t exactly be fun. In fact he wouldn’t think of anything worse.

Seb watched her, waiting to see what she thought of the drink, it was then that he realised that he was staring, he laughed a little and shook his head. ”Sorry… for staring.”, Seb stated curtly; his cheeks flushing ever so slightly; a grin over taking his lips. He took a cloth and began wiping down the bar, something he’d done approximately ten times since he’d opened. It was a monotonous job and at times, he wished he’d listened to his father and gone down the same route as his family into law. He glanced over to Kait; he wanted to speak to her; he had an urge to get to know her a little better. She was one of his best customers, but right now that’s all she was. Well maybe. He could do with a little excitement in his life right now, and maybe Kait was the key to unlocking it.

He was about to go and find someone else to annoy but Kait began to talk to him. A gentle smile drifted across his lips and he ran a hand over his hair. ”Yeah, I’m okay thanks… I’m getting a little bored of the same old thing. I think I need a night off; something different.” He suggested shrugging his shoulders, he didn’t want to sit and complain about the regularities of his life but she asked the question and he wasn’t going to lie. Generally, he was quite an honest guy. Her second question went unanswered for a moment or two while he contemplated his response. ”Well; the bar isn’t doing great… I mean don’t get me wrong it’s okay, but if you stopped coming here… I’d probably have to close.” He laughed at his own pitiful joke. He had a very dry sense of humour which not everyone got. ”Yeah so that was a lame joke… but seriously, the business isn’t as… successful as I’d hoped. But not many bars are doing great.” He shrugged his shoulders and glanced over her for a moment.

He heard the door open and glanced over to it as a group of the regulars left. He raised his hand as they bid him farewell, they’d be back tomorrow; he knew that much. They always were, but for the rest of the night he knew he would be pretty quiet. He glanced over at the small group left in the corner booth; a group of older men who would probably finish their drinks and then disappear. Seb reached into his fridge and pulled out a bottle of Bud, ”You don’t mind do you? He asked Kait, figuring she’d say no as he cracked open the lid. He moved back over to her and smiled, ”So how are you? I mean, I don’t know anything about you other than the fact you take pictures… I can’t help but feel I should know more, given your one of my regulars.” So Seb was flirting a little, it wasn’t often he flirted openly with customers, but in his opinion Kait wasn’t just a regular she was an attractive girl who he wanted to get to know a bit better.

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