The restaurant was definitely just a little mom and pop business, their website not much more than a facebook page and a couple reviews on Google maps. It was clear why Danny liked it, though- it was small, but from the few photos online it seemed to be relatively well-kept, save for a few chips in the wall and the floors discolored by age.
"looks good. just let me know when you're free" He texted Danny, smiling a little bit.
”yeah no problem ill lyk” Danny hopped off the counter, picking up his guitar case by the door. He sat down on the worn out couch, pulling out his guitar and beginning to tune it by ear.
Alex turned off the phone screen, and started working on his laptop. I have to get this article done.
Danny tunes his guitar only after a few seconds, plucking a few chords to warm up. He played a couple of his regular songs- the ones that elicited the best (and worst) responses at gigs.
Alex kept writing, though soon he found that his mind was drifting to a story that he'd been wanting to start for a long time, that he hadn't ever gotten around to. But he knew the characters so well that they were like childhood friends. Familiar.
Danny pulled out the small notebook he kept in the guitar case, jotting down a few different chords as he played. He was just messing around at this point, but he couldn’t help but try and piece together chords into something cohesive. Danny had to stop after a few minutes, now needing to deal with younger pack members that were roughhousing a little too roughly.
Alex continued to write. He eventually turned on some music as he worked, not really paying attention to what it was, until he realized that it was playing some recording of Danny's band. He smiled a little, and kept writing.
“Relax, you two.” Danny mumbled, not wanting to stand up and physically separate them. He continued to pluck a few chords, the twangy sounds of his guitar finding a slight reverb in the room.
Alex continued writing, eventually finding himself quietly humming along with the music. He ran a hand through his hair, slicing up an apple and eating apple slices as he worked.
“Aw, Danny, we’re jus’ foolin’!” The younger werewolf whined, reluctantly breaking away from their sparring partner.
“Then do it somewhere else, thanks.” Danny sighed, shaking his head. “I’m workin’, you know.”
Alex finished up the apple, the music still playing as he worked. He debated whether or not to text Danny again, but…that probably wasn't a good idea. He had no idea what he would even say.
(ts?)
The pair stalked off, although their wrestling and yelps could be heard clear as a bell from where Danny was. He groaned, frowning and trying to get back into playing.
(yep! to when they meet up, maybe?)
Alex started writing again, sighing softly.
(yeah sure! Can you do it please?)
(no problem! i’ll just use my response for that, lmao)
Danny chatted away with the restaurant owner, rocking from foot to foot. A they seemed to be extremely close, from the way that they were talking and reacting to the other’s words. He was sitting in one of the worn-out booths, arms resting on the table. He kept an ear and eye out for the door, waiting for Alex.
(ok thanks! lmao)
Alex eventually arrived and sat down across from Danny. "Hey! Sorry I'm late, I lost track of the time." he apologized with a quick smile. He took off his jacket, setting it down.
“It’s all good, man! Don’t worry. This is Mrs Rodriguez.” Danny looked at the person he was talking too before- she was an older woman, definitely old enough to be someone’s grandma. “Mrs Rodriguez, this is Alex. We went to school together.”
Alex smiled, and held out his hand for a handshake. He had cut his hair, and now it was about to his chin in length, instead of to his shoulders. "Nice to meet you, Mrs Rodriguez."
The older woman smiled, shaking Alex’s hand. She pointed to the menus on the table. “I want you boys to order soon. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She walked off, leaving Danny and Alex alone.
“You cut your hair?” Danny tilted his head, pushing his own hair out of his face as it fell in front of him.
Alex nodded. "Yeah. It was getting a bit long. And my mom didn't like it, said it made me look like some sorta punk kid or something like that." He laughed softly, picking up the menu to look at it. "Plus, long hair is a helluva lot harder to take care of."
“Yeah, true. It looks good, man. I think longer hair suits you.” Danny shrugged, flipping absentmindedly through the thin menu. “But hey, nothin’ wrong with bein’ a punk kid.”
Alex shrugged a little. "My days of being a stupid, punk kid were supposed to end when I got out of rehab, so…" His mouth twitched slightly, and he kept his eyes focused on his menu.
Danny raised his eyebrows at that comment. He knew this was sensitive territory somewhat, but he was now incredibly curious. “Rehab? If you don’t mind me asking, why were you.. y’know..?” He tilted his head, picking at the chipped polish on his nails just a bit.
Alex let out a soft breath. "I fucked up. Dated the wrong guy, who…got me into some shit. Broke up with him, went to rehab, been clean since then." He gave the short version, not exactly wanting to get into all the details. "I was… nineteen."
Danny nodded, pushing his hair out of his face. “..Yeah, I feel that. I’m proud of you, brother. What are you, at least 21? That’s a big accomplishment, man. Good job.” He nodded, tugging at the collar of his t-shirt.