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Meredith

The sound of the paint cans clanging filled the huge, empty cafeteria with a sad, muffled song. Meredith's dry rasp accentuated the space as she dragged her brush across the wall from a wobbling ladder. While the new paint offered a superficial warmth, it intensified the room's bleakness, mirroring her deep emotional emptiness.

Adeline traced the baseboards below, her soft lips pressed into a line. The rhythmic swish of their brushes was the only sound, broken by the almost mocking tick-tock of the wall clock.

"Careful near the window trim, Meredith," Darla's voice, sharp as glass, shattered the fragile peace. Her hawkish gaze zeroed in on Meredith, a paint can clutched tight like a shield as she paced like a warden surveying prisoners. "You missed a spot. Again."

Meredith looked down and let out a sigh that sounded like air hissing from a punctured tire. There it was, a defiant smudge of faded turquoise clinging beneath the fresh paint. A slow simmer began in her gut. "This is the second coat. Maybe the paint's not sticking?"

Darla snorted, a sound laced with disdain. "Or maybe you're not paying attention. That's two hours wasted." Each syllable stung.

Meredith stood up straight and rubbed imaginary paint flecks off her rough hands. "I am paying attention," she said, striving for an even tone. "I'll fix it. Of course, I will."

Adeline flicked a glance upward, a flicker of something unreadable─surprise? Pity?─in her round eyes. Meredith looked at her before returning her attention to the paint can on the floor.

"Damn," she murmured.

"What is it?" Adeline asked, facing her.

"We're almost out of paint," Meredith whined. "Would you run with me to the hardware store for more cans? I think this is the last one."

Adeline's immediate nod was a silent offering. "Sure. No problem."

Darla's lip curled, a venomous bloom. "So, you two get a break while the rest of us work. How fair."

Meredith bit back a retort, the protest already burning on her tongue. She climbed down, scraping the edges of her brush with unnecessary force. "We'll be quick," she said, her voice neutral. "Back in no time."

After receiving permission from Vicky and a check for twelve cans, Meredith and Adeline made their way to Meredith's silver Audi. She started the ignition and pulled the car out of the parking lot. Beside her, Adeline remained fixed on the passing scenery, a faint furrow creasing her forehead.

"So," Meredith started, casting a quick look at her passenger before focusing back on the road, "how are you finding this whole community service experience?"

Adeline took a deep breath and let it out through her teeth with a soft hiss. "It's… bearable," she said, the word clipped and lacking enthusiasm. "Better than the alternative." She turned her attention to Meredith. "Six months in jail wasn't exactly on my bucket list."

Meredith nodded, a grim understanding settling in her stomach. Her eyes met Adeline's, a silent connection. "Yeah, I get it. I've had to adjust my work schedule to make time for this; otherwise, I'd have to say farewell to my job."

The silent tensions lingered in the atmosphere surrounding them.

"Speaking of jobs," Adeline said, shifting in her seat, "where do you work, anyway? You said you had to juggle things around to do this." She gestured.

Meredith winced as the mundane reality of her life struck her sharply. "I work at the medical supply warehouse across town. Evening shift. It may not be the most thrilling, but it pays my bills, and I spend my days doing this work." She shrugged, the dull weight of the warehouse settling heavy on her chest.

"At least you're trying; that's what matters," Adeline said, looking at the small country homes along the way.

The tires hummed against the asphalt as they drove, and the stunning scenery turned into a steady blur of green. Meredith continued on her way to the hardware store, unspoken concerns looming over the humid air.

Like a thick veil, silence fell. She heard the engine's final sputter and the static-laced death rattle of the radio. Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel, the taste of grit between her teeth a bitter blend of resignation and simmering annoyance.

"Terrific," she muttered, the word laced with enough sarcasm to strip paint.

Adeline tilted her head, staring at Meredith's frustration. "Mind if I take a look?" she asked, already hopping out and reaching for the hood latch.

Meredith relented. "You… what? Do you know anything about engines?" The question hung in the air, thick with disbelief.

"Read a few manuals," Adeline replied, unfazed. "Never gotten my hands dirty, but I can try."

Meredith could only offer a reluctant twitch at the corner of her mouth. She climbed out and stepped back, granting Adeline access to the car's mechanical core.

A frown creased Adeline's brow as she peered inside. "Looks like your coolant's low," she pointed out, her finger tracing the side of the empty reservoir. "And something's off with the fan belt."

Meredith just sighed, running a hand through her hair, dislodging a stray strand. Cars served as a mode of transportation rather than a mechanical mystery to solve.

"Do you think I should call a mechanic?" she asked, biting her lower lip and looking around at the empty area.

"And spend $2,000 on something fixable?" Adeline responded. "Let us just... work through this together. We'll look online if we can't."

"Okay."

For the next few minutes, they wrestled with a rusted wrench and a loose belt, Adeline guiding and Meredith holding. Adeline's quiet voice brightened a bit as they exchanged light-hearted jokes about what they didn't know.

Adeline straightened at last, using a nearby rag to wipe away the grease. "It's kind of amusing, isn't it? Both of us are stuck in this mess, trying to fix something we don't understand."

Meredith looked up, meeting her gaze. The shared struggle, the unexpected competence, the sheer absurdity of the situation─it all settled in her chest, a quiet hum of something unfamiliar. "Yeah," she acknowledged, her voice a little rough. "Yeah, it is."

Something shifted within her. The wall she had built with Adeline since receiving the community service assignment started to crumble. Adeline wasn't just an inconvenience; she was a walking embodiment of obligation. She was… human. Even with her imperfections, Adeline was very helpful.

Meredith slammed the car hood shut, the metallic thud echoing in the air. A smudge of grease now adorned her cheek, a testament to her recent battle with the engine. "Alright, alright," she conceded, wiping her hand on the rag. "I'll admit it. You're not a total waste of space."

Adeline's lips quirked, a spark of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Coming from the queen of backhanded compliments? I'm practically blushing."

A genuine smile bloomed on Meredith's face, chasing away the earlier grimace of frustration. She rummaged through her bag, revealing two wrapped energy bars.

"Here," she offered. "Repayment for services rendered, plus hazard pay for enduring my charming personality."

Adeline plucked one from her hand. "Hazard pay is accepted." She peeled back the wrapper and took a bite. "Much better than that vending machine stuff."

After buying paint at the hardware store, the return trip was much calmer. Instead of engine anxiety, murmured grievances and aspirations filled the silence. Adeline explained that she was counting down the days until she could leave her soul-crushing fast-food job for a 9-5 office one. And, to Meredith's surprise, she found herself confessing a secret yearning to open a pottery studio.

In the cafeteria, Darla stood with her arms crossed, looking like a storm cloud about to burst. But Meredith, buoyed by the shared task and a sliver of unexpected connection, straightened her shoulders. She brandished the can of paint like a victorious warrior.

"Paint acquired! Every speck and smudge shall tremble before its might, including that rebellious one near the window!"

Adeline nudged Meredith under the arm with a sly smile. "Looks like we escaped Darla's watchful eye after all."

Meredith laughed, feeling lighter than she had in days. She and Adeline had now found common ground with each other. "Maybe working six weeks here won't be so horrible after all."

The corners of Adeline's mouth lifted. As she popped open a can, the strong scent of fresh paint wafted through the room. Meredith knew this budding friendship would have its challenges, but in that moment, surrounded by the promise of a fresh coat of paint and the shared humor with Adeline, she had a feeling that things would be alright.

* * *

The bell above the door of Ink & Ember chimed a cheerful greeting, a vibrant sound that cut through the everyday noise. Meredith grinned as she stepped inside, embracing the familiar creative chaos. Forget the sterile silence of art galleries; the tattoo shop was where art lived. The air itself vibrated with a unique rhythm: the low, steady hum of tattoo guns weaving through the sharp, clean scent of disinfectant. Every inch of wall space was a gallery of vibrant artwork, each piece screaming stories in ink and color.

Naomi Choi stood in the back, outlined by light, her bobbed hair creating a portrait of focused clarity. Dark eyes, shadowed by the fall of her hair, tracked the needle's delicate dance across a client's hip, leaving a small, black star blooming on the skin. Even from across the room, Meredith could sense the calm and focus that her friend always radiated.

After dodging a few waiting patrons and nodding to the piercer, whose face was a veritable constellation of metal, Meredith settled onto a stool. She pulled out her phone, but her gaze remained fixed on Naomi. The tattoo gun's buzz, Naomi's slight shoulder shift─it was a captivating ritual.

Just then, the hum ceased. A woman with streaks of vibrant pink in her hair sat up, her face alight with a delighted smile as she admired the fresh star.

Naomi, all business once again, rattled off aftercare instructions. A hint of a smile, a flash of the hidden warmth Meredith knew, touched her friend's lips.

As the woman left, the bell singing its brief song, Naomi peeled off her gloves, a sigh escaping her.

"Busy day?" Meredith asked, grinning.

Naomi's usually cheerful tone, now a bit worn, pierced the air. "The usual! Glad you're here, Meri. Thought you'd vanished into the suburbs."

The tattoo artist scrubbed her hands, the harsh lighting accentuating the fine lines around her eyes. At twenty-nine, Naomi carved out her own place in the world and bought this business.

Meredith groaned in exhaustion. "I've just completed my daily sentence. Sweat equity and that feeling of existential dread. You know the drill."

Naomi chuckled, reaching for a towel. "Painting and self-reflection? Still the highlight of your week?"

"Something like that," Meredith admitted, leaning against the wall. "I met some decent folks, surprisingly."

Her friend arched an eyebrow, drying her hands. "Decent? In orange vests? Anyone piquing your interest?"

Heat flushed Meredith's cheeks. Adeline's image rose in her mind─the quiet determination etched on her face, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she laughed.

An involuntary smile tugged at her lips. "Maybe," she murmured, her voice softer than she intended.

Naomi's gaze sharpened, then widened in understanding. "Maybe... like, date maybe?"

The blush deepened, coloring Meredith's neck. She adjusted her shirt hem, then met Naomi's knowing gaze and gave a subtle nod.

Naomi whistled. "Well, damn. Unexpected. Good unexpected, right?"

"Yeah," Meredith breathed, the single word carrying a surprising weight.

A quiet understanding bloomed within her. It wasn't just good; it was something more. A realization that her emotions could take her on unexpected paths. Her stomach fluttered as she looked at her reflection behind Naomi's head. Adeline's laughter, a melody that had become her favorite song, echoed in her mind. Just then, dates with men felt like forced, predictable performances. But around Adeline... a shared glance, a casual touch, and Meredith's skin would erupt in goosebumps.

She replayed their afternoon, the brief, innocent brush of Adeline's hand as they both reached for the same roller. That fleeting contact had ignited a firestorm within her. A warmth spread through her, chasing away the shadows of her past assumptions about the other offender.

Okay, a calm voice chimed in Meredith's head. Okay. A smile bloomed on her face. The admission washed over her, cleansing and liberating. It felt as though she had discovered the key to unlock a hidden chamber within her heart after years of overlooking her bisexuality. Adeline's smile lit up that special spot in her heart. This was an exceptional and impactful experience; it transcended the bounds of a simple friendship.

Naomi's voice pulled Meredith back to the present, her tone gentle now. "So, who is this mystery person? Details, Meri. Spill."

Meredith laughed, the sound a weightless echo after days of feeling tethered to the earth. "Her name is Adeline," she said, saying the name that felt natural on her tongue.

Her friend rested her back against the worn shop counter, its rough texture contrasting with the soft light on her face. A silent question hung in the air, etched into the curve of Naomi's arched eyebrows.

"She's quiet at first," Meredith said, "likely due to this assignment. But then she starts talking... and she's quick-witted and sharp. And when she smiles, her eyes crinkle at the corners. If given the opportunity, she offered to help me in painting the lobby in a lavender color."

Naomi sucked her lower lip with a knowing look. "Ah, lavender. Flower of love and good fortune. Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed. You look as light as a feather."

A blush spread across Meredith's cheeks. "We just... talk. About everything, about nothing. It doesn't feel forced, just... easy."

Naomi's smile widened, a genuine warmth radiating outwards. "Easy is good. Don't try to make it difficult if it isn't."

Meredith looked at her hands, almost like she was inviting more to happen with Adeline. Naomi's gaze followed Meredith's to her hands. "And what about getting a tattoo?" she asked, her voice softening. "Still thinking about it?"

Meredith nodded, a familiar yearning pulling at her. "I want a butterfly," she whispered, the word catching in her throat. "I keep seeing them everywhere. Emerging, like I'll be free."

Naomi nodded, a thoughtful expression clouding her features. "Hopeful. Transformation. Freedom. I can work with that. I'll make it perfect for you."

"Thanks," Meredith said, feeling a real warmth wash over her. A butterfly, something beautiful and transformative on her skin, resonated. It felt even more fitting now, with her hopeful, transformative feelings about a woman. A sign of entering a new phase, even if Adeline never reciprocated her feelings.

Naomi's voice broke into Meredith's thoughts, casually asking, "So, what are you up to for the rest of the evening?"

Meredith sighed, pushing herself to her feet, the weight of the upcoming shift heavy on her. "I'll be spending the next five hours packing medical supplies. The usual hustle and bustle."

Naomi chuckled and passed over a bottle of water. "Here, a poor substitute, I know, but you'll need it."

Accepting the bottle, Meredith felt the chill seep through the plastic and offered a wry smile. "Thanks." As she walked toward the door, she couldn't help but picture stacks of gauze and antiseptic wipes. "Catch you later," she said.

"Bye," Naomi replied.

The cheerful ding of the bell contrasted with the gloom that awaited Meredith outside. A fine drizzle kissed her skin, transforming the sidewalk into a shimmering grey mirror. She tugged her raincoat tighter, the thin material offering little protection against the damp chill that seeped into her bones.

Sinking into her driver's seat, Meredith welcomed the cool leather against her skin. The outside world faded, replaced by the muted city sounds and the soft patter of rain on the windshield. Turning the key, she ignited the engine; a powerful hum vibrated through the floor.

Adeline. The name came up unexpectedly. The easy conversation, the knowing glances, the spark of something more... Naomi's encouragement to explore it, flickered in her mind. A little thrill, surprising but not a bad thing, fluttered over her skin. The thought of seeing Adeline tomorrow at the center held a strange gravity.

Adjusting the rearview mirror, Meredith caught her reflection. A ghost of a smile played on her lips. Though the drizzle persisted, something within her felt brighter, lighter. As she shifted gears and pulled away from the curb, the engine hum promised possibilities and a wonderful but uncertain tomorrow.

♡♡♡