August...?

[August jumped in surprise and looked at her phone with her eyes wide. Taylor chuckled softly]

What?

I asked you something... twice

Oh... I'm sorry, I kinda zoned out for a minute.

Longer than that, actually. What's up?

Nothing, I'm just folding my laundry.

Yeah, I can see that. I meant, what's going on? Is everything okay?

[August shrugged her shoulders but didn't answer]

[Taylor visibly frowned and turned to focus completely on August]

What's on your mind, babe?

Nothing, your guitar playing is just boring me to death!

[August smirked playfully at Taylor who rolled her eyes though the worried look in her expression never left. She knew August was just joking to deflect the question ]

Auggie...

[August narrowed her eyes at Taylor at the nickname] Okay, I'll admit, I wasn't even listening so it could have been actually good—

[Taylor sighed softly and set her instrument aside]

You don't need to talk about it, but if I can help in any way, please tell me?

But, that's the thing, isn't it?

What is?

I feel... powerless.

[Taylor finally seemed to understand. Her eyes softened and she grabbed her phone, leaning back on her couch.]

You are doing everything in your power to help. That's better than doing nothing.

Yeah, but it's not enough. It doesn't feel right to just... I don't know, make an instagram post, and go to a protest. It just— it fucking sucks.

I know, I get that—

No, you don't.

[Taylor was stunned a little at August's abrupt interruption but August's eyes quickly widened and she sighed in frustration.]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you...

No, it's okay. You're right. I don't get it. I don't know what it's like.

Still, I... I'm sorry. It's just, it hurts. Like, fuck, I'm really scared for my dad, and my nephew who's not even eight, and yet...

You don't have to apologise, August. I can't even begin to fathom how hard it is.

Yeah... it's fucked up. But, thank you, anyway. Thanks for being there for me.

[Taylor smiled softly]

Yeah, I'm always here if you need me.

[August smiled back but stayed quiet for a few moments, watching Taylor as she moved to grab her guitar once again and continued playing the soft and mellow tune she was playing moments earlier.]

Can I ask you something?

Anything.

[August hesitated a little]

Why did you, I mean... How come you just, you know, started talking to me? And then you just kept talking to me?

[She chuckled softly as Phoebe jumped up on her bed and curled up behind August's head]

[Taylor looked up, her eyebrows slightly furrowed]

I... don't know. I guess, you seemed like a pretty interesting person to me. And I just had to get to know you, you know? It was like there was an invisible string tying me to you and I had to pull at the end of it to find what it was attached to.

[August raised her eyebrows in surprise before letting out a soft laugh]

That did not make any sense though it did sound pretty poetic. Ever considered becoming a poet?

Once or twice. Maybe three times.

So? Did you like what you found at the end of the string?

I really did.

Good, I thought this was going to be awkward.

[they both laughed quietly]

August James, you really are a remarkable person. Don't you ever doubt that.

Thank you. And so are you, by the way. It's been great being your friend.

I really think we were always meant to meet. Two ends of a thread that like, tie in the middle.

What's with all the string analogies? Are you into knitting now?

I've always been into knitting!

You're kidding! Can you make me a sweater?

Yeah, I can make you a sweater!

OH! Can you make me a white cardigan and then have Appa from Avatar: The Last Airbender stitched into the back?

Probably! Let me check how much yarn I have...

You're not actually going to check your secret yarn collection are you...? Oh my god, Taylor! I was kidding!

It's not a secret collection by the way, I keep it on full display in the living room.

I've never once seen a single ball of yarn in your living room.

That's 'cause you never pay enough attention to me!

Uh, okay, diva

[Their gazes met for a moment, both of them smiling playfully at each other]

Yeah, I've got enough white yarn!

I'm surprised you know what colour Appa is

Hey! I might be obsessed with stupid shows like Grey's Anatomy, but I did watch my fair share of Nickelodeon!

Fair enough. And I really was kidding! You're not allowed to knit me a whole ass sweater.

But— but I want to...

[Taylor literally made this face —🥺]

I— shut up. I can't say no to you when you look this cute.

[Taylor gasped softly]

Did you just call me cute?

No. Literally, you're so obsessed with yourself! God!

[Taylor smirked]

Uhu, sure. So, anyway—

Do you wanna go to the protest with me tomorrow? I understand if you think you shouldn't, I know they're crowded—

I'll be there, August! Do you wanna meet me here and we'll go together?

Sure! That sounds great. I was going to meet a few of my friends too.

Alright, great. See you tomorrow, then.

Cool!

And hey, August, you know you can always talk to me if there's anything bothering you, right? Even if I can't really help or say anything meaningful, I'm here to listen.

Thank you, Taylor. It really means a lot.

———