Anywhere With You ? {J.C.}

"I've got to know you're alright."
Under Control

Fab had shown up at Cavern's knowing Harlow would be there. He'd occasionally stop by to be friendly—to keep in touch when he had time. This time, however, he had shown up on behalf of someone else.

"Haven't seen you around in a while." Harlow smiled wide, wrapping her arm around Fab's neck.

"We've been really busy. We just finished the record and... what time do you get off?" Fab stopped before proceeding any further. He didn't want to say too much too soon. Harlow didn't like to discuss The Strokes, and every time Julian was brought up, Harlow found a reason to maneuver out of the conversation.

"I'm actually getting ready to leave now. I've got about fifteen more minutes, I was just cleaning up to pass time." She waved toward the back; Tyler smiled, returning the wave to Fab. That was her way of letting him know she wouldn't be leaving with him—she had to catch up with an old friend.

She and Tyler had been going strong for a year and a half now—commitment coming naturally. Harlow had moved out of her mother and stepfather's apartment soon after the wedding—Tyler had been her plus one. He was a good man, with an optimistic view on life she adored. It made her feel that maybe being madly in love wasn't the best for a steady relationship; perhaps it was how good the other person treated you—how they made you a better person.

"I can leave now. Just let me clock out and tell Tyler where we're going."

"The park, maybe. Somewhere we can walk and talk." Fab smiled, watching Harlow make her way to the bar.

She wrapped her arms around Tyler, catching a small kiss on his neck. "Fab wants to talk, you mind if I leave?"

"Not at all. We still going out tonight?" Harlow kissed his cheek, stepping back out of his arms.

"Yep. I should be home soon, I think we're just going to the park."

She waved him off, making her way back to Fab. He eyed her skeptically. "The ball and chain's just gonna let you go?"

"He's not-" Harlow sighed, giggling while pushing Fab out of the bar and grill. "He's not like that."

•••

They drove to Central Park, talking of all the new and exciting things that were happening in their lives. For Harlow, it all revolved around Tyler. For Fab, mostly the band, but with some art on the side.

"You think he's gonna ask you to marry him?"

She laughed nervously. "I don't- I don't think so. It's really too soon to tell."

"I'm never getting married. What if he asked you? Would you say yes?"

"Um... no? I don't... why are we talking about this?" She laughed again. "I thought you wanted to talk to me about something specific."

"Oh, I do. I was just curious, you know. Wanted to get a feel of how serious things were between you guys."

Her brows meshed confusingly, making her way toward the bench. Fab stood before her with his hands in his pockets, trying to think of a way to discuss Julian without Harlow shutting him down before having a chance to explain.

"So what is it? What did you wanna talk about?" Harlow dug through her purse, fishing around for a cigarette pack and a lighter. Fab stood before her—surprisingly, still not talking. It wasn't like Fab to be so quiet. She lit the end; smoke billowed around her face as the evening sun began to set behind the trees. "Everything okay?" She pressed, thinking that might get Fab's mouth moving.