mackenziefm

[mackenziefm]

Mackenzie felt like Noah was better at a lot more than just rollerskating and photography. He was a people person too and that was a skill Mac certainly lacked in and one that was quite useful to society and being a part of the community. Even though Noah wasn't a local he sure fit in a lot better than Mac did having grown up in Shrike their whole life. "The more often you take your car in for routine maintenance the less it's going to cost you in the end," Mac pointed out to Noah. Mac's own vehicle was in nearly perfect condition because of how often they brought it in and got it looked at. They were certainly of the mindset that they'd rather catch something early before it became a problem even though they didn't need to worry about the cost to their pocketbook. They were just looking out for Noah who didn't have the luxury of having a family of mechanics to lean back on.

"What isn't in Denver?" Mac asked back. Having grown up in Shrike they were used to going up to Denver to experience the city. "You should really check it out it's the big city. There's tons more to do than here but I usually go up for the big car show they have every year. I've been going since I was a kid," Mac explained. They had a love for hot rods and the classics and Shrike didn't see many of those. Mac knew all the cool cars in town and there really weren't many.

Noah didn't actually forget. In fact, it was one of the few things he'd remembered: how shitty his dad was about the fact that Noah would drop his bat and run away when the ball was thrown in his direction. Noah liked to call it early onset survival instincts. He laughed about it now though, and smiled when Mac said they'd actually been on a team. "Okay, first of all, I'm good at like... only two things. Rollerskating, and photography. Everything else unfortunately falls flat and I suck at maintenance. But maybe this is the cosmic reminder I need to actually take care of that car before it leaves me stranded on the side of the road in a bad way," he chuckled. He definitely wasn't a car man, but it's not like he didn't want to be. It just wasn't really on the forefront of his mind most of the time. But that's what he enjoyed about his friendship with Mac. He liked thinking of things outside of his two very specific interests and thinking about other things that were important, too.

"So, what's in Denver?" he asked, curious about why Mac wanted to go there. "And what's it even like? I haven't ever been there."

#noahcohen noah

[mackenziefm]

"I'll let you know," Mac promised. At some point they'd be willing to sacrifice some of their time to teach Noah a new skill even though they didn't feel like it right now. "I guess that's another way we're different. I was already on a softball team at ten," Mac explained with a smile. They'd always enjoyed sports. It was only ever on a team that they ever really felt a part of something and that was likely why they'd tried out for so many different ones throughout school.

Mac could only laugh at the comment Noah made as they started heading back towards the mall from the parking lot. "Hey, you'll learn how eventually," Mac reminded him. Once they showed him it was a skill they weren't likely to forget at least in Mac's mind but then again they were more vehicle minded than most. Even though Mac wasn't working at the shop right now they couldn't help but cringe hearing how long it'd been since Noah's car had seen any work. "You do know you're supposed to get your oil changed every six months," Mac pointed out. "It's probably turned to sludge in your car if it's been that long." Mac could never imagine being busy enough to avoid maintaining their car but then again they babied their vehicle and had the luxury of having it serviced any time they wanted. At Noah's question Mac could only shrug. "Not really, I was thinking about taking a trip up to Denver sometime because it's a nice drive but that's about it. It's hard getting time off when you've got two jobs," they explained.

"Yeah, totally! Whenever you have free time and desire to want to," Noah said. Mac had already helped him enough, and he didn't want to take up more of their time than he needed to. Thankfully, he wouldn't be stuck at that parking lot for the next few hours. "I can't remember what I was doing at ten. I think maybe failing to hit a tee ball. I don't know, memory's hazy, I'm attempting to forget how terrible I was," he said jokingly, smiling and shaking his head as he turned to head towards the food court.

"Way to make me feel worse about not knowing!" he laughed when Mac mentioned other people knowing how to change a tire. Noah knew it wasn't meant as a slight in any way, and he was mostly just teasing back. Although when Mac mentioned needing a tire rotation, he nodded. "I should bring it in for just some general maintenance. I can't remember the last time I brought it in. Must've been right when I got to Shrike, but I've been kinda... busy I guess," he said. A lot had happened since then, but he didn't want to get into all of that right now. "It's nice that it's getting to be summer now, though. You got any plans?"

#noahcohen noah

[mackenziefm]

"Unfortunately I'm working this weekend, so we'll have to rain check that," Mac laughed. Even though they'd offered to teach Noah how to change a tire a moment ago they didn't exactly want to spend the few hours they had between shifts working on cars any more than they had to. "Well it's a good thing you know me. I was raised the opposite. I was changing oil before I was ten years old," Mac explained. Their father hadn't taught them all the essentials they'd needed growing up but he passed on all the wisdom he had in his expertise that's for sure.

"Well if you're offering I'd take you up on that," Mac laughed. They would've done it for free but they also wouldn't say no to some form of payment and besides they only had leftovers to look forward to eating back home and that didn't sound nearly as good as a burger and fries. "I wouldn't go that far. If it wasn't me someone else probably would've been able to help you out. A lot of people know how to change a tire," Mac explained. It was one of the few services that they didn't handle too often in the shop because usually someone knew how to change one. "You're gonna want to rotate your tires sometime soon though. Your spare's not worn down nearly as much as your other tires," Mac added unable to throw in a little extra advice.

Noah was incredibly grateful. Not only had Mac saved him a trip down to the shop, they'd also saved him the cost of labor and whatever else mechanics even charged for. Noah wasn't incredibly savvy when it came to that kind of thing. "Please, I'm off this weekend, so if you mean it, I'm so ready for it," he mused. "Nobody in my family really messed with cars. I mean, I maybe had an uncle or something on my mom's side, but I'm not close with anyone there," he said absently, shrugging off the fact that he wasn't close with any of his family outside of his grandmother.

"A Coke?! I'll get you a whole damn combo meal if you want," he mused, closing the trunk of his car once the bad tire had been tossed in there. "You just saved me like, I dunno how much. Also, my time. Probably my life, cause I don't know, I'd probably die if I had to try figuring this shit out on my own," he said jokingly.

#noahcohen noah

[mackenziefm]

what is one thing that mac wants most in their life?

Mac's always wanted a girlfriend. They've always known they were interested in women and despite that fact they've never actually gotten with one. Mac's unfortunately been very unlucky with love.

#answered

[mackenziefm]

who’s the first person mac would call if they needed help with something?

Mac's go to person has always been their dad. They learned everything from him so it only makes sense that's who they'd go to in their time of need though Mac tries to be as independent as possible while still remaining close with him so they're not very likely to call upon them and will only do so as a last resort.

#answered

[mackenziefm]

for mac: describe your favorite pair of socks.

Mac's never really put much thought into their socks. They wear athletic tube socks that they buy at a discount from Dick's everyday but if they had to choose it'd probably be the pairs with red and blue stripes up top because those are their favorite colors.

#answered

[mackenziefm]

#i'm an outsider outside of everything ✸ image

[mackenziefm]

What is Mac's favorite album?

Mac's favorite album is Who's Next by The Who.

#answered

[mackenziefm]

how is mac feeling about the killers and the attacks?

Mac is saddened by the attacks and is definitely way more cautious because of them. They haven't been attacked themself and don't think that they will be. They don't spend a ton of time at the mall and especially not late at night and they've also never been big on attending big gatherings in town either which has been the only other places attacks have occured.

#answered

[mackenziefm]

Mac was used to helping people out with their cars. It came with the profession they were born into and it was in Mac's nature to help whenever they could for those they cared about. "Don't sweat it," Mac insisted as they finished up changing out the tire on Noah's Volvo for him. They had a kit to do so in the back of their own car and they made easy work of the fix.

They had to laugh as they brushed their now dirtied hands on their jeans and shook their head. "You don't need to take an automotive class to learn how to change a tire. It's a lot simpler than that and would only take a weekend to learn how to do by yourself if you're ever interested," Mac insisted. "But since I'm saving you a trip down to the shop by doing this you owe me a Coke from the food court," Mac said setting their price for the labor they'd just put into Noah's car.

Location: Shrike Mall Parking Lot Closed: Mac ( @mackenziefm )

"I don't know what the fuck I would do without you, seriously," Noah said, sighing at Mac. He'd never really been a car guy. Sure, he'd been in and around cars, but he'd never been under a car really. It wasn't like he'd had anyone teach him much about them, either. He remembered the panic he felt the first time he got a flat and a kind stranger helped him change it. But Noah was the sort of person who needed to see it done a time or two before it really clicked. So when Mac was around for his second flat again, he sighed in relief.

"It's like it all went in one ear and out the other," he said, looking at the Volvo's pathetically flat tire in the mall parking lot. Thankfully, it wasn't nighttime and he didn't have to have another panic about it. "If taking an automotive class didn't feel so intimidating, I'd take one at the college over the summer, but I think I'd rather just watch you do it again," he said.

#noahcohen noah

[mackenziefm]

what's mac's favorite place in shrike heights?

Mac's favorite place in Shrike is probably the auto shop their family owns. It's like a second home to them and they spend almost as much time there as they do their own apartment.

#answered

[mackenziefm]

Liv Hewson photographed by Amelia J. Dowd

#i'm an outsider outside of everything ✸ image

[mackenziefm]

"Really?" Mac questioned as they cocked their eyebrow. All of this was news to them. They didn't even know how Maya knew that they'd be working today at Dick's let alone that they'd be lunchless today. It was a level of planning that Mac didn't follow in their own life. They lived very day to day and didn't plan ahead very often let alone for various potential outcomes. Maya really left Mac in a position that they were unable to say no to the invitation.

"Alright, alright. Let me just go in the back and grab my keys and let them know I'm going on a break," Mac said as they shut down their counter and disappeared in the back of the store to alert their supervisor that they were finally taking their break. Mac made a quick stop at their locker to grab their keys so they could head to the park in style and make sure they'd make it there and back in time before their break was over. "Alright, I'm ready," Mac informed Maya once they found her again in the store. They twirled their keys around their finger as they walked. "I'm parked down by the movie theater," they explained before finally tucking their keys back in their pocket.

"Don't be ridiculous, I packed you a sandwich, too," Maya replied, reaching into her massive work tote to pull out a brown paper bag. "Just in case." Maya was the kind of person to plan their day out to a T first thing in the morning, and as she heard the forecast on the 6 a.m. news, she already made this plan to get Mac to come out to the park with her. So, obviously, Maya had to make sure she had prepared for the chance that Mac wouldn't have packed their lunch today. Just like in the rest of her life, every eventuality was planned for.

Maya reached a hand out to gesture for Mac to follow her. "Come on, let's get while the gettin's good," she said easily. Maya was the kind of person to reach out first, to make sure that her friendships remained rock solid. She cared for people deeply, and she gave that kindness away for free. When she found someone whose company she really enjoyed, she always made sure to get as much of it as possible, wildflowers pressed between the pages of her life.

#lcvemeforever maya

[mackenziefm]

🎱If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?🎳

#i'm an outsider outside of everything ✸ image #I'm runnin' down a dream that never would've come to me ✺ musings #shrikejournal

[mackenziefm]

Mac had been working more at Dick's than usual lately. They were saving up for some new parts for their car and as much as she loved the boys back at the auto shop it was much easier for them to pick up an extra shift or two at the mall. It seemed everyone was always giving up shifts and Mac didn't mind the steady pace that working at Dick's provided. While they still had to interact with people it wasn't nearly as intimate as they did back at the auto shop where everyone knew their name.

Mac had just finished up ringing out a string of customers when an all too familiar face popped into their line. The butterflies that once formed when seeing Maya had subsided quite a bit knowing that she was nothing more than a friend in the end but there was still some excitement to be felt getting invited out anywhere. "I can take a break whenever, I'm due for one," Mac admitted. "But I didn't pack a lunch today I was going to pick something up from the food court," they went on. As nice as going to the park sounded eating felt just as important to Mac.

{ @mackenziefm reacted for a starter! }

Of all the people Maya had befriended over the years in Shrike Heights, Mac had to be one of her favorites. Their easy banter was a nice way for Maya to fill her lunch break whenever Mac was working at the mall and Maya got a chance to sneak out of her cavern (office). She swept into that Dick's Sporting Goods like she owned the place and she leaned against the back counter with a mischievous grin on her face. Whenever she invited Mac out anywhere, it always seemed to have a flirtatious undertone, though Maya had learned after her failed attempts at charming Mac when they first met, it would never go anywhere.

"When's your next break?" Maya asked, eyes twinkling. "Because the weather is so nice the park is just screaming our names. Can't you hear it? Maaaaaac!" She whisper-shouted. "So, you should come out to the park and have lunch with me."

#lcvemeforever maya

[mackenziefm]

Liv Hewson by David Matheny

#i'm an outsider outside of everything ✸ image

[mackenziefm]

liv hewson, lesbian, non-binary + they/them ― hey look, it’s mackenzie 'mac' robinson! they’re twenty-seven years old, they’ve lived in shrike heights their whole life, and they’re currently working at dick's sporting goods in shrike mall, along with spruce street auto shop in town. i heard they’re pretty awkward, but i think they’re so hardworking at the same time. can they make it out alive? || mad, 26, they/them

B A S I C S

Name: Mackenzie Robinson Nicknames: Mac (preferred name), MC FC: Liv Hewson Age: 27 Zodiac Sign: Capricorn Pronouns: They/them/theirs Gender: Non-binary Sexuality: Lesbian Height: 5′5 Hobbies: Skiing, reading, working out, driving, roller skating, bowling Vices: Cannabis, alcohol, cigarettes Job: Receptionist at Spruce Street Auto Shop & part time sales associate at Dick’s Sporting Goods Hometown: Shrike Heights, CO

H I S T O R Y

Raised by a single father Mac has always been considered one of “the boys”. They grew up in their father’s auto shop and knew how to change a tire at the same age they learned to ride a bike. The guys at the shop acted as uncles or brothers to them and they became a chosen family for the young tyke to rely on from a very young age.  

Mac always felt like an outsider growing up and never quite fit in in school. They didn’t fit into the boxes laid in front of them and it took them quite some time to realize that they didn’t have to wedge themself into any one box to be content with themself. They consider themself to be a bit of a late bloomer and it wasn’t until they graduated high school that they fully accepted themself and became who they were and began make real efforts to come out of their shell. 

They are destined to take over the family business but wound up getting a part time job at Dick’s Sporting Goods as a means to get discounts and further branch out from under their father’s wing. 

H E A D C A N O N S

Despite being girl crazy Mac has never actually been on a date. They’re horrible at reading the room and catching signals someone is interested in them and subconsciously winds up putting themself in the friendzone any time they get close to someone. 

They own a 1967 Plymouth Barracuda named Betsy that is their pride and joy. They often take it on joy rides throughout town and they park as far in the back as possible at Shrike mall in hopes that no one parks near them and scratches the paint. 

In the winter they spend most of their free time skiing up at the mountain and used to teach lessons on the weekends in high school. 

They’re a terrible cook and eat almost exclusively take out or frozen dinners. They could burn water if left to their own devices in the kitchen. 

Mac is a surprisingly good bowler and scores over 150 most games. They often play a few rounds at Starstrike after a shift at the mall. 

There’s yet to be a romantic comedy released that Mac has enjoyed and prefers to watch horror and fantasy films. 

#shrikeintro