daya-mray

[daya-mray]

"Would've been fun," she agrees. "Next year," she promises, though her stomach turns at living through another year of the same. "I am, thank you. Just one of those bugs that catch up to you out of nowhere, you know?" But Nick's face had still been in the process of healing and he didn't want to be photographed. Fine by her in the end.

"Oh no, hopefully you didn't get caught by any of those vultures with a camera," she frowned sympathetically. "Are you staying in the city for a while? I don't think I've heard about any new projects from your team recently and I feel like you're due for a break."

"That's okay." Kristen said with a smile. "I did miss you there, though. I regret not asking you. The person I asked to come with me said no." Kristen wished she would have thought to reach out to Daya but in all honesty, her annoyance about being rejected clouded most of her thoughts at the time. "Are you feeling better now?"

"I did have a good time. The after party was fun. I did drink a bit too much though."

[daya-mray]

Eva is so fierce and powerful, and sometimes Daya wonders what it is she finds interesting about her. She comes from an entirely different background, literally got to where she was by sleeping her way there, and her disgust is obvious as she tries to talk some sense into Daya. She doesn't say anything that she hasn't thought to herself at one point or another. She hinges on luck and Nick's good mood that one day, he won't take it too far.

"Eva..." Daya sighs. She can't even say anything because had the positions been switched, she'd do the same. But if the positions would never be switched because Eva would never let someone put their hands on her and walk away unscathed.

But Daya doesn't have the support system that her friend does. She has no independent wealth, no family to take her in. She has her siblings to care for, and this is the price that she paid for not opening her eyes until it was too late.

"I tried to leave before, and he said that if I tried again, he'd take the twins away from me." That's not a threat she can take lightly. She was the one who willingly entered into this marriage and she refuses to let her siblings be collateral damage in it. "Once they're old enough, he doesn't have that leverage anymore."

She wanted to say that no — she didn't need anyone's protection, that she would rather die, than ever find herself in a situation where she didn't have the upper hand. Daya knew who she was — she knew Eva could handle herself perfectly. Movska wasn't the one with a fractured arm.

Her mind couldn't wrap around the idea of Daya not being selfish, when she had every right to be. She had every right to focus on herself and put herself before others. Eva would certainly do that, if roles had been reversed — save herself.

In a way she did, differnt reason entirely, some months ago.

She leaned in slowly, eyes still on her friend, "You cannot possible say that." she'd call this absolutely foolishness, "It's your arm today. What if it's your head tomorrow? Do you have absolutely no regard for your life?"

Spare her the selfless act — Eva would sacrifice whoever was needed, if that would mean Daya would be safe.

"And does he know that?" she asked, untrusting of the plan Daya had come up with and it's execution. "Has he agreed to this?" somehow Eva couldn't believe a horrible man like Nick, would settle down for anything less than his own arrangement. Would he truly let Daya nagotiate?

[daya-mray]

She waits again, as though waiting for him to go back on his word and she feels bad for hesitating. Daya takes his hand and follows his lead, matching his pace as to help as he keeps anyone nosy from watching. There's a bit of embarrassment, and a lot of relief, at learning that the person taking a picture had only been trying to take some photos of the architecture, and not of her.

The alcove is much more secluded and tucked away, and Daya lets out a quiet sigh. She can't see the front doors of the church from where she sits, which means no one could see her upon entering, and that in itself is enough to make her relax. "Oh um... you can stay if you like," she replies quietly. "If you don't have anyone else who needs your help, I don't-" She stammers over her words slightly. "I don't want to take you away from people who need you."

Truthfully, this was more of a reprieve than she had been expecting, and she's glad that she's managed to stumble into a church that actually practices what it preaches. "I've never actually been in a church like this before," she admits softly. Even her wedding had taken place at some resort in another country. "I feel like I'm breaking all sorts of rules just by breathing."

The surprise on her face speaks to someone that is not used to finding understanding. Jude's face softens a little more, any residual annoyance at the cameraman invading the sanctity of the church dissipating. Jude nodded his head to reassure her, his voice still low and gentle, "Of course." He looked up around at the other parishioners. "This is a sanctuary for anyone that needs and wants it." He paused, "And don't worry. A few camera clicks won't stop God from hearing our prayers."

At the offer to go out the side or back Jude smiled, "I think we can find you an exit so you can avoid any unwanted attention. Don't worry about us. But there is no rush." He reached down to offer her a hand up. But changed hands to offer the non-bandaged one, forgetting for a moment and offering his right out of habit. He waited for the woman to stand and made sure she was on the other side of him. His tall frame easily blocking her from the doors. Just in case. He spoke in a practiced low tone that wasn't a whisper but didn't carry. "We're a historical site. People come in here all the time to take pictures of the original parts of the building. They just need permission first. From me. I'm Father Jude Freling."

He led her over to a small tucked away alcove that had two pews set up in front of a statue of Mary with a few flickering tea candles in front of her. He looked at the statue for a moment then back down to the other woman. "Would you like time to yourself? Or would you like me to sit with you for a little? I promise no one will bother you either way."

[daya-mray]

The dog sniffs gently at the offered ball, as though suspicious that it wasn't the same as his ball, but soon he barks and accepts the ball before realizing that he finds Daya far more interesting. She laughs as the dog noses at her hand, and she obliges by scratching gently behind his ears. "Oh, it's okay," she says with a smile. "He's a good boy, he's okay." His tail thumps wildly against her leg and Daya feels a piece of her chest loosen a little.

"I'm Daya," she replies, standing up so she can properly shake the man's hand. She's glad that she's been able to stop wearing her brace recently. "It's nice to meet you and Teddy both. I have to thank you actually. I don't have a dog of my own and I always feel a little weird being here without one, but it's always nice when I can get a little animal TLC," she admits. "How old is he?"

Teddy was thriving today, absolutely in doggy bliss. It had been a little bit since Ricardo had taken his kiddo to the dog park, life had gotten too much in the way. They had been out here for a couple of hours now, throwing freebees, balls, and a lot of running around. He had zero intentions of heading back home any time soon, Teddy deserved this day. They had now gone back to playing catch with Teddy's favorite ball, one Ricardo hadn't realized he had thrown in the direction of an innocent bystander. "Oh!" He winced as he half waited for the ball to hit the person, half prayed it didn't, meanwhile Teddy had bolted after his toy.

There was a sense of relief when he saw the ball land not too far from the person, but that relief was then filled with a bit of dread as he envisioned Teddy jumping on them and invading their personal space. "Teddy!" He calls out, jogging up to his pup, "I apologize for interrupting your day, Miss." Well, Ricardo was sorry anyway, Teddy did not share the same sentiment. The pup comes up to take the ball but then drops it to begin sniffing the woman's hand, his tail wagging happily, before he was getting up on his back legs begging for some ear scratches. "Teddy," he sighed, "I'm sorry again. He's..very friendly. I'm Ricardo, by the way, it's nice to meet you."

[daya-mray]

🍏 How do they react to flirting from the same sex?

Daya is infinitely more flattered when someone of the same sex flirts with her. When she was a sex worker, she became very well-versed in how to manipulate the desires of cishet men, and what their expectations were when it came to "attractive". Unfortunately, it's left Daya with a less than generous perception of most cis men, which she genuinely tries not to hold against people she meets. But any woman flirting with her would make her blush at least a little.

[daya-mray]

Daya looks down at the signed copy that Jasper freely hands over, just because she had asked. Her bid had been beat out fair and square, and while she was thrilled for what that meant for the writer, she had to admit that she was a little disappointed that such a perfect gift for her sister had slipped out of her grasp. When he agreed to give her another one, free of charge, on top of accommodating her hectic schedule and need for as much privacy as possible? She wanted to ask what was in it for him.

But she just watches his boyish face furrow in deep thought before his eyes light up and he hands her a different script. This one has notes scribbled in the margins, but there's enough there that she can quickly skim through and her lips tug up into a smile. "Oh my god, Murphy no," she shakes her head as she chuckles. "That's a really good moment. I can picture it perfectly in my head, and I get the actors will just nail it."

She pauses slightly at his admission, not put off but also not sure why exactly anyone would be interested in talking with her. It was always her husband they sought after, because he was the one who had all the fame and prestige. Maybe that's exactly what he wants too? "Ulterior motive?"

Jasper smiles, mostly trying to be reassuring to her - there's a reason he picked here and not somewhere busy. Maybe he's not as big of a star as her husband is. Surely, no one would recognize him on the street, but he gets how it can be draining day in and day out. He slides over the finished copy he'd signed and thinks for a moment.

"Sneak p-peek." He hums and snaps, turning to his bag to dig out one of the newer scripts, flips through and takes out a page from one of the unaired episodes. "It's unedited." He takes his time with the word, but... "C-can't spoil everything." With a laugh.

"I wanted to.. uhm, talk to you again, too - though. Kind of an u-ulterior motive asking you here."

[daya-mray]

😘 Would my muse have sex on the first date?

"Yes. Forgive me for laughing, but given my former profession, having sex on the first date was rather expected. These days, it's more important to me who is willing to stick around after that."

[daya-mray]

👎 Would my muse ever cheat on their partner?

There's of course a "correct" answer to this, and she knows it. Opens her mouth to deliver a clear denial. "Absolutely not." But her eyes tell a different story. There is no saving her marriage, but he will never let her go. Is it still cheating in those circumstances?

[daya-mray]

As the end of the month draws nearer, Daya's mood gets gloomier in turn. The twins know what that means too, and Hanna has also been getting all of her attitude out before Nick gets back, while Freddie has withdrawn in a way that Daya hates to see. She told Eva that it was only four more years just a few weeks ago, but some of that confidence has bled away. While she's fairly confident she can survive it, she hates the secondary effects it has on her siblings.

It's this feeling of sheer hopelessness that has her seeking refuge in church, trying to wait out the paparazzi that was intent on following her around. But the interior is quiet, shielded from the bustle of the city outside and Daya lets out a quiet breath. At this hour, there are only a handful of other people in the building, and none of them pay attention to her thankfully. She bows her head, as though in prayer, if only to bring the curtain of hair around her face.

The sound of a shutter going off startles her and Daya closes her eyes, wishing on every deity that she could think of that she could have just one moment of peace. She could hear the stern voice of the priest floating through the air and footsteps heading in her direction, and Daya's heart sinks. She opens her mouth to apologize, to say that she'll leave in just a moment, but is surprised at his offer.

"Are you sure? I don't want to cause any issues for you or your people..." A place of worship was sacred, even if Daya had never been religious in any form. She couldn't stand the thought of it being disrespected because of her. "If you have a back door, I can get out that way too, so I don't disturb anyone else."

Where: Church of the Holy Innocents

When: Weekday mid-morning

Who: @dayamray

Jude's bandaged right hand and arm were throbbing unpleasantly. The reason why he'd gone to the VA clinic for a tetanus shot, dermabond and some antibiotics. The head nurse was someone he knew. Someone that wouldn't ask too many questions when he'd mentioned an accident with a knife. Which hadn't been a lie. Thankfully his long sleeved dark shirt covered most of the bandages.

It was a strange time of day for unfamiliar people to be sitting in the pews. The few scattered parishioners were older women that came every day, many wearing their veils, to light candles and pray for their children, grandchildren, and in many cases, great grandchildren. So a pretty, well dressed, woman in her maybe thirties stood out. Especially as her face, as deeply sad as it looked, seemed slightly familiar though Jude was certain they had never met.

There is the unmistakable sound of a camera, not a phone, an actual camera going off in the church. And the Priest hones in on the single man in the back with a camera out. Jude walked over to the man and let him know politely but sternly that what he was doing is not acceptable in his church and that he needed to leave. Deliberately standing in the way. The man leaves with a few choice words mumbled under his breath. Once they are gone Jude walked over to the young woman. Bending down to quietly say, "I don't mean to disturb you. But there is a better spot if you'd like to sit for a while longer. One that isn't so viewable from the front doors."

[daya-mray]

location: at a dog park somewhere who: @brkwingss

Daya's never given much thought to having a dog or any kind of pet. It wasn't in the cards growing up, and she wouldn't dare bring another living creature into that apartment if she could help it. But sometimes, she enjoys stopping by the local dog parks, sitting at a bench to listen to them romp and play. Especially when the weather was nice. For whatever reason, people seemed to leave her alone more often when she was just sitting on a bench and watching the animals. A ball comes bouncing across the grass and hits her foot and Daya reaches down to grab the toy and hold it out to a dog who came chasing after it. "It's okay, you can take it," she encourages softly.

[daya-mray]

location: one of those bougie clubhouses only celebrities on a list can get into who: @kristenxxparrish

"Sorry I missed you at the MET Gala," she says as she stirs the straw into her drink. "Nick's been away with filming and I came down with the flu last minute." In some ways, it was a relief. Events like those were always a bit like navigating a minefield, but she at least gets to see some people and Nick is usually on his best behavior around all of the cameras. Even though it's an event where people are meant to schmooze and rub elbows, Daya tries to find what silver lining she can in her life, and what girl hates to dress up and be doted on? On the other hand, she was glad to miss the armchair criticism from everyone and their mother on Twitter. "You looked amazing though. Did you have a good time?"

[daya-mray]

She must look furtive because Jasper tries to reassure her. Despite the wide-framed sunglasses perched on her nose, and the fact that her back is to the front door, she still worries that someone she recognizes will see her. In a perfect world, such a thing wouldn't matter, but in this world, being seen with another man who's not her husband could lead to some awful consequences.

"I don't mind," she tells Jasper quickly, and she tries to relax. The discomfort has nothing to do with her company and everything to do with wanting to make sure that none of this gets back to her husband. "Do you have any sneak peeks I can pass off to Hanna?" she asks, nodding towards the scripts on the table in front of Jasper. "She's been dying to know what happens next."

closed: @dayamray where: hole in the wall coffee shop

"Hey, uh, d-don't worry too much about being seen here." It's so off the beaten path that they're the only ones here, and it's in a shit part of town, anyways. Hopefully it helps them avoid a lot of rigamarole that usually follows Daya and her husband. In front of him lay a few copies of his scripts, and he's signing and doodling on the front pages - designs of monsters, notes about magic. All while he sips on a cold coffee drink.

"Th-thanks for.. coming all the way, uh, out here. I f-figured it'd be easier before I go back to, uh - back to work."

[daya-mray]

Daya doesn't even begin to try and understand the relationship the Movskas have with each other. She sees the family through her friend's eyes, sees the cracks they leave in her, but also the pride she has when she talks about them. Despite the exasperation and frustration, she stands by their side. It's a trait she admires in her and one she tries to emulate on occasion.

"Maybe it wasn't, but I'm glad he was at least able to do what I wish I could have," she replies with a shrug. It's not the first time she's wished violence on Nick before, but there's a different kind of rage when confronted with Nicholas turning his ire on anyone else. And it seems like he's learned that one of the easiest ways to provoke a reaction out of Daya was to go after someone she cares about. If Zed hadn't been there, it would have been Daya who reacted and that would have been an even poorer ending.

But she mentions none of that when Eva's attention is drawn to her wrist and immediately, Daya looks around to make sure no one has noticed.

"I'm smart enough to know that he's one of the most powerful men in the world, and he knows who I love," Daya responds evenly, meeting Eva's eyes. "I don't care what he does to me, as long as he leaves other people alone." It's what she tells herself to get through each day, knowing that she would rather die than let someone else take her place. "Besides, it's just until the twins turn 18. Four more years. It'll go by in a flash," she lies, a tight smile on her face.

She was wrong, because Eva has always been just that — the glue, the one that held everything together when it was threatning to fall apart; managed to take care of everyone, without neglecting her own needs, her own purpose in life, which after all these years had shrunk down to a very simple one — don't let anyone inside. Most would give up after the first attempt, and others, like her husband, barely got through the welcome mat. Daya — they're far more alike than she thinks.

"It wasn't for me." an honesty — there was no need to twist her tongue this time. "He knows there's very little that actually affects me." He'd seen her at her lowest.

Nicholas was the last person on earth that could ever hurt her.

She listened, yet her eyes captured the brace underneath her sweater and her attention was instantly pulled — "Daya, what is that?" voice laced with sheer concern.

Him, him, him — It was always about him, and never about her.

"You're a smart woman, Daya." she began; eyes firmly locked on her own. "Don't let that man turn you into anything less than that."

[daya-mray]

35: Who was the last person you cried in front of?

"...my husband."

[daya-mray]

24: What is/are/were your best subject(s)?

"School was never my focus really, dropped out at 17 and all that with life going on. But I guess the homework I least dread helping with is history and literature. They made math way more complicated in the last ten years."

[daya-mray]

Daya disagrees, and believes that she has plenty to apologize for, but would rather spend their time talking instead of going around in a circle on a point they won't agree on. "You are not your cousin's keeper. Or for your siblings either. He was defending you, and gave Nick every single opportunity to stop. We both know he wanted it to end like that."

She sighs and out of habit, readjusts the sleeve of her sweater. If looked at closely, they might be able to make out the bulk of the brace underneath the fabric. "He's gone until June," she replies instead. Maybe even longer if they have to wait to shoot his scenes until the bruising has faded more.

"We FaceTime every night. He wants to make sure that I'm in the bedroom and not out somewhere. His assistant keeps track of all of my credit card transactions, so he knows if I go somewhere, or buy something." All methods of reminding Daya that even at a distance, he still has her within his grasp. "But at least he's gone for now, and that makes it easier."

She wouldn't reach out, not until Daya did it first, only because Eva didn't wish to make this even more difficult for her. She trusted her friend — trusted she knew when to contact her at the right time.

And when that phonecall did come, she rearranged her entire schedule around that meeting.

She's been worried about her for days; it was only when their eyes met that Eva allowed for her shoulders to relax slightly — features growing softer. "You have nothing to apologise for, Daya." she spoke kindly, "I should've prevented this."

Daya wouldn't dare leave that man, and Eva wanted nothing more than to find a way to rid her of her gilded cage.

A way that didn't involve violence.

"He'll live." that only meant that she had decided to spare his life, after the event. "And I'm worried about you and the situation that this might have — " a beat, " — created for you. " she swallowed the lump that had already formed in her throat.

With both elbows now placed on the table, she leaned in closer, "How are things at home?"

[daya-mray]

who: @evamovska where: some cafe/restaurant

A week since the auction and the entire debacle that had ensued at the event. Things at the apartment have been cold, hostile, and she has a brace on her wrist that's hidden by the sleeves of her jacket. The table she's picked is in the back of the restaurant, away from the giant open windows that look out onto the street. Anyone looking closely at her would notice how stiffly she sits in her chair, but Daya keeps her eyes down on the menu as she waits for her companion.

She's concerned, hasn't had the courage to reach out to Eva since everything happened. There was only a mention of the incident in the tabloids, undoubtedly the work of both Nick's publicist and Eva herself, but Daya has to imagine that there's far more that is hidden under the surface.

Nick is away on set for the next few weeks, a welcome reprieve after the events of the last several days, but Daya also knows that inevitably he would return. But he isn't at the forefront of her thinking at the moment, instead looking up to see Eva making her way towards the table and she tries to stand, barely hiding the grimace on her face. "Hey... thank you for meeting me. I'm... I'm so sorry about what happened. Are you and Zed okay?"