gildedash

[gildedash]

[gildedash]

“listen i am not the most fashionable person out there, i wear dark hoodies and oversized graphic tees most days. you know this. the coffee stain just exacerbates it. i care more about my hair than i do about fashion.” he really was not having a good day today and he hardly got any sleep during the daytime and has been doing the night time runs for nocturne for quite a while now because it worked better for his schedule. however, it was messing up his sleep. he looks up at his friend tilting his head to the side as he gets up swiftly to his feet. “you remember when i had to chase that guy down too? he took the burner phone and it blew up on him. he knew what he was in for the moment i caught up to him. lucky for that asshole i’m not awake yet today.” he says tugging his hat around his ears. he tilts a brow up at alexie, wondering if he should be worried. It was after all only two in the afternoon. though, there were no questions when it came to alcohol, right? “alright sure, guess i could use something stronger than coffee right now anyway, life is just throwing a whole bunch of wrecking balls at me today for some reason, lead the way.”

Alexie stepping onto the sidewalk like the city owes him rent, umbrella in one hand, the other tucked neatly into his coat pocket, not a single drop of rain on him because of course not—

“You could sue city hall,” he replies dryly, eyes scanning the soaked chaos that is Kenjie, “but unless emotional damage from tragically ruined layering counts in court, I’d say your case is...circumstantial at best.”

His gaze drops pointedly to the coffee-stained shirt, one brow lifting. “Though, I *have* seen settlements awarded for less offensive fashion crimes.”

With the faintest smirk, Alexie tilts his head toward the street, still watching the biker vanish into traffic. “That man just committed assault and fled the scene, and your first thought was to file paperwork? I’d call that growth. Last time you got knocked down, I think you tried to sell the guy a burner phone.”

He steps closer, umbrella angled just enough to shield Kenjie from the sun now splitting through clouds. "Come on, Sad Sack. Let’s get you dry and less litigious. I know a place. Doesn’t serve great coffee, but the liquor doesn’t ask questions."

Beat. "Neither do I. Most days."

[gildedash]

“it actually reminds me how much i hate coming to this neck of the woods. I would rather be around a neighborhood where things are dirty underground and in the streets. the financial district seems too…. posh for me.” he adds as he tilts his head at her. she was familiar, he was certain he knew her from somewhere. he did know the name priya, where did he know it from? he stares at her, wondering if he has met her before somewhere else and then it hit him where he knew the name from. she was the director for the assembly. kenjie made it his favorite pastime to know who everyone was in and out of these gangs. a smile forms on his lips as he shakes her hand firmly before letting it drop to his side. “are you making a proposition to me on the side of the street after i just got hit by an e-bike?” kenjie asks, tilting his head to the side curiously. it was a weird place to make yourself known out in public, where any watching eyes could see them talking, mixing and mingling. He wonders if anyone else from the assembly is nearby. “i think i’m actually pretty good at getting myself creatively out of sticky situations. but if you would like to talk about this over coffee, there is a coffee shop not too far away.” he is not the first to admit that sometimes his tactics are loud and less discreet, but that works for kenjie for the most part. all he knew was that he needed to be in sompelace less public place, where kenjie isn’t out in the open, next to city cameras, but it is a place that still has some people. someplace smaller, where kenjie might be able to determine if anyone else is watching the two interact.

Priya’s gaze swept over Kenjie, taking in the damp shirt, the crossed arms, the mild but visible irritation. Her smile curved, subtle and almost sympathetic—almost. “You’re not wrong. The Financial District has a way of looking polished while being feral underneath,” she said, her voice low and even, like someone narrating a chess game already won. “The e-bike menace is just the surface. You’d think a district that handles trillions in assets could spring for decent lane markings and enforce helmet laws.” She glanced once more at the camera on the lamppost and let out a soft hum of disdain. “Those aren’t real watchers. Real watchers don’t announce themselves.” Her fingers brushed a raindrop off her jacket sleeve. “Still—if you want to get a little creative, I’d be happy to point you in the direction of a few vulnerabilities in the bike-share network. Payment system access, route tracking delays… nothing that can be traced back to you. Sometimes inconvenience is the best kind of revenge.”

Her tone warmed just a touch, inviting, though never casual. “I don’t make a habit of assisting strangers, but I’ve always had a soft spot for underhanded solutions—particularly when they’re deserved. Think of this as a professional courtesy,” she offered, extending her hand to him with purpose, her grip cool and self-assured. “Priya. A pleasure.” When he introduced himself, recognition flickered behind her eyes—she knew of Nocturne’s head recruiter, had flagged his name more than once. But she didn’t let it show beyond a faint uptick of interest. “It’s rare to meet someone like you in daylight. Rarer still to see one admit when they’re having a shit day.” Her eyes glinted. “That’s endearing, in a city like this. If you ever find yourself needing more... creative solutions, consider me a resource. Quietly, of course. Discretion tends to be the difference between power and noise.”

[gildedash]

kenjie was going on his midnight snack run, he had the usual in his hand, flaming hot doritos and three redbulls that would keep him surviving until the morning. he was on a night shift run tonight. “ow what– i was just existing here, and i was here first!” he says raising his hands up defensively hands full of snacks where he was just inspecting the cookie shelf by the check out line, wondering if he should grab some lorna doones for himself but also to hopefully provide to new recruits he might come by tonight. though the voice was almost too familiar. he knew scarlett’s sickly sweet voice from anywhere. he crosses his arms over his chest, also protecting his snacks with them, cradling them like prized possessions. “but fine i’lll be a gentleman and not an asshole and let a feral feline go in front of me. anything for a lady.” his mind all the sudden forgot about the lorna doones as he was facing the person that reminded him who he was. how he was actually interested in men over women. It’s still something that he hadn’t really come to terms with to this day but it was something that has ruined every previous relationship he has ever had. “how are you these days?” he asks, nudging her back a bit playfully. “still the same feral energy i see?”

location: a random bodega closed starter: for kenjie salazar ( @gildedash )

new york city, with a population of over eight million inhabitants and miles and miles of sprawling high rise buildings ready to swallow somebody whole. scar would like to believe it would be far easier to not bump into an ex, but life laughs at a cruel joke. scar should walk out, hide behind the shelf with an assortment of candies far sweeter than the scene about to unfold... yet they don't. it would be irritating to let kenjie simply be. besides, he deserved the discomfort, the distress, the pestering. after leaving scar high and dry. questioning what they did wrong and turning a dream moment into a poignant break up. "you. you're in my way." grabbing an energy drink and feet stomping her way into line. rich hues narrowed downwards towards his shoes, avoiding any eye contact with the person who helped her discover who she was. "i was here first." scar lies between thinly pursed lips. "asshole." mahogany irises finally meet the other's and scar only wants to bring him down a peg, immaturity at it's finest. "your shoes are on the wrong feet."

[gildedash]

kenj…. was a new nickname. he wasn’t sure how he felt about that. he arches a brow up at him looking a bit amused as he grabs his hand and pulls himself to his feet. “nah, i think i’m fine.” though he hadn’t noticed that his elbows were scratched when they broke the fall when he went down. “you’re a bit distracted today, huh?” he asked being a tease. he would have thought that elias of all people would have seen the biker coming. “like cloudy with a chance of bikers instead of meatballs, i think it’s a calling that i need to get out of the financial district. this area is filled with finance bros that think they are untouchable.” he rolls his eyes. “also this area might be just a little too clean for me.” kenjie was always someone where trouble found him wherever he ended up going. “the fact that they have cameras and they may seem offline seems like a complete waste of resources in my opinion. don’t people pay for those infrastructures through their taxes? maybe we can start a rally and demand for them to be working or remove them.” he teases before he sighs. he also wonders if someone from his past might start to notice him around these neck of the woods. “another coffee? Sure. i won’t turn down free coffee, let’s just uh– wait for the light to turn this time. I’d rather not get hit by another stuck up financial bro or something.”

ELIAS MAY HAVE BEEN one of the last people one might expect to be a highly-trained assassin, a danger in the eyes of society -- and yet, his charm also made him inherently observant. he had been quick to understand that there were others besides him who received the text, that the veil had intended to make clear that the blood was not just on his hands -- but everyone else around them was at fault. something he also notices? the weight the text holds. everyone around him is suddenly a potential threat if they're speaking in quiet, contemplative whispers. if they stare at him just a second too long. he had his reasons for being by city hall -- a meeting? a job? he wanted to leave those questions unanswered to the surrounding passerby. just another new yorker, meant to be here. an otherwise sullen face does soften as he recognizes his fellow member of nocturne -- in the company of his people in the face of constant threat. however, he soon finds himself jumping into action as the bike's path deviates, nearly taking him down. " holy shit! you okay kenj? " he asks, offering a hand to help him adjust. " that guy came out of fuckin' nowhere -- coulda come from the sky. " after a moments pause to listen, he can't help but laugh at his friend's final statement. " who the fuck knows -- got any scratches? injuries? they probably have some sorta camera system out here. or maybe they'll just claim it was offline. " he beckons the other to follow him. " c'mon, there's a good coffee place down the street. i'll buy you a new cup. "

[gildedash]

tag dump for levi hirsch !!

[gildedash]

“i got a little bit of everything because i didn’t know what you guys wanted.” he says. he watches archer rummage through the fridge and catches the ipa in his hands. “a life saver, truly. he says, placing it down on the table as he grabs the serving spoons for the food. he realizes that miguel had actually took the time to set place settings and the slightest bit of a smile forms on his lips when he sees him across the kitchen island. “thank you for setting the table,” he says, suddenly feeling more at ease when he hears miguel’s warm voice. his attention flickers back to archer. “this place was right near work today, let me tell you– every time i walk by it, it smells so good, i’m starved. today was long and i didn’t sleep last night.” that was the truth, and really maybe it showed in kenjie’s eyes by now as he pauses realizing that he mentioned work in front of the others. “i mean– no not by work, it was near the library or whatever, i had to check in a book that i forgot to return five years ago.” he says with the slightest bit of a tease as he pops open the ipa.

@archerxwestley

"Perfect, man. Cause we were just contemplating pizza or something." Archer looked over at Miguel as if the pair had just scored the winning numbers of the Mega Ball. Some trashy, low-budget monster flick was blaring on the television as he rose from his relaxed slumber. Clearly, the guy was starved. "Oh. damn... Yeah, I think mine's in my room..." A thumb lifts to jab over his shoulder. "Or, bathroom. Who actually knows?" Stomping to their buzzing refrigerator, Arch swung the door open and an echoing clatter of all the condiments lingering on the inside. "Beer, we got you covered!" Reaching in, he returns with a large IPA, tossing it back towards Kenjie. "Eh, uneventful, minus Miguel showing up to bother me on my day off." It's obvious he's all jokes. "Want another?" @darlingrevenge

[gildedash]

“we couldn’t let a fire outfit get ruined, now could we?” he asks, noticing the expensive rain coat. maybe if he wore one today, the coffee wouldn’t be staining his shirt in such a horrific way currently, but kenjie’s umbrella just broke and he didn’t have enough time to go and get anything useful before the next rainfall. “so i could sue the individual then, you look like you work here, kind of. do you think those cameras have facial recognition?” that could be hacked into, he adds in his head. he’d have to talk to miguel later. however she looks like a lady of of the law based off her previous monologue. he did have to tend to be careful around people like her based off of how long he has been in nyc now. hawaii was almost just a chapter in his life now that he has almost forgotten about at this point, despite him being from there. “yeah, you offering?” she looks like she has the money to do so. kenjie does now have the money, but that wasn’t always the case for him when he first arrived as a broke college student. “sure, the name is kenjie by the way,” he says getting to his feet, not so gracefully as he grabs his nyu backpack and swings it over his shoulders. “you versed in this area or whatever? you look like you work here.”

Having just walked out of city hall after handling some stuff for a dumb ass client, Giselle had time to spare for going back to the office, so she was making her way down to her waiting car when she heard a bit of a commotion. Murky weather always ruined any day, but judging by the man she was approaching, he seemed to be having hands down the worst day imaginable. Or he was, until her own walk was interrupted by an asshole zooming by, and thank god for the man yelling out to warn her, and for her raincoat saving her brand new outfit that probably cost more than that biker was even worth. "I could never look sad, but thank you for the save." She stated, offering him a smile of appreciation. "But no, you can't sue for that. The bike lane isn't the problem, it's the cyclists. They're supposed to yield for pedestrians when you're in the crosswalk, so the liability falls on the rider, not the city." Giselle explained, which probably sounded like a bunch of mumbo jumbo to someone who wasn't in the legal field, but he asked, and she answered. "You look like you could use another coffee, so how about I buy you one? As a token of my appreciation?"

[gildedash]

an eyebrow arches up as he watches her wave the sandwich in the air. an amused smile on his lips. he was in a shit mood prior, and he and ravina don’t necessarily always get along but new york city was always filled with interesting people, he almost forgot that his coffee from earlier was staining his favorite graphic tee he has had for years. he might have to take note of where that sandwich place is for later just so that he could try it out. he has been quite a bit of a foodie as of late, mostly because it was the thing that kept him busy and kept him from thinking about his family back at home at least for a short while. he swings up swiftly to his feet. Whipping his hands on his jeans and stares down at his now ruined shirt “nah, i think i’m fine– though that biker would have taken you and that sammie out, where did you go anyways? i might be intrigued to try it out instead of getting another coffee, coffee always seems to end in disaster for me like the rest of my life.”

Ravina more so resembled a soaked rat than a human. Doused ringlets clung to her cheeks, the slightest smudge of eyeliner kissed her underlids, and an aged, oversized hoodie draped over her shoulders. The day had been alright. It was her off day, and she'd found herself making her way from her favorite sandwich joint in town. Lifting the hefty sub to her lips, she paused mid-bite when a loud voice shook her from foodie bliss. "Oh shit. Good save." Rav praised with a nod of her head. "Would have been pissed if I lost this bad boy!" With a lift of triumph, she waves the sammie in the air. "'Ham and cheese on a roll with an orange drink, if you know, you know.'" An idiotic grin pulled at the edges of her mouth, wondering if he'd get the joke. "Nah, actually an Italian supreme, but, uh, do you need help?" Sometimes that girl could have a one-track mind. "Hell no dude, they got mad good insurance. Ain't no way."

[gildedash]

“you look like you’re in a good mood, huh, maybe some of that can rub off on me today.” he says with the slightest bit of a grin as he tilts his head at her. she had a certain kind of glow today that someone couldn’t get from just anyone. consider himself intrigued– and probably a bit nosy. he rubs his hands on his jeans to get rid of whatever coffee residue and dirt from the sidewalk was still on his hands. “maybe we can build it up over a cup of jo? i could use a new one now after the rude ass biker wasn’t paying attention. i am absolutely not awake yet this morning. i don’t think i can recruit anyone when my brain isn’t processing anything yet.”

Brooklyn didn't often have her head in the clouds, but she was still living on Cloud 9 after the promising weekend she had. For once, she was starting to find her place and could see there was light at the end of the tunnel. She could still feel the ghost of Scar's touch across her skin and the sounds of their breath echoing in her ear. But a familar voice work her up just in time to be sparred from getting her ass from getting handed to her. She moved out of the way just in time and finished crossing the street. "I'm in too good of a mood to be looking sad." She said with a smile to her friend. They were both in Nocturne. "But maybe I can help you build your case and cheer you up."

[gildedash]

@softnoirs

Clueless (1995) dir. Amy Heckerling

[gildedash]

“Tragic and poetic and a mess, like what seems to be the most of my days.” kenjie says as he watches her curiously, with the slightest bit of a smile on his lips as he watches yet another e-bike pass by with the slightest bit of a roll of his eyes. “I swear those things are more dangerous than cars. And— and they don’t wear a helmet!” kenjie says waving his hands up in the air. Though he was never much of someone to care about anyone’s safety until he was the one to be a victim of said bikers. He had forgotten about his coffee stained shirt in all honesty though the wetness was slightly uncomfortable. He wraps his arms around his chest. He listens to her speak, the pink bright haired boy looking rather amused at her as she lays out her options. “I like the way you think.” he says with the slightest bit of a mused smile on his lips. “You were just as much as victim as i was. Would you be helping me in this task? Plus how much you wanna bet those cameras work?” he asks gesturing to the one on the top of the lamppost, however he does just see the one across the street flash within the blink of an eye. “I wish i ought to meet you in better conditions, but my name is kenjie and i forgot how much i actually hate the finicancial district and their stupid e-bikes.” he says still– keeping his arms close to him out of self consciousness but holding a hand out for her to shake.

Priya had seen the whole scene unfold from across the street. Kenjie splayed out like roadkill under a moody, half-cleared sky, soaked through and cradling a ruined coffee like it was the final betrayal. She shouldn’t have laughed. Truly. But the image of him lying there, muttering to no one with that deadpan “uhhhhhhh—what the fuck” had her biting the inside of her cheek until the grin slipped anyway. As he scrambled upright and barked at her to watch the next cyclist zooming past like a heat-seeking missile, she raised a hand in faux salute, already stepping over a puddle with the grace of someone who didn’t trust sidewalks to begin with. “You know,” she said, brushing a few specks of city grime from her coat sleeve, “there’s something poetic about you getting taken out by a thirty-something Brooklynite on an overpriced e-bike.” Her eyes flicked down to the wet stain on his shirt. “Tragic, but poetic.”

She arched a brow as he asked about suing the city. “Technically, yes, you could file a complaint. Maybe even escalate it. But the payout wouldn't cover your dry cleaning, and you'd have to navigate a municipal claims process designed to break the will of the righteous.” A beat. Then her voice dropped — warmer, but laced with the kind of amusement that suggested she was now just having fun. “However... if you’re truly feeling vengeful, might I suggest a more elegant solution?” Her tone turned light, almost conspiratorial. “You could plant a few strategically worded Yelp reviews about a rogue group of cyclists who don’t stop at red lights and have been harassing pedestrians. Attach it to a few community board threads, maybe get a local reporter interested. Add words like ‘reckless’ and ‘child endangerment.’” She gestured idly down the path. “Or better yet, find out if any of these two-wheeled vigilantes park illegally. A few anonymous tips to traffic enforcement with exact locations? Their precious bikes vanish by morning.” Priya smiled like a woman who never let a grudge go to waste. “Public shaming. Slow. Satisfying. And, best of all — perfectly legal. Think of it as civic engagement.”

[gildedash]

dossier file 00.01- kenjie salazar- lead recruiter for nocturne shows up to the late mayor charles dupont's memorial alone (unless someone asks him out at last minute), with a flask hidden on the inside of his vest. he switched out the white top in the suit picture with a lace sparkled black top and yes, he wears iridicscent sunglasses inside when he doesn't want to listen to people talk. he was able to dye his pink hair to a light lilac color (not quite the right colors for nocturne, but still a better purple than nothing).

[gildedash]

closed for @darlingrevenge for miguel and @archerxwestley for archer

location: their apartment !!

"i brought home dinner." kenjie sings out as he swings the rustic wooden door open. he was craving Chinese food today and had just gotten a little bit of everything. with a plastic thank-you bag featuring a bright yellow smile face and his backpack, which he still carried, bearing an NYU symbol. he had that stupid bag since the days he was considered a student there where he abruptly dropped out. he places the bag filled with food on their kitchen island and hangs his backpack on the hook by the door. "i forgot to pick up beer and i wasn't sure if we had any left. you fuckers weren't answering your phone, anyways, how was everyone's day?" he asks rummaging through the drawers.

[gildedash]

location: city hall, some random sidewalk, midday

status: open

@rotsstarters

kenjie was having a shit out of luck day, really. he truly was. first it had started doing that weird summer downpour and he was soaking wet, second he was crossing the street-- in the right lane as a biker had slammed into him, knocking him to his feet-- literally and the obnoxious biker sped off. his coffee? spilled all over his shirt. thankfully his head didn't hit the pavement, though he just let himself sit there defeated for a moment. "uhhhhhhh- what the fuck." he adds muttering underneath his breath as he lets his head roll up to the clouds that were finally clearing the sky in his spot. he happens to look over as someone else appears to be crossing the street, right as a biker crosses the bike path "aye!" he screams out to the person. "watch it--literally yo." he gets up to his feet, pulling his usual backpack he carries back on his shoulders. "you want to look as sad i do right now?" he asks watching the biker zoom pass. "you think fucking city hall would have better marked bike lanes, could i sue them and make more money?"

[gildedash]

"uhhhhhhhhh," kenjie blinks at the other. "you calling me a dickhead? i didn't give you, that---" he adds before pulling out a handy first aid kit from his backpack that was hanging around his shoulders. kenjie had it just for those just in case moments. "though i don't know if i have needle and thread in this for that giant fucking gash in your head wound. i'm sure if we go to a staples i can add a staple gun to my repitor though. i think i didn't see one too far away." he says with a sly smile forming on his lips. he was not prepared for this, but at least he was prepared for an immediate injury. luckily for him he hadn't had to use his makeshift first aid kit in a while. "i can help you, but i don't want to hear your horrid rap song or have a coffee this late, i'll be up the walls. i don't think you want that either if i'm the one tending to your wounds from that previous dickhead."

Status: open ! @rotsstarters

Freddie can barely breathe, barely think, his feet move on autopilot, running as fast as they can. Maybe he ought to not stop, maybe he should run until he reaches the end of the world. But he knows, in his heart, that he can’t do that and so he does stop, a hand running through messy blond locks, blood from a minor head wound covering his fingers. “ shit. ” he mumbles, “ fucking dickhead. ” the sight would be almost humerous if he wasn’t somewhat concerning. A head wound, a freshening black eye, his old Chelsea football club shirt dirtied with mud and blood. Freddie turns left, a familiar door before him that he knocks on, leaning against the doorway with a shit eating grin that greets the occupant when they open. “ if it isn't my favourite person ! I was wondering if you’ve got any bandaids. I can thank you in coffee or a personalised rap song. ”

[gildedash]

kenjie was not awake yet this morning. he had rolled out of bed (and literally looked like it) with the collar of his shirt still on the inside of his neckline. he was certain he heard his name-- kenjie, though it could be possible that he is still uneasy from having too many drinks the night before. "uh---" his brows furrow as he looks at the sticker on his cup. does he get the same drink as the girl? of course he does as he sees his name on the cup. "is your name kenjie too?" he asks, sounding a bit dumbfounded. he could start by having a better day if he remembered to brush his teeth before going out the door.

Location: Bean Addiction Status: Open @rotsstarters ( 2/3 )

Avery looked down at her phone and tried to ignore the messages that were coming through. She didn't want to think about work for the next few days. She needed some time off, and she wanted to make the most of it. She stood back and waited for her name to be called at the local coffee shop, but she wasn't expecting someone else to grab the cup before she could. "Oh, I'm sorry... I think you might have my drink."