heyymikki

[heyymikki]

Mikayla smiled softly at Rosalie's offer, though she remained quiet for a bit longer as she considered it. She was so used to keeping things to herself, carrying the weight of her burdens alone, but since she'd moved to Tonopah Valley, she had welcomed friends into her life who wanted to help share the load. All she needed to do was to let them. "I want to," she admitted, her gaze turning down to her hands as she picked at her nailbeds. "I've only told two other people about everything, so I'm not used to talking about it, but the context is important. Are you sure?"

A conceding smile touched Rosalie's lips, an admission and understanding that she was clucking about like a mother hen. But she couldn't help it, people deserved to feel cared for, especially in moments such as these. She nodded in response to the directions to the cookware, and in no time she had transferred the soup to the stove and began heating up. --- She turned slowly, another smile, this time softer, sadder. "I can imagine. And I just want to say, if you ever need to talk to someone who isn't...So directly involved, like Niko might be, I'm here. Or if you just need more soup and to not talk about it at all."

[heyymikki]

"I'm sure all it'll take is for them to walk in on us naked once and they'll learn to knock," she replied with a laugh, though deep down, she prayed they would never have such an awkward encounter with any of his family members. Leaning in, she kissed him slowly, deepening it ever so slightly before pulling away. "I might need to bring a few things over, but I promise not to take over your space too quickly." Setting the key onto the bedside table, she crawled onto the bed and got settled on the side she'd claimed as her own even before he'd given her permission. She tugged him down onto the bed with a mischievous grin. "Now get over here so I can thank you properly..."

*// END

"You did." But saying it and actually following through were two entirely different things, and from the beginning Mikki had stuck to her word. Perhaps he didn't have the means, the confidence even, to convey exactly how much it meant to him in that moment, but he could only hope that she understood him enough by now to realize that. "Mmh, you say that now. Just wait 'til you're on the receiving end of one of my cousins' drop-ins -- they can happen at any time, and they never call first." He smirked, tilting his head to lean further into her soft touch, adding then, "I like the idea, too.."

[heyymikki]

Mikayla wasn't expecting absolution for what she had done by any means, but Emiri's words brought a sense of peace she hadn't felt in what felt like years. She didn't hate her for what she'd done, even if she had every right to do so. Maybe this was what unconditional love was really supposed to be. Reaching over, she took Emiri's hand and gave it a squeeze. "He did, but I'm okay now," she said, "Thankfully Niko found me pretty quickly. I guess it sometimes pays to be as paranoid as he is." She let out a soft laugh, knowing Emiri would understand what she meant about her cousin. "And he's going to go away for a really long time for what he did to your dad. I'll do whatever I can to make sure that happens."

Emiri’s lips part briefly with intentions of wanting to tell Mikki that she should always worry the people that cared about her, instead she managed to respect her friend’s space and listen, she couldn’t even begin to comprehend what she had been through and no, she didn’t feel she could relate to providing information to evil sources, but what she could do was understand from Mikki’s point of view and the way she must have felt like she didn’t have a choice. Emiri nodded lightly, unable to shake that what if thought that was circling her mind - would have dad have still been alive? She could toy on that forever, yet accepting the response she had gotten provided more stability. “I— I think…” she wiped her eyes again, trying to force the pools of water circling her eyes to remain exactly where they were, “I think you did what you thought was right at the time.” Emiri moved over towards her friend, reaching for her hand, tears glazing her eyes as she focused her attention of Mikki, “Are you okay? Did he.. did he hurt you?”

[heyymikki]

A smile stayed painted on Mikayla's lips as she listened to him, taking in what was said and what was written between the lines as best she could. Though there were still so many hidden corners and secrets tucked away in the man she loved, she knew it was only a matter of time before they would come to know one another inside and out like their favorite books. He was a mystery she was excited to dive into and watch unravel before her eyes. "I did promise, didn't I? To take whatever parts of you you're willing to give me when you're ready," she remarked, cupping his cheek and running her thumb along the ridge of his cheekbone. She had meant it then, when things were still new and uncertain, and she meant it even more now. "And for what it's worth, I like the idea of getting to wake up next to you most mornings."

"That's kind of the point." Niko said with a grin, relieved that she seemed to be taken by the gesture. It was strange, how quickly things could develop and change -- and not always in a negative way like he'd once believed. "There's a lot going on right now, between the restaurant and..." He trailed off, shaking his head. The details weren't important right now, not when his plans had only been a mere discussion with his cousin, "...regardless, it'd be nice not to have to make plans to see you. And to know that you're safe." A shrug pulled at his shoulders. "Not to mention this place is a fucking fortress. I'll have to teach you how to use the security system. It's...extensive." That was putting it lightly. He let out a breath, hands resting at the small of her back before pulling her closer. "Thank you. For being patient with me." Niko remarked softly, gaze flickering away momentarily. Being vulnerable was still something he had to get used to. "I know there's -- there's still a lot I haven't told you, but...I hope that this can help explain that it's not because of you that I haven't."

[heyymikki]

Leave it to Emiri to first be concerned about what Mikayla had been through rather than her admission of fault. Emiri was far too good for this world, a friend Mikayla knew she didn't deserve but was forever grateful to have in her life, and her response only solidified that belief. She quickly swiped her hands beneath her eyes to wipe away the few tears that had spilled over her lash line and down her cheeks. "I didn't want to worry anyone," she started, "and only you and a few others know what I do, so I couldn't tell anyone else everything." She swallowed hard, taking in a shaky breath. "I didn't give much information about the MC to Dante, so I'm... I'm not sure if what I did tell him would have helped plan what happened," she admitted. "I shouldn't have said anything, though. When I started to really care about the people here, care about you and Maeve and my other friends, I should have stopped it right then and there, but I was... scared. Selfish. Trying to protect my own secret."

She nodded faintly, silently acknowledging that yes she had seen her article. Every part of Emiri wanted to dismiss Mikki's apology, if only because she had come to her own reflections on why it had been done and in all honesty, right this second there wasn't any bad blood. Still, she stayed quiet just to listen to what her friend had to say and eventually her brows came together in a furrow, not quite understanding why Mikki needed to repent for her own sins - she also caught the guilt embedding within her expressions and it was one Emiri felt confused by until what was revealed next. Her surprise was one that was obviously making its way to the surface, shock because it was a lot to be taking in all at once. She could feel her heart beginning to pick up tempo as she tried to steady her breathing, "I, um-- I didn't even realise you went through all of that." which made her feel horrible - unworthy of being a friend because how did she not even notice? "I'm sorry I didn't know." if she did she would have at least tried to be there, she was sure of that. "But are - are you, are you saying that if you hadn't given information that.. that my, um, that my dad might still be here?" she wiped her tears that had started to fall, unable to hide how the thought - or even just talking about her dad's death - scarred her memory completely.

[heyymikki]

"Yes, mama," Mikki teased, though she felt a warmth spread through her at Rosalie's fussing. She settled down into the breakfast nook, easing herself onto the bench. "Pots are in the cabinet to the right of the stove." Having someone care enough to want to help or take care of her that wasn't obligated to in any way was something she was still allowing herself to accept without complaint after so many years of being independent. "I have been at Niko's for the last couple of days, but I needed to get a few things, and I wanted to grab them myself," she explained. "Then I ended up dozing off on the couch... Sleep has been difficult, so I take it when it comes."

"I don't understand why you're not over at Niko's house anyways," Rosalie fussed, straightening up items as she fell in step behind Mikki, eyes looking for anything she could get done for her friend so she could rest. "He should be waiting on you hand and foot." she tutted. "But in the mean time, I'll take his place." That sounded more like a threat than anything else. And know what? Maybe so.

"I will take some soup, but only if you sit down." She implored, a concerned, almost motherly look on her face. "Tell me where your pots are and I'll be good to go. Just needs to be reheated."

[heyymikki]

Mikayla was grateful that she didn't have to wait to receive the gift, her curiosity -- and impatience -- getting the best of her. She couldn't recall mentioning anything in particular that she would want as a gift, which meant he must have anticipated something she would need someday, ever the practical one. When he held up the key, even before he explained its purpose, the realization dawned on her what this meant. "It's perfect," she told him, voice soft. She reached out to take it, grasping onto it as though it were a precious gem. In a way, it was; it was clear Niko's solitude was important to him after dealing with people all day, so to know that he not only didn't mind but actually welcomed her presence enough to give her free reign felt like a major show of trust and a big step in their relationship. "I hope you know this means I'll be over here more often than not now."

"Believe me, you have no idea." He assured with a soft smirk. His cousins had all been on their best behavior, something he'd had to practically beg for (with extra cash, no less), so really this could be seen as a light introduction. His head tilted back slightly, leaning into the feeling of her fingers cascading through the short, dark locks on the back of his head. "No, that was dinner. I can do that any day of the week." Brows knit together, expression twisted into one of mock disbelief before removing his hands from her waist and reaching into his pocket. "Unfortunately nothing as good as that. You set the bar kinda high with that one." Never before did he think he'd be so in love with someone that he'd even consider hanging a giant portrait of them in his home for all who came through to see, but alas -- sometimes things had a way of working themselves out differently than even someone as prepared as Niko could prepare for. "It's for now." He cleared his throat, pulling a single key from his pocket and offering it in her direction. "I, uh, thought wrapping it would be a little much." A bit presumptuous, even. "But -- I was thinking, with everything that's happened, it might be nice for you to be able to go somewhere that you know will always be...safe. Whenever you want."

[heyymikki]

"Oh, I've always got one on deck. Or three. Who's counting?" she laughed, shaking her head. "Two of them are on my e-reader, though, so that saves some space. As she moved about the room and started to gather books, she allowed the movement to give her a few extra moments to contemplate how much she wanted to reveal to Emiri about what she had been through. Emiri was one of the few people in her life who knew about her escorting -- one of the first people in Tonopah she had ever told -- so it wasn't a matter of trust so much as feeling like an undue burden to place all of it onto her friend's shoulders.

"I'm going to guess you probably saw the article I wrote," she started once she'd set the stack of books she had into the waiting box. "I'm so sorry for not warning you that I'd be mentioning what happened at the bike festival. I didn't mean to upset anyone, but I know it caught Maeve off guard and hurt her and that's the last thing I want to do to the people I care about. In my research, when I found the connection between Giovanni and what's happened around town, I saw it as a means of getting justice for the lives he took. I... I saw exposing his sins as a means of repentance for my own." She looked to Emiri then, an apologetic look in her eyes. The guilt had been eating her alive since that day, knowing that Emiri and Maeve had both lost their fathers because of the man she had unwittingly helped in his bid to take over their town. "I was one of the sources I quoted in the article. I had been blackmailed by the ADA to give him information about people a few years ago -- he would've revealed my other job if I didn't. I didn't know it at the time, but he was in Giovanni's pocket, so whatever information I was giving to Dante was being used for whatever schemes Giovanni was planning... including the bombing at the festival. By writing that article, I put a target on my back, but I didn't think he would actually do anything to me because of how what he'd done was out in the open. I was wrong." She swallowed hard. "The weekend of the music festival, he lured me to Vegas by pretending to be a client and took me hostage, trying to figure out who the other sources were so he could find the leak in his organization."

"True," she chuckled as she started to nod, "Yeah that seems best - have you got one you're reading currently though? Don't want to get bored in-between now and then." She knew Mikki was an avid reader and so - if she hadn't already - it made sense for her to have a least one book out and ready as a just in case. "That's okay," she found herself lightly waving off her friend's thanks, especially when it wasn't needed. "You don't need to say sorry, I'm always here." whether Mikki was distant or not, it didn't matter to Emiri. "Crazy in a good way though, or?" she asked because she wasn't quite sure she could tell on her own. "Did you want to talk about it?"

[heyymikki]

"Really?" Mikayla hadn't heard the news of Giovanni's arrest, assuming Niko had shielded her from the news, and a part of her was surprised to hear that it may have been Valentina Ricci of all people who had turned him in. Though she wished it had happened sooner -- happened before she'd been captured -- she was grateful that nobody else would be hurt by him for now. Someone like Ricci no doubt had connections in prison, so only time would tell how long he stayed down. "Yeah..." she let out a bitter laugh, no humor in the gesture. "There's little satisfaction in being right this time around."

Lupe kissed the top of her head before starting to rub slow circles on her back as she spoke. It was hard to hear her re-tell the story and imagine Mikki going through it all. Lupe wasn't naive, her Uncle had made sure of that but it didn't make these kinds of actions any easier to be aware of. How could anyone be desensitized to such cruelty? Especially when it affected someone she loved so deeply. "Jesus, I'm so sorry," she told her softly and held her tightly. "It sounds scary as fuck. Liken that's some movie villain shit, who just has warehouses to take people too? Elliott being there though..." she trailed off, not wanting to fuel the fire but she had already been skeptical about Mikki's biological father.

"Well as of a day ago, Giovanni Ricci is going to prison. So I guess your article was right." She wasn't sure if Mikki had seen the news or if Gio had told her but she couldn't keep it from her very long. "I don't know for sure yet but a little birdie told me his daughter sold him out."

[heyymikki]

"I wish I could tell you. I've only ever moved one other time in my life, and it was to come out here, so I'm not sure what the protocol is for these kinds of things," she said with a laugh. "Maybe we should start with the books? Since I definitely won't need those in between now and moving day." She looked to her friend, grateful for her presence in this pivotal moment of her life. Things had changed so much in the last few weeks; this felt a little closer to normal -- almost. There was still a part of her that worried there would be awkwardness with the article she'd written. "Thank you for helping. I'm sorry I've been a little distant lately. Life's been crazy."

with: @heyymikki where: mikki's home

As she walked into her friend's home with the moving boxes she had acquired for Mikki, she couldn't help but take everything in for perhaps the last time - no it wasn't her moving, nor was it her home, but Emiri felt it was a huge milestone for her friend and so she couldn't help but feel that happiness for her. It was warranted as well as deserved. Sure, Emiri had kept to herself for a little while after Mikki's article had dropped, mostly to work through how she felt and her own conclusion had sprung to her finding understanding in the intentions that had been made, however this meant she was clueless to what Mikki had actually been through, "You'll have to let me know what you want me to start with?" she begins as she places the flat pack down, now smiling brightly at her friend, "And also, most importantly, are you excited or does it feel weird to be moving?"

[heyymikki]

"Well, I'm not very good at letting people do things for me," she admitted with a shrug and a soft smile, though she didn't push the issue. If anything, she was asking in an attempt at paying him back -- though there really wasn't a way to completely repay what he had done for her sake by Niko's side. "I did. The food was amazing, and it was nice finally getting to meet everyone officially." She tucked some loose hair behind her ear, weighing her next words. Nothing would feel sufficient when it came to saving her life. "Thank you. For everything."

Family occasions had been a staple in his life ( his presence required whether he really wanted it or not ) and tonight he supposed was no different, though there was some kind of novelty that it was for a partner of Niko's this time. He'd busied himself gathering up some plates when she appeared by his side. "No, I'm all set here." Shake of his head was given, a firmness in his tone that he hoped would be hard to argue with. "Besides, hardly fair to make you clean up after your own party." Gaze drifted over her, lightly assessing how she was given the circumstances of their first meeting. But he doesn't ask, not when there's not enough familiarity between them for that. A safer topic is chosen instead. "You enjoy yourself?"

[heyymikki]

"She didn't, but I think I finally understand why you're always so exasperated with your cousins," she admitted with a laugh, threading her fingers through the hair on the back of his head before settling them onto either side of his neck. At the mention of a gift, she squinted suspiciously. "Setting up that whole dinner wasn't my gift?" The surprise was evident in her tone, especially because she hadn't expected to get anything more. "So I shouldn't be expecting a portrait of you is what you're saying," she replied with a wry grin, referring to one of the gifts she'd gotten him for his birthday earlier that year. "Will I get it now or do I have to wait for it?"

It had been a very calculated risk, involving his family in the celebration of his girlfriend's birthday, but ultimately one that had paid off. The male was no stranger to organizing private events for customers, often times the point person for the catering side of the business, but this was different -- this was personal. Considering the events of the last few weeks, Niko just wanted to ensure that Mikki had a nice, carefree time, even if it meant he'd have to make small talk throughout the night. Still, it'd gone better than expected, and his cousins had behaved themselves (mostly), but when all was said and done he was just glad to end the evening with her.

He'd been sitting on the edge of his bed when Mikayla approached him, a slight grin tugging at his lips when she held his face and kissed him. "Tori didn't scare you off too bad?" He joked wryly, hands resting on her hips as he looked up at her. "I'm glad. You deserved a break." From recovering, from remembering the pain that had been inflicted on her not long ago. Simply a night to celebrate, to forget -- funny how Niko was better at encouraging those things in others but not himself. "I've, uh, got something for you, though. An actual gift. 'Least, sort of a gift." He wasn't sure how to classify it, really, but considering the fact that it was her birthday, the terminology felt right. With a short chuckle, he added, "Keep your expectations low."

[heyymikki]

It had been some time since her brush with Giovanni, and most of her superficial wounds had been healed. She had slowly reintegrated herself back into the world since then, starting with her birthday celebration and then returning to classes as the semester started. When Ava had reached out, she was more than happy to go get some good food with an old friend and catch up on everything that had happened since they'd last seen each other.

"Really, it's not a big deal. You know I'm not usually the type to go above and beyond to celebrate, so this is a lot nicer than I would've done for myself," she chuckled, looking over top of her menu at the woman. "It's great to see you again. I feel like it's been forever. You'll have to catch me up on all things Ava."

La Macina with Mikki Beaumont @heyymikki

Mikayla had gotten a more raw and honest view of her life in New York than most, witnessing the social circle her ex had ran in first hand. Their friendship had been forged in the furnace that was charity galas and networking events, a strong bond that had lasted through the years. The fact that they were back in the same place again had been just another bonus to her return to Tonopah and the other's birthday ( albeit belated ) had seemed like the perfect reason to arrange a catch up. "So I know it's been a little while since your birthday but I figure it's never too late to celebrate." Excuses for the delay brimmed on her tongue, force of habit from her time in New York when she'd been so tied to Richard and so prone to flaking or rearranging plans she'd felt the need to apologise for everything and anything. But she smiled instead, reassuring herself that this time sorrys weren't needed, not when life had kept them both busy. But apologetic tone still lingers in her voice as she acknowledges the time that had passed since their last meeting. "Besides, I'll always take any excuse to see you and it never hurts to have an excuse to dress up nice."

[heyymikki]

"Well, I'm definitely not dead, so at least I've got that going for me," she replied with a sigh. As Lupe's arms wrapped around her, Mikayla found herself melting into the embrace, her aches and pains be damned. There had been so many times like this growing up, where she found comfort in her cousin's arms, but this time the heaviness of the situation was a grim reminder that they were no longer kids and their problems were much, much bigger.

"The article I wrote," she started, voice quiet, "Giovanni lured me out to Vegas by hiring me for a job under a fake name. He wanted to know my sources, who the leak in his organization was so he could take care of it. I didn't know Elliott was there until later. I guess they have some kind of connection, but I don't know what it is -- I haven't had a chance to ask yet -- and he was using him to try to get me to talk. When that didn't work..." she trailed, leaving the rest unsaid. "I was so scared, Lupe. He took us to some abandoned warehouse, and I didn't know if anyone would be able to find us before one of us got killed."

Lupe would have usually rolled her eyes but she was learning not to be so rigid in her perspective. She knew Mikki well enough that it was really only time that allowed her to move through all of those emotions. Lupe had selfishly just been tired of getting caught up between Mikki and her mother and their Uncle. Everything was chaos and she just wanted them to be united. Together. She had always felt the strongest when they were all physically close and now, she felt like the insulation of their safety was starting to shatter. But she didn't say any of that. "Not dead," she told her without hesitation before wrapping her arms around her gently. "We don't have to talk about it but you know you can, if you want to. It's some scary shit to go through."

[heyymikki]

Mikayla scrunched her nose, knowing how right Rosalie was with her warning. Niko would've said something similar -- after all, he hardly let her out of his sight the last few days. It was strange how some things that felt so mundane and normal to do before now no longer felt safe.

Seeing the tube of arnica, Mikayla let out another laugh, this one far fuller than the last. "Oh, my muscles are going to love that. Thank you so much," she said, taking the tube from her friend. "If you're not too busy, we could share some? Soup, I mean, not the gel." She made her way towards the kitchen, hoping the bruising didn't appear as bad as it felt as she walked. "I hope you didn't go too far out of your way to do all of this."

"You put a spare key somewhere and I'll break in myself just to show you how unsafe that is," Rosalie practically clucked, her mother hen tendencies making themselves known. She wasn't normally so forceful, preferring a gentle word or reminder over anything harsher, but as a single woman herself who also lived alone, the thought sent a shiver up her spine. Maybe she was listening to too many podcasts again.

Observant eyes watched her friend's movements, but she kept her mouth shut. They might not be the best of friends, but Rosalie liked to think she knew her well enough. But if Mikki wanted to tell her something, she would, and Ros wasn't about to push her, especially not after she had obviously been through an ordeal. "My mom's beef noodle soup, her parents brought the recipe over from Taiwan. According to them, it beats any type of modern medicine. That and--" Rosalie pulled out a tube of arnica gel from her purse, "Some of this should have you feeling better soon, hopefully."

[heyymikki]

WHO: @stefanosxdimopoulos LOCATION: Dionysos

Mikayla quietly slipped into the kitchen, glad to see there were still a couple of people there cleaning up. She wanted to thank Niko's cousins for coming together for her tonight, even though they didn't know her from Adam. Before she could speak, she noticed one familiar face in particular from the night she'd been rescued, though it took her a moment to place where she'd seen him. "Is there anything I can do to help with clean up?"

[heyymikki]

WHO: @toridimopoulos LOCATION: Dionysos

The dinner hadn't been a surprise necessarily, but the fact that the restaurant was nearly completely empty aside from them had been. Though she had had the chance to briefly meet the cousins who had helped to make this evening a reality, once everyone else had left, Mikayla was sure to find each so she could thank them. She found the other woman first, a smile coming to her face. "Victoria, right? I wanted to say thank you for tonight and actually introduce myself. I hope Niko's compensating you well for your time."