lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila had just stepped out of line to check a message on her phone when she heard her name being called—only it wasn’t the usual cheerful barista voice. This one sounded... mildly annoyed. She looked up to see a man holding her coffee with a furrowed brow and a grumble in his tone. Raising a hand, she took a few steps toward him, a smile already forming. “That would be me,” she said with a slight laugh, slipping her phone into her coat pocket. “Sorry—looks like my timing was just off enough to throw the universe into chaos.”

She reached for the drink gently, her smile easy. “Thanks for not walking off with it. I owe you a coffee if yours ended up in some sort of espresso mix-up purgatory.” A quick beat, then with a little tilt of her head, “Laila, but you already know that. You don’t look like a vanilla oat latte kind of guy, but I could be wrong?"

closed starter for @lailaxmir location: coffee carousel

Berkan was going out for his usual coffee and was surprised it was as busy as it was. He finally got to put his order in and took a seat to wait before his name was called. When he got up there, he grabbed the drink and saw the name Laila was on it instead. He was about to say that grumpily, but the barista was gone. He grumbled and looked around. "Is there a Laila here?"

[lailaxmir]

Laila let out a soft laugh, the kind that settled low and warm in her chest. “Well, lucky for you, I happen to be just brave enough to stick around for dessert,” she said, voice low with a smile that hinted at nerves and flirtation in equal measure. As he pulled out the chair for her, she gave him a look—one part playful, one part grateful. “If this is how you handle nervous, I’m almost afraid to see you confident.”

She settled into the chair, smoothing her dress with deliberate calm while her heart tapped a little too fast beneath it all. There was something different about tonight—something about the way his touch lingered at her back or the way his eyes didn’t look away quite as fast. It wasn’t just wine and charm anymore. It was… intentional. As Sanjit disappeared into the kitchen, Laila let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and glanced around at the candlelit space he’d created. It was quiet in that rare, sacred way—the kind of quiet that made you feel seen. When he returned, she looked up at him again, that same soft smile tugging at her lips. “So,” she said gently, “what’s on the menu—besides a side of emotionally delayed honesty?” Her tone was light, but her eyes stayed steady on his. “Because I think I’m ready to dive in, too.”

"Only for you." Sanjit smiled at her in return, though there was only a hint of a teasing edge to his words as they were more honest than anything. When it came to this date, Sanjit wanted to make sure he impressed. That he wasn't seen as a playboy looking for a one night stand. "You set the bar dangerously high," this time he teased, a smile curling the corners of his lips upward as he studied her. "You wouldn't be the only one nervous," he admitted, softer this time around. "But if you're not too scared," he said, leaning in, "we can dive in. Food first. Feelings, maybe after dessert." Sanjit gestured to the candlelit table, "M'lady," He moved, pulling out the chair, "make yourself comfortable and I'll get the food." Sanjit said, allowing her to sit down, his hand lingering on the back of the chair, along with his gaze before he disappeared to the kitchen to get their meal. @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila chuckled softly, appreciating his honesty. “Okay, I can definitely get behind the ‘do it when you feel like it’ approach. Healing isn’t a race or a checklist—more like a messy, unpredictable dance.” She smiled, imagining his morning routine. “Coffee, then a run or workout, then shower and breakfast? That actually sounds pretty solid. A little structure but not so rigid it feels like a trap.”

“Honestly, if I had that kind of routine, I might even make it to work on time more often,” she teased, her grin widening. “But hey, I’m a work in progress.” She sipped her drink thoughtfully. “I think what really counts is the little things we do for ourselves that actually stick—not what looks good on TV or what other people expect, right?” | @teddyxaetos

He laughed, "I would not ask you to do something I would not do." he shook his head. "I know that it can help people, but that is a choice of each person". And Teddy didn't think asking a person to do something like that was his choice. "I can think that doing yoga and breathing and such can help you, but you do that when you feel like you need it," he smiled at her. "But no, I don't think rushing helps anything, healing, change takes time," he nodded.

He laughed, " I mean I did try that before, thinking it's what people are used to, but not me." he did dress professionally, but he wasn't the classic that you see on TV and movies. "That's good, whatever it is counts," he smiled. "I get up and drink a cup of coffee, then go for a run or work out," he said, depending on the weather. "Before I shower and then make something to eat," he tended to get up early so he could get ready for his day and head to work. @lailaxmir.

[lailaxmir]

Laila smiled softly as she gently rocked Erik in her arms, feeling the little warmth and quiet contentment that only a baby could bring. “I get it now too,” she said with a quiet laugh, “the endless photos, the little moments you want to freeze in time because they disappear so fast.” Her eyes met Ben’s, warm and sincere, but there was a softness in them—something wistful beneath the surface. “It’s beautiful to see you like this—the way you light up just talking about him. Parenthood really suits you.” She glanced down at Erik, who gave a small, curious coo.

“Has he hit any fun milestones yet? First smile, maybe a tiny giggle?” she asked gently, voice touched with quiet longing. She gave Erik a gentle squeeze and smiled up at Ben, trying to keep the wistfulness at bay. “I might just take you up on that sometime soon. A little visit with the two of you sounds pretty perfect.” | @benjaminxjackson

"My phone is running out of memory already due to all the pictures of this cute little guy I have taken. Seriously now I understand when parents take tons of pictures of their kid," Ben smiled softly. Ben was becoming that dad that took pictures, he wanted to capture every moment and not miss a thing. He was glad that he was in a position in his career that allowed him to be very present. He smiled and watched as Laila carried Erik.

Ben smiled brightly, "Really?" he spoke with a laughter in his voice. "I guess I am. Being a dad and having this little prince has been the best thing that happened to me," the chef added. Ben never thought a day like this will come and he was so very glad it did even if it happened in a way he did not expect it. "Simple, just text me and stop by. I am basically always home with this bean." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

closed for @margaretxhawthornelevy location: cobblestone cafe

Laila balanced her chai and a half-open laptop in one hand, scanning the crowded café with a mildly perplexed expression. Spotting the only open seat—half a table already occupied—she offered a polite but warm smile as she approached. “Hi—sorry to interrupt. Mind if I join you?” she asked, gesturing to the empty chair. “This place is never this busy during my usual time. Either the universe is messing with me, or they’re running some kind of secret two-for-one muffin deal I didn’t get the memo about.” As she sat down, she offered a hand. “I’m Laila, by the way. Laila Mir."

[lailaxmir]

closed for @marleyxmadden

Laila shifted the bouquet of fresh dahlias in her arms as she wandered past a stall selling honey and handmade soaps, nearly walking right by before doing a double take. “Wait—Marley, right?” she said, turning with a warm smile. “From the book club? I thought I recognized you, but I wasn’t sure without a novel in your hand and someone passionately arguing about the symbolism of rain.” A light, teasing glint in her eyes. “Please tell me you’re here for something indulgent and not, like, potatoes.”

[lailaxmir]

closed for @owenxbentley

Laila spotted him before he spotted her—same hair, same unreadable expression. She crossed the street without thinking twice, a grin already tugging at her lips. “Well, well,” she called out, hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket. “Either I’ve completely lost my mind, or that’s Owen Bentley standing in the middle of Kismet Harbor.”

She stopped in front of him, head tilting slightly. “Didn’t think I’d run into a familiar face from that side of the pond here. What’s it been—seven years? Eight?” Her smile softened just a touch. “Still brooding. Still sharp. Some things really don’t change.”

[lailaxmir]

Laila grinned, clearly delighted by the answer. “You Oughta Know? I'm gonna have to check the lyrics to remind myself of the song,” she said, laughing pulling out her phone and going through it quickly. “Unexpected but bold, fierce, a little chaotic in the best possible way? Yeah, that tracks.” She rested her chin in her hand, eyes still dancing with amusement. Then, after a beat, she added with a mock-serious tone, “Also, if you ever do get discovered, I expect VIP tickets and emotional support nachos at every show. Non-negotiable.” Her smile turned softer as she glanced toward the stage. “But until then… we just keep letting the low-key legends surprise us between bites of buffalo wings for you and cauliflower wings for me.” | @marincole

"That's exactly what I was thinking." Marin laughed. "Which I mean, if you're going to be famous that's the way to do it." she nodded. "I hope if I ever get randomly discovered and sell out Madison Square Garden I can return to my hometown and be that humble. Being famous changes people." she admitted, her eyes focused on the other still on the stage. Lifting another wing off her plate, she took a bite before placing it back down, holding up a finger as if to tell the other to hold on. "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette." she admitted with a smirk. "Not something most people expect, but it's also very me." she shrugged. "At least in my opinion." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila’s eyes widened with genuine interest. “Okay, those are such strong top picks,” she said, visibly impressed. “Morocco has been on my list forever—the colors, the markets, the way everything feels like it’s moving all at once? I feel like I’d need a vacation from my vacation, but I’d love every second of it.” She smiled warmly, imagining it. “And New Zealand’s kind of the dream, right? Like a ‘find yourself on a cliff at sunrise’ kind of place. Those landscapes don’t even look real half the time.”

But it was Saanvi’s answer to the second question that really made her eyebrows lift. “A forensic anthropologist?” Laila let the words hang in the air for a beat, clearly intrigued. “That is way cooler than I was expecting, and I was already expecting something cool.” She leaned in slightly, curiosity blooming in her voice. “That has to be intense though, right? Like—knowing you’re piecing together stories from bone fragments and decades-old mysteries? No wonder you needed a break. But wow. Consulting sounds like the best of both worlds—still helping, but on your own terms.” A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Tell me you’ve had at least one Indiana Jones moment. Or that you’ve rolled your eyes through a hundred CSI reruns.” | @saanvixsurya

"Top of the list right now?" Saanvi raised her brow as she began to go through her mental list of places to visit. "Morocco or New Zealand," she responded, "I mean Morocco feels like the type of place that overstimulates in the best way possible and I've heard the food is absolutely incredible," she told the woman, "And New Zealand is the opposite in the sense that it's quiet with cliffs galore." She wanted to go for two vastly different reasons. At her other question, Saanvi smiled, "I'm a forensic anthropologist," she responded in regards to her career. "I mostly consult now," as she was taking a break from the part of the job that had made her feel bogged down in the first place. "Sometimes it's historical, sometimes an active investigation." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila stood in the doorway for a second longer than necessary, taking it all in—the warm glow of candlelight against the wooden beams, the comforting hush of the vineyard after hours, and the way Sanjit was looking at her like she was the only thing that existed in the room. She smiled, slow and soft, something unguarded in it for once. “Hey,” she said quietly, her voice wrapped in something tender.

As he crossed the room to greet her, her heart did a small, traitorous flutter at the kiss to her cheek. She looked at him, really looked at him, with eyes that held all the unsaid things she hadn’t dared voice before tonight. “You clean up nicely, Chef Gupta,” she murmured, teasing but honest.

Then her gaze drifted past him to the table he’d set. “Okay, this is—this is really something.” A little laugh slipped out, equal parts awe and affection. “You know, for all the vineyard stroll jokes, I didn’t actually think you’d top them with a private dinner.” She stepped closer, the distance between them warm now, charged in a gentler way. “And yes,” she added, her smile tilting into something more flirtatious, “I came hungry. But I’m starting to think it’s not the food I should be nervous about.” | @sanjitxgupta

starter for @lailaxmir

location: cunnamore vineyards

Sanjit's hands were sweating as his nerves picked up with each second the clocked ticked closer to Laila's arrival at the vineyard. It was closed for the evening, a private event. That event being his date with her. They'd joked about strolls through the vineyard many times and now that they were really doing this, a real date, he wanted it to be more than jokes and banter. When he heard the door creak open, he looked up from lighting the candle on the table that he set up for them. "Hey," his eyes lit up at the sight of her, the flame of the candle reflecting in his eyes. "You look absolutely beautiful." Though that was something she always looked to him. Sanjit crossed the room, moving towards her and closed the distance with a soft kiss to her cheek. "I hope you came hungry." He teased as he took her in once more, "I went all out in the kitchen."

[lailaxmir]

Laila laughed softly, eyes crinkling at the edges as she pictured the scene. “Okay, see, that bathroom door thing? That’s peak dog energy—zero concept of boundaries, just pure loyalty wrapped in fur and chaos. I kind of love it.” She tilted her head, genuinely touched. “You’ve got a good heart, fostering like that. It takes a lot to open your home over and over again, knowing they’re not staying forever.”

At the mention of the cat, Laila’s expression softened further. “Ah, the mysterious feline affection model. Quiet, rare, and deeply conditional,” she said with mock solemnity, then added warmly. She nudged her shoulder lightly against hers. “And hey, when the house is ready—contractor-built and all—I feel like a dog would be the perfect finishing touch. Just think: new space, fresh start, and a built-in excuse to bail on awkward social plans because ‘the dog needs you.’” Her smile turned slightly playful. “Plus, you know I’d help you pick one. I have opinions. Strong ones.” | @yasminxmoreno

"Yeah, I think the ones I have fostered tend to be like that the most. Zero boundaries and all heart," though she could understand their need to be tethered to someone like that. "I had one that was personally offended if I shut the bathroom door, it only took him nearly plowing through it once for me to start leaving it open." A soft laugh escaped her lips as she spoke. "Oh, I could never," she teased, "I have a cat," one she had thought she had lost in the house fire if it were not for Cael. "Her affection is just far more subtle at the end of the day compared to foster dogs I have had." She smiled, "Though maybe one of these days I will get a dog for myself, though I am still in the process of building of my house." A smile touched her lips, "Well, not me personally but you know, the contractors." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila tilted her head, watching him with a soft, knowing smile as he spoke. There was something in the way he said “no one would like that” that made her chest ache a little, that familiar weight of having to grow up too fast, too abruptly. “I get it,” she said quietly. “That kind of change? Especially at that age? It doesn’t just shake your routine—it shakes your whole sense of self. And you don’t exactly get a manual for how to rebuild it in a new place.” Her voice stayed gentle, not pitying, just… understanding.

Then, as if flipping a switch, her smile returned, warm and teasing. “And okay, I’ll give it to you—you do pull off the polished pilot thing well. That effortless, jet-set charm? It’s a vibe. Even if you do gesture like you’re negotiating pasta at a family dinner.” She winked. Her arms folded loosely as she leaned back, more relaxed now. “I haven’t flown into any private hangars, but I’ve been through enough chaotic TSA lines to envy you a little. Those tiny airports sound like heaven, honestly. Quiet, efficient, no screaming toddlers or overpriced water bottles.” Then, with a playful nudge of her elbow, she added, “Let me guess, you miss L.A., huh? Or just your hangar and the espresso?” | @venixvitale

He looked at her with a sly smile. "I mean, I have to look at the work that I do, no one wants someone who looks sloppy to fly them places." he liked to look good too. He felt better, and more people noticed him. He had worked really hard over the past few years to build up his reputation.. And that came with style at times, and caring about how he looked. "It was harder than most people think. I was young, I was mad, it was a new country. No one would like that". Yes, he was still bitter at his parents for the move, so when he never wanted to do anything. Even though he got used to it in time, moving at a teenager, it was really hard on him.

Petersburg at her for a moment, and he shook his head. "I'm just used to bigger places than this. I'm based out of Los Angeles or in Venice, not here.".. You should be talking with your hand a bit out of habit. That was the Italian in him. "Don't you? I mean, I have flown into some major airports. I just have a special so I can get in, but I still have to be screened". He said it's a shrug of his shoulders. "I just have to look for the smaller airports, the runway. Sometimes it's just I just have to look for the smaller airports to run away. Sometimes it's just a runway with a hanger.".He likes the ones like that, smaller and quicker. " right now I am renting a spot at a hanger. But I have a hanger of my own back in LA.." he missed it already. @lailaxmir.

[lailaxmir]

Laila let out a laugh, the kind that bubbled up from deep in her chest and caught her completely off guard. “Honestly, if she has headlined Madison Square Garden, she’s got the most low-key stage presence I’ve ever seen. Like, ‘oh, I’m just here for the vibe and the nachos—surprise, I’m better than your favourite pop star.’” Laila turned her attention back to Marin and raised an eyebrow with playful suspicion. “Okay, but now I need to know—what’s your go-to karaoke song? Because something tells me you don’t just sit back and watch.” Then, noticing the dwindling pile of wings, she smirked. “And hey, no judgment. I respect the kind of talent it takes to destroy a plate of wings and critique vocals at the same time. That’s peak multitasking.” | @marincole

"I'm not convinced she's not headlined Madison Square Garden." Marin stated, eyes focused on the other for a moment. She truly couldn't believe what she'd just heard, but hearing she'd sang Whitney Houston, Marin shook her head. "Wait, she can sing the Whitney Houston?" she asked, though exhaled an audible sigh a moment later. "There's no way." she shook her head. "She -" though as the music to the next song started and the girl that had just been at the microphone began humming along to the other's music. "Okay so she's just got insane talent is all." she shook her head. She'd been so distracted she'd not even paid attention to what was going on around her, including the chicken wings she was devouring. A chuckle escaped her lips. "Just pay attention to karaoke and you won't even notice that you've eaten nearly your entire plate of wings before you could even enjoy them." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila laughed, the sound low and genuine, as she leaned back against the couch a little more. “Okay, good—because I was really going to question your judgment if you tried to make me do sunrise yoga and gratitude journaling before I’ve had caffeine.” Her smile lingered, but there was something softer under it now. “Honestly though… I think that’s what I’ve needed to hear. That it’s okay to take my time. I’ve spent so long pushing myself to either fix everything or just ignore it completely. No in-between. So, this? Letting things unfold slowly, without all the pressure? That’s new for me.”

She glanced at him, her tone easy but sincere. “And it helps that you’re not a total cliché in a cardigan telling me to breathe through my trauma.” With a slight smirk, she added, “But for the record, I might actually be into some kind of not-at-dawn, not-too-serious morning routine. Maybe. Eventually.” | @teddyxaetos

Teddy knew he was young and not everyone wanted to go to someone with not as much experience. But he did love what he did; he enjoyed it. He just wanted to make sure he could help everyone he could. He nodded, "A lot of people think that way, that going to this or something else, that it needs to be big and grand," but it didn't always have to be that way. He nodded, "I know the feeling, but you just have to work at your own pace and take your time with things." he nodded as he eyed up from his IPAD. "Things take time, as much as I know, rushing and wanting things to be fixed or done quickly, it's not the best way," he understood it.

He nodded, "Now I am still new to town, so my list of who I speak with isn't that long yet, but so far my record is people coming back," he grinned. He laughed "Fuck no I would never do that, who would want to do that" he joked as he looked at her. "But if you want to do that or something like it, just not as early, we can plan it." Nothing he could make them do, but he could give them the idea to do something to start their day. @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila grinned, following Marin’s gaze toward the stage with a little shake of her head. “Right? She looks like she’d order milk with dinner and then bam—she’s out here belting like she’s headlining Madison Square Garden.” She leaned back in her seat, clearly amused. “I’ve only seen her once before, actually. Last time she sang some Whitney Houston and half the room nearly dropped their drinks. I don’t know if she’s a regular or just likes to sneak in, blow everyone’s minds, and disappear like a karaoke vigilante.” Her eyes flicked to Marin’s plate and she smirked. “Also, for the record? The chicken wing demolition going on over there is weirdly impressive. I feel like I should be concerned or take notes.” | @marincole

𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 @lailaxmir

"Wait, that came from her?" Marin questioned, eyes focused on the back of the restaurant, the girl that had just come off the stage the only thing she was focused on. "She's tiny and she has a voice like that?" The question wasn't actually a question but more of a way for her to express that she didn't believe it. Karaoke was one of Marin's favorite pass times, but people watching while eating was her second favorite thing. And eating was what she was doing. One chicken wing followed by another; it was probably disgusting to watch if she had to guess, but, she didn't care. "She's so little and her voice was giant. She out here a lot or are you just as clueless as I am?"

[lailaxmir]

Laila’s breath caught somewhere between her chest and her throat—held there like it was afraid to break the moment. Her eyes searched his, and for once, she didn’t mask what they were saying. No deflection, no wine metaphors, no teasing smile to soften the blow. Just the quiet recognition of something that had always been there, even when they danced around it. “You didn’t fumble anything,” she said softly, her voice carrying something tender, something certain. “I think we were just both afraid of calling it what it was. Because real? Real means there’s something to lose.”

Her fingers tightened slightly around his. “But maybe it’s worth risking the drop if it means we finally get to hold it for real.” A small, genuine smile lifted the corners of her lips. "So if it's okay with you? Maybe we do this...sooner rather than later? How's Thursday night?"

FIN.

He didn't speak right away, feeling the weight of her words as they settled between them. "I've always noticed," with his fingers curled gently around her own, he found himself grounded in that moment. Like she were the anchor he had been searching for. "I wasn't sure I had the right to catch it and what if I fumbled it so badly you'd never throw it at me again?" His gaze rested on hers, his admittance quiet. "We're both good at playing it safe." With Laila, he had. With his wines, with his travels, he let himself explore and take risks. "So yeah," he said quietly, though his voice held a sureness he hadn't thought possible. "lets stop holding back, stop pretending," his thumb brushed lightly along her hand, "I'm ready to see what the hell this is when it's real." @lailaxmir

[lailaxmir]

Laila let out a quiet breath, one she hadn’t quite realized she’d been holding. Something about his words—steady, patient, without pressure—made the air in the room feel a little easier to breathe. “You make it sound so simple,” she said with a soft laugh, not unkindly. “Not in a bad way—just… it’s nice. To be reminded that it doesn’t have to be some massive overhaul or life-altering epiphany.” Her fingers absentmindedly brushed against the hem of her sleeve. “I guess I’ve always been the type to think if I wasn’t fixing everything, then I wasn’t doing enough.”

Her eyes flicked to his briefly, curious, maybe even a little grateful. “So yeah, showing up counts. I’m still wrapping my head around that.” Then, in typical Laila fashion, she added with a small smile, “Though I’m gonna be real with you—if you tell me next week to start waking up at 5am to journal and do yoga on the beach, I might have to find a new therapist.” | @teddyxaetos

He knew he had not been in town too long yet, but thankfully, he already had a couple of people he was speaking with. That it was going to take some time for him to settle in and be known. to find people who would want to keep coming to speak with him to get the help they needed.

He was just starting with Laila, but he was thankful that he was able to start to speak with her to help her out. "It's great, every moment counts," he smiled at her. He did like to let "You could never disappoint me, " he smiled at her from his iPad, on which he took his notes. "It can be, anything can count as a first step," he nodded. "Like I said, even taking a walk or just changing up how you start your day is a start." Everything did count. "And the fact that you're coming today is another step, no matter how small it is. @lailaxmir.