ravinax

[ravinax]

The pliable plate in her palm tumbled to the floor with a temperate thud, her precious Hot Pocket detonating with marinara sauce and chunks of pepperoni. "What the fuck, dude!" Her hands balled into fists, her legs outstretched slightly as though she were ready to attack. "Who do you think you are? The Vampire Of Sacramento?!" Her heart jackhammered, her knees trembling. Why the fuck wasn't Scar home?! "Look, we're two broke kids! We don't have shit you want, man!" Where was her phone? Would it be wise to scream? Did she have any weapons, did he?! Fuck! This is why people like her were always the first to go in a horror film, she never had her shit together! "Look, if you just leave... I won't call the fucking fuzz, okay?!"

window slid open with a hiss and a grunt—thank fuck. he ain’t planned to jump through it, but he ain’t planned on gettin’ chased across half the damn city either, and here he was. he slipped the rest of the way in, one foot catchin’ on the sill, half-climb, half-fall, all grace of a dropped sack of tools into a pitch black room. outside, he could hear the footsteps had slowed. went from slap-slap panic to the kind of walk a guy does when he don’t know if the rabbit turned left or right. go ahead and keep guessin’, asshole. j crouched low, back to the wall, breath pulled quiet. “too old for this bullshit,” he muttered. had a whole city of regrets, but climbin’ through some stranger’s window at twenty-nine ranked stupid high. a couple minutes, that’s all he needed. he’d be gone like smoke before anybody even noticed— “fuck!” he jerked back so hard he knocked somethin’ over behind him. there was a shape in the dark, someone standin’. “fuckin’ made me jump,” he breathed, one hand halfway up in the universal sign of stop. a pause. “uh… the door was open,” he added, which was a boldface lie and also not even the excuse he meant to say. “…window. i mean, fuck. same difference.”

@rotsstarters

[ravinax]

"Yeah, I guess." Ravina mused for a moment. "I guess I just feel like everyone in this city is always hiding or plotting something." A dry, unbothered laugh follows. "Even something as stupid as drinking is lied about." "I'll be real with you, man, I don't think I ever will." The thought simply made her cringe. "I'm more of a natural kinda girl when it comes to my vices."

"That's the way it should be, isn't it?" Miles asked with a smile. He had enough lies to keep up with without adding to them. He liked to keep things simple if he could.

He shrugged and watched her. "If you want to be. I'm not gonna force you to." She caught him off guard with what she said, and he couldn't stop himself from laughing. "Haven't found the right booze, but that isn't a bad thing. All that matters is that you know how to have fun."

[ravinax]

It was as if Ravina were attempting to breathe underwater. The forceful collision of raging waves took her further away from shore, but as her sister tightened their embrace, Rav couldn't help but sink into the touch, hiding a smile in the crook of her sister's shoulder. This reunion was already going miles better than her one with Brooke.

Ravina huffed a chuckle under her breath, tumbling into the seat across from Zaina, acting as if she'd run halfway through the city to make it inside. Her shoulders unwound a bit once they were inside and sitting, somehow the bizarre sister reuniting felt easier to manage when there was a menu between them, and the air didn’t feel so loaded. More like a potato over a gun.

“I mean, yeah, you have been kinda trash at the whole communication thing.” There is truth in her words, but there is no denying that Rav could have done her part as well. "I guess I coulda' texted for something." But then her lip curled into a crooked little smile. “Still. I guess I’d rather you show up like late than never.” She didn’t say how long she used to wait for something like this. It wasn't worth admitting. "I already know what I want. Meat-Lovers Supreme and an Oreo Malt." She made a clicking knows with her tongue against her teeth before a glimmer of surprise fluttered across her features. "No offense, but I think I’d rather take my chances with subway goblins and air that smells like hot piss and garbage." Maybe she was just saying that cause she'd spent a few months on the streets, and the city quickly became home. All she had. "LA is full of crappy influencers and gluten-free water. I’d spontaneously combust.”

Even with how long it had been since she'd seen her sister, Zaina could still read Ravina with ease, so she knew that her confession wasn't meant in a malicious manner. All things considered, she appreciated her being brutally honest right now, since that gave her some kind of hope that their relationship wasn't entirely fractured. That was a much better place to be in than she'd been imagining, and it was helping to settle her nerves somewhat. She wasn't even bothered by the awkward silence as Rav debated whether she wanted a hug or not, but when her sister relented, she let her make the first move before she embraced her just as tightly. "I know my track record for staying in touch has been shitty, but I'm trying to get better at that." Zay confessed. She was sure that she'd said it before and then failed to keep her promise, but this was different. "Prepare to be sick of me, kid."

Once Rav pulled back, she probably should have expected the next thing to come out of her mouth. Regardless of time, of course certain things about her baby sister hadn't, and probably never would, change. "Don't worry, we are getting food. What kind of big sis would I be if I didn't feed you after making you come out here?" Zay teased as she took her sister's hand and led her inside, pulling her right over to an empty table. With how crowded every food joint here seemed to be, she was glad that this one seemed to be slow at the moment. "You can order whatever you want. It's on me." She'd be lying if she said she hadn't missed some of her duties as the oldest, but at least she can make up for them now.

Taking one of the seats, she picked up a menu and started to glance over it. "And while you're deciding what to order, can you please explain why you chose to move here? You could have just called me and I would've moved you to LA with me. I didn't want to believe all the stuff I've seen on TikTok about this place, but have you seen the rats? Or how creepy most of the people on the subway are? I think I might break out in hives just from the air quality alone."

[ravinax]

"𝕎𝕒𝕚𝕥 '𝕥𝕚𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕒 𝕝𝕠𝕒𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖." || 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝟘𝟘𝟙 Ravina's never been one for getting all dolled up to make an appearance. She thinks it's fucking pointless, but some shit is bound to go down, so she hit up the local Thrifty Shop, snagged a old dress and went home to do her best with what she had. Accompanied by the AMAZING: @softnoirs

[ravinax]

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."

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?"

[ravinax]

Ravina saw her sister striding before she even reached the corner. That alone almost made her turn back. She’d spent half the hike convincing herself this was a bad idea, telling herself Zaina didn’t actually want this, not after all these years. But now that she was here, now that it was real, the nerves hit full force. She tugged at the sleeves of her jacket, thumb digging into the frayed seam as if it could ground her. Her heart felt abnormal. Not heavy, just... off. Like it couldn’t decide if it wanted to beat quicker or halt altogether.

She hadn’t seen Zaina in what felt like forever. Not outside ancient photographs and vague memories. And now here she was, in the flesh, pacing like someone who cared too much and had no clue what to do with it. Ravina slowed to a pause in front of her, shoulders tensed like she’d forgotten how to stand normally.

“Hey,” She mumbled, awkward as hell but not chilly. Her voice carried more than she meant it to, more surprise than irritation. "I almost didn’t." She didn’t intend for it to sound like an accusation. Sure, it kind of was, but it wasn’t meant to hit hard. Just honest. She gazed at Zaina over, searching for pieces of the girl she used to know beneath the woman standing in front of her now.

At the offer of a hug, Ravina blinked. She wavered, but not because she didn’t want it, but more so, it was easier to act like she didn’t need it. After a second too long, she let out a breath. "...Yeah, okay. I’m not that mad."

She stumbled forward, a bit stiff initially, then enveloped her arms around her sister with more pressure than she’d intended. It wasn’t graceful, but it was real.

“I didn’t know if you’d actually reach out,” Rav confessed into her shoulder, voice quieter now. “Thought maybe I dreamed that text. or whatever...”

Drawing back, deep hues flicker up to meet Zaina’s with guarded curiosity.

“So... we gonna get some grub, or nah?”

location: little mario's

status: closed starter for @ravinax

Now that she'd gotten settled into her place and her new job, Zaina had put aside her own pride and finally reached out to Ravina. Although she'd never truly abandoned her sister, at least not in the same sense as the Pierce who shall not be named, she had unceremoniously put more than enough space between them over the past decade. She had told herself that running away had been for the best, allowing her to carve out her own life amidst the dark cloud of being related to a teen killer, but she regretted not keeping Rav close, at least so she could make sure she was handling everything well. And since she couldn't change the past, she was now dedicated to being the big sister she should have always been — well, if her sister allowed her to, anyway.

Arriving at Little Mario's fifteen minutes before she'd told Rav to meet her there, Zaina was sure she looked like she was up to no good with the way she was pacing across the pavement. Why was she nervous to see a kid she'd literally known since she was born? This was just her baby sister, so she should have been more relaxed, even excited to see her, but she was obviously feeling the opposite. Part of her wasn't even sure her sister would show up, and while she would have understood it, she probably would've been pissed off about it. Thankfully, she was put out of her misery not long after when she spotted her sister approaching, and she exhaled a sigh of relief. "Hey, Rav. I was worried you wouldn't show up, but it's nice to see you." Zaina admitted, giving her a small smile. "Am I allowed to hug you, or are you too mad at me for that?"

[ravinax]

Ravina’s entire frame stiffens, as if someone yanked the emergency brake in her chest. Her jaw clenches first, then her fists follow, grease smudging darker along her knuckles as she grips nothing but air. “As per usual, you haven’t the slightest idea what you’re fucking yapping about!”

Her voice isn’t loud, but it’s chilly. Taut. The kind of frostiness that arrives right before something splinters. She looks at her like she’s searching for some sort of punchline, something to make it all make sense.

“No, seriously? What the hell is this? Because I didn’t sign up for whatever... weird, confusing-ass circus this just turned into.” Rav shakes her head, thinking that’ll shake loose the burn buzzing behind her shimmering hues. It doesn’t.

“I-I can’t. I don’t get it, and I don’t wanna stand here pretending like I do.” A bitter laugh slips out, sharp and humorless. “You know what? Forget it. I’m done trying to play catch-up in a game nobody told me the rules to.”

As she's attempting her grand escape, Alina Brooklynn rips her away from peace. Arms wrap tight around her body, a wave of nausea colliding into her like a raging tsunami. Unmoving and in a state of shock, Ravina barely lifts her limbs, one hand patting her sister’s shoulder. But in an instant, it all comes crashing down.

“I need air. Or space. Or... I don’t know! Just not here.” And with that, she turns on her heel, already storming toward the exit. No dramatic door slam. No final word. Just Ravina, retreating like a fire that burned too hot, too fast… because if she stays, she’s gonna say something she'll regret.

"Shhh!" Brooklyn hushed her sister. "You can't go around saying that!" This was probably her worst nightmare taking place. Brooklyn wasn't sure what she was expecting, maybe that her wouldn't hold so much anger towards her, that maybe this would have gone better. "No, it wasn't but at least I'm not spending 25 to life for an accidental murder and a piss poor cover up attempt." This conversation was starting to irritator, she felt she shouldn't have to explain herself, she was just a kid when she ran and there was never going back. She did what she did and she had to live with it. "Please. I was never their favorite, not next to you, their baby girl."

"Well screw me for assuming you are here either for a job or for the MC. Screw me for not wanting you to make the same mistakes I made when I ran. Screw me for fucking caring." Brooklyn's voice raised a few notches. Ravina's next words felt like a slap in the face, had she really suffered at home without her? Had shit gotten that bad when she left? Before they were a picture perfect happy family, sure there were ups and downs but they were all taken care of and happy.

"Wait." She called out as she grabbed her sisters wrist, pulling her back towards her with some force. Brooklyn then wrapped her arms tightly around her sister and held her tight, letting out a shaky breath as she pressed her eyes closed. "I'm sorry." she whispered to her. Truth be told, under it all she loved her sister so much and missed her so deeply over the years. She couldn't let her walk away without a hug. "Hate me, avoid me, do whatever you need too. But I am sorry. And I did miss you." Brooklyn pulled away and took a step back, letting her sister go. She took a few more steps back, a showing that she wouldn't chase her anymore, she was in shock, this was a lot to take in and process. "I love you Ina." She whsipered as she quickly swept a stray tear out from under her eye before turning and walking away.

[ravinax]

madison bailey, 2025.

[ravinax]

"That is the realest thing I've heard in a long time." And Ravina could appreciate it. Everyone in NYC felt like they were putting on a front. Acting like someone they desired to be, but weren't actually. It was pathetically exhausting. "Is it my turn to be forthcoming?" She mused, striding up to the bar with the grace of a wounded giraffe. "If it were up to me? I'd be chugging a Mountain Dew." She allows a moment. "Classy as hell, I know. And booze tastes like liquid death." There was no denying that she'd never fare as an alcoholic. "Just coin me as one of those social drinkers, or whatever."

Miles shrugged with a laugh. "I got to keep it real with everyone. If I'm not ordering it for myself, not ordering something like that for someone else." That was something he only had when someone else was paying. He had money, but not that kind of money.

"I've learned enough over the years to not judge someone by what they drink." He picked up the fresh beer in front of him and took a sip of it. He knew ordering the cheaper things wasn't the best look, but it didn't matter to him. It all would help numb him to what was happening. "Oh, no. Shots aren't for me. Not tonight. Appreciate the offer, but I can't be going that hard. The morning comes way too early."

[ravinax]

"...And yours is Alina, dumbass." Ravina was utterly baffled by the unfolding of their twisted situation. It was as if she were being forced to participate in an acid trip without her consent. With a tilt of her head, the girl allows a booming laugh to escape her throat. "Yeah, cause I'm sure your life has been all glitz and glamour since." She refused to feed into her sister's pity party, not when she'd been abandoned to pick up the pieces. "Ohh, yeah. They were jumping with joy when their favorite daughter disappeared. Get over yourself, bro." "Okay? You don't even know what the fuck I'm doing here. You're just assuming!" Even if it was none of her business, it was persumtous as fuck, for her to assume she was stage hopping. This was Ghost Riders territory, and if she were accepted into the coven, she'd be frequenting the establishment quite often. "Stop acting like the world has just been against you! I'm sorry you've suffered, deadass, I am. But you aren't the only one!" As Ravina made her tantrum of an escape, she was baffled by the following of Brooklynn. What the hell was she playing at? "Um... you told me to leave? Like... what do you think I'm doing?! She calls over her shoulder with a head shake of disbelief.

"It's your name, Ina." Brooklyn taunted, it was childish but it was almost second nature. Brooklyn shook her head, "There was nothing they could do. My life was over. No matter how they spun it. I would always be a murderer, found guilty or not. I'd lose all my scholarships, and no schools would take me. My soccer career was over. No good came out of that. There was no coming back from that. And even then, I couldn't stay, walk the same halls knowing she should have been there with me, with us. I just needed to get out." Truth be told, the incident tore her up beyond belief and sent her into a deep spiral. McKenna was her best friend. "They didn't cry for me. No. They were probably just thankful I was gone."

Maybe after all these years, she got herself to believe that because it was easier, but there was no way anyone could ever know the truth and still love her. Not after all that she died. She never trusted anyone with that secret, not even Jason. Because she feared he too wouldn't love her anymore if he knew. Pushing people away was easier than the constant disappointment and that seemed to be her M.O.

"No, but I know this place, Ravina. I ran that stage for years and behind that door?" I was held down and fucked by bouncers who should have been protecting me. I was pimped out by the former owner against my will. "I was the top menu option. I have been here before, and you don't want this." Oxana was in charge now and she would never let any of this happen, in fact, she was one who helped Brooklyn get out and take down the former owner. Brooklyn rolled her eyes as her sister stomped away like a child, but for some reason she found herself following. "And where are you going?"

[ravinax]

The crinkle of the Lays bag was louder than it had any right to be. Ravina sat perched on the curb just outside the bodega, one boot tapping rhythmically, the other leg bent awkwardly beneath her. Code Red Mountain Dew clutched in one hand, fingers dusted with chip grease and whatever unholy flavor science had cooked up this time. She glanced up only when Oxana called her name, gaze narrowing against the glare as she shoved another chip in her mouth.

“I swear, if this is about me ‘stealing your aura’ again, you’re gonna have to fight me for it,” (More like Ravina stealing her patience, but that didn't sound as pretty) Rav murmured around the crunch, licking salt from her knuckle before chasing it with a swig of soda. The carbonation bit back, but she didn’t flinch. Just tilted her head like a curious crow as Oxana approached.

At the warning, her playful veneer faltered for a moment, brown brows knitting. She peered away, out toward the street, as if expecting something to rise from the shadows between parked cars.

“Yeah… I saw that wild message.” She blows a raspberry, head shaking as she peeked back over at the respected leader. “Read it like five times. Thought it was a prank at first, some wannabe creeper trying to stir up drama for clicks. But it doesn’t smell like that.”

She squinted, chip bag crumpling a little tighter in her grip. “I’ve been watching. Not that I’m subtle or anything.” Her smirk returned, crooked and familiar. “But I’ve been keeping my eyes up. And behind. And under cars. And inside trash cans. Paranoid is the new black, right?”

@ravinax

LOCATION: outside right stop market, day. FOR: ravina pierce.

EVEN IF OXANA TOLD herself she was incapable of feeling anything close to maternal outside of her younger sister -- like with most emotional experiences, she would be lying to herself. she had lied so frequently in her time on earth, that frankly, it was almost easier than admitting to the truth. it was her burden to bear, in that regard. ravina had come to her an initially resistant student. as obnoxious as it had been, things changed when oxana remembered one thing: she had been exactly the same way. jaded. angry. but not broken. merely frayed along the edges. it had been then when the two had developed a mutual understanding of each other. and oxana had developed a need to make sure the younger woman was safe, despite giving her every lesson in the world to protect herself. " ravina! " she calls out to get the woman's attention. she was sure she had seen the text message by now -- nearly every who's who in the criminal system of new york had received it. next, was the waiting game. oxana's fucking favorite ( a sentiment that drips in sarcasm ). " you're keeping your eyes up? " she speaks again once their closer -- so they're able to shut out their surroundings and isolate their conversation. " it very well could be nothing. but it would not hurt any of us to look over our shoulder a couple times more than normal. "

[ravinax]

Ravina scoffs loud enough for it to bounce off the garage walls. "Man, please. You owe me jack. We’re both felons, remember? We’re like the poster children for secondhand chances.” Her hands are stained in oil and bruised knuckles, wiping at her jaw with the heel of her palm like that'll do anything but smear the mess deeper. “Boss man’s always got someone in his sights. Today it’s you, yesterday it was me. Tomorrow? Probably the vending machine.” She bumps Scar’s shoulder lightly with hers, not enough to knock them off balance, just enough to say, I got you.

“You really thought you were the only one stressing?” Ravina snorts, but there’s no bite in it. “Dude, I’ve been bugging so hard I tried to use brake fluid as hair gel this morning. We’re all unraveling in our own way." Still, when Scar’s tone dips, Rav quiets. She’s listening now, really listening, even if her gaze lingers on the engine they’ve been pretending to work on. The shadows under her eyes are darker than usual, but the real weight sits in the air between them, thick, uneasy, unspoken. “If it’s them…” She mutters, voice lower now. “If it’s really the one who iced the mayor, and they’re playing games now, sending texts, poking the hive? Then yeah. Shit’s real. But you’re right. They’d be dumb to try anything with us. Dumb and suicidal.”

And yet, her jaw tenses just a bit. There’s always that what if.

She exhales slow through her nose, just as Scar flips the conversation on its head with that bombshell. Ravina freezes. “Wait. Back the fuck up.” She spins toward them, grease-streaked hands mid-air like she's about to conduct an orchestra of bad decisions. “Did you just say Jason’s ex? As in, the ex he spiraled over for like… three months? The one he called his soulmate while sobbing into boxed wine and Froot Loops?” She pauses, a taunting simper pulling at full lips. "Nah, I actually don't know shit about it, I'm just blowing smoke outta my ass." Rav wasn't exactly one people confided in when it came to their relationship woes.

Her brows shoot up so high they practically hit her hairline. “But, I'm gonna be real, you’re not just breaking bro code, you’re going full nuclear option.” But after the dramatic reaction settles, her features soften. She cocks her head, eyes narrowing, not in judgment, but in curiosity. “She got you that bad, huh?” Ravina wipes her hands on a nearby rag, then flicks it at Scar’s shoulder as if she’s trying to shake the nerves off them. “Look, if it’s real, I’m not gonna narc. But you better be sure. Cause if it does blow up in your face, I’m not dragging your lovesick ass outta that fire without a damn good reason.” Then, smirking: “Also, if she breaks your heart, I am keying her car. Out of respect.” Suddenly a wave of unease slithers along her spine as the conversation twirls back on her. "Do you remember my sister? Not the one that dipped out to college without ever visiting, but the one that disappeared? Alina..." The words make her throat tighten, but her attention flickers back to the car, as if the forced distraction would make the situation easier to swallow. "Yeah, well I ran into her bitch ass the other day."

"aunt tessie's living the life right now, got me waiting foot and hand on her like i'm some kinda servant." loud mouth and one eye fluttering shut brief enough to let their friend know they've got the script. "pft, i owe it to you, dude. boss man has been on my ass like this job isn't for high school dropouts and felons." they admit, but scar's as giddy as a kid in a candy store being in the presence of ravina. they had been the one to bring her under their wing, but ravina showed scar what it meant to trust. never straying from their word and always showing up. it was ravina and jason that helped snowball scar into being a functioning person. "i'm glad i'm not alone, bro. thought i was the only one stressin." they were glad they could open up to ravina, let their inner thoughts flow freely without being seen as weak. add that to the long list of reasons they didn't give ravina the cold shoulder. it wasn't until ravina asks the real question that scar's prior jubilance dissipates; is the mayor's killer the face behind the texts and if so, who's next? "fuck, man. if that's the case, we got each other and the gang. they know better than to mess with us." scar's inflection is reassuring and yet there's a flash of uncertainty in their brown hues. an unspoken fear that either one of them could be a target. "woah, there. if i remember correctly, you were the one stealin' at the bodega not too long ago." scarlett's simpering, waving a socket wrench back and forth like they're a disappointed parent. "but, if i'm being real. and don't tell anyone... especially not jason. but, i've got a thing for his ex..." voice barely a whisper as their words trails off. "i dunno if you've met her and it's not like anything has happened. i doubt she even fucks with me like that... but i'm breaking bro code, huh?" scarlett let's out a long-winded breathe as the words take a weight off her shoulders. "you know i can keep a secret, ravina. i pinky promise." what was said between the two, stayed between the two. pinky up towards ravina's to ensure the truth. "twilight zone shit? ooh, girl... i'm all ears." and scar's placing the socket wrench back down, eyes locked on their closest confidant with their full attention.

[ravinax]

"Don't. You don't get to call me that." Ina. It sounded almost tainted after everything. It was a childhood nickname that only family was granted access to. "Dude, just-" Hands lifted, her feet clumsily taking her a step back as a rush of anger and anxiety surged through her. "You left before anyone could help you! Yes, they were going to turn you in." She confirms. "And they got you one of the best lawyers in the state!" Her voice trembles, and she despises the emotion that seeps through."You dipped, and I got stuck listening to endless nights of tears and prayers for your return!"

An audible laugh exists, but it's apparent by the sound that it's not one of amusement. "You don't even know a fucking thing about me!" Who the fuck was she to act as if she was salvaging Ravina from some twisted demise. News fash! It was a little late for that.

"Oh, yeah. I'm the entitled one!" It felt awesome knowing her snotty ass, too good for everyone, sister hadn't changed either. Twisting on the heels of her boots, she awards the girl the rear of her sweater. "Yeah, okay. Eat shit, Brooklynn." Her name escapes in an evident mocking tone, a middle finger being lifted into the air as she made for the exit.

Brooklyn shrugged and dropped her shoulders, "I don't really know." Brooke's mind was spinning. She couldn't comprehend how she ended up in this situation, standing in front of her baby sister after years of isolation. "My name is Brooklyn." She said as her sister started to call her by her real name again. Hearing it was too painful. It was funny how sometimes she would forget that Brooklyn wasn't real, that she was a lie. She was in too deep and the lie was becoming her sole identity. "Do you remember what they accused me of?" She said in a serious tone, she was young but maybe she paid attention. "I did it, Ina. I had to run. They were gonna turn me in." Mom and Dad.

It was an accident, after all, she didn't mean to kill McKenna. She was trying to defend herself from her ex. "I couldn't say anything. I had to disappear." She was so scared and felt hopeless like there were no other options.

"What I do know is you are on the same shit path I already struggled through." Brooklyn snapped back, "Me the bitch?" It felt like they were teenagers fighting again just like they used to. "God you still are so entitled huh. Always have to get your way." Brooke let her eyes roll. She did have the classic middle child syndrome. "Good. Now get the fuck out of this shit hole."

[ravinax]

"About time!" Ravina nearly hollers the words, as if attempting to alert some hidden entity. "I'm so sorry about your great aunt Tessie! I'm sure her ankle will be fine and she'll be kicking in no time." The echo around the garage is almost deafening, and the look of utter amusement on Rav's face is as childlike as they come. "I'm just being an ass. I mean, that is what I told boss man, but he's going to get parts or some crap." A glimmer of sly delight paints her features as she reaches for her reward. "Ah, the only payment acceptable for basically doing jack shit." Scar didn't need to thank her. After everything they'd done for Ravina, they were bonded. Glued together by an unbreakable connection, and though they'd never request it, Rav would do unthinkable things for them.

Her free hand rushes to brush her forearm along her forehead, smudging her flesh in oil. "Yo, dude! Yes, that freaky text!" Her palm suddenly attempts to wipe at the mess she's created, only for the smear to spread. "Fuck it." She murmurs under her breath, allowing her full attention to settle on the subject at hand. "I'm not gonna lie… it sorta had me bugging out a little too." Had she attempted to play it unperturbed? Naturally, but there were mysteries in everyone's closet, and she'd rather those skeletons remain unseen. "Do you think it was actually them?" The lid of her beverage encounters her lips before she continues. "Like, the actual killer?"

"Me? Trouble? You must have me confused with yourself." A forced scoff is exhaled before she's awarding her friend a mouthful of ivory. "Nah.. I mean-" There's a sudden shift, one that sets her teeth on edge and the tiny hairs at the nape of her neck prickling. "Can you keep a secret, Scar?" Rav already knew the answer to the quiz, yet she prompted anyway. "Because… I kinda got some twilight zone type shit to tell you, but… You have to give me your word! Not a peep." Pushing the gearhead talk to the sideline for a moment.

location: phantom wrench closed starter: for ravina pierce ( @ravinax )

headphones taken off and stashed in their coveralls, scar strolls into the auto shop with sunglasses masking a hangover and two fresh coffees to go. they're thirty minutes late, but there's no fret impending on ruining their day. since scar knows her best friend has her covered, no matter what. a bond shaped between two strays and a loyalty that would last a lifetime. mahogany depths scanning the greasy haven and there ravina is, stained by a layer of engine dust in all her exuberant glory. "ayyyyee, there you are. i got your favorite for covering my ass." lips puckering out because they know better than to show up tardy. "and because i love you." scar flashes their pearly whites, passing the drink like an undercover deal and plopping on the stool besides the beater the two are in charge of fixing. "give me the run down and you know, i'm not talking about the piece of shit beside us." sipping on their coffee before sitting it down and tucking strands of chocolate tresses behind their ears. "like did you get that crazy ass text too? shit had me trippin'... for like a night." scar groans, it wasn't a surprise that a text could cause so much unrest for her. born with an abundance of consternation, it was even a given. "but besides that bullshit, you gotten any into trouble recently?" scarlett's rambling, a gift for just ravina as they find themselves in front of the released hood. nudging their bestie with a playful attitude, they nibble on their lip and take in the sight of the engine bay, "another cracked radiator? this oughta be fun to replace..."

[ravinax]

"Damn, you spoiled my plan of ordering a bottle of Dom Pérignon." It's apparent in the cadence of her tone that she's wisecracking. Ravina wouldn't know the difference between top shelf alcohol and the watered-down shit she was used to from back home. "Guess I'll just stick to Grey Goose." A hand lifts, waving to get the bartender's attention.

"Didn't know you were chilling with a real classy chick, aye?" Her eyes give him a quick assessment, not out of desire (sure, he was cute) but in an attempt to gauge what she was working with. Behind the tight smile and guarded, weary response, it was as if he were waiting for something. "Look, I ain't one to judge. But you're looking a little uptight for someone who's trying to unwind." The junctions of pink lips twitch upward. "I say you join me for this shot." She pauses. "And don't worry, it's my treat."

Miles slid the phone back into this pocket and tried to ignore the thoughts in his head. He knew it would be better to be sober when he had to start handling business, but it was the last thing he wanted to do. If the mayor's office didn't start calling him, he knew the Assembly would. There was too much to do.

But he laughed at the question and shrugged. "We'll see. Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on what you're trying to get." He looked back at the bartender and nodded at his empty beer glass. "How strong are you thinking? Can't be that bad, right?"

[ravinax]

"What the actual fuck is happening right now." Ravina felt as if she was entangled in a horrendous acid trip, stupefied and bewildered. There had been nights on the street when she daydreamed about this moment. Played it out like some indie drama in the depths of her mind. The screams of joy, the picturesque running to one another, and the long emotional embrace. Yeah, that sure the fuck went down the drain. "K-Killed? Al, what are you talking about?! Dumbfounded, she allowed herself to be hauled to the side, her boots clumsy, catching on the floor beneath her.

"Uh, no… You lost that privilege when you dipped without saying a word." The words escape low and steady, her eyes paddling with memories: she's swift to dismiss them. "Look, you don't know the first thing about me, or what I'm doing." In that moment, Rav couldn't give a fuck what her sister had gone through. Not when she was treating her like some invading child. "God, who knew you'd turn into such a bitch." This wasn't the reunion she'd craved. The one that kept her warm on frigid winter nights under a bridge. "Fine, you want me to act like you still don't exist? Consider it done."

Brooklyn tilted her head to the side, a little dumbfounded. "A different level? Chill?" Brooke was getting more irritated by the moment. This could not be happening here, not around so many people she knew, where getting her cover blown was so much more risky. "Me? On drugs?" the look on her face had bitch please written all over it. She reached out grabbed her sister's arm and pulled her down the hallway into a back room. They needed privacy. "You need to watch your mouth before you get us both killed, do you understand me?" Brooklyn pinned her with a serious look.

"Last time I checked, I am pretty sure I can tell you what to do. You do not belong here. This is not for you. You do not want this life, Ravina. I have been here and I have done it. Just go back to whatever you were doing with your life and do not follow me into the shit hole." Brooklyn spent years struggling, flighting, and clawing herself out of survival mode and it was only just recently she started to actually live. "Yes. Forget you saw me. Your sister is dead. Alina Pierce is dead and she is never coming back."

[ravinax]

"Yo, you need to chill." The words tremble past her lips, the rise of her own anxiety making her knees weak. Truly, it was an out-of-body experience. Like observing yourself on television or listening to a recording you don't recall creating. "You're on a different level right now, and I'm deadass lost." That was the understatement of the year.

Lips fall, mouth agape as she stares at her sister. Her remarks run together. A spectacle of explanation and command. It makes her blood boil and jaw clench. "…are you high?" She blinks. "You don't get to tell me what to do." Her words are sharp, like the blade of a razor slicing across tender flesh. "You think you're the only one that can find a new home?"

A glimmer of pure disbelief is cast over her features, her frame taking a step back as if she'd just been thrashed across the face. "Forget I saw you?!" Was she delusional? "Did you whack your head or something?!

Brooklyn could understand her sister's shock she must be feeling, she was having a bit of it herself, but her survival instincts were kicking in. "You need to shut the fuck up and keep your voice down." Brooklyn hissed firmly, low enough only Rav could hear. This was a mess. She hoped she would never have to see her sisters, break their hearts all over again. The painful reminder of missed memories, stolen opportunities and never getting a goodbye.

"I live here." Brooklyn said simply, "Like, in the city. I used to work in this club." She said with a frown. She didn't really know what else to say. "Uh yeah." She let out an exhale. "You shouldn't be here. You should be at home." Home. What a weird concept to her now. Nowhere really felt like home but people did at times. "You need to leave and forget you ever saw me.