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For the moment the blonde remained silent, comfortable just listening to the other muse about the people and the old oafs that may come by on occasion. He wasn't wrong about things. Caterina wasn't someone to waste her time on people that didn't grasp her interest for more than a breath's worth of air. And most of the old farts certainly couldn't live up to it. "They don't." A chuckle. "There's just one thing you're wrong about." A sip. "I don't bother to check the time. Unless it's someone important, I simply walk away."

The doctor had no issues leaving those behind that were of lacking interest. Who was she to bother granting time, effort and whatever else to those fools. Her shoulders moved, a soft shrug. Perhaps the hint of a challenge within that little motion. "Time is a valuable currency." And she had none to waste. Ever.

Cat placed the glass back on the table in front of her, her eyes on the man next to her. "Not someone aiming to be a regret, hm?" Points to him. "So far you're off to a good start. I do go by intention, but auditions aren't always a bad idea, hm?" A pause. "Why, were you planning to audition?" The blonde leaned forward, a spark in her eyes. "You might just stand a chance." A good one. So far he'd proven to be nothing but interesting. A rare gem in a sea of what she could only describe to be boring, that day either way.

With a soft sigh Cat leaned back, legs crossed as her foot bopped up and down, curious as to how this whole thing was going to go. ❧ @damianovinciguerra

“Well,” he said, fingers curling around the rim of his glass, “I’ll take that as a compliment. You’re right, though. This place doesn’t lend itself to mediocrity.” His gaze drifted briefly over the lounge—its polished wood, the glint of low light off crystal and gold—and then back to her. “You don’t come to Bourbon & Smoke to be bored.”

His bourbon met his lips in a measured sip, a pause just long enough to watch her over the rim. She was practiced in her pace, deliberate in her presence. He appreciated that. Too many people came to places like this wanting to be seen; she seemed like she already knew she would be.

“I imagine an old oaf wouldn’t last five minutes at your table,” he said, a subtle lift of one brow. “Might try to impress you with talk about stocks or golf handicaps. And no offense to Wall Street, but I think you’d be checking your watch before the appetizer came.”

A beat passed, then another, before he leaned back in his seat with that same comfortable looseness he always carried—but there was a spark now. Interest. Challenge. Play. “I don’t usually aim for being a regret,” he said, letting the words stretch between them, “but I’ve been told I make a memorable exception when I want to.”

He didn’t ask what she did. He didn’t offer what he did. Not yet. Names were exchanged, and that felt like enough—for now. “So,” he said, “tell me—do you pick your company based on intuition, or audition?”

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Laughter filled the room as she made her way over to him, candles in her arm. "So does having these make me a fairy?" A fairy with ties to chaos and crime. That was a fairy tale she had yet to read and part of her, despite the humor of it all, wasn't too sure she wanted that. "Whatever the case," She plopped down on the touch next to him only to lean forward so she could place the candles. "We're going to use the time and do stuff one can actually do in the dark."

The light of the candles lit up the area, bathing the room in a soft glow. If a blackout wasn't the source of the mess then perhaps this all could have been a rather nice moment. "We can watch a movie on my laptop. It's not perfect, but it is better than to sit around and do nothing. Romantic candles, or not." Isa had never been one who could just sit around, idle without something to do. Heck, at the end of the day even during the bad moments she'd watch a movie or read a book or talk to someone. Anything other than sit around without purpose.

"You get to pick. Come on, what will it be?" The Castro eldest was already reaching for the laptop placed on the table in front of them, glad it was one thing she kept charged to the maximum at all times. ❧ @spliinters

instincts have him reveling in the feeling of her hand on his arm like a touch-starved dog. it felt natural, but shayden quickly realized how bleak it was that something like a blackout was the only catalyst for being adjoined with the person you wanted. of course, this was his own fault for not vocalizing his affections — shady had many, many reasons why he'd never acted on his attraction to the eldest castro over the years. fear being the main one.

he broke away only to dive onto the couch, lounging across the chaise. " i love how you humor me, " the male smiled hard in the dark, growing comfortable with the way it blanketed them both in a bit of secrecy. though, his mild drunkenness may have had a hand in magnifying that feeling.

if one could see him clearly through the shadows, they'd notice the blooming size of his pupils, the twinkle they held, matching the shining faux candle light. " reminds me of something a fairy would have. bring 'em over here. " it's half a ploy just to get her to sit near him, now missing the vacancy of her hand on his bicep. even if they just bumped knees, he'd be happy.

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Was there any surprise that someone who still, to this day, had moments of having to get used to being on the board would truly take a while getting used to change? When it came to business the whole idea seemed simple, part of it but this was all about the lives of people that she herself had seen in other positions all her life, herself included. "Can do." The brunette nodded. "Any box?" A simple question, even though her hands already reached for the closest box. Whether it had been a comment or tease, help she could. Why shy away from work.

"Everyone on the board does. I just still have to get used to me being part of said board." Isabella took the job serious, was determined not to let anyone down, but it took some time to get used to something the brunette had only prepared for in case of emergency; the type she'd never seen actually come to pass. "I'll make sure to come by Summit Towers next time." A shrug. "Guess I'll have to officially change your contact in my phone." A reminder of a new status. "Or we could hope I finally get used to it." That, and her own change of path. ❧ @emilianodelacruz

Emiliano raised an eyebrow as he spotted Isabella at the entrance of what used to be his office. He was only there to finish packing up some of his belongings. Technically, the office was still his, he'd chose to go on a sabbatical to begin his new job within their organization, but had figured quitting so fast would have raised a few eyebrows. Although he had a loud personality, Emil knew he had to be smarter about his decisions regarding his new job.

"We can do coffee, but you'll have to help me carry a box out to my car." He offered, not really meaning it but figuring he'd pull her leg a little bit. "You got lucky that I was here, I spend more time at Summit Tower these days, I thought everyone on the board was aware of this."

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Two glasses were fetched, the drinks poured as she thought about his words. Did she need anything? In a city like theirs, anything could be useful. "I can't think of anything right now. If things get worse I might have to replace the front desk with someone who knows what's going on. There is only so much I can explain away." And thus far the city hadn't been a minefield of chaos with a potential for bloodshed higher than she'd ever seen before. That alone said a lot given that she gave medical services to an organization she herself considered part of, and far from legal.

Despite the fact that she'd expected his answer, all of this only fed into her growing annoyance with a lack of control. Cat couldn't deny the desire to take control, over her own things either way. The blonde hummed as she sipped the drink in her hands. Only then did she pause to lift it for a toast, silly as it may have been. "To chaos. And to keeping it as low as possible." A normal life, or what she'd considered to be normal seemed further away than ever before. Heck, Nightshade was her life. ❧ @staincdvermillion

there had always been an understanding. of the risk that came from their organization. though lethal, experienced. one false step could cost any of them their lives. and now, with the presence of an unknown figure. that lurked in the shadows with a reach that had been unmeasured. kaan hadn't been certain of the risk that settled on their shoulders. of whether they were in for a few scraps and bumps. or if they ought to be prepared to bury several of their own. " yes, " came the simple response. for kaan knew when to suspect the worst. when to consider that they had reached the point where uncertainty bled more freely into their realm .

his hands settled on the counter. his shoulders relaxed, a fraction from the tension that had seemed to seize them. " they will. considering we all know this is going to go south. the first bodies have already dropped. and something tells me there will be more to follow. " whether those came from within nightshade, or outside of it. kaan couldn't be certain. but they had to be prepared for it. " you're going to need a drink. " he confirmed, an acceptance of the unspoken request. as his gaze cut across the space to her. " if you need anything outsourced, or you need additional hands. let me know. "

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"Just one guy?" Cat had just gotten comfortable when the words slipped out, amusement evident within voice and demeanor. The blonde leaned back, eyebrows raised in challenge before she settled, very much aware of how efficient the other could be.

Caterina didn't mind to have a day without someone bleeding out, whether it was on the floor or a sterile table of sorts. "What can I say, there was someone actually bleeding out?" It was a joke, hers returned in favor. "A very well paid last minute emergency of a bee sting and a very overly careful mother willing to pay handsomely to be told that her son was not and will not be allergic to them any time soon." A chuckle. "He's fine, by the way." More than fine. ❧ @alixharrigan

FOR: @softstcps ( caterina ) LOCATION: sip happens

"Sorry to disappoint but no one's bleeding out on the floor," she said dryly, glancing up from the phone in her hand once she heard the familiar footsteps halt as Cat slid into the booth across from her. "Could be arranged, though. If you give me five to make a call. I know a guy." The joke came with a break in her solemnity, the first upward tug of one side of her lip into a sideways grin. "Ordered for you." But she couldn't remember if it was the right drink, unfortunately, as sharp as her memory usually was, even she had off days. So she'll opt for deflection with, "you know you said eight and that was like an hour ago." It wasn't that long, but she'll adamantly attempt to convince her of such if she argued against it.

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There was frustration in the reality that speaking her mind would break down the walls on every case she'd been working on over the past few weeks, some of which never even got a chance to stand; trial or otherwise. "However much I wish I could share that, I can't." The brunette stared at a lamp in front of her, head moving as she noted her displeasure. She loved her job, but the fact that any wrong word could spell certain doom for an ongoing investigation weighed heavily on her.

"Tell you what, why don't you show me what you usually do to get your wires untangled and we'll see if that works better?" It was both an attempt to move the conversation along, to the distract as well as give herself a break from it all.

And then she turned, glancing politely at the other. "Safiye. Safiye Adem. Very much in need of a break. Or miracle." Or something along those lines. ❧ @ronniezhou

Ronnie glanced sideways at a vaguely Victorian lamp that had a price tag so high it might as well have included a blood oath. “Honestly, if I’m gonna get spiritually recalibrated, I’d prefer it be somewhere with snacks. At least a vending machine. This place doesn’t even have the decency to offer free espresso.”

She rocked back on her heels, considering Safiye’s words with a tilt of her head. “Inspiration by osmosis. Not the worst strategy.” Her gaze flicked over a tarnished pocket watch and an unsettling doll that looked like it collected souls in its free time. “Sometimes I come here when the logic part of my brain starts chewing through its own wires. Doesn’t always work, but I guess it beats screaming into a pillow.”

A quick smirk followed, one corner of her mouth tugging upward. “Code adjacent,” she replied vaguely. She crouched to examine a rusted tin box, not really interested in it, just giving her hands something to do. “So, what are you trying to unblur, exactly? Work problem or existential crisis?” A pause. “And for the record, I never ate drywall in college. Just had a very...creative approach to stovetop chemistry.”

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❧ open to all ❧ flor del sol

No matter how much had changed in her life over the past few months, the now eldest Castro always found her way back to her store. In fact, any minute not spend taking care of other business or at home was spent taking care of Flor del Sol; and she loved every minute of it.

It was the first time she'd walked into the front, having taken care of orders in the back for most of it. A figure, seemingly looking around. Smile on her face she made her way over. "Welcome! How can I help you?" Isabella didn't judge, even if the clientele of her floral boutique was usually of the higher echelon of Los Angeles.

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A long day, meetings and a city that seemed determined to drown itself in the plethora of damaging vices they'd all come to love so much; vices that would turn the heads of almost any upstanding citizen, yet were nothing more than child's play to a decent number of those who preferred the darker side of life.

She hadn't come there to gain something, had simply spotted the place and found herself in dire need of something that fell far off from the list of her daily list of, well, really anything.

Did she expect to be recognized? Despite all of it, her ego wasn't big enough and yet it was unlikely to happen. What she didn't expect was Santino Barone of all people. Her luck, ever as messy and bad as the city.

"I should find comfort in those words." Perhaps it was a little too forward. "I'd very much hate to be someone you expect to see, Mr. Barone. "I'm meeting a friend, that is all. A change of pace that we both very much needed." ❧ @santinobarone

who: @softstcps where: echelon

Santino wasn’t the type to believe in coincidences. Not in his world. People ended up in the same places for a reason, and if they didn’t, he made it his business to find out why.

Which was why, when he spotted her at the bar, he didn’t look away.

Sharon Yao was a name he knew well—he made sure of that. District Attorney. The kind of woman who could make things difficult for people like him. And yet, here she was, sitting alone in a place where most people knew better than to ask too many questions.

Santino let a beat pass before he moved, before he slid into the seat across from her like he belonged there. A casual, easy confidence in his posture, a ghost of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Didn’t expect to see you here," he said, voice smooth, unreadable. His gaze flicked over her drink, then back up to meet her eyes. "Should I be worried, or are you just here for the ambiance?"

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Words could not have captured how much she appreciated those words; from Breslin of all people. Safiye had spent days wondering what to make of things. How could one even fix something that was broken simply because the system in place wasn't working the way it should. "I appreciate it. More than you know." Breslin had been the one she looked up to, another reason why she was so desperately holding onto things. And she'd keep on fighting for as long as she could. "Are we fighting a losing battle? Be honest." Did the other thing what she at times felt?

The brunette hated the mere thought of giving up and truly, she wouldn't , but at times the way things seemed to work made her feel hopeless. "How on earth does something like that even happen? Everything was pointing that way and then, poof, just like that the damn murder weapon is gone." And to this day it hadn't be found. "Even if we find evidence beyond that, it's going to be near impossible to do anything with that." ❧ @lcststops

Breslin chuckled dryly and shook her head. "Ah yes, the business of existing in peace," she joked gently as she tipped her chair back slightly, fingers lacing as she rested her hands atop her head. "Expensive these days, I hear." For her part, Breslin's run as district attorney went relatively smoothly--things ran mostly as they should, though admittedly she didn't have to contend with rising tensions between the gangs and high-profile murders like that of Enzo Barone and his entire generation. Safiye now dealt with it as a leader, and while she and Troy could certainly help, so much of this depended on her now.

"I've... heard some things," she said carefully, her face falling to a more serious expression before she straightened and stood again, heading towards the coffee machine perched on a side table. "If I can do anything for you, please let me know. I'm pretty sure the commissioner is dodging my calls--" She paused as she mechanically went about making a pot of coffee, then turned and rested against the table with her arms folded while it brewed. "He's either terrified of me or unwilling to have a conversation about mismanagement of his department." She knew about the weapon and Camilla's subsequent release without it--a huge loss for the district attorney, even if it wasn't her fault. "What's the title for if not bullying morons in power?"

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The comment caused a chuckle. "I wasn't thinking anything, to be honest." Truthfully, it had just sounded a little too good to be true, especially in a city like Los Angeles. "That aside, you're spot on with that observation." A long day, an even longer week tending to people's more or less serious maladies, injuries and whatever else one could come up with. Not to mention the shift in the ER. There were few things that could take it out of someone quite as much as that.

Caterina thought about it for a moment. "I'll have whatever you're recommending. I trust your judgement." He'd be spot on about her desperately needing a drink after the week she'd had, who was to say he wouldn't be right about her drink of choice as well. ❧ @cfrecklcss

Eren shrugged, picking a glass and placing it on the counter then patiently waiting for the woman to voice out her poison of choice. "You seem like the type who needs it." Leaning against the counter, he kept his gaze on hers for a moment before breaking the silence again. "I'm not trying to get you wasted and take advantage of you, if that's what you're thinking." Pushing himself back and away, Eren turned to put a couple more things behind the bar in order and ready for the night ahead while waiting for her order.

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"More factual reads, hm?" Safiye's eyes drifted from the man in front of her over to the shelves, not finding all that many factual ones. A couple of biographies of the author's of the great classics, but beyond that nothing all that factual. "I don't take you for someone reading biographies, either. Or is that more up your lane?"

Curiosity that she allowed herself for once as she turned back to him, still very much convinced that the book recommend could potentially suit his tastes. Every good story, in her eyes, held something factual. One could learn from stories and stories took their inspiration from the events and experiences of life. ❧ @staincdvermillion

the book was rotated within his hold. front then back, and then to front once more. all while he listened to her reasoning for the recommendation she had given. it hadn't been often that dominic gravitated to anything short of real stories. the thought of reading some sort of world building book had never truly crossed his mind. perhaps it had been his upbringing. or perhaps he had never cared to tap into his imagination. what had been the point ? when he had been so focused upon creating the life that he so deserved. " how intriguing. i suppose i'll give it a read . " well, if he could spare the moments. given that the network was gearing up for their party. " that's a good question. and not one i'm certain i could answer. reading is not often my ... thing . " he mused, as his gaze scanned the shelves. " though i do prefer more factual reads . "

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"Right." The brunette chuckled, never one to judge Shayden for his background and yet unable to find a moment to smile within it. "I don't think we'll have to worry about that for all too long." And she meant it, reaching - or fumbling - for his arm in the dark to pull him toward the living room area. "Oh, they do burn, but we won't use them unless it is an emergency and by that I mean the world is ending." Somehow Isabella had doubts that this was the end of the world, as they knew it or otherwise. "I have plenty of non-burning candles, captain." Plenty of those that went into plants to decorate that had fake-flames that looked real enough and did the trick just fine.

The drawer was found on one of the sideboards that decorated the dining area. "I have these." With a flick of her finger the little candles started glowing, free of any flames. "I know you and your need to keep away from fire hazards. Got them ages ago just in I'd ever want to light candles when you're around." Part of her wanted him to feel comfortable, caring plenty. The other part simply wanted to assure there'd be no issues with the safety of their home, especially after she investment she'd put into it. It was something she'd done happily and yet felt the need to make sure it stayed in pristine condition. "Does this work with you?" ❧ @spliinters

shady took the flashlight from her, let the weight of it settle in his hand like the handle of a sword, before wielding it's light down the long hallway. it felt longer when illuminated by such a narrow beacon, the male's eyes peering down to the very end as if the light would reveal some creature looming in the shadows, observing him as he in turn observed isabella. her phone screen lit up her features just enough for the male to notice the amusement in her eyes, the crinkle of her cute little nose. he smiled to himself in the dark, just briefly. " uhh, i'm not sure. when i was a kid, if we had a blackout, the neighborhood wasn't exactly prioritized in terms of having power turned back on... in a neighborhood like this, though ? i can't imagine they'd make us wait. " voice lilted upward at the end of his sentence, as if he didn't fully believe his own words.

he began walking towards the living room, still cautious as he moved forward, even with the flashlight. " fire hazard, " he half-laughed, still open the idea of candles but dwelling briefly on the idea of open flame — a gut reaction instilled in him from work. " we should set up in here. " what he doesn't say is why, but it's a conscious choice involving access to the most exits, should the worst happen with the candles. " do the candles on the coffee table actually burn or are they just for decoration ? " well, how was he to know ? he ( happily ) lived in isabella's home like a dollhouse, ever curious about her decor choices.

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❧ @emilianodelacruz ❧ silverlake general hospital

Every now and then Isabella would make the way toward the hospital, smile on her lips as always. Was it ever any other way? Especially since taking over the seat at the big table, the brunette had seemingly adapted a permanent look of confidence. And it had to be that way, as no other way would do. For once lacking flowers in hand - a delivery toward those she considered friends or family a standard deal at this point - Isa found herself making her way through the halls in the hospital. Until she found whom she'd be looking for.

"I come offer coffee, if you have a minute. Or five." The florist turned board member found herself almost feeling at odds standing there, with the way things had gone. "So, what do you say? Or do I have to request a refill of my prescription to get a moment to catch up?" Nothing but polite chatter, even if she meant every word of it.

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The blonde laughed. “Oh, feel free to.” A sip. “Just gotta know when to use it and life will flow just fine.” It wasn’t often that Caterina found herself giving any form of life advice and truly, she didn’t think with her lifestyle and the choice made throughout it, it was up to her to. “Nice to meet you, Val.” Followed without so much as a blink by a toast. “Cheers to that. Life has a funny way of going, hasn’t it?” The doctor herself could count on one hand alone the many of things that made her life less than mundane, and less than normal for most of it. Given, it had been her choice to set foot into the world she now considered a part of her life. “As for looks; no, you are right. They aren’t everything and details beyond that are much more helpful.” Cat smirked, discreetly pointing around. “Look at that gentleman over there for example. Looks the part, but he’s been nervously glancing at his phone almost without pause. Hiding something and I’m not here to leave with someone else’s baggage.” Another sip was taken, delicate as could be.

“Or this one over here. She looks nice, but she walked in with someone else who has vanished since, either to the bathroom – which leaves a whole other set of questions – or he’s done the reverse version of simply standing her up; run and bail. Either a poor soul or someone you should be careful of. For all intents and purposes, I don’t plan on being anyone’s backup-date today. Are you?” She chuckled. Sometimes her need to obverse and stay on top of things came in handy, even if it may have seemed potentially odd to the other. ❧ @dispitcous

Valentina nodded in agreement when the woman described her angle here as going with the flow, or something to that extent, anyway. Coming to a bar to relax was her way of unwinding as well, and it usually helped when there happened to be a handful of attractive patrons in attendance as well. "I don't think I've ever heard anyone describe it like that. It's almost poetic, but also kind of inspiring. I might have to borrow that for myself." She teased. It sounded lovely, truly, but with the way her life was set up, there was no way for her to just rely on anything but her wit, and her fear of some serial killer, to guide her.

As the bartender came over with her glass, she thanked them before picking it up and taking a sip as her attention turned back to the blonde. While she wasn't that picky whenever she came to the bar for a one night stand, she found the woman finding flaws to rule everyone else out to be quite entertaining. "Looks can always be deceiving." She quipped, and that was usually true around here, at least from what she'd been witnessing lately, anyway. But was she to condemn someone choosing to be finicky about the sort of company they liked to keep? As the attention was turned back on herself, she took another sip of her cocktail before smiling at the woman. "Valentina, but you can call me Val. And I'm here alone because I wasn't in the mood to deal with my friends complaining about their mundane lives. They don't understand that some of us have more pressing matters than shopping or crying about boyfriends that are practically men who never grew up. Figured I'd be able to enjoy myself more by coming alone, and potentially finding someone to go home with would just be the icing on the cake, you know?"

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Cat didn’t even bother hiding the smirk that lit up her face at that. “Oh, yeah. Half the city, ready to take down to avenge their little princess. Whatever the case, my name would have been all of that and honestly, I’d rather she lives so I can make sure people like you live.” A pause as she moved to prepare her tools. “Or keep you as scar-free as I can.” Or certain people alive should questioning ever be necessary. Whatever was needed for Nightshade, she supposed. Still, there is a hint of amusement still within her voice, within each movement and the stiches that followed were done careful and precise.

“Are we sure this Hollow isn’t going to be out to get everyone else?” The blonde’s hands still moved the needle and thread, steady hands at work. “If it’s only them, guess karma is about to him them a little different.” Thena again, were any of them innocent enough to claim that The Family was the only group worthy to be hit with something as sentimental as karma? “Alright. All done. Let me cover that up.” Cat didn’t wait for permission as she began to dress the wound. “I take it you’re going to remove the stitches on your own. If not, seven days and I’ll take care of it.” ❧ @aqxatofana

The sharp hiss lives and dies upon her tongue at the slight swap of antiseptic. The burn is second nature to her now, but still, that first moment upon an open wound is still enough to prickle the back of her throat. "Half the city would have been suspects," she shrugs, unable to empathize with the possibility of being caught. It wasn't something Jack had to think much about in over a decade. Given - Cat and her worked on two very extremes. Moving beneath the radar and snuffing the life out of people had become second nature to her long ago - sometimes, it was still wholly difficult to believe that not everyone was void of a voice of conscience. Onyx hues drift down towards the open wound. It hadn't bothered her all that much - but infection was a bitch that Jack would always opt to avoid, "Sure, stitch me up, just don't butcher it." A coy smirk unearthed beneath her tone of voice, as if Cat had ever. "Not soon enough, if you ask me, the sooner this Hollow asshole tears that family apart, the better."

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[softstcps]

Ambrose once had been her world; had walked where only those nearest and dearest would get to set foot. And she’d have changed the world for him in turn, with each step taken toward the person she was now. And somehow the entire journey had been without the man next to her. No words could describe how wrong that felt, had and still did. Perhaps it always would. Only time would tell. Even now he captured her attention, despite how well she was doing at keeping the man at arms length. No, letting him in again would only destroy her.

Words. They each knew the power they held. So, it was a rather big surprise to hear those words slip from his mouth and for a moment it felt as though they were echoing back from the walls all around them, again and again. For a moment her breath hitched, before the brunette regained control like so very many times. Only few of those moments had been with him, and much rather in court, but it came in handy all the same as her face hardened to the words. Whether shock or a simple need to tame the flames of chaos, the drink still in her hand was lifted. The burning the drink left her with enough to shake her. Once  more back in control, as much as one could be. “Why?” Her voice held that soft touch, still. Despite the way her expression had shifted. One word was enough to cause that mental echo to continue until she herself willed it down.

“Why dream of me? After all this time.” A part of her wondered if the dreams in question were nightmares after all. Dreams held desire, a pleasant feeling of joy or yearning. Hell, dreams were far more complicated but, in this instance, Safiye couldn’t make out the logic within it. It reminded her of the reality of their situation. Those words had brought force a whole armada of memoires; of him walking away. “You walked away, Ambrose.” His name was the sweetest thing yet filled with bitterness in that very moment.

Her face inched closer. “You made that choice.” It wasn’t something he could just take back. Then again, he hadn’t. He had only made a confession of dreams; dreams of her. Her voice shifted, a whisper left that can barely be heard over the volume outside the door. “Do you regret it?” Curiosity, dangling on a stick. It wasn’t more than that, surely and one glance around the room would confirm it. Safiye just refused to take that look that moment. She would not be the first to break her stare. ❧ @spliinters

his name is honey in her mouth — ambrose would lick it from her lips like a stray dog if he could. the most heinous of words could follow suit and still those two syllables would replay in his ears like a song.

knees spread apart as he made himself comfortable on the couch, oaken eyes gazing up at her, hungry as they traced the familiar silhouette of her figure. his skin prickled with the weight of her words. safiye was a fucking force to be reckoned with — always had been, always would be. he was glad to see that in their time spent apart, she hadn't lost that part of herself. in fact, it seemed she'd only grown stronger.

i wouldn't fear you either. god, it made him ill. blood thumping rapidly through his veins, his intoxicated thoughts became irrational. the truth was : she was everything, still. breath caught in his throat as she leaned in close, dizzy as he swam in the scent of her, tendrils of hair tickling the side of his face. in the moment, he couldn't recall ever feeling so painfully seen, and counted himself thankful for the colored lighting that disguised the blush in his cheeks.

he draped an arm across the back of the couch once she sat next to him, not yet daring to touch her again, but still extending himself to be closer to her. fear convinced the male to remain quiet, of worry that he may lose his grip on the situation, may misstep and lose her presence altogether. she was, in this moment, a mythical creature he'd accidentally summoned, but could never keep. eventually, he strung together a single sentence. " i still dream of you. " a grotesque confession ! he shook his head in disbelief with himself, mouth curling into a frown.