The problem with Odessa is that she's impossible to miss. It's something Beckett has learned over the past weeks. He can tell when she's around because the atmosphere shifts. It could be raining and her demeanor brings light. And then he catches himself thinking that and snaps out of it. Brings light. He has to laugh at himself, even if his observation is true. Like today. Beckett notices her the moment she strolls out of the building, seeming to glide on a current of air. Bidding goodbye to his companion, the witch strides over to her, hands in his pocket. "Busy." He answers, because good is wishful thinking since the deaths on institute grounds. "Yours?" He returns the question before glancing back at the retreating figure. "A bit. Everyone's on high alert since the deaths." Somehow, he knows that he deaths aren't something Odessa fears. Not in the way some people do. Probably because she's seen more than anyone should in a lifetime. The thought prompts a small frown but it's replaced by an amused glance as she uses him for balance.

"Are you liking your job so far?" Beckett asks before pausing once more for her to retract her...parcel. "A rat?" A bemused expression crosses his face as he accepts the wrapped bag. "That's considerate of you." Even if he's now carrying a frozen rodent. "Keeping it frozen was smart, though – that way it won't smell either." He encourages, knowing her magic isn't second nature to her yet, at least not to the degree it should be at her age. "Do you know a spell for defrosting it?" Beckett asks, hand going to the small of her back as a rush of people push up from a subway stop. He glances at her. "Walk back?" As ever, he defers to her, but has found himself looking forward to the time spent together heading home. At least until she finds a place of her own. Which reminds him. "I've got a few leads on some apartments for you, by the way. They've got some showings this weekend if you're interested."

@ofwrxth odessa x beckett - leaving asphodel

-

Odessa knows the real reason why Beckett lingers when her shift draws to a close, and how, despite what it looks like, the walk home together is a rather straight forward practice. But the slightest smile remains at the corner of her lips when she thinks about his nature. How he's intrinsically tuned towards protection and safety. Odessa approaches Beckett with a small nod and smile, after waiting for his conversation to end with another, presuming it was serious. "Your day is good?" she asks once the other leaves, a lingering look to watch them before her eyes glide back to Beckett once more. "Was serious?" she also asks, head tilting as they begin their walk, but only for a few paces until Odessa seamlessly stops it by a hand on Beckett's arm. Using him for balance, she lifts a knee so she can adjust the strap of her shoe before they're walking again.

"Oh, I have something." the hand on his arm pats against it and then it retracts for Odessa to fetch her purse. "Here." she smiles, pulling out a plastic bag. "A rat stuck in trap today, I keep it for you." she shrugs a shoulder, offering out the bag that's now the animal's coffin of sorts. "You hold now." Odessa waves her other hand for him to carry it, already firmly shutting her purse. "I try to make it not er...разлагать...rot? I frozed it...by accident." she explains, lessons certainly helping her with the magic she never had much of a chance to finetune over the years but still go slightly array. "But, same thing."

"You're not the help. I'm just a good friend who thought you might like to get away? Should I have another reason, hmm?" Tavi shrugs, a smirk on her lips as he speaks. "Well, that's a bit different considering we're siblings. Though, I'm sure he's probably thought about it. Don't tell him I told you that." She says with a snicker, "besides she's fun. I'm fun. You're alright. Tarqi is passably fun. You might enjoy yourself." Though she suspects he won't take her up on the offer, but it's there if he wants to. "You were. Your thinking face is different from your no hope face." The witch points out before waving a hand at his description of the baby. "Are you sure it wasn't just looking at you?" She sets her chin downward, lifting her shoulders to imitate what she perceives as his skulk.

"I think you've just made a point of intentionally misunderstanding me," Tavi says matter-of-factly. "I make perfect sense." But she doesn't elaborate, already predicting that he'll say she's still not making sense and around and around they'll go. "Please, Fe, she psychoanalyzes everyone." Tavi grins. "It's why I'm so well adjusted." Or at least, painfully self aware. But whether that was a good thing or not depends on the day. "I'm not self-absorbed. See: Paris trip." She takes a sip of her coffee, dodging others who've trekked out in the rain.

The Arison witch shrugs at his insistence. "If you say so, darling." She grins, ears perking up at his mumble. "Mmm, what's that now? Say it with your chest, Felix." Tavi challenges good-naturely before snickering at the thought of Oskar and a stressful week. "I feel like I have, but it all blurs together. He has a wholly unpleasant demeanor. Terrible vibes." She shivers, as though said vibes were near. "Hopefully little Henrik gets the Sinclair disposition anyway. But with the Ranström height. Would be a shame if he never peaked past Thea's." She chuckles, thinking it's impossible for a Ranström child not to be tall.

"Oh yes, exactly why I go. The chance to get laid is so much more at a mental institute for magical maladies." Tavi deadpans as they walk into the main entryway. Asphodel is more than she's described, sure, but that's how she's thought of it for years. Ever since she was first encouraged to be there as an attendee rather than her mother's assistant. Still, there's a slight twitch of her lip as Felix explains his predicament. "Well, that's quite rude of them, isn't it? A bit like a runner sprinting past someone in a wheelchair. I'd never do that." Tavi says with conviction, and a bit of humor before she nudges his shoulder. "C'mon then. Let's get this email read. I can take a crack at it. Unless you need a key. Which I'm assuming you do. But...I can at least attempt." She offers good-naturedly.

"I don't know what that has to do with you now inviting me along like I'm the help." Felix muttered through a grin which promptly dropped away so he could scoff, fighting a slight roll of his eyes. "Great, yeah. I should fuck Tarquin a few times too and we just turn it into a getaway for exes." he droned, a subtle shake of his head to show what he thought of Tavi's nonsense. "It's not my hold up, thanks. And I wasn't forlorn, I was...thinking." Felix added quickly, shooting a deadpanned look at the witch before a mischievous grin shifted against his lips. "Yes, it does. You couldn't see that baby but it look petrified. So."

Subtly, Felix's jaw tensed to Tavi's return about the institute but once it eased he let out a prolonged sigh. "Heading there for the first time in a week. So I'm not sure what point you're m- you literally make no sense. It's infuriating." he commented despite his tone holding no frustration. Felix let out a slight chuckle but, Tavi's comment was tucked away into his thoughts and more than likely would reappear when he next saw Filippa. "She doesn't psychoanalyze me." he muttered but with a musing lilt, hoping that it wasn't true. The thought itself made him more uncomfortable than the thought of sleeping with the older woman. "I always have something worth listening to, actually. You're just too self absorbed to pay any attention." Felix quipped back, grinning again as they walked.

He gave Tavi an offended glance before he then looked down at himself, furrowing his brow. "I'm...I look fine, fuck off." he huffed, glancing back ahead and waving his hand to dismiss her. He had certainly looked better but like many things, Felix was ignoring the alarm bells. Positively treating them as a little tune that accompanied his decisions, like a theme song. "But I guess Miss Vegan would know about particular fucking diets." he added under his breath but quickly found amusement in a struggling looking Oskar. "I think that's just his happy face. You should see him when he's had a stressful week." Felix laughed.

"Who's the say what?" he caught her slip up, awaiting for the sharp daggers she could shoot at him in response with a grin over his face. "So actually, it sounds as if you're enjoying it because you might get laid. Who knows, a few sessions on your knees and you'll get a little CURED stamp on your file and be able to trot out of here with your head held high." he grinned, lingering for a moment by the doors and glancing back the way they came. "No not yet, they sent me a fucking email that needs magic to read." he sighed and returned to his dreary tone before looking at Tavi. "You can laugh at that for precisely three seconds, but I'll be counting."

+ SEBASTIAN / ASPHODEL

"I see what you kids are doing," Nadia says with a knowing look directed at her oldest. "If you bring him here, everyone will want to watch him." She's speaking of Michon, of course, bounding down the hallway before them with a happy gait. "He's still all our responsibility," she emphasizes, meaning their family. "I think someone left him with some youngsters," teenagers, really, "who lost interest the moment they realized they had to clean after him." Thus leading to several complaints of dog shit on the way to the Great Library. @dxrkenedheights

+ QUINLAN / HORIZON TRADING CO. HQ

There's not much to say about recent accusations leveled at the Kelly. Other than Beckett hadn't made them himself. All he knows is that when push comes to shove, Black Magic is often viewed as the more problematic practice. Even without touching Abyssal Magic. Beckett himself has taken people aback when they learn that he practices it as well. Because they make assumptions about the art, rather than take the time to learn what it is. It's why he'd done what he could to help clear the other witch's name. Having worked with them, Beckett doesn't think this is the Kelly's style. They're cunning, but not careless, and not without cause. These murders seemed to be both of those things. And making accusations without proof seems counter productive to Beckett, who considers himself pragmatic most days.

It's why he's had the sense to meet Quinlan at his place of business, rather than the institute. Given his role in updating security measures, Beckett is aware there are eyes on him. And on Quinlan to. They might've cleared his name, but that doesn't mean people aren't watching. Besides, practical business matters mean he comes bearing schematics and rolled up blueprints under his arm. "I come bearing gifts." Beckett says by way of greeting when he's let into the other witch's office. "Your warehouse security audit." He explains, taking the seat opposite the Kelly. "And proposed upgrades as requested." @secrettyrant

Nadia lets Fox ramble since it seems to be part of his coping mechanism but his question draws a slight smile from the witch. "Do you think I'd make an accident?" She asks with a quirk of the brow. "You're nervous. It's something you've not tried before. I understand. But your entire existence is new to you, Fox. And this will help you understand it better." It's easier said than believed, especially for someone who is new to their world. But she believes he will be okay, and her conviction will have to be enough for the both of them.

"I probably could find a way to, yes." She answers his question with a nod. "But, everything must come from something. A witch simply can't play a violin having never heard one or played one or seen one before. There has to be a baseline of knowledge." Nadia explains, patient as ever. . "You are ready." The witch asserts and then shuts her eyes. She blocks out his ramblings with practiced concentration, anchoring herself to the moment. To the magic in her veins and the shade before her.

Raising her hands up, almost as if through water, Nadia inhales. Strains of light materialize like thread in the air at her side. Her hands draw together, and then apart, forming a knot with the magic. At the exact moment there's a flare of white light from the knot, Nadia opens her eyes. It's a split second before her gaze lands on Fox and she pushes the magic forward, a bright white burst of energy encircling him. A beat later, it dims to a pulsing glow and Nadia gives the shade the slightest nod. "See. No accidents."

Fox lets out a small, but somewhat dopey chuckle with full appreciation at Nadia's analogy. "Ooh, okay. I like that. But now I'm kind of..." his hand twirls near his head. "It was O'Malley's birthday party I was cutting the cake we got from Target and we didn't have...a proper cake knife thing...obviously. We were twenty. Who has those anyways other than Downtown Abbey? I was using big old knife and sort of...no one was hurt, obviously. We're not animals but I didn't realize Target cake would be so soft!? And used more force than necessary-" he stops himself, hands throwing up into the air. "What if it's an accident?" Fox clarifies his train of thinking but with his own words, his nerves spike again and he takes another darting look around.

He doesn't realize just how sidetracked he is by the light as his fingers wave through the mystery of it as Nadia speaks. A big grin on Fox's face remains, sleepy almost as he blinks up to the glow. "You know something I noticed?" he mumbles absently. "That magic from witches can be so different...sorta like...personality based. Like...I guess if I was a witch, all of my music would be loud." he explains. "Magic, I mean. Not mus- Oh my God." that's brought him back to the moment, Fox's head snapping straight ahead. "Could you use magic to play an instrument in a way it's never been played before!? Or like sprinkle some music in the mag...nope, magic in the music and make everyone feel good when they li-" Fox cuts himself off, finger raising as he sits straighter. "I...am listening." he changes his tone to a much more attentive one, smooth and calm instead of a hurried mess. "Just hit me, do it. Get it over with but not like...hard or anything. Maybe we could- actually, no. Just ma- okay, I'm ready."

+ NICK / ASPHODEL

"Good, you're still here," Nadia says, stopping short of the volunteer office in the east building. It's already late, but the night seems likely to drag on with recent developments. Thankfully, at this hour, there are far less people milling about. "I need your help." She says without explanation, already gesturing at him to follow her. An explanation might have been nice, however, considering her singed hair and the bit of soot staining her cheeks. "We've a bit of a situation," she says, glancing at her son. "And your discretion is absolutely necessary. Understood?" Nadia asks without waiting for a reply. She strides down the hall, the spark of magical energy at her fingertips as she leads him towards an unidentified room.

Before she opens the warded door, Nadia turns to him, finally catching her breath. "There's a cursed object in this room, Nicholas. And a witch who's bound to it. I've put her to sleep, but I don't know for how long." Which is why she needs his help. Nadia begins to deliver crystal clear instructions, calm as ever under pressure and trusting her son to be the same. "I need you to keep her under while I try to break the bind between her and the object." A witch with cursed magic was incredibly dangerous. "If she wakes...we'll have more than the object to deal with." And there are still many questions that linger, like how she'd even gotten ahold of the cursed object apart from the alchemy labs. Or why she'd chosen to wear it. Foolishness comes to mind, but Nadia's gut tells her it's more than that. Either way, it doesn't matter until they've broken the curse. "Can you do that?" She beseeches her son. He's more than capable in Nadia's estimation, but her belief in his skills only go as far as his own belief in himself.

@manybcdthings

"Oh, fuck off," Tavi gripes before shrugging. "Your enthusiasm is palpable, Felix." She deadpans, waving a hand. "Let's not forget you informally invited yourself to Paris. And I made it official. Besides, I can invite Bella too." The witch smirks, casting a glance in his direction. "If that's your hold up. I've never seen someone look so forlorn in Paris before." She observes, having seen the way he dragged his feet all around the city. As though wishing he were somewhere else, or, rather, with someone else. There's no offense taken by Tavi, only concern for a friend, despite not saying so. She'd rather eat a cheeseburger than admit that. "Just because you've relegated me to an evil hag doesn't mean I am." She grins, as if to prove her point, though it likely does the opposite.

"Aren't we heading there now? Or did I get that wrong? Because if we're no, I'd rather go shopping." Tavi says, head jerking towards one of the many department stores they pass. "Already did." Comes her chipper reply before she makes a face. "I think my mum would rather psychoanalyze you than fuck you. But who's to say? Filippa has always had eccentric taste." She cackles, rolling her shoulders. "If you had something worth listening to, I might, Fe. But you do that. If I get a wedding invitation in the mail I'll assume it went well."

Tavi chews her cheek to avoid a snicker at his expense, and wags a finger in his face instead. "Or you're on an otherwise very particular diet." Booze and drugs did slim a figure down. Tavi would know first hand. "You're welcome. At least you'll have wonderful skin most of your life. Oskar will shrivel like a grape in the sun. Last time I saw him, he already looked like he had ball sacks under his eyes," Tavi jests, amusement crossing her face. Glancing through the gate towards the building that they've both got a complicated relationship with, she nods.

"Not quite. But one of the instructors is quite fit. And if they incorporate some play biting...who's the say." It's easier to make light of these things, rather than to acknowledge the gravity of what's at play. At the toll these events have taken on them. Tavi strolls up with Felix, feeling the wards ripple around them as they step through. "Do you have to go to a session just yet?" She asks in an invitation to delay as she pushes open the front door.

"Greece weather, yeah." Felix corrected, grinning to himself briefly. Tavi's suggestion, however, caused it to falter into a thoughtful frown. "Maybe." he mused with placation more than any eagerness, considering Paris ended up as a weekend of restlessness for him and his mind constantly elsewhere. Which defeated the entire point of even going. "Not sure how I feel about becoming your little travel companion. Like a Pomeranian in a purse." Felix added with a slight chuckle, nose wrinkling at how the elf joke went right over her head. Instead, he watched the unsettling display of Octavia Arison showing kindness to the mother with the stroller. "The only thing that happened there was a child is now scarred for life." Felix quipped quickly, gesturing to her smile. "Not even a child. A baby."

A scoff escaped Felix at Tavi's observation, and he was shaking his head to refuse it before she even finished. "Not attending means I'm attending it? I'd love to see that working out on paper." he quipped before the shock from her fingers made an annoyed groan leave him. "Don't do that." Felix muttered, glancing to his arm before a scowl moved over his expression as they made their exit through the shop. "Who's to say it hasn't already happened?" his scowl lifted then, a subtle look of mischief shifting over his mouth as he attempted to make Tavi cringe again. "Plus, I think I already have the emotionally removed demeanor of an uninterested step-father that only wants to get laid. So, it's a pretty seamless transition to me." he continued, grinning wider. "And you already don't listen to me. Nothing much would change. I think I'll ask your mom out today, actually."

It was instant for Felix to shrug off Tavi's quip, tucking into the muffin as they headed for the institute. "Well I know that's not true, otherwise I'd be obese." he returned, suddenly sighing at the chunk of muffin that missed his mouth and scattered away into crumbs to the sidewalk. "Fuck." he muttered, shoulders slouching with defeat. "I didn't avoid it, anyways. I answered." Felix added, glancing over his shoulder to watch the lost piece become pigeon food until his focus was back to the remainder in his hold.

"Oh, wonderful. Thanks for the very specific reminder of prolonged mortality." he droned, wondering if those additional 50 years could be cut short in any way that didn't involve a horrific act of self mutilation. "Has it turned into a kink yet?" Felix's question cut straight to the end of Tavi's sarcasm, finishing off the last bite of muffin so he could grin. "That's what most mentally unstable do with trauma, isn't it? Make it horny?" he continued, now amused as they reached the institute. "I think you'll know you've reached a turning point in your recovery when can start touching yourself to Twilight."

"If you follow instructions, it shouldn't harm. As with most things, Fox. If you use a knife carelessly, you can cut yourself, but if you use it for it's intended purpose, you're less likely too." Nadia elaborates with a calm voice, glancing around the room to follow his bouncing gaze. "I won't hurt you." She finally reassures, thinking he needs it spelled out. "The more we learn, the more I can help you help yourself." Which is the main reason she's doing this at all. But there is a part of Nadia that's always been a scholar. And that can't resist the opportunity to study a species she doesn't often encounter.

She's not sure what he's referring to until he reaches for the witch light. "No, it doesn't. It's just a witch light." A contained glow, magic captured within a sphere, illuminating the room. "I didn't watch too much TV in the 80s, but I know what you mean." Nadia says with a slight smile as she watches his hands by the light. "Magic isn't dissimilar in that static is a stationary electrical charge. A sort of stationary energy. That's what a witch light is. A bit of contained magic, that possesses the energy by which it was cast."

Whether he understands or not, Nadia doesn't dive deeper, instead nodding at him. "Are you ready? The sooner we begin, the sooner we can help you resolve this. And get you to dinner." But this will only benefit him if he focuses. Otherwise, it's no better than springing a shade circle on him without warning.

"Not to harm. Not to harm." Fox nods along to Nadia's words, repeating them under his breath to commit them to memory. "...Intended purpose... like it won't harm or it could but we didn't mean to sort of thing?" he seeks clarification with a quick hurried response, glancing around the two of them as his hands tap away on his knees. "Actually, both are cool." he decides, completely changing his tune as he nods again. "This is a serious setup and you probably went through...a lot of effort so...both's fine. Cool with fine." he's still nodding. "Cool with both. I mean." he adds as he convinces himself, brown eyes widening up at the glow above them. Magic is still a new concept to Fox...as is his own life these days and his eyes make a quick dart around to see where the light could be coming from if not from Nadia.

It's enough to distract him completely as he glances into the glow again, a little smile appearing on his face. "Does it hurt?" he asks, unclear if he's referring to the shade circle that Nadia is talking about or the light. His hand reaches towards it, and Fox also reminds himself to listen to the witch as his gaze darts back to her. "I'm listening." he nods again, convincing himself as his fingers wiggle in the glow and a grin suddenly spreads over his features. "Oh it kinda feels like...you know those old 80s TVs? Not saying you're old at all, but like everyone remembers those TVs, right? That you touch them and they had...like fuzz? Fur? It was the static, I guess. But they felt fluffy. This is this." he juts his chin up to the glow above them. "Kinda relaxing."

"I'm talking about Greece." Tavi feels the need to clarify with an eye roll. "We should meet up with Tarqi when he gets there in a few weeks. I could use a proper holiday." As if Paris hadn't been one. She's already planning her schedule before a scowl crosses her face. "Weird elf culture? I'm not sure if I should take that as an insult or a sign you're losing your mind. Maybe both?" Despite he droll of his tone, she doesn't take offense, more so amused by the comparison. "And I can be warm, thank you. At least as warm as you are." Which isn't saying much. Still. Tavi moves out of the way of a harried mom pushing a stroller and catches herself from making a face. Instead, she props the door open, giving the woman a warm smile. "See?" she thinks that proves her point enough.

"Well, considering the fact you're going at all, I'd say anything's possible these days, Felix." She deadpans in return, shrugging before her gaze narrows. There's a little bit of static shock that travels from her finger tips to Felix's arm. "Rude." Tavi chides, despite her own smirk."Anyway, it'd be too complicated if you got involved with my mum. You'd be my ex-step father?" She shudders at the thought. "Horrible." The witch declares, taking a sip of her coffee and pushing through the surge of new customers to the exit. "I'm going to get you a lifetime supply for your birthday. I've never seen someone eat so many muffins in one sitting. Wouldn't shock me if you turned blue."

His guess makes her lip twitch, despite how it rarely feels like a joking matter. But that was what had always made Felix different. He takes the things no one will talk about and somehow manages to make light of even the worst thing. It suits Tavi to indulge his humor. She prefers it to indulging complex questions she doesn't have the answer to. How do you feel several years on? Do you still dream about that night? Time will heal, won't it? "I think you eat to avoid answering questions," she accuses without malice.

"It's fifty years, though, isn't it? Might've read it in a book about lifecycles and spans. I can't remember." She waves a hand as they weave through the sidewalk crowds with expert precision, heading towards the institute. "And yes, that's exactly it. Exposure therapy. They get those fake fangs from The Spirit of Halloween, and Dracula capes too." Tavi lies in a monotone. "Just to ease us in"

"Are you seriously talking to me about the weather now?" Felix responded instantly with an amused scoff. "That's a sign we've spent too much time together recently." he added as his scoff became an annoyed one when Tavi navigated him into the shop. The blur to everything's edge hadn't lifted for a while, making Felix feel out of place within signs of bustling life. Every person and thing in the coffee shop seemed to move faster than his gaze could even keep up with. "I've said, loads of times, you actually suit Lapland. Cold as shit and weird elf culture." he muttered, intended as a playful quip if his tone didn't drag low and heavy.

"Oh, yeah. Art therapy will be it for me. Perfect course. Made obvious by how much I love both therapy and art separately." Felix returned, giving the Arison witch a blank stare, which he knew she'd mirror back to him in some capacity. "Older women too. That's why I thought we'd work, because you look deceptively older than your actual age." he added, finally able to brandish a grin as he took the paper bag from her. "Won't be as nice as the other ones but thanks." Felix glanced ahead as they moved from the line, pathetic fallacy coming to mind as he watched the rain fall over the gray city.

At first, Tavi's question reached Felix's thoughts as one with a broad implication. No, his thoughts hadn't changed much at all. Ever, if she was referring to his entire life. He glanced to her, furrowing her brow as she wagged hers. With purpose, Felix made a point to rustle the paper bag much more than needed as he retrieved the muffin and took an obnoxious bite from it without breaking eye contact with the witch. "I haven't been for a week, Tavi. Why do you always ask me things when I'm eating?" he responded through his mouthful. "I've never hated it there as much as you do but I think I've had enough conversion therapy to last me for a lifetime. Which has now extended by like...whatever the fuck." another bite interrupted his flow, Felix certain he made his point. "What do they even have you doing? Fangy exposure therapy?"

+ FOX / STUDY, ASPHODEL

"Now I want you to keep in mind that the purpose of this exercise is not to harm, Fennix." Nadia says as she sits cross legged on the floor opposite Fox. It's a private study, and she's warded the walls to prevent any sounds, or individuals, from slipping in and distracting the already distractible shade before her. The room glows with a witch's light hovering above them, cast to help dispel shadow and the potential for incidental slippage between them. But none of it matters if he panics before they even begin the exercise.

She's encountered a handful of shades in her lifetime, but none so new to their existence as Fox had been when he arrived at Asphodel. It was a unique opportunity to shepherd the young man, as well as to learn more about his kind. But his frenetic nature so contrasts Nadia's, that sometimes she feels as though she's not the best suited instructor. Then she thinks of Aaron, and how he'd have an abundance of patience, and does her best to do what he would do. Act with compassion towards a lost soul.

"This is exploratory. For both of us." She encourages. "We are starting with the shade circle. The moment you'd like it to break, you only have to say. But the longer you are corporeal and unable to fade, the more we can observe the mechanics of your slippage, without you actually going anywhere." Nadia has said this before but knows that the young shade does well with repetition. "And the more we can help you learn how to control it." Which is the ultimate goal of his tenure at Asphodel. "Do you have any questions before we begin?" @rviner

+ FELIX / WALKING TO ASPHODEL

"Tarqi was right to stay in Europe," Tavi says, making a face at the gray skies as they walk down Madison Ave. She adjusts her bag and Yankees cap as a drizzle begins and sighs. "I could enjoy Greece while it's still spring. A bit less hot. But lord knows I could use the sun. You too." Tavi quips, nudging Felix's elbow before pulling him into a coffee shop. She's procrastinating their approach to Asphodel, mainly because it's been a week since they returned from Paris and she's not seen her mum. Mostly because she's been busy, but also because she doesn't want any art in her flat.

"Don't tell me you're going to take my mum's course. I always knew you fancied her." She smirks as they step up in line to order. She barely glances at their menu before rattling off their usual order, "oh," Tavi interrupts before the total is rung up, eyes falling to the display case. "And one of your blueberry muffins. Thanks." She hands off the muffin to Felix once it's given to her in a brown paper bag, and steps to the side, watching as the rain begins to grow heavier.

"Have your thoughts changed at all on it?" Tavi asks after a beat, meaning the institute. "Are you finally converted?" The witch waggles a brow, curious if Asphodel has worked for Felix in a way it hadn't for her. Their situations are different, of course, but surely the same support and healing methods apply? Or, perhaps, they only work if someone's been completely traumatized, rather than partially. @manybcdthings

"I'm comparing mum having us run errands like assistants, instead of her actual assistants, to being assistants." Tavi clarifies without clarifying much at all. Still with a smug smile on her face as she settles into her seat, listening to the auctioneer drone on, taking bids. Paddles rise and fall around them and her investment still stays minimal. "Well, I'm never going to be a mother, how's that, Tarqikins?" Even the idea of being a mum makes her shiver in place. "Honestly, we're probably the least qualified to be parents. Not sure what Oskar was thinking. Twice over? As if messing it up once wasn't enough." She scoffs at their cousin's expense. Tavi rolls her eyes. "Yes, we've discussed this, she's got two of them. Anyway, she's sussing it out. We'll see if Martha gets a gift basket or a pink slip." Tavi says with flippant regard.

She smirks as Tarquin swats her hand, shrugging. "Oh, you love it. I bet mummsy does it all the time. Pinching her wee baby Tarqi's cheekies," she whispers in a teasing lilt, going for them again. But he knocks her hand away and Tavi stifles a laugh. "Well maybe if you had bloody boundaries, they wouldn't end up at your place anyway. It's something you're learn dear brother." She pats his knee like a grandparent might a grandchild's, and nudges him in the side. "Pay attention. They're about to start on mum's." Already, she's given their mother ownership of the painting in her mind. Because if they lose this bid, it'll be a headache or both of them. Still, her eyes scan the crowd and she huffs when her gaze falls on the hat in question. "I'll smile but anything else is asking for too much." But she'll still engage because, at the end of the day, Tavi is a good daughter. She's just selective about when.

Amusement remains over Tarquin's features, his attention fixed on the auction despite everything reaching his ears like a blurry drone. Even Tavi's mutterings can be white noise if he tries hard enough, something he thinks is just a trick of being a baby brother. "You're comparing being someone's child to being an assistant?" Tarquin then scoffs quietly to himself, giving his sister a frown that shifts into a grin as he chuckles. "Not sure what that says about you if you're ever mother. Child labor, hm?" he adds, amusing himself as he watches his sister faff around with her watch. The word Hannah rings a few bells, Tarquin only able to give the auction half of his attention before it's back to his sister. "Assistant? I thought she was one of your models." he frowns thoughtfully. "Hannah, yeah? With the legs?" he doesn't intend to be crude but there's not another description worth really mentioning. Not to his sister, anyway.

He waves away Tavi's statement, under the belief that the least he can do is be there for their mother even if his apartment is starting to look smaller by the second. Tarquin tries to dodge the pinch of his cheek, swatting away his sister's hand with a frown. "Piss off." is the only gripe he can give, scowling at her. "Missed her, is all." is added in a little grumble, not entirely helping the mother's boy accusation but also not quite caring. "Anyway, if you just bloody answered the phone once in a while to her, it wouldn't all end up in my place. You're the problem here." he perks up slightly, able to laugh then at Tavi's distaste. Naturally, Tarquin's gaze scans the audience around them trying to find the woman. "She's got a weird hat on. I'm just saying, it won't kill you to give her a smile. Maybe not too wide, starts looking a little...Uncanny Valley then."

"Thanks," Parker deadpans, glancing up at the hotel as they walk in. "Least it's not the Hellion. That place is fucking weird." Strange staff, even stranger patrons. Probably why assignments get dispelled there by The Syndicate. But at least here it feels refined. Or at least, to the outward eye. Those who know what to look for can see the cracks of the fine establishment. The places where The Syndicate wedges itself between. As they wait for the front desk, Parker gives a haphazard smile. "Yeah, that's probably it. I'd laugh." Even if Carmen doesn't know the possibility is alive and well if he and Archie don't sort out recent missteps. "Or it'd be small talk at the next family dinner," Parker suggest with a snicker as the front desk goes to retrieve mail.

"Maybe it's a secret eighth sibling." Now he's laughing. "And he doesn't want anyone to know he's hidden them away. A bit of A-B testing between us all, hmm? Those who grew up in the city, and those who grew up on some secret Wyoming compound I swear he's got." A running joke that their dad has holiday homes all over that he's not told them about. "It wouldn't exactly be fair considering you can hide in better spots than me." Considering their height difference. "But I'm almost certainly a better shot. Watch your back, Carmy," he quips, nudging her before they're presented with a manilla envelope. "Told you. It's definitely a secret kid."

;

"That's a very open ended question, Parky." Carmen muses as a wry grin slinks over her lips. "Being here with you? Yeah." she adds, chuckling but the amusement is brief as she sniffs and they step from the street and into the grand hotel. It's a natural instinct for Carmen, every time she's in the Beekman, to glance up to the ornate architecture and soaring glass ceiling. It still can evoke a sense of wonder after years of being familiar with the sight. Although, she doesn't quite like how small it makes her feel. Nor does she like the slight apprehension for even being here for some mail. "Maybe we're getting written out of the will. Or shares. Or maybe fired? And this is dad's sick sense of humor way of letting us know." Carmen chuckles again, eyes scanning the scattered people through the hotel as they reach the front desk. "Who am I kidding? That would be an email." she adds, attention locked for any signs of someone who may be lingering a look a little too long. Her hand falls to the desk as the staff glances to her and Parker, Carmen offering a stiff smile. "Mail for room 287." she states, watching them nod and disappear. "Could be promoted to hitmen. I'd like that." Carmen says as she glances to her brother, whacking Parker's arm. "We might be each other's first hit too, best game of hide and seek ever."

"Views are views, Lyd." He smirks. "Don't blame me that they're not tuning in for you." Nate nods, lifting his shoulders. "Yeah, like better than thou. I didn't say it. Obviously, I know that's not true." There's a slight smile dancing on his lips. Because his words are incendiary for the sake of being. Not because he actually means them. He knows as well as Lydia there's a reason she's been on the show for so long. "I wasn't gonna say anything about that one. I'm a gentleman, Lydia." He draws a hand to his chest in mock-offense. And, in a show of good faith, restrains himself from saying but she didn't seem to mind when he wasn't one before. Nate lifts his hands. "If you say so. I've just seen a few Elsa memes going around. Surprised you haven't."

He almost asks for his phone to pull it up but the countdown starts and they're kicking off the show. The werewolf's eyes sparkle with amusement as she breezes past his intro. But, ever the professional, he picks up on the teleprompter on his next cue. "You know what, Lydia? I was thinking the same thing." Nate grins, brimming with manufactured enthusiasm. "I think it's time to bring out our special guests to talk about adopting some furry friends. We're going to be joined by Second Chance Shelter." He introduces their guests, just as music begins to play. The shelter employees comes out with several dogs trotting onto the stage with them.

"Hmm, maybe they're pity views." she shrugs daintily with a self amused grin, fighting back her chuckle for her own quip. "Removed?" Lydia then scoffs, rolling her eyes as she chuckles. "Excuse you. I am warm. And everybody says so. There was that meme about...not that one." she wavers her finger in warning, knowing the exact crude one he will probably want to throw in her face. "About being the Sunday church type of wife. Thanks very much." she adds with complete sincerity and pride. After all, everything is a perfectly curated charade and Lydia is convinced she's mastered the art of it. So much so, that it doesn't even feel fake any more.

"I have no problem admitting that I find you tolerable, Nate." she returns, smiling sweetly. "Okay, fine. Your way." she throws her hands up in a weak defeat, running fingers through her hair for the final smooth down as she hears everything gearing up to start. Nate's comment causes Lydia to scan a glance to him, and then his legs. "I've seen long-" the countdown stops her from saying anything else, Lydia propelling herself into professional mode, bright and chirpy. "Good morning New Yorkers! You're with Lydia and Nate," she speaks right over his cue and waves a kind gesture to the annoying wolf. "And we've got everything you need to start your day right so, grab your coffee and stick around." she turns to him with a sweeter smile. "I don't know if you feel what I feel, Nate." who wrote this. "But do you think we're ready to adopt?"

Kieran nods, a solemn look crossing his face. "Yeah, or something," he says without elaboration, resisting the urge to snicker at her reply. Despite the fact she was unstable, in his opinion, Madisyn was fun. And funny. Though he'll never admit as much now. "That's what I've heard. But it's just disordered eating right?" He repeats what he and Felix had spoken about a few days prior. He takes a sip of his drink and snickers at the mention of Quinlan. "I'm gonna tell him you said that. He doesn't believe me about having a skincare routine, but I'm sure you're not the only one who's made that mistake." The witch says at his brother's expense.

"Oh, that? It's fine. I'm sure he'll replace the team by tomorrow." Kieran speculates. Quinlan isn't the impulsive sort, at least not without a back up plan to lean on. "Well, if I can't, I hear you're dipping into real estate. Maybe you can help a friend out if it comes to it." Friend is a strong word but they're not bad exes. He just prefers to avoid her at all costs. "Don't those have rice? Or do I ask for the rolls without rice and just seaweed?"

even if a relationship is long over, madisyn likes to keep tabs on her exes. it's not stalking it's just damage control. and kieran kelly is one big damage sign, which is why she instantly stirs the air when she sees him enter with his friends. just because she hasn't glanced to him doesn't mean she hasn't noticed, and she intends on carrying their conversation straight to her ears. madi is hoping to hear something more interesting than quick little quips about her non-eating disorder, a scoff leaving her lips in offence and forcing her to move for a more direct approach.

"oh? you weren't? so you have arfid or something?" she arches a brow to his initial statement. "you should be careful, some people think that's an eating disorder." the witch adds as if it's a warning, helping herself to the seat beside kieran. "i was just coming here to say i hope you and your dad are okay." she frowns in sympathy before tsking. "i mean, quinlan. you and your brother." madisyn waves her hand at her freudian slip before she's momentarily sidetracked at his question. "rice? no. ew. seaweed." she answers with a quip as if it should be obvious, hands waving to get back to her point. "the whole legal team fired thing and something like twenty mil on the line? sounds rough, kieran. i hope you can still afford your apartment." she smiles sweetly, only relaying what she's heard, of course. aiyla being her current source. "oh by the way, if you have arfid i'd stick with the mini sushi rolls."

Elise: Okay rude Elise: Don't bother borrowing my shoes next time Elise: It's also where a lot of people retire? Elise: Maybe they're looking for a house there or something [ she laughs at Bunny's reply ] Elise: LOL you totally did Elise: Did she say anything? Elise: Uh...she might not mention it. Elise: She's the one who wants us all to take that trip to the Hamptons for Memorial Day. Doubt she'd try to pit us against them? [ she hopes. even if it's clear their step siblings don't like them either way ] Elise: did you think about going? I'll go if you go. I think dad would like it if we did...

Bunny: no prob Bunny: dont be silly you dont own hot dresses Bunny: ook but i cant text and walk you know this Bunny: because cali is where young people go so its weird because theyre not young Bunny: i swear natalie is older than her wiki says too like hello crow feet Bunny: lmao no i'd never [ she did ] Bunny: they talked about the cali trip and i said sounds creepy [ she didn't, she said you're so creepy under her breath and forgot natalie is a wolf ] Bunny: let's take bets to see if she cries to cordelia or connor first about it lmaooo