@deathmcth​​  appeared,       ‘ you  want  a  better  story .  who  wouldn’t ?  ’      from miscellaneous quotes | always accepting

A clumsy spread of diner pancakes and sunny-side up eggs was the perfect choice for an impromptu picnic. Even if the sun was set and the choice decor was her jacket sprawled out over the parlor's floor. All minor details she pointedly glossed over. After all, a promise was a promise and she delivered! Maybe if she’d stopped running her mouth long enough, she’d get through her plate. But something about mediocre breakfast for dinner must’ve made the perfect gateway to introspective discussion. She considers explaining why she bursted through the doors hours mere minutes before closing, flushed and short of breath. How any of the food stayed intact after bolting across the city was a wonder of its own. But she opts against delving into the details, silvery hairs spun in a messy halo as she rocks her head back against the wall.   Instead she’d been off on a vague spiel over the shift in her life. It started out as a simple answer. An innocent shrug of her shoulders when asked about her next free day. Her days were beginning to spill into one another. She can’t even recall the last one, let alone consider the next.  ‘  You ever feel like life’s not really workin’ for you the way you thought it should.   ’ Feathery brows knit fine creases above her curious eyes, fingers wrapping around her disposable cup of espresso. It’d already begun to chill. She absently presses her lips against the lid as he answers, a noncommittal hum following. It was such a simple reply, really. Given how much she’d spoken, part of her expected more. Or maybe she’d hoped he’d have a secret to fight the feeling.

“   A better story, huh.   ”

The words roll from her tongue slowly  – reflective, lithe digits idly drumming along the sides of her drink before she sets it down beside her. “   Don’t we make our own stories?   ” She presses her weight into her palms just beside her legs, regarding the quiet shop. “   Ayalon, the mystery tattoo artist. This is part of your narrative, right?   ” An off-beat pause. “   If I had to believe I’ve just been handed a bad story, I’d probably lose my mind. Unless, I’ve lost it already.   ” Ryu punctuates the thought with a shrug, nose crinkling as she smiles up towards him. What she doesn’t emphasize is the latent dread of living towards an end she has little control over. Every loss and triumph. If fate holds more power than her own vessel, did choice even really matter? But she brushes the thought aside, looking down at her cup. “   I’d like to think the story’s just .. in need of a better writer.  It’s not the worst. But it could be better, y’know?   ”

Ryu trails her gaze back to his inked arms, one hand lifted to gesture towards the art, “   If I were as good a writer, as you are a tattoo artist, I think I’d be in a pretty good place.   ” She hums, “   But I guess I can’t be that bad at writing my own story. I got to make friends with you after all.   ” With a grin, the hunter reaches out to swipe a lone strip of subpar, crunchy bacon off his plate. A triumphant gleam to her sunny smile as she quickly shoves it into her mouth. She’s quiet for a little while, seemingly contemplative over the conversation as she sips the rest of her coffee. And then she parts her lips again to speak. “   ..This was a terrible idea to sit on the floor to eat.    ”

@aodamo appeared, ' Asher handed over the package of candies. " Here, I saved you some 'cause I know you like them. " ' unprompted | always accepting

Placed into her unexpected hands is an unwrapped colorful package with an assortment of sugary sweets decorated in sour crystals inside.  “   Sour belts!   ” Her eyes light up with absolute delight, jaw slacked in dramatic surprise as she presses the gift to her chest.  There’s a brief flutter in her chest – such a small, useless detail really to remember one of her favorite snacks and share. But he thought of her, that’s enough.  And her theatrics melt into sweet laughter, easy lopsided grin curving at her lips and crinkles forming at the edges of her eyes. “   Asher, have I told you how great you are today? Wanna hear it again but in my best impersonation of snobby medieval royalty?  ”  Ryu teases, hoisting herself up into the passenger seat of his bronco. Perfect seat height to steal a tender little kiss, grasping at the collar of his shirt to drive him halfway in the journey. And when she pulls back she gives him a questioning little smile, “   Ooh, you sampled some of the cherry, good taste .. literally.   ” She licks her lips and buckles herself up, popping one piece into her mouth. “   Where are we headed, thy most favored of candy … men?   ”

(makes a kissy face at her... taunting) - TAN ... :)

Of all the rotten luck. It was purely by chance their eyes met, an off-beat glimpse of the crowd drawing her attention in the midst of her mirthful laugh. Her jaw slacks, pupils dilating with the traded glance across the room, absolutely nonplussed by the scene before her. Such a maddening smirk and taunting faces could only belong to one, and her once bright eyes dull with a knowing glower. “   You’ve got to be kidding me.   ” It’s a near whisper that only serves to confuse the guests around her watching the brisk shift in her demeanor.   Tonight, she was a watchdog of sorts; a guardian of the peace for this white-tie event and in walks the biggest headache of them all. Appearance was integral to her assignment, remaining an inconspicuous attendee vital for smooth sailing. But he could very well deconstruct the façade and ruin it all. What was he doing here in the first place? She slams her decorative glass onto a waiter's lone tray, sweetly apologizing for her abrupt intrusion before barreling through the crowd towards him. Tan was a deceptive and cunning individual, overlooking his presence would have been a grave mistake given their track record for chaos. Unfortunately, he wasn’t alone. With him in view, she dons a stiff smile, smoothing out the silk of her burgundy dress as she closes in. “   You made it!   ” With little hesitation she puzzles herself into his frame, slender arms wrapping around his neck – the perfect guise of closeness as she angles her head towards his face, lips ghosting the shell of his ear as she whispers,

“   Whatever you’re up to, you better stop now.   ”

Of course, there are others in their presence to address, detaching herself as quickly as she’d pulled him into an embrace to look over them. The prospect of one becoming another tally on his list of victims probable. And just another incident she’d refuse to allow happen here. Manicured digits curl into the taunt muscle of his arm as she opens her mouth to speak again, “   Y'know, I've been looking for this one all night.   ” She lies with surprising ease, affectionate words dripping like honey through her pink lips. Her attention shifts to him again, her eyes void of any admiration, instead swelling with purposeful alarm. But she doesn’t linger long, digging her nails into his sleeve in urgency, “   I hope you don’t mind me stealing him for a little bit.  ” Soft laughter follows, juxtapose to her nails biting crescents into his flesh in anticipation of refusal. If she weren’t careful, she’d puncture the skin. Thankfully they have little reservations about giving up his company, reassured by her gentle promise to return him as soon as she can. Purposefully, she bumps her leg into his side, sharp metal and leather of her dagger brushing against his pants as she releases him from her grasp.

“   Well, they seem okay with it. Let's go, okay?   ”

@deathmcth​ | starter

No matter the evenings spent wandering the city's streets there were always a number of tiny discoveries to be found, the latest? A tattoo parlor. After spending a few curious moments squinting through the shop's window, she finds herself within its doors, fluttering gaze dancing about the space, cataloging its decorum. Frankly, she’d never stepped foot inside one before, unfortunate for her ears subjected to poorly self-administered piercings over the years. But her interest was piqued, and maybe ( just maybe ) impulsive body modifications would serve as an engaging enough pass time prior to her shift. Granted, there were only a number of fleeting hours to spare. But people usually need appointments for this sort of thing, right? Wispy brows thread together, her attention towards the guy lingering towards the back – ah, he must work here. Or at least she deduces as much, her hand lifted in greeting as she briefly notes the ink over his exposed skin. A tattoo had never crossed her mind before, largely for indecision as opposed to reluctance – what signified enough to want to have it tatted to her skin? Or perhaps she’d been overthinking it. ( Definitely overthinking it. ) Either way, she steps forward, the corners of her lips curving in a lopsided, toothy beam. 

“   Hey, how much money can I drop right now to get a piercing? Or a tattoo. I’m not picky.  Mostly the truth: if anything she’d love for her indecision to be displaced to another more responsible party. Or just someone who would give it genuine, humorous thought. Not that she imagined this guy would, but it was worth the shot. If nothing else then she could at least ask about those aqueous solutions for cleaning new ones – hers were prone to infection, unfortunately. She presses her back against a table, hovering a hand over some of the surface items. Didn’t shops have books for ideas lying around? Or maybe she’d just had a collective understanding from the TV shows.  “   I don’t actually know what I want, b - but – !   ” She raises her hands defensively by her chest, laughing sheepishly as she glances around. “  I don’t know, if you have the free time maybe you could pick somethin’ for me? Y’know, like ah .. practice or something you’ve always wanted to try.   ” Ryu squints, palm against her chin, weighing the potential for the strangest of responses. But seemingly concludes that it's not worth the mention as she returns her gaze to him. “   How ‘bout it?   ”

text: come outside I have my bike and an extra helmet we’re getting Taco Bell

Oh, she’s hungry. Famished. Sprawled across the locker room bench as she sends out an SOS for a savior to bring her to the nearest fast-food joint. And after sending the text she reasons to succumb to her fate, arm hanging off the sides as she stares at the ceiling. Absolutely dramatic because she didn’t have time to eat between jobs. “   This is it, Ryu. You didn’t even buy groceries to eat something at home. This is how you die.   ” But then she hears the familiar jingle of her phone, hand lifting to bring the device back up to her view. “   Huh?   ” She squints, Loni chronically left her on read to her random text messages (which was fine, she knew she read them every once in a while); seeing her name lit upon the screen is always a surprise. Outside, she can hear the revving of a bike, sitting up and out of her theatrics to register the message. A ride! She nearly squeals, pulling herself off the seat to find the nearest window to peer out of. And sure enough, there she is; Ryu pulls open the rusty hardware to yell out, “   My hero! I think this is the part where Rapnuzel lets down her hair. Hehe, okay, okay! I’m coming down – ow, ow, ow!   ”

She bumps her head against the window pane trying to rear her head back inside in her excitement, but eventually she’s out of sight. In a flash, she’s grabbed her belongings and dashed out the door. The idea of eating with a friend giving her some pseudo fuel to keep on. Ryu bursts through the double doors, arms out wide as she sports a toothy beam at the other, 

“  Have I told you you’re the best lately?   ”

flashes her his tits

" We are at the McDonald's parking lot – put them away! " Throws a single fry at his honkers, silence as it bounces off and falls to the car floor unceremoniously. " ... They have resistance. Impressive. "

he misses her terribly.

in between streams, vanitas has altogether too much time to sit and think (and pine), and he's been doing quite a bit of the latter lately. he's set to putting together a box of some things: things he wants to send to her, things he hopes she might enjoy.

what are its contents, one might ask? simple things, really: his old, bright-blue timex watch (the one he'd worn when he'd set a personal record and placed second overall in the race) --- it still works; a collection of some spiced hot cocoa, carefully mixed by hand and put in a cute ornamental tin can with a cat on the top, sealed with a blue ribbon; some shelf-stable shortbread he's made; and a little note:

thought i'd give you something to help you keep an eye on the time until we get to see each other again; i hope it'll bring you the same good luck it's brought me. in the meantime, enjoy the treats and drinks. sending all my warmth from a very foggy paris! toujours à toi, - vani.

Listless and wilted by the night’s end she all but dreamed her journey home, lazily dragging herself up the stairs of the five-story apartment. The only solace she finds in this tiresome cycle of work and sleep were the dwindling days between next time. A promise that eventually they’d see one another again. She sighs softly; dreamily, gaze languidly darting over the peeling embossed letter to her floor. It sucked to miss someone this much! Even if she were to eat the cost of the plane ticket, there were only so many hours she’d get to spend in his company before turning back into a pumpkin. It never felt enough. A blink, really. Someone really ought to find the secret to managing this distance. Until then, these late night video-chats would have to do. Some of the most enjoyable parts of her day. She fishes through her pocketbook for her keys, squinting through her chaotic mess as she walks to her door. Thankfully, she feels the anomaly before she trips over it. End of her shoe brushing against the cardboard box planted squarely in front of her door. She bends at her waist to retrieve it, circling through memory to recall any scheduled deliveries. But she’s drawing a blank, balancing the package between her arm and hip, free hand inserting the key into her doorway as she glances over the packing slip.. Scribbled at the top is her name, sure enough, but that’s not what grabs her attention. It’s the postal code for Paris. Surprise shifts in her expression as she scrambles into her doorway, kicking off her shoes and coat to make a beeline over to her coffee table. 

“   Ah, light, light ..   ” She rocks her elbow against the wall switch, fluorescent light illuminating the empty space as she sets the box over the wood countertop. At just a half-hour over two in the morning, opening a package should hardly rank high within her priorities, but she’s already tearing at the tape with the end of her keys, kneeling beside the table as she pries out its contents. The watch comes first, along with his note, that she reads out loud to herself,  “   Toujours à toi … always yours …   ” The edges of her lips curl into a tender smile, wrapping the loved watch around her wrist, its weight foreign, but comfortable. She extends her palm and twists her arm, gingerly noting the way it feels, near giddy as she looks over the other gifts. “   How cute!   ” Ryu is near giddy with the surprise, dramatically falling to her back and onto the floor, arm stretched out to eye her new accessory. “   Until next time, huh ..  ” Ah, she needed to take a shower and get ready for bed – morning was just a few short hours away and rest was so very important, and yet she’s dialing his number, rolling onto her stomach as she waits for him to pick up. It must’ve been early evening there. If she were lucky, she’d catch him before he started streaming. And to her luck, he lights up her screen, sleepy teal hues sparkling with delight. 

“   I know you gotta stream soon, I’m sorry, but I just couldn’t help myself! Look!   ” Drowsy, mirthful laughter following as she poses her wrist before the screen and gestures towards the torn cardboard sitting on the table. “   You’re so sneaky, y’know? I wanna yell but my neighbors will probably kill me.  ” She sighs, pretending to swoon off camera before reemerging with an affectionate beaming smile, “   I miss you. More than I think you’ll ever know. My heart is just … so full of you these days. I wish you were here. ” She pauses, “   But I’ll just have to add up all the time not spent with you so I can make up for it ten-fold .. until next time.   ” Another laugh as she waves at the screen,

“   Okay, okay! Sorry, I’ll let you get back to work!  ”

hi ryu loni brought you a pretty bouquet of pink colored flowers as a “sorry I beat that guy up at your work and maybe made your life a little more difficult” apology gesture.

Against the rusted locker walls, the bouquet is an easy catch, vibrant blooming azaleas in a beautiful arrangement – a welcome surprise to start her evening; the patrons were not the most gracious of company to be around for hours. But who would’ve left it here? She reaches forward and wraps her digits around its neatly cut stems. It’s heavy too and not very fragrant, a fresh earthy smell that reminds her of sweet springs. Whoever bought it must’ve spent a pretty penny on the gesture. Curious, she gingerly parts the petals, nose crinkled with her inquisitive leer as she searches for a letter or name. A vigorous knock at the hall door rips her out the task, bristling instantly at the sharp sound. It’s a gracious five minute warning for the first fight – the distant sound of the bell a signal to hurry along with getting ready. “  Alright! I’ll be there in a sec!   ” She calls out, carelessly lifting her hand to wave them along, but to her delight, out falls a glossy white card with ink one side. Oh! That must be it! Ryu leans forward and squints to read the familiar lettering. “   Loni.   ” The name is at her lips before she’s even read the apology, a mirthful laugh shaking her shoulders as she pulls her phone out. A quick glance at the clock, only a minute or so left, she had to be quick. She snaps a quick photo of herself with her new table display, tongue darted out playfully before she sends out a quick text.

Friday, 09:30PM [Ryu] : how’d you know the way to my heart were flowers? 🥺 [Ryu] : i hope it’s accompanied by lunch on you .. next friday! DON’T text back if you wanna go. 😉 [Ryu] : ..also i love the flowers, tytytyty. 💕

[MMS message sent]

She smiles to herself, carefully placing the flowers back into her locker when a thought dawned on her. How'd she get it in there? She supposes she can pry that out of her when Loni inevitably fails to text her back and is subjected to lunch. What a mystery this lady was!

@anomalyfated | closed starter Every night she watches a rotation of hundreds of faces as they come and go and adds them to a catalogue. A collection of people who end up in the audience: college professors nervously eyeing the clock, mother's who've bet their life savings, men with pockets of gold. Over time, she learned to pick apart the narrative -- after all, no one risks their livelihood to watch others turn themselves into a bloody pulp. There were legal avenues for that. No, they were there to find a miracle in financial hardship, and she was just the card girl that worked there. Every time she stands in the ring, holding up the plastic sign with the match number she notes who'd arrived. First, it's the most powerful of all in the room. Not the boxers, but the sponsors. The individuals who'd invested in the property under psuedo names, and shoveled money into their favorite pawns. They were the ones to be most wary of. But next came the crowd, the ones joining her on the journey tonight. During matches she often collected beer cans, and glasses, mingling with the audience to find out their stories. When you dissect people enough you learn to notice incongruencies. Individuals more interested in the people around them then the match itself. That's what she notes first about the two standing in the midst of the crowd, talking amongst themselves. They're looking for something or someone.

The roar of the mass is deafening, the sound of rattling metal from outside the cage when the match draws to a start. She slips out the ring, squeezing through the crowd to settle her suspicions. If you're looking for anyone here, it was trouble. And where trouble lurked, law soon followed. It wouldn't hurt to get a closer look at those two, right? At the very least, everyone has a story if they showed up here. What was in their tale? After trading greetings with some of the regulars, she sets on her quest. During matches, everyone was riled up, an adrenaline disaster of broken glass, yelling and sometimes incited violence. She'd mastered the arts of avoiding getting hurt, ducking, directing people out, swiping empty bottles. Anything to prevent an issue, but it often made poking her head around a challenge. No one was worried about where she was trying to go in the midst of their own madness. Her teal hues dance around the tops of heads, looking for a pair -- a brunette and someone with an eyepatch? Or at least she swears that what she saw, the arena isn't very well lit. Probably a means to protect privacy or a neglect in budget. It's only the first match and she's already crunching glass beneath her shoes. She gently nudges the person beside her, soft laughter spilling from her lips, " Hey, those are nice shoes, be careful -- the glass here will really scuff 'em up! " For a moment she realizes she hadn't looked at the individual wearing them, eyes lifting to meet the woman standing beside her. A brunette with jade irises. And a man with an eye-patch. Oh. Her smile melts into bewildered amusement,

" Don't think I've seen you two here before. Are you here to place bets? "

[  play  ]  muses  play  a  board  game  /  card  game  together (go fish tho)

Few things provoked her competitive nature like a game of cards. Maybe it derived from a laughable track record of defeats, or disdain of board games that took hours and caused temporary family division. It should have been easy to win, only fifty-two cards, four suits – if someone were quick enough they’d be able to deduce the other’s hand through mere dialogue and observation. But, no, here she sits on the brink of failure, with almost enough for four of a kind. It was just a lucky draw of the cards (with the help of a poorly shuffled deck thanks to yours truly.) It sits neatly in her hands and she’s so ready for her next turn, she nearly misses Loni asking for them. Now, this wouldn’t be awful if it weren’t for her single, lousy pile of threes. In comparison to her own, the other was considerable. And Ryu’s knee jerk reaction is to press her cards against her chest protectively as she yells out, “ No! ” But there’s a knowing look behind Loni’s eyes that elicits a noise between a whine and a laugh. “ Impossible! Y’know that’s so disrespectful! I invite you over and you embarrass me in front of my fish? ” Reluctantly she pries it from herself, squinting as she hands over her last three cards. Despite her obvious loss, this was still fun. Rarely had she shared her home with guests, not an intentional decision, but one of circumstance. She was never really home; maybe that much was evident to Loni, given the stack of unopened moving boxes sitting right at the entry-way. “ I can’t believe you’re beating me, AGH! ” Ah, but what is there to but laugh? A sigh melts into a soft bout of laughter, reaching to pull the last remaining five cards from the pool. There really was no winning now and this was already the 2nd match!

“ Jeez, what do I owe you if you win again? My soul? Or was it red velvet cake? ”

She presses her elbows against the table, folding the cards over to prop her hand beneath her chin. “ After this, did ya’ wanna head out? I mean if I’m gonna lose, we may as well throw my pity party where we can eat, right? ” There were a few places around she imagined would have Loni’s victory cake and a meal fit for her losing party. And they’d already spent a deal of time indoors, talking to one another. It was time they get some fresh air! Her features brighten with a wide, lopsided grin,

“ Oh, and do you got any 2s while we’re at it? Y’know, since we’re still ruining our newly found friendship over a game of go fish. ”

@maljefe

The beautiful woman got the attention of a very dangerous vampire. "My gosh, you're so pretty." Amber chirps and secretly hopes to bite her. "Can I take a picture of you?"

Well, as luck would have it, she'd missed the train by a margin of a second, double doors slamming shut just as she landed on the platform. All of its passengers had front row seats to her silly attempt at hurdling over the stairs, her palms slammed against the closed hatch in its preparation for departure. If the conductor hadn't been eyeing her fruitless endeavor, she'd of hopped onto the end and stationed herself in the emergency bay. Instead, she's forced to watch it move down the track, the muffled sound of the announcements shamelessly calling out delays. She nearly jogs over to the next hub when she learns the following train wouldn't arrive for at least another hour. But it's too far to trek on foot and honestly barely worth the effort. She slides her hands down her cheeks, sighing in resignation, " Way to go, Ryu. Pulled off the cleanest Olympic hurdle and got nothing for it but a sore ankle. " At least the subway was warm, the tip of her nose ruddy from the cold. Teal orbs dart around in search of a bench to make home of for the next sixty minutes. But a woman stands to her side, someone she hadn't noticed before, the rush of adrenaline effectively allowing her to dismiss her surroundings. And, embarrassingly so, she's already looking towards her. " Oops? " Comes her sheepish little greeting, lips curving in a lopsided grin. Well, at the very least maybe she could employ the other to indulge her in conversation. Her lips part to speak again, but she stops at the sound of her voice, pale lashes fluttering in evident surprise.

" Oh! Wow, and here I thought I looked crazy trying to get over here. Thanks, you're really pretty yourself. "

But soon her beaming grin falters, wispy brows pinched together in confusion. Her bright eyes dart to-and-fro, maybe she'd heard wrong. Or another party entered the conversation. " A ... picture? " She gestures to herself with a single pointer, squinting leer staring down in hopes of coming to a reasonable conclusion for the inquiry. A pretty woman asking for her photo was hardly the worst thing she's ever heard. Far from it. But why? " Is it my clothes? I got them off the market down the street, y'know with the big flashy lights! They've got a ton of nice stuff. " But standing for a photo for a complete stranger felt very strange. She hums, in pursuit of her next words, " But uh .. why do you wanna picture? "She laughs, slender shoulders shaking in her mirth, " Are you a model agency scout or somethin'? "

“ I’m fetching a snack, would you like me to bring you anything? ” - modern kaleb!

Kaleb's apartment was a regular destination; a second home away from her own with free access to the kitchen (an unfortunate oversight for its general cleanliness). Some nights she'd slip in the door after work and dive head first into his couch, waking up to the smell of crisp bacon and sunny-side eggs. Her favorite. And other times she showed up at his doorstep unannounced with a plan to drag him out to some undisclosed location. Tonight was no different! The original plan had been to meet at the gallery right off her shift and head to the movies, but circumstances changed. She was out early at the discretion of her supervisor, knee-deep in hours of city mysteries. And one just happened to rest on the outskirts of town, a quaint abandoned house that had been the subject of every occult enthusiast photographer. But she didn't care to take pictures, she just wanted to see what a basement untouched for 100s of years looked like. Maybe they'd solve a decade-long mystery or fall victim to its ghastly inhabitants. Either way, she needed to go tonight! And who better to join her than Kaleb, a massive enabler to her discoveries. When Kaleb calls, she's just rounding the corner to his apartment; in the background she hears the familiar jingle of his keys as he readies himself to leave. Presumably on his way to come pick her up seeing as its just a quarter to five and he lives only a short distance away. She presses the receiver to her ear, eyes glued to the building door as he speaks, it sounded like he needed to make a quick pit stop before he came and he so generously offered to grab something for her as well. At first she's quiet, tip toeing to the front in anticipation of him. She swears he's about to ask her again, but she surmises he's already understood when she stands beaming from ear-to-ear with the phone tucked between her head and shoulder.

" How 'bout this, I'll go with you to pick it out myself so I can tell you my really great, incredible genius idea instead? "

She's grateful Kaleb is accepting of her impulsive decision making -- it's probably why he'd been the one to suggest not buying movie tickets in advance. A genius move really to predict that she'd divert plans last minute. Not like this hadn't been the occurrence whenever they'd made concrete plans. Totally not. The excitement is practically bursting out at her seams as she falls into place beside him. She already knew the directions to his favorite convenience store, tagging along on many occasions. " I know, I know, we were totally supposed to see a movie tonight, but we can rent it on DVD in like 6 months so I can make it up, I swear! " Whatever fictitious rebuttal she imagined he'd make already had its answer, her phone now up between the two to let him bare witness to the google maps image of the location. " What if I told you we could live our own horror movie and tour a haunted house? Like look at this! " She swipes on the screen, pointing out images of its dismal entrance, decorated in an assortment of different lion statues. " That's insane looking. You're telling me you don't wanna know who would have made the conscious decision to line a bunch of irregular statues out on their front lawn? We gotta' investigate. Plus it maybe, sorta might be haunted and I kinda wanna check out the basement. " She's flashing the biggest puppy eyes of anticipation, silently pleading he'd be down for it. After all, he didn't have to work tomorrow, right?

" Sooooo, will ya' go with me? Maybe? Please? "

@tyraunt

The neon digital clock hanging by a thread on the deli's window reads 2:45AM, it may not be entirely accurate given its decrepit state, but if it was wrong she'd rather live in ignorance. Through bleary eyes she could just make out the shape of the door to the apartment complex -- older than most other apartments in the neighborhood, but she preferred the quaint community -- it was endearing for lack of a better word. Anticipating needing her keycard, Ryu mindlessly shuffles a hand through her purse, the other ready to pry open the door. But it was absent from its typical spot. She steps away from the entrance, brow lifted as she peers into the bag. Maybe it nested itself in one of its many pockets? That, however, seemed to produce anything either. Panic setting in, she pries the few items she has out, placing her chapstick between her teeth and balancing her phone with other miscellaneous items between her fingers. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. If she hadn't a shred of pride left, she would have dumped the entire thing to the ground in search, but she stews in the reality of leaving it back in her locker. An hour-long train ride away. At this hour none of the transportation would be running. So her options were simple a) wait out for someone to come home or leave the building or b) wait until the morning train schedule begins and journey back to work. Both would forfeit sleep.

She slaps her hands against both her cheeks, burying her face within them to let out a muffled scream into her palms. There's a long pause before she resurfaces, letting loose a defeated sigh. "   If I have to climb up these balconies, god so help me, I will. I'm tired!   " Her eyes dart up the empty balconies floor by floor, sneaking glances towards all the shuttered windows. All these apartments and houses with beds and here she was sleepless. Blasphemous honestly. She considers her options when she realizes there's someone hanging out on the balcony at her level. Wait. Aren't they one of her neighbors? What was their name again? In desperation, she cups her hands over her lips and yells out,

"   Hey! Hey you! I locked myself out the building! Would you do me a solid and come down and let me in?   "

@spurnedadulthood​ said, “  [ SMIRK ] [ adhskjahdjsadhskja IMO, this is the most ic one for him anyway ] “

It’s quiet, save for the distant rustle of turned pages and taps against the keyboard. A library was far from the greatest of options in terms of business. But it was the necessary one after locking herself out of the gallery. She sits across from him, torso leaned over the wooden desk and pointer gestured to an assortment of open spaces on the paper she’d set in front of him. Legal jargon littered the page, but she debriefed with her improvised Sparknotes version, courtesy of the supervisor’s memo. Typically, the terms and conditions of a contract seldom came after providing compensation for the job. But, it was a minor slip of the mind. At least Kensuke had been responsive to her (somewhat desperate) text and agreed to a meet-up on such short notice. It’s the weekend; a time most spent taking care of themselves after a busy week of work or school. She trains her gaze on the pen in his hand, briefly wondering what he’d been doing before she’d sent out her SOS. Maybe she should make up her blunder to him? A giftcard? Lunch? A low audible hum slips past pursed lips. She’ll file away the thought, deciding to pry into him to decide what would work best for him. 

Her voice is hushed when she speaks again, gaze lifting to meet his own, “   And you’ll just have to sign there.  ” She taps, “ And then you’ll be free from me … at least until I make another mistake.   ” A grin curves at her lips, bright eyes surveying the room a moment. She has to remind herself that this is a quiet-space and that her normally boisterous voice would be frowned upon in here. She looks down towards his signature, assessing it briefly with creases forming between her brows. This was all, right? She gently slides the page away from him, picking up her own pen to sign on behalf of the company. “   Y’know .. a library is such an impersonal place. I feel like I can’t really say anything, I might get too loud.   ” She chuckles softly to herself, eyes glued to the paper in search of any vacant boxes. And he’s not really thinking when she speaks, letting her mouth move freely. There’s a passing thought of what she should gift him for his troubles when she parts her lips again.

“   If I ever leave my keys at home again, I’m just going to have to invite you to my apartment so we can actually talk.   ” 

There’s a pause, lashes fluttering briefly as she mulls over what she's just said. That didn’t come out right. Completely aware of the potential implications behind her words, she looks up, wide eyed and ready to clarify when she meets his smirk. A smirk! And she’s just about ready to perish from complete embarrassment.  She’s got a ruddy blush spreading all over her gawking features. And she seems to have forgotten where she was, quickly blurting out just an octave too loud, “   I - I’m not propositioning you!   ” There are a few questioning glances passed in their direction and she swears she hears an aggressive shush, urging her to quiet her little outburst. She nods apologetically in no particular direction, shrinking back into her seat from any scathing look,, “   Ah, wh - what I mean is .. we can’t really talk here like normal —   ” She pauses, squinting as if she’s reading her thoughts on a page; carefully. “   And I’d like to get to know you. Y’know .. since we’ll be working together and be in contact for a little while. M - maybe saying my apartment was a bad move ..   ” Near the end she’s practically muttering. Ugh, it sounds like she’ll need to add more to her apology gift. In a final attempt to redeem any dignity she had left, she stands up, gesturing to the door, a sheepish smile at her lips  . 

“  Wow, I’m hungry. Did you eat? We should eat so that I don’t say anything stupid, lets uh .. lets go, ‘kay?   ”

The bustle of busy collectors fine combing through art pieces had ended, leaving only vacant spaces along the walls and silence within the quaint gallery. There was a laundry list of things she had been tasked to do, much of it mundane and routine; nothing urgent, but she found herself stuck in front of the last piece she’d needed to pluck off the walls. It was a planet decorated in hues of pinks and golds, it’s unfinished, the white space of the canvas littered with small lettering – notes. She dances around the frame, studying the image at different angles. Marvelled by the way it occupies the space. Though she imagined she’d stick to curating galleries as opposed to filling them, there’s something enjoyable about seeing her own work, incomplete and messy, occupying a space meant for others. Her supervisors would likely throw a complete fit had they seen her sneak the canvas on the wall, but there were no witnesses, so no harm done, right? And what better way to ignore work then by physically manifesting herself in places she’d never dreamed before? She stands a moment or two longer, but her attention flitters away to the wavering shadow of the door pushing open behind her. The sound had gone unnoticed and she whips around to face the figure perched within the doorway.

“   Oh, hey there! We’re not charging fee’s or anything this month so if you just wanna look around, feel free!   ” She grins, gesturing with a wave of her hand to the rest of the open space with figures, woodwork and paintings. There were rarely any buyers outside of the few who frequented during changes for other openings. Perhaps that’s why she stares a moment too long at whoever came to spend their time within the gallery. Be it curiosity or actual intent, she enjoyed hearing what drew others in to the gallery. As she begins to turn her head, she blinks up at her still hanging painting, sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the other completed pieces of refined artists. She nearly chokes on her own gasp, gaze darting around the immediate area for a curtain to hang over it. But with none in sight, she resorts to standing on the tips of her soles, hands comically resting on top of it as though she’d just casually made it a casual resting pose and NOT strained every lower muscle she had to retain it.

“  Hahaha just uh y’know .. let me know if I can show you around or help you out with anything hahaha ...  ”

@ardenssolis​ 

@cirocchio​ said, “ Brushing Ryu's hair aside, ciri places something atop her head, sliding it behind her ears. '...-- careful er, don't move.' A few more times her fingers comb through her hair, styling it so the diadem is framed better by her hair. It's covered with a shiny white ribbon, and on the left, a few feathers adorn the accessory. '...Great. Ah, it looks, nice. A p-present. From me, er, and Jek.' Or, she'd decided to put his lost feathers to good use. “

Christmas spent trying to dust off a talent she did not possess in the company of Ciri seemed promising during the initial set-up of the date. But, now, standing in front of her barren fridge and a stockpile of freshly bought groceries, is where she allows herself to feel slightly daunted. She’d spent hours in the supermarket, reading box labels for recipes and tossing a variety of items she’d never purchased before within her cart. Ryu hums, bright hues looking towards the other young woman. “   Okay, I admit, I bit off more than I can chew here. But I think we can still make an amazing meal with the power of Google and your brilliant mind.   ”  Out the window, she can just make out the bright flurries of snow falling from grey clouds. It had been a while since she’d last celebrated the holiday with someone, typically taking the day to catch up on much needed rest or lose herself to an unnecessary hobby. Having someone to share the day with, well, it felt nice. The apartment didn’t feel so empty, so lonely. She catches the other shift in the reflection beside her and she turns curiously, mouth open to speak, but upon seeing the accessory in her hand she pauses. A muted ‘oh’ at her lips as Ciri urges her to still while she places the ornament in her hair. It’s warm. Ciri is warm. There’s a fuzzy, tingling sensation pulsating in the places where her digits part her silver tresses, she swears it radiates towards the tips of fingers.

“   From .. from you and Jek?   ” She repeats, completely stunned, wide eyes flickering between Ciri and her foggy reflection in the window pane. It’s beautiful. She gently brushes her knuckles over the ornate feathers — courtesy of a certain little thief. Oh, Ciri made this. For her. Her head cranes from left to right, taking in the surprise from all angles. A bright smile splits her features, beaming from ear to ear when she returns her gaze to the other. Her arms find her in a sweet embrace, gushing softly, “   I love it, I love it, I love it! Thank you so much!   ” She pulls back, arms loosely draped over the other's slender shoulders when she grins, “   And Jek. Jek too. His crimes are forgiven from this day forward.   ” A snorted laugh peels from her throat, gaze returning to stare in awe at her reflection. Ah, suddenly dinner and a bunch of cheesy Hallmark films didn’t seem enough. 

“   I feel like a snow princess.   ” She muses out loud, before trying her best impression at sounding nobel, “   Come, your grace, we have hor d’oeuvres and other .. specimen to feast upon! A beauty, such as yourself, shan’t be hungry much longer, I dare say.  ” With a sputtering laugh and a wink, she gestures to what she hoped would be time well spent making a dinner just for two.