matimatiiperez‌

“So were you, I saw you out there. You took that hit like a champ,” Mati grinned. Despite being five nothing, and smaller than over 95% of the crowd, Kat wasn’t afraid to be in the middle of the action. In fact, she sought it out. Almost more than he ever did. Mati lightly brushed at the forming bruise with his fingertip just as she plucked the letter from his hand. He watched as her eyes scanned over the cramped handwriting, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, he still couldn’t believe it either. Years worth of letters filled an entire lockbox filled with bank statements and other documents like social security cards and birth certificates.  

When a frown crossed her face, Mati paused. Excitement waited on hold. Maybe she noticed something she didn’t in between those lines. A lack of sincerity, apathy, or manipulation. He wasn’t sure. Mati frowned when she looked up at him.“Is this a joke? This is my roommate. You know that, right?” 

Mati blinked. Roommate. She had two. He saw them occasionally in passing, but never really long enough to be introduced. He shook his head lightly. “Lots of people in New York, Samuel isn’t exactly uncommon, and I’m sure there’s a lot of Bautistas,” he shrugged, and lightly took the letter from her, “I have to look into the original address more. See if I can find some sort of white pages record or something.” 

Her face felt warm when his fingers grazed against her cheek. It hurt to touch but she didn’t mind when it was Mati. A warm honey-like sensation flowed through her as she positioned her body to face him completely. She wanted to wave the injury off. His hand managed to short-circuit her brain like it always did. Instead of a clever retort, she blinked at him and handed the crumpled paper back. There were a few clicks in the background. The next band was already set up as their drummer clicked his sticks together. The steady beat of the drum filled the room as she wrapped her hand around his thin wrist. 

With a steady tug, Kat pulled him out back, whirling past any security and fan to guide them to the alleyway. The cold air tore down her throat as she breathed in slowly. Fuck, she could hear him better out here. Her gaze softened as she looked up at him. “Oh yeah? Find that address and pay a visit to me. I always thought you two looked alike.” Her tongue felt thick in her mouth. “You know, my brother is technically my half brother. I’m pretty sure my mom was pulling the same stunts she did when I was a kid. She fucked everyone in that stupid town and I bet convinced my dad that it was his. Robbie looks nothing like my dad, but I’m pretty sure everyone knows his real dad. It was some guy that came around often. I think he used to be my dad’s friend.” 

Kat shrugged as she reached into her bag. She plucked out a cigarette. “Maybe, that’s why my mama liked Robbie more. He wasn’t my dad’s and she didn’t feel bitter. Anyway, I guess I’m just trying to say that it’s a good thing. Having a sibling and all. It’s cool to see the person your dad actually loved.” The cigarette pressed to her lips as she held out her pack for him. It wasn’t menthol. He could deal anyway. 

livvylcc‌

Apparently they didn’t like my style on Jimmy Fallon. Olivia also scrunched her nose and laughed. Kat always took what people said in stride. Making it into comedy and brushing it off with a shrug. While Olivia could feign a lot of things, Kat actually seemed to mean it. She shook her head at that and looked at Kat over the edge of her drink. “I think your style is authentic. No one likes someone clipped on Fallon.” 

 “When’s the mini series air? I wanna watch it the next time I have a long flight,” she smiled. Kat’s filming career was eclectic. She had a long repetoire of adult film and then short films, limited series, et cetra. Olivia tried her best to keep up with everyone else’s schedules. Her own schedules felt uninteresting and routine in comparison to everyone else. “E! should be fun, though. Maybe even better than Jimmy Fallon depending on who you get set up with.” 

“Nobody likes e-girl pants either, according to Sammie.” Kat chuckled as she leaned against her seat. “You know, back when I was younger, that was just called tripp pants. Now, it’s high fashion. I don’t get it.” She tried to take what Liv said in stride. She enjoyed talking with her simply because she understood show business a little more than most of her friends. A lot of her friend group still pertained to Washable even with her estranged ex-husband attached. They understood the music industry which had its own cons but never caught onto the exhaust of being on set for a photoshoot or film. 

“I think sometime in late January,” Kat replied as she looked over. “I’m pretty sure Jason Kennedy is doing the interview. I just don’t feel eager about it since his salary was exposed to the public. Apparently, his co-host stepped down a while back because of their salary differences and he ran his mouth on Twitter. I’m just hoping to see what happens. Fingers crossed for weird porn questions instead of questions about the limited series.” 

edgaryangs‌

“That’s the deal, isn’t it? We fuck the bad attitudes out of one another?” Edgar shouldn’t have responded, should have just slipped on his shoes, grabbed his blazer, and left. Natalia was waiting on the street for him. She’d start texting him any minute now to remind him that he had a meeting and that if he delayed any longer, they’d risk a speeding ticket. That would’ve been the smart thing to do, but for some reason, the smart thing eluded him. 

Especially after she compared him to his father. “Consider yourself lucky that I’m nothing like him,” Edgar said through gritted teeth. Said, because he needed to remind himself. He was nothing like Xavier. Daiyu had said that to him when she’d first taught him how to meditate, had walked him through basic self-defense, had explained to him how important it was to take a punch. Alex had said the same to him on multiple occasions, as well, but with the black rage coursing through his veins, it was difficult to remember. Edgar breathed through his anger, compartmentalizing it and releasing it like Daiyu had taught him. Inhale. Hold. One. Two. Exhale.

Mostly because he didn’t want her to know that she’d hit a nerve. Xavier was a bruise that ached whenever it was poked, one that had never healed. He was a weakness that Edgar had forcibly tried to rid himself of. He’d thought that putting an ocean between them would help him forget how much it hurt whenever his father looked at him with disappointment in his eyes, but it hadn’t. Whenever anyone mentioned Xavier – the charming, smart winery owner – Edgar felt that disappointment wash over him again. He knew, intellectually, that not being anything like Xavier was a good thing. Still… So, rather than try to handle the mess that was his emotional turmoil in the presence of Kat, of all people, he let the anger and the years of built up pain wash through him until all he could feel was apathy flowing like ice water through his veins. “If I’m so goddamn cruel and awful, feel free to stop showing up. Believe me, I won’t notice.” 

“If you fucked the bad attitude out of me, I wouldn’t still be speaking, would I? It sounds like you can’t even do one basic task.” The venom rolled off of her tongue because it was easy. The authoritative air that Edgar commanded was enough to curl her toes. She attracted closer to the meth addict sitting next to her chair in group rather than the man that held an iron fist at his small company. She respected his sister faster than she did for him. He dug his heels down at the mention of his father. Typical. Like every rich dude in New York, he had some daddy issues. 

Just as quickly as their fight began, it disappeared. It held nowhere near as big of a punch as it did when she talked with her ex. It was weak and especially hurtful to know that he didn’t care to even bring a fair fight. Kat tore into him and chewed him out in a matter of seconds. She didn’t know anything about him other than what you could view on a Wikipedia article. It was disappointing only in the matter of a fight. She considered him weaker as she looked at him from head to toe. 

“Really?” She spoke as her tone shook. Her fingers wound tight around her purse as she flipped it over her shoulder. She considered taking out her phone and recording the man. A simple post on Twitter would light both him and his company on fire for adultery. If there was anything Kat had, it was hindsight. She knew better than to fuck Liv over. Her scowl deepened as she stepped towards the door. “That’s all you’re going to bring to the table? You won’t notice because your disappointing dick still manages to find another hole to fuck. Believe me, it ain’t a loss to not see your shining fucking face after this.” 

matimatiiperez‌

@veinlanced

When the set finished, Mati practically bounded to the stage exit. There were few things that made endorphins explode in his mind like a bomb’s mushroom cloud. Music and being on stage checked off two things on the very short list. Being in a band was lonesome at times. You spent hours writing, recording, and mixing only for a few hours of stage time. Then, you went back to a hotel and crashed in silence, or filled that void with a party or two. Mati was still in his proverbial high. Blood crashed through his veins and his heart pumped at full speed. He felt alive. Not very many things achieved that effect anymore.

He practically barreled into Kat. The leather from her outfit stuck to his arms like velcro as he pressed a quick kiss to the side of her head. She had been out in the crowd, watching, and electric. He caught her eye a few times and was glad she actually stuck around to meet him backstage. 

“Look at this shit I found in one of my mom’s boxes,” he told Kat, hand shaking from euphoria as he tugged the envelope free from his jacket. The ink was faded from years of storage, but the name was very clearly his: Mateo. He waved the envelope like a little flag. “You can’t rag on me for being an only child anymore, so you’re going to have to get some new jokes,” he stated with a lopsided grin, “I have a brother, too. An actual half sibling. Not just bandmates. Read it and weep.”

Sweat caked her lower back as she tied her shirt around her waist. It felt like a standard look after a set finished. There were few lingering eyes as her chest spilled from her sports bra. The pit dispursed while a few lingered with PBRs at hand. They gulped it down while waiting for the closer. Her fingers tightened around her sleeve as she walked past a cascade of cigarette smoke and bad B.O. She usually could ignore it, but that night was particularly worse. 

Her cheek felt swollen from the fist she caught during their last song. In a brief moment, she saw stars and then landed on her favorite one. Her shoulder shoved past another bandmate before she reached Mati. He bounded at full speed towards her like a golden retriever on speed. Her face throbbed when he held onto her in a brief embrace. “You were fucking great.” 

Her gaze narrowed in on the paper in his inked fingertips. She plucked it up from him with a raised brow. There was no one anyone would give this kid a sibling. Her eyes trailed towards the name, frown deepening as she read it over again. Samuel Bautistas. “Is this a joke?” Kat looked up at him. “This is my roommate. You know that, right?” 

mrdamienclarke‌

Damien raised an eyebrow to her as he sunk into a seat on the balcony, willing her to go on. He never minded the business she was in, not that she would care if he minded either way. He didn’t however mind the way they treated her. It wasn’t the first time they’d cross the line with her and often the other women and it left a bad taste in his mouth, not to mention and urge an urge to throw a few punches. “You know the offer still stands to go break a few hands. They’ll think twice about putting a hand on you when its in a cast. I know you don’t want me to go down there with the badge on at all, though I pretty sure that could scare a few of them into acting right.” 

She knew the gesture was in goodwill but it blistered her skin as soon as the words caressed her shoulders. Her shoulders hiked up as she shot a glare in his direction. Did he really just offer to flash his badge? Her jaw clenched down tightly as she held her tongue. She learned to do it often regarding his job. It saved them both a lot of time. “No, I don’t want that.” Kat rolled her eyes as she flicked the edge of her cigarette off the balcony. Orange embers scattered down as his presence lingered. “Frankly, I don’t know why you think that would comfort me. That just pisses me off.” 

msalexfortier‌

Alex smiled softly looking back to the game. She gotten into these games in college. It was really no surprise, surrounded by other programmers and engineers game nights happened often. She’d pushed herself to be a part of it all, to branch out in the new environment. There was one guy in particular who taught her a few things. She could whoop his ass any day at Mortal Kombat but it took her what seemed forever to beat him at Call of Duty, atleast when he wasn’t trying to let her win. 

She chuckled as the controller hit the floor and she set hers aside as well leaning forward on the couch. “That can be arranged. Just takes training and I bet you could beat me in time. I mean I’m no Katana.” 

“Ha, I like my rough and rugged style.” Kat chuckled, eyes falling towards the screen once her avatar respawned. She held well on her own when she attended concerts or got into the occasional bar fight. She was short, but always found a way to use her height. It was just as easy to knock someone’s knees out as it was for them to slam her into a counter. The thought of Alex training her felt a little childish. She threw enough money at her fights to know she wasn’t someone she could train with. She would be furious at losing. After all, she was always a sore loser. “It’s better. Makes me feel punk.” 

livvylcc‌

“Would getting put on different medication help?” she asked, chin in her hand as she looked at Kat. A moment of deja vu washed over her as Kat talked about the effects of her medication. Paula said something to a similar affect just months before she passed away. Olivia hadn’t known what to say then, and she still didn’t know what to say now. This time, she just made it a point to say something rather than brush it off with something else. It seemed that was what Kat wanted to do as she mentioned Marcel. Her friend’s face visbily relaxed, so Olivia glanced down at her phone’s clock. 

. “I haven’t seen Marcel in a solid week, so I’d like that. What’s the interview for? You’ve been holding out on me,”  Olivia said with a grin, “Are we going to be present for the interview. Like little background cheerleaders?”

She ignored the question -- not that it wasn’t a good one to ask. She just didn’t want to talk about her head anymore. It was harder to ignore but she knew that Liv didn’t really understand. They stemmed from similar industry abuse and households, but their brains were wired completely different. Sure, Liv got a fair share of trust issues and low self-esteem. However, she held herself together. She didn’t waver. Her brain didn’t fucking break on her. She was relatively normal despite the abuse she endured. Kat couldn’t hold it together for longer than a few months before switching medications or getting into a fight simply because she couldn’t keep her anger in check. 

Kat looked off, knowing she hadn’t told Liv too much of her filming schedule. Half of the time she didn’t bother with small victories. Olivia had so much on her plate that things slipped through the cracks often. She was used to it by now. “Oh, it was just that mini-series I did with HBO. They want me to promote the show on a few interviews for talk shows and E! I think.” Kat scrunched her nose. “Apparently, they didn’t like my style on Jimmy Fallon.” 

livvylcc‌

“Have you really talked to Allie for more than a few minutes? And text me the phone number. As of now the ball’s rolling,” Olivia shrugged. Kat knew just as well as she did that Allie teeter tottered. One week she wanted out, and the next week she was committed to working on things. Working on things was always one-sided, though. Her sister worked and her brother-in-law was her brother-in-law. At Kat’s little frown, Olivia tilted her head. She knew what that look meant. As Kat explained, she nodded.  “Understandable. Do they make you feel zombiefied?” she asked, she wasn’t sure if Kat appreciated being asked about her medications or health. Olivia just wasn’t sure if many people asked, and until Kat told her to fuck off she’d bring it up. She hoped Kat would do the same. “How’s work been going? Any events planned?” 

“Thank fuck,” Kat sighed as she pulled out her phone. She squinted at the screen as she scrolled her contacts to find the number. With a quick text, she slid the device into her back pocket and blinked in her direction. Shit, they were back on her. “Uh - I mean.” Kat swallowed as she tried to think of the best way to describe it. “It’s weird. I don’t feel like a zombie. I just don’t feel like I’m myself. I’m still moody and suicidal at times, so it never really feels like it’s fixed. It’s a bandaid that I’m convinced is dedicated to killing my libido.” 

The brunette rubbed her neck towards the change of topic, visibly relaxing at the chance. Her shoulders dropped as she smiled. “Yeah, actually. I got an interview I have to do hair and makeup for if you wanna tag along. I think Marcel is doing my hair today.” 

edgaryangs‌

After getting dressed, Edgar had settled himself at the edge of the bed. Apart from his shoes, which he’d slip on at the very last moment, he was prepared for his meeting. His shirt was a bit wrinkled but he’d simply switch it out for the extra he always kept in the car. He’d learned when he’d first branched out on his own that having a change of clothes on hand at all times was the sign of a professional. It wouldn’t do to step into a meeting just to have a potential client stare at the stain you’d accidentally acquired while eating a slice of pizza on the run. He raised an eyebrow at her small exclamation and pulled his hand back slightly. “You’re spitting for a fight and I’m not in the mood to give you one.” It was apathetic and droll, which was his go to expression when dealing with lovers. They were useful but Edgar preferred to keep everyone at arm’s length. The arrangements were always structured and boundaries were always set. The last thing he needed was someone developing expectations that he had no intention of living of up.

“No,” Edgar answered even as he leaned over and brushed a kiss against her lips. Quick. Barely even there. “Just because Natalia can get me around doesn’t mean that I should continue to put her in situations where she has to cut it close.” Edgar said the words almost as if he’d rehearsed them, which, truthfully, he had. Multiple times. Natalia had him repeat them to her every time he slid into the car, with an unapologetic grin on his face, and announced that he had less than a half hour to make it across town. She always got him where he needed to go with as little hassle as possible, even if she sighed and cursed him the entire time. Edgar was convinced that in some past life she’d been some sort of illegal racer. Natty had never confirmed or denied the claim and her background check had been clean enough, no indication of a former F1 career mentioned. As with all of the others in his employ, Edgar adored her. So much so, that she was the only person that he allowed to drive his Audi, a privilege not even Alex shared. 

“Why are we acting like we’re friends? I mean, I can ask about your day and your plans if that’s what you want. I just need you to be aware that I don’t really give a shit one way or the other.”

His lips pressed against her like a burn. It was too hot to touch, pulling back as soon as it grazed her lips. She wasn’t sure what she was searching for. If it was their usual arrangement, she would have already been out the door. Today was different. Perhaps, it was simply because she felt manic, anxiety clawing down her throat to the point where she didn’t want to go home. Damien and Sam were good friends, but they always consoled her to talk. She didn’t want to talk today. She wanted to fight, and yet, was brushed off at even a significant pluck of a conversation. She knew better than to insist on friendship between a hookup, but Edgar managed to get under her skin. 

She could feel the cool copper swelling in her mouth as she bit down as he spoke. Fuck him. “You know, I wasn’t looking for a fucking fight. You decided to waltz in with your bad attitude after I let your dick bruise my throat.” Kat scoffed, leaning away from the bedside as she scrapped up her underwear. It slid over the curve of her inked skin before flickering a bitter gaze in his direction. “I don’t know how you expect people to respect you if you walk around like some disappointed and cruel father after even breathing in your direction. Is this some sorta rich asshole thing that you and your daddy like to carry out?”

She paused in her vent to slip on her shorts. Her fingers lingered over the fabric as she scowled towards the flicker of dark hair in view. “I swear to God, I thought I learned my lesson with shitfucks like you. If I wanted to feel bad about myself, I’d fuck my ex-husband.” 

sambautistas‌

When the day had begun, Sam hadn’t expected that he’d be adding “knight in shining armor” to his resume. Or that he’d be enlisting a poor unsuspecting uber driver in his new found job description like he was some sort of noble steed, but here they both were. Unwitting participants in a Kathryn Atkins drama. Doing things they couldn’t have imagined they’d be doing. Sam had said as much when he’d slipped into the back seat of the car and the uber driver – Sam was pretty sure his name was Ryan or something – had rolled his eyes and scoffed. So much for prior warning. 

As Kathryn stumbled awkwardly into the car alongside him, Sam was almost positive he saw the moment the uber driver realized he should have skipped out on this particular request. Oh well. They were all in this together now. “Umm, yeah,” Sam answered hesitantly. What else was he supposed to say? A hospital would’ve been the easiest and safest place for her, but he understood not wanting to be anywhere near one. Hospitals reminded him of things he didn’t want to think about and if he never stepped foot in one again, he’d consider himself happy and fulfilled. “My place isn’t too far away so we should be there in a few minutes,” he continued as the car made its way to his apartment. A part of him wanted to say no, that he didn’t need Kathryn and whatever was happening right now anywhere near his personal space, that he needed to stay far away from anything and anyone who could set him back, but Sam knew he’d never be able to utter those words out loud. Even if he felt them in the pit of his gut. He would never be able to handle the guilt that would live there if he said no to her and something happened. “I’m going to be honest, though. I don’t know how to help you and the last thing I need is you dying on me.” 

Kat knew what she was doing. She intentionally picked Sam to call because she’d knew he wouldn’t dare call an ambulance. It was manipulative on her part but it got the job done. The car rumbled to life as it worked across Brooklyn. Even with the traffic, she knew it would take a while to reach the apartment. Her leg jittered in the seat as she tried to calm her breathing. It passed her lips in ragged breaths as she tried to think of anything other than the insects that crawled her skin. This was getting wildly too close to her own psychosis episodes. She hated this. She hated this high. Her eyes fluttered slightly as she pressed her hot cheek against Sam’s shoulder. She stayed in limbo, trying to possess the strength to lift her head so she wouldn’t worry her friend. He knew her well into her marriage and would know her well past her divorce. She was lucky he was one of the few friends that picked her side in the separation. 

In a wild series of events, she forgot about Sam’s sobriety. Her head was far too gone to consider the setback her actions might cause. She knew Alex would kick her ass if she saw them together like this again. Her fingers loosely trailed across the stretch of fake leather between them to touch his thigh. Her fingers shook vigorously as she pinched the fabric of his jeans. Her bottom lip stuck out as she tried to lift her head. “Fuck, Sam. I’m not dying on you tonight.” Kat wheezed out as she finally lifted her head to look at him. Their eyes met, dark caressing dark as she blinked slowly. “I just can’t trust anyone right now. Okay? They’re -- I know they’re fucking after me. I just feel like one of his fucking lawyers is here.” 

She didn’t mean Clement. 

“Ever since I came upfront about the assault, they’re just looking for any fucking reason to sue me.” Kat snorted as she looked towards the window. “I lost my job today. Fucking fine by me. I don’t need them.” 

msalexfortier‌

It wasn’t hard for Alexandria to make herself comfortable at the apartment. She’d been coming here for years. It started with Kat, they’d met during one of Alex’s fights in the early days and then grew closer as Kat went through rough struggles. Through Kat she met Sam and they bonded over hallmark movies and his morbid human and then at some point Damien popped in. Some days it even felt like a home away from home. She often found herself curled up on this couch, Sam’s head against her lap or a console in her hand. She loved it just the same. 

She laughs hearing Kat’s comment and chuckles. “Ah come on, I can’t help that I’m just that good…I could try going easy on you though” She winks to her friend, a bravado that she didn’t often show. If like these times she spent with Kat. She was proud of the woman. Sure she had slipups here and there but she had pushed so hard to kick the drugs. She was far healthier than she used to be and it was a good look on her. “Atleast its not Mortal Kombat”

Kat wanted to distract herself that night. It was the one day she did have off that work after stupidly combining her film schedule between porn and a short series of interviews for Sharp Objects. She wasn’t ready to talk about the piece, but the studio insisted that she line up a makeup artist and designer to dress her ready for television. Apparently, after the hazardous Jimmy Fallon interview, they didn’t want Kat to dress herself anymore. So, she listened and waited. Her skin crawled at the idea of sitting pretty in a chair for hours that night, but hey, it was money. 

The brunette plucked up a bag of chips and stuffed the hot fries into her mouth. It crunched loudly over Alex’s words as she relaxed against the coffee table. “Okay, but I feel like Mortal Kombat would be way more fun in real life with you. We both know I can’t beat you for shit in a fight.” Kat smirked, throwing the controller on the ground after her screen flashed another kill shot. “Fuck!” 

livvylcc‌

Olivia paused in mid-sentence and sighed exaggeratedly. A light smile crossed her face as she pointed the straw from her drink at her friend. She knew Kat for as long as she lived in New York. Once upon a time, they lived together. Then, Kat got married and divorced, and Liv moved all over. They always reconvened, though. There was a bond in shared trauma and a lack of expectations. They knew each other at varying levels of fame, Kat arguably knew her when she was no one. False pretenses easily fell down. “Honestly, in hindsight, it really didn’t matter. Allie’s in town for the time-being you should say hi. Anyways – you, dissociating? How are your medications?" 

“I never really liked Allie. Though I wonder if I could give her my divorce lawyer’s number. You know as well as I do that she’s desperate to leave her shit-faced husband.” Kat suggested, lips curling in a grin as they settled into their norm. She almost let it continue had the model not brought up her medication. A thick wad of cotton felt stuck in her mouth as she tried to think of a way to avoid the question. Her lips dropped, brows furrowed as she looked away. “Well, I mean -- I’ve been taking a break from them. I just hate how they make me feel.” Her fingers crept to her neck as she looked towards the ceiling. “It doesn’t help to be dry at work if you catch my drift.” 

edgaryangs‌

Despite what people tended to say, secrecy did not in fact make things better. It simply made things easier. Life for Edgar had always hinged on keeping secrets – that black eye had been accidentally acquired while roughhousing with Alex, sit quietly and lie while the doctor reset a broken finger, feign a lack of knowledge when asked when Daiyu hadn’t intended the particular event. Try not to bristle whenever Xavier stood near him and referred to him as his son and heir. Somewhere along the lines, Edgar had simply lost the ability to live in such a way that his personal and professional lives did not seem to be lived by two separate people. “Are you ever anything other than pissed,” he replied dryly, rolling out of the bed. He could’ve lazed around for a few more minutes, but he’d already wasted enough time as is. “I’d help you with it,” he began shrugging into his shirt which had been discarded sometime earlier. “But I’ve got a meeting in an hour and I prefer not to be late for potential new clients.” 

He batted off his anger with a steady hit, using his words instead of a bat. She should be used to the whiplash between pleasure and disinterest, but she wasn’t. The actress blinked in his direction before her nose scrunched up and her eyes rolled far back into her head. Her dark hair cascaded past her shoulders and swayed in the air as she tried to pull on her knee socks. In a clumsy attempt, her weight shifted and her shoulder met against the mattress. “ -- Fuck.” Kat spat out as she rolled on her back to glare at the ceiling. Maybe, she should have taken Alex up on her offer to spar rather than take her anger out on a person built to be a punching bag. 

She never understood what ti was about Edgar that angered her. She liked him. She even respected him and the empire he built. She used his services often, hiring subcontractors during her convention circuits when security was needed. When she wasn’t batting off overzealous fans, she used him for his tongue and felt hurt when he didn’t desire anything past use. “You act as if you don’t rake in cash already from your current clientele,” Kat told him, lazily reaching up to graze her nails against the back of his arm. 

“Kiss me.” Her voice was soft, despite the gravel in her throat. Her voice never sounded sweet. It was rough from the years of smoke that tore scar tissue down her throat. She knew it would only worsen with age, but what choice did she have? If she couldn’t shoot up, there was at least a relief of nicotine. “You can leave anytime and somehow miraculously make it on time with the hellbat of a fucking driver you hire.” 

𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐚 / 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬.

—     body .         long legs ,      short  legs ,     average legs ,     slender thighs ,     thick  thighs ,     muscular thighs,     skinny  arms ,     soft  arms ,     toned arms ,    muscular arms ,     tone stomach ,    flat  stomach ,     flabby  stomach ,     soft stomach ,     six  pack ,     beer  belly ,     lean frame ,     slender  frame ,     muscular  frame ,    voluptuous  frame ,     petite  frame ,    lanky frame ,     short nails ,     long  nails ,     manicured - clean  nails ,    dirty  nails ,     flat  butt ,     toned butt ,     bubble  butt ,    thick  butt ,     small  waist ,     thick  waist ,     narrow  hips ,     average hips ,     wide  hips ,     big feet ,     average  feet ,    small  feet ,   soft  feet ,     slender  feet ,     calloused  feet ,   calloused hands ,     soft  hands ,     big hands ,     average  hands ,     small  hands ,     long fingers ,     short   fingers ,     average   fingers ,    broad shoulders ,     underweight ,    average weight ,    overweight .

—     height .      shorter  than  140  cm ,     141  cm   -   150  cm ,     151  cm   -   160  cm,     161  cm   -   170  cm ,     171  cm   -   180  cm ,     181  cm   -   190  cm ,     191  cm   -   2  cm ,     taller  than  2  m .

—     skin .       pale ,     fair ,     rosy ,     olive ,    dark ,     tanned ,     blotchy ,    smooth ,     acne ,     dry ,     greasy ,     freckled  ,     scarred .

—     eyes .   small ,     large ,     average ,     grey ,     brown ,     black ,     blue ,     red ,    green ,     gold ,     amber ,     hazel ,     violet ,     doe - eyed ,     almond ,     wide - set ,    squinty ,     monolid ,     heavy  eyelids ,     upturned ,     downturned .

—     hair .       thin ,   thick ,     fine ,     normal ,     greasy ,     dry ,     soft ,     shiny ,     scruffy ,     frizzy ,     curly ,     kinky ,     wild ,     unruly ,     straight ,     smooth ,     wavy ,     floppy ,    cropped ,     pixie - cut ,     bald ,     jaw  length ,  long ,   vermilion ,     mohawk ,     white ,    platinum  blonde ,     golden  blonde ,     dirty  blonde ,     ombre ,     light  brown ,     mouse brown ,     chestnut  brown ,     golden  brown ,     chocolate  brown ,     dark brown ,     jet  black ,     ginger ,     grey ,     auburn ,     dyed  red ,     dyed  any  ‘unnatural’  color ,    streaked ,     thin  eyebrows ,     average  eyebrows ,  thick eyebrows , facial hair  ,  long beard ,  stubble ,

—     tattoos      &      piercings . thigh tattoo ,  full sleeve ,  shin tattoo ,    wrist tattoo ,    lower back tattoo ,     hand / finger tattoo ,     foot tattoo ,    neck tattoo ,    face  tattoo ,    chest tattoo ,     one  tattoo ,    a  few  here      &      there ,    multiple ,     no tattoo ,     monroe  piercing ,    nose piercing ,    septum ,   nipple piercing ,    genital piercing ,   industrial  piercings ,     earlobe piercing ,    prince  albert piercing ,     eyebrow  piercing ,    tongue piercing  ,     lip piercing ,   tragus  piercing ,     angel  bites ,   ear gauges  ,    navel  piercing ,     inverse navel  piercing ,     cheek piercing ,     smiley ,     nape  piercing ,   no piercings .

—     cosmetics .         light  eyeliner ,    cat  eyes ,     mascara ,     fake eyelashes ,  matte  lipstick ,     regular  lipstick ,     lip  gloss ,     red  lips ,     pink  lips ,     bronzer ,   highlighter ,     eyeshadow ,     neutral  eyeshadow ,     smoky  eyes ,     colorful eyeshadow ,     blush ,     lip  liner ,     light  contouring ,     heavy  contouring ,     powder ,     matte  foundation ,     shiny foundation ,     concealer ,     wears  make - up  regularly ,     wears  make - up  from  time - time ,     never wears makeup .

—   scent .       floral ,     perfumes ,     aftershave ,     cocoa ,     moisturizer ,    natural soap ,     shampoo ,     cigarettes ,     leather ,     sweat ,     food ,     incense ,   marijuana ,     cheap  deodorant ,     cologne ,   whiskey ,     wine ,     fried  food ,     blood ,     fire ,    metal ,     rain ,     grass ,     ocean ,     autumn  leaves ,     baked  bread ,     freshly  baked  cookies ,    smoke ,     campfire ,     lavender ,      trees ,     pumpkin  pie ,     musk ,     rose ,     gingerbread ,     peppermint ,     oak ,     honey ,     lemon ,     vanilla ,  coffee ,     mint,     raw  hide ,     chemicals ,    beard oil .

—     clothes .      jeans ,     tight  pants ,     knee - high  socks ,     tights ,    leggings ,     yoga  pants ,     pencil  skirt ,     tight  skirt ,     loose skirt ,     tight     /     formfitting  dress ,    cardigans ,     blouse ,     button  up  shirt ,     band t-shirt ,    sports  t - shirt ,     sweatpants ,     tank  top ,     cut  off  t - shirt ,     designer ,     high  street ,    online  stores ,     thrift ,     lingerie ,     long  skirt ,     miniskirt ,     maxidress ,     sun dress ,     tie ,     tuxedo ,     cocktail  dress ,     high  slit   dress     /     skirt ,     t-shirt ,    loose clothing  ,     tight  clothing ,    jean  shorts,     sweater ,     sweater  vest ,     khaki pants,    suit ,    hoodie ,     harem  pants ,     basketball  shorts ,  dickie’s ,    boxers ,     boxer - briefs ,     briefs ,     thong ,     hot  pants ,     hipster  panties ,     bra ,     sports  bra ,     crop  top  -  football   based ,     corset ,     ballerina  skirt ,     leotard ,     polka  dot ,     stripes ,     glitter ,     silk ,     lace ,    leather ,     velvet ,     chemise ,     patterns ,     florals ,     neon  colors ,     pastels ,    plaid ,     black ,    dark colors ,     fur ,     faux  fur .

—   shoes .      sneakers ,     slip - ons ,     athletic  slides ,     slippers ,     sandals ,    high  heels ,     kitten  heels ,     ankle  boots ,     combat boots ,   boots ,     cowboy  boots ,     knee - high ,     platforms ,     stripper  heels ,    bare feet ,     loafers .

mrdamienclarke‌

Damien could have easily gotten an apartment when he decided to move officially back to New York but settling into the apartment with his brother in arm and with Kat had been good for him. Granted there was a colleague who questioned his choice, ‘not good for your career’ he’d said. Damien scoffed at the idea, being in the FBI was not a career for him, it had always been a means to deal with the men who’d harmed his sister and later his friend. He often wondered how long he would stick at it. He had no doubt Kat and Sam, even Alex would stick with him far longer than the bureau. He smiles softly as he steps outside, beer in hand, facing her usual sass. “Nah thanks, I’m good with my beer. What’s got you out here seeking a mixture of fresh air and nicotine laced smoke?”

“Eh, off day at work.” Kat shrugged. It wasn’t a lie, but it was a short admittance that usually brushed off most of her friends. Damien wasn’t like that. He listened. He sat across from her flurry of tar and nicotine and tried to listen. So, she felt more inclined to speak. Her shoulders dropped slightly as she pressed the cigarette to her lips. Smoke filled her lungs as she released it into the night air. “I -- Uh, had an incident at work. I was staying late to work one on one before we did the consent tape, and the fat fuck had his hand on my thigh the entire discussion. Normally, it doesn’t bug me, but they’ve normalized this behavior before. I just didn’t think I would be brushed off on set for a directing point and given a lecture with a hand on my leg. I felt sick. I just want to drink to forget it, but I’m behaving tonight.”