"Kierstaer, you will not believe what happened at work today," Scothmpson said as he and his close friend sat down on a park bench. It was their usual hangout when they finished work for the day. They weren't alone by any means, but then again, it was frowned upon for them to be alone together in any sense. They weren't involved romantically, but the Council would see it as such.
"What happened?" Kierstaer questioned easily.
"I met a Grassi," Scothmpson admitted quietly.
Kierstaer's eyebrows scrunched in confusion. "I thought you met them when they hired you."
Scothmpson nodded. "Mr. and Mrs. Grassi, yes. I didn't meet their son, though. Well, I did today. I was cleaning in the kitchen, tidying up the dishes and organizing the pantry, when someone walked in. I didn't even notice him at first, he came in so quietly. Then he made his presence known. His name is Mitchane. And, Kierstaer, he's so cute!"
Kierstaer gasped and looked around, hoping no one had heard her friend's words. "Scothmpson, you can't say something like that in public. You know it's Forbidden."
Scothmpson stiffened in his seat. "I apologize. I didn't mean to say it aloud."
Kierstaer nodded in understanding. "Please, be more careful. You are becoming very careless with your words. The last thing I want is to visit your house one morning to find you gone, taken to Isolation."
Scothmpson nodded and patted his friend briefly on her knee, an action that was Acceptable. "I will. Thank you for your advice. I realize I have yet to inquire about your day. How was it?"
Kierstaer accepted the thanks graciously. "Other than a short incident in which I was lost in memories, my day at the Factory went well."
"Would you like to talk about this memory? Is it bothering you?"
Kierstaer shook her head. That particular moment in her life was something she wanted to keep to herself. "No, but thank you for asking."
>>>
Kevelle stopped by his father's office. He knocked lightly on the door and entered when a positive response was given. "Hello, Father."
"Hello, Kevelle. Please, take a seat. What is on your mind?"
"If I were to obtain a job, Father, would you support my decision?"
Father settled an even gaze on Kevelle. "Yes, I would support your decision as long as the job reflected the family's standards."
"I wish to become a lawyer."
"That is a very promising and important position. I encourage you to strive for such a place in society."
Kevelle nodded in thanks. "I appreciate your words, Father."
Father offered a short smile to his son. "Good day, Kevelle."
"Good day, Father."
>>>
"Avrik, why do you keep doing this!? What if you get caught?"
Avriktael growled, a sound that would not be possible for another human. "I run the fucking Outskirt, Estolei. Everyone is too fucking scared of me to try any serious shit."
"What would I do without you? I can't lose my brother," Estolei admitted in a moment of weakness.
Avriktael's eyes roamed but never landed on her. "You have Duriean and Timonthev."
Estoleir sighed. "I don't want to even think about it. And why do you speak so lowly of your friends? How do you think Timonthev would handle it?"
Avriktael shrugged. "I don't have friends. He is only my lover, Estolei. Nothing more, and the same goes for him as well. He would only miss the sex."
"Just...please be careful."
He finally looked at her. "For you, always."
She nodded. "I finished your pants." Estolei held up the patched material.
Avriktael grabbed her hand in thanks before taking the material and going to his room. Estolei sighed when she realized her brother hadn't eaten the food that was laid out on the small table they used for dinner. She suspected that he was going to isolate himself and attempt to drink his stress away, as he did most nights.
>>>
Mitchane had a dream of the tall, blonde Polisher that night. In his dreams, he was chasing after the male who was being forcefully taken from him by men in crisp, white suits. He couldn't see their faces to identify them. All he knew was that they were taking his Polisher away from him.
And he had to get him back.
