.

[       expression softened,       a second when he says her name like that.      like it still belongs somewhere safe,       somewhere before all this.      a silent thought at the mention of him making her life hard..     he did.    that was the problem.      she knew that.      ]       fine.    i will arrange something.     night shift security isn’t glamorous but,    you’ve had worse.    also,    you don’t get to pick fights in there..   not even when someone deserves it.   [     a deep exhale,     slipped past glossed lips.        ]        cash..       just,   don’t disappear on me again. 

@finalsgirl        just give me the shift.      i’ll stand at the door.    i’ll watch people come and go.   that’s it.      [a pause.]       i’m not trying to make your life harder,    kels.   

[     she watched the way his jaw tightens,     the way he says /need/ like it’s a word he’d rather choke on than admit loud.     for a second,    she doesn’t answer him.      still,     studies him like she’s trying to find the version of him she remembers underneath whatever he’s become.       ]         you always did hate asking.   [   a quiet amusement lacing her voice,     and fading just as fast.      ]         i don’t even wanna know what you did.         i’ll tell her.      but you sure,     you know how to watch and not get pulled into anything?     

[ shoulders relax as she leans into him once again, attention drifting from his face to the glass set in front of her. ] 　oh i’m sure. ⠀ if need be i can always ...       pay you back, just say the magic words. 　[ a slow slip, ]

@myvampyr     [he orders her drink before he returned with the margarita,  setting it down for her.   another chuckle.]    it’s cash.  but i can get used to baby.   

don’t get lost,  baby. 　[ a slight wave as she watches, oh - so obviously entertained by his enthusiasm. ]

/    yay lovee uuuu >:) 

@usedcigar        i can’t solange —   /look/  this is for your own good.   alright?       [a deep exhale slipped past his lips,     taking a step back as he held the pills out of her reach.  tight into his hands.]      you’re not thinking straight right now,    you’ll thank me.     trust me.     

/    drug things :p

[      a silence as she pushed herself up,    palms braced on the edge of the counter as she hoisted herself onto it.       the cool stone pressed through the thin fabric at the backs of her thighs, grounding her in a way the moment absolutely was not.       her legs swung once, a nervous habit she didn’t bother hiding.     brown eyes flicked down. then up again. anywhere but his.     ]   i said i didn’t care.     [       she continued, quieter now, almost muttering.      her teeth sunk into her lower lip.     ].      because it was supposed to be easy.     that’s what this was, right?   easy. no feelings.  no,    whatever this is.     [     her gaze finally lifted and caught his again, and the moment it did she felt that same stupid pull in her chest,    the one she’d been pretending for weeks wasn’t there.       ]      but the problem is,   i do care.       and it’s actually kind of terrifying how much.      [    a soft laugh under her breath,    cheeks flushed still.     ]         i keep telling myself this is just hooking up.    just something fun,   that’ll burn out eventually.      [     a pause,    lips pressed together briefly.      ]      but then,     you look at me.      like that.       or say something stupidly honest like five seconds ago and..    it stops feeling casual.         [     slim legs stilled.    she leaned back slightly on her hands, studying him like she was bracing for impact.     ]       so,    yeah. [     she said,     softer now but somehow bolder too.   ]     that’s what now.        [    another beat that passed,     her eyes lingered on him..   a soft expression adorned brown hues as she stared at him.     ]      i think i’m falling for you.      [    her gaze dropped for a half second,      then lifted again to calculate his reaction.        ]       which is really inconvenient.        

@finalsgirl         you don’t care?       that’s an insane thing to say.  kels.    [he admitted,  the word almost a confession, almost a challenge.] that’s exactly why i can’t stop thinking about it.    [those words hung in the quiet hum of the apartment.  his hand twitched at the counter, a subtle movement,   like he wanted to reach for her, to close the space she refused to step back from,  but didn’t.   not yet. not until he knew she really meant what she said.]       yeah,    stupid or not.   i think,    i kind of like that about you.    [ blue greenish hues held her gaze, letting the words linger in the charged air between them,   letting the quiet settle just enough before the inevitable heat of what came next.]        so,    what now?       

[     his words lingered,   quiet but heavy.   this isn’t gonna end well.       the kind of sentence that should have pulled her back,     should have snapped the tension like a cold splash of water.    but it didn’t.      she  stayed exactly where she was.   the cool edge of the counter pressed into her back, grounding her in the moment while the warmth of him stood inches away. his hand braced beside her,    the faint scent of soap and smoke clinging to the air between them. her breathing slowly steadied, though the closeness still made her chest tighten.    ]     you keep saying that.         [      brown eyes drifted briefly to his mouth the same way his had moments ago.  then back to his eyes.     ]      i know.     [       she admitted,    the confession came easily, almost too easily.     she  shifted slightly against the counter, not moving away from him,  enough that the fabric of her hoodie brushed his arm.    ]    i knew it when i walked up those stairs tonight.  [   a faint, tired smile touched her lips, though there was sadness behind it.    ]    and  i still knocked on your door.    [    her  gaze held his again, steady this time.    ]    so..  yeah.    [    she said quietly, almost teasing but not quite.    ]  i know.      maybe,     it’s stupid.      but,     i don’t care.    

[ the way his eyes linger sends a small, traitorous warmth through her chest.  she keeps her posture loose,  her expression cool—-  confidence worn like a jacket she can shrug on when she needs it. ]     i have that effect on people.    [ she’s comments with a playful undertone,  offering a small shrug.  fingertips rest atop of the counter that separates the pair.  chocolate hues scan the wall behind him before meeting his gaze. ]    mm.  a few things actually.  where do you keep your pain killers?  

@atelophobias         yeah,    i remember.    how could i forget about you?    you left an impression.  [ ever so smooth.   he set the money down onto the counter,     looking up at her.   eyes lingering on her face.   a soft chuckle surpassed his lips.]        for awhile,   it keeps me busy.    do you need something?     

that’s me.    [ the blonde offers a small smile with a nod.  she watches the movements he creates in his hands before looking back up to him.  she adjusts the strap of her bag over her shoulder. ]    that’s cool.  have you been doing this for a while or is it new? 

@glittersecx    [a playful roll with his eyes, a bit startled by the hug.]     yeah..  now, dont get used to it.   

please,  no way.   [her nose scrunched,  she shook her head.]     he’s so corny.     [her face lit up,  a bright smile on display.   she threw her arms around his shoulders.]    thankss!     you’re the best.   

@glittersecx        seems like you’re enjoying yourself just fine,   with that guy.    [a pondering pause,   he lifted a hand to rub his face. he looked at her.]     okay,  fine.. 

@cultofsaltz        [gigi.  no,  not the girl he’d left behind but something sharper,   steadier seeing her stand there;  somehow,  this encounter brought up old memories, something he liked to avoid.   because she didn’t look afraid, he felt like she was looking at him like she was trying to solve him.   averting his gaze,  he couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.]         don’t look at me like that.       [swiping at his mouth with the back of his hand,   he checks the smear of blood like it offended him.   personally,  it’s nothing.  it’s always nothing.]       i’m fine.   don’t worry.   i’ve had worse.   [that’s a lie,   they both know it.  his ribs ache from the fall earlier, when he breaths too deep and the dark alley is still ringing in his ears.]       no— !   no one is chasing me now.   [a glance over his shoulder.   a habit.   paranoia. east highland has a pulse at night and it didn’t beat kindly.  he was familiar with that.]     i cut through backstreets.   lost them three blocks over.       [his eyes land on her,  a pause as he took in the sight of her..   she hadn’t much changed. despite getting older, of course.  he hadn’t changed that much either..   despite the deep mess he was in.] i should probably go..  /sorry/    dumb mistake. 

[gigi, neé saltzman, has barely changed. the only living girl in east highland: mousy blonde hair’s a tad brightened, cheeks flushed pink with adrenaline, and perhaps an inch or two grown. had he muttered her name an octave lower, she would not have jolted in place at all.]      what’re you..   /who’re you/?      [the smoke in her head from muzzled night’s interrupted sleep, clouding visions and stuffing ears, this smog-like mass disperses in quick succession.]      you’re bleeding—      [dully, perhaps almost dumbly, it’ll begin to register: buzzcut, the gnawing bruise, an incoming migraine she presumed to be incoming. though the call of his name remained tantalizing, gigi’s instincts act faster than senes do.]      are people following you?      i have a bat.      i can bring it out and we can beat their asses up,   wait right there—!

@cultofsaltz         hey!   calm down!     [he said,    out of breath.    his chest rose and fell hard, breath torn up from sprinting alley to alley.   he felt his lungs burning.     at her demand,    one hand came up to his mask as he peeled it back.     warm light caught his face,     split lip,    a scrape blooming red along defined cheekbone,    sweat cutting clean lines through the dirt.   his eyes glanced towards her,  tired.   though,  a relief adorned his greenish, blue hues when he saw her face,  his alert posture softened.  as it felt familiar.]      it’s me,  gigi!  it’s just me.    [holding his hands up in defeat,   to show her he was no harm.]    i..   just had to move fast tonight.    didn’t think you’d be the one catching me.   this house was..  the closest.    [then realization hit him, right there.]     fuck, i’m sorry.. 

[ a small smile is earned.  she follows behind him,  attempting to avoid touching others as much as she could.  the moment they stepped onto the porch,  the cold air hit her skin and she flinched—  not from the temperature,  but from the sudden clarity of it.  it cut through the sticky warmth of the house,  through the layered smells of sweat and liquor and too many bodies pressed too close together.  her lungs pulled in the air greedily,  like they’d been starved for it.  for a moment,  she stood there and let the night settle around her.  her attention is torn from her own empty thoughts after he spoke up.  she blinked and shifted,  offering a small thankful smile. ]    one being the worst and ten being the best?    [ she asks,  taking the joint inbetween her fingers and placing it between her lips.  her eyes flick from the pre-roll and up to him,  expectant for him to light the end of it. ]    

@atelophobias      no pressure.    i mean,  i get it.    don’t go with strangers right?   i’m harmless,   promise.    [he said with a soft laugh,  trying to ease the tension that he felt sparked, hoping she would trust him enough.    he nodded, before signing for her to follow him towards the exit.   making his way through the crowd,  he stepped outside onto the porch.   the cold air hitting him in the face,  inhaling the fresh air.   almost relieved.   he shoved his hand into the pocket of his hoodie,    revealing a lighter and a rolled up joint.  he handed the joint to her.   his familiar smile across his face. ]     tell me all about it,     be completely honest..  on a scale of one to ten.  

right.   [ she confirms lowly,  unsure if he even heard her.  she turns her head to him again.  savannah hesitates before responding,  his offers catching her off guard. ]   okay  ..  sure.    [ she glances down at the cup in her hand,  then set it carefully on the railing like she was leaving behind proof of a bad decision. ]    let’s see how good it really is.   

@usedcigar        thanks,   thanks.      gotta keep it undercover.     or the cops,   will be on my ass.  [an amused tone laced his voice,    as he watched her through the store.]      hm,  can do.     i think we got some more lighters behind the counter.     [he said,    before grabbing a box with more lighters.   these ones colorful,  and with different designes.]     this lighter with the teddy bear is perfect for you.       [he teased,     greenish,   blue eyes still following her movements while she picked out a drink. a slight grin tugged at the corner of his lips.  cheeks feeling hot.]        grab what you want,   it’s on the house.      

keeping   it   low   profile   behind   a   lottery   ticket   counter?     honestly,     it   suits   you.     very   mysterious.     very..   undercover.     smart.     [     solange   let   out   an   airy   chuckle,     leaning   her   hip   against   the   counter   as   he   headed   for   the   fridge.     ]     nah,     i’m   straight.     just   a   girl   in   need   of   some   lighters—     the   pretty   ones,     not   the   boring   solid-color   crap,     you   know?     [     causing   a   curl   to   fall   from   behind   her   ear   as   she   scanned   the   lighters   along   the   counter   beside   her.   no   luck.   with   a   simple   pout,   her   gaze   flickered   back   to   him.    ]    though   if   it’s   strawberry,     i   might   make   an   exception.   [   solange   pushed   off   the   counter,    heels   clicking   sharply   as   she   drifted   toward   him   &   stopped   at   the   fridge,     leaning   into   the   billowing   cold   with   a   contented   sigh.     ]     i   could   get   used   to   this.     [    a   soft   murmur   escaped,     tilting   her   head   to   give   the   blonde   a   playful   side-eye   as   the   frosty   mist   settled   against   her   warm   skin.     ]

@usedcigar        [looking up from the cash register,  his familiar smug smile tugging at the corner of his lips.]       o hey,    stranger.   [a chuckle,   he then nodded.]    i do,  yeah.   just a cover. have to make my money somehow,   legal.  [a slight tease in his tone,   as his gaze lingered on her.  for a moment,  not making it obvious.   before he walked over to a refrigerator, opening it. ]     you need something.    a drink?    it’s hot outside.       we also,    got slushies.     

*      we could continue or leave this too bb as you’d like <333

[cassian stands out amidst the altar of cluttered myriad of feminine gadgets and interests, all left where they last held flighty attention. the softened peach tint the room offered from aged nightlights presented the landscape of it as if plucked from a dream: messed up quilted covers, holy palms pressed to the biting grit of ceiling. uncapped lipglosses, discarded camisoles: somehow all missed from her haphazard and negligent clean up from minutes before. the calamity of, not so much the bedroom but, the saltzman residence, felt less daunting or burdensome with cash’s sudden residence in nights like these. there had not been one night in juvenile company where gigi had not felt some warmth creeping dreamily in her sweetheart.]         you’re so sweet, cashie.     [now, blonde girl is a platinum strike of life atop carpeted floors, glimmering vaguely behind the laced curtain of nicotine smoke. giggling, a twinkling, ephemeral strike of sound. follow its melody to find her trailing along his path, then, unfolding wishbone length of bare legs revealed by floral pajamas.]         it’s just what i needed—  the energy..   y’know,  for studying.        [between them, the plastic bag rustles and labors as her digits wander in by managing to open the cardboard of packaging in one pull. cerulean eyes hold the sight of cassian in lieu of ornamental moon, taking a bite of a chocolate-covered strawberry with candied smile. in a blink, she’ll turn the kiss—bitten half fruit around towards him.]        ‘aaah’. 

@cultofsaltz          it’s fine,     kinda understandable though.    i take the intruder role, just fine.    [an amused chuckle,  he stepped over the window frame.   a smooth landing,  he had done sneaking in like this before.    after all,  it wasn’t a first.      friends.   he thought, quietly.   that’s what they were,  yeah right.    an unknown feeling settling in the pit of his stomach,   greenish, blue eyes scanning the surroundings.   her room was nice,  girly..  but, nice.]       i brought you something.    [he then said,   clearing his throat before revealing something from behind his back.  a bag. while on his way, he had went by the grocery store. ]    i figured you were hungry,    they’re strawberries.      chocolate covered.   we can eat them.    while,   studying.   [a pause, at the word studying.   did they ever study?   he couldn’t remember the last time, he did.]