c u p p ii e ' s ❥ t e s t i n g

visitors.

+ one	100.0%	[ 54 ]
Total Votes:			[ 54 ]

[c u p p ii e]

With all the wrong doings and sins and broken commandments, never in her life did Kai think she'd be so lucky to see Jason's face on the other side. But here he was, welcoming her back in with open arms and she couldn't be more thankful to what ever based God that had let her in. The smile forming on her pale lips, matching her skin color and the faint unruly state of her pink hair, was all the gratitude she could give to the man she had thought about every single day that she had been away. "You're here," she mumbled in voice she couldn't even recognize as her own but really Kai didn't know who she even was anymore. "I've missed being away from you, handsome." The way her voice carried in a lull, almost a dream like state, sure that she would wake up from this dream sooner rather than later.

If she knew that heaven would be this blissful she would have ran into the light a lot quicker than putting herself through the trauma she endured over the last several months. The weird thing was that Jason's response to her confessions was something she would never have to deal with here. "I would have been on time if— if you would have told me it was important," it was enough to have a firm crease pushing into her brow. There was hesitation when she spoke, unsure how to get across the fact that she was out doing drugs or letting other men touch her. How she was hiding from Jason because of the commitment that he kept indirectly asking her and how she just didn't know how to accept. How men were nothing but a let down because they never loved her for her, only her pretty face and willingness to please. "Jason! Please, don't give me that! How was I was supposed to know?" The way her bottom lip jutted out and trembled as she spoke, the dam she had so heftily built up around him crumbling down, ready to fall. "Look me dead in the eye and tell me that I'm more to you than just— just a whore." Even though she demanded the eye contact she couldn't keep her own, knowing the answer was scary if not scarier than not knowing at all. It had been over a year between them, and now that he had finally asked a huge part was worried that his answer would be yes just like ever other man she had been with.

The loud thrumming of her heart was the only thing she could hear as Jason laid his hands on her, but before she could get an answer she could hear the commanding voice calling for her at the doorway. Kai was unsure if she was upset or thankful due to the intrusion, only slowly grabbing Jason's hand and pulling it away from her as she looked at the other male in the room. "Hello, Miss Sherewood, how are you feeling?" even though the question was directed at her, Kai couldn't help notice the way the officer wouldn't take his eyes off of Jason. "I feel fine, I'd just like to go home." The way she looked over at Jason, cautiously and silently, asking where home was, her blood pressure rising stead fast on the monitor to expose her insecurities and anxieties. "I see, that's good to hear. I'd like to speak to your— boyfriend is it?" pausing before Kai hesitantly nodded her head, almost unsure about the title herself. "Before I let you guys go." It felt as thought something was off, but she couldn't be sure or exact if it was from the onset panic she was feeling in her chest or if there was actually abundant tension in the room, she couldn't help the way her eyes bounced back and fourth between the two like a game of Pong.

In the matter of seconds, her blissful awakening had turned chaotic causing her trauma to bubble up to the surface for the first time in a real world situation. Never in her life did Kai think that her mental health would get this life, but here she was mute, trained and groomed to be quiet and take what ever was happening at face value. Her body trembled so severely, pausing any further motor functions in her body, it wasn't until Jason was being dragged out of the room did she desperately reach out for him. The IV in her arm yanked so dangerously that it was now displaced, but she could hardly care when the pain was nothing in comparison to the feeling of her safe place, her safe person, and the feeling of being home so close in hand only to be ripped away as he was. "W— wait. You— you can't have him. He's mine. Please, I need him!" was all she managed to choke out before he was dragged out of the room only to be replaced by a nurse trying to soothe her. "It's okay, honey. We're going to get you some help," but Kai didn't want help, she wanted Jason.

[c u p p ii e]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕠𝕕𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕜




xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx grey park
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmob boss




• DEVIL IN A BLACK DRESS


i wish i knew you were an actress, i fell in love with your impression
now i'm staring down the barrel.

you got my life in your hands now. six seconds until it's man down. ↓


locked and ⇝ loaded ⇝ finding your target


YOU MARKED IT ✘


“ I'm the one you've chosen to HIT. I'M YOUR VICTIM. ”

FINGER ON THE TRIGGER



I KNOW ITS TOO LATE TO BE SAVED


i fell for a stranger. with one in the chamber.


❥ BULLET TO THE HEART

• ELEGANT ASSASSIN


you spin me around like a revolver

A DOZEN ROSES ON MY CASKET


❥ BULLET TO THE HEART

xxxxx ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂▂





The moment he heard the click of the door, signaling that it was being opened and that Noelle was on the other side of it, presumably, he snapped his head over, grip on the door handle tightening half a fraction. He couldn't express the way his heart skipped a second beat at the sight of her, she looked gorgeous, and even though he was in slacks and a button down himself due to his meeting, he nearly felt under dressed. A part of him, the irrational part that always came about when she was around, wanted to ask her to wait for him so he could go change as if he was high schooler going on his first date, but the rational part of him had him calling out for Kwon to go ahead. Due to a quick internet history search, he was able to easily figure out where Noelle was trying to go today without having to ask her. Grey was well aware that it was invasive, but he preferred the word protective, made him feel less guilty, something his father also used to say when it came to his mother. With a non verbal queue he signaled for him to pull back the gang members from the opposing spot that he had prepped and bring them to the cafe, subtly before they would arrive.

Instead of making the slightest attempt at conversation on the way, Grey's eyes were glued to his phone, hundreds of emails piled up from the days he had been away from his office. His work load now doubled due to the refusal of allowing anyone else to take care of them, the paranoia still hitting deep from the past couple of months. But it was hard when all of his attention was going else where, apparent in the way he starred at Noelle as she hopped out of the vehicle without him. It took him longer than necessary to get out, adjusting his pants as he went, allowing the fresh air from outside to refocus his attention on the situation itself. They were out in the open, exposed and vulnerable, even more so when Kwon drove off to go park the car further down the street, leaving Grey to follow closely behind her and into the cafe where they'd be watched and better protected. Not a single face was unfamiliar on his end, the seemingly uninterested coffee goers, hand selected as his back up, sure that Noelle hadn't seen them around the house. This was still her day, and Grey didn't want to ruin it simply because she thought he didn't trust her, which he didn't, but he hardly trusted anyone these days; it was a miracle she had even gotten him out of he house like this in the first place.

The thought never crossed his mind, going over to help Noelle, not because he didn't want too, simply because of his upbringing. Throughout his childhood he had been by his mother side, his photos from his formative years being enough proof, father no where to be seen up until his teenaged years when he more malleable, easier to form him into what ever his father wanted him to be for this empire. After that he was taught to want for nothing, he craved something, he'd ask and it would be brought to him soon after. So when Noelle brought them their food he gave her a polite smile, before grabbing the coffee and taking a sip. If he was being honest, he preferred it black, just as his father did, but he wasn't able to think about it much. By the time Grey had removed the mug from his lips, it was nearly being replaced by Noelle's need to feed him. "I— do too," he said slowly, cautiously. The insatiable need to be in control tugged at his entire being and the fact that he knew that the seven other people sitting around the cafe had seen him at his worst, now being coddled into submission like this was doing him no favors. "Cookies are actually my favorite," but there was something about the way his mother popped into his head, her baking him sweets every Sunday after church, allowed him to relent. "But cake is good too," he said slowly before leaning his head in and taking the piece from her by mouth.

Somehow, for the first time in a very long time, Grey managed to let his guard slip around her once again, allowing him to open up in the slightest. Noelle hadn't managed to get much more out of him, aside from the fact that he preferred one sweet over the other, but he at least kept the conversation light. In Grey's head, the less she knew about him or his history the better off she was. It was a funny feeling, wanting to share the world with someone but having to keep your world closed off to keep that same person protected. The moment she asked questions that were too personal he'd redirect it to something else, and it seemed like it was working at first, but now he realized it might not have been quite enough.

See going to his club didn't actually seem like the worst idea, it was well protected and monitored, only letting people who actually knew or trusted in either by affiliation or association. But there were so many people, much harder to keep an eye on her, which was what had him immediately shaking his head no. "Not a chance in hell." The finality in the way his jaw ticked at the end of the sentence, body now sitting straight up in his chair, all the effort she had put into to relax him now gone. She could ask and ask, but the answer would remain the same, he had given her the leisure time she had asked for. "You'll either be drinking, dancing, or dealing and I don't want you associated with any of those. No." People walked in one way and time skipped to another dimension when they walked out, it was literally the only happenings at his club, to say the very least it was good for business but not for someone like her; not for someone he wanted to keep far far away from those things.

And yet, Grey found himself texting Kwon and gathering his things to do just ask she asked. At what point Noelle wrapped him around her little finger he was unsure, but this would be the last time; or so he promised himself. So Grey walked her out of that cafe and into his club downtown, hand at the small of her back to keep her close enough; reassuring everyone with one glance that she was his. The young heir dealt in many things but trafficking wasn't one, prostitution on the other hand came with the policy that is wasn't his business as long as no bodies were left behind for his members to clean up; only then would there be issues. But for extra precautionary reasons he had lead them up to the second floor and to the VIP section, the area that was for quite literally members of his gang and his only.

When they were finally alone, surrounded by a select few others, he walked around her and straight over to the railing, feigning causality when really he was scoping the place out. It was busy for a weekday, but it was also summer which mean't weekdays hardly mean't much of anything anymore. Grey was glad to see that the place had been kept in good hands while he had been away, and after having to find a new bookkeeper ever since he pulled Noelle away from the position. It was as he was making a mental note to raise their pay did he her a small voice in his ear. "Now?" He spoke as his head whipped over his shoulder, before back at at Noelle. "Who the ******** approved that? No, absolutely ******** not. Pull it the ******** back." A irritated shake of the head could be seen as he just wanted to have a simple night out, but I guess that wasn't actually a thing in the position that he was in. In the back of his mind he definitely felt the screaming in his head, reminding him that this was too normal, too domestic; this little incident being the perfect reminder of that. "Don't let her leave your sight," was the last thing he was able to say to one of the guards sitting nearby before Kwon followed him out for backup.


as soon as Noelle tells them where they're going he gives Kwon a sly look in the rear view mirror which means for him to send the security there now and make sure everything is safe before they get there.

maybe sits on his phone and answers emails while they're in the car rather than actually talk since he's very behind on emails due to his extra time with Noelle

is like that at the cafe, maybe? but gets extremely awkward when Noelle offers him pastries. when he finally lets up, he gets this weird warm feeling that makes him miss his mother. realizing he hadn't seen her in so long and he kind of misses her. (this could also lead to future plans of him meeting up with his mother and his mother bringing up Noelle and force himself to express his feelings)

Noelle some how convinces him to go to the night club. they get settled in the VIP section where he usually stays if he's not in the back, so he can watch over her privately. gets called away due to an emergency and actually has to go to the back and puts her in the hands of one of his other men.

finds her later on the dance floor absolutely drunk

[c u p p ii e]

In the most simple way to put it, Jackson felt like absolute s**t for everything that happened up to the moment he had gotten off the phone with Georgia. Did he regret anything he had done? No, not necessarily. But did he reel bad about it? Absolutely. He did love Georgia, probably the first person he could say that about, of course not to her, but admitting that to himself was a good start. But it was hard when they were miles and miles apart, how could Georgia expect them to keep this up? Jackson couldn't commit to anything, ever, the Navy being the very first thing, contractually and due in big part to his father. Now she was on her way out here in just over a month, and he had no idea what he was going to do about it. All he could do right now was let out an exaggerate sigh and toss his phone across the table, having it clatter against the wood. "Don't ruin the table because you're upset, especially over a situation you put yourself into," Peter called out from the kitchen, still trying to work on the dinner Jackson had walked away from.

Just because the holidays were around the corner, hardly mean't that the military came to a full stop for it. Jackson was still there day in and day out, leaving him fussy and tired, with nothing to look forward too now that Georgia was on her way out soon. Before he kept on telling himself that he had only so many days before he got nearly a week off to relax and hide away at Peter's house, free to do what ever he wanted. Now when ever he though about her arrival, on those long days stuck out on duty, only caused his nerves to further; the exact opposite to how a boyfriend should react to their girlfriend flying out to see them. To say the very least, he had been an absolute terror, nearly back talking his commander, but having just enough willpower and constantly being drilled back at home to keep his mouth shut to keep him out of trouble. But back at Peter's it was a totally different story, Peter having to constantly scold him when ever he went over due to how big of a little s**t he was being over the course of the last couple of weeks. Which only lead to the biggest meltdown of all, the long an heated conversation they had over Peter stirring the pot and inviting Georgia to stay over his place while she was here in Greece. Never in his life ha he argued with his best friend like that, Peter wasn't a controversial person, hardly was Jackson either, which only had Jackson furthering his confusion as to why Peter was so invested in his relationship. "If you want this to work out so bad, maybe you should ******** date her, Pete!" and for a long time, up until only a few days ago, that was the last thing he had actually said to Peter before apologizing profusely, blaming it on the exhaustion.

And now, now he was in this weird limbo where he was all kinds of mentally and physically exhausted as he drove to the airport at an ungodly hour. He had just been relieve of his duties the day prior which meant a late night had rolled over into this morning, leaving him to catch a minimum of two hours. When his alarm had gone off he had half a mind to call a ride sharing service for Georgia instead, roll over and catch a little bit more sleep before he endured the oncoming s**t storm that this was going to be, but he knew that it would be more trouble than what it was worth. So there he was, the incoming holiday traffic doing him no favors, as he pulled into Georgia's terminal. He'd be lying if he had said that he didn't feel this weird not in his stomach the moment he laid eyes on her for the first time since the summer. A huge part of him felt flushed, a warmth creeping up his neck, the proper response he had been missing this entire time, but it was quickly pulled away the moment he hopped out of the car and was now forced to actually face her. "Hi, Honey," he said softly as she pulled him in for the most awkward hug the two have ever shared between them. This weird tug could be felt as they pulled apart, the need to kiss her and tell her how perfect she looked here in Greece with him, but he shut those feelings up quickly by reaching for her bag instead. "Here, let me," Jackson went straight for the car, opening up her door on his way in passing, before tossing her luggage in the trunk an heading for the drivers seat assuming she would follow suit.




Jackson preps for Georgia's stay

Peter offers Georgia to stay at his place and Peter is less than thrilled since that's where he's staying on his time off too

picks up Georgia from the airport and gets real nervous about it

[c u p p ii e]

Even though Jackson wasn't doing much to help with the silence, Georgia being more invested in her phone than himself was enough to leave him irritated. It hardly helped with the situation at hand, which left him to question why she had even left Colorado if she was going to ignore him like this. So he made it a point to be silent the entire drive back to Peter's, one hand on the steering wheel and the other in his lap when really it should have been in hers instead. And as if things couldn't have gotten any worse he had to idly stand by as she grabbed her things upon arrival, leaving him to stare at her oddly until he remembered that he was supposed to open the door for the both of them. Honestly, Jackson didn't know why he was so taken back by this, this is what he wanted, a separation between the two, but he hardly thought it would be this awkward.

Last night, while Jackson was finishing his duties and prepping to head home, he had received a text from Peter letting him know that he would be gone most of the day for a shoot, leaving the two alone for the morning and probably the afternoon too. Due to their being no Peter insight, he knew that it was his job to lead the way, but even that was steered wrong when she parked herself on the couch and made herself at home. Jackson would be lying if he said that the cushions hadn't looked inviting, leaving him to take a seat next to her on the opposite end. He was tired, especially after the rough couple of nights leading up to this point, and it seemed that she was too due to what ever she had going on in back home.

It was then that he realized that it was a first time in a long time he was unsure of what his girlfriend had really been up too, abandoning most social media and starting over new out here; young, wild, and free. And even though Jackson loved history, one of his favorite things being exploring Greece and everything it had to offer, the idea of getting up right this second to do so seemed like the least appealing thing on the planet. But before he could even voice one of the million and one excuses to not do just that, his thoughts came to a screeching halt because of her request. With out even a second thought, Jackson found himself with arms wide open, wishing he could take her into his lap himself, "Come," only for her to do so herself.

It took him hardly no time at all for him to relax, leaving their bodies to perfectly mold together without any error. He couldn't be too sure if she had said much of anything after inviting her in, passing out immediately and waking up a few hours after. The entire moment was kind of hazy, feeling the exhaustion deep in his bones, but he had just enough energy to look down at her, effortlessly smile, and carry her into the bedroom he always used when he stayed over. When he got them comfortable, making sure to tuck her under the thin sheets and wrap her up in his arms, Jackson finally took the moment to really look at her for the first time in months. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't missed her, the way they just worked when they were together, but being apart was a whole different story. In four days exactly, she would be gone both from Greece and his life all together because he just knew that it would end in heartbreak for the both of them.

The soft voice in his ear was a nice change compared to the demanding one of his Commander, but it didn't change the fact that he was being woken up on his vacation. Naturally, Jackson let out a sigh of irritation as his vision blurred upon opening, only to see Georgia standing over him. A husky, bed ridden, "Yeah, okay," could be heard as he rolled onto his back, allowing his legs to get tangled up in the sheets. "I'll think of some place. Go get dressed, I'll be up in a sec," he stated with his eyes closed, missing an opportunity he would probably be more upset about if he even knew what was going on outside the fog currently in his brain due to the lack of sleep.

As promised, mostly in part to his stomach profusely yelling at him to go fill it, Jackson was just slipping his shoes on when Georgia had walked out of the bathroom herself. "Ready?" he asked, hardly taken note in the contrast of their outfits. And that was the last thing he had really asked her before hopping in his car and arriving at a hole in the wall place, that was only ever appealing to locals, in the next city over. He hardly went often, but he realized about halfway into the drive that he was headed in this direction, too late to change his mind and only accepting their fate since he knew the food was at least good. "So, um, how has work been?" Jackson finally decided to ask as they looked over the menu, hating the idea of ruining one of his favorite spots due to an uncomfortable memory, knowing it was a solid question to start with.

takes her to the spot Peter took him months ago around the time he arrived in Greece. it didn't take very long for him to get really homesick, and this place served food that reminded him of his mom. or something like that.

[c u p p ii e]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕠𝕕𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕜




xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx grey park
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmob boss




• DEVIL IN A BLACK DRESS


i wish i knew you were an actress, i fell in love with your impression
now i'm staring down the barrel.

you got my life in your hands now. six seconds until it's man down. ↓


locked and ⇝ loaded ⇝ finding your target


YOU MARKED IT ✘


“ I'm the one you've chosen to HIT. I'M YOUR VICTIM. ”

FINGER ON THE TRIGGER



I KNOW ITS TOO LATE TO BE SAVED


i fell for a stranger. with one in the chamber.


❥ BULLET TO THE HEART

• ELEGANT ASSASSIN


you spin me around like a revolver

A DOZEN ROSES ON MY CASKET


❥ BULLET TO THE HEART

xxxxx ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂▂






The irritation was stacked high with the deal that had gone on under the table without his consent. There were guns and ammo being moved across the city without his approval and into territory that wasn't even theirs. Who ever approved this was going to be found, but not by him, as he directed a handful of his top men to figure it out and bring the new rat to him. Until then, he washed the blood from his knuckles, thankful that he didn't have to use his gun right this second, only using them on a battered face instead. Grey fixed the collar on his shirt, smoothed over his hair, and walked through the private entrance that lead back to the floor.

Immediately he headed back into the VIP section, halting right in his traffics, the fear written all over Noelle's body guards face upon his arrival. A big enough indicator that something had happened,"Where the ******** is she?" the words coming out through his teeth as a growl, seething at the thought that she was in here some where alone. If Grey was thinking rationally at all, mind clouded by both the incident he just got done taking care of and also highly in part due to his feelings, he would have remembered that Noelle knew this place like the back of her hand. She ran the books, she was here all the time, the only access not allowed to her were the upper management area's that were specifically set aside for Grey and his gang. "If she's not found in the next ten minutes, I'm removing you all from your position. As he walked over to the railing for a better view, hearing the footsteps around him fade he called out bluntly, "Permanently," before they could fully disappear.


Ever since they had met, Grey had been telling himself that their bodies some how attracted each other like magnets. Where ever Noelle was, he knew he would find her, she would never be able to escape him, and maybe that was something for her to fear. Maybe it was something that Grey felt guilty about, but the want and desire to have her, by his side, was enough for him to ignore it. But with that being said, it hadn't taken very long before his eyes found her amongst the crowd. Before Grey could even convince himself to calm down, he was pushing through the crowd with little resistance as the hour was getting late and everyone had mentally checked out. Bodies glided right out of his way as he pushed them aside until he could get a solid grip on her elbow, pulling her to a full stop. "Your little outing is over." he said with a sense of finality, a strong crease pressing into his brow. But it wasn't until her eyes had fallen on him did he realize that she was no different than the masses around them. "What did you take?" the caution on his face was intrusive, opposite to the aggressive nature he had arrived with.


Sees her on the dance floor with another person, something in his body ticks, and is even angrier than before, grabbing her by the elbow, "Come on. Your outing is over." only to realize that she is insanely drunk and is in condition to even walk out of here. has to fight her on staying or leaving. she pulls a couple of moves and her being on him like that has his body stiffening with tension before relaxing. he can't remember the last time he was the close to another person and not because he was about to murder them.

[c u p p ii e]

xxxxxx 𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕒𝕤 𝕛𝕖𝕠𝕟𝕘
xxxxxxxxxxx alias: niki kim
xxxxxxxxxxxxxsex worker

xxxxx ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂▂





This was the kind of place you walked in one way and teleported to another dimension the moment you passed the discreet double doors that lead to the back. The air was much different, changing the moment you walked in, smoke, drugs, money, sex. Wealthy men looking to blow off steam by spending more money than they would in an average day and younger men and women looking to make enough money to last another day in this Godforsaken city. Unfortunately, Nicholas was the latter, he had been his entire life. Fortunately, Niki found this place at too young of an age, saving himself from homelessness after his parents kicked him out only two days after his eighteenth birthday. And just like any other day, Nicholas walked through the back in his comfy baggie clothes, duffle bag swung over his shoulder, only to be transformed into the perfect pet for his buyers.

It didn't take long before you created a routine in this place, once you were in, you were like family, but in the loosest sense of the word. Each person was welcomed in, taken care of, protected even, but the moment they stepped on the floor to make money it was free game and the whole family thing flew right out the window. For Niki he was good at what he did, changing into something a lot softer, noticing early on that they preferred him that way. If he was being honest, before he started working here, he didn't even know he was gay, now settling into the idea that who ever was willing to pay for him he'd take, it just seemed that men were better buyers, giving into their temptations a lot easier than women ever would.

With the last bit of highlight to his cheeks, tying together the angelic look that was completely opposite to his everyday wear, he took in a deep breathe and starred at himself in the mirror. The stern hard face looking back at him, softening to an almost stupid degree, before he pushed himself out of the chair and started his work. It was busy tonight, the room crowded, the familiar smell louder than most night, and Nicholas knew that it was going to be a long night. Unlike a regular job, he didn't get to choose how long he stayed, the rules were that everyone that came in on their nights needed to stay until every customer was satisfied.

If anyone ever asked him it always the same thing, "Of course you're my favorite, baby/Daddy" or "Nobody treats me like you do," and every time it was a lie; all with the exception of one. Nicholas had been at this for two years now, the same dull routine over and over again, until this particular businessman came in one night blowing big money on him; even more than usual. Of course it was the money that drew him to his first, seeking his attention every time he had come back since then, but the longer he had spent time with him the more his feelings started to get in the way. The little whispers, the delicate touches, the promises of a future life together, all things that Nicholas never had growing up. Maybe it was the lack thereof his entire life, but Niki was obsessed, craving him like every other drug these other people were hooked up on. And even though it was little pathetic, Nicholas' eyes hopped he would walk back through the doors and allow the night to disappear with him. But it had been a while, and Niki was loosing hope and that was okay. Relationships didn't really work for people like him, not in his line of business, but there was one thing he promised himself, if he ever saw him again, he'd make him his permanently.

[c u p p ii e]

xxxxxx 𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕒𝕤 𝕛𝕖𝕠𝕟𝕘
xxxxxxxxxxx alias: niki kim
xxxxxxxxxxxxxsex worker

xxxxx ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂▂▂▂▂ ▂▂▂▂▂





"Niki, my favorite, pet! You're going to make me lots of money tonight, aren't you, baby?" his head whipped over his shoulder, just as he was about to step onto the floor. His entire persona jolted, gaze hardening the moment he heard and felt his sleazy boss, the man sure to wrap his arm around Niki's slim fitted waist in passing. And all Niki could do was nod his head and smile beautifully at him before responding with a soft, "Yes, Sir." It being the only way to properly respond, his a** lightly squeezed before he was let go. And just as expected, hungry eyes, all pointed in Nicholas' direction the moment he stepped through the curtain. The same familiar feeling in his gut, a mixture of disgust with a hint of power as he strolled through the crowd waiting to be whisked away for the night.

It hadn't taken very long, his long exposed legs just reaching a nearby table before an older man, one he had seen in here time and time again, walked up to him, carding his fingertips through his blonde hair upon arrival. There was never any asking to be had heard, customers took what they wanted, and they had to be willing to give as long as they paid. And if Niki wanted to be able to eat that week, he allowed his shoulders to relax in the mans touch, parting his lips ever so slightly, welcoming him in. "Hi, Daddy," softly chirping as he guided the man into a the chair he was standing next too. There were few ways to keep their customers at bay, and off them for as long as possible, one being caring and dotting, allowing Niki to stand even though he was still practically in the other mans lap.

There were gentle touches being exchanged, the older mans fingertips dancing with the hem line of his shorts, but just before Niki was going to move in for a payout, he felt another set of hands reach around his abdomen. The words being whispered into his ear had his entire body melting into the familiarity of his chest, wishing that he was some how closer. "Baby, I could never forget what these hands are capable of, I promise," he said as he watched the slight irritation coming from the other man still in front of him. "But Benny, baby, it seems that you're interrupting something," the words coming out playful and almost teasing, knowing exactly what he was doing and how to play this. "Unless, you wanted me all for yourself, I think we can make something work?" his eyes dipped over his shoulder, gaze through his lashes now and back up at Benjamin. Niki knew this other man wouldn't pay for a room, in the time that he had been coming here, he never had. They were expensive, way more than someone wanted to pay, and specifically for one whore, but Benny had, on him, time and time again.

"Sorry, love, find me after, yeah?" he said to other man, gently kissing him on the cheek before grabbing Benjamin by the wrist and guiding him into the back. As they walked, Niki turned around, licking his own lips sinfully, in attempt to remind him why he had returned. And the moment they stepped through the velvet red doors he pushed the male onto the bed, "You've left me here, to deal with other men, for so long." he said as he jutted his lip out into some sort of pout. "Let's keep a gentle reminder, that way you never get again, yeah?" Instead of following him down right away, he walked across the room to a dresser that was usually used for toys and other miscellaneous items to make the buyers money worth while, only to pull out a soft blue Polaroid camera. "Don't tell me you've misplaced all the other ones?" referencing all of the other compromising photos they had taken together in Benjamin's time here, one's Niki was sure to slip into his jeans pocket as a cute little takeaway, and more so a constant reminder, of who Niki was always well behaved for. The furthest thing from an innocent smile forming on his lips as he handed the other male the camera to do as he pleased.

[c u p p ii e]

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𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕠𝕕𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕜




xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx grey park
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmob boss




• DEVIL IN A BLACK DRESS


i wish i knew you were an actress, i fell in love with your impression
now i'm staring down the barrel.

you got my life in your hands now. six seconds until it's man down. ↓


locked and ⇝ loaded ⇝ finding your target


YOU MARKED IT ✘


“ I'm the one you've chosen to HIT. I'M YOUR VICTIM. ”

FINGER ON THE TRIGGER



I KNOW ITS TOO LATE TO BE SAVED


i fell for a stranger. with one in the chamber.


❥ BULLET TO THE HEART

• ELEGANT ASSASSIN


you spin me around like a revolver

A DOZEN ROSES ON MY CASKET


❥ BULLET TO THE HEART

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There could have been hundreds of different things she could have taken, and the fact that she was claiming it was simply from alcohol had him more than skeptical. But before he could think about it much longer, he felt her firm weight pressed into his chest, causing him to release her elbow and instinctually grab her waist to steady her. "You ran away from me," he said with a hint of sadness that had no business being there, almost thankful now that she was under the influence and far to gone to hopefully see it. There were hardly many times Grey allowed himself to lean into these feelings, they weren't any good for a mobster of his kind, but he couldn't help the way he lifted his hand to touch her cheek only for her to turn away; maybe it was best that he didn't want.

His brain was clouded, hands now firmly on her waist trying to put a barrier between them but similar to sober Noelle, drunk Noelle was just as insistent. After a few songs, Grey grew tired of fighting her, it was easier to just let the music consume them, have Noelle tire herself as if she was small child, it being a long time himself since he had just let go. the last time he could recall was running away her years ago when he was underage, only being allowed to his father owning this place, looking to shuffle his troubles under the table like any teenager would do. His dad had let a bad deal go by but it was a mistake not the person who was being blamed fault, a person who his father had been close too, only for that man to end up dead by the end of the night by his fathers hand. Grey was upset by the idea of people being so disposable, especially people you put full trust in, but he learned quickly that it was just the way things worked. Looking at himself now, he was blood thirsty all the same, an audible sigh escaping his lips at the thought as he tucked his head closer into Noelle's shoulder.

The way his body tensed at her touch, first the kiss and then her fingertips running through his now messy hair. He had been craving that sort of intimacy from her since he had pulled her out of the Kims Mansion, it would be easy to kiss her and take that from her, but he found himself pulling back instead. "Noelle, you're drunk," he said as he gently grabbed her wrist, removing it from the back of his head and back down by her side. His heart sinking immediately at her next comment, the way it made it sound like she was doing this as a favor to him rather than her free will. Grey had heard those words time and time again, from the whores that flitted some of the warehouses he monitored, but he never wanted to hear something like that from Noelle."Let's just get you home," and without another word he grabbed her hand and lead her through the masses, people parting just as they did on the way in here. Grey was well aware they had caused a scene there, he had never been spotted with a women so intimately out in the open like that, apparent in the way that some club goers starred. If this had been any other night, with anyone else, he would have gave them glaring l looks back, but he only felt the insatiable need to get Noelle home and away from any more prying eyes.

Even though there was no longer any reason to do so, his hand was still firmly holding onto hers, Grey telling himself it was so he could make sure that she didn't run off again. He found himself pulling out his phone from his pocket and brought it up to his ear, calling Kwon instead of the usual quick text. "No, I just need you to come around. We're leaving," calming the immediate worry in his closest friends voice due to the difference in pattern. As soon as he helped her into the car he closed the door for her and walked around to the other side, but not before he checked his surroundings. Now that he had a breathe of fresh air, the haze in his brain was finally starting to ease up, the stupidity and ease of a target he had made themselves was louder than he would have liked. But the moment he was inside the car his brain started to yell at him because of other things, namely a small framed girl now crawling into his lap.

An annoyed sigh escaped his lips, almost frustrated with how much of a one eighty her personality became after drinking so heavily. Noelle went from needing space to craving too much closeness, and all Grey could do was help her settle. He was quick to fix her dress, pulling the hem of it back down towards her knees, making sure she was fully covered after her drunken climb over. By the time he looked back up he felt Kwon's gaze in the rear view mirror, meeting them before shaking his head, already knowing what he was thinking, and silently telling him to mind his business.

The ride back home was quiet, enough to be sure that Noelle had to be asleep by now due to lack of movement in the forty five minute drive back to the estate. When his door was opened for him he was slow and cautious to crawl out from underneath her, but quick to scoop her back up into his arms and out the vehicle. Behind him he could hear his door being shut for him, followed by Kwon's footsteps as he walked up to the entryway. The moment he was inside he called over his shoulder, "That'll be all for the night," dismissing the extra security before he climbed up the steps.

Luckily her room was closer to the the stairs than his was, making his journey to her bed an easy one. Once he had her settled he pulled the blanket up to her chin and took a look down at her momentarily, now that he had the free time to do so without any repercussions of his actions. A longing gaze took place on his face, deep in thought, knowing he should walk away now. Grey shoved his hands into his slacks as he headed to the door, only to freeze in place when he heard her call out for him. He was almost sure that she had been passed out, but maybe she was a light sleep, he had never slept in the same room as her or bothered her much outside of their minimal interaction so really he wouldn't know. "I don't think that's a good idea, love," the words poured from his lips quietly, just loud enough to reach her as if saying them any louder would shatter this moment indefinitely. Instead he closed the space between them and brushed away the mess of hair settling on her forehead, replacing them with a soft kiss goodnight. "I'll see you in the morning," and he knew he would, bright and early, with breakfast, as if nothing had happened because he she'd probably have no recollection of this moment. They'd fall right back into this endless routine, only to leave Grey with this found memory to himself and himself only.

[c u p p ii e]

xxxxxx 𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕒𝕤 𝕛𝕖𝕠𝕟𝕘
xxxxxxxxxxx alias: niki kim
xxxxxxxxxxxxxsex worker

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The way his stomach began to twist, the moment Benjamin began to play his game, watching him carefully as he pulled the polaroid away from his delicate hands. Immediately Niki turned around and took a seat down on the bed like the well behaved boy that he knew he could be; the baby boy that he always for Benjamin. He gazed at him through his lashes, the already hazy look set into his eyes and he hadn't even been touched yet, something he had perfected in his years down at the brothel. And when the camera flashed, he didn't move, waiting for further instruction, only to groan loudly and theatrically the moment Benjamin shoved his thumb into his mouth. His soft lips taking it in fully, allowing the drool to pool at his chin as he had done with all of his other clients, except this time he didn't have to pretend. Niki's heart was racing, the knot in his stomach pulling at an uncomfortable rate, he felt like he was going to snap and the elders taunts weren't doing him any favors. "Please," he begged, not exactly sure what he was begging for at this point, he just wanted Benjamins hands all over him. "Benny, I'll be such a good boy, I promise." his head nodding at a vigorous pace that was liable to cause whip lash.

Once everything had been said and done, several more photos exchanged in the process, Niki laid quietly on Benjamin's chest. His fingertips danced across the bare skin, his fog finally settling allowing him to fall back into character. "I had to spend time with lots of other men while you were away," finally answering his question from before. Niki rolled his body over slowly, chin resting on the same hand that was now splayed across his torso, "But I was thinking about you the whole time." The shy grin that formed on his face was one he always used to get his way, his plot was in motion, and little did Benjamin know what kind of poor sucker he'd be after tonight. "I wouldn't have too though, if you came around more or even gave me something better to think about." His hand reached over Benny's body, reaching for the elders phone only to take a picture of himself, looking at the camera completely gone and pulled away from reality. "Imagine getting photos like this all the time?" he said as he turned the screen around to show him, before typing his number into his phone.

Without a further word he pushed himself up and tossed the phone onto the bed, moving his body up closer to his ear, "Remind me who's I am. Hear me beg all the time." and just like that he was on his feet again, pulling his shorts back on so he could get back to work. Their allotted time together was up, and even though he had made his money tonight, all in one go with Benjamin, he knew that he needed to leave him wanting. If Niki wanted any chance of keeping this guy in his pocket he had to play this right. "Thank you for taking care of me tonight, let me walk you out?" as he waited for him by the door, he grabbed onto his jeans, sliding in all the polaroids they had taken in the pocket, before he tossed them across the bed.

[c u p p ii e]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕠𝕕𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕜




xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx grey park
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxmob boss




• DEVIL IN A BLACK DRESS


i wish i knew you were an actress, i fell in love with your impression
now i'm staring down the barrel.

you got my life in your hands now. six seconds until it's man down. ↓


locked and ⇝ loaded ⇝ finding your target


YOU MARKED IT ✘


“ I'm the one you've chosen to HIT. I'M YOUR VICTIM. ”

FINGER ON THE TRIGGER



I KNOW ITS TOO LATE TO BE SAVED


i fell for a stranger. with one in the chamber.


❥ BULLET TO THE HEART

• ELEGANT ASSASSIN


you spin me around like a revolver

A DOZEN ROSES ON MY CASKET


❥ BULLET TO THE HEART

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”Stay with me,” his head was filled with her plea as he went to bed that night. The words repeating over and over until the rest he so desperately needed finally came, only to be startled by the same words the following morning.

Grey’s chest was heaving, sweat apparent on his forehead and his bare chest, as the blanket fell away from his body. Another nightmare, not so surprising, they happened often, came with the territory, he just wished it hadn’t been about Noelle for yet another consecutive night.

A sleep deprived Grey was a terror, similar to him on any given day, just more aggressive and trigger happy. Instead of going down to shoot, he decided to go down to the gym, knowing he’d get less satisfaction from a gun than he would his own two fists.

The bags that hung heavy under his eyes matched the bags that he currently hung in front of him, going blow for blow, the sweat pouring down his frame. Grey was frustrated, and upset, and just tired, allowing the bag to feel every ounce of his pain instead of talking about it with someone as any normal person should.

But Grey was different, Grey was a mob boss, and Grey wasn’t allowed to have any of those feelings, or at least that’s what his father ingrained in him before leaving him to run this empire. The longer he was in this position, the more often he found himself craving something more, more than money or drugs or power could ever provide for him as the boss of the biggest gang in this city. He couldn’t help but wish things were different sometimes, wishing he had a sibling, or hoping his dad had hung on just a bit longer to realize that Grey never wanted this life, waiting for his mother to put her foot down and tell his father when enough was enough, but those were what ifs and that’s all they ever would be. This was kingdom was his, it had been decided the moment his father found out his mother was having a boy.

Grey missed his mother, he thought about her often, as if he couldn’t go and see her when ever he pleased, but the guilt that laid between that was just as heavy a burden to bare. She was never able to protect him from his father when he was younger and he was never able to protect her from his father when he grew older. It was this weird give and take that Grey was starting to grow tired of, especially in more recent months, especially when Noelle walked into his life.

Undoubtably he heard someone walk in behind him, but he didn’t care enough to check who it was. If they needed him badly enough, they could talk and he could box, easy enough. But when Noelle’s voice rang through the expanses of the gym he landed a heavy left hook, grabbing the bag quickly after to keep it from knocking back into him. “You’re not a child, I’m not going to punish you,” he said casually as he started to take off one of the gloves from his wrist. “But I no longer have the time to escort you out anymore,” really Grey never did in the first place. “So someone else will be doing it from now on, back on a need to need basis,” he said as he pulled the other glove off as well. As if he couldn't stand up to her, almost as if he didn't want to see the same pain that he saw in his mothers face, he looked away and started to put the gloves away; he had enough for one morning.


Grey was a lot of things but he would never consider himself dumb, until this very moment. To think that Noelle would take that at face value, preparing to go back upstairs and ready himself for the list of meetings and other things that came with his day to day, he turned on his heel the moment Noelle began to push back. "If there is ever that need, which there probably won't be, you'll be escorted out, otherwise you can stay put," he said as he walked up to Noelle and squared his shoulders. "My men get paid a lot to take care of a lot of things, but being your baby sitter will no longer be one of them. Understood?" His voice was low, and powerful, commanding in every sense of the word, almost as if he was asking her to take the bait and continue this conversation. How far was she willing to go for her freedom and how far was Grey willing to let her go to get it.

[c u p p ii e]

𝕓𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕝𝕖𝕪 𝕛𝕒𝕔𝕠𝕓 𝕙𝕒𝕝𝕖




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xxːx 𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟕

Thoughts were clouding Bentley's head and judgement, thoughts that couldn't exactly be expressed or comprehended, but that's been just about his life has been over the span of the past couple of months, ever since he had moved in with Aaron. Wholeheartedly, he knew it wasn't his brothers fault, he was trying his very best and it was all that he could ask for, but Bentley just couldn't shake the feeling of just missing a piece of himself. As if he had left it back at the park the night he had taken all those pills, or back at the hospital when he was so uncertain if he would make it to the next day, or maybe even at the rehabilitation center where he was stuck in a some far away place. Ultimately, Bentley was just tired in every sense of the word, still apparent in the dark circles that hung under his eyes due to the lack of sleep, but at least he was starting to return back to a livable state. He could proudly, or at least it's what his therapist insisting, say that he was reaching the normal weight class for his age group. All of this progress was thanks to Aaron's extensive care and sacrifices he had made, but of course there was the underlying issue of never ending guilt that laid dormant there too. But there was this very selfish part of him, the old Bentley that he had yet to shed, knew that it was something that would probably never change. Bentley had a tendency of relying on others, digging his heels firmly into any good relationship that came his way, only to consume it sincerely or destroy it fiercely. No matter how much he pretended throughout his teen years, it was catching up to him as an adult, and the grueling realization was the stem of his good days and his bad days.

It was evident that today was a good one, well enough to convince Aaron to take him, even if it was in the most manipulative way possible. The problem was that Bentley needed answers and he knew that he wasn't going to get any by standing around the apartment all day. He had tried that already, for twenty nine days now, but really, who was counting? As ******** up as it was, he knew Diane wouldn’t be home, he knew where she was, and he knew that his window of opportunity was dwindling fast. That’s how he ended up here, two by two, up the stairs and in the opposite direction of the bathroom as he mentioned to Aaron moments ago.

The feeling he had gotten when he stepped inside the house was some what confusing, comparable to how you would feel at a friends house for the first time, and yet this was his home too; or at least it used to be. It was some what hard to tell, as he walked into his old room, finding half of his stuff still there while it seemed that the other half had been thrown away or placed some place else. Honestly, Bentley couldn’t complain, it had been months since he had been back with zero intentions on moving fully back in, technically, everything here was for Diane to keep if it was unclaimed. It caused him to question how much of his stuff she actually kept when she presumably went through all of his things, or if she had thought about him at all while he had been away. Bentley would be lying to every person in this place if he had said he hadn't, but if someone asked he would tell them all the same.

At the bottom of his dresser was supposed to be the promise ring he had left behind on his last night here. Here, Bentley was, starring down at empty drawer, searching for something to give him back value and meaning. There was this weird theory of his, if there was no attachments left, it would be easier to up and disappear; look what good that had gotten him. The time leading up to his departure he hadn't been all there. Bentley had been experimenting with the drugs, the word experimenting being loosely thrown in due to the fact that he didn't know what he was taking half the time, he would just take what ever Jaime would give him in hopes that it would numb him enough to make it through another day. It went on like that morning and night, mixed with his anti depressant, in which he was he was always updosing or sometimes not taking at all, and an unacceptable amount of sleep that the human body needed to function. Needless to say, the empty drawer taunted him, questioning if he had moved it or taken it with him unplanned. Maybe he did take it, maybe he didn't, but the thought of not knowing was enough for him to close the drawer shut and walk across the hall to Diane's room.

If the feeling of walking inside the house was uncomfortable, walking into Diane’s room was unfathomable. Even though they had spent most of their nights together in his room, memories trapped in there like a time capsule, there was just something about her room that had his heartbeat thrumming in his ears. Maybe it was the overwhelming smell of her, one that he basked in every time he held her in the past, one that he had been detoxing for far too long. Maybe it was the last interaction they had in here, it had been a long time since Bentley had felt a fear like and from Diane none the less. Or maybe it was the fact that he was sneaking around, searching for answers he didn't even know he had questions for. There were just so many maybes in his life now a days, the thought of coming to a conclusion was far too overwhelming and complicated to tell anymore.

He hadn't gotten much further than the center of the room, at the foot of her bed, stuck in a stupor. Only the sound of the door, unsure of how long he had been actually standing there, opening up behind him being enough to snap himself out of it. By the sound of it, Cherise had no idea where her cousin had actually been or what she had been going through leading up until this point, and who was he to say anything about it. Really, Bentley didn't know much either, aside from that she was overworked and the next thing Aaron was telling him was that she was in the hospital. “I’m not,” he said as he finally turned around, taking Cherise in for the first time in months. She looked all the same, maybe a new hairstyle or makeup look she was trying, but there it was again, another maybe. “But, I am actually looking for something.” People always say don't ask questions you don't want the answer too. Bentley was almost sure he would be happier to think that he had gotten rid of it himself, but the need for just something in his life to make sense was too strong to stray from. “Do you know where our— I mean, my moms’ ring is at?” That’s technically all it was now, right? The thought hurt more than he should have allowed, but these stupid antidepressants hardly gave him control over his emotions any more, or at least not the way that he wanted. Taking them was supposed to make him healthier, tell that to his multiple breakdowns since starting them, but at least the insatiable desire to kill himself had minimized abysmally and that was supposed to be worth something.

[c u p p ii e]

xxxxx


ＡＡＲＯＮ   xxxxxx ＣＨＲＩＳＴＯＰＨＥＲ ＨＡＬＥ
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APRIL 2ND, 2017

“Milo’s in the kitchen, I think,” he heard some where at his feet, head swiveling to find the source. “You’ve been gone for sooo long,” he heard from some place else. His head was bouncing around like a bobble head as he tried to keep up, but he’d be lying if he said that he hadn’t missed his time with them. Over his time here he had formed a special bond with each one of them, it was easy to understand why they were having such a hard time with the transition of Milo being in charge.

”I’ll be right back, I just need to go talk to Milo about some boring grown up stuff, okay?” Carefully he weeded himself out, pulling his limbs in close to not knock any of them over as they all started to disperse throughout the house. ”You’re not leaving yet, are you?” he heard behind him as he began heading towards the kitchen, only to see one little girl standing there by herself. ”I want to show you my new doll! Her blonde hair was pulled into beautiful long pigtails, with Diane being away he couldn’t help but wonder who had done them for her, maybe it had been Cherise; he wasn’t sure. “I would love to see that sweetheart, how about you go get it while I go talk to Milo, okay?” On the rare nights he was able to spend with Eleanor alone they would talk about having a child sometimes. Aaron desperately wanted a daughter while Eleanor desperately wanted a son, ultimately they agreed they’d be happy with what ever bundle of joy they received. Sometimes they’d go as far as questioning if he or she would have blonde hair like his own or red like Eleanors, but again, they didn’t mind as long as their baby was happy and healthy.

There was something telling in the way Milo carried himself around the kitchen, and without even saying anything yet, Aaron understood. Before Milo had taken his position as active caretaker, Aaron had his easy days and strenuous days too. Taking care of a handful of children was a lot, especially when they weren’t exactly your own to be taking care of in the first place. “Hey, Milo, how have you been?” He asked, not waiting or asking to help, but instead grabbing plates off the table to be put in the sink. Maybe it had been the trauma of almost losing Bentley, or maybe it was the guilt that he had for being so absent, but as of late he couldn’t help but really look at people. Initiating those conversations and looking for a genuine response was a lot different than a passing conversation and, now a days, Aaron was only ever looking for genuine responses.

“Look, look! Doesn’t she look like me?” His head whipped over his shoulder, only to see the little girl from earlier, shoving the doll in his face. Aaron had just gotten through giving Milo a run down and pointers on how to manage the house without going completely off the rails. Explaining to him that caring was important, but caring too much was consuming, this was not one of those times; at least not for Aaron. “She does. Very cute, almost as cute as you.” The giggle that erupted from the little girl was enough to have him smiling from ear to ear, drawn out even further, when she ran forward and leapt into his arms. “We should have a tea party! You can come, and Cherise can come, and Bentley can come too!” Carefully he wrapped his arms around her, nodding enthusiastically before he tilted his head to the side and asked, “Oh, Cherise is here?” He wasn’t sure where he expected her to be, maybe at school since it was the middle of the afternoon, but maybe she was on spring break. None the less, it made this trip easier because now he could talk to her too. “Yeah! I saw her upstairs talking to Bentley,” immediately he scooted her off his lap and gave her faint smile before rising to his feet. “I’ll be right back, honey. Maybe Milo can set up that tea party for us,” throwing an apologetic look over his shoulder at Milo as he rushed out of the room and up the stairs.

It was hard not to pick up bits and pieces of their conversation when Cherise was standing in the doorway, allowing Bentley’s voice to filter out from Diane’s room. Aaron had a handful of questions, but he decided to begin with the most obvious one. “Bentley, I thought you were going to the bathroom?” While Diane and Bentley had a toxic relationship, Bentley had a similar relationship with her cousin Cherise, leaving the three of them to always be swept up in this weird triangle of animosity. “What are you either of you even doing in Diane’s room when she isn’t home?” Aaron’s jaw ticked in irritation, adding hostility to the room that never had been there to begin with. If he had been the slightest bit calmer, he probably would have noticed, but he was far too upset that Bentley would lie to him, especially over something so small. “Is this why you wanted to come? Because you knew she wasn’t going to be here?” If he had been a little more patient, he probably would have realized that Bentley was trying to talk.

Instead, he shook his head, refusing to wait for an answer, “You know what, forget it. We’ll talk about this when we get back to the apartment.” Above all else, Aaron’s feelings were hurt. Bentley had every right to miss Diane, but not once did he express that to him in the last few months of living together. Aaron should have seen this coming, and yet here they stood in Diane’s room with no explanation for it, maybe that was adding to his sudden panic too.

His eyes lingered on him momentarily, waiting for him to be out of earshot before turning back to Cherise. “I’m asking you for one day. One day that you just behave and leave him alone.” Aaron quickly put his hands up, silencing her too, refusing to put up with her back talk for today. “What ever questions you have, I'll answer them.” All of this seemed like such a temporary solution for a long time problem but Aaron was trying to make everything work. It was just difficult when he was always trusted with so much and had to keep promises to so many. Nobody really ever looked at it like that, instead with accusatory fingers.

[c u p p ii e]

xxxxx


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APRIL 2ND, 2017

Aaron loved Cherise with his entire heart, but he promised himself that if he ever had a daughter he would never let her act the way she did half the time.“When he was ready,” he said as patiently as he possibly could. He then asked himself, would she have really stayed clear of Bentley if he had asked her too. It was too risky to find out, he wouldn’t be returning here with Bentley, not any time soon at least.

.“She’s in the hospital again, due to stress.” Aaron reluctantly giving up the information because he knew how Cherise would take that, at face value. Due to being at Diane’s side through everything for so many years, he understood how strenuous things were as is, add a bad break up, an absentee baby daddy, plus a baby themselves, was more than enough to send a person overboard. “Apparently, she hadn't been taking her meds either,” funny how both her and Bentley were literally the same type of people, but maybe that’s why they never worked out together, then again that was none of this business to really decipher.

If the conversation he had with Cherise wasn’t hard enough, the talk he had with Bentley was even harder, and the following weeks beyond that even worse. It was almost as if the calm, if he could even call it that, was leading up until Scouts birthday, because everything in between then had just piled on top of each other; Aaron just couldn’t catch a break.

DIANE’S BIRTHDAY

“Hey, birthday girl,” he said enthusiastically over the phone even though he was currently on his lunch break at work and exhausted from putting in overtime to catch up on rent that was due “I hope you’ve had a good day, tell me what you’ve done?” Aaron already knew what the answer would be, it was always the same every year, except for the times that Bentley had some convoluted plan that never failed to be a definite hit or miss. This year, she didn’t have that, or even the attempt of, unless Milo had done something for her, and yet he didn’t exactly want to know, “That’s great, Diane. I’m happy to hear that,” but it was already too late. Aaron would be lying if he said that he didn’t feel a certain type of way about Milo apparently throwing himself at Diane in the privacy of this house, but more so for the sake of Bentley. He could’t deny Diane her happiness, and if it’s something she wanted to pursue he couldn’t stop either of them; but he could at least give her options.

His eyes sat firmly on the clock in the back of the room, watching as the hands ticked away at his break before adding, “I need to get going, but before I do—,“ there was a nervous pause “I just wanted to let you know that Bentley’s home now.” The moment he said it he shook his head at the vagueness it presented, as if Diane was physically there to see his confusion. “I mean, home, with me. He’s out and staying with me at my apartment. I just thought you should know that he was discharged.” It was more than that, and yet he left it all unsaid, not wanting to give or take anything away from what ever kind of relationship her and Bentley had left. The last thing he needed was for her to find out from Cherise instead of him.

END OF MAY

“Of course I’ll be there, Diane.” Momentarily forgetting Bentley was in the room before she made mention of him, allowing him to slowly look over at his little brother. Bentley was already starring, intently and unwavering, hooked into the conversation that wasn’t even his to begin with. “I’ll see if he’s free, he has lots of appointments these days, but if he is, I’ll definitely bring him,” lying as if Bentley did anything more than hang around the house, work through his therapy sessions, or more recently take walks out to the park and back.

SCOUTS BIRTHDAY

After telling Diane about Bentley’s return home, giving her only half truths on how well he had been doing since coming home, they had both received an invitation the following month. Then after continued back fourth, Aaron finally agreed to let Bentley come on the condition that there was no more sneaking around. ”Alright, where’s my niece?” he asked the moment himself, Bentley, and Eleanor stepped inside the house. There were a lot of things Aaron had to give up due to the attention that Bentley required: time with Eleanor, a supervisor position at work, being an uncle to Scout. Today, he promised himself he would be a little selfish and indulge at least two of those things. ”There’s my sweet girl. Hi, sweetheart.” Since Scout had been born he had only held her handful of times, allowing himself to be shameless in the way he dropped Eleanor’s hand immediately and reached out only to end up cradling his niece in his arms.

[c u p p ii e]

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