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[criminvls]

[pretend this is on anon lol] 💭+ perfume scents

[ i sincerely hope they're all anon. i also felt inspired to write it as a flashback ♥ ]

When Liv accidentally knocked her mother's favourite perfume bottle off the vanity she froze. Her breath caught in her throat, as she heard the glass shatter against the hardwood floors. She quickly ran to the bathroom and grabbed some tissues to try and clean up the mess. However, the spilt perfume had an overpowering scent that she couldn't mask, no matter how much air freshener she sprayed.

As she was cleaning up, Liv could hear her mother's footsteps coming up the stairs. Each step sounded like it was getting louder and faster, matching Liv's racing heartbeat. The door creaked as it opened, and Liv looked up at her mother's sweet brown eyes and uttered as many apologies as she could before her mother shook her head and smiled. 

Liv was surprised that her mother wasn't angry. "But mum, I know it was expensive..." Liv wanted to cry and felt that her mother must be disappointed. 

"It was," her mother agreed, "but we will go to the store tomorrow, and you can get me a new one." 

"How? I don't have much money saved up."

"I'll teach you how to get a five-finger discount, love. It won't cost you a penny, don't worry so much, Liv." 

Her mother was far too cheerful about it as she took the glass away from Liv to clean up. The very next day, Liv learned what a five-finger discount meant when her mother taught her how to steal her favourite perfume. Since that day Liv has never bought a bottle of her favourite scent, Jour d'Hermès Absolu, as she always remembered the lesson her mother taught her.

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Olivia could have laughed at Yelena's question, and if Yelena really knew her she might even laugh too. Had anyone caught her eye? No. Was she looking for someone? Also no. Whether she answered with a yes or a no, either one would lead to potential follow-up questions and Olivia didn't want to outright lie in Yelena's face. Even if her entire self was some sort of lie constructed during a desperate time.

"Not yet, but here's hoping." Olivia made a show of crossing her fingers as she raised her hand for her to see and looked hopeful before trying to swiftly move on, hoping that Yelena wouldn't delve deeper.

"I've got this round, you can get the next one." Olivia flashed a grin as she pocketed the small change before lifting a pint in each hand to take back to their table.

Her eyebrows raised as she was curious about what was so great about the dungeons and then as Yelena explained she was more intrigued. "Well, as long as it's informative. Not too scary though, right? I don't want to end up having nightmares about serial killers." That was the last thing that Olivia needed. She slept just fine, usually, but now and then a strange noise coming from the hallway of her apartment building would have her staring at the door for hours, waiting for something that never came. It was a hard feeling to shake.

Yelena had glanced over Olivia's head, peering down into the depths of a full pub and a long night. She stared at all the people, the couples, the friends that all took up space between her and the door out of there. It was a natural thing, after so long in such a game, to look for an exit in the chaos. Olivia was talking, Yelena knew as much, but she was only half paying attention. Could Yelena get herself and her friend out of here if she had to?, could she wrangle them both to a door so far-

Yelena snapped out of her daydream with a smile that was more polite than it was anything else. Olivia was looking at her, and there were the beginnings of two pints on the bar top. Yelena tilted her head to the side and grinned suddenly "-No?" That's a shame." Yelena shook her head, as if disapproving. "-come on Olivia, there must had been something here that's peeked your interest?. It's a big city. Lots to do, lots of people to meet. Anyone caught your eye yet?"

The 20 Olivia had pulled made Yelena shake her head, "Olivia-" she said, tutting under her breath. "Please let me-" It was too late though, the bartender having picked up the money with a flourish. Yelena glanced in his direction with a frown, she grinned though, suddenly and then with a flirtatious arch of her body, angled herself toward the men behind the bar. The pints came quickly then, and she and Olivia were left mercifully alone.

"The Dungeons. Do the London Dungeons. They were great. Very informative-" Yelena nodded solemnly "-and gruesome." Yelena finished, only half serious. "-They have a whole section dedicated to Jack the ripper-" her eyebrows flared high above all that dark green paint as she sucked down a deep gulp of lager and said "-It was a wild ride."

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who: Olivia & Boudhayan @fvllensouls where: The Tate Modern. when: Afternoon, weekend.

The gallery was a serene space, bathed in soft lighting and filled with fascinating pieces of art. The only sounds were the gentle tapping of heels on the polished floor and the occasional murmur of friends taking selfies with the artwork as a backdrop. Amid the silence, Olivia's large bag of crisps seemed to make an uproar. When she crunched down on a crisp, the noise echoed through the gallery, drawing disapproving glances from others. Olivia felt self-conscious and lowered her head as she moved on to the next piece. Feeling unsure of herself, she turned to the person next to her and whispered, "Is it okay to eat in here, or am I missing some rule?"

[criminvls]

 💭 + first love

"I could tell you about my childhood crush at 14, who I thought was my first love at the time. I asked him to a dance and cried all night when he told me he already had a date and I thought the world was ending. I was a very dramatic teenager. My first actual true love is my husband someone I don't see or talk to anymore. They lit my soul on fire, and I thought they were everything I had ever wanted, until I realised they weren't. But don't get me wrong, I still love them very much."

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who: Olivia & Zmei @masterzmei where: Local Gym. when: Late Morning.

As Olivia stood outside, a gust of wind almost blew the flyer out of her hand. Luckily, she had tied her hair up, leaving only a few loose curls in front so it wasn't all over the place. Although Sambo wasn't exactly what she was looking for, after seeing the flyer and watching some videos on YouTube, she felt intrigued. Maybe it would quell the stifling boredom she'd been feeling lately.

She waited for the road to clear, then crossed the street and walked right into the gym through the glass doorway, guided by a stronger gust of wind. Thankfully it wasn't raining, yet. Upon entering the lobby, Olivia took a moment to observe her surroundings, from the people gathered at the water cooler to those leaving with towels draped over their shoulders, catching the sweat as it dripped down their necks.

As she passed someone who looked like they knew the place, Olivia asked, "Excuse me, do you know if I need to be a member to sign up for this class?" while waving the flyer in her hand.

[criminvls]

𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓬𝓪𝓷𝓸𝓷𝓼 — send 💭 + a topic to receive a headcanon about said topic.

[criminvls]

you know what to do.

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"I'm not feeling it yet," Olivia said, her face etched with a hint of disappointment. The city was enormous, bustling and overflowing with life, but she had expected to be swept away by it all. Instead, she found herself feeling rather bored because Olivia was still missing something in her life. She constantly suppressed any thoughts that it might be Zane and doubts that this might have all been for nothing. However, Olivia wasn't giving up on finding something that would make her feel fulfilled.

Thankfully, having a friend like Yelena was a blessing. Olivia knew that she could always count on her, and vice versa, as long as their hectic work schedules allowed. They could spend their time together, laughing and having fun, instead of getting caught up in the daily grind. However, despite the joy she found in Yelena's company, it still didn't quite satisfy Olivia's longing for something more. She wasn't sure what she would do if she couldn't find it.

As the bartender deftly poured their pints, Olivia reached into her purse and pulled out a crisp twenty, placing it on the wooden bar top. "What do you do when you're not out drinking with me? Can you recommend some interesting places to go in this city?" Olivia asked her friend with curiosity, eager to hear about the exciting adventures that she knew Yelena must have experienced during her time in London. There must be something that had attracted her here too.

They were arm in arm. Smiling at each other. Girls, Yelena supposed, in the most basic sense of the word. She had never had a girlhood. She had never had a friend, either. She wondered if this was it. That keen thing that she had seen in the films and on the streets. Cackle-laughing with your friend outside a pub. Sharing dresses. Sharing shoes.

Olivia was nice and Yelena liked her. She was good at making you feel liked. Olivia was good at making you feel like you deserved to be liked. And that was a slippery slope of praise that Yelena preened for.

"Hmm-" Yelena dumped her coat and bag at the table Olivia had driven them toward "-drinks just, I think." Yelena shrugged then "-we can always get chips on the way home."

Yelena smoothed her hands down over the stretch of green satin that made up her shift dress as both women wandered to the bar. There was an easiness in that, of idle chatting and soft laughter as they made the short trip from table to bartop. Yelena lounged against the countertop with all the grace of a fat housecat when they made it. She flagged down a sweet young bartender with big brown eyes, and soon, had 4 pints being poured for them both. One for each hand, Yelena had said and then laughed about.

"-How have you been Olivia." Yelena asked her as their drinks order was put in. Yelena turned to the other woman, dark eyes ringed in sparkly green eyeshadow. It didn't suit her, the heavy makeup, but it hadn't stopped Yelena from pilling it on like her life depended on it. "-has London started agreeing with you yet?"

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Olivia leaned against an old stone building, her back against its rough surface. She stood with one foot pressed against the wall as if trying to anchor herself to the spot. Her hand held a vape, which she seemed to carry with her at all times while outside. It was her lifeline, her source of comfort. The nicotine hit was the only thing that could quell the nagging cravings that threatened to consume her if she went too long without it.

As she stood there, lost in her thoughts, she heard someone talking. She couldn't tell if they were talking to her or just talking aloud, lost in their own world. She responded anyway. "It's not as good as people make it seem," The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the streets and buildings. The light was fading, replaced by the dull glow of streetlights and neon signs. "People might look like they're having fun, but the hangover the next day isn't always worth it," she added, her voice trailing off. She noticed the person she was talking to had a busted lip and a ripped shirt. They looked like they had a story to tell. "That looks like it hurts," she remarked, nodding towards them.

OPEN STARTER for whomever London's streets, late evening, after a street fight

Lukesh hated being included in something when they weren't on the job. When their face was recognised or when they felt that annoying itch that they had to participate, which is what they did. And after they always regretted it. They weren't dressed to deal with it, their shirt was ripped and their lip bleeding.

But a few of the fighters had been arrested and they were free to continue their night. As if that was such an easy thing to get back from. Lukesh licked their lip and hissed at the pain. "Fuckers and alcohol, I swear, almost makes me want to take up drinking myself."

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who: Olivia & anyone where: The Royal Opera House when: Late Evening.

Olivia's days were pretty much the same. Every morning, at precisely 5:30 am, she would be startled awake by a random song from one of her Spotify playlists. She would snooze it once before dragging herself out of bed and into the shower, where she would spend a few minutes trying to wake up. After a quick shower, she would get dressed and head out to work for a short two-hour clean-up shift that began at 6:30 am.

On the way home she stopped at the cafe for breakfast and wasted a little bit of time people-watching as she drank her tea, before heading home to spend some time job hunting online. She'd put feelers out but so far having no supposed experience and very little history in the employment industry she'd heard nothing back. If she had time to think about the new identity before it was created she would have at least jazzed up her CV a little.

Later in the day, she would go for a walk around the city to clear her mind. If she came across a museum with free entry, she would take the opportunity to learn something new, to observe obscure art pieces or to discover the history of the city. In the late evening, she would return to work for another short cleaning shift after a show.

This was where Olivia tried to stifle a yawn as she was sweeping up a trail of confetti along the floor in front of the stage with her wireless earphones on playing a loud and upbeat song from her Spotify playlist. When she caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of her eye. She jolted, startling herself, and quickly pulled out one of her earphones to hear her own voice as she said, "You're not supposed to be in here. The building is closed to the public now."

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Olivia was halfway through taking another pull from the strange-tasting vape when her phone buzzed in her other hand. After reading the text message, there was a glimmer of a smile on her face. Yelena was on her way, which was good news. However, it was a shame about her straighteners.

It wasn't too long to wait, although she had turned to wait inside and get out of the cold. As she was about to put one foot through the doorway, she stopped in her tracks upon hearing Yelena's distinct Russian accent. She quickly put both her phone and her vape inside the pocket of the lightweight leather jacket she had paired with her outfit.

"No problem. You look great though, love the hair. Come on girl, let's get warm and get some drinks in then you can tell me what's new with you. Are we eating or just drinking?"

Olivia linked an arm with Yelena's as they stepped through the doorway together. Inside the quaint pub the comforting warmth surrounded them making Olivia let out a soft sigh of relief as she immediately felt herself warming up and soon her leather jacket would be thrown across the back of a chair once they found a spot to sit. First, she headed towards the bar with Yelena to order the first of what would undoubtedly be many rounds.

who: Olivia & Yelena @ofiends where: A pub somewhere. when: Evening, any day.

After texting Yelena to tell her where to meet, Olivia stood outside the small pub with one hand shoved into the pocket of her jacket, her other hand holding her vape. She was certain the label on the packaging said strawberry-flavored, the taste was not at all like any strawberry she had ever eaten. She had hoped that vaping would be better than smoking, but the chemical taste left behind made her doubt it. Or at least, it's enjoyability. The pub at her back wasn't the best place to be. The drinks were cheap, likely because any spirits were watered down, and it was full of retirees throughout the day and sometimes families that popped in for their Sunday lunch. However, it was quiet, and sometimes Olivia liked the peace and quiet. Sometimes she'd just drink there because it was cheap and convenient. After waiting a while she sent another text to Yelena while debating whether to go inside and wait.

OLIVIA: Are you almost here? It's freezing!!

[criminvls]

📱

[criminvls]

📱 for Malo ! xo

[criminvls]

Send 📱 to see how my muse has yours in their phone!

rpmemesyo:

May include: contact picture, name, a sample of texts, anything the mun wishes to include!

[criminvls]

Just as Olivia had stabbed her fork into a cubed piece of sweet potato she paused, her eyes drifting up to the person who'd decided to take the seat in her booth. Strange. She looked around and the place was fairly busy, but there were other seats available and she could see at least one completely empty table. Why sit with her? She smiled amicably as her eyes went back to them, no need to confirm that the seat was free nor that there were others. Perhaps other people he could bother.

"If the clouds clear," she agreed though her voice came out stiff. It was difficult to lower the guard she kept up due to the fear of her past possibly sneaking up on her when she wasn't looking. However, Olivia knew that it was entirely possible that this was just a stranger making polite conversation and she was coming across rude. "The weather can be a little temperamental," she tried to make the small talk seem casual but she couldn't shake it. She popped the piece of sweet potato into her mouth as she had another quick and discreet glance around as if she were looking for someone else. When she had finished chewing and swallowing she placed a hand around her mug of tea. "Do I know you? I'm sorry if we've met before," she hoped they had not, "I'm bad with names and faces."

This place was the furthest thing from hip, as the boomers would say. Plastic trays ? Weren't they trying to save the planet ? How tone deaf. Malo still would have to walk in because she was here, at long fucking last. Her schedule was not much of a riddle but he couldn't be arsed to get a copy of it, not when this would be a matter of a couple of days.

He had walked up to the counter and figured out easily enough that he would have no luck ordering an iced chai or matcha latte, respectively with oat or coconut milk. That was rather disrespectful of the place, but Malo settled for a proper cup of tea, with a dash of milk and peach scones that looked quite appetizing. He picked up the cup and the plate from the tray, serving his most sugar sweet smile to the waitress before he found his way to her.

"The seat's free," it was an affirmation, not a question, but for him to sit down without waiting for her response wasn't that strange per se. They were in London. Plenty of weirdos around here.

"It's going to be a nice day," he stated. He had his Persol sunglasses hooked to his collar. Evidently, his job paid well. That was the least he could say. "Don't you agree?"

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The bustling Camden market area wasn't one of Olivia's usual haunts. However, when she found herself amid a sea of people, she felt a strange sense of comfort. The density of the crowd gave her a feeling of safety, making it easier for her to blend in and disappear into the throngs of people. It was knowing that no one here would know who she was. There was also less chance of someone hurting her in such a public space. That didn't stop her from occasionally checking her surroundings. It was sometimes hard to shake that looming sense of being watched. Whoever had blackmailed her all those years ago was still out there somewhere, and realistically they could pop up at any moment. Olivia had taken careful steps to cover her tracks, but if they had the right knowledge and connections it wouldn't be impossible.

That sense of safety vanished replaced with an entirely different feeling. A feeling of being exposed. Her voice was barely a whisper as she spoke his name, "Zane". It was as if the world had come to a standstill and her eyes were locked with his, refusing to look away. Despite the urge to turn around and walk away, her feet seemed rooted to the spot. She couldn't bring herself to move, not when she was caught in his gaze. She imagined that he was as shocked as she was. Of all the densly populated cities they were both here in London.

"I…" her mouth opened to speak before her mind could formulate the words. How could she explain this to him? As her heart raced and her mouth went dry she tried again. "Hi."

who: Olivia @criminvls

where: Camden Market

Some figured that when his simple life had burned, Zane had reverted back to his old one, but really he found a new one. Before, he did heists for fun, for his crew. Now, he did them for focus. Tinkering with his little side projects, cracking new safes, and planning new heists kept his mind busy. Granted it also meant he hardly left his place, when he did he preferred crowds. There was a certain anonymity in Camden market, with so many people he could hide easily. It was rare someone would recognize him.

As he made his way through the market, his eyes caught on one face in the market and he froze. Doing a double take his body moved of its own accord stepping closer to a face he'd never thought he'd see again. He was clearly losing his mind. "Liv?"