#❛ collapse & crumble; this is not his destruction this is his birth — main verse (julien). ❜

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@belliautore ✯ s.c.

❝ Is that your work?? ❞ The question comes from a voice behind her, offering a kind smile as Julien gestures to the open sketchbook. ❝ Sorry to ask so suddenly, I just noticed it as I passed by. For context, I own a tattoo shop, and I'd love to offer this to a client if you'd be interested. We'd pay you as if it's a regular commission, of course. ❞

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❝ I figured it'd be best to start with something more casual before I get to business... ❞ A pause, taking a sip of his drink as he glances at the other out of the corner of his eye. Julien makes a thoughtful noise of approval of the flavor, setting it down, before he turns his head over towards Izaya completely. ❝ Unless you'd rather I skip the niceties entirely?? ❞

A bar wasn't a typical place to hang out, but it was a good meeting place for both his clients and his informants. People minded their own business and if they didn't it was loud enough they couldn't notice much anyway. That meeting had passed though and he decided to use the place to sit as he went through some of his emails. "So you wanted to start up a conversation then?"

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@aurorxaeternitatis ✯ s.c.

❝ I've heard a lot about you, so it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I hope you don't mind if we discuss business right now--do you mind if I call you Alexander?? ❞

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@nvrcmplt ✯ s.c.

The corner of his lips tilt up in amusement, mismatched eyes attentive to his guard's every move... who coincidentally seems to be doing the same, only this time around, focused on a certain hotheaded tattoo artist that they both know all too well. ❝ Mon ami, ❞ Julien starts off with a low murmur in their native language, walking up to Valentin and clapping his hand on his shoulder. ❝ I'm curious. When exactly are you going to quit this game of chicken with him and just admit what's between the two of you, hm?? ❞

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@historias-multorum ✯ s.c.

❝ If you're interested in a walk-in tattoo, Takeshi just left for the night, I'm afraid. ❞ Mismatched hazel and blue peer up at the patron who happened to stumble in before their close. Another late night at the shop for Julien, of course, but the last thing he expected was someone approaching the shop.

❝ Unless you're here for... something else?? ❞ Naturally, he has to question what type of business they're here for... whether they know him for his tattoos or his... gang's activities.

[ensuists]

He'd be a complete and utter fool not to notice the tension between the two of them. Takeshi may play it off as nothing more than righteous INDIGNATION and Valentin may act completely dismissive of the notion altogether, but there's no denying the secret PASSION in their eyes, shared in stolen glances that they both think no one sees. Only he does see...

A part of him can't help his AMUSEMENT. Another part worries deeply for his friend--this line of work they're all in has never been particularly easy for love... maybe that's why he's been somewhat avoidant of his own feelings for that very long-haired beauty Valentin mentions, shaking his head as he follows him out the door. His lighter is dug out of his breast pocket, tossing it to his right-hand man.

❝ You're deflecting. ❞ So is he. ❝ You act like you couldn't care less about him, but I know you would die for him like you would me. Maybe that's what keeps you two apart; you don't want to have any distractions from your responsibilities with me... but I truly don't need it, Valentin. If you see something more with him, pursue it. I won't hold you back. ❞

Amusement in his side eye towards the voice he loved to listen too. Though the words at current only made his lips curl with a knowing smirk and a zestful squint to the advice and push to not be so --- avoidant to the already noticed happening here. Yes, he knew that this hot headed chihuahua was something of his prime interest, a growth that stuck to his brain and heart - weaselled into his daily life of keeping Julien safe and functioning.

But still --- He wasn't in the mind to seek out something complete with labels, was he? An excuse for sure, but attentions still moved back to the hard worker doing his thing across the room. Valentin didn't react if their eyes did catch - a practised stillness, otherwise he'd be winking to trigger the man in his current field of work but on the clock he knew better.

Though, that being said - he knew he wasn't the only one with a frequent interest, just not one that worked here but still frequent. "S’occuper de ses oignons… " Cigarette was wiggled from his carton, to rest between lips and pulled free as he adjusted his stance to head for the door. "I should ask the same for that long-haired beauty, hm? Another meeting this weekend, Julien?"

[ensuists]

@hhemeraa ✯ from here

❝ Oh, of course not, my love. ❞ An amused chuckle escapes his throat, shaking his head in despite of it all. ❝ On the contrary, you're the only one I'd ever even SUGGEST this with. ❞ Humming lowly in consideration at the other's offer, he soon nods, taking in one last feel of his soft locks before he drops his hand. ❝ That sounds wonderful. I'll have fresh food and sheets ready just for you. Do you have any preferences for what you'd like to eat tonight, by the way?? I can make anything--just name it. ❞

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@hhemeraa ✯ from here

❝ Funny, that's what Takeshi happens to say a lot too. ❞ That he's an old man, that he talks too elegant for his age and appearance and... occupation ( his words exactly ), that he needs to loosen up and get LAID or some shit ( again, his words ). ❝ It's habit from days with my family, I suppose. ❞

❝ It's not a bad thing to be perceived, mon chéri. ❞ Fingers that aren't currently intertwined with Myles take a moment to gently trail the other's forearm, smiling lightly to himself. ❝ Especially with the way I happen to perceive you--I could never stand to hurt you and I would never let anyone hurt you. ❞ A promise he INTENDS to keep, though it may be too serious for Myles' level of intoxication tonight.

He hums softly in acknowledgement to the long, drunken ramble that follows, simply enjoying getting to learn more of the man. ❝ Baking, hm?? ❞ A soft chuckle falls from his lips, giving their fingers a quick squeeze. ❝ I'd love to try it one day. Maybe I can cook something for you and you can bake the dessert. That sounds like a perfect date to me. ❞

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While true, it's a bit out of the ORDINARY for him to involve someone else's work, especially considering how popular his artwork has become over the years, but the work presented stuck a chord with him for a reason, he supposes!!

❝ Most of the work we tattoo is made by myself, but this client doesn't particularly care for who the artist is, and I'm a bit too busy this month to get to it sooner than they were hoping. ❞Julien explains, head tilting with a polite smile. ❝ But I suppose seeing your work right here clearly must be a sign it's meant to be. This is almost exactly what they were looking for... it may need a few adjustments, but we can communicate and work on that accordingly if you're willing. ❞

His hand falls into his jacket pocket, pulling out his wallet to present a business card: Red Collar Ink--Julien Vernier, Owner. ❝ Here's my card. As you can see, my name is Julien. And what can I call you?? ❞

--- The voice shook her out of her reverie, her intense focus broken but the KIND voice not flaring any warnings in her head. Peering up, Emily greeted the stranger with a smile of her own ; WARMTH blooming in her chest at the offer, the mere idea of it a compliment that made her more than a little BASHFUL.

" Oh, thank you so much! That's so kind of you! " The sun was casting rays through the canopy of trees overhead, the woman having been sketching one of the old oaks situated a few feet away ; the details in the piece were fluid as Emily was accustomed to using nature as a muse for her art. She proceeded to tilt the sketchbook so that he could take a better look, a little self - conscious but also happy to share it with someone else.

" I never knew tattoo artists took commissions. " Emily's head tilted slightly, CURIOSITY evident in her gaze but her soft smile remaining. " And I've actually never sold my art before, either. Would someone really want this? " This was all very sudden but she would be lying if she said it wasn't flattering!

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tag dump 8.

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@hhemeraa​ ✯ s.c. 

❝ I’ve got some paperwork to finish up at the store tonight, but I’d love to take you out to dinner tonight if you’re free, ❞ Julien offers a politely charming smile Myles’ way, adjusting the sleeves of his own shirt while he’s at it. ❝ Will you meet me?? You can choose what you’d like to eat. You know I’m not particularly picky after all. ❞

[ensuists-moved]

@crimedealt ✯ s.c

❝ I have to say, I was a bit surprised to hear you were in the neighborhood. ❞ Julien's pencil doesn't leave the paper as blue and hazel eye focus on the sketch underneath him, a small smile adorning on his face. ❝ It is a bit out of your way, isn't it?? ❞A moment of silence passes before he finally glances up from where he's seated on the brown leather couch, an INVITING tilt of his head made. ❝ Since you've come all this way though, please, have a drink with me. ❞

[ensuists]

If he were a normal guy, running a perfectly normal business, the package may seem completely out of the ORDINARY. Unfortunately for them both, instinct kicks in and he's naturally weary of the small box left on the countertop, though his skepticism is well concealed under a mask of a polite smile. ❝ Of course, but... do you mind if I ask what's in it?? Takeshi doesn't usually receive packages, so I'm naturally curious. ❞

@historias-multorum

@ensuists

"Oh... I see..." Reo said solemnly before rubbing the back of his neck.

He was holding a small box that was specifically meant for Takeshi, but due to some circumstances, Reo was running behind schedule. This guy seemed harmless. What was the harm?

"Can you give this to him when you see him?" He asked as he put the box on the counter.

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@onehope​ ✯ s.c

There’s a deep look of thought on Julien’s face as he watches the other for a moment, fingers gently tracing the bare skin. ❝ Let me make a tattoo for you. Anything you’d like, wherever you’d like, but I’m thinking... maybe here-- ❞ His hand moves to trail over where his heart is. ❝ --would be best. But again, I’m open to wherever you’d like. It’ll be custom made for you and you only, my love. ❞  

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@hhemeraa​ ✯ s.c.

There’s a small, pleased smile on Julien’s face as he holds a glass of wine out for Myles in the comfort of his own office. ❝ This is all I have left in here, so forgive me if it’s not the best quality. ❞ Pouring his own glass is a simple motion for him, taking a long sip of his drink afterwards. ❝ If you want, we can go out for dinner and I can get you a proper drink. Maybe we can go to my apartment and I’ll cook you a meal if you don’t feel like going out tonight. ❞

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@acehunter ✯ s.c

❝ Naeun, ❞ Julien starts off slowly, face blank and voice firm, but there's a hint of amusement SPARKLING in his eyes. ❝ I understand that cacti are yours and Takeshi's thing, but maybe we don't need to have so many of them loitering around in the basement?? Some of the members are complaining it's ruining the overall aesthetic. ❞