#( ch. khalil hassan & nathan crane. )

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

Asli tried not to get her hopes up. She knew that both men could end up disagreeing with her, that Nate could possibly call both Eli and Asher and that was that. Khalil's initial words caused her to be worried, holding her breath unintentionally. Yet for him to say 'yes' instead caused her to sigh softly and nod quickly. "I-I will, I promise! I promise." After all, if they were agreeing, then it was only fair to give something in return.

Looking at Nate, she knew that he was annoyed with this situation and she wanted nothing but to calm him down. And for a moment, she almost relented. Yet she was shocked but grateful as he agreed. "Thank you," she said softly. Placing her hand on his arm and holding on as she stood up. She gave him a grateful smile. Once this was all done, she was going to make it up to him. The brunette cleared her throat before nodding towards the modern exhibit. "Modern Egypt exhibit. It should take no more than an hour. I should be alright during that, but I'll let you know if anything changes." ||📜@khalilhassan & @nathanccrane

The last thing he wanted was to get in between the two of them. His grievances with Nathan aside, he genuinely did want nothing but the best for the woman who was now all but begging to continue the tour. His gaze bounced between a very concerned Crane and an overly eager Aslihan. "Alright, I'm not the voice of reason here, but I have to agree with Nathan on this one. As long as you promise to be honest and let us know if something happens, I think we can continue this, but he's right. If we notice something, we should call a doctor. I think we're all in an agreement on that, we're good to move forward."

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

𝙰𝚂𝙻𝙸𝙷𝙰𝙽 𝙵𝙰𝙷𝚁𝙸-𝙱𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙴𝚈 & 𝙺𝙷𝙰𝙻𝙸𝙻 𝙷𝙰𝚂𝚂𝙰𝙽 & 𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙷𝙰𝙽 𝙲𝚁𝙰𝙽𝙴

Despite having a rough past few days, the baby decided to actually be more merciful towards her today. Which, considering she was seeing Khal at the museum, was greatly appreciated. She'd been able to get through the tour rather well, able to stay on task with her information and answering any questions he may have as they walked around. Glancing up at him, leading him through the third and final floor of the ancient exhibit, her head tilted slightly. "So? Is it a bit too early to ask what your favourite part is so far?" she joked warmly. "I promise, there is no wrong answer. I like being aware of what's caught people's attention or what people were hoping to see. I make sure to write it all down to keep in mind for the future." She already was talking with a couple of museums in Egypt for when the time comes for the exhibit update. Making sure to keep in mind what can or can not be exchanged. So far, nothing from NMEC or GEM is allowed, which is understandable. As she looked around, her smile grew at the sight of another familiar face and she waved. "Hey, are you good if I introduce you to someone? He means a lot to me and I think you'll like each other."

𝚌𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚛: 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚔'𝚜 𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚞𝚖 ; 𝚊𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚕 𝟸𝟼𝚝𝚑, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹 || @khalilhassan & @nathanccrane

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

Silently, she stared at the two men for a moment. Asli's eyes narrowed more as Khal explained his relationship with Nate. Now, had this been any other moment and perhaps with another person, she might have taken his explanation in good faith. Deciding to trust the man and believe in him. Yet, in this moment and with the tension brewing in the air? It was impossible to believe such a story. To believe that they were developing a partnership yet there already being a lack of trust between them.

All of these years has helped Asli learn one thing: Nathan Crane was a smart businessman. He was meticulous with his work and strived only for perfection. There was no way that he'd make business with someone he couldn't trust on a professional level. And, despite her own personal liking towards the man, she knew better than to believe his words.

Which made this worse. And all the more confusing. Yet, she couldn't find it within herself to try to pry more answers and get some sort of slip up from either man as her daughter chose that moment to kick. Though, if she were being honest with herself, it felt more like a minor flare up. Unbeknownst to Nathan, her minor flare ups were becoming more frequent. She was able to function better through them, yet they were still a challenge. "I will," she argued through gritted teeth. The water bottle from Khalil caused her to sigh softly, her muttering a soft 'thank you' before she took a long swig. Yet she soon groaned softly and her face twisted. "Boys, I am fine. I promise. Just... give me ten and I'll be able to continue with this tour soon." Looking at them, she sighed. Taking another drink and rubbing her forehead with her other hand as she thought for a moment. "If either of you could get me one of those motor carts so that I can remain seated yet can continue the tour, would you both calm down?" ||📜@khalilhassan & @nathanccrane

"Investor," he corrected, shining smile still full on his mouth, despite any form of easy going amusement flowing through his veins. Now was the most important moment. If he fumbled or Nathan planted seeds of doubt in a mental move against him, they'd both pay the price of Aslihan being naturally curious, perhaps too much for her own good. "We were discussing ways I could invest in the distillery and as you must know by now, Nathan has plenty of friends with deep pockets looking for someone to help them manage. It's been a developing thing. Nothing set in stone yet."

His business adventures had been nothing even remotely close to decent. His trip to Denver still had his knuckles aching from the message Nathan had wanted sent. That trip had been the very moment he'd crossed a moral line; had been the moment he'd realized how deep he was.

It might have been the very moment that had pulled Khalil from the treeline that day, a day that he hadn't thought too much about since it happened. Fortunately, it seemed he wasn't going to get a chance to overthink it now either.

Without allowing time for protest, Khalil navigated through the exhibit and by some graceful higher power, was met with another employee who wasted no time in handing off a bottle of water. Within a few moments, he was returning to extend the chilled bottle down to a sitting Aslihan. "Don't worry, I told them you'd just forgotten your bottle in your office." He hadn't wanted to draw a further reason for concern unless it was actually needed. "I'm curious though... is there anything in the world that would get you to reschedule a tour?" He was teasing, of course. "Are you sure there's nothing else we can do?"

@nathanccrane + @draslihanxfahri-bailey

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

This was not at all what she imagined her day being like. She just wanted to be able to help Khal learn more about their cultures and try to go throughout the day without any problems concerning her pregnancy. For things to be some kind of normal, as much as possible. Yet perhaps she shouldn't be surprised that that wasn't the case here. Nothing about her pregnancy was normal. Or, at least, other people wouldn't consider it to be normal. But it was her normal. And god, it was frustrating.

Yet, she didn't try to express her frustrations towards them. Especially not Khal, when he knew nothing about her placenta previa. She didn't want to risk worrying her newer friend anymore than he already was, even though she held so many questions for the man right now.

Asli winced at Nate's words. "Nathan..." Unfortunately... He knew her, far too well. Yet she tensed up at his words. "N-No! Please... Don't call a doctor." She reached out quickly to place her hand over Nate's, her bottom lip quivering slightly. Glancing over at Khal for a moment, she took a deep breath. Then let it out as she looked back at Nate. "I'm going on monitored bed rest at the hospital in a few weeks," she admitted softly. "My flare-ups... They've become unpredictable. But I promise, I promise, that if I am starting to feel another one coming, I'll let you know. Just... please... let me continue this tour. Let me keep some semblance of normalcy before I have to place everything on hold. I'll go slow with the tour, even in the motorized wheelchair. I'll let you know if there's a problem. Just let me do this. Please, you guys." Her pleads was soft as she looked at them. She knew that her chances now were not exactly great, especially with Khal knowing a little more how intense the problem was. Yet, she wanted to at least try. That maybe, just maybe, they'll agree. "Please let me do this." ||📜@khalilhassan & @nathanccrane

It was frustratingly complicated to keep his mouth closed. One word out of line and the façade he'd built would shatter all around him. Between himself and the man in the finely tailored suit, he knew who had the most blood on their hands. Regardless of that and everything in between, Aslihan wasn't a part of it. Khalil knew where her loyalties were and that was with old friendships. Not new ones, and any sense of doubt she had was justified by Nathan's demeanor. A demeanor that he could see was well read by the woman, even if he wore a smile as if he had no clue at all.

Oddly enough, he found himself in agreement with Nathan Crane. No matter how interested he genuinely was in continuing the tour, he wasn't willing to be the reason she overdid it. Tongue dabbed at the corner of his mouth as his gaze fell on Nathan's sharp look. Brows lifted as he were edging the other towards a response he didn't want to give. If he agreed to her demand, he'd be guilty of pushing her onwards. If he argued against it, well, he wasn't sure it would matter much anyway.

"I'm more than okay with rescheduling, but if you're insisting... under the condition that if we notice you're having any trouble along the way, you'll call it a day?" It was meeting her in the middle while allowing the decision to fall entirely on her.

@nathanccrane + @draslihanxfahri-bailey

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

"It is an extremely generic answer," she teased with a grin. "But it's one of my favourite answers. I can't tell you how much I love hearing people having loved the exhibit so much, it's hard for them to choose their own personal best." Though, at the same time, it was also fascinating to find out exactly which part people loved the most. In a way, she felt as if she was being given insight on who the person is. Nodding, she glanced back. Knowing exactly what he meant. "That's a good one. I definitely really like it, but I feel like it needs something more. Something that could really resonate with people. Last year, back when the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition was at the Denver Museum for awhile, for some areas there was a mixture of videos with animation and these voice boxes where you pressed a button and someone, like Tut or Hatshepsut, depending on the box you choice, would speak out and give a synopsis on who they were. I keep on thinking of maybe adding something like that, but maybe something different. I want to give an alternative to reading for those who may not want to read yet want to learn and those who are sight impaired or blind yet maybe don't understand Braille or something." Shrugging, Asli shook her head. She could spend an entire day and night talking to Khal about all of her ideas and that still wouldn't be enough. "I just want this wing to be a place for everyone."

Khal's admittance caused a laugh to leave her lips and she nudge her friend's arm with her elbow lightly. "You're really making your way up to being my favourite student," Asli joked. "But thank you. Truly, that means a lot to me. I really try to make sure that everyone understands and that I can reach to everyone, if possible." Asli hummed slightly. "Mmmm, not exactly? Unless you count Bridgerton, though don't let him know I told you that. But no: he's my big brother. Our families are friends and I grew up knowing him and his siblings; They're practically family." Leading the way to meet up with Nathan, her smile only grew more at the sight of him. "Hey! I'm so sorry, I didn't know you were here. My PA's on lunch right now. I hope you haven't been waiting long." At least they weren't in her office. She refuses to have another Eli situation happen. Moving aside slightly, she smiled brightly at the sight of the two men. "Nate, this Khalil. We've run into each other on and off the past year and I'm helping him learn more about Egyptian history and culture. Khal, this is Nathan. He owns the distillery with his brother out in Bighorn." ||📜@khalilhassan & @nathanccrane

She hadn't been wrong about chiseling out an entire day to walk through the exhibit and get the most out of it. It was early, but it felt as if they'd barely touched even a quarter of it. "Personally, I'm a big fan of everything. Generic answer, I know, but it's the truth. I guess if I had to pick, it was that entire wall," he hummed, finger pointing towards the room they'd just came from. It was educational, lots of reading, but left him curious what lied ahead too. "If I'm being honest, my favorite part is hearing what you have to say about everything. I think it's one thing to see a piece and to read the descriptors on the panels, but hearing the history behind it? Makes everything really come to life." He'd been ready to shuffle off to the next place when her offer left him turning towards her with an arched brow. "Of course. If he's as big of a history buff as you are, I'm sure I could use his knowledge too." @nathanccrane @draslihanxfahri-bailey

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

Asli tried to remain normal, to smile and laugh and nod along. To try not to look between the two men too much and too often. With each passing second, she was starting to realize how bad of an idea this was. That maybe she should end this tour before it could progress anymore, say that the baby was acting up and she needed to rest for a moment. But, if she went with that route, then she knew that Nate wouldn't leave her side until he knew she was okay. And something told her that Khal would be hesitant as well. The way the men were looking at each other... There was more than they were letting on about right now.

All of these years, she's gotten to know Nate. And he, with her. She could tell when he was lying or withholding the truth. He could tell when she was uncomfortable or scared. Even though she's tried to press him to tell her everything that's going on with him in the past, she's never pressed too hard. After all, she trusts Nathan Crane. But... was that a mistake to have done so blindly all these years? Should she have pressed harder?

She winced slightly the more they spoke about the eldest Crane sibling. Khalil helping him out made sense. But what compelled the man to stay in his life longer if Nate has described them as being friends? "Wait, what experiences?" she suddenly asked, brows furrowing as she looked at Nathan with concern. The message clear as day on her face: What aren't you telling me? She has accepted half-truths all these years. She has accepted lies and him withholding information from her because it was 'for her own good'. Yet now? Once she found the time to be with the man alone, she was going to demand answers. And same with the other man before her, Asli not being able to understand why he has continued a friendship with someone who, quite frankly, wasn't one to trust blindly.

Nodding, she tried to smile and lead them to the elevator. Pressing the ground level button and resting against one of the walls. "Alright, so the contemporary history of Egypt starts off with the Coptic level. The entrance before heading into the first level's main room is inspired by Tahrir Street, located in Downtown Cairo. Modern Egypt begins officially in 642 Common Era, when the Rashidun Caliphate won Egypt from the Byzantine Empire. A caliphate is a political and religious Islamic state ruled by a caliph. Most caliphates were also transnational empires ruled by the Islamic ruling elite. During the medieval period, three major caliphates succeeded each other: the Rashidun Caliphate, the first caliphate to succeed after Prophet Muhammed, ranging from 632 until 661; the Umayyad Caliphate, the second, from 661–750; and the Abbasid Caliphate, the third, 750–1258. In the fourth major caliphate, the Ottoman Caliphate, the rulers of the Ottoman Empire claimed caliphal authority from 1517. Throughout the history of Islam, a few other Muslim states, almost all hereditary monarchies such as the Mamluk Sultanate of Cairo and Ayyubid Caliphate, which was the founding dynasty of the medieval Sultanate of Egypt established by Saladin al-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub in 1171, have claimed to be caliphates. While---" The woman was no longer in the zone after a moment, one hand resting beneath her bump and the other rubbing the top of her bump. She let out a soft groan, closing her eyes and steadying her breathing. "I... I'm sorry, guys. She's kicking... pretty hard right now. I'll be fine in... just a moment. I promise." ||📜@khalilhassan & @nathanccrane

This was a game of chess and unfortunately, Aslihan was now a pawn. A pawn that he wanted to protect from the deathgrip of the Cranes, but perhaps she was safe. It wasn't everyday he'd stood by as Nathan Crane was overly kind to anyone. And yet, he couldn't find it within himself to let it go. So, rather than sit back in silence while he stewed over his next move, he played the game. In truth, nothing he said was a lie. Her work was impeccable and there was no one else that could have done even half as good of a job as educating him. "What? You're joking, right? It seems like you've been doing this your whole life. I mean, Nathan, I'm sure you've been to plenty of museums. Have you ever been to one so well crafted?" He shot a devilish smile towards the other, his intention being to ensure that they continued to play nice in the company of someone innocent. "Well, your secret is safe with me. I'm just hoping for another personal tour when it's complete."

Like any competitive soul, it wasn't surprising when Nathan dished out his own version of defense. He practically saw a flicker of light fade from the woman at his side as if the revelation of the connection was surprising and not in a good way. As it seemed, Freddie wasn't the fan favorite of too many. "Now, Nathan, let's get the full story out there. I met Freddie at the bar. He got himself into some trouble one night and I stepped up to help him. Nathan and I though," he trailed off, tongue dabbing at the corner of his mouth to combat the dryness that had settled there, "Nathan and I have been through our fair share of experiences together." The lake being the biggest one and yet, they hadn't talked about it since.

"The more the merrier. Before you know it, you'll be parading a whole crowd looking to get the insight of the legend herself," he hummed smoothly, gaze flicking towards Nathan before dark hues settled back on Aslihan. "Please, lead the way."

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

A few business adventures? "You're in the distillery business?" she asked. The woman's brows were furrowed slightly. She tried to remember if he's ever told her about his career. While she felt like the conversation came up when they were paired up for dessert at the speed date event last year for Valentine's Day, Asli admittedly was struggling to remember, cursing the bad memory aspect of her pregnancy in that moment. Though, of course, maybe he's changed careers since then. She wasn't sure. All Aslihan knew was that, in that moment, watching the two men and how they behaved around each other, something was wrong.

She looked over at Nathan, waiting to see what he would say and if his answer was the same as Khalil's. Yet her face fell instead. The hard look on his features, how he glared at the taller man... He wasn't happy and that left her feeling even more uneasy. She found herself wanting to stop the tour altogether and ask her questions.

Would they answer, though? No matter how hard she pressed? Worst of all: would she even be able to believe either man? Or would she find herself distrusting them both? That was an option she didn't want to happen, yet she was afraid that it was a lot more possible than she'd like to admit.

Fortunately, though at a really sucky cost, her daughter chose that moment to help take Asli's mind off of her questions. Nodding, Aslihan chuckled softly. Taking in deep, slow breaths. "I'm alright; She's just getting bigger and is moving more. We're about to reach the Braxton Hicks stage, so I'm just waiting for when those start to happen. But water would be nice, thank you." Glancing over at Nate, her features softened. Even though the stubborn part of her didn't want to, it was the best idea. "Sitting would be good. Ohhhh, no. No, no, no. You call Eli and he'll be ready to take me home and keep a hawk eye on me for the rest of the day, and there's no way I'll be allowed to get any work done. Plus, we'd have to reschedule this tour for another day and I don't want that to happen. I'll be fine, I promise. Just a moment of rest and water should do the trick. But thanks, you both. I really appreciate it." ||📜@khalilhassan & @nathanccrane

No one deserved to be in the middle of their shit show, especially not someone like Aslihan. The only terrible thing she'd ever done, at least to his assumption, was to be caught in the middle of them and that was a forgivable offense that she'd stumbled into by accident. While he maintained composure, he continued to steal glances in the woman's direction as if he were trying to mentally solve the puzzle that was her mind. What was she thinking? Could she feel the tension thickening in the room? Did she buy into their friendly story, or did she know the other well enough to spot the uneasiness Khalil's presence had caused.

And if she did notice anything, what did that mean for him? Would she push for clarification? Or would her curiosity start and stop at the exhibits walls all around them? Shit. Her question, as simple as it was, left Khalil quick on his feet. "We've had a few business adventures together so far. Some didn't work out so well, but I'd like to think we made the best of it." He'd handled the boys in Denver while taking a bit of a beating himself. He'd stepped in at the lake, a moment that they still hadn't talked about. In hindsight, maybe staying in the treeline like the Bureau had scolded him over would have been the answer for everything.

Being in the same room as Nathan was difficult enough, but sharing the enclosed space of an elevator was nearly enough to make him crawl out of his skin. Thankfully for him, Aslihan was the buffer they'd needed for months. He listened intently as she effortlessly rolled off fact after fact. His interest had been piqued from the moment he'd stepped foot into the museum for the first time, but having someone to dive deeper into the history beyond the plaques on the walls? It was fascinating to say the least.

It was the pause in the other's speech that caught his attention first, followed by the look of distress. "Is there anything I can do? Do you need water?" For a man who had no experience in the pregnancy department, he wasn't sure what helped. "You don't have to apologize. Looks like someone is already taking after their mom when it comes to loving history."

@nathanccrane + @draslihanxfahri-bailey

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

Khal's compliments only caused her cheeks to redden more, yet he was correct: she is incredibly proud of her work. Over the course of her life, she's always done some kind of work with museums. From a gift shop attendant, to a tour guide, to working in archives, it was always something that she loved and wanted to do. She always dreamt of being a curator and creating something unique, something timeless, something that could touch each and every single person in one way or another. Sure, it took her longer than expected; Yet Asli couldn't be happier that it was, at least, finally happening. No matter how long it took to get there. "Thanks, Khal. Seriously, I've dreamt of doing this for so long, it's incredibly humbling to know that it's working. I've only been curating officially since autumn this past year, but I've had other jobs at some other museums over the years. Life just... sort of changed route for a moment. But I'm happy to be able to do this now." Glancing around, she leaned in so that she could speak lowly. "Between you and me... well, and Eli and of course, my bosses... We might be discussing another wing adjacent to this one, since it's been a success. It won't be entirely Egypt-based, but it will be about the Mediterranean and the Near East. We're still discussing things and it might not be until sometime next year before we can actively do something... But it's in the works."

Asli's brows rose hearing that they knew each other. Yet, as she glanced between the two men, she started to wonder if perhaps them knowing each other wasn't the best idea. There was tension in the hair, like an incoming thunderstorm full of lightning. The curator would be lying if she said she didn't feel on edge now as she watched them, gaining more information. Yet the mention of the other infamous Crane brother caused her to tense up, freezing as she quietly let out a little surprised 'oh' at the information and her face paling. Aslihan adored the Cranes. Declan, Nathan, Ivy, Patrick, William; They've always treated her like family. Freddie, on the other hand... Decades later and she still keeps her distance from the man. It was unexplainable, the way she felt so terrified whenever she saw him. If there ever was a Crane she knew she couldn't trust, it was him. Without question.

So learning that Khalil and the older Crane man were friends? She'd be lying if she said that part of her didn't feel cautious now, but also, so incredibly confused. The woman has always believed that there was good in everyone. And even now, she still found herself believing that about Khal. Glancing up at him, her brows furrowed slightly and lips pressed together, she tried to think. She had so many questions, yet with Nate around, now wasn't the time. Clearing her throat and smiling, albeit a bit forced, she was able to gasp playfully at Nate's words. "Wait, seriously? Wow... I see how it is," she teased him. "But perfect! I was about to take Khal over to the contemporary Egypt history exhibit, if that's alright with you." ||📜@khalilhassan & @nathanccrane

"See, I think that's the problem with a lot of museums I've visited in the past. It's one thing when you compile all this information together into interesting exhibits, but it's another when you're actively trying to connect to your audience. Anyone can throw something together, but it takes a real curator to do what you do. You should be proud of your work." Sure, he was being kind, but every word rang true as it rolled off his tongue and into the air between them. If it weren't for her and the personalized tour she'd offered, he never would have considered coming back twice.

As they passed yet another intriguing piece, Khalil only paused briefly to take in the work before attention back to the woman at his side. "You've been doing this for how long now? Seems like you missed your calling if it's just something you got into. Trust me when I say that whatever you do, it'll catch the attention of everyone in this town."

He'd been too lasered in on the company at his side to notice the man in question. If he were laying his cards on the table, he would have made a lousy excuse to walk out without looking back. Instead, he forced a wide smile to his mouth, noting how eager the other seemed to avoid his gaze. "Oh, we're familiar with one another. We've done some work together, actually. Currently on a bit of a hiatus though, wouldn't you say Nate?"

Even as the nickname rolled off his tongue, he still had thoughts of leaving. Aslihan had invited him there, but she hadn't invited the mess along with the two of them. "I wouldn't know what to do if it weren't for her. Truly, if you haven't had her give you a tour of the place yet, you should join us." @nathanccrane