#c: leyla 002

[nyraxodeyer]

for: @cantfightmoonlight - leyla location: holiday markets/daily drip

Needing a break from the crowds and the cold too for a while, Nyra stepped into the Daily Drip for a bit of respite. A good choice on her part as her senses were immediately taken for a spin with a swirl of aromas that warmed her inside out, from the fresh coffee and hot chocolate being made to the sweet peppermint scent that hung in the air, the combination of it all drew to smile to her face that lingered as she peeked at the other treats on offer. Catching Leyla's eyes, she greeted the pixie with a small wave, "Hi hi, this all looks so good. How are things going?"

[masonxmahir]

END.

"He's not rude for no reason? He's just not much of a people person and is bad with his words. Especially when he's put on the spot-" She started to contest. "Though, I get not everyone is each other's people. I thought he hated me too when we first met actually, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is a lot more to him that meets the eye? That and people change?" She knew she, herself, had changed immensely from the first day she had arrived in town and would hate if someone held her to the image of who she once was rather than the version of herself she had now become. Only at the mention of Bea, Leyla found herself flinching. "Oh. You were Bea's roommate? Sorry, I didn't know. She never mentioned it and I'm not sure if its even worth my two cents, but knowing both Ken and Bea later in life, I think both of them sort of brought out the worst in each other?" She admitted, remembering how her friend had snapped at her a number of times because of Ken back in the day. "Some people are just better off without each other, but that doesn't meant that they didn't both need each other or that experience either, no matter how hurtful it may have been all around in the moment?" She knew when it came to her own long line of exes that some people were only meant to be in your life for a moment, but that didn't mean that those experiences weren't meaningful or crucial to who she'd become. "You do? I think you're very animated? And funny? When you're not pretending that I have cooties. And of course! So, where to exactly? And maybe on the walk you can tell me more about your time in LA?"

[kenxmatsui]

Ken wished he could go back to when the year changed dates, to that moment where he held Leyla in his arms and pulled her close as the seconds ticked by, to the kiss that felt comforting and hands that felt warm as sunshine itself, he wanted her laughter filling his heart and ears. Not fucking this. Not the cold and jarring cacophony of what felt like a million people taking at once despite it only being two, not unwanted brushes against him as a drunk Devrim took to moving about in the already confined space, and certainly not when he looked to Leyla with pleading eyes to save him in any way she could only to see tears pooling in her eyes as she retreated into herself and made herself small. The icing on this shitty cake was some blonde telling him he'd gone and upset Leyla as if that wasn't obvious enough.

Tossing the phone back to Savannah, Ken hardly said a word as he began to set about to starting up the car and getting them to the destination with little time to waste. But he should've expected him to not be factored in to anything aside from being needless chided or ignored completely, proof being that no one had answered his question on where to go. Having a vague idea of where Devrim lived, Ken picked it to be there, and if they had another place they wished to go, too late for that.

No sooner had he decided, the sudden shrill of music being played at what had to be full volume overpowered his senses as he flinched away from the noise rather desperately, seeking some kind, any kind of solace to ease the way his ears pained from the sheer volume of everything. Breathing quickened too a little from the sensory overload, and he so badly wanted to leave, to find some quiet, but as he looked to Leyla, seeing her sing at Devrim's efforts, catching that imperceptible smile, his hands curled to push down his feelings instead and stay. No one seemed to give a fuck about him though, and he really hadn't given them a reason to. So, Ken looked out for himself much like always. Reaching into his coat pocket to pull out airpods he always hand on hand and shoved them into his ears to block out the noise, hoping it would help calm him. The only one thing that Devrim did right in his opinion was fumble around to open the sun roof, the cold was a soothing balm and he breathed deep wishing the air would freeze him inside out and him numb to all sensation just so he could function.

He did start up the car eventually, still jittery and on edge with jaw tightly locked to hold back everything, and with great effort he managed to pull out of the parking lot and onto the road. And he wished again rather foolishly that be the end of his troubles.

Despite the airpods blocking out some noise, voices still filtered through, when Savannah began to pick on the tune, Ken cursed and scrambled to play a random classical piece on his phone, since he knew speaking up on it wouldn't be heard anyway. Bluetooth picked up a few seconds later to drown out the singing siren. But that brief little gap was enough. They hadn't even gotten five kilometres down the road before he hit the breaks hard, causing the car to halt sharply. Thankfully not fully entranced by the Siren song, his reaction was immediate as his hand jutted out to each out to Leyla to keep her from hitting anything in the sudden jerk in movement. Hand in hers and forgetting everything else, concern filled him, "Are you alright?" he asked as he turned the car off just in case. He didn't care about the other two just yet, but did shoot them a sharp look before attention tuned back to Leyla.

@devrim-selvi

"Another baby!?" An exclamation that sent Devrim into hysterical laughter for a myriad of reasons he most definitely would not enjoy unpacking later. The sound shook his body and caused his lids to crease close. Every time he shut his eyes the world began to spin. Only on the brink of what felt like a spin-out would Devrim open his eyes. A wild, glee filled smile plastered across his drunken face. No shortage of that liquored fueled joy in his dark and glossy eyes. Water rushed like raging rivers through his ears, through which his limbs felt as though they swam. Even sitting down, scrolling through Savannah's Spotify for a song. From which, he was interrupted by a comment about Savannah's truck. His words slurred together and were made even more unintelligible by his accompanying laugh. "Okay Mr. Prickly Pants. No need to be a Jelly Nelly."

Just as Devrim picked a song he felt the phone falling from his hands. Too drunk to realize it'd been taken by Ken until he saw it being dangled out the window. Confidently, Devrim whispered to Savannah. "Ken boy loves his jokes. Just laugh! He loves it when you laugh." He paused then added, "Maybe we let him drop your phone? It's kind of old. You don't even have a third camera?" A drunken ramble of slurred and somewhat unintqelible speech uttered while Devrim fished his own phone from his pocket to pick a song.

Finally, but not without several stumbles into the seats and Savannah, Devrim sat on the truck's console between Ken and Leyla to plug in his phone. At max volume, Man! I feel like a Woman! By Shania Twain began to play. Devrim sang along, as he tapped his feet and swayed from side to side. Mostly just to Leyla's side, because of Ken's threatening aura. Amid his serenading of the girls he saw a button overhead and stopped. After a couple tries he finally hit the control for the sun roof, which slid back the truck's roof and sent a rush of air through the car. "Damn..." He mused with laughter as he tumbled back into the backseat with Savannah. "I know I'm drunk because that doesn't feel cold." Yes, that was Dev's first clue that he was wasted.

@cantfightmoonlight

[nyraxodeyer]

The exuberance of the pixie was a sight, a pleasant smile took over as Leyla laid out options for her, though she had settled on coffee prior to it all, at the offer of tea, mind changed without much protest, "Maybe I'll take a tea instead," she confirmed.

Giving her the time she needed to say what she wanted to say, Nyra patiently waited without drifting thoughts, knowing to even ask something like this was a big step for her. "I'm really glad to hear that, Leyla, truly. It's something I kept meaning to talk to you about but didn't want to rush into a decision or even being forth such things if you weren't ready. I'm glad you gave this thought. You don't have to be fully ready, it's understandable." What had happened was horrible beyond all imagination, but this here is enough of a start. "I think yes, it would be good for you to try and fly again. At least take the steps to overcoming that fear or worry that's holding you back." Hesitation was understandable too, and Nyra softened when she spoke, "I'd be more than happy to assist in any way I can. After everything I know the Emerald isn't a place you feel safe anymore, is there somewhere you're comfortable? I remember too, that you had trouble unfurling your wings, is that something you've tried to do? We can take it slow."

She nodded, "Of course, talk amongst yourselves, let me know when you've decided." And with a light chuckle, she confirmed, "I've been married a few times actually, yes. Many don't ask, but no, it's not a strange question. I've been alive for more than three centuries, love found me and left me quite a few times in this lifetime. Time gives and takes," she shrugged, "Does thinking about this make you nervous?"

Leyla's bottom lip jutted out into a small pout, until she offered ordering a coffee instead. "Coffee could! Or tea? We have several teas and a whole bunch of lattes and oh! we've even starting to branch out into tartines. You know, like opened faced sandwiches?" She offered up, beginning to rattle off a number of different options Nyra could go with. "But, oh, um," She trailed off, lightly tapping her finger tips together as she mulled over how to go about asking. "I was thinking, I mean, I was wondering- it's just, eventually I should at least try to fly again, shouldn't I? But, I didn't exactly know where to start or if I'm even ready..." She didn't quite feel ready, but if she was going to start a new life with Ken, then she also didn't want the 'what if' as to whether or not she even could looming over her head either. She wanted to at least attempt to enter into the New Year with a fresh slate and hopefully the rest of their lives together? "So, I guess I wanted to get your advice, maybe?" She asked, hesitantly.

"Thanks! I don't know what I'd do without him," She admitted. Her cheeks flushed a light shade of pink at the thought. "Oh um that would be great! But, I should probably talk to him first? Knowing Ken, he might already have a plan in mind as to how he'd want to do things. Though, it would be nice to have help? Have you ever been married before? Sorry if that's a weird question. I just never thought to ask before?"

[masonxmahir]

"Ya know like just calm down, relax, nothing to do with a real farm." With a sigh at the conversation heading into less than the funny meaning he had intended for it to be, Mason settled their ownself as Leyla spoke, interjecting with a couple head shakes and a rough scratch at their beard, thinking on how best to explain but figured to do it openly and without any dramatics would be best. "See, that's the thing, right? He's rude for no reason. I ain't saying everyone gotta be sunshine and rainbows, but rude for the sake it is..is just not good, ya know? He could mind his own business. Also don't think he likes me much either." Mason couldn't help but laugh a little at the memory, "It was back in LA, Bea and I were rommies, right, and she's my bestie so full support her choices except Ken waltzes in our apartment, takes one look...ok sure it was a lil messy and I was eating cereal straight from the box, but besides the point, he looks around and next thing I know she's living with him. Which, fine, I ain't too salty about since they were dating but he hurt her feelings a lot and I don't take well to my friends getting hurt." It wasn't a grudge per say, Mason knew people could change, maybe Ken did since Leyla seemed to be happy with him but he'd still give Ken the stink eye. With a soft exhale, expressions smoothed as he looked at her, "For the record, I think you're hella cool and not mean at all, sometimes I'm too dramatic for my own good, sorry I said foe, bad joke. Definitely will take that help though! Thank you! These tomatoes can't show up bruised or my mum's gonna have a go at me."

"Calm my what?" She blinked over at them, having never heard that expression before. "But, I don't have a farm? And good you better not, but wait! Hey! Why not? I mean have you seen him? He's gorgeous and handsome and sexy in the broody standoffish kinda way and he's a lawyer which means he can bail you out of trouble and has a 401K and health insurance which is good, because owning a coffee shop doesn't often that great of benefits and why don't you like Ken? He didn't threaten to leave you a bad review too, did he? I mean I know he can sometimes be a little rough the edges and I wouldn't want you to like him, like him, but liking him in a friend sort of way would be kinda nice and- how about I carry your groceries home for you so the bag doesn't magically break open and you can go inside and get a nice nap and then maybe rethink the whole Leyla is mean and Ken isn't likable mindsets when you're having a better day, how's that?"

[masonxmahir]

A gasp in shock and horror sounded as Leyla countered, "No! You can't do that, that's so mean!" He pouted, "Don't tell my mum that! She'd think I was being mean when I wasn't, I was only joking! I don't have anything white to wave, but like truce? You got your luck but I can't get in more trouble right now though okay, Imma be walking home with like branches and shit in my head I know it and like that's enough to get me the cricket dad meme...but mum version." But as she spoke, confusion lined their face, "Wait... what? Do you know how many times I spilled things on myself? And that too like on normal days? Not saying I want that exact scenario, but would be nice! Don't want Ken though, you can keep him. He's ew."

“Oh don’t be such a baby,” Leyla rolled her eyes lightly over as Mason dramatically declared that her touch burned. Her eyes following after the spilled lemons on the ground before she mumbled out, “whoops?”, innocently enough. Only for her gaze to narrow in on Mason, her mouth falling open as she exclaimed, “then- then I’m telling your mom that you were mean to me first! Implying that I’m foe for being a fae! That’s- that’s prejudice is what that is,” she reasoned, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly as she spoke. “And anyways, I’ve given up my luck plenty of times. It’s not that big of a deal. You’ll have one bad day where the worst thing that might happen is you spill coffee on yourself as you meet the love of your life and then tomorrow you’ll be back to your usual lucky self. Good as new.”

[masonxmahir]

"Easy for you to say now, you're the one with super extra luck!" He sighed again dramatically, but in all reality it was fine, he'd get past this, move on and likely forget it ever happened as was the case with most things in their life, nothing remained serious. Accepting this was how it would be for a while, Mason slowly and taking extra care and more, gathered their things to head home. A great desire to collapse into bed till the day was over had been built alongside tiredness, but at her slap and statements he couldn't help but laugh, "Girl, calm your farm! I'm not gonna take your man, I don't want him!" he made another face at the thought of Ken, "In fact, thank you for service so no one else will bump into him. You're a real one."

"You were too being mean!" Leyla exclaimed back. Her own bottom lip jutting out into a pout as she crossed her arms over her chest and battered her lashes up at the other. "And fine. It's a truce. But, don't mess with me. And see? Having bad luck isn't so bad, though hey," She gave Mason's arm a light slap as he said he didn't want Ken. "Did I say you could have Ken? No. He don't want you and he already has a soulmate. I said you could randomly bump into your own love of your life. Not take mine."

[nyraxodeyer]

Given that she had somewhat walked into that one with her inability to make a choice in time, Nyra allowed the temptation and Leyla's suggestion to takeover, "I might not be able to handle all that sweet, I could compromise to two more things, though? I already have the brownie, what else would be good? A drink maybe? Coffee would cut through the sweetness." As the young pixie talked, Nyra nodded along, "Of course of course, holidays are always the busiest. Oh, yes, what can I help you with?"

A light chuckle followed the worried glances, but thankfully Leyla seemed to realise not too long after. "He's a lucky guy," she said, "I'm thrilled for you both, really, glad you can experience this." Her heart warmed as Leyla continued, she was happy for her, and after everything she had been through the other deserved all the happy times ahead. "That's normal, to be both excited and nervous, part of process of taking that next step. If you're thinking of celebrating your engagement, I'd be more than happy to offer a hand with things if you wanted," she offered.

"You should! Preferably, one of each?" She wiggled her brows temptingly over at Nyra. "Support a fellow fae business and all?" She continued to try to tug at her heart strings to make the sale. "Oh, um, they have yeah. Or at least a lot better than they were a few months ago? And oh yeah! The holidays are always booming. People love their pumpkin and peppermint, well, everything and one brownie coming right up, though I did have something I actually was hoping I could ask your help wi-" She started to voice only for Nyra to cut her off with a gasp. "What? what is it? Nothing's on fire is it?" She began to rapidly glance around just in case. Only when she realized that Nyra was gasping about her ring, did she let out a sigh of relief. "Oh this ole thing? Yeah it is. Thank you! Ken might have maybe popped the question? Which surprised me too, but I don't know. I don't think I've been happier ever? Which is exciting and scary? I don't want this feeling to stop."

[masonxmahir]

With the nerf gun still secured by their side it was far to late for any sort of defence or even thoughts of it as Leyla attacked them unexpectedly. It truly felt like in the blink of an eye, their normal and safe grocery run turned to sharp yelps and much wriggling to get away from her. "It burnssss," he yelled out crumpling to the floor, it didn't really, more of a tingle as he felt the magical effects but who was he if not theatrical. "Oh no! My lemons, noooo," came the second out cry as their bag spilled out its contents . A few shoppers peaked their heads into the isle, but Mason had made a name for themselves in this town, the clown and jokester always up to something, and really he loved it. Just not right now. "I'm telling my mom on you!" Attempts to get up were met with an immediate effect as they bumped into a shelf, "Ow! Damn. Do I gotta just not move forever?"

"Friend or- excuse me?" Leyla exclaimed as she narrowed her eyes over at Mason who was holding a Nerf gun over at her. "Oh well in that case," She grumbled out, yanking down his hazmat suit as she cupped their cheeks in her hands. She typically never intentionally try to take someone's luck, but given that her other option was being hit by a nerf gun, she figured what the hell? Why not? She could feel their luck serging over into her as she dropped her hands to the side and smiled over at them as innocently as she could. "Tis the season, right?"

[nyraxodeyer]

"It's very tempting to not get one of each," she mused, "Especially when you made them." While she wouldn't say she had a massive sweet tooth, treats were something to indulge in were they not. "Personal and professional, both. I hope things have been okay? I'm glad though, to hear that business is well, might mean more time on your feet but such is expected to be the case during this season, right? I'll take a brownie it lo-" but before the entirety of what she had planned to say could be said, a soft gasp cut her off as another thing caught her eye and attention, "Is that what I think it is?" she asked smile widening as she looked to the ring on Leyla's finger and met her gaze, "Well, now I must ask into a personal update. Congratulations!"

"Thank you! The pastries are from Tatli, oh! Except for these," She motioned toward the peppermint bark brownies from behind the counter. The light catching across the diamond ring that now laid across her finger, sending rays of lights dancing across the glass. "Those I made. Can I get you anything? Coffee? A baked good?" She tilted her head to the side as she flashed Nyra a small smile. "And oh! Um, pretty good? Busy! We have been packed full of customers all day, but I can't complai- unless you meant how things are going with me personally, didn't you?"

[kenxmatsui]

Hate was not strong enough of a word to describe this so called party. Ken, rightfully, found the thing totally abhorrent and entirely disrespectful to both the dead and the living. He was only going because Leyla and seeing her step out wearing black, caused thoughts shift away from disgust at the event to something far better as his bottom lip caught between teeth while he took her all in, whispering how good she looked and how he couldn't wait for the thing to end was the only bright spot of the night before it went downhill.

Watching Leyla put all her attention in trying to make Bri feel better or helping out Dilan with this party had been expected, he didn't complain. Not much anyway, asides a few grumbles here and there but that should have been expected too. Expression locked to a deep vexation especially after he was made to go up and speak, and his so called eulogy consisted of a fact; She's hiding not actually dead. Relegating himself to a corner with a drink was for everyone's benefit. Did it truly matter for everyone to say something? Weren't empty words and forced speeches worse than not saying anything? Especially for something like this? He would never be able to fathom why Bri, or anyone, really want such a thing.

Mood had been a downward trajectory and it did not improve in the slightest as the night went on. It wasn't an expectation nor did he care about luck, just a fanciful wish to want to have a better time than last year, where he spent it in worry and in search of her. This year, despite it being an entirely different circumstance and he had eyes on her, a drunken peck on the lips before Leyla scurried off was not something he had in mind either. Ken stayed outside long after the fireworks had stopped, didn't follow the crowds as they scattered back inside, he wasn't sure if Leyla forgot or is she knew and didn't focus much on it, either way Ken spent the start of their anniversary alone.

To be pulled out of his thoughts by a text from Devrim had not been on the cards either but this night was full of wild turns and disappointments, so, this, might as well fucking happen. He didn't acknowledge the message, just showed up to where a very drunk Devrim and Leyla were. Save the hardened scowl, his temper only flared at the nonsense on display, but it took a turn for the threatening when Devrim poked him, "Touch me again and I'll rip your hand off. Not joking." As he ran off after the blonde, Ken huffed an exhale and placed an arm around Leyla in support as they walked towards the truck, and truly had to hold back a shudder upon seeing it. "Christ, who the fuck thought this piece of shit was a good idea. This," he pointed, aiming the comment at Savannah, "Is what you should actually be sorry about."

Ken should have, at least in theory, found it cute or at least along that line when Leyla spoke, but with mood far too into the negatives a sense of discomfort prickled at his skin, a feeling he had not felt in her company for the longest time, and settled as something he wasn't entirely fond off at what she said. "It's neither," he told her as he helped her into the passenger seat, "And no. That's not correct. Unless you meant to say where below." Feeling exhaustion seep in already, Ken simply sighed and started up the car as soon as he slipped into the drivers seat, but the ruckus caused reached a level he truly could not entertain any longer. Reaching over he grabbed the phone off them and held it out the open window, "One more sound and I will throw this out without remorse, understood?" Thought escalated to potentially running it over as well if they didn't listen. "Don't fucking push your luck and think I'll be accommodating, I'm doing you a favour when I really do not have to. Now, where am I dropping you both off?"

@devrim-selvi

closed starter || @cantfightmoonlight + @kenxmatsui Dev, Sav, Ken, Leyla, and chaos. Also, alcohol.

On the last day of 2024, Devrim gifted Savannah a new car. He insisted. It was for the safety of their child. They took it to the New Years Eve party, The Death of Bri, after he parked several blocks away when picking her up, so their daughter wouldn't meet him for the first time as the guy picking her mom up for a party.

“You like the truck?” Devrim had asked Savannah, followed by, “Good. It’s yours.”

A party was hardly Dev’s idea of a good time, but he always had fun with Savannah. Even when she made him so nervous he was driven to drink in excess. Belligerent by the time he was told to give his eulogy, Devrim stumbled on stage with Savannah where he whispered to her, “Why are we up here?” Before looking around and figuring it out. “Happy Birthday, Bri!” Devrim and Savannah slurred out of sync before fumbling off stage.

When Devrim texted Ken for a sober ride home it was like the vampire already knew Dev was going to need him. “How’dya know I was gonna need a ride home?” Stupid grin on his face, he poked Ken in the chest. “You’re in my head.” Into the pocket of Ken’s suit, Devrim dropped the keys to Savannah’s new truck then yelled, “SAVANNAH!!!” before taking off. He moved faster than he had in months. The pain in his legs lessened by the excessive alcoholic. From which, he’d be hurting tomorrow.

“Shot gun!” He joked joyfully before trying to open the truck’s back door. “Unlock it, unlock it, unlock it.” Devrim tried the door handle at every request without success. “Ken! It’s not…” An audible click interrupted him, then he flung open the door with a cheer. “Need help getting in?” To Savannah he offered his hand, before climbing in behind her. In the siren’s ear he whispered, “Remember what happened last time we were in the back of a truck? Ha!” He laughed boisterously at himself before quietly asking Savannah for her phone to put music on the truck’s speakers.