#c:steven&etta

[little-earthquakes-rp]

Closed Starter: @etxrnaleclipse

Sitting in the quaint coffee shop Etta beamed waiting for her friend. Using the mug to warm her hands she purposely took a window seat hoping to catch Steven even before he made it inside. She smoothed her skirt and cautiously took a sip of tea too hot to be fully enjoyed yet it seemed. When Steven suggested they catch up she excitingly suggested Cafe Bohemia for its eclectic and bright setting. The pastries and drinks were top-notch as well.

Catching his profile just before he walked in she quickly waved hoping she was seen. The smile that bloomed couldn't be contained and reached up to her eyes at his arrival. She stood up in expectation of a brief hug after he entered. A cheerful greeting excitingly escaped, "Good morning, I'm so glad you could make it. It's so good to see you." Etta took her seat and continued to smile. The friendship she shares with the detective is unique as she accredits him to saving her life.

[little-earthquakes-rp]

In the time they've known one another, he'd become an anchor. Literally, someone who kept her here. Unfortunately, not too long after Etta hit LA things continued to unravel, and she soon found herself desperate and alone on top of the building contemplating rather or not to jump. It was the faithful day she met Officer Steven Carlise. He showed up with patience and compassion and talked her down from the ledge. Steven carried an air of serenity whether he knew it or not.

The flowers he carried were incredible as always. Leaning into the short embrace she beamed and took the bouquet with his offering, and smiled before she added. "Oh gosh, they're incredible. Thank you." Etta tilted the flowers taking in their fragrant scent before she gushed. "These are just as lovely. You really don't have to, but I do love them." Etta rested the bouquet on the table and slid down into her seat. Etta had something for him as well but just assumed to offer it at the end of their visit.

"Good...really good actually," she answered. She'd always made a point to attempt to recollect everything positive that happened in between their visits in a way to give back. "I'm still working at the middle school, and my kids are just so amazing." She paused and let out a soft sigh before admitting, "Well most of them anyways, but even the troublesome ones aren't that bad. I'm happy there so I can't complain. I've also been helping out at the community garden around the corner from my apartment and have met some wonderful people." Not wanting to dominate the conversation she asked, "How about you? What's new?"

He would always make an effort for her. Etta had been someone who changed his life almost as much as he hoped that he changed hers, and ever since that day, Steven made sure to keep in touch, even if it was just for a brief chat. People like her made an impact, people who he had helped in some way, and he clung to that in his darkest days of his job. It gave him a reminder that it was not all bad, that some stories had happy endings. So he approached the cafe with a small bunch of flowers in his arms, a tradition he had upheld in the years since they met.

"Hey Etta." Steven smiled at her as he approached, wrapping his free arm around her shoulders in an embrace before pulling back to hand her the bouquet. "I had hoped for sunflowers this time, but they had none left." Always next time. He sat down in the chair opposite his friend and removed his suit jacket, hanging it over the back. "How have you been?"