#irza && henry 01

[irzaozer]

closed starter @henryknight

location: the cozy cup

Irza stepped into The Cozy Cup, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Ember. Ever since the attempted kidnapping, he’d been anxious. He couldn't shake the image of her shaken face that day. As he approached the counter, his eyes unfocused and his steps automatic, he accidentally bumped into someone. The collision snapped him back to reality, and he turned to see a familiar face. It was Henry.  "Oh, hey Henry! Sorry about that," he said, flashing the other an awkward smile. "I guess I was lost in my own world there for a second. How've you been?"

[irzaozer]

Irza nodded, flashing Henry a half-smile. He was glad someone got it, even if it sucked that Henry had been through similar things. “Thanks, man. It’s good to hear you can relate. I’m trying to move past it, but it’s tough.” The situation in this city was no joke. Some days he wondered if he was even qualified to deal with it. “You’re right, though. Can’t let it consume me.” When the other brought up his sister, he perked up a bit. “That’s fantastic news. Kids are resilient, aren’t they? It’s amazing how quickly they adapt.” He wished that was the case for most people, though. Most couldn't adapt or play nice with others. "I was just thinking, if everyone were more like little kids, maybe the world wouldn't be in the state that it's in right now."

——- Biting some at his lower lip as he listened to the other's words, emerald eyes curious — and he definitely could relate to feeling paranoid. he definitely was himself. ❝  i can relate to the paranoid feeling. i think — we just have to try and live past it, which i know is easier said than done. ❞ henry was in a new place and basically as a new person — so he was definitely paranoid over the idea of everything being found out. it was something he wasn't ready for. giving a little nod at the friend mention and letting it slide as he could sense irza wasn't in the best mindset to face things right now. the brit wasn't one to push. ❝  no — it's fine. you're always welcome to share with me when you feel ready. ❞ he gave a soft warm smile. ❝  oh, um — she's doing really well. she's in daycare so she's making friends and it's really nice for her. ❞

[irzaozer]

He nodded, appreciating the understanding. Recent developments was making him feel like he couldn’t breathe. Leaning in, he kept his voice low. "It is, but at the same time, I feel paranoid too. Like I'm always looking over my shoulder. It's not a great feeling." His hand raked through his dark hair. His eyes, usually sharp and focused, were now clouded with worry. The recent attacks on people connected to the mayoral office had left him on edge, constantly questioning everything. "She’s a friend. It might not have always been that way, but things change…" He couldn't finish, shaking his head. His gaze drifted, mind clearly elsewhere. The idea of her in danger twisted his gut, a feeling he wasn't ready to face. Forcing a smile, he tried to change the subject. "Sorry for dumping all this on you. How about we talk about something else? How's your sister doing?"

——- Joining without hesitation to be an ear for him — it was almost like henry's bartending job. he just was always willing to listen and provide the best he could for his customers. others in town was no exception. ❝  well it's a nice thing to care, first off. secondly we can be glad she's okay and hope it doesn't happen again right ? ❞ he offered as he surely didn't know ember the way irza did. henry was still getting out and around wilmington more these days. the first couple months with his little sister he hid away, just finding her to be his main and only focus. ❝  a bit — but it's nice you're friends now. ❞ he gave a soft grin as he rested his hands on the table together. ❝  that's definitely something to be curious about. and — can i ask why this one particular feels personal ? ❞ this just definitely showed the brit that irza truly cared for ember. of course their story wasn't for him to know unless provided, but he was always open to listening.

[irzaozer]

"Please join me. If anything, I could use the distraction." Irza said heading over to the table and dropping into a chair like his bones had suddenly turned to lead. When he glanced at Henry, it was clear he appreciated the guy's willingness to listen without judgment. "I can't stop thinking about what happened to Ember. The attempted kidnapping... it's shaken me more than I'd like to admit." He fumbled for words, clearly struggling. "Weird, right? I didn’t care about her for years. Now, we’re actually friends.” He slumped back in his chair, his gaze wandering around the coffee shop before it landed back at the other. "I keep wondering who would do this, and why," he went on, his forehead creasing. "I feel responsible for the safety of everyone in Wilmington, but his feels personal." 

——- Offering a friendly smile towards the other as he put his hands in his pockets and naturally — henry was a fidgter, nervous or not, he had to do something with his hands, so pockets were best in most cases. ❝  you're very welcome. ❞ he said warmly before hearing the words irza said. it hit henry's heart some. he was a kind, caring soul, he wanted to make sure everyone was good as possible or be the good for them. why add any stresses ? even in the worst moods, the brit wore a smile. ❝  yeah — i think i can understand that. ❞ he said in a low voice, but the worry still present and clear. ❝  oh, well — if you're offering, i don't mind joining you for a bit. ❞ he glanced around briefly before gesturing towards a free table, and making the walk over to it, gently taking a seat, while removing his phone from his pocket and setting it on the table beside himself.

[irzaozer]

Irza's eyebrows shot up at Henry's offer. He hadn't realized he was wearing his stress like a neon sign. A small smile tugged at his lips as guilt gnawed at him for interrupting the other man's alone time. "I appreciate that, Henry. Thank you," he said, gratitude evident in his voice. He hesitated, weighing whether to unload his troubles. "I'm... managing," he finally admitted, his tone strained. "It's been a challenging time, with everything that's happened recently." He glanced around the coffee shop. "Maybe we could grab a table? If you don't mind, that is. I understand if you'd rather enjoy your time alone." He shifted nervously, torn between wanting to confide and appearing vulnerable. His mind drifted to Ember, wondering if she felt as shaken as he did. The thought of her in danger made his stomach churn. Who would even do this?

——- Something about henry is he was like a king of being clumsy and not fully paying attention — how he was trusted and did well raising a kid was beyond even himself. so when he was busy texting someone on his phone and got bumped by someone — he dropped the electronic and looked to quickly see who it was. seeing irza his emerald eyes softened some before he bent down to grab his phone. ❝  hey — it's all good. ❞ he offered a friendly smile after making sure his phone was good and pocketing it. ❝  oh — if you ever need to talk, i'm here. i'm doing alright, however. just trying to enjoy some time to myself — which is rather rare for me. ❞ his life was work and athena, so it just being him on a day off was something still new, but he was trying. ❝  and how are you ? ❞