#king:start

[warrentrudeau]

In two years, Warren couldn’t say that he had seem tremendous results ( though results had been attained ). But he knew that going in didn’t he? He knew that change wouldn’t be instantaneous and as easy as other things had been in his difficult life. With each passing day, it felt that the anger within only grew greater, as though the difficulties added fuel to the already raging fire. The burn of the alcohol before him hardly helped assuage that inferno, yet it seemed to be the only thing keeping him sane these days. This was far from the Warren Trudeau of a few years ago who, albeit quiet by nature, had held onto his principles and a sort of hope that life could be better. Unsurprisingly, he had lost that the night he lost his mother, which was what had him frequenting bars and leaving behind the life that his mother had been so proud of. Swirling the amber liquid in the glass, thoughts still ringing too loud in his head for Warren’s liking, a presence beside him caught his attention and, he motioned to the bartender to send a drink on his behalf. “Liquor’s weak here,” he commented lightly, tilting his head only slightly in their direction. 

[marcusdevereux]

The noise his car made as it began to seize up on Marcus had startled the poor musician, the man on his way back from St. Remy, a neighboring city just outside of Kingston. Marcus didn’t mind traveling for gigs, but it was late into the night at this point and unforeseen instances like this were frustrating beyond belief. He had called the insurance company, waiting for someone to arrive so his car could be towed back to Gold Crest where he resided, but he had the oddest feeling it was going to take a while before anyone came to his rescue. The highway was deserted, a random car or truck passing by and zooming off without a second look back at the stranded artist. 

It seemed as though hours passed by before he noticed headlights and a car slow to a stop behind him. It was a curious sight considering the car didn’t by any means look like a tow truck. He waited in the driver’s seat, his doors locked in case this person was looking to stir trouble. 

“What are the chances that they’re a serial killer?” he muttered to himself sardonically, “Don’t worry Marcus. You’re too young and pretty to die like this.” Not to mention he had never hurt a fly. If he was going to be murdered on the highway like this then his karma must have been severely out of whack. 

[kiranyashvardhan]

Parties in the Yashvardhan household were always a ball and Kiran would be lying if she said she didn’t go all out for them. As much as she enjoyed going out and attending other people’s events, she would swear on her life that her family threw the best ones in the entire city. No one could rival the Yashvardhans when it came to partying, and definitely no one could enjoy holi better than the youngest. A smile was plastered on her face as she tried to avoid being hit by the color while ambushing those around her. The holiday always brought out her childishness and also her competitiveness. As she walked through the crowds like a predator on the prowl, Kiran spotted an unsuspecting soul with their back turned to her and too little color on their outfit for her liking. Mischief in her eyes, she grabbed a handful of color and approached them. A small tap on their shoulder to get their attention, she waited for them to turn before belting with glee as she tossed the vibrant colors in their direction. “Happy Holi!” 

[mayorcarlisle]

Benjamin Carlisle was practically rushing out of the mayor’s office. It was something he did often before he could be stopped by an intern or a city council member or, god forbid, a member of one of the families. This one hour was his chance to take a break from his life and just enjoy a meal in peace. He didn’t know why his lunch breaks felt so sacred, but they were a much needed respite before he dove head first back into the messy red tape of his mayoral responsibilities. He was so close, almost out the door, his ID card -his badge of honor- at the ready to flash very briefly before he could be out those doors. 

But of course, as was usually the case, he heard it. “Mayor Carlisle!” Ben should have ignored it, pretended he didn’t hear someone call out to him. However, his instincts betrayed him and the blond man happened a glance over his shoulder. The short acknowledgment was enough to make eye contact with the person who was calling out to him. Benjamin groaned under his breath, clipping his mayor badge back onto his suit jacket before turning back. It was one of his diligent interns who had called out to him, the reason why he plastered on his fake smile. He wasn’t really the type to yell at interns or yell at anyone for that matter, but his disappointment was evident.

“I’m sorry... sir...” The young fresh out of college employee managed between breaths. They obviously ran all the way down here. “But there’s... someone waiting for you... in your office.” Ben laughed, “You let them into the mayor’s office with no mayor in it?” The realization seemed to only process now and the young woman began apologizing profusely. “Never mind. Don’t worry about it. I’ll head back up.” And so he did, walking all the way back to his office and seeing all the same familiar sights on the way. Ben couldn’t help, but wonder if he had rushed past his mystery guest on the way out without even realizing it. Ben readied himself as he swung open the door to his office, greeting his visitor with a smile. 

[leonxrdovillarreal-blog]

TEXT: COUNCIL

Leonardo: Benjamin Carlisle has been missing since last evening. Has anyone seen him? Has he reached out to any of you?

[mrs-s-carlisle]

Sofia had mainly kept herself to herself over the weekend, not wanting to run into anybody who might want to discuss what had happened at the party - she had already rehashed it enough that night and over again in her head since - and when it was the only thing on her mind there was nothing else she could talk about. It was a lose-lose situation. The one thing she did have was her dogs, who had been begging to be walked all morning, and while she could have let them run around the back yard happily she knew Lexi and Duke much preferred the park. How could she refuse them anything? They were the only babies she was going to get. The only ones she deserved according to Amrita. “Good boy, good boy,” She praised as she ran her fingers through her youngest’s fur, ruffling it just the way he liked. She was so at peace in that moment that she had forgotten why she hadn’t stepped over the door all weekend and even failed to notice the presence beside her.

[krish--yash-blog]

Krish was high drunk. While thankfully his drunken state was a lovable one filled with him running around hugging everyone or targeting everyone with the massive water gun he had filled with a bring pink color, he was all smiled as Holi was one of his favorite holidays. It was also one of the times he would walk around basically force feeding random people alcohol if he thought they weren’t having enough fun. Still, it was all harmless as it was Krishna, in the end, would would never hurt anybody. stumbling around the area, he has downed another drink before throwing the cup somewhere and shouting “Holi hai!” as loud as he could, his dancing and singing still pretty good in spite of being intoxicated.

“Labon Ke Chhoone Se…Khwaabon Ke Kone Se… Oooooh! Lahu Munh Lag Gaya!” He sang adorably loud before spotting someone standing by themselves in the middle of the festivites. “ You!” He shouted louder than he realize. “ You’re my best friend. Come and have a drink with me.” Krish insisted sloppily as he pulled them into a hug.

[abelmaddox-blog]

After being away for some time, Kingston certainly was a sight for sore eyes. It had been an assignment that was more intricate than previously expected, involving impromptu travel through several states and longer wait times. These targets proved to be a bit of a challenge - much to Abel’s delight - but they still were no match for the Maddox family in the end, just like the rest. He arrived back to the city with a small grin on his face and a couple more enemies richer.

The young man stood outside a small club, a couple drinks in. A warm feeling filled him, but he wasn’t quite tipsy, as he raised his lighter to his lips and lit up the cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. He inhaled deeply, before slowly allowing the smoke to escape his lungs, glancing up at the stars. He knew tomorrow he would likely be back to work. But for now, he would relax. He leaned his back against the brick wall, eyes trailing a slightly older male, who smiled suggestively at him. He winked quietly, before rolling his against those same bricks and heading inside. He wasn’t sure if the club allowed smoking inside, but he didn’t much care.

As he reentered the packed room, he took another drag, glancing around nonchalantly. He let out a few tiny smiles and eyebrow raises at familiar faces - some more familiar than others - but, otherwise, he wandered over to the edge of the club, where several couches and tables were positioned. There, he spotted a lonely body, sat near the corner. A small grin swept across his features as he casually approached, sitting down a couple feet away from them. He looked outward at the floor - not at the pair of eyes beside him - as he leaned sideways to speak to the other.

“Out on a Wednesday night.” What probably should have come out as a question came out more as a statement - not judging, more matter-of-fact. After all, he was here as well. But if there was anything Abel was well-known for, it was being found out and about on any given day at any given hour, for one reason or another. He took a long drag of his cigarette, only exhaling to speak. “Must be that kind of week, hm?”

[itsadiratravis]

the bell rang, letting the students know class had finally come to an end. with all the hustle & bustle of people hurrying to leave, adira noticed something fall to the floor out of someone’s bag. quickly retrieving it, she jogged after the person. “hey - hey!” she called out, lightly tapping them on the back once she reached them. “sorry, uh - you dropped ... this? on your way out?” she motioned, holding the item up towards them.

[anishapatcl-blog]

“i’m currently reading romeo and juliet with my class and we’re having an argument about whether they’re relationship was love or lust, and it’s really showing me which of my students are optimists and which are pessimists.” she began to speak, flipping through the play as she graded papers. “what do you think? lust or love?”

[princsssncw-blog]

"This place is absolutely wonderful! What did you say it was called? It is really quite lovely!"

[spiltwines]

the club’s lim lighting reduces its patrons to little more than murmuring silhouettes, but anastasia’s always been gracious for the shadows. another simpering performance down, she’s free to lurk away from the thrumming sea of wealthy men and their long-suffering wives… if not the paid company they’ve indulged in for the evening. a silk dress, pinched in scarlet, hangs over her lithe form as she beckons the bartender for another cocktail; her lungs begin to whine quietly, though, and she’s left to scan her gaze over the nearest figure, her purring accent curling around the words, ‘ got a smoke, love? ’

[mayorcarlisle]

The news had spread like wildfire, the flames not sparing the city’s beloved mayor. How many people had he shaken hands with today? How many had eyed him with that same pitiful glance? How many had offered false and empty condolences. He was a broken record, offering his hand up to stranger after stranger as they spoke of how truly sorry they were for his loss.

“We just heard...”

“We can’t imagine to understand how you must be feeling...“

“So sorry to hear about Mr. Bradley...” 

Reid. His moral compass in a younger life. Gone. Was there anything left of his previous existence? Was there anything good for him to cling onto? Had he done this? Did he inadvertently played a part in Reid’s demise? The skin on his fingers tips tingled with an anxious sensation and no matter how many times he flicked his wrists and willed the feeling away, it wouldn’t. He was marred. There was blood on his hands. Blood of his own kin. The ringing in his ears was interrupted by a voice. He wished he he had pretended he hadn’t heard it, but his flinch had already given him away. He reluctantly forced himself to turn in the direction of the other, avoiding eye contact at all costs. 

[leonxrdovillarreal-blog]

Spring was around the corner in Kingston, New York and there was nothing Leo loved more. The sun shining down on him, finally getting a chance to spend time on the water, a gin and tonic in his hand. He was looking forward to such a change in pace around these parts. But one thing would never change and that was his work and the associates he did said work with. As Leo sat in his lavish Summervale home, listening to one of these very associates list of the many reasons why his latest victim (a renowned member of Kingston’s society) couldn’t pay up the amount Leo was asking for. “Did you show her the video?” he asked, taking a sip from his mug as he stared out the window at the greenery, only made more vibrant by the sun splashing down on it. “We did sir.” 

“Send it to her best friend. Let this other woman know how just close her friend and her husband have been getting recently.” Not a blink or a moment of hesitation as he made the decision. “Call her bluff. Let me know how it all pans out for her then. Anything else?” 

The response came quickly. “No sir.” Leo waved a hand to dismiss him, letting him go and returning his attention to the Ethiopian blend in his mug. He heard more footsteps nearing him and had assumed it was his employee returning with some other forgotten news, but it was not. It was a new guest. “Well hello there. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

[mrs-s-carlisle]

She couldn’t breath. She was trying, but Sofia just couldn’t breath. Every time she tried she just choked on another sob, sobs so loud that she couldn’t even hear what was going on around her. She was never going to stop crying and then she would never breath again and then she would just drop dead and that would be what she deserved. It was the least she deserved after what she had done. A baby. A sweet innocent baby who she loved. How could she have let this happen? She couldn’t even think, her her own thoughts drowned out by the sobs along with everybody’s else’s accusations. “Two minutes,” Her voice was as shaky as her body, a hand clasped over her mouth to try to calm the sobs that came between her fragmented thoughts, “I left her for two minutes. I-I asked someb-body to watch her. It was just two minutes.” But it had been a lot longer than two minutes, maybe ten once the councilman’s wife was done with her. And now Luna was gone.

[krish--yash-blog]

“... With soy milk instead of whole, please...” He could feel the eyes on his back and was doing his best not to hunch over in discomfort. Krish was never one to inconvenience people, but when he decided to surprise his friends with coffee for their hand out, he knew what would be coming along with it. “ And a cafe Americano with two pumps hazelnut, one pump vanilla. A caramel latte, one mocha and three black coffees, please.” He offered a smile to the person ringing him up with a look of absolute annoyance before paying with his card an leaving and overly generous tip as an apology even though he didn’t have to. When it was all said and done, Krish watched the baristas get to work behind the counter and moved off to the side to wait, again forcing an apologetic smile to the woman who was behind him in line as she scowled in his direction. He was so busy keeping his head down that Krish almost didn’t stop in time to collide with another waiting patron. Though he managed to step back before knocking into them he still wore a flustered look as though he had. “ Sorry...”