#tanerc.talk

[dxrkenedheights]

where: fight night june 21st

with: taner deniz and nora jones @ofwrxth

★・・・・・・★

"Brad!" Taner yelled, trying to stand strong against the current of people. The flash and cry of sirens nearing was enough to send everybody into a panic, people running in all directions like their life depended on it. "Brad!" he shouted again, looking for the stark opposite features anybody would expect a Brad to have. Nora. It was the easiest way to not raise suspicions with her family and just one of the many things they did to keep ticking along without any problems. Thinking about it, she should've been Alice and he could've been Brad but there wasn't much time to think when the barn was erupting into chaos. It was risking a lot because what if he found her as Ethan or JJ did? How would he explain running in the opposite direction of the crowd just to get to her? But that's what he needed to do. What man ran from trying to protect the woman he cared about? He was swept with worry that she was going to be dragged down or pushed aside as it was every man for itself. "Brad!" Another yell as he elbowed through friends and affiliates, and then he saw her and Taner didn't hesitate. He grabbed hold of her hand, pulling her towards him but not without his hands then taking her face gently. "You okay? You good?" he spoke loudly above the noise, leaning slightly to read the expression behind her eyes. "Let's go, I know the others will be fine. I saw Ryan got Tammie." he quickly explained, knowing she'd be worried about her family even after all of the Hell they caused for the two of them.

[dxrkenedheights]

★・・・・・・★

Taner couldn't remember the last time there was genuine concern for his safety. It was nowhere to be found until he met Nora and while there was a warmth knowing she cared, it was foreign. Welcomed in easily but awkwardly sat there, not knowing how to be addressed. His protective nature didn't want her to worry on his behalf either, thinking it was a means of failure to make the person he cared for experience any emotion other than happiness. It was then he wondered if her family were right, if Nora would only blossom when he was far away from her. "I've got pretty good at it over the years." he laughed, watching her work with a slight tilt of his head. His deep eyes were fixed on her every movement, the pain weaved through with the stitches was comforting. Probably because of who's hands were creating them. "You can want to protect me I guess but that's not your job, Nora. It's mine." he said sincerely but quietly, one of his hands feeling confident to hold her waist low enough to pull away if the curtain suddenly pulled open. They were used to it now, becoming professionals in stealing affection wherever they were. Fleeting moments of pure bliss were better than none at all.

He wished it would be easy to leave everything behind. He'd been tempted a few times now. Throw things into his car, take Nora by the hand and just drive. The Reapers didn't take disloyalty lightly but that wasn't the only thing that stopped him. As much as the Jones' felt nothing but spite towards him, he'd never want to see Nora torn away from them. "Does worrying about me hurt you in any way?" He had to ask because if it did, why was he even there in her life? She deserved better. Taner pulled his thoughts back to a practical place for a moment, the hand at his waist getting confident at their privacy for the time being and traveling to cup her face. He stole a kiss, gentle and not disturbing their conversation. "You can be my phone call tonight if you want. I already got bail covered." it's how the reapers worked, and it'd mean extra jobs to pay it back which fed into the cycle but he wasn't going to question that too deeply.

Nora always tries to be brave for the people she loves. Like fireflies in a mason jar on a hot summer day, she tries to catch fear with both her hands. She tries to force it down so she can focus on what her family needs. And now, what Taner needs. She doesn’t want him to think she’s afraid, even as she chews her lower lip before his cavalier words force a soft laugh from her. She pauses what she’s doing and gives him a stern look, or as much of a stern look as Nora can muster. “I’d be so mad if you did that, Tan.” The younger Jones firmly believes that best hands for his wounds are her own. “And then I’d be mad that you gave yourself shitty stitches I’d just have to fix.” As if to prove her point, she sets aside the gauze and picks up a suture. “Why is that stupid?” she lowers her voice even more, not meeting his gaze as she shrugs, “Of course I want to protect you.”

She doesn’t say those three little words but they’re evident in the care she takes, stitching up his wound. Her hold is gentle but firm and her work is careful but confident. She didn’t need to say them because her actions told him how she felt. Eventually, a soft sight escapes her. This is the part she hates – how the Reapers are family but they’re the sort of family that can get you in trouble. She’s heard stories. “Maybe dumb circles are better than stupid accidents?” There’s no bite in her tone, because she knows he can’t stop it and, beyond that, she knows he doesn’t want to stop. It’s part of who he is and she’s known that from go. She still hates seeing him hurt. “But…I’m working on it. I know it doesn’t seem like it but,” Nora finally looks at him, green eyes sincere as she speaks, “I am. I hate worrying.” She never thought of herself as a worrier until she understood what being part of the Reapers could mean, and then worry never stopped.

[dxrkenedheights]

★・・・・・・★

Taner let out a sardonic laugh feeling a rift of rage cycle through his mind. JJ was arguably the most annoying Jones, since the eldest didn't bother trying to throw insults or obvious punches. He just became irritating and easily pushing Taner to be the first one to lose his cool. "I don't know if you're too comfortable there or if the idea of Bruce having your head isn't as scary as it used to be but when I say now, I mean now." he snapped, watching how the Jones hadn't moved an inch. "We're against the clock, JJ. I can't be any clearer than that." Taner sighed, rubbing his hand through his beard as he looked to the truck. This was stupid and as an enforcer, Taner thought he had the right to choose who he got stuck with for jobs. "I guess being difficult is your favorite past time."

"yeah almost done." he replies lazily and jackson watches the keys land by his feet, paying them no mind and not allowing them to rush his beer. he sips slowly, smacking his lips as if he has all day just to piss taner off. he hates him, if he hasn't already made it clear. "aw well if they ever demote ya, come tell me first. i'll plan the party." he lifts the can up to toast the very thought of waving goodbye and seeing the back of taner's slicked hair. "bruce can get what he gets, you know cops circle brookwood like fuckin' vultures so best to not have much of a plan and see what works when we're there. yeah?" he nods upwards, words sharp and quick as he takes another leisurely sip of beer.

[dxrkenedheights]

★・・・・・・★

Taner was brimming with confidence as he stepped into the ring. Wolf's name and reputation were daunting, along with the fact he had been inside for five years. Still there was a hint of cockiness in the younger man, thinking age would be an advantage and Taner hadn't quite learned that Wolf's sparkly personality was all part of the trickery at times. Center Hill's very own Loki. He approached at the same time, prepared for the cordial exchange but laughing as Wolf flinched. "Aw, I'm gonna feel bad hurting you. You're someone's grandpa now, right?" he chided without any good nature in the tone. If he could get under Wolf's skin, it was just another tally next to the advantages he thought he had. He scoffed at the childish retort, shaking his head as the crowd jeered with amusement. All he could do next was wait and Taner was patient when he needed to be, eyes shifting through the rows of people and finding Nora's gaze. He didn't nod to her like he wanted, but he raised two fingers to scratch behind his ear briefly. Her sign that he was thinking of her. Then there was no time for sentiments. All Taner could do was focus, ignoring the fact it was all meant to be good fun. He went for it, without holding back but Wolf was a difficult man to try and knock out. The damn Cross would duck and dive like he was made of springs until finally, Taner landed a hit right in the other man's face which sent him backwards into the ropes. "Was that a ticklish spot too?"

closed starter, fight night wolf and taner @dxrkenedheights

.

These nights are a glorious yet brutal form of entertainment. Wolf has always enjoyed them, immersing himself into something of a gladiator. Give the people a show. He's pacing the ring but not from agitation or anger, he's riling up the crowd. His laugh is beaming as he continues a call and response with the gathered people. He's dotting kisses to his love's foreheads, throwing his fist in the air to incite cheers and a few friendly yet competitive comments about his possible victory against Taner. He then approaches the other man with a large grin, offering out a fist for a civil interaction but as Taner lifts his own, Wolf pretends to jolt from surprise fear before he erupts into laughter. "Ha, kidding. Didn't think I'd be that scared of you, did you?" he goads with as much good nature as one can expect from the eldest Cross. "We're gonna have great fun, Taner. I think it's worth mentioning I'm somewhat ticklish. Right here." he rolls down his shorts just an inch, flicking a finger over his waist line. "If you're brave enough."

[dxrkenedheights]

★・・・・・・★

Taner couldn't fight the small smile at Nora's confirmation, nodding his head and possibly being too confident thanks to the adrenaline. If any of the Jones' did discover them, then what? Taner always talked himself up into saying he'd just tell them to accept it, point out the obvious hypocrisy they had towards him and Nora. But, then he'd look at her and feel guilt for ever putting her in that position. Her family mattered to her which meant it mattered to him."Don't be sorry." he said gently, taking his eyes from the road for a second to check the belt was secured before focusing again. He huffed out a thoughtful noise for a moment, shrugging as his head shook. "Think they were probably hanging around for something else. That fancy thing's close, right? The country club? I don't think we have a rat." he said thoughtfully, trying to put as much distance between them and the barn and as quickly as possible. It took a few beats for the adrenaline to subside, partially better when the scene had left their rear view altogether. "You okay?" he glanced to Nora, only to see she was already watching him and he grinned slightly before he chuckled. "You look like a little deer in headlights."

Nora's heart pounding like a drum as they skirt around people and push past others. She holds fast to Taner's hand, knowing that he'd keep them safe, trusting that he would, and breathing a sigh of relief when she's proven right. With his car in sight, Nora considers her options and nods at his question. "I want to go with you." She reaffirms, looking up at him. She hates that this is how things are but in the sea of chaos, she'd been looking for him. Her sister would be safe with Ryan and her brothers were fast. She slides into the passenger seat, pulse quickening with the shouts of law enforcement in the distance. She twists in her seat to catch a glimpse of flashing lights in the background. "It'll be fine," Nora reassures him with false confidence, likely spurred on by adrenaline before a sharp turn has her sliding into the door a bit and she nods briskly. "Right, sorry, forgot." She snaps it on and continues looking back for a long minute before exhaling finally as the lights are left in the distance. "Do you think they were waiting?" she looks over at Taner now, eyes wide as she watches his profile keeping focus on the road. "Or just altogther bad timing?"

[dxrkenedheights]

★・・・・・・★

“I hope you don’t squint too much.” Taner laughed, moving into action quickly as he ensured their joined hands never loosened for a second. Every time there was the threat of Nora getting lost within the panic, Taner held tighter, tugged her closer while fighting for their way out. Like many and all of them, he had been in his fair share of chases, on foot or vehicle and this was just another one of those moments only heightened by the need to protect her. He watched the conflict on her features, Taner glancing to the barn and back to her once they reached his car. “They’ll be okay.” he told her warmly, an attempt to offer some comfort while the grip around her hand softened and was able to give a gentler tug towards him. Taner’s eyebrows raised when she admitted the willingness to lie so freely and a subtle smirk danced on his lips. “You sure? I can stop around the street or something.” he offered again, but he was aware that her family created the need for the lies and secrets. But with more sirens on the way, cops yelling in the distance, Taner refused to dwell on anything else but getting behind the wheel with a nod at Nora to join him. “I know now’s not the time but we really need to think of something in case-” Taner’s concentration was cut from his speedy control of the car, having to reverse through the trees and turn before they could meet with a road. He glanced at Nora, spotting her seat belt rattling with every bump of the drive and he tutted loudly, gesturing to it with his chin. “Come on,” he laughed with no bite, hand moving from the shift stick to take it from her the rest of the way and fasten it as he focused on the road. “No point in me looking after you if you don’t look after yourself.” he grinned, finally able to swap uneven grass and ground for smoother tarmac.

Nora's focus is fixed on Taner, a nervous laugh escaping. "You think? I guess you look like an Alice if I squint." But that's all the time they have to make light of an increasingly serious situation. She hears the sirens drawing near and grips his hand tightly, following as the crowd pushes around her, threatening to tug her from his grasp. Still she holds firm and follows his lead, picking up the pace to keep with his longer strides. She's breathless by the time they stop, heart pounding as she follows his gaze back to the barn and to where her family might be. Nora falters for a beat, chest rising and falling as she considers her options. "I..." This is always the question – what will happen if they know? They'd already made their position on him clear, to the point that breaking up with him the first time had seemed the only option. But now she wonders if that's the case, or if fear has kept them in this lockstep of sneaking around, of trying to avoid the judgment and harsh reality that he was disliked by her family. "I'll say that I got home. Tammie's gonna check on Faith. Elijah will go to dad's and JJ will go to Cricket." No one would check on her place if she says she's home. Or she doesn't think so anyway. "I want to stay with you." She admits, his presence like an anchor in the chaos of the night. "I'll leave early," Nora offers, thinking it might help, as she tugs at the passenger side door.

[dxrkenedheights]

★・・・・・・★

It was a risk, like anything with Nora in recent months, but the last thing on Taner's mind was running into her family. His hand was locking hers into place firmly, keeping her right at his side and as close as possible. The only focus was getting her out, already planning several steps ahead.Another night inside for something stupid wouldn't hurt, a good cause as long as Nora got home safely. Her joking comment pulled Taner from his focus for a split second, eventually grinning down at her. "Kind of late now, hm? You're beginning to suit it." he teased dryly as he glanced ahead, noticing the closing in of cops and quickly diverting their direction, gunning for the opposite exit and hoping he wasn't harshly pulling her along with him. Even when out of the barn, the chaos didn't stop and Taner was quickly regaining his sense of direction. "Here, quick." he pulled her closer again as they ran, his car in a distant sight but he could see it between the trees and that was good enough. However, the worry of her family had set in again. It was never far away, there were moments Taner could ignore it and pretend all was well but then a flash of panic would remind him that he had made plenty of enemies. Worth it but worrying, all the same. "I can take you home but they might see." he mentioned, glancing over his shoulder to the scampering figures and the siren lights engulfing the barn like they had just been waiting to descend on them. "You can come with me but what will you say?" he asked firmly, reaching his car and only slowing lightly to get his keys so they could whisk into the seats without stalling.

One second she's talking to Tammie and the next everyone's panicking. Pushed this way and that as people swarm for the exits, it doesn't take long for Nora to lose sight of her sister. "Tammie!" Her voice is drowned out by people shouting and shoving and the younger Jones tries to find a wall to avoid getting trampled. Her gaze is frantic, trying to sort through the stream of people around her, looking for her family's face, calling out their name, calling out Alice! while trying to catch a glimpse of Taner. She eyes the exits, trying to think clinically. Like the craze of the hospital when there's been a MCI – people flooding from all angles, all needing help. All having the same goal. Stay alive. They all have the same goal here. Get out. But no one can agree on a direction and it's like a swarm of ants. Nora's about to chance it reentering the fray, someone grabs her. She jumps and her first instinct is to pull back before she sees who it is. Relief floods through her at the sight of Taner and she nods rapidly, scanning his face and the injuries from his fight, checking for anymore. "We can't ––" Ryan got Tammie. It's the only time she's ever felt grateful that Tammie decided a bulldozer was a good choice of partner. Nodding quickly, she exhales, glancing towards the exit and the people pushing through as gravel crunches outside and the police arrive. "Okay. Yeah," she gives him an even look, "I won't let go." She knots her fingers through his and adds, in a particularly Jones brand of poorly-timed humor, "You should really be Brad."

[dxrkenedheights]

★・・・・・・★

If he could help it, Taner tried to avoid any hospitals like the plague. Not only because of medical bills but pride. It was pride that left him with menagerie of scars from make shift stitch ups. This time around, he had no choice but to be dragged along to the hospital. After being sliced like a bit of ham, Taner hadn't been able to dodge the cops and he was more than likely going to be sleeping on a cell floor that very evening. Of course, he wondered if Nora was at work as he sat there and sure enough his dark hues found her lighter ones. A small grin spread over his face, watching as the Doctor left him in her capable hands. "And what happens if it stings?" he asked her politely, still smirking as he kept his gaze on her. His eyes flicked to the curtain then, the smile disappearing as he saw the officer's shadow through the material. "It'll probably be just for one night, you don't have to be so worried." he whispered, reading her like a book. He should have apologized for getting in some more trouble but Taner didn't, brushing his hand over one of hers as she worked while he had the chance. "It was a misunderstanding, by the way." When was it not?

+ TANER ATLANTA GENERAL

Nora knows Taner's job is not without consequence or danger, but that doesn't mean she doesn't care when he comes to her worse for wear. She's caught between wanting to yell at him for getting hurt and wanting to wrap her arms around him, grateful it's no worse. Right now, she can't do either. Forced to follow protocol, Nora maintains professionalism as the resident physician inspects his face and then his shoulder, watching at a distance as she prepares sutures and bandages. You're in capable hands with Nurse Jones, Dr. Meyers reassures Taner before nodding at her as he exits to see his next dozen patients. An office stands watch but Nora closes the curtain, stating HIPAA and something about patient privacy. She draws the wheeled table of supplies to Taner's other side. "I'll start with your shoulder, Mr. Cetin," she says, pressing her lips together with unspoken worry as she eyes the angry gash that she knows could've been deeper if Taner didn't have the skills he did. But a knife wound is a knife wound and his skills don’t make her worry less. Grabbing disinfectant and a handful of swabs, she nods at him. "This might sting so let me know if the discomfort is too much." Nora avoids his gaze, knowing that meeting it would mean the thin wall of protocol she's hiding behind would vanish in an instant. @dxrkenedheights

[dxrkenedheights]

★・・・・・・★

He could sense Nora's concern, in turn causing guilt to surface. Taner never thought about consequences often but it was hard not to since meeting Nora. When the blade ripped through his skin, it was his first thought. If it got any worse, how would Nora find out? How would she cope or grieve? There was no reaction to the pain now, enough adrenaline helping Taner through the worst of it and it wasn't his first rodeo. Just another scar to add to the collection. "Sorry you have to see me like it. If I knew they were dragging my ass to the hospital, I would've ran more." he laughed but he doubted that information would help. It was the truth though. He usually dealt with his wounds secretly, played down the things he got up to so she didn't have any bad nights of sleep. "Protect me?" Taner scoffed slightly, trying to watch her work at his shoulder. "Don't be stupid, come on. You're at work." he teased quietly, eyes strained to the curtains and the silhouette of the officer. The idea of Nora protecting him was genuinely amusing, he didn't think there was anything in the world that could. Pausing when asked about the night, Taner was faltering as he glanced back at her with an apologetic start to his reply. He felt guilt again for not being able to give her an honest answer. "Work, Nora." he shrugged, there wasn't much either of them could do about it. "You don't have to worry, I mean it." Taner added with slightly more vigor. "If you worry, I worry and we're just going around in dumb circles."

Nora worries her lower lip, shaking her head. "I'd try to be gentler but it might not help." she answers literally because she's too worried to play coy. Even if it's part of his job...of the life he leads, she still hates seeing him get hurt. Her heart dropped hearing his name when she was assigned the room and now she feels it beating like a drum in her chest, ever aware of the officer on the other side of the curtain. "I'm not worried," she lies before pausing her work, "I mean...I am...you know I have a terrible poker face," Nora whispers, trying to act lighter than she feels as she continues cleaning the wound. "I just...I hate seeing you like this," she admits without meeting his gaze, eyes focused on his hand over hers. "I wish I could protect you." Because her entire life, Nora has always felt people watching over her and now she had someone apart from her family that she wanted to do the same for. And she couldn't. It frustrated her. "Oh, just a misunderstanding?" she raises a brow, that trademark Jones sarcasm slipping through despite everything. She moves to grab the suture now, "it just looks like it could've been bad, Tan…what actually happened?." The fact that this wasn't even the worst she's seen him hurt makes her stomach turn but she puts on a brave face as she sets about stitching him up. He's got a lot of things worry about and she doesn't want to be one of them.

[dxrkenedheights]

"Looks that way." Taner said as he came to a stop a few paces away from the Jones. It was already obvious that they hated him so any potential civil conversations were out of the window. "The words baby-sitting weren't used if that makes you feel any better." he added, gesturing to the beer bottle that Jackson was enjoying at a leisurely pace. "Neither was demotion. Finish up." he said without ire, moving towards the truck and throwing JJ the keys so they landed at his feet. "Bruce wants us in and out, Lola's already covered the cameras so let's just make it quick and not a big deal. Sound like a good plan?" he didn't much care if JJ had a better idea, he wanted the afternoon to himself and not be sharing a cage with one of the many Jones' who wanted to gut him alive.

CENTER HILL TRAILER PARK + TANER

"ah fuck sakes." jackson groans to himself as he watches taner appear from a trailer. out of all the people to be coupled with on a simple errand and it's him. jj raises the beer in his hand as a subtle way of telling taner not to rush him as he looks the enforcer over with a weary but judgmental scan of his eyes. "you and me then huh? we runnin' low on people or are you babysitting me?" he asks rhetorically, scoffing before he drinks his beer. going much slower now to prolong having to go anywhere with his sister's ex. "or better yet, you getting demoted?" @dxrkenedheights