#v; tbt

[ofovertime]

"Men like you deserve so much better. What a shame for mundane jobs to rule you're life."

The blonde couldn't help but let out a long sigh. Did he deserve so much better? Did he deserve anything at this point? --- that was the real question. Sitting there, his eyes were placed on the other for a moment or so -- it always seemed like the other wanted to bring out the worst of him when he was around. Kento was lucky he was off the clock or he would be after this man.

He always followed the rules, and maybe that was the downside of his life -- but, he couldn't help but it. There was a devil and angel on his shoulder telling him what he should be doing, and what he shouldn't -- if he didn't have to listen, he would.

but sadly he did.

" Can't really bum around and be boring now. If I don't do something, I might die -- I can't just sit around and do nothing. Although I wish one day that the rulers won't have to follow me, so I can let loose. Not as if it would ever happen."

[fiixer]

@thatvigilante // starter call - Gavin

You better be right about this one, Pearce...

The text sat unread for much of the morning, since Aiden first turned down the gig.  That was nothing new.  Lately it seemed he'd been accepting fewer for himself and instead opting to aid where possible, though this time, he'd claimed to have some sort of prior engagements, whatever the hell that meant.  It wasn't Jordi's place to question it; he had, but that was beside the point.  What really threw Jordi for a loop, though, was the near-instant suggestion of a replacement.  In all the time the two had worked together, Aiden never offered to fill his place on occasions where he'd refused a job, so needless to say, it caught Jordi's intrigue.  

That intrigue was the only reason he'd even entertained the idea.  Jordi has a plethora of his own people to call in a pinch, all of whom would gladly jump the moment his name popped up on their phone. And yet, he's staring at a text that's nothing more than a string of numbers.  A phone number. Aiden insisted the guy was good, that he'd see it through and get the job done.  Whether there was even a grain of truth in that, or Aiden was simply trying to get Jordi off his back remained to be seen.  It's a risky gamble to take when so much cash was on the line, not to mention his reputation...but Jordi has never been one to play it safe.

Besides, it's not like there is a world of time to kill with this; the mark had a plan to move on, to New York if he wasn't mistaken, and none of his contacts could figure out when. While that didn't necessarily spell disaster as far as the job was concerned, it did add a certain air of urgency, meaning it took priority and he had to make a choice. Now.

Pacing the length of his hotel room, shielded from the disgusting humidity still plaguing the city well into the early evening, he's weighing the options, going back and forth, but ultimately, the decision is already made.  It's weird to think he trusts Aiden's word enough to risk so much on it - especially when the information provided was I know a guy and nothing more - but there he was, tapping the number anyway, breathing a resigned sigh to the tune of monotonous ringing in his ear. The gears are turning in mind; how best to protect everything he's got on the line, but he has to remember, first thing's first...

The ringing stops, and he doesn't wait, because if this guy turned him down, he'd have to call someone else as soon as possible - or get on the road himself to find the asshole they're after. Neither option sounds great, but he'll do what he has to, if it comes down to crossing that bridge.

" Hey, what's up, how's it going, how's the night, fuck the pleasantry bullshit, I'd rather get straight to the point, but... I also wanna make sure I've got the right guy here." Rattled off quickly while his pacing continues, while the fingers of his free hand absently trace various objects in passing. When it continues, there's a mockery of geniality dripping from his tone, edged by a certain impatience that often came with this sort of nonsense. "Soooo, who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

[loyaltylanced]

You know she *touches wings* every chance she gets

@goldenliight

It's a light pull, and he doubts she even means it. Humans, curious things they are; so... unlike angels. They have something the angels will likely never understand -- the ability to change, to grow. To experience.

He pulls his wing lightly from her hands, only to sweep her up with it; there's an amused smile playing at his lips, and his wing curls close to keep her aloft. " There you are. Isn't that more comfortable, hm? "

[insanislupus-moved]

"- y'know. you keep frowning, an' you jus' might be the first vampire to get wrinkles."

@invitisalvatore

[ircnego]

@eleutheriya liked for a little something. ( for Logan)

"Oh, my favorite morning actively. Drinking and being grumpy. Didn't think I was the only one, but here you are. -- " he couldn't help himself. He had to tease the other for a moment. Who knows what the other was going throw, but knowing tony himself -- he didn't care, there was always something Tony liked to do, and if it was pissing someone off, then he's going to do so.

" So, what's got you drinking? Forgot what time of the day it was?"

[x-knighthood]

"Ya really ought to consider at least gettin ONE tattoo." The once captain carefully ran a brush through his long, black hair, prepping it for her rosemary oil. "Tell ya what the wearer's story is an' what they're about. Got no tattoos means ya got no story!"

Ah.. here they went again. Tattoos.... Of course, he wanted to respect and embrace the culture he's been adopted into. Sure, the knight had a few things he'd considered, but there wasn't one he could set his heart on. "I HAVE considered it, I have!" he said , crossing his arms with a pout. Graham knew it had to be.. special. Whatever it was. But the anxiety of something potentially... not being the best thing in the end scared him to death. Ohhgh....Just her touch alone made the knight melt, even while sitting criss-crossed! He knew it'd make her happy.... but the pricks and the needles! Graham was brave, but-- he was also a bit of a baby. Okay. A BIG baby. Prickly thorn bushes and the claws of purple badgers was bad enough.

"I-- I just dont think I've done anything... significant enough, okay? At least, not nearly enough as you have. "

[escortingsecrets]

"It's fine, I've gotten into trouble for far worse." Shivan winked, turning as Palmer stepped out. "So sorry about that, director, but we couldn't seem to get your attention and I feel terrible that your ride was waiting for so long, but I suppose we can't keep you here forever, after all."

He moved over, batting his eyes a little. "I'm sure we can make up for it next time- I'll make sure to pass it along that your next visit is even better than the current one, and I'll personally see to your drinks as well." Shivan had his act down to a T- one moment he was giggling with Thera, and now he was acting ever bit the perfect Honeybee, down to his subtle movements.

He glanced over at Thera again as he moved behind Palmer, making a playful face at her for a brief second. "Let me walk you two out, at the very least. You're still flushed."

Running off to hide ... or being dragged along by Shivan, trusting his direction because she was giggling too much to effectively run on her own. Oh yes, the memories were certainly coming back!

"Oh," A choke and splutter, keeping as much of the laughter away from her lips and contained in her shaking chest, "I know, I know ... I'll totally take the blame!" That, too, might have stirred recall if there'd been room, but one better for being missed; regardless, if there was any trouble she was the cause, and would happily say so.

Somewhere behind them she could hear - or maybe was just imagining - Director Palmer scrambling and assuring his current Bee that this was ridiculous, must be a misunderstanding, not to worry her pretty head ... Thera shrugged, lips pulling down in thought, "Butter's not so bad. Not saying he's attractive, but he's not as horrid as some."

The door to the room burst open, revealing a thankfully dressed Director with a red face and a huff, "I assure you, I do not have a wife - !"

"Yes, I know." Her voice made him jump, eyes widened, "But you do have a chauffeur, and she would like to get a move on, please."

[ofovertime]

@flamesignite from x

a sigh left his lips. " You might trip and fall next time if you space out like that. You better take care of yourself. --- But if you want to talk, I know I'm a stranger, But I'll be more than happy to listen."

[fiixer]

❝You again? I thought we already went through this.❞

@seeasunset // from a ♡!

The heat of the day lingered well into the evening.  Whatever reprieve the setting sun was meant to give failed, leaving him sticky and gross and in a horrible mood even as he came across the mark he'd sought.  One of many that day, as it turned out.  Another car matching the description he'd been given sat abandoned in a back alley.  A few prior had every box checked save one, and here he found it, the SUV sporting the license plate his contact listed as belonging to Niccolò Barone - the idiot who thought he might get away without paying for Jordi's services.  Bailing on such a deal is sealing one's fate, breaching a deal with the devil, and there was no way in hell Jordi would allow that cash to merely slip away. 

Fortunately, he would make out well either way - whether he forced Barone to pay or killed the man - as it turns out he was not the only person old Niccolò pissed off.  The couple who hired him to find the wayward asshole added few extra zeroes to the price he'd initially pitched for the job, and even paid a small portion up front, so they really wanted Barone dead.  Part of Jordi wanted to ask why.  Alas, a professional does not act on that part.

Under normal circumstances, catching a trail would up the overall mood, but he's already so damn uncomfortable, even that couldn't fix it. People really need to stop being stupid in gross, humid cities, yet it seems those are a beacon of sorts for them. It doesn't change anything. He'll pursue no matter what, but damn if it's not going to complain every step of the way, if only to himself. That discomfort doesn't allow for much lenience, particularly when it comes to intrusions, accidental or otherwise. A voice at his back elicits a sharp turn on his heel, instinct drawing a hand to the gun tucked at his waist and aiming in the same breath, and somehow, finding a vaguely familiar face staring back at him made it worse.

"Yeah, well, I had so much fun before, I thought we'd do it again." Sarcasm borders on venomous, his finger settled beside the trigger for the time being. Familiarity made the situation worse - don't ask him how, it just is - yet still it buys that bit of lenience. A mere threat capable of becoming danger in a split second. That instead resides in the metaphorical bark, where the venom finally bleeds further into his tone. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

[loyaltylanced]

*touches wings* NEW VERSE LET HER TOUCH HIS WINGS FOR THE FIRST TIME PLEASE AND THANK YOU

@goldenliight

It reminds him of Gabriel, the innocent curiosity, the tentative hand. His wings settle comfortably, and there is an amused sort of noise that leaves his mouth. " Have you gotten the chance to fly with your own yet? " It's curious, and he makes no move to shift away from her touch. " Or? "

[wolfvirago]

@trireign - s.c.

Once upon a time, her mother had created little slips of paper, scrawled with letters the young girl had only meager understanding of at that point. It was a prayer, her mother had explained. A warding spell to keep yokai and other demons away from their door. As long as those slips were there, and they were blessed by the sun wolf, then no yokai would ever step foot in the Calatia cabin.

That had been then. Robin had become a young adult, her parents and big brother all gone. The slips tacked around the house had eroded with time, and the blessings had begun to slip away with the daughter’s reluctance to perform the Kagura every year. This fear, this anxiety and self hate… Had let a demon in.

Despite slaying many ugly, terrible creatures every night per her inherited mission… Robin had never seen a demon so beautiful... but it was a beauty one might find in the shimmer of a knife, or shining blue of an poisonous octopus. Something about that made her more frightened than anything ever had before.

“What are you? Who are you?” The wolf didn’t make a move for her mother’s sword, still laying in its sheath on the living room table. Waiting. A distant hum, holy sun-lit magic beginning to awaken under the leather exterior keeping the blade safe. Keeping the stranger safe from it.

[pixieacoco]

@badnikbreaker​ / Kit 💖’d

“You look lost. Did the crowd swallow your friends up?” It was so easy to get separated in the crowds of Shibuya, even easier to get lost entirely. During the busy hours the crowds were like waves. If you got pulled into one going the opposite direction you were headed, there was no going against it. Not without risk of being pulled under at least. You could wind up anywhere like that. If you didn’t know the streets it could be hard finding your way back too.

“No need to look so worried. You could just ask someone for help~ I’m sure some kind soul would be overjoyed to help!” Not her though. She had better things to do.

[ofovertime]

Over the long years, Nanami always understood what was going on, how some things were planned out -- but the day, he knew the other last his best friend there was no one to replace it. Gojo had lived a lonely life he tried to fill --- no one could have filled it. Nanami e especially, never wanted to be someone's second, so maybe it was a reason to keep everyone at arm's length. but he had always watched the other -- he knew the limits the other hand, so hearing, seeing everything the other had, so hearing him talking the way he said what he would normally say, he couldn't help but smirk. ❝ Looks like someone finally grew up. -- but you are right, we can't protect everyone, even though who we are close to... If Yuji had heard what I wanted to say, I might have cursed him, and he wouldn't have needed that.❞

waving his hand, he couldn't help but not care at this point.❝ it doesn't matter what I worked for -- in the end, I don't think it would have made a difference if I stayed or went. I can't help what I knew might have come in the end -- right?❞ he sighed, wondering what his life would start feeling like every day -- being so burnt up. trying to work out what he wanted in his life. who knew. Yet, he listens to the other. a soft smile on his face. ❝ if this is your way of trying to get me to teach longer, you might be onto something. and in Kyoto, far away from you? I really must be dreaming.❞ he teased.

❝ . . . maybe so . ❞ as satoru matured over the years , he's more than seen what suguru geto had been trying to get across to them ; that the world looked down on them for simply existing . they were all tools for a better world whether they wanted to be or not , and while satoru used all his energy trying to save others , he couldn't save everyone . suguru . nanami . okkotsu . itadori . ( are you strong because you're satoru gojo ? or are you satoru gojo because you're strong ? ) he didn't even have an answer to that question nearly ten years later . ❝ . . . there comes a point where we just can't protect them anymore . if i had died , it would have been everyone's burden , but especially megumi's . i wouldn't forgive myself if i cursed him . ❞

❝ . . . i'm sorry the life you worked so hard for got taken away from you . if i'd been quicker , not fallen for that trap in shibuya , maybe it could have turned out differently . ❞ how uncomfortable , giving voice to his failures , he felt like there was a lump in his throat that couldn't be swallowed around . what could he say to lighten the situation ? ❝ . . . you know , i bet it'd make itadori happy to get to learn more from you , don't you think ? in fact , i know a few students who would probably appreciate your way of doing things than mine . that is , if you wanna teach in tokyo and you're not running off to kyoto or something ~ . ❞

[ofovertime]

❛  do you want to tell me about your day?  ❜

*  ―  𝑪𝑨𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑺. || accepting @gohjuo

Since he's been home, Nanami just hasn't been in a good mood. He wanted to relax and get some rest today. But -- He felt off, and he didn't want to put anything onto the other. Sitting there at the table, he looked at him for a moment and shrugged his shoulder.

"It was fine. Though I somehow lost glasses today. So reading has been a little rough and I don't have my second pair. Other than that, it wasn't too bad. how was your day? Did the shoot go well today? how many more days do you have to work on it?"

[loyaltylanced]

"You may be an army of one, but no one said you were well-trained or properly equipped."

@loyaltygraced

" I once commanded all of Heaven. I think I can handle making dinner for a birthday party. "

[escortingsecrets]

"Boots?" He asked, raising an eyebrow a little at the nickname but letting it slide as she joked about the helmets. He never did understand that part of the uniform, and they never did look approachable with nothing visible but the steel.

But then the topic moved to Rebecca, and his cheeks flushed as she mentioned how he looked. "I-... Well, I'm happy that she's around." He mumbled softly. Shivan had never wanted a child, never had an interest, outside of helping to babysit here and there. Now that Rebecca was with him, he had to admit he understood how many people told him that children changed their lives- especially because he knew he could go on for hours about her.

"I know I tend to... Talk about her often. But, it's just..." Well, it was mostly that he was now revolving his world around her. Shivan sighed. "I can see that smile on your lips- I am just... Determined to be there for her, like Wynne was around for me. And I don't know if I'm ever doing enough. I mean- she's out at a friends for the night and I'm here. I wasn't even sure I should have come." He added with a low laugh.

"You're the only one, Boots." Thera tapped Shivan lightly on the nose, clicked her tongue. Maybe ... oh alright definitely, that was a little bit disingenuous. Thera had no real idea who might have noticed her in the Archives or the halls, she simply wasn't interested in finding out. Which made Shivan, as her friend (and also apparently and with all due glee, spoken for), the only one she would trust.

"Oh yes ..." Laughter, returning the hug and hoping that if the President happened to see them he'd give time for an explanation before getting annoyed, "I know there's a reason most if the infantry have to wear helmets that hide the face!" The smile remained as he spoke of Rebecca, though it shifted from mirth to something more fond. "You glow when you talk about them," Her own voice warmed with approval, "you realise that?"