[center][h1][img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjk2LmRlMTk4YS5WR0Y1YkdFZ1EyaHZhUSwsLjA,/zolanti.regular.webp[/img][/h1]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/FaCzAxe.png[/img]     [img]https://i.imgur.com/1Hvat1r.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/6Yi4gad.png[/img] [/center]
[right][h1][color=f49ac2]Edict[/color][/h1][/right]
[center]In collaboration with [@AtomicEmperor] & [@silvermist1116][/center]
[right][code]Outside the Lair -> The Drunken Starfish[/code][/right]
[hr]
[color=CD5C5C]”Yeah, thanks,”[/color] Linqian took Tayla’s lighter from her with a nod. She was about to light her cigarette when Edict just popped up in the middle of them. Fuck! Her eye twitched and she stopped mid flick of the lighter. She wasn’t losing another cigarette to his snobby taste. She took the cheap one out of her mouth and shoved it back in her pocket to have later, before reaching out to take one of his. She lit it with Tayla’s lighter, offering that back to her, and took a drag. She held it in for a few moments, before blowing it out in a sigh. It helped relieve the shitstorm in her mind just a little bit. Enough to actually respond to what Edict had said.

[color=CD5C5C]”Leon actually got me a new car? Shit, I thought he was going to set up a hit on me after last night,”[/color] Linqian half joked, her irritation pushed down beneath the surface now that she was able to smoke - and Lynn was out of her sight. It helped that she’d suddenly gone from having a broken, crappy car to two cars. What did she even do with a second one? She supposed she could give it to her brother when he moved back. She then rolled her eyes. What was the point in Edict talking in ‘code’ if he was just going to bluntly say it afterwards? Whatever, she wanted to get away from the feds (and her ex) as quickly as possible too. [color=CD5C5C]”Yeah, let’s get the fuck out of here. A drink sounds [i]great[/i] right now.”[/color]

Tayla frowned at Edict. She invited Linqian to a drink. Not this clothe wearing bozo. She sighed, taking her lighter back. She refused Edict's offer of a cigarette. On the bright side, they had a car and wouldn't need public transport. Why Leon got Linqian a car to begin with, she got the feeling she didn't want to know. That's not her business. 

Linqian spun on her heel, and started walking towards the park and its attached parking lot - presumably where the car was. Her legs ached when she finally started using them, with scattered burns from her abstraction and tight muscles post tasering. Something she could deal with [i]after[/i] they were far away from the feds.

Tayla followed Linqian towards the parking lot. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Guess I can drive us to that place down by the docks, if you’re still down?”[/color] Linqian looked over at Tayla, unsure if the offer was still there with Edict intruding. Either way, she needed a drink and it would be better to have it [i]with[/i] someone. That’d stop her from fucking spiraling. She was going to make sure one of them drank with her. She looked back over at Edict. After all that shit she kind of wanted to ask him to get into her mind again, just to shove those worries away for a bit, but not with Tayla around. She’d rather nobody else knew that she’d stooped to letting Edict into her brain. [color=CD5C5C]”You’re coming too, right?”[/color]

[color=DE198A]“Yeah, I'm still down. The place is called the Drunken Starfish. It's a bad as it sounds, but the drinks are cheap and the company is good,”[/color] she said, taking a hit of her cigarette. She dumped the ashes on the sidewalk, being careful not to do it in the grass. She's not about to be responsible for a forest fire. The whole city would go up in flames.

[color=DE198A]“I don't care for you to join us, since it wasn't an open invitation,”[/color] she said to Edict, [color=DE198A]“But whatever it is you did last night that pissed everyone off at Auri's, keep it to yourself. I'm looking to relax after that shit show, not deal with your fuckupedness.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”He's not so bad when he's not doing the whole mind fucking thing,”[/color] Linqian said, before side eyeing Edict. Even if the place was cheap, which was ideal when she didn't have much money, it was worth seeing just how much she could push things. [color=CD5C5C]”Maybe he can pay for all the drinks?”[/color]

Edict laughed and smiled.
[color=f49ac2]“Hey, listen… I’m sorry, alright? All this?-” he turned his head to look at the smoke curling up over the neighbourhood, chuckling slightly. “-Usually the pigs scatter at the sight of fire, but what do you know? They’re magic! Fucking PRA. I guess I should’ve figured it, why would they raid the place otherwise?”[/color]

[color=DE198A]“Definitely paying for the drinks.”[/color]

Waving the two girls on, he moved forward with them through the park and onto the adjoining lot. The red Camry was parked with, to Edict’s surprise, two fresh new faces clad in black. They couldn’t have been older than twenty, definitely the Hot Topic type. The one with bright red hair spoke up for the two of them.
[color=0072bc]“Suppose this car is for one of you?-” And then she smiled, pointing at Linqian. “-Gotta be you, saw you last night at the Temple. Here!”[/color]

She stepped forward, voice chipper with smiling blue eyes behind fire engine bangs. There was a set of car keys between her fingers which she happily dropped into Linqian’s hands.
[color=0072bc]“Peace be with you, Sister. We’ll find our way home, enjoy the rest of your day…”[/color]
Edict gave Linqian a wide eyed, questioning glance. 

Linqian gave the red haired cultist her most fake, customer service smile, and took the keys. [color=CD5C5C]”Sure, thanks, you too.”[/color] 

Tayla wasn't expecting a stoner girl to hand Linqian car keys. She knew fuck all about what happened last night. She didn't want to know. Too much shifty shit going on. Her instincts told her not to get involved in whatever the hell Linqian got going on with Leon. 

As soon as she had the car keys in her hand, and the girl wasn’t right next to her, the smile dropped. She took another drag of her cigarette, and damn the shit Edict rolled was pretty good, before turning to catch his gaze. [color=CD5C5C]”What? Pretty sure I told you this morning that I ended up at Leon’s cu- church last night. Can’t say I was paying attention to who was around. I was [i]not[/i] there by choice.”[/color] 

She’d been way too busy cussing Leon out to even realise that there were a shit ton of people there, and now they’d recognise her. Great. She glanced over the new car, which was incredibly nice. She could’ve never afforded a replacement like this herself… Wow. She’d been certain all she’d done last night was piss Leon off, and now she felt a little bit bad. Just a tiny bit. She spun the keys between her fingers and unlocked it. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Suppose I’ll have to thank Leon for this later, I haven’t driven a car this nice since my test,”[/color] Linqian smiled slightly, opening the driver's door. She leaned against it as she finished off her cigarette and dropped it on the ground, crushing it under her shoe. She then looked back at Edict and Tayla. [color=CD5C5C]”Let’s go get those drinks… no smoking in the car, though.”[/color] It wasn’t something she’d normally be fussy about, but if she was going to let her brother use this car she wanted it to be in good condition.

[color=DE198A]“I call shot gun.”[/color] Tayla took one last hit of her cigarette. She'd gotten half way through it on the walk over. The first and last of the day, couldn't even finish it, but not a sacrifice she was going to cry over. She put it out on the ground, stomping it under her shoe, then got in the front passenger seat. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Guess you’re in the back, Greyson.”[/color] Linqian shot him a half teasing smile before getting in the driver’s seat.

[color=f49ac2]”I’m used to sittin’ in the back seat. Usually, the car’s a little longer, but hey who can complain?[/color]

[hr]

Linqian knew the way to the docks, and drove them over after adjusting to the new car. With help with directions from Tayla, she managed to find a parking spot near the Drunken Starfish. It took some time and a little bit of swearing (primarily in Chinese) to figure out how to put on the parking break - because it was a fucking button now, because technological advancements and all that. Once she’d finally properly parked and was confident the car was going to start rolling, she turned everything off. [i]Hopefully[/i] parking here was safe enough, because she wasn’t exactly going to be able to drive it back… Well, whatever. That was tomorrow Linqian’s problem. Throwing that thought to the back of her mind, she got out of the car.

The bar was single story and had the wear of fifty years on the water. The building had white wooden panelling, dark water stains ran down the front and sides. The sign at the top of the building read DNE SRIH from the blown out bulbs that weren't replaced. It looked like the type of place that would have lead paint and asbestos.

Tayla got out of the car and breathed in the sea salt air. She felt calmer already. Nothing like being near the sea. 

A man sitting outside the door smoking a cigarette waved at her. 

[color=DE198A]“Afternoon, Larry. How's the catch today?”[/color] she asked. 

“Shit the further north you go,” he replied. 

She nodded. This time of year did that. It'll be winter soon, and fishing would be rough. Her father would go further south and be away for days at a time. It's during this time she relied on her father's fishing friends, the ones too old to go far in the water, to get to and from the mainland. Her schedule would get a lot more strict this time of year. She couldn't call her father to get her if she was out too late. 

Larry got up and opened the door for her. “Good to see you hanging out with some new people. They not trouble are they?”

[color=DE198A]“Not to me, no.”[/color] She couldn't account for the shit they got up to when she wasn't around. 

He nodded. “Good.”

She went into the bar. It was just early enough that it was empty save for the local drunks that should be on the water, but were too down the drink to work consistently. It was dark inside, the lighting shitty. Everything made of dark wood. There were tables in the middle. The ones along the walls had booths with torn red leather seats and windows that looked out to the docks. To the back of the bar was a stage and dance area.

“Hey, Tay,” the owner, Ruby, said. “Grab a table.” 

She waved at her. She didn't come to this spot often, but anyone that's spent substantial amount of time on the dock knew everyone. 

She turned to the others. [color=DE198A]“I don't care where we sit. All the seats hurt your ass either way.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”I can deal with my ass hurting if my wallet doesn't,”[/color] Linqian shrugged, surveying the bar. It was run down, but she'd seen - and worked in - worse. Clearly everyone here knew each other, which could make for a nicer atmosphere. It also made her feel less bad about the fact she was still covered in tear gas.

She chose one of the tables along the wall, nearer the back. Seemed nicer to be able to look at the docks and she didn't like the idea of sitting right in the middle of the bar. Linqian slid into the booth facing the door, getting right up next to the window so the other two could fight for who sat opposite her and who sat beside her. And if Edict had a problem with her table choice… well he could say, and then she'd tell him to fuck off. 

[color=CD5C5C]”So, what's good here?”[/color] Linqian asked, fiddling with the ring on her right hand as she did. She then lowered her voice and added, with a light laugh, [color=CD5C5C]”well what's least likely to make me want to throw it back up?”[/color]

This place wasn’t exactly Edict’s spot; not when his Uncle’s restaurant and bar were like three hundred feet down the road. He’d been in a few times, and hoped that either the people working there didn’t recognize him, or that there were just new people running the place. He had a short Recollection of a night he and his cousin Nicky were tasked with busting the place up because the owner wasn’t interested in making payments. 
The owner at the time was still there, working late into the night fixing up the place’s inventory, so when he copped a beating alongside the bottles of booze it was seen as a necessary evil.
As far as Edict knew, it worked at the time. The guy was allowed to continue business despite the Anchor being the big bad wolf of the neighbourhood, and life goes on.

Coming out of the visionary flashback, Edict cleared his throat.
[color=f49ac2]”I’ve got you guys, so just go for the top shelf. If you need to eat or something, [i]mangiare[/i] as they say.”[/color]
He did have an eye over at the bar, and thankfully the tender wasn’t anyone he recognized. Neither was the old Fisherman outside, so things were looking good. Edict had elected to sit next to Linqian, figuring Tayla would want her own space, so being at the edge he instinctively got up.
[color=f49ac2]”In fact, lemmie get us started. Beer and a shot?”[/color] he asked, looking at the both of them from eyes unobstructed by his classic sunglasses. Greyson from ten years ago would’ve never taken them off; not even indoors. Now look at him, the shiny gold frames were tucked into his flannel’s breast pocket like an old man.

Tayla slid into the seat across from Linqian. Seagulls cried out to each other on the dock. She felt at home here. She pointed at Edict when he said get top shelf. 

[color=DE198A]“Bingo. Basically, cocktails, the hard shit, and name brand beer is your go to. They have homemade beer. I don't recommend it. It tastes like dog water.”[/color] She turned to Edict. [color=DE198A]“Ruby knows what I like. Just tell her my usual.”[/color] Which was Miller and a basket of fries.

[color=CD5C5C]”Just get me whatever you're having, I'm not fussy,”[/color] Linqian said to Edict with a smile - not having to pay for booze sure did cheer her up. Once he was out of earshot she turned back to Tayla. [color=CD5C5C]”See, this is why I let him come along - gotta have the guy with all the cash pay for shit so us.”[/color]

Tayla snorted and tucked her leg into her chest. [color=DE198A]“I see. Seriously, though, are you-I don't want to say ‘okay’ cause obviously you wouldn't be. If someone threw James in my face like that, I wouldn't be either. So on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being like shit, and 10 huffing daisies, how are you?”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”A solid two,”[/color] Linqian shrugged. What Lynn had said hurt a lot, but it just added to the pain she was already constantly feeling since losing her brother. It was shit. She could pretend it wasn't all she liked, but she was sure Tayla would see through it - she'd experienced it with James after all. [color=CD5C5C]”The slap I got in pushed it up from one, but shit sucks right now. I had to call of work, and I desperately need fucking money, then that bitch went and said that? Yeah, absolute shit. Losing someone fucking sucks without this shit.”[/color]

[color=DE198A]“I get that. I’m just now starting the healing process with James, and it’s been 10 years since he passed. Shit takes a lot of time. How long has it been since Jinhai passed? I don’t think I heard before.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Two weeks.”[/color] Had it really been two weeks? It both felt like it had been years ago, but also like it was only yesterday. Maybe because she kept seeing the scene in her dreams night after night. [color=CD5C5C]”There was so much shit to sort out. The police, cremation, dealing with my younger brother's feelings, then I had to move back… barely enough time to think or feel anything about it myself. Glad to hear you're starting to heal with James, though, that was awful. I hope things have been alright for you recently, all this shit aside. Was surprised to see you back, honestly.”[/color]

[color=DE198A]“Two weeks? And you’re here dealing with all of this shit?”[/color] Two weeks after James’s passing, she started taking oxy. [color=DE198A]“I don’t think I could hold it together this well.”[/color] If James had died a week ago, she’d be an adult and not a child dealing with her grief. It wouldn’t hurt any less, but she wouldn’t be fucked up like she has been.

She shrugged. [color=DE198A]“I never left here.”[/color] She waved her hand around. [color=DE198A]“Been on the same little island, in the same house more or less. I uh went through a big life change a little over two years ago.”[/color] She looked down at the table, smiling. She didn’t do too much of that when she wasn’t with her family. [color=DE198A]“Had to get my shit together.”[/color] She pulled out her phone and showed Linqian her phone screen. It was of her [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/6f/3c/f1/6f3cf1864ba3c5edd61754bc4f8cf56a.jpg]son, Siwan.[/url] [color=DE198A]”And I refuse to let some asshole with a knife take me away from him. Not after all the hard work I put in.”[/color] 

[color=CD5C5C]”Shit, you have a son?”[/color] Linqian's eyes widened, before she smiled at the picture. It was the most genuine Linqian had smiled in a long time… but honestly, she loved children, as surprising as it might be to most that knew her. They reminded her of when her brother was younger and adorable, and she'd always seen them as being part of her future. Whether that would happen now… well, she wouldn't think too hard about that right now. But fuck, no wonder Tayla was back - of course she wanted to live. [color=CD5C5C]”Wow, he's so cute, what's his name? And yeah, fuck that asshole, he's already destroyed enough families. I swear I'll put him in the fucking ground before he takes you away from your son.”[/color]

Tayla laughed. [color=DE198A]“Yeah, I know. I never saw myself having children, but he’s been a fucking life line, honestly. His name is Siwan.”[/color] Pronounced Shiwan. [color=DE198A]“I don’t think I’ve loved anyone more than him in my life and I don’t want him to grow up without me, so we gotta put this asshole in the dirt.”[/color] She put her phone away. [color=DE198A]“He stays between you and me. The only ones that know about him are the people that can keep their mouths shut.”[/color] Namely the folks at the docks. Fishermen protect their own, and after the bad way she was in, none of them want her past coming around to stir up trouble.

[color=CD5C5C]”He's got a nice name. And don't worry, my lips are sealed.”[/color] Linqian meant it. There was plenty she'd tell others about, but something that would affect a kid? Absolutely not. And if anyone deserved a peaceful life, it was Tayla. [color=CD5C5C]”I don't have a kid of my own yet but I practically raised my brother after our parents died… well even before that, so I get it a bit. Sometimes you need someone else to want to keep going.”[/color] She sighed softly. If Huanyi wasn't in the picture, she would have given up after Jinhai died. But that was enough depressing thoughts for now, especially when she was so sober… she twisted around to look over at the bar. [color=CD5C5C]”He sure is taking a while to get a couple of drinks.”[/color]

Tayla trusted her to keep her word. She wouldn’t have told her about him if she didn’t. [color=DE198A]“Amen to that.”[/color] She’s sure she’d be dead by now if she hadn’t gotten pregnant with Siwan. He’s the reason she’s healing. 

[color=DE198A]“Yah, Dick, what’s taking so long?”[/color] she called to Edict. She didn’t have to yell. She projected her voice a little bit.

Edict had been stunted by his own hubris once more; in his thinking everything was going to be fine because he didn’t recognize the bartender, he hadn’t even given a second thought about any of the other patrons. One of the figures at the bar had stopped him.
This someone happened to be from one of his Uncle’s local crews, someone who recognized Edict from the older days. It’d been some time since they’d seen one another, and rather than be rude to someone who very well could’ve earned their badge by now, he smiled and conversed. 

Not to mention, he had to wait for a basket of french fries.

But with Tayla calling him over, it was enough for Edict to break the friendly conversation and make it back to the table with a few high end beers, three shots of tequila and a basket of fries.
[color=f49ac2]“Good choice, can’t go wrong with fried ‘tater. Though, I guess the miller is yours? Linqian, Stella. Stella for me. And Jose Platinum. Enjoy ladies.”[/color]
He handed everything out, then sat back down in a huff.
[color=f49ac2]“Fucking wiseguy at the bar. One of my Uncle’s guys. Gotta play it nice, you know?”[/color]

And then he turned his attention fully to Tayla.
[color=f49ac2]“We didn’t really speak much at the other meeting. It’s nice to see you again, Sis. How’s the troubles with you? When I prodded the other night I noticed that you didn’t have anything up, so… What happened?”[/color] he asked frankly.

Tayla rolled her eyes, then shot Linqian a look for letting his bozo come along. At least he’s the one paying out. The least he could do if she had to hear him talk. It’s like listening to a cringe compilation and dying inside at every word. She dug into her fries. She needed something on her stomach before she could drink. [color=DE198A]“How about you don’t call me, ‘sis.’ That’s weird. And ‘What happened?’ What happened when?”[/color] 

[color=f49ac2]”Well, your Lux. You let it go. Doesn’t make much sense to me when people like us have the world at their fingers, y’know? I’ve made a good living as a gangster wizard…[/color]
Of course, he didn’t exactly care about why or why not. It was more to push things along, see what her reaction would be. And to see if Linqian was going to turn into a rocket over it.

[color=CD5C5C]”What the fuck?”[/color] Linqian glared at Edict, though there wasn't actually much heat to it… she'd exploded too many times today already, and it wasn't exactly directed at her. She'd already downed her tequila shot, and was knocking back the beer. If he was going to be a dick right off the bat she was going to drink her way through his stacks of cash.

Tayla didn’t react. She wouldn’t give him the luxury of seeing an ounce of the pain she went through for that to happen. [color=DE198A]“How’d you know I lost it?”[/color] She wasn’t going to pretend that she didn’t. No use lying. Not when she’s not the one that offered that information to begin with.

[color=f49ac2]”Yesterday at the flower shop. I gave everyone a nice friendly handshake, and I got no pushback from your Emotional Field. I never would’ve figured you’d just let me in like that, so… I know a bit more than just that you don’t have your Lux.”[/color]
He grimaced slightly, shaking his head.
[color=f49ac2]”If it means anything, I’m in recovery too. And I’m sorry.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Friendly, my ass,”[/color] Linqian rolled her eyes at him. She had no idea what he meant about being in recovery, at least in regards to Tayla - like why she'd had to get her shit together when she had a kid, but Linqian wasn't going to pry with that. [color=CD5C5C]”Nobody wanted you in our heads… you're not going to go on another sob story again, are you?”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”Woah, Miss Negative… I’m just trying to relate, have a human moment for once, shit. I’m always on duty back home, now I’m with people who I called my friends at one point and you’re painting me like I’m some chud. Lemmie apologise and be done with it, eh?”[/color] he griped, hands on the move like a classic Italian stereotype.

[color=CD5C5C]”Sure, sure,”[/color] Linqian held up her own hands, before going back to drinking her beer. She wasn't here to get pissed with anyone, she was here to do the opposite - forget everything that'd pissed her off earlier. She glanced over at Tayla, hoping that she'd be alright to just move past Edict being… Edict. [color=CD5C5C]”Y'know, former friends generally prefer to offer their issues, instead of having it dug out of their heads.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”Y’know, she’s right. Forget I said anything, drink and eat on my dime. Be merry. It's a reunion among the sad circumstances.”[/color]
He grinned in his head. [color=f49ac2][i]Can’t take back what’s been said… Enjoy the mindfuck.[/i][/color] Edict waved the two of them off as if he was a traffic crossing guard waving some kids across the street.

[color=CD5C5C]”That's more like it,”[/color] Linqian grinned, with her actual lips as opposed to internal ones, and raised her beer. [color=CD5C5C]”Here's to not being the fucks who tried to get the feds number, like Sloane.”[/color]
She didn't actually wait for anyone else to raise their own, knocking it back, before leaning towards Tayla. [color=CD5C5C]”Hey, are there any hot fishermen that come to this bar? Or women, yknow, I'm not fussy.”[/color] she winked. Perhaps drinking on a near empty stomach wasn't so sensible as it was already going to her head.

Tayla kept her mouth shut. She wouldn’t trust Edict to hold her pen. He’d likely sell it for a stick of gum and a shitty compliment. If the only thing he knew was she lost her Lux and is a recovering addict, then that’s all he’s going to get. She’s spent 8 years of her life with men like Edict. He wouldn’t get to her.

[color=DE198A]“Riiiiight, I’ll do you one better. How about I just forget you’re even here?”[/color] She proceeded to pay attention to Linqian and make like Edict’s a ghost.

[color=DE198A]“Come to this bar?”[/color] She snorted. [color=DE198A]“Nope. All the hot ones have better places to be and all the women are where they are. I recommend Club 47 on Main if that’s what you’re looking for. Only old people come here. We’re the only ones that’s under the age of 40 to step through those doors in awhile.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Damn, guess I'll go there next,”[/color] Linqian shrugged, finishing off her beer. Drinking it so quickly wasn't nice to her stomach but fuck, she needed it. Especially with how awkward things had got between Tayla and Edict. Since when was she a peacekeeper? [color=CD5C5C]”The night's still young, after all, and I have nothing planned for the rest of it. I can go pick someone up later… I haven't been round since before I could drink, so I don't know which places are good for what."[/color]

Not that it was even night yet, still afternoon at best. So she really had the whole day ahead of her. Alcohol first in this company, then she could consider another kind of company to occupy her mind… and honestly, she still kind of wanted to get her worries magically pushed away by Edict again. She also kind of hated that she did. 

[color=CD5C5C]”I'm going to need a whole lot more alcohol to deal with this,”[/color] she gestured between Edict and Tayla. Honestly, out of the current coven they were probably the two she was most alright with spending time with (well maybe Britney as well)… it was a shame that shit had gotten so awkward with Edict going right in with the shit he'd gotten out of Tayla's mind. Yeah, she needed like five more shots for this. She nudged Edict, who was in the way of her getting out. [color=CD5C5C]”Hey, I'm going to get more shots, you want to give me some cash for them or go up with me?”[/color]

Tayla said what she said and pretended like she didn’t know who Linqian was talking about. [color=DE198A]“Dealing with what? Just two ex-covenmates having a beer and some shots. If the walking, talking ATM isn’t working, then maybe I can convince Ruby to give [i]us[/i] those shots at a discount. Besides, I need to stretch my legs anyway.”[/color] She put her leg down, stretching out her knee. She liked to sit curled up, but it’s hell on her tailbone when the seats are shit.

[color=f49ac2]”The walking ATM could use with a little ease. I tried to apologise, you don’t wanna hear it fine. I deserve it. But don’t doormat me.”[/color]
Edict pushed up from his seat, pulling his beanie off and leaving it at the table as he made way for the bar for a second round. This time he wasn’t content with playing runaround. He made way and hit the head of the bar with a lean.
Coming back, he had the rest of the bar’s bottle of the good Jose, which he slid across the table.
[color=f49ac2]”There, drown your sorrows ladies. I’m happy to listen. [/color]

It was awkward, and Linqian wasn’t the only one thinking about it. But Edict loved it. The vague tension, the back and forth. It made drinking far more interesting than some even-handed bitch fest between like minded people. In the end, Edict was going to swallow the entire Coven. It was nice to fuck with them even in their spare time.

Once again she didn’t acknowledge him when he spoke, but she did when he came back to the table. [color=DE198A]“감사합니다, doormat-님.”[/color] She poured a shot for herself and finally took a sip of her beer. Happy to listen her ass. More like blackmail. He’s really bad at being like the disarming charmer she used to date.

[color=CD5C5C]”Don’t tempt me with the whole bottle.”[/color] Linqian reached for it anyway, pouring a shot then promptly downing it. She did the same with another, and then nursed a third. Having not properly eaten since breakfast, she started to feel a bit light headed - which was just where she wanted to be. She didn’t understand any of what Tayla said, but she laughed at it anyway as if she did. Probably something rude towards Edict. [color=CD5C5C]”My sorrows? Everyone fucking knows them, so what can I even say, hah- But it sure did feel fucking good slapping Lynn earlier.”[/color]

[color=DE198A]“Oh and when she cried. Like bitch, you said what you said. Take it like a champ. Weak bitch behavior.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Right? Like what the fuck did she expect? Like hell I was going to just take it. Like, yeah, sure you’re right Lynn, I [i]did[/i] deserve to lose my brother.”[/color] Linqian rolled her eyes, feeling pissed off about it all over again. She downed another shot. [color=CD5C5C]”Fucking bitch. Wish that fed hadn’t pulled me away so I could’ve given her another one… Really give her something to cry about.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”Well you heard her try and throw me under the bus too? Like I ever did anything to her she didn’t like. Geeze…”[/color] Edict pitched in, just spitballing.

[color=DE198A]“You're not creditable,”[/color] she said, pointing at Edict. [color=DE198A]“You probably did do something to rightly piss her off.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Yeahhhh, you kinda did burn down the church,”[/color] Linqian pointed out. She didn’t seem all that pissed about it, because there was a shit ton more to be pissed about than burning down Auri’s shitty little lair. [color=CD5C5C]”Lynn seems pretty fucking touchy, that could’ve set her off.”[/color] 

[color=DE198A]“That was you!”[/color] Tayla cackled. 

[color=f49ac2]”Well, yeah… No way I’m letting some fuckin’ Feds take me without givin’ em a fuckin’ reason. But, I definitely didn’t kill Kali as happy as I am that he’s gone. That’s a magical Fed we [i]really[/i] didn’t need working our case. That I promise.[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Oh yeah, he was crazy… I’m fucking surprised he was actually a fed. What the fuck are their hiring requirements? Do they require you to be batshit?”[/color] Linqian snorted, before pouring herself another shot. She considered it for a moment before deciding not to drink it right away. [color=CD5C5C]”Well, they did hire my fucking ex, so…”[/color] 

Tayla snorted.

[color=f49ac2]”Speaking of that,-”[/color] Edict interrupted, narrowing his eyes slightly. [color=f49ac2]”You probably don’t need to worry about getting info out of her anymore… Unless you really wanna get paid for it, I mean I won’t stop you from prying Linqian.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”What, you scared of them now that they tased you a couple of times?”[/color] Linqian rolled her eyes, before glancing over at Tayla. Whatever, cat was out of the bag anyway. If Tayla had any comments about her taking money from Edict, she’d deal with it like she did anything she didn’t care to hear. [color=CD5C5C]”I need the fucking money and I already agreed to meet with her [i]before[/i] they tear gassed us and I threw a bible at her face. If she turns up, I’ll get info out of her.”[/color] 

Tayla's eyebrows shot up. [color=DE198A]“You're talking to the Feds?”[/color] She took a longer pull from her drink. The beer warmed her insides, and in a few minutes it'll make her head a little woozy. She pointed at them. [color=DE198A]“This is what I wanted to talk about. We need to avoid them at all cost, but since you're already meeting with one here's the deal. Find out whatever you can, but under no circumstances do you make a deal of any kind. You'll be doing favors for them for the rest of your life or become their scapegoat when shit hits the fan,”[/color] she said completely serious. No room for doubt.

[color=f49ac2]”I don’t think she’s that stupid, Tayla…”[/color] Edict barked, waving his hand in vague frustration.

[color=CD5C5C]”Yeah, I’ve got standards.”[/color] Linqian glanced at Edict, who yeah… Better option than the Feds. He actually paid. At least Tayla seemed to have missed that point, or glossed over it. All good. The alcohol was definitely working it’s magic now, loosening her up and helping her not get pissed about what was essentially a lecture from Tayla. [color=CD5C5C]”That includes never taking a deal with the fucking feds. I’m only seeing her to get info outta her, and maybe curse her out a bit. Honestly, Bianca being with the feds makes me hate them even more. Fucking bitch.”[/color]

[color=DE198A]“Great. Now what the hell we gonna do when the rest are getting butt fucked by the Feds? Cause what's her face was talking to them when we left, and I don't doubt for a second some aren't going to reach out considering how many voted to work closely with Kali last night.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”Listen, it’s not that complicated. We wiggle a little worm into the Federal operation, we keep an ear out for what they know and what their movements are, and we put this Father Wolf bullshit to bed before they have a chance to make our lives any more miserable. Right? I mean why else would they be here, fuck knows the Temple’s been here for years and they’ve not done anything to them, right!?”[/color]
Edict was doing his best to nudge without pushing. They could get pissy at him all they wanted, but in the end he had an idea about what to do that nobody else had mentioned yet. And he wasn’t gonna tell them either. Just sit on it, play it by ear.

[color=CD5C5C]”Oh right, let me just get Father Wolf’s location right now so we can kill him- oh wait. We have no fucking idea where he is.”[/color] Linqian sneered, downing another shot. Fuck, that burned. [color=CD5C5C]”You sure do make it sound easy, [i]Greyson[/i], like- fuck- maybe the Temple wasn’t starting gunfights and punching agents? They didn’t seem to care ‘bout Father Wolf. Maybe they just suck.”[/color] 
Linqian half lost her trail of thought, waving a hand in the air as if that would explain everything she said.

Tayla didn't know what the fuck the Temple was and she didn't want to know. Emo stoner chicks were fucking crazy. She wasn't touching any of it. [color=DE198A]“You're fucking batshit,”[/color] she said to Edict. [color=DE198A]“You want to bug the Feds? The [i]fucking[/i] Feds? I've avoided charges for a reason and I'm not letting you get me caught up in some bullshit.”[/color] She looked to Linqian. [color=DE198A]“Our best bet is figuring out what Auri's hunches are, then following through. Cause you're right, they don't know anything about Father Wolf and don't seem to care.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”Nobody is asking you to get involved in [b]anything[/b], Third-Eye. What’re you gonna do, get blasted by some fucking goon?”[/color]
It was important to note that Edict hadn’t touched his shot or his beer. He was stone sober. Typical Eat-A-Dick behaviour.

[color=DE198A]“Considering all our asses were on the chopping block today, [i]Dick[/i], you fucking around can get us arrested by association. We might not get charged when evidence leads back to you, but I'm not spending any time in prison for you either.”[/color] She'll sooner rat his ass out to avoid jail. She's no snitch but like hell she's going to prison for him of all people. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Oh, c’mon,”[/color] Linqian rolled her eyes at both of them, before pointing at Edict - arm shaking slightly. [color=CD5C5C]”If they’d wanted him in jail they’d’ve done it. Shit, they hacked into our phones, right. Well, I bet he has burners- whatever! If they haven’t digged it up now, they won’t later. Probably.”[/color] 

[color=f49ac2]”Oh yeah because ‘Magical Loki Brain Trickster’ is admissible in Court, right? Jail means [i]nothing[/i] to me. I’ll take the burns, I’ll take the pain of casting without a Channeler. But whatever prison I eventually end up in, it’ll be my fuckin’ domain. So rat me out. But that ain’t gonna help with Father Wolf. You wanna make me out to be a bad guy, that’s your prerogative. Not mine.”[/color]
Apply the gas, then the breaks, then some more gas. Turn the wheel in a new direction, take a new street, have an adventure. But don’t ever let the cameras be turned onto yourself. Always redirect.

[color=CD5C5C]”Oh yeah, I’m sure it’ll be your domain,”[/color] Linqian sniggered, looking not so subtly looking down Edict’s body. Oh yeah, those shots were definitely going to her head. Shit, whatever. She wasn’t quite drunk yet. Just heavily tipsy, and with the little inhibitions she’d had gone. [color=CD5C5C]”If you dont drop any soap- haha.”[/color] 

[color=DE198A]“Wow. You're both dumb fucks. You think they won't stick you on false charges. They do it all the time. You know how many innocent people are in jail right now? A fuck ton. No you though,”[/color] she said to Edict. [color=DE198A]“They'll get you on something creditable, because you're a thug. Bet you still think Lee Harvey Oswald killed MLK and JFK's assassination wasn't an inside job, but okay. Also, get the fuck out of my head cause I haven't said anything about ratting you out. If you're going to act like that, then I'm going to walk.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”Did I [i]not just say[/i] it was important to know what the Feds know? Is that not all I started this with? And don’t bullshit me about being in your head because I don’t even have my fuckin’ glasses on. That’s just what [i] everyone[/i] thinks when they deal with people like me ‘cuz it’s the easiest thing to imagine for their own peace of mind.[/color]

[color=DE198A]“If you weren't a fucking snake and a manipulator, then no one would need to worry about their peace of mind.”[/color]

Edict huffed, waving his hand about in frustration.
[color=f49ac2]”This is typical prejudice toward Italian Americans. Happens all the time, I talk with an accent all of a sudden I’m a fucking thug. Real nice.” [/color]

Linqian leaned back, sipping on her tequila much like a spectator to a show. Shit, this was the best entertainment she’d got in weeks. She really wished she had popcorn right now.

Tayla picked up her beer and splashed it on Edict. [color=DE198A]“And you're a racist piece of shit. You can take a walk and don't come back, white man.”[/color]

Edict’s face twisted into a smile. A grim, long smile.
[color=f49ac2]”I could say a lot right now, but out of respect for you, I’ll leave. Rather than dignify myself with this. Enjoy the bottle and the fries. Linqian, you know how to reach me. I’ll be down the street at a bar with better liquor. [/color]
He stood, reaching into his pocket for the classic; he split off four or five hundred dollars and slapped it on the table, licking the beer still dripping off his face.

[color=DE198A]“I bet you fucking could. You'll say more shit to get under my skin. Talk us in circles. Continue hide who you really are like the slithering slimeball you are. You're nothing but evil and you know it. Have a good fucking day. Hope Father Wolf doesn't knife you on the street.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”I hope the same… For the sake of that baby you got at home, I hope Mommy doesn’t take a fall and hit her face off a bottle of oxies.”[/color]
He cracked his neck gently and spun on his heels, stuffing his hand in his pocket and waltzing toward the door.

Tayla didn't let him get far, before she grabbed the liquor bottle and brought it down towards him. 

[color=CD5C5C]”Oh fuck no,”[/color] Linqian shot up, stumbled, and tried to grab Tayla’s wrist [i]before[/i] she managed to bottle Edict. She didn’t want Tayla ending up dead from beating a mobster, and she didn’t want Edict losing his brains and not paying her. Worst case scenario! 

It's Tayla's reaction that got the regulars and the owner quiet, watching, then getting up to defend her. Tayla wasn't a violent person. No one's ever seen her try to hurt someone before. Ruby pulled a shot gun from behind the counter and pulled it on Edict. 

“Seems we have a problem here. You wanna tell me what you do to her?” Ruby asked, nodding at Tayla. 

Tayla pulled her arm out of Linqian's grip. Not that hard when Linqian had too much to drink. [color=DE198A]“He threatened my baby.”[/color] Was all she needed to say. 

[color=f49ac2]”Woah, woah, who was threatening anything!? Guns do not need to be involved in this fucking situation!”[/color] Edict barked, looking around with wide eyes as the situation turned on him in a fairly bad way.

[color=CD5C5C]”Yeah, let’s keep fucking guns out of it!”[/color] Linqian couldn’t believe she was half defending Edict. He was a piece of shit. But he was a piece of shit that was [i]paying[/i] her a shit ton. She [i]needed[/i] that money more than she needed solidarity with Tayla. As she said this, the temperature in the room started to drop. It went from comfortable to cold, to damn near freezing for anyone without emotional fields which was… Almost anyone in the room. For Edict, it would be fucking cold, but not so damaging.

Ruby took a shot near Edict, blowing the floor boards up. “You come in here and threaten one of ours?” Her teeth chattered, her aim shakey from the sudden freezing cold. 

It went right through Tayla too. She needed to move. She's not gonna be in range of a gun owner with shaky aim, and she fucking freezing. She got out of the booth, grabbing her bag, bottle still in hand. She poured the rest of it on Edict's head. [color=DE198A]“Good luck, ass wipe.”[/color] She passed him going for the door. 

Edict stood there, letting the alcohol pour down his face. His smile didn’t break, and his eyes followed Tayla as she made way for the door. Slowly, carefully, his hand reached for his sunglasses in his pocket. He didn’t need to wear them, just holding them was enough.
[color=f49ac2]”Hey, Tayla… [i][b]Take It Easy.[/b][/i]”[/color]
The ethereal pink tendril split the air in a way nobody but the trained could perceive, and like a thick tongue with a tab of acid, it licked and stuck the words on her brain. “Take it easy.” A slow bomb of catharsis. He knew she’d feel better about the situation later… Why not get her hooked for another argument?

And then his attention turned to the Blind bartender. [i]Ruby.[/i] With the shotgun. He didn’t even speak, rather letting his power build for a moment as he stared. Slowly, quietly, he mouthed the command. 
[color=f49ac2]”[i][b]Stand Down.[/b][/i]”[/color]
For a second, her body seemed to struggle between the initial desire to shoot him square between the eyes, and the new command running rampant in her brain that told her to let the gun down. 

Hands still up, glasses in one, he grinned at Linqian.
[color=f49ac2]”The night’s still young. Wanna hit my place so I can change?”[/color]

Linqian looked half mournfully at the empty bottle, and then at Edict. This shit had sobered her up a bit, which meant she needed another drink. Or something. Sorry Tayla. She’d make it up to her later. The temperature rose back to normal. [color=CD5C5C]”Yeah, let’s go. You owe me like twenty more drinks for this shit.”[/color] 

Tayla didn't turn around at first when Edict called her name, but the moment he said ‘Take it easy’ she knew she fucked up. She shouldn't have ever turned her back on him. His pink Lux hit her and planted those words in her mind. They didn't assuage her angry yet, but they would later. She was familiar with how pink Lux worked, which is why when she walked outside the bar she pulled out her phone and made two notes to herself. One in her notepad app about Edict manipulating her emotions, so she's not angry with him later. Then another one she spoke into a voice recording on her way from the docks. [color=DE198A]“Fucking piece of shit, like all the other men I've ever dealt with. Controlling me to get their way. If he ends up dead, it may not be Father Wolf this time. Whatever to protect my boy. He’s a threat.”[/color] Her current anger came through clear. She'll hold onto that.  

Edict was slow to begin moving, looking over at Ruby struggle as she finally let the gun down completely. The blank look on her face told Edict that the scrub down had been a rousing success. He waved Linqian forward. For a short moment he thought about the fact that his car was still in the Temple parking lot, but it wasn’t that big a deal. He’d get brought back there tomorrow, he’d pick it up, no problem. For now, he had a date(?). Or something.
[color=f49ac2]”Come on, my Uncle’s bar is down the road. We’ll get a cap, have him drive us back to my place, since you’re not driving with all that booze in your system.”[/color]

[color=CD5C5C]”Sure,”[/color] Linqian shrugged. Whatever was good with her right now, so long as it involved getting out of here (and some more booze). [color=CD5C5C]”I’m not stupid enough to drive anyway.”[/color]