[hr][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/MzIHaGw.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/JgL3zQi.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/FaCzAxe.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/1Hvat1r.png[/img] [img]https://imgur.com/IYihMs5.png[/img][img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjg4LjdhYmJmZi5UR0Y1YkdFZ1NIbGhZMmx1ZEdoMWN3LjA/sabrina-destiny.regular.webp[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/lIteEPX.png[/img][h1][color=f49ac2]Edict[/color][/h1] [img]https://i.imgur.com/DP7VoTG.png[/img][h1]Sabrina Vanburen.[/h1] [/center][right][b]Interactions:[/b] Yes.[/right][right][b][code]Fleeing the Isle of Crackers to a cool ass house.[/code][/b][/right][hr][hr] There was something oddly endearing about Layla and Linqian's interactions. Britney smiled when Layla invited him in despite trying to flee from the boy desperately. This was a... [i]perilous[/i] move because the drunken shenanigans started around this time (Britney should brush Layla up on some street smarts soon... eventually). Then, it was revealed that the damn boy was Linqian's [i]little brother[/i]. Wow. Britney didn't know that Linqian had another little brother and wondered if there was a reason for that... A grin formed on Britney's face as she walked over to Linqian and leaned against her (well, she put some weight on it because Britney didn't want them both tumbling down). [color=f4eb93]"... Why didn't you tell me you had a little brother?"[/color] Britney asked, barely containing laughter. Then she turned to him and said (making sure she was loud enough for him to hear), [color=f4eb93]"[i]He's cute.[/i]"[/color] She followed it up with laughter as Linqian was probably ready to explode again, then walked away. Turning back towards the group. [quote=Layla][color=7ABBFF][b]“Where's your home, Sabrina?”[/b][/color][/quote] "It's not too far away from the Coastal Plaza Mall, not too far away from the beach," Sabrina began, then sighed. "It should only be a ten-minute drive from the ferries... and you can call me Bean like Britney does." She softly chuckled afterward. [color=7ABBFF][b]”Bean it is.”[/b][/color] Layla said with a smile. [color=f4eb93]"Yeah, let's hurry up while Emily is distracted!"[/color] Britney awkwardly laughed as she moved towards the ferries. Fast as she physically could. She hoped the group didn't make the mistake that her desire to avoid Emily was [i]fear[/i]. Everyone followed. They climbed aboard the ferries, and they left Cracker Island behind... ... for now. [right][b][code]Sabrina's "Manor".[/code][/b][/right][hr] Thankfully, the ferry was the lengthiest part of the trip. After they got off, as Sabrina promised, it was a ten-minute drive to her house. This does not account for the slight traffic of people trying to get to Cracker Island. Still, the two different carloads of people eventually met at [url=https://i.imgur.com/KPKgHci.jpeg]Sabrina's house[/url]... a very fancy and exquisite three-floor house that stood in a wealthy neighborhood in St. Portwell. Hidden behind a walled-off gate, the group was safe from psychopaths like Emily and the Sycamore Tree Coven here! Sabrina, for once, led the group as she walked up the stairs. "Well, this is my house, the..." Sabrina laughed as she put a hand to her lips. "...[i] 'Sabrina Manor.'[/i]" She pulled a key out of her "pocket" (actually an opening she created with the Silkworm), inserted it, and then opened the door with a gentle hand. "But, make yourselves at home, Trisha - whom you all should be aware of - should still be at the Halloween Festival for a little longer if you're worried about [i]that[/i]. My other two sisters are out of town... So we have the place all to ourselves." She laughed as she held the door open for the group... revealing the fancy [url=https://i.imgur.com/lleW59t.jpeg]living room.[/url] She gestured for them to hurry up. "Come in, come in; I'll feel bad if you stand out in the cold for too long," She smiled at them, not revealing any teeth. [color=f49ac2]”Geeze, Patty [i]still[/i] haunting this city? Well pollinated at least. Thanks for the warm welcome.”[/color] Edict was quick to accept the invitation in, just like the vampire he knew he could be. Though, he’d probably not filch anything. It’d look too suspicious, and frankly Bean was Brit’s friend. Not off limits, but certainly not someone he’d choose to steal from primarily. [color=CD5C5C]”There won’t be any bees around will there?”[/color] Linqian asked with a frown, quickly stepping inside - she was fucking cold in the toga, and couldn’t risk adjusting her body temperature with her brother right there. Layla stepped in after Linqian, a disbelieving look on her face. [color=7ABBFF][b]“Bees?”[/b][/color] Edict’s brow furrowed at Linqian's comment. [color=f49ac2]”Weird thing to say, why would there be bees?”[/color] Edict responded with a sarcastic tone, throwing a strange look toward Henri. [color=CD5C5C]”Because beekeeping was Patty’s strange hobby,”[/color] Linqian intoned, hitting Edict with a flinty glare. “They’re in Trisha’s bedroom,” Sabrina answered with a shrug. She then pointed down the hall, towards [i]Trisha’s room[/i]. “Unless you want to add bees to the equation… stay out of there.” She laughed. Layla stared down the hall with an incredulous look. [color=7ABBFF][b]”Actual bees…”[/b][/color] [color=ffe63b]”Who’s Patty?”[/color] Henri piped up cheerfully from right behind Linqian, once again looming over her. [color=f49ac2]”Patty is Trisha. Patricia. Sabrina’s… What, sixteenth sibling or something? The one she mentioned who may be home later.”[/color] he smiled back at the young man, nodding his head as he pulled the dumb hat and half wet suit coat from his head and body. [color=ffe63b]”Whaaaattttttt?”[/color] Henri’s eyes widened comically, and his jaw dropped. Matching Edict, he took off his Mario cap. An absolute mess of curly hair fell in front of his eyes. He looked from Edict to Sabrina. [color=ffe63b]”Sixteen siblings?! How?!”[/color] [color=CD5C5C]”Not something you need to know about.”[/color] Linqian turned around and grabbed her brother’s arm, practically dragging him further into the living room and [i]away[/i] from Edict. At least properly putting herself between them. The two awkwardly hovered though, not sitting down on the very [i]fancy[/i] looking couches. “My father… Well, he just got around…” Sabrina shrugged. “So… I have a little bit of everything to drink. What would you all like? Or should I just grab everything and we’ll decide from there?” The silent Britney sat down on the sofa, smiling softly at Sabrina as she said, [color=f4eb93]"White wine if you got any, Bean.”[/color] [color=CD5C5C]”Beer for me,”[/color] Linqian sighed, looking at Henri. She [i]really[/i] wanted to move onto the hard stuff but she shouldn’t while he was here. Then who would protect him from Edict’s dangerous mind probing and Britney’s as dangerous stares (she didn’t trust her after she’d called Henri cute)? She threw a thumb towards him, ignoring his pout. [color=CD5C5C]”Soft drinks for him. I can help you get shit if you want?”[/color] “If you don’t mind,” Sabrina added. “I mean… you all are [i]my[/i] guests.” [color=7ABBFF][b]“I'll take anything!”[/b][/color] Layla said cheerily. [color=f49ac2]”Scotch? Or some kind of grain alcohol, please.”[/color] He took the time to pull his shirt from his belt and get a bit more comfortable before getting a bit closer to Britney. Not in a creepy way, however, but what seemed to be a fairly natural saunter. [color=f49ac2]”Hey uh… Can we talk for a second in private?”[/color] he asked her, low enough that it wouldn’t cause too much of a scene. Britney smiled at him, then she leaned in, and whispered back, [color=f4eb93]"Awwww, but we just got here… ”[/color] She chuckled. [color=f4eb93]"We can - but hold on.”[/color] Britney walked over to the massive, fancy, Bluetooth Speakers Sabrina kept against the wall. She turned them on as if she was here before, pulled out her phone, and turned on some music… [center][hr][hider=Dance Tonight - Lucy Pearl][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RrZhHS0Qpc[/youtube][/hider][hr][/center] Britney dance-walked after Edict, swaying her hips back and forth as she rolled her shoulders. [hr] Edict didn’t want to go too far with Britney, not wanting those in attendance to get the wrong idea. He didn’t need Linqian getting any hotter than she already was, but he also didn’t [i]not[/i] want to spend some quality time with her. It was something he’d dreamed about for years. He looked for an empty room, some place just to tuck away - which ended up being the guest bedroom. It had a very simple setup of a bed, dresser, nightstand… etc. He even left the door open, flicking the light on into some other foyer in the house. Finally there, he looked her in the eyes. Really looked. His channeler was out in the living room in his jacket pocket; he was completely vulnerable under her gaze. [color=#F49AC2]"[/color][color=#F496BF]I[/color][color=#F492BD]'[/color][color=#F48EBB]v[/color][color=#F48AB9]e[/color] [color=#F482B5]m[/color][color=#F47EB2]i[/color][color=#F47AB0]s[/color][color=#F476AE]s[/color][color=#F472AC]e[/color][color=#F46EAA]d[/color] [color=#F467A5]y[/color][color=#F463A3]o[/color][color=#F45FA1]u[/color] [color=#F4579D]s[/color][color=#F4539B]o[/color] [color=#F44B96]m[/color][color=#F44794]u[/color][color=#F44392]c[/color][color=#F43F90]h[/color][color=#F43B8E].[/color] Britney sat her behind on the bed and kicked her legs back and forth… wondering if she would break it. [color=f4eb93]"Awwwwww…”[/color] Britney said with a smile. [color=f4eb93]"You’re so sweet, Greyson. I hope you know that.”[/color] Greyson held up his finger, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. [color=F5388C]”But that’s not what I want to talk about… Listen. Yesterday, a woman came to see me. She works for dangerous people, and as far as I’m aware, they wanted to hurt you. Because of what happened with [i]her[/i].”[/color] he urged out toward the hallway. [color=f4eb93]"... And here I was thinking you were just trying to get into my pants.”[/color] Greyson bit his lip as the words left her mouth at the thought of jumping her then and there, but the situation was serious. It called for something different than his usual instinct. Britney couldn’t help but awkwardly laugh before that smile wiped itself off her face. She leaned forward to look out the door to see if Layla was there. [color=f4eb93]"... Do I need to fill you in on [i]her[/i] situation? The whole thing with Voidy…?”[/color] [color=F5388C]"Well, honestly?[/color] he stopped for a moment, smiling and rolling his eyes. [color=F5388C]"Listen to me, talking about honesty… I lost you last time because I wasn’t honest. Britney, I fucking swear to you, you’re the only thing I’ve ever missed!”[/color] He gritted his teeth, closing his fingers onto the bridge of his nose. [color=F5388C]"Fuck, anyway: Honestly, I’m in her head right now. She’s high as fuck on the Lotus, and I can confirm it.”[/color] [color=f4eb93]"Wait… why did you…”[/color] Britney turned her head towards the door again. [color=f4eb93]"... I figured you did something to her, I was hoping to bring it up privately but you came forward. That’s good on you, at least...”[/color] Britney trailed off. [color=f4eb93]"But, you know I don’t like you using your Pink-Lux on people, but you didn’t just use it for the hell of it, right? Not for some sick game, right…?”[/color] Britney stared knives into Greyson. [color=f4eb93][b][i]”... RIGHT."[/i][/b][/color] Greyson grimaced, throwing his hands back and up as if to surrender. [color=F5388C]"Three years ago, I was in my bathroom back home detoxing off coke, all alone with nobody left. I told myself then that if I ever had the chance to see you and talk to you again, I’d never fucking lie to you… I [i]only[/i] did this because those people came and threatened [i]you[/i].”[/color] He moved to sit down on the bed next to her, reaching out to take her hand into his. [color=F5388C]"I nearly killed their representative. While I was in her mind, I saw [i]the pale one[/i] giving you up. You, and Stormy and Jack… Whoever was there and in on that shit.”[/color] Britney’s face didn’t change at all. [color=f4eb93]”... I figured she would try something,”[/color] Britney shook her head. [color=f4eb93]”I always got the weirdest vibes from her since what happened, but at least I feel justified in plotting her death.”[/color] She let the words hang in the air, before she asked the golden question. [color=f4eb93]”... Just who is after me? Emily?”[/color] He shook his head, a puff of air leaving his nose. [color=F5388C]"The House of Cards Mafia. The local outfit, unfortunately. Pushed my folks out after my Uncle retired, and now the local crews work for them. Phantasia Vorpal.”[/color] [color=f4eb93]”... I thought it’d be the Temple, honestly,”[/color] Britney mused out loud. [color=f4eb93]”I really don’t know what to say… You got them off my back, or are they still gunning for me?”[/color] [color=F5388C]"Well, if you think you can put a little misbehavior in your rear view mirror, I think I can solve the problem and rotate it back in our advantage. But I need to keep messing with her, and I know other people aren’t gonna like that.”[/color] He shook his head, closing his eyes. [color=F5388C]"But I can’t promise it’s done yet. I was hoping you’d let me keep an extra eye on you; get some guys from up North to come down, or let me ask Leon and the Temple to protect you. They owe me; she was gunning after their guys too. For what they did… [i]Creepy shit.[/i]”[/color] [color=f4eb93]”... I don’t trust Leon far as I can throw him, first off,”[/color] Britney made sure to note as she shook her head [color=f4eb93]”Second off… I would prefer, if anyone watches over me, it’s you… if what you’re telling me is true.”[/color] She paused for a moment. [color=f4eb93]”Thirdly, tell me about this… Phantasia, I never heard of her before, and why is she listening to Layla of all people?”[/color] Greyson’s eyes lit up at what she said to him. About wanting him to be around her. He couldn’t think about why, or if it was something else altogether. He wouldn’t know about it unless he got inside, but he didn’t want to. He didn’t want to let her go again. [color=F5388C]"The big guy’s folks are creepy, but as far as I’m aware we’re important players in her [i]lore[/i] or some shit… But, the Vorpal lady…”[/color] He took a long, deep breath and thought about what he’d seen when he had the chance to rummage through her head. [color=F5388C]"From what my Uncle told me, she’s the daughter of some real old blood around here. Italians from a very different age. They were in the Casino business, and still roll with underground groups around here. We can probably link them to Wolfpack and some other lowlifes, but… But when I was in her head, I don’t…”[/color] Greyson took a long look across the room. [color=F5388C]"It’s gonna sound weird, but maybe it didn’t have anything to do with [i]her.[/i] The lady, she… There was personal pain there, having to do with Andrade Salamente, the Temple Chef. And with you. So, something tells me that they had some sort of connection to Voidy as well. Something [i]personal[/i].”[/color] Britney silently and intently listened. [color=f4eb93]”Phantasia?”[/color] Britney asked out loud. [color=f4eb93]”Well, I let Auri take the credit, but I was the one that urged Auri to go seal Voidy after Alizee’s… final hurrah.”[/color] She awkwardly scratched the back of her neck. [color=f4eb93]”As it turns out, Voidy was making deals with the Temple. So… it’s possible - well, at this point, plain obvious - that Voidy had other connections than just the Old Coven and the Temple.”[/color] Greyson nodded along with Britney, smiling at her the same way he did as a goofy eighteen year old pretend gangster. But now he was a man, feeling like it was the first day of his life again. [color=F5388C]"Yeah, it’s clear… I think they know about [i]us.[/i] It’s why they came to me and not someone more known for that line of work. They didn’t want me to just kill you, Brit. They wanted you bodysnatched. Bagged up.”[/color] Britney winced at the thought of what was going to happen to her. His head tilted back, blood rushing just thinking about that moment where he felt her emotional field snap under his grip. [color=F5388C]"I… I implanted a command for her to come and find me again. When the time comes, I think the pistol is the next step. And, as far as me protecting you? Of course. Of course I’ll be there with you. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted that.”[/color] Britney grimaced. [color=f4eb93]”I get that you’re worried about me, but you gotta pump the breaks, okay?”[/color] Britney began. [color=f4eb93]”This is going to be strictly [i]professional[/i], at least until you show me you [i]really[/i] mean what you’re saying and aren’t going to regress back into the old Greyson the second you get what you want… Greyson.”[/color] He wasn’t sure what the right next move was. She was definitely right, he wasn’t doing any of this in a professional fashion. But he wasn’t above calling her out. [color=F5388C]"So in this case, is sleeping in your bed considered a professional standard? Or was that just you getting your hopes up to shit on my life?”[/color] he narrowed his eyes. The tone wasn’t aggressive like it would’ve been so many years ago. Now it really sounded like a genuine question despite the little pang of babyrage he felt well up in his chest. [color=f4eb93]”Oh, come, [i][b]ooooooooooooon[/b][/i], Greyson…”[/color] Britney said with a roll of her eyes. [color=f4eb93]”I just want to clarify this so there’s no misunderstanding down the line. I [i]know[/i] what you want. You don’t need Pink-Lux - or any magic for that matter - to tell. And I know the behaviors you were exhibiting when things fell apart.”[/color] She narrowed her eyes at him. [color=f4eb93]”I’m not trying to bring [i]anyone[/i] down. I never was. You know me Greyson... I [i]build[/i]. Not destroy,”[/color] She began. [color=f4eb93]”What I’m [i]saying[/i] is that I’m giving you a chance... one more than I fucking should, really. But we [i]all[/i] need a second chance. And a third and fourth after that.”[/color] Britney shook her head, laughing. Then she looked at him with a broad smile, one that was joyful—not mocking. [color=f4eb93]”I know deep down you’re not as bad as they say you are, Greyson… I just want to take things slowly. Build something again so maybe after all of this blows over, we can go on nice relaxing cruises. How’s that sound?”[/color] He did his best to not grit his teeth, giving away any tension in his jaw would be something she could see and use against him. He didn’t want to give that kind of thing up, especially not with his plans. Greyson couldn’t be honest with her if his intentions remained what they were. It gave him a sense of dread. [color=F5388C]"Because you know I never wanted people to think I was a scumbag. And I was. I am. Except they always treated me like it. I kind of knew it was coming, even if I really didn’t want it. But when they did what they did to you?”[/color] His hand came up under his chin, fingers dusting forward and brushing his goatee as he flipped the bird for a flourish. [color=F5388C]"The biggest thing they trusted me for was to lock [i]The Memory[/i] away. Make it so nobody had it. After that? Poof. Fuck you Greyson. But you? They leaned on you hard, like you were an old person’s walker… Then when they found out you had wheels, they got rid of you too? I mean come on, Brit… We’re all in danger, sure, but [i]fuck it.[/i]”[/color] He took a long, deep breath, falling back on the bed. [color=F5388C]"Auri’s only involved people like us because she wants the people she actually likes to stay insulated from it. And then people like Drake are gonna take all the credit anyway.”[/color] Britney sighed. [color=f4eb93]”... Auri only invited me because of my expertise, nothing else,”[/color] Britney began. [color=f4eb93]”So I can’t really argue with you, there. Personally, I always thought they knew what I was doing before it came to light, but kept quiet about it until… you know….”[/color] Britney trailed off. [color=f4eb93]”... [i]Stopped being convenient for them,[/i]”[/color] She couldn’t help but laugh a little bit. [color=f4eb93]”I want to say this is bigger than you. Bigger than me. Bigger than all of us and people who live in their own fantasy worlds like Blackmore and Stormy. And Auri’s my girl, and I know she’s a good person deep down, but as it stands, I don’t have a whole lot of faith in Auri’s… [i]leadership.[/i]”[/color] Britney shrugged before she continued. [color=f4eb93]”She obviously has no clue what she’s doing, and never did. She only got her position before because she was friends with Daisy and Ashley, nothing else,”[/color] Britney began, then sighed. [color=f4eb93]”She wouldn’t have been anything other than another footsoldier if she wasn’t...”[/color] [color=F5388C]"I think [i]men[/i] are prone to living in their fantasies. I’m just as guilty as they are. What I’m not guilty of is being a self serving preachy fuck like they can be, and I [i]never[/i] discluded people from being involved in what I was doing.”[/color] Greyson rubbed his face with his hands, taking a moment to think about what he was going to say next. [color=F5388C]"Hot take? As creepy as they are, that’s a legit draw toward the Temple in my eyes. As far as I’m aware, in the few conversations I’ve had with Missus Lynette, they never [i]ever[/i] turn a magical person away. No matter what you’ve done, it seems like their goal is to include Third Eyes in every aspect of their community.”[/color] he commented, sitting up to look at Britney’s reaction. He wasn’t saying it to get a rise out of her; it was genuine. This was the most genuine he could be. [color=F5388C]"Better than us. Better than Sycamore. How you have the strength to call any of them your friends still is beyond me.”[/color] Britney narrowed her eyes a little. [color=f4eb93]”I had one conversation with Lynette…”[/color] Britney began. [color=f4eb93]”... And that was enough for me. I got [i]nothing[/i] but bad vibes from her! Leon too. She sent some Temple goons after us while we cared for Voidy.”[/color] Britney sighed. [color=f4eb93]”I know they take in anyone, but that’s the problem… they’re, as it stands, a chaotic element and I can’t trust them. Leon neither. I’ve been keeping a silver fork in my purse [i]just[/i] for him.”[/color] Then Britney sighed again…. She was doing this a lot. Britney looked down at the fancy carpet that she dangled her feet over. [color=f4eb93]”But, a lot of Sycamore are my girls… and boys. You know, way back, I was befriending [i]everyone[/i]. Trying to get [i]everyone’s[/i] name. Because, we were losing people left and right, I wanted to be someone who wanted to remember them. Remember their contribution in the fight, even if it was small.”[/color] Then she raised her head and looked at Edict, [color=f4eb93]”Because everyone else was too busy with themselves. So, I get a lot of them are real assholes and manchildren sometimes, but they’re still my people. I’m unsure how you look at it, but that’s how [i]I[/i] see it.”[/color] He shook his head, unable to consider her feelings. He didn’t understand how she couldn’t feel betrayed, or like she still had a connection to them. [color=F5388C]"I have a tattoo. A lot of them that you haven’t seen. But the biggest one on my back… It’s a big sycamore tree getting chopped down.”[/color] He told Linqian because she saw it, but he was telling Britney because he [i]hoped[/i] that she’d see it one day. [color=F5388C]"I got it because I was hurt that I was betrayed. I felt like I had nothing but revenge left on my mind. I still taste it on my tongue when I see people now. Going to that meeting, I guess there was some part of me that wanted people upset. Like I wanted people to push me so I could throw it back at them.”[/color] His face looked gripped with anxiety. Like there was something bigger wrong. [color=F5388C]"But now there’s feds! The PRA! And Kali was with them, God rest his fuckin’ soul. I never wanted anything bad to happen to that kid until he said he had a [i]fucking badge.[/i] You know how I feel about those [i]people[/i].”[/color] Britney shook her head. [color=f4eb93]”Auri said he just walked in there and flashed a badge,”[/color] Britney shrugged. [color=f4eb93]”... Did he [i]really[/i] do that?”[/color] She awkwardly laughed. [color=f4eb93]”I wanted to talk about Kali… I mean, I’m sad he’s gone, but I’m not sad he’s gone,”[/color] She awkwardly laughed. [color=f4eb93]”Wasn’t it weird that [i]he[/i] was one of the first to get killed…?”[/color] [color=F5388C]"Hardly weird if you’re just going around flashing a badge to everyone… What, you think there’s a rat feeding the wolf info? Like someone saw that and fingered him-”[/color] Fingered, in the sense of [i]pointing the finger[/i] was a poorly chosen turn of phrase. He remembered Britney’s pervy sense of humor, and scrunched his face. [color=F5388C]”-If someone saw him with a connection and immediately chose him for execution, that would be smart. Besides him, it’s just Bianca Manalo left as far as I’m aware. She was with the other feds at the raid, and as far as I’m aware, she was at the stripclub when shit went down.”[/color] Greyson grimaced, not knowing how much information he could divulge without Britney starting to question who else’s head he’d been in. [color=f4eb93]”No, no, no… I mean,”[/color] Britney awkwardly looked off to the side. [color=f4eb93]”I don’t think the killer is one of us… At least, far as current members of Sycamore. I think it’s someone else… some[i]thing[/i] else.”[/color] She let her words hang in the air. [color=f4eb93]”... This does sound like a government purge, right? Mysterious killer who comes in at the [i]perfect[/i] time and leaves [i]zero[/i] evidence?”[/color] She narrowed her eyes, [color=f4eb93]”Kali was just an unfortunate red herring.”[/color] She shrugged. [color=f4eb93]”As far as Bianca goes… I think she was at the strip club? There was a lot of girls I didn’t know there, but… maybe I can just go have a word with her? Maybe get something out of [i]her[/i].”[/color] Greyson’s face sunk. He definitely didn’t want Britney risking that sort of thing. [color=F5388C]”Brit, girl, use your head. You think I want you getting any closer to some magical Feds than I do some magical Mafiosos? Doesn’t matter if she was one of us at one point, they pay her salary now.”[/color] He shook his head, standing up again to move toward the door. His head popped out of the door, glancing around to see nobody. Greyson wrinkled his nose, listening to try and hear anything going on before he pulled back. [color=F5388C]”Let the Hothead out front deal with it, they dated… I’m paying her good money to get the scoop, after all.”[/color] [color=f4eb93]”... [i]Linqian?[/i]”[/color] Britney gave Edict the dumbest smile. [color=f4eb93]”Okay, um… [i]okay,[/i] she’s my girl, I know. But, you’re trying to rely on [i]Linqian[/i] of all people…?”[/color] She laughed afterward. [color=f4eb93]”I’m surprised she remembers to put her [i]draws[/i] on half the time!”[/color] [color=F5388C]”She only needs to see and hear things.”[/color] he turned to Britney with a massive grin on his face. [color=F5388C]”You thought the Lotus was a pain in the ass before? You should see my spellbook at home, Brit. [i]Ten[/i] spells in development. The formulas, the brain chemistry… I should’ve studied medicine… Sometimes, I imagined you being proud of me for working on it so diligently. Helped through the hard parts…”[/color] He bit his lip and took a deep breath before shaking his head. [color=F5388C]”Come on. Let’s not be gone too long, I don’t want people thinking we’re in here just plowing, y’know?”[/color] Greyson was about to turn to vacate the room, but his eyes got bright and wide. [color=F5388C]”Wait… Do you want to make the evening a bit more fun?”[/color] he grinned evilly at her. Britney winced. [color=f4eb93]”... Define [i]fun[/i].”[/color] [color=F5388C]”Like something private. Something we can laugh about later but for now may take some skill and finesse…”[/color] he replied, his lip curling into his teeth. [color=f4eb93]”... God damn it we’re not fuckin’.”[/color] [color=F5388C]”No, you fuckin’...”[/color] He moved closer to her, offering his hand to help her up off the bed. [color=F5388C]”Linqian’s brother? [i]He’s Kindled.[/i] And as far as I’m aware? She has no idea. It’d be fun to mess with him a little. And her…”[/color] [color=f4eb93]”Oooooooooh,”[/color] Britney mouthed. [color=f4eb93]”Hehe… my bad,”[/color] [color=f4eb93]”What did you have in mind?”[/color] Britney laughed. [color=F5388C]”Standard shit? I… I blasted him thinking he was blind and hit his E-Field, so we had a little brain talk. He knows we’re magic, we know he's magic, she thinks he isn't. Person who drops the most subtle hints without getting called out wins?”[/color] At that moment, he heard Linqian talking about his scotch from the other room. [I]His[/i] fucking scotch. [color=f49ac2]”I don't think anyone wants to see my [i]magic staff[/i], Linqian, so you better put the fucking cap on it and have a little [b]FUCKING PATIENCE![/b]”[/color] he called out and down the hall with what he hoped came across as a playful tone. He grinned at Britney. [color=F5388C]”One to none… Easy as pie.”[/color] Britney grinned back. [color=f4eb93]”... Deal,”[/color] Then she extended a hand to him, then looked a him. She gave it a little shake. [color=f4eb93]”... It’s not going to hold itself, Greyson.[/color] With a grin, hearing Linqian’s desperate pleas from the living room, Greyson took his love’s hand, holding it tight like it was going to be the last time again.