[center][h1]Sunrise Art Collective[/h1]
[sub]And special guest Mobsters.[/sub][/center]
[right][code]Tuesday Morning Market, Underwood Street. Cloverfield Lower District.[/code][/right][hr]
With Domi gone to try and trade art for other wares, Nico and Ash were actually left to watch their stall. 

Not that there was much watching to be done. At this early hour, visitors were normally looking to get food for their family or other essentials rather than art. Not that many in this side of town were looking to buy art anyway. They mostly ended up trading for food themselves. They didn’t even have to worry about anything being stolen thanks to the Hollow members on the prowl.

[color=61ab89]”So…”[/color] Ash folded their arms, looking at Nico as he whittled away. [color=61ab89]”Now that she’s gone, tell me the truth. You snuck out again, didn’t you?”[/color]

[color=00b4d6]”You make it sound like I’m a prisoner in my own home!”[/color] Nico looked up with a light laugh. [color=00b4d6]”Sneaking implies doing something wrong. It’s not my fault Julian was so lost in his art he wouldn’t notice if the building exploded! I didn’t want to disturb him, so I just left a note.”[/color]

[color=61ab89]”Nico, really? He’s gonna be so pissed.”[/color]

Nico just shrugged one shoulder. It never lasted, since Julian’s agitation always came from worry for him. He was too protective sometimes, like Nico was a porcelain doll that’d shatter if the wind got a little too strong. His chronic illness was bad, but not that bad. He loved his fiance enough to deal with it, but that meant taking these small moments too. 

[color=61ab89]”So long as I ain’t caught in the blast radius. I’m gonna say I told you to go home over and over again.”[/color]

Nico’s lips pulled up into a teasing smile. [color=00b4d6]”If we’re lucky, he’ll be so excited about finishing another piece we won’t even have to worry about it.”[/color]

[color=FF6347]“We begged you to go home, pleaded with you even,”[/color] Alice joked as she hit her vape pen.  She held the smoke in for just a moment to release a cloud of vapor above her.  It smelled skunky and strong.  Alice was wearing her typical outfit, jeans and a biker jacket, with a simple black shirt underneath.  Her jacket had various pins that, in actuality, did not mean much or do much to identify who she was.  Still, the pin of a hooded figure hanging did much to tell what she was about.

[color=FFF0F5]“He means well,”[/color] Johnny added as he draped his arm around the shoulders of Alice.  Like Alice, he arrived wearing jeans and a leather jacket adorned with pins and patches, but unlike Alice, he did not have a shirt on underneath.  His heavily tattooed and muscular chest was on full display.  As was a guitar pick that was strung around his neck like a necklace.  His beard was longer than normal, as was his hair, and it was more evident as he had it slicked back. [color=FFF0F5]“How we doing today?”[/color]

[color=00b4d6]”Great, if you keep the smoke away from me,”[/color] Nico laughed, wrinkling his nose even though none of it had gotten near him. He smiled brightly at the two- as good a sign as any that today was a good day for him. [color=00b4d6]”I know he means well… I mean, I love him, don’t I?! Just gotta keep him on his toes sometimes!”[/color]

[color=61ab89]”Gross.”[/color] Ash intoned with a deadpan expression. [color=61ab89]”Y’know what else is gross, and really ruined my day? Domi going off to hook up with some gang member.”[/color]

[color=00b4d6]”She was going to trade…”[/color]

[color=61ab89]”Yeah, but I got a feeling that ain’t what she’s doing.”[/color]

[color=7B68EE]“Let her live a little,”[/color] Art responded as she walked up as well, [color=7B68EE]“some of the guards around here are cute.  Especially that Marco….”[/color] One could almost see the corner of Art’s mouth curl upward in a smile, yet look as they might, they would never be able to confirm it.  Their expression was deadpan, and their delivery was dry.  Indeed, the most expressive part of her was, as it always was, her purple hair.  The short, black dress that she wore and the platform boots that went halfway up her calves were almost identical to every other fit they wore.

[color=FDF5E6]“Pleeease tell me where she went, if she’s not back in ten minutes, I am pulling her out of that mistake.  Or pulling the mistake out of her,”[/color] Tessa added with a sigh.  They were sporting brand-new earrings that they had bought that morning, and they had two bags filled with other goodies acquired during their hunt.

[color=FF6347]“Oh don’t you dare,”[/color] Alice paused as she pointed her vape pen towards Tessa, who quickly grabbed it and took a hit, [color=FF6347]“we all have to learn that mistake.”[/color] 

[color=7B68EE]“Did you,”[/color] Art asked with narry a trace of emotion as their eyes slowly shifted towards Johnny.

[color=FFF0F5]“I’m hurt,”[/color] Johnny responded as he placed a hand over his heart, [color=FFF0F5]“I like to think I am a gorgeous life lesson personally.”[/color] 

[color=61ab89]”I’m with Tessa on that one. Last thing [i]we[/i] need is trouble with the Hollow!”[/color] Ash shook their head, waving a hand dismissively to Johnny. [color=61ab89]”We don’t have a good track record of learning from mistakes.”[/color]

Pointedly, they looked at Alice, then at Nico. 

[color=00b4d6]”Whoa. Julian’s a gorgeous life lesson too! One [i]I[/i] don’t regret one bit.”[/color] Nico laughed, shaving a little more wood off the small charm he was making. Delicate work, but it was second nature to him now. [color=00b4d6]”But I’m not worried about anything happening. She’s a [i]sensible[/i] flirt. And the Hollow isn’t going to cause trouble for a group of Artists. From what I’ve heard so far, contributing Southerners like us are the kind Gideon Cross likes.”[/color]

[color=FF6347]“He likes those who do well by the locals, that much I learned from my dealings,”[/color] Alice paused as she grabbed the vape back and put it back in her pocket, [color=FF6347]“round here.”[/color] 

[color=7B68EE]“It is much different than St. Portwell,”[/color] Art added with a sigh.

[color=FFF0F5]“I’m hurt, again,”[/color] Johnny added as he feigned a faint.  [color=FFF0F5]“I’m the love of her life.”[/color]

[color=FF6347]“See?  Either we learn that we have met the love of our life, or we learn what to not do again.  Win, win.”[/color] 

[color=00b4d6]”So true,”[/color] Nico laughed, before waving a hand at Ash, Art and Tessa. [color=00b4d6]”You three will understand when you meet the love of your lives.”[/color]

[color=61ab89]”Eh, no thank you. I’m not in the market for that.”[/color] Ash rolled their eyes. [color=61ab89]”I’ll just keep laughing at everyone’s mistakes.”[/color]

The group would suddenly feel a commanding presence coming towards them.  Through the shifting crowd they would see a older man walking towards them.  He was very well dressed and had more salt than pepper in his hair and beard.  Gideon Cross was inspecting the event.  At his side was Marco, also well dressed with a silky button up shirt that was unbuttoned a button too many, and expensive dress pants.  He walked with his hands in his pockets, yet his eyes scanned the crowd with an inquisitive look.  

[color=7B68EE]“Speak of the devil,”[/color] Art spoke softly.

[color=FFF0F5]“And he appears,”[/color] Johnny said as he pulled his posture together, [color=FFF0F5]“play this cool, yeah?”[/color] 

Ash hit Johnny with a deadpan stare. [color=61ab89]”Who isn’t gonna play it cool? You’re the biggest risk, Dude.”[/color]

Nico smiled slightly, glancing over at the most important man in this side of the city. There was an itchy feeling underneath his skin as he did- a sign of nerves, perhaps. But there was nothing to be nervous about… Just the old flare up. Nico rubbed the back of his neck. [color=00b4d6]”[i]Now[/i] I’m quite thankful Julian isn’t here. Just in case…”[/color]

His fiance had quite the temper. But Nico assumed Gideon was unlikely to stop at their little stall anyway, just making sure to smile politely as he got close.

Gideon and Marco made their way through the crowd.  Gideon shook hands as he went, exchanged small talks with individuals, and had a big smile as he examined the wares as he went.  As he was passing by, he cast a glance towards the assembled artists and their wares and raised an eyebrow.  He smirked and nodded his head as the quality of their work was evident even from a distance.  He looked away, and the group felt a sigh of relief as he began to walk past.  That was before he raised a finger in the air, pivoted in his spot, and turned to face the group.  The finger slowly fell until it pointed towards Alice.

[color=FF6347]“Shit.”[/color] 

[color=FFFF00]“Oh don’t say that.  There’s children here,”[/color] Gideon said with a bellowing voice, followed soon by a chuckle.  He crossed the distance until he was well within their bubble.  [color=FFFF00]“I like to know everyone who sells at these events, and,”[/color] Gideon paused as he placed his hand on this chin and pondered for a moment, [color=FFFF00]“I don’t seem to know you all,”[/color] Gideon paused as he looked back to Alice, [color=FFFF00]“I do know what you have been up to down here,”[/color] Gideon said as he crossed his arms, [color=FFFF00]“did you think you could deal on my turf without me knowing,”[/color] Gideon said as a sly grin crossed his face.

[color=FF6347]“It was a-.”[/color] 

[color=FFFF00]“Ah ah ah,”[/color] Gideon said as he raised up his whole hand to shush.  [color=FFFF00]“I am talking right now, ain’t that right, Marco?”[/color] 

[color=FF69B4]“That you are, sir.”[/color]

[color=FFFF00]“And I am talking to a girl who has come down to the Lower District and is selling weed on our block without talkin’ to us first, ain’t that right.  Legal weed is just across the bridge up North, and you're just be sellin’ down here at such a discount.”[/color] 

[color=FF69B4]“It is so expensive across that bridge, ain’t it?”[/color]

[color=FFFF00]“And all the taxes they charge, go and fund their side of the city, and we ain’t see a dime of that restoration fund.”[/color] 

[color=FF69B4]“No, we don’t.”[/color]

[color=FFFF00]“What is our cut when someone is dealing weed down in the lower district,”[/color] Gideon paused as he flashed a smile towards the rest of the group.  Johnny’s hand remained at his side, though he had thoughts about grabbing his pick off his neck.

[color=FF69B4]“An introduction, that’s all.”[/color] Marco paused as he crossed his arms and approached the group, [color=FF69B4]“Listen, you’re doing the people down here a service, those rich fucks reap all the benefit but keep the product out of these hard working hands down here. But you can’t just walk into someone’s home uninvited like that.  You’re not in any trouble, this time, but going forward, we expect you to stop by The Hollow.  You scratch our back, and we will return the favor.  We understood?”[/color]
[color=FF6347]“Understood,”[/color] Alice said as she uncleched everything and sighed.

[color=FFFF00]“Whatcha making there,”[/color] Gideon asked as he pointed towards the charm Nico was working at.  He looked over the charms that were already made and pointed towards them, [color=FFFF00]“How much you charge for one of those?”[/color] He paused as his eyes looked over the various canvases and whistled at what he saw.  [color=FFFF00]“Marco, how is the art at the Hollow,”[/color] Gideon asked.

[color=FF69B4]“We have art at the Hollow.”[/color] Marco raised an eyebrow as he turned towards Gideon.  He could not remember a single painting in the bar portion of the Hollow.

[color=FFFF00]“Fix that,”[/color] Gideon said firmly, he then turned towards the artists and nodded, [color=FFFF00]“A pleasure to meet you all,”[/color] Gideon finished as he turned back to the crowd and began to shake hands and make pleasant talk with people once more.

[color=7B68EE]“Hi Marco,”[/color] Art spoke softly and batted her eyes.

Marco raised an eyebrow and looked at Art, before he looked away quickly.

[color=61ab89]”Oh my God,”[/color] Ash groaned under their breath, hand finally pulling out from their pocket and holding the switchblade within. They stepped back, absolutely not wanting to be the one doing the talking. They were an artist, sure, but not a talker. 

Nico smiled, shifting off his little stool to actually stand right behind the table. Not that standing gave him that much more height… The itching under his skin finally ceased, and it was easier for him to speak. 

[color=00b4d6]”This is just a small selection of the art from our Collective. Literally. We’d only bring out the small pieces to something like this- easily affordable. Everyone deserves access to art.”[/color] He explained, gesturing to the canvas. Another finger pointed at a wooden charm. [color=00b4d6]”If your boss really wants one of these, they’re cheap… But I’m gonna have to upsell you. It’s only fair the people with the money pay more, right?”[/color]

His tone was joking, and he grinned. [color=00b4d6]”We have many larger pieces, if you’re interested in having a look at those sometime. They’re more likely to fit in a place like the Hollow. Things this size are more for small homes, or offices.”[/color]

[color=FF69B4]“It’s only fair when the rich pay their fair share.”[/color] Marco smirked as he grabbed a band of money from his pocket.  He grabbed a singular one hundred dollar bill and held it out for Nico.  [color=FF69B4]“That should cover a couple charms,”[/color] Marco paused as he smiled, [color=FF69B4]“and I would love to take a look at your larger pieces sometime.  Let me get your number,”[/color] Marco paused as he looked at Nico, before his eyes shifted towards Alice, [color=FF69B4]“and I’ll take yours as well..”[/color] 

[color=FFF0F5]“She’s spoken for, suit.”[/color] 

[color=FF69B4]“There will be occasional sweeps of this district by the cops.  I would like to give a heads up when that is happening.”[/color] 

[color=FF6347]“Babe, its okay,”[/color] Alice said as she opened her phone and passed it to Marco.

Marco grabbed it softly and quickly sent a text to his phone.  He passed it back without any further action.  His eyes slowly shifted back to Nico.

Nico raised his eyebrows at the bill. Before taking it he bent under the table to get a small paper bag, gesturing to the charms. [color=00b4d6]”Whatever you want, and I’ll bag it up. You don’t happen to have smaller notes, do you? I’m sure you know better than me how few places will take that here.”[/color]

His hand shoved into his thick dark pants’ pocket, pulling out his battered flip phone. He held it out to Marco with a slight smile. [color=00b4d6]”Here. We’re just settling in, but it will be easy enough to have you round to our studio. As long as there’s a day or so notice, everyone can bring their work in.”[/color]

Marco crossed his arms, before raising one up to be level with his head.  His eyes remained fixed on the flip phone for a brief moment, wondering how something like that still worked.  He rested his weight on his back leg as he looked up towards Nico.  Starving artists indeed.  He grabbed the phone gently, and began to enter his number when a commanding voice caught his attention.

[color=00FF00]“Whose this,[/color] Julian asked loudly as he appeared through the crowd.  Marco did not move a muscle except for a glance with his eyes.

Johnny quickly moved in front of Julian and placed both hands on his shoulders and pushed back.  Even as strong as he was, Julian was still stronger and the sound of rubber squealing filled the air and Julian pushed through the hold and pushed Johnny back.  [color=FFF0F5]“Easy, boss, he’s Hollow,”[/color] Johnny whispered, [color=FFF0F5]“he’s buying some charms, for a very fair price right now, and wants to swing by the studio for some of our art.”[/color] 

Julian sized up Marco and let his eyes linger for a brief moment longer before they shifted back to Nico, softened, and a smile spread across his face.  [color=00FF00]“How are you feeling today, my love,[/color] Julian asked as he tapped Johnny on the shoulders, prompting the man to release his grip and step aside.  Julian quickly covered the distance and walked next to Nico, planting a soft kiss on his forehead.

[color=00b4d6]”Would I be out if I was feeling anything other than good?”[/color] Nico replied with a lightly teasing tone, smiling softly up at Julian. [color=00b4d6]”I see you got my note… One moment, just let me finish this, alright?”[/color]

He turned back to Marco, reaching out to take his phone back. [color=00b4d6]”What charms would you like? I can’t take your money until you choose… We’re very honest artists.”[/color]

Marco grabbed two fifty-dollar bills and passed them to Nico, letting him keep the bill he had given him previously.  He looked over the charms and thought about what Gideon and his wife would like.  He settled on a pair of stained glass-infused earrings and a small canvas of a sunset over a broken town.   He grabbed the bag from Nico, placed the earnings in the bag, and carried the canvas in his free hand.  He nodded to the group and turned around. [color=FF69B4]“Until next time.”[/color]

[color=00b4d6]”It was a pleasure doing business with you.”[/color] Nico smiled at Marco’s back, handing the bills off to Ash, who was today’s money holder. They took it and slipped it into a belt they had hidden under their baggy hoodie. [color=00b4d6]”I think that’s the first time we’ve made [i]money[/i] here, instead of trading…”[/color]

He laughed, shifting his body to properly face Julian. His eyes creased gently. [color=00b4d6]”Did you finish the piece you were working on, my love?”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“I did, yes, last night was just the inspiration I needed to finish it,[/color] Julian said as he grabbed Nico by the waist and pulled him into a kiss.  [color=00FF00]“What brought the muscle over to talk to us,[/color] Julian asked as he watched the money go into the belt, a smile at the sight filled his face.  

[color=FF6347]“They knew I was dealing,”[/color] Alice said with a sigh as she walked over to Johnny and placed a hand on his shoulder.

[color=FFF0F5]“We handled it as well as we could.”[/color] 

[color=7B68EE]“It was a fun first meeting.  Gideon is commanding.”[/color] 

[color=61ab89]”Fun is a word that could be used to describe it.”[/color] 

Nico looked at everyone else a little helplessly, leaning his full weight- which wasn’t much- onto Julian. [color=00b4d6]”They wanted an introduction, and for Alice to stop by the Hollow. Which she won’t be doing alone, of course… But it wasn’t a problem so long as we stay on their good side.”[/color]

[color=61ab89]”Easier said than done.”[/color] Ash let out a short laugh.

[color=00b4d6]”As long as no one else starts selling drugs without their permission, we’ll be fine.”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“No, she won't.  Johnny, you and I will go.  We’ll keep you safe, and if they try anything, they end up in the book,”[/color] Julian paused as he looked over the group, [color=00FF00]“good work though, all of you.  You did well.[/color] 

[color=7B68EE]“Thanks boss,”[/color] Art paused as they thought back to Marco and in their mind, they smiled, but their face remained unchanged.

[color=FFF0F5]“Goes without saying I am going with you, I can’t let those gangsters stare at you unchallenged.”[/color]

[color=FF6347]“Such the romantic,”[/color] Alice said as she pressed her face close.

[color=00b4d6]”Let’s try avoid beating any of them up, alright? If possible?”[/color] Nico said with a soft firmness, glancing at Johnny, and then up at Julian. It was always better to stay on the good side of those they didn’t have to get rid of. [color=00b4d6]”At least, let them buy some of our bigger pieces first.”[/color]

[color=61ab89]”If we bring in all our good pieces, I bet we could get enough to pay a couple months rent for everyone.”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“Agreed.  Let’s get some money first, besides,”[/color] Julian paused with a smile, [color=00FF00]“I have plans for us elsewhere, so we’ll be civil.  Copy?”[/color] 

[color=FFF0F5]“Yes sir.”[/color]

[color=FF6347]“You know it.[/color]

[color=00b4d6]”Do you know how hot it is when you give out orders?”[/color] Nico teased lightly, before stretching up to kiss Julian's jaw. 

[color=61ab89]”Please, I can't handle so much fucking sappy shit.”[/color] Ash groaned, moving things around on the table to cover the gaps.

Nico laughed, still looking up at Julian. [color=00b4d6]”Well… We don't need everyone here, I don't think. There's hardly room for us all behind the table! So… Should we go take a look around?”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“That’s a lovely idea,”[/color] Julian said as he offered Nico his hand, [color=00FF00]“shall we?”[/color] 

[color=00b4d6]”Yes, lets,”[/color] Nico grinned, taking Julian’s hand. He turned to look at everyone else as they moved around to the front of the table. [color=00b4d6]”Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do, alright?”[/color]

[color=FFF0F5]“No promises.”[/color]

Nico laughed, and shook his head. He took one last look over the stall to make sure it looked alright, before leading Julian off into the crowd. Of course, he was only able to get anywhere because Julian’s height made people naturally part… Whereas Nico himself would be shoving his way through. He looked up at Julian with a wry smile. 

[color=00b4d6]”You’re taking me leaving this morning well. I expected at least a couple of words of lecturing.”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“Oh, we are going to talk about that later.  For now,”[/color] Julian paused as he winked, [color=00FF00]“I think you deserve a morning to enjoy some art.”[/color] 

[color=00b4d6]”I spend most of my time enjoying art,”[/color] Nico grinned, eyebrows raising a couple of times, before he glanced around the stalls. The mix was surprising… From people like them, trying to make money of their craft, to people from just outside the city selling home grown food, to people just selling shit they didn’t want anymore. While arguments broke out over haggling, it was mostly peaceful thanks to the Hollow presence. Gave a true feeling of what this side of the city was like- could be like, if they didn’t live under such oppressive circumstances. 

[color=00b4d6]”It’s a shame we can’t afford to buy much. I’m hoping to find some kind of embroidery thread- or any coloured thread- rather than art. I’m running out, and can’t exactly afford a restock from the Northern craft stores…”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“We’ll I think thanks to a certain someones sales ability we can afford a few extra things of thread today,”[/color] Julian said with a wink.

Nico laughed. [color=00b4d6]”Yeah, my amazing talent of appealing to their sympathy to the poor. I think handing him my phone really sealed the deal. He properly froze up- and not just because you came in looking like wanted to punch him.”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“I did want to punch him, but he looked sturdy.  He would’ve been fine,”[/color] Julian grinned, [color=00FF00]“you never know what someone is up to lately.”[/color] 

[color=00b4d6]”Babe… He certainly wasn't up to anything with me. I could smell his straightness a mile off, I'm surprised you couldn't.”[/color] Nico shook his head, smiling back. Not that it would've been the end of the world if Julian had actually punched him… it was easy to explain away in this situation. Most people would freak out if their fiance was handing their phone over to another handsome man…

[color=00FF00]“Bitch, you’re so cute you [i]make[/i] straight men quesiton themselves,”[/color] Julian chuckled, [color=00FF00]“I am not taking that risk.”[/color]

Nico's smile only turned cuter, his eyes crinkling softly. [color=00b4d6]”Aw, you know just how to flatter me… Like [I]I'd[/I] ever look anywhere else when I've got you at home. Well… he did look like he had more money- kidding, kidding, I love you more than anything else in this world.”[/color] 

He shook his head, voice lowering a bit. [color=00b4d6]”Y’know nobody else has any kinda chance…”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“I know that all too well.  But I will still protect you even if it weren’t,”[/color] Julian smiled as he led the way through the crowd.

[color=00b4d6]”And I'd never expect you to stop.”[/color] Nico nodded. Especially after everything they'd been through. As they weaved through the people, he spotted exactly what he was looking for- a stall where someone was selling both clothing they'd sewn, upcycled, and other sewing supplies. They had a small selection of embroidery threads… Some clearly just bulk bought, but some looked handmade. 

Nico squeezed Julian's hand and subtly tugged him towards the stall. [color=00b4d6]”C’mon, let's look over here… I need to restock a bunch! Especially since [I]some[/I] people don't take care of their clothes like they should then come crawling to me to sew up any damage.”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“Let’s get enough to last for a few weeks at least.  I have a feeling we’ll need it.”[/color] 

[color=00b4d6]”Ugh, you’re probably right… It’s scary how accurate your feelings are.”[/color] Nico laughed lightly, approaching the stall. He began to pick through the more plain coloured, practical threads first. One hand was full after picking up a few, making it harder to look… So he just handed the small spools off to Julian. Then, the embroidery thread. [color=00b4d6]”Warm or cool coloured? I’m thinking about brightening up a couple’ve my more boring pants with some embroidery.”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“We might want to do both, considering our plans for the next few nights.  Better to have enough in case we need them, yeah?”[/color] 

[color=00b4d6]”How much of my clothes are you planning to rip?!”[/color] Nico mock gasped, laughing as he picked up a nice selection of both colours. Julian was right… and with an art sale on the horizon, they could afford it.

[color=00FF00]“As much as I can.”[/color] Julian pulled Nico closer as a wide smile crossed his face.

[color=00b4d6]”[I]Heyyy[/I], not in public! Save that for home."[/color] Nico laughed, even as he hooked his arms around Julian's neck to pull him down for a quick kiss. Then he pulled away, turning to pay for the embroidery thread he'd picked up along with some less colourful thread. 

He put them in his pockets, and reached out to take Julian's hand again. [color=00b4d6]”Let’s have a proper browse… Maybe we can find a few things for home? We're still missing a lot of shit."[/color]

Jasper caught sight of Domi, and a woman stepping aggressively towards her.  [color=00FF00]“Shit.  We need to backup Domi.”[/color] 

[color=00b4d6]”Where?"[/color] Nico was immediately alert, though he couldn't see through the crowd to where their friend was. But he did [I]hear[/I].

[color=51684c]”No, I don't fuckin' want it.”[/color] 

[color=eb7997]”Whoa, no need to get so pissed!”[/color]

Still holding Julian's hand, Nico dragged him through the people the short distance to where the fight was brewing. Domi was stepping back, hands in the air and developing photo in one. She wore a shit eating grin like she wasn't about to be beaten up. The person stepping towards her was a few inches taller, shoulder length hair pulled back into a messy ponytail, and baggy clothes hanging off their deceptively muscular frame. 

[color=00b4d6]”Domi- where have you been?"[/color] Nico called out, hoping the sight of his over six foot fiance would be enough to scare off whoever this was. 

It wasn't, of course. Vin was close enough to grab Domi, but their hands were still clenched into fists at their side. [color=51684c]”Give me the fuckin' camera. I ain't lettin' some creep take pics of people that ain't consentin'.”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“Bro, what are you going to do,”[/color] Julian responded bluntly as he moved in front of Domi.

Vin's head tilted back to look Julian in the eye, their own narrowing. Their scowl broke for a sharp toothed grin, a dangerous glint in their dark eyes. [color=51684c]”Fuckin’ get outta the way, unless you want me to break you before I smash the fuckin' camera. Y'think your height’s gonna save you? Or you wanna fight? Go on, [I]bro[/I], give it your best shot.”[/color]

Julian simply leaned forward towards the troubled girl and smirked.  [color=00FF00]“Nah.”[/color] 

[color=51684c]”Then get outta my fuckin' way.”[/color] It was taking a lot for Vin to not start the fight. They could… Sure, Gideon would probably beat them to shit afterwards for hitting civilians who hadn't started shit again, but it'd be totally worth it to wipe the smile off this smug bastard's face. 

[color=00b4d6]”Look, if she promises not to take any more pictures of you, is that enough?"[/color] Nico asked from the side, glancing at Julian. He wasn't worried, but he also didn't particularly want his fiance getting into a fight right now. 

[color=eb7997]”No way! I'm not stifling my art, especially not when she looks so fucking hot when angry!”[/color] Domi piped up from behind Julian, absolutely not helping the situation at all. 

Vin's eyes narrowed, staring up at Julian. One hand shot up to grab him by the collar. [color=51684c]”Get outta the way before I make you. Or you gonna get your ass beaten over some fuckin' perv?!”[/color]

A bit behind them, a beanpole of a man was pulling out his phone, nervously searching for a number and calling it.

[color=00FF00]“Oh you’re gonna beat [i]my[/i] ass?  Calm down before you embarrass yourself you fucking twig and back the fuck off,”[/color] Julian said as he effortlessly pulled his head back up and his collar with it.  

That was it. Vin absolutely couldn't stand to hear anymore. This guy was fucking asking for it. Calling them a fucking twig- they'd show him. 

They didn't say anything. Green Lux subtly enhanced already strong muscles- enough to take on plenty of people, maybe not just as fucking jacked as this guy-, roughly matching the man in front of them. They didn't want an unfair fight, after all. Where would be the fun in that? But the punch they delivered- right to his face- was more than strong enough that it would leave most reeling.

Julian’s head shot over at the force of the punch was much stronger than he had anticipated.  A streak of red was visible on his cheek as a stream of blood was called forth by the hit.  His eyes shot over and locked onto the small woman and squinted, as the corners of his lips curled to the heavens above.  Oh what fun.  Julian launched a sudden, and strong, punch towards the gut of Vin.

Vin didn't even bother dodging- which they could do- taking it right to the gut. It knocked the wind out of them, but they didn't need to breath naturally to keep going. Not with Green Lux. It was a good fucking punch, enough to knock them back a few paces. Hurt like hell- perfect. A good fucking fight. Just how they liked it. 

With a grin to match their opponents, Vin quickly recovered. One hand shot out to grab Julian's shirt, keeping a much tighter grip on it as their knee shot up hard right towards his crotch. They weren't going to play fair, after all. Fighting dirty was how it was done on the streets. 

Julian’s right arm shot downwards and his fist connected with the rising kick.  The impact hit harder than most other strikes he’s faced.  His eyes scanned the small frame of the woman, and realized a quick truth.  She was powered.  Julian used his left hand and grabbed the upper chest of Vin , his hand went from one shoulder to the other with ease,  and, as he stepped into the move, threw her backwards. 

Vin let him throw them- but it was relatively easy for them to spin into the air and land onto their feet rather than back. One of the places where their small size worked to their advantage. They dropped into a crouch, forcing their nails to stay at a normal length. No fucking claws today. Their hand curled into a fist and they shot up, aiming for Julian's face again.

Julian did not wait for their blow to land and launched a strike of his own.  As the two fists hurled towards each other, they were suddenly stopped by two hands that belonged to Marco who quickly moved in the middle.  Julian found himself off balance as his punch was redirected, and Vin would be once again pushed to the side.  

[color=FF69B4]“What the fuck, V?”[/color]. Marco had gotten a frantic call from a Hollow member about Vin starting shit, and had rushed over as quickly as possible.

[color=51684c]”God fuckin- Riley, you called [I]him[/I]?!”[/color] Vin's head twisted back to glare at their fellow Hollow member- technically below them, but whatever. The tall guy tried to hide behind his slightly shorter patrol partner. 

They were mostly pissed that they'd been stopped from having an actually fun fight. Scowling, they pulled their first back. [color=51684c]”I ain't just punching random people, fucking hell. This asshole's fuckin' friend is going around snapping creepy ass pictures of people! I tried to fuckin' talk it out but he-”[/color]

[I]CLICK![/I]

[color=eb7997]”Damn, this one's even better!”[/color] Domi had leaned around Julian, using the opportunity to snap a photo of both Vin [I]and[/I] Marco. She carefully took the film and started waving it around to let it develop. 

Marco sighed as he rubbed his temple.  These fucking idiots. [color=FF69B4]“V let it go,”[/color]. Marco paused as he turned and squared up his body with Julian.  [color=FF69B4]“They’re done though.  If I hear that they’ve taken another photo without someone’s consent we’re going to have a problem,”[/color] Marco paused as he turned his face towards Domi, [color=FF69B4]“we don’t want to have a problem, right?”[/color]

[color=51684c]”I’ve got a fucking problem.”[/color] Vin muttered under their breath, though their magic drained away from their muscles. They folded their arms and turned away slightly. Because if Marco knew, that meant the Boss would know, and if they kept fucking pushing they'd have to sit through a lecture at minimum.

[color=eb7997]”Oh yeah course not, my bad! I'm used to hotties wanting their pictures taken, sorry!”[/color] Domi sounded completely unbothered, smiling at both Marco and Vin. She held out the rather nicely shot photo of them. [color=eb7997]”Here, at least take this as an apology.”[/color]

Nico stepped forward silently, putting a hand on Julian's arm in the hope it'd stop him from doing anything stupid.

Julian felt Nico’s touch and instantly calmed down.  His eyes instantly lost their intensity, and his posture pulled itself back into his normal relaxed composure.  [color=00FF00]“We good?.”[/color] Julian looked towards Marco as he asked.

[color=FF69B4]“Yeah,”[/color] he replied as he grabbed the photo.

[color=00FF00]“Nice punch.”[/color] Julian said as he turned around, leading Nico and Domi away.  He was very curious about what the photos revealed.

Vin just flipped a middle finger at Julian's back. 

Once they were far enough away to not be overheard by any enhanced ears listening, Domi threw up a peace sign and grinned. [color=eb7997]”And that, boys, is how you get access to the Hollow.”[/color]

Nico let out a sigh. [color=00b4d6]”Next time, maybe don't photograph the most aggressive looking one? You're lucky we were in the area.”[/color]

[color=eb7997]”I knew tall, dark and handsome would come save me.”[/color]

[color=00FF00]“You’ve got that big dick energy,”[/color] Julian grinned as he tapped their shoulder with that first, [color=00FF00]“good fucking work.”[/color] 

Domi laughed, a hint of evil in it. [color=eb7997]”Thanks, Boss. They were real fucking cute too, so I got something out of it.”[/color]

Nico glanced between the two of them, shaking his head with a smile. [color=00b4d6]”C’mon… Let’s get back to the stall, make sure the others haven't found trouble while we were away.”[/color]