post tenebras spero lucem

The people of this world deserve better than what they've been given. They don't deserve the madness and chaos that follow those who would pretend they are protectors. They deserve peace. ----- [Closed RP blog for Alec Kiernan, an OC. For the RP group, see the Group link to the right. I am not Aidan Turner, nor do most of these gifs belong to me.]

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

whatsalittlebitofwind:

The probing wasn’t lost on Ellie, but she concentrated more on drawing than on the conversation. If she could finish it up quickly, she’d have a better chance at avoiding accidentally dropping anything she shouldn’t. “Well, I’m not most people.” She replied bluntly. It was the truest most honest thing she could say about herself. Not just as the throw away that it was, but most people didn’t have her powers, so there was that. She took a minute or so to focus on his hands, detailing their positions, the shading and shadowing. Hands, in her mind, told much about a person. His were smooth, but they were held firm; he needed to be in control. Which was why, she figured, he was trying to continue the conversation. She must have let something slip that she didn’t trust him. Damn.

Much as she loved talking about weather, that was a dangerous topic for her in particular. “Tabloids are worth a laugh,” she offered noncommittally, finding herself a little more relieved when the bodyguards were out of sight. She never liked being stared at. “I imagine in your line of work, that’s usually not a bad thing. But as I said, I’m just an art student, not sure why they’d be so zealous about watching me. It’s got to be the red curls.” She let the smirk tug at her lip. Jokes and cracks were as much a defense mechanism as they were her usual conversation filler. 

Alec quirked a half smile at the girl’s brush off, humming agreement. “No, indeed. You seem to be quite remarkable; your honesty is quite refreshing.” Along with something even more remarkable, unless I’m mistaken. You’re hiding something, and I will know what it is. She took her time to sketch some more, meticulously working on something he couldn’t see. He let the silence stretch once again, eyes trained unerringly on her face.

“A laugh? I suppose they are, yes. Though when you’re in a business such as mine they tend to be more of a nuisance. Generally a ridiculous one, but still a nuisance.” He tilted his head, the half-smile widening into a fuller one. “No, it’s not a bad thing at all. Especially with the world coming to what it has, vigilance is more than called for.” He laughed easily at her quip about her hair. “I suppose it must be. Your ginger curls are certainly threatening.” Another deflection, another emphasis on her harmless nature. So why was he becoming more and more certain that she was a potential threat? Perhaps not at the moment, but her continual reassurances hinted that there was need for such reassurance. The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

sonofwolverine616:

The feral hunter watched the proceeding phone switch, staring hungrily as a grin spread across his face. This Alec was a clever one all right. He knew what to expect and had planned accordingly. Daken couldn’t help but admire the politician for taking precautions. He stood up again and motioned towards the door. “Shall we, then?” he prompted. His gaze scanned over the guards, sizing them up. If he really needed to, Daken figured he could take them out. Between his claws shredding them and his healing factor  keeping him going, they wouldn’t stand a chance. Disappointingly, he seriously doubted that would become necessary. The relationship between Kiernan and Zemo had been growing and developing over the past several months. It wouldn’t do to go spoiling that now. As the assassin walked out the door of the cafe, he led Kiernan to an awaiting car. “Don’t worry about any paparazzi seeing us,” he said with another grin. “We’ll just make them think we’re a couple.” Daken leaned in and planted a kiss on Alec’s lips. With a sly wink and smirk, he slipped into the dark vehicle, and rolled down the tinted window a crack. “You coming of not, sweetie?” @aleckiernan

Alec nodded, following the other man with his hands in his pockets, posture the very picture of ease. He quietly noted Daken’s appraisal of his men. It was hardly necessary, as the men had already received their orders to leave, but Alec could appreciate the thoroughness. “I’m not overly concerned with the paparazzi anyway. Surely two men can conduct a business meeting without--”

The kiss, admittedly, caught Alec off guard. For the barest of moments, he was frozen in place, repulsed by the sudden and thoroughly unwanted advance. In a snap decision, however, he leaned into the kiss and fought for control. If Daken had pushed this cover on him, at least he could take charge of it. It wouldn’t do to be seen passively accepting something like this. When the kiss broke, Alec took a moment to straighten his clothing, shooting his companion a dark look. “Wouldn’t want to be late, would we?” He strode around the rear of the car, entering it on the other side. “Do that again and you won’t find it as pleasant.”

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

whatsalittlebitofwind:

Waiting only until he’d adjusted himself into his preferred position, Ellie brushed her pencil along the page, eyes darting back and forth between him and her page at a dizzying speed. She got lost in her work after a few moments, laying out the foundation of her work by just his figure. Next would come the sparse wrinkles in his suit, the line of his face, the ease of his frame. He oozed confidence. She need to capture that.

His question caught her off guard, though she was careful and deliberate to not show it. “If you want, but I don’t like to talk about myself, too much.” She replied, eyes continuing to dart back and forth. At least, not to people like you whom I don’t trust. This was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done, and that’s saying something. She felt suddenly aware of the eyes of his bodyguards on her. “You mind telling your bulldogs to simmer down. I’m making a sketch, not drawing you to death.” It was unnerving enough trying to draw with an audience, more so when they were eyeing her like she was a threat, and even more when she knew they had reason to be concerned, even if they didn’t fully grasp why they should be. 

Alec made the effort not to raise an eyebrow at how quickly the girl sketched. Clearly whatever else miss St. Cloud might be hiding, her proclivity for art hadn’t been a lie. He allowed the silence to stretch as she worked, knowing eventually it would be broken.

She paused a beat when his question registered, before giving a rather dismissive answer. Interesting. A shame that is precisely the subject I wish to discuss. “I wonder why that is. In my experience, most people are more than willing to expound upon their own virtues. It’s a rare person who has the modesty to keep from boasting. Regardless, what topic would you rather pursue? Sports? The weather? Tabloid rumors?” The topics were inane ones, to be sure, but they had to get a start somewhere. If small talk was the only springboard he had, he could wade through it for a while. Somehow, he thought she would have as little patience with it as he did himself. He absently flicked a hand at the bodyguards, who promptly turned and exited the cafe to stand guard outside. “My apologies. They can be a bit overzealous in their duties sometimes.”

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

whatsalittlebitofwind:

While she hated being called Miss St. Cloud, she kept her usual thoughts to herself. Ellie wasn’t all that keen on being on first name basis with the politician. Gathering her wits she stuffed her concerns out of view and pulled her confidence out of the mental closet it had been hiding in. Now was not the time to be timid or anxious. Letting her guard down in this situation could be deadly.

“Library or study, got it,” she nodded, then lay her portfolio down and flipped to a new page. “Strike the pose you want and I’ll get started. It won’t take long.” The sooner she could get this done the better. She knew her father would be livid, but she wondered how her Aunt would feel about this. Best just to get it over with and let Jami react how she may. 

He watched as the girl visibly steeled herself before moving to start her sketch. A small chuckle escaped him at her request to ‘strike a pose.’ The phrase put him in mind of some flamboyant fashion model, rather than the professional air he tried to maintain. He considered for a beat, then crossed his legs neatly, folding his hands in his lap and giving her what he had privately dubbed his ‘publicity smile.’

After a few moments, he spoke up. “Do you need me to stay quiet, or can we chat while you’re drawing? I like to take an interest in the New Yorkers that I meet.” It had less to do with her position as a constituent, and more to do with whatever it was she was hiding, but either way he needed her to keep talking.

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

whatsalittlebitofwind:

She considered herself to be rather tough, but this guy made her skin crawl. HOPE may have had their eyes on mutants mostly, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have reason for concern as well. She wasn’t human, that was target enough. And luckily, SHIELD managed to keep her out of any stories where her powers got out of control and done significant damage. But this guy? She wouldn’t be surprised if he had some capability of finding out details about her. Why did she contact him? Too late now.

“I can recreate a scene without difficulty, I could even draw the oval office around you if you wanted.” She replied without much emotion, opening her sketch book and pulling the pencil out from behind her ear. Her thick red curls helped keep her pencil stuck in that spot, especially when she pulled it back. “But that choice is yours really. I don’t want to waste your time. If you’d like to see what I do, you are welcome to.”

Alec’s sharp eyes were trained on the girl, though he still kept his expression pleasant. She looked practically ready to jump out of her skin. He had been wrong, then. She wasn't just afraid, it was more than that. Interesting.

He shook his head, smile still firmly in place. "Not at all, miss St. Cloud. It's hardly a waste of my time to assist a student. As to my surroundings, I should think the Oval Office would be a bit... presumptuous. I am here to serve New York, not run for president. A library, study, some such place would be more suitable I would think."

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

whatsalittlebitofwind:

What had possessed Ellie to contact Alec’s “people” to set up a meeting with him, even she wasn’t sure. Her professors wanted her to sketch different types of people, in different situations, different poses, showing them at their most natural element in their professions. One such type was a political figure. She was sure she could have used any in SHIELD, but she was still trying to keep that connection secret from her classmates and even some professors. So she picked the one person who was probably the worst one to choose: Alec Kiernan. Her father would be livid.

“Few words, really,” Ellie replied bluntly. She did her best to appear calm and collected, but she knew he was dangerous. The calm in her actions didn’t quite meet her eyes. “I’m an art student at Columbia. For an assignment I’ve been told to sketch various professionals. I was wondering if you’d allow me to draw you. I’ll provide you with a copy of the sketch when it’s finished, and it won’t take long.”

Alec flashed his best smile at the girl, relaxing back further into the chair. Despite her attempts to cover it, he could read the emotions showing through her eyes. She feared him. Prudently so, he could be quite the dangerous man. Now why she knew to fear him was quite another thing, and something he would have to consider as the conversation progressed. Logging that detail away for the time being, he returned to the matter at hand.

"Ah, so you're an artist. A noble profession, to be sure. I'd be happy to sit for your sketch. Did you want to do that today, or would you like to make a future appointment? I'm not certain this particular venue matches well with my profession, though I suppose if it's only a figure study, that is moot."

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

morphinemechanic:

She pursed her lips finding nothing of comfort in his carefully worded explanation. He wasn’t wrong, her apartment would have far more than what little contracts SHILED had handed over to the shop, which a concern grew in her. Could someone be drawing her out in order to find something she had on her persons? No one would have the balls. She thought to herself, and all would regret the day if they dared. 

His smile soured her expression further. “Any man can go on TV and say their morals don’t line up with HOPE’s. Doesn’t make it any more true.”  Seeing as this was going no where or at the very least not in her favor, Aeron got up from the table, evoking a hasty response from the men who accompanied Alec. Aeron placed her hands up to prove there was no intention. “I think you’re up to something.” She repeated. “I can’t place it but I have a feeling. So I’m going to leave you with this Alec. If your plans include mutants, I suggest you get a new one. One mutant gets hurt or taken, and you will be on the receiving end on what I really can do.”

She took a step back, heading for the door, only stopping  short of leaving. “The communities will be warned of you.” 

@aleckiernan

He smiled politely through her ever-worsening expression and its accompanying words. She wasn’t wrong; he still agreed wholeheartedly with every action HOPE had taken, though had he been in charge there were a few things he would have approached differently. He had to stop himself from laughing when the girl abruptly stood. Had she really expected that he would confess everything the moment he was confronted? He truly hadn’t had anything to do with the supposed robbery, but most of the rest of her accusations had been true enough. Still, he would hardly be a politician if he confessed to the first flash in the pan that came along.

Alec raised a hand before Aeron could try to pacify his henchmen, signalling them to stand down himself. The woman may be beyond his ability to manipulate, but he suspected she knew better than to try anything here and now. He sat patiently through her threat, smile still in place, and didn’t deign to respond. Certainly, he had plans. And they would negatively impact mutants, that was certain. But for the time being, none of them involved directly taking a mutant. That was enough of a loophole for him.

He allowed himself a small laugh at her parting words. “I shall consider them duly warned, then. Though I must admit, if they weren’t aware of my political stance before now, they are worse idiots than even I assumed.”

@morphinemechanic​

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

sonofwolverine616:

The mongrel assassin grinned at Alec and licked his lips. His eyes perused the other man’s form. Handsome and impeccably dressed, as per usual. “Mr. Kiernan. It’s good to see you again,” he said smoothly. Going in for a handshake, he also took a whiff of the politician’s scent. “I like your choice of cologne today.”  

Daken shot Alec a look, gazing into his eyes deeply. “Anyway, let me get right to the point. The time has come for you to meet with my employer. He has requested your presence.”

@aleckiernan

It was all Alec could do to restrain himself from curling his lip at the assassin’s gaze. After his previous encounter with the man, he had done some research on him, as much as he could with the limited information he had at hand. He wasn’t able to precisely place his finger on what the man could do, but enough odd occurrences surrounded the man that there was no question in Alec’s mind that he was no longer human -- that is, if he had ever been human to begin with. As much as the idea of flirting with such a man repulsed him, it wasn’t as though he hadn’t done worse for less. As it was, Daken was too useful to outright offend; not to mention the fact that if he wished to keep a working relationship with this Baron Zemo, it wouldn’t do to offend his... lackey.

“Likewise, Daken. Always a pleasure to have contact from your organization.” He returned the handshake firmly, flashing a pleasant smile. “I’m flattered that you noticed. It’s a new brand I’m trying. I shall have to use it more often.” He folded his hands on the table, meeting Daken look for look, and nodded solemnly. It was about time the two met; they had been exchanging favors on an ongoing basis, though nothing formal. Simply put, whenever one noticed something that would benefit the other, they would get into contact. It was high time they had a face-to-face meeting, in order to discuss more long-term arrangements. Zemo had discussed certain security measures to be taken when and if the two met.

He issued a sharp whistle, drawing the attention of one of his henchmen outside. He gestured for the man to come inside. “Of course. If you will give me a moment, I will be ready.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and locked it down before handing it over to the lackey, who gave him a small flip phone in return. Zemo had warned him his phone would be confiscated, and it wouldn’t do to have his information out of his possession, or that of someone in his (rather small) circle of trust. That done, he nodded sharply to Daken, not even bothering to watch his employees depart. “On your cue, then.”

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

morphinemechanic:

She wasn’t pleased with the answer, which was apparent with her soured expression . Perhaps Alec was not exclusively responsible for the break in but Aeron didnt just single him out for no apparent reason. Something was up with him, she was determined to know exactly what it was.

“But I’m not just a contractor, you know that.” Since HOPE’s attack her face was plastered on all media outlets. Scabs were selling camera footage of the battle on street corners alongside t shirts and poorly made action figures. The communities buzzed with talk about the Xmen and Avengers return. All this positive attention, there had to be some bad mixed in. “Besides, I wouldn’t leave important schematics just anywhere, let alone my shop. Terrible neighborhood.”

Aeron paused for a second before continuing. “You’re up to something. I can’t pin it just yet but I don’t think it was a coincidence that you were just passing by when I got jumped a few weeks ago.”

@aleckiernan

Alec couldn’t help but smirk at his companion’s expression. She hadn’t been pleased with his answer, but he certainly hadn’t been pleased with her accusation. He saw no reason not to respond in kind, given that he suspected she had heard of his involvement with HOPE.

“I am quite aware of who you are now, Animus. But you have simply proved my point for me. You are perhaps more than a simple contractor, but the little garage you work for is not. Were I plotting to steal whatever information you had, surely I would have targeted your apartment. After all, I have been there before, and I know the times you are typically at the garage. And, as you said, you are unlikely to have stored anything of value in your place of work. Perhaps you wouldn’t trust it even to your apartment, but it’s a more likely place than the garage.”

He folded his arms, flashing her a smile. This conversation was becoming more amusing by the moment. “Why Aeron, I’m flattered. You seem to think I’m quite the mastermind. I’m afraid you’re once again wrong. I was a public proponent of HOPE, but I confess that at the time I was unaware of their... methods. When their terrorist tactics came to light, I was among the first to condemn their actions. I’m sure you’ll find videos online somewhere. As to my timely appearance in that alley, that was in fact mere coincidence. I happened across a woman in need, and I have never been the sort to stand by.”

@morphinemechanic​

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

[aleckiernan-blog]

morphinemechanic:

Aeron sat in silence, her gaze fixed upon a man most familiar to her. She tried to keep her anger at bay, but you could catch the signs of her distaste in the stitch of her brow and the sharpness of her stare. Aeron couldn’t be too sure but she believed that the man who had rescued her in alleyway, had some hand in the ransacking of SHIELD contracts from her shop. She came to confront Alec in the matter.

“Yeah, I do.” She said blankly. “My mechanic shop that I help run. We have alot of contracted work, it’s really what pays the bills around there. A week ago, someone tried to make off with all information in regards to my biggest client, SHEILD. Something tells me that you have a hand in it.”

@aleckiernan​

He scoffed lightly at her overt accusation, eyebrow raised. Certainly, he had heard murmurs about the robbery, but from what he had overheard the attempt had been botched, and botched badly. He would hardly be associated with such a poorly executed plan, and any employee of his who made such mistakes would be terminated immediately–and in the more permanent sense of the word.

It was a shame, too, that the girl had jumped to the conclusion that he had been involved. Despite everything that had happened with HOPE, he had still considered her to be a possible asset, another pawn to be moved around the board. This proved that she would not be feasibly controllable, and therefore not worthy of continuing to track. His line of thought completed, he sat back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other.

“I’m afraid you’re quite wrong, Aeron. I’m terribly sorry to hear about your shop’s misfortune, but I had nothing to do with it. While SHIELD and I don’t quite see eye to eye ideologically, I have nothing to gain from stealing what little intel a contractor would have on their organization. Or did you really think your little shop would have the important schematics on hand?”

@morphinemechanic

[aleckiernan-blog]

Dangerous Discourse || OPEN

Alec neatly slid into the chair opposite the lone patron of the café. Two of Alec's employees stood just outside the doors, in case anything should go awry. He adjusted the lapels of his jacket, ensuring they were precisely in place, before finally looking up at his companion.

"I understand you wished to have a word with me. At least that's what I've been told."

[kostromas]

the brothers karamazov, fyodor dostoevsky.

[aleckiernan-blog]

Clandestine Meetings || Alec and Becca

[aleckiernan-blog]

shieldpsychologist:

Becca subtly shook her head. “I know you won’t see my reasons for the same reason I do, Alec.” She had easily kept up with the name facade on that one, but it had only been through the sheer will of reminding herself steadily in the background throughout the conversation. Knowing what he was capable of, she did not wish to incite his wrath with her inability to keep up his facade. 

“As far as whether or not the dangers would have followed me, those men made it clear that the reason I had been taken was you. Whatever motives they had besides, you were the primary incentive.” She looked down briefly, studying her still slightly trembling hands before forcing her gaze back up at him. “I’m sorry I’m not as brave as you think I should have been in that instance.”

She listened to the rest of his response, a chill running up her spine as he finished. Choosing her words carefully, she began slowly. “You say I had nothing to fear from you. Does this mean that now I do?” Becca was not so naive anymore to believe herself out of danger or to think that Alec would be entirely truthful. Men like Alec could charm anyone and keep their hearers ignorant of their deception to the utmost degree.

He gave her a wry, sad smile. “No, I don’t suppose I will ever quite understand your reasons. I’ve never been in that situation. I can only take you at your word. I apologize, I’ll say no more on the subject, except for this.” He laced his fingers together, expression becoming a bit distant, but still sharp. “I’m certain they did make it quite clear that I was the target. That is, after all, what they wanted you to hear. And I’ll admit, they certainly caught my attention. Perhaps not in the way they wanted, but caught it they did. But know that I have nothing to gain now from telling you this: your father had more to do with your ordeal than I did. They were preying on your self-proclaimed naivete.”

Alec sat back at her questions, sensing her trepidation at voicing it. He folded his arms, and tilted his head again, eyes focused unerringly on hers. “I should hope not, Bec. As I said, I only disagree with those who disagree with me. So you see, the question is quite up to you. If you mean me and my associates no harm, then I couldn’t possibly mean you any.”

[aleckiernan-blog]

Clandestine Meetings || Alec and Becca

[aleckiernan-blog]

shieldpsychologist:

Becca struggled to keep the calm and nonchalant expression on her face even as she worked to stamp down the surge of emotions within. After all this time, could it be? Surely she wasn’t jealous at the thought of Steven- well, Alec, she’d best get used to Alec- with another in the cozy inns of Switzerland. They were not a couple anymore, nor had they been for all that long. 

New emotions surged as he leaned forward. She fought the urge to lean back wondering all the while why she even felt the need to do so. His last questions made her think he could see right through her. “Afraid of those men, of potential future repetitions of what happened… and, yes, of you.” While her voice stayed soft, she pondered how it was that she was able to keep her voice steady throughout. “I saw a different side of you that night, I realized how little I knew you.”

Keeping her eyes locked with his, she clasped her hands together to prevent them from shaking ever so slightly. “The immediate fear had been if you would ever exhibit that aggression on me.”

She had visibly struggled with the idea of him needing a romantic spot, though she had done an admirable job of feigning nonchalance. Still, he had had the opportunity to study her expressions years ago, learning the nuances. She was hardly an open book, but if you knew where to look, the hints were there.

“I’m quite certain you knew those men were no longer a threat to you. As for repetitions, those would have followed you, I was merely the excuse.” He smiled, expression still oddly sharp. “I won’t lie to you and say I’m not a man worth fearing. Those who cross me generally regret it. But you had nothing to fear from me. I did what I did to protect you. Not to scare you off.” He let his eyes flick down to the table, placing a hint of regret on his face before quickly smoothing it away, as though he hadn’t meant her to see it. “That side of me was not one that I wanted you to see.” It was true enough. At the time he’d been struggling to maintain a facade of normalcy, in an attempt to pacify his parents. His mother especially had always wanted him to settle down with someone, had hoped a wife would calm his impulses and remove him from his career choices. That had never been likely, but he had wanted her to remain hopeful. In his way, he’d come to care for Becca as well, despite her being little more than a prop in the beginning. Showing Becca the darker side of himself, scaring her off that way had shattered the illusion, and his mother had never quite recovered from the loss.

He shook his head, expression earnest. “I would never have done such a thing. my aggression was reserved for those who would hurt those close to me. That was never you.” That’s not to say he wouldn’t have dealt with her if he deemed it necessary, but she had never posed a threat to him at the time. Now, he would have to wait and see.

[aleckiernan-blog]

Clandestine Meetings || Alec and Becca

[aleckiernan-blog]

shieldpsychologist:

The silky tone of his voice both calmed her and concerned her. He was as charming as ever, charming and visibly perfect. Perfection was only skin deep with him, however. Something she knew, but had trouble with keeping sight of in light of the man before her. How was she going to do this again? How could she work for SHIELD and yet be drawn to one of their potential threats? The conflict of interest was mounting ever higher as the conversation continued. On one hand she knew she should cut it short, on the other? She didn’t want it to end.

“It’s a combination of modern and traditional. And the views are breathtaking. I’ve suggested it many a time for a romantic getaway for some of my clients.” She offered a weak chuckle. She’d always been very good at giving the advice she either never took herself or didn’t have the necessity to. “Several times, there was so much to see in Europe that lingering in one location for too long would cause you to miss others. But I returned to Switzerland often.”

She paled as he mentioned how she’d left. Taking a deep breath, she held her elbows in her hands, locking eyes with him. “I can’t say I fully regret leaving that quickly, Alec,” she replied softly, catching herself before calling him the name she most recognized. “I was scared, upset, and incredibly naive. Looking back, I am sorry for how I caused you pain, but I know myself. I wanted to come back many times. But I’ll admit,” her voice dropped even more. “I was afraid.”

He smiled back easily, enjoying the chatter about Switzerland. He could see that her heart wasn’t in it, not really. Who could blame her? Her dead-ex-boyfriend had just shown up for breakfast with a different name. All things considered, she’d handled it well. As he had known she would. “I shall have to keep that in mind, should I ever have need of a... romantic getaway, as you said.”

His head tilted, and he leaned forward on the table, arms folded. “Are you? I suppose that’s a comfort. As is your apparent desire to come back.” The head tilted further, and his eyes glinted oddly. “Afraid? Dare I ask of whom? Surely by now you know what happened.”

[cindy-moon-silk-blog]

Aliases and Interviews || Cindy and Alec

[aleckiernan-blog]

cindy-moon-silk:

“Whatever I ask, hm? Careful what you say.”

What the hell? Was he going to ask her to kill someone?! Cindy listened to him speak with trepidation, not only because she was nervous about getting the job, but the fact that some of what he was saying troubled her. There was the same tone in his voice that she’d heard used before with mob bosses planning hits- a confidence and swagger that only came from having, and knowing you have, unreasonable amounts of power. Her silk-senses were not what they should have been, but it was something she couldn’t just ignore. The idea stuck in the back of her head even when she heard him accept her.

Cindy blinked. “Oh, yeah!” she sat up straighter, trying to keep a smile from spreading across her face. This was good news, at least. She finally had something to do other than fetch coffee and get yelled at. “Thank you so much for the opportunity, Mr. Kiernan. I really appreciate it.” She stood up and held out a hand, her usual response for closing out interviews.

Alec watched the concern flicker across her face. Perhaps he’d gone a bit too far? He’d intended the quip to be taken as a joke, even if it wasn’t entirely untrue. When he offered her the position, however, she seemed to brighten right back up. She thanked him profusely and offered him a hand to shake, which he stood and accepted with a smile. “But of course, miss Moon. As I said the other day, I’m always on the lookout for new talent. I get the feeling you could be put to good use here. I look forward to working with you.”

He showed her out of his office, even going so far as to see her to the elevator. Once the doors had closed, he strolled back past his aide’s desk, where the man was still sulking. He tapped on the desk, causing the man to snap to attention. “Jones. I want you do to a background check on miss Moon. See what there is to see, hm?” He nodded at the man’s sharp nod, then made his way back into his office and picked up the resume she had left behind. Something was off here, he just wasn’t sure what exactly. Placing it carefully back on the desk, he instead turned to consider the skyline outside his window. A mystery for another day, perhaps.

[aleckiernan-blog]

Clandestine Meetings || Alec and Becca

[aleckiernan-blog]

shieldpsychologist:

She couldn’t decide whether it calmed her, scared her, or angered her that he could talk to her so easily when she found it so difficult to reciprocate. Perhaps it was because she’d considered him dead. All the inquiries her father had made pointed to that. Becca couldn’t suppress the shiver that came over her at the anger in his eyes. She’d only seen that a couple other times in their history. Once had been the night of the- She closed her eyes briefly to stay the panic attack threatening to come.

Reopening her eyes, she attempted another smile, though it did not reach her eyes. “I found it and a few others while on a vacation in Switzerland. There was a quaint little shop on top of one of the Alps that sold some fantastic homemade wears.” She cut herself off then, not wanting to drift too far afield. Despite their former connection, Becca would be a fool to think he didn’t harbor some anger towards her.

The glimpse of the old Steven pulled at Becca in a way she knew full well he’d planned. Her time away from him and in school had shown her how much he had the classic tendencies of a psychopath. She knew better than to fall for him again, but also knew how difficult a task it would be not to. “Italy, in a town of so little consequence you would not even know it existed. It’s rarely seen on a map it’s so remote.” This was, of course, all true. She had asked to live in a villa in a different town than headquarters. Her villa had been her escape. “There were, perhaps, five families. We lived in a sort of no man’s land.”

He stopped speaking, nibbling on his croissant and giving her the time to recover from whatever degree of flashback had caused her to shiver. It wouldn’t do to have her go into a panic. Attention was precisely what he wanted to avoid; attention would bring press, which would likely scare her off. He would have to take this slowly, allow her the time she needed.

“Switzerland? I hear it’s lovely country, but I’ve never been out there myself. Been too busy with my work here. I’ll have to see if I can make it someday. Who knows?” His voice remained smooth, even, doing his best to keep their conversation from drawing attention. “Did you visit often?”

He took a sip of his coffee as she explained about Italy. Interesting. So she cares still, at least enough to be honest in this. He wished she would have mentioned the nameof said hamlet, but opted not to press her as of yet. “How charming. I’ve heard that Italy can be a pleasant place to live. I take it that it was your work that brought you there? I was so sad to hear you had left the country, and so abruptly. I would have very much liked to have said goodbye.” He found a slight flash of anger going through him at his words. He hadn’t realized he’d actually cared about her departure that much. Interesting. He would have to examine that later.