make me someone new

[anastasiasholland]

strayxdevil​:

Between taking a shot from Jasper’s fist straight to the jaw and the hours of drinking that followed, Stray was dead asleep from the night before when his phone began to ring. He was still in the clothes he’d warn that evening, and there was an ever-extending puddle of drool beneath his face while he snored. In fact, he hadn’t heard the phone at all, but Vega had. Disturbed by the chime, the adolescent corso groaned, and kicked his legs out, straight into Stray’s stomach - a habit Stray was starting to notice from the pup. “Fuckin SHIT…. what the hell, y'monster? Wha.. Oh,” he choked painfully awake, groggy and irritated. He finally registered the sound of his phone ringing, and reached for it. 

It was Ana. He flipped it open (yes, it’s an old piece-of-shit flip phone - but it still works so what’s the problem?), immediately heard her voice, and the panic laced within the words of her question. Still orienting himself to the living world, Stray pushed himself to sit up in bed, while Vega, in retaliation to be jostled, shifted to occupy his entire pillow. “Wait.. No, I’m not with Oliver, I’m home.. why? Wait– hold up, w-what the fuck? Hannah? Okay, shit,” he was already untangling himself from his blanket, hopping one-legged to at least change his shirt and swipe on some deodorant before heading her way. “Hold on, take a breath, we’ll find her okay? I’m on my way, keep tryin’ Oliver, I’ll be there in 15 minutes." 

They were about twenty minutes away, but to hell with that. He was there in ten. 

Hannah was a hell of a kid. For as genuinely terrifying as she was, Stray couldn’t help but find himself attached to her. She was wild and unpredictable, but wickedly smart and observant. Nothing got past her, and she wasn’t afraid to call you out your shit. Knowing Ana, it was no wonder where she’d gotten it from. Despite those qualities, however, she was still just a kid. And this was a dangerous town for a kid to be lost in. 

As soon as he made it to the house, he pulled up into the drive way, and yelled toward the house, figuring this would be quicker than trying to see through his busted screen to call her on the phone, "ANA?! C'MON, GET ON, LET’S GO.”

“She’s just gone.” The words were just falling out, and she couldn’t stop herself from damn near blubbering. “She always stays in the driveway, she knows that she has to stay in the driveway, and we do this every single fucking day but today she just took off.” Or someone took her, but the mere idea of that doubled the nausea she was feeling. No, she wouldn’t even entertain that thought. Hannah was adventurous and, well...bad, so really, Anastasia knew that she should’ve known that her daughter would eventually take off. But they were working on big-girl responsibilities and big-girl rewards, and five minutes alone to ride her bike had fit the bill. Apparently not.  “I don’t know where she’d be. I checked the neighborhood, but I didn’t see her anywhere.” Her chest was tight, and she was breathing too shallow to keep her head from spinning. This was a nightmare, and she couldn’t help but pinch herself trying to wake herself up. She knew better. She knew Hannah, knew that she was the type of child that had to be supervised at all times. But God, Ana had just needed that few minutes to pull it together. Her mother wasn’t doing well, Ana had barely gotten any sleep all night as she’d found herself in an endless loop of WebMD after getting off the phone of the nurse line. Maybe Hannah could feel the stress and wanted no part of it,  maybe she was looking for some attention because Ana would be the first to admit that she’s been stressed and less fun lately, or maybe Hannah was just being her usual badass little self and decided to go on an adventure. Either way, she was gone and Ana couldn’t believe that she allowed this to happen. She was ordinarily so careful, almost over-bearing at times. How had she let this happen? She spent the time before Stray arrived talking to neighbors, trying to see if anyone had seen Hannah leave. So far the general consensus was a resounding no, only making Anastasia feel more and more dread with each passing moment. As she heard the bike pull up, Ana was grabbing her phone and heading outside before he even called. “I talked to the neighbors and no one saw her go.” Of course they hadn’t. Because if they had noticed, then Ana would likely have noticed too. “One of them agreed to sit at the house in case she comes back,” and to sit with her mother, but that was the last thing Ana wanted to get into at the moment, “which I’m hoping she does. She’s never pulled this shit before.” Visibly frazzled, she took in as deep a breath as she could, trying to steady herself. “Can we try the park? I don’t see how she would know how to get there, but...”

[anastasiasholland]

marcusortiz​:

Usually he wasn’t bothered by seeing Anastasia, he was used to seeing her around. He’d looked out for her a few times. But in the back near the club house was a different story. Looking around he was happy that there weren’t many people around right now. “Really? Where the hell are they.” He rolled his eyes before standing up, “Alright let’s get your shit.” 

“Good question. Wish I had the answer. Sorry to bug you, I just...really need my car and figured someone would be back here.” The half-smile she offered was almost apologetic. The bike in the garage wasn’t an option, a gift from her father that had been sitting for the better half of a decade. Even if it was, she couldn’t exactly trust Hannah to safely ride. 

[anastasiasholland]

nonsparklyed​:

Being a cop, was always something that he wanted to do. The career always seemed so amazing to him, ever since he was a kid, but what really got him into it, was his friend’s death. It motivated him to actually follow that path. He wanted to help people, and put the bad guys where they deserved to be, behind bars. But like any other job, he felt like he needed some rest sometimes. He was working on some paperwork, when his coworker stopped by his desk, and asked him if he wanted to eat and take a break. A few minutes wouldn’t harm anyone, “Sure, but we can’t take too long though, I still have some paperwork to finish, but we are allowed to have lunch breaks, so a few minutes should be fine,” he always followed the station rules, he honestly couldn’t remember about a time that he disobeyed them.

Ana couldn’t help but roll her eyes, but the smile on her face showed that she was being playful. “Look at you. If we ever do employee of the month around here, it’s going to be you. But, good news is, union rules say one hour for every 8 hours worked and 15 for anything over 8, so we are right as rain to go get some food. I just need a change of scenery before my head explodes.” And a cigarette. God, yes, that was the most important part. “Do you care where? I’m not picky so long as there’s french fries involved.”

[anastasiasholland]

@strayxdevil It was the same thing that they did every morning. It was their routine, Hannah knew what the rules and expectations were, and they did it every single fucking day. After breakfast, Hannah would ride her bike out front in the driveway. She was not to leave the driveway. This allowed Anastasia a second to drink her coffee and clean up after her tornado of a child and make sure that her mother had taken her daily dose of medications. This had been their day-to-day since coming back to Charming. About fifteen minutes later, Anastasia would summon Hannah back inside to get ready for school, and they would be off and on their way. But today Hannah broke the pattern. When Ana had peeked out the window, as she would every few minutes, she couldn’t see the familiar flash of blonde hair or the bright blue bike. Panic didn’t set in until she went all the way outside to find that Hannah was no where to be found. She scoured the street and the two surrounding, but Hannah was gone and Anastasia was fairly certain she was going to be sick. Hannah knew better, Hannah never did this before, but Ana knew her child was adventurous and not always one to follow the rules. She should’ve checked on her more frequently, should’ve been outside with her, but she just needed two seconds to divy up her mother’s medications. Oliver didn’t answer his phone, and she didn’t bother leaving a voicemail before ending the call. Cold with panic, she quickly went through her contacts to see who else she could call. Stray was the first one that came to mind, especially since he could be with her brother. “Are you with Ollie?” Her voice was breathless, and she asked before he even had the chance to say a greeting. “I - I need help, Hannah took off on her bike and -- she’s just -- she’s gone, I can’t find her.”

[anastasiasholland]

@nonsparklyed​ A migraine was starting to form at the base of her skull, and that was when she decided that she couldn’t stand to be in the overly loud precinct anymore staring at a computer. She would much rather be in a patrol car, but that was not in the cards for right now. Sighing as she signed out of her computer, she rubbed at her temples for a moment before she scooted her chair out and stood up. She needed a cigarette and to stretch her legs, and should probably eat something while she was at it. Woefully, she was barely through her shift, and that thought alone made her immediately decide it was break time. She stopped at another desk on her way out, nodding at the door. “You wanna go grab lunch? I need to get out of here for a little bit.”

[anastasiasholland]

cjmonroe​:

with theo at a friend’s house & it being cj’s day off, he’d decided to take lilah to the park & just generally spend the day with her. it wasn’t something they got to do all that often, so he was more than happy to do whatever she wanted. it didn’t take long once they’d entered the park for lilah to spot hannah & bolt off towards her, leaving cj standing alone for a moment. he scanned the area, figuring that ana would be around somewhere & when he clocked her sitting on the bench, he made his way over. “ what’s with the shifty look ? afraid someone’s gonna rat you out for smokin’ a cigarette ? ” he teased, sitting himself down next to her. “ mind if i bum one of those ? i’m all out. ”

“I got yelled at by a concerned citizen last time I lit up within 100 feet of a park, and I haven’t had any coffee yet so I am not in the mindset to deal with that again. Also, Hannah gives me shit when she sees me smoke and she leaves the guilt on thick for a five-year-old.” She tossed the pack over onto his lap, inhaling deep on her own cigarette. “Lighter’s inside. Also, thank you for deciding to come to the park because if she doesn’t have someone to play with, she makes my big ass get on the swings with her.”

[anastasiasholland]

rayxricci​:

rayanne’s head snapped up from her computer screen, eyes wide for a second at anastasia’s sudden entrance. as soon as she registered what was being asked, she waved off her apology & offered up a warm smile. “ free as a bird, sweetheart. i’m all yours. ” she assured her, though it wasn’t entirely true. she hated letting ana down & it was obviously urgent, so drinks with jasper would just have to wait. “  don’t even worry about it, we’ll have the best time. we always do. ” ray grinned, a gentle laugh sounding after she spoke. “ hi ! i’m actually really great, how are you ? despite having to go work when you probably didn’t want to, obviously. ”

“You are an actual angel, so I owe you big time. I really wish the precinct realized how hard it is to find last-minute child care...then again, I should’ve realized that when this is what I decided to do for a living.” Sighing, she shook her head and idly leaned forward onto the counter. “Hannah will be extra excited. You’re her favorite babysitter...but she also says that about my brother, so I think she’s hoping you two don’t talk.” Hannah was also manipulative and probably found it funny. “I’m okay. Tired, but when am I not tired? Night shifts are just slowly draining the life out of me.”

[anastasiasholland]

strayxdevil​:

“No no no,” Stray insisted through laughter, his hands up in mock surrender, “it’s really all good. I’m jus’ glad ya didn’t take a second shot, then I’d be really worried.” He nodded at Hannah’s whereabouts, recalling with amusement the first time he met the kid. Stray was always fond enough of children, but Hannah? She was instantly likable, sure - that girl had charm for days. She had one hell of a personality, too. But at the end of the encounter, he realized that five year old had him intimidated as fuck. She was clever, unpredictable, and wild as hell. With Ana as her mother, however, and good ol’ Uncle Ollie at her back… what else could anyone expect? She was certainly living up to her legacy. “Probably a good thing she left before  she found the bows n’ arrows, I honestly don’t know if I’d get off so lucky otherwise.”

His shoulders shrugged, and another laugh escaped - he was in no position to judge. He hadn’t been shooting much better before she tried to kill him, after all. The poor attendant was getting so frustrated with him during his time, but he simply didn’t have the finesse. Apparently bar fights and triggers are what he’d be sticking with. “Yeah well I think we both fucked up on our decision makin’ out here. But if I’m being honest, it was the only thing that seemed interestin’ at all.” Stray rolled his eyes, “horses are fine ‘n all, but… a little poshy, y'know? But hey, if it brings in money for the city, whateva. I’d still rather be at the bar.”

“Hannah is never allowed to be around any kind of weaponry. Literally ever. Her personality says she’s going to either be leading a country or a gang in prison, and I don’t want to influence the latter. I don’t even like giving this kid utensils.”  With how many calls she’d gotten from daycare this past summer, Ana was beyond worried about kindergarten this year. She’d never heard of a child getting expelled from school in their first year, but if it was going to be anyone, it was Hannah. “She has bad impulses. I guess that’s just genetic.” Nodding in agreement, Ana slipped a hand into her back pocket to pull out her pack of cigarettes, slipping one between her lips as she fished for a lighter. “I’m not a fan of any kind of big thing like this,” especially after what happened at the town hall meeting,  “and I’m actually afraid of horses, so...” Shaking her head, she lit the end of her cigarette and took a drag. “I would have to agree and say that goes for two of us. I just rarely get a night off, let alone one with mini-Satan, so I figured I’d stick around.”

[blocdmagic]

Setting down the drink in front of him Marcus stared at the papers, mostly things for the MC but a few things about the autoshop as well. He’d been looking over everything for an hour, running a business and an MC wasn’t ever easy but he was better at breaking jaws and giving orders than sitting here and doing paper work. Still it had to get done and he was the one who had to do these particular papers. Leaning back in the chair he pulled out his flask before quickly shoving it back in his kutte when he heard the door open. “This better be important because I’m supposed to be filling out these fucking papers.”

Or a distraction of some sort, he’d take that too but right now he was going to be the diligently working boss and not someone trying to get out of working. Not that he hadn’t been working all day. “Unless you have something else very important for me to do, I’ll take that over this.” @charmingstarter​

[anastasiasholland]

“Well...I don’t see anyone at the front desk, and I need to pick up my car. I think that covers as important.” Anastasia idly swung her keys around her finger, hesitating in the doorway and offering the other a quick smile. “It’ll also only take you like...two minutes to have me sign the paperwork and pay, and then I’ll be out of your hair.” 

[anastasiasholland]

@cjmonroe​ “Okay, okay, Jesus Christ Hannah slow down.” Sighing as her five-year-old proceeded to not listen (big surprise) and take off towards the play structure, Anastasia pulled out what would likely be the first cigarette of many throughout the day. The day had already been a bust, what with having woken up to Fruit Loops and milk all over the floor because Hannah had decided to get her own breakfast instead of waking up her mother. While the effort was appreciated, clean up would’ve been appreciated as well. It wasn’t even noon yet, and Ana had decided it would be better to get out of the house rather than deal with a stir-crazy Hannah all day. Throwing herself down a bench near the park, Anastasia took a quick peek around before lighting up her cigarette. The last time she’d smoked at the park, she’d gotten reamed by a Karen and her mini-Karen, so she was going to be careful this time.

[anastasiasholland]

location: autoshop @rayxricci​

“Are you free tonight?” The question came off mildly abrupt, and Anastasia offered a half-apologetic smile. “Sorry, I just got called in for a shift tonight and I need someone to watch mini-Satan. She’ll be asleep for most of it, so, easy money? Also, hi, how’s it going? Sorry to king of just...jump down your throat like that.” It would seem that some at the precinct just didn’t understand the whole child care dilemma, especially considering her job didn’t exactly just consist of sitting at a desk where she could just bring her kid with her. Not to mention, her days off were few and far between.

[anastasiasholland]

strayxdevil​:

Stray was no fucking good at archery. He could punch people like nobody’s business, and was a decent shot with a handgun when the situation called for it. Archery, though? It just felt like extra steps with the ever-present risk of the string crushing into your hand, leaving a giant red welt for the next twelve damn hours. And how did he know that? Because he was fucking look at one on his own damn hand. The attendant had tried to explain why it’d happened and to correct his posture to try again, but Stray was over it by then, and lifted his arms in defeat. 

Just as he was about to turn and leave, his periphery saw an arrow zipping by his station - far too close to have been intentional (then again, this was Charming so he probably shouldn’t have been so quick to dismiss intention). However, as soon as he saw it’s source, he was certain it wasn’t an assassination attempt at all. 

“Fuckin’ Ana – twice this week we’re runnin’ into each other,” he smiled brightly, immediately cheered up from his failure. He briefly looked around, and noticed her mischievous little clone was no where to be seen. “Badass takin’ the day off, or is she gracin’ her uncle’s presence today?”

“Lucky you,” Ana offered with a shrug as she idly fidgeted with the bow in her hands. The smile she offered was a little sheepish, and she reached up with a hand to push her hair out of her eyes. “...Sorry about the whole arrow thing. Totally accidental. I uh, used to be pretty good at this. Not that you would be able to guess that by the fact that I just completely missed the target by a solid four and a half feet, but...that’s what ya get for not practicing in something like nine years.” Sighing, she placed the bow back down, deciding that maybe it was better to quit while she was ahead. She hadn’t killed him, and she should take that as a sign. She couldn’t help but smile and laugh a little at his description of Hannah, and she shook her head. “She was here earlier. Grandma wanted some Hannah time, so they’re probably at home watching Frozen 2 for the sixty-third time this week.” It was rare that her mom felt up for watching Hannah, and Anastasia had her phone volume up on loud and the vibration on just in case. Her fingers itched to check her phone again as she remembered, though she pushed the urge away as she’d just checked it a few minutes ago. “It’s rare I get a night off and get Hannah-free time, so...apparently I decided archery was a good idea.” Shaking her head, she looked over at the arrow she’d accidentally shot in his direction. “Spoiler alert: it was a bad idea. I think Ollie was right about me having noodle arms.”

[anastasiasholland]

@strayxdevil location: archery range She hadn’t held a bow in her hands since high school, and even then she really had lost interest. She had been on the archery team her freshman year of highschool, and after that she’d found herself much more interested in boys and motorcycles and everything else bad for her. It had been long enough that it felt foreign in her hands, and her arms felt sore and wobbly trying to pull back before firing off. The first few shots had been embarrassing by far, and she was half-glad she’d wandered over to the archery range independently. If her brother had been with her, she was certain he would’ve proceeded to laugh and chide her for not keeping up with the hobby. Granted, he’d always been a better shot, but she liked to think that she was decent at least. The next few shots were passable, and she was starting to feel more comfortable. Anastasia found herself wondering why she had given this up, as it was definitely relaxing. Maybe it was something she should look into...if she could even find an archery range in Manhattan when she went back. However, as that thought crossed her mind, she lost her grip as a muscle in her arm twitched, sending the arrow off flying to the side. Sighing and cursing under her breath, Ana idly wiped sweaty palms on the denim of her shorts and offered a little wave. She offered a “sorry!” to the person beside her, deciding that maybe taking a break would be for the best. 

[anastasiasholland]

marielbuenaventura​:

Hearing Anastasia’s take on Charming got her a little curious as to why she came back, but she also didn’t want to come off as someone who pried a lot. A typical lawyer out here snooping around. “I feel as if this town does that to the natives huh? Make you come back…The appeal must be…haunting.” she joked at first. “I’m sure you’ll head back to the big city. What do you need to complete in order to make the move?” Maybe Mariel could give her some advice while she’s here. “Oh for sure, to think I’d live a high roller life…” She shook her head, “But I have no regrets, Reyna is a gift in this world and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m sure you feel the same way with Hannah no?” 

Shaking her head Mari let out a ‘tsk’ sound and said, “Someone’s been working too hard and neglecting themselves.” she teased. Once they made it to their destination, she opened up the door for Anastasia before heading in with her and preoccupying a booth. “Oh is that so? I love it! That means she has some spunk to her and takes no shit.” She then laughed as she handed her the menu and began to sift through her own. “Although I get it, having them start young? It’s wild, but on the bright side she’s gonna go far…I just know it. If she can cheat the system, then she’s one hell of a tough cookie.” 

“Honestly? There is no appeal to Charming.” Anastasia couldn’t help but laugh out loud, and shook her head. “I basically grew up on the back of a motorcycle, and I just wanted something different for Hannah. I never really understood what drew newcomers in, unless they’re affiliated with something or another. But, to be fair, when I was a kid I swore I’d never leave...so, I guess I used to get it.” She nodded in agreement, sighing as she tossed her cigarette. “Yeah. I mean, she is sometimes a gift I joke about returning, but I love her more than anything. Wish I would’ve waited a few years, but that wasn’t in the cards/” Shrugging, Ana carefully let the door close behind her. “I’m always working too hard. I think it’s part of the whole law enforcement thing. I think you do the same thing.”  Sliding into the booth, she rolled her eyes. “Hannah has too much spunk unfortunately. I think I’m giving my brother PTSD flashbacks to when I was young but worse. She’s going to get expelled before she’s even in a real school.”

[anastasiasholland]

strayxdevil​:

“Don’t mention it,” he smiled as she got herself off the bike and tended to her hair. To fill the awkward silence, he continued “it was self servin’, really. If Oliver heard I left ya stranded I’d have a black eye for a week ‘cause of it.” And it was true. Since day one, Stray really has looked up to Oliver in learning to acclimate to life as part of an MC. In part, it was because he was clear as hell - when he needed to make a point, it got made, and in a language Stray could understand.

He laughed at the imagery, unsure of how that would play out, considering he’d never been in that kind position before. “Your call, love - y'seemed pretty comfortable on the bike so if y’ wanna give it a go, I’m game. I don’t think I drive like an asshole or anything, so should be safe enough - she’s your badass kid afterall, 'n you survived.” A nod then, surely Oliver would pick up eventually for her, “d'ya want my number or anything? In case he doesn’t pick up 'n you’re still stuck?”

“To be fair, you could just play the whole ‘well, you didn’t answer your phone’ card with Ollie. And you also had no idea who I was until I told you, so.” She offered a smile, and rolled her eyes. “At least you missed the period where he’d give bloody noses to any of the guys that looked my way. Lucky you.” She could remember being so mad at him, and she flirted with his friends twice as much to spite him. She had half-wondered for years what would have happened if she stuck around while pregnant, and usually preferred not to think about it.  Ana resisted the urge to frown at the nickname and remind him that she had a name, but she took a deep breath instead. Charming brought her temper right back into the picture, and she literally and figuratively bit the inside of her cheek. “Yeah, well. First time on one in almost six years. Kinda surprised I didn’t fall off.” Sighing again, she bit her bottom lip idly as she thought. “How about this? I buy you lunch because you just saved the day, and if Ollie doesn’t pick up the phone by the time we’re done then we can see?” It went against every bone in her body to try to squeeze Hannah on the bike as well, especially considering the fact that she knew it broke a few laws, but the idea of walking back with her over several miles sounded miserable.

[anastasiasholland]

olivcrhcllnd​:

“Because and I quote, ‘Ollie, I need to be quicker on my feet’, also… ‘Ollie, do you know anything about strength training?” Oliver smirked as he looked at his sister. “Come on, it’s not that bad,” he shrugged. “We’re almost done, I promise,” he told her. “If you want to work on strength training, we’re going to go from the shoulders down, because that’s how I had to learn to do it,” he said, picking up one of the medicine balls, holding in his hands. When he had agreed to go to the gym with her, he knew it was going to be interesting. “Don’t tell me you’re not enjoying this even a little, you know, time with your favorite brother,” he teased.

“You should know not to take me seriously when I ask these things.” She reached for her water bottle, taking a long swing from it. She exhaled a heavy sigh, and shook her head. “It is that bad. I’m tired, I’m sweaty, I’m hungry and I want a cigarette.” She knew she had to slowly work her elbow back up to normal function, but she was starting to think the gym was not the answer. The most important aspect of her job was running, and she could do that just fine. “Yeah, sure. Next time let’s make it video games.”

[anastasiasholland]

@olivcrhcllnd​ location: renegade gym She had never been one fond of exercise as a whole, and she avoided gyms like all hell when given the chance. If anything, she much preferred to just go on a run and try to ignore the fact that it felt like her body was trying to kill her from the inside out. But somehow, someway, she’d managed to find herself at the gym of her own free will, and she was wishing for absolute death. “Remind me again why I agreed to this?” Her voice was almost a whine as she stretched out her arm, wincing slightly. “And can we be done? Can we please please be done?”