@theartofmadeline
shark vs the universe
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Noah Kahan
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tannertan36
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"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
Game Changer & Make Some Noise
blake kathryn
seen from El Salvador
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@betaliciousbenji
Redacted Audio 2nd Gen RP Blog
3rd Gen Shaw Pack
Wolf Shifter
18 years
Birthday: August 21
#oh joy 🐾 - occasional appearances from Joy Talbot because what is a little sister for if not annoying her big brother
All photos not reblogged are from pintrest
Any baby raised by Asher and Babe would be hella creative and dangerously perceptive before puberty believe you me
It's not so much that the baby would be hyperactive because that's a given, with 1 year olds, +1 year olds. That little snot would eat crayons and drink watercolor and somehow still be alive. If Angel, Sweetheart, and Sam make the mistake of having kids w their respective mates at the same time as Babe, I'm sorry but hell is now on earth in the form of four toddlers lmao. If Asher's kid isn't the leader of those mini hellions, they're the second in command. A face like that can never be ignored
That baby would steal their parents phone w the camera on and then giggle throughout the house as they're running away. Off screen Asher is just loud, but not angry going "🗣️HEY. WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING" above the baby giggles
It falls. A lot. There's a new bump and a new bruise every day and the only reason they don't wail on impact is because Asher looks them in the eye and goes "Dad's here. Breathe. I know it's ouchie. It'll go away soon."
The baby ate grass. And dirt.
Also shamelessly goes "Uncle Davey"
And sassess Uncle Milo as a love language
BENJIIIIIII IM BOREDDDD
- @tiny-greer
Aw man, being bored is never fun. How can I help?
I dunno. I'm just bored. My parents are workin', I'm still suspended from kindergarten, and my siblings are doing their things. I don't know what to do.
Oh, we've got a little badass on our hands methinks! What did you do to get suspended?
I take it the usual glitter shenanigans are off the table?
No, I punched a kid in the throat in my class. He was too tall for me to reach his face. He kept mocking me because it's hard for me to say my R's and that it was hard for me to tie my shoes before Hallow taught me.
I'm suspended until I apologize to him.
So you were being bullied and you're the one who got in trouble? Geez it's like nothing ever changes.
If you haven't already gotten ice cream for standing up for yourself, Lily and I can take you out for it after the Solstice.
BENJIIIIIII IM BOREDDDD
- @tiny-greer
Aw man, being bored is never fun. How can I help?
I dunno. I'm just bored. My parents are workin', I'm still suspended from kindergarten, and my siblings are doing their things. I don't know what to do.
Oh, we've got a little badass on our hands methinks! What did you do to get suspended?
I take it the usual glitter shenanigans are off the table?
If I try to get out of bed, I think I'm going to throw up.
BENJIIIIIII IM BOREDDDD
- @tiny-greer
Aw man, being bored is never fun. How can I help?
Did the desire demon look like your girlfriend or something?
Well...
no.
What did you do?
I swear it's not what it looked like!
I thought I recognized their magical signature from when I was in that mirror universe. The Imperium. I could have been wrong because I never actually saw them, but it felt kinda familiar.
BENJI'S IN TROUUUUBBLLEEE~
@betaliciousbenji
You're SOOOOOOOO helpful 😒
Ladies, gentlemen and everything in between
The besties ever.
@lilithshawrp @b3ta3m3rald-joyctalbot
Summer lovin', lovin' summer
@betaliciousbenji
[There's a gentle shave-and-a-haircut knock on her door an hour before she has a scheduled shift]
- @betaliciousbenji
[Julie’s dog starts barking at the door, though it’s only high-pitched yips and yaps. Julie comes to the door but doesn’t open it.]
Who is it?
Hi, I'm Benji! I was hired as a personal bodyguard for a Juliana Morley?
[His tone is relaxed and friendly]
[She opens the door a crack.]
Did Teagan hire you or something?
Is Teagan your manager?
[He's leaning against the doorframe on the side of the hinges. The Shaw Security Logo is visible on the top left of his t-shirt, dog tags hanging. Black cargo pants and work boots complete the ensemble. He bears a striking resemblance to Phoebe]
I'm just the legs on the ground, Unc- ah I mean boss-man tells me where to go, I show up. I know for a regular person having a bodyguard is a little weird.
[He dips his head to stage whisper]
When you leave us a review on Yelp, don't mention that I almost slipped up and called David my uncle? It's a family business but, y'know, professionalism.
[He's clearly joking, trying to put her at ease with the whole situation]
[she stares at him, almost examining him.]
…Are you related to Phoebe? Did she send you? Oh my god, she probably did! Can you just tell her I don’t want to talk to her?
I have a sister named Phoebe, yeah.
Hey, whoa! No. We were definitely hired by your manager. Shaw Security's reputation in this town preceeds.
[He pulls out his phone and pulls up the contract details to show her]
See? Totally legit.
Okay…okay, why are you here? Sorry, my mind’s-like, scattered…
[she chuckles awkwardly.]
I was told you have a shift today? In about an hour.
I know it probably doesn't take that long to get there, but I wasn't sure if you had a long ready-routine or not...
You here to walk me to my job…? If you are, I’m fine, I don’t need like a bodyguard or anything like that…
Or drive. Considering I drove here. Whatever makes you most comfortable.
...
Look, I wasn't told any details because that's private personal business, but I did hear that you were attacked. My job is to get you from point A to point B.
You've clearly got people at your job who care enough to hire us so that you're comfortable getting back to work. Think of me like a service dog.
I mean, you might as well post it on the news. “Random girl gets attacked by a big ass animal,” it feels like everyone knows, or at least has heard.
I’m being very hesitant because I’m still distrustful. Not from…y’know, but from other things.
I might have been. I don't actually pay attention to the news.
And hey, I get that. When your whole life feels like drama you didn't ask for, right? My buddy Hallow's going through something similar.
...
I wasn't going to bring this up, but I'm not gonna get paid for this job unless I take you to work.
[He rubs the back of his neck]
Usually, that's no skin off my back, I still live with my parents, but I've also been on an unexpected inter-universal vacation for over a month. Which means I have like no money, and I've been trying to spoil my mate as much as possible because I worried her sick for being gone so long.
It would be a huge relief if you could let me do my job, just for today.
Okay, okay. Just give me like five minutes and then we can go…
Gotcha. I'll wait out here.
[As soon as she comes back out, he flips into work mode. Standing at his full 6'4, shoulders back, face impassive. His eyes scan their surroundings and signs of her undue distress. He measures his steps to keep her 5 paces ahead.]
You know, you don’t have to be so far away…unless that’s just your own preference. I don’t bite, and neither does Mini Moo, despite how hyper she is.
[The dog is indeed very hyper. It kept tugging on its leash and circling Julie.]
[His lip quirks despite himself, and he closes the distance to three paces]
Mini Moo and I have that in common, usually. Three to five paces is just best practice to keep an eye on all surroundings.
Yeah that makes sense. God, I hope Phoebe’s not working today…
[He assumes she's just talking out loud, aside from it not being his place or job to comment]
[Julie falls silent. After a few minutes, she speaks again]
Is it like part of your job be quiet? Because if it is then I can totally shut up but if it isn’t I would like to talk because the silence is absolutely driving me nuts and I feel very awkward walking with someone silently but then I also tend to jabber on and talk peoples ears off so I can never really find that sweet spot of talking just enough but then people normally don’t like me anyways because I either talk too much or they think they bore me which they don’t bore me at all but I guess when you just sit and listen to someone else talk for so long without adding at least something to the conversation they’ll obviously start to question why you’re so silent and uh…yeah…
Sorry, I’ll shut up now.
[she chuckles awkwardly before falling silent again.]
[He is about to speak when she takes off on a tangent. He waits patiently for it to finish.]
I don't have to be silent, no. I just kind of default to it when I'm focusing. I also don't mind if you just want to ramble. Sometimes that makes people more comfortable, too. I'm a pretty good listener, whether I'm on the job or not.
You seem really cool, is there anything in particular you want to talk about?
I don’t, I guess anything…? Is family an acceptable topic?
[If she can see from him from her peripheral, she'll see him tilt his head in a shrug]
Could be. It's not off the table at least. Yours or mine?
Yours! Mine is uhh…tragic. I mean, I guess I could talk about mine at a surface level, as long as I avoid some names…
Let's stick with good thoughts and good vibes, yeah?
It seems like you know my older sister Phoebe. I've also got an older brother Alyn, he's in New York right now.
Then there's my younger siblings Rylan and Joy who are both still in High School.
That's who all I'm close with anyway.
And then there's a plethora of Shaws and Greers that are basically family, too.
Me, Hallow, Rylan, Lilith, and Joy all shifted for the first time in the same summer. Aside from Joy being two months older than Lily, following exactly in our dads' footsteps. They've been attached at the hip since birth, double wedding like our parents had planned since they were 9.
Awww, that’s cute!
[Julie smiles]
Yeah. And at least a groom has already been decided
[There's a grin in his voice]
I assume that’s you? Actually, I shouldn’t assume, cause that’s rude…but what if it is you and then I just look dumb…
[she shakes her head, as if to shake away her thoughts.]
Anyways and either way, that’s adorable as hell. It’s probably really nice and amazing to have someone like that.
Don't worry, you assume correctly.
[He chuckles]
Lilith Shaw is my Mate.
Recently realized on my part and she's never going to let me forget it.
Oh…mate…what is a mate? I’ve always heard it around, especially from Phoebe lately, and I thought it meant the same as like boyfriend or girlfriend or romantic partner…
No, a mate is so much more. It's... a feeling, in a shifter's core. Slightly different for everyone. My dad says it feels like electricity. For me it feels like the heat of a star. Like the sun is in my chest warming every inch of me. When I think about her, when I call her my Mate it's like a flare. It's a deeper-than-bone knowing when the bond sets.
[He speaks of the experience with a reverence that wouldn't be out of place in a house of worship]
I could've dated fifty other people before realizing Lily was my mate. I even probably could have fallen in love with any number of them, maybe even married. But it wouldn't feel like it does with Lily.
[He phrases they hypotheticals like he doesn't actually believe any of that to be true]
That’s interesting…love is such a finicky thing, I’m starting to discover.
[ They start to approach Julie’s place of work, and Julie stops a far bit away from the building. She seems nervous.]
[Benji stops when she does, watching her demeanor. He knows there's still a bit of time before her shift starts]
You made a comment earlier. About Phoebs...?
It's not my place as a bodyguard or her little brother to pry. But if you want to get it off your chest, I'll listen.
…Phoebe kissed me.
It shouldn’t be as big of a deal as I’m making it, but it’s just…it’s very messy. I mean, she told me she had a crush on another person-an alcoholic, which alcoholics just suck ass at living-and then she went and dated that person and all was calm for a bit I guess, I mean she even went to Vegas with the girl, but then she came back and asked if she could come over and so I let her and while she was over she kissed me out of nowhere and…
And I don’t know how I feel, or felt, about it.
Oh.
Yeah... that sure sounds complicated.
It also sounds like I missed a LOT since I've been away.
[He's not trying to give advice, nor would he know where to start.]
I think you did, but that’s not my place to catch you up.
[She stares at the building for a moment before sighing and turning to Benji.]
Well, you got me to work safely! I-uhm-you can go, I think…unless I’m supposed to pay you. Am I?
I'll get a better rundown from Hallow then. The girls aren't the most detail oriented, but he is.
[He laughs]
No, since it's your manager that's paying us, it'll direct deposit.
I'm supposed to also make sure you get home safe after your shift. But that's more up to you if you want that.
[He pulls out his phone and pulls up his contact]
Here's my contact. You can text me before your shift ends with a no if you're okay to make it on your own. Otherwise, I'll be here.
Oh, my shift runs late tonight. Like, I’m closing tonight so I’d rather you spend your time with your mate rather than getting me home.
Yeah, I know. We were hired for "as long as is needed" so my work calendar is full of your schedule this week.
[He shrugs]
Look, I know stubbornness when I see it. Runs in the family. Lena, Lily's oldest sister and Adri, Hallow's older sibling both suffer from it. They think they have to stand strong on their own and not bother people with their problems. But it doesn't make you weak to lean on the people giving you support.
What you went through being attacked is a big deal, traumatic, especially in an area you thought was safe.
I mean, I guess it was traumatic, but I just have to keep chugging along! The world doesn’t stop when something happens to me, so I can’t either.
And that's great. That you can pick up and keep moving. But that doesn't mean you have to do it alone.
I might be beating a dead horse here, but I'm hired by your manager to help. There are people that care about your well-being enough to have done that. I'm your Point A to Point B guy for this week.
And if it makes you feel better, I'll bring my mate along tonight when I pick you up. She's been dying to see the ins and outs of the job, but the boss-man wouldn't let us get feet on the ground until we graduated high school.
…okay, fine, I just don’t want to feel like I’m intruding in your life. I know this is your job, but there’s gotta be better things than walking a girl to and from work everyday…
[He laughs and crouches down to let Mini Moo sniff him before petting her]
It's easy money, especially when the company is good.
[He stands again]
Have a good shift.
[There's a gentle shave-and-a-haircut knock on her door an hour before she has a scheduled shift]
- @betaliciousbenji
[Julie’s dog starts barking at the door, though it’s only high-pitched yips and yaps. Julie comes to the door but doesn’t open it.]
Who is it?
Hi, I'm Benji! I was hired as a personal bodyguard for a Juliana Morley?
[His tone is relaxed and friendly]
[She opens the door a crack.]
Did Teagan hire you or something?
Is Teagan your manager?
[He's leaning against the doorframe on the side of the hinges. The Shaw Security Logo is visible on the top left of his t-shirt, dog tags hanging. Black cargo pants and work boots complete the ensemble. He bears a striking resemblance to Phoebe]
I'm just the legs on the ground, Unc- ah I mean boss-man tells me where to go, I show up. I know for a regular person having a bodyguard is a little weird.
[He dips his head to stage whisper]
When you leave us a review on Yelp, don't mention that I almost slipped up and called David my uncle? It's a family business but, y'know, professionalism.
[He's clearly joking, trying to put her at ease with the whole situation]
[she stares at him, almost examining him.]
…Are you related to Phoebe? Did she send you? Oh my god, she probably did! Can you just tell her I don’t want to talk to her?
I have a sister named Phoebe, yeah.
Hey, whoa! No. We were definitely hired by your manager. Shaw Security's reputation in this town preceeds.
[He pulls out his phone and pulls up the contract details to show her]
See? Totally legit.
Okay…okay, why are you here? Sorry, my mind’s-like, scattered…
[she chuckles awkwardly.]
I was told you have a shift today? In about an hour.
I know it probably doesn't take that long to get there, but I wasn't sure if you had a long ready-routine or not...
You here to walk me to my job…? If you are, I’m fine, I don’t need like a bodyguard or anything like that…
Or drive. Considering I drove here. Whatever makes you most comfortable.
...
Look, I wasn't told any details because that's private personal business, but I did hear that you were attacked. My job is to get you from point A to point B.
You've clearly got people at your job who care enough to hire us so that you're comfortable getting back to work. Think of me like a service dog.
I mean, you might as well post it on the news. “Random girl gets attacked by a big ass animal,” it feels like everyone knows, or at least has heard.
I’m being very hesitant because I’m still distrustful. Not from…y’know, but from other things.
I might have been. I don't actually pay attention to the news.
And hey, I get that. When your whole life feels like drama you didn't ask for, right? My buddy Hallow's going through something similar.
...
I wasn't going to bring this up, but I'm not gonna get paid for this job unless I take you to work.
[He rubs the back of his neck]
Usually, that's no skin off my back, I still live with my parents, but I've also been on an unexpected inter-universal vacation for over a month. Which means I have like no money, and I've been trying to spoil my mate as much as possible because I worried her sick for being gone so long.
It would be a huge relief if you could let me do my job, just for today.
Okay, okay. Just give me like five minutes and then we can go…
Gotcha. I'll wait out here.
[As soon as she comes back out, he flips into work mode. Standing at his full 6'4, shoulders back, face impassive. His eyes scan their surroundings and signs of her undue distress. He measures his steps to keep her 5 paces ahead.]
You know, you don’t have to be so far away…unless that’s just your own preference. I don’t bite, and neither does Mini Moo, despite how hyper she is.
[The dog is indeed very hyper. It kept tugging on its leash and circling Julie.]
[His lip quirks despite himself, and he closes the distance to three paces]
Mini Moo and I have that in common, usually. Three to five paces is just best practice to keep an eye on all surroundings.
Yeah that makes sense. God, I hope Phoebe’s not working today…
[He assumes she's just talking out loud, aside from it not being his place or job to comment]
[Julie falls silent. After a few minutes, she speaks again]
Is it like part of your job be quiet? Because if it is then I can totally shut up but if it isn’t I would like to talk because the silence is absolutely driving me nuts and I feel very awkward walking with someone silently but then I also tend to jabber on and talk peoples ears off so I can never really find that sweet spot of talking just enough but then people normally don’t like me anyways because I either talk too much or they think they bore me which they don’t bore me at all but I guess when you just sit and listen to someone else talk for so long without adding at least something to the conversation they’ll obviously start to question why you’re so silent and uh…yeah…
Sorry, I’ll shut up now.
[she chuckles awkwardly before falling silent again.]
[He is about to speak when she takes off on a tangent. He waits patiently for it to finish.]
I don't have to be silent, no. I just kind of default to it when I'm focusing. I also don't mind if you just want to ramble. Sometimes that makes people more comfortable, too. I'm a pretty good listener, whether I'm on the job or not.
You seem really cool, is there anything in particular you want to talk about?
I don’t, I guess anything…? Is family an acceptable topic?
[If she can see from him from her peripheral, she'll see him tilt his head in a shrug]
Could be. It's not off the table at least. Yours or mine?
Yours! Mine is uhh…tragic. I mean, I guess I could talk about mine at a surface level, as long as I avoid some names…
Let's stick with good thoughts and good vibes, yeah?
It seems like you know my older sister Phoebe. I've also got an older brother Alyn, he's in New York right now.
Then there's my younger siblings Rylan and Joy who are both still in High School.
That's who all I'm close with anyway.
And then there's a plethora of Shaws and Greers that are basically family, too.
Me, Hallow, Rylan, Lilith, and Joy all shifted for the first time in the same summer. Aside from Joy being two months older than Lily, following exactly in our dads' footsteps. They've been attached at the hip since birth, double wedding like our parents had planned since they were 9.
Awww, that’s cute!
[Julie smiles]
Yeah. And at least a groom has already been decided
[There's a grin in his voice]
I assume that’s you? Actually, I shouldn’t assume, cause that’s rude…but what if it is you and then I just look dumb…
[she shakes her head, as if to shake away her thoughts.]
Anyways and either way, that’s adorable as hell. It’s probably really nice and amazing to have someone like that.
Don't worry, you assume correctly.
[He chuckles]
Lilith Shaw is my Mate.
Recently realized on my part and she's never going to let me forget it.
Oh…mate…what is a mate? I’ve always heard it around, especially from Phoebe lately, and I thought it meant the same as like boyfriend or girlfriend or romantic partner…
No, a mate is so much more. It's... a feeling, in a shifter's core. Slightly different for everyone. My dad says it feels like electricity. For me it feels like the heat of a star. Like the sun is in my chest warming every inch of me. When I think about her, when I call her my Mate it's like a flare. It's a deeper-than-bone knowing when the bond sets.
[He speaks of the experience with a reverence that wouldn't be out of place in a house of worship]
I could've dated fifty other people before realizing Lily was my mate. I even probably could have fallen in love with any number of them, maybe even married. But it wouldn't feel like it does with Lily.
[He phrases they hypotheticals like he doesn't actually believe any of that to be true]
That’s interesting…love is such a finicky thing, I’m starting to discover.
[ They start to approach Julie’s place of work, and Julie stops a far bit away from the building. She seems nervous.]
[Benji stops when she does, watching her demeanor. He knows there's still a bit of time before her shift starts]
You made a comment earlier. About Phoebs...?
It's not my place as a bodyguard or her little brother to pry. But if you want to get it off your chest, I'll listen.
…Phoebe kissed me.
It shouldn’t be as big of a deal as I’m making it, but it’s just…it’s very messy. I mean, she told me she had a crush on another person-an alcoholic, which alcoholics just suck ass at living-and then she went and dated that person and all was calm for a bit I guess, I mean she even went to Vegas with the girl, but then she came back and asked if she could come over and so I let her and while she was over she kissed me out of nowhere and…
And I don’t know how I feel, or felt, about it.
Oh.
Yeah... that sure sounds complicated.
It also sounds like I missed a LOT since I've been away.
[He's not trying to give advice, nor would he know where to start.]
I think you did, but that’s not my place to catch you up.
[She stares at the building for a moment before sighing and turning to Benji.]
Well, you got me to work safely! I-uhm-you can go, I think…unless I’m supposed to pay you. Am I?
I'll get a better rundown from Hallow then. The girls aren't the most detail oriented, but he is.
[He laughs]
No, since it's your manager that's paying us, it'll direct deposit.
I'm supposed to also make sure you get home safe after your shift. But that's more up to you if you want that.
[He pulls out his phone and pulls up his contact]
Here's my contact. You can text me before your shift ends with a no if you're okay to make it on your own. Otherwise, I'll be here.
Oh, my shift runs late tonight. Like, I’m closing tonight so I’d rather you spend your time with your mate rather than getting me home.
Yeah, I know. We were hired for "as long as is needed" so my work calendar is full of your schedule this week.
[He shrugs]
Look, I know stubbornness when I see it. Runs in the family. Lena, Lily's oldest sister and Adri, Hallow's older sibling both suffer from it. They think they have to stand strong on their own and not bother people with their problems. But it doesn't make you weak to lean on the people giving you support.
What you went through being attacked is a big deal, traumatic, especially in an area you thought was safe.
I mean, I guess it was traumatic, but I just have to keep chugging along! The world doesn’t stop when something happens to me, so I can’t either.
And that's great. That you can pick up and keep moving. But that doesn't mean you have to do it alone.
I might be beating a dead horse here, but I'm hired by your manager to help. There are people that care about your well-being enough to have done that. I'm your Point A to Point B guy for this week.
And if it makes you feel better, I'll bring my mate along tonight when I pick you up. She's been dying to see the ins and outs of the job, but the boss-man wouldn't let us get feet on the ground until we graduated high school.
[There's a gentle shave-and-a-haircut knock on her door an hour before she has a scheduled shift]
- @betaliciousbenji
[Julie’s dog starts barking at the door, though it’s only high-pitched yips and yaps. Julie comes to the door but doesn’t open it.]
Who is it?
Hi, I'm Benji! I was hired as a personal bodyguard for a Juliana Morley?
[His tone is relaxed and friendly]
[She opens the door a crack.]
Did Teagan hire you or something?
Is Teagan your manager?
[He's leaning against the doorframe on the side of the hinges. The Shaw Security Logo is visible on the top left of his t-shirt, dog tags hanging. Black cargo pants and work boots complete the ensemble. He bears a striking resemblance to Phoebe]
I'm just the legs on the ground, Unc- ah I mean boss-man tells me where to go, I show up. I know for a regular person having a bodyguard is a little weird.
[He dips his head to stage whisper]
When you leave us a review on Yelp, don't mention that I almost slipped up and called David my uncle? It's a family business but, y'know, professionalism.
[He's clearly joking, trying to put her at ease with the whole situation]
[she stares at him, almost examining him.]
…Are you related to Phoebe? Did she send you? Oh my god, she probably did! Can you just tell her I don’t want to talk to her?
I have a sister named Phoebe, yeah.
Hey, whoa! No. We were definitely hired by your manager. Shaw Security's reputation in this town preceeds.
[He pulls out his phone and pulls up the contract details to show her]
See? Totally legit.
Okay…okay, why are you here? Sorry, my mind’s-like, scattered…
[she chuckles awkwardly.]
I was told you have a shift today? In about an hour.
I know it probably doesn't take that long to get there, but I wasn't sure if you had a long ready-routine or not...
You here to walk me to my job…? If you are, I’m fine, I don’t need like a bodyguard or anything like that…
Or drive. Considering I drove here. Whatever makes you most comfortable.
...
Look, I wasn't told any details because that's private personal business, but I did hear that you were attacked. My job is to get you from point A to point B.
You've clearly got people at your job who care enough to hire us so that you're comfortable getting back to work. Think of me like a service dog.
I mean, you might as well post it on the news. “Random girl gets attacked by a big ass animal,” it feels like everyone knows, or at least has heard.
I’m being very hesitant because I’m still distrustful. Not from…y’know, but from other things.
I might have been. I don't actually pay attention to the news.
And hey, I get that. When your whole life feels like drama you didn't ask for, right? My buddy Hallow's going through something similar.
...
I wasn't going to bring this up, but I'm not gonna get paid for this job unless I take you to work.
[He rubs the back of his neck]
Usually, that's no skin off my back, I still live with my parents, but I've also been on an unexpected inter-universal vacation for over a month. Which means I have like no money, and I've been trying to spoil my mate as much as possible because I worried her sick for being gone so long.
It would be a huge relief if you could let me do my job, just for today.
Okay, okay. Just give me like five minutes and then we can go…
Gotcha. I'll wait out here.
[As soon as she comes back out, he flips into work mode. Standing at his full 6'4, shoulders back, face impassive. His eyes scan their surroundings and signs of her undue distress. He measures his steps to keep her 5 paces ahead.]
You know, you don’t have to be so far away…unless that’s just your own preference. I don’t bite, and neither does Mini Moo, despite how hyper she is.
[The dog is indeed very hyper. It kept tugging on its leash and circling Julie.]
[His lip quirks despite himself, and he closes the distance to three paces]
Mini Moo and I have that in common, usually. Three to five paces is just best practice to keep an eye on all surroundings.
Yeah that makes sense. God, I hope Phoebe’s not working today…
[He assumes she's just talking out loud, aside from it not being his place or job to comment]
[Julie falls silent. After a few minutes, she speaks again]
Is it like part of your job be quiet? Because if it is then I can totally shut up but if it isn’t I would like to talk because the silence is absolutely driving me nuts and I feel very awkward walking with someone silently but then I also tend to jabber on and talk peoples ears off so I can never really find that sweet spot of talking just enough but then people normally don’t like me anyways because I either talk too much or they think they bore me which they don’t bore me at all but I guess when you just sit and listen to someone else talk for so long without adding at least something to the conversation they’ll obviously start to question why you’re so silent and uh…yeah…
Sorry, I’ll shut up now.
[she chuckles awkwardly before falling silent again.]
[He is about to speak when she takes off on a tangent. He waits patiently for it to finish.]
I don't have to be silent, no. I just kind of default to it when I'm focusing. I also don't mind if you just want to ramble. Sometimes that makes people more comfortable, too. I'm a pretty good listener, whether I'm on the job or not.
You seem really cool, is there anything in particular you want to talk about?
I don’t, I guess anything…? Is family an acceptable topic?
[If she can see from him from her peripheral, she'll see him tilt his head in a shrug]
Could be. It's not off the table at least. Yours or mine?
Yours! Mine is uhh…tragic. I mean, I guess I could talk about mine at a surface level, as long as I avoid some names…
Let's stick with good thoughts and good vibes, yeah?
It seems like you know my older sister Phoebe. I've also got an older brother Alyn, he's in New York right now.
Then there's my younger siblings Rylan and Joy who are both still in High School.
That's who all I'm close with anyway.
And then there's a plethora of Shaws and Greers that are basically family, too.
Me, Hallow, Rylan, Lilith, and Joy all shifted for the first time in the same summer. Aside from Joy being two months older than Lily, following exactly in our dads' footsteps. They've been attached at the hip since birth, double wedding like our parents had planned since they were 9.
Awww, that’s cute!
[Julie smiles]
Yeah. And at least a groom has already been decided
[There's a grin in his voice]
I assume that’s you? Actually, I shouldn’t assume, cause that’s rude…but what if it is you and then I just look dumb…
[she shakes her head, as if to shake away her thoughts.]
Anyways and either way, that’s adorable as hell. It’s probably really nice and amazing to have someone like that.
Don't worry, you assume correctly.
[He chuckles]
Lilith Shaw is my Mate.
Recently realized on my part and she's never going to let me forget it.
Oh…mate…what is a mate? I’ve always heard it around, especially from Phoebe lately, and I thought it meant the same as like boyfriend or girlfriend or romantic partner…
No, a mate is so much more. It's... a feeling, in a shifter's core. Slightly different for everyone. My dad says it feels like electricity. For me it feels like the heat of a star. Like the sun is in my chest warming every inch of me. When I think about her, when I call her my Mate it's like a flare. It's a deeper-than-bone knowing when the bond sets.
[He speaks of the experience with a reverence that wouldn't be out of place in a house of worship]
I could've dated fifty other people before realizing Lily was my mate. I even probably could have fallen in love with any number of them, maybe even married. But it wouldn't feel like it does with Lily.
[He phrases they hypotheticals like he doesn't actually believe any of that to be true]
That’s interesting…love is such a finicky thing, I’m starting to discover.
[ They start to approach Julie’s place of work, and Julie stops a far bit away from the building. She seems nervous.]
[Benji stops when she does, watching her demeanor. He knows there's still a bit of time before her shift starts]
You made a comment earlier. About Phoebs...?
It's not my place as a bodyguard or her little brother to pry. But if you want to get it off your chest, I'll listen.
…Phoebe kissed me.
It shouldn’t be as big of a deal as I’m making it, but it’s just…it’s very messy. I mean, she told me she had a crush on another person-an alcoholic, which alcoholics just suck ass at living-and then she went and dated that person and all was calm for a bit I guess, I mean she even went to Vegas with the girl, but then she came back and asked if she could come over and so I let her and while she was over she kissed me out of nowhere and…
And I don’t know how I feel, or felt, about it.
Oh.
Yeah... that sure sounds complicated.
It also sounds like I missed a LOT since I've been away.
[He's not trying to give advice, nor would he know where to start.]
I think you did, but that’s not my place to catch you up.
[She stares at the building for a moment before sighing and turning to Benji.]
Well, you got me to work safely! I-uhm-you can go, I think…unless I’m supposed to pay you. Am I?
I'll get a better rundown from Hallow then. The girls aren't the most detail oriented, but he is.
[He laughs]
No, since it's your manager that's paying us, it'll direct deposit.
I'm supposed to also make sure you get home safe after your shift. But that's more up to you if you want that.
[He pulls out his phone and pulls up his contact]
Here's my contact. You can text me before your shift ends with a no if you're okay to make it on your own. Otherwise, I'll be here.
Oh, my shift runs late tonight. Like, I’m closing tonight so I’d rather you spend your time with your mate rather than getting me home.
Yeah, I know. We were hired for "as long as is needed" so my work calendar is full of your schedule this week.
[He shrugs]
Look, I know stubbornness when I see it. Runs in the family. Lena, Lily's oldest sister and Adri, Hallow's older sibling both suffer from it. They think they have to stand strong on their own and not bother people with their problems. But it doesn't make you weak to lean on the people giving you support.
What you went through being attacked is a big deal, traumatic, especially in an area you thought was safe.
[There's a gentle shave-and-a-haircut knock on her door an hour before she has a scheduled shift]
- @betaliciousbenji
[Julie’s dog starts barking at the door, though it’s only high-pitched yips and yaps. Julie comes to the door but doesn’t open it.]
Who is it?
Hi, I'm Benji! I was hired as a personal bodyguard for a Juliana Morley?
[His tone is relaxed and friendly]
[She opens the door a crack.]
Did Teagan hire you or something?
Is Teagan your manager?
[He's leaning against the doorframe on the side of the hinges. The Shaw Security Logo is visible on the top left of his t-shirt, dog tags hanging. Black cargo pants and work boots complete the ensemble. He bears a striking resemblance to Phoebe]
I'm just the legs on the ground, Unc- ah I mean boss-man tells me where to go, I show up. I know for a regular person having a bodyguard is a little weird.
[He dips his head to stage whisper]
When you leave us a review on Yelp, don't mention that I almost slipped up and called David my uncle? It's a family business but, y'know, professionalism.
[He's clearly joking, trying to put her at ease with the whole situation]
[she stares at him, almost examining him.]
…Are you related to Phoebe? Did she send you? Oh my god, she probably did! Can you just tell her I don’t want to talk to her?
I have a sister named Phoebe, yeah.
Hey, whoa! No. We were definitely hired by your manager. Shaw Security's reputation in this town preceeds.
[He pulls out his phone and pulls up the contract details to show her]
See? Totally legit.
Okay…okay, why are you here? Sorry, my mind’s-like, scattered…
[she chuckles awkwardly.]
I was told you have a shift today? In about an hour.
I know it probably doesn't take that long to get there, but I wasn't sure if you had a long ready-routine or not...
You here to walk me to my job…? If you are, I’m fine, I don’t need like a bodyguard or anything like that…
Or drive. Considering I drove here. Whatever makes you most comfortable.
...
Look, I wasn't told any details because that's private personal business, but I did hear that you were attacked. My job is to get you from point A to point B.
You've clearly got people at your job who care enough to hire us so that you're comfortable getting back to work. Think of me like a service dog.
I mean, you might as well post it on the news. “Random girl gets attacked by a big ass animal,” it feels like everyone knows, or at least has heard.
I’m being very hesitant because I’m still distrustful. Not from…y’know, but from other things.
I might have been. I don't actually pay attention to the news.
And hey, I get that. When your whole life feels like drama you didn't ask for, right? My buddy Hallow's going through something similar.
...
I wasn't going to bring this up, but I'm not gonna get paid for this job unless I take you to work.
[He rubs the back of his neck]
Usually, that's no skin off my back, I still live with my parents, but I've also been on an unexpected inter-universal vacation for over a month. Which means I have like no money, and I've been trying to spoil my mate as much as possible because I worried her sick for being gone so long.
It would be a huge relief if you could let me do my job, just for today.
Okay, okay. Just give me like five minutes and then we can go…
Gotcha. I'll wait out here.
[As soon as she comes back out, he flips into work mode. Standing at his full 6'4, shoulders back, face impassive. His eyes scan their surroundings and signs of her undue distress. He measures his steps to keep her 5 paces ahead.]
You know, you don’t have to be so far away…unless that’s just your own preference. I don’t bite, and neither does Mini Moo, despite how hyper she is.
[The dog is indeed very hyper. It kept tugging on its leash and circling Julie.]
[His lip quirks despite himself, and he closes the distance to three paces]
Mini Moo and I have that in common, usually. Three to five paces is just best practice to keep an eye on all surroundings.
Yeah that makes sense. God, I hope Phoebe’s not working today…
[He assumes she's just talking out loud, aside from it not being his place or job to comment]
[Julie falls silent. After a few minutes, she speaks again]
Is it like part of your job be quiet? Because if it is then I can totally shut up but if it isn’t I would like to talk because the silence is absolutely driving me nuts and I feel very awkward walking with someone silently but then I also tend to jabber on and talk peoples ears off so I can never really find that sweet spot of talking just enough but then people normally don’t like me anyways because I either talk too much or they think they bore me which they don’t bore me at all but I guess when you just sit and listen to someone else talk for so long without adding at least something to the conversation they’ll obviously start to question why you’re so silent and uh…yeah…
Sorry, I’ll shut up now.
[she chuckles awkwardly before falling silent again.]
[He is about to speak when she takes off on a tangent. He waits patiently for it to finish.]
I don't have to be silent, no. I just kind of default to it when I'm focusing. I also don't mind if you just want to ramble. Sometimes that makes people more comfortable, too. I'm a pretty good listener, whether I'm on the job or not.
You seem really cool, is there anything in particular you want to talk about?
I don’t, I guess anything…? Is family an acceptable topic?
[If she can see from him from her peripheral, she'll see him tilt his head in a shrug]
Could be. It's not off the table at least. Yours or mine?
Yours! Mine is uhh…tragic. I mean, I guess I could talk about mine at a surface level, as long as I avoid some names…
Let's stick with good thoughts and good vibes, yeah?
It seems like you know my older sister Phoebe. I've also got an older brother Alyn, he's in New York right now.
Then there's my younger siblings Rylan and Joy who are both still in High School.
That's who all I'm close with anyway.
And then there's a plethora of Shaws and Greers that are basically family, too.
Me, Hallow, Rylan, Lilith, and Joy all shifted for the first time in the same summer. Aside from Joy being two months older than Lily, following exactly in our dads' footsteps. They've been attached at the hip since birth, double wedding like our parents had planned since they were 9.
Awww, that’s cute!
[Julie smiles]
Yeah. And at least a groom has already been decided
[There's a grin in his voice]
I assume that’s you? Actually, I shouldn’t assume, cause that’s rude…but what if it is you and then I just look dumb…
[she shakes her head, as if to shake away her thoughts.]
Anyways and either way, that’s adorable as hell. It’s probably really nice and amazing to have someone like that.
Don't worry, you assume correctly.
[He chuckles]
Lilith Shaw is my Mate.
Recently realized on my part and she's never going to let me forget it.
Oh…mate…what is a mate? I’ve always heard it around, especially from Phoebe lately, and I thought it meant the same as like boyfriend or girlfriend or romantic partner…
No, a mate is so much more. It's... a feeling, in a shifter's core. Slightly different for everyone. My dad says it feels like electricity. For me it feels like the heat of a star. Like the sun is in my chest warming every inch of me. When I think about her, when I call her my Mate it's like a flare. It's a deeper-than-bone knowing when the bond sets.
[He speaks of the experience with a reverence that wouldn't be out of place in a house of worship]
I could've dated fifty other people before realizing Lily was my mate. I even probably could have fallen in love with any number of them, maybe even married. But it wouldn't feel like it does with Lily.
[He phrases they hypotheticals like he doesn't actually believe any of that to be true]
That’s interesting…love is such a finicky thing, I’m starting to discover.
[ They start to approach Julie’s place of work, and Julie stops a far bit away from the building. She seems nervous.]
[Benji stops when she does, watching her demeanor. He knows there's still a bit of time before her shift starts]
You made a comment earlier. About Phoebs...?
It's not my place as a bodyguard or her little brother to pry. But if you want to get it off your chest, I'll listen.
…Phoebe kissed me.
It shouldn’t be as big of a deal as I’m making it, but it’s just…it’s very messy. I mean, she told me she had a crush on another person-an alcoholic, which alcoholics just suck ass at living-and then she went and dated that person and all was calm for a bit I guess, I mean she even went to Vegas with the girl, but then she came back and asked if she could come over and so I let her and while she was over she kissed me out of nowhere and…
And I don’t know how I feel, or felt, about it.
Oh.
Yeah... that sure sounds complicated.
It also sounds like I missed a LOT since I've been away.
[He's not trying to give advice, nor would he know where to start.]
I think you did, but that’s not my place to catch you up.
[She stares at the building for a moment before sighing and turning to Benji.]
Well, you got me to work safely! I-uhm-you can go, I think…unless I’m supposed to pay you. Am I?
I'll get a better rundown from Hallow then. The girls aren't the most detail oriented, but he is.
[He laughs]
No, since it's your manager that's paying us, it'll direct deposit.
I'm supposed to also make sure you get home safe after your shift. But that's more up to you if you want that.
[He pulls out his phone and pulls up his contact]
Here's my contact. You can text me before your shift ends with a no if you're okay to make it on your own. Otherwise, I'll be here.
[There's a gentle shave-and-a-haircut knock on her door an hour before she has a scheduled shift]
- @betaliciousbenji
[Julie’s dog starts barking at the door, though it’s only high-pitched yips and yaps. Julie comes to the door but doesn’t open it.]
Who is it?
Hi, I'm Benji! I was hired as a personal bodyguard for a Juliana Morley?
[His tone is relaxed and friendly]
[She opens the door a crack.]
Did Teagan hire you or something?
Is Teagan your manager?
[He's leaning against the doorframe on the side of the hinges. The Shaw Security Logo is visible on the top left of his t-shirt, dog tags hanging. Black cargo pants and work boots complete the ensemble. He bears a striking resemblance to Phoebe]
I'm just the legs on the ground, Unc- ah I mean boss-man tells me where to go, I show up. I know for a regular person having a bodyguard is a little weird.
[He dips his head to stage whisper]
When you leave us a review on Yelp, don't mention that I almost slipped up and called David my uncle? It's a family business but, y'know, professionalism.
[He's clearly joking, trying to put her at ease with the whole situation]
[she stares at him, almost examining him.]
…Are you related to Phoebe? Did she send you? Oh my god, she probably did! Can you just tell her I don’t want to talk to her?
I have a sister named Phoebe, yeah.
Hey, whoa! No. We were definitely hired by your manager. Shaw Security's reputation in this town preceeds.
[He pulls out his phone and pulls up the contract details to show her]
See? Totally legit.
Okay…okay, why are you here? Sorry, my mind’s-like, scattered…
[she chuckles awkwardly.]
I was told you have a shift today? In about an hour.
I know it probably doesn't take that long to get there, but I wasn't sure if you had a long ready-routine or not...
You here to walk me to my job…? If you are, I’m fine, I don’t need like a bodyguard or anything like that…
Or drive. Considering I drove here. Whatever makes you most comfortable.
...
Look, I wasn't told any details because that's private personal business, but I did hear that you were attacked. My job is to get you from point A to point B.
You've clearly got people at your job who care enough to hire us so that you're comfortable getting back to work. Think of me like a service dog.
I mean, you might as well post it on the news. “Random girl gets attacked by a big ass animal,” it feels like everyone knows, or at least has heard.
I’m being very hesitant because I’m still distrustful. Not from…y’know, but from other things.
I might have been. I don't actually pay attention to the news.
And hey, I get that. When your whole life feels like drama you didn't ask for, right? My buddy Hallow's going through something similar.
...
I wasn't going to bring this up, but I'm not gonna get paid for this job unless I take you to work.
[He rubs the back of his neck]
Usually, that's no skin off my back, I still live with my parents, but I've also been on an unexpected inter-universal vacation for over a month. Which means I have like no money, and I've been trying to spoil my mate as much as possible because I worried her sick for being gone so long.
It would be a huge relief if you could let me do my job, just for today.
Okay, okay. Just give me like five minutes and then we can go…
Gotcha. I'll wait out here.
[As soon as she comes back out, he flips into work mode. Standing at his full 6'4, shoulders back, face impassive. His eyes scan their surroundings and signs of her undue distress. He measures his steps to keep her 5 paces ahead.]
You know, you don’t have to be so far away…unless that’s just your own preference. I don’t bite, and neither does Mini Moo, despite how hyper she is.
[The dog is indeed very hyper. It kept tugging on its leash and circling Julie.]
[His lip quirks despite himself, and he closes the distance to three paces]
Mini Moo and I have that in common, usually. Three to five paces is just best practice to keep an eye on all surroundings.
Yeah that makes sense. God, I hope Phoebe’s not working today…
[He assumes she's just talking out loud, aside from it not being his place or job to comment]
[Julie falls silent. After a few minutes, she speaks again]
Is it like part of your job be quiet? Because if it is then I can totally shut up but if it isn’t I would like to talk because the silence is absolutely driving me nuts and I feel very awkward walking with someone silently but then I also tend to jabber on and talk peoples ears off so I can never really find that sweet spot of talking just enough but then people normally don’t like me anyways because I either talk too much or they think they bore me which they don’t bore me at all but I guess when you just sit and listen to someone else talk for so long without adding at least something to the conversation they’ll obviously start to question why you’re so silent and uh…yeah…
Sorry, I’ll shut up now.
[she chuckles awkwardly before falling silent again.]
[He is about to speak when she takes off on a tangent. He waits patiently for it to finish.]
I don't have to be silent, no. I just kind of default to it when I'm focusing. I also don't mind if you just want to ramble. Sometimes that makes people more comfortable, too. I'm a pretty good listener, whether I'm on the job or not.
You seem really cool, is there anything in particular you want to talk about?
I don’t, I guess anything…? Is family an acceptable topic?
[If she can see from him from her peripheral, she'll see him tilt his head in a shrug]
Could be. It's not off the table at least. Yours or mine?
Yours! Mine is uhh…tragic. I mean, I guess I could talk about mine at a surface level, as long as I avoid some names…
Let's stick with good thoughts and good vibes, yeah?
It seems like you know my older sister Phoebe. I've also got an older brother Alyn, he's in New York right now.
Then there's my younger siblings Rylan and Joy who are both still in High School.
That's who all I'm close with anyway.
And then there's a plethora of Shaws and Greers that are basically family, too.
Me, Hallow, Rylan, Lilith, and Joy all shifted for the first time in the same summer. Aside from Joy being two months older than Lily, following exactly in our dads' footsteps. They've been attached at the hip since birth, double wedding like our parents had planned since they were 9.
Awww, that’s cute!
[Julie smiles]
Yeah. And at least a groom has already been decided
[There's a grin in his voice]
I assume that’s you? Actually, I shouldn’t assume, cause that’s rude…but what if it is you and then I just look dumb…
[she shakes her head, as if to shake away her thoughts.]
Anyways and either way, that’s adorable as hell. It’s probably really nice and amazing to have someone like that.
Don't worry, you assume correctly.
[He chuckles]
Lilith Shaw is my Mate.
Recently realized on my part and she's never going to let me forget it.
Oh…mate…what is a mate? I’ve always heard it around, especially from Phoebe lately, and I thought it meant the same as like boyfriend or girlfriend or romantic partner…
No, a mate is so much more. It's... a feeling, in a shifter's core. Slightly different for everyone. My dad says it feels like electricity. For me it feels like the heat of a star. Like the sun is in my chest warming every inch of me. When I think about her, when I call her my Mate it's like a flare. It's a deeper-than-bone knowing when the bond sets.
[He speaks of the experience with a reverence that wouldn't be out of place in a house of worship]
I could've dated fifty other people before realizing Lily was my mate. I even probably could have fallen in love with any number of them, maybe even married. But it wouldn't feel like it does with Lily.
[He phrases they hypotheticals like he doesn't actually believe any of that to be true]
That’s interesting…love is such a finicky thing, I’m starting to discover.
[ They start to approach Julie’s place of work, and Julie stops a far bit away from the building. She seems nervous.]
[Benji stops when she does, watching her demeanor. He knows there's still a bit of time before her shift starts]
You made a comment earlier. About Phoebs...?
It's not my place as a bodyguard or her little brother to pry. But if you want to get it off your chest, I'll listen.
…Phoebe kissed me.
It shouldn’t be as big of a deal as I’m making it, but it’s just…it’s very messy. I mean, she told me she had a crush on another person-an alcoholic, which alcoholics just suck ass at living-and then she went and dated that person and all was calm for a bit I guess, I mean she even went to Vegas with the girl, but then she came back and asked if she could come over and so I let her and while she was over she kissed me out of nowhere and…
And I don’t know how I feel, or felt, about it.
Oh.
Yeah... that sure sounds complicated.
It also sounds like I missed a LOT since I've been away.
[He's not trying to give advice, nor would he know where to start.]
