i might just pray

dakota stephens, 40, detective

[vgcontreras]

Vince's sigh is loud, dramatic, as if Dakota's presence next to him had not only ruined his night but had the potential to ruin his entire week as well. It didn't, not really, for the most part, except for a comment that he'd made a couple of weeks prior, the detective seemed rather harmless. "I only walked in, wasn't my intention to turn heads, detective — but here I am, turning them anyway, comes with the territory, including your's, it seems." A wicked, almost infuriatingly cocky grin spreads on his lips. "If you keep gravitating toward me like this, I might think you're hot for me - for the record, I didn't steal your hot dog, you dropped it, I'm a victim."

Noticing Dakota's gaze following his, he averts it to the detective's face instead, chuckling. "— Halloween isn't really my thing." Vincente admits, "I'm saving my energy for this weekend" The leader turns his gaze away from him again. "What are you supposed to be?"

[dakotaxstephens]

"Ah, wow, it does appear your head is much bigger and it's not part of a costume." He teased as he looked away with a head shake. "I am a first responder, you know? That was my nourishment as part of a 12 hour shift, the least you could do is respect that and buy me another--but you left me high and dry." Dakota raised a brow, "This weekend? What's this weekend?"

He sighed, gesturing to his costume, "I don't think it can be any more painfully obvious that I'm captain america." He held a hand up, "but cool it, I found it at the thrift store."

[anaismurad]

"Such a gentleman." Of course, only time would tell whether she's right or wrong about such an early assumption. Anaïs takes his arm, and allows herself to be led — to wherever it is that the goodies await. "Accidents happen," she adds, "and the wine is never ending. ...If not crowded spaces, where can you be found? I don't remember your face — we must run in different circles."

[dakotaxstephens]

"Accidents do indeed happen, I just try not to make them my first introduction into a beautiful lady." He smiled as he took her arm and led her towards the bar, hailing the bartender over to place the order for a replacement. "Unfortunately. I'm usually around big bellied grumps at the police department, but I'd much rather be surrounded by...well anyone else." he joked, "I'm Dakota, it's a pleasure to meet you."

[heath-morgan]

heath smirked, the kind that didn't quite reach his eyes "well, guess i lost my touch" he joked, giving dakota's hand a shake. the other's grip was steady, confident "though i reckon 'em bunnies are way too spoiled these days. ya give 'em the world, they'll still find somethin' to gripe 'bout - the champagne's too warm, the view's too cold" he released his hand, a flicker of amusement tugging at his lips "ya're damn right 'bout that, city's a hell lotsa smaller once ya start runnin' in the same circles" he glanced around the room before his focus settled back on dakota "so, what's yer angle in all this? don't tell me ya just showed up for the drinks"

[dakotaxstephens]

"Well, it's a tough world being a bunny. If you can ask men to give you the world, why not do it? Can't blame 'em, I'd do the same." he took a sip from his drink, giving a little chuckle at the question "angle? No angle, just enjoying myself. Observing. I'm a big fan of people watching; you learn so much when people are just having fun being themselves. But why do you ask? Do you have an angle?"

[avamhollis]

context: halloween at the brooklyn paramount with: @dakotaxstephens

It's so painfully obvious, Ava thinks as she toys with the straw of her drink and her gaze finally lands on him. Captain America. Of course. Admittedly, her Jennifer Check isn't much more creative.

She tilts her head and makes him wait once she's sure he's seen her, and only after a few seconds of pretending to hesitate does she actually walk up to him. "Nice outfit," she greets him with a charming smile. "Is the shield as heavy as it looks?"

[dakotaxstephens]

"God no, I need to be able to make a run for it. But if anyone asks, it is, and as strong as any metal." He joked, swinging the shield around to showcase its lightness. "Thank you, found this at the thrift store and didn't look much further. Though it does field a little too...on the nose." he looked down at his costume, feeling slightly like a childish contrast against some of the more polished costumes in the room. "and you are...? Vampire?"

[vgcontreras]

WHO: Vincente & Open

WHEN/WHERE: Halloween, The Brooklyn Paramount

Ghost, Ghouls, Goblins — in this room, where fresh starts strike FEAR in every heart, nobody could tell any of them apart. On different avenues with turf lines between them and wiped history, the tipped balances of a for-profit organized killing MACHINE and a CHILD king with loyal followers seemed to favour THEM least, warriors at best, survivors in the end. But in the insignificant space of underestimation was where Vincente thrived. Void of his normal carefree abandon, he stands in this room, un-masked, not wearing a costume, as a LEADER. All eyes find him as he enters, with a quick wave of his hand, two men disperse among the crowd; if there was one thing he knew, being so visible when he normally would've sat this out like every other year, would make him a TARGET — even to some of HIS people. Focused on scanning the room, he doesn't hear the voice to his left. Levi; Halil; Esmerelda; Josh; Vivian.

The voice grows louder and he takes a breath, dark eyes flicking to them. "Can I help you with something?"

[dakotaxstephens]

"Quite the entrance." Dakota nodded at him, gesturing at the men who dispersed but always kept a close eye on Vicente. Dakota could see the way people began to whisper, steal glances; the man's entrance was a talking point, and it seemed like he was fully aware of it. "Nothing like the man who steals hot dogs, hm? I'm guessing that sort of demeanor is not for events like tonight."

Dakota took a step closer, but remained beside Vicente. He wanted to see what he was seeing, and blocking his view wasn't going to do either of them any favors. "So what exactly are you supposed to be? Costume-wise wise I mean."

[heath-morgan]

"well, reckon if time ain't slowin' down for me, i might as well be filthy rich enough to keep myself entertained" heath said, taking a lazy sip from his glass "still, showin' up as hefner without the bunnies might be my worst investment yet" second worst. his gaze roamed the room before cutting back to the detective, sharp and amused. then he stuck out his free hand, rings flashing in the light, the tattoos on his fingers peeking through the gaps. black ink worn and faded "heath morgan" the grin he offered was the same one he used for the cameras - polished, practiced, enough to make you forget it was never real

[dakotaxstephens]

Dakota chuckled, "I'll say I'm surprised you couldn't get the bunnies. Feels like an easy ask on your part." He was surprised by the polished introduction. Dakota was not naive enough to think a man like Heath didn't do his homework. "Dakota Stephens," he replied as he reached his calloused hand to shake Heath's, "can't believe it's taken so long for us to be acquainted. New York is not as big of a city as everyone makes it out to be."

[thedocxlevi]

"It seems that way," he replied back with a chuckle. Levi was amaze as big as how New York was, he tended to run into the same people. He remembered the detective, he had been distracted and bumped into them and causing their hot dog to drop to the floor. "Do you believe in coincidence? I almost feel like you are tracking me down because I still owe you a hot dog," he teased with a grin.

[dakotaxstephens]

Dakota made a face. It wasn't a bad theory, "Well you're right, you do owe me a hot dog. But I don't really have the time to chase anyone down for such offense...though since we're here, you can pay me back with a drink, how's that?"

[anaismurad]

While the man's hands were empty, Anaïs' were not. And so, upon the collision, a wine glass goes flying — away from herself, and onto the ground.

"That was very good wine," she mentions at the apology. "But I'm sure there's more, wherever that came from." Beat. "If you take me to it, you're forgiven."

[dakotaxstephens]

"Of course it was." Dakota cursed under his breath, wondering how big of a portion of his paycheck it was, and if he could somehow manage to write it off as a work expense. "Of course, I wouldn't dare leave a lady empty-handed," he held out his arm for her to take and led the way towards the bar, "I'm usually not that clumsy, but I'm also usually not in spaces this crowded--feels like half the city is here."

[dakotaxstephens]

Closed starter for: @whisperinheels

He was starting to feel self-conscious about the costume. It had been the first one that fit that he had found at the thrift store, and he wasn't much of a picky fashionista, so Captain America it was. In reality, he wanted to wear his normal clothes, but the chief had been clear: he had to fit in, and he had to play the part. But the part seemed like a court jester when faced with someone dressed like that. "That's a wonderful costume," he shared, doing his best to seem casual about it. "Hope you're not too cold."

[dakotaxstephens]

Closed stater for: @thedocxlevi

"Ah, doctor." Dakota gave a head nod as he approached the man, "Seems like I can't get away from you, huh?" He took a look behind the doctor, taking in the whole event, "Should I count myself lucky or should I be worried this isn't a coincidence?" He said the last bit playfully with the corners of his mouth turning upwards.

[dakotaxstephens]

Closed starter for: @anaismurad

Dakota had been so busy scoping out the scene and setting his sights on the boss' of the underworld, that he was hardly aware of his own body or what an inconvenience it could be to others. When he bumped into the beautiful lady with the haunting eyes, he couldn't help but to be thankful that he wasn't carrying a drink to spill on her. "I'm so sorry. I really should watch where I'm going...you alright?"

[dakotaxstephens]

Closed starter: @heath-morgan

Dakota was a bit overwhelmed, to say the least. They had all gotten the debrief at the precinct; everyone would be in attendance tonight, and they needed to be laser-focused. Dakota's current target: Heath Morgan. "Hefner. Classy choice." He spoke up as he approached, "That kind of night, huh?" The detective raised the cup to his lips and took a sip from his Coke, no alcohol, he had to stay sharp. "I'm Dakota, I don't believe we've met."

[dakotaxstephens]

Dakota Stephens as Captain America.

[vgcontreras]

"I thought it was funny." Vincente shrugs, crestfallen. A sly grin spreads across his lips; a detective with a good eye for troublemakers? It seemed like his boring afternoon was about to change for the better. "I should've known that it wouldn't land — believe it or not, I dated a cop once upon a time, one dimensional, kind of an idiot, always stressed and underpaid, couldn't take a joke — it didn't work. Obviously."

The man's face then turns from amused to sly. "Sure, you could book me for accidentally running into your ugly mug on the street and making a joke at your expense, could even pass it off as a targeted attack. I am the perfect profile, aren't I? Especially in this country." INHALE. "However, you won't. Why? Because unlike my ex, you're not stupid. You know that by the time you arrest me, bring me to the precinct and book me, you'll have wasted resources that your establishment doesn't really have, all over manufactured meat and an ill-timed shoulder check." Not to mention that within the hour of his name being entered in that system, judges, agents, and other law enforcement with deep pockets and a low tolerance for alcohol would block Dakota's every move. In the end, he would walk free by the time the station closed. "If you still want to arrest me, I won't complain, I love wasting the NYPD budget."

[dakotaxstephens]

"I don't think the issue was that he was a cop, I think the issue is your type," he stated matter-of-factly, the cop insults never hurt him, people were always going to have an opinion and it was easy to dig into the guys responsible for doing the clean up, one way or another, everyone ended up needing their help at some point.

He sighed in annoyance. Vicente was one of those, the type to always think they had the upper hand. It was a tale as old as time, organized crime always thought there was someone who would always be up for sale, someone who would always cover for them...until their luck ran out. "You're right, I have no interest in arresting you. You guys are like a hydra; there's always another head waiting for their chance to shine. We actually prefer to let it play out. You guys are usually pretty good at cannibalizing."

[tristanzaire]

"Honey, love has everything to do with it." Maybe not with this false yellow-stained crime, but certainly with almost all others. The love of a person, a place, an item, a cause.

With a furrowed brow, Tristan considers. Not yet sure if the question is genuine, or a bluff.

"The case? What case?" He asks. "Nasty? Hmmm. Doesn't sound like me."

[dakotaxstephens]

"Nice, should we break out in song and dance now?" he stated sarcastically. There was a time that he might have agreed with the man, a time when he also believed that love could truly conquer all, but that has been proven wrong time and time again.

Dakota rolled his eyes, "Nothing you need to know about if you don't already. Which we'll also figure out soon enough." He tossed the napkins and focused on the man, "You sure? I've heard rumors and I doubt they were only referring to your nasty attitude..."

[thedocxlevi]

Levi was tried, he had a long shift at the hospital and then his clinic. The doctor could never turn away people at least this time he was able to treat all his patients. He knew this was what he signed up for and the only thing that he hated was that during long nights and days he could not see his son nor put him to bed. He was glad that Ollie was in good hands with his godfather who would protect him with his life. Before leaving the clinic the doctor had gotten a text from the one person he never wanted to get a text from because he knew he could not ignore it.

The text had made him distracted and so as he walked, he bumped into sorry and causing them to drop their food. When he realized he felt bad. "I am so very sorry," he spoke as he looked at the other for a moment. "Is that not an abuse of power?" he asked.

"I will pay for a replacement."

[dakotaxstephens]

"You're questioning my motives?" He snapped back, trying to wipe himself of, "feels like you're targeting me. I'm sure my colleagues standing over there would agree that there is a rise in crimes targeting cops. You could just be one more." he shrugged, "I'm fucking with you, and no, I don't need your money. What I need is for you to watch where you're going."

He looked at the man, giving him the once over, "You seem kind of uptight--accountant? IRS?"

[adabasi]

A random week-day, mid-afternoon; Marty leashed; the end-of-September air cool against his semi-exposed skin; with his headphones in, music low enough to hear but loud enough to take the edge of Manhattan's voice off of his shoulders, for the first time in a long time, Selim isn't hyper-vigilant, his dark eyes don't truly check around the corners of buildings or look down alleys as he passes, he simply allows the german shepherd to guide him through the crowd. Were colours brighter? Had the air quality improved? Lost in his own musings and thoughts, uncharacteristically, his body comes up solid with another's. It's a quick glance over his shoulder that has him cringing but Dakota's words strike him in an oddly profound way. "That's new..." He whispers to himself, his brow quirked; even when the agency had believed that he and Fatih had been working together, through demotion and benching, and eventually innocence, Selim had never once feared being arrested. Now? A civilian with no badge to flash and a new PERSPECTIVE, he feels fear creep in for the first time.

The ex-agent stops though and turns, confusing Marty, who simply sniffs the air as if it would give him an explanation. "Civilians don't understand cop humour, Stephens. Be careful how you use it." Selim says quietly but then a grin curls on his lips. "— though maybe it was a redirection, maybe the doughnut gods were offended." It's said with no malice despite slight hesitation (he'd pick the reason apart later) in his voice.

[dakotaxstephens]

"Well, you're hardly a civilian, so you don't count, everyone else...well, it's not meant to be funny, I'm serious." But he wasn't serious, and at least seeing a friendly face helped cool him off a bit. "What are you doing here anyway? Starting to get nostalgic about the job." He reached for napkins to wipe himself off, the mustard stain only spreading and getting worse, "uh, fuck..." He sighed, looking up at Selim once more. Everyone handled things differently, but Dakota knew that the moment he was taking off the field of battle, he would never be a 'civilian.' The police department was a nice in between, but most days he felt useless, wishing he was doing more than just pushing papers on his desk. "Though you look like you're adjusting," he said, looking down at Marty, "I'm sure he's happy to have you around."