e x i l e

delphine dupont // 27 

[dclphinedupont]

jacksonhaywood​:

-

The back-and-forth between himself and Delphine was inevitable. As young adults, they never agreed on much. She was a free spirit, while Jackson was a man of rigor. The years; however, seemed to soften the brunt edges of their differences. Her flighty behavior was tempered by a harsh life (or so he guessed from the bits he learned about her), just as his rigor was dismantled by his own addictions. Unlike Del; however, Jackson knew how to conceal the less ‘accomplished’ parts of himself. He hid his dependency on opioids well, or the itch he got for Ritalin after a long day. Just as he kept the less honest papers out of reach, or concealed under pseudonyms.

This; however, was not the direct product of his vices. Rather, something ‘good’ he kept from his previous life. Sure, it was motivated by him weaning off the drugs… But this was always his habit. No matter the hangover or event, Jackson started his day a quarter before four. It just so happened that his previous routine kept him in his make-shift, home gym. This time, though, he craved the familiarity of the water. He’s on his way to the office when Del, haphazard as always, pushes into the gym. Her appearance shouldn’t surprise him. In as many years, she was never ‘put together’ or particularly composed. Still – even this was odd for Del.

“I didn’t know you were so committed to paper work.” Jackson gripes, his chest still pounding from the laps. In moments like these, he felt at his best. The peak of his physicality, ignited by his favorite activity. Even in his euphoria, he could sense the immediate lies in Del’s words. This time, though, he resists the temptation to play along for sport. It was much too early, and something told him there was more than meets the eye. “I’m always up before 5. Old habits.” He ignores her friendly approach, instead scanning her pajamas. “Do you always come to work looking like you’ve rolled out of bed? And,” he tilts his head, unable to resist a jibe. “Is that really what you wear to bed?” With a mocking grin, he adds; “You’re still hot, Del. Wouldn’t hurt to look like it before the frown lines settle in.” Brushing away from her, his suspicions turned him towards his office. Something was off.

-

There were times when Del would sort of forget why Jackson triggered such a visceral reaction from her. There were times when she would look at him and forget what irritated her so much... those feelings were short lived, because then he’d open his mouth and she’d want nothing more than to wrap her hands around his neck and squeeze. She shot him a saccharine sweet smile, only to have it drop the second he turned away. 

She then glanced down at what she was wearing and felt her cheeks heat up, noting that she was in nothing but a large plaid shirt and thread-bare shorts, and her feet... She looked down at her sneakers only to have her eyes widen in panic because fuck. 

Her sleeping slippers... 

They must be under his couch. She immediately ran after him, grabbing him by the wrist and tugging, throat tightening at the prospect of being found out. “Jackson! Listen, why don’t we both get coffee or something? My treat. You can tell me all about umm... protein powders and stuff.” Her mind was a scramble as she persistently tried to pull him away from his office. 

[elliottjxo]

dclphinedupont​:

-

She grimaced. He wasn’t wrong. Her adoptive parents had tried to prop her up like a porcelain doll. They did their best to have her acclimate to their intimate circle of upper echelon families, but it never did take. She was always too outspoken, too stiff, too resentful of the way these people seemed so oblivious to the world outside of their garden parties. Jackson was no exception. He was someone who thrived in something like that… And it made her hate him even more. 

So when they did have conversations with one another back then because her adoptive mother, like many of the other mothers in their circle, had hoped he would somehow be swayed by her, it just made her realize just how different they were. 

She went to open her mouth for another smart remark, but it only withered inside of her at the finality of his words that he was here, and he was here to stay. 

And then his question. Her mind began to reel as he dangled the opportunity in front of her. The opportunity that she really, really, really needed. She felt her jaw clench and her heart pick up slightly before she forced down the pride that seemingly got stuck in her throat. “I need the job.” She finally admitted to herself. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before standing up and clasping both hands in front of her as she eyed him down. “Listen, Jackson… If we’re going to be living in this town together, we have… a lot to talk about… but I really do need this job.” her eyes softened and immediately, she felt herself grow zealous. “I’m a hard worker, I promise. I know what I’m doing, I’ve been a receptionist before, and when I do something, I don’t half ass it. I’m a quick learner and I won’t cause you too much trouble.” Okay, that last bit may be a lie, but he didn’t need to know that. “And I… I’m really sorry I punched you, but if you look past that, I swear, I won’t do it again.” That was probably also a lie, but meh.

-

He couldn’t say much about Delphine’s financial state. If rumors were to be believed, the belle of the South left the care of her prestigious family without more than a few dollars to her name. Without their last name or blood, he could deduce that she was not privy to her own family’s wealth. Of the many stresses a high-performing man like him knew, the concern over matters of money was never one of them. Privileged? Certainly. But Jackson made no apologies for it, or the tunnel vision it created. Still, he half-anticipated Delphine to reject it altogether. It seemed she was protective of her small town and her place within it. Pride and disgust, both prevalent in the way her fist collided with his chest.

But she inches backwards, surrender apparent in her bright eyes. With a cocky smirk, he licks his lips in an attempt to conceal his amusement. Everyone has a price, he recognizes thoughtfully. “I somehow doubt that.” Jackson griped. Even so, he turns to his laptop. With a few keystrokes, he prints out a template drafted by a paralegal. Her name, emboldened at the top. “It’s just a receptionist job.” He reminds her, condescension palpable in his voice. Even in the spirit of being kind (relative to Jackson, anyways), he found himself talking down to her. “Just a hair as challenging as preparing for a debutante ball.” With a pause, he cannot help but chuckle. “Though for you, that was like rocket science.” Never the less, he hands her the piece of paper. “Salary is what it is.” He shrugs. “See you Monday, Miss Dupont.”

[dclphinedupont]

jacksonhaywood​:

OPEN: The Fitness Center

Being in the water was a force of habit for Jackson. He was more comfortable swimming, than he was walking most days. Even now, almost a year and a half shy of his retirement, he still sought the powerful exhaustion of running laps. As part of his rehabilitation of the Fitness Center, he ensured the inclusion of a standard pool. Nothing as impressive as those he’d been accustomed to, but it helped make the new town feel a bit more like home. Jackson was working off an invincible high, the cocktail of prescription drugs he consumed weening off. In the water, the impact of it felt less so. It was just hours before the Fitness Center was set to close, and Jackson had just switched into a pair of sweatpants. His hair still wet, as he surveyed the empty gym. He quirks his brow, catching someone entering the facility. “You’re either an insomniac like me, or you’re training for something.” Few people shared in Jackson’s rigorous training schedule. It was only five in the morning, yet someone was already present.

-

Del didn’t think she would have been able to evade the motel owner forever. Really, she was good at disappearing, but not that good... the next bit was definitely not her proudest moment. Her and Jackson managed to settle into a civil routine in the gym, keeping to each other’s spaces and only talking when necessary, and well... honestly, nicking his office keys off his person wasn’t too hard of a feat. So she did. She made duplicates for herself and the next day told him she had found it by the watercooler. 

Now, it was her second night sleeping in his office, her pets with an elderly woman she used to walk dogs for that had been kind enough to watch them. And once again, she had it figured out (at least she thought she had). She would come back once Jackson left, use the duplicate she had made to get in, and sneak out just before he arrived, only to come back in in time for her shift as if it was for the first time. 

...Only today, Jackson was early. She had heard him come in and almost felt her heart jump out of her chest, bolting out of the couch and sneaking out of the gym, only to walk back in, hair in a disarray and eyes wide and bloodshot from waking up in such a rush. 

She stared at him, still too groggy to come up with words before finally opening her mouth. 

“I uh... I couldn’t sleep.” She lied, only to wince at the hoarseness of her voice. “I thought I’d come to work early... Get a head start on the disaster that is your filing cabinet.” She rubbed at her eyes and ran a hand through her hair, trying very hard to ignore the fact that she was still in her pajamas. God, she most definitely did not have this figured out. “What are you doing here so early, boss?” 

[dclphinedupont]

jacksonhaywood​:

-

In all of Delphine’s raging fury, it was easy to drown out his own disappointment. Jackson’s foray into the small, grimy town was a chance to start anew. He didn’t want to be considered anything other than himself, or reinvent the man he was. But in a town filled with crime and secrecy, no one would sit to think of the ‘disappointment’ that was Jackson Haywood’s fallen career. Just as no one would think of his fall from grace. Even now, surrounded by a measly gym in the middle of nowhere, his old friends would laugh in condescension. The great Jackson Haywood, now subjected to such a small life. Although the blond before him rejected ‘high society’ and its trappings, she knew him. At least, enough to know of the man he ought to be.

The man he could not become.

“Don’t I know it. You always looked like you were running from something.” It was a keen observation he made, from the center of the room. While Delphine took to society parties awkwardly, Jackson thrived off of them. He moved through the room with ease. A shining example of masculine, Southern success. At the time, Delphine’s failings were laughable to him. What was so hard about their life? Jackson took to it with ease. Looking back, though, perhaps it had its own repercussions on him.

“It’s a long story. When I tell it, I’m gonna need a harder drink than this.” He gestures to his half-finished bottle of Gatorade. “But all you need to know is that I’m not leaving anytime soon. Olympus is home now.” Catching the offense scribbled in her eyes, he offers her a toothy smile. “So, you want the job or not? I won’t ask twice.”

-

She grimaced. He wasn’t wrong. Her adoptive parents had tried to prop her up like a porcelain doll. They did their best to have her acclimate to their intimate circle of upper echelon families, but it never did take. She was always too outspoken, too stiff, too resentful of the way these people seemed so oblivious to the world outside of their garden parties. Jackson was no exception. He was someone who thrived in something like that... And it made her hate him even more. 

So when they did have conversations with one another back then because her adoptive mother, like many of the other mothers in their circle, had hoped he would somehow be swayed by her, it just made her realize just how different they were. 

She went to open her mouth for another smart remark, but it only withered inside of her at the finality of his words that he was here, and he was here to stay. 

And then his question. Her mind began to reel as he dangled the opportunity in front of her. The opportunity that she really, really, really needed. She felt her jaw clench and her heart pick up slightly before she forced down the pride that seemingly got stuck in her throat. “I need the job.” She finally admitted to herself. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before standing up and clasping both hands in front of her as she eyed him down. “Listen, Jackson... If we’re going to be living in this town together, we have... a lot to talk about... but I really do need this job.” her eyes softened and immediately, she felt herself grow zealous. “I’m a hard worker, I promise. I know what I’m doing, I’ve been a receptionist before, and when I do something, I don’t half ass it. I’m a quick learner and I won’t cause you too much trouble.” Okay, that last bit may be a lie, but he didn’t need to know that. “And I... I’m really sorry I punched you, but if you look past that, I swear, I won’t do it again.” That was probably also a lie, but meh.

[dclphinedupont]

charliekincaid​:

-

“I get it, trust me. I’ve kind of been a running for a lot of my life. Travelled a bit but I’ve managed to stay routed and I think it’s because of my cat. She likes being outside and I don’t think I’d be able to bring her to a new neighbourhood.” It was a stupid reason but one that had worked for her. “Are you happy you’re back though?” She asked curiously.

 Charlie clapped her hands and grinned when the other mention her new job. “That sounds like we need to celebrate. Your drink is on the house,” she told both the blonde and her coworker who was preparing it. “As for the not leaving part, I’m good with that. At least let me get used to have you back before you rip the rug from my feet again.”

“I know. Especially lately,” she said with a shake of her head. “Nothing to worry about on my end. I’m not dancing as much anymore. Seth let me work behind the bar part time but my shifts have been getting more full time.”

-

“I think it’s just my constant ache for stability despite my phobia for commitment and anything long term.” She said with a flippant wave of her hand. “My cats and turtle have no say in our relocation.” She then let out a small laugh before finally feeling herself fall into a fond smile. “But I am... I am happy to be back. Let’s see how long this feeling lasts though. The last time, it had lasted ten years before I found myself needing to leave.” She tucked a piece of blonde behind her ear before finally settling both her hands on her lap so she could give Charlie her full attention. 

She smiled brightly at the other and shook her head. “You’re too good to me. Honestly... but I would never say no to a free drink.” She then had the decency to look sheepish, nodding her head. “And I’ll say goodbye next time if it comes to it. I promise.” 

She then began nodding attentively, keen on catching herself up on the other’s life. “And do you enjoy it more? You were such a lovely dancer... But I guess this way we get to talk while you’re on the job.” 

[dclphinedupont]

scthcartcr​:

☠

Seth stares at Delphine confused and convinced that she’s taking everything too fucking literally. He’s not actively trying to hurt her feelings and he’s definitely not doing this to spite Harlow. Okay, maybe not wholly. Del and Seth had been working their way to a better path, one that might actually get them to being friends again. Now, she’s acting like he’s trying to break her in half or do something shitty. He felt like offering a place to sleep and being nice to one another might actually mean that it was going okay but one nickname and apparently everything has gone to shit. “Look, I ain’t tryin’ to be a dick here. I offered you shit that you needed and now I’ll take that shit back. You’re the one that changed shit,” he says, low and controlled. Harlow and him may be doing whatever they were doing but now they were and so what was wrong with flirting with someone else? Nothing. “I ain’t flirtin’ with you to get back at fuckin’ Harlow. Me and her are fuckin’ done with whatever we were fuckin’ doin’ and that’s that,” he tells Delphine, not that it was any of her business. “Didn’t realize you thought I was such a piece of shit. Guess you should’ve gone farther away, huh?” He isn’t looking for an answer though, he just takes a drink of his own, rolling his eyes and shaking his head as he pours it into his mouth.

-

He was upset. She didn’t mean to make him upset. She should have known though that kind of honesty wouldn’t get her very far. They weren’t at a point where they could talk about these things, and maybe they never would be... a part of her just really wanted to know. She allowed him to continue talking, lips pursed as she tried her hardest to keep his gaze. “You of all people should know that I think you’re a good person, Seth. If anything, I think you’re a good person more than I think you do.” She clasped her hands together before slowly nodding her head. “I just... wanted to know. I’m not trying to paint you out to be  anything. I just think... I’ve come to terms with the fact that you and I do bad things to each other. It doesn’t make us bad people, but maybe just... bad for each other.” She didn’t want to be angry at him, anger was such a wasted emotion on someone you now know you have feelings for. She really just wanted to understand him. 

“Whenever I flirted with other people after a fight, I never did it to hurt you. Just to get your attention. That was all I really wanted...” She furrowed her brows and then shifted her gaze to examine her nails. “That’s why I asked. When you do things like this... I just wanted to let you know it hurt me. Now I know you’re unaware that it does. So I’m telling you. It does.” It was said simply, a matter of fact, void of any anger and resentment. “It just confuses me is all... to feel so much for you even with all the shit we put each other through.” She takes another pause before she let out a sigh. “I don’t think you’re a bad person.” She felt she needed to repeat. “Do you think I am?” 

[dclphinedupont]

lucianharmon​:

He was honestly relieved she ordered for them, more than happy to not have to speak to the waitress. At least he never got sick of the diner’s pancakes. Or would today be the day? 

“I think she’s just being the good big sister. Y’know, it was just us growing up so I think she’s just always going to worry about me.” He didn’t have a problem with it. He knew Kali always came from a place of genuine concern. She was the one person that had always cared about him. “Now can I change the subject?” 

-

Del tried to hide the fond smile that tugged at her lips as she continued to read the menu. “I’ve always wanted siblings.” She said after a while. “I was an only child. My parents said they stopped when they had me because I was perfect, but really, I think it was because it’s easier to load a getaway car with one kid at the back.” She chuckled softly before putting the menu away and leaning against the table so she could study him. 

It was always interesting, talking to someone who didn’t necessarily like talking about themselves. She found that it usually was the easiest topic to pull out of people. “Yes you can change the subject.” She finally gave in with a laugh. “What would you like to talk about? Anything but the weather, please.” She paused before pursing her lips. “I’m sorry if I seemed nosy by the way. I really just wanted to get to know you. We don’t know much about each other, and I kinda like knowing about people.” She tapped the tip of her nose with a grin. “Nosy, what did I tell ya. It’s gonna get me killed one day.” 

[dclphinedupont]

silasxavery​:

-

“Oh, you didn’t have to risk gettin’ in trouble for me, Del.” He did appreciate it though, even if he didn’t look all that grateful. Honestly, he had no clue what he looked like. From the looks he got, he had to assume it was pretty bad. Earlier, when he was out smoking, someone had slipped a five dollar bill into his hand and said ‘god bless’. They must’ve thought he was homeless or something. He showered and was wearing clean clothes, but whatever. At least someone was trying to be kind, just like Del was trying to be kind. Like all those years ago when she’d tried to comfort him. After his sister and his mother, then his dad being gone all the time. He just felt lost, and there she was with a smile and a milkshake. A corner of his mouth twitched at the thought.

Sad, brown eyes looked up from his coffee. “Believe it or not, you’re pretty far from the last person I’d want to be alone with.” Sure he’d been upset with her, angry at how the situation played out and the things he’d heard afterwards. But, they cleared that up and after everything that had happened in the past few weeks that whole situation was the last thing on his mind. “Sure, I have zero going on right now. I don’t have my car here, though.” With where his mind had been and the amount of substances he’d been putting into his body, he thought it best not to drive anywhere. Not safe and all that.

-

Del had to smile, if only just a little bit, spilling the contents of his milkshake into the ready to-go cup before slapping down a few dollars and plucking a donut from the display case. “I think we both know me better than that, Silas.” She said, quickly ducking under the counter and holding out her keys. “I am trouble.” 

It was a sentiment shared by many, one she usually wasn’t too fond of, but at times, she knew it was probably the best way to sum her up. Too reckless, too willing to skirt the rules, too indecisive and fond of chaos. She shook her head and pressed the milkshake into his hands. “Don’t worry, I’ll drive.” She took him by the sleeve, taking a large bite out of the donut and pulling him out of the diner and to her Camry waiting outside for them. She slide into the driver’s seat and suddenly got nervous. She knew her and Silas still had plenty to go till they were friends again... but Del didn’t like seeing him sad, and if she could help in any way, she would. 

What she was going to do just might open some wounds neither of them might not be ready to face again. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked quietly as she turned on the ignition. 

[dclphinedupont]

charliekincaid​:

-

Charlie squeezed the blonde tightly before she pulled back. “I think we all expected that.” She throws out with a smirk, though it’s more of a friendly comment. Charlie can only guess the sort of receptions she’s had and hopes that perhaps this one is nicer than others. Del had been close to a lot and her sudden vanishing act had left a lot of them with more questions than answers. 

“Are you passing through or do you think you’re here for good?”

Maybe asking her the second question would only spark her need to run. Sort of like a trigger. “Oh fuck, Del. I just started bartending and you want me to do a marg.” She groaned, looking at her coworker. “It’s fine, she’ll do it for you.” It was better that way because Charlie had only made it to old fashioned drinks right now. “I’ve been good, and nothing much. You kinda came at a weird time with all the events and shit going on. It’s normally a lot quieter.”

-

“I don’t blame anyone. It’s what I expected too.” Del smiled wryly. “People should know, I surprise myself with my decisions half the time.” She had been halfway to Olympus when she started attempting to talk herself out of it. She clasped her hands together before shooting the other bartender a smile. “Extra tequila if you please!” She called out before focusing all her attention back to Charlie. 

“I don’t know. I think I’m staying for a good long while, I just got a job at the Fitness Center as their new receptionist. I start tomorrow, so make of that what you will... So far I’ve had no reason to leave. I’m trying to work on that... the not leaving.” She pursed her lips before shaking her head and growing a tad bit somber. 

“What I would give for some quiet... This town’s been through the wringer...” She sighed. “You’ve been alright though, yeah? Nothing I have to worry about?” 

[dclphinedupont]

scthcartcr​:

☠

“Whatever,” Seth says. He’s not necessarily concerned about her but considering this guy is new to town and he doesn’t know this fucker’s deal, he wasn’t going to take chances. Having to ask himself the moral question of if he would save Delphine or not— the answer would be ‘yes but’. Yes but… it didn’t mean anything. Yes but it wouldn’t be for the Club. Yes but it wasn’t a big deal. He was just doing the right thing, which technically was a big deal since Seth didn’t always do the right thing. Either way, he doesn’t know the man that he’d be confronting, especially if anything else went down in the town. Jackson. He ain’t scared of some bitch with the name Jackson. 

“What? You don’t want me callin’ you that anymore?” he asks, considering that used to be one of the names he had called her— before she up and left the town, that is. Obviously, something had changed but Seth had not. He was still the same old Seth that flirted even when he shouldn’t be. He’s the man that took for granted everything, according to Harlow— or she had said something like that. “Do you really think I’d do somethin’ like that?” he asks, acting offended, even though they both knew that the answer was yes, of course. “I ain’t that much of an asshole,” he shrugs, looking down at the bar as he leans his hands against it before looking up at her. Yeah, he probably was, depending on his mood.

-

Her smile grew sad as she took a small sip of her drink. She paused for a while before leaning forward on the counter to shorten the distance between them so she could look at him. Really look at him for a bit. “I like to think I know a little about you, Seth.” She said quietly. “Not a whole lot, because I think you don’t like it when people say that they do, but... I know a bit. Things I had to figure out on my own these past few years.” She pressed her lips together before continuing. “I don’t like you calling me sweet pea... not when you just had a fight with your...” With his what? “... with Harlow.” They’ve done it to each other so many times before, flirting with other people after a particularly nasty fight just to get a reaction. She was quiet for another moment before leaning back into her chair. 

“And if you ask me if you think I think you’d do something like that... is it horrible of me to say yes?” She then sat on his question for a while more before carefully putting together her words. “It hurts, you know?” She finally confessed, though her tone was not unkind. It was more curious than anythin. All these years, she had always wondered. She was quiet before taking another sip. “I don’t mean this in a... I mean, I’m not angry, I’ve just... always wondered.” She cleared her throat. “Like right now. You flirting with me to get back at someone else. Do you know it’s hurting me?” 

[dclphinedupont]

scthcartcr​:

☠

Seth shakes his head at her. “Yeah but you’re gonna end up gettin’ hurt one of these days you punch the wrong fuckin’ person,” Seth reminds her. Without the Club behind her, he’s not sure how she would truly fair, considering she’s just one tiny woman. The word ‘history’ would normally perk his ears and maybe it still does but he tries not to let on to it. He guesses the fucker is from some other town that she’d made a stop in and they fucked or something. Her time away, Seth really couldn’t be less interested in but he supposes if Del is looking to tell him all about it, he’d end up hearing or ignoring her. “Funny business? What the fuck is that about?” Seth asks, wondering if he should be looking out for something that this Jackson guy does. Seth isn’t okay with newcomers fucking up his town, that was for sure.

“Right, your mission,” he says, rolling his eyes. Clearly, things with Harlow and him weren’t going so well considering him snapping about her but Delphine knew better than to think too much of it. He’s done that about her plenty of fucking times. Seth pushes the glass across the bar to Delphine. “That one’s on the house if you don’t say it again tonight, how ‘bout it sweet pea?” he asks, trying to give himself some sort of relief. “I was jus’ sayin’ anyways, my couch ain’t as bad as some places. Like the street or somethin’.”

-

“Careful, boss, it almost sounds like you’re concerned about me.” She said with a wry smile before shaking her head. She liked to think she was a bit more cautious now, a bit more lowkey with how she dealt with things. She couldn’t afford to be brazen, not when she had been travelling by herself. Jackson, however, she somehow knew there was a certain threshold she could get away with when it came to him. If only because they both had that one thing in common. She snapped out of her internal monologue and turned to Seth with a small frown. “Oh just... Funny business.” She didn’t bother to explain. In reality, it was a more selfish reason. He was a direct tie to her life back in South Carolina. He could easily pick up the phone and call her adoptive parents, sell her out for a quick buck and leave her to their mercy. 

Not on her watch. 

She shook her head of any thoughts of Jackson Haywood and his irritatingly hard chest, only to focus it back on Seth, smile tugging up slightly at the drink, only to have her eyes narrow almost immediately. “Sweet pea?” She hadn’t heard that in a while. She then immediately grew cautious, bringing the drink up to her lips. “Well, I won’t make any promises, but I’ll try. And don’t worry, I’ll have things figured out so it won’t have to come to that. I don’t think I can handle sleeping on your couch, Seth. I’m trying my best here, but if you bring home a Siren, I might rip someone’s head off.” She shrugged at her honesty, knowing herself all too well. It was irrational but it was true. 

[dclphinedupont]

finnoconnor​:

-

One corner of the Bouncer’s lips turned upwards and his eyes lit up with amusement. Deli just issued him a challenge without knowing she’d done it. “You worked at Thane’s Auto Shop as a secretary before you left, before that you worked at the diner. You like plants, cats, and I’m positive most animals could be added to that list. You deflect a lot when people ask you about the past which probably means you’re runnin’ from somethin’ and when shit hit the fan you ran from here, too. Means y’probably don’t deal with conflict well, but I guess confrontation is gettin’ easier cause you came back. You’re also really emotional, case and point.” He pointed to where the puddle was. “You want me to keep goin’ or that hit your satisfaction, princess?” 

It may not seem like it, but Finn pays attention to a lot and he held a decent memory for the amount of shit he consumes to try to erase it. He ignored the comment about the motel room and moved to put a fresh liner in the trash can instead. In his mind he proved his point. While he might not know her wants and dreams, he hardly knew that about most people he knew so that shit didn’t matter to him. 

“Like a hole in the head, Deli.” He answered and moved to pour himself a drink after he assessed the back of the bar. Everything looked set up and ready for the day. “What did you come back for?” He asked out of pure curiosity, though he already knew he was going to regret the question.

-

Del couldn’t help but have her eyes widen slightly in surprise, hand stilling at her nose as she regarded Finn with mild amusement and... appreciation? “Okay, I guess I stand corrected. I’m the horrible person that doesn’t pay attention to these things.” She pursed her lips before resuming her movements, rubbing at her nose as she sniffled. “I always figured we didn’t like each other, so I vengefully removed you from my memory. I’m sorry, I should have known you’d be obsessed with me.” She said, though it was obvious from her small, albeit watery, smile that she was only joking. She pondered over his words for a moment before shaking her head. “You know how people say they’re either fight or flight?” She asked once she finally got her words together. She let out a huff and tugged at a piece of blonde hair. “I’ve always been flight. It’s what my parents taught me to do, it’s what has always seemed to work... But then after a while, you realize you’re flying away from things you care about.” She was quiet for another moment only to down her drink and let out a hiss. 

“So you may not have missed me, Finn, but a part of me missed you. Missed everyone here in this fuckin’ town, which sucks because it would have been much easier for me to just disappear.” She tugged once more at her hair in irritation before casting him a long, tense glance. 

“But let’s see if you can hit a two for two. What do you think I came back for?” 

[ava-deb]

[dclphinedupont]

wesleyevans​:

Though he was sad to not have Delphine going back, he was happy for her. “I’m sure he’ll hire you. I’d give you a good rec if I could.” Though he wasn’t the boss at the auto shop, no one really cared what he said about employees. “I barely even smell it anymore. Is that like a bad thing?” 

“Oh. Who are you in love with? If it’s me, I’m a little too old for you,” He joked, knowing that it wasn’t him. He’d know if someone was in love with him. Though he still was confused with Blake so who knew. “I want Blake Jr. even though he’s a little dude. But yeah, we’ve tossed some ideas and I think we’ve agreed on one. I’m not sure if we’re tellin’ people yet cause who knows if it’ll change.” 

-

“Damn right he’ll hire me.” She said with a self-assured smile that was meant to be teasing, but really, it was a nice change of pace from self-deprecation. She then smiled gratefully at Wes and realized that while she was looking forward to this new chapter... she would always miss the Auto Shop. “Thanks, Wes.” She said quietly before barking out a laugh. “And yes, that’s absolutely a bad thing. You should get that checked.” 

She then rifled through the baby clothes and groaned at the question. “While you’re a great guy, Wes, I don’t think I can handle having Blake hate me. I would choose her over you in a heartbeat.” She joked before raising a brow. “What’s up with you guys now, by the way? I don’t think I’ve been keeping track.” Hoping he wouldn’t ask her again about who she might be in love. She then was quiet for a while before she nodded her head. “I like the name Blake Jr. I can call my psychic and ask her for you if you’d like? That’s how my mom named me.” 

[dclphinedupont]

silasxavery​:

-

He hadn’t noticed Del when he entered the diner. Silas hadn’t noticed anyone besides the server that talked to him. Honestly, the only reason he’d shown up at the diner at all was habit. He’d done the same thing every Wednesday since he was ten years old. Things had been pretty robotic for him since he’d seen the SUV in the street and then it had only gotten worse when Cleo left. When he was truly alone. Like time just stopped for him and everything was moving forward, except him. Reached up to wipe a wayward tear when the waitress turned away, they seemed to come at random now.

Silas didn’t look up from his coffee until the milkshake was being pushed toward him. His eyes slowly moved up to be greeted by Del. His mouth moved, an attempt at a smile but the corners didn’t seem to pull up. “Hey Del.” He sighed at her comment. Deja vu. It was. Unfortunately. Because nothing seemed to improve, regardless of the number of years that went by. “Guess so, huh? Things are still shitty.” He stirred at the milkshake she’d put in front of him for a second and stopped to rub at his face. “Didn’t know you got your job back here though.” He mumbled and gave her a pathetic face. Silas didn’t know what to say, everything just felt like it took so much effort.

-

She pursed her lips and leaned against the counter, the scene all too familiar in her mind’s eye. A much younger Silas in front of a much younger Del, two completely different people that the last ten or so years have pulled up then weathered down. She hummed and offered him a small smile, glancing behind her every so often to see if anyone would kick her out from behind the bar. “I didn’t. I don’t think they’ll ever give me back my job here, even if I begged.” She said with a soft attempt at a laugh. She pressed her lips together before shaking her head. 

“You’ve been through the wringer, Silas...” She said quietly. She reached out and had her hand hover over his shoulder cautiously before she rested it against the tense muscle. “And I’m so sorry...” She paused, mind scrambling for a way to maybe help. She wracked her brain for a solution, any solution. 

“Listen, I know I might be the last person you’d want to be alone with right now, but... would you like to go for a drive, maybe?” She held up an empty to-go cup. “We can take the milkshake?” 

[dclphinedupont]

scthcartcr​:

☠

Seth has a hard time believing that Delphine has made it this far through life. The amount of times that Seth has dragged her ass from some dumbass fight— including with himself is far too many and her hitting her new boss– well, that was a new one. He wasn’t going to be the one to save her from herself this time. Del had made her bed and now she’d lie in it. If she wasn’t a Siren, she wasn’t under his protection anymore and that was that (as if he wouldn’t come to her rescue). “How the fuck did you get the job if you fuckin’ hit ‘em? Is he some kid of stupid?” he asks, confused. Seth’s not even sure who Jackson is but if he owns the fitness center, he’s sure to run into him soon. Rescuing may come sooner than he thinks considering she’s living in a motel and apparently is going to end up having issues with the motel owner. “Always got my couch,” he mentions, in case there was an emergency. It’s probably not what he should be saying to a woman that fucking left him but her on the couch sounded a lot worse than her living with an asshole. 

Seth practically freezes when Delphine says Harlow’s name and he immediately turns to make a drink that no one asked for, avoiding Del’s eyes. Not for her own sake but for his. Immediately there’s an anger there still lurking from when she’d pushed him in the very office that Delphine and Seth weren’t too far away from. Wouldn’t it be sweet to top some revenge onto that? “I ain’t fuckin’ kissin’ Harlow with anything but my fuckin’ boot. She ain’t comin’ ‘round here the way she’s actin’,” he spits, his words obviously coming from an angry, annoyed, venomous place. “Yeah well it’s fuckin’ weird.”

-

“It wasn’t like he got hurt!” Del protested, unconsciously moving her hand to press against her heart as if still feeling the phantom pains of her punch. “If anything, I think it gave me an edge.” She paused before gnawing at her bottom lip. “Also we have... history.” She grimaced at the word. It wasn’t even the fun kind of history. It was the type of history she would much prefer to keep hidden in the deep crevices of her mind. “Furthermore, I’m a great receptionist. He’s lucky to have me. Besides, keeping close to him means I get to keep my eye out for any funny business.” She didn’t want to say anything, but there was something about Jackson that unsettled her. She then let out another laugh, finishing up the small dish of peanuts before tipping her head to Seth as if to ask for more. “Staying on your couch will be counterproductive to my mission, boss.” 

She then paused and turned to Seth in surprise. She wasn’t unfamiliar with his anger... but this seemed different. Something she shouldn’t be dipping her toes into, no matter how nosy she may be. She pressed her lips together before shaking her head, deciding not to mention it, all too practiced when it came to navigating his moods. “Give me some time...” She said quietly. “It’ll go away before we know it.” She tried to keep the sadness out of her voice before raising a brow. “Give me that drink and I’ll work to speed up the process.” 

[dclphinedupont]

@charliekincaid​

She was starting in the fitness center soon. Just one more night’s sleep and she’ll be the fitness center’s new receptionist... and god, did the first day jitters not want to go away. So she did what any self-respecting adult would do, she took her ass down to the Dive and sat herself down for a drink. 

“One that’s not too expensive please.” She sighed, shrugging off her jacket and pulling up her phone, smile sheepish as she looked at Charlie from behind the bar. 

“Hey, beautiful, miss me?”