bad for good girls

☽ after dark, always ☾

[diirtyauthority]

xander’s new blog will be here: x

[diirtyauthority]

going through a url change while i set up xander’s new blog. please feel free to continue to just tag “dirtyauthority”. once i finish setting up the new blog tomorrow i’ll be able to switch over my url !! i’m going to reply to my drafts on this blog in the mean time tho

[etxrnaleclipse]

Open: any (28+ if potential ship) Connection: any, friend, partner, take it wherever suits y/m! Muse: Isabella Perez. 28-35. Elementary School Teacher.

"How long have you been lying to me?"

[diirtyauthority]

xander didn’t bristle at the question. if anything, he looked faintly amused, like he appreciated the directness even if he wasn’t about to reward it. he took a second before speaking, not to stall, but to choose the version of the truth he felt like offering.

“lying’s a strong word,” he said lightly. “i tend to think of it as… editing.” the corner of his mouth curved, restrained. “timing matters. so does context.” he shifted his weight, casual, unbothered. “if you’re asking how long i’ve been careful with you,” he went on, eyes steady, “probably as long as it seemed necessary.” a pause. “which is to say, not forever. just long enough.”

[famishdd]

“it wasn’t a speakeasy…” her voice is small, brows creasing as she frowns at the accusation though she knows there is little room for argument. sinking lower into the seat dru crosses her arms in front of her as some sort of shield against the way he is looking at her. “you aren’t kidding and i feel bad enough don’t torture me. i should have had it locked up. stupid mistake.”

unfurling her limbs she reaches for the drink still waiting, taking a long sip despite the burning sensation warming her throat. all she could offer was a nod as he mentioned insurance, a small consolation but she was still out of a gorgeous piece of jewelry. “well i'm glad i am still somewhat on your good side.” lips still pursed closed a hint of something resembling a smile tugs at the corners but she doesn’t let it through.

“i am fully prepared to hear about this for the next year, maybe longer. i will make it up to you though, promise. plus i have already narrowed down the suspects.” sitting the glass down she reaches into her purse, pulling out a wrinkled napkin covered in ink scribbles. “there was no competition, trust me.” her eyes are rolling, the anxiety that had been causing havoc on her nervous system now dulling as she smooths out the small cotton tissue. “i invited three of my girlfriends from work and they all brought along friends i didn't know. two of them were these really sleazy guys who work for the sports magazine next to our office. would it be crazy to confront them and demand it back?” her brow is raising at the question, an air of determination in his tone.

“i had plans for that ring. i was going to make you take me to some overpriced resort for valentines and flash it around to make all the other girls jealous.” sighing as the thought crosses her mind she takes another sip from her glass. "we can still go somewhere though...if you want." the smile she had been keeping at bay spreads across her features as she offers him a wink.

[diirtyauthority]

xander watched her fold into herself with the kind of patience that came from having already decided not to press where it would bruise. his gaze softened a fraction, not enough to be comforting, just enough to be fair. “i didn’t say it was,” he replied calmly, voice low, even. “i said it behaved like one.” a beat. “there’s a difference.”

when she apologized again, he exhaled through his nose, something like a sigh but less indulgent. “hey.” his eyes lifted to meet hers, steady, unamused in a way that meant he wasn’t angry. “i’m not torturing you. if i were, you’d know.” he didn’t comment on the drink, though his eyes tracked the way she downed it. instead, when she mentioned his good side, his mouth tipped briefly. “you never left it,” he said. “you just took a scenic route.”

the napkin earned a look, his brows lifting slightly as he leaned back, one arm draping over the back of the seat while he listened. he didn’t interrupt, didn’t rush her. when she finally finished, he let the silence stretch long enough to take the edge off her question.

“confronting them would be crazy,” xander said plainly. then, after a beat, “not morally. strategically.” his gaze sharpened, thoughtful. “sleazy guys who think they’re untouchable don’t return things because they’re asked nicely. they return them because it’s suddenly inconvenient not to.”

he tapped the edge of the table once, absentminded. “leave that part to me.”

at the mention of the ring — the resort, the jealousy — his eyes flicked back to her, something unreadable passing through them. amused, maybe. something else, definitely. “you don’t need a ring to make people jealous,” he said dryly. “you manage that just by existing in public.” then she dangled the invitation, the wink. xander didn’t take the bait right away. he studied her, the smile she’d been holding back, the way the tension had finally eased. “we’ll go somewhere,” he said at last, tone settled, assured. not a question. “valentine’s or not.” a pause, his mouth curving just enough. “and if you still want an overpriced resort, i won’t pretend to hate the idea.” his gaze lingered, warm but measured. “just… next time you plan to flash something around to make a point,” he added lightly, “let me know first. i like being prepared for the fallout.”

[sunliights]

a continuation of here for @dirtyauthority

"uh, right," malee nodded, as if casual conversation could cover up the scene that was playing out. it was quite embarrassing for someone who was usually so cool and collected to be caught out like this but no amount of racking her brain would help her come up with a reasoning that she could give as to why she was here. her lips parted and she wanted to quickly answer xander's comment with one of her own about how this wasn't her part of town but instead she swallowed it down, shrugging instead. she picked up a grocery bag of her own and then let the trunk slam shut, shifting the weight of it between her hands. "i guess so," she muttered, wondering if she should try and take the bag from him or not. ultimately malee decided not, nodding towards her building and starting to head along. she fumbled with the keys to let them both inside and then towards the rather rickety elevator. "i didn't think you would be in this side of town."

[diirtyauthority]

xander fell into step beside her without ceremony, the grocery bag steady in his grip. his attention moved the way it always did — quick, precise, never lingering long enough to feel like inspection. if the setting surprised him, he kept it folded neatly behind his eyes.

“yeah,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “that makes sense.”

when she mentioned the neighborhood again, the corner of his mouth lifted, not a smile so much as an acknowledgment. “i’m from manhattan,” xander said, calm and absolute. not a boast. a fact. “i walk where i want. always have.” his gaze flicked ahead, then back to her. “city doesn’t really feel divided once you stop asking permission.”

he adjusted his grip on the bag, unconcerned by the weight. “i had a meeting that wouldn’t die,” he added. “walked it off so i wouldn’t end up glued to my phone pretending i wasn’t still in it.” a beat. “keeps me human.”

his eyes found hers again, warmer now, more intentional. “didn’t expect to see you,” he said, honesty threaded with something lightly amused. “but i’m glad i did.”

he glanced at the bag in his hand, then back to her, charm sliding in without effort. “you already fought the trunk,” xander went on. “letting me carry this feels like a fair division of labor.” a pause, just long enough to matter. “i’m good for it.”

[7mplications]

it's almost funny how he challenges her - something that she doesn't really take as an insult , though , she's thinking - a mental game of chess in her mind as she's keeping her eyes on him , her lips twitching here & there , almost as if she's inching herself to smile more , a silent acknowledgment of her letting him know that she's quite present in their conversation , of course . " eye bingo . or would you rather i say eye fucking ? " head tilts , merely curious to know what his thoughts were on the slight coarse language that came out from her mouth . " most people aren't that clever , some think that having a deadpanned gaze is being attentive to conversation , but if you ask me , i think it's lazy coming from them . " avani remains simplistic , nonetheless , wanting to come off as a semi - threat in his view , considering the debate that they're currently having , which makes sense for the moment . " do you always stare at people whenever they're talking ? " intrigued , however , she actually smiles at him , a pleasant situation as she tries to come off as friendly - is it working ? " out of honesty , did you like what came out of my mouth ? " she's daring him , nearly wanting to see if he'd take any of the bait she was throwing his way , if anything . " well , you know what they say , i'm completely aware of my surroundings - & the crowd that i'm presenting myself to . " her eyes are still on him , her nose crinkling in a bit as she keeps her kind demeanor , for the time being .

[diirtyauthority]

xander didn’t react to the language at all. if anything, the corner of his mouth twitched like she’d just confirmed something he already suspected. “either’s fine,” he said. “one’s more upfront about what’s happening.” his gaze stayed steady, unbothered. “i don’t really do pearl-clutching.” he nodded once at her comment, thoughtful. “you’re not wrong,” xander continued. “most people confuse staring with listening and think that counts. it doesn’t.” a pause. “attention takes effort. silence, too.”

he didn’t answer right away, but there was less distance in the pause this time. his gaze stayed on her, thoughtful rather than measuring. “i don’t stare,” xander shrugged calmly. “i listen.” he shifted slightly, relaxed, like this wasn’t something he needed to defend. “if someone’s talking, i stay with them. it’s rare enough that people notice.” a beat. “i try not to be the reason a conversation feels thin.”

her smile didn’t go unacknowledged, but he didn’t mirror it either. instead, his tone stayed easy, almost idle. “as for liking what came out of your mouth,” he went on, unhurried, “i liked that you didn’t soften it.” a pause. “that tends to matter more. at least to me”

he let the silence breathe again, comfortable in it, curiosity present but uninvested. “awareness is useful,” he added, almost as an aside. “especially when you know exactly who you’re performing for.” his gaze lingered a second longer, then softened, amused. “just don’t confuse that with me being easily impressed.”

[hartofxmatter]

if she were a weaker woman, the slow smile of his. a tease, if they were other people, might have brought her to her knees. but in every world, xander was xander, and their relationship remained an unending push and pull. for a moment, she believed he would let her win. maybe just denial making itself known. "most. some of us like to make the room remember our power." the more she had to defend it, the weaker it seemed to sound to her own ears.

he was grating. in every sense of the word. her eyes danced across him, catching every shift as if to help prove something. something she wasn't sure yet but hoping to fine nonetheless. "spare? my presence is a gift." but he wasn't far from the truth. lucy successfully fought her features to remain neutral. his admittance not something she often got. though as easy as he gave it, he withdrew it half way. "and what is the point?"

he never was one to shy away from a jab. though she had managed to play the part of an adult so far, a childish sigh escaped her lips. followed with an eye roll. she couldn't even be ashamed. it was bound to happen with him. she knew too well.

"things happen. happened. out of my control." it wasn't an excuse, purely a fact of the matter. that was as much detail as he was entitled to here from her. she waved his statement. he acted like his approval was something she was waiting for. his acceptance to her tardiness. like he was a teacher and she was a student who's grade hung on his opinion. "you thought i wouldn't come?" her brow raised as she settled in the seat.

[diirtyauthority]

xander watched her take the seat, the moment stretching a fraction longer than necessary. he didn’t move to meet her, didn’t retreat either. when he spoke, it was calm, measured, like he’d already decided not to make this heavier than it needed to be. “power doesn’t usually need reminding,” he said, almost offhand. “it tends to announce itself just by existing.” his gaze stayed on her. “but i’ll admit, i admire the commitment.”

at her question, his mouth curved, then stilled. “the point,” he repeated, testing it. “wasn’t the waiting.” he leaned back, fingers lacing loosely. “it was the uncertainty. whether you’d walk in like nothing had shifted, or like you knew it had.” she spoke, and he nodded once, slow. “things happen,” he echoed. “i’m not disputing that.” a beat. “i’m also not asking you to justify it. i wouldn’t.” his eyes didn’t leave hers. “but don’t confuse that with indifference.” he paused, letting the words sit. “i notice when patterns break. especially yours.”

he exhaled quietly, a faint huff that almost passed for amusement. “and no,” he continued, answering her directly now. “i never thought you wouldn’t come.” another pause, more deliberate. “i just wondered how much of this you’d pretend wasn’t a choice.”

his tone softened slightly at the end, not forgiving, not accusing. “turns out you still like keeping me on my toes.”

[diirtyauthority]

reverse starter call !! pls like this if it's okay for me to reply to one 1 (or a few) of your starters !

[famishdd]

dru had been mulling over what exactly she needed to say the entire day. teeth biting down on her freshly manicured nails she caught herself before she could do much damage to the paint. instead running a nervous hand down her dress as she climbed into the waiting car outside of her building. in truth she wasn’t sure why she was so nervous, it was unlike her but from the moment she had sent the text that morning her stomach had been in knots. rolling down the window so the cold new york air could hit her face she let out a loud breath, not even bothering to care if the wind messed up her curls.

as always traffic in the city was unbearable and something that would have taken ten minutes on the subway stretched into thirty. by the time the driver was coming to a slow stop her skin was crawling. briefly glancing at her reflection in a compact mirror she kept on hand she nodded a thanks as the rear door opened and a hand reached out to help her back to her feet. heels not the most functional in the snow but she managed with a trained ease skipping the few steps inside the dimly lit lounge.

offering a smile as the hostess recognized her by name her pace slowed the closer they grew to a waiting xander. “you know i didn't need a car service, i could have just taken the train.” the smile that had been there moments before was replaced with one slightly wider though she was sure her eyes gave her away. they always did. slipping into the seat opposite his own she glanced at the drink now stationed in front of her. “i never sound panicked, it’s not in my nature.” her voice was steady as frowned at the idea, trying to decide where to start. “we…i…have a problem.” hesitating, she pulls her eyes from his.

“i may…possibly…sorta kinda…” she is stalling now, a small groan escaping before she rips the band aid off. “someone stole my ring last night. yes the very pretty, very expensive one you got me for christmas. i had some friends over and they brought friends and i didn't realize until this morning when i woke up. before you react though,consider if killing me is worth going to jail over!”

[diirtyauthority]

for a moment, xander said nothing. his gaze dropped to the bare space where the ring should’ve been, lingering there just long enough to feel deliberate. when he looked back up, the smile hadn’t returned yet. instead, there was something quieter in his expression, a thoughtful stillness that could’ve been mistaken for displeasure if you didn’t know him better.

“someone stole it,” he said at last, slower now, as if weighing the words. his thumb brushed the rim of his glass, once. twice. “that’s… disappointing.” the pause stretched, just enough to make it uncomfortable. then he exhaled, a restrained sound, leaning back as though settling into the feeling rather than fighting it. “not because of the ring,” he clarified, eyes flicking back to hers. “because of the audacity.”

he tilted his head, studying her like this was all very interesting. “i give you something nice and suddenly we’re hosting an open audition for felonies?” a faint crease appeared between his brows, irritation played at but not quite sold. “all it takes is one evening and you’re running a speakeasy for thieves...” then, mercifully, the edge softened. the corner of his mouth lifted, subtle, unmistakably amused. “i’m kidding,” he said, though the timing made it debatable. “mostly.” he reached for his drink, finally taking a sip, eyes never leaving her.

his tone eased, warmth threading back in. “the ring was insured before you ever unwrapped it. the money stopped mattering the second i bought it.” a beat, quieter. “you didn’t.”

he set the glass down and shrugged, easy again, charm fully intact. “but,” xander added, a glint of mischief returning, “i am going to enjoy giving you a hard time about this. you don’t lose a piece of my jewelry to a 'mystery guest' without consequences..” his gaze lingered, curious now. “so,” he said lightly, “tell me about the evening. and try not to make the culprit sound too charming. i hate competition.”

[diirtyauthority]

ok im starting a new account for xander because i made it a secondary blog to my other account & i feel like it's making everything confusing. it will have the same url so pretty much everything will be the same

[diirtyauthority]

i will be online soon(ish)

[fuyante]

Despite a teasing glint in her eyes, Noémie meant her words as a kindness- a reprieve in case obligation kept him with her. As such, when he rephrased her offer, she made a soft, "Mhm". How interesting then for him to rewrite her script so easily.

Her lips parted yet nothing came; eyes narrowing faintly as they flicked over his features to discern just what she was dealing with. In hindsight, perhaps she should have accepted that drink after all. "Cooperative?" Just repeating it alone made her smile, a laugh dancing on the tip of her tongue. "If this is cooperative then I must be very lucky." Her eyes never once strayed from his as she mulled over a number of scenarios- all of which fell short of a much more pressing issue in her mind.

"I'm not sure I have the same habit." Without peeking where her friends once stood she could easily guess they'd moved on. "Because as lovely as you and this lounge are..." Holding up her hand she began counting off on her fingers, "I'm hungry, craving gelato, and refuse to pay here for it." With a cheeky smile, she shrugged. "So you can either move and come with me, or stay put."

[diirtyauthority]

xander’s mouth curved as she listed her terms, not quite a smile yet, more like he was enjoying the negotiation. his gaze followed the movement of her fingers, then lifted back to her eyes, steady and amused. money, to him, had always been abstract. something logistical rather than limiting. her concern about the price registered, but only as a detail worth indulging, not one that altered the outcome.

“lucky might be pushing it,” he said mildly. “but you’re not wrong.” a beat passed, his head tilting just slightly, as if reassessing the situation with fresh interest. “cooperative just means i haven’t decided to be difficult yet.”

he glanced around the lounge, taking in the setting like he was already halfway out the door. places like this all blurred together for him after a while, interchangeable backdrops with different lighting. when he looked back at her, there was something intent there now, chosen. “gelato,” he repeated, testing the word. “hungry, opinionated, and fiscally responsible.” the corner of his mouth lifted. “that tracks.”

he shifted then, finally moving, but not in a hurry. standing, he offered her an easy look rather than a hand. the question of who would pay had already settled quietly in his mind, long before it could surface. “i was planning to stay put,” he admitted, tone casual. “but i’m willing to revise.” a pause, deliberate. “on the condition you stop pretending this is me being led anywhere.”

his eyes stayed on hers as he added, lighter now, “besides, i’d hate to miss the part where you decide whether i’m worth abandoning your friends for.”

[diirtyauthority]

starter for @unapxlogeticme

xander spotted them on the train platform and felt the tension settle in immediately. the space was crowded and restless, shoes scraping against concrete as people shifted closer to the edge, announcements echoing overhead. he crossed the distance without thinking, stopping just short of their path, close enough to be heard, not close enough to be familiar.

“you vanished,” he said quietly, not accusing, just stating it like an observation. his gaze flicked toward the tracks, then back again. “figured that was intentional.”

the platform hummed around them, a train rushing past and briefly swallowing the space between words. when the noise cleared, xander exhaled through his nose. “i’m not here to start something,” he added, tone even. “but you don’t get to act like this came out of nowhere.”

he shifted his weight, frustration tightening his posture. “say whatever it is you’re trying to say,” he continued, eyes steady on theirs. “or don’t. just don’t pretend this is about silence.” his mouth curved faintly, humorless. “you’re better at that.” the next announcement crackled overhead, closer now. xander stayed where he was, composed but visibly strained, waiting to see whether they’d meet him halfway — or leave him standing there.

[diirtyauthority]

starter for @starbrsts

xander caught sight of them across the marble floor and felt the irritation hit before he could stop it. the gallery was too clean, too exposed, all white walls and low voices that carried whether you wanted them to or not. he didn’t hesitate this time. he crossed the distance with purpose, jaw set, composure pulled tight like a leash.

“you’ve got a habit of choosing the worst possible moments,” he said under his breath when he reached them, eyes sharp, already defensive. his gaze flicked briefly to the piece beside them, then back, like he was reminding himself to stay where he was. “i’m not doing this here.”

he shifted, shoulders squaring, frustration simmering just beneath the surface. “whatever you think this is,” xander went on, tone clipped, “it didn’t need an audience.” the edge in his voice softened only slightly, not into apology but into restraint. “and before you say it... i know how it looks. i always do.” though, he spent way too much time deflecting and not enough time even thinking about taking ownership of his destructive nature. people passed close enough to brush elbows, conversation bleeding around them, but he didn’t step away. didn’t soften either. “if you’re here to make a point,” he added quietly, eyes holding theirs now, “say it. just don’t expect me to make this easier for either of us.”

[7mplications]

the silence was looming in the air , though , small talk conversations were happening - in groups , it seemed . nonetheless , completely humorous to avani herself , considering that she was one of the small talk conversationalists that just happened to take up space with the topics that were on her mind . " you mean how we're all playing eye bingo with each other until someone says something ? " she asks , a light laugh leaving her lips , knowing exactly what he was talking about , yet the short silence was comforting - better than hearing nonsensical things coming out from people's lips . " well , if you have something to say , i think you should say it . " shrugging her shoulders , eyes still on the stranger .

[diirtyauthority]

xander smiled at that, not wide or performative, just enough to acknowledge she’d clocked him correctly. his head tilted slightly as he considered her, attention sharpening rather than softening. “eye bingo,” he repeated, low and amused. “that’s generous. most people don’t even bother pretending they’re listening.” he didn’t move closer when she held his gaze. if anything, he stayed exactly where he was, comfortable in the space between them. “i don’t always say things the moment i think them,” xander went on, tone easy, thoughtful. “sometimes it’s better to see who fills the quiet first. tells you more than whatever comes out of their mouth.” a beat passed, “but if i were going to say something now, it’d probably be that you seem more aware than you’re letting on.” his eyes lingered briefly, curious, before he let the silence settle again, not avoiding it and not rushing to break it either.

[diirtyauthority]

starter for @lvesyou

xander noticed them before they noticed him. he always did. his expression didn’t change when his eyes settled, but something in his posture did a subtle stillness, like a lock clicking into place. familiarity didn’t soften him... it sharpened his focus. whatever this was, he hadn’t expected it, and he didn’t fully trust it either. “figured i’d run into you eventually,” he said, tone easy, unreadable. not surprised. not displeased. his eyes traced them briefly before lifting again. “guess it just took longer than either of us expected.”

he leaned back, resting a shoulder against the nearest surface, charm muted but present. “you seem steady,” xander added after a beat. not quite a compliment. not quite neutral. then, quieter, almost amused, “last time i saw you, that wasn’t the case.” his gaze lingered, then slipped away, jaw tightening before he smoothed it out again. “timing’s funny,” xander said, more to himself than to them, eyes drifting briefly across the room, as if taking inventory of exits, people, distance. “it has a way of circling back when you don’t ask it to.” the pause that followed was measured, intentional... the kind that left space without offering comfort.

he straightened slightly, composure settling back into place like a tailored jacket. whatever reaction threatened to surface stayed buried. “i didn’t plan on revisiting this,” xander added calmly, gaze returning at last, cool and appraising. not an accusation. not an invitation either. just a fact, delivered with the quiet certainty of someone who rarely lets the past catch up to him.

[diirtyauthority]

starter for @muiises

xander picked the place the way he always did. dim, expensive, effortless. if someone was going to drop important news in his lap, he wanted good lighting and a bar tab that was already handled. he arrived early, ordered bourbon, and tried not to read too much into the text sitting on his phone. "we need to talk." no context. no follow-up. not even an emoji. vague enough to mean anything. dangerous enough to mean something.

when they finally walked in, his attention lifted immediately, a smile settling into place before the nerves could show. “you made it,” he said easily, sliding a drink their way without asking. “which i’m choosing to take as a good sign.”

he leaned back against the bar, posture relaxed, eyes sharp. “you don’t send a message like that unless it matters,” xander added, tone light but curious. “but you also didn’t sound panicked.” a small pause. “so now i’m wondering if i should brace myself… or congratulate you?"

his smile lingered, genuine this time. “either way,” he said, “i’m listening.”