facio ut facias.

eliza mckinney. twenty-six. future state attorney.

[flawlessbeautyqueens]

Logan Browning photographed by John Russo for Gio Journal (2019)

[elimckinney]

After months of being overseas for an International case, Eli couldn’t feel even more content for being back. In time for the festive season, even. She’s been keeping track of the plans of her best friends, but haven’t responded to them because she’d want to surprise them.

Going back to Waitsfield brought a lot of memories -- both good and bad. Since she left, she hasn’t kept in contact with her adoptive parents. That’s a thought for some other day.

“Excuse me, you seem familiar,” Eli said jokingly then grinned at the sight of one of her best friends.

[elimckinney]

MURPHY.

“Hey, hey, hey, it’s big and I know how to use it!” Murphy mocked offense, sticking his tongue out playfully at the other before winking, “Just ask Soph.” He finished wrapping his hands, doing a few quick stretches to prepare for whatever Eliza was about to throw at him- something could be literally thrown, too, you never know. 

The hockey player flashed her a smile, “I know, and I don’t know why, you save my ass out there. You’re a fuckin’ badass! I still feel like an underdog, though. I don’t think I’m as good at fighting like this- I used to be great in, like, bar fights.” He chuckled, recalling his days fighting by Ed’s side. He groaned then, giving Eli an exaggerated pout, “Can we make it five and thirty?” He knew that would likely be a hard no, but he was exhausted from his day with the team, “You’re gonna have me knocked flat on my ass, Eli!” 

“God, I don’t need to know that you and Soph have been shagging. I mean, I know, by the way you two banter that it’s only a matter of time before you go the making love route,” Eli rolled her eyes with a laugh afterwards.

“We’re friends,” Eli replied, “and friends save each other’s asses when they can. After all, defense and safety are two of the reasons I started doing this.” She always equated starting at the Underground with her abusive adoptive father; and although her past made her a strong person, there are times she wished she didn’t have to be strong. “Think of this as a bigger bar fight,” Eli grinned, “because basically, you get to punch and kick. You’d just have to be strategic though. Knowing the other’s weakness and stuff. And you get paid, instead of getting arrested. Cool, right?” She laughed.

At the question of making the routine a five and thirty, Eli thought for a while. “Okay, but the next time we’d train, you’d have to add 5 laps and 30 ropes to the routine. Wait, hang on, did you train with your team today? Because if you did, you’re lucky I’m in a good mood, and I won’t let you warm up anymore.”

[elimckinney]

RAPHAEL.

He grinned easily as Eliza spoke, shaking his head once she stopped. “It better be dark chocolate. Or, sure, I guess milk would be fine too, but white chocolate? One of the central pillars in crimes against humanity. What is it even made of? Because I’ve been to a cocoa bean plantation before, and those motherfuckers are a solid, dark brown. Not a single white cocoa in sight. I don’t know why an educated citizen body isn’t asking more questions, though mark my words, we’re going to regret not being more suspicious. But anyway.” He waved it off as easily as he did most of his long-winded stream of consciousness. “The newbie situation sounds promising. You really need the condoms now, though? Like, you’re just gonna go at it right at the office? Is the case really that spicy?” As he talked, he looked back to the aisles, trying to inspect the contents of this granola bar he picked up to see if it had whey in it or not. Really, if veganism has let him realize anything, it’s just how many useless dairy products are in things that have no right to include dairy. “Nah, this is a good two or three hours early than my usual departure. But it’s a storyboarding day and I definitely did not do as much work last night as I should have, so I’m heading in early, partially to get work done but mostly to look more productive than I actually am.”

“Of course it is dark chocolate! White chocolates are well, bland. And I’ve tasted some before... Can’t say I’m a fan,” Eli responded with a shrug of her shoulders. “You’re too passionate with the cocoa topic, Raph, love. You’re making yourself even more attractive,” she jokingly frowned. “I’m just kidding. The condoms aren’t for me. It’s one of my interns’ birthday; so as a pesudo-gift,I’m giving him three boxes of condoms. All with different flavors.” There was  a wide grin on Eli’s face by now. “I’ve gotten attached to those kids. Which is bad because I don’t normally just attach myself to people. Are you in a rush? I can drive you to work instead. So you can somehow relax or even take a nap if you want? As for the case, it’s not that spicy. The boss just decided that we’d have a higher chance of a favorable decision if I put my insights on the case. The lawyer assigned is new and I have a lot on my plate to fully handle that specific case. It’s going to be a good starter for the newbie. Colleagues should help each other, so here I am,” she laughed. “You working on something for that storyboard?”

[elimckinney]

lena, cleo!

lena: what’s your muse’s safe space?

The Underground’s gym. Ironic, because it’s supposed to be the last place she’d feel safe... But in her defense, she knows a lot of people from the Underground who will go through lengths to protect her.

cleo: what would your muse’s amortentia (love potion) smell like?

Hmmm, perhaps... Brewed coffee, old books pages, Chocolate. I don’t think those make sense.. I’m sorry 😅

[elimckinney]

rowena

rowena: what is your one guilty pleasure that you would never admit outloud?

“Don’t laugh, okay? Gummy bears....”

[elimckinney]

Lili & Zack & Rilco

lili: does your muse believe in soulmates?

Yes, she does, but with platonic soulmates. She’s quite detached with the deeper side of her emotions, that’s why.

zack: what’s your muses go-to song when they get the aux cord?

Elina’s Here With Me. It’s one of her fave songs. ♥

rilco: who was your childhood crush?

“Megan Fox, I guess? I mean, have you seen her? That woman looks like she never aged?”

[elimckinney]

places prompt ask meme 🗽

gingers: your muse gets drunk and mine has to drag them out of the bar

asian brew: your muse spills their drink all over my muse

mon’s deli: your muse sees mine eating a sandwich and crying

stop & buy: our muses get into a fight at the bodega

white noise records: your muse gives mine music recommendations

apolline theater: our muses sneak in backstage for a sold-out show

precious paws animal shelter: your muse accompanies mine to adopt a pet

[laughtrackmusings]

ships ask meme 💖

bong: would you turn vegan for someone you love?

luman: do you think love can persist despite distance?

raphin: what makes you lose control?

taster: do you believe that someone out there is made for you?

grommy: do you have a musician kink?

murphia: do you believe labels are necessary for a relationship?

rilco: who was your childhood crush?

rileo: what meal would you cook for someone you loved?

frucy: from a scale of one to frankie & murphy, how much of a simp are you?

elico: would you risk your friendship with someone for a chance at lifelong love?

tomphia: how many times have you been rejected ?

roliza: when it comes to relationships, if you had to choose, would you choose security or chemistry?

tomley: have you ever fallen in love with someone you’ve only hooked up with?

alleo: would you ever date someone from your childhood?

fraster: would you be interested in something niche just because someone you like loves it?

tevward: how bro can you go?

fralex: what’s your favorite romcom?

mooks: how affectionate are you in a relationship?

jayward: would you fuck someone who’s exactly the same as you?

lucin: in a relationship, would you be the one taking pictures or the one having their picture taken?

luward: would you get back together with an ex?

red robin: who would you take shopping with you at whole foods?

tasterico: two bennington residents you’d love to have a threesome with?

reblog if you want to be sent any of these !!

[laughtrackmusings]

bennington ask meme (ft. muns) 🌇

madi: what does your muse wear to bed?

faye: what’s your muse’s night routine ?

lena: what’s your muse’s safe space?

bug: what do you like most and least about writing your muse? 

harley: what’s your muse’s love language?

georgia: what is your character’s favorite album of all time?

jay: if your muse could only listen to three musicians for the rest of their life, who would they be and why?

lili: does your muse believe in soulmates?

cleo: what would your muse’s amortentia (love potion) smell like?

zack: what’s your muses go-to song when they get the aux cord?

anne: what plots/interactions leave you feeling protective of your muse

blue: what’s your muse’s favorite meal?

raven: what’s your muse go-to coffee shop drink?

summer: what’s an unfulfilled dream that your muse has? 

ap1: what’s your character’s dream vacation?

ap2: who is your character’s favorite author?

ap3: does your character prefer to work in a team or by themselves?

ap4: what’s your character’s greatest loss?

ap5: who are your character’s celebrity crushes? 

ap6: what’s your character’s go-to comfort movie or comfort tv series?

ap7: what’s your character’s favorite mode of transportation?

ap8:  what did your character want to be when they grew up?

ap9:  does your character ever consider going back to school? 

reblog if you want to be sent any of these !!

[laughtrackmusings]

bennington ask meme (ft. characters) 🌆

gretchen: what’s your favorite type of cookie?

lucy: who’s someone who you think will be in your life forever?

murphy: what’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?

tommy: what’s a song that speaks to you?

edward: do you ever want to get married?

raphael: what kind of life do you see your life living if not for your current one?

aster: do you believe in fate?

nico: what are you wearing? no really.

robin: if your character can change one thing from the world, what would it be and why?

alex: what’s your dream career?

rowena: what is your one guilty pleasure that you would never admit outloud?

leo: what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?

frankie: what are you most scared of?

eliza: what’s something you’d fight for?

kyle: how many times have you fallen in love in this lifetime?

roman: what are your thoughts on the west coast?

riley: what’s one are in life you wish you had more control over?

reblog if you want to be sent any of these !!

[elimckinney]

“Oh please don’t judge me for swiping right on almost every lady. It’s not my fault they’re hot,” she said with a playful roll of her eyes, “but... on the downside, women are more emotionally attached.... Right? No offense meant, though... Anyway, look, should I swipe right on her?”

[elimckinney]

RAPHAEL.

closed for @elimckinney​

After the night he’s had, it’s honestly a little cruel that he still has to go into work early the next day. But his alarm clearly doesn’t know how to read the room as it blares loudlly, eliciting a groan from Raph and some more violent pushes at the ‘off’ button than is totally necessary. And then it’s off to the races, pulling on clothes and tripping over plants to grab his bag and running out of their apartment with a final kiss on the head to a still-sleeping Eddie. Before he heads for the subway, however, he decides to stop by the bodega, deeming that he deserves some kind of chocolate reward for everything he endured in the last twenty-four hours. As he’s sifting through the aisles, however, he smiles as he spots a familiar face. “Your boss turning you into an early bird too, huh?” he says to Eliza. “What are you picking up there?”

Eliza had to wake up extra early to help a new lawyer with her first case at work; and their boss specifically asked for Eli’s help especially after the latest high-profile Eli helped win. Going for her usual coffee fix takes about 30 minutes or so, especially since everyone functions well with coffee, so she decided that going for a ready coffee could just be the same. However, she found herself looking for chocolates instead then heard a familiar voice. “Good morning to you too, Raph,” Eli greeted, chuckling a bit. “But yes, I’d have to help a newbie with her case. As for what I’m picking up, I want some chocolates... And well, condoms,” she grinned, teasing. “The new lawyer’s hot and from what I’ve heard, she’s single. Oh, by the way, do you always go to work this early?”

[elimckinney]

MURPHY.

Getting Eliza’s text, Murphy typed back that he’d be there soon despite the anxiety that pooled in his stomach. Honestly, he was no longer underprepared for a fight, but that didn’t mean that it was an invitation to potentially get his head bashed in. 

A short subway ride later, he was at the gym and wrapping his hands as he approached Eli, “Yo, Eli! So, like… how worried should I be about this fight? Is it one of those huge guys that I have no chance against? Or should I have a fair shot?” His tone was light, but he really was a little bit concerned at the prospect of possibly getting knocked around a little too much- there were only so many injuries that he could explain away as hockey-related. Soon enough, the people he was close to might catch on that he wasn’t just getting knocked around at practice. He started to stretch out his body, looking at Eli expectantly, trying to hide his worry from her as much as he possibly could, “I’d really like to be the the not underdog for once… Is there a word for the that? The guy who should win?” He knew there should be, but he’d never been the greatest with words. 

Eli laughed as she heard Murphy’s question. “There will always be huge guys in the Underground, Murphy,” Eli responded as she observe him wrap his hands, “but, just because someone’s huge doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance. Just like in bed. Just because someone has a big dick doesn’t mean it guarantees maximum satisfaction,” she laughed.

At the mention of not being an underdog, Eli smiled. “You’re not an underdog. They don’t usually let me train new ones, but here you are. You’re in good hands, don’t you worry. Besides, I have your back. Always.” Her reason for training years ago was to be able to defend herself and her mom from her dad; and although that hasn’t changed --- at least the defending herself part --- she knows it’s... an addiction already.

“You’re used to warming up, so I’m not going to make you do 80 laps,” she joked, “just 10 would be enough; and 60 jump ropes.”

[elimckinney]

Starter for :: @mvrphys​

Eli has been extremely busy with a high-profile case she had to co-handle. The senior lawyer told her to assist her on the case and it wasn’t something she can turn down. Especially since the case would be a good step for her to be a State Attorney; besides, it isn’t like nobody knows that she’d want to be one.

To catch up with her self, Eli decided to work out/train, which she hasn’t done in two or so weeks. After 2 and a half hours of training and assisting someone else from the Underground, Eli was approached by Lilly and she told her that Murphy would have to have her first official fight in three weeks. “So that gives us two weeks to train and a week to rest, right?” She asked as she started preparing herself for the shower. “I’ll tell him about it. Thank you for letting me know, dear.”

So instead of actually showering, Eli decided to text Murphy instead. Kiddo, will you be free today? Lilly informed me that you’re going to have to fight in three weeks. We’d have to train. I’m at the Underground’s gym. Let me know if you’re coming.

[elimckinney]

ASTER.​

“ i know because everyone’s are, ” aster stated. “ you know, unless it’s one of your past lives but that’s a whole other conversation. ” the fact multiple of aster’s friend had confessed doubts about love tugged at her heart. “ of course there is! “ aster reassured without a doubt in her mind. “ that special soul that finds yours in every lifetime. that instant connection and unconditional love. ” aster was no stranger to rose-tinted glasses, obviously. the pat on the head had aster laughing along with eliza as she did. “ that’s sweet of you, ellie, but no need! ” aster chirped. “ i only date signs compatible with mine AND they have to have tarot card approval. my heart isn’t going to be broken. ” sure, it happened before but she’s learned more since then. she took eliza’s hand, giving an enthusiastic swing as she did. “ we shall. ”

“So, how would you explain the nuns? Or those Catholic priests? They aren’t allowed to have a romantic partner, are they? So, what if I’m like them? Except, I’m not a nun,” she frowned, although she doesn’t exactly want to think ponder on it too much. “You discriminate on signs? That’s... not very nice, babe,” Eli joked, laughing more, “besides, is the compatibility thing certain? I mean, the signs thing? Is there a 90% or more guarantee that you’ll work out well with the person whose sign is compatible with yours?”

When Aster took her hand, Eli couldn’t help but smile. She started walking towards the parking spot then opened the door for Aster. Once she was inside, Eli then made her way to the driver’s seat. “Seat belt, please. And here, use my phone for the maps, so you can still use yours to text or call or something else.”

[elimckinney]

NICO.

they shut the door behind her with only a quiet clink, as if they could offset her volume by lowering everything around her. tommy was equally nocturnal so they weren’t too worried about causing any disruption. “ darling, i was doing my best at late night mealin’, ” they replied, taking an equally pitiful look at their range of ingredients. “ alright, lemme get some pizza in quick, ” they replied without hesitation, pulling up the first delivery app they saw and typing in the name of their favourite pizza place. after ducking under a kitchen cabinet, they emerged with an unopened bottle of don julio 1942, a gift from a new friend. “ have to class it up for my girl, ” they said, shot glasses, lime and a knife now all swept up in their other hand. 

“You’re failing real good at the doing your best, honey,” Eli said then tiptoed to pat the top of Nico’s head ( though clearly struggling ). She then made her way to the couch and made herself comfortable. When she saw everything Nico was holding, Eli clapped her hands. “That’s extremely sweet of you, my love,” she said, dramatically clutching her chest with her hand, then kissed Nico’s cheek once they were with her. “Do you always stay up this late, Nico? I hope you’re still getting enough sleep. Sleep is important.” Hah, coming from someone who functions with a 2-hour sleep on most days, and a 4-hour sleep on chill days.