Finn Riddle

[faeriddled]

Finn Riddle (Alvaro)

“One must be a fox to recognize traps and a lion to frighten wolves” BASICS Name: Finn Riddle (Alvar) Face Claim: Manu Rios Age: Appears to be 27, real age 80 Species: Earth Elemental Fae Occupation: Owner of Emerald Enchanted PERSONALITY Virtues: idealistic, charming, witty, humorous Vices: jealous, greedy, manipulative Fin has always been thought to be welcoming, after all Fae were blessed with superior looks to appear divine and not hostile to others. People who are not close to him would easily describe him as someone with good intentions, while those who came close enough to see what’s rotten would argue. He can be anything and everything; it entirely depends on the person before him and whether he decides they are worthy of his company. As someone who had been around for years, he knows how to remain a welcomed guest and not as an enemy within the borders of Westray and whenever he crosses a boundary, he  always offers  a well-dressed apology. HISTORY Earth takes, earth gives and earth is what breathes life into both him and his desires. Fin had spent many years exploring every pleasure that was offered. Coming from a line of wealthy Fae, he had lived in a world where everything and everyone had a price. It is the reason why he had decided to live hidden in the world of music, in a world where nothing but his opinion matters. He has made sure to have a place that would be visible for the world but also a hiding spot of his, where everything would be so obvious that no one would question, no one would dare to look. A place of entertainment, a gentle remedy for the soul that would unite both Fae and other creatures alike in finding comfort. He did not account for the chaos that would follow, however, he was still not disappointed.

During the years he had lived in the town , he had made several friends and several enemies. What he values the most is that both seem to be quite loyal to him, and as a Fae with a need for superiority, he truly admires that. He tries to stay on top of the competition and away from those who are not worth his time, even if he’d always offer them the privilege of an enchanted conversation.

He aims to live on his terms and if someone stays in the way of said terms, he would make sure they do not dare to engage in such a brave act again.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

Friends: those close to him, those he trusts to a certain extent

Frenemies: they love to bicker, they fuel each other’s creativity

Enemies: a rivalry that has been there for ages and the fire in it is still burning bright

Past lovers: Finn enjoys a good time, so I assume he would have had many pleasant dates in the past

[faeriddled]

EVENT 002

The most wicked and whimsy creatures of the forest have been outdone, but not in a good way. Letting a whole town asleep sounds like a true fairytale for a fae that wants to play a trick on the humans living in it, but while the fae like to make some disappear occasionally, returning them is usually a must. Stealing so many residents at once would be a lot for a Fae, as well. In Finn’s case, he happens to be affected as well, and while the fact that his cousin is missing may not be noticeable at first, the fact that his watch is gone is surely noticeable. The leaves spread on his apartment floor may be as well, given they read a riddle:

“I am the lungs, I am the heart, I am the warmth, yet i will never be human. What am I?”

finn riddle, welcome to the hide & seek! who are you playing with? well, wouldn’t you like to know. your character is missing one family member and one sacred object. they can choose to search for them, or they can get lost in their worry and don’t. (but who knows, maybe they’ll find their way back home on their own). your character was sorted into search group number 5, alongside aeragon, spencer and roman.

please post this plot drop and your character’s reaction to it, which can be as short as one paragraph, or as long as you want. you can make two choices for your character: are they searching for their lost family member and object? can they solve their riddle or not? please include these choices in your reaction response.

Slumber was deceitful, a world full of opportunities out of reach – a beautiful illusion, covered in the dress of reality. Many people never truly lived, for they only focused on what was awaiting them once they closed their eyes, and there was nothing worse for Finn than not having the ability to keep his eyes wide open. Sleep was rest, sleep was an escape, as if he ever got tired and he only took what his body needed. Night was not meant for rest, it was for the wild creatures, the ones whose heart was threatening their ribcages to escape, the ones who had the bravery to enjoy each pleasure offered and to be proud of it and not ashamed. All of his nights were spent at his place, the one he called home – many spoke of the malice hidden in it, but was there ever truly malice if his customers always got what they wanted? Tonight, however, was different. Heavy body and heavy eyelids, a Fae fallen to the trap of an invisible creature. A trickster tricked because of his inability to admit that there might be another holding aces in his sleeve. It had never occurred to him he could miss the signs of sabotage, and yet he did. Eyes clouded by confusion, by lack of understanding – by not knowing what has truly happened, was it the abundance of magic or the lack of his? His home felt eerie as if he was no one longer the only one willing to play with the aftermaths of mischief. However, Finn has never allowed himself to be cruel to the ones who did not deserve it. A watch given by a favorite uncle, to count the minutes of the blessed time now painfully absent – a disappearance that was undeniably apparent. As if someone was counting the minutes they had or they spent looking – Finn wondered if it was a warning, for it was a wicked sense of humour he enjoyed, but now at his own expense, not when someone has dared to disturb his peace. Leaves spread across the sacred ground he walked on – another sign of fall, another sign of a downfall – Finn loved the Earth; however, its leaves always meant an ending.   A new cycle began and in his case, he did not know if it was an abundant one. Eyes carefully reading through each word, through every single thing that was screamed but not written in between. The lungs were the air they desperately needed to breathe, the heart the Earth for without Earth there was no one present and the warmth was the fire. It sounded like the footprint of a group of Fae, however, he was aware his Court would never resort to such amateur theatrics.  A riddle he had to guess as if he had a choice not to guess, as if he had something more than this simple trail to hold on to. His lips pressed into a thin line, ground beneath him shaking for a moment – leaves and riddle gone along with his patience, along with the control he had over his magic. “ You are done.” He whispered to answer the question as if someone could hear him. “ You are done.” He repeated again, knowing that for once he had to care and that for once he had to focus on more than the Fae.

[mad-hatter-memes]

Send "You look like you...", complete the sentence, and see how my muse reacts to being told that!

( Ex: "You look like you bite people." or "You look like you get mad when someone doesn't say "bless you" when you sneeze." )

[ssttrangrs]

Manu Rios

[faeriddled]

"Stop   before   I   kiss   you." - Aeragon

A life devoted to serving pleasures, a mind focused only on the fun of it, there was no need to commit to loving one when you could love so many, each creature was a universe to be explored. His mother and his father was known to be wealthy among the Fae, a respected family built on a foundation, but only Finn and his brothers were aware of what was hidden in said foundation. An act to satisfy, for Fae lived for aesthetics and they had to be an example.  It was then that Finn realised that Fae were there to visually please, to be whoever they needed to be,  for whoever they had to. A game of perfection he intended to win but never to commit to.

Until Aeragon, the Lord of the Fae – the one Finn had to bow to, the one he had to respect, and he would, for he followed every step of the protocol not to embarrass his family. He would have never thought that his heart, which belonged to many, could belong to one. He never thought he would get lost between the lines of the books Aeragon was so fascinated with, he never thought that he would be a chapter and not a final one. One of the fillers a book needed, a secondary character that had to be somehow introduced in one’s life – not a lesson, not a burden, not a healer – just existing somewhere between where Aeragon’s past was and where his future started.

Most of all he did not expect not to be good enough, not to be enough at all – for he was not royal, he was not of his blood and everyone was against such a union. He never minded injustice until now, he never minded separation nor a loss but this was forcefully taken from him and he had to follow codes, he had to live as an equal Fae and abide by the rules. What was most unfair was that he was certain Aeragon could have changed those rules if he had tried but it seemed as if Finn was not worthy.

Anger, a bitter taste his tongue was not meant to feel and yet here he was with his eyes narrowed towards the man who was supposed to stand by his side. Fae were not meant to display such emotions for they were not what they perceived as beautiful and yet he could not stop. “ Kiss me? Oh, Fae Lord – you have lost this privilege long ago. I am just a subject now, am I not? What kind of a Lord would you be if you disrespect me in such way? Us Fae toy with others, not with our own species.” @lordofthefaeries

[blacksheepfms]

Maia laughed and rolled her eyes. She has always shied away from responsibilities for the most part. It was another family legacy that was handed down to her from her mother. Sure Maia gladly took charge and was responsible when it came to her cons but that was about the extent of it, she had always been carefree and not really thinking of consequences. "Well then better you have it then me." Maia jokes but she felt that Finn was perfect for the role.

She tried to push back the tears that were threatening with the hug, pushing it down with a giggle. "You know when you put it like that I need to come all the time now. You and alcohol is like the perfect combo." She grinned and closed the door behind the both of them. "Let me tell you I have so many. Your girl has been busy since coming to this bumble fuck town. Friends and enemies alike."

[faeriddled]

A chuckle left his lips, he knew Maia was never one to love responsibilities; however, for a life like his – it was a needed step to control, to success, to keep the Fae and those around them happy.  It was the only place he ever described as home and he had to be careful in it, for he would never want to escape what he had here. Maia was a traveller and even if he had joined her many times, he was not.

“ I am used to be called perfect but I never knew alcohol was a need.” He sat on the sofa, patting he empty spot next to him. “ You have not been around long enough to have enemies, maybe people who do not tolerate your presence but not enemies. Please tell me what exactly happened ? I am all ears.”

[emirxxsahn]

Zak nodded as Finn spoke. Taking it all in, pleased to see that they were so proud of their place and rightfully so. Zak had been to palaces with less grandeur and beauty as this place had, and this was just one room. Even as he stared across the bar at the handsome creature, he couldn't help but feel the beauty of the place around him.

"I bet it does." Zak says as his smile grows. "It's good to have an escape. I think I'm still looking for mine, but I will be sure to keep this place in mind whenever I need to get away from that mundane little town out there."

"Have you been in Westray long, Finn?"

[faeriddled]

“ Personally, I would not look for an escape but the reason I would like to escape – the reason would lead you to a place that you could call a sanctuary.”  The stranger seemed lost but Finn could easily change that. “ The reason most of my customers are here is because they call this place a home and they can pretend not to have responsibilities for years.” Some of them stood in a loophole of time forever.

“ It seems as if you are disappointed in our town but I can assure you it can give you more than you’ve ever wanted, if you know how to ask.” He had to choice but to join the stranger now, asking the real bartender to pour him a drink. “ I have been here long enough to know when the town celebrates and when it mourns, some of its foundations. I assume you’ve come here recently..”

[nytcwl]

❝ Hmm, true, ❞ Umi managed to keep an eyebrow from raising, choosing to keep her thoughts to herself at the moment. His answer made it seem to her that he was not as adept at making people disappear as the rumors suggest. Or maybe he was just playing the part? After all, he immediately took the point-of-view of someone who made people disappear without their consent, not as someone who was sought by the disappeared for the same purpose. ❝ Although I must say, modern society has been having some difficulty in considering what is and what isn’t villainy these days, ❞ she heaved a sigh, recalling current events where most villains are often cheered over textbook heroes. Umi has found the subversion somewhat annoying, as if the roles should be respected more for what they are on paper than simply relying too much on greying shades. ❝ ...so its idea of what to frown upon may no longer be as accurate as before. ❞ ❝ Sounds intriguing, ❞ Izumi’s eyes sparkled at the sound of secrets. Did she have secrets? Like most creatures who exist on a more social aspect, of course. The question was whether she actually had secrets worth to anyone anymore. But maybe they can make a new one right then and there. Together. ❝ What kind of secret would you like to share with me? ❞

[faeriddled]

His smile only widened when he heard her explanation, a world full of contrast instead one full of black and white. A world full of different understandings of what could be defined as truly bad or truly evil. “ You seem like someone who believes in the ideal of Nietzsche. I like his idea that what is good and evil is defined by custom. I can say that we can apply it to modern society. We see good and evil according to our perception.” A new business connection with someone as openly minded as her definitely widened his horizons, for she would not ask questions she did not need the answer to.

“It is not necessarily a secret that I would like to share with you, secrets are for our closest ones.” And he would always keep his business partners at an arm’s length. “  I think we need to look at the way we view our own businesses, I would say there is nothing I would not do for their satisfaction. I believe in exceptional customer service.” Even if sometimes he had to hurt others. “ Our businesses differ but what would you be willing to do for yours?”

[blankspaceforbadthings]

“Right. Things just happen, and are out of our control. Can't waste too much time on getting upset about it.” Harlow nodded then. Of course, he had a lot of reason to think this way. Even if it seemed to come off as naive. Or make him look silly. He had spent a lot of his life already, in a controlled environment, hidden, and being demanded of things against his own will. Now he just wanted to have some fun, be a little silly, perhaps. Clearing his throat, he looked away, toying with the rock in his hand. He didn't mind controlling the museum needed control, it needed to be the best it could be. But, Harlow didn't feel as determined to control anything else outside of that. There were still things he couldn't control, even with the museum. He had figured out quite a long time ago that he would end up going mad if he tried to control too much or got too emotional about too much. Things would get worse, things always got worse, he learned, if he tried to control things, if he got too emotional about things. Too upset.

People became cruel if they weren't happy with you, Harlow understood. Smiling at the other, he glances around when Finn spoke of nature, and it had a calming effect on them, “Oh? Really? That's great. I too like nature. I find it to be very calming.” He added in agreement. When Finn held their hand out and introduced himself, Harlow stared for a moment before taking the others' hands, giving a proper handshake, “Harlow. And the same. Do you come out here often? I don't usually. Being as busy as I am. But there's always something to appreciate out here.” Gently, he removed his hand from Finn's to gesture about the area, “It always seems to provide what I need, a nice place to enjoy just being. A rock, and some lovely-looking leaves. Shade if it gets too hot.” He nodded, complimenting the space around them.

[faeriddled]

“ I would definitely agree with you, learning to let go is a skill.”  In reality, Finn disagreed with the other’s ideology of mistakes and control, he did not see life as a plane one could not control but as a series of choices that led to a destination. However,  he had no intention of starting an argument regarding one’s beliefs; his life had taught him that most people did not want another point of view nor a brainstorming session in the middle of the day. His business and his existence thrived on his ability to be perceived as a likeable persona and a likeable persona was the one who would listen and then nod simply as if their eyes were open to the truth by another’s idea. Control was the sole foundation of one’s success and those who did not possess it? They were just waiting to be ordered around.

“ I do, I try to make time for nature and balance it with my other responsibilities. It sounds like you have an interesting job, Harlow” Finn spoke softly, a smile playing on his lips as if he were ready to establish a friendship, as if he were an easy-going man who was simply looking for a pleasant conversation. “ Nature offers various benefits, it can often be a shelter. I think if we reconnect with it as much as we can, it allows us to breathe freely. What is that you do with your time, Harlow. Of course if the question seems to personal, you do not need to answer.”

[gloomglimmer]

›       TENSION   LINER   PROMPTS     

"I   dare   you   to   try."

"Do   you   always   get   close?"

"You’re   pushing   my   limits."

"Stop   looking   at   me   like   that."

"I’m   losing   control   here."

"You   have   no   idea,   do   you?"

"I   can’t   resist   you   anymore."

"Stay   back,   or   don’t."

"I   know   what   you   want."

"This   is   getting   dangerous   now."

"You’re   too   tempting   for   me."

"I   shouldn’t   want   this,   but…"

"I   don’t   play   fair,   remember?"

"Careful,   you’re   testing   me."

"You’re   just   making   it   worse."

"You’re   too   close   for   comfort."

"Do   you   always   push   buttons?"

"Stop   before   I   kiss   you."

"You’re   making   it   too   hard."

"I   can’t   stop   thinking   about   you."

"I   want   you   too   much."

"You   know   exactly   what   you’re   doing."

"I’m   not   playing   games   here."

"You’ve   crossed   the   line   now."

"Keep   pushing,   and   you’ll   regret   it."

"This   is   dangerous,   isn’t   it?"

"I’m   trying   not   to   care."

"Don’t   make   me   regret   this."

"You’re   playing   with   fire."

"You   don’t   know   what’s   coming."

"I   shouldn’t   be   this   close."

"We’re   getting   dangerously   close   now."

"I   can   feel   the   heat."

"Don’t   test   me   right   now."

"I   want   you   too   badly."

"Don’t   make   me   chase   you."

"You’re   distracting   me,   you   know."

"I   won’t   fall   for   this."

"I   want   you,   but…"

"What   do   you   want   from   me?"

"I’ll   never   give   in."

"I’m   trying   not   to   care."

"You’re   playing   with   my   patience."

"Don’t   make   this   harder,   please."

"I   can’t   stop   this   feeling."

"I’m   already   in   too   deep."

"You   won’t   walk   away   unscathed."

"You’re   walking   a   fine   line."

"I’m   trying   to   stay   calm."

"What   are   you   doing   to   me?"

[faeriddled]

The celebrations at the Emerald never quite fated, a place full of laughter, walls whispering of stories of amusement and sometimes, only late at night, of disappearances. His place was alive in its way, a lost soul living through others’ excitement and celebration of their lives; there were only a few places where one could find quiet, where one could hear the sanity hidden in their thoughts.

One of these places was his own office – a place where he had to escape the party sometimes, for it was hard to keep a mask for too long and his face was getting tired, and he needed to plan, to think, to reason with himself – the best skill of an excellent host was that he knew exactly when to disappear. The place was unknown by most, revealed to only a few Finn trusted or once trusted.

His eyes were scanning through a report, through the legal requirements he had to fulfil to operate in this town when he heard the door open – he did not need to look, sometimes it was enough for someone’s presence to be felt, a presence that he longed for once before. A bittersweet presence, for there was only one who ever denied him and it was who he wanted most.

“ Are you here in your capacity as the Fae Lord, I can promise I have done nothing wrong, at least not according to us.” His eyes then focused on the man before him, a slight smile on his lips despite his words. @lordofthefaeries

[blankspaceforbadthings]

Harlow thought about it for a moment, about what the other said. He then gave a little shrug, “I guess most days can be considered in that way.” Pausing, he got lost in his thoughts for a moment before turning to face Finn more properly, “Though I cannot claim that every day is a day I make it. So many days are just going to go ways I could never imagine.” Again, he paused, considering his words, and then continued, “Most of the time I just let the day take me wherever it would like, good or bad. It's an adventure either way.” Though he obviously preferred not to have a bad day, of course. But that didn't make the bad days ultimately useless to him, or the good days, for that matter. It was all dependent, he thought, on how what it added up to at the end. Everything, good and bad, Harlow thought, was for some reason or another, to potentially learn something from. He then looked up, giving a nod, “It's not been so bad. I prefer the heat, though. So I can't complain much.” Eying Finn, then, he smiles, “So, what's got you out today?”

[faeriddled]

“ I would agree on that, there are very unpredictable days..” For those who did not know how to control their own fate. Surely, there were circumstances which no one was able to predict, however, Finn preferred to account for them even before they happened, it was impossible not to be in control in his shoes. It seemed like the stranger did not mind going with the flow, following the path of a river. Finn himself never trusted water, so he could not do the same. “ I would say this is a very positive way to look at life. “ I enjoy being around nature; it has a calming effect.” He admitted but before he continued discussing the day, he extended his hand. “ And apparently I have forgotten my manners, my name is Finn. It is nice to meet you.”

[nytcwl]

❝ Hmm, that’s fair, ❞ Umi watched him keenly, even as he laughed, trying to figure out what was real and what wasn’t. Most of the time, that wasn’t an issue she wanted to bother with, but this was an exception. He and his business, with the supposedly disappearing clientele, were exceptions. Yet his laugh seemed to her quite genuine. ❝ I have met people who would love nothing more than to disappear, ❞ she looked around them, squinting, half-whispering her words. For a time, she was one of those people. But as she survived that low point in her life, that desire had left her system. For her part, she has helped two or three people disappear as well, though only those involved know what truly became of them, how happy their life has been since their supposed disappearance. ❝ Might be a good side hustle. ❞ ❝ Oh? ❞ Izumi couldn’t help but grin, her eyes growing wide at the mystery that his words seemingly contained. She snatched a glass of champagne from a passing server’s tray, choosing to play coy by lifting that glass’ rim over her lips, foiling any attempt at a smile to rise up to her surface. ❝ And what kind of fun would you like to have with me, Mr. Riddle? ❞

[faeriddled]

Her dangerous intentions were hidden behind a harmless joke once again, Finn wondered what she was capable of – for the sake of profit. “ It sounds like a profitable business..” he replied softly, eyes focused on her even when she looked around the room. Finn never thought anyone wanted to truly disappear; most people wanted to be looked for or seen, they wanted to see if their absence would make any difference. “ However, it would be very tiring to make people disappear; they always leave traces and most of them want to be found. If anyone would do it, they would make themselves look like a villain even if they aren’t – something very frowned upon in our society.” He did not mind being the villain when he had to, he was a hero for those who truly mattered.

“Perhaps a little game of truth and dare, if we are about to be business partners – we need to trust each other. You need to trust me with your business and I need to trust you with my clientele..’ he followed her example as he took a sip of his own glass. “ I think there is nothing better than a secret shared between us to keep our mutual loyalty in check.”

[emirxxsahn]

Zak's eyes lit up slightly when the other man said he could fix him a drink. At the same time a little wary, looking around, knowing this might not be just any old glass of Johnnie Walker.

Still, the other man had one of those faces Zak felt like he could trust, and assuming there wouldn't be anyone here who knew who he was, let alone what his role was, he felt it safe to imbibe. Taking a short quick sip of his drink, smiling at the taste. It was unlike anything he had had before, and he would gladly sit here and drink a couple more.

He reached out and shook the other's hand. Strong and firm, like he had always been taught. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Finn. I'm Zak. It's a beautiful place you've got here. "

[faeriddled]

The grip on his hand was strong and firm, a sign of dominance or perhaps strength. Finn was not particularly sure yet – his grip was gentle, firm and yet there was a sense of softness hidden beneath it. He did not need to show his power or what he was capable of, how he could easily make the ground underneath another’s feet shake with regret.

“ A pleasure indeed.” Someone raised with the ability to speak so politely was either raised well or taught themselves how to play a game Finn was a master at but it was good, for the stranger named Zak had pretty features and he did not mind looking at him at all.

“ I am pleased that my establishment is pleasing you, it hides much more than beauty.” He said as he finally pulled his hand away. “ I want to create a place where everyone could escape – their life, themselves or perhaps the boring nature of reality.”

[blankspaceforbadthings]

Starter for @faeriddled

Harlow scanned the ground under him, looking for unique rocks that might have been scattered about. Not really paying attention to what was ahead of him for the most part. Nearly running into someone in this absent meandering of his. Only to turn at the last second, moving to one side and grabbing a rock off the ground, standing straight, or mostly straight, he leaned back a little, holding the rock up and observing it, “Lovely.” Moving his fingers along the little, smoothed, bumpy form of the stone, he grinned a little as he turned it over in his hand. Then he pocketed the rock, turning to the person he had nearly crashed into, “Oh. Hiiii!” Harlow greeted airily, nearly melodically. Offering a wave at them, silver-grey eyes scanning Finn over, “Nice day, isn't it?” Harlow asked, trying to make casual conversation.

[faeriddled]

What others who do not possess elemental power did not understand was that magic was not a given, it was like a skill, a talent that would quick go to waste if it was not trained. It was the reason why Finn often found himself in nature, he had to reconnect to what gave him and took its power, a natural place where he would not be disturbed nor questioned, where no impact would be made but it would change everything for him. He had sensed the stranger long before they had arrived, they seemed lost in their own thoughts, looking at rocks – he hoped the man before him appreciated nature and was not simply trying to take from it.  “ Good day, indeed. However, a day is what we make it – isn’t it? But if you are simply referring to the weather, it has been merciful today.”

[vampireliamhernandez]

Liam knew who was at the door before the man even spoke. Unless it was some kind of delivery person, or someone who got the wrong address, nobody ever visited him. Well, nobody except for his annoying neighbor. Or... that's how he would describe Finn to anyone who'd be tempted to ask how he felt about him anyways. Wasn't truly how he was feeling. The man actually grew on him over the years, but that was something he'd never admit to anyone.

He made his way towards the door so he could open it, almost chuckled when Finn mentioned having a little treat for him instead of boring him with conversation. That usually was the reason Liam gave him for kicking him out after way too many hours of them hanging out. Usually, his social battery just ran out. He rarely thought Finn actually was annoying.

As always, Dahlia reached the door before he could and didn't give Finn even one second to process anything, she wrapped her arms around his legs to give him a hug. ''Hi, Finn! Hi! What did you bring me?'' The little girl dressed in a princess costume asked, sounding way too excited for what Finn actually was holding. Of course she thought the gift had to be for her.

''Let the guy breathe and get inside first jeez,'' he joked and Dahlia quickly apologized and ran back inside to make sure she'd get her gift. ''Hey, you didn't have to bring us anything,'' he pushed the door open more, letting his neighbor in.

[faeriddled]

There was always something charming about children’s naivety, they were not quick to judge or to believe rumours, they were not quick to distrust someone simply because that someone could have been the villain in another’s story, it was the reason why he liked most of them – of course, the little spoiled ones were those he could not stand in his company.

Dahlia, however, was different – a well-raised little girl he adored, perhaps she was often the reason he came here, the reason he allowed himself to abandon the mask he carried for others and that allowed him to genuinely smile, lean down and wrap his own arms around her.  “ A snack worthy of a princess, I promise I will not bring anything else.” A small winked at the girl as he strengthened himself.

“ Of course I had to, Liam. I do not want to get a reputation as a bad neighbour and good neighbours always bring gifts.” He took a step inside, waiting for Liam to guide him even though the house was familiar. “ And of course, Dahlia should always expect those around her to spoil her, I cannot come empty handed” Dahlia was definitely a good excuse to check up on Liam too.

“ And of course to see how you have been, a short conversation – I promise.” For he doubted the other would speak too much.”

[nytcwl]

❝ Thank you, ❞ was the only thing Umi could reply to his flattery. She’s heard similar things over the years that most praises tend to just fold into each other at that point. The promise of money, however, never gets old to her. After all, how else could she sustain her hobby? She wasn’t going to learn how to make her own bait. That could ruin her supplier’s business. ❝ That’s very good to know. Disappearing clientele does not make for good business, I think. Unless, of course, those that disappear don’t make up the real clientele, ❞ she narrowed her eyes at him. Back in Japan, she’d come across a similar thing. In fact, she herself had been made to disappear for the benefit of others. She wondered then if Mr. Riddle was that kind of person, businessman. Regardless, however, she was no longer anyone who can just be made to disappear. She was no longer just a guppy. ❝ In any case, I believe we could make for good business partners, rumored disappearances and all. ❞

[faeriddled]

Her comment earned her a heartfelt laugh, not simply because it was sarcasm hidden in the dress of a friendly joke but because she did not seem too bothered by the rumours, perhaps she understood the ideology of freedom and that humans were entitled to a choice he did not make for them, everyone who disappeared had a choice – they have paid a price for a certain pleasure.  “ Indeed, unless it is what the clientele wanted. I believe that the customer is always right; thankfully I do not specialise in people’s disappearances.” It was a simple hobby he sometimes tolerated. “  We can, and I am glad I have met you, for you are expanding my business horizons and ideas. However, I believe we can have fun tonight too. For us to make good business partners, we need to know each other.”