Kadri

Kadri Badem. 49 yrs. Shifter. Refugee.

[kadrixbadem]

evolxt​:

“Oh my goodness, I didn’t mean to startle you!” Chuckling through the apologetic tone to her voice, Evolet shook her head as she did her best to wave off the little misstep. “It’s been a wonderful day, and I must say it fills the optimism tank, to be sure.” Smoothing down her hair and the skirt of her rather vintage styled dress, she stepped forward to offer a hand in greeting. 

“Evolet Lancaster, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been doing my best to make a point of getting to know all of my neighbors now that I’ve finally found a place to settle and call my own.” An especially good feeling after several years of near homelessness. “I hope I’m not keeping you from any sort of important errands.” 

Kadri smiled somewhat apologetically. “Oh no its completely fine, I startle easy.” she said, finding it a bit easier to engage seeing as the other girl was so sweet and bubbly. “That sounds promising. And for sure, that should last it a while.” she somewhat assumed, not sure she had an optimism tank to speak of but not judging the other for the fact that she did. 

Taking the hand held out to her, she gave it a gentle squeeze. “Kadri Badem, very nice to meet you too. And ahm thats very nice of you. I can’t say I’ve got much experience with what it entails, being neighbourly but that seems.. prudent.” she said, recalling one of the words she’d read the other day, hoping she had used it right. “Oh no, I was just walking for a bit.” she assured. Feeling as if the other might relate, she dared elaborate. “I love how quiet and serene the neighbourhood is in the early morning.” 

[kadrixbadem]

charliexlevin​:

When Charlie heard a voice pipe up from the side she looked over and nearly scowled. The new girl. Of course. Caleb hadn’t even run it by them that he was hiring someone else, she just…showed up one morning, throwing off Charlie’s whole routine in the one place outside of her apartment that she actually felt comfortable. She just…had to accept it though. As long as the girl stayed out of her kitchen anyways. No one did the baking but Charlie (and occasionally Caleb) and she wanted it to stay that way.

“Right.” she muttered, gaze lingering for a moment more before she schooled her expression and looked back to the customer, grabbing the ordered muffin and ringing it up before she looked back to Kadri, this time noticing the bin of dirty dishes and things and she bit her lip, deflating just a bit before she sighed. “You uh….you got it?”

Feeling Charlie’s eyes move to her, Kadri involuntarily hunched up, tensing. Truth be told she was kind of scared of the blonde. There was just something in her expression each time they saw each other that gave Kadri the distinct impression Charlie did not want her here. In response she did her best to be quiet, silent as invisible as possible really when the two of them had a shift together. She wasn’t here to make any waves with anyone. All she wanted was to be able to work and learn from Caleb who very much made her feel like she belonged here. And truth be told Kadri needed that. A place to belong. The outside world was at times so overwhelming that if she didn’t find good things she might not ever manage to rejoin society. 

Momentarily repressing the urge to apologize, Kadri scanned the counters for anything dirty in need of washing, making sure that she had gotten everything out here that she needed to take with her to the back. The sound of Charlie’s voice directed at her made her swallow the lump in her throat, timidly looking back over at her. “Ahm I think so. Please let me know if you are missing anything from the kitchen though cause I did clear it out before coming out here.” 

[charliexlevin]

Charlie didn’t think of herself as the type to daydream. In fact she found those that did kind of childish. She’d much rather focus on reality. But the truth of the matter was, right now her reality was pretty good–something she wasn’t at all used to. Business was booming after the ball, the whole island loving the desserts the bakery (and in turn she) came up with and provided. She had a daily routine she was comfortable in, and the most important thing in her reality right now was Alex. Her childhood best friend turned present-day best friend turned….boyfriend? Is that what he was? Is that what they were? Sure they’d kissed (a lot) but they didn’t really talk about it yet….

And thus was why Charlie was absolutely lost in her head while at work at the bakery, thoughts jumbling all around- so much so that she missed whatever the customer in front of her had said and she went towards the register, ready to ring up an order if that’s what was asked of her. “Shit–sorry. Uh…what was that?”

@paradisusstart​

[kadrixbadem]

Kadri very much liked her new job, mainly because she got to learn a wholly new craft, and at the same time deal with as few people as possible. It wasn’t that she didn’t like people. It was more that she struggled to trust anyone and found conversations with others difficult at times. Especially strangers who she found to be very unreliable. Lately she had been doing a lot of dishes and cleaning up. Which kept her out of the front room of the bakery for the most part, but sometimes did require her to check the counter or tables for plates, cups and cutlery. Coming from one of the tables, her basket full of things to be washed, she overheard the customer talking to Charlie and the other girl zoning out a bit. “She asked for a blueberry muffin.” Kadri quietly offered, giving Charlie a small smile, hoping she wouldn’t be offended or annoyed that she had said something. 

[evolxt]

The sun was womderful so early in the morning, not a cloud in the sky or hint of the muted neutrals that London seemed to be comprised of, and even just stepping out for her mail was a joy. The sensation of stepping out into a world of vibrant colour still took her breath away, and she found herself in a well and truly good mood. Looking over as she pulled the envelopes from her mail, movement caught her eye and drew her attention to someone passing. 

“Good Morning! It’s an absolutely beautiful day.” 

@paradisusstart​

[kadrixbadem]

Kadri loved getting out early in the morning. Especially when the weather was so nice. It truly made her appreciate the fact that she could walk around freely, deciding where to go, when to stop or when to head back home. She knew this was what normal was supposed to look like. Being able to live your life on your terms. But it still felt like a novelty to her. All these people in this place, they wouldn’t appreciate their freedom the same way she did. 

Passing by some of the smaller houses, she tried not to jump out of her skin when a brunette called out to her, seemingly just getting her mail. “Good morning. That it is. Hope you’ve had a good start to it?” 

[indecisiverps]

[kadrixbadem]

caleb-stevenson​:

Caleb shook his head. “You’re part of the team now, every little helps.” He said, he knew it might not seem much, but even washing the dishes made the process way faster and helped them finish the order. “And maybe for the next big order, you will be able to help out even more.” He said, she hasn’t been with them for very long, but he could tell that she wanted to do her best and was really trying, and after a few months working at the bakery, she would be able to do way more.

Caleb smiled it. “Now that everything seems to be in order, it is good to be able to finally relax.” he said, he felt like he could sleep for a week after this ball was over. Hearing her words, Caleb had an idea, he wasn’t exactly sure if he would be overstepping his boundaries, but he did felt the same way the first time he was in a ball like this. “Come with me?” He asked offering his arm to her, at his first event he had found a quieter spot, one that he could still hear the music and feel like he was part of the party, but it had only a few people around, if she didn’t felt comfortable ‘alone’ with him, she could just return, or he would gladly just leave her alone in his quiet spot. 

Kadri smiled tentatively, nodding a little bit. She didn’t feel as if what she was doing at the moment was that a big contribution, but she thought he was being very kind to include her and teach her. She would forever be grateful, even if she found herself struggling day after day. Being in the back helped a lot though. The short time she had spent as a cashier had made her incredibly nervous, so much so that she had thrown up a couple of days in a row before going into work. Now being concealed from customers and mostly only dealing with Caleb or Charlie in the kitchen was most helpful given her lack of experience with human interaction. “I do hope so. I guess the more I learn, the more I’ll be of use.” she agreed with a nod. 

His face lit up when he smiled, which was really nice. “I can only imagine.” she smiled softly back, having been in complete awe at the incredible amount of pastries she had seen him produce at work in the last week alone. It had her wondering if all bakers made things that quickly and with such precision too. The fact that he made things from memory was still something she marveled at, yet reminded her a lot of her mother. His offer perplexed her a bit, though she did carefully slip her hand trough his elbow to place it on his forearm so he could lead her. “Where are we going?” 

[kadrixbadem]

caleb-stevenson​:​

Caleb was glad that the day of the ball had finally arrived, the next few days in the bakery it wouldn’t have too much work, and he would be able to give his staff some time off, after all everyone deserved some extra time off, specially after a big order like this.

Making sure everything was okay, Caleb smiled seeing Kadri, her dress was simple compared to other but stunning, it matched her. “It is always good to see an order complete.” he pointed out. “But I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help, so thank you.” He said. “Are you enjoying the ball?” He asked, he wanted to invite her to dance, but he wasn’t sure if it would be appropriated, he also didn’t want her to feel like she needed to say yes, just because he was her boss, so he went with a simple question instead of the one he wanted to ask.

It was very new to Kadri, being part of a team of people, working towards a common goal. She had only been at the bakery for a very short while, but she felt as if she was learning quite a lot in that time, and challenged herself to accept growth and change to a degree she had never before had to. Then again that was why she had decided to make some life changes after being arrested.. It had been a tipping point telling her that what she was doing clearly wasn’t working, and she needed to figure something else out. 

Caleb was looking incredibly dapper in green, a color which accentuated his skin and brought out the color in his eyes. “Maybe especially a large one like this?” she hedged, a bit curious but also suspecting the bakery didn’t get orders like this too often, at least she didn’t hope so given the craziness of the past week. “Oh I barely did anything. This is all you, Charlie and Max.” she stated, waving the thank you away a little bit as unlike the rest she had no culinary experience to draw on, nor cashier experience either. But everyone had to start somewhere, right? At his question she gave a little nod. “I am, though the sheer number of people is both intimidating and overwhelming. Plus I have no idea how to dance so I’ve only been watching.” at that she shrugged her shoulders a bit. “How about you?” 

[kadrixbadem]

rana-bolat​:

aiylaxbadem​:

closed

Aiyla wasn’t sure why she was here, or why she wanted to come in the first place. She supposed it was something childlike within her, vaguely remembering fairytales– wanting to dress up like a princess, go to a ball. But now that she was here all she wanted to do was go home, behind the safety of her locked door.

But she was safe here too. She just had to keep reminding herself of that. And at least it helped to have people here she trusted- so when she spotted Rana–looking unbelievable in the dress she’d chosen, Aiyla immediately went over to her, waiting until she caught the woman’s eyes to get her attention to reach for her hand, gripping a bit tight. “How do you..handle. Around all these people?”

@rana-bolat​

.

Rana could have truthfully avoided the masquerade ball and been fine with that. She didn’t feel like attending a large event or dressing up since the only times she had ever done so in the past were to be shown off or to be a good little pet for someone. Still, Kadri and Aiyla had wanted to go, and they asked Rana to go. So, she’d agreed right away. Honestly, she’d do anything for them. They’d all go shopping together, Rana felt overwhelmed as she’d never gone shopping for herself or picked out the dresses in the end. But one red dress she tried on, the sisters insisted she’d get it, and so here she stood wearing the revealing red gown. Though, Rana felt comfortable, and did not feel exposed or revealing in the slightest. 

Leaving Aiyla’s side only to go find them drinks, she returned with three champagne flutes in her hand and gave one to each. With a now free hand, she squeezed Aiyla’s hand back. The younger woman was nervous, Rana could recognize it and wished to help soothe her. “I growl at them.” Rana answered, and thought of how she’d done so with the waiter to get him to stop so she could take drinks off his tray. “That usually keeps others away.” Growling and snarling had worked earlier in the evening whenever someone tried to approach her. “But I will not lie to you, I am comfortable being around so many.” She only could put on a good mask… under the very real mask. 

Kadri hadn’t been sure about going at first. Large crowds made her jumpy and claustrophobic, reminding her of the circus and all she and her sister had endured there. But then most of the people at her work and others she had met seemed as if they were going, and she had to admit it was probably healthy for her and Aiyla to be out in public like this. Unlike them Rana seemed perfectly at ease, though she suspected that poker face of hers might be misleading. Even now, amidst the full crowd all around them, she could tell her little sister was not able to relax, and honestly neither was she. Yet they were here and as much as her instincts told her to withdraw and run, she fought them. 

Rana’s answer made Kadri smile just a little. “I’m not sure its the soundest tactic in the long run though.” she noted, thought without judgement. Growling at people had to be satisfying to some degree. “I’ve found using the excuse of going to the bathroom works when I need space.” she offered, not sure if it would be as useful to Aiyla yet it had solved quite a few situations she’d found herself in. Taking a sip of the flute of champagne, she wrinkled her nose a little. The taste was bitter.. “Me either. Half the time I’m tempted to turn and run..” she admitted quietly to the other two.

@aiylaxbadem​​

[kadrixbadem]

Knowing just how hectic the past few weeks had been in the bakery with the catering order for the ball, Kadri had to admit that the final result was looking spectacular. She was only scratching the surface learning how to bake and decorate a little along with cleaning back in the bakery kitchen, but she had to admit she found the work to be fun. It was also astonishing to watch Caleb or Charlie make something from start to finish, their skill as bakers but also as decorators of the final product on the plate unparalleled. At least to someone who had only ever assisted her mother in the kitchen here and there. 

Noticing Caleb surveying the serving table, she smiled at him. “The Tulumba Tatlısı turned out great. Everything looks amazing though.” she said appraisingly, hoping that he was pleased with and proud of the work he had done. 

@caleb-stevenson​

[kadrixbadem]

The large room filled with people were giving Kadri anxiety from the moment she stepped trough the doors. Forcing down slow breaths she willed herself to make her way inside though, trying to figure out where she could place herself without being in the way and perhaps find just a small pocket of space. As she couldn’t find space, she opted to linger by the serving station to take in the array of sweets and creations that were placed on shining platters of what had to be real gold. It was.. somewhere between unbelievable and incredibly refined. Unable to decide whether she should taste anything, she stepped back against the wall as to not hold up the slight row of people moving around the table. Spotting a familiar face though she gave a small wave, smiling softly. “It is so nice to see you again Ruby. How have you been?” 

@thepreciousgem​

[kadrixbadem]

caleb-stevenson​:​

Caleb always tried to be polite, regardless of if he was working or not, he always tried to place himself in the others shoes and try to make the best of a bad situation, he always told the people that worked for him that if something went wrong, they  could give things for free, they could let a costumer try things out until they find something they like, but disrespect wasn’t something Caleb tolerated.

He was at his office when he heard someone yelling and giving there were two close doors between him and the counter, the person was being very rude. Caleb stood up and made his way toward the front of the bakery to see what was happening. He immediately placed himself between them, trying to protect her and place her safely behind him as much as he could. “Leave.” He said in a quiet voice to the man that took a while to understand what was happening, and started to yell at Caleb, someone that was clearly taller and stronger than the stranger. “I don’t care what happened, you were disrespectful to her, now the next words that come of your mouth better be an apology to her, or you’re banned for life.” The guy bumped a half apology before leaving still angry. Caleb turned to Kadri and smiled  at her. “Why don’t you take a break?” he offered. ‘you can help me in the back for the rest of the day if you want.” Someone else could cover for her.

Most costumers were easy to sway, especially with the policies her bos had put in place. They were all given lots of outs if a costumer was upset in some way seeing as they were allowed to give out things for free, give samples and such. It made being up front with the demanding ones easier, and it made Kadri feel less anxious given that she had a tendency to be clumsy and the job was new to her. She sometimes couldn’t remember the names of the pastries or ingredients if a person was making her uncomfortable, so some seemed to have little patience with her compared to some of her co workers who seemed to remember it all by heart. Or if she counted the money wrong, which she had done every now and then, though less now than in the very beginning. Being able to say ‘oh have a muffin on the house’ to save the situation was incredibly helpful. 

But this man wouldn’t let her finish a single sentence.. and he had belittled her each time she tried to offer something. When Caleb arrived, effectively stepping between her and the costumer, Kadri stepped back to give him room, feeling slightly less panicked. She hadn’t gone into specifics with him, but he knew that she usually excused herself if she struggled with her emotions. It didn’t happen often but on bad days she didn’t have as much calm or control. Lashing out wasn’t an option after she’d been arrested.. so she did her best to take precautions. To avoid anything similar happening again. Forcing down a deep breath, Kadri nodded, managing a ghost of a smile in return that didn’t stay on her face. “That sounds.. yeah. Thanks.” she said quietly, fisting her hands to keep them from shaking, her breathing still coming fast. She could feel that her nails had turned to claws, digging into her palms. “There’s a first aid kit in the back too, right?” 

[kadrixbadem]

rana-bolat​:

No words were spoke between them, but Rana didn’t need words to know what was going through Kadri’s head. She could tell instantly it was the same ghosts that haunted her every night. It was the same memories that flashed behind her eyes each time she closed them. She knew that Kadri was losing herself to the memories of the horrors they endured all for the sake of survival. The same memories that Rana tried to comfort her in the middle of the night in the room that they shared for those few short years. “Kadri.” Rana whispered, knowing there was no real way to make them go away. They were part of all of them now. Instead, she stepped forward, and wrapped her arms around Kadri. The older shifter held the other close, the same way she did all those years ago for many nights. The same way she had to try and comfort Kadri then was now how she tried to comfort her. “I’m here.” She whispered the same words she had back then, holding Kadri even tighter as she tried to give her the only comfort she could. There was no promises of it being okay, no promises that she was alright. They knew the truth of the deaths at their hands, but Rana never felt ashamed for them. It was her survival, the only way out. It was the only way both sisters would live. Aiyla was like a daughter to her, but Kadri was like a sister. Funny, she no longer remembered what her own family looked like, but two young shifters had become family to her. “I’m here. You’re here. With me.” Rana whispered over and over again, gently rubbing at Kadri’s back and hair. 

It was terrorizing and blinding, the feeling of having taken someone’s life. On her good days Kadri could convince herself that she had done what she had to. And she didn’t walk around guilt ridden or wake up seeing the faces of the ones she had killed. But when triggered on the other hand, they came to mind quickly. As did the men she had slept with simply to guard her sister, or make sure they got food or clean clothes. The sound of her first masters voice in her ear as she was lead away from a match, his crooning ‘what a marvelous thing you are’. His arms ensnaring her, pressing her body against his. Kadri struggled, until Rana’s voice broke trough, finally. She had no idea how long she had been checked out, or if she’d managed to harm Rana in the process. Feeling the tears press on she let them out, her arms going around the other, hugging her fiercly as she cried. “I’m ss-orry I didn’t mean.. are you o-okay?” she managed in between the heavy sobs erupting from her chest. 

[kadrixbadem]

The concept of customer service was not one she had found it hard to grasp, yet some customers one couldn’t help but wonder if deserved being treated with respect when they had none for you simply because you were behind a counter. Some harsh comments or a talking to Kadri could handle. She had gotten used to that by now and even when she felt herself getting nervous and wanting to flee, she’d more than not managed to stay where she was and ride it out. 

This customer however was yelling.. loudly. Enough that anyone within the bakery was a part of the conversation, and all were staring at her with different expressions, varying from horror to smugness to pity. Each time Kadri tried to apologize, to offer a replacement for the mans coffee, which was apparently not to his liking, he yelled over her. Feeling her hands begin to shake as the man got right up in her face, the shifter was seconds from crying. Luckily, the commotion had caught her bosses attention from the back it seemed. The smallest flash of relief flitted across her face when he emerged. “I’m sorry.. he.. he won’t listen to me..” she meekly apologized. 

@caleb-stevenson​

[kadrixbadem]

Paradisus Ball 2022 Kadri Badem

@paradisusaesthetics​

[bastiansurvives]

Who: closed @kadrixbadem​​ Where: Local arcade

Valentines had never meant much of anything to Theo. Not really. As a kid, his mother would give him a chocolate heart or some other silly sweet or toy in celebration of the holiday. But after he’d lost her, well. It had simply become another day in a long string of random, meaningless days. 

Signing up for the blind date auction had been something of a whim. Maybe just something to do. But when it came time to it, fuck if he knew how even to go on a date these days. What even constituted as a real date? Then again, it wasn’t exactly like Paradisus and the people that lived here walked the line of normal. 

So he skipped the idea of a coffee date or some formal dinner outing - both seemed like they had the opportunity to get awkward far too quickly. So the arcade was where they’d landed for this whatever it was date thing, Theo stationed outside the door with his shoulders pressed against the wall, one foot propped up absently. 

When he spotted the figure approaching he gestured vaguely. He could flag down every passerby to see if they were ‘here for some blind date’, but that seemed a little excessive, didn’t it? But then again, most of the people flowing into the arcade seemed to be little kids or parents of said children, so bets seemed a little higher than average… 

“So…” he looked at her curiously, “Do you understand this whole blind date concept, or am I the only one a little confused by it?” 

[kadrixbadem]

It was an odd kind of day. Everyone else seemed to have some sort of attachment to this day. All Kadri could gather about it was that it seemed to be about human relationships and love. Neither of which she had much of a notion off. The only relationships she had formed in her life had been with Rana or strengthening the one with her sister. The aspect of love was entirely out of her realm. She had signed up for these date things so she could get to know another person, perhaps make a friend. Whatever might happen, she thought it would be nice to at least try to get out and do something fun. 

Doing her best not to pick her nails or any of the nervous habits she had when she was anxious about doing something, Kadri followed the small map she had drawn herself before leaving her apartment in order to find her way to the arcade. Seeing the male gesture at her by the entrance, she quickly stepped over to him. “Ahm hi? I’m Kadri.” she introduced herself with a soft smile. “Honestly I have never been on one before? So I can’t say I’m not confused.” she answered honestly. 

[kadrixbadem]

elijah--miller​:

Once they made it outside, his gaze turned back to her. His first instinct was to take her somewhere private, somewhere they could talk. He wasn’t mad, at all. This was his whole job really- but he was more so worried about her. Pulling her just off to the side, he watched her for a second. “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” He didn’t care what happened at this point. 

“I’m going to set it up with them that if anything happens again, they call me right away.” He mumbled, more so to himself. “I can drive you home? Or we can go get food?” 

Kadri wondered if this was how it was supposed to feel like, when you had made a huge mistake and had to call a family member to come help you out, even though you were a grown up and were supposed to be able to take care of yourself and not get in trouble like this. She had never been free of chains long enough to figure that all out when she was younger, though she didn’t like it one bit. Nor did she entirely know what to say or how to explain herself. She had seen a doctor once before after an outburst. One where the officers had decided she needed medical attention rather than to be put away. This time they had thought differently.. “I just.. not really.. I don’t know..” she answered, her tone still apologetic.  While she was sure his words were meant to be reassuring and to let her know he would help her again, all they did was make the terror in her chest increase tenfold as she tried to keep herself together. “It shouldn’t happen again.. I can’t afford for them to think I’m a liability or danger to others thats..” Shaking her head, fear evident on her features, she struggled to breathe evenly. “I.. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone Elijah I swear. I’m so sorry..” Food? Kadri had to blink a couple of times to fully comprehend what he’d asked. “”Food sounds good..” she quietly assented. 

[kadrixbadem]

juliet-jaguar​:

“Don’t worry about it, if I don’t see you in a week, I will stop by and make sure you leave your apartment.” She said with a smile, everyone had their on time to deal with things, and trying to rush it was never good. “I travel a lot, bars are good place to get to know people and after many nights talking with bartender, I figure how hard it could be? I practice a little and here it is, is really not that hard, if you add too much alcohol you add more sugar to bounce it out and taste good. if you want I could teach you.” She chuckled. “If someone flip, I will personally kick them out.”

“Thank you Juliet. I need someone who don’t mind looking out for me a bit. My sister does but I feel bad putting to much on her. She has enough to deal with, you know?” she smiled softly back at her friend. Perhaps she could figure out something Juliet might need in return. “So you asked the bartender what it was like then? I mean thats clever. It probably looks harder than it is. I just don’t know what anything is supposed to taste like. No experience and all.” The offer to be taught did catch her attention though. Maybe she could start learning and have a job someday like Juliet did? “Would you? I’d like that.” she admitted with a wry smile. Hearing that she would kick someone out for her, Kadri chuckled softly. “I appreciate that. You won’t get in trouble for it though?”