Kiran Rabari

"If I never see you again I will always carry you inside outside on my fingertips and at brain edges and in centers centers of what I am of what remains." - Charles Bukowski

[cxrvantes]

Turn Off the Lights // Rahui

Open starter for @vievecorcitystarters

Location: Absynthia

Rahui was thrilled to hear that she would arrive to Vievecor just in time for the festival, she loved live music, and was a big fan of various of the bands playing at the Absynthia.

She put on an all black outfit consisting of a cropped tank, jacket, cargo pants and boots. She arrived early in the day to drink, dance to Røz, and cause problems. The mischievous spirit switched between dancing, and walking around stealing lighters and cigarettes, only to put them back at random people’s pockets, for no good reason other than wanting to fuck with people’s heads in a harmless way. Eventually, she grew tired of that, and tried to switch her activity to lurking at the bar for a while, and snatching drinks out of the table whenever a bartender set one down. However, her activity was cut short when she stole her second drink, as a hand settled firmly on her shoulder before she could bolt. The spirit turned around, grinning at the stranger and taking a step closer to them, with their stolen drink still in hand. “Thank you for buying me this, you know I really appreciate it.” Her speech wasn’t entirely fluent, and her accent was strong, indicating she wasn’t too used to speaking in this language.

[kiranrabari]

Kiran wasn't a big fan of crowds nowadays. Or parties, for that matter, too. But the police department had asked for assistance in keeping track of the festivities, meaning even the lowly tech department had been forced into a more traditional policing role for the evening. Kiran had just finished up a shift of watching from the sidelines, ensuring no pesky supernatural activities about to take advantage of some of the drunken human participants of the festival.

After hours of standing, he decided it was finally time for a drink of his own - surely that was the best way to remain undercover, after all? So, he'd pushed his way through the huddle of bodies to the bar, finally managing to get close enough to order a vodka and coke. He'd looked briefly back out towards the stage for just a second, and by the time he glanced back it was just in time for him to catch Rahui midst pinching of his drink.

His hand lands gently on her shoulder - though she doesn't seem to care much about being caught in the act as she moves closer. "You know, I could have you arrested for that." His tone is teasing, a small smirk forming at his lips. Kiran had never actually arrested anyone, anyway. The tech guy wasn't exactly used to time out in the field. His held tilts as he observes Rahui, before a brief chuckle escapes him. "How about, instead of having my boring drink, I order you something you actually want? Call it the festival energy making me generous."

[narizeung]

Nari gave a quizzical look as he listened to the clunking sounds coming from the room Kiran had suddenly disappeared into, breathing a faint laugh as he chose one of the fruit pastries from the pile. He was tucking into an apricot turnover when Kiran reemerged with what looked like a pile of wires and a singular plant placed on top.

The elf watched curiously and straightened his back as Kiran assembled everything in front of him, forgetting the pastry to the side for the moment. “Interesting… What kind of benefits did you have in mind for the other species?” He asked with a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, “it’s definitely compelling.” Nari agreed. Given his background in medicine too, it was natural that this would ignite something in him. “This could be helpful for the elves… if it could be amplified enough, it would help us. The natural world has been diminishing for a long time and with it, our ability to live at our fullest, to create more of our kind. Maybe that’s quite an optimistic first look at an experiment and a selfish one on my behalf.” confessed, “But still, I like the premise. I’d be interested to hear the benefits from your point of view.” Nari had worked with humans for much of his life, even known to influence the weather and help to stimulate crop growth, when it seemed that things would not flourish on their own in order to support those relying on it.

[kiranrabari]

Kiran smiles at the question, glad that he hadn't bored Nari too much already with his ramblings. It was rare he had someone to speak to regarding such things, and he had never exactly been known to hold back once he got going.

"Well, there's a multitude of benefits - possibilities only, at this stage, of course. Solar magic is known for its healing benefits. Not just for plants, but for others too - imagine if we could harness that to help people, of any species." He pauses, brows furrowing for a moment. "With everything going on at the moment, Artemis... everyone, from all walks of life, have a sense of fear, or know a loved one that's been hurt. Perhaps once we can figure out how to heal plants, enhance their growth - who knows how else we may be able to apply that to walking and talking creatures, too. A way to heal minor injuries, cuts and scrapes, maybe even more. The theory is there, it's the application that's a little harder."

Kiran listens to Nari closely with a serious glance, nodding as the elf speaks. "Yes. That's just the kind of thing I was thinking. Imagine if we managed to create something like this, on a much larger scale. Disguised as street lamps somewhere like the park, so humans don't detect something amiss. It could enhance the growth of the plants there, a constant beam of energy to provide them with warmth and the nutrients they need."

Kiran continues setting up the prototype, assembling all the pieces into the right place. Once everything is configured appropriately, he looks back to Nari with a hopeful glance. "This is only a baby version of what I had in mind, a test run. All I'm missing is a slither of magic. Would you care to give it a try?"

[narizeung]

“Hi Kiran.” Nari smiled when the other man appeared, “It’s no trouble, really. Honestly you’re the one providing me with the much needed break.” He reassured him as he gratefully stepped inside his home. Nari briefly looked around before his gaze fell to the platter of fresh pastries and steaming coffee on the kitchen island. “That is a lot of pastries,” Nari laughed quietly, “Luckily they happen to be my weakness.” He admitted and decided to take a seat on one of the barstools, cupping the warm coffee mug between his hands. “Thank you for this.”

“I have been good.” The elf nodded, about to return the question when Kiran launched into his explanation. It made Nari’s smile widen to see someone so passionate about something. “Of course. Usually when I use my powers it’s often to do with my work at the park, or Earth day celebrations, so it would be nice to be able to get stuck into a project. How about you talk me through your ideas?” Nari suggested.

[kiranrabari]

Kiran can't help the subtle line of blush over his cheeks as he looks to the pile of pastries on the counter, a hand reaching up to the back of his neck as he chuckles. "Perhaps I did go a little too far." He shrugs a shoulder, glancing back to Nari. "Not to worry. I'll make sure to wrap up the leftovers for you to take home."

Pausing after his quick speech, Kiran's grin widens at Nari's response. It was rare for someone to listen to his ramblings, much less take an interest. "I could talk you through them. Or I could just show you. Wait here." Without awaiting a response, Kiran takes off to one of the rooms down the corridor of his apartment. The door shuts abruptly behind him, some chaotic sounds of metal clanking and boxes falling escaping, before Kiran returns moments later with his arms full of wires and equipment - a singular potted plant balanced atop the mismatched pile.

He rushes back to the kitchen, dumping his carried objects onto the surface of the island. He takes a moment to set things up more neatly - the potted plant (looking a little sad and withered) at one end. Beside it, he balances the machine he'd been working on - it almost looks like an intricate lamp, but no power cable was attached, only haphazardly fused pieces of metal, a large plane of glass at the top which he angled towards the browned leaves of the plant.

"Technopaganism is all about enhancing magic. I can't create magical energies, but I create things that can make them greater, bring out its best potential." Kiran nods, finally taking a seat now he'd set everything up to his liking. "Elves can manipulate plants, they can use energy from the sun. Imagine the good this could do other species, too, if such magic could be captured and spread." Kiran glances briefly to Nari to look for a response, before continuing.

"This is just a prototype, of course. But the idea is that some of your solar magic could be captured here." Kiran points to a small, gem-like structure at the base of the lamp, from which a few wires travel upward to the glass circle. "Then, while the magic lasts, we can use this to shed light toward this rather sickly looking plant here, amplify the power you bestow within. And, hopefully, bring it back to life."

Kiran's smile looks a little nervous, hands folding atop his lap. "I can't guarantee it'll work. But... perhaps we can try? If you aim some of your magic towards that spot, we can see what happens."

[filmphobia]

dev patel as gawain in the green knight (2021)

[detectivejdarling]

Jo pulls her legs up, crossing them at the ankles, knees falling to her sides, one of them just barely skimming Kiran's thigh. "Honestly, if you served me Isabelle on a silver platter," she pretends to think for a moment, eyes narrow and lips pursed, "I might just propose." The words come easy enough—they've been laughing and joking around, and it's not like Isabelle survived this long by being careless and stupid so the chances are vanishingly low—but something in her chest still snags at the thought. She'd done that once. Gotten down on one knee and said those four words. Well, it had only been two then—the ones that mattered—because she'd been so nervous she was barely able to speak. It takes her a moment to remember where she is and who she's with, but if her smile wavers, she hides it behind the curve of her wine glass.

It's embarrassing when Kiran jumps up as if stung by an adder and all but flees the main room to hunt for some damn tissues. It makes her want to crawl into a hole and die. Because she doesn't do this. She doesn't ask for people's trust, doesn't put herself out there to be hurt. Not like this. But he'd made it seem like it was okay. Like he'd trust her, even though she's given him exactly zero reason to. Even though she's the last person anyone should trust. Shoulders rounding, she exhales slowly, willing herself to let it go before she twists to toss the half-melted chocolate into the bin next to the bedside table.

Kiran is silent when he returns and Jo is half-glad he can't seem to look at her, because she has no good explanation for the way shame heats her cheeks. It's pathetic. She means to tell him it's fine, that he doesn't have to answer, means to make some joke that both insults Remington and absolves him, but her mouth feels parched, the muscles in her jaw too tight to move. It's a stupid, childish reaction, but somewhere between growing up in an abusive home and making demon pacts, she never really learned how to make friends.

At first Jo doesn't move, because she expects him to hand her the towel. Then she stays still, because his touch feels like absolution. It's gentle and careful—like maybe she isn't all sharp edges and destruction.

And then he talks.

His words land somewhere so far beyond her carefully crafted walls, she doesn't even remember to school her features into an impassive facade. This. What happened to him. It's her worst nightmare. A fate she's only been able to circumvent until now by destroying every meaningful relationship she's ever had. It reminds Jo that she should smother this one too, before she can grow any more attached to him than she already is. It would be easy now, when he is vulnerable, showing her exactly where to aim the knife.

But he's still holding her hand, and she can't bring herself to.

"I'm sorry that happened to you...," she says, voice barely amounting to a whisper. Her hand feels empty and cold without his, so she clenches it into a fist and tucks it in the space between her folded legs, white knuckles hidden below her other palm. She's looking at him, but she doesn't really see him. "I—I don't... I—" His pain is too close to her own. She feels it too acutely, has no idea how he survived it. "No. You—You lived through all that and still kept going... I don't know what I'd do, but it wouldn't be that." She shakes her head then pauses and sucks her bottom lip into her mouth. For a moment she just watches him, until finally, she pushes up onto her knees and folds her arms around his shoulders in a sudden embrace.

When Jo pulls back, her movements are stilted and choppy. She clears her throat and doesn't meet his eyes as she stands from the bed. "I... I'm gonna go brush my teeth. It's late and," one hand goes to the back of her neck, fingertips pushing into the tense muscles there as she nods to herself, "there's work to do tomorrow." She hesitates only briefly, lifting her still half-full glass from the bedside table and downing the rest of her wine in one go before she escapes to the bathroom.

The door shut behind her, Jo splashes some water onto her face, then stares at herself in the mirror, eyes glassy and faintly bloodshot, the exposed skin on her chest and neck slightly splotchy. What the hell is she doing? But there's no time to debate, because the only thing worse than having to go back out there and face Kiran again, is returning to an empty room. She mechanically brushes her teeth with the provided toothbrush—which is somehow neither too soft, nor too hard, but exactly right, because apparently these are the grievances the deities concern themselves with—before she steps back into the room.

"The bathroom is all yours, if you want. I'm going to try to get some sleep," Jo announces, heading straight for her side of the bed and slipping under the covers. "I don't mind if you want to finish this," she continues, nodding towards the wine bottle and the chocolates, before Kiran can get a word in edgewise, precisely because she's scared of what he might say. "Just try to keep it down." With that, she turns her back to him and tucks the covers up around her ears, like she stands any chance in hell of falling asleep while he's still awake.

[kiranrabari]

"Proposal level reward?" He echoes, a teasing lilt to his voice. "Does that come with access to your health insurance and bank account?"

It’s light, easy - but even as he jokes, he makes a quiet mental note to look into Isabelle later. Just in case. Even if Jo had only been half serious. It wasn’t as though he had anything better to do with his spare time… and helping her had always felt like reward enough.

He notices the shift in her, subtle but unmistakable - the way she lifts her wine glass, as though to shield whatever flickers across her expression. He says nothing. Not yet.

His hands continue their gentle cleansing of her finger tips, brown eyes only daring to venture up towards her face once the task is complete - and he's completed his answer, too. He braces himself only then. For disgust, for distance. For the look he's long convinced himself he deserves.

He'd failed in protecting the love of his life, the one person he should have defended with all he had. Should have given his own life in exchange for hers - but he'd been unconscious for most of her demise, not even awake to bear witness to her final moments.

Jo's voice cuts through the spiral before it can fully take hold. His jaw slackens, his eyes lifting just enough to search her face - waiting for the twist of cruelty, the inevitable turn. But... it never comes.

Instead she shifts forward, arms wrapping around him.

For a moment he is too stunned to respond, his own arms hanging slack at his sides as he blinks, brain catching up slowly to exactly what is happening. It's been years since anyone has held him like this. Not out of obligation or duty, just... because.

Slowly, carefully, he returns it. His hands settle against her back, drawing her gently closer, tentative at first - then firmer. Like he's afraid she may disappear if he doesn't. He hopes she feels it - the gratitude he can't quite voice. The quiet relief, an unspoken thanks for not recoiling.

"O- okay." The word come out as a stutter as the detective suddenly pulls back - a sheepish, strained smile stretching at his features. "You're right. Lots of work to do. Should probably... get some rest." The words are almost robotic, though his well practiced pleasantness covers that. He can feel his mind begin to spiral as Jo disappears into the bathroom, tilting his head back against the cool wall above the bed frame for some stability.

He'd sworn never to tell anyone at work his story. Vowed to keep his loss to himself, a hidden wound only for him to tend to. And this was why - he can sense something has shifted when Jo returns, a separation between them that cracked somewhere between his story and their embrace. Closeness for a moment, distance the next.

"It's alright, I think I've had enough wine for the night." He states with a hollow chuckle, exchanging spots with Jo in the bathroom as she settles into the bed.

As he brushes his own teeth, he casts a long hard look at himself in the mirror. There were the usual bags beneath his eyes, a hollowness to his cheeks he'd acquired in the last year. A withered look in his eye he'd grown to resent. He exhales sharply, splashing water across the glass as he rinses his mouth. By the time he looks up again, the surface has magically cleared - like nothing had touched it at all.

As he returns to the bedroom, he notes her curled up position, the way she tucks under the covers like a shield. A soft smile forms at the sight, just for a moment. The pair of them may be humans in a world of supernaturals, creatures of unspeakable abilities outnumbering them beyond these four walls - but, at least for tonight, this room is quiet. Safe. A moment of reprive.

Kiran sheds his shirt, draping it neatly over an armchair. Then his trousers, moving with habitual care until he's left in just his underwear. He slips into the bed, deliberately settling on top of the covers, leaving a careful space between them.

Silence stretches.

Sleep feels impossible, his mind is too loud - too full.

After a while, he turns his head, eyes tracing the outline of her form in the dim light. He isn't even sure if she's awake when he finally speaks, voice barely more than a whisper.

"Thank you... for listening to me, Joanna." He swallows, throat suddenly dry. "I hope... I hope one day you may let me do the same for you."

[kiranrabari]

Where: Kiran's apartment. Who: @narizeung

"Nari." Kiran smiles warmly as he opens the door to his apartment, stepping back so the elf had free entry into his home. "Thank you so much for coming, I do appreciate you making the trekk all this way on my behalf."

Just a few steps from the front door a steaming pot of coffee sits atop a kitchen island, a plate lined with an array of pastries from the bakery next door by its side. "I didn't know which you'd like, so I just got them all." He chuckles, moving to pour some of the coffee into a pair of mugs, pushing one in Nari's direction. "Please, make yourself at home. How have you been keeping, my friend?"

Kiran takes a seat himself on one of the kitchen stools, waiting for Nari to get settled before he dove right into the real reason for his visit. He couldn't help his excitement, though, that never-ending pursuit of knowledge. So, he only allows the elf a very brief moment of respite before he begins his ramblings.

"I know I explained a little bit to you about my, uh, passion project shall we say. It's been a while since I've been properly able to use my technopagan training, there's very little need for that with the PD. But, I miss it, sometimes. Channelling magic, being a conduit for something great, useful." His eyes look faraway, for a moment, before he focuses in back on Nari with a lopsided grin.

"Gardening was hardly the kind of thing I had time to use my skills on when I worked at Remington Tower. But, I've been thinking over some prototypes. More of a hobby, really. The only thing I'm missing is... well, the magic." His head tilts, shrugging softly. "That's where I thought you may come in, if you were open to the idea, of course. A collaboration."

[kiranrabari]

Kiran Rabari - Moodboard.

[kiranrabari]

[faithinlycaon]

Last Dance | Hollywood 2026

When: 1978, VC Hollywood AU Where: Starlight Studios; Grease Set Who: Open @vievecorcitystarters

It was the last day on Grease and she was ready for it to be done. Playing a ditzy teen turned out to be an a little annoying, but the pay was good the press was better. She'd have to talk to James about trying to avoiding such roles going forward. The advantage of having the casting director being her childhood friendship. "Mornin'!" She waved to the crew and checked her hair in the mirror one more time. She was glad that she at least her wig wasn't a fucking mess. The hair and makeup team were so lovely for helping her try to look good dispite the character. "I don't know about you but I'm so ready for this wrap party."

[kiranrabari]

Kiran had arrived hours early to set, as he had done for most of the shooting. Every day was an act of perfectionism to him - but especially today. The final day, the last chance to get everything right. So, he'd dragged the lighting guys in before dawn too - spending an age fixing everything to create the perfect balance of shadow and brightness, the best angles for the cameras.

He'd ignored most of the crew and cast beginning to meander onto set, too focused on his own work. It's only when he hears Faye's voice in the distance does he finally turn, suddenly bolting in the actress's direction.

"Faye! Finally! I need you." Kiran gives little time for Faye to respond before he's placed a gentle hand on her arm, ushering her in the direction of an ensemble of props, the lighting glaring into focus in the centre. "Stand just there for me. On the mark. I need to make sure this is just right."

Kiran indicates to a black mark on the floor to help the actors with positioning, as he walks backward from the set, taking in the whole atmosphere he's created as Faye gets into position. He observes for a moment, eyes flickering from Faye's face to the rest of the objects around her. Then, a sudden frown forms.

"That's it. We can't start. Something just isn't right yet."

[detectivejdarling]

"It's okay." Jo reaches out to pat his knee condescendingly. "It's incredibly boring and juvenile, but there's nothing inherently wrong with being soft." It's an obvious stab at Kiran's confidence but she only means part of it. There is nothing wrong with being soft. It's part of what she likes about him—admires even.

Jo thinks she catches his line of sight dropping to her mouth for a hot second, but when she blinks he's back to meeting her gaze straight on and despite the quiet of the igloo the world keeps spinning so fast she doesn't have time to figure out if she only imagined it.

She doesn't point out that it would amount to fantasizing about not memorizing his underwear collection as she retrieves her badge, considering she's only ever seen him in his underwear once. It's telling enough that they're still talking about it. Jo's not about to implicate herself any more than that. "Keeps things interesting," she says with a shrug, resisting the urge to remind him that she could just as well be talking about his towel collection—because that happened.

Her eyes narrow at him when he leans closer, buttering her up more with every inch of distance bridged until it is almost her gaze straying downwards despite herself. Almost because she finds herself with a faceful of pillow instead. It should've been the side of her head, but the instinct to turn towards danger rather than flinch back from it betrays her. She lets herself fall back against the mattress, her laugh so genuine it hurts. "Dumbass," she huffs, launching her own pillow at Kiran's face in half-hearted retribution with nowhere near enough force behind it.

Jo steals his pillow once she's upright again, because her own is halfway across the bed and potayto, potahto, no one has actually slept in these sheets before. The wine goes down even smoother than expected and she blames her nearly empty glass for her increasingly loose lips. "Are you trying to seduce me?" Isabelle is too damn slick and not the kind to leave a digital trail. But Jo is the last person to discourage someone from going after the vampire. "You'd be my hero, if you actually managed to dig something up on her—though I've learned not to hold my breath."

Regret lines her smile as she plucks a piece of chocolate from the box, the absence of his—however brief—touch leaving her colder than she has felt all day. This is the moment where she's meant to laugh and make fun of him. Reestablish the divide between them and bully him into submission until he's too embarrassed to ever follow that line of thought again.

But it's too late. He's cracked her open already.

Her usually uncompromising gaze falters towards the end of his speech, finding the covers beneath them when it should've been him averting his eyes. Him with the lump in his throat. Him wishing they could be closer.

Jo worries the inside of her bottom lip, the chocolate slowly melting between her fingertips. She doesn't even like chocolate. But what she's feeling is dangerous. It shouldn't exist. She shouldn't let it exist. It's yet another liability when lately she's been amassing too many already.

It's the wine, she thinks. It's the hour, she tells herself. It's being weighed down by every horrible Christmas memory she's ever made. "Why did you leave Remington to join the police?" is what she says finally, her gaze ticking up to meet his a second later. "Be honest."

[kiranrabari]

Kiran can't help the humoured side eye he casts in Jo's direction at her remark, one brow arching. "Is that so, detective? I didn't realise 'soft centred' was a feature I should have added to my resumee when I applied to join the PD." The teasing draws a softer smile from him, something lighter there than usual.

As he leans a little closer, Kiran catches the faint trace of her perfume between them, notices a few stray hairs out of place - has to resist the flickering urge to brush them back. He finally remembers what he was actually planning to do at the last second, just as he flings the pillow toward her. Though where it lands wasn't exactly what he'd intended.

Kiran audibly gasps, staring at Joanna with an expression initially of horror as realisation hits. The silence only lasts for a beat, however, as he is soon to throw his head back in a fit of unguarded laughter. Even when the pillow is returned flying toward his own face, the feathery assault only muffles his chuckles for a moment.

"Wow. I really did not think that would work. Perhaps it's your reaction time we need to work on." He manages to stumble out the words between a breath, still grinning her way.

Kiran just watches with mild amusement as Jo steals his pillow. That seemed only fair, after all. He instead settles his back against the bedframe, gaze lingering on her.

"Seduce you?" He echoes, an unusually confident slipping into place. Perhaps a gift from the alcohol. "Be careful, detective, it almost sounds like you want me to." Though, despite his teasing, he makes a mental note of the way Jo's eyes seemed to light up at the thought of getting dirt on Isabelle. Perhaps that was something he could look into, after this party business.

Kiran continues to watch Jo earnestly as she seems to ponder whether or not she'll ask her question, anticipation humming in his chest. The question was one he should have expected. That doesn't make the weight of it any lighter.

Suddenly, he finds himself very interested in the melted chocolate smudged across her finger tips, eyes focused there rather than on her own. As if it was suddenly the most important thing in the world. "Let me... Let me get you a tissue."

Before he knows it he's hopped off the bed, making toward the bathroom in strides. He busies himself at the sink, dampening a hand towel - until his own reflection catches his eye. He'd asked for this, hadn't he? And honesty, friendship... it wasn't always meant to be easy.

Slowly, he returns to the room, re-assuming his position beside her on the bed. Still he does not meet her eye, instead reaches out to take her hand in one of his own, the other using the towel to clean some of the melted chocolate from her skin gently.

"I was engaged. Once. Feels like a lifetime ago." His smile is distant, tinged with bittersweet sadness. "She was smarter than me. One of the smartest people I've ever known. Far too good for me. We met there - at Remington Tower. She loved everything about that place - I did, too. But not like her. She always felt a sense of belonging she'd never felt anywhere else. Like being there, in this world we'd been invited to, was her purpose."

His voice is strained, as though the words are pulling muscles long unused. Kiran's hands remain around Jo's long after the chocolate is gone, palms trembling just slightly.

"One year we went to a party together. A party not unlike this." His usual boyish smile has hardened into a firm line, pain etched into his eyes. "On the way home, we were stopped by some... some thugs. I can barely even remember what happened. One moment we were having fun, the next moment I was on the ground, waking up in pain. And... she was beside me. But she was gone."

Kiran swallows hard, blinking away the sheen of tears that were threatening to give way. After a deep breath, he continues, slowly looking up toward Joanna, still holding her hand like an anchor to the reality he'd known before revealing this.

"After that, Remington Tower seemed to just be filled with ghosts. Ghosts of the memories I'd shared, with her. I became something I'm not proud of. A shell of myself, haunted by how weak I'd been. How I couldn't protect the one person I was supposed to." Kiran pauses, looking away, cheeks flushed with shame. "I could have turned to booze. Or drugs. Wanted to, so many times. But, some say I've always been addicted to work, instead. I couldn't go back to Remington Tower, so I applied to the PD. Threw everything I had left into it. Anything to avoid the thoughts left behind when my brain wasn't pre-occupied with computer screens and data."

Kiran gives Jo's hand a gentle squeeze, finally releasing it, setting it down softly into her lap. He shifts back, just slightly, as if the distance may gather up some of the pieces he'd just laid bare. "I... I hope you don't think less of me. Maybe, in my own way, working for the police has been some way to try and find something close to retribution. If that's possible."

[kiranrabari]

Name: Kiran Rabari. Age: 35 years old. Role: Director of Photography. How Long They Have Been Working in Hollywood: 6 months. Bio: Growing up in India, from a young age Kiran showed fascination in cinematography. His uncle had been a part of several Bollywood sets, and by his early teens Kiran was already learning the craft on the job. He worked his way through the ranks, starting as a camera operator while experimenting with small, self produced projects at home. Soon, he began to show real talent which earned him the role as Director of Photography on several high profile productions in his home country. With his skills, he eventually became well established in his field globally. In the last year, he has been noticed by Hollywood, and eventually scouted by Starlight Studios. The new romance film is his first production in America, and he feels like he has a lot to prove. His approach to cinematography can clash at times with the studio's expectations, and he has been often criticised for his perfectionism - requesting extra takes, taking sets long over schedule, refusing to compromise on the shots he believes matter. Plus, being an outisder, he often feels he's granted less of a margin for error than his peers. The art is at the centre of his focus, and he's determined to make the new film a visual success. He's not one to sacrifice money or time for perfection, even if this can often borderline on obsession. Yet, there's more to it than just the craft - his ongoing role at the Studio is hinging on him helping to make the movie a success. Should he fail, his new contract will be void, and he'll be sent home quietly. Ambition bruised and opportunities closed behind him. Relationships: TBC.

[fishalthor]

DEV PATEL as DARCY DAVENPORT in RABBIT TRAP (2025) dir. Bryn Chainey

[detectivejdarling]

Jo’s mouth curves, slow, unapologetic, and unmistakably pleased as she gives him an exaggerated wiggle of her brows. It’s a deflection, sure—but it’s also because there isn’t a smart remark sharp enough to catch what he just handed her. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Specifically her. Even if she’s vengeful. Even if she hits him. He’s joking—mostly—they both are, and yet no matter how hard she pushes, no matter what she throws at him, he meets her without flinching, open and unguarded, like the impact never quite lands where it is meant to. It hits harder than she’s prepared for, and a teasing smirk is the only safe place to put it. “Who would've thought you had a thing for pain.”

Jo lets Kiran cycle through his dramatics without interruption, without rising to the bait. She just watches him through the whole performance, gaze steady, unblinking, cutting clean through the theatrics. When he’s done—when the whine gives way to that familiar, frustratingly endearing smirk—she speaks. “I told you,” she says, fully aware of the implication. “Talk to me. Use your mouth. It’s not that hard.” The rebuke is in the delivery—the invitation is everywhere else.

When he doesn’t push, doesn’t probe, doesn’t make it heavier than it already is, she feels it. The relief is subtle but real, something loosening in her chest she hadn’t realized was locked so tight. She keeps her gaze on the comforter, fingers worrying at a nonexistent crease, and moves on quickly before she can examine how much it means.

She reaches for the nightstand and flicks her badge toward him. It bounces lightly against his chest before dropping into his lap, the metal catching the light as it lands. “What does this say?” The confidence in her voice is shameless, all bravado and heat, her eyes never leaving his. “It’s literally my job to pay attention and notice things.”

And she does. She noticed him that night outside his apartment building—caught mid-motion, bare skin and startled eyes—all lean lines and quiet strength. Notices him now, stretched out across the bed, warm brown eyes too kind for his own good, that boyish smile always half a second away like he’s ready to follow her anywhere. It sits heavy in her chest, unexpected and inconvenient, and Jo lets it linger just long enough to be dangerous before she masks it again, like it’s all just a joke. Like it doesn’t mean anything.

He's her coworker.

“What else do you think I do on long stakeouts?” she challenges, a quiet huff of laughter escaping her as the corner of her mouth twitches. “And I’ll be the judge of ‘cool.’” When he says he’ll try harder next time, she doesn’t miss a step. Her brows lift, lips pressing into a knowing smile. “You better.”

When Kiran pivots to talking about star signs, her expression breaks completely—confusion flashing first, then offense. “What—no.” The words barely make it out before he finds himself with a faceful of duck-feather, deity-provided pillow. “Who do you take me for?” Jo huffs, shaking her head incredulously, exasperated and grinning despite herself. “So I know when to gift you an appropriate set of underwear.” She pauses, then shakes her head again—HR would murder her if they ever caught wind of this. “Star signs... I’m not a lunatic.”

She notices—too quickly, too acutely—that he doesn’t bother pacing himself with the wine, and whatever resolve she had about appearing put-together quietly dissolves. She follows suit. “Thank you,” she mutters into the rim of the glass, but it only sounds like finally. “I don’t need to figure out who they are,” she adds, a little too easily, the words sliding free before she can rein them in. Maybe because part of her doesn't want to. But he isn't supposed to know and she isn't supposed to tell him. So she keeps going before he can question it. “But yeah. That’s the point. Seeing if anyone breaks the rules.” Her mouth curves, sharp and humorless. “If I could catch Isabelle in something I could actually book her for?” She lifts her glass slightly. “That’s one Christmas present I wouldn’t refuse.”

When Kiran turns toward her like that—open, earnest, no hesitation—the ground shifts. Jo stills. Just for a second. Her guard drops without permission, disbelief spreading across her features as the weight of his words hits her square in the chest. You always can. Her lips part. Her eyes widen, unshielded and raw. She’s about to ask him something else—something real, something that would peel back layers neither of them usually touch. She can feel the question pressing at the back of her throat, wanting out.

But she can’t do it.

She blinks once, twice, walls snapping back into place by sheer force of habit, but she doesn’t look away. She keeps her eyes on his, daring the moment to swallow her whole—and then sidesteps it entirely. “Are you planning on finishing the chocolate all by yourself, or are you going to share?” she says, tone lighter, like this was always the question, like nothing seismic just passed between them, and tips her chin toward the box.

[kiranrabari]

Kiran catches the subtle shifting of emotions across her features, head tilting in quiet observation. It's soon forgotte, though, as her joke draws a genuine laugh from him, one hand lifting to rake through his hair. Perhaps there is a subtle blush at his cheeks, in a certain light, enough that he turns away in hopes to hide it.

"A thing for pain? Well, we all have our dark sides, detective." He wriggles his eyebrows, the expression exaggeratedly boyish, before chuckling once more. "Unfortunately, I'm likely what the kids would call far too vanilla for that."

A hand rises to the back of his neck, hiding some subtle embarassment. After a beat, however, something slightly more mischevious appears in his smirk, a momentary glint of humour in his eye. "At least, I let them believe that." The smile breaks through into a grin, the confidence perhaps slightly fuelled by the faint buzz of the alcohol.

Kiran can't help but pause at Joanna's instructions, the double meaning of the order that he was perhaps only imagining in his head.

Use your mouth.

Maybe he can't blame just the alcohol when his line of vision trails down to her own mouth, the soft curve of her lips. A momentary lapse, his eyes snapping back up within a second - but a slip he's sure she will notice. He clears his throat awkwardly, holding her gaze. "I'll be sure to improve my communication style."

Noting the detective badge chucked in his direction, he picks it up for a moment, observing the metal engravings with a small smile. He flips it around in his hand, feeling the weight of it - something he is sure she feels both metaphorically and literally.

"Well, yes, this does say detective. I didn't realise your civic duties also included memorising my underwear collection. One would think you had more important issues to worry about." He points out with a lopsided grin, setting the badge back down gently between them.

There's a brief moment of surprise when he meets a mouthful of feather down pillow. The laugh that follows is light, for once not secretly burdened with the heaviness of all he had been through, all of the responsibility. It was nice, in a way, to just be here with her. The outside world firmly hidden away behind the door of the igloo, at least for now.

"Who do I take you for?" He considers, though the question was hardly meant to be deep.

Kiran leans toward her, bridging some of the gap between them as he observed her more closely. "I take you for... an exceptionally clever woman. Observant. Kind, even if she may deny it. And-"

In a moment he's reached for the pillow behind him, aiming it in her direction with equal force toward the side of her head. His grin somehow manages to widen, even if his face is now much closer to hers, awaiting her reaction with raised brows. "-An excellent teacher. I'd say my reaction times have improved massively since our training session."

Kiran watches her curiously as she speaks of the supernaturals, their work. The mention of Isabelle. "You do know I could look into her, if you wanted." He pauses, a small smile forming. "Perhaps I could even wrap a report on her in a red ribbon, if you wished for it to feel more festive."

Kiran's expression remains open, watching Jo with a held breath. There was a knot in his stomach that seemed to tighten, something to do with the way she looked at him.

They were colleagues, yes, perhaps even friends - but... they'd never really gone deeper than light hearted banter and work talk. He hadn't gone deeper with anyone than that for a while. He's nervous, afraid whatever box she's about to open may unleash something between them that can't be taken back.

And then... she looks to the chocolate.

For a moment, he pauses - the disappointment blatant in his expression. As always, though, he's quick to recover - a smile forming, even if it's less animated than usual. "Ah. Of course. My bad, my Christmas greed getting the better of me." He reaches out to set the box atop her knee, his hand brushing over her leg briefly before he settles back into the cushions.

He knows he should let the matter go. Whatever she wished to ask was thought better of for a reason.

But... he looks back to her, leaning closer, holding her gaze as she had held his - trying to show, at least in his way, that he was here.

"We're a team, you and I." The words are quieter than usual, something more than his usual joking banter. "For better or worse, we're in this together. If... if you ever did want to ask me anything. Anything more than just the chocolates. You can. You always can." He finishes his sentence with a firm nod, brows furrowed. "I know trust is hard in our line of work. But... I hope the two of us have something close to it. I would like that."

[detectivejdarling]

Jo’s mouth quirks as he talks, the tension in her shoulders easing just a fraction. “Okay? I promise to be awake when I pelt you with pillows.” She replies teasingly, even gives him a brief, crooked smile.

His smugness earns him a snort before she can stop it. “Oh, but if I miss you, I can just read back through your exceptionally detailed and exceedingly lengthy reports,” she says, deadpan sweet. “You know, the ones I didn’t feed into the shredder. It’ll be like you’re right there with me, chewing my ear off.”

“So I can run past the intruder to safety while they focus on you?” she corrects slowly, then shakes her head and huffs softly. “Obviously.” Her smile slips slightly as her gaze drops to the comforter. She brushes at a piece of invisible lint and shrugs one shoulder. “I don’t know.” She does. All too well. The next words come quieter, rushed though she aims for carelessness, hoping Kiran won't catch them—or at least won't question them. “It’s just always been my side.”

She notices the way Kiran freezes, the way his attention stumbles, the way he attempts to build himself back up—and enjoys it more than she probably should. It costs her nothing, and the faint, smug smile she gives him doesn’t bother trying to hide that. When he says it’s fair, she nods once, lips pressing together to contain her grin. “Mhm.”

When he rediscovers his backbone, she tilts her head to study him, lips pursed, like she's genuinely reconsidering her assessment. “Hm. I don’t know. I’m still disappointed by the lack of ducks.” A thoughtful crease forms between Jo's brows as she continues as though she's talking to herself. As though musing over a coworker’s underwear isn’t completely inappropriate. “I really thought there would be ducks. Or something super nerdy—like Star Wars.” Her gaze flicks back to him, sharpened by a hint of mischief. “Remind me again. When is your birthday?”

She watches Kiran line everything up with neat precision, the contrast to the chaos in his office not lost on her. There’s a touch of fondness in her gaze, in the way her attention lingers, but she reins her features back into a neutral expression before he can notice. When he offers her the glass, she hesitates just long enough to know she’s going to say yes anyway. She takes it, fingers brushing his as they circle the stem. Once it’s filled she takes a small sip, then another, swirling the wine and watching it move before she shifts to face him more fully, settling cross-legged.

“I didn’t want to come,” she rectifies. “I was honestly looking forward to paperwork and homicides. No part of this is voluntary. It was the chief’s idea.” Her mouth twists faintly and she takes another sip. “Because of those new agreements? ‘Police involvement in all crimes pertaining to humans,’ or something." She recites as though she doesn't know the exact line and shrugs. "I suppose he wanted to be ahead of the game.”

She takes a longer swallow of wine, hoping it will steady her, then looks at him. “If I ask you something,” she says, lips pursed faintly as she watches him closely, still not entirely convinced this is a door she wants to open, “will you tell me the truth?”

[kiranrabari]

Kiran can't help a brief smile at Jo's sarcastic response, tilting his head as he studies her for a moment. "Pelted in the head with a duck feather, deity provided pillows by a fully conscious, vengeful Detective Darling?" The smile widens to a grin, humour bright in his eyes. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Hey! You do know I spend hours on those reports. All my hard, hard work - straight down the shredder." His tone is deliberately dramatic, verging on whiny - though a smirk soon breaking through his feigned offense. He knew his reports were boring as hell. Had actually tried to cut them down a bit - even if they had only reduced by a couple of pages. Thoroughness was a difficult habit to break.

Kiran is about to make another witty remark, when he notices the subtle shift in her demeanour. Notices the slight sadness that seems to be there for a moment, a break in their light hearted banter. He could comment, could ask what she meant - try to discover a secret, one of many he knows she likely keeps. But... he stops himself before the question can fully form. He had his own secrets, too, ones too difficult to think of, sometimes. If she ever wanted to talk to him about her own, she would, in her own time.

"Alright." The word comes out simply, a kind smile lifting at his lips - an unspoken sign that he understood, that he would leave whatever was troubling her untouched, if she wished it. "Your side it is."

Kiran sees exactly how much Jo is enjoying the downfall of his ego with precise clarity, the smug curve of her smile impossible to miss. That didn't help speed up his recovery process, it only made her look even more beautiful, and adds an extra second of stuttering. Once Kiran has finally recovered the remnants of his dignity, he forces his shoulders to relax, releasing a short breath.

He can't help the half smile that forms at her assessment of his underwear, one brow rising. "My, my, detective. You seem to have put an awful lot of thought into my undergarments. I didn't know you'd paid such close attention." He says the words slowly, indulgent amusement glinting in his eye as he watches her. "You know, some would say Star Wars is actually rather cool. But, I am sorry to disappoint. Perhaps I'll have to try harder next time." He laughs, tilting his head. "Are you trying to analyse me by my star sign now, or are you expecting me to say May the 4th?" He asks, then shrugs. "It's actually June 9th."

Once he's a little more settled against the pillows, he takes another deep swallow from his wine. He was going to need it, this was hardly how he expected the night to go. Still, he returns his full attention to her as she swivels to face him, listening closely.

"Alright, you didn't want to come. Even so, an event like this, people are tipsy and their guards drop. Maybe it's as good a night as any to try and figure out if there are any Artemis players around. Or, anyone breaking these new rules we all have to abide by."

When she becomes more serious, he straightens, angling himself more in her direction. He searches her face for a moment, a brief second of silence, before he nods earnestly. "Of course. You can ask me anything, you always can." His expression is open, ready for whatever she has to ask.

[narizeung]

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. You’ve always seemed like an intelligent man to me, Kiran.” Nari reassured, offering him a sympathetic smile. “It’s okay, these things take time and practise and it’s not as though most people have access to an ice rink every day.” He comforted as he pulled him gently—but with surprising strength— back onto his feet.

Nari watches as Kiran takes some nervous steps forwards, skating backwards himself as he did so. “I hate to say it, but I think a certain amount of grace and poise just comes with our species. I wouldn’t worry, there are plenty of things that you as humans are able to teach us.” He replied genuinely, “Now… keep your feet a little closer together and think of your body as one straight line. If you’re feeling like you’re going to fall, it’s probably just that your weight is in the wrong place. Sometimes it’s the feeling of your chest being slightly over your feet that can correct it.”

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Nari asked conversationally as he tried to coax him forwards a little more.

[kiranrabari]

Kiran can't help but show a small smile at Nari's compliment. It wasn't every day an elf remarked on his intelligence. In fact, recently, it wasn't often his intelligence was remarked upon at all. The police department was a harsh contrast to the halls of Remington Tower, where he used to work - and with today's political climent, things weren't exactly positive at the office. "Well, I think you're being kinder to me than I deserve - but... thank you."

Kiran can't help but blink with the strength that Nari uses to help guide him to his feet, taking a second to balance himself with a chuckle. "Wow, man. Whatever protein shakes you elves are using - I need to try it."

Kiran takes on Nari's instructions with a small nod, guiding his feet into the suggested position. He certainly still wasn't as graceful as Nari, but... perhaps he was slightly less wobbly then before. He even manages a few shaky steps forward - progress which he grins boldly at, despite only managing a short distance. "This seems better. Thanks, Nari. Perhaps you've found a new calling for yourself - ice skating coach?"

Kiran responds to Nari's question with a small shrug, brows quirking. "I... I am, actually. Usually events like this are difficult for me. It's easy to feel a little out of place. Being in a minority of humans. But, I came with a colleague, actually. To help provide a bit of a police presence, I suppose." Not that he felt very police, but it was nice to be here with a friend - even if he had lost her amongst the crowd. "How about you, Nari - having fun? Are you here with a certain dark haired gentleman?" A boyish smirk grows.

[detectivejdarling]

Jo came back into the igloo with a look that said she’d already lost the argument with the universe and didn’t feel like having it again. She shut the wooden door behind her a little more forcefully than necessary and rolled her shoulders once, as though she was shaking something off.

“No luck,” she said, flat and unsurprised. “Apparently the deities are feeling… economical this year.” Her gaze flicked to the bed, then to Kiran, then back again, weighing it like a crime scene. “Forget it. You’re not sleeping on the floor.” She shrugged out of her coat and draped it over the chair near his jacket, movements efficient but restrained—tired, more than anything. “It’s a big bed,” she went on, already resigning herself to it. “We’re both adults. We can survive one night without turning it into a Greek tragedy.”

When he called her his partner, her eyes cut to him, brows lifting a fraction in warning. “Keep saying it like that and I will strangle you in your sleep,” she told him dryly, but there was no real heat behind it. She crossed the room and claimed the left side of the bed without ceremony, sitting down to toe off her boots. “This side’s mine,” she added, glancing back at him. “That’s one thing I won’t negotiate.”

At the mention of pyjamas, Jo paused, then let out a short, incredulous breath. “Oh, fantastic,” she muttered. “They can stock pyjamas but not count beds.” She pushed back to her feet and walked past him to the cabinet, her gaze snagging, brief and traitorous, on the bottle of wine before she reached past it and pulled out a set. She took one glance at the violently festive flannel top, patterned with reindeer in Santa hats, before she stuffed it back into the drawer and kicked it shut, only bringing the solid grey bottoms with her.

“Well,” she said, already tugging her sweater up and over her head like it wasn’t even a question. She didn’t rush, didn’t bother to turn away, the fabric sliding free to leave her in a simple black lace bra. “I’ve seen you in your underwear.” Her voice stayed easy, like this was barely worth remarking on, but her eyes flicked to him—brief and unmistakably teasing—before she looked away again. “Guess it’s only fair you get to see mine.”

She stepped out of her jeans and pulled on the bottoms then climbed back onto the bed. When she leaned back against the headboard, she scrubbed both hands over her face, fingers pressing briefly at her eyes like she was finally letting the day catch up with her, whatever tension she’d been carrying easing a notch.

“If you're planning on opening that,” she added, letting her hand fall to her lap, eyes drifted to the wine again. “I won’t stop you.”

[kiranrabari]

"It's honestly no trouble. There's plenty of blankets here anyway-" Kiran is about to protest, but the fatigue threaded through her voice catches her attention, and he cuts himself off. She's right. It's one night - he's sure they've both endured much worse. "Alright. We'll survive. So long as you promise not to do sleep walk. An old roommate of mine used to pelt me with pillows at two in the morning, back in the day. I'm still traumatised." Kiran recalls with a faint smile.

Kiran's smug grin manages to widen, despite Jo's casual threat. "You say that, detective, but we both know deep down you'd miss me too much." This whole partner business was still a matter of pride for Kiran - though he was well aware he may need to start keeping that to himself, unless he wanted to end up out of employment. His brow does quirk, however, at Jo's insistance to take the left side, head tilting momentarily. "What's the logic there? Let me guess. Easier access to arrest intruders from that angle?" The question is only half a joke, even if he chuckles, humour lining his expression. "I do appreciate the protection."

Kiran is distracted with rifling through the rest of the contents of the cupboard, so he doesn't initially notice Jo's lack of a shirt in her pyjama selection. "Oh, look. Not enough beds, but they do have an impressive supply of chocola-" He finally turns his head from his new find and towards Joanna as he hears her speaking, words cutting off as he catches sight of her.

To his credit, he manages somehow not to drop the newly discovered box of chocolates, though his brain stalls for a beat too long. She was beautiful, he'd known that before. But... there was something about seeing her like this - out of her own usual brand of uniform and more comfortable, that had his breath catching momentarily. He's suddenly completely unsure where to look, expression frozen.

Still, once she's tugged her pyjamas on, it's like a switch flicks in his head and he suddenly remembers how to behave like a functional human again, not the socially awkward tech nerd he once was. "Ah- yes... you're right. Fair is fair." The words come out stiffly at first, prompting him to clear his throat, turning his head quickly back to the cupboard to conceal the faintest tinge of a blush. "Though, objectively speaking, my boxers were the superior fashion choice. But we can’t all be ahead of the curve." He jokes as his hand returns to the bottle of wine, perhaps he needed the extra alcohol more than he first thought. The chocolate wasn't going to cut it.

"That may actually be a very good idea." Kiran grabs a couple of glasses too, making his way over to the bed. After lining his shoes neatly on the floor, he leans back against the pillows, offering one of the empty glasses to Jo with a soft smile. "Can I tempt you?"

Once his own glass is filled and he’s taken a small sip, he relaxes further, tugging at his collar to loosen it. His gaze drifts back to her, curious now. "So... did you find anything you were looking for so far this evening? You never did tell me why you wanted us to come."

[narizeung]

Nari was happy to find someone that wanted to spend time with him, his friendships had slowly dwindled in his old age and close friends had passed on, so it was nice when people wanted to spend time with him. Plus, Kiran seemed so much like an excited puppy that it was difficult to resist.

He let himself be dragged towards the frozen lake with a small chuckle and happily put on the skates, watching first as Kiran headed out onto the ice, but his eyes quickly widened when Kiran promptly wobbled and fell backwards onto the hard surface.

The elf took to the ice easily, gracefully stopping next to the man. “Kiran! Are you alright?” He asked him, a pained look on his face as he looked him over, “You didn’t hit your head, did you?” He asked him, cautiously holding out his hand, though he was begrudged to haul him up before he knew the answer— the medic in him immediately coming out to play. “You need one of those children’s frames.” He only partly teased him and smiled. “It’s okay, I’ll teach you.”

[kiranrabari]

"I'm fine!" Kiran is quick to respond, as he pushes himself up into a sitting position on the ice. "Didn't hit my head. Not sure if there's much of a brain left in there to be damaged, anyway, so I wouldn't worry about that." He jokes with a soft laugh, watching Nari for a moment as he takes to the ice with ease.

"Perhaps I do need a frame, I'm sure most of the children in the city would be able to beat be at a race out here." Kiran chuckles, cautiously reaching out for Nari's hand - he was half afraid of hauling the elf down with him. Slowly, with his assistance, he pulls himself up onto his feet. His balance seems to go momentarily, knees buckling and his spare hand spiralling out to his side - but, he manages to stay upright, becoming still again after a few long seconds. "This may well be the death of me."

Once he feels as close to steady as possible, he lets go of Nari, taken a few deer-like steps forward. "I should have known the elf would know how to ice skate. You guys always seem to be so... in control." Kiran observes, taking a breath as he looked out at the ice ahead. "I am more than open to a lesson."