labyrinthinesyndicatex

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

labyrinthinesyndicatex affiliated with @vendettashq

adored by mina

muses under the cut

ALARIC FAULKNER: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

ANAIS ORTIZ: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

CIAN ZHANG: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

ELISA GUTIÉRREZ: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

FORREST MILLER: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

GAVIN SCOTT: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

GRANT BLACKWOOD: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

KAIA QUILLON: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

KRISH GUJRAL: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

NAYELI AGUILAR: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

STELLA NA: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

TRISTAN HAKEEM: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

TYRESE BISHOP: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

VERA BROOKS: interactions | introduction | mirror | about

[poisonvdhonvy]

Jordan's brain is racing, imagining Kaia leading a weird parade of kids in fruit costumes across the playground. It’s ridiculous, but it also feels like the kind of chaos that would actually happen if she let this go too far. “Alright, but if you’re the most prepared teacher in the building, I’m the one stuck sewing capes for your entire class. You ready for that? Because I can already see kids begging for Snack Squad membership cards.” She shakes her head, though the corner of her mouth twitches. “Fine, we’ll make it official. You lead the squad, I’ll handle the tech. Just don’t blame me when the fruit army shows up.”

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Jordan was already halfway to drafting bylaws for this imaginary squad, which honestly cracked her up more than the fruit costumes. “Okay, but if you’re sewing capes for everyone, I’m demanding glitter thread upgrades. No kid is joining Snack Squad without sparkle. And membership cards? Those are absolutely getting laminated, because otherwise they’ll be crumpled in five minutes.” She knew Jordan would make a whole thing out of the joke, which was oddly soothing, even though it made everything so much more complicated. “And fine, you can handle the tech, but don’t act shocked when the fruit army shows up asking for matching theme music too. I’m not stopping them.”

[blackbcxwarning]

CLOSED STARTER FOR @labyrinthinesyndicatex FT. SAMMY & KAIA

"-come on!" sammy started, eyes focused on the woman in front of him. "i know it's monday but today couldn't have been that bad right?" he always saw the brighter side of things, even when he had a long day. he knew not everyone had that mindset and so, he was going to do what he could to cheer her up. he brought his pinky fingers to the sides of his mouth and tugged at them, shooting her a goofy face in attempt to make her smile. there wasn't much he wouldn't do to help a friend.

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Mondays always dragged her down, and part of her wanted to stay stubborn just to prove a point, even if the point didn’t really matter. “But I don’t want to,” Kaia groaned, dragging the words out like a kid refusing chores. His ridiculous face made it harder to hold onto the mood she’d been clinging to all morning, though. She thought about how Jordan used to pull dumb stunts like that when she was sulking, and it annoyed her that it still worked. “Okay … fine,” she said, giving in with a reluctant smile. “You’re impossible, but maybe that helps.”

[c0exiist]

Hearing a familiar voice call out to her, Tatiana turned around and greeted Tyrese with a bright smile before pulling him into a hug. “Ugh, yes I did. Thank you sooooo much! It was very thoughtful and definitely what we needed.” she mused before pulling away. “Ah, so I’ve heard from everyone and even the man himself.” Tati laughed and gestured a nonchalant wave as if it wasn’t a big deal. “He always has a special place in my heart and if you ask me if I would do it all over again? I would, but I would have probably saved everyone the trouble and confessed sooner than later.” 

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Tyrese thought she was being sincere, but he never fully trusted compliments, because they always came with a catch. Nevertheless, she made it easier to trust her. "That's great it worked for you both," he said grinning. “Cedric’s been walking lighter these days, and that’s not something I’ve seen often.” He thought about how rare it was for Cedric to let anyone in fully - loyalty was easy to claim but harder to live. Hearing her talk about confessing sooner made him wonder how many people ever got that timing right. Most waited until it was too late. “Funny thing is, you saying you’d do it earlier … that probably saved him more than you realize. What finally made you stop holding back?”

[c0exiist]

At this rate, Desmond should just be a certified security guard for the junction as these fights were becoming more prominent in his day to day life. He yelled at a couple of them to fuck off and cool down, feeling like he was back in SEAL days and felt the adrenaline rush dying down in his veins. Tilting his head from side to side, he rolled his shoulders and glanced over at Tyrese before rolling his eyes—as if he had a choice in the matter. “I’m like a fight magnet, they just happen around me.” Des gruffly replied while dusting himself off and straightening his composure. “Young? I’m pushing 40 soon. In fact, I’m catching up to you old man.” He then grinned and patted Tyrese’s back before laughing at his heating pad comment. “Do you have a favourite one that you could recommend? I feel like mine isn’t strong enough for my muscles.” 

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Tyrese figured Desmond wasn’t wrong about fights finding him, but it still cracked him up that the man acted surprised each time. "You call it a fight magnet? More like you’re putting out some kind of signal,” he said with a laugh, shaking his head. “And don’t start with that catching up talk… forty creeping up is still a few exits behind me. You’ll feel the difference when you wake up sore from tying your shoes, then we can compare notes.” He thought about how age had a way of sneaking into the small things - not the big moments, but the mornings, the stiffness that hung around longer than it used to. “When it comes to heating pads, yeah, I’ve got a go-to. Sunbeam makes one that’s plug-in, heavy fabric, gets hot enough you’ll think twice before cranking it all the way up. None of that weak stick-on stuff. If you’re serious about recovery, that’s the one I’d tell you to grab.”

[fairplcy-deactivated20250826]

Kai's interest was fully piqued. Leverage, connections, favors with no strings attached… it was the ultimate power play. And she was offering all that in exchange for one, maybe two, forged pieces of jewelry? The gamble was high, but the potential rewards were even higher. He chuckled softly, his expression confident. "You know how to convince a man, I'll give you that. I'm intrigued. And I'll take that challenge. No strings attached, right? A favor, free and clear.” He paused and locked eyes with her. “That's one hell of an incentive."

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

She knew he liked the sound of it, but hearing him say it out loud made her realize how much trust she was putting on the table - and trust wasn’t something she handed out lightly. “Convincing you wasn’t the hard part,” she said with a small grin, “making sure you believe me when I say yes, it’s free and clear … that’s the trick.” People always assumed there was a hidden clause. You get one favor, no take-backs. That’s the whole incentive. Use it wisely.”

[blackbcxwarning]

he hadn't been taking care of himself and if anyone could see that, it'd be forrest. after all, no one spent as much time with him as forrest did or violeta. even so, he didn't want either of them to worry about them. he stared at the food the other pushed in his direction, he a huff escaping his lips. "forrest, i told you i'm fine." he grumbled, his arms crossing over his chest. but the smell of the burger definitely made his stomach growl and he was sure the other could hear it.

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Forrest caught that growl and thought it was almost hilarious how Christian’s body was calling him out louder than Forrest ever could - stubborn pride versus basic hunger, and hunger was winning. “Yeah, you’re fine… except your stomach just filed a noise complaint,” he said, smirking as he pushed the bag closer. He hated sounding like he cared too much, but it slipped out anyway. “Eat before I start narrating each bite like a cooking show host. And don’t act like you’ve gotta tough this out solo, alright? I’m sitting right here.”

[blackbcxwarning]

jade knew that her sister would understand. after everything's she's been through, stella was always there and she appreciated everything she'd done for her after she lost her fiance. "i know you are." she reached across the table and squeezed her sister's hand, "thank you for being here and you know, just understanding where i'm coming from. i just...i don't want to settle, especially when i had everything i wanted before."

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

She couldn't stand her sister's whisper of a voice, as if the pressure she was under had shrunk her in ways nobody else could see. Stella squeezed her hand back, steady, because that was all she could offer in the moment. “You don’t owe anyone settling, Jade. Not after what you had. It's not selfish to want more," she stated, without a doubt. She thought about how people always tried to rush grief like it was homework with a deadline - ridiculous. “And I’ll keep reminding you until you believe it.”

[c0exiist]

“I always mean business. No shortcuts, no bullshits. My intentions stay true.” replied Tatiana as if she had recited this before to her clients. She then broke out into laughter as she shook her head and doubled down, “All jokes aside, you are someone that I respect and value. Going through hard times in a relationship isn’t easy to handle on your own anyways, therefore I’m just letting you know that you do have a support system to back you up whenever, wherever.” Vera’s playful remark had Tati grinning from ear to ear as she did love accepting any challenge presented to her. “As you should, it’s always satisfaction guaranteed when it comes to those that I’m showing effort to.” Nodding in agreement, she could already picture a Netflix documentary or inspired film made about them if it were to ever happen. “Exactly, you see the vision! I’m glad you’re all in for this. Speaking of snacks, do you have any dietary restrictions? Allergies? A non-negotiable snack item that should be present in the basket?” 

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

She couldn’t help but think Tatiana had a way of making everything sound bigger than it was, like even a hike and snacks could turn into some grand production, and honestly that was kind of comforting. “You really do make it sound like a whole event,” Vera said, her tone light but sincere. “And I’ll take the support system part seriously, because I know you mean it. Not everyone offers that without expecting something back.” It felt strange admitting that out loud, but it slipped through anyway. She thought about how much she’d been carrying alone lately, how easy it was to convince herself she didn’t need anyone, and how exhausting that had become. “As for satisfaction guaranteed … I’ll hold you to that too. If there’s a documentary, I want the flattering angles,” she teased, letting humor cover the weight of her earlier words. “And snacks? Non-negotiable. No allergies, but chips and chocolate are mandatory. If those aren’t in the basket, I’m writing a very strongly worded review.”

[c0exiist]

Marisol held a finger up, “Sir, I said back pain, not memory loss…That will probably come in my 50s.” Implying that age had selective disadvantages to the physical body. “Oh…So what is your style?” she curiously asked. It was more so to get an idea of what he likes to make the Christmas shopping easier when it comes their family's staff. “Yeah, but it’s a sunny day and might as well do the whole ice cream package deal.” When she finally made it to the counter, she went ahead and ordered their choices, before glaring at Grant for what he had said. “If that happens, I’m picking it up and throwing it at your face. You can’t just say stuff like that! You’re manifesting! Do you not know that words hold power?” Pulling out some cash, she paid the ice cream truck driver and waited for them to pass their sweet treat. “Meanie, just for that we’re going to sit on a bench together and eat this in peace.” Clearly she was pushing her limits, but will he really deny her the company? She was about to find out.

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Grant figured she had a talent for turning even ice cream into some kind of negotiation, and part of him almost respected it. “Back pain, memory loss … you’re really planning out your decline early,” he said dryly, though his tone carried more amusement than bite. “Style-wise? Keep it simple. Dark colors, clean lines, nothing flashy. If the staff’s shopping, just tell them not to get creative.” He thought about how ridiculous it was that she even cared to ask - most people just guessed and got it wrong. But, it was simpler to just answer than avoid. “And yeah, fine, sunny day, ice cream package deal, I’ll play along. Not like I had pressing plans.” He watched her glare and shook his head. “Manifesting? You’re giving me way too much credit. If words had that much power, half this city would’ve collapsed years ago.” He accepted the cone, taking a bite without hesitation. "So, the bench? Alright, but if you’re calling me mean, you better share some of those sprinkles you’re hoarding.”

[c0exiist]

“I have my good days and bad, therapy and meds help, but there comes a point where I fall back into my bad habits…” A disappointing look appeared as her gaze hardened, trying to find the positive in all this. “I guess that’s what makes us human and you’re right, it only happens when I’m alone…” However, the idea of saying it out loud was something that she still struggled with. Therefore, when Elisa asked her an anxiety inducing questions, Catriona froze and felt her throat close up as she struggled to find the right words. What felt like a long pause, was only a few seconds as Lizeth's laugh snapped her out of her freeze. "Failure." she managed to say out loud. "What I should and shouldn't have done. Repetitive what ifs?...It's a cycle of all that."

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

It hit her how heavy that word sounded, failure, and she almost winced hearing it out loud because she knew how sharp it could cut when her own brain threw it at her. She thought about all the nights she’d replayed choices until she was sick of herself - it never fixed anything, just left her tired and stuck. “Yeah, that cycle’s brutal,” Elisa said quietly, not wanting to make it bigger than it already was. “But you’re not alone in it. Everyone’s got those what ifs that chew at them … the trick is not letting them decide who you are.” She realized how often she used stubbornness to hide her true feelings, and how simple it was to fake being okay. “Failure doesn’t erase the good you’ve done, Cat. It just means you’ve lived through some rough chapters. What do you do when that loop starts?”

[ofgrenvde]

"Anyone who tries to leave usually fails miserably," Nox said, his voice getting deeper. "There's this bloke I knew in Chicago who thought he could just walk away after eight months with the Torrino crew. Found him floating in Lake Michigan two weeks later." The doctor's questions about blood contracts weren't just academic curiosity — this was someone who'd been approached, probably recently. "They don't advertise the exit clause because there isn't one. Once you're in, you're property until they decide otherwise." He studied Alaric's face, wondering how close this man had come to signing his life away. The desperation in his voice when he mentioned helping people suggested the families had already dangled their particular brand of salvation in front of him. "Sounds like they've already made you an offer. So, what did they offer? Some special treatments for your wife? Or maybe endless research money?"

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

He hated how quickly his stomach knotted at the mention of Chicago - eight months, floating in a lake, that was the kind of story that stuck. Everyone thought they were special, until they weren't. "They've been at it," Alaric whispered. “You nailed it. They dangled both - treatments for Arielle, and a bottomless pit of research funding if I’d just sign on. They make it sound like salvation, but it’s really just a leash.” He thought about how easy it would be to say yes, how tempting it was when every specialist had already shrugged. Desperation made people reckless, and he wasn’t blind to how close he’d come. “I keep telling myself I can’t trade her future for chains around my own, but some nights I wonder how long I can keep saying no.”

[ofgrenvde]

"You know what, fine, you win," Lucian said, already pulling up his phone because Tristan had that annoyingly confident look that meant he'd probably keep pushing until he got his premium dinner. "Have you heard of Ssam Bar? It's this Korean place that opened recently. The bulgogi is super expensive, but everyone raves about it." He looked at the menu, thinking about the cost, but after that memory leak, good food was worth it. Plus, Tristan's smug grin was actually kind of entertaining when it wasn't directed at his broken code, and ordering expensive takeout felt like the kind of spontaneous thing his old self would've done without overthinking every dollar.

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Tristan figured Lucian giving in this fast was its own kind of win, and he liked that smugness was apparently paying off. “Yeah, I’ve heard of Ssam Bar. People won’t shut up about it,” he teased without a second thought. “Pricey bulgogi sounds like exactly the kind of reckless choice you’d regret tomorrow but brag about tonight.” He knew he was pushing, but that was part of the fun - watching Lucian wrestle with being practical and still wanting to enjoy himself. Premium food wasn’t really about the food anyway, it was about the excuse to indulge. “If you’re asking me, restraint’s overrated. Let’s splurge and call it research for morale.”

[ofgrenvde]

Aarti raised an eyebrow, impressed despite herself—this guy really didn't lack confidence, did he? "Three laps ahead? That's some serious trash talk," she said with a laugh. Wait, now that she thought about it, wasn't he usually glued to Jordan's side most nights, going on and on about whatever drama she was stirring up this week? "Anyway, did you and Jordan have some kind of falling out? Because normally I can't shut you up about her latest adventures, and tonight you haven't mentioned her once."

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

He figured she’d notice eventually - he wasn’t exactly subtle when it came to Jordan. "If you're gonna trash talk, make it good," he said, trying to sound cooler than he was. To be honest, Jordan hadn't been around much, and he'd been trying to avoid thinking about it. He hated how obvious that sounded even in his own head. “No falling out, nothing dramatic. She’s just buried in work, and I figured I’d give everyone a break from my greatest hits about her. Didn’t want you charging me royalties.”

[ofgrenvde]

"Oh come on, I wasn't that out of it," Aarti said, flicking a stray kernel off her sleeve while shooting Kaia a mock glare. "And for the record, falling asleep during your own movie night just means you picked a really comfortable couch." She grabbed the remote and paused the film, turning to face her friend with a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "You know what, forget the vampire for a second. I just remembered I have that bottle of wine we never opened from last week, and if we're doing this whole classic movie experience, we might as well do it right." The black and white figures froze on screen as she stood up, already heading toward the kitchen cabinet where she'd stashed the bottle after their last hangout got interrupted by work calls and general life chaos. "Wine improves everything, including those creepy silent vampire films."

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Kaia cracked up watching Aarti go from fake-mad to scheming with wine - total distraction, and actually pretty precious. She knew Aarti hated being called out for anything, even something as harmless as dozing off, but that grin gave her away. It reminded Kaia of nights with her sister when they’d scrape together cheap snacks and pretend it was some grand occasion - wine just made it feel fancier, even if it was the same chaos underneath. "You were totally out of it," she chuckled, leaning back with a smirk. “Comfortable couch or not, that was a full-on nap. I should’ve drawn a mustache on you.” She laughed before adding, “But fine, wine does sound like a proper upgrade. Just don’t blame me if it makes you pass out again … though I guess that’d make this the shortest movie night ever.”

[alinaxdarzi]

Alina’s laugh slipped out before she could stop it, soft but edged with that familiar little smirk. “You make me sound like I’m running background checks for sport,” she teased, leaning a bit closer as if sharing a secret. “But admit it, Anaïs—you’d be disappointed if I didn’t at least keep you on your toes. Who else is going to call out your sometimes questionable taste before it gets you in trouble?” Her expression softened after a beat, though, the amusement lingering in her eyes. “And for the record, I don’t always make it a thing...only when it’s interesting enough to deserve one.”

With an almost exaggerated sigh, Alina straightened, her gaze flicking toward the direction of the show. “Trapeze artists, huh? Fine. I’ll trade my fun for yours—for now. But don’t think that means you’re off the hook. I’m just… delaying the interrogation.” A playful smile tugged at her lips as she added, “come on, let’s get those seats. If I’m going to be distracted, at least it should be by something dazzling.” Alina turned back to her sister before grinning, "or should we get some cotton candy first? You know I'm a sucker for spun sugar."

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

Anais couldn’t decide if it was worse that Alina was right or that she enjoyed it when her sister pushed like this - it felt too easy for her to see past the little walls Anais liked to keep up. “Disappointed? Please. I’d call it a miracle if you ever let me breathe without commentary,” she shot back, though her mouth curved despite herself. “Hey! I don't have questionable taste. I’ve seen your playlists, so maybe let’s not throw stones.” The jab slipped out smooth, almost automatic, but underneath she felt that tiny sting of truth in what Alina said about keeping her on her toes. She hated needing it, but she did. “Alright, fine, trapeze over interrogation. I’ll take the win while it lasts,” she added, brushing off the weight in her chest with practiced ease. Her eyes darted to the pink thing her sister was holding. “Cotton candy first, though. If you’re a sucker for spun sugar, I’m the one funding your addiction.”

[demirxaslan]

His mouth curved, but it wasn’t his usual half-smile—this one had a sharper edge. She thought he was retreating? Cute. That competitive fire in her eyes almost made him laugh, except he knew better than to underestimate a woman who could cut him open with a sentence. Too good to be true, his instincts warned, the same instincts that had kept him alive in Devil’s Junction longer than he should’ve been. But he wasn’t about to give her the satisfaction of watching him fold. “Forfeit?” he echoed, leaning in slightly, his voice low and steady. “Not my style either. You should know that by now. I don’t start something unless I intend to see it through.” It may have been what he'd done, backtracking thanks to being a bit too honest with her, but he couldn't admit to that--not easily.

He let the words hang for a moment, letting her catch the double edge in them. A challenge. A promise. A warning. “Second best isn’t in my vocabulary either. I like to win. And if you think I’m the type to retreat when things get interesting, maybe you haven’t been paying as close attention as you think.” He tilted his head, gaze unwavering, letting her see he wasn’t going to blink first. “Handle the heat?” His smile returned then, slow and deliberate. “I thrive in it. You’ll have to bring more than clever jabs and good conversation to scare me off.” There it was—the part of him that always pushed back, even when caution whispered that everything about her spelled trouble. Especially because it spelled trouble. And with Anais Ortiz, Demir was absolutely falling in trouble, day by day, moment by moment.

[labyrinthinesyndicatex]

He wasn’t bluffing, that much was obvious, and she caught herself almost grinning at how hard he pushed back. It was reckless to enjoy this, but she did anyway. "Good," she said with a sly tone, knowing he'd get the hint. “Because if you were the type to start something and not finish it, I’d lose interest fast.” She let the words settle before adding with a sharper bite, “And don’t worry, I’ve been paying plenty of attention. You’re not exactly subtle, Demir.” She noticed how he kept pace with her, just as determined as she was, like someone who wouldn't quit, even when it was the smart thing to do.

That reminded her of her father at the card tables, chasing wins until he broke himself. Dangerous quality, but also the one she couldn’t look away from. "I don't do second best," she said, and she sounded just as sure of herself as he was, almost like she was challenging him. “I play to win, and I don’t stop until I do.” Maybe she sounded cocky, but that was the point - she wasn’t here to give him an easy match. She leaned just a little closer, not breaking eye contact. “As for the heat … you’re not the only one who thrives in it. If you think clever lines and a steady stare are enough to rattle me, you’ll be waiting a long time.” Then she smiled, slow and self-assured. “You want me to bring more? Careful what you wish for.”