PERSEVERANCE

LUCAS LOPES LOWELL. twenty-seven. journalist. seraph. survivor.

[lucas-lowell]

byrne-ing-cole·:

ψ

Gray lets out a grunt and a rough laugh as they’re shoved up against the shipping container. Stake hovering threateningly over his heart, he smiles at the question, letting his eyes drop and linger on Luke’s lips, “Not exactly friends.” He says, looking back into the seraph’s eyes with a complete lack of nuance. Luke leans in closer and they can feel that pull again. Magnetic. Electric. Dangerous. They lean in too, as much as Luke allows, pressed up against them, pushing the stake firmly to their chest. “I know your family fucked you up beyond repair and that you don’t think you can tell anyone about it. I also know you go around angry and bitter, because you have this huge secret. And I know it’s basically impossible to draw a line between secret and self. So… if I know your secret… what else is there, huh?” They keep close to Luke, despite him pushing them away. Despite observing the what most might consider a horrifying level of preparedness for his latest hit. It doesn’t phase Gray, if anything it draws them in, intrigues them, like so much about the seraph. Continuing they add, “Now, you might not feel like you can trust me, but I stay despite everything. That’s gotta count for something, right?”

⋙

Luke raises a brow at that answer. Not exactly friends, what the fuck that‘s supposed to mean? Are they after playing some fucked up game of cat-and-mouse, like the enemies they already are? Byrne never did say anything straightforward, always with the roundabouts and nuances and subtle, cryptic words. To him, it reads as dishonesty and, well, he simply disregards it. But the truth they reveal, exposing Luke to his bare bones, it gives him a pause. He doesn’t defend himself, doesn’t deny or accept their observation. When he looks back at them, only the shadow colors his face, as if someone flicked off the switch and the light is out. Because beneath the anger and bitterness lies the pale truth-- “there’s nothing worth knowing.” His reply is simple and, perhaps in a peculiar way, sincere. “Whatever you’re hoping to find, you’re gonna get disappointed.” That almost sounds like a warning, and Luke himself is not sure why he is telling them this. He doesn’t understand Byrne, probably because he doesn’t try to understand. Whatever this strange fascination they have on him is, Luke doesn’t want to know. He shouldn’t. He shouldn’t ask questions when he doesn’t want to know the answers. All he knows is that the deeper they dig, they more disappointed they will be. 

Sighing, Luke shakes his head slightly. He tells himself he can handle Byrne and his antics later. “Didn’t ask you to stay, and it doesn’t count for anything,” he replies flatly, “but... it’s your funeral,” and the faintest of smiles, the kind of smiles people show when they say fondly ‘you’re incorrigible’ or ‘you’re an idiot’, creeps up on his lips without him realizing. Because, like the vampire said, they stay despite everything, and for once the tiniest part of him doesn’t feel so... alone.

[lucas-lowell]

DATE: February 15th, 2022 TIME: 11:22 AM LOCATION: Nolan’s apartment

Luke opens the curtains and opens the window, exorcising the stuffy, sticky gloom clinging to the room like dried soda. He then unforgivingly pulls the blanket off of the lump that is Nolan Diaz. “You gotta get your shit together.” He declares sternly, the voice he picked up from his running track coach from a lifetime ago. For some reason, this seems to happen to him often-- his friends get their hearts broken and he is there to pick up the pieces. But then again, he doesn’t have that many friends and who is he kidding? It’s either Crane or Diaz. “I know Decker leaving hit you hard but, moping in your bed like this isn’t gonna do you any good.” Luke says, throwing random clothes within reach at Diaz, and then hands him a bottle of juice. “Get dressed. We’re going outside.”

@nolandiazx​

[lucas-lowell]

blueeyedbrycen·:

🚑

“That’s fair,” Brycen added, which was the truth, Brycen was a complete and utter stranger to the other, but yet he stood there acting like he had known the man for years. It was always probably one of his biggest flaws. The wolf just seemed to want to know everything and everyone; making people happy just was what he enjoyed. “What can I say? I’m a very strange and odd man.” shrugging Brycen tilted his head a little and fixed the collar on his jacket. He was glad Luke didn’t think he was awkward or weird but he was certain he was, growing up he always seemed to stick out like a sore thumb. “Doyle always had a nice ring to it, I think you calling me that might be nice, but don’t be too surprised if you see another strange man answer to that.” the wolf let out a soft chuckle for a moment thinking about the fact that if Luke and his husband ever ran into one another he might answer to Doyle, after all it was his last name. Brycen stepped out figuring that they could just walk to the closest shop. “I’m not really sure how good their coffee is here, but I mean it can’t be that bad.”

⋙

Not that strange or odd, Luke thinks to himself, giving the other a small shrug. He has met living the way he did, and meets all sorts of people from his line of work. This Doyle guy doesn’t even come close to his definition of ‘weird’. He supposes it’s just one of those things people say about themselves. Definitely on the friendlier side, though. “Guess it’s a common name,” he says, “but you’re being pretty specific on that someone. Your brother or something?” Luke knows his insistence on calling people by their last name is, well, weird (since they are in that topic anyway). It’s just something he does, and he feels more comfortable that way. “Well, this place isn’t terrible, and not like people come here lookin’ for the best coffee.” He points out, getting in line at the coffee shop. “...umless you’re a coffee snob, then I dunno what to tell ya.”

[lucas-lowell]

athena-decker·:·

Athena would be on edge but literally everyone was on edge. Agents were in the castle, two of Hollis’ pack members were inside, Rurairi was trapped– and everyone else either knew the other victims of the poll or were feeling guilty about their choices. Not that Athena wasn’t feeling guilty as well but there were bigger issues at hand. She waltzed up to Luke, “do you think we should–” her friend jumped like she was a ghost about to tell him he needed to repent for his past. “Uh, really you should be congratulating me for being so sneaky,” she pointed out with a raised brow. Luke was acting nervous… Athena tried to think who inside he would be worried about. “Jace is going to be alright, he’s trained for this. Margot too,” she added just in case he was worried for her too. “The coven is working on it. Seraphs need to be in position for whenever whatever it is keeping us out is lifted. I think the pack is considering helping as well. Even so Lark is probably going to be the one breaking down the door. I’m just worried about what we’ll find inside…” She watched Luke closely still trying to figure out what was upsetting him.

⋙

Luke shoots her the patented annoyed lip tug, a bit of his upper teeth showing. “Yeah, congrats. So proud of you.” He drawls with an eyeroll, although he knows he shouldn’t take his frustration out on her. None of this is Decker’s fault. Sighing, he starts, “sorry, I’m just... y’know,” and he gestures vaguely at the castle. She mentions the seraphs inside-- but honestly, Luke isn’t that worried about them. They are capable of defending themselves, much more so than the others... But then again, Byrne is in there too. What if they attack Dev or Hawthorne because they are running low on blood? As far as he is aware, Byrne has been doing better, keeping their end of the bargain and-- he shuts down the periphery thoughts on his... entanglement with them-- the thought of them throwing all that away... he finds himself clenching his jaw at that. “Yeah, they should be alright, I know that.” he mutters through the gritted teeth. He ruffles his own hair out of frustration. “It’s just... I think someone else I know might be in there.” He confesses, because the tightness in his chest is getting unbearable. Nodding at the updates, Luke starts pacing around again. “I dunno what to expect when we go in there. And it’s drivin’ me nuts ‘cause there’s nothing I can do out here... just standing around waitin’.” He stops for a moment and asks, “how’s Crane holding up?”

[lucas-lowell]

blueeyedbrycen·:

🚑

If there was one thing Brycen always did, it was keep his promises to people. It didn’t even matter if they were the small ones. A promise was a promise no matter what. He was always taught that even the littlest of promises need to be kept because you never know how a person might react if it was broken. The wolf wasn’t surprised when Luke thought he wouldn’t follow through, “I always keep my promises man, that’s one thing I always do.” he shrugged for a moment watching the other. “Coffee is always a good thing especially when the day has been complete and utter crap or you are sleep deprived.” truth was, he felt like most people lived off of coffee, he sure did. Brycen turned towards the other at the mention of not knowing his name, “Oh shit yeah totally forgot I never told you, call me awkward and weird, name’s Brycen Doyle,”

⋙

Luke raises a brow, pressing his lips into a thin line. “Well, I don’t know you, so... good to know?” He supposes that is a good thing. People always tell him he expects the worst from people, but the truth is, he simply doesn’t expect anything from them. Force of habit. But there always are people who surprise him, as he learned over the years. “Jeez, that’s dark,” he lets out a faint chuckle, “so your solution for a complete, utterly shitty day is to buy someone a coffee?” He isn’t complaining. Caffeine is like a fuel to him. He gives a small shrug, “it’s fine. Don’t think you’re awkward and weird. Not yet at least.” He jokes. “Doyle, got it. Good to see you again. And you already got my card, so.” Luke doesn’t know where the other had in mind for the coffee, but he figures the nearest coffee place everyone at the newspaper frequents should do. He holds the door for the other as they step in.

[lucas-lowell]

nolandiazx·:

.

He knew Luke wasn’t much of one for relationships or anything. Of any kind, really. The fact that they were friends was something of a miracle, really. But Nolan was truly happy for it. Luke was a driving force in his life and he was happy the guy was around. Sure, sometimes it was like talking to a wall that would chime in once and again, but, over the years, Luke had gotten better. No one could take that from him.

“You say this as if I’m not always a little weird.” Nolan joked, shaking his head a bit before he exhaled, “Just thought you might want to try.” With a shrug of his shoulders, he chuckled, “It’s Hayden.” Nolan admitted, rocking back on his heels as he scratched at his beard, “It’s crazy, right? I’m still shocked about it to be completely honest.” There wasn’t a morning that he woke up next to her and thought ‘oh yes, this makes sense’. But he wasn’t one to question a good thing.

“I could have texted you but, I don’t know–” Nolan shrugged and glanced down at his feet before he looked back up to Luke, “I would talk to you about her all the time and I just figured…I should tell you in person.” But then again, it was Luke. A text would probably have been enough.

⋙

Luke crosses his arms, staring at the other with a quizzical look. “You’re not that weird.” He could think of other, better words to describe Nolan Diaz-- goofy, caring, confrontation-phobic, honest, curious... but he wouldn’t call the other strange or odd. Diaz is actually pretty consistent and coherent. Well, most of the time. It takes him a few seconds to process the name. Luke grimaces before repeating, “Hayden, Decker?” His confused frown intensifies. “Her?” His mouth hangs open a little which is the maximum shocked expression of his. Catching himself, Luke presses his lips into a thin line, narrowing his eyes. “...well, wouldn’t say crazy. Just, didn’t expect her.” And it’s not like he has anything against her-- he just thought she wasn’t into relationships. She is too much of a workaholic, as far as he understood. Diaz, on the other hand, he knew to be into relationships, what with seeing him on dates and in relationships here and there. “Why are you shocked?” He questions, tilting his head to the side. “...you’re in a relationship ‘cause you want to, right? Not like, being forced into it” if that is the case, he and Decker will have problems.

He purses his lips before muttering, “yeah, well... thanks for tellin’ me, I guess.” A tiny twinge of guilt tightens on his chest, because of all the secrets he keeps from Diaz, and because even now, he is worried about what he could have said to the other when he was drunk. “Speaking of telling things...” he sighs and lowers his voice, “did I say something stupid when I got wasted last time?”

[lucas-lowell]

byrne-ing-cole·:

ψ

“I don’t care about that stuff,” they respond, defensively. “Not with anyone else, at least. But, believe it or not, for some reason I care about what you think.” Luke’s defensiveness only serves to prove his fears even more and Cole laughs at the ridiculousness of it all, “Oh yeah? Cus it kinda seems like you’re afraid of something and if it’s about me, that’s my business too.” Carefully, they draw closer to him as he backs away, “There’s no way you don’t know what I want at this point and after what happened on Christmas I think there’s at least a part of you that wants the same thing.” Before Luke is able to fall out the window, Cole grabs him by the wrist, “Stop running and face me.” He pushes Luke up against the nearest wall cornering him with both hands on either side of the seraph, “You said you wanted to kiss me again on Christmas. We were—” Thinking back on that night, it was the most intimate they’d ever been, almost tender. It felt true. But ever since then Cole has been questioning if this could be something real or if that was just a moment of candidness that Luke could never really reach outside of being intoxicated. “Is that still true?” 

⋙

Luke shoots a quizzical squint that reads ‘what the actual fuck’. A part of him is almost delighted to hear that Byrne cares about his opinions, because that means he got through. But he stubbornly refuses to believe that. “Well, forgive me if I find that hard to believe.” He shakes his head, scoffing loudly. “For fuck’s sake, there’s nothing to talk about! I don’t think about you that much.” That’s a lie, because he does technically think about Byrne quite often-- but he tells himself it’s more like, worrying if Byrne is keeping their end of the deal and what evil vampire shits they are up to. So that doesn’t count. Luke visibly flinches when they bring up Christmas, and his face burns up in red. He has been repressing what happened that night after he got hammered at the holiday party. The alcohol blurred most details but he still remembers the gist of it. Luke made an effort not to bring that up. And as he briefly pauses to protest, the vampire snatches his wrist and shoves him against the wall. Before he could get angry, the question short circuits his brain. “What-- that’s, I was drunk! I wasn’t thinking, I can’t,” the cold grip against his skin is familiar at this point after the months of regular feeding. His heart is beating a little too fast, a little too loud. It’s a simple question, yes or no, and he should say no. It is not true and he doesn’t want to kiss Byrne again. But that simple word doesn’t come out. Because right now, being locked against the wall and Byrne, he can’t be 100% certain of what he wants. Each and every part of him creaks and rattles, whenever he is near Byrne. The rage speaks up, this man is the enemy, and he  ought to destroy them. The reason claims this is ludicrous. The desire seeks comfort in the cold and the weakness, it wants to wave the white flag. Millions of conflicting, contradicting selves scream at him, and Luke is not sure which one would raises its voice if he opens up. “I... let me go, Byrne.” He manages to get those words out, unable to meet the gaze. “It doesn’t matter what I want, so just... get off of me.” 

[lucas-lowell]

DATE: February 14th, 2022 TIME: 00:37 AM LOCATION: Outside the castle

Luke ruffles his own hair glaring at the castle as if he could tear down the walls with his eyes. He spent hours looking for people, counting heads, and he can’t seem to find the goddamn vampire he is in charge of. The fact that Byrne is stuck inside the castle is driving him mad-- not because he is worried about them, no. He is more worried about the others in there with them. That must be it, because it wouldn’t make sense for him to worry about Byrne. They are a menace to the society, why the fuck would he worry about Byrne? He should worry about his colleagues in there more. Too engrossed with his thoughts, though, Luke doesn’t notice the other seraph has walked up beside him. “Shit--” he flinches and quickly puts some distance between him and Decker. “Don’t sneak up on me like that.” He complains, crossing his arms. “Any update on entering the castle?”

@athena-decker​

[lucas-lowell]

nolandiazx·:

.

So far so good. Luke didn’t go running so that was a big plus. All he wanted was to have his friend, as selfish as that was. Luke meant a lot to Nolan and if he lost his friendship because of some stupid party and his need to be nosey, he would devasted. However, it was very clear that Luke was uncomfortable. Whether it was because of the whole Valentine’s Day thing or Nolan, who knows. It very well could be both. He wouldn’t be surprised, honestly.

He looked the man over as he spoke, nodding, “Good, good. I’m glad.” Truly, he was. Luke was officially on his list of people to constantly worry about. He was about to bring up the holiday party, but Luke quickly shifted the subject to his shirt and he chuckled with a nod. They could get this elephant out of the room first, he supposed. It was another pressing matter.

“Yeah…I’ve been wanting to talk to you about it for a while but a text just…didn’t seem right.” Nolan stated with a shrug. Texts weren’t great for most things, “You wanna guess who it is?” He asked with a grin, shimmying his shoulders for a moment, “Or do you want me to just tell you?” He didn’t think Luke would guess who it was anyway. So far, everyone who asked him who he was dating was fucking shocked. And honestly, they were right to be. It was still perplexing how Nolan managed to snag a prize like Hayden.

⋙

Luke presses his lips together tightly, wondering if he dares to ask about the holiday party and what he drunkenly talked about. He vaguely recalls talking about Byrne... and he is not sure if he wants to hear what he said about the vampire while he was under the influence.

So Luke focuses on the topic at hands. “Okay...” he raises a brow, not sure why wouldn’t a text feel right. It’s not like he is Athena Decker-- he doesn’t ask people after their love lives. Sure, he has known the people at the agency for years, and he considers Diaz one of the closest... but he rarely pries into their lives, let alone who they are seeing romantically. He prefers to listen, nod along and provide some mandatory emotional support (usually in the form of anger). This whole excited vibe Diaz is giving off is not very conductive to his usual approach... “You’re being weird.” He remarks, slightly backing away, “why would I wanna guess? Is it someone I know?” He makes a quizzical face, because he doesn’t know that many people and he can’t think of anyone who recently started dating... Not that he paid much attention in that regard. “I dunno, just tell me who it is. Not gonna judge you or anything...” he pauses for a moment before adding, “unless they’re like, really young.”

[lucas-lowell]

byrne-ing-cole·:

ψ

“Just because you have good reason not to trust me, doesn’t mean you can’t. I want to prove myself.” But before he gets the chance Luke is literally running away, in one of the most childish displays Cole has ever seen from him. “Wha– Where are you going?” He calls out, chasing Luke through the castle. “You’ve gotta be fucking– Luke!” They barrel through the door of the room Luke ran into and stop in their tracks, “What the hell?” Looking around the room then back at Luke, they roll their eyes, “Really? You’d rather run away than be honest with me? What’s so bad that you can’t tell me? I already know the worst thing about you. What are you so afraid of?”

⋙

His eyes dart around, looking for an exit like a skittish street cat accidentally came into a house. Luke can guess this room is some kind of magic, an illusion perhaps. Whatever this nonsense is, though, he doesn’t have time for it. “Um, yeah! Since when do you care about shits like honesty and telling people things? I don’t do that.” He barks out an incredulous laughter, still confused that Byrne wants to talk and why he ran to begin with. Why do they even want to prove themselves, anyway? Whatever the fuck that means. “I’m not afraid. I just... I don’t owe you explanation. If I don’t wanna talk about shits, that’s my business.” Luke backs away toward the windows. Glancing at the reflection of himself, he realizes that he is still wearing the stupid glasses. He takes them off and throws on the ground. “Seriously, the fuck do you want from me, Byrne? And fuck-- what is this place?” One the desk is a nameplate that reads ‘Cole Byrne’ and some framed pictures which gives him a pause. Is this supposed to Byrne’s office? “Y’know what, I’m outta here.” Luke mutters under the breath before elbowing at the window behind him, shattering the glass. This is just an illusion, so if he can’t find a way out, he will build one himself.

[lucas-lowell]

frccdxm·:

@lucas-lowell· 

Clover wasn’t too surprised to see Luke dressed in all black, it seemed like the thing to do for those who don’t let others know too much about them. She hadn’t seen him since Halloween, and had really been meaning to, so she approached him by the bar, a happy drink in her hand. “Well if it isn’t my favourite seraph,” she smiled when she got next to him. “I’ve been meaning to thank you for Halloween, I was…obviously a big useless mess,” she laughed awkwardly. “I take it by your clothes that you’re not interested in any of the love stuff going on this weekend?”

⋙

Luke finally found a bar after getting lost in the castle for way longer than he cares to admit. They offered him some bottled emotion which sounded fishy so he immediately said no, and just got himself a beer-- he is staying away from hard liquor since the New Year’s incident. Despite his best effort to stay inconspicuous, someone walks up to him. “...don’t know that many seraphs, I take it?” Luke replies flatly, immediately recognizing Clover Byrne. This is awkward, considering his dealing with her brother, and how their last meet up went. It is doubly weird that she thanked him. “Uh... sure. Glad you made it out in one piece.” He takes a swig of his beer to buy some time. “And being useful in that sorta situation’s overrated.” He is not sure if that would make her feel any better, to be honest. It takes him a few seconds to remember the dress code, because for a second he thought she was commenting on his fashion sense-- which is admittedly not exactly great. “Nah. Just not my thing. Green is what, early celebration of St. Patrick’s Day?” He honestly just read the part about black and passed the other colors. After an awkward span of silence, Luke speaks up after a sip of his drink. “So... have you been contacted by your brother since Halloween?”

[lucas-lowell]

byrne-ing-cole·:

When: Afternoon

Where: Honesty Room

Closed Starter: @lucas-lowell···

Cole isn’t sure what to expect being in here with Luke. So far they’ve been nothing but honest with him, which even to them, is surprisingly uncharacteristic. But now, at least they have the chance to prove it. Plus they also have a question or two they want answered. “So,” they began, “I figured we could come here, so I could show you I have nothing to hide. You’re always doubting me, so now we can put that to rest once and for all. And then maybe…” they look down at their feet, eyeing the black outfit Luke is wearing on the way down, “…you could also answer something for me?”

⋙

Luke keeps on getting lost in this goddamn castle, and it was just his luck running into Byrne in this place. And he really shouldn’t have trusted the vampire to help him find his way back to the rooms. Honesty Room is definitely not the room he was going for. “What?” Luke crosses his arms over the chest, squinting suspiciously at the request. “...what is this, Byrne? I’ve got good reasons not to trust you, and you’ve got nothin’ to prove to me.” He scoffs, incredulous that Byrne of all people came up with this idea. It’s almost funny. Almost. The next part immediately has Luke turn on his heels-- “hah, nope. Not doing that.” 

He senses that Byrne is trying to stop him, and his instinct from the childhood kicks in from when he used to run from his brothers. He sprints down the hallway, takes an abrupt turn and enters the first room he sees. Before he could process the fact that he just ran away like a kid, he realizes that he is not standing in the room. He is standing in a high-floor office with wide windows, looking down on the New York City. “...what the fuck?” he mutters to himself, only to notice that he is wearing a cheap suit and a pair of glasses. In his hand is a piece of paper that looks like a letter of resignation with the two weeks notice. He looks back when the two-paneled door behind him opens and Byrne walks in, and freezes.

[lucas-lowell]

nolandiazx·:

Special Delivery For: @lucas-lowell·

Nolan had been wanting to speak to Luke for a while. The last time he saw the guy, he was getting him drunk so that the guy would open up to him about anything and he ended up learning about Luke’s vampire deal thing he was doing. It was a lot of information to process and he figured that Luke was probably pretty pissed at him about it. Which, you know, made sense. Nolan deserved it. But regardless, he wanted to see the guy. He was his best friend. And telling him over a text that he was dating Hayden just didn’t seem right.

Luckily for him, they were all forced to be at some hoity toity party hosted by The Lost so he was bound to see the guy eventually. Nolan decided that he needed a break from his speed dating booth and asked Hayden to run the show for a while. She begrudgingly agreed after giving her a sweet kiss on the lips, he was wandering through the party, just wanting to see if he knew anyone around.

Lo and behold, there was the man he was looking for. With his signature grin, Nolan crossed the room and approached Luke with his arms out a bit, “Lowell!” He called out, “Jesus, I haven’t seen you lately. You good, man?” He asked, his eyes looking the other over, making sure he was still in one piece. Nolan knew that Luke could handle himself but he was still worried. Hense why he texted him all the time to make sure, pissed at him or not.

⋙

Luke was half tempted to stay in his room through the entire event with his laptop. But they took away his laptop, and... A castle? A fancy party? Valentine’s Day? None of those are his thing. But the over-the-top luxurious room was so extremely uncomfortable, he crawled out and aimlessly wandered the place. To his surprise, following the dress code actually helped with people not bothering to talk to him. Well, at least it warded off most people.

He was wondering where he could grab something to eat when he hears his name being called out, causing him to flinch. Of course it’s Diaz, who Luke has been avoiding since the holiday day party. He got wasted, and drunkenly rambled way too much personal shits to Diaz. The worst part is that he doesn’t exactly remember what he said... Considering how he is still walking not locked up in some seraph prison (which is where Luke believes he’d end up if anyone in the Agency finds out about his vigilante activities), he probably didn’t talk about that. And Diaz was already on to him about his secret meetings with Byrne... But above all, talking about personal shits is just embarrassing. 

And by the time he reels back into the reality, it is too late for him to blend into the crowd and disappears. “Hey,” he greets, “yeah, well, was busy and stuff... I’m good, yeah.” He trails off, trying to come up with an exit strategy or a change of topic. He then notices the color Diaz is sporting and remembers the dress code. “You’re wearing red.” He states the obvious, latching on to it as a topic to change to. “You seein’ someone, Diaz?”

[lucas-lowell]

swearonstars·:

⋅𖥔⋅ ━━✶━━ ⋅𖥔⋅

“That’s fine? And a drink it is. See? You’re already sounding like good company to me,” Leyla offered up with a teasing smile. She could practically hear the skepticism in Luke’s voice, but if he needed to feel like she needed someone after experience something traumatic that was fine by her as long as if meant that the two of them would wide up in a bar somewhere and do something somewhat normal? Believe it or not, after everything she’d been through, a vampire trying to kill her was just about the least of her worries. That wasn’t to say she wasn’t trying to do everything she could to stay alive, because she was. But, she was tired of wasting time stressing about thing outside of her control and Kaan was definitely something at this point that was far out of her control and far beyond her capabilities of stopping alone. “Yes. That’s the one. And you’re actually not? Putting me through unnecessary pain that is? It’s just that honestly these days I feel a little numb to it, is all? Like it feels like its happening to someone else even though I’m aware it’s happening to me? Which now that I say it out loud is probably not the best place to be in, but I don’t know. It seems better than torturing myself with the uncertainty or feeling like I’m going crazy trying to figure out every moment I’ve ever lived that I can’t remember, so now I’m, just, I don’t embracing the weird? But, I also know that talking about the times you’ve died freaks other people out, so it sort of a weird topic to navigate and got it. Will do. Promise and thanks by the way. I know it’s what you signed up for and is part of the job and all, but still, thanks for trying to not have me die on your watch and all?”

⋙

Luke maintains the expression that reads ‘if you say so’. He is not the most sociable person, he is acutely aware. He can’t offer her emotional support or rousing conversation which is quite clear from their interaction so far. And she can’t say he didn’t warn her, at the very least, so... As she starts talking about remembering her death and her general state of mind, which he can’t exactly write down on his note, Luke just gives a solemn nod and a neutral “nah, I get it.” Despite his dry tone, he does understand the feeling of morbid detachment when it comes to one’s own death. He almost died more times than he can care to count or remember, and every time, he simply... accepts as it is. A part of him that can fear death has died a long time ago. “But hey, embracing the weird. I can get behind that.” Luke gives a small shrug. Life is crazy as is, and weirdest of shits happen all the time. Might as well get used to it. “It reflects poorly on my performance if someone dies on my watch, so y’know. You not dying is better than the alternative.” He deadpans before clears his throat, “sorry, gallows humor. It’s an Agency thing.” For some reason, most Agents have a rather dark sense of humor, and sometimes it’s hard to turn it off. “Anyway, thanks for your time. The Agency will contact you if there’s any update.” He flips the note to close it, getting ready to conclude the interview.

[lucas-lowell]

frccdxm·:

Clover quickly wiped away the tears on her face. “No,” she lied when asked if she was crying. She knew people must think she was only defending Cole because she was their sister, but all she wanted was for people to see them like she did. “Hypothetical but not impossible,” she shrugged sadly. “I just wish people could see they aren’t as bad as people think.” Clover was oblivious to anything Cole had done since leaving, maybe even more than that, but ever the optimist she didn’t consider they could have done anything awful. She didn’t like the way Luke talked about stopping whoever was behind this, the finality of it was far too much for her right now. “What if whoever did this had a reason? Or something happened and there are extenuating circumstances? Do you always shoot first ask questions later?” she wondered, mentally preparing herself for having to stop that if it was the case. “How can you judge someone like that? Without knowing them at all?” After all the walking, Clover noticed a door but after going to it and trying to open it, she found no luck in doing so.

⋙

Luke watches uncomfortably before reaching into his backpack and pulls out some tissues he saved up just in case. He hands them over, hanging the bag on his shoulder once more. He has to bite his tongue when she defends Byrne, refraining from making any comment about their atrocities. Not because he is trying to protect her feelings or agrees with her, but because that would involve explaining how he knows their crimes. But when she goes ahead and talks about extenuating circumstances. “...I cordially invite you to tell that to the victims.” His tone freezes over, pointing at the direction of where they found the person who was drained almost to their death. “Well, I’m sorry my empathy doesn’t have room for bastards who drained people’s blood and left them to die.” He scoffs stomping his way forward. He doesn’t know what he expected from none other than Cole Byrne’s sister. “I don’t need to know them to recognize hurting someone is unacceptable. Everyone’s got their reason,  sure. Doesn’t mean they get to fuck up somebody else.” Stopping as Clover tries the door, he gestures her to step aside. As soon as she gets out of the way, Luke gives it a swift kick, with a little more force than necessary, causing the hinges to break apart. 

[lucas-lowell]

blueeyedbrycen·:

Private Starter for → @lucas-lowell·

The last time Brycen had even been near Lucas was when he nearly knocked the man off his feet. Honestly he couldn’t quite remember if he had actually done so. Of course he had promised the other for coffee and if Brycen was one thing, he was one to keep his promises. Sighing Brycen threw on a sweater before getting in his car and heading towards the newspaper place he had heard Lucas worked at. It wasn’t that long of a drive but before he knew it he was there, he didn’t know the man well enough, but he also knew that he wanted to make more friends one way or another. Stepping into the stuffy office he smiled a little when he saw the cute face of the other stranger, “So I’m certain you are probably busy with whatever you do but I made a promise to you a couple weeks ago to get coffee so here I am snatching you out of this terrible small place for coffee,”

⋙

Luke was flipping through some files for a case when his colleague mentions that he has a visitor. He doesn’t have any scheduled meeting today nor does he remember making a plan. When he gets up from his cubicle, he spots a familiar face. The EMT guy he bumped into a few months ago, and he vaguely recalls giving the man his business card... At the time, Luke didn’t seriously think the EMT guy would call him up for a drink. He apparently miscalculated. “...hey,” he greets awkwardly, walking up to the visitor. “Didn’t think you’d actually follow through... let alone show up here.” Luke remarks flatly, rubbing the back of his neck. He is busy and this is rather sudden. But unfortunately, he is also a sucker for free food or drink and is addicted to caffeine. “Right, coffee. I could use some coffee.” Some of his colleagues begin to stare so he ushers the guy out toward the exit, “wait here, I’ll go grab my stuff.” He jogs back to his desk to grab his phone and the jacket, shooting a glare at his co-workers on the way out. Once they are outside the building, Luke starts, “I actually don’t think I got your name, by the way. Can’t refer to you as the EMT guy in my head, so... what’s your name?”

[lucas-lowell]

ruairimcallisterx·:

.

His brows furrowed in confusion at Luke’s comment, trying to discern just what it meant. Sure, surface level was simple enough. But, so far, Luke hadn’t done anything that would lead him to not be good. At least, not to Ruairi. And he honestly couldn’t believe that if Luke wasn’t a genuinely good guy, Lark would hold him in such high regard. It just didn’t make sense. Lark was a good judge of a character. And Ruairi liked to believe he was too. Just because someone had…darkness didn’t make them bad.

Ruairi shrugged, “Well…I’m still glad you’re here to help.” He nodded. Knowing what little he did know, having all the protection for his partner would be the best thing they could do, honestly. No matter how Luke felt about himself.

His gaze shifted down towards his feet and he smiled softly, “Easier said t'an done.” He said simply before he shrugged and nodded, “But you’re right.” Neither one of them would be any use to Lark dead tired. He looked towards Lark and then back to Luke, “I can try to go and sleep…” Ruairi drawled out, “Probably not a bad idea.” His gaze shifted towards Luke, “Are you going to stay around?” He asked. If so, then Ruairi would feel okay leaving.

⋙

Luke gives up on a futile attempt to calm his messy hair and just ruffles it. He doesn’t give any further comment at the other’s words. It’s difficult to explain how he is less of a help more trouble, so he doesn’t. Instead, he just returns a small, respectful nod. “Ain’t that the truth,” he lets out a hollow chuckle, because he is definitely being very ‘do as I say, not as I do’ right now. He should take his own advice, go back to the apartment and take a shower... try to get some actual sleep, perhaps. Maybe after somebody else gets here to watch over Crane. “Yeah, I’ll keep an eye on him for now. Maybe I’ll text one of the Deckers to take the next shift.” He says, pulling out his phone. “You go ahead and get some sleep. Let you know if anything comes up here. If he wakes up, I’ll tell him you dropped by.”