we're all stories

lydia caine. 25. researcher for the bbc. sister above all else. [ dependent rp blog for london falling ]

[dantecoltrane]

@lydiacaine

What was she thinking? What attracted her to him? Dirty, old man. Dante's eyes were burning holes into his temple, stippling practically forming from his gaze. He had heard her right. The only reason he had been left alone at the bar was because she needed a moment, walking off in the direction of the restroom, and guess who thought he had any right to try to follow her a minute later?

"Walk off." A glint of a gold badge goes a long way, especially in a place like this, where the cretins crawl out from under their rocks, evolving as far as mouth-breathers.

By the time Lydia returns, Dante has taken his place before he can return to his original corner, out-of-sight, the guardian angel she never could have known she needed so badly. She wouldn't even know who to pray to, a name unknown, just like his face was before now.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he begins, gentle as can be, a glance to the barstool with an empty drink to match, "was this seat taken?"

[lydiacaine]

She liked the attention. Lydia was acutely aware that Sonny and Jude, and probably others too, would disapprove, but someone buying her drinks, especially when Lilli had gone and disappeared on her again, felt nice. Even if he was too old for her by a long shot.

Lydia’d needed a moment alone, and so she’d made an excuse - she was fairly certain that she’d said that she needed to go wash her face. That the man had said she didn’t need to do anything, and that had felt good, for a moment, but she shook her head and offered him a smile, a promise that she’d be back soon.

Though when she does return, finally - lipgloss reapplied and everything - her former conversation partner was nowhere to be found, but someone else - someone handsome and with a nice, gentle smile is near her barstool. “I - someone was there, but they’re gone now.” She grinned up at him. “Do you want to sit with me? I could use the company, if you don’t mind.”

[aureums]

WHERE: hyde park WHO: Lydia Caine

“That’s not okay though, you have to realize that. I mean listen to what you’re arguing for!” she said fiercely to someone on the opposite picket line before getting too angry and walking away. Still feeling heated she noticed someone looking at her and marched over to them. “Can i help you?” shaking her head, she sighed frustratedly. “I’m sorry, i dinnae mean to come off so rude. It’s just that lady over there doesn’t even know what she’s arguing for or against and it makes me so angry, like at least do your research before you go and vote!”

@lydiacaine​

[lydiacaine]

Sonny would have been proud, probably, of her going to the protest. At least that was what Lydia told herself.

Except that she didn’t like how busy it was - how angry everyone seemed. Even though she knew that, logically, that was part of what came along with attending events like these, and that getting too stressed about it all wouldn’t benefit anybody involved. 

Someone’s voice caught her off guard. “I -” Lydia shook her head. “No, it’s fine - frustration is natural, or something. I don’t know - my brother would probably have a better way of phrasing that. But it’s fine. I - well, I believe in speaking up for what’s right, and I didn’t have to go into work today, so...” her voice trailed off. “I firmly believe in research wherever possible - though I wish that it wasn’t complicated, what with all the falsehoods, half-truths, and such out there. I wish that information was more easily accessible to everyone.”

[victor-byrneliddell]

who: @lydiacaine​​ where: a bar in soho

Victor’s made a habit of finding out exactly who it is he’s partying with. He likes to be aware of the people around him, has turned unearthing all kinds of juicy tidbits and interesting secrets into something of a sport. Snippets of overhead conversations, friends in both bathrooms, bouncers and bartenders alike on Jabberwock payroll — all these sources make up the network of informants Victor’s built for himself; a network that can tell him anything about anyone.

Most nights the chase isn’t worth it. London has more privately educated playboys with daddy issues than it knows what to do with. Sometimes the network will spit out something a little more substantial; sons of diplomats, rich international students, distant relatives of celebrities. Those nights tend to be a little more exciting, if not always rather monotone towards the end. And then, ever so occasionally, something interesting and worthy of his attention comes up.

Victor’s heard Lydia’s name come up in conversation before, her face familiar enough he could pick her out of a crowd — but they’ve never spoken. Typically he reserves his energy only for those people who fit the specific profile of what he’s looking for: a few drinks followed a discreet exit. Now that he’s taken over the role of Crimson Monarch however, he figures it’s time for change. Theodore may have had all kinds of politicians and clerks in his back pocket, but Victor’s more modern. Everyone knows Westminster is staffed by liars and thieves alike. The media, in all its shapes and forms, is the future.

It takes very little effort to find Lydia at the bar of one of Soho’s more upscale dens of iniquity. The party’s in full swing by the time he makes his way over, approach covered by the thumping music and mass of bodies amusing themselves on the dance floor. At the bar, he takes a seat beside her.

“How is it that we keep showing up at the same places and yet I still don’t know more about you than your name?” He knows plenty, but stealth is the preferred tactic. “I think it’s time we change that. What’s your poison?”

[lydiacaine]

She’d found that there was an increasingly apparent benefit to hanging around in bars. Not only because she enjoyed the attention that it afforded her at times (not that she’d dare tell that to her brother or to Jude), but also because it was a prime space to hear about the happenings around the city.

Having the connections (well, the job title) she did made it relatively easy to get into nearly any bar she wished. So tonight she’d found a bar in Soho that wasn’t the absolute classiest, but at least seemed to be filled with interesting people.

She hadn’t even pulled up Sudoku on her phone, yet, which she wanted to congratulate herself about (no matter how silly that would have been), when someone sat down next to her.

It was all Lydia could manage to not turn bright pink. “I -” you know my name? “You - hi. I - You know that it’s Lydia, right? You’re not mistaking me for someone more important? But I - I’d love a cosmopolitan - or a dark and stormy - but I’m always down for trying something new. Also, I’m really sorry, could you remind me of your name? You’ve got a really nice face.” She winced. “Sorry, I guess I just believe in honesty.” She looked down at the counter. “Also might already be a teensy bit inebriated. But it’s nice to have someone to talk to.” She offered him a small smile.

[lydiacaine]

“Yes, of course.” Lydia grinned, turning back to her book as Zadie disappeared briefly. She hadn’t necessarily brought the book with the intention of reading it, but it never hurt to be prepared, and it looked like she’d made the right decision, given Zadie’s sudden need to dart off elsewhere. When she spotted her friend returning (far faster than she had expected), she quickly tucked her book away. 

“Not a problem.” She gave a small pop of her lips. “It’s a new dress, I’m glad it does the trick. I -” she startled, for a moment, “I mean, always game, but there’s sometimes weirdos at the bar, and I value your friendship so much that I wouldn’t want to risk ruining that.” She twisted a strand of hair around her finger.

“My boss and his ex-wife reconnected, which is very cute and also a relief so people will stop thinking he and I are anything but close friends. Maybe my coworkers will finally start to believe I get stories and projects on my own accord and not because I’m sleeping with my boss.” Lydia brightened. “My brother and our best friend are doing well, even if they wanted to do some sort of gaming and not come out tonight, but I’ve got you,” she squeezed her friend’s arm, “so I’m all set.”

[lydiacaine]

lrzadie​:

Dropping down onto the booth next to Lydia again she reached over to grab her shoulders, giving them a light squeeze along with a tiny shake. “Lyd! What have I told you about bringing books to bars? No one does that…plus you’re going to fuck up your eyes by trying to read int he dark.” Rubbing her hand under her nose as she sniffed a bit, getting rid of any residue that might still be there from her little bathroom break. 

“It’s adorable, makes you look awesome. Seriously I’m super jealous. You should be a model you know, you’d wipe the floor with everyone else in the industry.” She chuckled. Zadie wasn’t even kidding was the thing, she spent her life surrounded by models that didn’t hold a candle to Lydia. “Ah, well that is very noble of you honey. Are they bothering you though? I will tell them to piss off if they are.” Raising her eyebrow as she glanced around at a couple of men who were indeed staring at them. Animals.

A swig of her drink was needed for the next part, happy people, ugh it was so gross. Then again if it was making someone she cared about’s life easier, she was willing to turn a blind eye just this once. “Who didn’t think you got them because of your talent? You should have told me, I could have come in and dealt with them.” Hardly, she weighed little more than a feather soaking wet, Zadie couldn’t take on a bit of tissue paper in a physical fight. “You have me, always.” Leaning against her as her arm was squeezed, blowing her a kiss. “You didn’t fancy staying in and gaming?”

.

“If I do it, then that means someone does, and I just like to be prepared, and I’ve got no real interest in dating apps, so...” Lydia shrugged, “and I do Wordle like, first thing in the morning, so what else exactly am I supposed to do while I wait for you? I always like to have something to do, and this is a step above bringing actual research to the bars, don’t you think?” Not that she would have brought any particularly valuable documents, but her point stood. “Putting it away now, though, I promise.”

She made a small, surprised face. “Really, no. I appreciate it, but I don’t think I’d do too well in that industry. I’m not as brilliant or as well-suited for it as you are,” her comments weren’t meant to be self-deprecating in even the slightest amount, for once. “But thank you - means a lot that you think I’m even halfway pretty.” Lydia wrinkled her nose. “Thankfully, no, other than just looking, but I’ll take that over creeps coming and talking to me any day of the week.”

Lydia offered another shrug. “Most people, but it’s fine. I know that I’ve gotten things honestly, and I do good work, which is all that matters in the end.” Even if the looks still hurt, sometimes. “Or, well, that I got them with a certain level of talent that has nothing to do with journalistic skill. But it’s fine, and I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to drag you into everything - it didn’t seem fair or kind of me.” Her smile brightened. “You have me too, always.” She giggled. “No, much as I love them both and enjoy games, I wanted to come out and see you. Plus they deserve to not have me around all the time.”

[lydiacaine]

vvrcths​:

There was a moment where Lucretia’s hands, mostly known for maiming and eviscerating those she’s been told to, found soft purchase on Lydia’s face, before smoothing out her hair and kissing her on the forehead, “Hush, luv. It’s really fine, we all get busy sometimes. Lord knows I’ve had my days where things run together and I can’t find a second to myself.”

It was strange, even for Lucretia, to see herself in such a manner. Like she was watching someone else through their eyes as they showed her how love and affection should be. The soft brush of Lydia’s bangs back from her face before releasing her followed by a smile was something foreign to her, and yet it seemed so natural to any bystander… well, as long as they didn’t know Lucretia that well.

She shifted then, tucking her arm to loop with Lydia’s and giving her forearm a pat, grinning slightly, “I figured you’d like it. We haven’t done this one in a while and I heard there’s a new exhibit about Stonehenge and Druids somewhere abouts.”

Lucretia wasn’t necessarily one to like museums on the whole, but she did enjoy SOME museums… natural history was often fraught with depictions of violence that has permeated history through all species — animal and man alike — and tickles the cavewoman parts of her brain that want to club someone with a rock for the sheer fact that they exist…

As far as her public persona goes, however, she loves them for the novelty. The way the exhibits are done and the prestige that comes with being one of the first to see them. In fact, the museum was in a light load right now because of Lucretia’s influence. There were patrons, sure, but the general public had been shuttered away for a bit and it was mostly donators and debutantes that were getting their way.

A foreign dignitary and his children were shuffling nearby as Lucretia leaned in to murmur to Lydia, still leading her towards the aforementioned stonehenge exhibit, “I’ve met him before at an event. He is very handsy.”

Gossip. It made her seem like everyone else.

“Hopefully not too many of those, though?” Lydia looked up at the other woman. “I think everyone deserves moments to breathe.” Even if she preferred to stay as busy as possible whenever possible, that didn’t mean that she wanted the same for everybody else.

She smiled at Lucretia. “We haven’t done this in forever, and you guessed correctly. You know I’d always go to a museum like this, and those new exhibits sound utterly fascinating.” Part of why she’d gone into research was because of her love of uncovering new things, of either rediscovering or discovering for the first time what different parts of the world had to offer. “Do you think they’ll have books on the topic in the gift shop?” Because, knowing her, the exhibit alone would only serve to further pique her interest and curiosity, and she’d be left with the desire to go and discover even more about whatever she’d seen.

“Sorry to be already thinking so far ahead, but I suppose that on one level, I cannot entirely help myself.” Lydia grinned. “Though perhaps I can assume you don’t mind all too much, if only because you seem willing to hang out with me again and again.” She glanced down at her feet.

“I -” Lydia made a small face. “Is that your way of telling me to not go and introduce myself to him?” She glanced toward the man as he made his way past the two of them, “or just a fair warning?”

“I’d respect either way. As much as my brother or my best friend would say I’ve used a smile to get what I want, I’m certainly not bothered by letting people know when I’m not comfortable. Usually, at least. I figure that’s got to be an important skill to have, both as a woman and as a journalist.” She continued to follow Lucretia towards the exhibit. “There’s no way I can try to persuade you to go and get a coffee with me after this, is there?”

[lydiacaine]

thetowerr​:

They weren’t anything, yet, Lydia wasn’t nothing to him either.

A sheepish grin spread across his lips, as Boone dropped his head lowly at her accusation. What a shit thing to do to someone, especially to someone as kind and as sweet as Lydia. Boone was no saint, he’d done that to girls time and time before. But leaving her without a goodbye never crossed his mind. Leaving, in general, had yet to cross his mind this morning. His blue eyes hung into hers as he shook his head. “Don’t think you can get rid of me that easy,” Boone mused playfully as he leaned in close, but their lips didn’t touch.

There had been plenty of girls since Achara, but no girlfriends.  After that nearly decade long shit storm, he’d sworn off love forever. All this time, Boone had stood by that decision, he hadn’t been in love since. That didn’t mean the man couldn’t dip his toes in a little, did it? It didn’t mean, he couldn’t pretend some, right?

And there was no one he loved to pretend with more than Lydia.

Boone picked himself up off the bed and started to throw on his jeans. “I’m gonna go smoke,” he told her. It was his morning ritual. After he threw on his shirt from the night before, he turned to her. “You hungry?” Boone asked, “Why don’t you get dressed? I’ll take you to breakfast after my smoke.”

.

Her breath caught as his lips neared hers. Of course, he didn’t complete the kiss, but that didn’t mean that there wasn’t some small part of her that was incredibly more drawn into it all. The closeness of their bodies was something she readily welcomed, the warmth of his against her own, a certain sort of grounding. “Well, that’s something of a comfort,” she adjusted herself, closer to him for another moment, her hand running through his hair.

They weren’t something, but Lydia did find comfort whenever Boone would text her, when he’d show up. She slept easier those nights, whether or not he stayed over. “I’m rather into having you around, in case you were unaware.” She paused, a sly smile crossing her lips, “which, if you are, I’d be happy to remind you.” Lydia sighed for a moment, glancing out of the window of her flat.

They didn’t go to breakfast, usually. Of course, their time together didn’t often involve Boone staying until the morning. “Famished.” She nodded. “Go and enjoy your smoke, I’ll get myself into something, no matter how cute I might look like this, I figure I should be dressed more properly to go to breakfast.” Lydia watched Boone make his way toward her balcony before she swung her legs out of the bed and grabbed a shirt, making her way over to the bathroom. She splashed some water on her face and brushed her teeth before she made her way back out to her room and pulled on a dress, tights, and a sweater. 

Making her way toward the entrance to the balcony she called out, “are you surprising me with where we’re going?”

[lydiacaine]

outside of a favored bookshop || @airiblackwood​

“It’s been waay too long,” Lydia exclaimed as she tapped Airi on the shoulder. “I hope Indian food is good with you? The restaurant’s just about a block away, but I figured we could meet outside of one of our favorite bookshops just in case you wanted some other kind of food.”

She smiled at her friend. “How’ve you been? Is the Times still treating you well? Because if not, you know that you could always come to work at the BBC - as a travel journalist, maybe? And then I may or may not beg to be your assistant simply for the fact of getting to hang out with you more and the bonus of getting to go to fascinating and new places.” A shrug followed. “But regardless, it’s really nice to see you. How’ve you been?”

[lydiacaine]

b4d14nd3r​:

Respect. Jude almost laughed; he’d never felt respected by adults his entire life, and that attitude tended to inform a little too much of his devil-may-care attitude with those he worked alongside — both above and below board. They hadn’t done much to earn his respect, so why should he care about earning theirs?

… except the obvious, of course. He needed the employment. So with a sigh in quiet contrast to Lydia’s enthusiasm, he followed her to the entrance and let her hold the door as he stepped inside, shaking his head and grinning. “You’re a sap, Lyds.” And as much as he might try and argue it, Jude found it impossibly endearing.

Jude’s fingertips caught in the end of Lydia’s sleeve under the pretense of keeping them together in the crowd, but there was a casual comfort in the gesture, too. Like a cat, Jude took time to warm up, but as soon as they did, idle affection was inescapable. “You do have a very nice smile, but I think the BBC would kick me out the door in about ten minutes.” Jude led them past a perfume kiosk, wrinkling their nose at the scents and the following sentiment. “I gotta rely on nepotism, and you gotta keep your good standing by not bringing in strays.”

“You and Sonny have both told me that,” she made a small face. “I don’t understand where this is coming from.” Lydia knew full-well that she was absolutely pulling the utmost peak little sister vibes card, but there wasn’t a single part of her that felt any sort of shame in the matter. “Must be ‘cause you’re one of my most favorite people in the world.”

She moved closer to them as she felt the pull of their fingers on her sleeve. There was a part of her (more than a small, simple part) that felt more relaxed at the gesture. Being around Jude already made her feel that way, but being physically close simply made her feel impossibly more at home. 

“Thank you, Sonny’s probably told you about any number of the times I used it to get something when I was a little kid.” A light laugh escaped her lips. “You should see some of the fancy higher-ups that they have. You certainly deserve to be there more than some, even if I am biased towards you, I still think it’s an objective fact.” Lydia made a small face. “Okay, well, if I ever become a fancy proper reporter, can I hire you then?” She skirted her way around one of the make-up counters. “Okay, what kind of advice are you looking for?”

[doctorjuliasato]

“Okay, watch my drink for a second okay? I’ll be right back.” Zadie dropped a kiss against Lydia’s cheek as she darted across the room where she’d seen her dealer disappear out the door of the bar they were in, not wanting to let him go without getting something to top off her stash. After all it had taken a significant beating the past weekend but she was planning on enjoying herself when she got home later tonight - so one needed candy for the candy store. Right? It didn’t take her long thanks to her being a veteran in the buying game, plus she was one of the few Londoner’s that had a ‘regular’ with a dealer rather than a coffee shop, allowing her to go back to her friend quickly. Magic powder tucked into her bra (yes, she was wearing one, even though it might be unnecessary given how she was…n’t…well endowed). “Thanks sunshine, just to let you know you look hot as fuck tonight. I swear I came in and almost came over to hit on you before I remembered it was you, Lyd. Although if you’re game I am.” Breaking out into a wicked grin as her eyes sparkled dangerously, only joking. Unless she wasn’t. It was always hard to know with Zadie Lewis-Raynott, but wasn’t that part of the fun? She certainly maintained that it was. Even if she was lying to herself as much as she was to everyone around her. “So, sorry, catch me up on your life please.” @lydiacaine

[lydiacaine]

“Yes, of course.” Lydia grinned, turning back to her book as Zadie disappeared briefly. She hadn’t necessarily brought the book with the intention of reading it, but it never hurt to be prepared, and it looked like she’d made the right decision, given Zadie’s sudden need to dart off elsewhere. When she spotted her friend returning (far faster than she had expected), she quickly tucked her book away. 

“Not a problem.” She gave a small pop of her lips. “It’s a new dress, I’m glad it does the trick. I -” she startled, for a moment, “I mean, always game, but there’s sometimes weirdos at the bar, and I value your friendship so much that I wouldn’t want to risk ruining that.” She twisted a strand of hair around her finger.

“My boss and his ex-wife reconnected, which is very cute and also a relief so people will stop thinking he and I are anything but close friends. Maybe my coworkers will finally start to believe I get stories and projects on my own accord and not because I’m sleeping with my boss.” Lydia brightened. “My brother and our best friend are doing well, even if they wanted to do some sort of gaming and not come out tonight, but I’ve got you,” she squeezed her friend’s arm, “so I’m all set.”

[lydiacaine]

notquitedoctorhart​:

This seemed to be going pretty well, at least as far as Mickey was concerned. He hadn’t completely embarrassed himself when trying to socialize with Lydia. Though the two barely knew each other, they were able to keep a conversation going. It was no secret that Mickey could use some friends; or really anyone closer to his age to hang out. His parents had even made comments about it when they brought up that there were probably better things Mickey could do on a Saturday night than come over to their place for a movie marathon. He didn’t have anything better to do, but they were right that he should. “Yeah, I mean they’re awesome. But even they think I need a social life.” 

While unpacking the bag of food he brought with him, Mickey admired the view. He had been here before, but it never really got old. “So what are you working on right now?” Mickey questioned, falling into the seat and arranging himself to try to split his view between Lydia and the window. “Or- I guess you probably can’t talk about that yet, can you? If that’s true then forget what I asked.” Some of these stories probably stayed pretty confidential; though he realized that he didn’t actually even know what umbrella of news Lydia worked under. “My job is not confidential and I can tell you that my A&E rotation is kicking my ass right now.”

.

“Well, this counts, doesn’t it? Even accidental socializing should count, and we can even take a selfie if your parents are the sort to want actual, physical proof.” She paused, “which, I mean, working in journalism I wouldn’t blame them.” Lydia grinned. “I might be in the research department, and I might just be an assistant, but I’ve also been told that I’ve got a good eye, so it wouldn’t be a mediocre selfie, either.” She laughed lightly. “Once again, that’s probably far too much information for you, or far too long of a way of saying something simple, but there it is.”

“I mean, other than personal projects, what I work on is mostly up to whatever my boss - bosses, I guess, since my main one’s off with his ex-wife who may be his new-wife,” she said, fiddling with the bracelet on her wrist. “I mean, I’m not a super top secret investigative reporter, cool as that would be, but we’re doing a coverage of some of the nightclubs around the city. I could tell you about dream stories to cover, if you’d want to listen to that?”

She made a small face. “I’m sorry to hear that - which area do you think you’ll want to focus in, once you’re done with school? I like the idea of helping people, but I think I wouldn’t be able to remember everything necessary for that job, and blood and guts freak me out, so...” She shrugged. “But you can tell me about them, still, that won’t make my appetite go away, just maybe no photos? At least for now?”

[vvrcths]

where: london natural history museum when: mid-afternoon whom: @lydiacaine

All relationships had a purpose.

To most people, forming relationships kept them grounded. It gave them a point on any horizon on which to look at and know that there was an achor — a safe habor in the storm — and gave them something to work for. Someone to impress, someone to love, someone to learn about and grow with. People were inherently good and tried to improve one another's lives.

To Lucretia, forming relationships was a necessity. A habit that had to be learned over the years and is so practiced at this point to almost look natural. They tended to fall in one of several categories.

People from the Jolly Rogers tended to fall into tolerated in public and at least somewhat genial in private, when she could truly be herself and let go of the pretense of being proper and polite society's idea of normal.

There were people like Caleb who fell into a specific category of friendsly; those whom she had no issues with and, if she were a different woman, might be true friends with, but otherwise are more likely to get a call from Lucretia when she's bored and needs to be out in the public eye but too goddamn tired to deal with the debutantes and socialites.

There were people like Safiye, who were fascinations more than anything. The people she kept hold of because of some curious detail about them, however miniscule, that sparked an interest in her. A woman whose brain is built like Lucretia's tended to go at things like an anthropologist and she wanted to study that which made her question. She needed answers.

There was goddamn Javier.

Then there were people like Lydia. Innocent souls who radiated a sort of purity and kindness that made Lucretia, on a level that she would never admit, somewhat jealous of how they existed. They were bright spots in the world and though Lucretia hated bright spots, she needed some in her life to make sure that no one would think twice about this woman in regards to any of the heinous things she did. Which also mean that... these people were sort of protected.

She'd happened upon Lydia at an art gallery looking over traditional aboriginal art from Australia, an exhibit that Lucretia was forced to attend, and the woman had struck up a conversation. Right away, Lucretia knew it was going to be the way it was. No one could harm Lydia because she gave a certain note of compassion to Lucretia's socialite persona. She was a corner stone at this point, which meant that she literally would not let anyone harm or hurt her. It was as close as anyone could get to actually being friends with Lucretia, which is in and of itself an oddity.

More trips to museums and galleries and Lucretia had taken this young woman under her wing, using the practiced art of 'big sistering' that she had learned to satisfy her familial needs and modifying it so that every time she saw the other woman she could form the warmest smile, posture improving, arms opening for a hug and, yes, her ears lifting slightly with the intensity of her smile. She looks, to everyone who watched, like she truly loved Lydia.

So, that meant that when Lydia came through the doors to the Natural History Museum — a place they frequented often when the exhibits would change and a place Lucretia didn't hate because most of recorded history was a violent cesspool of trauma — the smile came on brightly, the arms opened, and she exuded affection, "Dia, my darling, I am so glad you're here. Its been a few weeks and..."

There was a pause so she could approach the other woman more closely. Anyone who knew Lucretia and watched this exchange would have a hard time proving it wasn't sincere, even...

[lydiacaine]

Lydia knew that befriending strangers in museums was perhaps not the best course of action that she could choose to take, but she couldn’t help it, and she also figured that meeting someone in a place like a museum was a safe-ish bet, at least, because you had to be a good person to enjoy museums, unless you were a thief, and she figured that thieves probably wouldn’t have wanted to befriend people anyhow, so when someone had spoken to her at the Australian aboriginal art exhibit, she’d figured that anybody attending that niche of an exhibition had to be someone worth talking to.

Especially since the majority of her friends fell into the category of being at least relatively similar to her - Sonny and Jude were family - Sonny literally, and Jude had stepped beyond closest friend the very moment they’d met. Or perhaps half an hour after they’d met.

Regardless, those two were something more than friends - and she was lucky enough to have others - like Lilli, Eilidh, Zadie, Airi -- any number of others, too - lucky to have found any number of people who she found comfort in, in all sorts of ways.

The woman she’d met at the art exhibit - Lucretia - had been so kind, right away. So when she’d suggested staying in contact, Lydia had agreed without a moment’s hesitation. She’d enjoyed the other times that they’d spent together, finding comfort in the routine that they’d seemed to have picked up.

She fell into Lucretia’s hug, the other woman’s perfume a comforting scent. Lydia truly admired the other woman - she was elegant, and so aware of the world that it was impossible not to.

“Of course - I’m sorry it has been a few weeks, work has been rather busy, and...” She scrunched up her nose just slightly “that’s no excuse not to find time for you, and I’ll do my best to not have it happen again, but that is the excuse I come with today.” Lydia grinned. “But the Natural History Museum? Always always a good choice.”

[lydiacaine]

b4d14nd3r​:

Downtown, late afternoon || @lydiacaine​

“This is, like. The last place I want to go,” Jude declared – not for the first time this afternoon, and definitely not for the last. Arms folded over their chest, they slid Lydia a wince. “But tito said I can’t show up for work with any more dress pants with holes in ‘em.” Jude doesn’t need that job at the public defenders anymore, not technically and not monetarily, but every now and then there was a database or a handful of files that was crucial to his actual work. And not the streaming.

Reaching over with an apologetic smile, he gave Lydia’s wrist a squeeze and wrinkled his nose before jerking a thumb at the thoroughly drab-looking department store entrance. “We’ll be in and out in two seconds, I promise. Then we can go to that vintage store ‘round the corner and I’ll buy you somethin’ fun for helping me look respectable.” Such an insurmountable feat deserved a reward, after all.

“I think your tito is correct, loathe as I might be to admit it.” Lydia shrugged, “I’m all for down with the establishment, but I’d also like you to be employed and to have others respect you, even though it’s ridiculous that respect is earned sometimes by how one is dressed.” Another shrug. “If you ever want, I can always put in a good word for you at the BBC - not sure I have the power to get people hired, but I have been told I have a nice smile and I may have also been told that I am good at getting what I want, so...”

“You don’t have to buy me anything. I like hanging out with you, Jude.” She made a face. “More than like, actually, you and Sonny are my most favorite people in the world, so...” Lydia made a half-skip toward the entrance, spinning around to smile at her friend. “Though I guess I wouldn’t say no to a pair of vintage boots.” She grabbed the handle of the door and pulled it open. “You first. My favorite people always get to go first, so...” 

[lydiacaine]

thetowerr​:

TIME&PLACE: 9:31a, Lydia’s flat. WHO: @lydiacaine​

He only came to see her at night. If it was daytime, and the two were together, it was because their night had followed them into tomorrow. Like this morning. The sun was peeking through her window, yet, there he laid in her sheets. It was always her place. Never his. He could stop by when he wanted to be there, leave when he didn’t.   Boone didn’t text much. Never called. When he wanted something, he just showed up. When he wanted her, he was there.

And he was there a lot. 

Last night he came by late. She invited him stay. He didn’t always, but he did this time. They fucked. They talked. They fucked some more. She fell asleep. He snooped. What had he been looking for? Honestly anything. Did her Jolly Rancher ass brother come by and leave anything interesting behind? What about her best friend, you know, the traitor? Any evidence she had stopped by? Anything leftover by her other male visitors? Were there any other male visitors? Quite bold of Boone to even give a shit, they weren’t exclusive. They weren’t boyfriend / girlfriend. They weren’t friends. They weren’t anything. Lydia was someone Boone kept around because he’d know she’d be useful to him someday.  Hell, she already was. He was fucking her, remember?

While still sitting on her bed, Boone put his feet on the ground and leaned to grab his pants, to get out his pack of cigs. It was about that time. When he did so, he heard shuffling on the bed. Boone looked back at her. 

“Lyd?” he spoke, trying to whisper but his gritty voice came off hoarse. “You awake?”

.

Meeting Boone had been entirely by accident. She’d gone to try to find Lilli, to see why her best friend hadn’t been responding to her, only to be met with no response at her friend’s flat, but then Boone had shown up, and he’d been kind and lovely, and clearly so different from most everyone she knew (and not only because he was an American), and admittedly she’d been charmed from the very start.

Even if they only saw one another in her flat at nighttime. Even if a number of her texts to him often went unanswered. He’d still show up, and there was something sort of thrilling about the fact that she couldn’t always predict when that would happen.

Last night, when he’d come by, she’d asked if he could stay - just so she could have someone there - and Lydia had been more that a bit pleased when he’d agreed to it. She knew that it was always a long shot for her to ask, and so usually she wouldn’t, but she was glad that she had last night.

Shifting around in the bed, she blinked open her eyes just in time to hear Boone’s question. She grinned, pushing herself up against the pillows on her bed. “I am.” Lydia offered him a small smile. “Though just barely.”  She scrunched up her nose, “and I’d ask the same of you but given that you were the first to ask, I think my answer’s right there.”

She moved closer to him, sheets still wrapped around her body, and ran her fingers along his jawline. “Were you going to sneak off without saying goodbye?”

[lydiacaine]

jack-seo​:

Lydia looks good, he has to admit it. A little tired maybe — a side effect of the job no doubt — but still as beautiful as ever. She’d always managed to amaze him in that regard; no matter how tired or stressed life left her, she’d perpetually managed to look great doing it. Catching himself just as he’s about to give her a once-over Jack refocuses his attention, the voice of his therapist cautioning him to ‘take shit more seriously’ ringing in the back of his head. Apparently life isn’t supposed to be just fun and good times, though he’s sure Lydia can attest that he’s great at both.

“I’m alright, yeah. You?” Exhaling a lungful of smoke Jack shifts his weight a little before caving in and, in true hypocrite fashion, giving her a once-over. Idly he wonders if she’s seeing someone new. “Eh you know. No harder than usual.” Not that he’d have it any other way. Allergic to any kind of serious commitment though he is, Jack’s biggest love in life is his job. It’s wedged itself between him and many a friend and been the catalyst of breakdown for many a relationship – but he lives for it. Lydia had realised that at some point, and he hadn’t fought her on it.

“Still working that fancy tv job of yours?”

Something about their close proximity made Lydia think back to times before - not that she thinks about their relationship too much (at least no more than would be expected) - but there’s something about the way that Jack’s presence makes her feel at ease that causes another smile to cross her lips.

“I am - doing well.” She bit her lip, glancing down as she feels his eyes on her. Though there’s no shame or embarrassment. If anything, it makes her feel more comfortable, more like things feeling just as they used to be. “Well, I do know your usual schedule, and so I imagine you are still full up on everything you have at work.” Even though she’d come to realize that their relationship would never fully last, due to his dedication to his work. Though she’d never fully felt any sort of anger towards him for it (after all, feeling anger too much at all wasn’t something she was used to) - their time together had been good - very good, in fact, and she didn’t regret it at all.

“I am indeed.” She grinned. “Still doing research, still writing up things for the news anchors - but I love it. Maybe someday I’ll properly be on the news, but I almost like this more. Getting to help others, getting to keep learning about such a range of things...” her voice trailed off. “Off the record, of course, are you up to anything that you find particularly fascinating these days?”

[lydiacaine]

where: a mutual favorite coffee shop with: @excdvs​

Her best friend - Jude and Sonny didn’t count, because they were family - but her best friend had been gone for what felt like forever, and though she’d been heartbroken at the start, it had turned itself into a quiet sort of missing - she’d thought of many, many different stories to tell Lilli - she had so much to share, still, and so Lilli’s arrival back in London had been just exactly what she’d needed, and so she’d reached out soon as she could, and had asked her friend to go and get tea with her - though she would have been happy to do literally anything in the world.

There was an extra lightness in her step as she made her way to the café, as she found a spot by the windows, perfectly lit by the late-morning winter’s sunlight.

She pulled out the book she was currently reading, half-paying attention as she waited for her friend’s arrival. Upon one sound of the door opening (though she’d looked up each time), she spotted Lilli, and, leaving her book and bag at the table as placeholders - reservations, of sort, and wrapped her friend in a hug.

“You look wonderful. I missed you. Which I - well, you knew that. Can I buy you tea? A cake? Anything you want at all.” 

[lydiacaine]

notquitedoctorhart​:

While Lydia busied herself with training to explain her comment, all Mickey could do was chuckle. He had no intention of laughing at her, but rather in appreciation of the fact that he was not the only one here that seemed to talk when they were nervous. He had found his kin, so to speak. His only concern was if they both really got to talking, who was going to shut them up? 

“Don’t worry, I was mostly joking. Like seventy-five percent at least.” In fact, Mickey had noticed the age disparity here. Lydia seemed to be the youngest in the office, or at least the youngest on this floor. She must have been pretty similar in age to him. He guessed that he was lucky in the sense that his schooling allowed him to be around a lot of people similar to his own age. Though the hospital made for no lack of diversity in who Mickey was around day in and day out. 

“I think you already beat me out. My closest friends are my parents. How sad is that?” Mickey laughed in embarrassment. Sure, he had friends. But with his schedule and general anxiety towards the idea of being too social he didn’t tend to utilize those friends much. Aside from his parents, the people he was closest to tended to be friends of the family. Friends of his parents, rather. Mickey had always been better at making connections through social osmosis than by being proactive himself. If he spent enough time around a person he could almost convince himself to warm up to them. “Ooh a table with a view? This is perfect.”

.

“Oh! Well, it was a good joke!” She beamed over at him. “But it really is also a fully accurate statement, so...” she trailed off. Lydia didn’t usually mind the age disparity between herself and a good number of her coworkers - outside of various interns - but there was something to be said for the comfort of having someone else her age just straight up ask her to hang out, without them already working together.

“I don’t think that’s sad! I’ve just always been closer to my brother is all.” Practically from the moment she was born - and though she liked her parents, Sonny was who she considered her truest family - Sonny and Jude, those who understood her the most, and who brought her greatest comfort and greatest joy. “You must have some pretty wonderful parents, is what I’d say I get from what you’ve said.”

Another bright smile crossed her lips. “Absolutely. I wouldn’t wan to give you, the honored guest, anything but the very best.”

[lydiacaine]

liu-yu​:

Yu instantly perked up the moment he noticed Lydia approaching, a warm smile on his face as he scooted over just a little to make enough room for the both of them to sit comfortably. He moved the bag he had brought between the two of them, already pulling it open just a little to make it easier to pull everything out. He really hadn’t noticed how hungry he was until he got a good waft of the contents. He was trying to ignore the way his stomach was starting to rumble quite loudly.

“You know what? I had quite forgotten to get drinks. Next time I’ll remember to buy a soda,” he chuckled, accepting the bottled water. “I hope you don’t mind chips. There is this really great chippy around the corner I’ve stopped in at a few times now.” It was a lot better than the crappy one around the corner from his flat. If he wanted a decent sausage and chips he had to walk out of his way for it.

Bundling two small wrapped up piles of chips, he smiled, holding one of them out to his lunch buddy. “I’ve been good,” it wasn’t a lie. Same old, same old, really. “How about yourself? Hope they’re not working you to death in there.”

.

“Oh, it’s totally fine! Makes me feel like I’m actually doing something, and not just taking advantage of your kindness and willingness to bring food.” Another nod, “chips are excellent. There’s very few, if any, ways that you can cook up a potato and have it not be wonderful.” Lydia took a quick sip of her water before taking one of the wrapped packages of chips and quickly unwrapping it, biting into one of the chips. “Yes, this is one thousand percent just what I needed.” She grinned.

“I’m glad you’ve been good. I think that’s a good sort of way to be - I mean, obviously, I can’t imagine why anyone would wish for anyone to be bad, but still.” She shook her head. “I’m good too - though maybe I could use more sleep, given my apparent recently acquired inability to make cohesive sentences.” Lydia let a light laugh escape her lips. “It’s busy, always, but I like the work - the thrill of finding answers, and also of helping others while I do so.” She took another bite of the chip, “but a break is also extremely welcome.”