Smoke & Mirrors

[sebastiansource]

[oscar-beaufort]

FERAH DEMIR​:

“Someone shooting at you is worrying too much? You could have died. Hell, I could have died. I guess I should be insulted that you haven’t worried enough?” She scoffed at him despite having assured him that she was fine. Taking a seat adjacent him, she folded a leg over the other and watched as he plucked a muffin from the bag. When he was done, she grabbed her own and mirrored his actions with taking her own bike. “I want to know what the fuck all of it was. People know more than they’re willing to tell and it’s really beginning to annoy me.”

“It could have been worse is all I’m saying, Fe.” Oscar returned with a shrug of indifference before he shook his head, a short chuckle falling from his lips. “Believe what you like, you always do. But for the record I ran into your dad the morning after, he confirmed you were okay.“ He added, pulling another section from the muffin before plopping it into his mouth once again. “Guess you’ve been asking the wrong people then huh. That or they were just trying to protect you.” Which wasn’t far from the truth knowing the woman was of a respectable family and as much separated from the war on the streets as they possibly could be. “That was the result of two rival gangs and the eternal turf war they’re fighting for.” While it wasn’t the whole story it was enough for her to at least understand. “There’s a lot that happens on the streets Fe, most much worse than you or I could probably even dream up.”

[oscar-beaufort]

ELEANOR BLACKWOOD​:

Sometimes when Eleanor was invited to thing’s, she wasn’t sure if she was there because they wanted her to play or to actually attend like a person. She preferred playing. That way she didn’t have to socialize with people she didn’t have a lot in common with. Small talk was her Achilles heel and she needed to get away from most of it. Eleanor walked past a couple crowds trying to get away from people talking about money at a charity event. It seemed counterproductive. The cellist took a glass off a tray before heading out on the balcony for some air only to see a familiar face already occupying the space. “Hey Beaufort. Hiding out here too or am I interrupting?”

One would think that growing up in such a social circle, once you’d attended a few parties within the year that would be enough. But for the Beaufort family and many of the other families within the 1% there was no such luck. Showing face was more of a duty that it was a want. And after a time the parties seem to blend together, with one stale suit being very much the same as the next. All everyone ever wanted to do was discuss business and or investments and on the off chance someone was feeling dangerous, their travel plans for the summer to the family lake-house estate. None of which enthused the younger Beaufort male in the slightest. So much so at the first chance he had to take his leave and get some fresh air he did. The male hadn’t been out on the balcony long before he was joined by a familiar face. Turning to face the woman he waved off her comment with a shake of his head. “Don’t be silly Eleanor, there’s nothing to interrupt. That and I could think of worse people to keep me company.” He said in jest, motioning for the woman to take a pew against the railing beside him. 

[oscar-beaufort]

MIA ALCOTT​:

Mia sat outside a cafe, jotting things down in her trusty black journal. The days seemed to be blurring together for the young songwriter. Lately, she had been very caught up booking gigs here and there, as well as attempting to make each one. On some days, she slept in crappy motels to make sure she would make it to a gig on time; other days, she did everything in her power to get to a gig only to be told it was canceled for the night. It was a challenging career choice, but she was going to stop at nothing to assure herself more permanent gigs.

As she sat basking the warmth of the sunlight, slight writer’s block decided to take over, causing her gaze to shift from her journal to the world around her. It was only when she looked up did she catch a gentleman walking past her and into the cafe. He was cute. She turned to give him second glance for a brief second, returning her gaze back to her journal to jot something down. After that, Mia stood up and made her way towards the line the male stood in. 

Once behind him, trying not to be too obvious, she pretended to look at the menu as if she was thinking about something to get. “Hm. You wouldn’t happen to have some suggestions, would you?” She curiously asked the stranger, casually stepping up next to him and looking over to meet his gaze with a small smile.

★

It was early afternoon when Oscar found himself leaving the Sunlight Investments building or Beaufort tower as his father so obnoxiously put it. While he had made some point of grabbing a late bite to eat and his much needed caffeine fix, the male had little to no intentions of going back to work. Not that his father cared if he came or went, as long as he showed his face to some extent throughout the day that was a job well done in his father’s eyes. Whom perhaps the more he contemplated it, simply wanted to keep him out of the way, or out of the business. Either way it was no skin of Oscar’s nose. The extra time and lack of responsibility meant he had more than enough time to devote to digging up more dirty on the head of the family. An easy distraction from that of his own dreams --- continuing on the music career he had briefly started.

Since he was but a child music had been his escape, the one thing that his father nor anyone else could control. Little did his closest friends or that of his family know of the man books he had locked away within a closet in his apartment, all detailing numerous songs he had written over the years. Several of which he had sold and gone on to release three of his own, under a fake artist name. The last thing he had expected was for his music to actually do well, for people to fall in love with the fake artist he had released his songs under. Ultimately it was his fear of rejection that won out and he decided to ignore the offers and emails from record labels wanting to bring him on board. Still, it didn’t stop him from admiring other artists that local up and coming artists that weren’t afraid to chase said dreams. 

As he made his way into the quaint cafe, he unbuttoned his tailored suit jacket to pull his wallet from his pocket as he waited patiently in line. The voice of another speaking up from behind however was quick to capture his attention and the male turned to raise a curious brow in her direction. “You didn’t hear it from me, but they do the best New York style cheesecake in the whole city.” He mused, as he offered a light smile. “And if you don’t have a sweat tooth then you can’t go wrong with a bagel. The coffee being half decent is just a bonus.” 

[oscar-beaufort]

ISABELLA LAWSON​:

Isabella smiled at the familiar figure that slid next to her, eyes shifting back to her phone, “Did your watch stop working or something? If you were anyone else I would’ve left y’know,” her tone sounded stern but the grin on her features indicated teasing. She sent one final text before placing the phone in her pocket. It wasn’t like she was doing much and she was pretty excited about checking out this new studio with Oscar. “So business partner, what are you looking to do with the space?” she asked eyeing it from the outside where they stood.

“Oh come on Bella, I had some last minute business to attend too. I’m sure you can give me the benefit of the doubt just this once.“ The male remarked, buttoning up the jacket of his tailored suit as he come to stand beside her. Business in the form of a new younger brother, a concept in itself he was still coming to terms with. As his attention was drawn back to the present he eyed the building’s exterior, before blue hues shifted to settle upon his business partner. ”It’s a little off brand for me but, I was thinking for the lower level, there’s enough space to fill a couple of dance studios. With the upper level being condensed into one large music studio, you know the whole producer booth --- everything any successful record label would have... "

[oscar-beaufort]

XIOMARA REYES​:

“I can be very persuasive if you didn’t,” Mara causally stated when her pointed stare turned to glance at the blurred vision of passing structures. There were countless occasions that the witty female was rendered speechless due to his direct commentary. He was slowly beginning to occupy more of her attention than she originally expected with their initial agreement of simple retrieval of information he searched for. She could acknowledge the risk taken by attending the masked event with an unaffiliated individual but their pairing undoubtedly saved her from an alternative ending. “I’m optimistic,” A gradual smile planted on her features acted as a physical confirmation that the male wouldn’t be able to easily lose at his own game. The control he held over each situation thrown in his direction was the sole reason he continued to prove the female wrong. “I don’t think anyone could take your crown,” She quietly teased Oscar when her sights returned to the male with a set of manicured eyebrows raising as if he would consider arguing with her statement. Their ride to the brick apartment complex came to an abrupt end when the male began to move to exit the larger vehicle with a hand returning to assist in her departure from the enclosed space. She could feel her figure quickly moving towards the entrance with the sound of his questioning forcing a sigh from her lips as she formed an answer that would make sense. A hand reached to pull back on the door to hold out for the male before a look could be taken in his direction with the empty lobby now surrounding them. “I have to do my job,” 

“Is that so? I hadn’t noticed.“ Oscar countered, intrigue pulling at his features as his attention snapped back from the woman to the broken pavement ahead. Not that he had anticipated otherwise, but with every conversation he continued to learn just a little more in regards to the quick-witted woman that had capture his attention. “Your optimism is surprisingly refreshing.“ Not that it was anything more than a friendly challenge between them, but the people that genuinely believed in the Beaufort son were few and far between, with his father at the helm of the opposition party. All the more reason for the male being somewhat taken aback, when those that barely knew him made mention of such things. “I’m sure I have a few competitors, but let them try.” He answered rather confidentially as his attention settled upon the brunette for a moment. The males long strides had no qualms with keeping up with that of the shorter of the pair as they entered the lobby. “Right, well don’t let me stand in your way.“ He countered, raising his palms in mock surrender. Though the smile that pulled at parted lips indicated the jest in his words. While Oscar was discreetly aware of her affiliation to that of the Royals and her talents, he had yet to contemplate exactly what it was she did for the gang, hence the opportunity to see her work in action most certainly intrigued him. “If there’s anyway I can help --- just say the word.” He added for good measure, though something told him she knew what she was doing. 

[viktorhargreves]

INSP

[oscar-beaufort]

When you hurt under the surface Like troubled water running cold Well, time can heal, but this won't

[oscar-beaufort]

XIOMARA REYES​:

The brunette absentmindedly found herself using the deepened laugh as a distraction from the violent scene that they retreated from. “I wasn’t the one who offered,” She began to point out with a causal tone as a false display of thoughtful thinking on her features. His latest acceptance of a new challenge encouraged a genuine laugh from behind the outline of her curved lips. “You have yet to not prove me wrong,” Mara admitted prior to the sound of her voice drifting off when darker sights returned to the sidewalk to focus on the cracked surface. The remainder of their walk to the awaiting vehicle was used to regather herself to prevent the lingering anxiety from hindering what was expected from her. A small sigh of relief released from the female when the parked transportation came into their line of sight before her step matched the slowed one with their approach. The brunette eagerly followed his gesture into the SUV with the silent greeting of concerned eyes catching her vision when she settled into the leather seat. A leg only slipped out from under the crimson material to cross over another when the taller figure took the place at her side with the door closing securely behind his presence. She felt her head turning at the sound of Oscar’s subtle command to the elder driver with her teeth catching the inside of her cheek as his determination to take initiative was a trait that relentlessly caught her attention. “Third time is the charm,” Mara subliminally agreed to his sly questioning when it came to their estimated time of arrival with the silk hem of the dress catching between the pads of painted fingers. Her head only shook at the visible smile settling into the structured features of his face that recently took on the task of playfully taunting the brunette. “The odds are always in your favor,” 

“How could I not?“ The male countered as if to indicate it was a given, thanks to her choosing to attend on his arm, a decision that still mildly puzzled him. Oscar was no stranger to women falling at his feet which he typically cared little for, but this one was different --- this woman had done the complete opposite and it equally intrigued and infuriated him. Xiomara Reyes had caught his attention and proving her wrong had become something of a need more than a want. “Here’s hoping I can keep up my excellent track record then.” He countered,  stealing a glance in her direction if only for a brief moment as there seemed to be something of a break in the heavy atmosphere that quickly returned while they made their escape. “What can I say, I plan on keeping them that way.” Once in the confines of the sleek SUV, Oscar settled into a comfortable silence as his driver zipped through the city. It was only when the vehicle came to a complete stop only six or so minutes later did he actually clear his throat and pull the door open, quick to offer thanks to Anders as he did. Extending a hand to help the brunette from the vehicle he closed the door behind them before following close behind her. “So are you going to tell me why it was so important we get back to your place so promptly?” He questioned as they walked. 

[oscar-beaufort]

LEYLA OZTURK​:

          𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄'𝐒 𝐘𝐄𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐔𝐆 𝐀𝐓  tender heart, doe like hues locked on him. and there it comes, ley. the nickname is plenty to convince her that all hope is not at all lost and that maybe… he doesn’t hate her as much as he lets on. lungs falter, making it known with a hitch of her breath just as the thundering in her chest picks up. it’s torture.  ❝ everything. ❞ leyla begins, dark gaze finding ocean like optics. ❝ i know you don’t owe me a thing… not after everything i did but… i- ❞ the dark haired woman nudges, silky voice all the more soft. ❝ i owe you that much. ❞ she admits, head tilting ever so slightly towards either side. bottom lip quivers for a moment, threatening tears brimming but forces a slow breath - plump bottom lip forced captive between her teeth.

Oscar could have kept it going then and there, could have spilled his guts and erupted with the years of anger and betrayal he had bottled up since her departure. But he was equally aware of the few people also on the sidewalk that seemed to be staring and the last thing he wanted was or such a conversation to be aired to the public let alone the media. So instead, he took a moment inhaling an attempt at a calming breath as his attention finally raised from the pavement to meet her gaze. Her words meant little given how things had been left, nevertheless a small part of the male was begrudgingly curious as to what the woman could possible have to say after all that time. “Fine.” Was but all he offered, gaze lifting once again to shoot glares at the small audience they had gathered. “But not here..”

[dailyscotteastwood]

Scott Eastwood photographed by Tom Craig for GQ Australia September/October 2016. 

[oscar-beaufort]

LEYLA OZTURK​:

        𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊  in the night of their breakup. her heart physically aches, tugging at every ounce of sanity she has left when it comes to him. his tone hasn’t shifted, though she can see just how much damage she had really done on him. the realization alone does plenty to further the awful guilt taking over, showing itself as a pit in her stomach. his words are a clear sign to leave him be, let him go on his way and be on hers. at least, it would be for someone else. leyla, however, was far too invested despite whatever he thought.  ❝ there’s plen- ❞ she’s abruptly interrupted as he continues to lash out. only this time, he actually turns his back and leaves. there’s no hesitation on her end, not this time. small frame lurks forward - hurrying to catch up. how embarrassing. a hand raises, pleading hues meeting her driver’s and she’s silently asking for more time. though, again, she doesn’t linger for a response. far too concerned with following after oscar. ❝ please, sevgili, just… ❞ gaze seems to cloud, unwanted tears brimming her hues. leyla inhales, swallowing and blinking the excess liquid away. ❝ just talk to me. ❞ her pace quickens until she’s standing in front of him, blocking his path. ❝ sevgili - please… don’t do this, please, i was so stupid. i know that… just - lütfen, talk to me. ❞ there were things she never thought she’d do and begging was one of them. and, well, how the mighty have fallen. foolish ideals and idiotic decisions had led her to this very moment, she knew that. all that was left to do was beg for his very forgiveness and if swallowing her pride was what it took - she’d do it, a million times over.

All Oscar could think about was getting as far away from the woman that had single-handedly broken his heart all those years ago. Because despite the years of building back up those walls and moving past their relationship, there were still a number of unanswered questions -- why did she do it, why was he not good enough, had it all been a publicity stunt to get her name out there? The questions were endless and yet it felt as though asking them would be as good as taking a scalpel to his scar she had left upon him. While her simply being back in New York was infuriating enough, having the woman try to explain to him that the pair had plenty to speak about felt as if she had just kicked him in the gut. The strange breathless sensation only lasting but a few moments as his hastened footsteps slowed and he spun on his heel to face her. Sevgili. The word alone was enough to make the male stop and think, as he exhaled in frustration. “What is there for us to talk about, Ley?” He questioned, only this time his anger had slightly subsided despite the harshness of his stare. “Cause right now --- I have no fucking idea.“

[oscar-beaufort]

XIOMARA REYES​:

The brunette continued to cautiously watch the exiting crowd as his quickened movements could be seen in her peripheral vision. His protective nature helped eased the tensions that attempted to released with the tapping of painted fingers against her bag. Mara allowed her head to turn at the sound of his deepened voice to idly raise her eyebrows at the phone now pressed to his ear. She took a closer step towards Oscar as the sound of approaching feet came from the back side of their stilled position on the sidewalk. Her shallow breath of relief sounded from parted lips as the male arranged their escape from the violence that now called for her services. A hand accepted the palm that guided her through the panicking crowd with ease before her heeled feet quickened in pace to remain in step with his lengthy strides. It was with a flip of a switch that she reverted back to the withdrawn nature that once protected her from threats of fatal danger. “Why do I need Uber when I have you?” Mara quietly stated when her eyes glanced upwards with the edges of her mouth returning to a curved angle. His charm was surprisingly able to settle the rattle within her petite frame before her now extended streak of confidence could be stalled by the unexpected gun violence. “You’re two for two,” 

Oscar failed to suppress the chuckle that fell from parted lips as the other countered his comment. “So what, I’m your personal driver now?” He quipped, he quipped, amusement briefly dancing across his features as he stole a lingering glance in her direction. “I think we both know I can do better than two, but challenge accepted.” The male added, noting the shorter of the pair seemed to have no problem keeping up with his quickened strides. After a short while and but no more than a block later the black SUV came into view and Oscar's pace slowed.Approaching the vehicle he moved to open the backseat passenger door before he turned to the brunette and motioned for her to get in first, only once they were both inside and the door locked behind them did he speak. “I need you to take up back to Ms Reyes apartment, Anders. As quick as you can please.“ The middle Beaufort requested, while his words may have been polite there was a sharpness to his tone, an underlying level of urgency. Whether it was from the adrenaline that continued to rush through his veins from or the look Xiomara had given him once they were free of the anarchy, he wasn’t sure. Nor did it take much to pick up on the quiet look of concern the older gentleman that had been working for his family since he was but a child, gave him through the rear view mirror. Oscar all but offered a curt nod, a silent answer to affirm that both he and his company where unharmed. Settling into the backseat, armed draped over the back of the chair as the vehicle was set into motion the male finally allowed his attention to return to the brunette. “Do I get three for three if we can make it there in under ten minutes? ” He mused as he turned ever so slightly to face her with a smile that shone more from within his crystalline irises than it did upon curved lips. With what had been a twenty minute drive to the venue, he was confident his driver could make it in approximately seven minutes.

[oscar-beaufort]

LEYLA OZTURK​:

         𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅  strength that she, too, had gathered during the time. except, unlike him, leyla had hoped their paths would cross again. she’d expected it, held onto every bit of that. he hated her now but he had loved her not too long ago and leyla, unfortunately or not, hadn’t ever stoped loving him. unfortunately for her, mostly, maybe even for him considering the fact that she was awfully persistent. dark optics are locked on him but she wished they hadn’t been. no amount of preparation would’ve deemed her ready for the glare in ocean like hues the very moment he looked at her. she’s taken aback, it shows in the falter of doll like features. slowly, however, she wraps her hands around her composure - forcing it together. ❝ i- ❞ he has successfully thrown her off. left her lips parting and pressing together like a gaping fish out of water. too bad she’s determined to make progress. so she swallows lightly, gaze that had drifted towards the ground lifts to meet his stone cold glare just as she forces a breath into unwilling lungs. ❝ oscar. ❞ leyla breathes his name, a small hand shifts towards his arm - delicate fingertips offering a ghost of a touch just as she realizes she shouldn’t be touching him. so her hand falls back against her side and the turkish brunette takes a moment to collect her racing thoughts. ❝ you being able to go decades without me coming home… that’s fair, i deserve that. but i did. i did come home. ❞ the dark haired actress adds, eyebrows furrowing slightly. she hated this, having hurt him. having him hate her. it was pure and utter torture and she had only herself to blame. ❝ i just want to talk. ❞ 

It was almost poetic how much just seeing her face plastered on a billboard had always had a way of darkening his mood almost instantaneously. That was nothing compared to what he felt standing in front of her. And the hesitation in her voice confirmed she could see it too. The hurricane of betrayal and disappointment mixed in with years worth of anger stirred within aquamarine irises as his attention remained firm on the woman that was quick to become a stranger. His name leaving her lips only rips furthermore at the previously healed scar she had left on him and he very nearly flinches in response. It wasn’t supposed to be like this, if only he could have ignored her and shown she had little affect on him. Instead he had gone about showing her exactly what how he made her feel and that in turn made him vulnerable. A feeling that had never sat right with the Beaufort son. “What in good hell could you and I possibly have to talk about?“ Oscar shot back while his tone was barely above a normal octave there was a harshness to his usually velvet tone. “You made your choice Leyla and I wasn’t it.“ And with that, the male turned on his heel leaving the quaint cafe as quickly as he could, ignoring the fact he had left behind his clearly much needed caffeine fix in the process. 

[oscar-beaufort]

JOEY CONNOR​:

Joey decided not to comment about sober Joey, only because most people never truly saw her sober. “I like to think I at least got close.” The brunette grinned, though she really wasn’t sure if she’d gotten close because of how drunk she’d been. A smirk settled on her lips, looking up at him as she leaned against the bar. “Well I’m feeling pretty lucky tonight-” She started, though the mention of Chris made her stop, she was exhausted talking about him all the time, even though she knew that she’d chosen this life for herself. “He’s around here somewhere.” She told him, shrugging her shoulders. “Probably off with his boyfriend.” The words came from her lips before she could stop them, though there was a feeling of relief when she did say them.

“Dreams are free, princess.“ Oscar shot back, not making comment on the fact that while he may not have needed help for alcoholism he had likely gotten very close in the past. With her next comment however the male was quirking an eye brow in her direction. Luck really had nothing to do with it given it didn’t take much to get the Beaufort male onto the dance floor. “He what now?” He echoed, as a short sharp laugh surpassed his lips and for a moment he surveyed the crowd in search of the hos old friend. “Clearly you’ve had a few too many already this evening, huh?” 

[oscar-beaufort]

XIOMARA REYES​:

Violence was enviable when you put two rivaling bodies of individuals within the same room that had an equal desire for spilled blood. It was nerve racking for the brunette from the moment her metallic heel hit the carpeted floor of the venue with the blonde male at her side. She put on the brave face that often masked her features when placed into situations that could end in a fatal outcome. Mara took a final glance back at the approaching crowd with the balcony just barely visible through the crowd before the feeling of a larger hand against her own encouraged her feet forward. Her eyes hardly had time to search through the passing faces with the taller male forcing their way through the crowd that only seemed to thicken. 

A silent breath released in relief when the sound of panicked yells faded into the darkened sky and the scene within the venue was now behind them. The brunette felt a gentle pull on her hand that drew her attention backwards to Birdie pointing in the direction of an unfamiliar male. It was only when she saw the flash of an unrecognizable patch against leather did she let go of the female’s hand knowing all too well who sent the escort. “Call me,” Her hushed instruction called to the exiting female when Oscar began to guide their figures across the pavement. She made the mental note to check in when she returned to her apartment as their quickened feet came to rolling stop against the cracked sidewalk. “Do you see anyone?” Mara trailed her eyes over the rush of party goers exiting the venue in sheer terror while the distant sound of sirens began to echo through the vacant alleyways. It was the sound of her phone within the clutch that withdrew her hand from his own to pull the device out with slightly trembling fingers as the dreaded mass text went out. “Shit,” The profanity was barely audible as her thumbs quickly pressed against the screen before waiting for the brunette sender to detail out his request of rushed technological services. Her eyes gradually lifted to Oscar with a small frown when the secondary message of instruction of clearing any evidence of their presence to the evening came almost immediately. “How fast can we get to my apartment?” 

★

Oscar paid little attention as Birdie took her leave, instead crystalline irises remained fixated on the exit, skimming the crowd desperately in search of the Krongolds, his sister --- and anyone else he may have cared for. Despite the male publicly exuding that he cared little for anyone but himself. Then again when the media put you in a certain category, it was easy to work within such parameters, paving the way for something else entirely while simultaneously burying the truth deep underneath. 

Quick to undo the buttons of his jacket, Oscar reached inside the custom green garment to pull his mobile from one of the pockets. Pressing a few buttons the male was quick to put the device to his ear, the other person answering almost immediately. “Anders, it’s me. Where are you?” He questioned, gaze shifting from that of the people gathered outside before landing on the pristine features of the porcelain woman before him. “Good. We’ll have to meet you a block over because there’s no way you’re getting anywhere near the venue.” He mused, as he nodded in thought before his lips twitched into a smile as he ended the call, returning the device back into his jacket before he extended a hand in her direction. “We’ve got one sitting just around the corner, unless of course you wanted to call an uber?” He added, a small attempt at a jest though his feet were already leading the way in haste as he headed down the block, putting as much distance between the pair and the place in which they had just escaped as physically possible. 

[tvgods]