x. INSANE, IN PAIN, I CAN TELL.

Nazli halted when Ryat stopped in front of her, smiling almost immediately. Her heart leaped and she couldn't help but raise her brow at his request to go get a drink. She was dressed in a black cocktail dress as per the request from the owner, and it was a far cry from something that she could go with. The least she could do was pull the clip out of her hair and let it fall around her shoulders, fixing it before she nodded in agreement. "This was a surprise— but yeah, sure, I'd love to. Lead the way, babe."

Ryat watched as Nazli pulled the clip out of her hair and allowed it to fall around her face. For a second he lost his track of thought as waves of brunette hair framed what looked to be an angelic face. Something they both knew she wasn't so much, and that level of deception was just another reason to why he was so drawn to her. "Why? Thought you got rid of me? Better luck next time." He stepped out of the way and allowed her to lead, "After you."

It wouldn't be long before they both were entering a bar just off town. Ryat's tilting his head towards one of the bartender's that call out to him. Leaning up against the bar, he placed his free hand on her lower back and sunk in closer to her. "So I might've left something out." He told her, "You ready to learn about another one of my talents?"

TO: @nazliuzun

Ryat waited for the brunette to punch out and head towards the exit before he stepped in front of her; making himself known to her. He had spent the last half hour figuring out how to ask her the question that weighed heavy on his mind. Crazy, really, considering the question was hardly something to mull over. "Well, well, -- just the girl I was hoping to see." He mused, giving her a once over, never failing to truly appreciate what he saw. "You free? Lets go get a drink."

zurixmitchell

Those nights were wild when she'd dance until sunrise without a care in the world. Now she knew better - staying sharp meant she could actually remember the good times instead of piecing them together the next morning like some messy puzzle. "You know what's wild? I still got my party skills, I just upgraded them," she said, laughing. The music in the club buzzed around them, but her mind stayed clear - way different from those crazy nights back in the day." And for real, you calling me old? That's rich coming from you," she shot back, giving him that look she'd mastered over years. "I feel you, making it past 30? That's some next-level stuff right there," she raised her glass. "To our messy friends living it up somewhere else. And please, you're totally not hell-bound anymore. You've gone soft, my dude." She grinned at him. "What's this I hear you're sniffing around some girl? She must be something special."

#( interactions. )#( interactions: zuri mitchell. )

Ryat arched a brow at the brunette, not at all surprised by her statement. Smirking, "I would hope so. Prison is nothing if not good for teaching someone new tricks." Not that he actually had the experience she did. He had been arrested before and held, quite a few times. He just somehow never found himself in a position such as Zuri's. A true surprise if you were to ask him, considering he probably definitely deserved it more. "I can still party with the best of them, Mitchell. I'd say that keeps me fairy young." He mused, before finding himself tossing back another drink. Glancing over at his friend, "In all seriously, you're head's on good." He gave a side tilt of his head, agreeing with her statement. "Those high school teachers are rolling their eyes at just how wrong they were." He fell quiet at the moment of a girl -- immediately he knew exactly who she was speaking about. He chuckled dryly, "Who told you that?"

shilohfsource

Shiloh Fernandez by David Higgs. Check out the full photoshoot

#( he bleeds ink. )

zurixmitchell

She clinked her glass against his, letting out a laugh. "We really dodged some bullets back then. Prison didn't take my spunk, it just gave me better judgment," she playfully rolled her eyes at his teasing. The usual back-and-forth with Ryat made her smile even bigger. "And excuse you, I can still hang. I just prefer waking up without feeling like death ran me over with a truck." Zuri twirled her drink in the glass, reminiscing about their wild teenage shenanigans. Those crazy nights had been her way to break free from a life that always felt uncertain. Chilling with her childhood friend, she caught on how much they had both grown. "But real talk, I'm grateful I made it past 30. Some of my old crew weren't so lucky," she said softly, thinking about the friends they'd lost along the way. "And for what it's worth, these hangover-free nights are pretty sweet too."

#( interactions. )#( interactions: zuri mitchell. )

"Glad to fucking see it." He replied, "I was sure I was going to have to reteach you the ways. But I guess somethings really never leave you. Even with all your model prisoner credit." He took a sip of his whiskey, rolling his eyes as she defended herself. "That just tells me that you're old. The feeling like death is part of the experience, Mitchell. You didn't party hard enough." He was very much just fucking with her. He was glad that none of their mistakes as kids killed them before their time. "I know how you feel. I was sure I wouldn't see past 30." Not with the way he lived his life. It was a miracle to say the least. He held up his glass, and clung it against hers, "Cheers to those sons of bitches." He cheered, "Rest in peace to the unlucky few. You know their partying hard where ever they ended up." He shot back the rest of his drink before waving over for another one, "I know I'm going to hell first class. Always wanted to party with the devil." He flashed a smile at Zuri, "You might've earned your ticket upstairs these last few years."

The plan he laid out was the last she expected, and yet, she could feel her entire body vibrate with excitement at the idea. It should have frightened her, even been a red flag that this was a game he wanted to play, but things were different with him. Even after she'd first met him, the trust was almost immediate. She did have a permanent mark of his on her bikini line to prove that. "You want to chase me?" She took a sip of her drink as her eyes wandered over him in consideration. Was she nervous? A little. But the excitement washed away any of that and maybe there was a false sense of confidence. What she lacked in speed, she could make up in agility and being able to hide from him. "You sound sure you'll catch me. You're confident." Part of her wondered if he'd done this numerous times with other girls. "is this where you bury me with all your other girls?" She teased, pinching the front of his shirt before her hand dropped at the reminder that she may as well put distance between them to get a head start. She took one last sip and dropped the glass on the ground before she turned and began to run towards the darkness, hoping the act in itself would show him how frightened she was. "Good luck! You might need it more than you realize," she said over her shoulder before everything fell silent around her and she got more deliberate about where she stepped until she found somewhere to settle and listen.

"I want to chase you." He replied, confirming that that was exactly what he had in mind. "Consider it a game, hunter vs prey. You--" His eyes skimmed down her before back up at her, "would be the prey. And I should let you know, Spitfire -- I don't chase what isn't truly worthy. I'll catch you because I want you." His confidence was quite high, not surprising, he wouldn't actually offer this if he knew he couldn't win it. He smirked at her question about burying her with other girls. Bringing his hand up to the base of her throat, gripping only so slightly, before he turned around her, placing himself up against her back. "How many do you really think I come back to?" He whispered against her ear, "This just for you. I have a feeling you'll handle the task rather well." Dropping his hand, he'd take a few steps back, placing space in between them. His smirk only deepening as she shouted good luck at him and took off. He didn't move at first. No, he simply just watched her disappear into the darkness, bringing the glass to his lips to finish off the liquor. Sitting the glass aside, he'd shove both of his hands into his jacket and strolled after her.

He'd take his time strolling into the darken wooden area, the commotion from the event beyond the woods dying down the further he went. "I probably should've mentioned that I played in these woods a lot as a kid." He shouted into the void, just as he then pulled out a mask that had been shoved into the back pocket of his jeans. Placing it over his head, covering his face, "I hope you're not just hiding from me, Spitfire." He shouted, "Gimme a little bit of that final girl energy."

ariyacl

After spending so much time in hospitals herself, she knew exactly how annoying dramatic patients could be. She'd rather die than admit it, but his theatrics actually made her smile inside—it was nice having someone around who could match her sardonic wit without taking offense. Ari rolled her eyes at his dramatic antics about dying, fighting back an amused grin. "If you die, I'll bring you back just to kill you myself for being so dramatic," she said, crossing her arms. His comment about doing things from the goodness of her heart made her snort. "My heart? Bold of you to assume I have one. I take care of people because of the money I'm getting. Not free of charge."

His smile caught her attention, and she studied him carefully. When he asked if everything was alright, she paused, considering whether to share her concerns. "Yeah, I'm good. Just... stuff," she deflected, not ready to discuss her health issues. The way he spoke about this mystery woman intrigued her, and she noticed how his entire demeanor shifted. "So you're both nuts? Match made in heaven," she teased. His comment about feeling normal with this person struck something in her—she understood that feeling all too well. "As long as she makes you happy and doesn't try to murder you in your sleep, I suppose I can approve," she joked, then raised an eyebrow. "But seriously, who is she? You can't just drop this bomb and not give me details."

#( interactions. )#( interactions: ariya chakri langley. )

"Wait -- you'd be into all that witchy shit?" He asked, truly just amused to think of her like that more than anything. "Shit -- how about you do your bestie a favor and make him a voodoo doll. Stuff some money in its pockets. You know, help a brotha out." He was more than aware, however, that if anyone did have a voodoo doll of him, the last thing they'd be doing with it was trying make his life better. But it didn't hurt to throw out the sentiment nonetheless. "Is it really considered dramatic if I was right? I did, in fact, die." He scoffed, rolling his eyes, "Please -- who you think invented that 'no heart' shit. At the end of the day, we know what's really going on. You wouldn't have lasted this long in this career otherwise."

He hardly believed her when she shook off his concern, but if anyone knew about not pushing people until they were ready, it was him. So he allowed her to have that. For now. "We are both nuts." He confirmed, "I'm not sure most would say heaven, but sure." He didn't talk about his affairs quite like he'd want to speak about Nazli. That in itself told him that shit was getting too damn real and he was more than likely going to land on his face. "She hasn't, yet. But it's still new, give it time." Shrugging, "We're not even like dating, or whatever. We just -- I don't fuck and do crazy shit together. It works." Somehow, someway.

ariyacl

"You're not gravely ill, you big baby. You have a cold," Ari scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "And closer than what? I literally just gave you cookies." The mention of nursing him made her eyes roll. "I'd rather eat glass than be your nurse. You’re also not paying me. If I charged you, you’d be broke for life." She watched him, noticing how his demeanor shifted at the mention of his family. A small smile tugged at her lips—she knew that look. That fierce protectiveness. It reminded her of how she felt about Pearce. Yeah, she wasn’t exactly close to her parents, but she had people now. Her expression softened when he mentioned meeting someone.

"Look at you, growing up. Maybe there's hope for you yet," she teased, settling into her chair. The crumbs from his cookie-eating spectacle scattered across her floor, making her eye twitch. But she said nothing—he was sick after all. "And yeah, you better not do that to me. I've got enough on my plate with work and…" she trailed off, thinking about her recent diagnosis. Pushing those thoughts aside, she focused on what interested her most. "So… this someone you met. Who are they? And please tell me it's not someone nuts. Then again, maybe you should date someone nutty. I mean, look at you. Only the brave could put up with you." Her too, actually.

#( interactions. )#( interactions: ariya chakri langley. )

"How do you know that?” He tossed back, “It could be even worse than you think. Then what? How are you going to feel if you wake up tomorrow and I’m dead?” At this point, they were just bickering with each other and that was the point If you asked him. “Considering I’m your friend, and you want me to get better, you should be doing this shit outta the goodness of your heart.” He didn’t actually believe she’d let him die if the case really called for it. “Where’s your heart for the poor, Ari?”

Ryat knew he was absolutely losing his mind when he mentioned meeting someone. He wasn’t someone who did that. He rolled his eyes at her remark, “That’s insulting.” Pausing, he flashed a large smile, “There was never any hope, nor will there be. Get it right.” His brow rose at her stutter, “Everything alright?” He asked, concern filling his features. At the mention of who this someone was, he chuckled somewhat, “I mean… she likes me, you kinda have to be nuts to do that. Especially to get the feeling returned on my end.” He gave a small shrug, “She’s as crazy as I am, kinda makes me feel like I’m normal.”

elenaxthompson

Elena was curious about his words about people’s tastes not always evolving. It did make her quite interested as to what type of situations he’d encountered until he came right out and told her about a parent yelling at him which had her letting out a soft chuckle, “sorry—that’s not funny. I just don’t imagine that going well, for them—not you.” Ryat had always been someone who didn’t give a damn about others and their opinions and in a lot of ways Elena wished she could be more like that. She nodded at his words about people changing their mind often about what they had inked on their body. That was what she was scared of, and honestly why she was so surprised that people could tattoo others names on their skin. How on earth could you live forever being branded in that way. But then—maybe she’d never really known true love in a way that would allow her to want to do that. Elena nodded at his words about it being for her to decide if being in Wilmington would ultimately prove to be a good decision or not. When Ryat answered her and told her this was his place, she was quite surprised but also happy for him. “This is great—that’s really great for you Ryat,” she said with an earnest nod before a grin was on her face once more. Her friend was still taking a little long inside the room so she might as well continue the conversation. “Okay what are your top three requests for tattoos and what are the things you’d never do for someone?”

#( interactions. )#( interactions: elena thompson. )

”It does not.” He replied honestly, “unfortunately, it doesn’t stop them from trying. And there’s nothing quite like wasting a professional time with that shit.” Not to mention the few times he had cops called on him. It wasn’t often that cops sided with him or his family, but this was something he always won. He gave a firm nod when she congratulated him. He, of course, felt accomplished for this success. Not only that but having someone believe in him like the former owner of this place did. He chuckled when she spoke next, her questions actually not bothering him whatsoever. “Hmm, my most requested—-“ He gave a small pause, "Well, realism -- colored or black and white. I've specialized in both. So, people will often search me out for that. 90's kid themed tattoos are something I get asked about a lot too. Nostalgia and what not. And because of my background in realism, people tend to search me out for finger or toe prints for their kids." He leaned back in his seat, "For things I won't do. Anything that could represent hate symbols. Names or portraits of a spouse or someone they've dating. And I won't offer certain tattoos that are known to heal difficulty unless that person is willing to go through a full lesson on to how to heal it properly. Too many people will get finger tatts or hand tatts or fine line ones. And then be mad that it healed badly."

"Thanks, baby." The brunette said when she was handed the drink that she barely inspected before bringing it to her lips. There was complete trust and she pulled back the glass to flash him a grin of satisfaction. "It's brutally good." The instinct to shift closer to him when his hand found her hip was immediate. "I think we both know that I feel comfortable taking risks." Their first night started with allowing him to drive her at speeds that would send someone into cardiac arrest, finishing the night with a bang and a permanent mark — amongst other temporary ones. "What are the rules and more importantly, what's in it for me if you win?" He'd made it clear it was in her best interest for him to win so she needed to hear further details. "Maybe I'll be able to add a twist of my own. It would be nice to make you work for the win. It's never fun when it's easy." Her fingers brushed the hem of his shirt and then slid across his lower abdomen.

"Good. I'd hate to have to go back and shove the thing up someone's ass." He teased, giving her a wink as he proceeded to drink his own drink. The favors were definitely a treat to be had. His eyes never left the brunette before him, completely taken by her. What was it about this girl that made him throw everything he ever known out? She could be there to burn him to the ground and he had a feeling he'd smile while she did it. "That you do." He agreed, "Especially the ones that end in your favor. And This will end in just that." The side of his lips curved up into a wolfish grin. "The rules are that you run. And I simply ---- chase. I catch you, I get to do whatever I want to you. And ---" He paused, chuckling, "Well, I'm going to catch you." While he already knew this, and some would consider the fun lost for that reason. All the fun was in getting caught. “Oh, baby, I fully expect you to make me work for the win. In fact, it’s only fun if you do.” Closer the distance between them even more, “Hope you’re not afraid of the elements and darkness.”

nonapbf

shiloh fernandez (1-9)

#( he bleeds ink. )

lattesfms

Feyza gave Ryat a look and had to hold back her laughter. “You’re full of it. You’re spot on about your family. They’re a bunch of adorable weirdos.” They were her family now that she didn’t have any left. “Don’t be an asshole. I’m a person too...with needs and you’re cockblocking so bad right now.” She sighed, seeing no way out of this. “Alright, alright. You’ve convinced me. I’ll come support my ‘bros’ as you so eloquently put it. But you owe me one, Navarro.” She walked out and locked the door. As they headed to Ryat’s car, she bumped his arm with hers. “What kind of music are you guys playing? And please tell me it’s not just going to be a sausage fest at this bar.”

#( interactions. )#( interactions: feyza ergin. )

Ryat arched a brow and laughed at her choice of words. "Adorable weirdos?" He hadn't quite heard that one before. "I wouldn't go around calling us that, it'd ruin our hard earned rep." Not that many would agree with her phrase of choice. He rolled his eyes, "It isn't the first time, and you know it probably won't be the last." After all was what family for? He gave her a firm nod in approval, "Good." The Navarros always enjoyed having their people there for support. "Yeah, yeah," He waved his hand in the air, dismissing her, "I owe you one." He followed before her towards his car, shooting a quick message to Atlas to let him know she agreed and would be there. Shoving the phone back into his pocket, "Rock. It's the only right answer." He opened the passenger side door, "And I don't know -- get in and find out. Maybe they'll be something good to look at once we get there."

zurixmitchell

CLOSED STARTER

LOCATION: The bar TIME: Friday night FOR: @ryatnavarro

Zuri propped herself against the bar, taking a sip of her drink. She caught Ryat’s eye and grinned. “Look at us,” she said, giving her head a little shake. “Remember our wild nights? Who would’ve thought I’d be out of prison, in law school, and serving tables?They were always up to no good as teenagers. To a girl who never truly felt the love of family, she took whatever attention she could get. Her delinquency landed her in prison. Through everything, Ryat stood by her side, flaws and all, and she couldn’t imagine losing him as a friend. When she had no one, he was by her side. “Can’t believe I’m saying this, but those crazy times were kinda fun. It’s awesome waking up without a hangover now.”

#( interactions. )#( interactions: zuri mitchell. )

"Remember them?" He chuckled and shook his head, "I still can't believe we survived them." In fact, it was a true blessing they both made it this far. It wasn't always easy to say that. More than that, she had made it. Her life was finally her own again and truly, that's what any of them could've ever hoped for. "To be honest, I thought we've would've gotten ourselves killed a long time ago." He held up his glass, "Cheers to seeing it passed 35." He side-eyed her and shook his head, "Really? The hangover was apart of the experience, Mitchell. The good and the bad -- it makes the picture bigger and better." Turning his head towards her and resting his elbows behind him on the bar countertop, "Is this your way of telling me you can't hang anymore? I know prison sucked but don't tell me all that spunk's gone."

ariyacl

"Oh please, if WebMD was your doctor, you'd have diagnosed yourself with at least 17 terminal illnesses by now," she retorted and side-eyed Ryat, "Do you want a baby bottle? You're acting like such a baby right now." She rolled her eyes again. Of course he would say that. “One of these days, you’re going to need someone to bail you out of jail or pick you up when your car break down. What the fuck you gonna do then? Call me? I'm not always gonna be here. Unlike you, I have a boyfriend who I fucking love and want to be with. If you ask me to choose between saving your ass and him, I’ll choose him every time.” She was partly joking, of course she'd be there, but really, she wanted him to be okay. They were all getting older. He couldn’t keep fucking around. That shit gets old fast. "All I'm saying is, it's time to be an adult. Don't tell me there's no one you would lay your life down for?"

His request for something good from her cabinets made her roll her eyes. "I’m not a drug dealer. You want good stuff, go somewhere else." Despite her words, she found herself moving towards the kitchen. "But since you’re sick, I'll see what I can scrounge up for you to eat." She went through her cabinets, found what she needed and came back. "Here," she said, tossing him a package of cookies. "Cookies, the medicine of champions.”

#( interactions. )#( interactions: ariya chakri langley. )

"Who says I'm not?" He asked, "I could be gravely ill right now and this would be the last thing you could have ever said to me." He shook his head, "You know, I thought we were closer than that." His hurt was clearly false, he was just having a good time at adding to her annoyance. He wiggled his brows at her, leaning back against the sofa, "Are you offering to nurse me, Ari? That's a level of kink even I'm not too sure about." He spoke in good fun, of course. Their days of doing all that had long come and gone. She was happy with her therapist, and he was -- well, he wasn't sure what the hell he was doing. But he knew he was hooked on someone else. He chuckled and shook his head, "You're one hell of a ride or die, Ari. Truly." He teased, "But don't worry, I won't do all that to you. I needed some medicine, you're a doctor. It just made the best sense." His smile fell at her question, looking down at the floor, he shrugged, "My family." He replied, "Since birth and til the day I die." Most people wouldn't look at Ryat and think he had a moral code. But when it came to his siblings, his nephew? He'd kill and die for all of those dumbasses. He looked up at his friend, running his hand through his hair, "I might've also met someone. So, who knows, maybe I'll start bugging her more often instead."

He caught the cookies, a smirk now returning to his features. "Even better than a sticker. Thanks, friend." Opening the package, he shoved a cookie into his mouth and smiled wide at her.

"I have a hard time believing you would have let me leave with him." It wasn't like he had any claim over her or she had any over him, but if he felt a fraction of what she did when she was around him, then he wouldn't have been able to sit still knowing she was with someone else. Had the tables been reversed, Naz would have gone to unimaginable lengths to ensure she ruin any chance of another girl laying her claim on him. The inked flame on her hip stung at the mere thought of it. It seemed that since the very moment they'd met, the intensity that she was sure would soon die off only grew tenfold as she felt her need and desire for him grow with intensity to the point where she could no longer ignore it. She was addicted, starved of his touch.

Her arms barely had time to encircle him when he took control and moved them until he was behind her and her front was pressed against the wall. The breath caught in her throat, her heart went into a frenzy. The hair at the back of her neck stood while she ached to be closer, and did so by pressing into him as much as she could. It wasn't hard given the way in which she felt his body against her but she craved more, arching her back so her ass pushed against him. "I already know you are." Answering would risk that he held too much power over her but they both knew she wanted him to be jealous. It poured out of every action she took that night. Ryat's words, the touch of his teeth, and breath along her neck made Nazli weak that she would have done anything he asked in that very moment. "It does only if you would have." The desire being so intense that he wouldn't have let anyone else touch her was all she wanted. "Would it turn you on to know I'd drag a bitch out of a club if she decided to touch you in front of me?" Her hips moved so he felt her further against him. "What else would you do? How far would you go?"

elenaxthompson

“Not to mention our tastes evolve with maturity,” she added with a grin before laughing at his words. He was clearly looking for a battle to fight right now and while Elena would be too happy to spar with him. She was a bit tired from constantly being on edge and decided to just take his comments in stride. He didn’t affect her nearly as much as she clearly affected him. “I definitely don’t think my skin is holy, whoever thinks that is insane but I was just saying the designs are nice because they are—but if I’m going to have something inked on my skin for life, it has to be something I will never get tired of staring at, you know what I mean?” Not to mention she did not want to go the cliche route of getting something people did a thousand times over. His question had her nodding before she gave him a shrug, “maybe? I don’t actually know for sure. Being back here isn’t giving me the reprieve I expected really…but maybe it’s a sign I need to stop being so tightly wound,” she murmured before glancing back at him. “So—what about you? Have you been here all along? Or did you leave and come back as well?”