we're all sinners here

[miaxgallo]

WHO: Open Starter @sinnerssquarestart LOCATION: Boxing Gym

Mia had always had anger issues. It was no surprise given the home she had been raised in. But the older she got, the less she felt she was able to control it. Boxing had become an outlet for her in the past couple years. Discovering it in college, she had quickly come to love it and the release it was able to give her from her anger. Though it was late, she found herself at the gym to release some of the anger she'd been amassing with the current state of the Serpents and this mounting war. "Oh don't be such a little boy." She rolled her eyes at the opponent who was making a fuss about the bloody nose she had given him. She caught the eye of someone who had approached the ring to watch. "And yes, I say little boy and not bitch, because a bitch would be a compliment."

[saccharinexvenom]

there had been no need for dominic to attend that particular gym. given that his own office building housed one within. equipped with all that he could ever want, or need. except when it came to those of quality sparring. many of his employees came from various backgrounds, some with military training. but even they seemed unequipped when it came to facing off with their boss. and so, dominic often found himself within the boxing gym. eager for a fight that wouldn't have him at an advantage. it seemed he hadn't been the only one with the eye for a decent fight. " i have to say i'm a little surprised. to see the serpents' lawyer speaking like that. and within a ring, of all places . "

[bcrninhell]

@sinnerssquarestart - open location: local dog park

The two rottweilers signaled the newcomers with little more than a pause in their step mid-run on their path back to him, one carrying a rather worn-through tennis ball and the other trailing upon his heels. A whistle, sharp and precise, Adam barked out a single command, a work spoken in pashto that brought them back to heel. "They don't bite," unless he said so. The majority of their training had been for their own protection rather than his - people could be quick to judge their size and assume the worst, but in truth, Adam merely wanted to note the demeanor of any new dogs approaching before he released the pair at his feet, "I just don't want them startling your pooch".

[saccharinexvenom]

the temperature of the days had drastically dipped. colder weather brought through with the recent shift. which should have been enough to keep him within doors. but dominic had been no stranger to the chill in the air. even when it sent many others scurrying for a warm drink or a fresh fire. instead, he had opted for a light jog. something to keep his body moving, to keep his heart rate elevated. to keep his blood pumping, and the bite of the chill at bay. he had just been slowing to check his rates, when the voice alerted him. and his gaze turned upon the man, and the two animals. beasts, no doubt. but dominic had not been worried about them. " i have no doubt , " he stated with ease. for the command had not gone unnoticed. the dogs were trained, most likely well. " not mine, i'm afraid . " he noted, as his gaze shifted to the other dog. curious, it seemed. before its rightful owner called it back. " yours seem well trained. testament to yourself, then ? "

[gcldenhecrts]

“ oh, fuck sake. Don't tempt me, because you know I’ll give in. Your shits always outstanding. ” he says, only half joking. “ fuck no. I mean, not drinking so much on nights when I know I've got work or meetings the next day, but aside from that still very much drinking. Christ, I'm in NA, not dead. ”

[saccharinexvenom]

there had been no need for the praise. bellamy had long understood the hand he played upon the streets. within the clubs. in the dead of night when one needed a little pick me up. his smarts had done him well. better than any college or pharmacy could have ever. " work or meetings ... i don't know, man. you're starting to sound really dull . " spoken with a wrinkle of his nose. what kind of life was worth living, if one couldn't push it to its limits ?

[dantemoretti]

The mansion had always been a place for Dante to hide away from the world but he had no reason to ever want to hide away from Lucky; no reason to ever want to be apart from him. He no longer wanted his boyfriend to be living in his space, he wanted it to be a space for both of them. He'd even let Lucky do some redecorating as long as he kept a couple of the rooms the same.

"Luciano de la Cruz is lost for words? I never thought I'd see it happen." Dante teased. They'd known each other their whole lives and Dante didn't think he'd ever seen the other man speechless. It was kind of cute. Being pulled into the kiss wasn't at all surprising but what was, was it somehow managing to leave Dante breathless. He pulled back for a second, only far enough to get some air before pulling Lucky in to another bruising kiss.

[saccharinexvenom]

the kiss was all consuming. devouring every feeling that he could pull from dante. want, care ; love. he would swallow it all down, as if he were a gluttony for all that dante could offer him. and in turn, lucky would give it back tenfold. he would make sure every room reeked of the love that he had for his boyfriend. if only to ensure that not a day went by where dante did not know. did not feel all that lucky did indeed feel for him .

" careful, or i'll spend the rest of the day talking your ear off . " the threat had been spoken against the press of dante's lips. if only for a moment, before there was space between them. it hovered there, for a beat. two. before lips crashed against his own, as if dante, too, wished to devour him. consume all that lucky had to offer him. his fingers had tightened their hold of his shirt. until finally, lucky pulled himself back. if only enough to give him the space to talk. " if you don't start behaving yourself, my breakfast is going to get cold . " if it hadn't already. and despite how he'd like to spend another hour or two wrapped up in dante. they had a rather full day ahead of them .

[xogiada]

Perfectly curled lashes fluttered over the wine list for a moment before it was waved off, a knowing smirk at her burgundy pout. Having spent the majority of her young adulthood nestled in the Milanese countryside she had learned a thing or two about crafting the perfect blend. And wine, like women, her aunts used to remind her only got better with age. "We'll have a bottle of the Brunello di Montalcino reserva 2006." She didn't hesitate and promptly told the waiter her choice, a woman who always knew what she wanted. "There's nothing better. I’d rather drink gasoline than anything that hasn’t aged for at least a decade."

[saccharinexvenom]

there had been no break. of his focus upon her, as she briefly observed the options that were on hand for them. it had been intriguing, to see the certainty displayed within her features. as if looking over the wine list had simply been a formality. and he couldn't quite help the way his brow lifted as the wine was selected. elegantly so, with the air of knowledge behind each word. this wasn't simply someone trying to impress. this was a woman who understood wine without a shadow of a doubt. " it's amusing. how you know your way through a wine list, yet it's one of the other families that manages the winery . " though, griffin didn't strike kaan as the type to know his way through a year old barrel. but the thoughts were pushed aside, his protective air over miray set aside for the evening. " what drew you to fashion instead ? "

[saccharinexvenom]

at her comment, his darkened gaze flicked up. to meet her own. " perhaps i want a witness. to see how i make you moan for me . " the panties he had removed were tossed aside. somewhere, anywhere. before his hands slipped under her legs. he pulled her towards him, until she just barely rested against the edge of the desk. with her legs now hooked over his shoulders, he leaned in. and pressed his tongue to her center. there was a deliberate gentleness that found him. as if only the ghost of his tongue touched against her. if she focused enough, she might feel the very smirk that wished to settle on his lips. but kaan had a command. to distract her from thoughts of work. so his tongue soon set to its duty, working itself between her lips. if there had been one thing that kaan truly learned throughout his travels. it was precisely how to please a woman. in particular, the one that he now kneeled for .

and this moment would be all about her. if she wished it, he would bend her over the desk next. but his mind only settled on giving her the release that would ease her tension. that would coat her mind in pure thoughts of ecstasy. and so, he eased one hand off of her thigh. slipped it beneath his chin, and eased a finger into her warmth .

[julienharris]

"Someone's cocky." Miray scoffed although they were both aware of how well he knew her body at this point, how he could make her moan and whine and come as easily as breathing. If Kaan was cocky, it was for good reason but Miray wasn't going to admit to that; at least not until he earnt it. Fingers threaded into his hair as she ground her hips into that talented mouth seeking out more. She knew how wet she must be for him, could feel she was soaked without even touching herself to check. That was just the effect he had on her. "Oh fuck Kaan. Give me more I need it." There was a please on the tip of her tongue but she swallowed it down, refusing to beg for him just yet.

[saccharinexvenom]

there had never needed to be words of confirmation. of how well kaan could bring her to the edge. of how well he could make her moan with his tongue, fingers ... or his cock. they'd had years to grow accustomed to each other, to know the points and spots that would make the other come undone. if he had wanted to, kaan would have ensured all those within a block radius heard her calling out his name. his tongue gave a satisfied flick between her folds, before he leaned back ever so slightly. but not without a trade, as a second finger slide into her warmth. pushed in beside its mate. " more, hm ? tell me what you want . " his voice was low, throaty. before his lips pressed to the inside of her thigh, as teeth gave a gentle nip. kaan would happily give her all she wanted, needed. so long as she properly voiced it. otherwise, he may very well keep her right at the edge .

[eliasbeaumont]

"No I more so struggle with keeping my cool around arrogant entitled jackasses who think the world belongs to them." Or around most people really, it was an issue he was actively pretending to work on. In reality he didn't think it was the worst thing in the world. "Okay you do that."

[saccharinexvenom]

" why didn't you just kick his entitled ass then ? he's right over there. unless you think you can't take him . " there was a certain satisfaction of antagonizing julien. of pushing buttons even when he shouldn't. maybe there'd also be something in it for him. like getting to join in on a fight that broke out within the gym. it had been a long time since he'd had a good one .

[aylaxbinici-archive]

Seeing the two cups warmed her heart, because it was exactly something she would do herself. Bring options when she forgot someone's preference and she didn't want to bother them by asking again. "I actually have no preference." Ayla admitted with a bashful smile. "I think I like any and all milks." Still, her eyes shown with gratitude. "We can share the extra cup. It's only fair." She took one and set the extra one in the middle, not even sure which one she grabbed. In these recent days, any kindness was a blessing and something she was learning she needed terribly. "What about you? Do you have any milk preferences?"

[saccharinexvenom]

ángel beamed the moment she confirmed no preference. for it affirmed that he hadn't completely screwed up. and brought her the wrong drink order. there was nothing worse than having to stomach your way through a gross drink. " ok, perfect. and you're totally right . " his gaze settled on the extra drink. before he lifted it back up to her. " oh, i'm a nut milk guy all the way. i watched this documentary once, about the milk industry. absolutely never again will i drink the regular stuff . " his hands had wrapped around his own cup. warmth radiated against his palms. all while he prattled on. " but i mean, no judgment. it's just not for me, you know ? "

[nevcrmine]

"Can they tear each other apart somewhere else?" Raising her voice just above the natural hum of a crowd, she waited for the length of three heartbeats to gauge whether the men were even capable of absorbing it. Nada. Turning back to the man, Alara lifted both hands in a half-amused display. "All ten accounted for," until she jinxed it, of course. "Pretty sure they can't hear anything except each other. Which means they're not moving, so we'll have to."

[saccharinexvenom]

a brow shifted higher, as his attention turned once more to the brawling duo. there had been no halt in their antics. no consideration to the words that had been directed to them. as if nothing else mattered beyond making the other suffer. ángel allowed his head to cant. his gaze to watch them for a moment longer. before he directed his attention once more to her. and the fingers she displayed for him. the smile on his lips had grown immediately. as his eyes tracked each of the fingers. " wait - is that one just unusually shorter ? or did they already take a bite ? " he questioned, as he pointed to one of her fingers. none in particular, however. " kidding, kidding. but you're right, we'll probably have to slip away . " a careful glance to the two. " is it going to be like indiana jones though ? are we indiana, and they're the boulder . "

[honeyedsins-deactivated20250601]

special delivery for @saccharinexvenom (for zoraida)

"Do you mind if I sit here?"

Her voice couldn't have been much louder than the music blaring in the bar, but Amara was in a dilemma. The friend that had dragged her out of the dorms had deserted her for some drunk guy - and here she was, without a charger, and a dead phone. It was late to say the least and without her phone, it wasn't like she could call an Uber or a Lyft to come and get her. She'd have to walk back to her dorm, and that idea of that, combined with the annoyance she had for her so called friend, at least called for a drink.

"Zoraida? Is that you?" She had seen the woman, her and there, around her family and she smiled a little bit. "You have no idea how nice it is to see a familiar face."

[saccharinexvenom]

the bar had not exactly been a familiar one. but those in attendance seemed of a certain status within the city. which meant the options were laid out like a meal for her. all she had to do was sink her claws in. that is, until an otherwise familiar voice scratched at her conscious. and when she turned, it was to the face of the little gallo. or rather, one of them. " amara . " the name tasted foreign on her tongue, but the familiarity was there. briefly. in snippets. " how nice ? does it have to do something with why you've got such a long face ? " which only made her thoughts stray to what, or who had happened .

[jadexwu-deactivated20250717]

“Really?” Hunter questioned the woman back, eyebrow raised, his curiosity captured. He’d lie if he said he hadn’t used cheesy or awful lines on women before, but nowadays, he relied on his status and looks – and he believed that he was so much better with the pickup lines overall, too. “Tell me then, what’s the worst that you’ve heard?” He asked curiously as the drinks were placed in front of them. Picking up his, he raised the glass in her direction. “A very cheerful one, at least.”

[saccharinexvenom]

a brow perked at the question. while her mind wondered on the various lines she could offer. some more tame than others. while the others, were likely enough to make any god fearing civilian shudder and cover their ears. " how about a deal, hm ? i tell you one of the worst i've heard. and you tell me one of the worst you've used. or perhaps the best . " though, she doubted that he hadn't used an awful line once or twice in his life. even while looking as he did. " very, hm ? to a very cheerful one then . " came the agreement, as she lifted her own drink. before she brought it to her lips, gaze still upon him .

[goldfinchlily-deactivated202501]

stars pinned

@saccharinexvenom -- Crossing Fine Lines

It's a sudden idea, brought to her by no other than a young woman she arrested earlier today. Some simply robbery -- nothing she hasn't seen yet, nothing unusual. You would look great with earrings. Why haven't you gotten them? You're so pretty. Arresting these kinds of people, Lily feels bad for. The ones that are like her, like she used to be, when she was much, much younger. Searching for some adrenaline, or attention, or simply trying to survive. Now, Lily is far from just trying to survive, and much closer to fuck it, you've got the money. Which is exactly why...

"Hi, I was looking for a piercer? I'd love to get my ears pierced today, if you've got a spontaneous opening, perhaps?" Curiously, Lily scans her surroundings, "If not, I'll just come back any other day."

[saccharinexvenom]

the bell above the door had alerted him to a customer. which allowed him to abandon the temporary cleaning he had set his mind to. before he moved up to the front, before he leaned against the counter. " looks like you found one . " the bright smile settled onto his lips. for despite the days of wandering the city with his camera, ángel had always found a certain enjoyment with his actual job. there was nothing better than the moments of transforming such a tiny aspect, yet creating quite the difference for the individual. " i've got time right now. were you wanting lobes ? tragus ? something else ? "

[xogiada]

Ever since the Holiday Gala, simpler pleasures such as enjoying the company of fine gentleman like the one sitting across from her seemed few and far between, a thing of the past even. For one night, however, Giada could indulge. "Alright, no business tonight then, Kaan." She mused, a slow smirk unfurling against her painted lips. She made a deliberate point to repeat his first name, savoring it's sultry sound on her tongue as she would a glass of her favorite bold chianti. "Then the first thing you should know about me is that I despise an empty glass." Her head was now canted towards the one in front of her. "Shall we start with drinks?"

[saccharinexvenom]

there had been no mistaking, the intentional use of his given name. perhaps as if she were testing it out for herself. tasting it upon her tongue. or perhaps there had been something far deeper at play. a fact that kaan made note of, that he may or may not wonder upon further. once they had delved further into what made the other tick. his gaze flicked to her empty glass, his own smirk furthered upon his lips. " an empty glass surely won't do . " he agreed, before he lifted a hand. softly calling over one of the waiters, one that had been tasked to ensure they were properly looked after. as well as being uninterrupted. " would you care to do the honors of selecting a wine for us ? "

[rcsesnoir-deactivated20260802]

@saccharinexvenom

LOCATION: zoradia's place, evening. FOR: zoradia benavente.

FRANKLY, PRETENDING THAT HE wasn't in love with freddie felt like pulling teeth. it was an anguish even more powerful than the initial realization in the first place. thus, he had accepted rather quickly when zo had asked him to go out. it had been far too long since the two of them had spent time together -- considering the chaos of everything going on. thus, he sits on her couch ready to go. all he needed was for her to finish getting ready. " i know they say don't rush perfection... but the cover charge is going to hit real soon. " he calls out, his voice dripping with his usual teasing demeanor. both of them could afford it, he just felt like being an idiot. he opens a nearby bottle of tequila. " c'mon z! "

[saccharinexvenom]

" i am the definition of perfection, dulzura . " came her quip as she finally stepped into the living room. her gaze immediately settling upon him. " and you need to learn a bit of patience . " teased words before she moved to join him, falling easily into the place at his side. somewhere she had found herself comfortable in since they had first met. the pair of them had been through plenty, which meant she could see it written plain as day upon his face. " don't worry, i'll sweet talk the doorman just for you. wouldn't want you spending the last bit of money you have . " she teased, before she plucked the bottle from his hold. " are we having a night to forget ? or are we drinking enough until you confess what's on your mind ? "

[saccharinexvenom]

iMessage: Luciano

Griffin: so funny Griffin: if i wanted to tell you, I'd be telling you Griffin: not meant for your pretty boy ears Griffin: just tell him to get back to me as soon as he can Luciano: flattery will get you nowhere, i already know i'm pretty Luciano: and seeing as it's clearly not THAT important, i'll be sure to not rush myself in telling him Luciano: shame his meeting just started

[stvrchilds]

˙ ˖ ✶ Caio

"You just like to argue don't you," Must be a trend with the men who were unable to admit their real feelings and just ran away at the first sign of something real, Jayden summarized, but he knew he shouldn't be lumping all the men in gangs in the same boat. "You're not seeing with a wider lens, my bullets are almost always coated in something, sometimes they're explosive rounds, other times they can paralyze or make people hallucinate. You just have to get creative in the ways with which you obtain these...uh toxins." he mused. "But no I just wanted to show you my anti tank rifle that acquired, it isn't supposed to be used on people but," he shrugged.

[saccharinexvenom]

a brow perked. out of curiosity, or perhaps out of wondering what the hell was up with this kid. explosives, toxins ; did the kid think he was in some sort of james bond movie ? most of those that sterling had the misfortune of crossing paths with used regular old bullets. nothing special, and good enough to get the job done. should it come to that. then again, sterling also quite enjoyed the simple use of his fists. when the appropriate time came for it. " anti tank rifle . " the words were repeated. with another lift of his brow. because truly, this had gone far into the realm of movies. when the hell did anyone have the time to use that ? to set it up and shit. " and what, you just so happen to have it all set up in the back ? does it even shoot ? "

[rcsesnoir-deactivated20260802]

IT WAS ODD, IRIS had noticed that most of the men in her life were speaking to her as if she wasn't aware of the consequences of her own choices. and yet, she remains steadfast in her resolve. there she stood, in his place, wearing his shirt. gazing at him -- and it's not just his words that cause her heart to beat even faster. it's the way his eyes catch the sunlight. " sterling.. if you think i'm letting you go again... " she maneuvers across the floor with a sense of determination, hands coming to rest on the flesh of either of his cheeks. " i know the risk. of course i do. " but you're worth it. the words sit on the edge of her tongue as the thumb of her right hand traces a pattern meant to comfort. there was so much he didn't know. " but there's no way in hell i'm letting you slip through my fingers again. "

[saccharinexvenom]

the thought had been at the back of his mind. since the evening of the gala, when he'd pulled her into the nearest room. when he hadn't been able to keep his hands off of her within that coat closet. or when they had departed the venue. snuck out during the mayhem. from that moment, he had only considered whether she would disappear again. that she'd have some excuse on her tongue, of why this wouldn't work. she wasn't ready. she couldn't stop thinking of the wrong that had been done to her. over and over again, the thoughts had spiraled. and perhaps this had been his chance to delve into that. to see precisely where her head was at .

the sight of her in his shirt. the press of her hands against his cheeks. the words that parted her. it allowed that sense of relief to wash over him. to simmer down the anger, the regret that boiled within him. but the secrets still rested between them. the knowledge that there was something more. that neither of them could speak into the quiet around them. " if you think i'm letting you walk away again , " came his words, as his hands reached out. as they settled on her hips, drew her into him more. " not a single gang in this war could take you from me . " and if they tried, sterling would enjoy blooding his fists .