PLAY WITH FIRE ;

multi-muse indie account penned by sarah - she/her

[sinncrsx]

CURRENT MUSES;

AIYLA DEMIRCI (32, cis-woman, aysa aycin turan, ER nurse) — intro. threads. musings. visage.

LUCIA FAVELA (24, cis-woman, ester exposito, con artist) — intro. threads. musings. visage.

HARRISON 'HARRY' CLARK (29, cis-man, thomas doherty, musician) — intro. threads. musings. visage.

LOLA BARRERA (33, cis-woman, priscilla quintana, teacher at Balance & Breathe) — intro. threads. musings. visage.

MIA RIVERA (32, cis-woman, kylie verzosa, law intern) — intro. threads. musings. visage.

TOMMY WALTERS (39, cis-man, sebastian stan, unemployed) — intro. threads. musings. visage.

[divxrgentx]

The storm that raged outside of her home matched the thoughts that were in her head. Her life since returning to Wilmington had been anything but calm. From doing her best to find a space for her office, her growing list of clients, and the never ending list of reunions that moving home had brought, her life was far from coming to a standstill. Not to mention, the deaths that seemed to be popping up all over town. She was on edge and the half empty bottle of Cabernet that rested on her kitchen counter was a clear sign of that. Files stacked before her, shoved away in what could only be described as disgust stared at her from where they sat - ignored. She couldn't find the head space for them, not right now. She would deal with them tomorrow, she thought to herself, when she had rested and reset. Glass in hand, she began to move toward the couch to unwind when she was interrupted by the sound of a knock on her front door. Eyebrows stitched together in confusion, she wasn't expecting anyone especially in this weather. She places her glass on the side table and moves toward her door, feeling a bit hesitant but somewhat drawn to whoever was on the other side. She pulls the door open slowly, eyes peeking around the corner first before opening it fully once she realized who stood on the other side. Rhys. She opens her mouth to question him, to figure out why he of all people was gracing her doorstep, but he cuts her off. He all but begs to be let in and she, despite her unsettled mind's protest, opens the door further for him. For all their differences, she couldn't turn him away. Too much of her heart still cared for him. "What's going on?" she asks, concern lacing her tone.

[sinncrsx]

He all but stumbled through the door once Maggie had opened it wider, the warmth of her home a stark contrast to the storm raging outside. Rhys shook his wet jacket from his shoulders, bunching it into his fist as he paced back and forth for a silent moment. He could feel her eyes on him, watching his every movement, waiting for an answer from him. But his mind was still scrambled, still trying to wrap his head around what he had heard, and what it could mean. He wasn't sure if it would change everything, or nothing at all...

"I think my father may have been murdered." Rhys blurted out, rather breathlessly as if he had been holding the words in. Truthfully, he didn't feel much better once he had confessed, his eyes wide and seeking hers for some kind of solution. "Have you got any alcohol?" of course she did, he could see a half empty bottle in the kitchen from the corner of his eye. But he needed Maggie to offer for him to stay, for them to drink and talk, and drink. Fuck, Rhys needed a drink.

[sinncrsx]

FROM: Rhys Bradley

TO: Maggie Kennedy @divxrgentx

WHERE: Maggie's house

Rhys squinted down at the crumpled napkin in his hand, the heavy rain making it even more difficult to make out if it was a 3 or an 8. It was a 50/50 chance as his head turned from left to right, trying to figure out which house could be hers. Somehow in that brief second, the rain grew angrier and Rhys had to make a quick decision - number 8.

He darted up the path, eager to get out of the rain but equally as eager to feel the tension release from his chest. His knuckles knocked upon the door, the palm of his other hand moving to rest against the wall beside the door. It wasn't until he had stopped when he realised just how heavy he had been breathing and how tight his chest had become.

"Oh thank god." Rhys heavily sighed the breath he hadn't been aware he was holding. The door opened and his head dipped down briefly in relief. "Can I come in?" his eyes pleaded deeply. "I need to talk to someone - please." Maggie had every right to turn him away for his abrupt appearance, but she had left her address for a reason. She had wanted him to come.

[dcrklighters]

A part of Ozan was wondering if he was trying to create tension between them. He'd always thought that Aiyla deserved better than him, this was the reason behind not making a move on her despite knowing how he felt about her for a long time now. The past few weeks had been the closest thing to bliss that Ozan had ever felt. Despite not knowing exactly where they stood, they'd discovered a new side of their relationship, no matter how hard they both seemed to still hold onto the word friendship. Drew though, was everything that Ozan had never and would never be. They were actually complete opposites and Ozan couldn't help but realize that the other man could be good for Aiyla. That he could offer her a life without her even having to worry about his addictions, his pain, of having to wonder when he'd relapse again.

Ozan was tense as they walked together, his brain deep in thought until she nudged him and the smile on her face alone spread a familiar, warm feeling across his chest. That was the thing about Aiyla, the sight of her was enough to make him realize that no matter how much he wanted better for her, that she deserved someone that could give her everything she deserved, Ozan would do anything to be that man for her. He wasn't perfect at all, but damn he would never stop trying to be that for her. He let out a deep breath and nodded his head slightly, trying to find the right words to express everything that he was feeling. "Sorry. I didn't mean to be." He whispered, furrowing his eyebrows together before he decided to just let it all out.

"I've just been in my head tonight." Ozan turned his head to look back at her as they walked together, his eyes slowly scanning her face. "Seeing you and Drew tonight felt...different." He finally admitted, his stomach turning at the admission. He was used to telling Aiyla everything, there were very few secrets between them. But it was different now. Because no matter how much they both tried to keep things casual, it was anything but. It could never be because of their history and his feelings for her. "Weeks ago, before we kissed, I always wondered if the reason why you and Drew were still such close friends was because you could still have feelings for him. A part of me always wondered when you'd finally tell me you'd found your way back together." Ozan looked ahead, feeling entirely too vulnerable as the words left his lips. "I don't know what I would do if you told me that now though. That you've found someone else, I mean. All I can think of is that you technically could because we haven't talked about anything yet, you know?"

[sinncrsx]

Aiyla slowed her gait, until the pair had come to a gentle halt. Her hand dropped from his arm as she turned to face Ozan, but quickly found his hand where her fingers loosely clung onto his. The mention of Drew caused her stomach to plunge, a soft frown burrowing upon her features. Deep down, Aiyla knew that if Ozan shared an ex who was as close to him as Drew was to her, it would cause unease to grow from within. It would sink its claws into her mind, spewing doubt into every word Ozan did or didn't say, and every inch he would move. Perhaps Aiyla should have considered that herself, but... She and Ozan had jump head first into their bubble that she hadn't thought to look down.

"Drew and I are friends. We-" although Aiyla paused for a moment, swallowing hard. She knew Ozan deserved the truth, if things between them were to go any further, he deserved to know the truth behind her relationship with Drew, and that it heavily clung onto their past, rather than their present. "Before we dated in high school, we were best friends. He was there for me when my parents divorced, and when my dad started drinking." her gaze fluttered downwards, as despite the years passed since, it had still been an uncomfortable time for Aiyla. "And then we dated and it didn't end well. We realised we worked a lot better as friends, but it took a long time for us to get to that point. And now we're friends again, and it's like we're making up for lost time." Aiyla paused, gently chewing on her lower lip. "I don't have feelings for Drew, and I haven't since I was 18." she told Ozan with confidence, and assurance.

"Hey-" she tugged gently on his fingers to try and pull his gaze back to her. "I have found someone though." Aiyla took a step closer, her voice softer. "I've found you." a ghost of a frown reappeared on her brow as if it wasn't already obvious enough to Ozan that there was no one else for her. "Ever since we kissed, I have been terrified that you're going to tell me you're sorry but it was a mistake, or that there's someone else." she immediately noted the irony in the pair being worried over the exact same concerns. "And I've been avoiding talking about it because I'm scared this is all going to come crashing down around us." she felt her heartbeat pick up at the realisation her words could very much become a reality.

[blackboxwcrning]

the other had a point but still, she was an intern and she needed to live her life before she graduated and really got tangled up with all of this. alejandro wasn't going to tell her that though. she didn't seem interested in taking his advice and if he were being honest, the fact that she worked so hard was ultimately going to be what got her a permanent position, if that was what she wanted. he watched her as she leaned forward and he chuckled, "none of my girlfriends liked how dedicated i am to the job. they couldn't handle the late nights." he replied, his arms landing on his desk as he peered over at her. "and you? are men just intimidated?"

[sinncrsx]

"Maybe you're looking in the wrong places for a girlfriend." she suggested lightly with a shrug of her shoulders. It seemed to be a simple solution in Mia's head, at least. If there was one thing she had learned from studying law, was that there was always a solution, a loophole. "You need a woman who is equally as dedicated to the job, so when you're working late on a Friday night, she's also working late." screw opposites attract, lawyers were a very specific niche of human. "My exes never understood why I'm more dedicated to my career than I am to their needs. Besides, I don't think right now I'm a commitment type of woman. My commitment is to my job, everywhere else in my life? I need freedom."

[dcrklighters]

closed starter for @sinncrsx (ozan bulut x aiyla demirci)

Jealousy was something that Ozan had felt multiple times, especially when it came to Aiyla. They'd been in each other's lives, as friends, for long enough to see her with other men, to have to act like he was okay with whoever she would choose to spend her life with. Today felt different though. He'd seen her with Drew before; which shouldn't mean anything and he knew that. They were exes but he also knew that they were friends after that. What was different this time though, was that they'd been something for the past few weeks. Back then, Ozan had never thought that Aiyla would ever want him, but now he knew that she did. He had too much to lose now that he knew that. Ozan had seen Aiyla and Drew sharing a coffee only a couple days before and tonight, the two of them had been out for drinks at a bar and had ran into Drew. Technically, Drew was also Ozan's friend as well, so Ozan hoped that he'd been able to mask his annoyance every time that the other man and Aiyla laughed together.

There was something off between the two of them after Drew left, almost as if he'd been the one keeping the conversation going. Ozan was aware that he was probably to blame, there was just too much in his mind. He had to get his shit together though. Ozan knew that. This was unacceptable. Technically, Aiyla could do whatever she wanted. They weren't officially together. Or where they? Who even knew? Ozan hadn't even looked at anyone since they'd kissed that night. He'd been pining after her for years before then, so he wasn't surprised. But he didn't know where Aiyla stood. They spent so much time together but had yet to say how they felt out loud. Ozan worried it was too soon, so he'd chose to wait. He didn't know if that was a good idea anymore. Ozan finished his beer and looked back at Aiyla, gesturing towards the exit, hoping to find the right words to say what was on his mind on their way back home. "You wanna head out? If I remember correctly you have work tomorrow, right?"

[sinncrsx]

Unfortunately, Aiyla's dating history had always been rather bleak. She seemed to have quite the knack for falling fast and hard, and staying longer than what was perhaps healthy for her. She was a hopeless romantic, and believed that fate would allow things to fall into place. However, she was quickly learning that men came like buses. She had waited and waited, and suddenly they all arrived at once. She had always been close with Drew, perhaps too close for an ex, some may have observed. Aiyla had struggled to unblur the line in their friendship, and was always there when he called. But then there was Ozan, and well... Their past had been tumultuous and yet they had always ebbed and flowed perfectly in sync with one another, even without having to say a word. Perhaps that was the stark difference between the two men. Aiyla felt like she had always been pushing and pulling with Drew, like trying to get blood from a stone. But Ozan, he was like coming up for fresh air and remembering how to breathe again.

However, since that moment in her kitchen where they shared their first kiss, Aiyla hadn't spared a single thought towards Drew - or any other man, for that matter. Her brief rush of confidence had entirely changed the course of their friendship, if that was what they were still naively calling it. Although all at once, everything had changed for Aiyla. She had taken a leap of faith, and Ozan had caught her, and that alone was worth more than a thousand words. Their behaviour had instantly changed, as if something had clicked into place, and they flowed seamlessly around one another. Although for the first time since their kiss, it felt as if they were like a jolted record stuck on the needle. The brief interruption into their evening from Drew probably hadn't helped things, but Aiyla couldn't seem to shake that it felt heavier than that. She swallowed hard, knowing that Ozan had his own demons to fight, and her stomach twisted in knots at the thought of them rearing their ugly heads again.

She was almost thankful that Ozan had suggested they head back, because then they could at least be released from the tension at the bar and maybe, just maybe she could squeeze out of him what was going on. She had finished the last drop of her wine, shrugging on her thin jacket as Ozan paid for the bill - the gentleman, as always. Once they were outside, the cool evening air pinched at Aiyla's cheeks, making her link her arm with Ozan's as they walked in sync along the sidewalk. "Hey- you're quiet tonight." she nudged him gently. "And you're never quiet with me." she reminded him softly, a small smile upon her lips.

[iridcscentmvscs-deactivated2024]

"I don't think I could mistake you for anyone else," Sofia said, taking in his distinctive appearance. "And for the record, I enjoyed the music. You guys put on a great show." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze lingering on his face. "I'm Sofia, by the way. It's nice to meet you." She extended her hand, offering a friendly handshake. As they stood there, her curiosity grew. She wondered what had inspired him to pursue music. There had to be a reason, right? "So, how long have you been playing with the band?" she asked.

[sinncrsx]

Harry glanced upwards, his vision blurred by his own plumes of smoke as his lips curved into a quiet smirk. He was no stranger to women flirting with him, but it was always something he would relish in. "I'd hope not, you have been starin' at me for the past hour." he reminded her teasingly. "Harrison- or Harry, whichever you prefer." he reached forwards to shake her hand, the gesture itself awfully formal for Harry. "Professionally? A couple of years." he confessed as he leant his body against the brick wall behind him. "It started out as something we did in high school in my dad's garage but then we realised we were actually pretty good at it and figured we'd try and do a couple shows here and there."

[iridcscentmvscs-deactivated2024]

Levi chuckled at Lola's fiery reaction, finding it oddly endearing. "You know me better than that. I wouldn't come all this way just to return a water bottle," he said with a playful smirk. "I wanted to see you, make sure you're doing alright." Despite their tumultuous past, a part of him still cared deeply for her. "That's great to hear. I'm happy for you, truly," he meant it—even if a small part of him wished he could still be a part of her success.

He paused for a moment, considering her question. "Things are... well, they're going," he said with a shrug. "Work keeps me busy, but I can't complain." He studied her face, realizing he was staring too long, he looked away. "So, any exciting plans for the weekend?" 

[sinncrsx]

The muscles in her jaw tightened at Levi's honesty, although she couldn't stop herself from doubting if it was genuine. Was he here because he genuinely wanted to see her and make sure she was okay, or was he here to just be Levi and prod at the wound he had left gaping? "You could have done that over a text." Lola explained stubbornly, because as much as she wanted to see if he was alright too, she knew that seeing each other like this was only making the recovery process even worse. "And what if I'm not doing alright, Levi?" she pushed, wondering what his plan would have been if she hadn't faked how well she was doing.

She nodded at his words, a gentle smile upon her lips knowing that work was all the pair had now to distract them from the loneliness of going home at night. "The girls are taking me out for some drinks. It's Pride month and you know Joanna likes to go big so..." Lola drifted off, knowing that their friends were torn between the two of them in the aftermath of the divorce.

[blackboxwcrning]

alejandro couldn't help but let out a chuckle, "we both know i work too much. if i had a girlfriend, my phone would be blowing up this time of night." but, that wasn't the case. his phone was relatively quiet after business hours, which he was thankful for. it was nice to be able to get some work done in the quietness of the after work hours. a smile played on his lips as she spoke, "i'll give you that much but again, you did mention young. you should be living your life to its fullest, not working as late as you do."

[sinncrsx]

"You can't critique me for something you do yourself." she reminded him jokingly, a smile upon her lips. "I mean, you're also here on a Friday night." it was clear they were both slaves to their careers, but there was something about lawyers that were just built differently. They tirelessly worked for justice, and that was perhaps something only another lawyer could understand and justify. "So what is it?" Mia mused, pressing her elbows onto the table and she leaned forwards. "Are the demands of the job too much for a girlfriend?" she pushed, her eyebrow raising lightly. "Or is it the girlfriend who can't meet the demands of the lawyer?"

[sinncrsx]

LOCATION: Mercy Hospital

WITH: Nikki St James @brckenknlght

Life after prison had been a difficult adjustment, to say the least. Tommy had done everything he was supposed to do. He attended all of his meetings, he had a couple of interviews for work lined up, he had been ticking all the boxes. And yet something didn't feel quite right. Almost like he was spending his whole time walking off balance, clawing at any sense of his new normalcy.

Since his release, he had kept his head down and mostly kept to himself. He had very few friends left since his imprisonment, which had left him incredibly isolated upon his release. Tommy had his family though, and the close friends who stuck by him over the years. They were his stronghold, they were the reason he had kept on going.

But he knew his father had gotten sick, and had undergone surgery in the hopes of it slowly down the process. Tommy had never particularly liked hospitals, but he had been visiting his father every day since the surgery. "Hey pops-" Tommy had been too busy looking down at the newspaper in his hand to realise there was someone else in the room too. "Ah shit, sorry. Didn't realise you were comin' to do all your checks on him-"

When suddenly it felt like Tommy had stumbled into a glass wall. He almost felt winded as the doctor looked up, and all sense of rationality was rapidly replaced with panic and betrayal. His heart rate sky rocketed, and suddenly Tommy became acutely aware of the sound of the ticking clock on the wall and the way his father's machines would incessantly beep. "Nikki..."

[sinncrsx]

LOCATION: A motel in South Hills

WITH: Jacks Lewis @brckenknlght

Lucia had been out of the shower for some time now, her body still wrapped in a towel while her slightly damp hair wrapped in another. For once, she and her husband were in no rush and had nowhere to be, and so it had been easy for her to get lost in her book. It wasn't until she felt the mattress beside her dip at his bodyweight, her eyes drifting upwards. "Baby, what do you say we go out for dinner tonight, hm?" she purred as she leaned forwards, her arm reaching to lazily rest across his shoulders. "We could celebrate our first six months since our wedding? Have a few drinks, have a little fun?" her fingers idly played with the hair at the nape of his neck. Wedding was a glorified word for their version of events, but Lucia wouldn't have it any other way. "Maybe we could find our next hit tonight?" she hinted with a teasing smile.

[iridcscentmvscs-deactivated2024]

Bar crawling wasn't her usual scene—typically preferring to stay home with a good book at this hour. But having declined their invitations three times already, she figured it was time to join them. She’d seen a few of the acts and during one of the breaks, Rachel texted Sofia asking her to come outside and guide her to their table. While waiting, she scrolled through her phone until the man spoke to her.

"Here you go," she said, fishing a lighter out of her compact purse and handing it to him. Despite not being a smoker herself, one of her friends was, so she carried one just in case. Studying the man, she realized the face was familiar. "You're in the band that played tonight, aren’t you?"

[sinncrsx]

He plucked the lighter from her hand, using it to light the cigarette between his lips. He waited, puffing on it to make sure it was fully lit before handing it back. Harry almost sighed with pleasure at the nicotine rush as it was his first smoke post-show, and boy did he need it. "Well now, that depends, doesn't it?" he teased with a knowing smirk. "If you liked their music then yeah, that was me. If you thought they were shit then... Nah you've got me mistaken for someone else."

[iridcscentmvscs-deactivated2024]

Perhaps he shouldn’t be here, but this time he actually had a legit reason to be. Levi was here to return Lola’s water bottle. In retrospect, maybe he shouldn’t have done this—text her when he'd already arrived. Not like she couldn’t replace a tumbler, but hey he couldn't judge, maybe this was an important bottle... "Before you start up, I’m here with this.” He dangled the metal water bottle in her face. 

"I promise I'm not here to cause trouble," Levi continued, his lips curving into a cocky smile. "I figured you’d want it back." He paused, studying her face for a moment. God, she was beautiful. "You look good, love. How's business?” Did he care about the business doing well or not? Maybe… He wasn’t a complete prick—somewhere deep down, he still cared for her. He simply didn’t know how to say it.

[sinncrsx]

"Are you serious right now?" her hand reached upwards, snatching the bottle from his hand. Angrily, Lola folded her arms across her chest, the stupid water bottle tucked under her arm. "Then why are you here, huh? Because I'm pretty sure this could've gone in the trash." she smiled sarcastically, waving the bottle in the air between them.

She almost sighed with defeat, wondering if this was his attempt at being civil after the divorce. His olive branch, so to speak. "Business is good. Classes are busy so, that's all we can really ask for." Lola pressed her lips together in a thin line, knowing she was tempting fate with her next question. "How are things with you, Levi?"

[blackboxwcrning]

alejandro couldn't help but chuckle in response to the other's words, "that's flattering. you know, that you assume that i have a partner. i think we both know i work entirely too much to maintain a relationship. after all, like you said, they're hard to keep." and he assumed that was also her way of telling him that she were available. not that it mattered anyways. he shouldn't even be considering crossing the line but as much as he tried not to, it was basically impossible. "if you're not careful, you're going to end up like me. is that really what you want?" he asked, leaning back in his seat as he gave the woman in front of him his full attention.

[sinncrsx]

"You? Single? I'm shocked." she teased lightly, a quiet smirk in the corner of her eyes as she dared to glance up from her paperwork. She could understand the attraction of a successful man who was passionate about his work, after all, that was the type of man Mia would choose for herself. It was difficult for her to focus on the words in front of her when she could feel the intensity of his blue eyes watching her every movement. And so she leant back in her chair, her own gaze challenging his. "You mean young, successful, and pretty much every woman's dream? Yeah, sounds like hell."

[blackboxwcrning]

CLOSED STARTER FOR @sinncrsx FT. ALEJANDRO & MIA

the man worked hard. he always had because well, he if were being honest, the last thing he wanted to do was let his parents down. they put him through school, cheered him on when they could, and supported his dreams. so, it was no surprise that he was working late, as he normally did. tonight like most nights, he had assumed everyone was gone but when mia walked in, he was proven wrong. he sat up, clearing his throat. "mia," he started, "it's a friday night and you're still here? surely you have better things to do and a boyfriend to enjoy your night with." whether she was dating someone or not was truly none of his business but he couldn't help but want to find out, especially with the chemistry he felt between the two of them.

[sinncrsx]

Mia's career was her reason for everything she did. She had always been goal driven, even as a kid. She aspired to the best in her class at almost everything, and that determination had only accelerated through school and college. Becoming a lawyer had been her dream for years now, even if it meant long nights and little sleep. "I could ask you the same question." she mused as she moved around the table to drop her files down. Mia sat down, nudging in her chair as she began organising the papers. "A boyfriend who doesn't get mad at me for spending more time at work than I do at home?" she teased, quirking an eyebrow upwards. "They're pretty hard to find, and even harder to keep." she was quick to remind him.

[sinncrsx]

LOCATION: Some dingy out of town bar

WITH: Sofia Vaughn @iridcscentmvscs

It had been a small show in the basement room of a bar outside of town, which was pretty much the perfect night for Harry. Nobody gave a fuck who he was, he was just a guy on stage playing guitar and singing under the strobe lights. With his guitar in hand, he could morph into whoever he wanted to be. Performing was his kryptonite, in the best way possible. Amongst other vices, too.

He all but stumbled through the door, a cigarette hanging limply from his mouth as his hands patted his pockets for a lighter. "Ah shit." Harry grumbled to himself. "Hey sweetheart, don't s'pose you've got a lighter on you?"

[sinncrsx]

LOCATION: Balance & Breathe

WITH: Levi Fairfax @iridcscentmvscs

The past year had been hard. The divorce had been hard. But this was a fresh year, right? New beginnings. Because the divorce had been finalised, the ink had dried, and Lola had moved out. All of a sudden, it had come rushing at her at a terrifying speed and suddenly she was single again, trying to navigate life independently. But ironically, despite being separated, she almost felt as if she saw Levi more now than she ever did before.

She had received the I'm outside text, his name glaring at her from the screen of her phone. Lola marched down the hallway, to where she could see his stupid obnoxious face waiting for her. "Seriously Levi?" Lola spoke through gritted teeth. "You can't just keep showing up. This is where I work, for god's sake."