sharpest lives

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

There's something in your throat that wants to get out and you won't let it.

Basics:-

Name: Stefanos Dimopoulos Age: 39 Birthday: 4th May 1985 Gender & Pronouns: cis man, he/him Time in Tonopah Valley: 31 years Occupation: Owner of Drive-In Theatre + chef @ Dionysos Gang Affiliation & Rank: formerly a Capo in Los Santos Neighborhood: Webster Village

Family:-

Father: Georgios Dimopoulos Mother: Sofia Dimopoulos nee Vasileiou (deceased), Yasmin (step mother) Siblings: Christos Dimopoulos (twin brother, deceased), Victoria Dimopoulos (younger sister) Extended family: Nikolaos Dimopoulos (paternal cousin), Yiannis Dimopoulos (uncle), Helen Papadakis (aunt)

Personality:-

Zodiac: Taurus sun, Scorpio moon, Virgo rising

Born in Patras just minutes behind his twin brother. Lost his mother before his first birthday but family rallied around them.

His father remarried and later had his younger sister, Tori.

Moved to Tonopah when he was eight along with the rest of the Dimopoulos family.

Teenage years were mostly uneventful and just before turning sixteen he was let in on the family secrets and their ties to Los Santos

Joined Los Santos ranks as soon as he could at eighteen as well as working at the family restaurant.

His brother was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver when he was nineteen, forever changing his outlook on life.

He got angry at the world and threw himself into Los Santos, before he realised what course his rage had set him on and so he chose numbness and being aloof instead.

Rose to the rank of Capo and was eventually able to buy the Drive In Theatre which was then used as a way to launder money for Los Santos.

Since his parents and aunt and uncle have decided to return to Greece and without Los Santos in his life he's been left trying to figure out his future but the one certainty is that it will involve his cousin and his sister.

Connections:-

High school friends: whether they have stayed close or drifted since becoming adults, had a falling out or still view each other fondly there's room for loads of variety here.

High school ex: first and most likely only serious relationship before he became distant after the death of his brother.

Best friend: though he'd likely consider his cousin his bestie, there's definitely room for a handful more.

Casual friends: while he doesn't always pull his weight on maintaining closer friendships, his level of contact would probably suit something looser and not as deep. Relaxed meet ups and kind of surface level but friendly enough.

Los Santos connections: Stef took it all very seriously and saw it as a job so there's the potential he viewed most others as colleagues rather than friends but once again open to any and all types of dynamic.

Friction: although he tends to be pretty neutrally apathetic to most people, this connection and he have just never gotten along. Whether just clashing personalities or some kind of deeper rift between them things have never gone smoothly.

Former flings: purely physical and probably not super long lasting but he'd have made that clear so probably not a case of any crossed wires unless they really chose not to pay attention.

Friends of Christos: someone else who was close to his twin, likely a complicated relationship as Stef won't always like being reminded. He likes to dodge his issues and pretend they don't exist.

Neighbours: he currently lives in Webster Village but spends a lot of time in Glen Estates too so just people he knows from running into them a lot.

Literally anything and everything please <3

[rosaliehsu]

Without thinking, her hand flew to her head, only upon her fingers touching the corduroy of one of her favorite hats did she realize what he was referencing. And though it took her a second to fully process, she couldn't help but laugh, a loud peal falling from her lips. It was at the entirety of the situation, really, how obviously frantic and flustered she must seem, that she couldn't even remember the hat on her own head. But mostly, at how....Cute he sounded, not to mention that embarrassed smile. The concept of such a stalwart person feeling that way was oddly comforting. It was good to know she wasn't the only person who could feel awkward or as if they had said something silly, something her loquacious nature often made her feel around him, all silent and stony-faced. "I'd forget my ears if they weren't attached to my head this morning. Sorry for gas-lighting you momentarily."

Her stomach jumped as he moved aside. She was thankful, endlessly so. But suddenly her mind began to spin out, trying to think how she could communicate just that. A gift card to his favorite coffee place? No, then she'd have to ask Tori where that was. Offer to take Titan out? Seemed too transactional. Make him dinner? Her mind paused on the idea. She knew he cooked at his family restaurant, so she might embarrass herself in the process, but it obviously intimated food meant something to him. And what better way to say thank you but in a language he spent most of his days speaking? As she bent slightly to greet Titan, her mind became more and more resolved. If she could get out of school on time for once, she should be able to make it to the cheap market downtown before the older couple who owned it closed up for the afternoon. --- She followed him (and Titan, naturally), almost on autopilot as she thought it all through, her mind only focusing on the present as he stopped. His words were firm, as if there was no room for argument, and she found herself utterly and rather embarrassingly, speechless. And as he turned on his heel and gave her privacy, she still hadn't figured out how to reply.

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

As soon as he left her Stef found himself almost at a loss with what to do with himself. So usually a man of action he found himself stumped as to what task he could set himself to next. It was difficult to pin point just what had left him feeling that way, knowing it wasn't just because his morning routine had been interrupted nor was it that he was reluctant to offer her help. Domesticity wasn't an entirely new concept to him but there was something novel about it being with just one other person when his mornings had been filled with chatter and his family chaotically moving around each other before they went about the rest of their days. Maybe it was the discomfort that came with the idea that he was someone she'd turn to, surprising himself that he wanted to be that person but also feeling as though he'd always been more the twisted prince than a true knight in shining armour. Before he could lose himself in thoughts and emotions he didn't know how to name an idea came to him and he shut any remaining feelings and notions off the way that he had gotten so good at.

He could practically cook in his sleep and it had dawned on him that if he needed to eat she probably did too and so moved through to the kitchen to trying not to fixate how intimate it all felt. With the batter whipped up he began to cook the pancakes, on the second one when there was a sound of footsteps joining him in the room. Without turning he greeted his houseguest, offer made with a carefully neutral tone that he hoped she'd feel like she could decline if she wanted to. "I made pancakes, if you still have time for breakfast. Coffee too." Hand gestured vaguely in front of him, spatula in hand before he pointed to the fridge across the room. "Or there's some yoghurt in the fridge if you'd prefer. I just made some granola the other day."

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

Outside Tori's place with Tori Dimopoulos @toridimopoulos

There was a certain strictness in the way that he lived his life, undeniably regimented despite never having inherited the habit from any kind of military training. He was restrained in most things, never allowing himself much more than he needed and indulgences few and far between. But there were exceptions to every rule and so despite his self imposed restrictions he'd always felt the need to ensure that his sister never wanted for anything. Maybe she was his one indulgence, happy to spend whatever it took - whether it be money or time - to grant her happiness. Despite his motivation for their day together being her enjoyment, he still greeted her with characteristic gruffness, frown already having set itself on his brow during the time she'd kept him waiting before emerging from her home. "Come on, I want to make sure I can get parked before you empty my wallet."

[rosaliehsu]

It had been one of those mornings where nothing seemed to go right, which led her to Stef's door at the ungodly hour. First, her alarm hadn't gone off, and while she hadn't awoken that much later, it was still with a start and that panicked feeling of suspicion that she had gotten too much sleep. Bleary eyed and sleep deprived (despite the extra 20 minutes), she had made her way into the bathroom, turned on the shower and hopped in, only to find out the hard way that she had no water. If it wasn't for the fact that her hair desperately needed a wash, ball caps weren't allowed in class and she didn't have a meeting with the superintendent today, she would have toughed it out and gone in un-showered and un-fed.

Before she could think of un-swallowing her pride, Ros had thrown on the closest hat to the door and made her way the 100 or so feet to Stef's door. So discombobulated and highly disconcerted by his use of the term 'pickle' upon his answering of the door, she stared at him, a concerned look on her face. "Uhhh," she tried to regain her thought process, blinking a couple of times and shaking her head, "Yeah, I am. I really, really hate to ask, especially when you just helped me out with the door but--" She nearly chickened out right then and there, wondering if it'd be less or more humiliating to ask the principal if she could use the shower that was for some reason in her office's bathroom. "My water is out and normally I wouldn't even think to ask but I have a pretty important meeting today and---" she was rambling, damn it. 'Get to the point, Rosalie' she could almost hear her mother chide, "Would you mind awfully if I stole a shower?"

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

At her obvious confusion about his quip he raised a hand slightly, as if motioning towards his own invisible cap. "The pickle in question." Lips pressed together in a lame attempt at a smile as he inwardly cursed himself for thinking his poor attempt at a joke would receive any other kind of reception. It should have been obvious that her mind would have been elsewhere when the last thing anyone wanted or needed when they were stressed or running late was someone making light of it. Throat was cleared, choosing to move on from his miscalculation before it could chafe him too much and push him into true awkwardness. His conversational skills were efficient but that often came with a lack of warmth or ability to build up a true rapport, something he found himself regretting now as he searched for a way to seem more like a functional, empathetic human. Swift nod was given and he moved out of the doorway to let her in, careful to turn his hip so that the weapon he'd placed on his hip remained out of sight.

"It's no trouble." Words were said with a simple, firm honesty that he hope would be both believable and inarguable. As he shut the door behind them both Titan moved in to greet her, tail moving in a slow wag, somehow managing to prove more adept at a warm greeting than himself. "Bathroom's this way." With a brief pause he pulled a clean towel from the cupboard, holding it out with an almost sheepish smile. Quick explanation was given of the various handles before he moved towards the door to give her some privacy. "I'll leave you to it, just shout if you need anything." For a moment he considered leaving it there but her earlier words still echoed in his ears, making it clear to him when he read between the lines that she didn't want to ask for too much. But as far as he was considered, when it came to Rosalie, there was no such thing. He wasn't sure that the mantle of saviour sat easily upon his shoulders yet but it was one he found himself wanting to pick up where she was involved. "There's not a quota on my help, you know, you can't go over."

[lupe-valdez]

She smiled at his order, figuring as much. He tended to be pretty consistent, something she had once admired about him. "You're treat? Oh wow, aren't I lucky. I'm getting a large then," she said with a grin as she walked with him. "Sort of, not really. Just a lot of them and errands and making sure my Tia gets to her appointments." Since her Uncle had left, she had promised him she'd make sure his mother took care of herself and Lupe was a woman of her word. "But you know, just another day in the life," she told him with a sigh, her smile faltering for a bit. "Honestly, this week is kind of kicking my ass," she admitted to him as they got in line. "But I'm managing." As they got to the front, she placed her order and waited for him to place his. "You taking care of yourself though? I need at least a two sentence answer to that by the way. Not just a 'yeah I'm fine'."

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

"I'll remember that next time it's your treat." Head shook slightly as he grumbled but in reality he found it hard to truly begrudge her anything. For a while he just listened silently, a vague nod the only sign that he was taking in what she was telling him. "Sounds like you've got your hands full." He meant it as some kind of acknowledgement for all that she was doing, reassurance that her efforts wouldn't go unnoticed. "You need any help you know where I am." But in truth he was certain that Lupe could handle whatever else came at her, she'd always been more than capable. "But I am fine. It's not deflecting if it's an accurate account of how I am. Business is fine, the family's fine, Titan's fine." Words were firm in an attempt to stop any protests from her that his answer wasn't adequate, quick to throw in a dry quip to further emphasis his point. "There, more than two sentences."

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

Stef's Place with Rosalie Hsu @rosaliehsu

Predictably it had been Titan that had alerted him to someone approaching his house, expecting his sister to come waltzing through the door instead of the knock that he heard. Mind flicked through his schedule, wondering if he'd missed someone he should have been expecting but drawing a blank at who might have been calling at such an early hour he slipped a gun into the holster at the back of his hip. With a glance spared to Titan to stay where he was, Stef opened the door only to be left feeling almost ridiculous for giving into his healthy paranoia as soon he laid eyes on Rosalie on the other side of it. Eyes travelled over the words on her hat, amusement kindling at what he could only assume was the irony of them, judging by the stress that radiated from her. "You got yourself in a bit of a pickle?" Dry words were accompanied by a half smile, any tension in his frame that might have lingered quickly dissipating. "Anything I can help with?" The question might have been a bit redundant, given that she'd made her way to his doorstep, but he figured it'd give her an easy way to tell him what she needed.

[rosaliehsu]

Just tired.  It was a line she knew well, one she used almost daily when friendly coworkers or concerned friends asked if she was okay.  ‘Just tired’ she’d answer, when in reality it was so much more than that.  Of course she actually was, with her non-stop schedule.  But she was also exhausted, overwhelmed, lonely, grieving, and so many other things she couldn’t quite find the words for.  But tired was simple enough and wouldn’t leave her loved ones worried.  Again, perhaps she was reading into it, but she thought he might be using the word in a way similar to her.  But she didn’t feel as if it was her place to push, to ask for more.  So she left it.  “Yet somehow I doubt you’ll let yourself sleep in tomorrow,” Was her only dig, given with a raised brow and a small, friendly smile.

She shook her head, slightly in amazement, not realizing just how well trained a dog could be. Of course, she knew of K9 units and service dogs, but she thought those were a special breed, so to speak, figuring it must've taken elite training. A thought popped into her mind and before she could stop herself, she was acting on it. "Titan, paw." In her sleep addled mind, she had the thought of how funny it would be if this highly trained dog didn't know the basic trainings that any neighborhood dog could pick up. Much much to her chagrin, although it was still endlessly cute, he gave her his paw, looking at her almost quizzically. And with that look, a true, unburdened peal of laughter bubbled past her lips. It was the first in quite awhile. "Sorry," she chuckled, "I just thought how ironic it could be if you had him trained like a soldier but he didn't know basic dog tricks. I should have known a detail like that would never slip past you."

She leaned down to give Titan one more good pet, taking his big old ears in her hands and rubbing them well, remembering that from the few dogs she had interacted with throughout the years, and was happy to see it was appreciated. "Anytime," she responded softly, trying to stifle a yawn. "I mean it."

~THE END~

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

Webster Village with Rafaele Morata @rafmorata

There were few things in life he considered more sacred than family and Los Santos had been an extension of that. While he might not have considered all of his fellow members friends, there was no denying the bonds that lingered even past the cartels retreat from Tonopah. He'd been checking in on his neighbour, the Morata's matriarch, for years only pausing when her grandson had returned. But a brief conversation meant left him with the knowledge that his help was appreciated and so he'd continued. Today he'd thought to kill two birds with one stone, taking Titan for a walk ( the malinois almost had a soft spot for the woman ) as he took a few dishes he'd made over. As he rounded a corner a familiar face caught his attention. "Morata." Surname was given in lieu of a proper greeting, the name striking up memories of other members of the family. "I was just heading your way."

[toridimopoulos]

The brunette's brow knitted together at her brother's answer, unsure if it eased her worry over her mother's silence, or deepened it. "Hmm," she murmured, as she tried to recall everyone she had reached out to that day. "Well, I called Mom and Dad," she began, lifting a finger for each name. "Then Maria and Nicky. I texted Tessa and Nicolai." Six people in total, yet not a single response all day. The frustration gnawed at her. When her brother asked his question, she nodded without a moment's hesitation. "Yeah, and if they do answer, tell them the next time they don’t pick up, I'll be on the first flight out, and i'm cussing every single one of them out the moment I land." she grumbled, rolling her eyes in exasperation.

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

Nod of his head was given to his sister as she rhymed off the family members that had let her calls go unanswered, each one of them committed to memory so he could make his displeasure known later. What was the point of their family always being in each other's pockets if they couldn't pick up the damn phone? Frustrated sigh was heaved, annoyed that a quiet afternoon had been spoiled by the irony of his family failing to communicate. "If they pick up you'll be the least of their worries." Low threat lingered in his voice behind the muttered words, pulling out his phone and dialling their father's number. The call was picked up a few rings in, his mood souring at the realisation that Tori was indeed being ignored. Greek flowed from his lips, tone clipped as he enquired after their mother. Only once he was certain that she was fine did he demand that he was put on speaker phone to address the whole family he could hear in the background. Then he commenced his tirade, voice never raised but an undeniable current of anger running through it as he spoke, tone allowing no interuptions. He finished with a guilt trip - a rhetorical question asking them all how they could leave a concerned daughter beside herself with worry all day, questing how none of them had had the decency to reply - his parting words warning them to do better. Breath was taken before his attention returned to Tori. "You get all that?"

[aolechan]

Theo James as Edward Horniman in The Gentlemen 01x05

[chasemmccoy]

"Yeah, that sounds like her," Chase remarked with a snort of laughter. Though his interactions with Tori over the years had been few and far between, what he'd heard from Niko and Stef had been enough to let him know she could be a bit much. "They're good though, right? Nobody got any bones broken or anythin'? One of my old friends got his shit rocked -- I guess somethin' fell on him and knocked him out -- and I saw a couple other people got caught up in it."

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

Wry but still fond smile flickered over his lips at the mention of his sister. "She's a force of nature." Shoulders rolled into a lazy shrug, as though there was nothing more that needed said, that he could do nothing but go along with his sister's whims. "Yeah all good. My neighbour wasn't so lucky but we'll soon get that fixed up." At least it was his intention to help as much as he was allowed. "Shit, definitely luckier than that guy." Head tilted to the side, indulging in a rare moment of teasing. "But I didn't know you were holding out on me with all these other friends. Do I need to be worried?"

[nikodimopoulos]

Niko nodded, handing his cousin one of the cigars. "Dad had me take some deck furniture before they left," he noted as he lead Stef towards the back door, his way of suggesting they smoke them outside so he wouldn't worry about disturbing Mikayla. "Georgios and Yasmin settled in alright?" It'd been a couple of months since the Great Dimopoulos Migration back to Greece, their numbers in Tonopah Valley now scarce compared what it had been for the last thirty years. Still, he got his fair share of earfuls from Helen during their phone calls about how everyone was doing, his aunt included, but was curious to hear Stef's side of things. He simply nodded when Stef spoke about Titan, the motion-sensed lights flickering awake and illuminating the deck as they stepped onto the deck. "Good. You should get him K-9 certified one of these days, have him come along next time." Niko remarked wryly, taking a seat on one of the wicker chairs he'd inherited from Yiannis before his departure.

Sticking the cigar between his lips, he pulled a lighter from his pocket and began to spark it up, a smoke-filled sigh leaving him only moments later. "Got a concussion, but otherwise all her injuries are superficial." Niko tossed the lighter towards his cousin, his good leg crossing over the other. "Said that she's..." he paused, considering how exactly to phrase it, "...scared. Obviously. Maybe even a little of me -- but that she trusts me." Brows narrowed, and his eyes flickered over to Stef briefly before shaking his head. "I don't know. I don't get it." Perhaps getting into situations like the one at that abandoned building wasn't new for Niko, but navigating this alongside his first serious relationship definitely was -- and, honestly? The latter was what set him on edge more.

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

He followed his cousin out wordlessly, claiming the seat next to his. "Yeah, from what I've heard. Dad still likes to say his piece so I assume it's all fine." Even family wasn't immune from his taciturn nature, both parents having learnt to keep phone calls brief. Well, brief by their standards. Huff of laughter was given to the idea of Titan getting certified, the notion of him accompanying them one he privately knew would never happen. He was far too protective over him for that. "Maybe. Not sure how much you'd like being shown up by a dog though." Lip curled up into a brief smirk, teasing with the idea that his bond with his dog could rival the bond that they shared. He nodded, a mumbled "I'm glad" given in response to the news. Niko's next words caused his brow to arch slightly, wry words leaving his lips. "Scared feels like a reasonable reaction." At least for someone unfamiliar to their way of life he figured it'd be overwhelming. Lighter was picked up and he lit up his own cigar as thoughtful silence hovered between them for a few moments.

He'd shared a womb with Christos but there was no denying that there were times that he and Niko's shared countenance had made them seem more like the brothers, with his twin's brighter demeanour making him the odd one out between the three of them. Assumptions were a dangerous thing and he'd always preferred to act on facts rather than feelings but when he seemed to share such a similar mindset to Niko filling in the blanks hardly felt like he was assuming anything. It came almost naturally, simply putting himself in the other's shoes. But he still wondered if his cousin's hesitation or confusion came from the same source it would have if it were him - struggling to believe anyone could see the whole of him and still see him as something worthy. Drag of the cigar was taken as he gathered his thoughts, knowing that they both tended to shy away from vulnerability. "Trust's important." Still, his words are tentative when he spoke again, always wading his way through more emotionally charged conversations with trepidation. "She's seen all of you and stayed, right? I think you just gotta trust in that."

[lukas-dimopoulos]

WHERE: Outside of Luke's home WITH: @stefanosxdimopoulos

“So,” he started, glancing at his brother before gesturing to the fixer upper in front of them, “What do you think?” It wasn’t much, but it was a place that Lukas felt he could really build into a home with enough time and patience. At the moment, though, it looked like a hazard, just a step away from being condemned– hell, Luke wasn’t even so sure that the flooring was all that stable, but it would be by the time he was finished with it. “I know it’s not much,” he prefaced with a shrug before looking over at Stef, “but it’ll be something I can push focus into, you know? Something to keep me busy.” Which was what Luke really needed while he tried to settle himself back into the real world.

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

Critical eye was cast over the building, comparing it to the house he'd bought for himself almost two decades earlier. "It's something." Corner of his lips turned up to show he was joking, the reality being that he was glad that his brother had found somewhere, even if it was something of a project. The next words he speaks are more encouraging, appraising the building ( though that was almost a loose term in its current state ) and figuring that Lukas had his work cut out for it. "No but it'll get there. Bones look solid enough for now, sure you'll get it stable in no time." Next words were weighed for a moment, knowing that they had both grown up with a father who would speak his mind and give what he deemed help whether they'd asked for it or not. "Are you wanting advice or you all set to go it alone?" He usually wasn't one to offer unsolicited advice but this was something he felt almost qualified to volunteer the information - after all, he had undertaken the same thing when he'd moved to Webster Village.

[lupe-valdez]

Lupe smiled at the nickname, the familiarity always welcome. Well at least from the right people. "Porque no los dos? It's not bad to live in abundance," she told him with a smirk, moving so she was standing next to him and looking at the stall. "But I guess if you're being practical people usually go for Greek because they want lamb. And you do make a great lamb. I still say both though," she added at the end in a whisper and stepped forward to order some beef for herself since she was cooking for her family later. "Hurry up and make a decision, that coffee cart is calling our name. No way I get through this day without another cup."

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

Brow raised at her, lingering fondness meaning that dry words are slightly lighter than usual. "Decadence doesn't always make for the best business plan." Huff of almost laughter was triggered at the notion of himself being anything other than practical, figuring his decision would speak volumes enough. "Lamb it is." Predictable perhaps but at least he wouldn't have to worry about whether or not it would sell. The last thing he wanted was to have to explain poor choices to his cousin. New purchase in hand he gestured for her to lead the way through the crowd towards the coffee in question. "Let's get you caffeinated. My treat." Curiosity about other's lives was a luxury he extended to only a few. "You got a tough case?"

[colemonroe]

When it came to the local gun range, Cole had always made himself scarce. Given his criminal record, there’d really never been much rhyme or reason behind showing his face here– at least not until now when his aunt had wanted a family heirloom gun restored by the gunsmith on staff at Apex and had asked him to tag along. It all felt so comical to him– sure, ask the fucking felon to lead the charge on a family field trip to a gun range. But Cole was largely standing back, giving Laura room to tell the gunsmith what she wanted while he just took a look around. Naturally, he meandered over to the range, his curious mind just wondering what models were being shot and how well. Cole was a Harley enthusiast at heart, but his livelihood demanded that he be well versed in guns too– at least to some degree. He was zeroed in on one of the targets whenever a familiar voice pulled him from his thoughts. Hearing just his surname cut through the rat-at-tat-tat of rapid gunfire, he lifted a brow at the other male, “Need somethin’?” He murmured, finally turning fully towards Stefanos. Otherwise, he wasn’t quite sure why the former Los Santos Capo was even addressing him.

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

Ever self-critical ( though he preferred to see it as having an accurate assessment of his own abilities ) he knew he was in possession of a host of sins and flaws. But one transgression he'd never let himself commit was rudeness, not when his father's exacting standards had impressed nothing else upon him. Jaw tightened slightly at the response his pseudo-greeting had gotten but he still faced away from the Sons' president. Instincts cried out about him having his back to the other man but their surroundings made it easy to quiet them. From his experience with Cole he figured them both level-headed enough to get through a simple exchange without any kind of threats or violence. "Just being polite." Tone was carefully neutral, devoid of the snark that might have filled it another time. But he was far too meticulous to risk inflaming tensions over something so trivial. "I could always ignore you next time." Glance was cast over his shoulder if only to make the slight curling at the side of his lip known, wondering if his offer of light-heartedness would be taken.

[heyymikki]

WHO: @stefanosxdimopoulos LOCATION: Dionysos

Mikayla quietly slipped into the kitchen, glad to see there were still a couple of people there cleaning up. She wanted to thank Niko's cousins for coming together for her tonight, even though they didn't know her from Adam. Before she could speak, she noticed one familiar face in particular from the night she'd been rescued, though it took her a moment to place where she'd seen him. "Is there anything I can do to help with clean up?"

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

Family occasions had been a staple in his life ( his presence required whether he really wanted it or not ) and tonight he supposed was no different, though there was some kind of novelty that it was for a partner of Niko's this time. He'd busied himself gathering up some plates when she appeared by his side. "No, I'm all set here." Shake of his head was given, a firmness in his tone that he hoped would be hard to argue with. "Besides, hardly fair to make you clean up after your own party." Gaze drifted over her, lightly assessing how she was given the circumstances of their first meeting. But he doesn't ask, not when there's not enough familiarity between them for that. A safer topic is chosen instead. "You enjoy yourself?"

[rosaliehsu]

Without realizing it, Rosalie had become knowledgable in the ways of Stefanos' face. It wasn't as if she had purposefully studied it, but as a joke she knew would have earned her one of the man's hard-to-earn huffs of laughter was only given a tug of the lips, she cocked her head. "Are you okay?" Perhaps she was projecting, but she had a feeling it was not a question often asked of the person in front of her, with his oak-like tendencies, silent and reliable, always standing at the ready.

But she couldn't help but laugh at his comment on Tori and Titan, as it might sound ridiculous to anybody who didn't know her, but those who did, it was a sound and just observation. Tori was a passionate woman who had no fear in expressing any and every thought that passed through her head. She was like a fire, fast moving and bright, tearing through everything with reckless abandon, only she didn't leave people burned. She was so opposite of Rosalie, that Ros often wondered why Tori even put up with her. "You can do that?" she questioned, eyes widened. Her parents had never even considered letting their kids have a pet, and Ros' only experience was with dogs was those of her friends, and was unaware that training could extend much past sit and stay. Despite her tired eyes feeling fuzzy in her head, she couldn't help but prod, "What do you mean?---Wait, does he like, nudge you? That's what he did to me, but I kind of thought he was annoyed that I wasn't getting to the door fast enough."

She sighed slightly at his question, not out of any annoyance of it being asked, but rather at being reminded of what early morning waited for he "If the day ends in 'y', I'm working early."

[stefanosxdimopoulos]

The question caught him off-guard and for a moment he felt entirely too exposed, as though he'd gotten too comfortable left some vulnerable part of him wide open. With the life he led such an oversight usually led to injury or worse and he has to fight the instinctive part of him that wants to put distance between them as quickly as possible. But her innocent question didn't deserve that from him. She didn't deserve anything apart from his gratitude and best manners. He resisted the urge to snap or cool his demeanour but there's no stopping the walls that come up slightly, deflecting with a weary half smile when honesty about his day isn't on the table. "Yeah, fine. Just tired." Words are punctuated by what he's sure is a convincing smile. after all it had been a long day.

Her laugh made him feel a little lighter, the darkness of the day brightened ever so slightly by her simple, uncomplicated joy. Warmth thawed the icy walls he'd hastily constructed and if there was one topic guarantee to earn his participation it was Titan. "Yeah, it's all in the training." He nodded slightly, indulging in a little more information. "It was probably both." Ghost of a wry smile flickered over his lips before he continued. "He knows to wait but that doesn't mean he doesn't try to hurry things along."

The mention of her work schedule broke the spell, bringing his mind back to reality and leaving him feeling as though he was loitering on her doorstep. Throat was cleared somewhat gruffly, Titan's ears pricked as he moved to his side in preparation to leave. The last thing he wanted was to be an inconvenience when she'd done him a favour. "Well, we'll let you get some sleep. Thanks again." There was a finality to his words, reminded of just how seen he'd felt only moments ago and seeking an exit before he felt overwhelmed once more.