Vera

[veraxwright]

soldieratheart​:

Exhaling a heavy sigh, Jack dragged a tired hand down his features, exhaustion finally setting in as he rested his back against the comfort of the chair. “You don’t wanna know.“ Was all he could muster as his gaze lifted to meet that of hers once again. How else was the male supposed to explain his complicated situation. Especially to that of someone that knew his past as well as her own. “Some questions are better left unanswered, V.” He added, offering a curt shrug before his attention shifted to the table before him once again. 

The woman watched her old friend, her dearest friend, one she cared about deeply. Seeing him exhale the way he did, it was obvious the level of stress he was under and that worried her. Hearing his first reply didn’t help her calm her nerves. “Jack, what have you gotten yourself into here?” The longer this conversation lasted, the more scared she became for him. She didn’t want to lose him. “Well this is not one of those questions,” She explained, pushing her finger down on the table. She let the statement sit in the air, as she hesitated to ask the question. “Jack, are you- are you in a gang?” She asked looking at him. “Mercer. I swear to god, whatever danger your in. Get out of it.” She couldn’t help but feel anger erupt from inside. She was speaking from her heart, though primarily on her best friend’s behalf, the very same woman who married this idiot in front of her. All she could think of was what Gia would think, seeing her husband now. Jack was the only person she had left from time in her life she was most happy, she didn’t want him living this dangerous lifestyle, one that resulted in him getting hurt or worse. 

[veraxwright]

douglasjessica​:

Jessica wouldn’t have come to this event had she not been warned about the guest list. Many of the names she’d been looking into would be joining the festivities and she wouldn’t miss an opportunity to get something on someone. Therefore, she’d slid into a dress and went out to the masquerade ball despite dreading every moment of it. Truthfully, even while she was there consuming alcohol, she still regretted it. “Hello, Vera. You look lovely.” The brunette said with a small smile as she looked the other over. “Sadly, I’m still on the clock tonight.” More or less, but she only muttered it to ensure the other wouldn’t be upset if she made a quick getaway. Which, unfortunately, was bound to happen soon enough. “How have you been? Are you having fun?” She asked, bringing her drink to her lips. “I’m just about to head to the bar if you’d like to follow me.”

The woman smiled as she received a compliment from her dear friend, “Why thank you, as do you.” She smiled, though it diminished as she mentioned that she was currently working the event. She furrowed her eyebrows, “Working? Were you detailed as security?” Vera couldn’t understand why a detective of all people would need to be working the event. The thought definitely made her nervous, and remind her of the recent crime that occurred in her coffee shop. One she hadn’t told anyone about. Not even her employees. That night was one that still scared her and haunted her dreams every so often. “I’ve been alright.” She smiled gently, “Living the dream. Did you ever hear back from that dreamboat form the last event?” She smirked lightly, there was a part of her that wondered if she should tell Jessica what has been on her mind. Though she can’t help but think of the situation Jack had put himself in since moving to New York. It worried her with every passing day. “I would love to. How are you? How have things been since your co-worker passed?” 

[veraxwright]

oliverxcartwell​:

Oliver was just about to go out for a cigar smoke when a familiar voice turned him around in his tracks. It only took a mere second to recognize Vera all dolled up in a vivid red dress. “Thank you. You look amazing, Vera!” He exclaimed, smiling at her. He almost made a comment that if his thirteen year old self had seen her like this, that he would have been a besotted mess. Now that she was his boss, the statement didn’t seem too appropriate, even though it would be in good fun. “I didn’t know you’d be here tonight. Who’s the lucky date?” He asked curiously, looking around to see if anyone was about to claim her. The cafe had been rather busy lately so the two of them hadn’t really talked much beyond pleasantries. 

Vera smiled at Oliver’s compliment, “That’s very sweet of you Ollie.” She smiled before taking a sip of her drink. As she guessed she wouldn’t have attended the event, she shrugged her shoulders. “I figured it was time to experience the events New York City has to offer.” She smiled gently. It definitely wasn’t unlike him to assume she wouldn’t have attended, since opening the store, she hasn’t been in much of a mood. Though something sort of changed, she liked to think her network of friends was growing with almost every passing day and with that, she didn’t feel as if she would be attending this events alone. Vera began to shake her head gently, “No date for me.” She smiled, “Who says a strong independant woman needs a date huh?” She smirked chuckling lightly. “Despite that, how about you? Is there someone special in your life you’ve brought as a date?” 

[veraxwright]

Walking around the event she was still sipping on her first cocktail, the ice had completely melted and the drink was still well over half full. Her need to drink, wasn’t a priority, since she like to drink when she was relaxed. Being in this room she couldn’t help but wonder if the person who held a weapon to her face was amongst these people. It made her that much more nervous that almost everyone wore masks, so identities were very much hidden. What did bring a smile to her face was recognizing curly hair and a pair of eyes she couldn’t misplace anywhere. “Well look at you,” She smiled as she approached her old babysitting client & her employee. “Don’t you look handsome.”

@oliverxcartwell​

[veraxwright]

Vera wasn’t sure how she felt about going to this event. It’s the first big crowd she’s been in since the robbery at her coffee shop. If she were true to herself she’d admit that she was having some doubts about living here. She wonders why she didn’t go to the police or even have them sweep her life’s work for clues as to who this person would be. Though anytime her mind thinks down this route, she’s always reminded of how Jack seemed to know who was holding a weapon at her face. He knew them personally, almost to a point where he had power over them. It was odd, and she worried about the friend she ones held dear. While making the rounds she found an old friend, one with knowledge and might be able to give her advice. “Jessica,” She called on her as she was only a foot or two away. She smiled and gave her a light hug, “It seems the only times I get to see you are at public events like these?” She teased knowing that her life was busy. 

@douglasjessica​

[veraxwright]

soldieratheart​:

“Yeah well, not thinking gets you killed in this city.” He answered, moving to pull one of the chairs from the table before he took a seat her words ringing in his ears as he did. Jack Mercer was a professional bullshiter to say the least, but on the odd occasion like this one he found himself in instances that weren’t perhaps an easy fix. No band-aid of words were going to fix this one. Leaning forward on an elbow his hand was quick to cover his mouth in thought. Perhaps a small mechanism for preventing himself from saying too much, or even too little. Where was he supposed to start, given the last she knew of him he was working as a detective in Dallas. Exhaling a heavy sigh as his attention lifted from the table before him to the woman behind the counter. “It was only a matter of time before you found out, but I was hoping it would be a little longer and not like this.” This was the last thing he wanted for her, back home she was safe away from all this violence. Here it would be almost impossible to keep her safe, or so the events of moments prior had just proven. “New York is home to two rival gangs V. And I’m not talking an MC I’m talking full on gangsters, and you just set up shop right in between their territories.”

Hearing the harsh words from Jack wasn’t something she was used to, she knew it came from a good place, but it felt harsh none the less. As he started going on about her finding out something. She furrowed her brows wondering what he could be talking about. “Find out? Find out what?” She asked looking at him. As he explained the layout of the city vaguely and hearing she was in the middle of two very dangerous gangs, she felt her heart sink and fear seeped in a little more than she’d like to admit. “I.. h-how do you know that?” 

[veraxwright]

Text > Jessica Douglas

Vera: Hi lovely,

Vera: I wanted to check in and see how you were doing?

[dallasking]

Slowing his footsteps as he neared the middle of a deserted crosswalk, Dallas held no protest in his form. Instead, flexed fingers curled against his palm, gaze set on the neon sign of Moonlight situated feet away. It wouldn’t be a fleeting excursion, but more so a lengthy evening as he entered the establishment, heading directly for the bartop. “Whatever they’re having,” He directs towards the bartender, hardly offering the other a glance as a few dollars are flung atop the counter. “Get them one too."  @rivalsofnycstarters​

[veraxwright]

Vera felt odd being in this club. There was a regular whom she’d become friends with asked her out to celebrate her recent engagement. While it was sweet of her, it was out of Vera’s character to be in a place like this. She felt too old to be in a place like this. Though her sister convinced her it would be a good idea. Though as the minutes passed, she realized that wasn’t the case. When the man came up beside her and brought her a drink in an unconventional way. She looked at the rugged-looking man, “Oh, thank you.” She spoke over the loud music. “That’s sweet, though you didn’t need to do that.” 

[veraxwright]

soldieratheart​:

Watching the other scuttle out the door it wasn’t until his footsteps faded down the quiet street that Jack finally turned back to the woman, immediately assessing her for any sign of injury. Perhaps it was a stupid question, because while she hadn’t been physically hurt it was clear just judging from the expression upon her fact that she was shaken somewhat from the whole ordeal. “He could have killed you V.“ The male breathed as he motioned to the broken glass, somewhat taken aback at the lack of a reaction from the woman. While he may have gone overboard with the threats, he would have done it all again if it meant protecting her. Only when her request slipped past parted lips did his anger consequentially subside, adrenaline still coursing through his veins as he offered a nod in response before moving to place his hands upon the counter as if the small movement would ground him once again. “Of course.” He answered, crystalline irises rising to meet hers. 

Vera hadn’t been living in New York for too long, she also didn’t ever experience this first hand back home. Despite her age, she was naive to think that this wouldn’t happen to her or her little coffee shop. As he pointed at the broken glass she still didn’t know how to react. “Yeah, uhm..” she was frozen. She wanted nothing more than to call her husband, her deceased husband, she needed him. While she didn’t have him, she arguably had the next best thing, his best friend. She looked at Jack as she let the moment sink in, letting it play in her mind. She nodded as he agreed to stay with her for a while. As she thought back to the finer details she shook her head, “I should have locked the door, I didn’t think.. I wasn’t thinking..” she stuttered. She furrowed her brows at him, before asking. “Prospect? Wh-what does that mean?” 

[veraxwright]

rivalsofnycaurora​:

With a nervous chuckling and trembling hands, she smiled at the bartender and slipped him the napkin and a crisp ten dollar bill as a tip. Even if he wouldn’t call her the next morning, he could enjoy the cash. She wasn’t really looking to go on any dates or start up any potential relationships, but the thought that someone might find her attractive was nice. “Is that what guys find most attractive in girls? Not like, brains or work ethic or anything?” she asked. Wow, she sounded like a child. 

The older woman couldn’t help but chuckle as she watched the younger girl nervously give her number to the bartender. After the interaction was over, she smiled and shook her head with a slight furrowed brow. “Well, remember. Attraction is just the first layer. It’s how you get them hooked.” She joked lightly. “Once you get them invested then they’ll fall for the the brilliance. Men are sort of like children. You have to get them engaged before you can actually teach them something.” She explained hoping her lame teaching metaphor makes sense. 

[veraxwright]

julian-meadows​:

Thing’s had been tense in the city and Julian already had been feeling the tension before people had disappeared. The dealer hadn’t been getting much sleep and was walking around on only a couple hours of sleep every night. He walked into the familiar coffee shop and looked around. It didn’t seem that busy considering the time of day, but took it as a blessing when he bumped into someone as he went to walk up to the counter for his order. “Shit, sorry” Julian replied running  hand in his hair. “ I’ve been a zombie lately with how I’ve been walking around. 

@veraxwright​ 

Another day in her office, was another day she wasn’t out in the cafe doing what she loved. THe paperwork involved with owning a business was wild. She wished she had a partner or someone who could help her. As the woman walked out from her office through the kitchen and into the cafe, due to the state of their customers, she was about to tell one of her staff that they could go home early when she got distracted in a conversation with one of her elderly regulars. The very same woman who continuously wants to set her up with their grandson. As she declined once again, she smiled and ran right into someone. “Oh gosh,” She exclaimed thankfully not having anything in her hands. “Sounds like you need some coffee.” She teased. 

[veraxwright]

rivalsofnycaurora​:

Truth be told, Aurora was a terrible flirt. She didn’t have much luck with guys, regardless of where she was at. Her anxiety usually left her unable to have the full confidence to really put herself out there and make a good impression on others. Tonight though? That could change for the first time ever. “A-Alright, you convinced me! Here’s to hoping I don’t make a total fool out of myself,” she confessed as she grabbed a napkin, quickly scribbling down her number for the bartender to keep. 

Watching the young and somewhat nervous woman glow with confidence brought a smile to her face. At times she wonders if she should have gone into teaching or something do to with education, the very thing her mother had always encouraged her to do. “You get it girl! Trust me, if he doesn’t call you he’s either taken or a dead beat moron.” She encouraged with a smile. “Either way, guys find this confidence sexy trust me.” 

[veraxwright]

nylalucas​:

Nyla side-eyed the woman. It wasn’t to express any bad will. It just seemed easier than watching the conversation die in both the air between them and the woman’s eyes. She was getting through her libation rather quickly and figured if their talk were to actually end there then she’d have the options of ordering another drink and trying again or “calling it a night” before returning home to drink with someone conversations flowed effortless with–herself. Yet, the woman had offered her name, effectively deciding for her. Nyla motioned to the bartender for another drink just before opening her mouth to respond.

“Nyla.” She blinked at the woman while the smallest smile registering on her lips, “You gay too?”

The question that was asked to her really threw her off, “Oh,” she suddenly became really nervous since all she wanted was to establish a new friendship. “N-no, no I’m married.” she stuttered. “I mean, I was married, I just,” She took a deep breath before smiling. “No, I’m not. I’m sorry if I..” she cleared her throat lightly. “if I made it seem that I was coming on to you or.. something. I’m new to the city, and how everything works here.” She chuckled and felt awkward. “I’m sorry, can we start over?” 

[veraxwright]

rivalsofnycaurora​:

There was no way he was trying to make a move. C’mon, not a fat chance. There were so many gorgeous girls at the event tonight, one’s who were way prettier than her. “I mean, I guess you’re right?” Aurora admitted, her blue orbs glancing over to the bartender that Vera had sworn was trying to flirt with her. She couldn’t lie, he wasn’t bad looking. Hell, he knew how to make a good drink too. “Do you think I should try to slip him my number or something?” she suggested. Is this how people flirted and establish things? She wouldn’t exactly know, truthfully. 

The nerves coming off the young woman was adorable, “Of course, I’m right. Trust me, men aren’t going to be turned off by a bold and beautiful woman.” She explained clearly with a small smile as she tried to encourage the other to take a chance. Vera began to nod her head, “Yes, you should pay him for the drink, and give him your number.” 

[veraxwright]

soldieratheart​:

It was clear ever since his time in the military, Jack had long had an anger problem. His mind was a self declared war zone. Yet after attending some anger management classes it was as if he had finally gotten a handle on his demons. Only when push came to shove and the pressure of various stresses weighed heavy upon his shoulders, control was the last thing on his mind. And right there in that moment, he wanted to kill the other for ever having raised a gun in the direction of his once best friend. He could see it too, if he applied just a little more pressure then used both hands to twist in a certain direction he could have ended him then and there. Had it not been for her voice, fighting through the darkness that shrouded his mind, to the point he realized what he was about to do that he drew back, enough to put a small amount of distance between he and the intruder, hand remained firm at the base of his neck, as Vera tugged on his clothes. “You step foot in here and again and you’re a dead man prospect.” He warned, the seriousness of his threat evident within his actions as he drew back, careful to place himself in in front of Vera as he watched the other scarper over the broken glass before taking off down the street. There had been enough bloodshed of late with one of his colleagues found dead and another missing — he felt helpless, knowing all he could do was his best to protect his loved ones and hope like hell they weren’t dragged into the mess he had gotten himself into between the Devils and NYPD. Taking a few moments to calm himself before he turned to face her, gaze immediately drifting the length of her body in search of injury. “Are you hurt?” He questioned, though it came off as more of a demand.

The woman watched Jack’s aggressive actions towards the younger male, “Jack!” She called for him. Her words finally sunk into him, as he put the other down and threatened them again. She was confused at the word, prospect. What was that? As the younger person ran out of her coffee shop, she didn’t feel totally relieved yet. She’d never been through anything like that, and while Jack was here, her heart wanted nothing more than to be in Nathan’s arms. He wanted her lips on his forehead. When her old friend asked her a question she furrowed her brows, “Um,” She spoke with uncertainty. “N-no, not physically.” She replied, she looked at the state of her coffee shop, thankfully he hadn’t broken anything too badly. She was a struggling business owner as it was, having something to repair would have been terrible. As a few moments came and went, she walked over to the door and locked it. Finally feeling like she could relax a bit, she looked at Jack, “Thank you, um, can you stay a little while?” Despite the worst of it being over, she felt as if were on the verge of tears. 

[veraxwright]

douglasjessica​:

Jess looked over at Vera who was practically the cheerleader on the sidelines. It was adorable but at the end of the day, Jess was too busy to date or for anything serious. “I’ll be waiting,” the brunette said with a wink, though she felt bad since she’d definitely given him the wrong number. Not that she could openly admit that in front of Vera right now. At the mention of date, she couldn’t help but snort. “If you think that I’m going on a date with this young man, you’d be sorely mistaken, Ver. If anything we’re going to have some very dirty sex in an hotel room but there’s going to be no date.” Another laugh escaped, almost as if the concept was ludicrous to her. “It’s been years but that’s by choice. I’m too busy to have anything serious. It would take someone important and special to get me to settle down.”

As her friend snorted at her suggesstion, Vera couldn’t help but look at the brunette in front of her. “What? Why not!” She was shocked to hear that, the man was so cute and really not that young. “Who says you can’t do both?” She wiggled her eyebrows as a way to tease the other. Hearing her state that it was her choice to be single, she respected it, though deep down she knew why. “Okay, but are you choosing to be single because of your work? Cause that is absolutely not a proper reason to choose to be single.” She smiled and shook her head. “Also who says you have to be in a relationship with this guy? But I nice dinner and some conversation wouldn’t hurt?” 

[veraxwright]

rivalsofnycaurora​:

Aurora had actually been mingling with a few people and in general enjoying the evening. At first, she thought that her social anxiety was going to get the best of her and make her feel and look like a fool. But, things were going pretty smoothly for the hacker. Maybe she should go to more outings like this more often? It was a good thought to possibly ponder. Her eyes widened a bit in surprise at the person seated next to her. “Um, I think you have the wrong person. I don’t think that I’m that bartenders type,” she pointed out. 

Vera looked at the young woman and shook her head. “Oh no dear,” She assured the other before pointing at the bartender, “The staff member right there, was flirting with you.” She brought her finger to herself before taking her glass and bringing it to her lips for a sip. “There’s no such thing as a bartenders type.” She added, “On top of that, you’ll never know if you don’t give it a shot?” Vera watched this sort of thing happen quite a bit in her coffee shop. Two customers will walk in and hit it off in the line and sometimes something will happen, oftentimes, they go their separate ways. She noticed something about her generation that was so odd, there was a fear of some kind, probably related to the messed up social expectations, but woman and men were afraid to make their move. “What do you really have to lose?”