semisonic.

[wrldbrns]

🎤 dulce maria ruiz. 📷 ryker herrera. 💄valentina de leon 💼 adrian vale

[wrldbrns]

adrian vale’s outfit outfit ll rift valley summer kickoff festival

attending with: gianna ( @xxblackmagicx )

[kaitmusings]

[asinsilkytragedy]

Scout popped her gum softly as she fell into step beside Valentina, hands shoved into the pockets of her jacket while her eyes flicked briefly toward the crowbar still resting against her boss’s shoulder. Most people would probably be nervous walking next to a woman carrying a weapon and contemplating murder. Scout mostly found it comforting. “Headed home,” she answered easily, kicking a loose pebble along the sidewalk as they walked. “Missed the last bus because somebody decided they needed three extra songs and two extra private dances before leaving.” The grin on her face suggested she wasn't particularly upset about the money. “And Presley has the car tonight, so unless I wanted to start hitchhiking, I was pretty much screwed.” Scout glanced sideways at Valentina then, studying her for a second. She wasn't blind enough to miss the fury simmering underneath the woman's calm exterior. The fact Valentina had decided to walk her instead of cracking somebody's skull open immediately honestly felt like a bigger compliment than most people realized. Silence threatened to settle between them for half a second, and Scout immediately filled it because she genuinely hated quiet. “You ever notice how the worst men in this town always live in the ugliest buildings?” she asked conversationally. “Like if I was gonna be a creep, I'd at least invest in landscaping.” Her gum snapped again before she looked over at Valentina with a crooked grin. “You know, if you show up to work tomorrow with blood on your shoes, I'm legally obligated to pretend I didn't see anything.” The teasing softened slightly after that. “Seriously though, thanks for walking me.” Scout shrugged one shoulder like it wasn't a big deal, even though it was. “Most bosses would've just told start walking.”

[wrldbrns]

valentina laughed, “three extra songs and two extra private dances?” she repeated, shaking her head. “ay, dios mío. next time charge them an inconvenience fee too. in fact, give me their name, i am happy to charge it on their card and give you a bump.” the corner of her mouth curled upward as she listened to the younger woman ramble, content to let scout fill the silence the way she always did. she mentally noted to speak to jason about getting a car for scout so she wouldn’t have to walk anymore. “you are absolutely right, by the way,” she added after a moment, glancing up at the building looming behind them. “every creep in this town lives somewhere that looks condemned. it’s like the universe leaves warning labels if you’re paying attention.” another laugh escaped her crimson lips at the comment about blood on her shoes, though this one was lower, more dangerous. “mhm. and if i show up tomorrow wearing all red, you’ll know i planned ahead.” then, finally, her gaze drifted toward scout again, softening around the edges in a way she rarely allowed. “don’t mention it, cariño.” the words came easy, sincere beneath all the teasing. “you’re one of my girls, si? i take care of what’s under my protection.” when she referred to the girls as hers she didn’t mean they were her property, she meant they were her family. every single employee under the peach pit roof, especially on the payroll, was hers to care for in her own way. she couldn’t always catch all the cracks forming, a near impossible task, though she tried, but she tried to show them they should never want for anything. “the peach pit isn’t just mine because my name’s on the paperwork. it’s mine because you’re all mine too. that means gettin’ you home in one piece is part of the job.” a second later she smirked and pointed the crowbar lightly in scout’s direction. “so don’t go getting sentimental on me now.” she lightly laughs as she begins reaching into her pocket for a smoke, offering one to scout. “i’ve been thinking of hiring bodyguards for you girls. a personal one for each of you, scheduled to work around the hours you’ll be at the pit and to make sure you’re safe outside of the pit. of course, there is another solution to my troubled mind these days.” she takes a slow drag, letting thick smoke curl out slowly between her lips, looking ahead thoughtfully. “nicky santoro.”

[cassieswhits]

closed starter: ryker & cassidy ( @wrldbrns ) location: the break room when: sometime after 9:00 pm

"god. i'm so nervous, man. i haven't been up on the stage in such a long time. the crowd is bigger than i've ever seen it. i only have a few cover songs, which i honestly hope they like." cassidy sits at a table close to the stage. it's open mic night and he put his name on the list. he can't remember the last time he decided to actually get on a stage again. there had been a few times after his accident, but those didn't count. at least that's what he told himself because on those nights, he mostly ended up leaving during a set due to stage fright or fear that he'll be laughed at. "thanks for joining me tonight, ryker. i really appreciate it and love having a friend here. i can use all the support."

[wrldbrns]

ryker glanced toward the stage for a second before looking back at cassidy, immediately shaking his head. “first of all, if you’re nervous, that’s a good sign.” a faint grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “means you actually give a shit. i’d be more concerned if you got up there completely comfortable.” he reached across to nudge cassie’s shoulder lightly. “and for the record? i think you’re bein’ way harder on yourself than anybody else in this room is gonna be. fuck these other people, you hear me? you going up there takes guys, courage, and that’s something half the mother fuckers in here don’t even have an ounce of. besides these people came here to listen to music, drink cheap beer, and avoid going home for a couple extra hours.” his gaze drifted briefly toward the crowd gathered around the stage. “they don’t know every mistake you’re worried about making. all they know is someone is about to go out there with the balls to do something most of them wouldn’t even attempt.” the smile softened slightly after that. “and hey, if anybody laughs, i’ll throw a fucking barstool at ‘em. that’s what friends are for. if it gets real bad just look to the side and you’ll see me there, got it?”

[aqu4regia]

The   problem   with   the   type   of   relationship   that   Ryker   and   them   had,   was   that   it   would   be   extremely   easy   to   blur   the   lines   and   call   it   a   day.   Ryker   was   nice,   fun,   not   to   mention,   hot   as   hell—but   he   was   also   a good   friend,   and   Jia   could   count   those   on   the   fingers   of   one   of   their   hands;   hence   why   whenever   the   photographer   spat   one   of   those   flirty   lines,   the   brunette   would   rebut   them   with   a   smirk   but   not   really   mean   it.   Besides,   the   ❛   my   lips   could   light   up   your   world   in   other   ways   ❜   line   was   totally   something   Jia   would   have   said.   Hell,   they   had   probably   said   that   to   someone   already,   now   that   they’d   thought   of   it.   ❝   Oh   yeah?   You’d   rock   my   world   to   its   core,   saja   boy?   Make   me   purr   like   a   kitty   cat   under   your   thumb?   ❞   They   replied   as   they   leaned   in,   their   voice   as   slick   as   a   needy   purr   that   would   get   anyone's   interest   piqued,   practically   crawling   on   top   of   the   other,   one   hand   on   his   shoulder   holding   both   the   monster   can   and   the   joint,   and   the   other   on   his   thigh,   squeezing   as   those   words   rolled   off   their   tongue,   oh-so-dangerously   close   to   Ryker’s   lips,   but   not   even   dreaming   of   touching   them.   With   a   sly   smirk   as   they   pulled   away,   Jia   playfully   smacked   Ryker’s   crotch.   Not   hard   enough   to   actually   hurt   the   guy,   but   enough   to   startle   him   and   have   him   protect   his   parts   if   he   had   to.   ❝   Stop   stealing   my   lines,   asshole.   Go   find   your   own,   okay!   ❞

Resting   back   against   the   bean   bag,   Jia   moved   their   legs   to   Ryker’s   lap   once   more.   Honestly,   they   didn’t   get   the   whole,   ❛   this   person   doesn’t   deserve   me   ❜   bullshit   people   liked   telling   themselves.   Why   wouldn’t   anyone   like   Ryker,   that   was   the   real   question.   His   own   abuela   had   liked   Jia   enough   to   believe   these   two   were   dating,   so   why   wouldn’t   anyone   nice   deserve   him.   ❝   Alright,   first   of   all,   ❞   They   began,   leaning   forward   to   pass   the   joint   to   him,   then   returned   to   their   previous   position.   ❝   What   the   fuck   is   wrong   with   holding   the   door   for   someone?   You   want   me   to   give   abuela   a   call   and   have   her   smack   some   sense   into   you?   Because   I   will.   ❞   They   said   while   pointing   at   him   in   a   rather   threatening   manner.   ❝   Second.   Just   because   she’s   got   a   kid,   it   doesn’t   mean   you   gotta   start   with   this   ❛   hurr   durr,   I’m   not   the   guy   for   her   ❜   bullshit.   ❞   Unless   he   didn’t   really   want   to   head   towards   a   more   serious   path,   which   didn’t   seem   the   case   judging   by   the   photographer’s   following   words. 

This   was   nice,   actually.   Jia   couldn’t   remember   the   last   time   Ry   had   mentioned   being   interested   in   someone,   let   alone,   had   his   eyes   twinkle   like   that   when   he   talked   about   them   —   but   that   could   be   the   weed   talking.   The   last   time   had   probably   been   with   fucking   Fransisco   Santoro,   and   even   Jia   could   do   better   than   him. 

Jia   rolled   their   eyes   again,   taking   another   sip   of   their   Monster,   before   sitting   up   straight.   ❝   Ryker,   you’re   one   of   the   nicest,   sweetest   guys   this   town’s   ever   seen.   Half   of   these   people   don’t   deserve   you.   You   provide   for   your   grandma,   you’re   loyal   as   fuck,   you’re   a   fucking   dork   for   fuck’s   sake!   ❞   Sure,   he   was   also   a   drug   dealer,   but   nobody   was   perfect.   He   was   still   a   pretty   boy   in   their   eyes,   and   at   least   Jia   knew   this   wasn't   some   sort   of   career.   More   like   means   to   an   end.   ❝   You   sell   drugs   for   a   living.   Sure.   But   that’s   not   something   you   wanna   keep   doing   forever,   is   it?   Then   maybe   start   working   on   getting   another   job.   ❞   It   was   easier   said   than   done,   but   it   didn’t   seem   impossible.   Jia   couldn’t   have   imagined   themself   on   the   FBI’s   payroll   and   yet,   here   they   were,   having   an   awfully   clean   job   while   also   doing   highly   illegal   things   under   a   different   I.P.   and   DNS.   ❝   It’s   not   stupid   to   want   more   than   this   bullshit,   petty   crime   life,   man.   This…   what   you’re   doing   right   now   and   second-guessing   yourself? That’s   fucking   stupid.   Where’s   that   guy   who   just   said   he’d   use   his   lips   to   light   up   my   world   in   another   way,   hm?   ❞   Jia   nudged   his   leg   with   their   own,   shaking   their   head   once   again,   before   leaning   towards   Ry   to   get   the   joint   back.   ❝   Like?   The   fact   that   you   want   to   be   a   better   person   for   her?   Bro,   that   speaks   volumes,   what   the   fuck?   ❞   Another   puff,   another   sip.   Another   puff,   another   sip.   They   passed   the   joint   back   to   the   photographer   and   rested   their   arms   on   their   knees.   ❝   I   think   that…   more   than   anything,   you   gotta   think   if   you   wanna   be   there   for   the   kid,   you   know?   If   she’s   a   decent   parent,   you’ll   never   be   her   priority…   That   will   always   be   her   kid.   Some   people   don’t   like   that.   Are you   okay   with   that?   ❞

[wrldbrns]

for a while, ryker actually laughed. a real one, too. the kind that escaped before he could stop it when jia started throwing his own line back at him. “oh, shut the fuck up,” he groaned immediately, shoving at their shoulder while trying and failing not to grin as jia closed the small distance between them. for a second he considered grabbing her and flipping her around just to really make her shut up, and then he reminded himself that while blurring lines was fine they probably should never truly cross it. he didn’t have many true friends, two, jia being one of the very few, ry couldn’t let himself fuck it up because he always had to take it a step further. “you are way too comfortable saying shit like that with a straight face.” he softly groaned as she smacked his crotch, instinct had his hands moving to protect himself. despite the complaint, the amusement lingered. it always did around jia. they had this annoying ability to make him laugh when he didn’t particularly want to. “I’ll never stop stealin’ your lines,” he added, pointing accusingly. “you worked hard for those. they should be thrown around as often as possible.” but the joking slowly faded as he listened. he listened while they talked about arisa. about kids. about jobs. about wanting more. about his grandma. and the longer jia spoke, the quieter he became. by the time they finished, the apartment felt strangely still. ryker stared at the joint between his fingers for a long moment before finally speaking. “it’s not about what i want.” the words came out sharper than intended. “that’s the part nobody seems to fuckin’ understand. of course i wanna be that guy, jia. you think i don’t wanna be the guy that gets the girl? gets the family? gets the little life almost everybody else seems to stumble into?” he shook his head. “but this isn’t just about me. she’s got a kid. an actual innocent kid. and it’s not just one life i’d be risking. it’s two.”

he stood then, unable to sit still anymore, pacing a slow line across the room. “i get to be a dork around you because you’re you. because you know exactly what kind of bullshit follows me around and you are apart of it, of this fucking other world we live in. arisa doesn’t deserve to be dragged into it. her kid sure as fuck doesn’t deserve it.” one hand dragged through his hair. “i was trying to be good for my grandma too.” silence followed that sentence. heavy. painful. “and look how that fuckin’ turned out.” his jaw tightened hard enough to ache. “i got her killed.” the words hit the room and stayed there. “it’s my fault she’s dead. they got to her because they wanted to get to me. they killed her to send a message.” he laughed once, bitter and hollow. “so what good am i, huh? i try to do the right thing and she dies. i try to make things work with someone and fransisco walks away like none of it ever mattered. like every fucking kiss was just another boy he was kissing, and every fucking moment spent together was just his own personal amusement because he was bored, maybe that isn’t the case, maybe he cared, but he broke a side of me that will never be repaired. what exactly am i supposed to learn from that? what am i supposed to do with that? why the fuck would i bring that to someone?”

eventually he stopped pacing and looked back at jia, exhaustion sitting openly behind his eyes now. “i’m not the guy who gets a happy ending, jia. i am working on trying to get more serious with my photography, but it just isn’t as easy as changing career paths.” there wasn’t any self-pity in it. if anything, it sounded like a conclusion he’d reached a long time ago. “that’ll never be me. and that’s not me askin’ for sympathy, it’s just the truth.” he exhaled slowly through his nose. “because if i let myself want this, if i let myself want her, then i’m risking bringing those people right to her front door too. and what then? it doesn’t matter if i begin living life on the good path, if i get a regular job, despite how badly i am trying. the kind of past i have will always catch up with me. it’s not the kind that gets to be left behind. how can i deliver a lie to her? and to keep that truth from her is worse than just telling her. but i know how it goes.” his hands spread helplessly. “my love either drives people away or gets them killed. how the fuck am i supposed to ignore that?” and yet he’d asked her to the kickoff festival. he’d bought crayons for luna. he’d spent half the week thinking about pizza toppings and whether her toddler would think he was weird. the contradiction made him feel like an idiot.

all the fight left him at once after that. ryker dropped back onto the couch heavily, one hand dragging down his face before covering his eyes altogether. a long sigh escaped him, the kind that sounded older than he was. “i don’t wanna talk about this anymore.” his voice had gone quieter now. tired. worn thin around the edges. “it was a nice lunch.” a second later, “that’s it. that’s all i wanted to say.” he looked over at her then, weakly smiling. “i love you, jia. thank you for…letting me just exist.”

[aqu4regia]

Jia   rolled   their   eyes   at   Ryker’s   little   joke.     As   much   as   he   would   try   to   sound   and   act   mysterious,   there   wasn’t   much   about   people   that   Jia   couldn’t   find,   therefore,   they   had   never   truly   fallen   for   the   tall,   dark   and   mysterious   act   some   men   tried   to   pull.   It   didn’t   fit   Ryker’s   persona   and   Jia   wouldn’t   have   any   of   it.   ❝   I   happen   to   like   you   just   the   way   you   are:   goofy,   sweet   and   a   huge   ass   dork.   ❞   The   world   needed   more   people   like   that.   Hell   knows   Jia   would   never   be   someone   that   would   fit   that   mold,   so   it   was   always   good   when   other   people   did.   When   Ryder’s   fingers   tapped   on   their   left   shin,   the   brunette   shifted   on   the   couch,   tucking   their   leg   under   themself   out   of   pure   habit.   They   hardly   ever   allowed   anyone   to   get   remotely   close   to   their   burn   scar,   and   since   they   didn’t   want   to   piss   on   the   mood,   they   did   it   in   the   middle   of   a   joke.   Always   masking   how   they   truly   felt   with   humor   and   crass.   ❝   Dorky   Doe,   I’ll   give   you   all   of   the   reasons   to   keep   them   free   of   charge   smiles   coming   my   way,   okay?   They   light   up   my   fucking   world.   ❞   The   brunette   said   as   they   leaned   up   to   pluck   the   joint   from   between   Ryker’s   fingers,   thus   tucking   their   leg   under   themself   when   they   laid   back   down. ❝   Babe   why   the   fuck   would   I   think   you’d   be   joining   a   cult?   ❞   Sure,   Jia   loved   discussing   those   with   Elias   and   they   loved   watching   documentaries   on   them,   but   the   brunette   would   never   want   for   anyone   they   cared   about   to   join   one.   Those   things   sucked   the   life   out   of   people.   ❝   Nah,   if   you   ever   dream   about   joining   one,   I’ll   smack   some   sense   into   this   precious   head   of   yours.   ❞   Again,   Jia   shifted   on   their   seat,   sitting   up   so   they   could   grab   Ryker’s   face   and   kiss   his   cheek   warmly.   ❝   Tell   me   more   about   this   lunch   adventure   of   yours,   though.   You   guys   had   lunch   together?   Is   this   becoming   a   romance-y   type   of   thing   or   was   it   a   friendly   lunch?   ❞   With   that,   the   brunette   stood   up   from   their   seat,   still   bringing   their   joint   with   them   as   they   made   their   way   into   the   small   fridge   by   their   computers   setup.   They   pulled   out   two   Monster   cans,   keeping   one   for   themself   and   offering   the   other   to   Ryker.

[wrldbrns]

ryker let out an offended scoff the second sweet and dork left her mouth, immediately shaking his head like he’d just been personally attacked. “see, this is exactly the problem,” he complained, pointing the joint vaguely in her direction. “i spent years cultivating an asshole reputation and you keep ruining it.” despite the words, a grin was already threatening the corner of his mouth. “you tell one person i’m sweet and suddenly i’m holdin’ doors open and rescuing kittens from trees. can’t have that shit.” he took another drag before laughing under his breath. then came the comment about his smile lighting up her world and ryker immediately groaned. “jesus christ.” his head tipped back against the couch cushion for a second. “that’s way too much pressure to put on a guy.” dark eyes slid toward her afterward, amusement flickering there. “besides, my smile isn’t even the best thing about me. i’m pretty sure my lips could light up your world in other ways.” the words left his mouth with complete confidence before he took another hit of the joint like he’d said something perfectly reasonable. “see? that’s more on brand. almost ruined my image for a second there.”

when the questions about arisa kept coming, ryker narrowed his eyes at her over the rim of the monster can before taking a long drink. “it was nice,” he admitted eventually. “really nice, actually.” the confession came quieter than the rest of the conversation had been. “i just took her and her daughter out for pizza.” his thumb traced slowly against the cold aluminum. a small smile tugged briefly at the corner of his mouth at the memory before fading again. “it’s friendly,” he added quickly, like he was trying to convince himself as much as anyone else. “and honestly? that’s probably what it should stay as.” for the first time all evening, the humor slipped from his expression. not entirely, but enough. “i’m not the type of person she should be with.” his gaze dropped toward the floor for a second. “she’s got a kid, soda pop.” the words came out simple. matter-of-fact. “i ain’t the kind of person you bring around someone with a kid for anything serious.” he wasn’t talking about who he was. he was talking about what he did. the risks. the people he knew. the life he lived. ryker exhaled slowly through his nose before leaning back into the couch. “but fuck…” a quiet laugh escaped him, humorless and honest all at once. “i want to be that kind of guy.” for a moment, he stared at the ceiling, letting the admission hang there between them. “that’s the stupid part.”

[cstlavietes]

he feigns a split second moment of reflection. he feels rather in a decent mood, actually. " believe me when i say if i actually get upset— you'll know it. " or maybe he wouldn't. even he can't remember the last time he was really upset, it was some time ago that's faded into obscurity by now. " emotional distress? didn't realize you were such a soft bitch, ryker. " harsh words said with a slight smirk as he exhales smoke. " if you wanted to see me that damn badly, all you had to do was say so. don't let your shyness make excuses. " he shakes in head almost in disappointment. " yeah, mine. " he stuffs the bag in jacket pocket. after that bullshit he pulled earlier, he better not have gotten jipped. " yours. " the amount he's owed from wallet to table, sliding it over. " i said i wasn't getting you a carton, i didn't say i wouldn't give you a smoke but your bitching is making me reconsider. technically, i paid my due. "

[wrldbrns]

ryker let out an offended scoff so dramatic it would've fooled absolutely nobody before reaching over and snatching the cigarette right out of tyler's hand anyway. “thanks, lover." he repeated, taking a drag. “that's rich coming from the guy who drove all the way over here just to complain in person, knowing i'd come to you anyway. you wanted to see me that badly.” he pointed the cigarette at him accusingly before dropping back against the couch. ry watched the money slide over, giving a small nod, not reaching for it yet. "for the record, dickhead, where are you going to get what i offer? i provide a fuckin' service no matter what. ambiance. companionship. emotional support. meanwhile all you've contributed so far is slander." his eyes flicked toward tyler again, amusement sitting easy on his face. “worst customer i've ever had. one star review. would not recommend.” he can't help but to crack a smile and laugh a bit. "you going to that kickoff thing?"

[wrldbrns]

A PEEK INSIDE RYKER HERRERA'S PORTFOLIO

[cstlavietes]

kai: of course

kai: there's never a time limit on it

[wrldbrns]

dulce: thank you. you’re more kind to me than i deserve, kai. dulce: i’m just… dulce: is right now a good time to call?

[wrldbrns]

ryker herrera's outfit outfit ll rift valley summer kickoff festival

attending with: arisa ( @ofmoonlightx )

[saltandstatic]

zahir takes another bite before answering, mostly because he’s genuinely trying to figure out how the hell adrian managed to undersell this much. the food’s good like really good. the kind that tastes like somebody put actual effort into getting it right even while pretending they didn’t care. he leans back slightly in the chair after swallowing, one brow lifting as he points his fork vaguely in adrian’s direction. “if this isn’t your best work, i’m starting to think your standards are psychotic,” he says dryly. there’s warmth underneath it though, the kind reserved for old friends who knew too much about each other to bother performing anymore. his gaze drifts briefly around the apartment while the low music hums in the background, taking in the familiar mess of files and abandoned work that somehow fit adrian perfectly. different jobs, same disease. overworking themselves until their apartments started looking like extensions of the office. at the jab about disappointment standards, zahir lets out a quiet laugh under his breath before shoulder checking him lightly in return, enough to knock against him without any real force behind it. “alright, counselor, relax,” he mutters. “and for the record, i would never bullshit food. anything else? sure.” his mouth twitches faintly at that. “but not food.” he shakes his head once before taking another bite, clearly not lying about enjoying it. “seriously though, this is good. like concerningly good. feels a little unfair you can cook and cross examine people for a living.” his expression softens a bit after that, quieter now in the easy comfort that came with years of friendship. “honestly, man… i’m glad you stayed the way you did.” his gaze settles on adrian for a second longer, sincere. “lot of people talk about helping the little guy until there’s no money or prestige attached to it. you actually mean it.”

[wrldbrns]

“psychotic?” he repeated, one brow lifting as though genuinely offended by the accusation. “that feels dramatic. i simply have standards. what's so wrong about that?” the corner of his mouth betrayed him almost immediately though, curling upward into something warmer than smug for once. he leaned back deeper into the chair, long legs stretching slightly beneath the table while he watched zahir continue eating with silent satisfaction. adrian had spent nearly an hour fixing the sauce after deciding it tasted wrong the first three times. he blamed his mother for that. or maybe the courtroom. either way, perfectionism had rooted itself so deeply into him over the years that he wasn’t entirely sure where it ended and he began. the thing about zahir was that he helped keep adrian anchored. "i trust you wouldn't bullshit me about anything," he replied, firmly, before cracking a grin and taking a swig of his drink. then his friend continued to speak and adrian finds the world begin to settle. the compliment about staying the same, for some reason, landed a little harder than he was sure zahir expected.

adrian’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly at first, amusement dimming into something quieter around the edges as his thumb traced once against the side of the whiskey glass. he heldzahir's gaze for a moment and let them sit in the kind of silence that only existed between people who knew each other well enough not to rush it. “i don’t know if i stayed the same,” he admitted finally, “but i try to remember why i am even involved with it all. especially when i spend so many hours fighting against the system instead of defending more people." his eyes dropped briefly to the table between them, following the grain of the wood instead of looking directly at anything. "i admit that lately it's become rather difficult," a faint smile spreads on his lips as he looks up to meet zahir's gaze, "but then i think about people like you and i keep going." after a moment he returns his attention to his food, picking off the last bit of what was left.

"enough about me." adrian pointed his fork toward him. "what's been living in that head of yours lately?"

[wrldbrns]

valentina de leon's outfit ll rift valley summer kickoff festival

attending with soph( @fracturedlcve )

[asinsilkytragedy]

Scout was practically vibrating in the passenger seat at this point, one knee bouncing nonstop while neon from passing gas stations flashed across her face in streaks of pink and blue. Whatever Ryker gave her earlier had carried her clean through the shift and straight into this restless, floaty energy she always chased even when she knew better. Her heels had been kicked off somewhere twenty minutes ago, bare feet tucked up against the seat while she dug through the gas station snacks in the backseat like a raccoon. “Honestly?” she said with a lazy grin, stealing one of his chips without asking permission. “Shift wasn’t even that good money-wise tonight, but I had fun, so whatever.” Scout stretched slightly before sinking deeper into the seat, eyes drifting toward him under the dashboard glow. “Also, update for you,” she added, holding up three fingers dramatically. “I only got called exotic three times tonight. So honestly? Huge win for me.” Her laugh spilled out immediately after, warm and teasing while she nudged his arm lightly with her foot. “One guy did ask me what I was mixed with though like he was solving a fucking riddle.” Scout rolled her eyes hard before grinning again, clearly entertained despite herself. “I almost started charging people extra every time they said it. Could’ve doubled my earnings.” She studied Ryker for another second after that, watching the way he drove onehanded so casually while the city disappeared behind them. Something about this felt dangerous in a quieter way than Scout was used to, less explosive and more like slipping slowly into something she probably shouldn’t trust. Naturally, that only made her lean into it harder. “So where exactly are we disappearing to, handsome?” she asked softly, voice playful but curious underneath it while smoke and candy sweetness still lingered in the car around them.

[wrldbrns]

ryker couldn't help the laugh that slipped out when she proudly held up three fingers, finding it endearing. “three?” he repeated, nodding his head. "look at you. practically breakin' records.” at the mention of the riddler at her job, he couldn't stop from rolling his eyes when she told him trying to figure out what she was mixed with. "next time, double it. squeeze every bit of money you can out of those ignorant fucks." the music hummed softly around them after that, filling the space where conversation naturally faded. when she finally asked where they were going, curiosity tucked beneath that playful smile of hers, ryker looked over at her for a second before returning his attention to the road.

“disappearing.”

that was all he gave her. as if that one word should give her some clarity, before he reached over and turned the volume up a little louder. for a while the music filled the space between them. empty road stretched endlessly ahead, the city lights shrinking further and further behind until they looked more like stars that had fallen to earth than actual buildings. eventually the road began climbing higher into the hills, winding through darkness until ryker finally pulled off onto a quiet overlook and killed the engine. the music kept playing as he grabbed the faded blanket from the backseat, then reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a small baggie along with his battered silver flask before nodding toward the cliffside like that was explanation enough for her earlier question. rift valley looked different from up here. it was smaller, softer somehow. like all the things that felt life-ending when you stood inside them suddenly didn't seem quite so heavy anymore. ryker dropped onto the blanket first, stretching his legs out in front of him before pulling one of the pills from the baggie and tossing it into his mouth then a swallow of whiskey chased it down. he extended both toward scout without a word, the offer casual. dark eyes drifted back toward the town below before eventually settling on her again, a small grin pulling at the corner of his mouth. “what do you think?” he asked quietly, looking back out towards rift valley, “pretty good place to disappear for a while, huh?”

[capaddes]

Nicky nods immediately. It shouldn't feel this good, having her look at him like that. Asking him to explain himself instead of laughing him off. Suddenly, he feels he has been rewarded the privilege of being her knight in shining armour. One look from her, and there he stands, laden with metal plates, shield and sword in hand, ready to take on the world. "Yeah, yeah… that’s damn right." He sits a little straighter. "You. Your girls. The club. Those pricks don't belong anywhere near it."

His eyes drop briefly to the glass between his hands before finding her again, grimacing for a moment. "...No." He sighs, his own answer clearly bothering him. "I know how it sounds, alright? But I just got a feelin’. And it's a real bad one, and I wanna look out for you."

[wrldbrns]

something softened in valentina's expression at that. not because his answer convinced her entirely, but because it was honest. she could see the frustration in it, the way he hated not having something concrete to place in her hands. a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she studied him then, without much thought, one dark-painted nail drifted lightly along his forearm, tracing upward as he spoke about wanting to look out for her, the girls, and the peach pit. he was dangerous in ways she was not ready to fully admit. her touch was absent-minded, almost thoughtful, trying to decide what to do with him.

“pero, cariño,” she murmured softly, amusement beginning to creep back into her voice, “you cause trouble every time i let you back into the pit.” her hand lifted then, fingertips brushing briefly against his jaw. one nail traced teasingly along the line of it before drifting down toward his bottom lip, eyes following the movement for a second before finding his again. “and i think it's very funny,” she continued, leaning a little closer, “that now that you've got me out here to yourself, this is what you choose to talk about.” the smile widened slightly. she let the word hang between them before finally pulling her hand back and taking another sip of tequila.

“tell me something,” her head tilted, keeping her gaze focused on his, “if i let you back in, do you promise to report to me first at the first sign of anything weird?” one brow arched. “can you you promise to be good for me, nicky?”

[fracturedlcve]

Wilder wasn't sure what he was doing, but the haze had set in, and for once, his mind felt lighter and more at ease. He liked the feel of Ryker's hard body under his fingertips, the feel of his muscles pushing back up against his touch. Grayson felt the need to touch more of him, explore his body in ways he hadn't done before. Wilder smirked when Ryker took hold of his wrist and pulled it up to his chest, "Were you getting worried I was heading more south?"

"Maybe I want to watch you shove your cock down some bitches throat." He said with a smile. "Maybe I want to watch you eat her out while I stroke your cock and take her ass." He paused, but his hand was free now, and seconds later, Wilder was pressed up against the wall.

His hands found his hips while Ryker stroked his jaw. He reached down and worked the belt of Ry's pants open and then the button. Wilder pushed his hand in his pants and took hold of his hard member, "I'm sure what you want to do with my mouth involves this." He gave it a squeeze before stroking his hand up and taking his thumb to the top of his head, toying with it. "But you'd have to do a lot to get me on my knees for you. Even if I'm wondering what it feels like to have a dick in my mouth."

[wrldbrns]

ryker’s eyes darkened to near black as wilder’s hand pleasured him, that teasing thumb swirling over his slick head making his abs clench hard. a low, dangerous sound rumbled in his chest, half growl, half moan. he let wilder stroke him for a few more seconds, hips rolling lazily into that tight grip, enjoying the way the drugs made every touch feel like fire licking up his spine.

while wilder kept running his filthy mouth, ryker dragged his teeth slowly down his jawline, scraping the sharp edge before biting hard into his neck. he sucked roughly on the skin, not caring if he left marks. his own hand shoved between them, ripping wilder’s pants open with impatient fingers. he wrapped his fist around wilder’s hard length and started pumping him, firm and slow at first, then faster, matching the rhythm wilder used on him.

“thinking about what it would feel like to have me in your mouth,” ryker whispered hot against wilder’s ear, voice low and rough, breath ragged, “we're not going to call anyone over, wilder…” his other hand suddenly came up, wrapping tight around wilder’s throat and squeezing just enough to feel his pulse hammering. he pressed their bodies flush together, stroking wilder’s length harder while pinning him to the wall by the neck.. “stop fucking thinking about it,” ryker growled, tightening his grip on, "get on your knees and find out.” he suddenly let go of him, only to shove wilder down hard by the shoulders. the loud thud of wilder’s knees hitting the floor sent a fresh spike of heat through ryker.

“open your fucking mouth, wilder.”

[jasonxmacavoy]

Jason’s chin dipped slightly, his smirk deepening just by a fraction like he was trying not to enjoy the don't know what I would do without you comment too much. "Probably end up in the slammer." he told her. But there was something amused sitting beneath it too. Respect. Admiration—maybe. As much as Jason ever let himself show anyway.

A beat passed before he reached up, adjusting his hood over his head again as he followed Valentina toward the back of the building. "Damn, aight, fair," he went on, the talk of crushed kneecaps music to Jason’s ears. "But most people buy me dinner first before they start offerin' joint assault charges."

His eyes tracked upward toward the apartment building while they moved, jaw shifting once as he sized the place up. His brain was already scoping out the layout of the joint. Doors, exits, windows—every possible way this could go sideways before they even got eyes on the fucker.

Then, he clocked the fire escape.

"There we go." He stepped towards it, grabbing the bottom rung with a calloused hand before yanking down hard on the old metal ladder, rattling it rough against the brick. "Ladies first."

[wrldbrns]

“pero, don't flatter yourself,” valentina shot back immediately, though the grin threatening the corner of her mouth ruined any attempt at sounding serious. the ID twirled lazily between her fingers as she followed him toward the back of the building. “i can take care of myself enough to stay out of there. besides, if i ever do end up in the slammer, it'll be because i finally listened to one of your ideas.” her gaze flicked sideways toward him then, amusement briefly breaking through the storm she'd been carrying all evening. “and as for dinner? cariño, i sign your paychecks. that's practically romance these days.”

the building looked even uglier from the back. damp brick. rust-stained gutters. windows glowing dimly overhead like tired eyes refusing sleep. valentina took one long drag from her cigarette as she studied it, jaw tightening. somewhere up there sat a man who had frightened one of her girls badly enough to leave her shaking. the thought alone kept the anger burning hot beneath her ribs. the crash of the fire escape ladder echoed through the alley and pulled her attention. smoke slipped from painted lips as she walked over to where jason stood. "eres un angel, jason." she turned to grip onto the metal bars, “feel free to enjoy the view on the way up,” she teased, flashing him a playful wink before flicking her cigarette into a puddle below and heading up towards the higher floors.

she counted the floors as she climbed, replaying the one she saw on the ID jason had swiped. once they got to the right floor it was just a matter of finding the right window without alerting anyone. luckily, everyone seemed to be asleep at this odd hour. then she found him, sleeping soundly, and a wicked smirk curled onto her lips.

"bingo."

once inside, valentina moved swiftly through the room. the crowbar hung loosely at her side as she crossed the short distance from the window to the bed, dark eyes settling on brandon sprawled peacefully. this was the man who thought fear belonged to him. without hesitation, the crowbar rose above her head. metal met flesh in one swift, brutal movement as the crowbar slammed down hard against his stomach, knocking the air from his lungs in an instant. the sound that followed wasn't a scream so much as a desperate, strangled gasp as his body folded around the pain. before he could fully process what had happened, valentina had already stepped back out of reach, adjusting her grip on the crowbar while watching him writhe with detached calm.

“hola, brandon.”