Hold me down.

“You say that like it’s news. “ Dimitri said, raising his hands and laughing. “You love it, it keeps things interesting.”

“That I can’t argue with.” She grinned, bumping her shoulder against his. “Though it’d be distinctly more interesting if you were putting a drink in my hand right about now.”

“My sister went missing for three weeks.” Zara shrugged. “She, of course, said it was fine since no one really died, which. Not reassuring. I tattooed this giant koi piece in watercolour on someone’s back yesterday. Almost took the place for best tattoo I’ve done ever, so that was something I suppose.”

“She what??” Kitty raised her brows, startled. “I- wow. She’s okay though ?? You guys are pretty...tough aren’t you.” The brunette questioned, thinking of their family’s considerable firepower. “That’s awesome about the tattoo though. I should get you to work on another piece for me.” 

“Are you offering?”

“I’d consider it.”

“Guilty as charged.” He chuckled, lightly tapping his cup against hers. “Unfortunately I have to blame my job. Long hours. I’m a doctor.”

“A doctor ??” Her brows raised, mildly impressed. “Then you are definitely permitted to over-do the coffee.” She chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. “Do you specialize in anything ??”

“I can see there is zero point in having this argument with you, Bautista.” She grinned, shaking her head. “Come on.” She chuckled, rising to stand. “Let’s get out of this hell hole before you pass out from the fumes.”

“Your life, your guilt trip.” She shrugs, raising her palms in defeat. 

“Oh relax.” She scoffed. “I called you a pet name, I didn’t kill your grandma.”

“That’s debatable,” Zara remarked dryly, before she reached out and lovingly tapped Kat on the nose. "Anyway. What’s new with you?”

Scrunching up her nose as Zara tapped it, she stuck out her tongue before settling back into her seat. “Me ?? Absolutely nada. I spend my life here, in my apartment or at the club and I don’t exactly meet anybody worthwhile there.” Kat scoffed, taking a sip of her coffee. “What about you ??”

“Ah, but I’m always happy to see more.” He raised both brows at her.

      “Well I don’t doubt it.” Kat scoffed, trying to fight the smirk that stretched across her features. “You’re awful, you know that ??”

“You must not know me as well you think you do if you assume I’d be judging you,” Zara remarked, before crinkling her nose. “Though I don’t know what you even see in coffee since it tastes like jet fuel, but that’s just myself,”

      “I know that you’d love me even with jet fuel breath.” She grins, leaning forward in her seat towards her friend.

“Very fair point,” Rylan agreed with a slight smirk. “Guess I’ll just have to let you know how it works for me since I’m already there.”

“If you get sent to ER with heart palpitations, I’ll bring you a cup of decaf.”

“No judgement here, I swear.” Elijah held his hands up in mock defense as he smiled warmly at the woman on the stool next to him. “I practically live off of five hour energy shots… and I’m not in the habit of being a hypocrite.”

“A fellow caffeine addict.” She grins, lifting her cup as if to clink it against his. “What’s your excuse ?? I’d blame my job but it’s not exactly an early morning gig.”

Kat raises her brows at the ‘something’ but doesn’t ask - Bryson is pretty and actually a decent person to talk to. And as far as she’s aware, you only need to tick one of those boxes to tick all of her boss’s boxes. “People are clumsy, shit happens, don’t worry about it.” The brunette laughs, handing the other their things. “You going to the club  or meeting him someplace else??”

        “Only way she’s gonna learn is if you show her and let her try.” Kitty shrugs, leaning back in her seat. “You can’t be her protector, 24-7.”

      She makes a gagging noise but nods. “Mm, definitely. Can’t wait.” Lifting her coffee to her lips, she knows she is by far happier with her drink - no matter what he says. “What’re you drinking judgey-judgerson ??”

    “Well you know where I work Azarov. Unless of course you’re suggesting some sort of private performance ??” 

“You’re not exactly peppy in the evening either, Teddy-bear.”