~~ such kindness

ABOUT

Full Name/Nickname: Aylin Yilmaz. She doesn’t have many nicknames

Age/DOB: 28, February 13th 1994

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Gender: Cis female

Place of Birth: Istanbul, Turkey

Arrondissement: Palais-Bourbon (7th)

Sexual/Romantic Orientations: Heterosexual, heteroromantic

Religion: Agnostic

Occupation: Receptionist at the Royal Monceau Hotel

Nephi wondered if she was extra inviting because of what had happened, if she was looking for company so she didn’t have to think about what had happened. Or perhaps she reacted differently to people being mad at her. He knew that in his case he would probably look for someone or something to take his mind off of things, nervous energy already shifting beneath his skin. And he hadn’t even been in that situation, he was just the outsider who had caused it… perhaps, maybe. It didn’t make sense. Why was she blamed for something he did, did they think they were together onto it? Did they think she was helping him? If so, how could he protect her? How could he make sure he remained solely responsible? 

All those thoughts crossed his mind as he rode the elevator with her, hand still in his pockets, even while following her inside, watching her close the door while his thoughts were far away. He smiled, but it lacked energy. “Thank you.” This should feel normal, this should feel nice and warm and comfortable, him being in her place, after all those years. He should be happy, but he felt miserable. “It’s okay, I’ll just take the tea,” he opted. He dreaded even the possibility of shower thoughts.

Aylin’s eyes did not leave Nephi when they entered her apartement. It was as if she was trying to figure out what he was thinking when he entered the building. Like she was trying to figure out what he was feeling but it was impossible. “Alright, tea it is,” she let him know before moving in the direction of the open kitchen and preparing the water for the tea. As it started boiling, she looked over to Nephi once more.

Nephi would say that this night at Le Rouge was perhaps his most successful yet, though at the same time it was the worst disaster. He had come so close, followed one of the unattentive employees into the heart of the club, down towards the answers he was looking for, if not for the fire alarm forcing him back up - realising he had been found out. Realising as well that Micayla had something to hide down there, she had simply given him more reason to be cautious. Yet, he had been confused when Aylin, who knew nothing of Nephi’s investigation, was dragged into it. He didn’t understand exactly what was going on until much later, when it had dawned on him that maybe they thought she was his accomplish, that she was helping him. He didn’t dare to ask what Finn and Micayla had said, if they had said anything. “Okay,” he said, putting his hands in his pocket as he locked the car and followed her obediently. Would she ask him to stop? If he told her what he was doing… would she want him to stop looking for the bad things in Le Rouge?

And even though Aylin had hesitated at first, she was still happy that Nephi agreed to join her inside. A nervous smile appeared on her lips as she exited the car and made her way over to the entrance of the apartment building. It didn’t take long before the elevator stopped at the ground floor and took them up to the third floor. Once there, Aylin moved to the end of the hallway and opened the door of her apartment. She stepped aside so she could let Nephi enter first.

Until this very moment Aylin still had no idea what had happened at Le Rouge. She didn’t understand why Micayla had been so angry, why Finn looked uncomfortable and why Nephi was on high alert. The cold air outside had dried her, but she was now shivering in the seat next to Nephi as he had let her known that he would bring her home. The entire trip to her apartment had been in silence and Aylin hated it. She had so many questions but the most important one; What the hell had happened?

“It’s very nice,” he agreed, having spent most of his time there, if not all. He could hardly imagine living in any other part of the city. The 20th wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t expensive either, it was manageable, and the people were nice. He nodded excitedly, even if his desk wasn’t in the 20th, the idea of her being close by, he enjoyed that, a lot. “If you need any help with it, I know a lot of people in the neighbourhood.” Though he would probably have to be hush hush on them helping her for him. Not everyone was very happy with him, in general, as if he was still not cleared. Which, technically he wasn’t. He might never be.

His smile was bright, and there was something in his face that suggested there was more to it. It wasn’t just that she offered for him to hang out with her on holidays, it was that she was opening her arms wide after all these years, as if nothing had happened, she didn’t wonder if he was still the same person, she didn’t worry about what it would mean to invite him over. She simply did. He nodded. “That sounds good,” he said, leaning over the table as he looked at her. “I’m glad I ran into you today.”

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“The next time I’m in the 20th, I’ll let you know. Maybe you can show me some parts of the city I haven’t seen yet,” Aylin said to the man on the other side of the table. She tried to hide the hopeful tone in her voice but she was pretty sure that she was failing at it. “And I’ll definitely remember that offer. I’m certain that locals from that arrondissement are better at showing me some good places for a B&B.” Easiest thing would be to take over an already existing one but there was something that pulled on her about starting one from scratch. It would mean moving to the 20th but it sounded exciting.

Aylin smiled at Nephi at his words, feeling a blush appear on her cheeks at his words. All she could do was nod for a moment before she found the right words to say. “I’m glad too. I’ve been wondering for a while now lately how you’ve been.” He had popped up in her mind often for the past year, maybe a little bit too much information to give him. “Let’s try to make the next time we see each other won’t be another few years again. Let’s make it a week maximum.”

They nod, taking this as instruction enough on what to do. He’s aware that it was bold of him to make comment on the transaction right before close, considering she is a customer. But, they’re confident that they know her well enough for her to know that they’re joking. Putting his mind to the task, he creates a bouquet of red and white roses, the white to provide a nice contrast in the arrangement. When finished, they brings the to the counter separating them from Aylin. “Ok, that’ll be €50. Anything else I can help you with before I close up?” He gives her a small smile, to indicate that he means no harm.

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Aylin curiously watched how Emmett moved around to put together the bouquet that she had asked them to make. A smile was playing on her lips as she watched, she liked to see that they seemed to be enjoying what they were doing. She was pulled out of her thoughts when the finished bouquet was placed in front of her. She got out her wallet so she could place a bill of 50 euros on the counter as she left the bouquet on the counter. That was much easier when she was going to help them clean. “Nothing else, that was it.” She paused for a moment before realizing something. “You know. As I offered to help you clean, it’s probably easier to give you my name so you can boss me around. I’m Aylin.”

His hands clasped together as he continued to study her. She was sweet, and he was truly interested in whatever she had to say. “I think we’re on the same page,” Ronav nodded. To have a conversation with a genuine person felt rare these days. Aylin had no ulterior motives, she was just a nice girl. Despite all his standard guards being up, there was part of him that felt like he could really let her in– not right now, but eventually. “Heavy weather…,” he murmured quietly, “I like that. It makes…it makes it feel not as bad. Like it’ll pass,” he smiled. Logically, Ronav knew that everything would pass– the sun would set and rise day after day, until the load became a bit lighter. “I know this is our first time really getting to know each other, but you’re quite intelligent. I feel like we’re residing on the same wavelength, know what I mean?” 

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“I like to think that a sad feeling or situation disappears in the end. Or gets better. So I think heavy weather works for me the best as a description,” Aylin explained. Maybe it wasn’t the words many people would use but she wanted to see the positives in her life. Something she had tried doing every day so far. She felt a blush come onto her cheeks as Ronav complimented her. No matter how many times people would compliment her, even after twenty eight years… She would never stop blushing, she was pretty sure about that. Simply because she didn’t really understand why they would even go out of their way to compliment her. “I understand what you mean. It’s nice to talk about something like this without feeling like the other person judges you? I like how you value my opinion on this.”

Where: The train station

They had been waiting for their train, despite the heavy snowfall. He knew it was somewhat dangerous to travel in this weather, but he had to get to work somehow. Today, the train seemed to be running behind, so he was sitting on a bench in the station. Checking the time, they sigh and look around, and recognize a woman sitting next to them.

He remembers her from when she came into the shop and offered to help him close. With a shiver, he averts his gaze and pulls his coat tighter around himself. They doesn’t want to stare for too long for fear she’d think they’re a creep. That’s when the train finally pulls into the station and comes to a stop. It doesn’t seem good, because it didn’t even pull up to the boarding station. 

“Uh…I’m not sure if the train is running.” He comments, confused look on his face. “It’s snowing pretty hard and how it came in didn’t look very good.”

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The train had seemed to be a good idea until she actually had reached the trainstation. Aylin usually wasn’t the most steady on her feet and the snow definitely didn’t make things better for her. The many delays that were portrayed on the many screens also wasn’t a great sign. Maybe she should’ve chosen to walk to work - it was only one arrondissement away in the end, but the cold… She was not made for it at all.

Aylin looked up at the voice that sounded next to her and she caught sight of the person who had helped her out with the flowers the other day. She smiled at them and frowned. “I have no idea, I just know I need to get to work so I guess that I am getting on that train in the end,” she mumbled. She just hoped that the train would get to her destination and that they would not stop halfway between two stations… Or maybe this was just asking for it… “Are you taking a guess as well and get on the train as well or not?” She asked them as she got up from her seat so she could make her way onto the train, perhaps alone or with them.

Nephi continued to blush, his heart warm and a powerful longing growing within him, to be at this side of the conversation more often, to be the one Aylin trusted with all those inner secrets and wishes and dreams that she didn’t share with anyone else. And there was pride there too, that even after all these years, she hadn’t forgotten what they had meant to each other either. She still trusted him regardless. Did he really deserve someone like her? Did he want to? Desperately, because he didn’t want the feeling of comfort he had around her to be one-sided. Nodding, it became clear that she didn’t have any trouble sharing this neither, she stated everything without rethinking her words, and he smiled despite himself. “I think that’s only fair,” he said in response, though on the cultural divide it made more sense to him. He knew his father too had made the journey to France with his parent’s financial support. “I think it would be a big jump in style when you come visit me,” he said, as if it was set in stone that this wasn’t the last of their interactions. “I live in the 20th still,” he said. “I don’t have the fanciest apartment, but I have an amazing view,” he admitted. One could see the eiffel tower from his bedroom window. “That’s good, I’m glad you still get to spend time with her.” He’d never had an opinion on her parents, because he’d never had a decent conversation with them, after all, he was a murder suspect. Someone… he knew what that meant, or he thought he did. OR: he hoped he did. He hoped she was suggesting something that he could already disarm, perhaps offer a type of answer that might make her happy. “No, I usually celebrate it alone,” he said. “I go to the Mosque when it’s Islamic holidays, and the Christian ones I never celebrated much to begin with,” he admitted.

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Her gaze was settled on the man on the other side of the table, taking in his appearance after she had spoken. Her eyes moved over the blush on his cheeks, on the smile on his lips and nearly automatically a smile appeared on her lips as well. The fact that he was affected by her and what she said warmed her inside. Or at least… She hoped that the blush was because of the fact that she had said something flattering and not because he was ashamed of something.

“I actually like the 20th a lot. I visit it quite a lot due to the market that’s there. I love just wandering around there. And if I had to pick a location for that Bed & Breakfast idea that I have, it would definitely be that arrondissement,” Aylin admitted to Nephi. And in the end you didn’t need a fancy apartment. You needed a place that you could call home. It were just walls, you had to make it your own with the people you shared it with and the stuff you put inside it. Aylin was certain that after 8th and now 7th, that living in 20th would be just as good. That was all she could hope for.

Fingers intertwined above her head, an over-extended stretch causing her to release a billow of air upon Aylin’s approach; a brief reveal of the exhaustive day she’d put herself through. They’d been friends for a while now, and she’d never — not once — attended any of Keziah’s classes. She didn’t take it, personally, obviously, but she’d been holding onto a sliver of hope that her friend would concede and sit through a session. She was convinced that once she tried it, she’d love it. Boy, was the instructor wrong. Dropping her head into a shake, a laugh falling from her lips, “I can’t believe you’re already calling it quits! I thought you were better than this, Aylin!”

Pulling her jacket from a cubby, and the remainder of her belongings, she slung her tote bag over her shoulder, brown flickering over the studio one last time to ensure everything was secure, her voice echoing over the now mostly empty studio, “Yoga’s more about relaxation, and less about the… weight loss side of things, so you don’t have to worry about that.” With a warmth resonating from her, she returned to Aylin, “What were you thinking? Because I’m been craving some pizza today. Just something incredibly cheesy; please tell me you’re on the same page.”

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Just nearly Aylin felt a little ashamed for already throwing the towel in the ring but instead she just raised her hands as an innocent gesture. “I’ve tried and I know I’m a rather patient person but for some reason I’ve been unable to find patience with this. Frustration was what I found rather,” she admitted to her friend as she moved with her friend to leave the studio.

Aylin scrunched her nose as Keziah explained that if you wanted to lose weight, yoga was not the way to go. She definitely should’ve read into this thing more than just assumed this. Well done at showing interest in one of your best friend’s interests, lady. “I hadn’t thought of anything yet but you know that I will never say no to pizza. A cheesy, greasy pizza is always good,” she said with a chuckle to her friend before she nodded as a confirmation once more that she was on the same page as Keziah.

❛ ☾ ◟━ LOCATION: bastille market ❛ ☾ ◟━ TIME: midmorning ​

Lida remembered watching the news and the casters highlighting this week’s upcoming weather forecast in Paris. Cold temperatures and snow? What else is new. It was still the winter after all and with global warming taking its longterm effects, it’s not like the seasons were following a strict schedule at this point. However, it clearly alarmed some citizens in the city as they were going through the motions of panic buying. 

She could see it clear as day when she trekked Bastille Market and furthermore, some of the prices were hiked. It was all part of the business as they pivot with the market value. Stopping in front of a booth, she was debating on purchasing one of those pressed juices that served as a meal and provided energy. While in line, she could hear the patron in front of her complaining of the costs and all Lida could do was nod, before turning around and pretending to continue her conversation with the individual behind her. The last thing she wanted to do was get roped into this ‘Karen’s’ mess. 

“It’s too early in the morning to deal with this…Just pretend we know each other, she looks like the type to ask for validation from those around her.” Sighing, she then asked, ”Have you tried their juices before? I mostly came here to get some produce, but their drink menu sounds good.” 

.

If there was one thing that Aylin always had difficulty to deal with, was the fact that she would say yes to one of the night managers whenever they ask if she could fill in. It was definitely not omething she was made for. She was one to sleep at night and not work at night. She felt the tiredness in her bones but she knew that if she didn’t pay a visit to the market now, then she would have a problem regarding her groceries in two days. The time that the snowstorm was supposed to hit. Aylin wasn’t planning on going outside unless necessary during that weather.

So with a mood that could’ve been better, she had moved into line for the juice stand. She was addicted to their strawberry kiwi banana smoothies and Aylin knew that there was probably too much added sugar for it to be healthy, but she kept coming back. The idea of the smoothies alone would’ve been enough to lighten her mood if not for the woman in front of the line who kept complaining.

Aylin was a little surprised at the woman in front of her who suddenly turned around and started talking to her in a tone that said ‘I know you’. Well, Aylin was pretty sure she had never seen the other woman before but she was happy enough to agree with the pretense so the complaining woman would not target them. “I only come here for their juices to be honest so I can definitely recommend them to you. I’m addicted to their smoothies, they are really good.”

Her gaze quickly moved to the woman before Lida. “Why do you think people think it’s a good idea to make such a big thing of something small?”

“I guess you’re right, but at the same time you’re making a transaction right at close.” He retorts, snarky grin on his face. “People usually do a different color of rose or baby’s breath with a bouquet. If you want something more unconventional I’d recommend pairing them with lilies or tulips. Depends on what you’re looking for.”

They’re quite knowledgeable about flowers, having worked in a gardening store with a decent amount of time at the floral department. On top of that, he just thought that the plants were very pretty.

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Aylin opened her mouth for a second, but then quickly closed it again before she had to laugh at their comment. “You know what, you are completely right. I have no response to that,” she chuckled as she looked at the other before tilting her head slightly to the side so she could think about what exactly she wanted for the piece in her room. “I would like to keep it rather simple, so maybe a slightly different colour of roses or just nothing at all would be the way to go.” Aylin paused for a second before continuing with a smile playing on her lips. “You know what, I’ll let you surprise me on what you woud put together.”

It was often Tiago ventured to Belleville, as he didn’t really have much business there. However, he was a sucker for a market and the local vibe reminded him of the more rustic style to his home. As the doctor made his way through the crowds, sampling the different treats and produce, he spotted a beautiful brunette struggling with which apples to buy. It was a tough decision, as there were ample on offer and each had a unique flavour, something he had known from the apple trees that had adorned his back garden growing up. Tiago stepped towards her, apologising as he happened to push another eager helper to one side. “What are you looking for?” He asked, brown eyes surveying her curiously. “If it’s for cooking, then you might prefer something a little more tart…sour in nature, but if it’s to eat now, then I’d recommend something more sweet.” 

The dark haired man leaned across her, excusing himself as he did, and picked up one of the apples. “This is my personal favourite, mujer rosa,” he took a bite and smiled. “The pink lady, she’s delicious.”

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Aylin couldn’t stop herself from chuckling as the man started to help her, pushing aside another person in the process. Her gaze quickly moved to the other person who had wanted to help as well. They looked a bit insulted at the man who had pushed them aside but then turned around to leave. She then looked at the man once more, narrowing her eyes slightly as it suddenly hit her that she had seen him before. But where?

Before she could remember, she answered him because Aylin realised that she was staying quiet for too long already. If you also added the fact that she was probably looking at him a little too long, she was pretty sure that she was going to give him the creeps. “Definitely to eat now, so something sweeter.” She leaned back a little to give him some more space so he could pick up an apple near her. Her gaze moved to the apple he took a bite of before quickly taking a look at the vendor who didn’t seem to be that happy about it without having seen any money yet, but Aylin quickly ignored it and looked at the man before her. “I think I am just going to take a jump in the deep end and trust your judgement on the apples.” The young woman motioned over to the vendor. “Can you get me five of those, and this one of course,” she smiled at the somewhat older man who seemed to be happy enough with that before she looked at the dark haired man. “I feel like I’ve seen you before but I can’t remember where. Have you ever been at the Royal Monceau? Or Le Rouge?”

He shook his head with a chuckle, not wanting to scare her off right away. “Light reading, definitely.” Ronav watched as she skimmed a book briefly– that was always a good start. It was a topic that could turn heavy, but Aylin seemed open to listening– and talking. The man sat patiently, listening to every word she said while pushing his hair off his forehead. It was quite overdo for a cut, really. Letting out a soft laugh, Ronav grinned. “Don’t apologize! There’s no need to apologize,” he assured her. “I’m never going to stop you from rambling. I want to know what you’re thinking, it’s how we better each other,” Ronav explained. “Most of these questions don’t enter our minds until something terrible happens. Isn’t that odd to think about? It’s like…these questions don’t exist until we’re forced to think about them, no matter how much we don’t want to.”

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Aylin’s dark eyes stayed focused on Ronav. It was rather refreshing to be talking to him. He wanted to know what she was thinking, simply because it was a way to become better people. Never had she thought about that ever. The only thing that quickly filled her head after she stopped herself from rambling, was the fact that she was probably annoying the hell out of the others by the fact that she was talking so much. So it was indeed refreshing and interesting to talk to someone with a different view on things.

“You know, I never really realised that those were the moments these questions come to mind. Not until you just told me. I wouldn’t say it is odd, because it’s in those moments that you suddenly know how vulnerable you really are. Things are getting closer and you realise that it could happen to you just as easily. So I would rather say it is sad that we only think about these serious things whenever we are in heavy weather.”

The nudge on his shoulder was met with a chuckle. He knew she wouldn’t let it go, like a dog with a bone, but he didn’t mind as he trusted her. It was just more fun to drag it out because of how eager she was to know. The funniest part of this was that there hadn’t been a girl, per se, as he hadn’t been with anyone for a few months now. The only one in his bed was Lena, but he was sure Aylin would eat that up when he told her. The irishman hadn’t opened up about the other woman yet, as it had been unexpected. Not that anything was happening, they were just friends, but she was the only woman close to being “something” in his life. 

Caoimhín almost tripped over himself at the harsh change in direction, steadying himself with as much grace as bambi when he first walked on the ice. “Yep, this way…” he mumbled, red faced and laughing. Thankfully, she began to talk about this mystery guy, which saved his blushes. 

She may have mumbled the words, but he heard them and he his expression softened, forgetting the embarrassment of his clumsiness. “Never apologise for how you feel,” he shot back at her softly, a look of understanding in his blue eyes. “This has clearly had an impact on you and even if you’re happy, which I’m glad you are, you can also feel weird or strange about it,” he continued, reassuringly. 

Caoimhín nodded as she talked, knowing the feeling too well. He was entering that place with Lena, where he didn’t know what his feelings were. The two had fell into this place of relying on each other for comfort and reassurance, but that was all it had been. The warmth of the others embrace at night whilst they drifted off to sleep, nothing more. That had become much more in the past few weeks, as he spent more and more time with her, learning who she was and what made her smile or cry. All of that made it more difficult to ignore his feelings and attraction to her, but they were friends - that was it. “How do you think he feels about you?” 

Aylin couldn’t stop herself from giggling softly at the sight of her friend nearly tripping over. She quickly placed her hand over her mouth as if not to show that she was laughing at his expense but it was probably too late for that anyways. Her dark eyes found him and she lowered her hand, the smile having disappeared from her lips as well as she slowly nodded as he told her to never apologise for how she felt. She reached out so she could place her hand on his upper arm and softly squeezed his arm. “Thank you, I needed to hear that,” she told him before she motioned to her right. “We are going inside this building.” If you hadn’t watched properly, you wouldn’t even have seen that the building could be special. It had the same building style on the outside as many of the other Parisian buildings but knowing that Caoimhín was someone interested in history, College des Bernardins was a good destination.

Inside Aylin started talking softer nearly right away. In the end the location was used for training and meetings as well, the last thing she wanted was to interrupt those with her love life. Although she wasn’t quite sure that love life was existing since she had no idea how she felt exactly and also how Nephi felt.