chaotic souls

Xander lifted his head slowly, turning to face Alessia. “Sorry, Alessia. Didn’t know it was you.” He sighed before taking another drag from his cigarette. “Nah, don’t leave, I can adjust. It’s not you, just…A long day. We’ve got a newbie in the kitchen, and I’m about 10 seconds from snapping his neck and tossing him into the fryer.” Shrugging, he took a step closer. “Thanks for stopping by. I’ve heard a little socialization might do me some good. So, how goes it?” He asked eyeing the bag on her shoulder. “Need some help with that?”

Nodding with a slight laugh, Alessia shrugged. “It’s alright, it happens. Please don’t kill anyone at your day job. That’s more issues than we need right now.” She pleaded with him in a sort of teasing tone. “No problem. I’m doing alright now, and I’ve got it, thanks though.” She smiled, adjusting the bag on her shoulder. “Just some additional medical supplies. Doesn’t hurt to be well stocked on anything, especially with the general chaos everyone likes to cause.” She sighed softly. “How about you? Besides your long day and your newbie of course.” 

–

The juxtaposition on how someone who could make him so soft amidst violence isn’t lost on Richie. Mason’s voice in his head instructs for a more destructive approach on the assailant – giving out a message and all that – but he’s not about to torture someone in front of his girlfriend. His goal out of this relationship is that he would never have to see the look of fear in Alessia’s eyes directed at him. It’s remnant of his mother and thoughts of her have always had a giant, neon “do not enter” sign practically plastered everywhere.  

“So you admit I’m sexy.” There’s teasing in his voice and Richie should have definitely joked about this in a less grimy location. “It’s Gio, babe.” The switch comes. Thankfully she still manages to keep Richard at bay. “The order’s out. They can do what they want with it.” End of discussion. Or, enough so that it shouldn’t be a main topic between the two of them. Letting the tension roll off his shoulders, he decides they need a distraction and with the affirmation of love hitting him right in the chest, it doesn’t take long for Richie to pull the woman in closer to his arms. “Forever’s a long time, you know,” he warns her, leaning on to rub the tip of his nose against hers. “I’ll turn forty one day and fifty and next thing you know, you’re waking up next to a bag of wrinkles.” The thought of it is meant to poke fun but the actual image of him sits a little lighter, a little warmer, and a lot more happy – a feeling that doesn’t really come natural to an O’Riley. “Will you still love me then?”

Alessia throws her head back and laughs. “Are you just now finding that out? God, apparently I need to be more obvious on how pretty I think you are.” She teased, a wide smile on her lips. Once they switch back to the serious topic, Alessia simply nods her head. She knows when to argue back about certain things and when it’s not worth it. Now is the latter. 

Offering no resistance as he pulls her close, Alessia closes her eyes and smiles as their noses touch. She still has to laugh at his words, moving her hands to hold onto the sides of his face. This time, she looks at him, really looks at him and responds in just about the most sickeningly sweet way she can think of. It’s definitely not dialogue for their current setting, but between how they are around each other, it’s perfect. “Forever is a long time and I wouldn’t want to have you any other way through it all.” Nodding, she smiles at him again. “Yes, I’ll still love you then. Will you do the same for me? When I’m some old crotchety grandma?” She laughs. “Because if you say yes, then I think we’re officially stuck forever.” 

– 

“I think it would suit the place, I think it would bring a little spice - imagining training new recruits and putting them on Tiger duty.” She wasn’t sure her brothers would allow it but she could still dream and Ophelia wasn’t sure any of them would notice if she managed to smuggle something into the fire house as a pet - maybe a tiny kitten to start with. At the others whispers she gave a loud snort. “That’s because instead of listening to dad when he was giving us lessons, Richie was sulking that he didn’t have a paint brush in his hands.” 

Squinting her eyes surveyed the canvas, the entrance was obvious and she figured that all eyes would be on the front door. “You carrying?” Ophelia wasn’t about to try and bust her way into something without knowing they at least had a little cover. “I’m in if we’re covered.” 

Alessia laughed a little too loud at Ophelia’s thought. “It’d be a quick way to whip them into shape and knock them down a few pegs.” She agreed. “Not too many hotshots can remain when you throw an angry tiger at them.” Sighing somewhat dreamily after a moment, she looked back at the other. “I do think we need a firehouse pet though. Good for morale and what not.” Not that she’d ever confess to Richie what she’d told O about their skills, she was still glad to see that the other enjoyed the confession. “Y’know, I could see that. I think now he skulks if he doesn’t get his art breaks.” She teased, giggling wildly. 

Honestly, Alessia couldn’t remember if she was carrying. Patting her back, she felt the familiar outline of her weapon and nodded toward Ophelia. “I am, but I’m not sure I’m a great shot right now.” She laughed again, knowing the situation could go south quickly. Though she couldn’t find it in herself to care. “What about you? If you’re carrying I could go first if you think you’re a better shot than me right now.” Which Alessia didn’t doubt she was. 

– 

He wondered if he had made a mistake sometimes, marrying her, keeping her with them? Should everyone be forced to be saved, Margaux would certainly think so, and those that didn’t want it would probably need it more. But Zara, she was precious and even through all the haze that the damned had filled him with he still new enough to know that she was special, that he was lucky that she loved him in the way that she did, he would always protect her from the world, that he was certain off.  “No worries.” He had had plans, but he could come back out later, after they had spent the day together, he was always more successful at night anyway, when the lost souls really needed someone to lead them home. “Nothing that can’t be done later, you’re here now.” Zara already had to deal with the fact that Griffin used himself and his body, his looks to get new recruits, she didn’t need to see it too. 

There were times where Zara was worried he didn’t love her like she loved him. They were few and far between, she was getting better control of her jealousy when it came to how exactly Griffin was able to recruit new members. She hated that she got jealous, she knew it didn’t mean anything to him, but seeing how others yearned for him once they joined still hurt. Once again, she trusted him with every fiber of her being, it was just hard sometimes. 

“I didn’t have any solid plans today... was just planning on starting with coffee and then moving from there.” She smiled at him, resting her chin on her hands. “What’s something you haven’t done or haven’t done in a while that you want to do?” She questioned, tilting her head slightly, nothing but admiration in her eyes. 

✗✗✗ a little birdie told me [ zara holmes ] from [ believers of the damned ] was seen around town lately. the [ cisfemale ] is definitely up to no good. [ she/her ] has been here for [ eleven years ] now but they’re still pretty [ impressionable ] which is fine because they’re also [ considerate ] so it balances out. the [ thirty two ] year old [ waitress ] actually looks like a lot like [ lily james ], don’t you think? rumors say they work as a [ member ] for the [ believers of the damned ] and have been around for [ eleven years ]. it’s best to watch out, though, because it’s been said that they’re really into [ dom/sub & tequila ].

✗✗✗ you see [ alessia cirrilo ] around lately? yeah i heard that the [ female ] is up to no good. [ she/her ] has been here for [ six years ] now but they’re still pretty [ nosy ] which is fine because they’re also [ charismatic ] so it balances out. the [ twenty six ] year old [ medic/nurse (for the o’rileys) ] actually looks like a lot like [ florence pugh ], don’t you think? it’s best to watch out, though, because it’s been said that they’re really into [ alcohol & bondage ].

“Get back here you dick!” Alessia screamed, chasing after the small squirrel that had stolen her pastry from right under her nose. Stupid squirrel with his stupid little tail. “Ugh!” She grunted as the little fucker climbed the tree, his tail happily flicking up and down as he chattered down at her. “You’re gonna regret that.” She angrily responded as if it could understand her. Now though, she just looked less than stable, pointing an accusing finger up a tree where the squirrel sat contentedly, chewing on her croissant. It was in this moment, she noticed someone watching her. Sighing, she turned toward them, “Look, that dumbass squirrel stole my croissant from the coffeeshop. I wasn’t paying attention and he fucking took it from me!” 

–

“Think we could get a tiger for the fire house? I mean most people are still convinced that it’s haunted anyway so it’s not like most people are stupid enough to just come around and I’m sure the guys wouldn’t mind.” At this point she was sure it would just fit the vibe of the place, it was already odd enough. “Oh you want to be the brave person I shoot at objects hooked around you?” 

It would be a fun act for sure and she was almost certain that she wouldn’t kill her, Richie would have a field day on her if she did. “Yes I think having you on a leash would be very hand.” Ophelia chuckled as her mouth fell open a little, she hadn’t expected it to be so, bright. “Oh I’m in love already.” 

“Oh my god can you imagine a little tiger baby running around?” Alessia cooed loudly at the thought. “Although, then it’d get bigger and we’d have more issues.” She finished, laughing wildly. Gasping at her suggestion, she nodded. “Oh I could so do that. You’re such a good shot, you’d never miss so I’d be safe.” Looking around like someone was following them, she leaned in closer to Ophelia, “Don’t tell Richie I said this but I think you’re a better shot than he is.” 

“Me too, it’s amazing.” She responded, looking up at the red and white striped Big Top. “Do you think there’s a show going on now? Like we could sneak in the back while everyone is on stage?” 

At the moment, Gio was working on renaming his bar. A name kept playing over and over in his head. Saoirse. It felt like a distant memory to him. One that radiates warmth and happiness. Like being close to a candle that smelt like fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. If he renamed the bar Saoirse would have to be spelt Sersha since people can’t pronounce things if they used one of the two braincells they had.

He didn’t know what to think when Alessia decided to check on him. Gios used to being the one to check on people. For the most part, he keeps a lid on any negative emotions. It’s a poker face his father taught him many years ago. If no once can read anything there’s nothing to fear. For a moment he stared at her in silence. Gio prides himself on being a private person. Anything about his life is on a need to know basis unless he trusts a person with everything. He can count those people on one hand. “I’m okay. Just picking out a new name for the bar. Is everything okay with you? Do I need to hunt someone down?”

Truly, Alessia didn’t quite believe him. She wasn’t one to pry and if he wanted to tell her, she was sure he knew he could. Something she quickly realized was that not everyone, in fact, really no one wanted to talk to her about the mushy-gushy shit called emotions. Instead, she just patched them up physically and made herself available if they wanted to chat about something. Some could call her nosy because of it, but she just wanted the best for those she cared about. Plus, they weren’t on top of their game if something was eating away at them. 

Nodding, she gave him another soft smile. “I’m good, don’t worry. There was someone who tried something on Richie and I, but we got it taken care of.” She insisted. “Thanks for asking though, I’ll let you know if someone else needs to be erased.” Moving to the topic of the bar, she nodded again. “Renaming it, huh? The current one just not cutting it anymore?”

– 

Sometimes, in brief fleeting moments there were far and few between - moments he always managed to make himself pay for later - he wished he had met her first. Zara had been everything he ever wanted when he was younger, she was caring, loving, beautiful, she adored him and maybe if he had met her first she would have been enough to be the family that he had always craved. But it seemed like he had been meant for something else, and she couldn’t replace the family he had found when he was at his most broken no matter how much he thought she could some times. 

These days he didn’t even really see what he was doing to Zara, he was so sure in the cause of the people. “I didn’t know you were going out today I would have joined you.” He might have been naïve to some of the workings of the world, but he was still as charming and worldly as ever, Leaning forward he planted a kiss to her lips, now she was here she would be enough to distract him for a day at least. 

God, she loved him. She really did. He was everything she had wanted and needed when they first met. He took care of her, told her everything was going to be okay, and brought her into more of a family than she’d ever had. Then, the rose-colored tint of the world started to wear off and she started to see what was going on behind the curtain. She didn’t know what the Believers were planning long term, but she couldn’t imagine it’d be good. She wanted to ask him, but had a sneaking suspicion he wouldn’t give it up, if he even knew anything about it. 

So, until she worked up the courage, she’d continue to pretend like everything was fine and dandy and try to enjoy the good moments with her husband. “Last minute plan.” She shrugged with a smile, returning the kiss. “Sorry, I should have let you know though.” She didn’t really feel sorry, but she still felt like she needed to apologize anyway. “Hope I didn’t disturb your work?” Zara questioned with a small head tilt, assuming he was out canvassing and recruiting. 

The big picture, Lilian wanted to roll her eyes all the way to the back of her head. Listening to the old croon talk about shit she didn’t even know drove the self reliant and ambitious woman crazy. She hated the fact that after all this time it still seemed her husband’s family didn’t think highly of her. Didn’t see how much work she put in. She was counting the days till she didn’t have to put up with the harpy anymore. Frustrated and only slightly hung over, she walked into the small cafe. Seeing the line she scowled removing her sunglasses , “ Oh hell no,” she muttered. Quickly making her way to the front, ignoring the murmuring that followed after her. Coming to stand at the front of the line next to someone. 

“ Listen baby, I’ve got like ten minutes before I go around stabbing people. Unless I have some coffee in my system.  And I really don’t want to stab you, you look sweet. Your coffee is on me if you let me ahead, I’ll even throw a pastry in with it, what do ya say sweetheart?”

@indulgencerpgstarters​

Zara took every excuse she could to get some time away from the Believers. They were essentially her family, but she was feeling so incredibly conflicted inside about them lately. She needed space and she needed caffeine. The line at the shop was far longer than she wanted it to be, but more people had already showed up behind her. Waiting patiently, she finally was next in line. Just as she was about to order, someone stepped in front of her causing her to let out an involuntary “Oh!” as she jumped back.  Blinking in surprise, she started responding before even thinking about the question. “Uh, yeah sure? That’s fine.” At least she didn’t have to pay for her coffee and she got a pastry? Zara wasn’t one to hold her ground so occurrences like these weren’t out of the ordinary. “Are you alright?” She asked the other woman gently, because if she was this eager for coffee and mention stabbing people, she may not be having the best day. 

{OPEN} Taking a drag from his cigarette, Xander leaned his head back against the wall behind him, closing his eyes as he filled his lungs. Feeling someone approach, he exhaled slowly, though he made no move to turn his head or open his eyes. “I’m on my break.” He announced, using his free hand to gesture to his chef’s whites and apron. “So, this had better be important. And frankly, unless the building is burning, my guess is it probably isn’t. But, you’re here already. So, speak.”  @indulgencerpgstarters​

Alessia had been on errand duty that night, meeting up with her supplier for some additional medical supplies. Which coincidentally was near Xander’s day job. Being the friendly person she is, she wanted to pop by and say hello if he wasn’t busy. Luckily for her, she noticed him standing outside smoking. Perfect timing. Her smile dropped when she heard his attitude, rolling her eyes. “Well, damn. That’s one way to make friends, Xander.” Adjusting the bag on her shoulder, she eyed him again. “I just wanted to stop by and say hello but clearly you’re too busy being broody so I can leave if you’d really like.”

closed starter: @cha0tics0uls​ location: o’riley hq

For some odd reason Gio felt like taking a journey down memory lane. Which in his case, is a bad thing. Anyone with a past like his would say the same thing. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that he once wanted out. This was in the early days when he started from the bottom of the O’Riley ranks. When his own father was breathing down his neck to not fuck it up. At the time, all he wanted was normalcy. Instead he received a life when his parents focused on him learning about drugs. Eventually he gave up hoping for something different. That’s because he didn’t want an out anymore. The O’Rileys became more of a family than his own. Holding a gun to someones head gave him a rush of euphoria that nothing else did. 

When he meets new members for the first time, the first thought that pops into his head is how did they end up here? That’s the one time he gives a shit before they become nothing more than a pawn in his eyes. They don’t matter until they climb the ranks and reach his radar. The same thing happened with the medic that stood in the doorway of his office. Except, she was no longer a pawn. She’s an integral part of the O’Rileys now. Not just because he knows Richie is the biggest simp when it comes to her. 

“Good morning, Alessia. What can I do for you?” he motioned for her to come in before leaning back in his chair.

Though she was still in contact with her family back in New York, Alessia found that most of her time was dealing with Richie’s family. Not that it was an issue, in fact, she enjoyed it. She didn’t have to deal with the ridicule of her choosing to be the medic as opposed to a gunman like her family wanted. 

Still though, she felt like she needed to be responsible for just about everyone that was involved in their side of things, blood or not. If they were an ally, they were her responsibility to keep healthy. Which led her to Gio’s door. “Hey.” She greeted back before moving inside. “I just wanted to check in, see how things were going. I know things are getting rough with the other groups in the area, so I just wanted to make sure everyone is okay.” She offered a polite smile as she finished. 

– 

They were going to get into so much trouble for this and she knew that, the two of them alone, in a territory no one would exactly call safe and to make matter worse she was sure neither of them could pull a confident shot right now and know that their aim would make target. “I want to see a tiger with two heads.” Ophelia responded her whispering not much better than that of her companions as she stood, arms linked at the elbow. 

“Oh maybe there will be ladies with beards or strong men….I’m sure we could come up with an act to blend if if we really needed too.” Though not freaks by their own standard she was sure half of what the both of them knew how to do wasn’t normal. “Just don’t leave my side because if I lose you I lose my head.” 

Choosing to ignore the fact that Richie would scold the both of them, Alessia continued to push forward, arm linked with Ophelia’s. “Ooo the tiger would be so cool.” She giggled in response to O’s suggestion. “I think we could come up with an act too. Sharpshooters? I’m not that good.” She laughed again. “Uhh I can do a mean stitching pattern.” She finished her statement covering her mouth from bursting out laughing.  “You think I’m going to wander away?” Alessia questioned, her eyes widening, “Do I need a child leash? Like the backpack?” She could not stop laughing the whole time, even as they crested the hill, the bigtop more than visible now. “Oh shit,” She whispered again, “We’re almost there.” 

Open - Anyone | Location - TBD @indulgencerpgstarters​

Griffin was never not on the look for people to save and welcome to the believer of the damned. It had been so integral to his life at this point wondering eyes for lost souls was as natural to him as breathing was. Most days those he found to rescue were an accident, bars, cafes, walks through the park in this city the possibility of finding someone who felt they needed a higher purpose was almost certain but today - today he was looking with intent. Desperate for the rush of leading someone to their awakening and he was determined that he would have the next believer in his grasp by the end of the day. As soon as his eyes locked with the other he knew it was them, something about the other calling to him. “Hi.” He smiled before dropping the eye contact for a second, jaw moving into something of a smirk. 

The Believers of the Damned had been the group that swooped in to take her as soon as she moved to Santa Ysabel. Well, one man in particular: Griffin. He was charismatic, funny, and made her feel important, why wouldn’t she join him and the group? It wasn’t long after she joined did her doubts start to creep in, but god forbid she say anything about that. So now, she was stuck. She knew she couldn’t leave and really, she didn’t want to. They may have questionable beliefs, but they were her family now. 

Zara had the day off today and she wanted to use it to her advantage. Getting away from the the Believers and just spending some time with herself. However, life, or whatever higher power exists, always seems to get in the way. Her eyes are immediately drawn to Griffin and she can feel a sigh building in her bones. She holds it in, because after all, she should be glad to see him right? It’s not long after that he spots her and moves forward. “Hi.” She responds with a smile of her own. “What a coincidence, huh?” Zara questions, leaning toward him the slightest bit. 

Alessia stifles a drunken giggle as she tugs Ophelia with here toward the location of the Freakshow. Could they have gone during the day? Yes. Could they have gone sober? Also yes, but that was way less fun. “What do you think we’ll see?” Alessia whisper-shouted. “Sacrifices?” She teased again.  This isn’t how she intended the night to go, but she wasn’t upset from how it was turning out. Alessia had always been curious as to what went on on this side of town and now she could figure it out. 

–

A smarter man would leave a place like Santa Ysabel and live the rest of a perfectly normal life with his girlfriend somewhere safer, but his family’s business is pretty much frowned upon elsewhere — not to mention, he’d probably be locked up in federal prison for years — and he would be damned if he left everything he’s worked hard for in the hands of his older brother. Richie’s the one getting almost gunned down just walking the streets of the town and he’s the one that manages to live through it so he gets to keep this even if it means staying at a place where he can barely look over his shoulder without getting a thwop to the head.

God damn Z-A’s.

He watches her and for a moment, worried that some reenactment of a horror movie scene would play out and he’d have to bash the guy’s head in. His knuckles are barely healing since the last altercation but if it means keeping Ale alive then he can go with a few nasty scars. Gaze locked on to hers, he can only give her a nod, closing the little distance between them with a soft kiss on the lips. “I know, baby, I know, but what can you do? People are getting way too jealous of how good I look.” And that’s the best part of being with Alessia — she makes his life seem normal when they both know it definitely isn’t. She’s the little bit of fresh air he selfishly lets himself have. “I think it has something to do with burning that dispensary a few weeks back. I’ll get Gio to take a look at it.” It has been a little too much but he knows his family’s presence is only pissing off the competitor and Richie did like to win. “You know I’ll never let anything hurt you, right?”

Leaving New York had been the safest option for them, and it still was. This town may be lawless, but they were gaining pretty solid footing fairly quickly. The O’Riley’s that is, the Cirrilo’s were still safely tucked in NYC. There were days where she missed her family more than anything, but being here with Richie is where she needed and wanted to be. She’d do anything for him and he’d do the same for her. Alessia knows how important it is for Richie to stay here and build things up from what had happened and she would be by his side for all of it. 

Alessia closes her eyes as she feels his lips press softly against hers. It feels so natural in such a brutal situation, but this is what needed to be done. She has another smile quirking on her lips at the gallow’s humor of the situation. “That’s definitely it, it’s the good looks.” She adds, lightly tapping his cheek before pressing a kiss to the same spot. In the next moment, they seamlessly switch tones from light to serious. “Okay, tell him to be careful. If this is what we were hit with, maybe he shouldn’t go alone. Should you send someone else too?” Not you. She didn’t add, he would know. Alessia nods, stepping back toward him. “I know, baby. You also know I can handle myself when I need to as well. I never want you to get hurt because of me.” Pulling her sleeve over her hand, she gently rubs the slow trickle of blood from his temple. “I love you forever and always, you know that.”