WARNING SIGN.

♔

   ❝I most certainly will.❞ It’d be a perfect, simple date for the couple, something to really put forth some change of pace into their domestic routines. ❝Then you shall be rewarded with all the cake and coffee you want.❞ he playfully replied, knowing that his ass couldn’t resist spoiling her for the most part. 

   If she was a third wheel, then it only meant one thing… ❝Wait, you’re telling me there’s still no progress between you and Oliver, then?❞ Not that he was prying or anything, but he was certainly nosy about the two.  

   ❝A penthouse, huh?❞ Chris let out a low whistle, curiouser now. Sure, a penthouse wasn’t exactly in his top list of requirements, but he wouldn’t say no to it either. ❝Sounds sweet.❞ Besides, it wasn’t like he was looking for an actual house; he was certain he’d find more luck in finding a suitable apartment for him and Gabe. ❝You know that means you’ll be coming with if I check it out, right?❞

Dilan was the type who would do almost anything for those she cared about and that meant she would gladly take time out of her schedule to get this spot ready for Chris and his boyfriend. After all, they had both gone through a lot as of late. “Good. Then you’ve got yourself a deal, babe.”

Dark hues flicked towards Chris and a laugh escaped because the male would have obviously went directly to that assumption. “We’re not dating if that’s what you want to know. We’re hanging out and having fun. So, it’s good.” She didn’t see it as a bad thing.

A small smirk framed her lips when it peaked his interest. She had been dying to go see the penthouse sweet but her landlord knew it was only due to curiosity. “It is really nice, apparently.” She said with a shrug of her shoulder. “Oh, I’m most definitely going whether you had invited me or not. I’ll try to snag a spare bedroom, too.” She winked teasingly at him.

Joshua nodded slowly, staying silent and thinking over the new information. It may not have been what he expected, but it was progress. And he liked the sound of progress. Really, he liked the sound of anything at this point. If they could get their foot in the door, it was a win in his book.

“Good,” he finally replies, “good work. Is there something you need me to do?”

Dilan peered at the male and shook her head when he asked if there was something that he could do to help out. As of right now, she didn’t need his help but his power and name could probably open a lot of doors for her in the future should she need them. 

“No, nothing right now but I’ll be sure to come to you if that changes.”

special delivery - @dilanosman​

Camille walked next to Dilan, putting her hands into her pockets as she walked towards the taco truck. “Thanks for comin’. I was craving tacos and I didn’t want to come alone.” She teased as she shoved her hands into her pockets, turning her head to look over at Dilan. “How have you been?”

“I wouldn’t ever let you alone when it comes to Tacos.” The brunette said as she walked up next to the other. Dark hues flicked towards her as she shrugged her shoulders. “I’ve been busy for the most part but good. What about yourself? It’s been a while since we’ve last seen each other.”

He smirked at her comment, maybe he was getting under her skin. “Then why can’t we talk about this person? You know who I’m seeing or whatever,” What was the difference if he knew about hers? “It’s not like I’m gonna threaten ‘em. I just need to know for professional reasons. You know how it is.” 

“I’m not seeing them. It’s nothing confirmed. We’ve just been hanging out and seeing how it goes. It’s Oliver.” She said with a shaky sigh as she peered back at him and shrugged her shoulder. “Happy.” Maybe she just wasn’t as forthcoming as he was. “Professional reasons? That’s stupid. Do you think professionally, you should be dating the mayors step-daughter?”

♔

   Her offer to use the rooftop as date night was definitely something he planned on taking up in the future. ❝Aw, Dil. You’re a lifesaver. Honestly.❞ he said, sounding giddy and excited. ❝If I manage to pull off that, I’ll get you a whole cake just for you. Seriously.❞ 

   Laughing along with her, Chris nodded eagerly. ❝Sure thing. Just say when.❞ the male chuckled, ready to push her so long as she gave the signal.

   He couldn’t argue about how gorgeous the place is, because it really was. ❝Hey, you are so not an annoying third wheel.❞ If anything, he’d love to be in a building with her. It’d be much fun to have someone familiar close by, and he could already foresee more hi-jinks for them in the future. ❝I might just. I’m really particular about the place I wanna buy though, so we’ll have to see.❞ After all, he did have a list of requirements he wanted met before buying. 

“I know,” she winked at him as she looked around knowing how romantic it could be with a few candles and some lights in the right places. “Let me know when you need it and I can come up and decorate it for you. Cake and a coffee.” 

“I’m not annoying but I’m a third wheel,” she said with a laugh. Looking at him, she tried to gauge what his reaction was at her asking if he was going to move into the same building as her. She didn’t want to put pressure on him or force him in any sort of what. “Well, no pressure at all. It’s just an idea. The pent house is for sale as well.”

“Why? Do you think it’s not gonna work out or something?” Not that he wanted that to be the case but he wouldn’t mind if it was. It was hard for him to respect anything, honestly. He liked knowing things about others, especially those that he had dated. “Nope, I’m just nosy. You can’t seriously think that I’m jealous. That’s not me.” 

“I’m not saying that.” She said as she looked back at him and chewed on the inside of her cheek as she peered in the distance and back at the male. “It’ll work.” She finally nodded at him and rolled her eyes when he said he was just nosy. “You think no one can be jealous of me?” Of course that wasn’t what he said but she was flipping the script. “Why’re you nosy?”

∞

A smile remained on his lips, though her admission did make butterflies swirl in his stomach. There were times he did have guests over, some of which were salacious in nature. He could only hope one of those times Dilan didn’t randomly stop by or he’d have some explaining to do. “Though maybe a text wouldn’t hurt,” he added with a playful wink. Still, Oliver was fidgeting in his seat, a nervous habit of his that he sometimes didn’t notice. “Nah, Preston is a big boy. I’m sure he’ll find some lady to charm tonight. No plans are ruined. You are my new plan,” he grinned, not wanting her to feel bad concerning his made up plans. Oliver’s social life needed to get back on track.

When she explained her gratitude to him, he accepted it, but also had to downplay his part in it. Oliver was definitely the modest type. “I did what any other charming and incredibly handsome man would do,” he said teasingly. “No but really, I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. Isn’t that common decency nowadays?” Perhaps there still were people who lacked proper etiquette. “Now do tell me about this surprise of yours. It smells delicious!”

“I’ll be sure to text next time.” She said with a nod as she understood the message. Moving her hands beneath her thighs, she peered back at the male. For a moment, she wondered if it was because he hadn’t wanted her to stumble upon certain people but she pushed that thought away as she knew it was her own insecurities speaking. “I’m your new plan?” She asked as she folded a leg over the other. “Tell me what type of things do you have in mind for your new plan, hm?” 

“Well i’m glad that you have been nothing but a dashing and very handsome gentleman. It makes me feel special.” It had been a long time since she’d felt that way but she wasn’t going to admit that in fear that it was too much. “Still, I appreciate it and hope you also did it because you like me a bit.” She winked at him before she got up to get the surprised she’d brought him which was some snacks and a newly baked cake.

♔

   ❝Aw, I imagine that’d be quite the sight.❞ He could only imagine how beautiful the rooftop view would be at night, especially so with all the lights.❝I’ll have to wait for Gabe to get well though, before I can go on a sleepover.❞ His boyfriend couldn’t quite get on all by himself yet, which meant Chris couldn’t abandon him for a whole night.

   ❝That sounds bloody good.❞ Food and unlimited drinks ought to keep the both of them happy by the rooftop pool. ❝Ugh, I could definitely eat right about now.❞

   Her statement had Chris amused as he peered over his sunglasses. ❝I should?❞ The notion of having to share a building with her would definitely have them much closer, which would be great. Then again, it wasn’t like he could just move around ithout another thought. ❝I dunno, but Gabe and I are looking for a new place, so I’ll have to look around.❞

“Well, if you guys ever need a spot for a little date night, you know that I have the code and will be more than pleased to hand it over. All I ask in return is a piece of cake of some kind.” She said with a wink as she let her fingers dip into the pool, sighing contently at the sensation of the water. 

“Okay, let me grab my phone.” Her head tilted as it was on the other side of the pool. “You might have to push me to the edge because I refuse to get wet.” She said with a laugh, despite it being honest. 

“You should, it’s gorgeous here and we can hang out more. Obviously I’m not going to be an annoying third wheel but I can pop in from time to time.” She said with a shrug of her shoulder since she felt like there could be worse things in life than having him share a building with her. “You should schedule a visit of the free units.”

“How far are we from determining whether or not they’re affiliated?” He questions, his voice remaining flat as he awaited his response. At this point, any news was good news. So, to figure out that they were another step closer to potentially getting another step ahead of the Devils, he was more than happy to take some time, and listen.

“I’m planning on seeing Mara which will help to get us a good idea. She’ll be able to pull up any account in his name or alias’ for him. It’s fair to say that he’s getting paid for his services and that’ll reflect in his bank account.” No one put their heads on the line for nothing, so she felt almost certain that this would immediately tell them whether he was affiliated or not.

“Yeah, I know.” Patrick chuckled as he moved the white washcloth off his shoulder as he brushed his hands against the cloth. “I didn’t mean to neglect you, I’ve just been busy.” He confessed. It wasn’t like it was a lie, he had been working on re-opening Ace to the public and making sure his wife’s stress level didn’t go above the level. He let a slow grin come along his lips as he put his hands down against the bar, nodding his head. “Great, let me lock up and we can smoke them here.” 

“Oh, you didn’t neglect me.” She said with a snort as she looked over at him. “It isn’t your job to check in on me. Just would have been nice to have a text letting me know you didn’t fall off the face of the earth.” She shrugged then. Either way, she’d found him and had a fun little afternoon planned for the both of them. “Sounds like you might need this more than I do.” The brunette commented on the joint since he seemed stressed. Hoisting herself up on the bar for her seat, she pulled out the joint from the baggy and started to light it as she knew he’d soon join.

♔

   That fact that there weren’t more people there was good. ❝Even better.❞ he remarked, noting that they would be undisturbed, at least. His own place didn’t have a pool, and considering Sugar Rub was no more, he really did miss being in a pool. 

     With his drink on-hand, Chris took another sip, savouring the warmth of the sun on his skin and the coolness of the beer on his tongue. Prompted by a pinky promise, he nodded all too eagerly. ❝Heck yeah.❞ Reaching for her extended pinky with his own, he hooked their pinkies together. ❝I could get used to this.❞

“All you’ve got to do now is sleep over because if you think this is good, you’ve got to wait until nightfall. The lights turn on and it’s sublime. Especially when you look out at the city lights.” She said with a sigh, completely content. Her apartment was smaller than what she liked but she paid more for this roof. 

“We’re going to have to get some food delivered up to the roof. All that’s missing is some kind of butler to replenish our drinks rather than have to go get some downstairs. There is a fridge in the back so maybe we can make a pitcher and store it there.” She told him as she laid back, winking at him when he told her he could get used to it. “I think you should move into the building.”

Joshua froze, his nose scrunching up. Sometimes, being the boss sucked. It was fun when he was young, and could kick back and listen to his own father complain about the responsibilities. He could daydream about those times as much as he wanted, but they were long gone, now. And as much as he wanted to complain, he couldn’t. He liked being who he was.

“New project?” He perks up, quirking a brow. “So, this is actual good news?”

Dilan wasn’t too pleased with the notion that he was still doubting her abilities but she knew she hadn’t given him much to depend on to begin with. “I’ve got a new target that I’m getting close to. We think he’s affiliated with the devils but it’s still up in the air.” Payton had been the one to put her on him, so she was just tying up loose ends by ensuring that Joshua was well aware since he’d personally wanted to know what she was working on. 

☾

Mara shook her head at the image of Dilan sitting on the front steps of her building while a hand waved the brunette into the opened apartment. “What am I gonna do with you?” She teased the female with the door coming to a close before her figure could turn back to lead the pair further into the apartment. “I’ve been neck deep with everything going on,” Her sigh came with the list of responsibilities that fell onto her shoulders with the recent events that led to the brutal attack took over any personal life she had left. The brunette let her eyes focus on the items presented before shuffling into the narrow kitchen to pull two glasses from the cabinet. “I’ve been pizza deprived so we’ll have a plan b,” She trailed back into the living room with the glasses held up in the air as if they were a prized possession. A set of manicured eyebrows raised curiously with the mention of her skill set before her chin nodded towards the sofa. “You’ve come to the right place,” 

-

“Come on, Mara. You know better then to talk dirty to me.” The brunette teased as she brushed past the other and stepped inside, albeit the small pause to place a kiss to her friends cheek. She’d accepted her inside of her home without any prior notice while being busy, which made Dilan eternally grateful. “I can imagine. It’s been crazy.” The incident with Sugar Rub, then the shooting. With Mara being the most skilled hacker they had, the brunt fell upon her. “I could murder someone for a pizza.” Dil chipped in return as she made her way to the living room. She’d hoped that they would get some drinks and food flowing before she put more weight on her friend’s shoulders, but it seemed that perhaps she wanted to know. “I wasn’t going to get into business right away but since the subject has been brought up. I’ve been asked to look into a believed affiliate of the Devils. I’m doing my best to get close but I’d like to know if there’s anything suspicious going on behind the scenes. I’d rather not waste my time only to find out that he’s clean. I’m thinking potential bank statements? Large sums of money with no explanation?”

Seeing Dilan on the other side of his door was a pleasant surprise. Listening to what she had to say, a smile drifted onto his lips. The smell of food instantly intrigued his nose as well as his stomach, and he ushered her inside. “Don’t be silly. I love randomness!” Oliver explained, leading her into the kitchen. While Oliver hadn’t any other plans that night, he felt it would be too lame to admit such a thing. A little white lie wouldn’t hurt. “A friend was going to stop by, but nothing major. I can reschedule for tomorrow night,” he replied nonchalantly, already fetching his phone to text Preston. It was a good idea anyway since they often had habits of stopping by each other’s places at random. 

Sitting at the counter he watched Dilan and asked, “So what are you thanking me for exactly? I don’t recall doing anything heroic lately.”

Dilan peered back at the male and smirked. “Good because it’s a tendency of mine to just show up unannounced. But I always promise to bring surprises when I do.” The brunette said with a wink as she bent down into one of his chairs and crossed a leg over the other. “Oh, no. You should tell them to come over regardless. It might be nice for me to meet them, perhaps?” She told him with a wave of her hand as to make sure she wasn’t ruining any of his plans with her unannounced visit. He looked good and it felt like a little while since she’d last seen him so she was happy that she’s stopped by. 

“I wanted to thank you for being there and taking good care of me. It’s kind of been a while since that’s happened for me.”

WHERE: pool, roof deck at Dilan’s apartment WHO: @dilanosman​

——

   ❝Now this…❞ Chris sighed, stretching his legs out by the lounger, ❝is the life.❞ The way the sun sat in the sky was just right, not too high, but warm enough for the male to enjoy being under it. Laid out with one arm resting under his head, he looked completely relaxed, clad in mere swim trunks and his sunglasses on. Who would’ve thought all he needed was a good dip in the pool to feel refreshed?

   ❝You know, I’m really glad we thought of this.❞ he quipped, sitting up as he turned to Dilan. Reaching for his beer, he took a cool sip, smacking his lips together in delight. ❝And we really should do this more often.❞

Dilan laid on the next lounger next to the male with her sunglasses on the bridge of her nose and a cold drink at her side. “Honestly, I think this is where I should spend the reminder of my years.” Sure, she had to worry about skin cancer and the elements but it all sounded like it was worth the risk. “There’s never anyone up here which is the best part.” A few older men here and there but they tended to come up later in the night. 

“I’m glad we thought of it too. We needed it.” Especially him after everything that had happened with Sugar Rub. Lifting her drink to her lips, she peered back at him and nodded. “I think we should pinky promise.” Switching her drink into the other hand, she extended her hand towards him with a raise pinky.