You are the worst kind of Good

don’t be a coward. soraya held her head in the air and straightened with resolve, staring at the back of his head, digging crescents into her palms to prevent digging her nails into his flesh. she did not care about the curious eyes watching them closely, nor the keen ears listening to their conversation. turn around and face the past you’ve forsaken.

"what are you doing here?" she repeated in a wide-eyed, mocking tone. no longer the bright-eyed, soft-spoken, honey-voiced girl. it was gone once a nephilim’s blade pierced through her nape and skull. "what are you doing here, soraya? is that all you have to say after disappearing for six years, atticus?" 

'by  the  fates'  atticus  felt  his  jaw  tick  as  he  remained  in  the  doorway,  his  back  still  to  her.  this  wasn't  the  face  he  knew,  wasn't  the  voice  he  remembered.  but  that  world  was  in  his  past  now,  long  gone.  just  like  she  was.  he  was  a  coward  who'd  much  rather  hide  from  the  consequences  of  his  choices  than  deal  with  whatever  pain  reality  had  in  store.  why  was  she  here?  how  had  she  tracked  him  down?  hearing  her  voice  ring  out  to  him  made  his  blood  begin  to  boil  as  he  finally  turned  back  around  to  face  the  now brunette-haired woman.  his  eyes  were  dark  &&  sunken,  stubble  long  since  grown  out.  ❝disappearing.  is  that  what  you  think  i  did  —  you  know  what.  no.  ❞  he  stopped  himself  &&  shook  his  head.  eyes  darting  up  to  look  around  as  if  searching.  ❝goodbye  soraya.  find  someone  else  to  plague.❞

the chamber of the youngest courtesan was bright and spacious, peony, jasmine, and vanilla orchid permeating the sumptuous chamber. sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows in iridescent spires, catching on the rose‑marble with gold veining. beautiful women and handsome men, scantily clothed, danced and engaged in the throes of passion to the minstrels’ in their enigmatic, soul-stirring music. budding maidens sat at her feet in a half circle, eating slices of apples and pears drizzled in honey, giggling and gossiping behind their flabellums. uncontested striplings loitered on the back wall with puffed up chests, conversing and outdoing one another in machoism.

naerys raised her head when the gilded filigree doors to the bedchamber opened, door-keepers bowed their heads and stepped to the side to allow a woman entrance. savario, displeased & suspicious, cleared his throat, narrowing his sole eye at the interloper. the latest stray pussy brought into the halls by the high lady’s maudlin, frivolous daughter. "you have a guest, painted lady." he paused. it was not in hesitation but in rumination. he must mind his tongue for he knew the procuress would not allow disorder in her household to go unanswered. "a companion of vorona."

a small, mischievous smile graced her rosebud lips, periwinkle eyes appraising kaelis from head to heel in consideration. "kirimvose, savario." she batted her eyelashes at him and cooed in unstifled amusement at his disdain. "you are relieved from your duties until the morrow."

naerys returned her attention to kaelis, resting her hands on the backrest. "rytsas, sweet traveler, rytsas. you are most welcome in my chambers." she nodded to the empty space beside her and lowered a hand to cushioned bench in a caress. "can i entice you with a glass of wine from my own private stock?"

"no." a brief pause in consideration, evergreen eyes widening a bit. “i didn't say i didn't believe you."

[TXT] : answer the question.

[TXT] : you left your jacket here.

[TXT] : ignore that last message.

[TXT] : must be my fault somehow.

[TXT] : this was a bad idea but i'm doing it anyway.

[TXT] : guess i misunderstood the vibe.

[TXT] : i'm only texting you because i'm drunk.

[TXT] : i can't stop thinking about your hands.

[TXT] : you're not gonna believe this..

[TXT] : i'm blushing shut up.

[TXT] : okay wait no don't answer that.

[TXT] : i didn't say anything because i didn't want to argue.

[TXT] : be honest with me.

[TXT] : are you free tonight?

[TXT] : i'll explain later, just call me now!

[TXT] : i like it when you looked at me like that.

[TXT] : i should stop texting before this escalates.

[TXT] : i keep rereading that message.

[TXT] : are you trying to distract me on purpose.

[TXT] : i hate that you were right.

[TXT] : you'd be so proud of me right now and also disappointed.

[TXT] : cheers to bad decisions.

[TXT] : i had a dream about you.

[TXT] : i thought you were coming?

[TXT] : wow that's crazy.

[TXT] : it's whatever honestly.

[TXT] : your stuff is still here.

[TXT] : open the door.

[TXT] : what are you doing right now?

[TXT] : don't screenshot this.

[TXT] : don't make me ask twice.

[TXT] : i'm grabbing coffee, want one?

[TXT] : what are we?

[TXT] : no really it's fine.

[TXT] : you don't have to lie.

[TXT] : i don't feel great.

[TXT] : don't rush i've only been waiting.

[TXT] : i forgot the grocery list.

[TXT] : don't do this over text.

[TXT] : did i do something wrong?

[TXT] : i don't trust myself around you.

[TXT] : running late sorry.

[TXT] : you make it hard to be good.

[TXT] : i told myself i wouldn't text you tonight.

[TXT] : are you mad at me.

[TXT] : please answer me.

[TXT] : i told you not to do that.

[TXT] : can i come over?

[TXT] : i'm outside.

[TXT] : you're being unfair.

[TXT] : that's not an excuse.

[TXT] : can you stay on the phone with me?

[TXT] : are you busy?

[TXT] : please tell me you're okay.

[TXT] : i think i fucked up.

[TXT] : i need to vent.

[TXT] : do you want food?

[TXT] : this is messing with my head.

[TXT] : i should not be imagining this right now.

[TXT] : are you mad at me?

[TXT] : please say something.

[TXT] : can you lie for me?

[TXT] : i found your keys!

[TXT] : i just thought you'd let me know.

[TXT] : i know you're awake.

[TXT] : stay the night.

[TXT] : you look good and you know it.

[TXT] : this reminded me of you!

[TXT] : this conversation is not helping my self control.

[TXT] : i love how you only respond when it's convenient.

[TXT] : i love you and i hate that i love you.

[TXT] : you left me on read.

[TXT] : i cleared my schedule.

[TXT] : i can't keep doing this.

[TXT] : are you alone?

[TXT] : stuck in traffic.

[TXT] : you could've just said no.

[TXT] : i don't want to be alone.

[TXT] : who are you with?

[TXT] : something has to change.

[TXT] : if you were here right now i'd be in serious trouble.

[TXT] : i'm done.

[TXT] : don't tease me.

[TXT] : i'm getting worried.

[TXT] : oh okay i guess we're not talking anymore.

[TXT] : where are you??

[TXT] : i'm thinking about you.

[TXT] : i hate nights like this without you.

[TXT] : can you come get me?

[TXT] : look up.

[TXT] : i trust you.

[TXT] : i need help.

[TXT] : this is flirting right?

[TXT] : i changed my mind about earlier.

[TXT] : it's fine do whatever you want.

[TXT] : it's not what it looked like, okay?

[TXT] : my brain won't shut up about last night.

[TXT] : please come get me before i make worse choices.

[TXT] : that was not funny.

[TXT] : i'm proud of you.

[TXT] : i don't know why i'm telling you this.

[TXT] : i'm sorry, i should've said something sooner

[TXT] : please don't be mad..

[TXT] : are you coming over or just teasing me?

[TXT] : i won't bother you again.

[TXT] : i almost sent this three times.

[TXT] : did you get home safe?

[TXT] : you don't owe me anything clearly.

[TXT] : i miss you.

[TXT] : guess who i just ran into..

[TXT] : i can't sleep.

[TXT] : i need clarity.

[TXT] : tell me to behave.

[TXT] : okay fine you win.

[TXT] : hello?

[TXT] : you did good.

[TXT] : do you miss me?

[TXT] : i'm bored, entertain me.

[TXT] : are you safe??

[TXT] : you're unbelievable.

[TXT] : i shouldn't have said what i said earlier.

[TXT] : i hope you're asleep because this is embarrassing.

[TXT] : don't ever say that again.

[TXT] : are you flirting with me?

[TXT] : you owe me gas money.

[TXT] : stop avoiding me.

[TXT] : call me when you see this!

[TXT] : you still mad?

[TXT] : can we talk in person?

[TXT] : can i crash at your place?

[TXT] : you're going to get me in trouble.

[TXT] : i'm spiraling.

[TXT] : you're doing this on purpose.

[TXT] : okay i'm done texting now.

[TXT] : you look cute.

[TXT] : glad you had fun.

[TXT] : i'm exhausted.

[TXT] : i'm trying to be respectful but you're not helping.

[TXT] : why would you think that was okay??

[TXT] : i want to move on.

[TXT] : thanks for the heads up i guess.

[TXT] : you left your panties here for a reason didn't you.

[TXT] : you know exactly what you're doing.

[TXT] : please don't tell anyone.

[TXT] : remember when we said we wouldn't do this again.

[TXT] : i can't find my shoes.

[TXT] : do you always do this or just to me?

[TXT] : tell me you don't miss me so i can shut up.

[TXT] : you crossed a line.

[TXT] : you up?

[TXT] : you didn't have to do that.

[TXT] : don't get smug.

[TXT] : i'm on my way!

[TXT] : i should not be saying this.

[TXT] : remind me to tell you later.

am i boring you?

hi, baby.

would you mind just taking a look at it?

hey! where's your mommy?

he shot himself?

you probably pissed on the floor yourself.

no more pie.

i haven't been here since i was a little kid.

perhaps you have some abandonment issues, which makes it hard for you to safely attach to people.

is there anything else i can help you with?

i think it's gonna be pretty sick, no?

i love you.

you have a really beautiful voice.

turn this up, i love this song.

i'll unbuckle, come over to your seat and you'll fuck me?

we have a baby.

i hope you survive.

it was really nice.

that's a horrible thing to say.

do we fuck?

why is it so fuckin' hot?

do you ever think about what you'll say or why you're speaking?

you know how many universes there are out there?

he's not my problem.

let's go find that no-count husband of yours.

what are you sorry about?

it must have been terribly difficult.

i've never seen anything good come from alcohol.

i want you.

i've never seen a more disrespectful child.

how did he die?

it's peaceful.

fuck off.

you like to feel like nothing?

i'm just trying to help.

i'm always worried about the fucking baby.

get in the fucking car!

you're gonna wake up the baby.

i missed you.

i don't mind her coming.

everyone misses you.

i can just record an album out here so easily.

are you insane?

sometimes all we need is just a little break, right?

fuck me quickly, then.

it's alright, it's just a little rat situation.

don't ever do that again.

i'm stuck between wanting to do something and not wanting to do.. anything at all.

wanna see a magic trick?

i got somethin' for you.

who gives a shit?

you wanna get married?

what happened to your fingers?

you kept saying sorry when you were sleeping. when i came in, you were saying it.

don't worry about it.

babe, we don't have any time for this.

yeah, i'm not gonna train your fucking dog.

i knocked my tooth out on that step.

what the fuck do you want?

you're mad at me?

i think my car might have a flat tire.

what sounds good for supper?

are you still sleepwalking?

any gas for your car?

i can just stay in bed?

just put him on his leash, take him out the back until he gets used to where he is.

don't let yourself get tired, stressed.

a crying baby doesn't mean it's in pain, it's the only way they have of communicating.

are we together?

i'm going for a walk, i won't be long.

i am getting really stressed.

we're going for a drive.

am i a rock star?

we used to fuck in the car all the time, remember?

you got a rental?

i didn't realise how much space there was in here.

we're both doing a lot better than we were.

the music. can we turn it off?

he's crying. listen.

i'm just trying to be a good wife.

what are we doing in the different universe?

people say that shit because they wanna walk away from their kid.

why didn't you let him out, you whack job?

postnatal depression is so much more common than people think.

they look good to me.

you have to shoot the fucking dog.

sometimes everybody just needs to have some fucking patience and trust that things will get better.

don't you dare open the door.

my uncle was a hoarder.

i thought you grew up here.

you know, he looks just like you.

we need to talk.

this place is a fucking hole.

i just want you to know that i'm here.

if you're not at your best, it's no good for anyone, especially the baby.

i think i nearly lost my mind for the first six months.

you embarrassed me.

i was wondering if i could get a bucket of ice sent up to my room.

it's like she doesn't know how to function any more.

it's everything else that's fucked.

why are your shorts undone?

hi there, handsome.

that must have been awful.

how can you not give a shit about the stars?

you'll fuck me when we get home?

being pregnant makes your stomach shrink.

what is wrong with you?

alright, i'm gonna put more effort in.

sometimes people need some time to adjust when things change.

we need a broom.

he shot himself in his own ass intentionally?

honey, i'm stuffed.

what you doing up, little bug?

when was the last time we had sex?

you want me?

you're a fucking asshole!

a real mom would have baked a cake.

you having a good time?

you can write all day, every day.

where are your parents now?

stop it. stop being fucking annoying.

nothing seems real since he died.

we should get a cat.

find everything you're looking for?

now you're worried about the baby.

can you sing in a different universe?

have you lost your mind?

i told her it wasn't a big deal.

wanna open some of those presents?

you should make better choices in who you bring home.

i've never killed an animal before.

i was bored.

we can have dinner when i get back. it's gonna be kind of late, though.