radically kind

“Even for the president of my fan club, this is going above and beyond.” Lu chuckled, throwing Ilana a warm smile. She was one of the nicest people he knew, sometimes aggressively so, and he couldn’t help but appreciate the gesture. “Thanks Ilana, and I will get to that drink right away.” Lu jumped behind the bar and made two drinks, the motions coming to him easily through years of practice. “And I present, the humble Hemingway daiquiri.”

-

“If you say that loudly enough, I think Mira might lose her mind. I’m pretty sure I’ve convinced Mylene to join the club and help my make pins.” Ilana teased. Still, she was glad that he was happy with the ragtag group just being here to celebrate with him. “I’m not going to lie though, I think the Liam Hastings fanclub might become more popular as we go. He’s just irresistibly cute.” She sat at the bar, watching in amusement as Lucian made a drink with practiced ease. Raising the glass to their lips, Ilana took a large sip, eyebrows shooting up. “Wow this is really tasty. Kind of sweet for me I think, but not so much that I won’t drink the whole thing.” She raised her glass towards Lu. “A toast, to the second best Hastings man, right after Liam.” She stuck her tongue out and then cleared her throat before continuing more quietly. “Seriously, Happy Birthday. You’re doing awesome. Managing the bar, being a new dad, coming to mine and Mira’s rescue.. You’re a great friend and I know there’s many more people who love and appreciate you who wish they could be celebrating with you right now.” She felt her skin warming up and took another large swig from her glass. “Okay, I am not drunk enough to be getting that mushy and not immediately panicking so a subject change now would be good.” 

꧁ ꧂

“Yeah there’s one a couple blocks away that’s got a bonfire lit,” which personally, he thought was a little impressive considering the size of it. “Mm, I suppose fireworks and firepits in a blackout is pretty standard though.” Jace snorted, glancing out the window to look at brief glow in the sky. “I mean, my fake wife might have something to say about that but maybe, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” He teases as he refers to Hayden, whom, at this point, most people were very aware they had a running man and wife joke going on. “Alright, you make a valid argument. But in my defence I do lean more towards brunettes.” Smirking at her, his joke only served to make a certain brunette pop into his mind, causing an almost silent grumble in the back of his throat. “I think they’ve been drunk since this morning to be honest. Called her at lunch to say I’d fed her fish and her response was literally ‘thanks, give them a hug from me,’” He gives off more of a belly laugh as his eagerness to drift the conversation away from women was surely working. “No I know you don’t, it’s just easier for me to tell her to do it or I’ll end up on her shit list.” Because they both knew that Grace made any excuse to feed literally everyone who let her. “That’s strictly classified information, Reed, don’t go ruining my reputation. Not sure if I’d ever forgive you if you let people know I have a heart.” 

-

“I’m sure your work wife will understand, especially given that I’m you know, a big old lesbian.” Ilana rolled her eyes and shoved Jace playfully. “I am aware of your penchance for brunettes, yes.” She decided not to expand on it, but she was well aware of a certain brunette he’d been pining over for ages. It was something she’d long given up on meddling in, content to just listen to him when he needed and offer the support of a friend. “Your mom is a regular party animal, and I fully respect that for her. She’s out there living her best life.” She understood that whether or not she needed the lasagna she was going to get it. Grace was very similar to Ilana in that way, that she often showed her love and appreciation through food because she wanted to make sure others could tangibly feel and hold it. “I don’t know why being a sweetheart has to be a secret, but I’ll let you continue on your big tough man charade don’t worry. You always open the jars when I need you to, and that’s all I can ask.”

“I am very serious about festive lighting,” Myles said with a deadpan expression, which definitely clashed with her glowing pink glasses. She broke and laughed before opening her ridiculously large purse and dumping a massive pile of glowsticks onto the table. “Hmmm…I think you definitely need the glowing mouse ears,” she nodded as she picked one up and opened the packaging. “And like three necklaces of course. I’m glad I could make it too, it’s so nice getting to be included in Mira’s friend circle,” she smiled. “And I don’t plan on asking Mira’s permission, it will definitely be a sneak attack from behind to get some of these on her,” she laughed. “Not sure about Lu though, I mean I met him once before today. I bet you’ve known these guys for ages,” she wondered as she put together the mouse ears and placed them on Ilana’s head.

-

Ilana had only met Mylene a handful of times, but knowing that she and Mira were friends was enough to like her. That being said, Ilana found herself cracking up with the woman. She brought energy and cheer to the party that Ilana herself was a little too nervous to do at times. “Okay, yes I suppose mouse ears are a must here.” An amused grin sat on her face as Mylene outfitted her in what could be called an obscene amount of glowsticks. “Lu could go either way, but I think he can be convinced. I say I sneak attack him as a distraction, and then when Mira is laughing you get her with your own sneak attack. Is that a good plan?” Ilana didn’t think Lucian would mind the glowsticks at all, and in fact she was quite sure that if they let a few more drink rounds happen both parties would even wear them without sneak attacking. “I’m glad you came along! Especially after I made the error of not turning my phone to silent in your library.” The drinks that Lu had been feeding her were certainly working, as she found herself less afraid of people she didn’t know well. “I almost died when that happened, honestly. I thought I might melt into the floor.”

•| — ∘☽༓☾∘ — |•

Logan smiled as she walked up to Sorrel’s Apothecary, she had promised promised to help Ilana with passing out candles, considering her powers to help light them. “True, I’m always your match.” Snapping her fingers as she let a little flame appear in the palm of her hand. Letting it simmer out and disappear before she held out her hands to take some of the goods that Ilana had planned to bring along. “Sure, that works for me. I’m down to help anyone in need.” Figuring that most hadn’t actually prepared for a black out and now the panic was setting in across the city. “Do you want to get more candles? If you have another bag? I can take them and still light them.” She offered, figured two hands were better than one. “What do you mean?” Logan wondered. “Did something else happen this month?” Questioning as her blue eyes narrowed in on Ilana. “I’m guessing the storm or the heatwave? I don’t think it’s anything supernatural related if that’s what you’re wondering.”

-

“Oh, good idea hang on.” Ilana handed over the bag she had before dashing inside quickly and emerging with another. “The more candles the better, especially if we don’t know how long this all will last.” Once they were ready to go Ilana sighed. “It’s good that at least one thing is just a random storm thing, and not some kind of end of the world supernatural thing.” She hesitated, knowing that Logan was the person she wanted to tell the most about her parents, but still so confused about everything. “Yeah. I meant to tell you before but we’ve both been so busy and keep missing each other. Hazards of growing up I guess.” Logan was her oldest friend, but they were starting to develop lives that didn’t always involve one another. Still, nobody else had known her as well and as long as the blonde standing next to her. “My parents uh, they sent me a letter.” Ilana’s voice caught on the words, remembering the brief flash of hope she’d had when she saw the envelope. “They haven’t changed their minds.”

where: just outside of Sorrel’s Apothecary

Ilana grinned, meeting Logan outside of the shop. “Perfect timing, what’s a candle without a flame to light it.” Ilana had a lighter or two around, but living with Logan meant that she didn’t really need them all that often. “I’ve got a few specific people to drop candles with, but I figured we could give them to whoever we pass on the way that wants one?” She knew that other businesses were increasing prices on candles and chargers and whatever one would need in the case of a blackout like this, but something about that didn’t sit well with Ilana. So, here she was, carrying a bag full of candles from the store’s stock to hand out. She could afford the cut in profit this month. “God, this month really is just one thing after another, huh? What do you think caused the blackout?”

where: lucian’s apt.

"That is an incredible amount of glowsticks.” Ilana raised their eyebrows before regarding Mylene. It was hard to take anyone with glowstick glasses seriously and she couldn’t help the snort that escaped her lips. “Alright, I mean in the party spirit we should definitely deck me out, and then we can team up to get Lucian and Mira to participate.” Ilana knew Leyla would have no qualms about glowsticks, but somehow she didn’t think Mira or Lu would take part unless they’d already gotten drunk. “I’m glad you could make it for a little gathering though. It’s good that Lu and Leyla can have a little something.”

where: lucian’s apartment

Ilana entered the apartment with a large grin on their face. “Okay, so it’s not much, but I grabbed who I saw and also a muffin which is as close to a cake as I could find. There’s some candles, and all this to say Happy Birthday.” The blackout had happened and there was so much chaos, she’d wanted to be sure that Lucian didn’t feel forgotten. He had a knack for playing things off like he didn’t care but he always came through when Ilana needed, so she wanted to return the favor. “We’ve got a ragtag group, so I also just grabbed a bunch of bottles that I had, and I’m requesting that you come through on that promise to introduce me to a drink that isn’t for sad lawyers.”

Where: Ilana’s apartment, Brooklyn  Who: @ilana–reed​ Event: darkestevent4

꧁ ꧂

“Knock knock,” With the door slightly ajar, he pushed it open and stepped inside. Ilana had been expecting him but he wanted to call out just so they knew it wasn’t a stranger intruding in their space. “S’up, Sabrina.” Setting a grin onto his face as he spots them, he walks forward with his arms open, soon to engulf her in a typical bear like embrace. “You good?” Jace offers her a smile as he steps back and looks around the candlelit room. “This could be so romantic. You don’t know what you’re missing by not swinging my way.” He’s teasing, as he often does. Picking up an unlit candle he spins it around and then holds it up in a gesture. “It’s not spelled, is it? Not going to turn me into a frog if I spark it up? Because you know, then you’d have to kiss me, or find someone to kiss me which–” Pausing, as if in thought. “Well, actually we seem to appreciate the same type of women so I suppose I could trust you to find someone for me.” Joking, again, he laughs but he knows he doesn’t need to for her to know. “Hey,” Jace clears his throat, insinuating he’s about to take a more serious tone. “Thanks for this. My moms up here with a friend for a weekend spa, they’re entirely in the dark and too drunk to go anywhere for supplies. Good ol’ Grace, huh? I’ll make sure she sends you a thank you lasagne when this blows over.” 

-

Ilana heard Jace coming in and walked out from their bedroom. “Glad to see you made it over. Who knows, those block parties could be getting pretty wild by now.” They stuck their tongue out at the witchy quip, still settling into the hug with a smile. “I’m alright. I like the darkness, though it’s a little loud and crazy for my tastes.” A few fireworks went off somewhere in the distance and Ilana gestured vaguely, their point proven. “It could be very romantic. You’re always on my list if I need a fake boyfriend, but tragically for you that’s all you’ll ever get from me.” Ilana chuckled, the sound echoing through the room. “No, no, they’re just regular old white candles. No frogs, or kissing. Jace, if the same type of woman is every single woman on the planet, I don’t think it’s that difficult to know who’s your type.” They shoved him lightly, shaking their head as if they weren’t guilty of the exact same thing. “Grace is an angel, you know I’d do anything I could for her. Candles are easy, I mean what with selling them in my store for a living. Getting drunk sounds like a great black out plan though. And while I won’t say know to lasagne, you know I don’t need anything in return for this.” Ilana would be lying if they weren’t jealous of the relationship Jace had with his mom. She’d had Sorrel, and her heart missed her greatly. Especially lately, with her bio parents reaching out again. “Do the rookie Seraphs know what a sweet mama’s boy you are, or is that top secret information?”

The text to Ilana hadn’t been frantic. But it had success in the making the witch concerned most likely. It was a a feeling that Vera didn’t want to cause in Ilana - she wanted Ilana to always be happy because she deserved to be. Still, since meeting up with Leyla again, finding each other in this life, the memories and nightmares that plagued her had increased. The potion was helping with the sleeping but it didn’t stave off the nightmares she had nearly every night. It led to her getting very little rest and being afraid to sleep so she’d stopped taking it for the time being, afraid that she’d get stuck in a nightmare and not be able to get out of it. It was embarrassing but… But maybe she should try something drastic. 

Hence, Ilana being invited over to Vera’s place to sleep for the night. A bit drastic, definitely embarrassing to admit defeat for the succubus, but a much needed reprieve if it worked. And it wasn’t like Ilana would make fun of her for anything; she knew the witch was too kind hearted for that. A knock at her door made her heart rate jump up, nerves hitting her, and she licked her lips in anticipation of seeing Ilana again. Walking through her house, she stopped at the door, glancing down at her pajamas, not sexy in the least but she reminded herself that this wasn’t supposed to be enticing despite her feelings for Ilana, before she opened the door.

@ilana–reed​

Ilana never knew what to expect from Vera. She was very forward, and at the same time not at all forward. It was interesting. The text asking her to come over was a surprise, but it wasn’t out of nowhere. She was well aware of Vera’s sleeping issues, and the blackout probably wouldn’t help cases of nightmares, especially with the perpetual darkness. She was worried, but mostly she was hoping that somehow but wrapping Vera in a blanket burrito and her arms that she’d be able to help in some way. Nightmares were one of the things she couldn’t always help heal.

She changed out of her jeans, into a pair of comfortable sweats and a big t-shirt. She could hear the internal yelling that might come out of any of her roommates mouths if they knew that she was wearing it to the house of a girl who she, well she didn’t know what she felt, but it was at least the beginning of a crush. Still, it was comfortable and practical, and it wasn’t like she was in any way trying to look seductive. They were going to relax and hopefully sleep. Upon arriving at Vera’s she knocked on the door, wringing her hands while she waited until the door opened. “Hey, I brought some candles in case you’re running low. These ones are eucalyptus scented because I find it relaxing, but I brought unscented ones too just in case.” She stepped inside and kicked her shoes off, Fred trotting in after her. “Is it okay that Fred came along? I don’t like leaving him behind especially with all the chaos going on right now.”

who: @ilana–reed​ where: neon nights, upstairs when: september 24

Mira picks up one of the books on Lucian’s bookshelf, flipping through the pages with a raised eyebrow. “ … Have you ever actually seen him read one of these or do you think he paid someone to pick out interesting books as good decor ? ”

Ilana wasn’t sure if she’d ever seen Lucian read any of the books, but thinking about it, she was pretty sure he had. “I mean he’s probably read them. I don’t see him as someone who really cares about academically interesting decor.” She shrugged a bit, perusing the shelves. “Seems like a waste of money to pay someone to pick out books that you aren’t going to read if you ask me.” She didn’t think Lucian was really hurting for money, but he just didn’t seem like someone to blow it on something quite that stupid. Or at least stupid in that way. “Like I feel like if he was blowing money on things it would be something way more fun, ya know?”

@darkesthourstarters​

Mylene was at work, her arm full of books she had to reshelf, when she heard the distinct sound of a phone ringing that nearly made her jump and drop all the books. She turned towards the sound of the culprit and sighed. “You know silence is the one main rule in a library right? If you silence it, I’ll pretend this never happened,” she added with a smirk. She loved her job but she didn’t take it THAT seriously. 

-

Ilana’s heart nearly jumped out of their chest when the familiar ringing of their cellphone started blasting through the library. They fumbled with their bag eventually finding it and turning the sound off, setting it to silent quickly. Their face was quickly turning almost as red as the lipstick they had on, and the woman pointing out the mistake didn’t help. “I’m so so so sorry, I could have sworn it was already on silent.” Ilana’s voice was barely above a whisper. All this because they had wanted to see if there was a copy of the book that the rooftop club was reading this month. “I hope I haven’t caused too big a ruckus.”

@darkesthourstarters​

🍃✨🍃✨

Lola shook the bowls in her hands as she walked into the alleyway next to her apartment. “Here kitties,” she said just before a small choir of meows greeted her. She set down the bowls of dry food before taking a few steps back, pressing her shoulder against the brick wall of the building. Three cats came darting out, not even looking at Lola as they started to chow down on the food. “You’re welcome,” she grumbled. For some reason she felt like someone was watching her. Lola turned and found it was true, a figure standing by the mouth of the alleyway. Lola furrowed her brows. “Can I help–” before she could finish another cat from the street ran between the strangers legs and past Lola to join the other cats in their meal. “… You like cats?” she asked the stranger, her voice a bit softer now. 

-

Ilana and Fred (her familiar) had been walking along the streets, enjoying the sunny but not too hot day. The city was alive with the familiar hustle and bustle, the sounds of the street acting like a calming white noise. Ilana would usually find somewhere with a bit more nature to relax, but she wasn’t quite looking to be alone with her thoughts. As they turned the next corner, Fred dashed off, and Ilana came running after him. They made it to an alley opening to see a woman and some cats eating at a dish. Fred rushed up to the dish as well. “I’m so sorry about that he’s usually behaved.” A pointed look in her familiar’s direction was met with a smug meow. “I promise he has food at home, but you know how cats can be.” She flashed a hesitant smile at the woman. “I do like cats. I’m Ilana, and that greedy beast is Fred.”

Emotions. Under nearly all circumstances Mira has avoided them all year; much longer than that if she were being honest. Yet, upon seeing her roommate looking… broken ? Mira forgets to resist the unfamiliar pull to care. She strides forward, ready to hunt down whoever did this to Ilana. “ Hey, hey, what happened ? Is everything okay at the apartment ? Are you hurt ? ” 

-

Ilana didn’t want to make trouble for anyone if they were being honest. Much less Mira, with whom she felt she was just starting to become closer with. At the same time, she didn’t want to shut Mira out. “No nothing wrong with the apartment. I’m fine... physically. I just-” She wasn’t a great liar, so she just gingerly handed the letter to Mira. “The first words my parents have said to me... in sixteen years.” They felt tears start to prick at the corner of their eyes, wiping at them quickly. “I know it shouldn’t feel like this, I’ve known for a while that they wouldn’t change their mind... The envelope just made me hope again.”