magic in the air

Logan was leaning off to the side, keeping to himself, the beer in his hand slung loosely at his side. He wasn’t drunk—sure as shit wasn’t fucking sober, that was a note. Perhaps nursing the buzz was what was keeping him sane in a sense, knowing this was almost too much for most people to be able to take on. Spotting the brunette standing off to the side, Logan moved from his hidden position, pushing through the small crowding. “Didn’t think you would’a known one of ‘em—“ He gestured to the four photos that stood nearby. “Unless yer jus’ here out of some sympathetic tact?”

@julianajacobson​

Juliana looked over at him, a tiny hint of a smile on her features.  “I lost my fiance in a similar way years ago,” she admitted.  “It felt like the right thing to do to come and offer my condolences.”  The gang violence in Atlanta had to stop, but she could only do so much.  She could only dig in so far without hitting a brick wall or worse.

Mila sat in the seat and stared at the coffin. She hated funerals, detested them, but Enzo had said that it would seem like a good idea to make an appearance. But that didn’t stop the pit that was forming in the woman’s stomach. These events fell on the city like a plague now and Mila couldn’t help wonder when would it be time for someone she really loved to be next in the ground. Sighing, she stood up and exited the row heading towards the back of the venue looking for something to drink, wishing she had something stronger. Getting a glass of water, she leaned against the wall and watched as everyone made their rounds and said hi to people they knew. 

Juliana wasn’t comfortable.  There was nothing comfortable about attending a funeral.  It felt like a dark cloud over the city and it brought up all sorts of emotions for her.  There were things she hadn’t thought about in years, yet now they resurfaced.  She could do with a drink, but so far her search had turned up empty.

“Is that water or did you actually find something stronger?”  She wasn’t sure where people were hiding something stronger, but being there with the eerie reminders of what she lost, the funeral she’d attended so long ago...Juliana needed it.

Death was not something that Mitch wasn’t used to. It happened almost every day in the city and the last time something this big happened was when the grandfather was killed with the two kids. Something that was done because of his club…or at least the club he pretended was his. Dressed in his black suit, Mitch stood at the back of the church as mourners poured in and gave their condolences to the family. Members of both clubs as well as police were in attendance and it made the man nervous. Noticing someone stand next to him, Mitch took a sip of his coffee and stared straight ahead. 

“There are some open seats in the middle.” 

Funerals were always sad.  But funerals like this?  They brought up a lot of memories for Juliana.  She could easily remember a time when she was dressed in black mourning the senseless death of her fiance.  A gang shooting.  It was pointless and the violence just kept happening even all these years later.  Something had to give, but she wasn’t sure what.

But when he spoke to her, Juliana was pulled from those thoughts.  “I’d hate to disturb them,” she mused softly.  “I don’t mind standing.”

“We’re doing everything we can–” Fredrik spoke into the receiver of the telephone, frustration becoming of him. Four bodies. Four. Now, he didn’t particularly care, of the sense. The needless calls from swine reporters seeking the cover story from the Commissioner–now that was what annoyed him. As he slammed the phone down, mid conversation, the door opened. “What do you want?!” He snapped angrily.

With everything going on, Juliana wasn’t sure what she was doing with her life.  She was spending more time at work than with her daughter and she hated it.  Still, she went about her day as she was supposed to.  The door opened and he snapped, causing Juliette to frown.  “I brought coffee,” she said, holding out a cop.  “But I was hoping for a few minutes of your time.”

“Shit, SHIT.” Callie whispered to herself as she tried to get the screen back. “No…come back.” She tried to make it so it stayed online but it was no use. The system kicked her out. “Damnit.” She said slamming her laptop shut and running a hand through her hair. Callie wasn’t worried about them tracing her, she knew they couldn’t, but someone found out she had been hacking into police files. Noticing a shadow come over her, she looked up. 

“What?” The girl snapped. 

Juliana frowned when the young woman spoke.  “I was just going to ask if you’re alright,” she told her.  It wasn’t exactly common to hear people cursing to themselves.  “Are you?  Alright I mean.”

He looked over to the brunette, beer now in hand as he offered a small laugh, barely sounding. Taking a sip of the ale before he spoke, slowly setting the bottle down. “You scared of storms?” He asked her.

Shaking her head, Juliana lifted up her cellphone.  “Nope, but the babysitter isn’t answering and I know my daughter is.”  Maybe Lily would sleep through it, but something told her she wouldn’t get so lucky.

It wasn’t like her to pronounce the fear so easily, even if it was written on her expression. Hues darted from the heavy rain that patted against the glass, to the brunette, nodding. “Do you think they would let people out if they really wanted to go home?” She wondered out loud, casting a side-glance to the woman. “I–I really hate storms, and I would–I rather be home and endure it.”

“I’m not sure,” she admitted honestly.  “But if the city is in a state of emergency things are probably worse than we can tell.  It might be too dangerous to leave.”  That was what she was holding on to in order to counteract the concern she felt for her daughter at home with the babysitter.

Logan almost didn’t recognize his own reflection, as he ran inside of the building, taking refuge from the rain. Having met with his former CO that morning, he’d made the small intention to make an effort. Like get a hair cut, shave his beard. Almost attempt to look like himself. But even now, drenched. Hail, like the storm held the power to cut through flesh. One last glance now to his clean-shaven look, a small shake, as he moved to the bar. “I need a fuckin’ drink.” He grumbled, taking a seat, and pulling out his wallet. 

Juliana had been sitting at the bar trying to text her babysitter to make sure Lily was alright, but something told her that her daughter was probably crying and the sitter was working to calm her, so that was why she hand’t answered.  She’d ordered a drink instead, sipping it while she kept anxiously glancing at her phone.  “I think that’s the general consensus for today,” she told him.

Clearly tonight was not the night to consider it girls night out. The rain poured down so viciously, Gwyn couldn’t barely see a foot in front of her, as she sprinted on stilettos into the nearest building, jacket held over her head as she ran. The doors held open by officers trying to get people off the street, as she moved inside, pulling her jacket off completely and shaking it out. “Holy shit–” Her voice broke slightly as she spoke, hues widening as she looked out the window, now sheltered. Moving to the side, she looked to the person next to them. “Are they really calling this a state of emergency?” But as her question fell did a dangerously close crack through the darkened sky break the barrier, as she jumped at the sound of thunder. 

She’d been working late, having left Lily with the sitters.  She didn’t expect the rain to get this bad.  She wanted to make sure her daughter was fine, but with a state of emergency in effect, she wasn’t sure what she could do.  The rain had drenched her and she was cold, but she tried not to think about that.  Then she heard a familiar voice and she sighed.  “I think so,” Juliana replied.  “I didn’t expect it would get this bad.”

keegan was struggling to find her wallet in her bag. she just wanted to get some coffee. something to pick her energy up. it had been quite awhile since she’d gotten her butt handed to her and her skin was still dotted with bruises. she grumbled as her cast kept getting in her way. “ugh this stupid thing!”

Juliana paused when she saw the woman struggling.  The cast on her arm piqued her interest, but she knew better than to pry into things that weren’t her business.  “Do you need some help?” Juliana asked sincerely.  She had a little time.  If it would make things easier for her why not offer?

“I am, but I also hate wasting food.” He chuckled. “ If I’m really feeling gluttonous I can push myself to eat five slices before regret kicks in and I think about how much time I’ll have to spend at the gym and sop myself, but there there are those leftovers that just don’t taste right when you warm ‘em back up.” With a smile, August gestured to the seat across from him. “ Please, sit. Eat. I’ll feel less like a creep if I’m not sitting here alone with this whole pie.Plus you have a little waiting to do for yours, I assume?” As he started in on his second slice, the woman’s wit made him laugh enough to choke a bit, gulping water to wash it down before laughing freely. “ Oh, I like you. You’re funny. “ He shook his head. “ If I could get that kind of endorsement deal they wouldn’t even have to pay me in money – just pizza.” August shrugged. “ It’s not every day I get told that I’m right about something, either. You’re a good one.”

She understood the mentality.  Leftovers were never quite as good, though there were some pizza places where Juliana actually liked the leftovers better than it fresh.  Unfortunately, this wasn’t one of those places.  She took a seat opposite him and smiled.  “Well maybe they’d be happy to pay you in pizza, but I don’t think you’re a creep for sitting here with it.  I mean, would I be sitting here if I thought you were creepy?”  No, she certainly wouldn’t,  It would be nice to talk to someone while she waited for her order rather than scroll through facebook on her phone.  “I’m Juliana, by the way,” she told him.  “If you’re going to let me eat your food the least I can do is introduce myself.”

“Perfect.” The smile that flitted over her face was genuine. Not that anyone could tell the difference at this point. “I’m go—”

“Mama, Alex is pinching me!”

“Mama, Erik is stupid!”

“Freeze, goblins!”

Her older boys materialized by the produce section, followed by a wobbly heap of cereal boxes with legs she recognized as her sister’s. Sarah Jane stood up and readjusted the baby on her side.

“Well. looks like I’ve been summoned,” she said, shaking her head mock-disapprovingly. To Juliana: “It was lovely to see you, Juliana. And lovely to meet you, Lily. Say bye bye.” Her voice melted into a coo. “Bye bye, Lily.” Mikael half-babbled, half-squealed something as she took his little hand and waved it in Lily’s direction. “You two have a wonderful evening. We’ll get in touch soon.”

“Nonsense, Jacobson–” He moved to the curb, extending a hand to hail a cab, as one pulled to a screeching halt before them. “Come along,” He offered, pulling open the cab door.

She was grateful he was making time.  When the cab pulled over, she slid into the back.  While she could have jumped right into work, she also knew that working lunches often involved a break from work.  “How have you been, Commissioner?  I hope things haven’t had you too busy.”

“Well then,” Logan waived down the bartender. “Give us a couple’a shots–” He ordered, throwing a few singles onto the counter, as he slid the shot in front of the brunette. “Then fuckin’ celebrate avoidin’ that trainwreck.”

Smiling slightly, Juliana nodded.  If she thought about it that way then maybe it wouldn’t be upsetting.  She merely dodged a bullet.  “That’s a good way to look at it,” she chuckled.  Carefully she picked up the shot and took it, allowing the alcohol to burn her throat on the way down.  She hadn’t done shots in a long time.  “Wow...it’s been awhile since I did that.”  She set the shot glass down and smiled at him.  “I’m Juliana, by the way.”

“It’s amazing. “ August grinned, sizing the woman up before returning his gaze to his food. He could never help himself, but the one thing that could distract him from a woman was food. And he was starving. “ I mean, you can never go wrong with pizza, but it’s got everything you need: meat, veggies, a little heat, little kick once you throw some red pepper flakes on top – it’s the perfect pie.” He chuckled, folding a slice and taking a bite to prove how good it was. “ Oh any that crust. You can’t get that from chain pizza, you gotta go authentic. Go on,grab a slice and see if you like it. Free of charge. It’ll be worth it just to see the look on your face when you realize it’s the best thing you’ve ever tasted.” 

The last thing she expected when stopping in was to be offered a trial slice.  “You really are confident if you’re giving away free slices,” she joked before stepping closer.  Maybe it was worth taking him up on it.  After all, it was just for her.  She had to take advantage of pizza orders before her daughter was on solid food and she had to accommodate a child’s taste buds.  “If you’re sure you don’t mind,” she said before taking a small slice of the pizza.  It definitely seemed to have everything and smelled absolutely heavenly.  One bite was all she needed to know that pizza was exactly what she’d order for dinner.  it was fantastic.  More toppings than she’d usually go for, but it worked.  After swallowing, she looked at him with a smile.  “I hope you’re getting a commission for the extra pizzas that thing will sell,” she joked.  “It’s incredible.  You weren’t wrong.”

Intentionally, he kept his door locked for good reasons, mainly his assistant. Now, he was glad he didn’t. “Have you got the files on you?” He asked, sitting forward in his seat. “I’d like to help in anyway I can, Jules. Even as a former Pilot…” He tilted his head. “How’re you–” Not that he didn’t mind talking shop. “How’s the baby?”

A slight smirk formed on her lips.  “You think I’d come unprepared?” she asked before lifting her bag, signaling they were inside.  She took her place in the chair, setting the bag on her knee as she pulled the files out.  “I appreciate the help, Elijah,” she replied softly.  “I’m alright...busy.  Lily is growing like a weed.  Se’s really keeping me on my toes, but i wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

He turned to the office, and back to the brunette. “Have you the paperwork on you now?” He paused. “I’m going to lunch. You’re welcome to join me, Juliana—we can discuss it there. There’s a spot only three blocks from here.” He raised a hand to hail a cab. “Unless you’d prefer my office?”

The invitation was surprising, but Juliana smiled.  “I have the files.  I’d hate to delay your lunch, Commissioner.  If you’d have me I’d be happy to join you.”  It would kill two birds with one stone and she was hungry.