Malachai Dragoumis

  “oh you are so lame for not.” she teased pointing a finger at him, her other hand reached for the menu. it felt like a century since she’d seen kai, jokingly she could say a year passed having only seen him on christmas and not since then. “wow they are letting you sleep in? no morning birds looking for a trainer ? i feel like we’re a small town though, makes sense – “ her mouth opened for a moment then shut.

   “–yeah um… that’s where i was for two years. without giving gross details, i’ll just say it was… really intense.”

“Don’t be rude,” he said, sticking out his tongue at her.  “There are other trainers and I pretty much blocked out my morning so I wouldn’t have to get up.”  Kai admitted, the man was a lot of things.  But someone that woke up early was not one of them.  Hell, getting to work by ten was hard enough.

Kai was grateful she did not go into details, he was old enough to know his sisters did as they pleased and often that meant sexual encounters, but he didn’t need to hear about it.  “He seems like a good guy, does he treat you well?”

“I will, thank you,” Marco tells the other; pleased to add yet another source for local information to his mental rolodex.  Of all the long-time residents he has met thus far, Malachai seems to be the most well versed in the outdoor offerings around town, not to mention quite eager to share.  There’s something charmingly authentic about the man; a rare lack of spuriousness that the alchemist finds incredibly refreshing–it’s not often these days that what you see is what you get.

It had been one thing running into Jezebel–Melanie’s big sister was surely intimidating in her own right–but there’s just something about a hulking beast of a man asking ‘are you dating my sister’ in a nebulous tone that has a way of setting even the most self assured person on their heels.  For his part, Marco manages to keep his head, though his relief may as well be palpable when Kai finally seems to accept the revelation for what it is.  “I wouldn’t dream of treating her otherwise,” Marco assures him honestly, though he’s really not sure what kind of fool would admit to not being good to the baby sister of the man standing before him.  “You’re right, we don’t know each other, but…well, maybe we could change that?”  Despite Melanie’s obvious attempts to shield him from her family, the warlock can’t help but be curious about the people in her life.  Clearly, her siblings do care about her very much.  He smiles, nodding at Kai’s suggestion, “I’d like that, yeah.  But I don’t feel like it’s my place to sign Mel on for something like this without her input.  Let me talk to her, first, and I’ll touch base with you.”  Marco unlocks his phone and brings up the form to create a new contact, before offering the device across the desk to Kai.  “If she’s not up for it, we can always just grab a drink together, you and me.”

The two were now in a perplexed situation concerning his younger sister.  Instead of losing his cool or even raising his voice, Kai just accepted it as is and questioned the man like any good big brother would do.  After all, he would never want to compromise Melanie’s happiness.  Nor would he want to hurt her in any way by scaring off the guy.  Although, he had to admit he doubted Marco was the type to run away from a challenge.  “Glad to hear it,” he softly smiled.  From what Kai could tell, the man was being honest and if he was treating his baby sister with the utmost respect, then he was alright in Kai’s books.  A smile formed, “yeah that would be nice.”  At his words, Kai raised a brow but eventually nodded.  “Sure, that makes sense.  Best run it by her first and then we can figure it out.”  And if she said no, he would have a whole different conversation with Mel.  “Sure, I’m usually available to do drinks.  Plus, I could use a guy’s night out.  So, I guess I’ll see you around?”

“Shit. I should call up People Magazine so they can put you in the running for this year’s Sexiest Man Alive.” she chuckled rolling her eyes. Was she surprised no? Although if he did have a chance Elina was sure his ego and confidence would shoot up significantly. “I mean, it’s all perspective. You’re already fit as is, but don’t you tell your clients everything in moderation?” Elina herself had a major sweet tooth, but she did her best to balance those temptations and the weekly indulgence of greasier items with running, yoga, and spin class. 

“It’s the same old, same old. Although I’m thinking about doing some regional travel to provide care.” It’s what had gotten her to Puerto Rico. Everyone was in need of care but some lacked the same access and so if she could at least make it marginally more of the same playing field then she wanted to at least make an attempt. “Hmmm well you could do like a panel during lunch about healthy living and the local options and maybe have a morning and afternoon session of like workout of various kinds.” High-intensity interval training and yoga sounded like decent options. 

“Nah, I don’t want to hurt all the other contestants' feelings,” he teased.  The warlock nodded at her words, he did tell them not to deny themselves.  Often, people make that mistake when trying to lose weight.  And the key was moderation, but anyone who knew Kai knew moderation was not his thing.  He practically ate as if he was a werewolf, but he always made up for it with his intense personal workouts.  “True, but some people don’t think two slices is moderate.”  He chuckled.

“Wow, regional.  What would that be like?  Like would you be on a bus or something to help?”  Kai nodded at her suggestion, “yeah that would be nice.  But I was also hoping to have some speakers and other people who can talk to everyone.  Give a little brochure or something where they have options and understand why it is important to get healthy.”

A small breath of relief escaped her when he assured her that he was okay, Elle glad to hear it. She would hate to have hurt someone while running away from her problems, running away from someone else she’d already hurt. “No, I’m fine. Fine.” She promised, though there was a small pang of guilt at him asking her that, since she was the one who’d not been watching where she went. Her heart was starting to slow after the panic of seeing Salim. “Elle.” She offered her name in response. He seemed sweet, which made her feel even worse for bumping into him. 

“Glad to hear you are doing alright too,” he lightly chuckled.  Thankfully, Kai tended to be a tower amongst most people and he was solid.  By her expression, he could tell something was taking place in her mind, but he wasn’t sure.  “It is alright, no damage.”  He tried to assure, not sure if she was mentally beating herself up or not.  “Nice to meet you, Elle.  Are you from these parts?”  He questioned, trying to see if he knew her or not.  Kai was many things, but his memory and intelligence was not the greatest.

One of the most popular places to find Kai would be at Secret Realm, one his drug dealer happened to work there and it was a great place to exchange cash for certain goods, but also it was a store that seemed to have everything.  Books, Video Games, Comics, Movies, etc.  It certainly was a paradise for several people in town, including the warlock.

Just as he picked up a used movie on sale, he recognized Rhys and made his way over towards the man.  “Sup, man?”  And as always, Kai tried to do this elaborate handshake that he never taught to anyone, but expected them to know.  “What’s been going on with you?  You still putting a good word for me to Rydell at work, telling her how handsome I am?”  He somewhat teased.  “Any plans for tonight?  I thought about buying this movie and kickin’ back to smoke a bowl.”

Walking into the restaurant, she looked around briefly to locate the voice of none other than Kai Dragoumis. Spotting him, she walked over with a smile happy to see the seven foot string bean. “Hi stranger, how’s it going?” she smiled taking a seat across from them with a smile. It was always good to see him. If she was ever in need of a good time out, Elina knew that he was the person to be called and he’d be there in a moment’s notice if possible. “I mean it’s not like the pie goes anywhere!” She was sure it had something to do with a quick metabolism on top of him being a trainer, it probably was to his benefit. 

“Yup, still posted in the ER, waiting for wimpy men who can’t get over a cough or a nasty crush injury.” It was the fun part about being a physician in the emergency room. There was always a different day of events and cases that she could oversee. Elina loved it and being able to help people when they felt at their most vulnerable was a privilege. “Is there like a Guinness world record for the most fit community in the world? I’ll bite. Do you have a vision for how this all would pan out?” 

“Things are alright, just busy with work as you can see.”  Kai commented as he pushed up his short sleeve to flex his bicep to the woman.  “What about you?  How are things with you?”  He asked with his usual bright smile towards her.  “True, but you know.  Some people who are under my care might be like why does he get two slices and I’m on a stricter diet plan.  But, I need Key Lime cause it is refreshing and it is kind of a fruit and I need French Silk cause chocolate.”

The warlock chuckled, because she described him every time he got sick.  Kai tended to soak in all the attention and expected people to help him with his sniffles.  “Sounds about right.  Sorry, I’m one of those guys too.”  Kai lifted his shoulders up in a shrug.  Although the man had fun ideas, going through with him was not his strong suit.  The man could not organize for the life of him, his brain was always scattered.  “I dunno, I was thinking like getting medical professionals, trainers, and others to come and maybe set up stands and talk about health and stuff.  Maybe it is dumb.”

“I appreciate the recommendation,” Marco tells the other man genuinely.  Part of his decision to move to Wolford had been the pursuit of a more grounded lifestyle–well, relatively–and discovering a connection to nature seems like an essential element of that.  “You?  A people-person?  Wouldn’t have guessed it…” the alchemist teases dryly, though he accents the mild sarcasm with a pleasant smile.  Kai is quite obviously one; the type of guy who probably can strike up a conversation with just about anybody.  Most people assume Marco is, too, but it’s never come as naturally for him as it seems to with Malachai.  “That’s good to hear.” Melanie’s name brings a smile to Marco’s lips; his whole expression seeming to brighten simply for the mention of the young woman.  “That’s her,” he confirms with a nod.  Kai’s next words, however, bring his head right back down out of the clouds.  “–Your sister?” The warlock echoes, blinking.  “Ay, Dios mío…” he mutters under his breath, pushing a hand back through his hair.  He really can’t help but wonder how many more awkward mystery sibling introductions he’s got ahead of him in this town.  “Ah, well, we’re…it’s…”  Complicated, he wants to say, but decides against it, “I don’t think Mel is ready for labels right now, but we’re, ah, objectively speaking we are more than friends.”  Marco offers unsurely instead.  There’s no way to know how much Melanie has kept from her brother, but the alchemist is a fairly perceptive man and judging from Kai’s current body language, it’s pretty clear that this is coming as a shock.  “I’m sorry, this probably isn’t the way we should have found out about one another.  For what it’s worth, it really is nice to meet you.”

“No problem man, been here all my life.  So if you need any other suggestions, just hit me up.”  Although Malachai was one of the friendliest people around, he was not always the brightest and sometimes sarcasm went over his head.  A brow raised for a brief moment until it finally hit him that the other male was merely teasing him.

It took a moment for Kai to process the fact his baby sister was with someone.  Although it was Jezebel that acted as the parental figure with all the siblings, Kai still felt he had the big brother role.  “Yeah, sister.”  Right now, everything feels slightly awkward.  Kai was curious as to why Mel never mentioned him before, but he also didn’t want to get all over her case about her personal life.  The warlock nodded, “it is nice to meet you.  You are treating my sister right though?”  Although, what person would say no to their significant other’s sibling?  “Sorry, dumb question.  Just, she is my baby sister and I want her safe and with a good guy.  Don’t get me wrong, you seem like a good guy.  I just don’t know you yet is all.”  He started to ramble.  “Maybe we can all get drinks or something?”

[TEXT]: Why am I not surprised? Not sure there’s much to feel when it comes to the baby yet. It can take a little time for others to be able to feel a baby. [TEXT]: That’s all? Nothing new or exciting at all?

“I don’t think the owner would give a shit you’re a Dragoumis,” Rydell mused though she couldn’t be sure. She wouldn’t pretend that she knew Darren very well- mostly just from going to the bar itself and from what people in town had said. He wasn’t really known for being the most friendly person and there were plenty of times when there were rumors about there being something off about him. But she highly doubted he would care that Kai was a member of the Dragoumis family. A customer was a customer and as long as he didn’t cause any issues at the job then Rydell doubted it would be an issue.

“Can’t say I’ve ever actually tried Colombian or Peruvian food.” If Rydell was being honest she really didn’t eat much of anything outside of what could be found in Wolford. Yes, she wasn’t picky but that didn’t mean she had explored a lot of food options- or headed into the city to try new things. Not because she couldn’t head into the city but because she had a tendency to refuse to do so. She was just more accustomed to Wolford itself and refused to head into the city very often at all.

Rydell turned a little more in the seat to look at Kai, head cocked slightly to the side as she watched him. “I think perhaps you might need a better distraction,” the werewolf suggested, a slightly amused smile spreading across her face. “And I could be a very good distraction for you.” Not that Rydell completely understood being afraid of needles. She knew it was a phobia a lot of people had but that didn’t mean she completely understood it. “I don’t know that I enjoy the process so much as it isn’t a big deal to me. I know some people think it hurts a lot but it doesn’t really hurt to me. And they say women are actually better when it comes to getting tattooed than men anyway. That we’re better at handling any pain from it.”

At times, it was hard to know where he stood in the town.  Most people paid him little mind, but others were weary about him given his last name.  “Maybe you’re right.  I hope so,” he simply responded.  Kai was not going to judge the owner before he knew for sure.  It wasn’t in his nature, he just had to be cautious about people and how they perceived him.

“Oh wow, both are so good!  The lomo saltado is the bomb, like it is one of my favorite dishes.  You should definitely try it.”  For Kai, the man loved food and often had the appetite of a werewolf.  And he loved sharing the experience of dining with those he cared about.  “I really hope you enjoy it.”  He said, with a slight nervousness in his tone still not believing Rydell agreed to a date with him.

“What kind of distraction?”  Kai asked while wiggling his eyebrows at the werewolf.  “Oh, you would make an excellent distraction.  Are you volunteering?”  He inquired.  Kai’s eyes widened big time when she mentioned it was worse for men than women.  “Uh, that isn’t making me want to get one.”  However, Kai also didn’t want to be seen as a scared man either in front of his crush.

“Elina, Elina over here.”  The warlock waved as he stood up from his seat.  There were no plans between them, but anytime Kai saw someone he knew, he had to invite them over for conversation and potentially for food.  “I’m on my break right now getting a late lunch, what brings you out?”  He questioned, just making his usual conversation.  “Is it bad that I am a trainer at the gym and about to order two slices of pie with my lunch?”  He questioned.  For whatever reason, Kai had a high metabolism and could eat whatever he wanted without gaining a pound.  “You still work at the hospital right?  Or am I thinking of someone else?”  He questioned as he looked up puzzled.  “Alright, so I was thinking of hosting something cool at the gym.  Maybe do a team up with trainers and other professions to help whip this town in shape.  Just spitballing at the moment.”

LOCATION: Miss Clara’s Diner WHO: @kai-dragoumis​

The warming smell of breakfast food wafted throughout the air, causing Jules’ already rumbling stomach to roar in protest. It was rare for her to be in Miss Clara’s as a patron rather than waiting tables, but just because she worked there didn’t mean the shifter loved the food any less. She always made an effort to get breakfast there at least once a week, usually whenever she had a day off or was working a later shift. On this particular day, her friend Kai sat across from her in a booth set far enough back from the hustle and bustle of the diner’s morning rush that the pair could catch up, without needing to raise their voices to hear one another. “Okay, I need you to be completely and utterly honest with me -” Juliet set her menu down on the surface of the table, placing her palms flat on top of it, a semi-serious expression on her face. “Are you gonna gonna judge me if I order the poached eggs on toast, the banana pancakes with extra whipped cream and a side of maple bacon?” The serious look on her face quickly melted into a grin as she looked across the table to Kai.

To Kai, the best part about Miss Clara’s was the pie.  Anytime he came, he had to have at least two slices and maybe a third to go.  Today, he was here to catch up with an old friend and when she mentioned she needed to be honest he raised a brow.  “I’m always honest with you,” he insisted.  At least, he tried to be honest with people.  “Absolutely not, now that sounds good minus the eggs being poached…I might do mine scrambled with cheese.”  He told her with his eyebrows wiggling.  “And of course I have to have my slice of pie, probably keylime because that is the best.”  He smiled brightly.  “Anyway Jules, what’s been going on?  How are things?  How is your brother?”  He asked, genuinely interested in her life.  “Not much been going on here, been working at the gym and it is my longest lasting job, so I deserve a celebration!”

kai had always seemed like a big child to her, but that was probably because when she had left, he was a child and she was yet to figure out if her cousin’s childish ways was something she could keep on laughing about for years to come, or if it was something that would worry her in the future. worry for him, of course. for now, she would just brush it off like it was none of her business. because technically–it wasn’t.

once rory was back with kai’s drinks and their baked goods, they took a seat by their cousin and set their things down. all in all, this town could definitely use more entertainment, even if that wasn’t the reason rory had come back. their focus was their magic, but hey… everyone liked a little party every now and then. “well, pregnant women can still have fun, kai. don’t be the fun police.” they shrugged. alcohol and drugs weren’t the only source of fun. some people actually liked enjoying others’ company, imagine that! “but sounds good. when are you planning on throwing this little party of yours?”

When they returned with the drinks and food, Kai got all excited and quickly went in for his cookie.  The male could hardly contain himself as he gobbled it down quickly and then let out a pout once he finished, wishing he had another one already.  At their words, he took a drink to help the cookie go down and he nodded.  “I know she can, but usually there are illegal substances and stuff at these parties and I didnt’ want to put her in a bad position.”  He simply responded.  Kai tended to be fairly good, stuck with pot.  But at parties, he might dabble in some other drugs just for fun.  At their question, he shrugged.  “I dunno, maybe in the next few days?  I kind of just want to party and have fun.”

As he took another drink, he looked over at Aurora.  “I’m glad you’re back, in case I haven’t said it yet.  It would be cool if we could get the whole Dragoumis family together.”  He knew it might take some effort, they all had their own things and issues.  Kai clearly never grew up and there were other things throughout the family.

“Nah, man. It’s fine, I don’t mind talking about it.” It didn’t bother him that Kai was interested in his non-existent love life. In a way it was nice to have someone to bounce idea off of and get advice. Luka didn’t have anyone he could go to about crushes anymore, not since he’d fallen out with his older brother. “It’s faar from exciting though.”

“Um, my current love interest is a her and I’m not sure you would know who she is…” Luka trailed off for a moment before continuing. “Pretty sure I blew it, anyway and she just sees me as a friend. Didn’t really make a move and we’ve been a bit distant lately. My fault really.” Taking a big gulp of his drink, he simultaneously he shrugged. “Told you wasn’t very interesting.” 

There was a moment of guilt, Kai was not sure if he crossed a line when it came to Luka.  Hearing about the guy’s love life, he frowned.  “I get it can be hard,” he admitted.  Most people around town knew of Kai’s crush on Rydell and nothing ever seemed to come out of it.  Yes, Rydell was polite and cordial with him, which meant she had a soft spot for the warlock.  But he was sure she would always see him as that man child.

“I’m sorry man, I know that can be rough and all.”  He simply stated as he took another bite of his food and leaned back on the couch.  “Things will get better, at least I hope so.  Plus there are tons of women in Wolford who are single that would find you to be awesome.”

The warlock makes a mental note to more proactively look into the locations Malachai has suggested.  “Oh, I don’t mind a drive,” he confirms with a smile.  It sounds like a pleasant excursion, the more he thinks of it.  Perhaps something he and Melanie might do together one morning when neither of them are on shift at the hospital.  “Nature?  Probably not as much as I should, honestly,” Marco chuckles, “I’m a bit of a city slicker.  I suppose around here you can’t help but appreciate it, though.  It must have been a fun place to grow up, yeah?”

He watches as the other man continues to tap his information into the gym’s computer system, nodding to confirm the guess.  “You’re not wrong,” the alchemist admits.  “I’d be very surprised if you didn’t know her, actually,” Marco points to the employee photo of Kai hung on the back wall; his full name spelled out beneath his image.  “You might even be related.  Her name’s Melanie.”

“Awesome, then I definitely suggest the hot springs where you can sit with nature and relax,” he told the other male.  Kai shrugged, not everyone was like him who enjoyed being outdoors.  Even working at the gym, he usually took his clients out to workout outside so they could get fresh air and not feel stuffy.  “Oh, a city guy huh?  I enjoy the city a lot of the time, tons of people which is cool.  I tend to be an overly friendly dude and love people.”  Which added up given Kai was being super friendly now.  “Yeah, it is nice.  I enjoy it here for the most part.  Great people, fun places.  And I have a large family.”

While Kai was working on finishing getting Marco ready with his own keycard and everything, his eyes widened when he heard his sister’s name.  “Melanie?  As is Melanie Dragoumis?”  Of course, that had to be right, but it still stunned him.  “Uh, so you’re with my sister?”  He asked confused, since Mel never mentioned a Marco to him.