BETTER DAYS

@leyladcymaz​ outside a corner store

Brielle stumbled out of the corner store with a mickey of liquor under her arm and a pack of cigarette under the other when she almost collided with someone who was walking by. The mickey fell but after it was tossed back in the air by her hand, she managed to catch it before it landed on the ground. “That would have been horrible.”

She muttered as she gripped the bottle tightly. “Trust me, I know it’s too fucking early in the morning for this but with the night I’ve had, it’s the only way I’m going to survive and you would have made this morning so much worse if that had fallen.” It hadn’t been her fault but Brielle wasn’t gonna take the blame, naturally.

…

The wrapped canvas under her arm was big enough to be bulky and to make her clumsy as she walked. It was small enough to carry, but it hadn’t been exactly an easy task. Leyla liked delivering her work to first time buyers and those regulars she had become friends with. So when she turned the corner and almost ran into a woman carrying a bottle, she clumsily pulled back. “For both of us.” Leyla laughed. 

Shifting the canvas, she shook her head. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to judge. Perks of having an unconventional job, is that it’s normal to me to see some day drinking.” She had even done so, but didn’t now that she had Thea. “Well I’m glad I didn’t make your morning worse. But now I feel like I owe you a drink.” 

“that’s very true.” oliver said laughing, shaking his head at himself. at least she was kind about it. oliver was charming when he had to be but sometimes being an assassin he lacked that trait when not on the job. being himself was rather difficult at times. “it’s not a bad place. the drinks are good. the show is nice. a little loud but i don’t mind.” he shrugged, “oh, only a couple months. been working so i haven’t gotten a chance to see the city too much. how about you?”

…

It took a lot for Leyla to not be kind to someone, some might call it a fault of hers though. Say she was too soft. Still, the handsome stranger did nothing to get less than a friendly treatment from her. “It is a little loud, so as long as you aren’t hoping for an intimate conversation, you can expect to have a good time.” Leyla admitted with a chuckle. Still, she enjoyed coming here when she got the chance. “Been working a lot?” Tilting her head with a friendly smile, she wondered what had kept him from being able to explore yet. “It’s been a couple years now, almost uh, 8 years I think?” It honestly felt like she had been there far longer and she mentally started to count the years of when she had arrived in Vegas. 

Despite being in the hospital, Jackson knew Leyla was only thinking about their daughter. It didn’t matter what other things Jackson planned or prioritized, he would make sure Thea was safe with him. Nodding, “I know she can help,” he didn’t want to admit the failures he felt when it came to his daughter and ex-girlfriend. Jackson thought it was a self-fulfilling prophecy when he turned out to be exactly like his own parents: too careless to parent a child. He didn’t want to be the way he was, it was just all he knew.

Shaking his head, “I’m not going to,” it was hard to imagine doing anything other than the need of taking care of Thea, “I just have work, but I’ll switch things around to make sure she’s taken care of.” He didn’t want to ask anyone else for help, not Jude, not Josie. Thea was his daughter and that meant entirely his responsibility, he was just scared shitless that he would somehow fuck his daughter up, just like his parents before him had done to their children.

“I promise, Leyla, I will guard her with my life,” he assured his ex, knowing how hesitant she was with him taking care of her. Jackson didn’t choose the two of them over his bad habits, and knew that whatever time he got with his daughter was more than he deserved. Jackson missed the first few months of Thea’s life and no matter what he did, he wouldn’t get those back, so he’d take whatever he could from Leyla and be grateful for it, “and I will keep you updated on everything.”

&

While she could see that he was blaming himself, beating himself up for not knowing Thea’s daily schedule and what consisted of taking care of her, Leyla did not blame him. She knew the reason he was scared and unprepared was because she had never allowed him to take care of Thea, visitations and whole days spent together only. A pang went through her and she reached out, taking his hand. “I’m sorry.” She rasped, while her gaze sought his out. “I never let you before.” She’d always been wanting to keep Thea separate to a degree from Jackson since he couldn’t choose them over continuing to steal. But now she saw how out of his depth he was. Still, she knew they would be okay. Jackson loved Thea so much and she would happily show her father her normal routine thinking it was a way to show off to him. 

Nodding, Leyla accepted his promise of not working while he was watching Thea. He could go back to stealing after, but while he was staying with her, while Thea was at school, while he was watching their daughter she wanted him to leave that behind for her sake. For the safety of Thea. She visibly relaxed, the tension she held in her weak body displaying the worry she was consumed with. “Thank you, Jackson.” Her voice was hoarse, her throat still raw and she found herself licking her lips, thirsty again. 

Her hand squeezed his, nodding and becoming comforted by his words. “I know... you’ll be fine.” She assured him. Jackson might always doubt his own abilities, but Leyla always saw the good in him. He was a good father. There was no argument about it, she knew he was nothing like his parents. “I’m sorry.” The apology tumbled out before she knew what she was apologizing for. Maybe for not allowing him to watch Thea before, maybe for being poisoned and forcing him into this situation, maybe for leaving him in the first place. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes and she shook her head, sorry for the whole mess. 

Open to: @leyladcymaz​

Where: Cytherea Gallery

While Aleksander wouldn’t call him and Leyla friends, the two had a friendly enough relationship beyond professionalism that teetered on the edge of it. When she had informed him of her upcoming gallery show, he knew he had to come for two reasons: one, to support her and secondly (most importantly, in his honest opinion), to see what new pieces she had to offer. Walking into the art gallery while scanning the walls of works, he spotted Leyla talking to a group and waited until she was free. “Congratulations on another showing. Found some great pieces.”

&

Another gallery show under her belt and Leyla was feeling like she had made it and found her place in the art community of Las Vegas. It didn’t matter how many shows she did, or how big or small the space was, she always felt a giddiness at being able to display her art yet again. People liked her work, people wanted her work. Thea was home tonight, this one was going to go too late, but anyone who was a regular to her shows knew that her daughter sometimes attended. Hearing the voice behind her, Leyla spun to see Aleksander. Her already bright face broke into a wide grin at the appearance of him. The man had been one of her early supporters, one of the first few people she’d sold her pieces to. Since then, Aleksander had been a loyal patron, if not a friend to her. “Aleksander! I was wondering when you’d show up.” She’d been talking to guests and buyers and her agent all night, but she hadn’t seen his tall form in the crowd at all. “I made a piece just for you, I wonder if you know which one it is.” Leyla admitted with a chuckle. 

open starter: for everyone location: vicky’s. 

oliver was sat drinking scotch as he watched one of the performers. things here had taken a turn ever since he had met nadia at the bakery. he knew he needed to watch his back for her. but in this moment he felt as though he could let his guard slightly down for a moment of peace. “do you come here often?” he asked the person next to him. “i’m not trying to be flirtatious just new to the area.”

&

Her gaze wandered over the dancer’s with only mild interest. They were good dancers, much better than Leyla could ever be. But she hadn’t come here to consume the flesh or really even to drink. Her new friend, the girl she met while sharing a gallery space with her last week at a show turned out to work here part time. When she’d invited Leyla out tonight for a few drinks, they had agreed to meet at Vicky’s at the end of her shift. She must still be backstage getting ready, but she busied herself with a drink. Hearing the voice, Leyla turned to find a man. “If you don’t want to sound flirty, a different opening line might work better.” She admitted with a chuckle and a friendly smile. “Sometimes. I’ve been here for a few bachelorette parties and nights out. Are you enjoying it so far?” She asked and turned more towards him. “How long since you moved here?” 

josie looked up at leyla and gave a sneaky smile. “are you telling me you went out on a date?” she asked excited to her, “and you didn’t tell me sooner? i am disappointed. i should’ve been the first to know.” josie teased, but she understood why that might be weird. but then again she didn’t care what jackson thought. she was still going to be friends with leyla and support her dating no matter if she wished her and jackson could get back together. but she knew why that might not happen. “so how did this date go? was he cute?”

“i think she’s onto something, leyla. i shouldn’t have to meet boys. i think they should just do whatever i say all the time anyways.” she said scrunching her nose up at her niece, “i mean, it’s only fair if they’re all stinky.” she let out a small laugh and then shrugged, “i’ll have to look at his shoes.. because i already had to punch a guy for ‘forgetting his wallet’ once.”

&

She knew the moment she revealed the past date to Josie that she would eat it up in seconds. Leyla hadn’t meant to hide it from her, it was only that she wasn’t sure how to approach the topic. While Leyla did trust Josie and see her as another sister, if not a sister-in-law, she wasn’t sure if it was in good taste to tell her about other dates she went on. Not when Jackson was her brother. But then again, she had caught Jackson out on a date too. “I guess I didn’t tell you because it didn’t go well.” Leyla admitted with a cringe. “I told him about my - uh, life.” She glanced at Thea. “And he put on a good face but I could tell he wasn’t prepared or wanted that.” Leyla would never make Thea feel like she was baggage or a burden, when she only saw her daughter as the perfect miracle she was. If only men she dated could see the same. 

Leyla laughed, enjoying that Thea was still young enough to think boys were stinky. But she knew that if she blinked, Thea would soon be in Josie’s place talking about dates she wants to go on. Which she could only imagine Jackson would not be fun when Thea was finally dating age. “Maybe stinky boys should be nicer since we put up with them stinky, right?” She asked her daughter who nodded and picked up a pair of heels saying Josie should wear them like a princess. “I know it sounds dumb, but someone’s shoes really let you know if they have money or not. Good quality shoes are one of those weird signs that if you have money, you do that.” But she made a face at someone ‘forgetting’ their wallet on Josie. “Then you say you forgot yours too.” She laughed. 

“yeah, starting online because everyone i meet in person sucks.” josie grumbled, pulling out a tiny black top and rummaged for the leather skirt. “we’re going to gerovit house and then to see a show.” she said with a small smile before thea asked about tinder and she let out a loud laugh. 

“yeah, it’s where your aunt jojo keeps meeting all these smelly boys.” she said making a face over to thea. “hopefully this one isn’t as smelly and is nice.” she said as she found the skirt and gave an aha. “i want something that says i’m here for fun but not too much fun.. unless you have as much money as you say you do.” josie said with a cheeky grin, knowing leyla wouldn’t find that as funny as she had. 

&

As long as Leyla had known Josie, she knew the younger girl struggled with finding something serious and with finding someone good. Which, Leyla wasn’t about to judge or blame. It just seemed she had a lot of bad luck and Leyla just wanted to see her happy with someone. “Georvit House will be nice. I actually went there a few weeks ago on a date of my own.” She admitted, a blush blossoming across her features. Was it in bad taste to admit that to Jackson’s sister? 

Nodding, “she’s safe,” he repeated his previous statement, assuring Leyla that there was nothing that she needed to worry about in the moment. Jackson was a lot of things, grumpy old piece of shit was the first thought that came to mind, but Leyla and Thea would always be safe if he was around. Looking at her hand as it gripped his own, he tried to calm himself down, angry at the thought of someone poisoning her, angry that someone would try and take a mother away from their child. “Hey, don’t push yourself,” he told her quietly as she fought to speak out. Grabbing the cup of water by the bed, “here, take it slow,” he offered.

Listening to her struggle killed him and all he wanted to do was find the person who had done this to her, “I will,” he told her, pushing her damp hair away from her forehead, “I’m going to take care of her, I promise.” He had no idea where to start with Thea. Since he had privileges to see her, Leyla was always there to help. Jackson had no idea Thea’s routine, her day to day life because he wasn’t allowed to know. He was kept at a distance from the moment she was born, and for good reason: he was no good for Leyla and Thea. Jackson would continue to take care of them though, for as long as Leyla would allow it.

“Let me help,” he told her as she fought to communicate, “I will take her to your place. I will make sure that her routine isn’t disrupted,” pausing, “I will make sure both you and her are safe, okay?” He wanted to reassure Leyla that nothing would get in the way of protecting her or Thea.

&

Even with a mind that full of cotton, she still clung to what he was telling her like it was a life boat. Thea was safe. Their daughter was safe. She let out a noise that was half between a sob and a cry of relief. “Good.” Leyla croaked out, her throat on fire. She squeezed his hand, clinging to him and the safety he now could bring to their daughter, and to the comfort he could bring her now. The truth was, he had never stopped being a source of comfort for her. Leyla had never stopped loving Jackson, she just had to push him away to keep herself and Thea safe. What would happen to them if he ever was caught? And here he was taking care of her. Leyla let him lift the cup to her lips, and desperate for water she coughed a little as he tilted the cup back. But soon, she drank slower and relished in every drop. 

Her throat still felt dry and on fire, but it was soothed a little. And really, she knew he was right. She had to take it slow after what she could only imagine she went through after being poisoned. Leyla didn’t let go of his hand as he promised her he’d take care of Thea. Besides her parents, there was no one that Leyla trusted to take care of Thea while she was here recovering in the hospital. “She’ll - know.” Leyla croaked out a little. As if she could read his mind, she knew he was wondering if he would know how to take care of Thea in her daily life, something he hadn’t been privy to before. But Thea would know, and Thea was such a sweet girl, she’d proudly show her dad everything she did during the day and the week. “You... you can’t... work a... job.” Her mouth still felt full of cotton and marbles, but the water had helped. 

Still, she would be firm. Jackson couldn’t work a job while he was watching Thea until she got released. He had to be home for her, he couldn’t be putting himself and their daughter in danger. Leaning closer to him, Leyla settled partly against his arm and relaxed at his touch. 

The last few hours, he had been a mess. Thinking of how he would take care of Thea alone, without her mother. Jackson didn’t the best he could as a father, but everything in his DNA told him he’d be a bad parent. His own before him had scarred their three children in ways none of them could really articulate. It lingered like a bad sign on them and all three had developed methods on coping and pretending they weren’t more than little quirks. Thea deserved better and that was Leyla, she would make sure that their daughter would grow up with a full life, free from any blemish he may inflict upon her.

“She’s fine,” he stopped Leyla before her mind got the best of her, “I just called her friend’s parents and they said they’d be happy to continue watching her,” he didn’t know a thing about them, they probably didn’t know much about him either. He swiped Leyla’s phone to call them, but it was taken care of. “I took care of it,” as best as he could, he told himself. His hand held hers, making sure that she knew that he had taken care of it all and she could focus on resting and getting better, “it’s all going to be okay, I promise,” he made that promise to her when he found out she was pregnant and as best as he could, he’d continue to keep it.

&

Her mind felt fuzzy, swirling with half thoughts and worries about Thea, about Jackson, about what had happened and why she hurt so much. Seeing Jackson there soothed a little of the panic that was starting to turn from a whine into a full roar in her head. Leyla loved him, even through all the heartbreak of finding out what he really did, of knowing that he put her and Thea in danger by continuing to be a thief, she never stopped loving him. And right now, with her mind fuzzy and only able to call into focus a few thoughts, that one came through the fog. Thea was their whole world, she knew that he would do anything to keep her safe and the memory of thinking Jackson would be a good father by himself without her came back. Even now with relief washing over her that she woke up, she still knew he would have been fine without her, because he loved Thea and would do anything for her. 

Hearing her daughter was safe, Leyla nodded, fighting tears of relief as she gripped at his hand. “She’s safe.” She croaked, knowing that Jackson would move heaven and earth to keep her safe. Her voice sounded broken, and her whole body was beyond sore, but she relaxed as she reached out for him and tried to pull him close. “You have to -” Leyla croaked, licking her dry lips and trying again. “Get her in the mor-” It hurt to talk, but she tried to push through. “Morning.” Thea couldn’t be left at her friend’s house with no word from her mom or no idea what was going on. Jackson, her father she loved, would have to pick her up and take her back to Leyla’s home to have her in a safe environment for however long Leyla was here. Someone trusted had to tell her what happened to Leyla. Just like her mouth, her tear ducts were dry but she managed to cry a little bit as she thought of how she had almost lost both Jackson and Thea. She could only nod at his promise, the same one he made when she found out she was pregnant. But the truth was she had almost lost the two people she cared for the most. 

josie followed her niece into the familiar home. laughing as the seven year old said she wanted to go on the date with her. josie would do that one day.. when she found someone worth introducing leyla and thea to. for now he would keep her family at bay from her tinder and drunken miss swipes.. not to mention she wasn’t even sure they would want to do such a thing. leyla was always kind and always saw the best in josie when she couldn’t see that in herself. as much as she wanted to. she didn’t judge her for the mistakes she made or any choice… she was a positive sisterly figure that josie didn’t know she needed until she had met her.

thea had settled on seeing the outfits instead so that was easier for josie than the let down of not going on the date. “a date.” josie said rolling her eyes playfully, “a first date… some guy i met on tinder.. not anything grand.” she explained as she laid her outfit options on the counter. “if it goes sour at least i’ll get free dinner.” 

&

Leyla only chuckled and watched as Thea accosted Josie with requests to go on the date with her. She knew that Josie could handle Thea, and would be able to tell her no in a way that didn’t hurt the seven year old’s feelings. Despite the doubts she sometimes saw in Jackson and Josie, Leyla knew that both of them were amazing with Thea. Though it was funny to watch Thea not understand the concept of a date, only that she wanted to hang out with her aunt. It always warmed Leyla’s heart when she saw how Thea took to Josie the same way she took to Leyla’s sisters. But she knew she had taught Thea well, that everyone was her family and she should love all of her family. 

Drying off her hands, she watched as Thea settled on the couch, going through the clothes that Josie had brought with a very determined look on her features. “Nothing wrong with that. We all have to start somewhere, right?” Leyla asked with a grin. “Where are you going? What’s the vibe since you are getting dinner?” Something she didn’t always get to do when she tried to go on tinder dates. But hearing Thea ask what tinder was, Leyla burst out laughing before she attempted to address her daughter. “It’s just an app, afet.” She spoke through the laughter. “It’s for grown ups to meet other grown ups.”