( SHE IS MORE )

She frowned at the site of her gown, before her eyes snapped towards a blonde who cursed loudly. “You can say that again.” Mira called out as she clutched her injured arm and half-assed crawled her way to the young woman. Ignoring the pain, she sat by her side and asked, “Are you able to get up?” 

With her towel spread out on a lounge chair and her book set on the table beside it, Reagan made her way over to the water’s edge and dipped a toe in. At the sound of someone approaching, she turned to look over her shoulder. “D’ya think we’re more likely to burn up here?” she wondered aloud. “I’d rather not turn into a tomato immediately, y’know?”

She smirked and waved it off. Like it was no big deal, and he could relax in his seat an infinitesimal amount. The relaxed nature of their close relationship coming back to the front of his mind, and he almost wanted to sigh in content. For a moment, he could relax. With an excellent beverage in hand, and witty company he found a moment where he could forget about the troubles on his plate for the day.

He watched her speak about her position of work, the mechanics behind interrogation and all it entailed, about the people she now controlled in her own department. She had passion in voice and fire in her eyes, and he couldn’t help but praise his brother’s decision. He smirked at her words. “Being a hitman is stylish, but quickly becomes monotonous in my opinion. Now, torture, that always seemed like fun to me.” He gave a short laugh as he sipped at his whiskey, devilishly thinking of the concept of being put in Mira’s shoes, and torturing. He had done it a few times himself, though he garnered his attempts were different than her own. Short tricks he had come up with to get someone to talk fast, before disposing of them. Spur of the moment torment that surely lacked some of her trademark style and finesse.

He watched her tilt her head slightly, before her face conveyed some tiny semblance of worry before changing. He wondered what she could be so concerned about, and made a mental note to drop it for the minute. He could think about it in depth later. “Things are going well. I figured it might be weird. But if things aren’t like they used to be when we were kids then…” He sighed as he thought about Reagan. “They might be even better.” His mind traveled to the possibility of what she was doing right now. If she was taking the dogs for a walk, or messing up his apartment with all her clothes. “You’ve talked to her, I assume?” He mused with a small smile, he had always appreciated Mira’s opinions on things, people and situations. It was always usually remarkably objective and honest.

Smirking at Nik’s opinion, Mira raised her glass out of acknowledgement and said, “I couldn’t agree more.” Sure being the hitman gets the job done, but it was an over and done with profession. Now with interrogating, sure it took time and patience, but it’s all a matter of how you choose to pass the time and what you do with your patience. “See? This is one of the many reasons why you’re one of my faves!” she mused with a playful smile. They had their differences, but shared similar interests and were like two peas in a pod. “I already know you’re capable of torment and much more, but it would not only be entertaining, but interesting to observe how you perform under my care.” She made a mental note that if the opportunity arises, she’d let Nik know asap. 

Taking another sip of her drink, Mirabelle savoured the taste while the youngest Taylor spoke on about Reagan. “It seems like it’s too good to be true non?” she mused in an intrigued tone. “Nevertheless, I’m glad that all three of you are reunited and reconnecting what you all once had.” The interrogator then nodded in reply to his assumption and said, “I met her once, when she was about to make her ‘grand entrance’. It was a quick chat, she’s brave for making herself known all by herself, I’ll give her that.” Mira began recollecting her memories of that specific encounter and continued by saying, “She mentioned that her mother died a few weeks prior, so I don’t blame her for being here—after all, you’re all she’s got. Anyways, the more the merrier right? She always had her place here in the first place, plus I’m sure she’s capable of anything if she puts her mind to it.”  

Devlin had been at this for far to long to take the up and down swings of a battle too seriously. It came and went in waves, punches to be delivered, evaded and taken, each in turn. He always worried of course, there were always matters to frown upon or which rested more heavily on his mind, but he could not be caught up in every little set back or push coming from his enemies. Their enemies. What it all boiled down to was faith in your own and faith in your cause, as long as those two were existent, you had little cause to waver. As his dark blue eyes stared back into Mira’s dark brown ones, their gazes were steady and met with nothing but such faith and assurance.

“You should see it painted red.” He suggested, quite sincere at that. Men like Carlisle were a common side effect of gang business. Hubris rang too loud, became cockiness and all part of the show. All men liked to look intimidating. That way, they weren’t by default tested, asked to prove that their intimidation was indeed earned. It was the difference between some of the best fighters he had ever encountered. Those who wore their title and their fame with smugness and superiority, and those who did not. All in all, those who didn’t were the ones to truly fear. Dev only kept his smile at her reaction, expecting nothing less. Some thought pride made you vain, though when you had reasons to be proud, you should wear it. Just like that, he thought. “I am sure that you will. Should the time come that you need assistance or back up though, you only say the word.” He believed Mira could do it all by herself if she so wished, but it was prudent to remind her that she did not have to go it alone, and shouldn’t if the situation changed.

To be fair, Devlin was ready to put this shooting business behind him, behind this entire gang. He would not dispute that it had ended up being a more significant event for some than it was for others, but he had to look ahead, always seeking out the bigger picture. Besides, nothing good came from hanging onto the past, from wondering about the what ifs and the maybe’s. “She did well.” He noted, a slight shrug showing that he had no further interest in the subject. Mirth was back to dance in his eyes as her teasing tone returned. Devlin knew he had somehow gotten far too good at favoring his role and attitude as a leader. In doing so he constantly surpassed, hid or forwent the more rebellious streak that had gotten him the position in the first place. That had inspired and spurned all his past experience and adventures as a younger man. “Just because I can’t be as reckless as my baby brother, does not mean I lack the fun gene.” He insisted, though in a very amused and forgiving tone. Allowing her to speak, listing places and making bold accusations that few others would dare to, though they lacked the familiarity with him that Mira had secured, Devlin did not speak until she was seemingly finished. “You know, my idea of a good time is arguably grittier than mosts. Though if all you want is a few beers too many and inspired conversation, I’m all for it. If not, have you been to the fight club down town? Its pretty exclusive at this point but just up my ally.”

"I have, less than I should unfortunately. However, I hope one day his in particular would make its appearance.” Wishful thinking, but certainly doable. First impressions were everything to her, therefore she’ll never forget their encounter and how he treated her. Mirabelle’s determined that in their next encounter, he wouldn’t be off the hook that easily. Snapping out of her thoughts, she glanced back up at Devlin and wore a gracious smile. “Thanks.” she replied with an understanding nod, knowing that in no way he was undermining her. She appreciated that he always had her back and if it was needed, then without any hesitation, she’d call upon it. One would be dense to carry out a difficult and life threatening task on their own due to their pride and stubbornness. 

Mirabelle immediately shot up her hands in defence and said, “—Hey I was just stating the obvious. He’s more capable of that trait than you are. Therefore, you proposing such a thing is quite amusing and intriguing...I’m a see it to believe it kind of gal Dev.” However, she quirked her brow as soon as the Strix leader revealed his kind of fun and that left Mirabelle at a slight loss for words. “...Well then...” This time she was impressed and she couldn’t help, but chuckle at how he had just swayed her judgement. “Well would you look at that? It seems like my words ended up biting me in the ass.” A simple response of Mira’s way of admitting she was in the wrong. The idea of attending a fight club with Devlin definitely sounded appealing. Therefore, she decided to go with just that as a cunning smile graced her lips. “Now that’s the kind of fun we need, I’d love to check it out—besides, one would be completely foolish on passing up on such an offer.”