Nathan Grenouille

Her arms crossed over her chest, looking down at him. Raising her eyebrows, she pulled her phone out of her pocket, looking down at it. “10 am. Time to start the day,” she stated, looking up at the sun. Usually, her day started far earlier than that and she was quite honestly shocked at people who slept past when she did. A smirk fell across her face as she nodded. “Yeah, I am, the one and only, the greatest manager Osric’s ever had,” Shae stated, her confidence rising. She loved talking about herself. Moving forward, slightly, she gestured to him lying on the bench. “You look exhausted and you’re sleeping out here. You were too tired to go home from whatever illegal act you may be doing. Besides, I don’t know you.” Shae took a sip from her iced coffee looking at him, confused.

Nathan grumbled once more as he heard the time. “Shit, I’m going to be late,” he sighed as he stood up and brushed his clothes off. “That makes a lot of sense actually. The only way that man could have a great manager is if she was a badass,” he added with a smug grin and a wink as he finally checked her out closer than he ever had before. With one more final stretch, he looked up at the pier, ready to go home. “Well, we could always change that, babe,” he added, waiting on response before he was about to leave.

Lottie adored the way he made her feel. He was warm and safe, everything she’d always wanted in life. Nathan was rather beautiful and everything she wanted. How could she ever wish of anything else? The thing was, from the first moment she saw him, Lottie was in love with him. She’d dreamed of him for months on end, without even realizing it. Now, they could spend all of their time together. The small blonde was ready for whatever her life would throw at him. She would do anything she possibly could to make him happy.

As she headed out to the Enchanted Castle, Lottie could barely hold in her excitement. Whatever he had in store for her, she was ready. Her outfit was far more elegant and posh than it should’ve been. It could easily have been taken out of a storybook. It was plush and pink, full and an incredible gown. Whenever she was in a good mood, she needed to dress like that. However, it was only halfway down her legs. She loved to show off her shoes and it was easier to walk on a pier like this. Lottie practically bounced up and down, waiting for him eagerly. Swaying back and forth, she grinned from ear to ear.

As she came into his view, Nathan put on his most charming smile. “Lottie,” he called sweetly as he approached her, holding his arms out so that he could pull her in for a tight hug, swinging her around as he did. With a quick kiss to her delicate lips, he set her down. “Are you ready for our date?” he asked softly, trying to calm his nerves. He’d have to hide them from her for a while, as he wasn’t planning on asking her until the got to the tunnel of love. However, while he spoke, he eventually found that playing with the ring in his pocket helped far more than he ever thought it could.

“I thought we could check out some of these rides and then get dinner. I’ve got reservations for us at your favorite place,” he said with a wide grin, hoping to get her even more excited somehow.

Keep it together Heather! You are a grown ass woman. “My name is Heather, Heather Heart.” Nathan had sat next to her on the bench and she immediately felt the electricity in his touch. He smelled fantastic and his jaw line was fantastically chiseled. She was trying to keep composure and look together but she could feel her body fighting her. Her breathing got heavy and her chest was pounding with desire. She had decided that he wasn’t going to leave the bar that night. She hoped that he couldn’t see how much she wanted it. Fuck it.

“I don’t perform because singing is an intimate part of me. I don’t let anyone hear my heart.” She gazed back into his eyes and moved to make sure that every part of her that could touch him, was. With every word she moved closer and closer to his mouth. She was hoping he would get the idea.

“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Heather Heart,” he greeted with a smile that set directly into her eyes, not wanting to break his gaze away. This woman’s voice alone was intoxicating, but being this close to her? He knew he wanted her, and badly. Leaning in a bit closer, he made a point to take in everything about her: the color of her hair, her eyes, the smell of her perfume... He couldn’t believe that he’d never seen her before. 

Licking his lips, Nathan peered into her soul once more, beaming at her words. He was more than proud of himself for being able to see her at her most vulnerable. It was an incredibly sexy trait in a woman after all. As she inched closer to him, Nathan felt the need to speak decrease, and without missing a beat, he let his lips fall down to greet hers.

Shae took down some notes that morning, mostly hoping that her being particular would help her figure something out. How was it that no one knew anything? It couldn’t be possible. With something so obvious, you’d think someone had a clue of what happened. But she was going to try her damned hardest to find a way to make all of this better. Her brain needed a break. The water always helped. It seemed to make everything easier to figure out. So, she headed there. As she walked, she could hear the small sound of her feet on the ground and wondered if it was that quiet that night. Could whomever did it hear their own feet? Did they feel terrible about what they’d done? As she got closer to the water, she saw someone asleep and scrunched up her nose. Poking him, she looked down at him. “Dude, you look suspicious sleeping out here and how the hell am I supposed to know? You’re the one sleeping on a fucking bench. Shit ain’t comfortable.”

Nathan stretched out for a moment as he gave the girl a quizzical look. “No, it’s not,” he huffed before looking around. “Well, what time is it then?” he asked her, eager for an answer. Taking a deep breath, the musician glanced her over once more. “Wait... aren’t you that chick from the casino?” he asked curiously. He’d seen her around on his few visits, but they’d never actually interacted before. “Why do you think I look suspicious? Everyone and their mother has been out here at some point after last night,” he grumbled.

Mindy had gotten used to seeing various pier workers fall asleep on one of its many benches normally she just passed them up but with everything going she felt like doing one good deed before Christmas not like it mattered. So she had poked the man on the shoulder and was about to scare him when he groaned an started rambling to her before she could do anything. 

Pouting she crossed her arms and sighed before gently kicking the bench with her good leg. “ Yes you giant, idiot I’m surprised your not the next victim of whoever has been going on a killing spree. You know if you need a bed, I have several .. you can always sleep in one I don’t bite ya know?” 

Shaking his head, Nathan tried to wake himself up a bit more. However, when her words finally reached his ears, he couldn’t help but grin. “You have several beds?” he asked curiously, looking the woman over. He knew she just claimed to not bite, but he could certainly tell that there was more to this one. “What? You don’t share?” he teased as he sat up a bit more. Of course he had his own apartment, but this kinds of situations were always more fun.

Her sleep was more precious than anything else she had and it was being ripped from her like a child losing their favorite toy. She’d been up almost every night, waiting, watching and investigating this stupid murder and yet, she hadn’t solved anything. All she knew was that Hayden didn’t do it because he’d been so adamant about it and almost hurt her in the process. She wanted to suspect Osric because he’d been distant lately, but she didn’t know why. All he’d ever done was protect her, so why should she suspect him of anything? His heart was pure, even if his intentions weren’t. Dakota just needed a way to clear her head and that meant a nap, a very well deserved nap. She headed out to the water. It was her favorite place. Everything about it was beautiful and peaceful. As she headed to her favorite spot, she saw someone else in it.

“I sure hope not. ‘cause now my favorite spot is gonna smell like you,” she stated, scrunching up her nose. What gave him the right to steal her favorite spot? Dakota slept out here so much that she wondered if she should put a sign on it that said Dakota’s Bench. Perhaps then, people would stay off of it. Shrugging his shoulders, she looked at him, rather confused. “Does it feel like you did? You can feel it in your neck and back. Trust me. I know sleep.”

His look of confusion simply deepened as she replied. Nathan slowly began to roll his shoulders back and stretch out. “What the hell do you mean ‘smell like me’? I smell great,” she responded almost instinctively, however untrue his statement might have been. With his arms above his head, Nathan rolled his eyes. “I definitely feel stiff,” he finally replied, letting a small chuckle escape his lips as he looked this girl over though. “How is it that you think you know sleep better than the rest of us?” he asked more curiously than anything else.

Mora had been out for her morning walk when she noticed somebody laying on one of the benches close to the water. Her eyes widened and she imediatly thought of the worst. She took in a deep breath and walked over gently moving his shoulder with her hand. “Hey are you alright?”She asked before he responded to her “I..I think that you did,I don’t think that was quite comfortable but I could be wrong.”

With a deep breath, Nathan double checked his surroundings before looking up at the young girl in front of him. “Uh... comfortable enough, I guess,” he said with a small laugh, sitting up completely for now. “What are you doing out this late?” he asked curiously before registering how much the sun was up. “Wait... what time is it anyway?”

The shade of red that Heather had turned was her favorite. A dark dark red. She hadn’t blushed that much in so long. Not only had someone heard her sing, but thought she was good. No, the man said incredible. A million questions ran through her mind. Who was this man? Why was he here? Did he actually hear her sing? She got enough courage to turn around and look at him. 

He was handsome. His smile made her blush again, it was so cute. His eyes glistened under the bar lights and his stubble was insanely sexy to her. Her heart was racing. She had seen this man before but never like this. She hadn’t noticed his muscles and how could she have not, they were huge. 

“uhhh… umm…. uhhh….” She was completely lost for words. She closed her eyes and smiled, letting out a little breath. “Th-thank you. Who are you? Please.” Please? Heather what are you doing? she thought to herself. She was caught completely off guard. 

Her stutter was cute. While she had sounded entirely sexy and confident with her music, Nathan definitely loved how his compliment had seemed to make her melt. “Of course, beautiful. I mean it though. I love jazz, but damn. That was some of the best vocals I’ve ever heard,” he replied with his signature grin. If only he could keep her in this state for the night, he’d definitely be thrilled.

“I’m Nathan,” he grinned once more, finally coming up to sit on the bench beside her. “And you are?” he asked, nearly whispering as he gazed into her deep brown eyes. “I’ve gotta admit... I’m not sure how I’ve possibly missed seeing you around here before. I also wanna know why you don’t perform for everyone,” he added coyly.

A light giggle escaped her lips as she looked up at the beautiful man in front of her. To say that Lottie had a crush on him would be an understatement. She swore she was head over heels in love with him and wanted no one else in the world to make her happy. “I’ll be floopy but I just want you to take care of me.” As he kissed her, she felt her cheeks heat up and the butterflies in her stomach flew around like madmen. This was exactly how it was supposed to feel. Lottie loved every second of it. “You’re a good kisser,” she stated, blushing. Grabbing hold of his jacket, she pulled him in for another kiss. “I need more.”

“I know,” he smirked as he let himself pull her in tighter. The thought lingered on a moment longer before Nathan shook his head. Looking down at the ring, he had let himself think back over their night from a few weeks ago. He had feelings for her, sure, but he could hardly call it love. He knew that she’d be good for him and that she’d likely be loyal no matter what, but she had been somewhat boring that night, despite being drunk, to the point where he was already sure he’d need more than just her in his life. Cuddling and being cute were things he could only handle so often.

With a sigh, he pocketed the rather large diamond and gave himself a mental pep talk. The sooner he married her, the better, and he was sure now that she’d say yes. Therefore, locking his door behind him, he made his way to the pier, not too far from the Enchanted Castle, where he told her that he’d meet her. For a princess, his proposal could be nothing less than elaborate and cheesy, so he came prepared.

As she looked out at a mostly empty bar, she couldn’t help but notice the piano. The keys glistened underneath the spotlight. Wednesdays was Jazz Night. She had done it as an homage to her parents love for jazz, and hers as well. The pianist had to call in sick, so the piano had sat unplayed all day. She felt bad for the instrument and promised to play it when she was alone. 

As the final person Heather thought was in the bar walked out and she sat down and ran her fingers over the keys lightly. She pressed down and felt a wave of relief pass over her. She took a deep breathe and started to sing. Heather had her eyes closed and didn’t realize a man had sat down behind her.

He never missed Jazz Night. After all, how could he? Not only was it his usual day off from work, but it was jazz, his favorite genre of music in the world. Usually, he just found a quiet corner, drank a new drink, and listened to new music that helped him feel more at peace with everything going on in his life. In many ways, this night was what helped him recharge and recenter himself. It was good for him.

As people left, he just couldn’t will himself to leave, and honestly, he was glad that he did. When the manager of the bar sat down, Nathan leaned forward slightly, curious to what kind of talent she kept hidden. Listening to her perform, he felt drawn to her. He had always wondered if she held a mystery to her, and now he was certain of it. Like a trance, the musician found himself slowly moving towards her, needing to see her up close. Before he knew it, he had sat at the table directly behind her and was slowly applauding as she finished her number. “That was incredible,” he commented with a smile tugging at his lips.

👀 your muse walks in on my muse in their underwear

🎄 our muses are under the mistletoe - what will happen?

❄️ both muses are stuck in a snow storm together

✿ your muses first impression of mine

❤️ for our something romantic to happen with both our muses

💌 Your muse gets a secret love letter from mine

😈 what my muse really thinks about your muse - good or bad

💔 for my muse to try and break your muse’s heart

👀 your muse walks in on my muse in their underwear

💋 for my muse to suddenly kiss yours

💩 something my muse dislikes/hates about your muse

💊 my muse catching yours doing drugs/drunk when they shouldn't be

Felix nodded politely to the bartender as he was handed his drink. Taking a deep swallow of the golden liquid before being caught off guard by the fellow at the other end of the bar.

He was taken aback by the man attempting to converse with him. Definitely not the usual people Felix attracted, the man was so collected and smooth whereas Felix was self-admittedly awkward and bashful at best. He shrugged as he took another sip. He didn’t know what the bartender decided to pour for him, and at this rate, he didn’t care.

Swirling the draft in his glass mindlessly, nodding before he spoke, “Reason to drink, you mean?” Felix scoffed at his own self-pity, “Let’s say it’s a good way to drown out being a disappointment.”

“How about yourself? Is there some existential crisis you’re dealing with too?” Felix rolled his eyes, speaking into his glass as he took a swig, “Because I highly doubt that.”

At his clarification, Nathan just nodded, encouraging the man to answer him as he drank his own beer. Looking over his glass, the musician began to size him up, making several of his own guesses before anxiously listening to the legitimate answer. “You? A disappointment?” he asked with a scoff as he finished off his drink. “You must have really fucked up, didn’t you?” he teased slightly.

“Oh, you don’t think I have problems?” he retorted in amusement as he chuckled. Not that he would tell this boy, but he was right on the money. Hopefully, he would have all of his problems solved soon, though. The thought crossed his mind as he patted the box in his pocket once more. “Nah, man. I’m just here to enjoy the booze and music,” he replied, smiling brightly.

Raising an eyebrow, allowing the fellow to ask his questions. Crossing his arms and resting them on the table, Mik tried to explain himself, “I guess you have to think a little bit to write, but what I do is write so that the more negative thoughts get pushed back. I’m left with whatever I decided to write about.”

Catching the brief expression change, wondering why the guy smiled after his query. Deciding to wait for an answer, he kept quiet as he listened to what the man was talking about. When the questions seemed to be through, Mik took a moment to flip back a few pages through his notebook. Brows furrowed as he skimmed through the pages, wondering what the guy meant by unorganized, his written thoughts making sense to himself.

“It makes sense to me, man. I usually start by writing what’s going on around me or what I’ve been doing during the day, very boring stuff honestly. Sometimes the boring stuff turns into made up stories, poems, drawings, or whatever really.” Pausing for a bit too long as he decided whether to reveal more to the inquisitive new friend he’s procured. Deciding he really didn’t care in the end, and continued, “I used to have a therapist that told me the made-up stuff I write represents unresolved issues and feelings, or whatever. I don’t really see how, but I like having it to keep track of where I’ve been and what I’ve done.”

Mik stopped flipping the pages at a very shaky sketch of the Golden Gate Bridge, smiling at the memory of when he first saw the structure. Turning his attention back to the man in front of him, he wondered aloud “I’m Mik, by the way. So, do you really like reading or something? You seem a bit critical of my journaling.”

Nathan just nodded as he listened to the boy try to explain his thoughts. He seemed a bit odd to him, but Nathan was somewhat fascinated by the way he thought to a point where he was actually very interested, despite his critical comments. “Are you meaning to say that you’re more like the geese or the winter then?” he asked, hoping to gather more of an insight as to why the poem he previously saw made any sense.

His question had him smiling though. “Call me Nathan,’ he replied with a grin before continuing. “I’m a writer too, but I typically write songs. I guess you could say I’m just cynical of poetry that doesn’t seem to connect with a believable picture. The more it connects with people as a  whole, the more people are gonna buy it. For me, that’s something I need if I want to be a recording artist some day,” he finished with a shrug and a smug grin. “Are you pursuing writing at all?” he asked curiously.

“Sure,” she entertained.

Meghan saw the smirk on his face. She knew what game he was playing at. It was all the same with these little fuck boys that thought they knew exactly what she needed. Henry had been the last and look where that got her. That landed her here working for Hayden Dark.

“If you’re into that,” she said, matching his smirk with her own.

But Meg was not. She wasn’t looking to be safe at all. She was looking for death. But still, she played along.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” he smirked, also taking a step closer to her. “Though... considering some of the things I’ve heard about lately, I have a feeling that no one’s gonna kill an anticipating target. You’d have more luck if you just ignore him,” he finally confessed.

Felix unzipped his sherpa jacket as he adjusted to the warmth in the bar and settled into his seat. Nerves flaring up as he tapped a small object lightly against the smooth marbled counter. He didn’t understand what drew him to enter the Poor Unfortunate’s Club, but Felix rationalised it was to escape from the biting cold outside. Flipping the small bronze coin between his fingers as he settled himself in the unfamiliar place. Instead of feeling accomplished or peaceful, when he looked at the medallion all he could think of was the shame. The disappointment he had of himself was an albatross around his neck, and one he hasn’t been able to shake since he slipped.

His brows furrowed in anger as he slammed the coin on the countertop, tired of looking at the reminder of promises broken. His emotions made him feel like he let everyone down, even though his rational mind knew he only let himself down.

Leaning over the counter, his hand sliding the coin under his crossed arms in absolution. Mumbling to himself, “To hell with this…” Making quick work of flagging down the bartender, “Excuse me! I’ll take whatever you have on tap, please.”

He’d been sitting at the counter for a while when the small man came up. Nathan had a bad habit of sizing everyone up almost instantaneously. It was like he just couldn’t help but try to immediately judge whether or not they’d be of some kind of worth to him. Honestly, until the boy spoke, he had imagined that he wouldn’t be, considering he looked like a hopeless ball of fluff without much of a backbone.

However, the moment he head the boy seem to cave into his desires, Nathan couldn’t help but smirk, having just finished his second draft himself. “That’s a pretty good pick tonight,” he told him, looking him over once more. This kid looked like he wasn’t going to walk out of here until he forgot something. “I’m having the same. What’s your reason?” he asked with a smug grin, as if that kind of question was perfectly acceptable at a bar.