who could ever leave me darling? but who could stay?

Abel gave a grin as she agreed. “Just one works,” he said to her before nodding up the road. “There’s a place not far up this way,” he told her. “It’s lower key. Not quite so loud.” Trusting that she would keep step with him, he began to lead the way there, watching her. She seemed so tired. Off. He had been around long enough to know that a drink wasn’t what she needed, but it was the socially acceptable segue to ‘let me take you to my place’ that he was considering offering her.

As they reached the door, Abel pulled it open for the blonde to let her in to the place. Blessedly, it wasn’t very crowded. “Do you want to sit at the bar, or a table?”

Liv didn’t really know what she was doing, but she was just...going with it. Being spontaneous for once in her life. “Sounds perfect, Sir.” She agreed with a smile, “Lead the way.” She tried her best to keep her steps matching his, finding it easier if she kept her eyes down on the sidewalk under them than looking ahead- it made it feel less like the world was spinning.

As promised, they got there soon after and she smiled as he opened the door for her, heading inside first. He was right that it was quiet--thankfully. At the question she bit her lip, thinking about it before looking up to him, “Oh um...whatever you’d like. I’m alright either way so...you pick? Please?” She tacked on the please softer at the end, almost unconscious, wanting the Dom to make the decision so it could be something she could easily go along with.

Cristian immediately apologized when he heard the items hit the ground, only to do a double take and notice it was a member of his employer’s house— who looked worse for wear. “Excuse me— it’s Olivia, yes? I’m sorry again for bumping into you like that— is everything okay?”

Originally posted by vorkin

Olivia paused in bending down to grab her things when she heard her name and she looked up, confused for a moment before it clicked into place. She recognized him from the House meetings they’d had. He worked for the Duchess. “I..yeah. Yeah that’s me. And..it’s alright. I know it wasn’t on purpose.” She managed a little smile, humming softly. “Oh, yes. Of course, everything’s fine! Just...a bit frazzled I guess. Nothing to worry about.”

Felix cleared his throat a little awkwardly, “Sorry.. That was me assuming you were the person… Though it’s been thirty minutes so I suppose they aren’t showing up.” He nodded his head, “Please, take a seat. I’m just going to finish my coffee and then head out.”

Olivia shook her head, waving off the apology, “There’s nothing to apologize for. I am sorry though that whoever you were supposed to meet has stood you up. You mentioned self defense? What do you do?” She asked softly, unable to help but be curious. “But oh, no, there’s no rush! If anything I just need a place to sit long enough to put some jam on my bagel. It’s not the easiest thing to do while walking after all.”

Camille’s eyes narrowed at the reply and she pursed her lips, “You don’t look very alright if I’m honest.  You might be better to sit down for a bit.  Look there’s a cafe over there, why don’t we go and get you sat down for a bit.  I’m sure you’ll feel better after a coffee and a bit of cake, sugar is always good in bad day type situations.”

Olivia wanted to argue it; she had to pick up her daughter, had dinner to make, tidy up. She didn’t really have time... but at the prospect of cake and coffee, her stomach grumbled a bit. Clearly she was ignoring more than just one of her needs. “..Alright. But not for too long. I have my daughter to get, and like..half a dozen things still to do at home too.”

“Abel,” he said with a smile, reaching out to catch her much smaller hand. “I don’t mean to be forward, but you seem like you might need to relax.” There was something in the way she held herself. “Can I buy you a drink?” And perhaps see where it went from there.

Liv smiled as he shook her hand and introduced himself, finally giving her a name to put with the handsome face. As he spoke again though she paused, opening her mouth to respond before closing it and letting out a breath. She needed a lot more than to just relax... His offer caught her off guard then and she hesitated. “I..um...” Josie was safely with her babysitter at least. She could maybe spare a little time... “I guess just..one...if you’re sure?”

Gervais was walking back from the art gallery when he bumped into someone. "I’m sorry.” he said looking at her, she didn’t seemed very okay so Gervais moved to grab her key and wallet from the floor. “Are you alright?” He asked

At least he stopped and apologized. But still, the way it made Olivia’s head throb and the world feel like it was spinning a bit definitely wasn’t okay. She tried to ignore it though. To focus. She licked over her lips, biting down on the bottom one as she nodded. “I-I...yeah. Yes..I’ll be okay.” She assured softly, hoping it was believable enough as she took her things from him and put them back into her bag.

“Only in passing,” he told her. “But you have a memorable enough face that I didn’t forget it. It was just a brief exchange about the weather.” Giving a small laugh, he shook his head. “I really don’t talk to enough people.”

This time when she smiled, it was more genuine, and she tried not to think about the throbbing between her eyes as she nodded, “Well, I’m glad I have a memorable face. And...you’re talking to me now? So so far, so good.” She assured easily as they righted themselves. She had to look up to maintain eye contact, the same little smile still on her face as she held her hand out. “I’m Olivia. Figured it’s about time you at least know my name.”

Camille hated having to go grocery shopping, she would happily live off take out and eating out but apparently that wasn’t grown up enough, or something like that.  She had only just come out when she spotted someone appear to stumble followed by a clatter.  Rushing over Camille bent down to help the woman pick things up. “Here you go, are you alright?” she asked as she handed over the keys.

Olivia’s head was already spinning enough before she was rudely jostled and now had to bend down. Before before she could finish trying to safely grab her things, another hand was there, passing her her keys. “Oh--thank you.” She dropped them into her bag, letting out a long breath. “Yes. I’m alright. Just...not having a good day. Clearly. Thank you, again.”

Abel was running late, but he wasn’t running so late that he didn’t stop when he saw someone rudely jostle a submissive as she walked. He had met her briefly on the street before, if he recalled correctly. Rolling his eyes as she was offered no apology, Abel bent to retrieve the bag, lifting it and passing it to her. “I’m sorry that happened to you, ‘Demoiselle,” he said with a gentle smile. “People are so rude.”

Originally posted by harljordan

Olivia frowned in confusion for a moment as there was suddenly a man there in her space, bending down to pick up her things before she could even think to. She blinked, slowly taking her bag from him when he offered it. And then he was apologizing. As if he were the one to have hit her instead of being the one that was helping. “Oh um..no, it’s alright.” She crouched down then to help pick up the rest of her things, ignoring the way her head pounded particularly as she dropped down to the ground. “You shouldn’t be apologizing when you’re the one who’s helping in the first place.” she assured before looking over at him. She realized she vaguely recognized him and shot him a soft smile. “But thank you. Really. I appreciate it. And...I know you? I think? I feel silly for not remembering though...”

Felix flipped open the book he had with him, checking for openings in his rather tight schedule. “Looks like I can fit someone else Monday or Thursday nights. My sessions are an hour and generally I recommend taking the self-defense courses for at least six weeks.”

@bretonstarters​

“Um...sorry?” Olivia asked, tilting her head a bit before she let out a laugh. She looked around the packed cafe, biting her lip before shooting the man a bashful little smile, “I’m sorry. I..guess you’re supposed to be meeting someone? I just came by to ask if you wouldn’t mind sharing the table for a few minutes. I haven’t seen any other empty seats. But I’m sorry to bother.”

A bright smile spread across his face as Josie hugged him. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there last time, kid.” He hugged the little girl back. He claimed her wasn’t a fan of children but that was a lie. “I’ve been so busy I’m hardly around. School has me so busy but I’m glad to see you two.” He stated, turning to his cousin next to him. “How have you been?”

Olivia let Josie ramble for a few minutes to her uncle, clearly excited to see him after a long while. Liv settled beside them, watching Josie content to sit right up against him, pulling an unimpressed look at school. “She’s not the biggest fan of her preschool teacher telling her what and when to read.” she explained with a laugh, running her fingers through her daughter’s hair. “I’m good! We’re both good. Lots of work, but thankfully Fliss takes care of her a few nights a week for me, which is helpful. Hopefully for you school hasn’t been too stressful?”

@oliviaxstephan​

“Here we are, darling girl.” Once it had become abundantly clear that Sarai was ill-equipped to have her own children - or even a relationship that lasted longer than a year or two before collapsing - she had determined to be a good auntie to the various children in the Nantes house. Olivia’s request for Sarai to take Josie to the library for a little while had been one she fulfilled eagerly, and found she was a little disappointed to be returning to Olivia’s home. But she knocked briskly, turning to smile down at Josie before Olivia opened the door. “We have returned, with quite the selection of books. I think Josie was quite happy, weren’t you?”

With Josie safely with Sarai for a few hours, Olivia had time to herself to tidy up the apartment and get some grocery shopping done along with some other errands. And since she knew how much her cousin loved children, so it was a win/win all around. She had just gotten a start on dinner when she heard the knock and she headed over, grinning brightly as Josie barreled into her legs with an excited ‘Mommy!’ Liv laughed, crouching a bit to hug her before smiling as them both, “You didn’t rent out the whole library did you?” She asked teasingly, running her fingers through her daughter’s soft blonde hair before ushering her inside. She leaned in then to kiss Sarai’s cheek in greeting, waving her in as well, “Thanks for taking her for a few hours, I appreciate it. I hope she behaved the whole time?”