Stranded

With ties to his drug handler lacerated Elias has been going on an emotional rampage. He’s running out of supplies and he’s been experiencing more withdrawal symptoms than ever. He’s restless, unable to stay still or even concentrate on getting through his day with the shakes his whole body has been enduring. He’s managed to have a shot today out of pure shit luck thanks to a friend who had felt pity for his desperation but he knows he can’t rely on them forever. With a heavy huff through his nose, Elias crouches on a sidewalk and hugs himself even when the air is not all that frigid just yet. His blonde strands fall over his eyes but he gazes through and sees that someone has been staring at him. “What?” He snaps. “Can you fuck off? Find someone else to ogle at. Dumbass.” 

Assuming Carter was on his way to redemption would be an exaggeration but the ex felon had worked himself to be a much quieter person now-adays. It had almost been a year since he got released from parole and he had been keeping himself lowkey even with his sulky attitude or even bad temper. He worked at at a construction and kept it mostly to himself so people would not start questioning about his past. Sometimes he felt like the blood was still staining his hands. The murder he had done out of anger because someone had taken away his child. He had served and appealed to the fucked up system now he just wanted to be left alone. He was getting better at controlling his rage only shaking his head when this small young man snapped at him. “I wasn’t staring at you. Relax.” Was his only answer. “Just needed to find a quiet place for a smoke.”

Through the haze of the alcohol and whatever the hell people were smoking in the bar probably, it took a while for Apollo to comprehend what the stranger had said. It hit him a millisecond later and God Apollo just had the worst luck finding people to talk to. This was why he never really tried in the first place. “Knife through the heart, huh,” he mused, going for casual and probably missing it by a long shot. “Wonder if that’ll work on mine.” He wasn’t sure if his half hearted joke was done in poor taste, but whether or not the stranger was kidding, Apollo knew he shouldn’t judge. He helped his family go through worse cases and met even more heinous criminals along the way. Granted he never really bothered them enough at a bar with all his moping, but Apollo was, if not, a sucker for new experiences. Drunk Apollo was, for sure, but he liked to think Sober Apollo would be, too. Signaling the bartender for another round of whiskey, Apollo wondered what he got himself into. “Don’t need to tell me your name if you don’t want to,” he offered. “I’d like to know your story, though." 

Carter couldn’t contain his laughter. “Works everytime on anyone.” His adoptive father was his first kill but he had done a bunch of crimes ever since most of them involved heavy violence and people getting badly hurt. He didn’t think he was any better now he still had that hunger to hurt someone but he wanted to keep a facade because prison life had been horrible to him. He didnt know if the guy was joking either but if paid right Carter would probably be willing to pull off some string to orchestrate a criminal activity or two. He smiled when another round of whiskey was given to him. He chuckled and shook his head. “What story? There isn’t much to tell. I was abandoned as a child by my real parents. They didn’t want me I guess. I was adopted by people who treated me like garbage. I got angry then. Violent. One day I thought I’ve had enough and make him suffer to his death. I was in prison for years.” He said shrugging. “What’s your story pretty boy?”

Fingertips play with the condensation on the glass, the ice diluting the drink inside. There are crowds around, none of them paying the least bit attention to the man sitting alone at the bar. Apollo never drank, not really, but his father’s latest call put him at such a sour mood, drinks were well deserved. A stranger sits at the stool next to him, the loneliness getting the best of him and letting his lips fall loose with the woes of his day. “You know what sucks,” he starts, not caring that he’ll probably make a fool of himself. “Why can’t people just mind their own fucking business, you know? Why do people have to start rumors and why do fathers have to fucking believe them instead of, I don’t know, asking their sons first?” Downing the liquid amber in one gulp, he signals the bartender for another. “You want anything? I’m buying. Apparently that’s all I’m good for,” he sneers, turning to face the unlucky person who had to hear Apollo feel sorry for himself. “I’m Apollo. Not that you’re asking, but just so you don’t think I’m some kind of creep.”

Carter.... He never really knew his real family. He grew up adopted and surrounded by a bunch of people who treated him like he was trash. His upbringing made him turn very volatile and as it turned out the violence never once ended even as he grew up. He had to be jailed for five years for that reason and released on parole a year ago. He was getting freedom now but everywhere he looked he felt like someone was going to criticize him or put him back in the prison. He was wary when the stranger started talking to him. He was a little annoyed but he tried to keep his short temper at bay. “I never knew my dad. Had an adopted one and I pierced a knife through his heart.” He didn’t care if he would believe him or not but Carter was casual when he had to talk about his crimes now. No one would stick around anyway might as well push them away from the very beginning. “You know. Get me drunk enough or at least another round of whiskey then I might tell you my name.” He said with a low sigh rumbling. He didn’t know why people could act so friendly like he did.

“Q   U   I   C   K !   i   need   you   to   pretend   like   we’re   dating   for   the   next   like…5   minutes!   a   creep   from   grindr   has   been   STALKING   me   and   he’s   here   and   just   PLEASE.   i’ll   repay   you   with   cuddles,   kisses,   alcohol   or   d.   all of   the   above.”

Carter frowned at the request. He wasn’t one to fulfill some stranger’s wishes but he felt himself getting a bit trapped by the circumstance. He was hungry and he had forgotten to bring his wallet with him. He was a little too lazy to head back what with the tennants that had been irritating him afterall. He sighed and wrapped his strong arm around him. “Only if you swear to give me lunch after this.” He said gruffly as he looked around trying to put on his best act when the time came for it. 

Sleep was but a myth to Violetta. It had never been something that came easily to her. Not since she was sixteen. Not since she started sleeping in the same bed as a sociopath. Not since he had died. She had since moved herself to another room, another bed, in some poor attempt at fixing her issues. However, her sleep was simply a symptom of things the woman refused to acknowledge or deal with. There was no time. Not in her mind.

Even now, she had a black coffee in one hand and a student’s essay in the other.  She essentially was working two full time jobs. So, any spare bit of time was spent doing things like this. Her attention was focused solely on the essay in her left hand, already listing a long array errors. Poor kid. He really was trying. Her thoughts however, were violently interrupted by her collision with another, her coffee spilling over her papers as well as both her and the other unfortunate soul. “Blyad’. I’m so sorry. I didn’t even- I didn’t even see you.” Well, clearly.

Letting out a rather loud groan Carter winced when he felt hot liquid splash over his clothes. The ex felon curled his hands into a ball as he tried to control himself and not do anything stupid like instinctively striking back for example. He instead kept his balance. His jaw was shut as he looked over the person who apparently had her papers ruined now. Serves her right, he thought but he didn’t want to say the thought outloud. “Watch where you’re going.” He said grimly. He had never been kind to strangers and he didn’t plan to start anytime. He was hostile ninety nine percent of the time and he had no issues with it. “Great..... my shirt’s fucking ruined now.” He said as he brushed his fingers over his top.

Stella was not in the mood today to deal with anyone’s bullshit, especially not a moody man who didn’t want to share space. “Tough fucking luck. I want to sit here,” she said, putting her bag down and pulling out her laptop. She almost said ‘just ignore me’ but she wasn’t someone to ignore. She made herself known and thats how she liked it.

Carter rolled his eyes. He could literally tear her to pieces if he wanted to but he was trying to maintain his good behavior especially after finishing his parole. Of course some snobbish kids had to come here and act like they owned the place. “Fuckin’ kids..” He said under his breath. He wanted to make a scene but instead he fiddled with his smoke and blew it in her direction. “Don’t fuckin’ know manners no more.”

Thankfully, the staredown that he’s giving Seth seems to be working, as well as his curt answers. Seth may be ruthless but he isn’t someone to cause a public scene with so many people around with the holidays. He may be above the law at times, but he’s not stupid. The tug on her hand is harsher than she would like, leading her to wonder if she’s about to leave with someone who’s just as bad as Seth. There’s no time to dwell on it right now, getting up and following him out of the shop, her heels clicking softly as she stepped outside. When they were far enough away, she put her hand on his arm to slow them down, turning to him. “Thank you,” she spoke gratefully, having enough common sense not to throw in any rude comments for what he did for her. Hell, he likely saved her ass from her former boss. “I’m so… sorry I dragged you into that and I’m really sorry to ask- is there any chance you could walk me to a friend’s or…? I don’t want him to think I live alone, and he will fucking follow me.” Her words are cautious but firm, her chocolate brown eyes focusing on his and gesturing toward him. Kiera did promise that she would do anything that he wanted in return for the favor; with men, it’s safe the assume what most women in her situation would assume he’d want in return, yet feeling it would be wrong to put him in a box after that ordeal. “I did say I’d do anything though. So if you… you know, do want to go back to your place and shit…” Her shoulders shrugged, reaching into her clutch for one of her discreet business cards. Sometimes the escorting on the side pays off. “My number… Can I ask your name?”

Carter tsked under his breath. “You’re asking a lot.” There was a part of him the natural hostile one that wanted to just shut her up and leave her there by herself but instead he just rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “I’m not going to bring you to my place, that sounds like I’m just asking for more disaster to happen.” He said. He knew men like the one she talked about. They were relentless and the last thing Carter wanted to happen was to drag this problem exactly where he lived when he just wanted to be left by himself. “There’s an ugly bar that an old friend of mine owns. It’s a pretty shady place but it’s quiet, has a bad rep so no one really goes there. Stick around there if you don’t want him to reach you. I have some bussiness that I need to attend too but I’ll have to leave later.” He shrugged. He didn’t accept her card as he didn’t expect to see her again after this. “It’s Carter, that’s all you gotta’ know.” He reached his car. “Are you in or not?”

This guy wasn’t fucking around, that much was clear. The way his voice was laced with venom and the look that he gave him was unpleasant; unfortunately for him, he was accustomed to dealing with so many guys like him on a regular basis. Seth wasn’t backing down so easily, not when he’s so close to the prize. “Really now?” he inquired, quirking a brow at the man in question, planting his hands on the table and raising his eyebrows, “Where’d you two go to dinner? What’s her name?” If this guy can give legitimate answers, then it’s better to back off. Easier to identify him to the police if he gets suspicious.

Internally, she’s freaking out. Outside, she had managed to gain her composure and return to her original icy disposition, her hands subtly disappearing under the table to locate her phone and blindly type her name. Hopefully, it would be somewhat coherent. She needed to use her real name this time, which she really didn’t want to do- hiding under her fake name would only serve for Seth to provoke this guy. Kiera. Nudging the phone into his lap and grabbing onto his hand with both of hers to make it seem convincing, the redhead smiled at him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks again for dinner, baby. Maybe we should go back to your place tonight since I’m just visiting your family in the city.”

Carter didn’t want her help if he had to admit the whole truth but he might have needed it if he wanted to stay away from parole all over again. He had just been discharged and it would not be difficult to track or throw him back into the cell. As much as he wanted to do this the easy way by knocking the guys head he knew he needed to somewhat control the way he acted toward people. It’s hard frankly, he was adapted to volatile situations and would rid of them without trouble if he was allowed to have his way. Alas he couldn’t. Not in public and not like this. When his hand was touched Carter hesitated, trying not to flinch. But he glanced down to see what he assumed to be her name. “What Kiera and I had for dinner is none of your bussiness, I’d back the fuck up now if I were you.” He mustered a fake smile. It didn’t reach his eyes but he was trying. “What are you? Her creepy ex? Get the fuck over yourself. Man up and leave her alone.” Oh how he wanted to push him. It would be so nice to hear the crack of his skull as he breathed his last breath. He tugged on her hand harshly. “Come on. Let’s get back.”

There was a certain sense of apprehension that filled the air that day for the redhead from the moment she got out of bed. Kiera couldn’t explain it or fathom it, why she felt so anxious today than she did normally, like she should be guarding herself extra for the day. In fact, she thought about calling into work and using one of her sick days- something she never did. No matter what, she would come into work when she was supposed to and when she was asked. Kiera was loyal and rarely sickly. Against her gut instinct screaming at her not to leave her apartment, she brushed it off as age-old paranoia rising inside her like a venom, deciding to take a walk before her shift started and ending up in one of the corner shoppes that were suited with tables for the patrons that sat down to eat, browsing the menu while trying to convince herself into an appetite- a little something to fill her empty stomach. Until someone entering the shop caught her eye, anyway. That apprehension immediately grew tight like a death grip around her lungs when she saw him. The devil himself, the bane of her existence, the person she’s been running from for the past five fucking years. Here, of all places. Turning her head away sharply to try and avoid being immediately recognized, she moved quickly to one of the tables where someone was sitting alone and planted herself down beside them, keeping her head low and saying in a soft, hurried voice, “If you can pretend to be like- my fucking date or a friend, that would be fucking fantastic. I will do whatever you want, I swear. I just need to make sure that man over there doesn’t fucking think I came alone.” Or he’ll follow her. He’ll lure her out, like the rat in the cage, and who knows what he’ll do to her if he corners her by herself.

Hailing from Las Vegas on a business trip to the city during the ripe holiday season, that was meant to be the extent of his endeavors. Go to the meeting, stay in the hotel, head back to his black market-laced empire. At least, until one of his private investigators gave word that a certain someone was hanging around the city. That certain someone being the best worker he’s ever had that escaped his grasp, the high-roller, the money-maker. She was sly as a snake, the ivy viper, for wiggling her way out even after he was certain to have put her in her place. Thus far, he hasn’t found where she lives but he did find her place of employment. And it just so happens that on his way there, he caught a glimpse of red hair walking along across the street from him and entering the corner shop, sending him in her direction. Kiera is still valuable after all this time- despite all her feisty energy, it’s something that can be used. It didn’t take him long to find her by that red hair of hers that made her look like Ariel out of some Disney fairytale she’s unmistakable, no matter what name she’s hiding under, waltzing up to the table and putting on his best press release smile, addressing her. “Oh! There you are, I thought I’d never find you. Do you mind if I steal her away? We kind of have a thing to get to.”

While Carter might have been nothing but a former felon never in his entire life had he ever taken a liking in hurting women. He had always been fond of his mother and had committed acts to protect her and he was going to do the same to others if it was necessary. He had a horrible criminal record but he was never ever afraid of getting his hands dirty all over again. He wasn’t a nice guy to be around he knew that but his intentions had not always been bad. His strict rule of no hitting or hurting females stood high. The ex criminal was sipping his coffee when the woman seated herself next to him. He gave her a glare that pretty much told her to leave her alone but then what happened next was enough to warrant a frown on his face. He looked up at the man and shook his head. “We were just about to leave. We just had our dinner and I’m sure she’s exhausted now. Some other time?” He replied as quietly as he could be but his voice was filled with venom.