beauty in the broken glass

His eyes widen just a tad like some deer caught in the headlights. Despite throwing out the invitation, he hadn't expected her to want to go now. But with his momentary pause, Julian realizes how it could look to her - like maybe he's not interested at all and had done all of this to get himself out of the uncomfortable situation. "Yes," he rushes out with those thoughts in mind. "I'd just, um, need to grab something from my place first." Quickly he thinks about what he has on him and what he doesn't. Wallet. Jacket. He's pretty sure his phone's still on his coffee table too. "I can meet you in the lobby... Unless you want to come with me to mine?"

Despite her skin afire and buzzing, nerves fluttered through her chest waiting for her friend's answer. Maybe she was asking too much? How much practice did she expect for Noemia to give her? But she can't imagine stopping here and there. Not when there's this desire building in the pit of her stomach that she doesn't want to extinguish just yet. So when she agrees, relief floods her. "Good," she breathes out. Jean blinks, eyes opening to focus on the other woman. The expression over Noemia's face nearly makes her breath catch once more, skin warming for a very different reason now. "What should I practice next?"

"We could always just never come back. Live out some grand life on another continent." Something that was completely impractical, considering she'd bet anything one or both of their parents would send somebody to drag them back home sooner than later. It didn't set the best image if somebody in your family permanently ran off, and image was everything. Ignoring the fuss around them as the flight attendants got ready for take off, she nodded at the question. "Isn't everything more fun with a bet?" At least it had been when it came to them growing up. Making everything with him some kind of competition, even if nobody other than them noticed. Lips pursing at the question, she took a moment to think over her answer. Bragging rights had been her initial thought, considering neither was exactly lacking in anything materialistic, but then something else sprang to mind. "How about the winner gets bragging rights, the loser has to take responsibility for the idea of going on vacation instead of going home? That way only one of us has to deal with irate people ranting about responsibility."

"That's not the first time I've considered it," he shrugged. "So if either of my parents decided things needed handling in France, I wouldn't exactly decline the chance." The closest he'd come to doing such a thing had been the year he'd studied abroad. But even then, it wasn't as if he was truly free of the obligations or expectations of his family. There was always someone he was bound to have to answer to. Though considering he still enjoyed most of the benefits from his privileged life, Sebastian couldn't truly complain. His eyes rolled at the conditions of the bet Ryleigh had brought up. "Seems like pretty tame stakes," he chuckled. Not that dealing with either of their parents when irate was easy. He figured either of them would not only get a long lecture about shirking their responsibilities, but also deal with being pestered with passive aggressive comments for every proceeding event for the next few months. "I think the loser should also give the winner one no-questions-asked favor to be used whenever needed."

Normalcy isn't on the cards for him. Hasn't been since that first day he'd been taken in. It doesn't mean Liam hasn't tried. The fact he's met with so much failure with each attempt is what has him questioning if it's even worth trying. His gaze falls to the bar top, their words hitting rather close to home. It's a mirror, really. He's learned not to stay someplace for too long. Even if the most remote places, somehow there's eyes everywhere still. He sets his drink down. Let's the ice swirl in his glass. "Do you have a place to stay tonight?" he asks, the offer implied despite not voicing it. Even if Lane reminds him of his past - their shared past - he wouldn't turn his back on them if they needed it. Liam chuckles and finally glances towards them. "There's plenty of things to wish for. Don't waste it on that."

Another smirk ghosted his features. A brow quirking while trying to mask his amusement to the sentiments. "Right, friends," he repeated knowingly as he took another sip of his drink. "I keep myself plenty busy, rest assured." Sebastian doesn't mind letting her take those words however she saw fit for a beat. Besides, he wasn't the one currently wearing a significant other like some leash and collar. He shrugged. "Business and everything that comes with it doesn't exactly give me much time to spend time with just anyone anyway." His head cocked to the side as if assessing the situation between the couple before him. He brought his drink to his lips once more as Esme had him read between the lines of her beloved's absence. The idea of having her all to himself for the weekend certainly was rather satisfying to hear. There were plenty of ideas playing on Sebastian's mind for what could help occupy her time - ideas that would have her forgetting there was even a Scott to go back to once the weekend came to an end. He hummed in thought. "Suggestions? Well like I said, work keeps me busy." He said it more for the benefit of said-boyfriend, not that he suspected the other man had a clue what Esme got up to when his back was turned. "I'm sure there's a few things happening in the city though. Could probably get your name on those lists if you're interested." It wasn't a lie in the slightest. There were plenty of galas or charities or dinner events being held by business partners or friends of his family that Esme could attend (on his arm) if that were the kind of thing she was interested in. But Sebastian doubted she'd want that kind of attention on them. Not if they wanted to keep doing what they were doing without rousing suspicions. "I could give you a call though, if something pops up."

"well, i didn't like - say it in front of everyone. just a couple of people involved in the whole planning part of it, but they shut me down pretty quickly." adele scoffed, shaking her head. "looked at me like i was insane actually, but i'm used to it. some think that just because i'm not as strong or experienced as them means i'm just a liability." she hated that word, and hated how many times she had heard it mentioned whenever she went on hunts, as if she was still a kid. shrugging a shoulder, the blonde looked around, unsure of how to justify her desire to help, even if it meant getting hurt. "i know. i get it. i'd probably get killed or .. worse." she chuckled, remembering the stories she'd heard about humans turned into pets for some demons. "but i don't know. i feel as if whatever we're chasing, they wouldn't suspect me, you know? i don't look like a hunter, so it'd be easy to surprise them." she sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "but you're right. i'm not sure they'd go after me. i mean, i haven't even killed one yet." she groaned, then froze at the admission. camilla was a stranger, and they could definitely use that information to discredit her to the group. "don't - don't tell anyone please. i almost did. but i couldn't. it - it looked like a kid and i didn't go through it." adele felt uneasy all of a sudden but swallowed the lump in her throat. "they weren't exactly thankful for it afterwards. killed a whole family. kinda feels like i owe those people to help with this hunt, you know?"

Camilla doesn't respond to that, eyes remaining wide instead as her brows furrowed ever so slightly. Despite the other hunters telling Adele it was a bad idea - an insane idea - they had no qualms about taking the woman's plans seriously. It sparked a few ideas for the demon, ones that would allow her to play before doing that so-called 'worse' that the hunter mentioned. Though they were quite certain with the kind of play they enjoyed putting them through, most would prefer 'the worse' if death wasn't an option they were offering. Not that they gave that special treatment to just anyone. When she mentioned that she had yet to kill one of their kind, their brow rose in feigned surprise. Though Camilla could have guessed that without the admission. The blonde didn't seem nearly tainted enough if she were some badass hunter. But they could certainly help with that if they played their cards right. "I won't tell anyone," they reassure with a nod. She frowned in sympathy even if she felt anything but. "I'd have done the same thing, you know? It's like if they ended up using the face of a loved one... Even if you know it's not them, I just can't imagine how anyone could just pull the trigger without hesitation." Pausing for a second, they glance over at the woman as if thinking their conversation over. Her mouth opened and closed quickly, pursing them together like she wasn't sure she should say anything. But of course they would. "I don't think your plan is a bad idea though... I mean, it is crazy, especially since a million things could go wrong, but I don't think there's any other ideas coming to fruition that's worked so far either... I just... Do you really think that'd work? If we used... You or anyone for that matter... As bait for this thing?"

His lips purse, jaw ticking at the question. It's another logical one to ask. Having Nolan be so thorough this lifetime would either be a blessing or a curse, not that Liam didn't have the same stakes each time anyway. He breathes out a sigh. "If you don't believe me... If you decide I'm insane and all of this is lunacy, well there isn't much to salvage after that, is there? And it's not as if I'd force you to stay." The words come out nonchalantly, but there's a sting beneath its casualty. But there's only so much hurt he can afford to deal with considering his life seems rather limitless. "I know how it sounds, Nolan." He stares at him with as much sincerity he can muster. "I wouldn't believe me either if I was in your shoes, but it is the truth. It's my truth, despite it sounding like some poorly written sci-fi novel." His head shook slightly, a shoulder shrugging. "Album isn't enough then?" There's a light laugh that accompanies the rhetorical question. "What would be proof enough for you, Nolan? Because I know that'd be easier than me trying to come up with something you might label a trick on my part."

"Oh, right," he nods. "There, uh, should be one under the sink in the bathroom." It's both odd and not, being here with her in his apartment like this. The glaring elephant in the room of them not being together is the only real thing that makes this awkward. But surely some exes managed to be okay around one another. Some even managed to be friends - not that he's claiming he needs to be friends with Eva... But not concerning himself every time he left or got home would be nice. Though there's plenty of nice things Julian wishes would be since discovering who his neighbor is. He sips his own drink, the action filling the otherwise uncomfortable silence. A silence he wouldn't mind typically, but he knows she might. Julian shakes his head. "No, you weren't," he reassures. "I didn't have any plans, so..." He shrugs. "But if this had happened yesterday, then you probably wouldn't even have caught me at home yet, so guess you lucked out on that." Pausing a beat, he takes another sip of the cocoa before asking. "Does this hinder any plans for yourself?"

“oh? so it’s not a no, then. i could really be your type.” it’s not so much of a question as is a musing, taking notes of his reactions and responses to her brazen flirting. moving from her spot her eyes glance around her walk-in closet, losing focus on the camera and letting it drop to momentarily film her hello kitty-tucked slippers as she wanders about. “maybe i’m oppa’s type ~” her voice is sweet, mellifluous in her humming her own echoed words (without genuine confirmation but a girl can dream). his question lifts her brows, bringing the camera back up to her with a gentle toss of her curls over her small, exposed shoulder. “hmmmm you’re curious???” glossed mouth upturns, pearly white teeth all grinning and coy. “let’s see … i like tall men. dark hair … dresses well? his personality should be funny so i’m never bored. what else … ah —” a pause follows, pink-painted fingertip pressed to her chin as she eyes his reaction on screen. “a beard. yeah, i like bearded men.” she deliberately picks a feature he doesn’t possess, adding emphasis to her lilt. “the more beard the better! see, oppa, this is what i mean by type.” and just then she hears the front door open, must be her mother. “ah, no way .. i have to go now, oppa, but i’ll see you at the gala tonight, right??”

Yeol freezes, mouth opening and closing like he's some kind of fish. Heat rolls over the back of his neck, but he's at least grateful that color doesn't rise over his cheek as well. He's not yet completely exposed nor can Marie get an actual read on him through the screen. Though he's well aware that it'll be a different story once they're both at the gala. He can't exactly afford to be caught off guard by her when there'll be eyes watching his every move. When it's her turn to explain her type, Yeol tries not to be all ears about. But her description doesn't exactly surprise him until she mentions facial hair. His brows rise, momentarily confused - maybe simply because he half expected her to mess with him and name him right off the bat. He tries to ignore the hint of disappointment in his gut from that not occurring, and nearly finds it a relief when she says she has to go. "Oh, uh, yeah," he nods, swallowing hard. "I'll see you tonight then."

“true enough.” domhnall laughed softly, nodding in agreement. even aspiring was probably better than retired, however. well, not even retired, but fired. his police captain hadn’t outright said that domhnall was off the force, but he had heavily implied that if domhnall didn’t quit, then he’d be sacked and his reputation would be so tarnished that he wouldn’t be able to get a job as a constable back in belfast. domhnall, for his own sanity, had to believe it was better in the long run. yes, he lost his life’s purpose without his badge, but now he’d have to reconsider everything. he’d have to change his whole mindset, no longer allowed to think like a detective. he was a civilian now. a civilian on vacation—why the fuck couldn’t he enjoy it more? why did the stink of law enforcement stick around, even when domhnall didn’t want to be a detective anymore? “yeah, i thought i’d force myself into being the outdoorsy type, but…” he trailed off with a shrug.

Samantha grinned in return. It was nice being around someone not from this middle of nowhere town. No one had exactly caught her attention since arriving, but then again, that wasn't the point of this vacation of hers. Though she did have to admit that keeping to herself was awfully boring... Painfully boring. Not that she could assume it meant Domhnall would be the exact solution to that particular problem, but she couldn't help but hold some slim selfish hope that it would be the case. Because perhaps she could erase her guilty conscious by preoccupying herself with his company. It certainly sounded like a better deal than what she was doing currently. Regardless of her hopes, Sam readied herself for this being the last interaction she might have with the man. Nodded as he said he might check out the lake for himself. Without an extended invitation with his statement, her mouth opened, prepared to say, Well, hope you enjoy it... But her mouth snapped shut as he did end up asking for her company. She smiled, pleased. "I want to," she was quick to answer and wanting to put him out of what she presumed was awkward and uncertain misery. "Like I said, that's probably more productive than me day drinking." She chuckled. "I'm a bit of an early bird, so I'll most likely be ready for whenever you swing by."

it was crazy - to not only allow this conversation to happen in the first place, but to bring rory back into her life, after all these years apart? after what the blonde had done? still, ellis's conscience gnawed at her, refusing to let go of the guilt she'd held onto for all these years, and that the other's words had brought to the surface. "yes. i'm sure. it's the least i can do after .. everything." she nodded decisively, almost disappointed when her ex let go of her hand, shaking the thought off. this wasn't about them. it was about making things up to rory and allowing the blonde to get a fresh start. she nodded, a small smile on her lips at the reminder of their favorite takeout. "yeah, i remember. we can head to the drive-through on the way home. i mean, to my place." she chuckled, opening her car door and nodding for rory to get in. "let's go pick up your stuff, then food, then you can sleep on the couch and enjoy being in my presence again." she teased, wondering if it was too far, too soon, but the old habits were hard to kick, even if she hadn't seen the other in years.

Rory paused a beat before answering. As if the sentiment were too good to be true. "Thank you, Ellis," she breathed out gratefully. "Th-That means... You don't know what that means to me, so thanks." Home. Another slip-up on Ellis's part. She'd have smiled widely if she weren't busy playing into the stray that needed to be homed. Perhaps this would be easier than she initially thought. Perhaps Rory was better off betting with herself how many days it would take before Ellis invited her not only into her home but back into the other's heart. Her lips twitch in a smile, eyes warm as she stared in their direction. "Okay, sounds like a plan," she replied, getting into the woman's car. Making herself comfortable in the passenger seat, her gaze followed her ex as she too got into the car. She pulled a slip of paper from her pocket and shared it with the other woman. "Here's the, uh, address of the place. Figured I was going to forget where it was, so..." she said awkwardly as she gestured back towards the paper. "It's not exactly in the good part of town, so like I said... I'll be quick to grab my stuff."

His eyes roll at her tone. "When have you ever known me to have a crush?" he said, nearly scoffing at the implication. "Let alone on a colleague. That sounds like I'd be asking for trouble." The last thing he wants is to mix business with pleasure. He much prefers his dating life - not that he has much of one with his schedule - to be way outside of his work life. His eyes glance towards her as they both settle into his car. "I'm courteous enough to be able to listen to some people's opinions that aren't my own." Though even Simon has to admit that that doesn't happen often. He's willing to admit that he's been called by few people a snob, but he doesn't see the fault in just being particular. "According to my mother, I'm bound to die alone at this rate," he shrugs as he starts the car and takes off. "But it's not like I've been looking for anyone either."