benny knew he told the gorgon no a million times and yet always knew when it was coming. it was actually kind of nice, having someone that saw something in his passion and efforts, regardless of the surliness that came from him whenever she began again. this night was different, though. when she called about needing help with something, he knew it was a rouse; a way to get him in private so she could start her nonsense. ❝ don't even start with whatever bullshit you came up with, ❞ he gives her a pointed look while walking in, carrying a couple of bags. ❝ actually, you can. ❞ there's a glint of mischief in the shifter's eyes, wondering what she had to say, this time, anyway. ❝ but, while you give your little speech, i'm cooking and you're eating. that, or i'll go. ❞

aurora reminded jaime of his sisters and he fucking hated it. annoyingly trying to get him to do things with her — for her. he'd scowl whenever she walked into the back of spell & bourbon — where he was currently plating a couple of desserts for a table. but it was always fun to get to do something a little more experimental. he'd never give them the satisfaction of making his work there official though. ❝ were you at the firehouse today?, ❞ asked while handing over the plates to a server waiter and telling them to be careful. ❝ i swear you don't stop. ❞

while portum was in disarray, the shifter hadn't seen the wolf that much. or many others, really. but everyone was going through something. since the bonfire things had been as close to normal as it could be. he walks into hallowed grounds and sees her drawing. after getting his coffee, benedicto sits at the table next to theirs so he has to look over their shoulder to see what they're drawing today. it'd been a while. ❝ que milagro, ❞ he cracks a smile and leans a little more. ❝ what are you working on? ❞

the fair was pretty busy, portum falling into some sort of rhythm again, people out and about more and more often. pick pocketing was a lot harder with supernaturals, but the distractedness of those at the fair was making for a decent night. benny was way more noticeable than the banshee, but he had the advantage of his heightened senses to help him and finds kanda when he had a few things to show and tell. ❝ get anything good?, ❞ asked after turning over his own findings.

the tree the owl spent many nights perched upon provided some shade for the shifter during the day while he sat and read, tossing some chips at a nearby squirrel that kept approaching. he was refraining from striking up a convo with the thing, even though it wouldn't leave him alone. until a shadow made it scurry off and benny looks up, brows tugged together. ❝ watch it! you almost stepped on ... , ❞ but it was gone already. the shifter sucks his teeth. ❝ never mind. ❞

the soccer ball is easily moved between his feet while walking, heading to the park after work. he hears a voice and turns, recognizing one of his favorite marks people to lift from. she made it so easy, always trying to feed him peanuts. but benny keeps walking, ignoring the calls until she catches up. ❝ no hablo ingles, ❞ he says, bouncing the ball up into his hands and tucking it under his arm. ❝ scuse me, ❞ with no accent as he walks around her, making his lie even more obvious.

benny sees the text from cam and goes out front, bringing a plate with him and setting it in front of cameron when spotting them at the counter. ❝ alright, whaddaya got for me? ❞ he hands her the burger and fries, waiting with a curious grin. a necklace is pulled out of his pocket and he hands that over as well. it was a silly, but fun competition — one he would argue was unfair given the hybrid's dual magic, but he had previously done it professionally, so he wouldn't count himself out. ❝ picked it up yesterday. i think there's magic in it, actually. ❞ but the half witch would know better than him.