#doveds

if he didn't want to have these awkward run in with people anymore, then he was either going to have to move or change careers. tyler and his own boss at the firm seemed to love exploiting the relationships and connections he already had with others. "next time, negotiate part of the earnings as their salary. it can help offset the costs right away." not that adrien should be giving her advice, but he couldn't help it. "if you must, then please, go at it. that way i can cut one straight part out and then we can get to business." his lips pressed together as his left hand shot up to scratch the back of his neck. something about jordana being on the other side of the table was doing things to him. making him fidget and move around where he normally would have been overly confident. "just like that?" he expected more of a delay, but he wasn't going to question it too much. he handed her his pen and his eyes darted down to her hand, waiting for her to sign. "i don't have a stick up my, you know. like i said, i'm just here to get this signed and then i'll be on my way."

the festivities of the holidays and the fact that he was alone had caught up to marcus. his closest friends all had their partners while he had devoted his time to his business -- something he was extremely proud of. but now all he wanted was someone around to spend time with. that was when he stumbled upon the website intended for these sorts of arrangements. after making his profile, he scoured the list of people that had potential for a match, landing on this one person that sparked his interest. it was plain and simple. he wanted companionship, they needed money. so he decided to send them a message, attempting to be as bold as he could be for an opening message. marcusw: Something tells me that we might just be a perfect match.

it had been a couple of months since "the world ended", sebastian had mourned a lot of losses and so had she. he watched her as she walked beside him, he gave her a little soft reassuring smile, but there was a sadness behind it. the biggest loss they had in common was his daughter. she was her best friend and he had told himself he couldn't save his daughter, he would at least save her and keep her safe. they had been walking for a long time, not just today but for the past couple of months. trying to find other survivors, but they had been out of luck this far. he let out a sigh as he spotted a house as they walked along the road. "let's stay there for the night." he told her as they made their way to the house. sebastian went inside first to check out before giving the all clear to her. "i checked the shower, it has water. they must be on their own system since the house is so far out from anything else. i don't know much water there is, but you go ahead and i'll make do with whatever is left."

"tell me what you want. what you need... i can't work with silence."

smile lingered on his lips as he settled down into the couch, acting as if he really was tired from the day he'd spent at work. alexei had glanced again at the string of texts she'd sent him before he walked through the door, her cheek kiss greeting prompting him to lock the phone once more and do away with it. he was patient, he'd pay her back for the torture soon enough. "come 'ere." he murmured to her, interrupting whatever she'd been saying as he hooked a hand around her thigh, tugging her towards him. in a swift motion, he had her in his lap, a hand inching her dress up. "lay down. you can keep talking about your day."

"sure, i might be a pathetic excuse of a man but i'm pathetically in love with you!"

"thought i was pretty clear that i didn't want you coming here."