#remi.

ANOTHER SHIFT DOWN, AND remi was beginning to feel like he was far too old for this. every inch of his bones ached. and yet, did he know any other way to get by? considering the individuals he had gained from being here -- he wouldn't chose a different path even if one was offered to him. for some reason the post-shift cigarette was hitting even harder than usual, the early november air a welcome refresh as he made some attempt to process the chaos of it all. that is, until his eyes fell on a figure across the way. even if it was dark, a few carefully placed hazy street lights are enough for him to know exactly who it was. he'd know his siblings anywhere. he had spent his entire life identifying them in a crowd, his protective stare running in his blood. " ivy? " he questions, squinting as he makes an attempt to make his vision clearer. it felt like she haunted him these days. he had gone to the army to carve something bigger for all of them, but he knew she didn't see it that way. he thought he had lost his heart a long time ago, or had simply been born without one. and yet? he could still feel it breaking in his chest. " what're y'doin' out here so late? "

"you've been blowing up my phone which means only one thing..." remi began, subtle smirk on their face. "your boyfriend hasn't been giving you enough attention, hm?"

FROM THE LOOK ON his face -- it's clear that remington is far from used to crowds like these. but one might think, oh, he works at a bar! he must be used to social situations! but the thing is, he's used to having the bar between him and the rest of the world for protection. this was different. thus, the desire to give into his compulsion to have a cigarette. when the cool air eventually does grace his face, it's grounding for him -- even if it doesn't show in his face. he's always had a tendency to remain neutral. while he expects to be alone, he doesn't ever quite allow himself to get too comfortable. he's still listening. thus, he's aware when he's approaches out of his peripheral. he won't let them know quite yet, curious wha they're here for. and yet, they continue to be silent. "listen, i know it ain't the most original costume, but at least i tried. somewhat. " remi smirks, just trying to instigate the conversation. vampire. it was what he could throw together. his fangs teasingly bare for a second before he takes another drag of his cigarette. " i'm kiddin', i'm kiddin'. can i help you? "

even if y’ever find it within you t’take back my stupid ass — i think there’s a part of me that will always wonder what it is you see in me. and that maybe, just maybe, i’ll never be the guy who’s fully worthy of you. you’re the fuckin’ sun to me, for fucks sake.

" i'm... i'm glad you're a'ight.. "

IT'S USUALLY BUSIER ON a friday night. he's used to the sound of chatter, used to vibrant conversation -- it's desolate outside of the few loyal regulars who'd tread through hellfire to get their usual glass of stout. perhaps it's why he finds himself a hair more short fused than usual, hands gripping to the bartop -- anger spiking as he hears anything out of place. he needs something to do. he's polished nearly every glass in this place, counted the boxes in the back at least twice ( or at least, it feels like it ). however, his attention caught as he notices his brother enter the establishment. " come t'cure my boredom, lil' brother? " remi smirks, arms crossed over his chest as he feels his shoulders loosen reflexively. he's not on his guard around his siblings, the one occasion where his stoicism is given no merit. maybe it's because he knows that no matter what happens, he will always have a tie to them. no matter what happens. he thinks about it a lot -- wondering if his life really is better off in isolation, the way he scares people away. but holy fuck is he bored. the kind of bored that makes you think too much. " jesus fuckin' christ -- servin' y'a beer still feels wrong. " he knows he's a fully grown adult, but he's still the youngest of them all.

FRANKLY, REMI'S PRESENCE AT this event could only be summarized in one manner: he was simply trying his best. as strong as he was, he found himself far preferring the comfort of his own home. it was far from cushy, a box more like it, but it was his. and that? that was enough for him. parties were unhealthy for him, considering the amount of cigarette breaks he felt like he needed. people could tell him to just put the cigarettes to the side and forget about them, but nah -- the party was to blame. beer bottle in one hand and a cigarette in the other, he removes the instrument from his mouth as he senses a familiar presence nearby. remington knows all of his siblings by even their presence. not even just their footsteps ( which he damn sure knows too ), but he knows that their simply nearby. his relationship with sage is different than the rest of them -- especially following the involuntary prosthetic on his leg and the medical discharge. and yet, this doesn't stop him from protecting her, caring about her just as much as the rest. " you too? " he raises an eyebrow as he exhales, smoke curling around him. " if i get my foot stomped on one more time, i just might start swingin'. "