#sofia dorran

If your Returning Visitor doesn't have a green thumb (or much patience), S would still smile subtly and get to work for you to enjoy the fruit (or not) of their labor. Although, you should expect some dry teasing about getting them water, please, or them asking what you're adding to this process when lingering by them near the planter, your hands dirt free. (They actually love that you want to stay near. 💙) In the end, this is rewarding and long-lasting.

_ _ _

The epitome of elegance, R. Verner has at least two dozen different floral arrangements for you in mind based on what you've shared, floral meanings, aesthetics, and your relationship's progress. They want it to be perfect! 🥺 As an heir, they're acutely aware of what certain gestures can signal to someone else, which factors into their thinking early on in romance when trying to navigate how much they feel for you versus what's been instilled from Verner, bloodline teachings. Naturally, R's attention to detail influences why this means more to them than most anyone else in... town? The world? The universe?

But it's unquestionably out of care for you!

That's why they scrutinize and review any potential bouquet even if their typical, professional florist has been standing there for over an hour, just lingering and then staring when R's cat strolls over to seemingly weigh in by sniffing the flowers or batting at others in what feels like rejection. He's slicing through petals? 😼 (Dw, the florist is getting paid more than enough.) R approves every facet of your flowers to ensure it conveys their love and hopefully brings you happiness. They gift them more often if you enjoy them, reading into your reactions and smiles, but always delivering the gift themself is their first choice. Second, would be with a card that bears their signature and a private note.

_ _ _

There is no 'arrangement', 'price point', or set 'theme', when it comes to J. Corvin's flowers for you.

Sentimentality overrules everything with J hand-picking blooms for you in a very natural and heartfelt manner, such as when they're on a hike and come across a beautiful meadow or if they're visiting the farm and collect some of the wild forget-me-nots that grow around the land. It's unlikely for them to consider consulting a florist or being pulled in by one of Fernweh's lush floral carts during Spring. They're the type to do this year round, no special occasion needed. Because you're often on their mind, J is prone to seeing you, or what might bring you joy, in what's around them. They're at home in nature, which influences the presentation of hand-selected flowers bound by twine (or what they had on hand) or floral cuttings in a mason jar, so rustically beautiful and not over the top.

(Practically might also spur J to give you a bundle of evergreen clippings if you like the scent or something useful. I could see them gifting you herbs from A's garden too. 🌲)

_ _ _

Rarely would Mal directly hand you a bouquet, preferring to leave a flower in places you least expect it, but then you'll realize it's from them, if not theirs for you. 💞

That's what they want: your mild surprise or confusion shifting into recognition that leaves them deeply satisfied.

Did you need for there to be a snapdragon in the fridge when you were looking for juice? Nope, but it was sitting proudly near the bottle you were after, possibly hardening itself for the winter in order to survive. Regardless, you will spare it from the cold, placing it in a small, glass cup, or better yet, behind your ear or in your front pocket. While Mal has their unexpected floral 'game', you'll win (score?) later when they see you with their snapdragon and can't keep from holding you close for the rest of the night (or ending it early to take you back to their loft.)😏 

_ _ _

Turn The Page becomes a place of safety and comfort. Alexander's Special design makes the word ‘comfy’ take a physical appearance. Soft sound of music is turned off, letting the group of friends enjoy some tea or coffee or water depending on their preferences. It remains a pleasant environment where the sound of pages turned makes a person relax, sinking into the softness of the couches. 

At this moment, the group of friends discuss a variety of topics, but something comes up in one man’s head. A curious inquiry to discuss while the mood is light and the laughter lingers in the air. 

"So," Verner begins, leaning back against the cushions on the couch. Interest flickers in his blue eyes, a Cheshire-like smile gracing his face as he looks between Beckett and Zarina. "How was Hawke outside of Fernweh?" 

There is a moment of silence instead of an immediate answer. Beckett looks at Zarina, hands reaching for the fabric of his hoodie to play with when being put on the spot. He seems unsure to answer based on his personal knowledge, waiting if Hawke will answer herself. 

It’s her story, not his. 

He doesn't want to interrupt her and he knows she can explain it better... until he's explicitly the one who's been asked. But his name wasn't mentioned. Not yet. Hawke doesn’t show that she wants to hear his response either, stopping from checking out the book she picked up. 

Zairna does respond, right when James takes a sip of his coffee. 

"I was, as our mutual friend Stevie would say," she turns a page of the book she's been checking out, not glancing up at the group. 

And yet, for some reason, Warrick's face reflects an understanding that turns into subtle comedic horror as if he knew exactly what's going to be said. Eye widening slightly, mouth opening to prevent his friend from uttering what their mutual friend has spoken so often about. 

It's too late. 

The next words are said with a subtle yet ironic smile on Hawke's face. "A hoe-hoe-hoe."

COUGH! 

"Detective Corvin!?" 

Said detective seems to have gotten coffee in the wrong pipe as he starts to cough, bringing Beckett to immediately offer a water bottle to help him with the fit. The coughing is joined by the laughter of Reese. What an unapologetic one that is, but how real it is as well. 

Sofia smiles, holding back a snort while looking at Zarina with an amused raise of an eyebrow:

“Really?”

Hoe-hoe-hoe, she says. It could’ve been even more comically funny if she said it during the Christmas season. 

Poor James takes the water with gratitude, clearing his throat while trying to stifle the next couple of coughs. Verner is having the time of his life by moving closer to get out more questions when Hawke looks up with a smirk on her face. There must be more stories to tell if she’s willing to describe herself in such ways. 

The look on Warrick’s face is now more of an exasperated and just a bit embarrassed. He doesn’t exactly enjoy such descriptions of her, knowing the history behind such … descriptions used.

“Let’s just say, I loved being the center of attention as a child and it got me to be the center of attention outside of Fernweh as well,” Zarina explains without losing her small smile. As she glances at Beckett, her gaze softens just enough to show that she is alright with explaining to everyone what she means. Warrick’s shoulders slump a bit more, certain tension leaving his body as he is all too aware of how time before return affected his best friend.

“You were a pain as a kid, Zarina, if anyone would want to get on top it’d be you.” Sofia rolled her eyes good-naturedly, huffing out a soundless laugh. 

“Why, thank you, Sofia. I guess my rivalry with Reese got me into being extra competitive with other people.” 

“You are welcome, Hawke. The pleasure is all mine.”

For a moment, Beckett lets out a chuckle, which brings the attention of the blue-eyed heir to him for a moment but he only sheepishly rubs the back of his neck.

“Wow, just like I said, huh, Bee?” Zarina brings the attention back to herself, causing Verner to leave the photographer alone for a short bit. He won’t forget that chuckle. “When we first reunited, I said that’s something you’d say and lo and behold.” 

At those words, Reese playfully rolls his eyes and huffs, but a smile still remains on his face. Sofia approaches closer, deciding to join in on the conversation. 

“So, what is the reason behind such a colorful description?” 

James approaches too, finally no longer coughing and thanking Beckett for the water bottle that now seems to be half-way gone. Everyone gathers together for a fun story on what was happening outside of Fernweh for the one who just recently returned. 

When Warrick looks at Hawke, she smiles back at him and pats the spot next to her and he immediately settles down in comfort of a familiar person. He always does this, doesn’t he? Offer his presence and support when he knows the topic may be tough to discuss no matter what brave fronts are shown. 

“Well, first of all, I worked as a radio show host,” she begins, earning a flurry of different impressed reactions. Beckett smiles while looking at her. There is a story behind it he doesn’t feel the need to discuss yet. 

“Worked?” 

“Yes, worked. Been doing that for a couple of years until I decided to try and go into a law school.” 

“That is a major change,” Sofia notes, curious notes are shown through her body language as well as she leans against the couch closer to where Zarina sits.

“Well, let’s just say that being as pretty as my mother and father got me an interest from modeling places. My extended family is in show businesses outside of Fernweh and,” Zarina stops as if reminded of something, closing her mouth and thinking over her next words. Such a sudden stop makes James’ gaze cloud with worry, he hasn’t heard anything about the extended family of Hawke. When Zarina resumes, his frown gets more noticeable. “Let’s just say they saw it as an opportunity to push me into the spotlight.”

“Did they treat you right?” Corvin asks, noticing the shift from Warrick’s side, a worried look in his hazel gaze giving the detective an answer before Hawke can do. 

“My extended family didn’t get along with our family in Fernweh, but the couple that decided to adopt me didn’t have children and were just neck deep in wanting to get ahead. Competitiveness seems to run in our family,” she snickers, trying to lighten up a mood by giving Verner a playful wink as a reminder of their rivalry in childhood. “So they were very intrigued by my record and my abilities when I got to them.”

She didn’t answer if they treated her right, James notices. Concern is welling up in his chest as his perceptiveness rings bells of worry inside his head. 

“Sounds like they saw you as a doll to sell out,” Reese’s words cut the discussion like the sharpest knife, bringing up to attention the unhealthy aspect of the story that seems to be taking place. Unlike many, Verner is all too aware about ambitious parents in high circles. He is a socialite, he is an heir, he is a poster child, he is a king chess piece on the board of Fernweh’s game. If there is anyone who understands the difficulties of spotlight and the dangers of ambition, it would be him. And it is him. “As someone who has a good understanding of how the business of social life works, I can only imagine the difficulties you had to go through with those who want to reach the peak by using others. Especially children. Those are the worst scum.” 

“I wanted to say the same thing. It doesn’t seem like they were kind people,” Sofia nods in agreement with Vernern’s words. “You were also in mourning…”

Zarina waves off their concerns with a gesture of her hand, letting them know it’s already in the past. 

“They gave me a year before pushing me to do anything, so we can say that was a kindness,” she shrugs, but it’s obvious her amber eyes have a dark gleam behind them. There is something she doesn’t say but it’s obvious there won’t be anything said. “Could be worse.”

Sofia notices the attention Beckett gives to Hawke, hand on his lap closed in a fist. Reese and James, on the other hand, are watching Zarina to discern her body language but they notice one thing: the readings they can do are minimal, it’s hard to see the truth. Reese is reminded of himself and his sunglasses suddenly become heavier, a reminder of how one hides their true self. James is reminded of himself and how he buries his pain under the layers of stoicness, fifteen feet deep if not more. 

“Don’t look so tense, it’s all in the past,” Zarina adds, her voice sounding all too relaxed. It’s almost eerie how laid-back she acts about this, leaning back with her hand on the armrest. “Before I met Beckett, I was not exactly a good person.”

“Rina…” 

“Oh yes, Bee, I was a fucking asshole. Still am, but a bit better, I would say!” Zarina shrugs, not looking even a bit guilty over the description she gives herself. It seems Beckett cannot deny her explanation, but it’s obvious he wants to disagree more than anything else. “Anyways, after a year outside of Fernweh, I decided that I need to become someone who won’t be abandoned. I thought since everyone forgot about me…”

The whole group frowns at the same time, tension rising in a moment as Hawke continues to explain. 

“... I would become the best in everything I can get my hands on. I would reach perfection. At that moment, I genuinely believed everyone abandoned me because I wasn’t good enough. So I needed to become someone who everyone wants in their circle.”

“You always did that when we were kids,” Reese brings it up, looking away, a frown doesn’t disappear from the heir’s face as he continues. “When we had that music recital, you were no longer having fun because Alexander stopped picking you up.”

“I remember,” Sofia continues, realization dawning. “You were repeating the periodic table by heart to impress him.”

“When you were visiting us, you were always talking about how you need to do better on your next test when you already got straight As,” James solemnly recalls, crossing his arms and looking down. “My mother always told you to not overwork yourself.”

“Was I really that pathetic?” A sudden question rings from the ashen haired visitor, which causes Beckett to raise his hand and place it on Zarina’s shoulder. The expression on her face was blank as she asked it, an amber gaze getting cold and almost emotionless but a touch from Warrick and a blink would return the familiar light into them. “Hah, I thought I was better than that.”

“You were a kid who wanted her happy days back,” Sofia comments, shoulders relaxing as she puts what others were thinking in an easier way of describing. Usually introverted with a book on her lap, Dorran now studies her childhood neighbor and sees the cracks that haven’t fully healed. But at the same time, she also sees the newfound changes that may or may not be positive. Like a broken bone, if it’s not correctly healed - it will become a disfigured mess. “You can’t call yourself pathetic over wanting your family back together.” 

Perhaps, Hawke didn’t come out as unscathed as she seemed to be confident in her own presence. 

“Thank you, Sofia,” Zarina says, her smile more genuine and small. She nods in gratitude before looking around the group of friends she gathered once again for the story telling time.

“So, you wanted to become perfect. Sounds like a setup for a good movie villain,” Reese decides to bring up the previous discussion, adding a bit of humor to ease the tension that started to build up. Hawke gives him an appreciative look, sighing out to continue sharing a bit more. 

“You would not believe how correct you are. How can I explain it better?” Beckett’s hand reaches out to hers but instead lays next to hers. Zarina doesn’t yet look at him as her eyes remain closed while she shows herself to be a deep thought, trying to pick out the correct words. 

When her eyes open, she looks at James first before looking away. The detective notices, but Hawke hoped he didn’t. “I was a flirt, a charmer, and still am. Instead of being used, I started using other people. If I was desired, then it would mean there would be less abandonment. So I acted, but as you are all aware, I’m more aloof and impassive than I let on.”

It’s true. Zarina Hawke could change masks and emotions like gloves, forcing herself to go through certain emotions to make them seem realistic yet when she would turn around her usual emotionlessness would return. Beckett has seen it happen more often than not, already used to it yet still fascinating at the possibilities but the Fernweh Tag Team hasn’t seen it or gotten used to it. 

“Your… foster family didn’t make it easier,” Beckett intervenes by now placing his hand atop of Zarina’s hand that rested on her knee, he gives her a light squeeze. His concern is obvious with how furrowed his eyebrows are, the tension in his body responds to a memory only he and Zarina are aware of. Sofia notices it, narrowing her gaze to study the exchange. It seems there is far more in Warrick's words than just Hawke's story, but she does not inquire. Instead, the visitor continues. “And, well, you said you’ve been trying to do better…”

“Yeah, you’re right,” she shrugs in response, a bit too nonchalantly for everyone’s preference. They all have seen the difference between how she looks at them versus the rest of Fernweh, not including several more individuals. Is she really doing better in treating other people? Or is it just chosen ones?

The silence hangs in the air for a moment before Verner once again smoothly moves the topic to something else.