TEMPEST

Jordan would be just inconvenient enough to have them standing there, looking crazy, attempting to defend actions that they knew damn well were stupid. That however, was the thing about addiction. It wasn’t simple, it wasn’t easy, there was no single, straight path forward. Tempest curled a hand around their hip, the other one allowed fingers to pinch the bridge of their nose as if they needed to fend off the headache this was giving. “I know you think he had a drink, and fuck he probably did, but you don’t just flip a switch as get sober. I can’t believe this man got me out here sounding like I’m defending his ass, but here the fuck we are.” @heatherxjones

“You don’t owe her shit.” Tempest has said these words a thousand times, a thousand different ways, and it still doesn’t seem to get though. Tough love is usually not their style when it comes to Lennox, but maybe this is the only way. A small sigh, before a hand waves between the two of them as if they don’t know how to express it in words. “You have just convinced yourself you do, but if she throws that phone at your head again; I’m gonna go upside hers.” @thelennoxmacher

“That shit is called none of my business.” Said with emphasis on business. “I’m buying shots, I’m too black to be out here when the cops come. You down?”

Tempest: did i pass the test?

Tempest feels plenty for Wren, and not a single one of those emotions even come close to hate. It’s beautiful and terrifying all at once, especially when they looked back to how it all started. It was meant to be casual, and it turned into something that was nowhere near that, something, that tugged directly at their heart strings. “I do, you deserve someone in your corner and I want to be that.” The way they said it with such conviction, it had been a long time since they were so sure about something, so sure about someone. A small smile, hinted at the corner of their lips, touched by even just the way Wren looked at them. “Yeah, it would be too close to the stereotypical horror movie if I died yet, apparently.” They said, attempting to make light of the conversation as they realized they were almost entirely wrapped around her, still. Unraveling their arms, a murmured apology was there. “Sorry, I…”

Tempest softened easily at the way they could feel the emotions rolling off Wren in very genuine waves. A small sigh, maybe of relief, or maybe of sympathy, was evident as they stepped forward to wrap both arms around the other woman in a very tight hug, the embrace enough to convey the things that they didn’t say. “It’s okay.” Tempest wasn’t entirely sure they knew who they were reassuring - themselves or Wren, at the point. “You’re not dead, you’re here, and I’m glad you are.” A brutal bit of honesty, as hands moved to cup cheeks in a more delicate manner. “I’m sorry, I just…it was a lot.” Admitted, saying a silent thank you to therapy for helping them come far enough to realize a lot about how dangerous grief, blame, and tragedy, can be.

They knew damn well they would see someone here that they didn’t want to. Well, someone aside from Dante’s dirty ass dressed as an extra in the pink panther. They didn’t expect it to be Candy, someone who had drifted from them awhile back, and never seemed to find her way back. It was probably the reason for that lack of a smile as the pair ended up face to face. “Good to see you came out.” Just about as cordial as Tempest could be, free of emotion, really. @candymntri

Kiara had been a staple for as long as they could remember, which was what made her entirely too easy to spot, and approach. A wicked grin crossing features that said they were more than willing to make this night a little bit more interesting. “I’ll give you the option, shots or dance with me, because there isn’t a third.” All the confidence in the world, as a hand was held out, full on interrupting the conversation she’d been having before - but with not a single fuck to give. @kiarawilliams

Tempest was easily distracted after one too many shots, which meant that they damn near walked right into the person in front of them. This was narrowly avoided, side stepping at the last minute, but thankfully that put them right next to Dilara. “Well damn.” Said, with the clearing of their throat. “Pretend you didn’t see that.” A laugh, evident, before eyes lifted to meet the other woman’s. @dilaraxosman

“Not that one.” The pair of them had been judging the eligible bachelors that had been walking in and out of the room for the past ten minutes. It was a lucrative past time, even if Imane did sound like a broken record sometime. “He looks like he has a foot fetish.” Okay, so they were simply talking shit now, and that much was evident from their chuckle, and the way that grin appeared too easily. @imaneforten

The majority of what they knew about Jordan Hayes was by proxy, or hand me down information. But, they had attended the same parties, and ran in the same friend groups, forever. So, even Tempest could do an easy vibe check, looking at the man’s face before finally speaking. “You good?” It was code for, what the fuck were you doing in there? But, even he should know that, coming from them. Despite whatever their usual feelings were about this particular man, there was a genuine concern standing there, hand in hand with their usual no bullshit attitude.

Not that tempest was going to advocate for something as nasty as chocolate tequila, but they did feel the need to make a comment. Without even pushing off the counter they’d been leaned up on, posted and comfortable, the words came without a bite, and instead simply like they were a friendly observation. “Who said you had good taste tho?” Questioned with a single brow raise, reaching for their glass.

Tempest was amused listened to what felt like the opening speech from Barbie, trying to bite back a laugh at how ridiculous the last bit of it sounded. However, somehow they managed, and eventually found themselves being approached by the woman. “Thank you.” A gracious nod, appreciative even if it did feel like recycled bullshit. “Yeah, you’re good, but you realize some of this shit.” Making a point of looking around before back to her. “Probably shouldn’t be on camera.”

The situation was all due disrespect, in their mind. Unfortunately, some things just needed to drive home a point that words would not, especially not with him. It was ironic, really. People seemed to think that because they had learned to use art to heal, that it made them soft, weak. That was never the case, but they knew Dante hadn’t even stopped to think such a thing. “Some people need more than words and you made that obvious enough. You know what she’s been through?” The words were spat in his direction, a fierce and forever need to stand behind Sasha no matter what. “You might not agree with shit she’s done, but what you’re not going to do is dog out my blood every single chance you get.” Eyes rolled as if even now, he would never actually get the point that was being made. “Do better, D. You too old to be this ain’t shit in one sitting.”

“Quite the team, I thought they were going to need to get you a guest book at some point.” It was easier to attempt to make what little light there was to the situation, easier than letting the sorrow settle in too fucking much. “I’m as good as anyone can be, but then again that’s all I ask for.” Hands thrown up like they were thankful to whatever saved them from destruction this far. Slipping around the side of the bed, they easily fell into a position on the chair next to it, legs kicked out in front. “Oh you want the tea, tea?” Asked with amusement before nodding. “Well, the forum is a good place to start, I’ve have never seen one place collect so much bullshit in my life.”