money. power. glory.

+

It was comforting to know that she wasn’t alone when it came to her father’s resentment. The understanding that Will had made it easier to talk about it, rather than having to always defend herself and the way she is. Others wouldn’t comprehend it from her lens, especially when they hadn’t grown up in such predicaments. “It’s the similar household bullshit for me.” mused Cel with a laugh. “But as you should Will, it’s not worth it when you’re speaking to a brick wall.” For the dancer, there was no such thing as reasoning with her parents, let alone her father. It was just hurtful words that would get no where and so, she was glad that she got to separate herself from that. “As much as his opinion may matter at some point in the past…It shouldn’t now. You’ve done shit without him and you’re still standing…That speaks in volumes y’know? You know your worth, so don’t settle for that crap.” Chuckling in response, Celestina met Will’s gaze and shrugged as if that’s…that. “I get it, I wouldn’t dip on you anytime soon and for the record, I’d give you notice…But yeah, I just…” Her voice trailed off as she turned away and sighed, “Honestly speaking, Camila should leave first…I don’t want to leave her and my other siblings behind…that’s how it should be. Plus I still gotta figure out what I can offer the world other than my tits and ass…Dancing is great and all, but having to start over in a different region? Ugh, sounds exhausting.” 

        “—Well, least your dad didn’t try and throw you in jail.” He hadn’t admitted it to anyone yet, the ins and outs of all that Helin told him and the aftermath of the raid. He’d been hesitant, really, knowing the information could bite him in the ass, but he’d done well to protect himself so far. Besides, if anyone remotely related to the club could be trusted in his eyes, it was Celestina. She kept it too real to lie to his face, at least about the day to day things. “You ever take your own advice?” Will couldn’t help but smirk a little. “Listen, I’m not gonna lie and say I wouldn’t be gutted to lose one of my most valuable employees, but.. and it’s probably all the drinks talking — you deserve to chase after what you want, whatever that is. Life’s too fuckin’ short.” Ain’t that the truth. “I don’t know your siblings, but surely they want you to be happy? Anyway, I don’t think you need to pressure yourself to have it all figured out, you know? It’s the journey that counts. Yep, I’m smaaaaashed.” Yet there he was ordering another round. “Well, your brain’s pretty cool sometimes.. but if that doesn’t work out, least you got your tits and ass like you said.” And back to being a dick. 

x

“Yes…it is.” He found himself stating slowly as his brother’s statement sunk in. It had a neutral way about it that once again, rendered Ben stunned. Although instead of instantly resorting to anger, they had been surprising each more and more with their recent encounters. “Not that all the gossip isn’t obnoxious. — That’s uh…that’s good to hear.” He gave a simple nod hearing Will’s answer, having genuinely wanted to make sure with everything occurring within town. “I know what that’s like…has it been work for you too?” 

                                ◇─◇──◇─────◇──◇─◇

With William eyeing her with his dark orbs, it’s clear to Helin what he’s doing, and seriously enough Helin doesn’t blame him for being hesitant about her presence. If it were the other way around, she would have laughed in his face and told him to get the hell out of her office. Thankfully, Emily scurries out of the room, leaving Will and Helin to talk freely ─ or, as freely as they can. Helin hated beating around the bush. Will on the other hand could go either way, depending on his mood, Helin finds.

Helin watches carefully while Will comfortably moves to open a pack of cigarettes. Her eyes narrow, not fully understanding what he’s trying to accomplish when there’s such little time. Was this some sort of weird Alpha move to assume control? When he asks how she could have come to this information, Helin doesn’t hesiate to roll her eyes. Oh, he wants to play it like that? For someone who likes control, he sure as hell has a funny way in showing it while he’s this close until all hell breaks loose. Fine. It’s his business and livelihood on the line as every minute ticks by. ❛ I’ve been living here just as long as you have, I’m also a big member of the community. You really think I don’t have my own connections? ❜ Helin has people who look out for her, it was a slight difference in how she got her information, but that didn’t need to be pointed out. ❛ Also, unlike your father, mine was and still is honestly well-liked in Mystic. ❜ ── That specifically didn’t need to be pointed out, but it was satisfying to add.

The news about the raid had come to her while she was at the station waiting for Celestina. The rookie officers who had been talking about first their exciting mission that was coming up, well, talked about it a little too freely. Talk about rookie mistake. Will didn’t need to know that, though. ❛ Celestina. As soon as the cops show up, she’ll be making sure everyone gets out before her, and I don’t want her getting tangled up with the police. ❜ It’s her first reasoning, but not her only one. 

With the crossing of her arms over her chest to assume a comfortable standing position in front of Will, Helin’s fingers drum against the side of her arm for a moment before she decides to continue. It was a risk, what she’s about to say. It’s calculated, but a risk is still a risk, and one that can come back and kick her in the ass later. ❛ I want Jonathan out of the mayor’s seat and on his ass in the middle of town square, where the people’s trust he has crushed over the years can greet him with pitchforks and torches. ❜ She tells the mayor’s son candidly. Everyone knows that William is more or less estranged from his father. It’s probably the best decision he’s made in his lifetime, Helin thinks. Her head cocks to one side. ❛ Who else would know how to take down a Holder other than another Holder? ❜ Helin would be lying if she said she wasn’t feeling any sort of anticipation. ❛ … Twelve minutes. ❜

.

       Somehow, Will feels more settled with Emily gone capiche; at least enough to be straight with Helin. He doesn’t trust her, not completely.. but something tells him her warning is genuine. After all, what would her end game be in warning him of a raid if she were to screw him over? And really, would there be any reason to bring him down? Scratch that, of course there was. Maybe not for Helin personally, but.. trust in others was a difficult concept for William Holder, and there were a million and one reasons why. 

       He doesn’t want to appear bothered, let alone be bothered. It was important to remain calm in situations like this. He wasn’t at all unfamiliar with how these things went, let alone how easy it was to fuck up. Will needed to think clearly, and evidently there wasn’t a lot of time to do so. “Never doubted that you have your connections, I just didn’t think you were so closely involved with what I assume to be the law enforcement.” Still, he had to know her reason why. They’d never come to help one another before.. why now? 

       Celestina was a fair reason, one that rendered him a little less concerned with Helin blindsiding him. “You really think I’d let one of my own take the fall? —Never mind. ‘Course you would.” The assumption spills so casually from his lips, akin to that of the puffs of smoke forced from his lungs. Still, Cel is the last person he’d let get tangled up in this situation.. but Helin was right, she would. She’d worry about everyone else, and he can’t let that happen. Not when the problem is his.         Jonathan, however... it was no secret a high number of townspeople loathed his father, and he couldn’t blame them considering he too fell into that number. This information proved useful, however much it calmed his recent qualms. Tucking said information into the back of his mind, he needed to focus on the present. That was, until she said—“Another Holder?” With a narrowed gaze, he pauses to put out his cigarette prematurely, before taking a moment to process that information. With gritted teeth, William saw nothing but red. His breathing deepened, and the more he thought about his father, the deeper those breaths became. Something flipped inside of him, knowing that. Was Helin saying that to further her own agenda regarding taking Jonathan down? Or did she mean it? Was his father really out to get him? He had an in with the law enforcement.. let’s be real, the man had a hold over everyone in town. It wouldn’t surprise him. “No fucking way.” 

       What did, was that his own father was trying to tear what he had worked so hard to build down with his filthy hands. 

+

Celestina threw her hands up like she was raising the roof, “Preaaach!~” she exclaimed in a sing-sing tone. They were so far gone that it didn’t matter if they had redeemable qualities (which for the record she believes is impossible at this point), hell is definitely their stomping grounds after this life. When Will asked a personal question about her own father, the dancer bursted out laughing before calming down and sighing, “Oh man…” Her gaze soon softened as there were a rush of emotions that overcame her. Her father wasn’t a sensitive topic given his reputation, but she couldn’t hold back when it came to such strong sentiments that she had against him. “Fuck no, I avoid him like a plague—both him and my mother. I chose not to surround myself with such toxicity…Or at least I try to. How about you?” Once she heard Will’s response to her query, Celestina shook her head and chuckled softly, “You probably had your reasons that you choose not to remember. I get that…Uh, no…It’s a thought. I mean it’s my dream, but it’s not feasible…I can’t be the one to leave first.” 

       It astounded him to know how much they could relate given he’d never really had a ‘deeper’ chat with Celestina before. It was no surprise that Will walked around with daddy issues; he just.. never really addressed it much with others before. And oddly enough, it felt as relieving as it was taxing talking about it and getting it off his chest. “You know, sometimes it freaks me out how much you speak my mind. My dad—Jonathan—it’s no secret that we’ve always been at odds. I pretty much, like you, avoid him like the plague.” Staring at the near empty contents of his glass, he heaves a sigh and mutters lowly, “Honestly I’ve always been the black sheep in that family. Never good enough for that asshole.” The thought of his father left a bitter taste in his mouth, so much so he downed the rest of whatever was left in a bid to get rid of it. “Yeah, probably. —It’s your dream, yet you can’t be the one to leave first? Why not? Not that I want you gone any time soon,” something of a smile tugs at his lips. “What’s holding you back?” 

–

         Much to the woman’s surprise, Will hadn’t laughed or even cracked a smile in response to her playful comment. While she hadn’t always thought the best of him or the Holder family, there was certainly no reason for Carina to believe that he would do her any harm. “Will, c’mon. It was just a joke. Of course I don’t think you would do anything like that. I’m just not used to you being so friendly… or smiley around me. A girl’s gotta be suspicious.” With a small chuckle, she gave the man a reassuring look. “Why the sudden change in attitude, huh? 

       Will looked over at Carina, dumbfounded, for what felt like a long time. A one-sided smile soon ensued as a chuckle escaped his lips. “You really don’t remember, do you? —Or maybe you didn’t recognise me.” The memories of that night were a total blur, but hanging out with Carina and actually getting along the way they kinda used to when they were kids, it was nice. “Does the masquerade ball ring any bells for you?” 

x

When it seemed as if he and Will had found themselves actually agreeing on something else, Ben practically dropped everything that he was doing, silent once again for a few moments. The fact that these instances had been happening more and more between them had to be something in the right direction with his younger brother. Knowing that all may not be lost in the grand scheme, Ben couldn’t help a slight grin upon his expression from the thought, and Will’s comment. “Yeah, you can say that again..it’s as if we can’t get away from any damn rumor at all.” He rolled his eyes. “— Things are just uh…even more crazy with more shit that’s been going on around here…you?” 

.

       “That’s the life we lead, though, isn’t it?” A life they were undoubtedly born into, further propelled by Jonathan’s problematic ways. He wasn’t about to go into that with Ben now, though; not unless he wanted to go right back to square one. “Yeah, I’ve uh.. been alright.” The 401 had recently had a raid, and it had caused him to be on high alert — who in the hell had outed him? He had his suspicions, but he was going to keep tight lipped. “Things have definitely been insane on my end too. But it’s all good.” 

“Anything.” Ben gave a weighty huff, attempting to not give off to his younger brother that yes, he was that nearly desperate for more about the latest town chaos. Or that City Hall had mainly shut him off since investigations had been underway for what seemed like longer than usual. “You and I both know the station part wouldn’t be difficult, but yes, I do think they’re all jokes…wouldn’t be worth it. — I mean, none of us needs another circus show getting out hand around here like this..” 

.

       It was there, on the tip of his tongue, to make a bitter reference to their dad, a comment he knew would spark instant tension between them. Given their recent progress, something stopped him. Knowing that he wanted, deep down, to continue to foster a positive relationship with his older brother. Whether that would last, or truly unfold, was beyond him. “Tell me about it. All this town needs is another drama to gossip about.. we’ll never hear the end of it.” Taking another drag of his cigarette, he takes a sweep of the locals around them. Things were quietening down slowly now that it was the end of tourist season.. at least, the summer tourists. “How are you travelling?”  

+

“Yessssssir.” Celestina mused with a laugh. She’d like to think she was observant too, especially with her many years of experience in this particular industry. It was great for people watching given that she dealt with all sorts of personalities. “Deal with it buddy.” She then patted his back and went back to finishing her fries and chicken tenders, “You know, I think we’re definitely tied for the worst fathers ever. We’re just in different tax brackets you know?” She then pointed at him and explained, “They’re fucking fools and every name in the book. The only difference is yours is hella privileged, while mine is well…” She wasn’t going to finish that sentence, especially since everyone knew of the Garcia patriarch. “At least you get it…Others aren’t too keen about our perspective y’know? Anyways, consider me curious, have you ever wanted to leave Mystic permanently? And if so, why haven’t you?” 

.

       Now that made him laugh. Really laugh.. although he didn’t know too much about Celestina’s dad, he’d pieced together over the years, what with town gossip and the way she pretty much refused to speak about her parents.. that he wasn’t the best of people. “—Different tax brackets, same fucking destination. Hell. You know, they’d give Satan a run for his money.” Will, on the other hand, never hid his sheer disgust in his own father. Long gone were the ways where he felt he needed to protect his father, even deep down. He was beyond that. And their relationship, in his opinion, was far beyond repair. “Do you.. you know, have any contact with yours?” In some ways, he could relate to Celestina. Maybe it was a thing.. you know, when your dad basically breaks you. What’d they call it? Daddy issues. “Uh, well.. I mean, I did. For a time. I lived in New York to study, work and.. I don’t know why I came back...” Oh, he knew. He just wasn’t willing to admit he’d returned with his tail between his legs. “Hold on a minute, you’re not thinking of skipping town — are you?” 

The two men nearly bobbed and weaved through the seas of people, maintaining a conversation by carefully collecting the others’ sound bites, and hoping they’d heard correctly. Elias had most certainly heard amongst other things quite clearly, though. And while the man hadn’t moved to Mystic to once again be wrapped up in other things, it just sort of felt like he was be summoned back toward them. His mind was wandering, back to days when money was faster, easier, and when he could sleep in. Sometimes, he had to be at the shop as early as 6 AM. It was the little things. “I actually hadn’t ever been here, before tonight… It’s a, uh, it feels familiar. Used to be a bouncer.” So, maybe the man was sort of laying his trap a little too obviously there, but he was rather too old for the subtlety of the cat-and-mouse game. Surely, this would prompt the other to announce whether or not they were hiring, right? 

       “No kidding..?” The man’s admission had him thinking almost instantly. He needed someone on the frontlines, someone he could trust. Of course, that would mean a series of tests in Will’s mind, and patience in relation to building that trust. It didn’t mean he couldn’t test the waters and see if the man had dabbled in that field any. Once they’d reached his table, he placed the tray down, greeting the others with a wave and a smile, before turning back to Elias. “Ever think of going back to that? Being a bouncer?” Giving him a quick once over, Will had decided he wanted to try the guy out within an instant. He had that kind of air about him. “’Cause it just so happens we’re in need of more security.” In more ways than just one. 

waning: what is your biggest regret?

"Not building a better relationship with my brother over the years.” Will tried to live life without regret, but he wouldn’t be human if he didn’t have a few regrets along the way. Realistically, he knew that his relationship with his brother was only strained because of their father, but he was also aware of the fact that each of them had a part to play. And perhaps, he could’ve done better. 

contemplation: if you could wake up one morning and everything in your life was perfect, what would that look like?

"I feel like my life is already perfect. What more could I wish for?” A lie if he ever told one. 

cosmos: what’s one thing you wish you could say to someone you are no longer friends with?

Already answered.