Realistic or Modern The Oath - 1940s Gangster Drama - IC (Ended)

[Misty Gray]

Vincenzo Romano and Conor Sullivan ​

Vinnie nodded as Alex offered her help. Despite his hatred for Conor, now he'd come to his senses he felt awful for his actions. Things like this happened often in business, but Angel was right, this was vengeance. This was all too personal to not affect even a man as ruthless as Vinnie. For all his brutality, he still had a heart and compassion, a deep love for his family.

Business would still go on. The war with the Sullivans would still rage. But this battle was not about business. That's why it felt so wrong. Vinnie looked around and dismissed everyone except his kids and Angel, telling the goons to wait outside. "As soon as I'm sure we can lift Conor, we can get him to our doctor," he assured them.

Conor heard Alex's apology despite the ringing in his ears and the pain radiating through his entire body. He wasn't able to think properly to even try working out her part in all of this. He was altogether confused and uncertain about everything. He briefly opened his eyes and attempted to make a sound, but nothing came out. Instead, he simply nodded his head. He saw her beautiful face but couldn't think anything beyond it, whether it was the face of an enemy or a lover.

neverbackdown Enzyme

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray
Lucy felt a tugging sensation around her hands and feet and slowly started to come to. After a few moments, she opened her eyes and blinked surprised to see that she was in the back seat of James' car. She kept her head back against the seat and rolled it to look at him as he finished untying the last rope from her wrist. Why was he apologizing to her? He had nothing to be sorry for. "Shhhhh no, don't apologize." She murmured weakly and she looked down at her wrists which were starting to feel as though they were burning. Wincing slightly she sat up straighter, but it was too quick of a motion for her body to handle, so she ended up slumped again. She could see that he was upset, possibly blaming himself for her being in this state. She turned her body slowly enough so that she could move her hands to his face forcing him to look at her. "I love you." She murmured weakly and offered a small smile.

They were free, at least for now. Something had changed Vinnie this evening and Lucy wasn't sure what to think. He looked...remorseful. Her mind turned to James once more however and she noticed how pale he was. "You need to see our doctor James." She worried lightly and scanned his bare chest, taking in the stitched cuts and biting her lip.​

[/CENTER]

 

[Misty Gray]

James Porter
​

Once Lucy's hands were untied, James gently held one of her wrists for a moment, carefully inspecting her wounds. When she told him not to apologise, he was taken by surprise, seeing she'd now woken up. "Careful," he softly said to her as she sat up and winced. He didn't yet know what they had done to Conor, only that he was alive. Without even knowing those details, he was still aware they'd had a terrible night. Hearing Lucy say she loved him at least gave him some comfort. "I love you too, Lucy. I just wish I'd been able to stop any of this from happening to you," he told her. It was his job to protect her family and he'd failed.

When she mentioned he needed to see the doctor and she looked at his stitches, he only now began to feel self-conscious about his scars and wounds. "Yeah, I know I need to see him," he said, attempting to button his shirt up but his muscles were too stiff and the movement pulled at the stitches. He resigned to just fastening the centre button and not struggling with the rest. He stood up and closed the car door next to Lucy before walking around to the other side of the vehicle. Instead of getting into the driver's seat, he got into the back of the car next to her. He wasn't ready to drive back yet and face the rest of the family, physically or mentally. Instead, he blocked out the pain and put his arm around Lucy, pulling her in closer to him to comfort her. Admittedly, it was also to comfort himself. Holding her hurt his wounds, but feeling her warmth against him seemed to outweigh the pain.

Bellz

 

[Bellz]

​

Misty Gray

Lucy noticed the tone of his voice when she told him that he needed to see a doctor. He was self conscious. As her eyes were still glued to his wounds on his bare chest, she once again saw all the scars. He struggled to get his shirt on, and eventually just opted to button the middle button before shutting the door to Lucy's side and walking around the car. She thought he would seat in the driver's side. But it surprised him when he opened the other door to the backseat and slid in beside her.

His arm wrapped around her shoulders and she welcomed the comfort. She carefully looked to his shoulder before lightly resting her head on him. However as she rested her head on the left side of her head a shot of pain ran through her scalp and she quickly moved her head up and let out a soft sigh. "You can't always be the one to save me James, sometimes I must save myself..." she whispered to him, knowing him well enough to know that he was blaming himself. She looked down at her wrists. "My wounds are almost all self inflicted. Besides the hair." She murmured.
​

 

[neverbackdown]

Alexandra and Nicolo Romano

Alex watched as Conor tried to speak but failed and nodded, before he closed his eye again. Alex held back her tears as her heart yearned from him. Seeing him in this state, upset Alex beyond belief. He stank of beer and the bath in Alex's side vision gave her a good idea of what had happened to him. Alex positioned herself better and held Conor into her chest so to hold him up better. "He needs medical attention" Alex told her father as she looked at him.

Nicolo walked back into the room and surveyed the scene around him. All the goons were gone and only Angel, Alex, Conor and his father remained. He heard Alex mention Medical assitance and walked towards them "Will I get the doctor?" He asked his father

Misty Gray Enzyme

 

[Ineptitude]

Fortuna's steps were oddly silent as she maneuvered through the dimly lit house with the grace of a feline, making her way up the stairs. As she reached the second floor, she was immediately met with a hallway seperated into two directions, with two rooms on the left and one room on the right. Not wanting to waste time, she swerved to the right, and stopped right in front of the door she was sure led to Sergeant Hunters' bedroom. She reached out a hand and twisted the knob, and was unsurprised by the fact that it was locked. While they didn't have the key, that didn't really matter either way.

Raising her hands, Fortuna plucked out the two hair pins that held her hair up, allowing for her wavy, ivory locks to cascade down her back. Looking closely, however, you would notice that they weren't really hair pins. Rather, they were simply an elaborate pair of lock picking tools made to look like such. As one might expect, the hitwoman then proceeded to pick the doorknob, and after a bit of fiddling, managed to opened the door with a silent click.

Fortuna swung the door open, and swiftly walked over to the bed, where Hunters was fast asleep. She stared for a short while, before craning her head to look at Michael, whom she was sure was just behind her. She gestured for him to hand her the syringe, so that they can finally get this task over and done with.

Mentioned: Thatoneflawedhero Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Vincenzo Romano and Conor Sullivan

Vinnie nodded to Nicolo as he asked about getting the doctor. "Yes, you know where he lives. Be quick," he told his son. The doctor was on their payroll and preferred the additional income to having any integrity, so he served the Romanos well in situations like this one. Regardless, he'd probably still grumble to Vinnie about his methods and in his current mood, Vinnie would let him. Distracted, Vinnie thought nothing of Alex helping Conor, figuring she was just being nurturing in the same way Alena is and Gianna had been. The women of the Romanos were the ones who kept Vinnie grounded, so he quite appreciated Alex sticking around even if he didn't say so. He walked to the other side of the room and retrieved a blanket which he used to wrap around Conor's shoulders to keep the young man warm.

It wasn't long before the doctor arrived and tended to Conor, then he was moved to a secret location in case the Sullivans tried to retaliate. It wouldn't be until the next morning when Conor's location was disclosed for the Sullivans to pick him up.​

James Porter

James smiled as he sat close to Lucy and listened to her speak. He figured his smile was due to the fact he was holding her close, considering there had been a moment when he didn't think he'd be getting out of that butchers shop alive. "Lucy, I have no doubt you're a tough lady. I just didn't like feeling helpless whilst you suffered," he told her. As she mentioned her wounds, he looked to her hair and placed a gentle kiss on the side of her head, careful not to cause her any discomfort.

After a short time, James knew he would have to fight his fatigue a little longer and drive them both back to her home. "We should get back. By now your mother is either angry or worried that we didn't show up at the restaurant. I'm going with angry," he half-joked. "Plus, we need to make sure Conor gets back. He's always out so late that she won't even know he's missing." He wanted to ask Lucy what had happened to her brother, but even from upstairs he'd heard how distraught Lucy was in the basement, so he figured she'd witnessed something traumatic. Now wasn't the time to bring it back it up.


neverbackdown Bellz Enzyme​

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray

Lucy nodded her head as James spoke of how he felt during the situation, she had felt the same way about him. And he had gone through worse. The scars made it clear that he hadn't been new to any of this and that it was some sort of sick norm. She smiled softly as he kissed the side of her head, very gentle in the way he did so.. They sat in silence for a while and Lucy was actually grateful for it. Her mind had been turned into mush and all she wanted to do was lay down and try to forget everything that happened. But she was sure that her mother and father would like to know what happened to their eldest daughter, son and most loyal member.

"Hopefully we won't be greeted by her screaming at us, I don't know if my head can handle such loud octaves at this time." She joked back and sighed. She loved her mother dearly but she had a temper. Something that Lucy had inherited from her, and something that seemed to get her in trouble more often than not. "I hope he's going to be okay." She said, her voice could barely make it above a whisper as her throat tightened just remember what her brother had gone through.​

 

[Thatoneflawedhero]

Michael Johnson

As the time struck the black male would hold onto his suitcase, extending his free arm out to open his side of the car, sliding out once it has been opened. He picked his feet up and walked quickly following the female hitman feeling a bit cautious about the whole situation, this could not be screwed up as it would jeopardize the families existence. He would re-adjust his tie as he went to the door staring at the lock.

His gaze changed targets though as his partner would take two hair pins out (Or actual lock picks) and start to use her skills to open the door with unorthodox methods such as lock picking. That impressed him, even as an experienced hitman he was never that good at lock picking a door knob, he prevented alternate ways of getting in anyway though so that was likely why he lacked in that skill area.

As soon as they walked into sergeant hunter's sleeping area the man would set his suitcase down on a nearby shelf and opened it taking out the syringe with poison gazing at it for a few moment before turning his back to the shelf and walking over to the sleeping officer. Once he was near him he would take his arm over his mouth speaking words to the man before handing his fellow hitman the syringe

"Mister Romano sends his regards."



Ineptitude Misty Gray
​

 

[Misty Gray]

Chapter 6: Compassion and Redemption
Saturday 7th October 1948
Evening – Mild, dry, clear skies
********************************
...One week later...
********************************

The Grand Hotel
​

Vincenzo Romano

The days since Sunday night had been quiet as far as tensions between the Romanos and the Sullivans went. In fact, the Romano house had been quiet too, with Vinnie spending little time home at all. After coming to his senses regarding his quest for revenge against the Sullivans, he'd been focusing on his actual businesses and strengthening deals with his associates. After ensuring Conor got home safe the morning after his torture, Vinnie also got a message out to his own associates and the Sullivans themselves that there would be no more retaliation from the Romanos for Gianna's murder. Vinnie wasn't an idiot, however, so he was fully prepared for the Sullivans seeking their own revenge and he was still going to crack down on them trying to intercept his business and shipments.

One of the plans Vinnie was continuing to see through was that of Angel getting Sinead on side. Vinnie knew it paid to have something up his sleeve and investing in Sinead could certainly prove useful against the Sullivans, if needed. As such, he had asked Angel to meet him in the bar of the Grand Hotel so he could get a quick update on how he was progressing with Sinead. "Angel, what are you drinking?" Vinnie asked. The drinks were obviously on Vinnie, this was his hotel. "So, update me on Sinead Sullivan," he said, getting straight to the point, figuring Angel had things to do with his Saturday night that didn't involve drinking with his boss.

Vinnie had also asked Fortuna and Michael to drop by the bar for an update on the businesses they had been overseeing for him. He also needed to reward them for finally getting rid of Sergeant Hunter so smoothly. Their meeting would not begin until Vinnie was done speaking privately with Angel.

Enzyme
Mentioned: Ineptitude Thatoneflawedhero

*******************************

The Sullivans
​

When Lucy and James returned home, bloodied and exhausted, Shannon didn't have time to be angry. Admittedly, when they didn't turn up at the restaurant, she assumed they'd gone off and done their own thing, which had made her angry at the time. However, seeing the pair walk through the door had made her only worried and upset. Although, extremely angry where Vinnie was concerned.


Regardless of the family agreeing to discuss everything with each other, Sinead and Carrick had once again been left out of the details of what had happened to Lucy and James. Judging by the visible blood on the pair, Sinead figured she wouldn't much like the details, but she was still annoyed that nothing had changed. In the days following those events, Sinead took on as many shifts at the restaurant as she could, just to get out of the family home. Sometimes her shifts weren't as long as the time she spent in the restaurant, but the cocktails and company there were great. The atmosphere was also more relaxed than the one at home, as much as she hated to admit. Staying away from home also stopped her from feeling guilty about the fact she'd seen Angel a couple of times; the second of which she supposed would be considered a date. Sinead knew she would get into trouble for it, but she was tired of her life being ruined because her parents were criminals. At least Angel spoke to her on the same level and as far as she was concerned, he did get her the restaurant job in the first place.

It was Saturday evening, so of course Sinead was at the restaurant and she would be sure to stay out past her shift, even if it was drinking in the bar with the other staff members.

Mentioned: Enzyme @IIIREXIIIARCHERIIIII

James had been sleeping in one of the guest rooms of the Sullivan home in the days following his, Lucy's and Conor's torture. Last night was the first night he'd slept at his own place in quite some time, but he needed to sort his things out and pay his bills. Today had been the first day he'd been back out working and driving. He'd stopped at home again to change into some fresh clothes for the evening. Whilst he changed, he looked in the mirror at the still fresh wounds on his body and seeing them only made him want to figure out what to do about Vinnie. The man might have given up on his vengeance, but this wasn't over as far as James was concerned. He owed Vinnie for what he'd done to to those he cares about.

Once he'd finished his errands, James pulled up in the Sullivans' driveway and knocked on the door before letting himself in. He still wasn't sure Emmet had liked the idea of him hanging around the house again, but Shannon had been more than insistent and who was James to refuse that scary woman? As soon as he entered the house, James was greeted by the excited puppy, Lady. Seeing the fluffy animal always brought a smile to his face. He carefully crouched down, his body still sore and achy, to stroke the puppy. As he did, he looked around the house to see if Lucy was around.

Bellz


Conor hadn't spoke much at all about what had happened to him, so most of what the family knew was what Lucy had told them. His silence was a mixture of despondency, betrayal, embarrassment and heartbreak. Not to mention the fact that some of the events were uncertain to him. He vividly remembered nearly being drowned and the pain he felt all over his body, but things before that were hazy. He did, however, recall going to meet Alex at the deli, as she'd asked him to. He remembered seeing Angel too, but anything else he was uncertain of. He'd spent a lot of time dreaming during his rest and he wasn't even sure if some of his memories were just parts of the dreams.

Conor hadn't left the house since he was brought home. He'd been resting and even when he felt rested enough to get up and about, he had no interest in doing so. But Alex had been playing on his mind and he just had to know what her part in all of this was. This wasn't the first time Vinnie had tried to have Conor taken down and Alex had been implicated. It broke his heart to think she had betrayed him in such a cowardly way. He wished he could know for sure.

It would be a surprise for the Sullivans and any gang members present to finally see Conor downstairs and actually dressed in clothes that suggested he was finally going to leave the house. Somethings that were still clearly missing were his cheerful smile and any form of jovial greeting. Plus, he needed a shave, as he didn't pull off a real beard in the way Emmet could. He made his way straight to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. He needed something to eat and then he needed to get out of the house.

@ anyone ( Bellz @IIIREXIIIARCHERIIIII T That_Irish_Person ...man, we need more players for the Sullivans)
Mentioned: neverbackdown

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray
It had been one week since the traumatic situation, but Lucy was trying to not let it get her down. Her nerves were shot and she found herself once again giving into the cigarette cravings, but sneakily would avoid James when taking a drag outside. She knew that she promised him that she would quit. But it soothed the anxiety she had about leaving the house and made her relax. Sleeping was almost impossible and she was running straight black coffee now. For her siblings sake however, she tried to act as if nothing had happened and as if she was okay. They were all lies.

Lucy still very much blamed herself for everything that happened a week ago and was not letting go of the fact that she had no control over what happened. Lady woke her up in the early hours of Saturday morning, begging to go outside. The rest of the day was spent alone, trying to make an effort to do something good with her time. It was in the evening when she found Lady running towards the front door to see who the visitor was. Lucy stopped in the kitchen to grab another cigarette and lit it quickly. "Is it christmas already?" She teased her brother lightly, she was beginning to worry about him. He hadn't been out of the house in a week and that was something Conor never did. She was so use to not seeing him around the house that it was odd when she saw him in the kitchen. The Joke was referring to his beard, which was growing longer and longer by the day. "Finally out of your room.....You know you can talk to me Conor. About what happened." She told her brother and moved a bit closer to him. The usual smile she loved seeing on his face was absent, and it worried her more than anything. She placed bandaged hand on his shoulder and patted it almost awkwardly.

Lucy heard Lady barking happily in the other room and she raised an eyebrow looking towards the entrance, she only had that reaction for one other person. "James? Is that you?" She asked lightly before quickly trying to hide the cigarette and started to fan the smoke out of the kitchen. Looking like a child doing something positively naughty.​

 

[neverbackdown]

After that night in the butchers, Alex had not been coping very well. After allowing all her emotions to come back into the open she found it almost impossible to shut them away. Alex hadnt slept properly in days as every time she closed her eyes she saw Conor lying on the floor nor was she eating. But on the bright side, Alex had cleaned her room and got rid of any evidence of her breakdown. Alex snapped from her thoughts as she heard the bell ring as someone entered the diner. Alex placed a smile on her face before turning around to face the old man "right on time Carl, the usual?" She asked in a cheery voice. Alex had been in work the last seven hours and only had one hour left, she didnt want to go home but she wasnt in the mood to go on a night out. What Alex really wanted to do was to check on and see Conor but she knew better than to arrive at the pub since the Sullivans probably wanted her head for what her family had done and secondly Conor probably didnt want to see her and she didnt blame him for that at all. Alex blinked back tears and wiped her eyes as the microwave signaled it was done. She took the apple pie and Coffee over to Carl, a smile back on her face "so how have you been? Gone on any adventures?" She asked him, Alex knew getting into a conversation with Carl would distract her mind from everything else going on in her life.

Mentioned: Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Conor Sullivan and James Porter

Conor turned to Lucy when she made her joke about his beard. He would usually have a witty remark in response to her comment, but nothing even came to mind on this occasion. He nodded his head when she noted he had finally left his room, again, no humorous comment. "Lucy, I don't... I don't see what good talking about it will do. I thought I was dead and even worse than that, I thought you were going to be killed too. If I think about it, I feel it all over again. Not being able to breath, the choking feeling. I don't think talking about it is going to help," he told her. When she patted his shoulder, he shook his head in disapproval. "What the Hell is that, Lucy?" he asked. He then used one arm to pull her in close, mindful of the cigarette she was holding. "We hug properly in this house or not at all," he told her, his tone still serious but the gesture nonetheless warm and familiar.

When Lucy's attention was drawn to Lady and James, Conor stood back and observed for a brief moment. As he saw her trying to hide the cigarette, he raised a curious eyebrow before taking the cigarette out of her hand and placing it in his own mouth. "You can't get rid of the smell, Lucy." Conor didn't smoke and never had much interest in it, but if James wanted to challenge him on it, he wouldn't get very far.

"Yeah, it's me," James said as he stepped into the kitchen holding Lady in his arms and sporting a smile which didn't grace his face very often. "Are you both good?" he asked the two siblings. He then glanced to Conor who was stood smoking a cigarette. "I didn't know you smoked. When did that start?"

"Right around the time Romano tried to fucking drown me," Conor drily remarked, taking another drag of the cigarette. It tasted like shit and wasn't at all enjoyable, but he'd committed to it now.

"Touche, Conor," James replied, losing most of his smile. It wasn't that Conor's words had offended him at all, it was just that they weren't spoken by the Conor he knew. "Nobody can blame you for that, all things considered." James knew now was not the time to question Conor about Alex - he wasn't sure if a good time would arise at all.

"I'm glad you're doing alright, James. I know you got pretty messed up too," Conor said, feeling bad he might have been a bit too snappy with him. "I appreciate you looking after my sister," he said, placing a firm arm around Lucy and pulling her in for a brotherly hug.
​

Bellz

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray
Lucy was surprised when her brother plucked the cigarette from her hand and placed it between his lips, she was well aware of the fact that he didn't smoke and she watched as he took a drag. "Conor, I don't want you actually-" And before she could tell him that she didn't want him to actually smoke it, James walked into the room. A smile graced his face and Lucy couldn't help but smile as well, she didn't understand why he didn't smile more often. It was absolutely contagious.

"Fine." Lucy answered quickly and hoped that he didn't catch the quick exchange of the cigarette between the siblings. She listened to James question Connor who dryly replied that he took on smoking after Vinnie tried to drown him. Lucy winced and frowned at the remind of what that horrible man did and shook her head slowly. Lady was wagging her tail happily, looking rather content in the arms of a handsome man. James' smile faded however and Lucy was disappointed.

She down for a moment and stared at her bandaged hands, understanding what Conor was talking about now. It was uncomfortable to talk about what happened in that basement. It made her feel like a nervous wreck just thinking about it. She played with the hem of her shirt lightly, the cigarette smoke was enticing and she felt she needed it to calm her nerves.

Looking up at her brother, she knew that if she were to let him continue hiding the fact that she was the one actually smoking, he would easily become addicted. Conor pulled her in for a hug just as he expressed his appreciation to James for taking care of her. Lucy smiled at that hand kissed her brother's cheek before plucking the cigarette out of his hands. "And now I take care of you, little brother." She said before putting the cigarette out on the ashtray. "Now unless you want that handsome mug to turn into something more terrifying as you age, I think we should get you to quit.." She told him and pinched his cheek much like someone would do to a baby. "Because I just love when my friends as me about you...all the time...nonstop. Its the highlight of my life."​

 

[Misty Gray]

Conor Sullivan and James Porter

"Well, you're no fun," Conor told Lucy as she took the cigarette from him. It was said in a half-assed way as he wasn't enjoying the smoke anyway. "You'd best tell those friends of yours to give it a little longer. Bruises aren't attractive," he commented, pointing to the one still lingering on his cheek. Conor decided he wasn't bothered much about eating and was instead going to get out of the house. "You'll be pleased to know I'm heading outdoors now. I need to check on the Emerald. And then I'm going to drink a shit ton of alcohol until I can't think. So don't wait up."

James observed Conor as he walked to the bottom of the stairs and began struggling to put his injured arm through the sleeve of his coat. James then shifted his focus to Lucy, sending her an awkward but attempted reassuring smile. Conor was doing what he usually did, that was for sure. But his drinking was usually happy drinking. James placed Lady back down on the floor, briefly tickling behind her ears. Then he looked back to Lucy to see if he could gauge how she'd was feeling about things.
​

Bellz

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray

Lucy frowned as her brother announced that he was leaving the house, to go waste away in alcohol to try and forget about everything . Biting her lip, she watched him walk away and met James eyes. And they seemed to be thinking the same thing. Sure her brother was a pretty heavy drinker, but it was more for having a good time, not sulking around and trying to forget reality exists. She knew there wasn't much she could say to him though, she was just smoking to try and do the same thing. And he covered for her, so instead of telling him that it wasn't a good idea. She stayed silent and focused on James again.

He had sat Lady back on the floor before standing and observing her closely. Lucy stared silently at him for a second before smiling lightly. "See something you like?" She thought out loud as she moved to one of the cabinets to grab food for Lady. As soon as she heard the cabinet door open, the little puppy came running towards Lucy with excitement, momentarily forgetting James and thinking with her stomach. Lucy placed her bowl on the floor and poured food into it before scratching the pup behind the ears. She then stood back up and put everything away before leaning against the counter. "You look much better." she observed softly and there was relief in her voice.​

 

[Enzyme]

Angel relaxed at the bar, sprawled out on his elbows. He looked at the contents of the shelf as he pleasantly sucked the straw of his drink. He hardly perked out the sound of Vinnie's voice, instead turning to him with a pleasant smile. "Why, it's a tequila sunrise, amico." He tipped the glass a bit so Vinnie could examine it. It was a deep orange alcoholic beverage, flavored with a lime slice, and decorated with a pink umbrella. "Try some." Angel pleasantly said, sliding the glass to Vinnie. "As for Sinead, I'm seeing her tonight," Angel pulled a cigarette from his pocket, placing it between his lips. "We're seeing a play tonight. I should be picking her up in..." Angel examined his watch. "Two hours," he nodded once more, with a smirk.

Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Conor Sullivan and James Porter

James reluctantly let Conor leave, not like he'd have much chance at convincing the headstrong lad not to. After watching him leave, James fixed his attention back to Lucy. She then asked him if he something he liked and he gave her a flirty smile.

"Oh yeah. Still seeing her," he said, his eyes fixed on Lucy's beautiful face. He let her get on with feeding the dog, until she then leaned against the counter and told him he looked better. 'I told you before. Just a few scratches," he remarked, playing down his injuries. He then stepped closer to Lucy, taking advantage of there being nobody else around. "You look amazing," he told her, leaning in to kiss her. He knew she was probably still feeling as dreadful as he was, but he wanted to try make her feel better.

Bellz​

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray

James seemed to know that there was not much they could do to stop her brother from going out and wasting his life away, so he turned back to Lucy and offered her a flirtatious smile, one that made her cheeks turn the slightest shade of pink. His response only made the blush worse but she honestly didn't care, she loved this side of James.

Rolling her eyes, she let out a small laugh and shook her head as he tried to downplay his wounds. "Oh yea, scratches right." She murmured to him and watched as took the steps necessary to be standing right in front of her. Smiling widely, she gave her thanks for the compliment before leaning in and kissing him deeply. They hadn't had much contact since they were constantly being taken care of. They hadn't kissed since that night in the hotel. The night she killed Giana.​

 

[Misty Gray]

Vincenzo Romano



Vinnie smirked and tried some of Angel's drink. Whilst it tasted nice, it wasn't strong enough for Vinnie. He asked the barmaid for another tequila sunrise for Angel. Of course, it was a whiskey for himself. Once handed the drinks Vinnie slid Angel's along the bar to him.

Vinnie sent Angel an approving nod when he said he was taking Sinead out tonight. "A play? That doesn't surprise me at all. She's so very civilised, it can't have been your choice," Vinnie said, though it was clearly just teasing. "And is she falling for that charm of yours?" he asked. As far as he was concerned, this was just another job and one he expected Angel to easily pull off. Sinead seemed an easy target in Vinnie's eyes.

Enzyme​

 

[neverbackdown]

"You really did have some adventures Carl" Alex commented when the old man finished telling her a story from when he was younger. She picked up his empty plate still smiling to herself as she brought it into the kitchen. She checked the clock and sighed realizing her shift ended in 5 minutes. Alex turned to get ready to finish up when her manager walked into the kitchen "Debbie do you want me to stay on?" Alex asked, the hopeful tone clear in her voice. Debbie turned to face Alex with a curious eyebrow raised "Alex sweetie, I love this new motivation to work you seem to have adapted, but other people need hours too and you need to rest" Debbie said this in a somewhat teasing tone but she held a certain air of seriousness to it so Alex knew that her shift was finished. "Was worth a shot" she mumbled as she took off her apron and placed in on her hook. "Alright bye all" she called to the other girls as she put on her jacket and grabbed her bag. Alex left through the backdoor of the Diner which led her onto an Alley. She stopped for a second to light a cigarette before starting to walk down the Alley in an aimless direction. She had no idea where she wanted to go but she knew for certain she did not want to go home quite yet so she settled on a walk around the town before she would head home. As she exited the Alley, Alex turned to her right and began to walk up the street. She knew she should have been more aware of her surroundings considering the danger she was probably in by being out on her own but she couldnt help falling into her thoughts as she walked in the quiet evening.

 

[Misty Gray]

Conor Sullivan

Conor had checked in on the Emerald, which Cassie and Harry had completely under control. They always did look after the place. He wondered if he'd be better off just giving it to them so it was one less thing to think about, especially when his mind was so focused on other business, and personal, matters. After drinking a pint, he couldn't take Cassie's concerned questions any longer and left the pub to find somewhere else to drink. A place where nobody would know him and he wouldn't have to have people fret over him.

He'd been walking for a few minutes when he saw the figure up ahead. He knew exactly who it was and was amazed to see she was being so careless. Perhaps being Vinnie's daughter meant she felt invincible. He stood out of view and as soon as she was about to pass him, he reached his arm out and pulled her off the street and down some alleyway. "You shouldn't be out on these streets alone," he flatly told her. "Oh, but I forgot. You're the one people need to be worried about. You and your psychotic family. How's life treating you, Alex?" he asked, though his tone wasn't a warm one. "I'm curious as to how long you've been using me like this. Since we first spoke? Just plotting with your dad to wipe out the Sullivans?" he questioned her. He'd been holding so many thoughts in that they were all jumping out of his mouth.
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neverbackdown

James Porter

James closed his eyes as he passionately kissed Lucy. He knew this had been long overdue but at the same time he appreciated it, because the moment was enough to make him forget about his pain and troubles. When the kiss stopped, he didn't step away, instead holding her close to him and allowing her to rest her head on his shoulder. "I'm the luckiest man alive right now," he quietly told her. He hadn't expect to even be alive, so being able to hold Lucy like this was beyond belief. Now he began to realise this is what he'd been missing out on and denying for so long. He never expected to love and care for someone like this. "Things are going to get better for us now, I know it," he told her, a determined tone to his voice.
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Bellz

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[Bellz]

Misty Gray
Lucy let out a soft sigh as the kiss came to an end, she rested her head on James' shoulder. Lucy smiled as he said that he was the luckiest man alive, and kissed his shoulder lightly. The pain both physically and mentally seemed to dissolve as she was held in his arms. He was right things were going to get better. Although they had really just started to admit their feelings for one another Lucy couldn't help but think of the future she would have with him. It would be familiar and warm and safe. Something that she'd wanted for a long time. "I believe it will as well." She murmured softly. "I don't think I could go through anything more traumatizing." Admitting that to him was rather hard. For she always wanted to see 'tough.' And sure she was tough, but she was starting to figure out what her limitations were. "Do you think we will have to sneak around much longer?" Any time she wanted to bring up the fact that James stole her heart, things that were way bigger than her and her love life seemed to get in the way. "Cause I don't know how much longer I can hide this."​

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex's mind had wandered to her brother and sister over in Italy. Alex hadnt spoken to them since they landed and so they didnt know what had happened over here, she knew that was probably better for them but she still missed them to talk too and calm her down. Suddenly Alex was ripped from her thoughts as she was grabbed and pulled down some Alleyway, a startled scream escaped her lips as she shut her eyes. She presumed it was some Sullivan prick who had got her and she quickly accepted that she was probably going to die, that was until her grabber spoke. Alex slowly opened her eyes inin relief and looked up at Conor, his tone struck her hard but she had expected this response from him.
Alex had deep, dark bags under her eyes from the lack of her sleep she had been getting and she was ghastly pale since her makeup had worn off during her shift. Alex thought she looked bad, that was until she was looking over Conor and how broken he looked. There was no humour in his eyes nor was there a smile on his face. Alex listened to his questions and bit her lip as she waited for him to stop speaking. Once he finished Alex made eye contact with him, her face was no longer a cold or blank canvas as Conor last would have seen it rather she looked tired and one could tell that there was a lot of stuff going through her mind. "I havnt been using you, I screwed up out of fear and I know that, but I never used you" she said this for now, unsure if he would even want to know the whole story, if he did she would tell him it all but for now she knew it was better to keep it short. "Are you ok?" She asked him as she looked him over again.
Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

James Porter

James smiled as he held Lucy. He couldn't help but think she was turning him soft, but he didn't think that was a bad thing at this point. He sighed when she admitted how traumatising the whole ordeal had been. "I don't think many people would have survived that, not in the way you have. You won't go through anything like that again, not with me around. I won't fail you and Conor again," he assured her.

"Oh, but I thought you liked sneaking around. Even if I can tell from a mile away that you've been smoking," he said, his tone teasing rather than berating. He'd grumble about her smoking later. He'd believed Conor had been the one smoking until he got close enough to Lucy to smell the cigarette on her just now. He decided to remain on the subject at hand, though. "Its your choice, Lucy. I've always been willing to have things out in the open, whether your parents like this or not. If you want this out in the open then it's all fine by me. I don't like sneaking behind your family's back."

Conor Sullivan

Conor could see how exhausted and drained Alex looked, but it didn't really register with him in his current state of mind. He was torn between pain, anger, heartbreak and fear. Looking at her made him feel lonely and lost. He'd fallen in love with her and had genuinely believed she felt the same.

"What do you mean you screwed up out of fear? What did you have to fear?! I didn't see you getting punched, beaten, cut and drowned." Conor frowned, the frustration and confusion clear on his face. When asked if he was okay, he quickly shook his head. "No, Alex. I'm not okay. My whole body still hurts and I can't stop thinking about how it felt to almost die. I can't even talk about it because when I do, I can feel it happening again. I can feel the tightness in my chest and I can't breathe. And I hear Lucy's cries and remember how it felt to believe she was going to die too." Alex would see the tears forming in Conor's eyes, right before he stumbled back and slumped down onto the ground, his back against the stone wall. "I don't know what to do. I feel like my heart has been ripped out, Alex. I was stupid enough to believe you actually cared."
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neverbackdown