ROLEPLAY HQ - black-tie-wedding

Tw: Violence, substance abuse, potentially distressing sexual content, abuse, death Read at own discretion

3:39 PM

@Blue Beetle

Annie sighs as she sits in a large living room. Her father was a high rank businessman that ran offices and property management companies. Annie was the daughter of said businessman and they were meeting her soon to be husband. Annie looks around her living room. She was wearing a black dress that showed off her body. She had a nice body. She took care of herself. She looks at her father and says “I..I don’t understand how you can just hand me to this man..” she says softly. Her father grumbles and says “this is a good way to get his business…so please just try to be nice and pleasant.” Annie sighs and rubs her neck. “Ok..ok..” she says softly as they wait. She didn’t want to marry a person she didn’t know..how could she.. she rubs her neck and stands. She sighs as a knock comes to the door. Annie looks at the door as it opens. @Vox

Zhen sighed softly before he knocked, straightening his coat. He wanted to itch his scalp but knew it'd mess up the gelled hairstyle. His tattoo peaked above the edge of his collar and the ends of his sleeves spidered across his fingers. He'd taken out his earrings, leaving the holes. Zhen was a CEO of a few dealerships and properties downtown but mostly ran foreign affairs making cars. Sighing he tried to keep his heart still as he entered. He'd come in only with a guard, dressed in black, but he could very much protect himself alone. 6' even and built strong, he straightened up. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He bowed a little, a hand across his chest, crossing a red tie over black shirt and coat. "My name is Zhen Akisota." He bowed again deeper to her father. The Akisota's mostly worked out of Korea and Japan, some of the family moving to the USA to expand their business empire. "I'd be honored if you'd join me for dinner. I have a reservation and a limo waiting." He smiled a practiced smile, face level. @Blue Beetle

Annie nods as he comes in. Her eyes scanned the male. He was handsome that was for. She blushes softly. She couldn’t be fooled by looks. She smiles and her father looks at her. “I would be honored to eat with you..” she says. Her eyes meeting his for a second before looking down. She gulps softly as she walks towards him. Her heels click softly on the floor. “Shall we?” She says with a smile. She was trying to make a good impression. For her father and her family. She rubs her hand softly. Her dress has a open back, strings that hold up the top and it hugged her body tightly. She would follow him to the car and would get in. She crosses her legs alittle as she sits and looks around the limo. She had only been in a limo once or twice. She really didn’t care for fancy things. She wanted to pave her own way. She went to school, got a job, got a apartment. She did her own thing. Now she was in a car with a man who rumors says has dealing with gangs. @Vox

He'd taken her arm on the walk, clipping his own steps to keep in step with her. A guard had opened the door and he gave a hand to help her into the seat before getting in himself. He crossed his legs in the seat, leaning back lightly resting his chin on his knuckles to look out the window. He was not a fan of this plan. Acquiring the business was necessary, considering how much the Queens owned. He just wished he didn't have to make a wedding out of it. But hopefully he could just pay her off, settle it all in paperwork and never have to think of it again. He kept his eyes out the window as the car started, unsure what even to say. "It's a restaurant downtown. Good food and vegan-vegetarian if that suits." He smiled lightly looking to her but actually looking through her. It didn't matter anyways. @Blue Beetle

She looks at him and smiles “that sounds great..” she sees him looking though her. She sighs softly and looks at her hands. She knew he didn’t care. He might not even want her near him. She rubs her hands together and looks out the window of the limo. “You look very nice…” she commented softly. She still wanted to be kind and friendly even though he might not care. She would stay silent as they drove to the restaurant. Her eye watching the city pass them. The city was busy with people and families. Once they were they she would get out of the car and sighs as she puts on her smile. She moves towards him and takes his arm as they walk into the restaurant. It was a nice restaurant. She looks around and fixes his dress as they get seated

5:04 PM

@Vox

"As do you. I apologize I'm being rude. I'm a touch... nervous." He laughed a little turning his legs a bit in the seat to face her. Open body language, feet turned in shoulders down. He chuckled again, "I'm glad it's a warm night. I'd be afraid you'd catch death of cold." He teased lightly. He helped her out at the restaurant, the guard following them silently. He'd made the reservation under both their names pulling out her chair at the table. "Are you a wine fan? Order any bottle if you wish." He waved lightly once the waiter had brought their menus. "I'd like a French 75 please." He'd passed the drink sheet back to the waiter without a glance to it. @Blue Beetle

She would sit and smiles “I will have what he is having..” she looks at him “you have great taste..” she says before looking at the food menu. Her legs lightly crossed. He seemed to be closed off..she didn’t know if that was because she was there or that was just him. She hums lightly as she looks over the menu. Once she decides she sets the menu down and looks at him. “Tell me about yourself..I mean we should get to know each other..” she leans towards on her hands and smiles. She was charming. A lot of the men at the bar area were looking at them..mostly her. Her dress was more flashy than she liked but her father made her wear it. She wondered if he had feelings on her dress. Or any feelings at all..she knew the way he smiled and looked at her was distant…fake.. she wanted to kiss the real man. @Vox

"I was born in the USA but moved to Korea with my father as a small child. My mother was American. Akisota's own property in the US and throughout Asia, mostly focusing on vehicle manufacturing." He glanced up at the drink delivery and thankfully took it, sipping it with a soft sound. "Mm...." He set it down carefully. "I have eight brothers. One sister who passed when she was a toddler." He felt he was listing too much. "Overall I just work and go home to watch shows and go to bed." Hs chuckled at himself, Sounds pathetic. "How about you? Family?" @Blue Beetle

She takes her drink and sighs softly “only child. My father runs property management companies and other offices. But you know about him. My mother and father split when I was super young. My father raised me. I am working a onnof my fathers office as the manager of HR. I haven’t been overseas yet..” she says dorky as she takes a sip again. She looks at him and sighs “what are you thought on..us..” she didn’t know if she wanted the answer. “I understand if you don’t want anything to do with me. I know this isn’t really a normal wedding..” she says softly. They most likely wouldn’t have a wedding just them getting married at the city hall or by a private ceremony. She rubs her wrist. A small bracelet hands on her wrist

5:34 PM

@Vox

"Overall I am... neutral. It is business. But I will make sure that you have whatever you want, when you want it. Plan your dream ceremony. If you wish to take another partner in time, I would not protest. You are stuck with me just as I am with you." He said softly swirling his drink. He noticed one of his silverware had been bumped and he straightened it idly. "You will never desire in your life for anything, and you are not required to indulge me. But I will indulge you. Anything you wish, I will do to the extent of my ability." He smiled lightly, and it for once reached his eyes. "I'm honored to marry you. To share my name with you and yours with me." He finished his drink and set the empty glass aside.

5:40 PM

@Blue Beetle

Annie looks at him and drinks her wine. She sighs and looks at him. “We don’t have to have a ceremony..” she says softly. She gets another cup of wine before saying “I won’t have another partner…it goes against my wishes…if I marry I am married to that person..” she says softly. Her eyes don’t meet him as they sit there. “I am to be your wife..if you need anything from me I am here for you..” she says softly and drinks some of her wine. The sever comes to get their food order. She orders the chicken and watches her soon to be husband. would he have another partner? she looks down and seems to become alittle sad as she swirls the wine in her cup

4:44 AM

@Vox

He ordered quietly after questioning the contents of a dish before taking it. When his face was turned she realized he had makeup across part of his cheek to just beneath his eye. "I apologize for the... poor wording. My siblings went through similar situations as this. I guess I'm letting their experiences taint my own." He adjusted in his seat. "Obviously isn't common in this era." "Oh and.... don't say anything to press. About, well... anything. Reporters and tabloids are nosy." He chuckled trying to lighten the mood @Blue Beetle

She looks at him and smiles “of course..I won’t speak to the press..” she says softly as she notices the makeup. She tilts her head and says “did something happen to your eye?” Her mouth comes to her cup and she drinks the wine. Her eyes fall to the table. “Do you want me to do anything around the home? I can cook and clean but I also am skilled at managing businesses. I can help in that way..” she says softly as she looks back at him. “I don’t want to be a show wife. I want to still work. I can do most of my work from home if needed..”

6:07 AM

@Vox

He blinked at being called out for it but used the food delivery to distract, politely taking his plates. "I live in an apartment currently. If we buy a home I'll gladly leave you in charge of whatever you wish. I have no intentions of changing the hierarchy of your families businesses merely replacing your father so he may retire in comfort." He said lightly, eyes on his plate. His scar was burning beneath the makeup, now at the forefront of his mind. @Blue Beetle

Annie takes her plate and starts to eat “I see…” she says softly. Her eyes looking at him and tilts her head. “Are you hiding soemthing under that makeup?…I won’t be scared…” she says softly as she takes a bite of her chicken. She crosses her legs alittle and hums lightly “this is good..you made a great choice..” she says softly. Men at the bar were staring at her and she could feel their eyes. She tries to not show how uncomfortable she was with the eyes on her. “Are you going to tell me what you are hiding?” @Vox

"I have a scar. From here to here." He showed with his fingertip, skimming across his cheek. "I dislike it so." He shrugged a little, eyes skimming left toward the bar. He had no shame in staring them down, chin up and daring them to try. "Overall I am in no rush to set the parameters of a relationship this early. Take it slow with me and we'll figure it out." He smiled lightly before setting back into his meal. @Blue Beetle

Annie smiles at him and says “you don’t have to hide it…not from me.” She says before taking a drink from the wine. “Well this is a business deal…so we should have some kind of base line..” she says softly. She would eat more of her meal before she looks at him and smiles. “When should I move in with you? Do you want to wait till…till it is official or now?” She tilts her head. She would have to make sure that if she moved in now she got back to her home to grab her bag she had packed. She leans foward and she unconsciously shows her cleavage as she leans foward and drinks the wine. It was starting to effect her. She should stop drinking…she really should but she needed something to numb her heart right now. @Vox

"You're welcome to move into my apartment. Do whatever you want." I'm never home anyway. "and it's a deal with your father. You're just collateral damage of his doings." He forced his eyes away and back to his plate. "I'll have Fuì take you home. I'm feeling sick." He pushed up from the table, dropping the napkin in a ball on his plate and walking past. Regret was coiling in his chest at agreeing to this. She's just... naive. The rain made him flinch but he turned up his coat, walking around the corner to get to the parking lot. His brother had agreed to help him bail if he needed.... Fuì was his secretary, the small man smiling brightly to her. "Come on then. Cars pulled up outside." @Blue Beetle

Annie looks at him as he walks away. She sighs and stands. “Thank you Fuì…can we stop by my…my apartment so I may grab my things..it is close by..” she says softly as she looks down and walks out. She looks at the rain and sighs. “Did I do soemthing..” she says softly before getting into the car and watching the rain outside. They would pull up to her apartment and she would run up to grab her two bags then back do. She said go bye to the apartment manager. She would get into the car with her tow bags before they started for the apartment. Her new home. Once they got there fuì got her things and lead her up to the apartment. She enters the place and sighs softly. It looked like it was touched..ever…she rubs her neck before taking of her heels and moving into the apartment.

7:20 AM

@Vox

"Ahhah. No. He's.... squirrely. Half the time his mind is elsewhere. Can barely get him through signing a contract before he's off." Fuì passed her the key to the room. His apartment took up the entire top floor and the only disturbed room seemed to be his bedroom, the blankets twisted into a mess. "Maid service comes on Friday mornings and groceries Wednesday and Saturday. I believe he left a card around her somewhere...." Fuì searched around then came back with a debit card emblazoned with Zhenbei Akisota-Queen and beneath that Annie Akisota-Queen. "Both of you have these. There for you to use." Fuì smiled holding it out. "Theres another room and office down the hall. And my phone number is in the kitchen if you need me okay?" He beemed. @Blue Beetle

Annie nods and smiles “thank you..” she looks at the card and rubs her thumb around the name. She sighs softly before looking at fuì. “Thank you again..I am going to get settled..” she says softly before moving to the guest room. She didn’t want to step into his room. She sets her bags down before quickly changing into some comfortable clothes. She rubs her hands together and moves into his room..she moves and makes the bed before fluffing the pillows. She hums lightly before moving to the kitchen and looking around. She would clean antrhing that was set out. She found some things to make a brownie so she decided to make some of them. She hums lightly and kept her phone near her as well as the key and the card near her. She turns on some music before starting to bake. @Vox

He came back close to 2am, dropping paperwork on his coffee table, thumping down onto it. He was already drunk and the headache was setting in. He toed off his shoes arm over his eyes, stretching out on the couch. Fuì had warned him she was in the apartment knowing he was twitchy, and he quickly got up to retreat to his room. He wasn't about to explain why he left dinner.

8:47 AM

@Blue Beetle

Annie had baked the brownies and left him some before cleaning up and then going to her room. She got a shower and laid down as she heard him come in. She rubs her eyes and curls up. She sighs. “This is how is will be..” she mumbles as she lays there. She shakes her head and grows “no..I will get to him..at least I have to try..” she set her alarm and gets to rest. Her alarm goes off and she gets up, changes, and then goes tot he kitchen. She starts to make eggs, bacon and toast. She hums as she does this. She brews coffee as she cooks. @Vox

He got up and walked past her without a word, white t-shirt basically see through with sweat revealing how far his tattoo went down his back and across his chest. He refilled his water and immediately left again, even if she spoke to him. After a shower and a change of clothes, he texted his brother. They were testing all the casinos they owned in the area, being three of them. Invite Queen. Not a chance. They gave you a hot wife and you're really saying no. Just pretend. You know I'm awful at it. He sighed softly standing in the doorway of his room, debating. @Blue Beetle

Annie doesn’t speak as he grabs water and leaves. She sighs and rubs her face before plating his food and hums lightly as she wrote him a note. heres some food. It is toast, eggs, bacon, and cofee. I will be eating in my room so you have your space. She takes her food and moves to her room. She sits on the bed and eats softly. Her eyes were sad. Was she trying to much…should she not cook…she rubs her eyes and just eats. @Vox

Two of my brothers and their wives are going to casinos. Would you like to join me? He texted her leaning back in his doorway chewing his cheek. He'd promised one date of half an hour, and here he was subjecting her potentially to his brothers. His very. Very loud brothers. He rubbed his face lightly sighing. I'm not going to change my behavior again. I hate doing it. She can deal with me being the way I normally am. He crossed his arms thumping his head back, waiting for a response before he left. @Blue Beetle

She looks at her phone and sighs ‘‘Sure..what is the dress code? Also there is food for you.’’ She finishes eatting then goes back to the kitchen to clean up. She does the dishes before moving to the couch and turning on the tv. She wouldn’t hide in all ways. She could give him space but she would eat and watch tv.

10:31 AM

@Vox

He came out to sit in one of the chairs, cautiously eating as if she'd slap the meal out of his hands. "Thank you for cooking for me." He'd been raised to never ask or assume cooked food was alright for him to eat. He'd wait until someone said or he'd make his own. "And there's no real dress code for the casino. Nicer clothing but don't go out of your way for it." He furthered, "I test staff on how quick they can find theft." He put another bite in his mouth crossing his ankles, sitting stock straight in the chair. @Blue Beetle

Annie looks at him and smiles “of course..I was making me something so I made you soemthing. Alright I think I have a good dress for the occasion..anything I need to know about your siblings?” She doesn’t really turn to him just sits curled up on the couch watching tv. “Also when are we leaving? I would like to take a shower and do my hair before we left..” she says softly as if she was talking to herself. She rubs her hands together before standing and turning off the tv. She moves tot he hallway before saying “I will be ready in a hour or so..if you need anything let me know..” @Vox

"They're loud. Dumb. Their wives are going for the free drinks and they're going because I tend to end up either in a police car or broken ribs when I go alone." He finished his plate going to wash it. "An hour will be good." He called back. By the hour he was dressed semi-casually waiting by the door, clicking through his phone. A button down tucked into slacks, unbuttoned. She got to see his scar for the first time, a dipped dark spot crossing his cheek, and several earrings in each ear. "Ready?" @Blue Beetle

She nods before going to her room and getting ready. She got her hair done into a slick back ponytail. She hums lightly as she does her light makeup. She wore a short blue dress. She walks into the room and slips on her shoes. “Ready..” she says softly. She looks at his eyes and her eyes widen. She gulps softly before taking her small bag and smiles “shall we?” She would follow him down to the car before they started to drive to the casino. “What are your brothers name?” @Vox

He opened another car door, motioning her in. It was a three row SUV, two girls and a guy already buzzed in the back with champagne. The two men in the front appeared to be twins and took advantage, looking as similar as possible as they could get. Both grinned and stated cheerful greetings. "Adam. Aaron. Annie." Zhen greeted them to each other lazily before looking out the windows. The two were happy, the kind that showed and reached their eyes, their energy infectious. "Nice to meet you!" "Too bad you got stuck with Zhen aye?" "Shut up and drive." "You have the map prick." Adam pushed Aaron lightly who started the map on his phone. One of the women in the back offered forward a champagne bottle, "We got champagne at the last casino." She giggled and put it in Annie's hands until Adam barked for her to sit down. Zhen looked fully miserable, putting his palms over his ears. @Blue Beetle

Annie smiles and looks at the men. Her eyes move over to zhen. She gulps softly before taking the bottle and smiles. “I am good..thank you tho..” she says softly before she set the bottle down. She holds her hands in her lap and looks down. She was close to zhen. Her leg was touching his. She would just sit without really talking as they drove. She smiled and was friendly but keep to herself. They pulled up to the Casino and she would get out along with the others. She fixes her dress before standing there and just waiting. She felt out of place..her face was shwoing this. She shouldn’t have come..

11:38 AM

@Vox

They included her anyway, and Zhen offered his arm. Only Adam joined them to find a table, lightly chatting superficially. But when it came to who was actually playing the game, Adam set Zhen at the table. "Do your thing robot man." Adam teased and Zhen waved him off from mussing his hair. Adam got Annie a seat to sit by him, the dealer and other players looking annoyed to have a sudden new player. Zhen didn't notice. Zhen passed a 10 dollar bill across the table to get the chip, and he gave it to Annie. "You're in charge of my chips." He winked a hesitant but real smile across his face. Annie would realize very quickly he liked cards. And he was good at it. He knew what other players had and easily ran circles through the game, often not bothering to actually hold his cards. He'd glance once and set them down, tapping his foot in an unconscious spasm. He wanted to share what he liked with her, but he wasn't very good at it. @Blue Beetle

Annie smiles and sits. She looks at him and then to the chips. She smiles softly as she nods “ok..” she saw the real smile. She wanted more of that. She would watch him and hums lightly. She didn’t really know how to play but she pul do what he wanted her too. She saw his leg movement and smiles she doesn’t speak because she didn’t want to interfere with him. However she did reach over and tap his hand. “You are really good..” she says softly. Her eyes were alittle happier. She still felt out of place. She just sits there and watches. The dealer was watching them two. @Vox

"I'm done dealing to you." The employee dropped the chips into Zhen's hand who waved him off. "Fine fine." Zhen offered his arm lightly to her taking his chips from her. "150 bucks from 10 before we got kicked." He made a face like it wasn't too bad. "Pick another game." He offered. @Blue Beetle

She smiles and slightly leans into him. She looks around and says “the spiny one..I am going to be honest I don’t know about gambling hehe..@ she giggles but points to the game with the spinning top. She looks at him and says “how much do you think we will get?” She wanted to see his smile. “That dealer was watching you close at that table..” she says softly as they walk. Men were watching her again but she tries to just focus on zhen. @Blue Beetle

12:04 PM

@Vox

"That's because you're not supposed to count cards and he's lost to me before. I take alot when I come to casinos." He took the coins from Annie, sitting and having Annie sit basically in his lap to play. "Red or black?" He offered holding one of the chips across to play the game. When she gave a color he got the numbers, giving the game a few times. Though they didn't win near the same amount of money, they did win a few dollars. @Blue Beetle

Annie smiles and blushes softly as she leans into him. Her dress riding up alittle as she says “red..” she looks at him and doesn’t pay attention at the game but at his face. She smiles and leans into him more “you pick next..you are better than me..” she whispers before smiling. She rest her hand on his hand as they play the game. She looks up and sees a male who is eyeing her. She gulps and Judy’s to ignore him. She shivers and felt..like she needed to hide. But she was safe..zhen was safe..

3:44 PM

@Vox

"Eh. You can't actually know with this game its pretty random." He'd noticed the man following them, specifically her, and tucked an arm around her waist, setting his chin on her shoulder. "I see him." He whispered softly squeezing her gently as he played a few more rounds. They're probably looking for Aaron. He'd picked up some heat. He decided. He'd adjusted how he was sitting with her, so if the man rushed Zhen could act first. "You. You're with that fuckin Akisota. Aaron." He'd snapped and Zhen didn't look up. "What of it?" He'd said lightly, but stopped at the knife being pulled to his throat. He'd tipped up his chin grip loosening around Annie's waist. The dealer pressed his panic button looking the doors to the section. Zhen moved her off his lap, the two women they'd drove with quickly helping her out of the way of the confrontation. "Why shouldn't I cut your fucking throat?" The man snapped and Zhen pulled a gun from his belt in a snap, aiming it at the man's head. "Takes 7 seconds to bleed out from a cut throat. .24 to fire a gun." His voice was still as level as always, seemingly unbothered. "Girls. Follow the crowd out. Hold the door open okay?" He ordered and the two wives nodded, one trying to take Annie with them. All of the crowd who'd seen what was happening, they'd run screaming so they stood relatively alone. @Blue Beetle

Annie nods and bites her lip. She blushes more at his hand. Her blood ran cold as she turns and look at the knife. She gulps as she slips off of his lap and watches the whole thing. She was pulled away. “No..” she whispers softly. Her eyes were fixed on the two men. She was being pulled but she didn’t want to leave him. What if he got hurt. What if he needed her. She was finally pulled more away. “Zhen…” she says softly. She follows the women out and to the door. She would wait at the door. Holding it open. She couldn’t see him anymore. She gulps softly. “Please be ok..” she says softly as she waits. The women near her where holding her and making sure she was still there and wouldn’t run off towards the two men. Annie was shivering as she waited. It was getting colder and she didn’t have a coat. “Please..zhen..” @Vox

Aaron tucked his coat over her, sitting off to the side of the door. The police brought them both in cuffs though Zhen was just a formality. Aaron and Adam dealt with the police while Zhen went back to Annie and just hugged her. He didn't know why he was.... "I'm sorry to frighten you. I'll take you home." He smiled lightly holding his side. @Blue Beetle

Annie looks at Arron and smiles before looking at zhen. She was shocked as he hugged her. She hugs him back. She just stays in that hug as he speaks “ok..” she looks at him and then to his side. “Are you ok?” She says softly. She touches his hand that was holding his side. She moves him to sit and she looks at him. “Do you need a medical attention?” She asks softly. Her eyes were filled with worry

4:48 PM

@Vox

"I don't do hospitals please don't draw attention to it. It's stitches at minimum." He begged softly to her sweating. "Fuì is coming to get us just please don't say anything." He hadn't felt pain like this in a long while. It was just a graze when the man had fallen with a knife. @Blue Beetle

Annie looks at him and moves her hand to holds his face. “Ok…just stay with me..here..” she says softly as she sits next to him and smiles “thank you..” she says softly as she takes his free hand. She waits till fuì comes and then she stands. “Ok..let’s go home..” she says softly as she helps him up and walks to the car. She lets him get in frost before handing the jacket back to Arron then gets into the car. Turning to zhen she says “can I see..now that we are alone?” She says softly as she moves closer to him and smiles softly “I know alittle first aid..I can help…” @Vox

"I can do stitches at the apartment." He was correct in that it was just a graze across his side and he pressed the rag back to his skin. "I'm sorry to bring you to that. I didn't expect it to be so bad today." He noted softly looking away. It would've been fine had it just been her but seeing the panic on her face made guilt curl in his throat. "Fixed myself up before after all..." He chuckled softly then winced. @Blue Beetle

She looks at the cut and sighs “it is ok…you didn’t know..you pushed me away and protected me..” she says softly as she takes her purse and pulls out some tissues. “Here..” she says softly. She looks at him. “If you show me I can help…you might shake..and..you aren’t alone anymore..” she says softly as they drive. She looks out the window and sighs softly. She knew he needed to clean the wound and she would help with that if he needed her too. They pulled up to the apartment and she helped him out of the car before walking to the building then in the elevator. She held him so he could lean on her.

5:44 AM

@Vox

He didn't need much of the support, but let her hold him as she pleased. He unlocked the spare room in his house and she realized very quickly the rumors might be substantiated. He had over four large gun cabinets and a metal medical cots, side cabinets for supplies, and a large metal basin sink. He put his handgun away, carefully unloading and locking it away before even starting on his side. He tugged open a cupboard door finding stitching thread in the sterile packaging, and a medical needle. When he tugged off his now bloody button down, she could see the coiling tattoo down his back. A coiling dragon amongst clouds ran down his back. Parts were clearly covering older tattoos or trying to draw attention away, japanese characters running down every inch of his back; each barely the size of her thumbnail. He found a peroxide bottle shaking it up, wincing as his main hand messed with his side, and put it in the other. @Blue Beetle

She watches him and moves closer. She takes the bottle and says “show me what to do..” she grabs the supplies and moves him into the bedroom. She sits up down and sets everything up before pouring some peroxide into a towel and then looking at him. “This is going to hurt..” She would lightly pat the wound the eith towel. She looks at him as she does this. She didn’t want to hurt him but it needed to be done

4:52 PM

@Vox

He barely blinked sitting with his arm out of the way. He taught her the stitching easily, it being simple. He put a bit of numbing cream over top before she started. "Thank you for the help." He said softly, sitting on the cot so she could see her work easily. @Blue Beetle

She smiles at him as she stand and moves to put everything back. She sighs softly before saying “you protected me..I want to pay you back..” she moves back to him and touches his should. She bites her lip before hugging him from behind. She hid her face and shivers. She would stay like that for a moment before pulling away and hiding her face “sorry…I..you give nice hugs..I will leave you..” she says as she turns to walk away

4:56 PM

@Vox

He flinched at the hug but put a hand over her arm gently, accepting the hug, grateful she couldn't see the break of his face. "Sleep well." He said softly as she left and watched her in the mirror. He couldn't sleep when he finally went to his room. The few times he did drift off he woke from nightmares. Pushing up he went to the kitchen trying to keep quiet, making a drink for himself. @Blue Beetle

Annie went to her bedroom before sighing as she closes the door. She slides down the door and hugs herself. She saw the side he was hiding but he would open to her. She just curls up as she whimpers. She didn’t move for a while before standing and moving to the bathroom. She would get a shower and change before needing some water. She was only wearing a large shirt as she walks into the kitchen and sees him. “Hi..”

5:06 PM

@Vox

"Hi." He responded curtly sipping his drink. He just looked tired, not trying to be cross. He saw her outfit and his eyes skimmed over her before he looked quickly away. "Are you one for vodka? About all I have." He chuckled softly. Head hanging slightly he emptied his cup and set it upside down in the sink. "I'm sorry if I woke you." @Blue Beetle

She shakes her head “you didn’t..and I was just going to get water..you look tired..” she says softly as she walks to him and reaches out of his face. She rest her hand on his face softly and says “can you not sleep?” She wondered if he had nightmares… @Vox

"Hard to." He briefly leaned into her palm before he turned away to find a snack in a cupboard. "I'm awake most of the time at night." He tossed a microwave bowl meal into the cooker, pressing the buttons with a knuckle. "Rough childhood and that." He said it coarsely but it was slightly an admission. A telling of what she would be getting into. @Blue Beetle

She listens to him as she moves and bites her lip. She would move behind him and hug him. “I am sorry…can..can I do anything?” She says softly as she hugs hims. Her body was pressed to his and she just wanted to hold him. Maybe if he had someone there.. “would..would you want me to be there..help you though them?”

5:16 PM

@Vox

"Why are you trying so hard?" He asked softly confused and keeping his focus on mixing microwaved sludge in the plastic container. She made no sense to him. If someone gave you no attention why would you continue to pursue? He sighed softly blowing on his bite of food before eating cautiously. "You can. If you want." He relented, scarred cheek twitching. @Blue Beetle

“Because…if I don’t then you will fall deeper into the abyss..” she says softly as she holds him. Her arms wrapped around his body. “If you want me to stop tell me…tell me and I will stop everything..I won’t cook..I won’t talk…I won’t look..” She didn’t want that. Her grip tighten as she says “but I really want to be close..or at least have conversations..”

5:23 PM

@Vox

His view of his food blurred a little and he quickly blinked, pushing the bowl away a little. "Shall we go then. Considering it's 3 am." He noted checking the microwave. His skin was warm under her hold, pajama pants slung low on his hips. He picked her up on his way back to his room and she realized quickly his floor was covered with paper and random paperwork tools. He carried her through in the dim light setting her on his bed. A TV was on but on mute and the brightness turned way down. "Do you want some more pillows?" He offered softly, carefully picking through his paper mess to a side cupboard. @Blue Beetle

She nods and goes to walk but is picked up. She holds onto him and shivers softly as she looks at him then to his room. She looks at him and shakes her head “No this is fine..” she looks at him and watches. She would speak and just lay down and yawns softly. She didn’t realize how tired she was. She would wait til he got in bed to take his hand and hold it. Then she would closer her eyes. @Vox

He laid down, blinking softly holding her fingers. He eventually closed his eyes praying he'd make it through the night. Within the hour he'd jerked awake panting and sweating and he put his hands over his face, settling his heart. He blinked at the person in his bed and remembered she'd come with him. He smiled softly and settled his cheek back on his arm. @Blue Beetle

She would fall aslee but also wake up. She hums softly before taking his hand and humming slightly “it is ok..” her voice was softly and she was still kind asleep as she spoke. She moved closer and curls up “itssss..ok…” she yawns as she falls back asleep. Her breathing went to normal and she sighs as she sleeps

5:40 PM

@Vox

He let out a soft breath of amusement, his hand shaking in hers. She woke in the morning before him, his hands in hers and the two basically tangled together in the blankets. He moved without waking if she moved, rolling away. 99% of the paperwork spread across the floor was in Korean or Japanese, taking up his wood floor. @Blue Beetle

She would wake before him. She yawns softly as she looks at him. Her eyes wide alittle as she smiles. She just lays there quietly before moving out of the bed. She would move to his side and kiss his forehead softly before picking up the papers and putting them in a few piles out of the way. She then made her way to make breakfast and coffee. She yawns s she did this still in her over size shirt

5:47 PM

@Vox

He got up after a while, cleaning his side then stepping into the shower. Turning his face up to the water he tried to settle his thoughts. He wasn't sure what to think.... He walked into the kitchen dressed and wet hair brushed back. "I'm going into work today. I'll be back around 6. If you need anything text me or Fuì. If you leave please lock up and car keys are by the door." He said lightly, pausing at the food and taking some with him. He hoped she wouldn't be bored at the house. Apart from his gaming system, there wasn't much to do. "And you have your card. If you need to go shop. The cleaner is coming in today." @Blue Beetle

Annie nods and says “ok..right cleaning is coming…do you want me to cook something for dinner?” She asks softly as she looks at him and smiles as he takes the food. She pours the coffee in a to go cup and hands that to him. “I will maybe go and see about getting some food stuff.. anything you want me to get?” She asks as she takes a drink of her coffee. She sighs and yawns. She would rub her eyes before moving to him and hugging him from behind. “I hope work goes well…I am here if you need anything ok?” She says softly before backing up and looking down. She bite her lip softly before turning away from him. @Vox

"I like fish and meat." He said lightly in reference to dinner. When she backed away and looked to her feet he gently got hold of her chin in rough fingers. Pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, he silently turned and left. Snagging his keys on his finger he got into the car and left. The cleaner was a quiet man who greeted her with a soft smile and went about his business, scrubbing down the apartment and cleaning his guns. The man had his own keys for the large cases. Zhen texted midway through the day. If someone knocks at the door, please do not answer it. Leave it closed and locked.

5:41 PM

@Blue Beetle

Annie smiles and sighs before getting dressed for the day. The cleaner came and she kept out of the way. She would watch some tv before putting together a list for dinner. She hums lightly and let the cleaner out before closing and locking the door. She looks at her phone and smiles alright. Hope work is good. She decided to get food delivered. She found a fish place to bring her the fish. She placed the order and hums lightly as she moves back to the kitchen. She hums and dances to music

5:43 PM

@Vox

Further into the evening he came home, unlocking the door and shutting it behind. He'd gotten into a fight, a bruise across his cheek and busted up fingers. "For now please don't go out without Fuì." He said softly without a greeting, setting the keys on a counter with a quiet clatter. He smiled softly seeing the meal she had been making. "I'm going to go shower." @Blue Beetle

Annie looks at Zheng as he comes in. She had made fish and rice with some vegetables. She looks at him and says “what..waht happened..” she says softly moving to him. She takes his hand and looks at him. “What happened Zhen..” she says softly. She would pull him into the kitchen and grabs a rag. She wets it before dabbing on his fingers. “Zhen…what happened..” Her eyes were filled with worry. She would jsut wait for his answer as she cleans up his fingers. “I will get a ice pack for you…you should take some medicine..:” she says s before reaching up and lightly touhces his cheek

4:56 AM

@Vox

"It's alright. Dealing with the ones from the casino." He murmured softly, letting her preen over him. "What did you make? Smells good." He tipped his head lightly, looking to the stove. "I'd never learned to cook really. I'm sure I'd burn water if I'd try to make noodles. Normally Aaron and I just get Soba." He was quite close with his brothers, even if all three of them fought quite frequently. He stripped off his coat, leaving it on the arm of the couch, lifting the side of his shirt to check his stitches. "Any more of this and I'm gonna fall apart at the seams." He chuckled softly. He accepted the medication and the ice pack, but lingered in the kitchen. Part of him worried if he should help. Wasn't quite sure how he would help.... "Have you thought what you're wanting for the wedding?" He asked lightly, icing his knuckles. @Blue Beetle

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Annie looks at him. she looks at the food and smiles "just a fish and rice dish...just something that was simple..." she says as she moves to get a zip lock bag with some ice. "you should sit and rest...ok.." he says softly as she hands him the ice pack. she moves to look at his side. "i can look at your side after dinner...you should eat soem thing.." she says sfotly as she moves to the stove. she plates the fish and rice with a sweet sause. she plates her plate and moves to sit next to him. she takes a bite of her fish and sighs softly "i hope you like it..." she smiles softly. her mind goes to the wedding.. "um..i dont know...whatever....it doesnt ahve to be very big.."

1:32 PM

@Vox

@Vox take your time!