Crime and Passion [ a roleplay with Renny&Robin ]

[Renny]

Landon gritted his teeth, but decided to not argue. He looked back to the door. "You have to understand, he's a friend." Landon said. "Names don't matter." He said, and his hand flashed out, taking her wrist in his hand, fingers at her pulse. Wolves did it a lot. Touch was a big part of their culture, something they surprisingly shared with the lions. "His name is Troy Ayres." His fingers tightened, as if anchoring her to him. His luminous blue eyes searched her stormy eyes, holding them, pulling her into him. "His father isn't Charles Ayres, but his mother was Charles's sister, Georgiana." Landon looked deep into her eyes, searching for some hint that she recognized it. "She was raped, and as a result, Troy." He looked to the door, but his hand never left her wrist, long fingers curled tightly, despite the fact they were long and delicate looking, they had strength. "Story is that Charles tried to get her to abort the baby, but she refused." He shook his head slightly. "Georgiana ran, and was under my father's protection, which is how Troy came to be." Landon rolled his lips together, sighing. "It was all good for a while. It was Brenden, Troy, and I. All best friends." Landon took in a breath, looking away from her. "But Troy has paranoid schizophrenia, which he can control, but it got out of hand." Landon swallowed slightly. "And one night, Troy and I witnessed his mother's death. Suicide, really. But Troy swears it was someone else." He closed his eyes, fingers loosening on Sabrina's wrist, but not letting go. "He went a little crazy, and his delusions got worse. Hence, being in this psych ward." He waved his hand at the hall. His hand dropped from her wrist, and was shoved into the front pocket of his jeans, not meeting her eyes anymore, staring down the hall.

[Robin]

Sabrina could see this was making it hard for him, her refusing to just go along with it. She didn't know the whole story, all she knew was there was something else Landon kidding want her to see, and at this point after all the stuff Matthew wright had spouted, she didn't feel like letting it go this time. It just didn't seem right. Landon eventually relented and as he spoke Sabrina listened attentively. Wait, an Ayers? She opened her mouth to question this but suddenly felt Landon's touch. Sabrina swallowed hard and didn't say anything, but still held his gaze. He just kept doing that. And as much as Sabrina wanted to pretend it didn't feel like anything, she couldn't. She could try to fool her head all she wanted but that didn't stop her heart from picking up, beating a little faster, nor a tightness from building in her chest. But Sabrina gave no indication, simply listened as he spoke, focusing on his words and not his touch, well trying to at least. Between the hands and the way he was looking at her, Sabrina was finding it difficult to solely pay attention to what Landon was saying. It was annoying how inexplicably distracting this was. She didn't want to feel anything. Feeling usually turned bad for her, her head twisted it till it hurt. Listening Sabrina felt horrible. The story was terrible, truly heartbreaking. Though she didn't act like it, Sabrina was really a very empathetic person. She stayed quiet, just listening, the feeling for Troy and his tale clear in her stormy gaze. She felt Landon pulling away, till eventually he let go as he finished. That didn't feel good either. Sighing Sabrina look at Landon, it was obvious this was painful for him, and frustrating. Taking a gentle step forward, she reached out gently, brushing a quick finger against his cheek, a sympathetic gesture, slowly she eased him into looking up, looking at her. Her finger lingered near him for a moment till she slowly lowered her hand, to play with loose strands of her golden locks near her own face. She still stood so close, enough that every once in a while her blonde lashes would accidentally graze his face. "Okay, I understand, alright?" She murmured, her voice soft. " I'm with you on this. Just um, do me one favor, and don't leave me here? I don't want to end up in a psych ward just yet. At least not until we take that bastard down." There was a faint ghost of a sad smile playing on her lips as she spoke. She wanted to be there with him. 

[Renny]

Landon's eyes jerked up to meet her own. His fingers brushed against where she had touched him, before retreating to his necklace. Comfort flowed through him as he touched the wolf. His father had given it to him when he was five, and since then, he'd never taken it off. It felt like Magnus would always be there for him. Landon smiled, reaching out to tuck a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear, thumb brushing against her jaw. He felt something for her, which was not good. She was a cop. He was the son of a major crime boss. But right now, they were friends with a common enemy. He thought about Charles Ayres, and a shudder ran down his spine. Wright was, in fact, right. Charles Ayres was the devil. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, closing out of the photograph. He looked up at her. "I won't." He smiled. He'd feel safe when Charles Ayres was behind bars. Magnus Cross and Reece Bolton might be incredibly scary and intimating, but Charles Ayres was a different kind of dangerous. His smile was wicked, and malice laced through his pale irises. Despite being roughly the same age as Landon's father, and Reece Bolton, he looked older. He hadn't shifted into his lion form in many years was what the story told, not because he didn't need to, but because he only would when he was forced. And when he did, you were in trouble. Landon hadn't even ever seen Charles Ayres in lion form. He'd seen all of the Heads of the Family in their original, and comfortable skins, except Charles. He shivered at the thought, again, and looked at Sabrina. Guilt laced through him. He didn't want her hurt. He knew if she ran into Charles Ayres, and he knew she was working with him, she was better off dead. He frowned at her. "Let's get back to the police station." He said. "I'd rather not have to sedate another person." Landon said, turning away from her.

[ should they see Magnus Cross?
and then I was thinking. Maybe Charles Ayres could be poking around the police station
and Landon has to hide? ]

[Robin]

Yeah they should

And sure. But um question, when are we doing the undercover stuff? Because if was are, Sabrina can't meet ayers otherwise he'll recognize her and the whole undercover thing is ruined


Replying <3

[Renny]

yes.
hmm. maybe she doesn't meet him specifically, but he meets her dad?
and Landon like pulls her into a closet to hide with him?

okie dokie<3

[Robin]

I like that and I'm about to be done

[Robin]

Sabrina studied Landon for a moment finding herself content to just look for a second until he decided to say something. As he touched her again, totally against her will, Sabrina's breathing hitched she bit her lip hard, hoping he wouldn't notice. Damn this wasnt good. They worked as partners, but past that? No, the facts were totally against it, guy involved in his family's crime business plus detective of the Boston police. Yeah that definitely didn't fit. Someone needed to tell her heart beat that. But the other problem was it wasn't just a physical feeling, he didn't look at her like she was crazy and he she trusted him and you are way crazier than you thought. What about that guy Bryan, huh? You know...your boyfriend of two years? Shit. Sabrina shoved all of that out of her head. If she kept thinking like they she'd end up dead ayers would get the jump on her. This was no time to feel. She had to steel herself to anything Landon did to her. Just partners, just business. That was it from now on. " thanks" Sabrina found herself replying, but this time there was no softness. She had shoved her mind into work mode. Ayers was all that she could handle thinking about right now. It was clear from his expression Landon's thoughts had warned to Charles ayers as well. She could blame him. Sabrina had only ever seen pictures but the guy was horrifying even in photograph and those eyes...it was like they could kill alone if they wanted too. Hearing Landon she nodded. Part of her had wanted to meet Troy, satisfy some curiosity but this was about Landon and she would follow him on this one. " okay, if that's what you want.' She agreed " I couldn't agree more." She sighed echoing his second thought.  Sabrina moved passed him, brushing up against him totally by accident. Swallowing hard she refused to engage in thinking whatever she was feeling and kept walking till they were out on the street, she paused a moment a few blocks away from the facility when she was someone or something in the distance. She could explain why but she felt like she needed to stop, the figure gave her a weird feeling....

[Renny]

Landon had only met the oldest Ayres once. And it had been terrifying. His electric energy flooded the room. Landon thought of Troy. How he was everything like his mother, and his mother was nothing like her brother. She had soft wavy hair, beautiful eyes, and a kind smile. Troy looked similar, only his hair was dark and straight, yet his eyes matched his mother's perfectly. He was, honestly, beautiful. And yet, Landon hadn't seen him in years. Maybe his hair was longer, or shorter? Perhaps his eyes were dulled? Maybe he was just as twitchy? Landon didn't know, and he felt bad for not really wanting to know. Landon hadn't really been paying attention until the scent hit him. So familiar, so warm. It made his knees weak, and his body want to go limp. But his body jumped, and his eyes darted towards the scent to see a broad-shouldered figure stopping to talk to someone on the road. "Fuck." The word slipped out of Landon's mouth, as his nose was filled with a cinnamon-sweet scent. One that reminded him strongly of home, protection, and comfort. Magnus Cross, surprisingly, smelled like bonfires and autumn, and it was something that Landon loved. What would he say? He didn't want his father to know he was working with the BPD. He turned to Sabrina. "Pretend you're my girlfriend. Hide your badge." He said, voice low. His eyes flickered. He didn't act afraid, just urgent. His luminous eyes blinked, and he glanced over his shoulder. "You're about to meet Magnus Cross." He added, stepping in front of her.

She didn't have time to protest as his arm slipped around her waist, bringing them almost uncomfortably close, but not if they were dating. He leaned his head to her ear level. "He can't know I'm working with a cop." He said. "It might blow your cover, before you even get started. Plus, it might get you an in with the families." He smiled, his body loose, and he played a good actor, not that it was hard to pretend to date a pretty blonde. He began to walk, and as they did so, their hips bumped. Magnus Cross came close, and as he saw his son, he waved, and smiled. Then he noticed Sabrina. Magnus did not look like a 'Mad Dog', as they said. He looked somewhat relaxed now, loose and almost joyful. And yet, a tired and knowing look lit his eyes. As he drew closer, one could barely see the resemblance between Landon and Magnus. Magnus's eyes were a deep green, his hair a lighter chestnut color and fell in straight layers to below his jawline, but was now slicked back. His face was carved with frown lines, tanned and deep set, especially around his eyes, cheeks, and mouth. Today, he dressed sharply, his suit was black, but was covered mostly by a sweeping, long-jacket that buttoned up the front and was made out of a soft, dark gray wool. He looked sharp, stylish, and powerful. Yet, something in his eyes sparkled at the sight of his son, yet he did not embrace him, probably because Landon's arm was still wrapped around Sabrina's waist. But also because the two weren't affectionate in public. Both had an image, and an ego. "Hey, dad." Landon said, smiling gently as if nothing was wrong. Magnus's eyes, so deep, so intensely green gazed at Sabrina. His head tilted to the side. "Hello." Magnus had a deep voice, a bit raspy, but strong, firm. It vibrated with power, and yet it had been laid back. His eyes floated back to his son. Landon squeezed Sabrina's hip. "This is my girlfriend. I was hoping you could meet her somewhere a bit more planned." Magnus chuckled. "Of course, is she why you've been late to family events?" Magnus teased, and turned his gaze back to Sabrina. He blinked evenly at her, his gaze steady, but not as piercing as his son's. "Pleasure to meet you?" He raised his brows, waiting for her to tell him her name.

[Robin]

Sabrina stared curiously, a bit worried, at the figure in the distance. Landon fell into step with her soon after and she watched him beside her, it was clear the events at the prison were still weighing on his mind heavily. As horrible as it was, she wished she could help him. Even though she knew she wasn't supposed to want that. Suddenly Landon froze and swore, Sabrina looked at him anxiously, was this going to be like last night? Sabrina tried her best to remain calm. Finally he spoke but what he said was very strange. Sabrina wasn't phased by his request she hide her badge. She busied herself with quickly slipping it out of sight and zipping her jacket closed so that her gun was hidden from view as well. It was only when she finished that Sabrina registered the other part. The pretend to be my girlfriend part. Swallowing hard, Sabrina ignored whatever that stirred up inside and just nodded. She was going to meet Magnus Cross, the Magnus Cross. As in Landon's father. Shit. Well she wasn't too sure she felt safe now anyway. The nerves surprisingly started melting away when she felt Landon's arm around her waist. She didn't resist, truthfully she knew she didn't mind. She really should've. Sabrina forced a quick smile back " okay. Fine. But I swear if you get handsy.." She said between her teeth, still smiling.

Sabrina rested her head against his shoulder,trying to reinforce the idea. Sure nothing about this very quickly formed not agreed upon plan could ever possibly fail. Of course not. Suddenly Sabrina saw Magnus, she smiled trying not to look nervous, but happy, carefree. She was just some dumb blonde Landon had picked up at some club. She was definitely not a highly decorated law enforcement officer for the Boston police department who was losing her mind. Still Sabrina couldn't help but look at the two of them just slightly fascinated, the similarities that showed the relation between Landon and his father were more subtle. Their eyes both held the same magnetism, and the air about them both was the same just as Reece Bolton and Brenden's. But in his own right Magnus was extremely power seeming, between how well dressed he was and the way he carried himself, even if Sabrina had had no idea who he was, she would've looked twice. She was positive everyone would for him. Magnus didn't really look like a "Mad Dog" at the moment, but given her current position Sabrina knew that one meeting was not enough to judge someone on, there was no one who you could figure out that easily in a world of underworld crime. Landon and Magnus spoke briefly and Sabrina genuinely smiled, it was almost a little funny. Here were two men who could kill, take part in destroy the city she fought to protected. But they acted normal, like a close father and son happy to run into each other. It was bizarre to watch.

Suddenly the attention was on her again and Sabrina smiled looking a little embarrassed  as he addressed her " Serena, Serena Price." Wow, what was that? Sabrina had no clue where that name had come from. " Its wonderful to finally meet you Mr. Cross. I can see where Landon gets his manners and looks from" she replied, extending the hand that was glued to her side by Landon's hand. " I'm so sorry to have been keeping Landon away, I just couldn't help myself...." she apologized her voice growing soft and gentle as she turned looking from Magnus to Landon, her stormy eyes shining contentedly as she looked into Landon's blue gaze. Wow...this was way too easy. That was bad.

[Renny]

Landon didn't flinch at her new name. He kept his features smooth, eyes locked on Sabrina, ah Serena's face. He smiled, resisting the urge to kiss her. He was pretty sure she might actually hit him if he did that. He glanced back to his father, who was looking at them with interest. Magnus smiled as he took Sabrina's hand, shaking it firmly, and then letting go. But then, a voice came from behind them. "Never thought I'd see this." The voice was distinctly feminine, high and soft. Magnus's eyes lifted above the two younger folk's heads, his lips curling into a warm smile. Landon turned, his smile widening. He let go of Sabrina, turning around fully and was engulfed in a hug. The warm scent of vanilla and twilight washed over him. It was like he was a pup again, just hugging the woman in front of him. She pulled back, and suddenly, everyone knew exactly where Landon got his stunning looks.

The woman was obviously April Cross. Less well known, but obviously had an air of powerful grace about her. More subtle than that of her husband, but a strong beauty made her breathtaking. Even in her later years, her hair was a perfectly styled into chocolate waves down her back. Side-swept bangs framed her heart-shaped face, and full lips curled into an easy, yet small smile. Her nose, chin, cheeks, hair, and especially her eyes belonged to Landon Cross. They were sky-like, extremely blue, and luminous like two blue moons. Long lashes coated with black mascara and a subtle smoky eye made the woman seem even more striking. She moved away from her son to take her usual perch on her husband's arm, allowing Magnus to curl his arm around her waist. She relaxed around him, her eyes taking in Sabrina. Her head tilted, interested. Landon's hand found Sabrina's, their palms connecting. A jolt went through Landon. They seemed to fit together perfectly. "Serena, this is my mom. Mom, this is my girlfriend, Serena Price." He motioned to the woman. April smiled, her sweet, and sultry smile. "Please, April, is fine." The woman said. The whole family seemed to be perfect. From the way that Magnus looked at the woman below him, to the way his soft charm, and obvious love towards his son, to the polite way he handled the situation. Landon was obviously a child of love and beauty. "We were just about to go to lunch, would you two like to join us?" April asked, glancing up at her husband, before her gaze landed on the two.

[Robin]

In that moment Sabrina wouldn't have hit him for kissing her. Right that second, looking in his eyes, that was actually exactly what she wanted. And not just to show off or prove their fake relationship in front of Landon's dad, but even if no one else had been there...she would've let him. Hell she would've started the whole thing and just stood there, because she already knew it was going to be exactly what she wanted. She was going to hell. The padlocked, psych ward part of hell. Suddenly there was a second voice from behind them and Sabrina stiffened, she didn't recognize it nor could she turn around without looking totally nuts. A dumb girlfriend wouldn't do that, neither would a dumb cop. She felt unpleasantly cold when Landon released her, it didn't feel good not to be touching him. But the second she looked at him and the woman it all became obvious, this was his mother. Sabrina smiled, unable to help it as she watched, now her, her it was obvious that Landon was her son. In a much more clear than with Magnus. Sabrina fought to find her name, she'd seen the picture.. Ava, Anna, it was an A. Something with and A Cross.

She was gorgeous, but strong. April Cross. That was it. The woman just automatically held her own next to her husband and son. Admittedly, though she was totally corrupt and involved in illegal weapons activity, Mrs. Cross was kind of a total badass. Which Sabrina respected. Sabrina was busy still studying Landon's mother when she felt an electricity in her fingers. Sabrina felt Landon's hand closing in on hers again and she took it gently, but kept a grip strong. She didn't feel like being cold again, didn't want him to let go. It just felt right for some crazy reason, like she had slid the final puzzle piece into place. Crap crap crap it wasn't supposed to be like this. Sabrina heard people talking and shook her head, clearing it of the feeling touching haze Landon had her lost in. " April it is then, it's lovely to meet you" she smiled shaking her hand. They just looked so flawless, the three of them. The ultimate family, but that was sort of the point Sabrina realized. Hearing there invitation, Sabrina looked hesitantly and Landon, she didn't want to decide. "'Umm...I don't see why not?" She murmured, mostly talking to Landon. The nerves were returning and a flood. Who knew she'd ever be this nervous about lunch. She pressed herself closer to him and lightly squeezed his hand. It was stupid, but she just needed him to make her feel okay right this second. 

[Renny]

Landon was smiling. He didn't know why. Perhaps because his father was so relaxed. He wasn't thinking about the stirring war. His cases at work. Or the fact that he had to keep his illegal weaponry sales under wraps. Perhaps because he didn't know Sabrina was a detective, or because April was such a calming presence. He nodded, and felt Sabrina's hand clench his own, squeezing gently. He looked over at her, seeing a flicker of worry in those storm-raged eyes. He smiled softly, his eyes so much like the sky. Clear and unwavering. "Of course, you know me, always hungry." April laughed and Magnus chuckled, both of them smiling. The two of them took the lead, letting Landon and Sabrina walk behind them. Landon looped his arm back around her waist, his lips brushing against her ear. "Smile, pretend I'm telling you something funny." He whispered urgently. "If you feel uncomfortable about this, we can leave. We don't have to have lunch with my parents and pretend to be lovey-dovey." Landon pulled back, his smile wide as if he just told her a joke, or something funny, but his eyes were serious. He followed the broad-line of his father's shoulders and dark waves of the back of his mother's head.

He wasn't really that worried. Magnus wouldn't dare mention anything about illegal activities, or anything related to being a wolf at lunch. Neither would his mother. They knew how to be discreet. Landon had had mortal girlfriends before. Even wolf shifter girlfriends who hadn't known about the weaponry selling his family did. However, his mother could, and would, tactfully interrogate Sabrina. April knew how to get answers. It came with being married to a lawyer for over twenty-five years.

[Robin]

Seeing him smiling made Sabrina just a little more serene, her shoulders unclenched from up around her ears. She smiled back the look in her eyes slowly growing more calm as he looked back at her. Okay, it was going to be okay. " trust me, I've already figured that out about you" she chuckled smiling again looking from him to his parents and giving a little boys, what are you going to do? Shrug. The two of them fell into step again, but with space between them and the Cross's. Feeling his touch again Sabrina relaxed against his arm, letting her eyes close for just a brief second, then all of a sudden she shivered involuntarily. Her stormy eyes fluttered open as he started to speak, his voice warm on her ear. That felt much better than she wanted it too, than it should have. Sabrina did as he asked though smiling and chuckling softly, but so that his parents could hear up ahead. She rested her head on his shoulder again whisper back in his ear" I'm fine. As long as you are. I can handle a really weird lunch with your parents. In the name of the law and all" she told him softly before pulling away slowly, but only just. She was fighting her instant reaction to want to stay right there in his arms. She had met a boyfriend's parents before but it had never felt like this. It was crazy to say, but part of Sabrina actually wanted to impress them. There was no reason. Her real boyfriend and she had met with his parents two years ago and they had adored her. Every time they visited Bryan and Sabrina they casually, or what they considered casually, dropped hints. About how they were waiting for a nice rock on her left hand, or when they needed to make sure they had the money for something expensive, like a wedding. But this was different. The Cross family could murder her. Great. This was gonna be such a simple lunch.

[Renny]

Landon kept a hold of Sabrina. He didn't know why, but he felt protective of her. Even if her father found out she was a cop, she wouldn't die. No, Landon would make sure of that. Too many of his friends ended up either crazy, or in jail, for another to end up dead would be the end of Landon's acquaintances. His luck when it came to people just sucked. He felt almost guilty for dragging Sabrina into this. In some mad and crazy way, he liked this girl. More than any other girl. Definitely better than his past girlfriends and Kione. Landon knew it was selfish to keep her on this case, but didn't he owe it to his family? To his best friend? He didn't want to think about Brenden, but his terrified face. Landon tightened his grip on her waist, it was almost a reaction, as if just his hand on her would keep her safe. Landon was tense. If he left her alone for even a minute, he worried she'd be attacked. Hurt. Killed. She had her foot in a world she knew nothing about. Not just the crime world, but the shifter world. She couldn't know, or else, she'd be in even more danger than she was in her ignorant bliss. He took a deep breath and winced, the slashes in his side aching. They would have closed up by now, but still were tender, threatening the fragile skin to tear open. He gritted his teeth, and was grateful to let his arm fall to his side as they reached the restaurant. He let Sabrina go in ahead of him, allowed her to follow his mother as his father held open the door for the three of them. His mother updated the hostess of how many they now had and in a few moments they were led through the beautiful, high-class restaurant to a table near the tinted windows upstairs, looking over Boston and all of the steel buildings. Landon, being the perfect gentleman ha slid Sabrina's chair out for her, before taking his seat next to her, across from Magnus. His attention was drawn away from her, as his father spoke to him about actually quite normal things. April Cross laced her fingers on the table in front of her, sky-like blue eyes on Sabrina. "So, Serena." April drawled, her lips in a soft smile. "What do you do?" Her head tilted, blinking innocently.

[Robin]

Landon wouldn't let go of her even as she made small moves to pull away. She wasn't about to stop him. It sounded totally strange for a cop, for someone as independent as Sabrina had always been, but she felt safe with him next to her. It didn't make sense, nor should it. She had depended on herself for as long as she could remember. But somehow it felt like she now had someone else who could do the same. Sabrina felt a little bit guilty for letting herself lean on Landon, literally and figuratively. He hadn't signed up for all her crazy and what her life was like outside of working for the Boston Police Department. All Landon had wanted to save his friend, not help save her from herself. All of a sudden Sabrina felt his hands tighten around her waist. She looked at him, not with surprise, but with worry. He wasn't okay. Her stormy blue gaze bored into his imploringly, trying to understand or help somehow, which was insane even for her. This was a dangerous game for the two of them to be playing. They could both be killed for being together, but Sabrina wasn't worried for herself. Working as a detective or with dangerous killers at the FBI she could die at any point. But Landon was in the middle of a world of possible murderers, including his own family. And if she was the reason, Sabrina didn't know how she could handle that. When he let go Sabrina felt like someone had torn a small limb from her frame. It was cold feeling too. But naturally since she couldn't voice any of this she simply followed his lead. She smiled graciously as Mr. Cross held the door open and stood quietly as April informed the hostess of the changes to the party for lunch. She glanced up the provide a silent thank you to Landon as she slipped into her seat across from April. Sabrina had barely had a second to get her bearings before April fired the first question. That was fast. Like before Sabrina said the first thing that came to her mind. " Finance, I work as an analyst for The Hardman-Gros Group. It's really exciting work but I do eventually want to do something more focused on giving back to the city. So we'll just have to see where it all leads." She explained her false identiy further, smiling politely back at April hoping she hadn't blown it.