Crime and Passion [ a roleplay with Renny&Robin ]

[Renny]

Landon reached under the table, finding Sabrina's hand and squeezing it. He has half-listening to his father, half-listening to her. It was a squeeze that she'd done well. April smiled, looking impressed. Before she could respond, the hostess came with wine, offering it to the family. Landon declined, as did Magnus saying he had to be back for work after lunch. However, his wife did take a half-glass of red wine with her water, looking extremely sophisticated with it in her left hand, her diamond sparkling, dark hair flowing over both her shoulders, and her back straight. Somehow, everyone seemed to be in their perfect place. Sabrina as Landon's fake, financial girlfriend, and the powerful lawyers in Mr. and Mrs. Cross. April set down her drink, flipping open her menu. "Finance." she mused. "Takes a rather smart person for that job." she glanced up at Landon, her brows raised. Usually his girlfriends were bimbos, usually trying to find themselves. "Charity work is very rewarding. Now that my children are grown, I like to run a lot of organizations with my free time. I'd love to have you join me for one, if you'd like." Her smile looked genuine, her white teeth sparkling against dark lip stick. Landon sipped his water, piping in to give Sabrina time to think. "Isn't that where you met Dad?" He asked, and April glanced at her husband with a fond look. Magnus laughed softly, looking away. "Yes. I went to this charity event she hosted." April laughed too. "And he said if what he bid on won, we'd go out for drinks." She added and Magnus looked over at her, then at Sabrina and Landon. "I lost, but she said she bid on us going, and she won, so we did go out." April chuckled, looking at Magnus with such affection in her eyes.

[Robin]

Sabrina just sat there for a moment trying to smile and look calm although internally she was terrified. This was way harder than getting into a shoot out with a drug kingpin. She felt a relief and a calm settle over her as Landon touched her again. She held his hand tightly, trying to ignore the electricity she felt coursing between their fingers. With him she felt she didn't have to hide, a small shakiness clear as the touched. As the wine came around Sabrina too declined. Technically it was for two reasons, she couldn't drink on the job and the alcohol always seemed to make the hallucinations worse and the voices louder. In this instance, Serena explained this away by saying they needed her back at the office in a little bit.  They seemed the perfect little group, as if they belonged in a fancy place like this all of them together. " why thank you April." Sabrina replied graciously, giving her a small smile. " I can see this hasn't always been the case." She added jokingly nudging Landon beside her in a kidding manner.  " I would love the opportunity to join you in doing something very soon." She added trying to seem excited about the prospect of fake charity work for a cause that was probably idiotic. She felt like her job as a detective did enough to help people thank you very much. As he steered the conversation away from her Sabrina shot Landon a quick thankful look. After taking a moment to gather her thoughts and listen to them speak she rejoined. " well I can see that worked out quite well. It's a lovely story." She told the two of them, smiling kindly. Sabrina didn't understand exactly how they could sit like this for a normal high society lunch one minute then be killers the next. April was especially a Lizzie to the young blonde. How much did she know? And when? Had she already fallen in love with Magnus and chosen to overlook or perhaps enjoy his illegal activities?.....would she end up the same way?

[Renny]

Landon could feel the tremble in her fingers, so he tightened his grip on them, his thumb brushing over her thumb, attempting to soothe her nerves. He glanced at his parents. He knew the story well. Despite Magnus's illegal weaponry sales, he had met April and had bid on a completely legitimate charity. His mother had always tried to give back, despite her husband being forced to do the 'family business'. They were already betrothed when they met, however, Magnus had hit on her not knowing she was in fact supposed to be his mate. A lucky twist of fate. However, he couldn't vary well tell Sabrina that. Landon knew his parents were good people, even if Magnus could go to jail for his crimes. He'd be a good man. A good husband, a good father, a good friend. He saw Sabrina look thankful and he sent her a small smile. April looked back to Sabrina. "Thank you, dear." she said. April actually did like Sabrina, well Serena. As did Magnus, although he was more of the quiet type, and he looked mildly embarrassed at his love story, covering it up by taking a swig of his water. The waitress came back to collect their orders before leaving them alone again. Landon didn't know why, but he wanted to continue to just hold Sabrina's hand. Electricity coursed up his arm, making him tingle all over. He felt almost giddy at the touch, and the butterflies in his stomach fluttered anxiously in him.

[Robin]

Sabrina tried not to appear nervous, leaning back in her chair and taking a sip of water with her free hand. " you're quite welcome, you have a wonderful family." She replied smiling over at April. Beneath the table, she could feel Landon reacting to her movement. She didn't mean to shake so much, it was just always happening, like there was part of her brain constantly set in survival mode since the garret Jacob Hobbes confrontation. They'll see the voices jabbed inside her skull how long can you really keep this up when you can barely keep your own head straight? This is our game now Sabrina....you won't last. Sabrina tried to force herself out of these thoughts. They couldn't control her. "No!" She muttered, looking down at the table, momentarily forgetting where she was and who she was with. Realizing what she'd done Sabrina cleared her throat looking at them and forcing a smile. " sorry! Just a lot of work stuff I'm trying to keep track of, I'm running on caffeine fumes." She chuckled good naturedly, hoping they'd let it slide. If her damn hallucinations got her caught, boy was Sabrina going to be pissed. When the crazy interfered, it really really sucked. " this one could barely get me out of the office." She added looking in hopefully looked infatuated at Landon, but they couldn't see the terror in her stormy gaze from their place across the table. I'm losing it those eyes said, I'm scared. 

[Renny]

Luckily, Magnus's phone went off, and despite his wife's disapproving look, he glanced at the call back. "Reece." He said, glancing at his wife and picked up. "Hello." He said. Even from across the table one could hear a slightly frantic voice, but no distinguished words. Landon didn't pay attention to his father's phone call. His hand pulled her own in his lap, his other hand pressing over her own. More butterflies rushed up to meet him, and he tried to focus her stormy eyes on his own. He wanted her to get lost in them. He could see her terror, and his own hands shook with hers. "Oh my god." It was his father's voice that drew Landon back to reality. He glanced back at his father, away from Sabrina to see his father's mouth was open and a look of horror on his face. "Yes, we'll be right over. Yeah, of course, Reece." And Magnus hung up. His eyes flickered to his wife whose hand was on his arm. "It's Brenden. He's been attacked at the prison, brutally beaten." He murmured. April gasped, placing her hands over her mouth. Blood rushed up into Landon's ears, and he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Panic rose up. "He almost died. His heart was weak, but they were able to save him. He had a lot of internal bleeding, several broken ribs, and a punctured lung, but he's going to pull through." Magnus looked at Landon, and Landon almost threw up right then and there. If Brenden didn't heal quickly like all shifters, he would be dead.

Magnus looked to April. "Reece and Elizabeth are already at the hospital with Kione, Corbin, and Naomi." Landon barely heard it. He looked at Sabrina, his eyes looking terrified. He almost lost his best friend. Magnus waved down the waitress and quickly paid with a rushed explanation that they'd had a family emergency. Landon stood, gently pulling Sabrina to her feet. He looked dumbstruck. He couldn't even think. Then he registered that Sabrina would have to hide at the hospital, because Reece Bolton knew who she was. "Go ahead, I'll meet you at the hospital." Landon said hoarsely, standing in the lobby of the restaurant. Magnus didn't question it, just walked swiftly away with his wife. Landon turned to Sabrina. "Oh my god." He looked genuinely terrified. "Oh my god." he said again, and let go of her hands. He pushed his way into the men's room, thankful it was empty and promptly threw up into the toilet. He hadn't eaten much, and the bitter taste lingered in his throat. He pushed out of the stall and looked into the mirror, rinsing his mouth and splashing his face. He knew was crying too, just praying Sabrina didn't find him looking like a complete mess.

--

At the hospital, the place was quiet in the critical condition center. Also, the Bolton's got a pretty damn good room for Brenden, considering all the money. They only allowed one person back to see Brenden, since he was drifting in and out of sleep and drugged up mumblings. If anyone had come in knowing Reece Bolton, one might be so shocked they might actually have a heart attack. Reece was sitting on one of the chairs, one hand clutching his son's limp hand, the other pressed to his mouth, obviously shaking violently. He looked like a concerned father, not intimidating, not oozing with power. Just genuinely terrified. His eyes flickered from Brenden to the blipping monitor that showed Brenden's heart rate. Brenden looked terrible. A sling was wrapped around his arm to keep his dislocated shoulder in place. Bruises were stark against his pale face, purple around his eyes, nose slightly crooked, and his jaw discolored. Casts were around his fingers, and his left wrist was in a cast after being completely broken. The worst bruising and damage was on his chest and sides, but it was covered. His breathing was shallow, and labored. He was asleep, but just barely, his lips bloody and swollen, his blue veins like highways against his pale skin. An IV dripped into his arm. God, he looked like hell.

[Robin]

Mercifully no one even acknowledged her outburst, they were distracted by the shrill ring of Magnus Cross's phone. At the mention of Reece Bolton Sabrina found herself stiffening upon instinct. She didn't like that man one bit, not just because of his temper but there was something that seemed much more unstable in his eyes than in those of Magnus. Sabrina na was thankful Landon responded too her silent plea, just holding into her as best he could without drawing attention to the situation. Even in her haze of anxiety and fear the electricity was palpable as he touched her, it was if someone was continually piercing  through the fog surrounding her thoughts with volts of electric shocks. She felt grounded by his hold. Her moment of calms as suddenly torn apart by the voice of Magnus cross. There was a look of terror on the usually controlled expression of his face. Whatever it was wasnt going to be good. She tightened her grip on Landon's hand, trying to give them both some sense of comfort in that minute. The next words came in a blur, she only picked up on certain things. But the picture she got was terrible, it was Brenden, he'd been traumatized and beaten at their supposedly secure facility. Sabrina cursed silently, this wasn't supposed to happen. If this had been a normal case, if she hadn't been attached the way she felt she was to Landon, then she would've been sympathetic, felt bad. But frighteningly, this felt personal. It was never supposed to, how had things gotten this far. A few names were thrown around, Sabrina found herself matching them to pictures she'd seen long before down at the station, when putting together the exact standings of these crime families. Beside her, Landon look like he was ready to shatter, she couldn't imagine. Sabrina wanted to say something, help somehow, but the look in her eyes made it known there was nothing she could really do. So she just stayed. He pulled her out of the chair slowly and gently, as she rose she looked at him for a moment, jus trying to show she was going to be there, even if she couldn't do a thing to take away his pain. As he spoke, Sabrina listened trying not to let all of her fear show, she had to be strong, had to be calm. " shh, I know. Breathe okay? Breathe." She murmured, reaching out to touch him again but he was already turning away. Sighing Sabrina followed, but not right behind him nor did she enter the bathroom, just waited outside for a moment, trying to pretend she could hear him inside. She would have to hide at the hospital, with Reece and the Cross's there at once, both groups knew her as someone different. It would be easy but she could manage. Hopefully. But the voices said otherwise, their tones taunting, pounding against her skull this is your fault Sabrina, you almost killed a man...imagine what happens when you break.


Lila Mason had been eating lunch in the cafeteria when her pager went off. Sighing quietly, the waif like brunette slowly rose from her chair, adjusting the right sleeve of her periwinkle scrubs. She had been on the clock for twelve hours straight and the bruise like circles under her heather colored eyes were obvious at this point. But this was a normal day at work. And truly, she didn't mind, it was about the people she got to help, not how tired or hungry she was or if her feet hurt from standing, that all came second. Quickly, she made her way down to the Intensive Care Unit, mumbling soft apologies to the people she pushed through in the crowd halls.  Soon enough she came to the door marked Room Six and slowly, quietly, she pushed it open, turning the knob. the charts had mentioned some pretty terrible injuries but what she saw before her made Lila's stomach drop. The young man looked like he'd been run over by a 18 wheeler. The man sitting at his bedside, likely his father, looked beside himself, and rightly so. With the injuries he had Lila bad surprised the young man was still breathing. " Mr. Bolton." She spoke quietly, keeping a respectful distance between her and the grieving man. " I'm sorry to disturb you but I have to take a look at Brenden now." She explained, looking clearly empathetic. She didn't know these people, hand no idea what she had walked into, literally. 

[Renny]

Landon didn't feel angry. His fear was that something like this would happen. He looked up at his reflection, blinking into it. He turned on the water again, rinsing out his mouth again. He thought of his friend, laying in a hospital bed. Shit idea. He was dry-heaving now, still feeling sick. Landon shivered, and he pushed himself to his feet, returning to the sink to wash out his mouth again. "First Troy, now Brenden? You're a curse, Landon. Whose next? Kione? Delilah? Father? Mother? Sabrina?" The words whirled around in his head. His chest was constricting, his breathing shallow and harsh. He ran shaky fingers through his hair, unable to get a grip on reality. Guilt swallowed him completely, even though he wasn't the one that had brutally beaten Brenden. He splashed more water on his face, the cold of the liquid shocking him. He swished more water in his mouth, the droplets from repeatedly splashing his face rolling down his jaw. His vision blurred, another wave of nausea and worry causing him to drop his forehead against the sink. He clung to the edge of the sink, trying to get a grip on himself. Brenden would want him at the hospital. For support. Then he remembered Sabrina. He could explain to Brenden that they were working together. to take down the Ayres family. To clear his name. But they weren't quick enough. Landon looked up and yanked a couple of paper towels out of the dispenser, rubbing his face vigorously. He still looked like shit. After last night, barely able to get sleep, dark circles lined under his eyes more prominently now that his skin was pale. Sweat, or water, or tears, or all three created a sheen over his face. His breath came in uneven breaths, and he could barely control himself. He scrubbed his face again, tossing the towels after and leaning back against the sink, not wanting to see his own reflection. He rubbed his sweating palms against his jeans, and took a deep breath, letting it out shakily. Landon was slightly surprised Sabrina hadn't come in. Then again, this was the men's room. He was almost relieved. He didn't like looking weak. He pressed his hands against his mouth, rubbing his eyes, and finally running through his hair, disheveling it further. Finally he pushed himself out of the bathroom, almost running right into Sabrina.

--

Reece didn't look when he heard the door open, if he heard it open at all. He looked up, looking quite startled, almost like a deer-in-headlights. He didn't look like it long, quickly looking away and running a hand through his hair. He pulled his hand back from his son's and rose from the chair. "Of course," He said, trying to sound impassive, but it didn't really work. His voice still shook slightly, and he moved to look out the window, back to her and Brenden. Meanwhile, Brenden was stirring slightly. His eyes were half-open, and his breathing was quick and shallow. "I didn't kill her, please, I swear I didn't." He mumbled, wincing as he shifted slightly, causing pain to ripple up his side from his broken ribs. Mr. Bolton glanced to Lila, and opened his mouth to say something, but abruptly closed it and looked back to his son.

[Robin]

As Sabrina stayed outside she tried to collect herself, if and when Landon emerged from the restroom she didn't want him to see her shaken. This was one time she couldn't afford to be crazy. He needed her even if he didn't know that. And he deserved to have someone be there for him, as he had done for her quite a lot in their short time together. She leaned back against the wall, golden locks fanning out around her face as they were pushed forward. There was still a quiet rush of people, laughter, conversation floated throughout the bistro. And yet some people's worlds had just fallen apart. Sabrina couldn't truthfully begin to imagine exactly how he felt. The only person she had ever really lost was her mother. That story was complex and the grief had been a different kind. The grief and fear in Landon's face was unadulterated and unrestrained in a way hers had never been. Though she didn't notice it at first or feel it, Sabrina looked down to find her was ringing her hands, knuckles white. Clearly she wasn't looking as unshaken as she had hoped to appear in the face of this situation. Standing there it felt like it had been forever since she had see Landon. Part of her feared he would hurt himself somehow, but she resisted the urge to push her way into the men's restroom, that would appear quite desperate. Mercifully a few moments after this thought crossed her mind Landon came tearing out of the bathroom and almost ran her over. Quickly she moved to steady him, put her hands on his shoulders and looking in his eyes, trying to get a sense of where his head was at. " you're in no state to drive, so I will. Now lets head over to the hospital." She stated, her voice calm and without very much feeling. She was trying to be a steady presence. Slowly and gently she slipped her hand into his and pulled him along through the bistro to the street, thankfully her car was only a block away. The drive was a bit of a blur. But soon enough they entered the hospital. Sabrina sat in the waiting room of the ICU trying to keep a safe distance between her, Bolton, and the Cross's, so as not to shattered her multiple identities. Landon hadn't spoken the entire time they'd been in the car, when they arrived he'd been ushered right into the room and she hadn't seen them since. It had been ten minutes. She was keeping track of the time because if she didn't do something she felt she might just crack.

Lila felt bad for disturbing the poor man but she needed to do her job, it would help his son more than his sadness and anger at the situation ever could. He looked startled, a little confused as she spoke. But soon enough her request registered with him. " thank you sir." She replied softly,giving him a small smile, trying to appear calm and helpful. As he moved away, Lila slowly stepped forward to stand at the side of Brenden's bed, looking over the monitors briefly, scribbling down the current stats. Suddenly she heard movement beside her and turned slightly to see he was slowly waking up. His breath came short, it wasn't sound yet and he seemed distressed. His words were confusing, frantic even. Quickly she moved to hold him down, moving wasnt going to be good for him, her hands were surprisingly strong and steady for a petite figure like herself. "Brenden. Please try to be still. It's okay, you're safe. You're in the hospital. You were hurt. Now please try to be still for me. Okay? Can you do that for me?" She spoke to him quietly, her voice calm and steady as she spoke. The look in her eyes was kind but firm. She ignored what he had spouted, the painkillers were likely in his head and he might've had a nightmare.

[Renny]

Everything passed like a blur. He didn't even remember getting into Sabrina's car, watching Boston fly by, or even getting in the elevator. He felt numb, even as he left Sabrina in the corner of the waiting room and stood amongst his family and the Bolton's. He was passed around for hugs, first Naomi, then Corbin, next Delilah, and of course Elizabeth Bolton, and finally Kione. He found himself between Kione, and Naomi. He couldn't look at Kione, because he knew all he'd see was Brenden. She was quite beautiful, an ethereal look to her. Her black hair tumbled in rippling waves, and her huge blue eyes were shiny with tears. She had a hold of Landon's arm, but he quickly shrugged her off, ignoring her hurt look. Soon, he was allowed by a kind nurse to go back into the room. When he came in, he just stood back. A nurse was scribbling things, her back to him, and then Brenden was writhing in pain, muttering something. Landon was surprised to see Reece being gentle with his son, looking genuinely terrified. He turned and left the room, knowing Brenden was probably back asleep. Once outside, he found that only Kione was in the waiting room. She stood when she saw him, but he brushed past her and sat down next to Sabrina. The middle Bolton looked hurt, and she huffed, whirling on her heel to go down the hall. "He looks like hell." Was all Landon could say, not even able to look at Sabrina. Not because he was angry at her, but simply because he didn't want her to see how torn up about this he was.

Brenden squeezed his eyes tight. The pain made him want to writhe, but he kept still, still breathing shallow breaths. He listened to her voice, trying to stay still. His father moved to take his son's hand gently in his own. "Brenden, look at me." Reece murmured, voice low. His other hand slid through his son's dark curls, brushing them away from his face. Brenden looked up. "You're okay now." Reece's voice surprisingly, extremely soft. "No one can hurt you." He murmured, and Brenden seemed to calmed a bit by the familiar face. "You're so strong, my little raven." Brenden attempted a small smile and Reece returned it weakly. Brenden seemed to be slipping back into sleep. "Don't leave me," he whimpered softly, and Reece shook his head. Pulling away from the bed to allow Lila to continue her work now that Brenden had calmed down in a light sleep, the drugs pulling him back under. "Is there anything you can give him?" Reece asked softly, crossing his arms over his chest. "To stop the nightmares?" He added, his eyes never leaving his son, not even bothering to look up at her for a response.

[Robin]

The waiting room was a hellish mix of dead silence and mournful worried outcries of family and friends. It almost felt like being at a funeral from where Sabrina sat. Landon went in briefly, after being welcomed by people she had studied the faces of before. His sister and Corbin Bolton, along with other members of the family, including one girl who looked frighteningly like Brenden. That had to be kione. Sabrina attempted to keep her calm by sitting silently, repeating to herself basic sayings, crap her therapist had given her as "mantras" they weren't helping right now. Not one bit, and she was angry. Landon didn't seem all to thrilled when the kione tried to keep him close to her. Sabrina got the sense there was something more to the story, or at least the girl wanted there to be and though it was totally unseemly given the situation she felt a sense of yelled when Landon bypassed her again after seeing Brenden and came to sit beside her. It was hard to read anything more on his face than sadness as he came towards her. She remained silent for a moment as he sat, not wanting to push him at all. He wouldn't look at her, which worried Sabrina even more. Did he blame her for this? For arresting Brenden in the first place? Because she did. " I'm sure." Was all Sabrina found herself able to say when he finally spoke up. After a moment of hesitation she reached out, slipping her hand into his." Do you want to go back in? Or we could go take a walk for a little bit" she offered softly, basically, though she didn't say it, Sabrina wanted to know what she could do to help him, because feeling helpless wasnt something the young miss king had ever been good at.


Slowly Brenden seemed to register her request, he kept as still as he could and Lila could tell he was definitely still in pain, she didn't want to add to that but writhing around was going to hurt more. " thank you." She told his softly, her hands moving quickly and un-invasively as she first checked his pulse then listened to his breathing. It had slowed slightly but wasn't steady enough to be normal. As soon as Lila pulled back to asses the monitors again Reece moved in, technically she wasn't supposed to allow him to, but Lila didn't object, just busied herself with more writing. She could feel someone behind her, not Reece, but someone new. She didn't turn around, it was likely more family and none of her business. Soon the figure left. Reece was speaking softly to his son, a vulnerability clear across his face. This was the worst of it for Lila, when people just lay there, helpless, nothing she could do in that moment to fix the situation. It sucked to feel useless. Soon enough Brenden fell back into a light sleep. Hearing Reece Lila turned around, " I could sedate him more heavily, likely inducing a more void dreamless state....but in his state I wouldn't recommend that as his vitals are already quite weak. I can however try some different pain killers, something a little less severe. I'll need a few minutes." She explained. 

[Renny]

Landon looked down at their hands interlocked, and squeezed gently. "I need some fresh air." He said softly. He wanted to help. But he couldn't. He'd almost lost his best friend, he could barely imagine if he was Reece Bolton. He knew the Raven King was in shock and grief at his son's condition, but soon he'd be angry. He'd probably want to tear out Charles Ayres's throat, and wouldn't be surprised if Reece tried too. For all of his harshness and cold exterior, his love for his family was undeniable. Landon stood, holding onto Sabrina's hand. He felt shaken to the core. He looked at her, and pulled her out of the Intensive Care Wing. He didn't let of her hand the entire time. They just seemed to wander. Landon always hated hospitals. The constant blip of electronics, the scent of the dying covered by Clorox wipes, and the overall tension that someone could die at any given moment. He glanced at the bleak faces of nurses, and blessed them. He sent a silent thank you to them, knowing how hard it was to do this job, day in and day out. Eventually they came to an open area with actual light and flowers in boxes outside of the tightly sealed windows. It felt almost cozy. Landon stopped, the hand that wasn't wrapped around Sabrina's clutched at his crucifix around his neck. "I know what you think of our families, Sabrina." he murmured. "I know you think we're bad people, and I'm not going to tell you we are saints," he looked at her, and honestly, looked lost. "But, my father and Reece Bolton are like brothers, and if Brenden had died, it would've been like losing a son, a brother for my family." He took a breath, trying to steady himself. "And I know you probably hate that our families do bad things, but you," he broke off, looking away from her. His knuckles were white around his necklace, trying to draw comfort from it. He shook his head, sighing. The tension seemed to leave him, making him slump slightly.

--

Reece shook his head at the first idea. "Do whatever you can to help him." Reece murmured, swallowing hard. He slumped back down into the chair, one hand over his face, allowing Lila to work. He put his hand in his lap, watching as Brenden drifted in and out of sleep. It would be a while before one of the medications would be taken off. It was to slow the healing process, because if Brenden healed too fast his ribs could be set awkward, or other complications could occur with his major injuries. The healing was only meant for littler injuries, not ones that are sustained after being brutally beaten, or most commonly, run over by something. The door opened slowly, and Reece looked up, about to send whoever it was away, when he stopped. A shorter guy inched slowly in. "Hey, Mr. Bolton." His voice was soft. Reece stood slowly. "Hello Ashley," the younger man looked at Brenden and flinched. "Yes, I know." Reece said, and the boy, Ashley looked up. "Sorry, I just, wow." Ashley murmured. He was handsome, dark chocolate curls, soft blue eyes, and overall human. "What is you want, Ashley? From my understanding you and Brenden no longer were seeing each other." Reece's voice was curt. Ashley swallowed. "Um, yeah. Sorry, I didn't mean to bother, I just. I brought this for Brenden." He quickly held out a book. "One of Brenden's favorites. Um, I'll be going." Reece took the book, and the other boy quickly left before he caused any more discomfort. Reece flipped through the book, glancing up at the nurse. "Sorry for the distractions, Miss. He's very popular." Reece murmured, gently turning the pages of the leather-bound book.

[Robin]

Relieved he finally spoke to her Sabrina nodded, keeping a tight but gentle grip on his hand. The expression on his face showed just how much he had been shaken by all of this, she couldn't imagine what state he'd be in if Brenden had actually died. " okay, so let's go outside." She replied quietly, keeping her gaze on him trying to find something else to say, something that could fix things, but inevitably the blonde came up empty once again. This wasnt the type of thing that had quick solutions. She allowed Landon to lead her out of the ICU and through the hospital. She too hated hospitals, mainly because they'd tried to put her in one after her run in with garret Jacob Hobbes. It felt like everyone was just trapped by pain and suffering of themselves or of the ones they loves. Landon looked lost as he looked around the halls and rooms surrounding them. When they came into a smaller room with some non artificial light and windows, Landon suddenly stopped. Sabrina stumbled slightly, almost into him but caught herself, steadying herself by holding on him. Before Sabrina could say anything Landon started speaking, she stayed quiet although she felt like interjecting many times. But he looked like he needed to get through it. By the time he finished Landon looked like a wreck. Instinctively Sabrina found herself reaching out, she pulled her hand out of Landon's and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling herself close against him. For a moment Sabrina just shut her eyes listening to the sound of both their hearts, head nestled against his shoulder, golden locks falling across her face. Slowly she opened her eyes and pulled back, arms still loosely around his neck. " I don't think you're bad people." She whispered, a concern clear in her stormy eyes " I could never think of you that way. And maybe some of the stuff you all do is questionable, well, illegal, that alone is not what I see in you. I see you, Landon, I promise." Her voice was low and quiet, but insistent, passionate 



" of course I will Mr. Bolton." Lila echoed quietly, her voice firm and reassuring as she spoke. She meant it too, she tried to do everything she could for everyone she looked after. Lila tried her best to work quietly so as to let Brenden be as undisturbed by the situation as was possible. Slowly but gently she lifted his hospital gown to get a look at his ribs, the bruising was atrocious lila almost winced just looking at him. She didn't know close to the full story when it came to Brenden and exactly why he had ended up here. As she continued looking over and feeling the injured spots, checking bandages. Lila paused a moment as she heard the door click open. Slowly trying not to react, Lila turned around to see another young man, he was quite admittedly striking, between the chocolate curls and deep blue eyes. From the conversation between Reece and the boy, she gathered his name was Ashley. Another Bolton? Or just a friend? Or....more than a friend perhaps. She didn't judge. When he looked at Brenden with such pity lila found herself a bit annoyed, bristling slightly lila added after Bolton " he's going to be fin." She insisted. Thankfully he soon left and Lila turned back to her work, pausing moment still only when she heard Reece speak up again. " it's fine, it's good that he has people who care." Lila replied trying to offer a polite smile. But she got the sense Bolton didn't like most of them.

[Renny]

Landon felt a bit of worry coil in his stomach. What if she rejected him? Stopped helping him? Spat his words back at his face? And then she was hugging him and he automatically pulled her closer to him. His arms curled around her waist. Her warmth radiated into him, and he pressed into her. She smelled fantastic, like the warm, wild wind and sunlight. Odd. His nose usually picked up overpowering perfumes, but he cut right through the overpowering bullshit of overly floral scents with some ridiculous name right to her natural scent. Maybe she didn't put on any other perfume. Their hearts seemed to beat together as one, blocking out everything else. His fingers trailed up her spine, tangling in her hair. She pulled back, so close he could kiss her if he wanted to. And he did, but he waited for her to stop talking. "And who am I?" Landon questioned. He barely knew anymore. He always went to the standard answer of he was a wolf. He was a son. A friend. A brother. But who was he really? Deep in his core, Landon struggled with good and evil. He felt the pull to be evil, knew the temptation of diving into the actual family business, but he saw how it made his father. It made Magnus 'Mad Dog' Cross die inside. If it wasn't for April, who knows where Magnus might be? In a back alley? In jail? But who was going to help Landon fight the inherit evil that all men had? Landon didn't know, and he never felt so alone. So lost. And yet, he knew that he'd met Sabrina for a reason. Was caught up in this mess with her, because maybe they were in the same fucked up boat in a raging storm. But who the hell knows anymore? And for a moment, the temptation of kissing Sabrina won out. He pulled her close to him, pressing his lips to her own without a second thought.

--

Reece put the book on the window sill. His jaw was clenched, and he didn't look happy, however, he didn't say anything to Lila. He just took his seat, watching her check the bandages, his injuries. "I suppose." Bolton murmured softly. Brenden was everything that Reece was not. He was kind, funny, open, loud. Reece was cold, curt, and overall didn't like people. It was part of being in his family. Brenden was more like his mother than him. She'd gotten her eyes, her smile, her curls, as did Kione, but his only daughter took more after him, with her frigid exterior, and dark stare. Reece winced when he saw Brenden flinch as Lila prodded at something tender, as if he felt the pain that Brenden did. In truth, Reece would have taken all of Brenden's injuries twice over if he could, but alas, he was sitting here, not a crime boss, not a raven shifter, not aching with revenge and anger, but he was just a helpless father. A helpless father who loved his son more than anything in the world, a man who looked uncharacteristically vulnerable at his son's condition. Brenden began to open his eyes, the other medications taking effect. If he didn't move, he just had a soreness. His breathing still was shallow, his chest barely rising, and falling quickly. He seemed to be calmer now, his eyes opened, but he blinked, trying to adjust to the light, his blue eyes trying to figure out his surroundings.

[Robin]

It was hard to explain, how she felt with Landon,but all that she could really muster was that she felt better, safe even. Part of Sabrina felt like a brand new addict, like she was slowly becoming dependent, discovered a brand new drug. She craved him at her very core. His touch, his scent, his gaze, just everything. She felt tethered to him physically, emotionally, and mentally. His arms around her waist were solid, but warm, she felt not just secure but strong in his arms. Like there was another set of possibilities. Sabrina felt his fingers brushing along her spine and shivered involuntary at his touch. She leaned against him, back arching involuntarily as he moved up to tangle his finger within her hair. When he spoke Sabrina stared right back at him, he still looked a little lost, like some broken toy discarded by a child, purposeless. But she meant it, she saw him. Maybe it wasn't something she could form into a few clear words. But the person she knew was good, perhaps tempted and pulled by the evil that lurked in them all. But he was strong, stronger than he probably felt, kind, capable of a gentle touch she had never felt before. He understood in some small way what she was going through, even if she didn't understand it all herself. She couldn't find a way to say all of this in the moment, she just looked at him, stormy gaze ablaze, breathing hard, the space so narrow between the two of them. Then all of a sudden Sabrina was consumed. Every nerve in her body was electrified, an elation running through her. She didn't think just felt and it felt right. It was like she was riding some perfect high. Sabrina kissed him back readily, a desire burning in her veins. She pulled herself against him again, after a moment she needed to breathe, but fought it for as long as possible, when she came up for air she barely pulled away then set back to everything once more, leaving a line of heated kisses on his neck, fingers tangled in his thick locks, returning unhesitatingly to lay a bruising kiss on his mouth. Even in this fervor there was still something a bit gentle in her touch, her movement with him. It felt like someone had slid a puzzle piece into place in her head.



From what Lila could see, as his back was turned, Reece looked not just worried and heart broken but also angry. There was something dangerous in his tone as he answered her. As if he didn't just want to fix Brenden but destroy whoever had done this to him. Lila attempted not to let any concern over this show in her expression, it wasn't ever herself that she was worried for. She felt bad for touching Brenden, obvious much of it was going to be painful,  but she really needed to get a sense for her write up and to help the doctors make the best decisions about his care. She tried to move quickly, hearing the occasional wince, she wanted to apologize, but that wouldn't be very professional. This was part of why Lila had never wanted to be a doctor. Her teachers always insisted that  she had the potential, but the only thing that held her back was her heart. Not about a guy or something, that had never been her life, but that she was too empathetic, felt too much for those she looked after, death of a patient she had done surgery one would've been too painful and experience for the young brunette. So she stuck to being a nurse, it was a better place for her to be, though sometimes she let herself wonder what life would've been like, probably not the wisest idea. Suddenly she heard noise below her and looked down to see Brenden waking she smiled kindly at him speaking softly, her voice calming " hello Brenden, can you tell me how you're feeling?" She asked quietly, she had to ask this all the time, but she genuinely cared how he was.

[Renny]

Landon felt a shock. It really was like fireworks. It exploded through him, and for the first time he felt something. He felt like a parched man in the sun tasting clear water for the first time in months. Like a man seeing the sun and grass after a long, harsh winter. He felt safe with her, like he could finally, for the first time in his life, relax. It felt like his body was uncoiling from the tension of keeping the outer parts of him together, like stitches and thorns unraveling and coming loose in Landon's fingers. She seemed to feel the same, clinging to him like he was her last lifeline. He tightened his fingers in her hair, returning it with bruising ferocity. It felt like all of this tension had just popped like a balloon. His lips were like a magnet for hers, always searching, finding her own. Finally he was forced to pull back and press his forehead against her own, eyes dark and light at the same time. They were like a pool, the depths dark, but on the surface they shimmered. He didn't remember how to think, only his body seemed to know. React by pure instinct alone.

--

Brenden looked up into a friendly face, trying to smile, but winced as it tugged on the stitches in his chin, the cut on his lip, and the bruising on his right cheek. "Ow. Smiling isn't good." He muttered foggily, letting his lips relax and sank back against the pillows. "In pain." He murmured, unhelpfully. He still felt like a heavy mist was on his brain, obscuring coherent thought. He blinked up at her, trying to think if he'd seen her before, but he felt another wave of pain and exhaustion derail his already train wrecked thoughts. He didn't think he remembered her. He thought he'd remember those eyes, that smile. Then, the pain in his ribs made him flinch again, trying not to move. He took a breath. "What happened?" He murmured, and glanced over to his father. Reece had turned back around, watching Lila. "Don't worry about it now, little raven. I'll tell you later, when you feel better." Reece said, voice soft again. Brenden didn't feel arguing, and he almost smiled, but he remembered how it hurt. Little raven. He hadn't been called that in a while. It made him feel a little happier, but he realized that whatever had happened must have rattled his father, to have him revert back to calling him that. Some of the memories surfaced, hazy and cloudy. He barely remembered faces, the initial pain of bones snapping was all he remembered before he blacked out. Being an avian shifter, their bones were fragile, thinner, and more flexible than those of the foxes, or wolves, or lions. He glanced back to Lila, trying to fight the drug induced haze. He felt a bit clearer, not about to roll back under it. His breath was still short and raspy, every deep breath feeling like another ache, like his bones could snap at any moment. "My ribs," Brenden choked out softly. "They really hurt." His voice was whispery, trying not to use air, since little panting breaths felt better.