[ The invitation to a social event is a pleasant surprise, especially coming from Miller. And of course K responds out of courtesy to confirm his interest. ]
Thanks for the invitation. I've never been to anything like this before.
Must be multiversally popular with cops. I'd heard about my former co-workers doing something like this but I wasn't welcome. They considered me department hardware.
I'm looking forward to it. Should I bring anything else? Are you expecting people to get drunk? Since I can't, I could help you clean up if needed.
[ Well. He knows what poker is, at least, even if the rest is kind of confusing (what is "BYOB", exactly? And why is this person sending invitations over these devices instead of by mail?) ]
[ But, considering the prevalence of "team building exercises" he's been faced with so far, he feels the need to clarify; ]
[ Miller doesn't think he's met this Levi person, but invitations like this do have a tendency to get around. He's welcome all the same. The more the merrier. ]
If whoever shows up decides to play for dosh and you win more than you lose, then yeah. It's kind of like a prize. Not really the point though. Point's just participation in the game.
[ They've met, though they may not have exchanged names, so he probably got the invitation elsewhere. ]
[ Levi doesn't think participation is particularly fun without swindling his way into getting out of it with extra cash, but he supposes he can take a look. ]
I see. What is byob?
Levi
[ He really doesn't know, in case is grandpa style of signing his texts was not enough of an indication. ]
(( OOC: yeah, they've definitely met and I must have spaced out when writing the tag. They didn't exchange names, but Levi would definitely have received a direct invite. Oops! ))
BYOB means "Bring your own bottle." Beer. Booze. Beverage. Basically, if you want to drink, you're welcome to, but I'm not paying for it.
[ Around midday, there's a knock on Miller's door —
It's a delivery from the local Styxmart: about a dozen bags of groceries, which the delivery person only mildly grumbles about having had to lug up to the apartment (apparently tipping well only lowers the amount of complaining, not eliminates it). The groceries are mostly staples and essentials, but there's also a couple different varieties of coffee and a bottle of gin among the assortment.
There's an envelope pinned to one of the reusable bags, his name written in elegant script on the front. Inside is a folded note that reads:
A little something to make sure your cupboards don't go bare.
I didn't catch what kind of coffee was brewing in the simulation so I hope at least one of these is suitable to your tastes.
It's not signed, but it's probably clear who it's from... ]
[ The delivery surprises him — surely, he could have continued getting by just fine the way he'd been living — but he's honestly very touched. He'd had other things on his mind at the time so hadn't been thinking about it, but the state of his cupboards apparently made some kind of impression on his benefactor. For her to demonstrate this much concern over his wellbeing... It was flattering. It was unexpected, but it was nice.
He chuckles to himself with a shake of his head because he's going to end up in favor debt to this woman forever at this rate. ]
Delivery received. Thank you for thinking of me.
I think your taste in coffee's actually better than mine. One of those you picked out might be a new favorite.
[ Mara smiles when the message comes in, glad both that it arrived as intended and that he didn't react poorly to it; she knows not everyone appreciated the same kinds of assistance or could otherwise be particular about it. ]
You're quite welcome.
Oh really? I'm a little amused to hear that, I don't tend to drink coffee often. Perhaps the next time I stop by I'll have a cup.
[ The way Miller grew up, the one thing you never turn down when someone offers it is food. As an adult, that extended to include booze and coffee as well, and Mara's gift had been all of those things. He supposes it could have been a matter of pride, a grown man not able to provide for himself or some such, but knowing his own circumstances, Miller had never been that particular type of proud.
Plus now she's given him an idea of something to do for her in return. ]
No matter how much time they spend together in Mara's bedroom, he'll always clear out to give her the space and time to get ready (for the day, for an outing, for an event, etc.) in peace unless explicitly asked to stay. He wouldn't want to get in her way, and Miller's fine with keeping the mysteries of how a woman prepares herself to remain mostly that — a mystery. Nothing to be shy or ashamed about, but people do need their privacy, and who is Miller to deny anyone that.
(Although, he'd have to admit that he finds watching the clothing go on nearly as entertaining as watching it come off. The slide of expensive fabric against her glowing skin. Exquisite.)
However, today Miller has an agenda. He knocks on the doorframe to Mara's bedroom to get her attention before speaking. "Don't let me interrupt what you're doing, but you got a second?" He waits for an affirmative before entering, finding Mara seated at her vanity, watching him approach without turning her head through the reflection of the mirror.
When he reaches her, he places his hands lightly on her shoulders, resting for a moment before moving his thumbs in a gentle massage, working out some of the stress he knows she carries from the weight of worlds on her shoulders. He leans forward to place a kiss on the top of her head, nuzzling affectionately a little with the tip of his nose.
"Radiant as always, setara mi."
He stays that way for a handful of seconds, just admiring her reflection for a while before proceeding on with the reason he came in here. He sees himself there, too, in the mirror... not unattractive, but nowhere near as classy and elegant as the queen seated before him. She's way out of his league, and he knows it, but they fit well together — physically, intellectually, morally, even emotionally as it turns out. Somewhere along the way he'd fallen hard for this woman, flaring up his protective instincts and making him hardly want to leave her side. It isn't enough to rid him of the ghosts that haunt him, but it keeps them at bay, and for that (and so many other things) he is grateful.
Her glowing gaze meets his, looking like she's reading his mind and knows what he's thinking. Mara's told him a few times that she's not able to do that, that she can project her thoughts through their shared connection but not receive his in that way, but there are times when she looks at him like that that he still wonders. Her gaze is always so knowing. Deep and eternal. It's captivating. And it makes him wonder if her enemies cower under her glare. Miller knows for sure that he wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of her anger — a thought that makes him smile. His beautiful and dangerous Queen.
While he's still standing behind her, Miller reaches forward so his hands are in front of her. He could hug her from behind in this position, but that's not (yet) his intention. "I have something for you." Reaching into his shirt cuff with the opposite hand, he draws out something shiny that catches the vanity's lights — a fine, intricate gold chain holding a pendant. He holds the chain between his two hands to display it for her.
"Amethyst," he explains. "It made me think of you." Of her, and of her city. He tries not to clear his throat self-consciously. "And the design I'm sure you recognize. An old Earth compass with a star at its center. Because you are magnetic north." While it's true pretty literally, he means it figuratively as well. "You are my star."
"I was lost here without you, my Queen." His face is serious as he watches her reaction. "Now, with you, I don't lose my way."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
Val-O-Gram
Date: 2024-02-13 08:57 pm (UTC)[This beautiful drawing comes along with a white carnation and a chocolate bar.]
POKER NIGHT inbox replies
Date: 2024-04-04 09:47 pm (UTC)bcc: [hidden]
Subject: Here’s the deal
You are invited to POKER NIGHT on [this day] at [this address in the East District], third floor.
BYOB. Game starts at 9pm (21:00).
text | un: K
Date: 2024-04-05 01:42 am (UTC)Thanks for the invitation. I've never been to anything like this before.
BYOB?
no subject
Date: 2024-04-05 02:43 am (UTC)BYOB is "Bring your own bottle." Beer. Booze. Beverage. Basically, if you want to drink, I'm not paying for it myself.
no subject
Date: 2024-04-05 04:12 am (UTC)I'm looking forward to it. Should I bring anything else? Are you expecting people to get drunk? Since I can't, I could help you clean up if needed.
no subject
Date: 2024-04-05 04:23 am (UTC)No need to bring anything unless there's something you want.
Not sure who all will show up or what to expect, but I could probably use your help moving my desk back into place at the end of the night.
(no subject)
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From:oops k is not that unobservant lol
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From:un: joda
Date: 2024-04-05 01:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-04-05 02:48 am (UTC)I met him briefly during that speed dating fiasco. It would be good to have you both here.
un: Levi
Date: 2024-04-06 12:50 am (UTC)[ But, considering the prevalence of "team building exercises" he's been faced with so far, he feels the need to clarify; ]
Is there a prize?
Levi
no subject
Date: 2024-04-07 01:18 am (UTC)If whoever shows up decides to play for dosh and you win more than you lose, then yeah. It's kind of like a prize. Not really the point though. Point's just participation in the game.
no subject
Date: 2024-04-07 11:29 am (UTC)[ Levi doesn't think participation is particularly fun without swindling his way into getting out of it with extra cash, but he supposes he can take a look. ]
I see. What is byob?
Levi
[ He really doesn't know, in case is grandpa style of signing his texts was not enough of an indication. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-04-07 10:20 pm (UTC)BYOB means "Bring your own bottle." Beer. Booze. Beverage. Basically, if you want to drink, you're welcome to, but I'm not paying for it.
Think you'll be joining us?
(no subject)
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From:(no subject)
From:special delivery!
Date: 2024-05-03 08:24 pm (UTC)It's a delivery from the local Styxmart: about a dozen bags of groceries, which the delivery person only mildly grumbles about having had to lug up to the apartment (apparently tipping well only lowers the amount of complaining, not eliminates it). The groceries are mostly staples and essentials, but there's also a couple different varieties of coffee and a bottle of gin among the assortment.
There's an envelope pinned to one of the reusable bags, his name written in elegant script on the front. Inside is a folded note that reads:
It's not signed, but it's probably clear who it's from... ]
text | un: tekinem
Date: 2024-05-08 04:36 am (UTC)He chuckles to himself with a shake of his head because he's going to end up in favor debt to this woman forever at this rate. ]
Delivery received. Thank you for thinking of me.
I think your taste in coffee's actually better than mine. One of those you picked out might be a new favorite.
no subject
Date: 2024-05-08 03:56 pm (UTC)You're quite welcome.
Oh really? I'm a little amused to hear that, I don't tend to drink coffee often. Perhaps the next time I stop by I'll have a cup.
no subject
Date: 2024-05-08 04:49 pm (UTC)Plus now she's given him an idea of something to do for her in return. ]
To my home or office, you're welcome any time.
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Date: 2024-08-17 10:07 pm (UTC)The Symphony has need of a man of your talents, and we will be paying handsomely.
The matter is urgent. I need an answer as soon as possible.
- M
no subject
Date: 2024-08-17 10:32 pm (UTC)Since you're hiring me, my talents are at your service.
What can you tell me about the case?
no subject
Date: 2024-08-17 11:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-08-17 11:29 pm (UTC)I take it you want someone looking into the disappearance of Ricky Braun.
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From:text | un: rega
Date: 2024-10-22 03:04 am (UTC)since Life has had me slow as molasses I'm just going to toss this at you now before I space it off yet again.]I'm not sure if you noticed but there seem to be a few vacancies in my building.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-22 03:34 am (UTC)I did a walk-through of the building one of the days you were out. Call it a kind of security audit. Good to know who's home and what's empty.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-23 01:20 am (UTC)Since you've taken notice of them, I wonder if you've given any thought to occupying one of those vacancies.
no subject
Date: 2024-10-23 01:37 pm (UTC)Sure, I've been staying here, but to stay here? This place ain't really my style. Too upscale for the likes of me.
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From:action | Closed to Mara [bomblogic]
Date: 2025-02-13 03:48 pm (UTC)(Although, he'd have to admit that he finds watching the clothing go on nearly as entertaining as watching it come off. The slide of expensive fabric against her glowing skin. Exquisite.)
However, today Miller has an agenda. He knocks on the doorframe to Mara's bedroom to get her attention before speaking. "Don't let me interrupt what you're doing, but you got a second?" He waits for an affirmative before entering, finding Mara seated at her vanity, watching him approach without turning her head through the reflection of the mirror.
When he reaches her, he places his hands lightly on her shoulders, resting for a moment before moving his thumbs in a gentle massage, working out some of the stress he knows she carries from the weight of worlds on her shoulders. He leans forward to place a kiss on the top of her head, nuzzling affectionately a little with the tip of his nose.
"Radiant as always, setara mi."
He stays that way for a handful of seconds, just admiring her reflection for a while before proceeding on with the reason he came in here. He sees himself there, too, in the mirror... not unattractive, but nowhere near as classy and elegant as the queen seated before him. She's way out of his league, and he knows it, but they fit well together — physically, intellectually, morally, even emotionally as it turns out. Somewhere along the way he'd fallen hard for this woman, flaring up his protective instincts and making him hardly want to leave her side. It isn't enough to rid him of the ghosts that haunt him, but it keeps them at bay, and for that (and so many other things) he is grateful.
Her glowing gaze meets his, looking like she's reading his mind and knows what he's thinking. Mara's told him a few times that she's not able to do that, that she can project her thoughts through their shared connection but not receive his in that way, but there are times when she looks at him like that that he still wonders. Her gaze is always so knowing. Deep and eternal. It's captivating. And it makes him wonder if her enemies cower under her glare. Miller knows for sure that he wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of her anger — a thought that makes him smile. His beautiful and dangerous Queen.
While he's still standing behind her, Miller reaches forward so his hands are in front of her. He could hug her from behind in this position, but that's not (yet) his intention. "I have something for you." Reaching into his shirt cuff with the opposite hand, he draws out something shiny that catches the vanity's lights — a fine, intricate gold chain holding a pendant. He holds the chain between his two hands to display it for her.
"Amethyst," he explains. "It made me think of you." Of her, and of her city. He tries not to clear his throat self-consciously. "And the design I'm sure you recognize. An old Earth compass with a star at its center. Because you are magnetic north." While it's true pretty literally, he means it figuratively as well. "You are my star."
"I was lost here without you, my Queen." His face is serious as he watches her reaction. "Now, with you, I don't lose my way."