kianlawson

[kianlawson]

He could only snicker at Rhys' comment. Because the guy wasn’t exactly wrong. Art was overly pricey and some of them didn’t even make sense to him. "I mean, you're not wrong. But maybe we're just too uncultured to appreciate the finer things in life," Kian said, shrugging his shoulders. What kind of people were they? He mulled it over for a moment before responding. "We're the kind of people who appreciate the simpler thing and not spending our life savings on unicorn poop art." He chuckled, his face falling when he was reminded of the name drops from earlier, “I’m guessing you’ve heard about my uncle? I’m not sure how to feel…” 

"Someone's gotta knock 'em down a peg or two when they're charging this much for their work." he joked lightly, shrugging his shoulders at his words. Kian was one of the very few who would never judge the nonsense that spewed from Rhys' mouth because he'd probably heard it all by now, and then some. "Nope." Rhys purposely popped the syllable. "No- No you're not. I guess we're just not art people?" he questioned with a frown as he turned to look at Kian. "Then what kind of people are we?" Rhys posed, taking a much needed sip of his coffee.

#kian && rhys 01 #event: springtide bash 01

[kianlawson]

"I know what you mean. I'm starting to feel like my stomach is staging a full-on rebellion," Kian said with a grin, his own hunger pangs growing more insistent by the minute. "Maybe I should have planned ahead and grabbed a bite before diving into all this work. But sometimes, a guy needs some extra sleep." It wasn’t always. Today was one of those days where he needed to drag him out of bed. “Might want to do that or we’d never get back to work. I’d say let’s play hooky but I feel bad.” Always one to be responsible, he couldn’t bring himself to slack off. It made him antsy. 

the thing about daphne and kian was that despite their small age gap, the two of them were pretty similar and she enjoyed his company. it was one of the many reasons she continued to come back and volunteer. besides, of course, the most obvious reason being that she loved to help. as he went on about the omelet, she groaned in response. "i think my stomach is beginning to eat itself. hashbrowns sound so good right now. i think maybe we should have grabbed something to eat before we got started. we would have been more productive that way. now that i'm this hungry, i may eat myself into a food coma." she joked.

#kian && daphne 01

[kianlawson]

@armisdeleon

Clueless (1995) dir. Amy Heckerling

#musings #ft. armi de leon #//lmaooo

[kianlawson]

Kian grinned as Avery set the coffee cup in front of him. "You're a lifesaver, man. Thanks," he said, taking a sip of the hot beverage. He needed this. "A golden star? Nah, you deserve a whole trophy for that." he chuckled, giving his friend a smile. "I'm proud of you, dude. It's not easy keeping your cool when dealing with difficult people." He stretched his back, his eyes wandering around the store as he contemplated the other’s question. "I'm doing alright. Just trying to keep this place running smoothly. Oh, but guess who suckered me into adopting a pup?” he paused to give the other a chance to let the news sink in. “Armi. I swear, that woman could convince anyone to sell their souls.” 

Avery walked over to his friend's store, cofee in hand, he placed another cup in front of the other man, "You're welcome," he teases palyfully taking a sip of his own cup, "got great news! finish those songs for the annoyng diva, did not lose my cool once!" not many people knew about his anger issues, Avery was, in all honesty, a bit ashamed to admit it, the man had a kind heart, it was embarassing that sometimes he was out there acting like a chaotic mess! he tursted Kian, however, so he didn't feel the need to hide who he was from him. "Do I get a golden star?" Avery jokes, "How are you doing, man?"

@kianlawson

#kian && avery 01

[kianlawson]

Kian's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Armi standing there with a puppy in her arms. "Are you crazy?" He blurted out, shaking his head. "No way, I'm not adopting a dog." He didn’t have the time for that. Pets required attention and when would he find the time? Despite his words, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he watched her cuddle the furry bundle closer. He couldn’t lie, it was adorable, and she looked cute with the pup. But nope, he wasn’t doing that. Not happening. He stepped aside to let her in, closing the door behind them. "It's not that quiet around here," he argued, "I've got plenty of companionship with my family and friends." Still, he reached out to gently pet the puppy's head—his expression softening. "I mean, he is pretty cute. But taking care of a dog is a big responsibility. I don’t have the time for that kind of commitment right now."

TO: @kianlawson

Armi stood outside Kian's front door, a small little bundle of fur wrapped in her arms as she cooed down at it, waiting for him to answer. The second he did, she looked up at him and offered him her widest smile. "Okay, hear me out." She began, pushing passed him into his home. Turning, she'd come to face him, as she cuddled the puppy tighter. "What if -- you got a dog?" She tossed out, "Now, listen -- don't shoot it down just yet." She glanced down at the fur ball, "It's so quiet around here, and I feel like you could use a companion." Holding up the golden retriever husky mix, "Isn't he the cutest?!"

#kian && armi 04

[kianlawson]

Thanks, man. I still miss her sometimes, but life must go on. See, this is why I don't go for just looks. There has to be more, you know? I'm sorry you had to deal with that, though. I hope not. This town already have enough of a shit reputation, I don't need things to go to shit even more.

That you were, Lawson. May she rest in peace. I didn't necessarily find her, and I guess. I mean, to a naked eye, I guess she's hot. But personally, she disgust me. But you know, that came with time. It's tame until something big happens. Hopefully not in our life time, but shit, you never know.

#kian && lincoln 01

[kianlawson]

Laughter bubbled free. Why did he have a feeling she was going to say that? Of course, she would. The woman was always quick with her tongue. “What, you wanted to know, I’m just telling you. You already know I don’t mince my words very well.” He didn’t see the point in doing so with her especially since she was just as blunt. “Glad you’re not easily destructible though. Amos would be sad without you.” The two were thick as thieves. To be fair, he would feel the same if something bad were to happen to his sisters too.

He pondered her suggestion about getting a pet. "A dog could be a great companion. And it'd be nice coming home to a friendly face eager to see me, but I honestly don’t think it’s a great idea.” He didn’t have time to care for a pet. It wouldn’t be fair to neglect one.

He watched as the boys interacted with Armi. It came as no surprise that they were happy to be around her. They adored her. His eyes rolled at the lies she told them. This woman was going to be the death of him. "I said no such thing,” he glared at her, though he knew he was about to lose this battle. “Fine. Movie night at your place.”

Turning his attention to the boys, he said, “let’s not go overboard with the sugar.”

“But it’s Saturday…” Zach whined.

“Yeah, what he said.” Robbie added.

Dear God, help him… “I know it is, but your mom is going to kill me if I send you home with a sugar rush again.” Looking back at Armi, he said. "Please don’t go overboard. Sloane will never let me have them again.” He was lying there, of course, but she didn’t have to know that. “Movie night is a go, but how much of the adult juice have you had?” He asked, peering at the bottle she handed him.

"Always so good with words, Kian." Armi chuckled and shook her head, "But, also, yes. Can't kill me baby, I'll always be back." That was definitely a motto she lived by, and it seemed to hold truth. "You ever think about getting a pet?" She asked him, glancing over at him, before back at the boys, "I mean, they are really great companions." In that moment, she made her mind up, he was going to get a pet. She felt like he deserved one. Even though Mara and Wren live with her now, before that, she found it quite lonely, and getting Stromi really did help that. When he stuck on the subject, she released a sigh, aware that she officially screwed up. Turning towards him, "Okay, but what so my car will be left here until tomorrow when you think I'm capable of driving again?" She asked, slightly frustrated, more so at herself. She needed to watch what she said. When he mentioned the boys, the irritation seemed to fade rather quickly. "Really?" She asked, "I mean -- absolutely, but you can't yell at me when I feed them sugar! It's my right as the fun baby sitter." She pressed her lips together, "Okay, I won't give them--"

Before she could finish her sentence, she found herself tackled by two young boys. In which, she embraced back just as hard. "Armi!" They shouted in union, which caused her to smile hard, "Hi, guys." She greeted, as she pulled away from them both, and stared down at the them. She ruffled each hand through their hair, "I swear you guys just keep glowing!" She shook her head, "What happened to those little babies I cuddled?"

"We're big boys!" Zach, the youngest one announced proudly.

"Please, you're still a baby. You were just crying over something stupid." Robbie corrected him, which cause the younger one to look at his brother and begin bickering back and forth with him.

"Ah-- you both are big boys, and just because we cry, does not make us babies." Armi announced, playfully snacking Robbie on the back of the head. Which also caused Zach to stick his tongue out at his brother. Before the boys could start bickering again, Armi keeled to their level, "Uncle Kian said you guys can come over and watch some movies, eat some sugar --" She looked over at Robbie, "Wren will be there." She wiggled her brows, and the young boy attempted to hide his excitement, but fail. He totally had a crush on her roommate's daughter. "How does that sound?" She asked, when both boys cheered, she glanced up at Kian, "Movie night at my place?"

#kian && armi 03 #event: springtide bash 01

[kianlawson]

The pain of losing Diana had driven a wedge between them, but with Samira in Wilmington, he knew it was the best time to bridge their differences. "I appreciate that more than you know, Samira. We're family, and that means everything to me." There was nothing but sincerity in his words. He had always valued the importance of family. It was why he’d decided to stay put after all these years. As he watched Maya's excitement grow at the mention of stationary shopping, he chuckled. "Sounds like a fun shopping trip. Go have fun, I'll catch you later. But before you go, come here," he opened up his arms and enveloped her in a hug. It felt a lot like his wife had returned. For a brief moment, it was as if she was there with them, her spirit living on through their daughter. Releasing Maya, he went to give Samira a hug. "Thanks for coming over. Don't be a stranger. Then, he opened the door, and allowed the two to leave—waving at them both. By the time he shut the door again, he was smiling—grateful he was able to connect with the duo. 

COMPLETED

Samira had spent so much time in anger post Diana’s death that she hadn’t been at all receptive to how Kian had been dealing. She had lost her sister, but the man sitting across from her had lost his wife; the love of his life. Clearly he’d done a good job at working through the pain but Samira hadn’t been there for him the way he’d tried to be there for her and that was a regret she’d hold onto for a long time still. “That’s really so nice of you, and I bet she’ll enjoy it.” Maya nodded happily at the prospect of getting to hang out with more kids her own age while Samira felt her emotions bubbling up slightly at his words. “I hope you know it’s the same for me too..you’ll always be my brother,” she murmured softly before taking a deep breath and shaking her head, wanting to break out of this emotional moment. “I will absolutely be there for you, no matter what you need.” She glanced down at her daughter then who had still be looking up at Kian happily, “alright Miss. Maya, shall we get going? We have to go stationary shopping after all..” It was as if she’d said the magic words with the way her daughter’s eyes brightened up at the prospect of buying pencils and notebooks and binders. “We’ll see you later? Hopefully soon,” she told Kian with a smile before reaching over to hug the man. 

#kian && samira 01

[kianlawson]

Kian looked at Amos with a bewildered expression, his mind reeling from the shocking announcement. His uncle was a bad guy? How could that be? No, that couldn't be true. Uncle Abraham was a nice man. He couldn't have done all that, could he? He ran a hand through his hair, trying to process the information. "I just can't wrap my head around it, man. I mean, I've known Uncle Abraham my whole life. He's always been there for our family," he said, his brow furrowed in thought. "Do you think there's any truth to it, Amos? Could he really have been involved in something so terrible?" he asked, and then realized something else, “Shit, is Rhys okay?”

closed starter for @kianlawson

where: the springtide bash

Amos had jumped into damage control mode as soon as the announcement could be heard through the speakers at the large town event. He'd immediately jumped to acting with Rhys, clearly knowing fully well that his friend needed whatever support that Amos could provide, even if he kept saying that he didn't necessarily need anyone. The news affected Kian in a way too, maybe not as closely, but Amos still decided to check on him right after. "You know, for two tall men, you were incredibly hard to find in this crowd." Amos teased his best friend, offering him a small smile as he patted his back. "That was...something, huh?"

#kian && amos 01

[kianlawson]

"I mean, if I still had a wife, I wouldn't mind having children." Kian admitted, his eyes on the boys as he thought about what could have been if Diana had never passed. Of course, it was fruitless to think of such things now. So he peered back at Armi—his expression soft, "Yup, but let's get real here, nothing could kill you. You're like that cockroach that will never die." He teased, though he meant it as a compliment since she was so resilient. "You're right about that. Animals are pretty amazing." At least animals wouldn’t betray you, nor would they. Despite her assurances that she wasn't planning on getting drunk, there was no way he was going to let her drive home. He would drive himself crazy thinking she might not get home. "It's no big deal. I'm happy to drive you home later. I’m already here anyway." He said, giving her a bright smile—hoping like hell she wouldn’t fight him on this. "Besides, the boys would like to have you chill with them. They love you and Amos." The two were a huge part of his life and the boys loved them. "Yeah, they're sprouting up like weeds. Makes me feel old. You better not laugh, Armi. You’re getting there too.”

"I wasn't asking, Ki--" She began, carelessly shrugging her shoulders. "I already know you would be. Just stating something I believe to be factual, that's all." She fought to roll her eyes, suppressing the urge as best as she could. Even tho she knew Kian was still struggling with his wife's passing, the truth was that she hardly believed he wouldn't find someone one day. And she'd probably feel as frustrated about that as any other time. But that wasn't important right now. She smirked at him, "Don't know about that, Kian. Ever heard that saying curiosity kills the cat?" She rose a questioning brow at him, "Fortunately for me, however, this cat has nine lives." She had to have had, because nothing else explained it. "Not like, Ki -- love." She beamed a smile at him, "Animals are one of the best gifts we've been giving, and we don't deserve them." She must've forgotten who she was talking to, because only after she announced the tequila in her bottle did she realize that Kian wouldn't take that as a bonus. If anything, he'd -- And there it was. Armi's eyes widen, as she shook her head, "What? You don't have to do that, Kian. I'm not planning on getting hammered here. It's just there in case I need to take the edge off a little, that's all." She began to chew on her bottom lip, "Forget I said anything, really." She looked over his shoulder at his nephews, "They've gotten so big."

#kian && armi 03 #event: springtide bash 01

[kianlawson]

Ever since the announcement, he’d been lost in thought. His uncle’s name had been dragged into the mud and he wasn’t sure how to react. Kian wasn't sure what to make of all this information. He finally glanced over at Jake, his expression blank. “What? No, I'm not looking for a fast car," he replied, shaking his head. "I'm just trying to wrap my head around what I just heard. My uncle... accused of being involved in Mayor Thompson's death? It doesn't make sense." The thought of him being connected to such a heinous crime seemed unfathomable. "I don't know what to think right now," he admitted, his brows creased. "Have you ever had someone close to you accused of something terrible? How do you even begin to process that?"

❛ KIAN & JAKE. — AT SPRINGTIDE BASH FOLLOWING THE PLOT DROP.

It'd been years since he'd hung up his hat as an investigative journalist. Yet, it seemed that journalism wasn't ready to cut the connection. There was always a little something that niggled at him here or there and he collected information somewhere in the recesses of his mind, as though he were storing it for a useful day. If you collected information it all tied together at one point, you just had to be patient. When his blue eyes landed on @kianlawson, someone he was sure didn't really want to be a face in the crowd at the moment, Jake couldn't help his instincts. "Looking for a fast car?"

#kian && jake 01

[kianlawson]

He smiled at his sister as he walked into the kitchen, the boys trailing behind him. "Omelettes sound perfect. I'm starving," Kian said, heading straight for the coffee pot. He poured himself a mug before leaning back against the counter. "The boys were great, as always. We had a blast at the park playing basketball." The past weekend, they hung out at Armi's place—where she fed them too much sweets for movie night. But he wasn't going to tell Sloane that. "I'm always happy to take the boys whenever you need a break. I love spending time with them." And he wasn't just saying that for the hell of it. He truly enjoyed having them around. They were good boys, and they had never given him problems.

closed starter for @kianlawson

sloane was thankful that her brother was always there to look out for her, especially since she'd moved back to wilmington. one thing she appreciated more than anything else was the fact that he took her boys once a week and gave her a night to herself. it wasn't that she didn't love them but it was just that she was tired and needed a break every once in a while after continuously working two jobs. she was making breakfast when she heard them all come in the front door of her apartment and glanced over at the other sibling, "i hope you're hungry. i'm making omelettes. coffee is ready too if you want some." she paused for a moment to glance back at the food. "how were the boys?"

#kian && sloane 01

[kianlawson]

"Oh, you think so, huh? Well, challenge accepted then," Kian said with an amused quirk of his brows, his lips curving upwards. Was he convinced she would work on her phrasing for the next time? No. This was Armi and old habits die hard, after all. She was right though, he wasn’t always a grump. Life had dealt him some tough blows over the years, and his wide eyed exuberance was gone now. But life moved on. All he could do was not dwell on the past too much. "Yeah, well, I guess we all have our ways of coping," he said with a shrug. Why did her remark annoy him? It shouldn’t matter that she no longer had a crush on him. In fact, it was for the best that she didn’t. However, that annoyance lingered.

Quickly, he pushed the feeling aside, not wanting to examine it too closely. "Well, I'm flattered nonetheless." he said with a grin. Before he could say anything else, she’d stood up. “Let me walk you out then,” came his response before he was walking with her. As she wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace, he returned it and noticed the sweet scent of her perfume. Or was it her shampoo? "No worries. I understand," he said before pulling back. "Yeah, I'll see you around. Try not to call me at 3AM again.” As soon as she was gone, he went back into the kitchen to clean up—putting the odd visit in the back of his mind.

COMPLETED

"You could try, but I doubt you'd be able to keep up." She mused, wiggling her eye brows at him. Most people couldn't keep up with her, and she both liked and hated it. "I don't think you did it because you had to, but I definitely think you did it to shut me up. And you know what? I take it, Lawson." She chuckled, "I'll work on the phrasing next time I see you." Although she wasn't quite sure how likely it was that she was going to be able to rewire her mind from all that Amos' little sister crap when he was in her presences, but she was never one to back down from a challenge.

She could see that her admission threw him off, and she couldn't help but reel in that, just a little. At his question, she simply just shrugged, "I mean, you weren't always a grump, Kian." She reminded him, "You just got older, and life did a number on you as well. So, it can be understandable." This was also another way of dealing with their traumas. She chose to be outgoing and over the top, and he chose to close up. Everyone had their own way of doing things. "But it's a thing of the past." A lie, but that was fine. "Some stupid kid crush thing." She waved a hand in the air as if to dismiss the admission. "But thank you, I think she'd really would've died hearing you speak like this." Hell, she, as the adult sitting there now, sure was. But she wasn't going to show that. She was trying to seem more put together in his company for once. As he ended the mushy stuff, and returned to his pie, Armi nodded, and looked down at hers. Just as she was about to dig in for another bite, it hit her that she had somewhere to be soon. Popping the piece in her mouth, she pulled out her phone to see that she had 20 minutes to get there. Jumping up, she shoveled another bite into her mouth, and hurriedly chewed and swallowed. "Shit, I promised a coworker I'd watch her son for her today." She told him, as she rounded the table back towards him, "And I gotta go. But thank you, Kian." She said once again, she waited for him to stand like the gentlemen she knew he was, and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. "I really do apologize for last night." She repeated, as she pulled away, and smiled up at him. "I'll see you around?" She offered up, before heading towards his front door.

#kian && armi 02

[kianlawson]

"Oh, is that so?" He cocked an eyebrow—trying hard to remain serious, but failing miserably. "Guess I'll just have to keep a closer eye on you then, won't I? Can't have you running around committing crimes on my watch." Knowing her, she might actually do it too. Kian knew her type, and one couldn’t challenge a person like Armi. Because if you tried, they would only try to prove you wrong. One of his sisters gave him a headache a few years back with her antics. Thankfully, she’d calmed down. "I think I'll take my chances. Besides, if I don’t, then you’d think I had you and who needs that?" He wasn’t just complimenting her for no reason—that wasn’t the sort of guy he was. When he told anyone he liked them as a person, he meant it. Life was short, he wasn’t here to be fake.

Her admission about having a crush on him when she was younger caught him off guard. He hadn't expected that. For a moment, he wasn't sure how to respond. "I had no idea. The big question is why? You say it yourself, I’m a grump. How could you ever have a crush on grumpy old me." He wasn’t always this way. Before life kicked him in the ass, he was a pretty fun guy. But losing Diana changed all that. The thought of his late wife sobered him a bit and when he spoke, his tone was gentler. "I'm sorry if I ever made you feel like you were just Amos' little sister. That was never my intention.” She was more than that, he knew that…hell, everyone around her should see it too. "For what it's worth, I think that 15-year-old girl would be pretty proud of the woman you've become. And I know I am." He held her gaze for a moment longer before looking away and clearing his throat. "Anyway, enough of this mushy stuff. Let's finish this pot pie before it gets cold, yeah?" He said before digging back into his food, trying to ignore the strange flutter in his chest.

She wiggled her brows at his statement, a devious grin danced across her features at the daring hint behind his words. "What are you going to do, Kian?" She challenged, "If I want to get away with murder, you know as well as I do, that I will." She clicked her tongue, and leaned back against her chair. "But you keep telling yourself that if it helps you sleep better at night." She would never know why she enjoyed messing with him so much. All that she knew was that she did, and when he tossed it back, it put the hellion at ease. Most of the time, at least.

"Ah, ah, ah--" She held up a finger, and shook it, "Be careful there, Lawson, you filling my head up. You might not be able to come back down from this." She mused, of course, teasing him. But in truth, it was nice to hear. Especially from him. Probably because it was easier for her to handle when she chalked it down like that. Did she like it? No, but at least, it made sense as to why he'd never see her as anything more. Not that she understood why after all this time, she still hoped one day he would. She figured the moment was over, therefore, she went to stab her portion of the pie with her fork. She didn't look up as he spoke, she simply just nodded. It wouldn't be until the whole question was out that she'd look up at him.

She smiled softy as him, but didn't immediately response. Instead, she thought about her answer. About how honest she wanted to be here. She figured that as long as she changed up some of her wording she could get away with what she was about to admit. "Honestly?" She asked, then chuckled, "You're the only one I really refer to myself as that to. It helps -- helped me keep shit in check." She shook her head, "When I was younger, much younger, I had this huge crush on you." Past tense. Good. "And I guess it just stuck with me after awhile, the Amos' little sister thing." She shrugged, "It was my way of keeping my delusions in check." She end that last statement on a lighthearted tone. Although, she wasn't so sure that was a smart thing to have said either way. "That 15 year old girl would've been enlighten to hear you say that." She added, laughing it off, as her focus went back to the pot pie.

#kian && armi 02

[kianlawson]

No shit? Guess I'm lucky. I married a good one. It's too bad she's no longer with us. But damn, where did you find a mean girl? I'm guessing she's really hot? Well, you do make a pretty great point there. I wouldn't worry about it though. It's normal to have crime in every city. In my opinion, it's pretty tame here.

I almost was, at one point. And to be honest, I wouldn't put it passed her to try and wack me when I wasn't watching. It was actually a Mean Girls reference, but I think it's better if we don't go into that. So, your conditioning routine is solid. Why do I have to be paranoid? Maybe I'm just curious. You know, since weird shit happens from time to time.

#kian && lincoln 01

[kianlawson]

He truly didn’t mind taking Maya off Samira’s hands. If anything, she was doing him a favor. The boys seemed to behave better when there were other children around. The thought of the kids playing together and forming new friendships had him smiling. When Maya hugged him, he returned it—grinning from cheek to cheek. "Don't even worry about it, Samira. You and Maya are always welcome here, anytime. I mean it," they were family, after all. "I know we haven't been in each other's lives for a while, but I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

Diana would have wanted him to be there for her sister and niece. Like he did for his younger sisters, he felt responsible to ensure that Samira and Maya had the support they needed, just as Diana would have wanted. Shaking off the melancholic moment, he smiled at his sister-in-law. "And hey, I might just take you up on that offer someday. You never know when I might need a favor from my favorite sister-in-law," he said that as if she had any other sisters-in-law. "But seriously, I appreciate you being here for me too. It means a lot."

Samira smiled back when she caught Kian’s grateful smile aimed her way. She knew that sometimes divulging truths to kids could result in a nightmare for the other—she’d been on that side of things before and so now made it a point to always remind Maya to check with the other if this was something she could freely talk about or keep to herself. It was adorable though for her to see Maya and Kian holding hands, shaking on the promise as Maya grinned up at him and then went in for a hug quickly. “Yay! I’m so excited! I can’t wait until I can fly and take you with me!” Maya was a very affectionate kid and she just hoped Kian wouldn’t mind it.

The idea wasn't to cut this whole thing short, but she knew that it was important to not overstay her welcome in Kian’s home. They may have been related once upon a time but she didn’t want to—push it. It was good to have him here, someone she could depend on but she didn’t want to end up being someone who reminded him over and over of the past. She may have been angry in the past, but now—twenty years later, she wanted him to move on happily. “I will absolutely take you up on that, not to mention—it’ll be nice for Maya to meet some more people her own age.” And while she didn’t call them family, in a sense they were and that was something she really wanted for her daughter. “And while I can’t entirely return that favour, you let me know whenever you need something and if I can make it happen for you, I’m there.” 

#kian && samira 01

[kianlawson]

Kian was surprisingly not lying about that. He did enjoy Armi’s company. Hell must have frozen over for him to say that, but it was the truth. It was sweet of her to come over the other day. The pot pie was a bonus. Honestly, he never thought she would ever do that. From what he noticed before that day, she did what she wanted—example the 3am call to pick her up. Oh, he’d been pissed, yet in the same breath, he was glad she’d been smart enough to call him. “Why would you want to know that?” He looked back at her, a brow arching. “I probably would never be one.” Since he had no plans to marry ever again, that part was a no brainer. Was it upsetting? Yeah. But after Diana’s death, he couldn’t bring himself to open up his heart again. “You’re good. Don’t be sorry, you’re curious, there’s nothing wrong with that.” He said, flashing her a sincere smile. “Ahh… I forgot. You do like them furry.” He teased, eyeing the bottle in her hand. “Armi De Leon, you did not just come to a kids friendly with alcohol.” He snagged it from her and took a sip, oddly surprised by the potency of the beverage. “Give me your keys,” he opened his palms, and handed the bottle over, “if you’re drinking, I’m driving you home.”

Butterflies formed in the pit of her stomach when he turned and smiled at her. She could get used to seeing it. Maybe never to the feelings it invoked in her, but the sight was so breathtaking; she'd make it work. If she thought it couldn't get worse, when he started talking about his nephews in the way he did, Armi suppressed a moan. She always figured he'd be a good dad, but it did something primal to her when he stepped into the role, no matter how small it was. Damn this man. "Could only imagine how you'd be with your own kids." She thought out loud, before clearing her throat and shaking her head, "Sorry-" She licked her lips, "Where else would I be, Lawson?" She questioned, raising a brow, "I like animals. And seeing all the kids have a good time? Double win." She held up her water bottle, "And if I need a little adult pick me up, I'm covered there to."

#kian && armi 03 #event: springtide bash 01