#i genuinely thought i'd just. have to live with an art block for the rest of my life and kinda deal with it oops

[keanuownsthisbitch]

Misera comites diligit

Chapter 2: the art of living with it

The dress fit perfectly, black as night with high collar but an open back, displaying numerous tattoos and showcasing each and every defined muscle rippling beneath the skin in a coordinated order. The garter belt was strapped to her thigh, a small custom made blade resting in it's case. The blade might be considered small by typical standards, but it served the purpose and did it's job perfectly every time.

Then again, killing someone was hardly something ordinary human would consider a job.

Nevertheless, Lara had to smirk at her reflection. She looked good, even healthy and almost alive again. The cut on her temple was glued together, her hair parting in a way that it concealed most of it. Dark and smoky eye make-up accentuated her eye color, while her lips remained it their natural state with only a hint of a gloss. She took one last look in the mirror as she reached for her heels and slipped them on before grabbing few coins and tossing them into a simple clutch.

The ride in the elevator took a bit too long for her comfort but soon enough the doors opened and another heavh doors blocking her path came into her line of sight. A couple of taps and a window slid open, face of some guy whose name Lara didn't remember looked back at her. She offered a small smile and an eyebrow raise before the window closed and several clicks sounded before doors were opened with a creak and heavy bass music reached her ears. She scrunched her face in confusion. Willson prefered the classics, the new DJ stuff wasn't really clear to him and he always praised himself on knowing better than to listen to music that, according to him, lacked a soul.

Weird thing to say for someone who runs a hotel that houses people that have sold their souls to the devil. After all, god isn't known for his mercy upon those who kill for profit. 

The music continued to burn her ears as she nodded politely to the 'bouncer' and stepped deeper into the room, and for a fleeting moment she contemplated what sort of a bet Willson had to have lost. She moved through the sea of swaying bodies that moved to the rhythm, her frame easily blending into the backround and yet standing out in every aspect, people who recognized her made room for her to pass while those who were preoccupied or not caring in the slightest continued to ignore her. Not that Lara minded in the slightest. After all, she was the deadliest when underestimated or otherwise overlooked.

One would think those who killed for a living would know better.

She crossed the dancefloor relatively quickly, her body leaning onto the counter while she seated herself in one of the obnoxiously high barstools. The girl covered in tattoos stared back at her with comically wide pupils and for a moment, Lara allowed a genuine smile to light up her face.

"L-Lara? That really you?" The girl stuttered and Lara couldn't help herself as she laughed genuinely for the first time in who knows how long.

"Hello Abbey. How are you?"

Abbey stopped fumbling with the glass in her hand, placing both the glass and the rag she was polishing it with onto the counter, before leaning over the bar to hug Lara.

She accepted the hug singlehandedly. "I- I didn't think I'd see you again... after all that happened."  They released each other and Lara's smile flattened to a degree. Abbey noticed. "Sorry. I guess I'm just overwhelmed. Seeing you and John," Lara's eyes widened,  "here it's just-"

"John Wick? I thought he retired."

Abbey nodded at her disbelieving look. "He did. He was, that is, until few days ago. His wife died, did you know?"

Lara shook her head. That certanly would explain John's return, though the last time she's seen him, he woved to never return into this pond. Lara sympathized. Whatever's happened had to have been huge for him to go over his own promise.

"Could you mix me a glass of your finest please?" Lara settled for diverting the direction of the conversation instead of prying further. Though the flame of curiosity still burned deep within her gut.

Abbey nodded and set to work. Her fingers quick and easy, her mind almost absentminded as the ingredients were mixed into the perfect blend of sweet and bitter. "Viggo's son... he killed John's dog and stole his car."

Lara's eyebrow jumped in surprise, her face otherwise calm. "I didn't know John had a dog."

Abbey shrugged. "Apparently it was a last present from his wife. She had the puppy delivered to him at the day of her funeral." She placed a cocktail in front of Lara.

Lara didn't drink it. She gazed into the swirling pool of alcohol, contemplating her own life and the actions she took to avenge her husband- no! Don't go there. Her manicured nails drummed against the glass three times before shaking herself out of the stupor and putting a fake smile on her face. "Well, it's been good seeing you Abbey, hope we can do this again sometime." She reached into her purse and took a single gold coin, tossing it to her. "Any idea where I can find Willson?"

Abbey took thd coin out of the air and pointed to one of the tables in a more secluded area. Lara nodded and without saying goodbye made her way over to the hotel manager. As she grew nearer, it became clear Willson wasn't alone and after spotting headful of long slickedback hair and a torso dressed in an expensive suit, Lara wanted nothing more than to turn away and change directions. That would turn out to be an impossible task bscause, sure enough, Willson has already spotted her and raised his hand in greeting and an universal sign of 'come on over'. The figure opposite of him tensed enough for Lara to be able to notice it, the line of his spine becoming rigid, his body morphing into the one of the fighter.

Lara braced herself and purposely made her steps as loud as possible so the figure she now identified as John would know she was coming. Willson stood up as she reached the table, his arms opening up enough for Lara to slide into without difficulty. She hugged Willson back, his familiar warmth pushing a stream of memories of better times into her frontal cortex, making the tears pool into her eyes. The onslaught was so strong Lara had to squeeze her eyes as tightly as possible to stop the tears from falling. She took a deep breath and smiled in, what she hoped was, a reassuring way before she leaned away from Willson and his hands settled on her waist while hers stayed on his forearms.

"Lara," Willson began, his tone warm and welcoming. "welcome back."

"It feels good to be back Willson." Lara honestly hoped she didn't sound as misserable and as pathetic as she felt.

His eyebrows furrowed in concern before his faced morphed back into a calm mask. Lara would've been worried about the way she looked and the state she presented if Willson gave her time to do it. However, him being the observat spectator quickly read the discomfort in her voice and changed the toppic.

"I don't know of you noticed but John is also back in the business and I'm sure the two of you could provide much better company for each other than I would. After all, I have this lovely book of poetry and decanter of 50 year old whiskey waiting for me in my room."

Of course, Lara would've appreciated this diversion, if only the diversion didn't include her being thrown straight into the pit of fire. She opened her mouth to protest but Willson was quick to shut her down as he continued. "Whatever's that you're trying to say, don't. After all, the two of you have so much in common, and I'm an old man that needs his rest. So I bid you goodnight." He turned towards John, that observed the scene without interjecting once, his face carved out of stone and nodded. "Jonathan."

Willson nodded to both of them once again then shuffled out of the booth, his steps as elegant as the suit he was wearing. Lara watched him make his exit and wondered how wonderful would it felt if she could trade places with him. She snapped back to attention as she felt sharp pair of eyes burning a hole in her head and turned back around, only to find John still sitting in his chair, his eyes meeting hers. Lara had to resist the urge to shift from one foot to the other. Instead, she held his gaze with false bravado, equally fake easygoing smile climbing onto her face. "Is this seat taken?" Her voice was soft, completely different than the usual flirty undertone it usually sported. Somehow she didn't get the impression John would appreciate being hit on at the moment even if it was for the sake of easing the tension.

John stared at her for several seconds before slowly shaking his head. "No. Please, have a seat."

Well, let it never be said that Johm wasn't a gentleman, even towards those who didn't fit into the box labelled 'the most pleasant company'.

Lara gripped her drink tighter and slid into the plush chair across from John. His demeanor deminished slightly and his spine wasn't as straight as it was before which Lara took as a good sign. They both sat there in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes in which Lara cooked up a brainstorm to find the best way to approach the elephant in the room. In the end, winging it seemed like the best option so she went for it.

"I'm sorry about-"

"My condolences to yo-"

What she wasn't expecting however was for the Baba Yaga himself to start speaking at the same time.  Lara smiled awkwardly while John snapped his mouth shut and nodded politley towards her. "You first."

"I'm sorry about your wife... John, I really, really am."

He looked somewhere far away for a second, his brain probably making him relive every single painful moment and every single memory of his wife, before it was over in a flash.

"I am sorry for what happened to you and your husband as well. I cannot imagine..." he trailed off but John sounded genuinly sorry and Lara felt how small genuine smile replaced her forced grin. This pain, suffering, they shared was unique only to the two of them and yet, each was just as different. Lara appreciated it. She appreciated his genuine concern and his words and on the other hand she appreciated his acknowledgement that he actually wasn't aware of how that particular brand of pain and grief felt. He understood. And yet didn't at the same time.

Lara could live with that.

#john wick x oc #keanu reeves imagines #john wick imagine #john wick franchise

[punkscowardschampions]

Jac & Amelia

Jac: So, you got your room 🙌 What other wins did freshers bring you? 😄 Amelia: Yeah, thank god Amelia: it's been full on enough without adding travel sickness Jac: Never going to fly when class starts either Jac: it's just slightly more inventive than coming down with the 'flu' every Monday morning, but not enough Amelia: bit intense to start crashing on my new friends floors too, I don't want to be THAT gay Jac: 😂 Jac: I doubt they'd mind Jac: but having a base that isn't totally covered in crochet decor is a plus Amelia: now that freshers is over and they're going to 🤞 they never see those hook ups again maybe Amelia: still, not the first impression I'm trying to make Jac: Oh God, tell me about it Jac: I am not trying to have people I've got to avoid for the next 7 odd years Jac: not trying to make it like home like that Amelia: very relatable Amelia: even though I have no need to count that high Jac: Is your course 3? or 4? Amelia: depends if I want to go to Canada, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Sweden, USA or the UK for a year Jac: Oh wow Jac: 🦪 Amelia: that emoji is the gayest Amelia: so yeah probably Jac: Very O'Keefe of you Jac: can't give up the 🎨 quite yet? Amelia: 😂 Jac: I've met THE perfect girl for you, oh my GOD Amelia: because I'm going to travel to Edinburgh for 🦪 after dodging a 3 hour commute Jac: She's American, you could convince her Cork has a lot to offer beside 🦪 Jac: but actually, she is UNBEARABLE, and I'm trying very hard to be nice and give everyone a chance rn Jac: she does Art History, despite the fact she seems to know less about art than I do Jac: doesn't stop her 🔊 Amelia: 💔 you put your mean girl years behind you too soon, I'm SO proud though Amelia: and I'm sure Savannah appreciates it just as much Jac: 😏 I can feel the sincerity Jac: I know though, talk about completely crazy Amelia: if you want sincerity I can totally believe she'd follow you there as if nothing happened Amelia: are you okay? Jac: I think the prestige probably beat the off-chance I'd also be there but I appreciate the belief Jac: Yeah, actually, I am Jac: it went well, better than I could've or would've imagined before Amelia: alright, that's a relief Amelia: not that it's been playing on my mind or anything since the ✨ livened up my feed Jac: I would've got in touch sooner Jac: It did cross my mind, that you'd see Jac: I also didn't wanna encroach on your freshers' experience at all, that idea won out Jac: It must've been a shock for you and all Amelia: I get it, because likewise obviously Amelia: plus you seemed like you were coping, and it's not the same as before, you have people to go to now if you aren't so Amelia: I don't know, it seemed too dramatic to come at you all !!!!!! Amelia: which is why I didn't Jac: I wouldn't have bitten your head off Jac: but I see and appreciate that logic Jac: not to mention previous experience would say I actually would so Jac: She's changed a lot too, in those 2 years Amelia: good Jac: Yeah, turns out she had a pretty rough time of it too Jac: which, obviously, but I wasn't really in a space to think too much about that back then Amelia: was likely to be more 🥀 than 🌹 living with her dad, and everything that happened with her mum Amelia: I'm not surprised even if I couldn't be very sympathetic then Jac: I can't believe I was zoned out Jac: I didn't even know about her mum Amelia: you had loads of your own shit going on, it'd be more unbelievable if you were tuned into hers Amelia: I didn't know how bad it was, or didn't want to hear it, whichever Jac: Jess made it sound like the world and his wife knew Jac: I feel awful Jac: but her mum is doing better now, and they're trying to mend their relationship, so, that's positive Amelia: it always feels like that in my 🏠 but I would've told you if I'd realised Jac: It isn't your fault remotely Jac: like you said, sympathy about it wasn't at the forefront of your mind Jac: and you can't be blamed there Amelia: I'm genuinely glad things are getting better, the last thing she needs is to feel like shit for leaving her mum again if they aren't Jac: I know you are, you aren't a monster Jac: even if you and Savannah had your differences, and the obvious situation from there 'til now Amelia: that's enough sincerity though, the last thing I need is Savannah Moore trying to be my friend again Amelia: you can keep her Jac: 😂 Alright Jac: about that though Jac: things have changed, between us too Amelia: okay Amelia: what does that mean? Jac: Well, I told her, this time Jac: that I'm not straight Jac: and neither is she Amelia: she really has fucking changed Jac: She hasn't also come out, there's no label on it or anything Jac: but she likes me back Jac: you deserve to know, and would, regardless of where we were in our relationship Jac: I'm sorry if it's not what you want to hear though Amelia: thanks, I guess Amelia: for not waiting for the 💍 announcement Jac: Things haven't moved quite that fast Jac: although, yeah Jac: I know Amelia: It's still Savannah, I doubt she's had a TOTAL personality transplant Amelia: you probably wouldn't like her if she had Amelia: so I'll keep an eye out for that post and put my congrats on it Jac: No, she's still her Jac: and I doubt her plans include a 💍 that could be bought on a student budget Amelia: true Amelia: I'll send some 💐 she'd NEVER put in the 🗑 Amelia: just the 💌 I'll actually bother to write, you know, like a normal person Jac: There goes the mystery Amelia: because of course you wouldn't recognise my handwriting Jac: I've checked your homework over enough times Jac: I doubt anyone else is rushing to send us a bouquet so Jac: process of elimination Amelia: there you go then Jac: but I have told my brother and that Jac: on the off-chance you catch him and he's dying not to bring it up Amelia: bit rude of him not to try and gently break the news Jac: Assumedly either thinking I've imagined the whole thing all over, or it'll all fizzle out before there's any need to go there Amelia: or I'm thriving so hard there's no need to bring me down 1 week in Jac: Obviously that too Jac: but you know that wasn't my intention, yeah Amelia: it's obvious you're not thinking about me, don't worry Jac: Okay Jac: do you want me to leave you now? Amelia: Why would I want that? Jac: Plenty of valid reasons Jac: to process, to not, you just don't feel like talking to me at this precise moment Amelia: what's to process? the bit about her not queerbaiting you the entire time is new, the rest isn't Jac: That's not nothing Jac: it changes the whole thing Amelia: not for me Jac: Alright then Amelia: you were hung up on her every second, what's changed for you is that was a least a bit mutual Amelia: I don't need to process any of that, it doesn't involve me Jac: It's still new information, that's all Amelia: not really Amelia: I probably should have guessed anyway Jac: If I didn't, I don't see how you could've Jac: she didn't even then so Amelia: too late to become a 🔮💎💫 gay, I hear you Jac: 🕵 is definitely a better idea Amelia: maybe I'd just really love to be able to say 'it's just a phase, mum' about something Jac: You've had plenty Amelia: name one Jac: [that boy band I said they liked lol] Jac: for starters Amelia: that wasn't a phase that was me lying that I cared Jac: yeah, okay Jac: you knew all the lyrics 'cos you cover was so deep Jac: no need to lie, they had some tunes Amelia: I knew all the lyrics because there was about 5 lines repeated over and over Jac: uh-huh Jac: you had badges all over your school bag Amelia: because you've never fully committed to a lie, oh wait Jac: There's no need to be a bitch Amelia: 😂 Jac: No, I'm not super ready to laugh about that time in my life, as it goes Amelia: okay Jac: I'm going to leave you to it now Jac: Good luck with your first proper day, hope it all goes well Amelia: actually wait though Amelia: I didn't mean that Amelia: I'm sorry Jac: Alright Jac: I know you're upset, or pissed off Jac: but being a better person doesn't extend to being a punching bag for you to get that out Jac: you can feel it, obviously, but that's just unproductive for you, and not gonna happen from my end Amelia: I know Jac: and I know that's what I did to you Jac: so it probably seems fair, or justified at least, that you get to now Jac: but it wasn't right, and an eye for an eye, you know Amelia: no, it's not fair, I wasn't being, that's why I'm sorry Jac: You don't need to stoop to my lowest Amelia: I'm trying, okay Jac: Yeah Jac: and I accept your apology Amelia: thanks Jac: should I not have told you? Amelia: I think that'd be worse Jac: I thought the same Jac: unless you were going to block me on the sly, then you would have seen Amelia: maybe I should now, I don't know Jac: If you want to Jac: to take some time Jac: or more permanently Jac: it's up to you Jac: obviously my offer of being friends still stands but I understand Jac: as I said, this changes things Amelia: yeah, if we let it Jac: You can't help how this makes you feel Amelia: but why should I let her take everything again? Jac: Savannah isn't actively doing that Jac: but if you want to keep trying, so do I Amelia: we worked hard at getting here, me and you, that's not about her Jac: True Jac: You don't have to be friends with her now, that's not it Jac: just accept that she's my girlfriend, and a big part of my life Amelia: does she know? Jac: About what happened between us? Jac: No Jac: she doesn't know a huge amount about those two years, for me Jac: I plan to tell her everything Jac: but it's a lot to throw at her in a sitting, especially unasked, you know Amelia: it'd really fuck with her freshers, for sure Jac: Right Jac: all for having the hard but necessary conversations Jac: but there's a time and a place Jac: I don't want her to feel like I'm trying to make her feel bad for me, either Jac: like 'look what YOU did' because nah Amelia: too 🥀🥀🥀 Amelia: it can wait, neither of you are going anywhere Jac: That's my logic Amelia: she'll get why you waited Jac: I hope so Amelia: come on, it'll be harder for you to say than it'll be for her to hear, she's a LOT of things, but she won't want you to go through that before you're ready to Jac: You're right Jac: it just feels like secrets, and that feels like 10 steps back Jac: but it isn't that Amelia: I'm sure even she hasn't had time to tell you everything, she'd need to be chatting non stop Jac: True Jac: if you're ever done talking about yourself and your life, that's gotta be a sign you need to get out more, right Jac: there's always more to say Amelia: right Amelia: stop being so virgo-ish about it and give yourself a break Jac: 😂 okay Jac: I just need lectures to actually start Jac: so I can freak out on that instead Amelia: same Jac: are you more 😁 or 😱 Amelia: 😕 Amelia: over 😣 Jac: You'll be fine Jac: let me know how it goes though Jac: I'm interested Amelia: okay 🤓 Jac: Well there's a lot of overlap Jac: obviously, you can usually do them as a double discipline but I wanted to go pure Psych Jac: doesn't mean I'm not 🤔 Amelia: yeah Jac: 🤏🤓 fine Amelia: we're not strangers Jac: I remember Jac: so, what are your new mates like then? Amelia: great, obviously Jac: It's a good thing you aren't taking English Jac: that description leaves a lot to be desired Amelia: what do you want me to say? Jac: Isn't there anyone in particular? Amelia: there's a whole course full of people Jac: Yeah, I like one of my profs, he's really cool Jac: but I don't know anyone on my course that well yet either, they all seem nice enough though Amelia: of course you do Jac: it's so refreshing in comparison to the teachers at our school Jac: even if he acted like a base level human, it'd be a step up Jac: but he knows his stuff, and he's down to help me get ahead, what more could I want Amelia: literally nothing Jac: But I'm still not into dudes so I won't commit that cliche, don't worry Amelia: a real weight off my mind Jac: sure Amelia: 😏 Jac: I've already done loads of prep Jac: can basically chill in his class this whole term Amelia: you can but you won't Amelia: 🤓🏆⭐ Jac: we're not strangers Amelia: maybe we are 🤏 because reading's the only prep we were given but I've already done it Jac: Not really Jac: you just pretended you weren't 🤓 Amelia: no, I just actually wasn't 🤓 about school Jac: plenty of other things Jac: you can't hide the 🤓 Amelia: it's not 😳 I literally can Jac: not from me Amelia: that'd be 10 steps back Jac: try 10000 Amelia: no thank you, that sounds exhausting Jac: you've got a 🛏 Amelia: yeah, I don't know who's more thrilled, me or my dad Amelia: getting to pretend he's allergic to pets for another year at least Jac: result Jac: won't have to fake seduce him on your behalf either Jac: I'm most thrilled Amelia: Savannah is Amelia: undoubtedly Jac: Yeah, that ain't something I ever want to explain 😂 Amelia: she'd be less understanding about it Jac: None of us are understanding that Jac: sorry to your father Amelia: 😂 Jac: I think your mum would snap Jac: go full psycho Amelia: probably Amelia: they're very 😍🥰😘 right now Jac: that's nice Jac: bit gross but good Jac: she won't call you every 10 minutes Amelia: she can try but I won't answer Amelia: the friend I like best will be here soon Jac: Sounds promising Jac: I'll leave you to it for now, for real Jac: you better get ready Amelia: you're so Amelia: you Jac: what does that mean? Amelia: I don't need 👗👠💄 Jac: what's that, a humblebrag? Amelia: hardly Amelia: it's a compliment for you, you're cute for caring Jac: It's not cute, I just like to look nice Amelia: oh so you don't think I look nice? Amelia: rude Jac: everyone looks better for effort Jac: that's simple facts Amelia: anyway, I meant it's cute you care about my social life this much Jac: because I really need you being a loner to worry about Jac: no tah Jac: obviously I'm happy for you Amelia: you don't need to worry about me whatever happens Jac: It's not optional Amelia: okay Jac: I never stopped Amelia: you can stop now Jac: That's just what being friends is Amelia: I'm no expert Amelia: have to take your word for it, if anything Jac: I know you care about me too Amelia: but you're thriving so I don't have to worry Jac: I guess Jac: it's not just for the bad times though, is it Amelia: I hope not Jac: it's not Jac: come on Jac: pull yourself together and at least do 1 out of 3 👗👠💄 Amelia: fine, I'll put shoes on Jac: that's what I like to hear Amelia: 🙄 just because I'm ignoring my mum there's no need for you to take over from her Jac: I still can't do any handicrafts so unlikely Amelia: Savannah is unlikely to wear a homemade 🧣 so I think you're fine Jac: she loves anything thoughtful but I ain't gonna start there still Amelia: 💐 Jac: Naturally Jac: both our rooms look like a florist already Jac: makes up for the shabby walls and carpet you can't do much about Amelia: any time you'd like to fully lean into the 👵 I'll do you an embroidery hoop or something Amelia: very chic Jac: they do sell a lot of that sort of thing in the charity shops Jac: I'm sure your 🎨 will be better than whatever the actual 👵 decided to do 🖼 Amelia: SUCH a compliment, I have no idea how I'm not 😳 Jac: Charity shops are in Jac: I'm not going to call it thrifting, I'm not even half-American, wouldn't be able to take myself seriously Amelia: good, please don't Jac: vintage, upcycling, all acceptable Amelia: for my mother Amelia: I'll take how 'modern' my room here is Jac: I suppose that does make a change Jac: I love the buildings though, the architecture Amelia: 🎨 Amelia: yeah, would be inspiring if I had any time Jac: Is Cork by the coast? Jac: I know nothing about that area Jac: I'm like NEXT to the beach, it's incredible Amelia: it's one of the largest natural harbours in the world, if that doesn't make you want to come and visit me, well ?? Amelia: it has it's own lovely architecture Jac: You should work for the tourism board, honestly Jac: good speech, that Amelia: 🤷🏻 Amelia: I'm here for the 🤓 and you're already interested in that Jac: I'd go to Italy, if I were you Jac: but then, Denmark might have the most interesting criminal practices and laws, so that's a good choice too Amelia: you'll visit me there then, yeah? Jac: I forgot about Sweden, but those three are the real ones to consider Jac: and we can sort visiting when we're even a bit settled Amelia: okay Jac: we've only just left Amelia: thanks for that obvious reminder Jac: 😏 Jac: you know what I mean Jac: give me a chance to get my diary in order before you're saying I'm avoiding you or whatever Amelia: give you a chance to miss me, you mean Amelia: you've got one right now, because I have to go get ready Jac: Oh, if we had to wait for that, you'd never see me again 😉 Jac: have fun 👠👠 Amelia: 💔 Amelia: bye