• This section is for roleplays only.
    ALL interest checks/recruiting threads must go in the Recruit Here section.

    Please remember to credit artists when using works not your own.

Realistic or Modern More Than An Assignment

It pleased Cian to no end when Alannah called out his fathers touch upon his space, it also pleased him when she shrugged free of her jacket. There was something about the way she shrugged free of arms of her jacket, and the way her shirt lifted baring just a hint of skin near the waistband of her pants. He wanted to bite that spot. Alannah came over to the bar then, her hands moving over the glossy wood of the bar top.

"It was a gift from him. He got the builder who put in his bar to do mine as well. Mom picked out the little touches." Cian gestured to the brass bar along the bottom of the bar that people could put their feet on as they sat in the stools there. As Alannah looked around the space he got to pouring the glasses of wine into stemless glasses that had Star Wars insignias etched into them. He'd been in the process of putting Alannah's Rebel glass on the bar top when she let out a squeal of excitement. Cian blinked in surprise, setting the glass down a bit harder than he meant to while Alannah whirled on him, her hair swishing around her face. Her words came out in a tumble and she more she spoke the more he grinned at her like an idiot.

"Sure, you get the blanket, I'll carry these." Cian picked up both of the glasses and stepped around the bar. After a second thought he collected the bottle as well, tucking it under his arm and following after Alannah as she lead the charge to the balcony. She slid the glass door open and stepped out onto the pale textured linoleum. Cian's balcony was small, like his neighbours, but he'd enjoyed finding a little L shaped outdoor sofa for the space. Soft lighting lined the glass walls and a fake plant hung in the corner above the grey sofa. Alannah went to the sofa and began to settle herself under the blanket while Cian pushed a small table closer to them with a sweep of his foot. Once he placed the wine and the bottle on the table he slid in next to her.

Cian's heart warmed as Alannah immediately began to tuck him under the plush blanket, as she did so he took the opportunity to sling an arm over the back of the sofa and curl it around her. With a playful tug he brought her flush against his side and leaned down, his breath warm over the shell of her ear as he spoke.

"What things would you do if you had a balcony?" He questioned softly. He leaned back to grab his onw glass and took a hearty sip while Alannah considered his question.
 
Alannah needed next to no invitation and before either of them knew it, she had the blanket in her hand and was leading the way out onto the balcony. The space was small but so beautiful, everything fit perfectly and with the sun setting over the city, it cast the space into a soft orange glow along with the fairy lights twinkling above their heads.

Within moments after taking in the view, Alannah was nestling into the fabric of the grey outdoor sofa, wrapping the blanket around her legs and doing the same for Cian once he was settled beside her. Naturally, sharing a blanket brought two people closer together, not that they needed an excuse and the small politician smiled when he draped his arm over the back of the seat so he could tug her into his side. She immediately tucked her legs underneath her, and let her hand come to rest upon the broad expanse of his chest as she nestled against him, her wine glass in the other hand. What Alannah perhaps hadn't been expecting though, was the warmth of his breath to tickle her ear as he leaned down to ask his question, or the playful hint of suggestiveness that followed... or at least she thought it was suggestiveness, from the way the hairs on her arms began to rise and she found herself supressing a shudder around a sip of wine.

"Hmm, well..." Alannah swallowed, then considered her answer thoughtfully. "I would share a bottle of red with my hot bodyguard for starters," she leaned her head back and grinned up at him. "With the wine drank out of these glasses specifically. Though I'm not sure what I make of you giving me the rebel insignia." Then she poked his stomach with a soft chuckle before taking another sip and relaxing back down again.

"I would also eat out here like... every meal that I could. I'd watch the sunrise if I couldn't sleep, the sunset at night and I'd... come out here to look at the stars and listen to the city below. Being up high like this makes me feel safe and it... it makes me love Kirkbridge even more because it allows me to think about the city it could be, one day." Letting out a small sigh, her answer a little deeper than she had initially intended, Alannah leaned forwards then and placed her glass down onto the table before twisting slightly to the side so she could look up at Cian once more, hazel eyes soft, searching.

"But as well as all of that," she continued gently, after a moment of thought leaning into him, so that her warm lips met the heat of his neck, just below his ear. "I would do this." Then she kissed the skin there, softly, trailing upwards towards his jaw, "And this...", before placing a gentle peck upon his cheek. "And this..." Her final move was done with a smile, as she used her fingers to tilt Cian's chin towards her and slowly, almost tantalising slow, she kissed him, experimentally at first until it deepened. After a few moments, she pulled back mostly for breath, but their noses were still touching, even as she raised her eyes to meet his.

"What kind of things do you do on your balcony, Cian?"
 
"Oh come on now Alannah, I couldn't possibly give you Empire." Cian teased, his laugh cutting off short in a hiss of breath as she found a ticklish spot. She chuckled at him and continued to speak.

Alannah was an intoxicating mix of fire and sweet. He loved that she immediately recognized the insignia, he loved how she spoke so earnestly about the city she served. Everything about Alannah had Cian curling into her, ready to hear all her thoughts and wonders. He wanted to sit with her out on the balcony every day, chat with her about life and dreams. It was easy to shut out the rest of the world when she smiled up at him. Following suit, Cian placed down his glass next to hers, he'd been about to promise her that she could come and look out over the city anytime she wanted, but the searching look in her eye stopped him.

His heart thumped wildly in his chest as Alannah shifted closer, her warm breath basking over his skin and sending goosebumps down his arms. Her whisper had his body shivering in anticipation and when finally she kissed him, he melted against her. It took him a solid few seconds to recognize she had posed the same question to him and Cian forced his eyes open. She was his undoing, gazing up at him with hooded eyes and a lazy satisfied expression that reminded him of Nike.

"Well..." Cian drawled out, shifting as he spoke. His arms came to her legs, hooking behind one of her knees and drawing her over him so that her legs were on either side of his hips and she sat ever so nicely on his lap. The blanket slipped a bit, pooling around the small of Alannah's back. Despite the exposure to the early evening air, there was nothing but heat between them as Cian smiled wolfishly up at her. "I'd start off by doing something like this." His hands moved up her thighs and squeezed lightly, drawing her impossibly closer, a small groan of bliss threatened to escape his lips. Alannah's hands crept up his chest to his neck and jawline.

"And I would find every opportunity to tell this special lady I know how incredible she is. I would tell her it's a joy to see her like this." His hand slipped up her side, bushing gently over spots he'd dreamt of memorizing with his tongue. At her smile he lifted his head to capture it, pressing their lips together in a slow languid tangle. There was no rush, nothing pressing in on them. All Cian could focus on was the delicious way she trembled in his arms.

"I think I would be on this balcony a heck of a lot more if this was a daily activity." He rasped against the skin of her throat. "Though the rest of my plans are more of an indoor activity. Can't have the neighbours hearing." From a level above them a bark of a laugh sounded out, and Cian winced, his head dropping to the crook of Alannah's neck. "Evening Mrs. Hurst..."

"A good evening to you Cian McRannall." A leathery voice that resembled a warm hug sounded from above them. "I do hope you'll bring your beau to my next International Night. We're doing Indonesian." Mrs. Hurst went on about a dish she was eager to make for her group of friends as Cian hooked his arms around Alannah's thighs and stood, holding her to him.

"Good night Mrs. Hurst." Cian called up, rolling his eyes playfully at Alannah as he pushed the door to his apartment open with his foot.

"You kids have fun!" Mrs. Hurst called as Cian stepped inside and pushed the door shut again.

"Sorry about that." Cian chuckled as he walked with purpose towards his bedroom, before depositing Alannah right in the middle of it. "Now, where were we?" With a devilish grin he descended upon her.
 
She couldn’t help but loose a breathy chuckle when Cian gripped her legs and pulled her over him so that she was straddling his lap, and her hands instinctively worked from his chest, to his shoulders, dancing up his neck, the back of his head. Her hips rocked gently into him when he gripped her thighs; she couldn’t help it, neither could she help the way her breath hitched, or how the slow, passionate kiss earned a gentle moan to pull from the back of her throat. Alannah’s whole body felt like it was on fire; Cian felt huge beneath her, all-encompassing but soft, and warm, and safe. His familiar scent filled her nose and her heart hummed with the anticipation of more, of them finally being able to explore each other in the way they had wanted to almost since the first moment that they had met.

She tilted her head back when he rasped against her throat, exposing the skin, giving him better access and she had just been about to ask exactly what he meant by other indoor activities when a bark of laughter interrupted them. Alannah peered up towards a balcony that overhung there’s, her hands still cupping the back of Cian’s neck as he exhaled into the space between her own and her shoulder. Pearly white teeth bit down upon her full bottom lip at the exchange that followed, and Alannah was silently giggling as he picked her up, her thighs automatically wrapping around his waist to make it easier for him.

“Thank you for the invitation Mrs Hurst, I’d love to!” The politician called back as she was whisked away inside and her laughter finally got the better of her. By the time that he dropped her into the middle of his bed, Alannah felt like she was glowing and she was all too ready to meet Cian as his lips crashed against hers once more.

Over the next hour or so, Cian and Alannah explored everything about each other that they had wanted to since he’d first appeared at her office door. She wasn’t sure how he’d done it, but over the period of time that they had known each other, he seemed to have memorised all of the things that Alannah liked, all of the spots that drove her crazy, how to touch, where to touch, and their added feelings only built the intensity between them. Their joining was utterly perfect, and she felt closer to him afterwards, so seen and so understood, as well as learning exactly what he liked, what spots drove him crazy in return. It was a mix of pure ecstasy, complimented by soft check ins to make sure that everything was okay; Cian and Alannah in a nutshell, really.

In the end found them completely tangled up in on another under Cian’s duvet in their afterglow, each on their own pillow, legs entwined, smiling at each other like two lovesick teenagers. Alannah’s lips were still pink as her breaths finally returned to a more regular pace, her hair spread out onto the pillow behind her, hazel eyes exploring Cian’s with reckless abandon. “Can I ask you something?” She said to him softly, almost shyly.

“When was the first time that you realised that… you wanted what we just did?”
 
Cian didn't think he'd ever felt more fulfilled in his life. They'd become a tangle in the center of his bed, as they gave into their desires fully. Cian seemed determined to memorize every detail of the woman in his arms with both his hands and mouth. He'd loved hearing her harsh intakes of breath and seeing her shudder under him as he found each and every place that made her see stars. Seeing Alannah like this was better than he could have ever imagined, especially when she seemed to take just as much pleasure as he'd had when she turned the tables on him and sent him flying into outer space with pleasure.

He was partly laying on her as they came down from their high, his chin resting lightly over the curve of her breast a lazy smile and half lidded eyes taking in the sight of her catching her breath. Alannah's hair was fanned out like a halo around her head, he could see a few marks on her neck from where he'd eagerly latched onto her in a moment of pure bliss. He was certain his skin bore some of her own marks as well. Her question made him pause and consider, his head tilting a little as the words came to him.

"I think it was a bit of a two step process." He told her as his hand swept over her side and hip, it was almost like now that he had her, he couldn't stop touching her. "The first day we met, you handed me pure snark on a platter. You had this line about how the only dangerous thing in the bathroom was the toilet paper and it was so damn charming." Their fingers intertwined and Cian lifted her hand to press a kiss to her knuckles. "Then you continued to charm me. I think the part that really got me though was when you spoke to the people at the library opening. You were this bright beam of sunlight and I could tell that I was watching you in your element. After that I couldn't deny that my interest in you was more than friendly." Cian shifted, turning a little so that his head rested on the pillow next to Alannah's. He lay on his side, gazing at her with a warm sort of intensity.

"I like being able to see the leader and the personable woman. It feels like I get to see a side of you that not many get to see, and I have to admit that makes me feel really lucky." Alannah tucked herself against him and Cian turned the question back on her. "I'd like to hear your thoughts on me, before I make you delirious with round two." His arm slung around her possessively, his hand sweeping against the curve of her spine. Alannah spoke, and when his heart was full of her and her words he pressed deep kisses to her lips.

They would fall asleep much later, curled around one another and still breathless from their loving. Tomorrow they would begin again, and work towards reclaiming Kirkbridge from those that sought to use it for personal gain. Sal West had gone underground, his personal apartments vacated from his presence as he worked to undo the damage done against him. There was no telling what Preston would give to the police, and that was a loose end he would take care of first. It amused Sal to no end how much he could get done with a firm word and a few crisp bills, and with his recent acquisition of Booker and Sons he had the sort of people on his payroll that knew the ins and out of security.

It was almost too easy.

With the camera's on the fritz and someone on the inside to let him into one of the fire exits, Sal walked into the station like he owned it. His officer on the inside stood guard near the entrance to the holding cells, promising to look the other way no matter what after a tidy sum had been deposited into his bank account. Preston's hopeful eyes turned distrusting almost immediately from behind the bars of the cell. His eager steps slowing as Sal reached into his suit jacket and pulled the pistol with silencer out, aiming it directly between the mans eyes. The politician wasn't given the chance to speak, his mouth opening and freezing there as a small pop filled the room.

Sal watched in slow motion as the man in front of him collapsed to the floor. Preston's eyes rolled up, almost as if he was trying to peer at the expertly placed hole that leaked a single trail of blood down his nose. There was a moment as Sal grinned, pure satisfaction plastered to his features as his loose ends were severed. Without a second glance, he tucked the gun back where it had come from and walked out the same way he'd come. The officer on duty promised him a full hour before he would sound the alarm, and by that time he would be long gone and preparing for the next step.
 
Even while they were laid together, Alannah's fingers lazily swept through Cian's hair, stopping to scratch gently at the back of his neck as she listened to his answer, all the while trying not to melt into a puddle right in front of him. She shuddered under his touch to her hip, smiled at their entwined fingers and the resulting kiss upon her knuckles, and his arm slung around her and tickling up her back along with the promise of round two had her practically keening for more. In fact, she was so turned back on in that moment after listening to his accounts of her paired with his touches that she couldn't not clamber back up into his lap, her hands moving seductively down his bare chest.

"Well, if I'm being completely honest... I knew from the moment we went to the pub after stuffing our faces with those burgers." Alannah's nose wrinkled and she giggled when Cian looked shocked. "I know, right? I mean, I didn't fully understand what was happening at the time but... you just have this ability to make being in your company feel so... effortless. I let my guard down around a stranger for the first time that night in as long as I could remember, and looking back now it's because I realise you just... got me. And showed me as much by buying me greasy food and beer." Her index finger tapped to the end of his nose with the tease before she hummed softly in consideration. "No, but seriously... You practically had me at hello, McRannall. Even if our hello was more unconventional than most." Then with a smile, she leaned down and kissed him again, slowly, temptingly, before peppering soft nibbles and kisses along his jaw and towards his neck. "I've been dreaming what you'd taste like ever since that night."

It was absolutely no surprise that round two was not in fact the final round, until the two of them, exhausted, fell asleep together like it was the most natural thing in the world, completely oblivious for now as to what would be waiting for them the next morning.

When the sun eventually rose, filtering around the outsides of the curtains, Alannah was the first to waken. She did so sleepily, slowly, hazel eyes fluttering to be met with the sight of her snoozing bodyguard, who looked so incredibly cute and boyish as he breathed heavily into his pillow. It wasn't clear for how long she laid watching him, taking mental snapshots until he seemed to murmur disgruntlement in his sleep and with a smile she dipped forwards and gently nosed his ear. "Morning sleepyhead," she whispered, before placing a kiss to his cheek. "I'll go make us some coffee."

Then with one final peck, she forced herself from their small, warm cocoon, pulling one of Cian's rugby tees over her head and padding barefoot into his kitchen. The coffee was put on only moments later, and so was the TV, but it wasn't until a voice caught her attention she Alannah stop, mid-pouring black coffee into two mugs.

"The well-loved politician was found dead in his cell in the early hours of this morning. Police have yet to confirm any suspects..."

Slowly Alannah placed the jar down again onto the counter and turned, as if she was mesmerised, making her way slowly over to the couch. Needless to say, when news of Preston's murder lifted onto the screen, the coffees never made it back into the bedroom as Alannah's chest began to sink, as her heart started to thud and tears pricked at her eyes when her colleague's photo was brought up onto the TV screen.

Whenever Cian joined her Alannah did not look away from it as she whispered, "We need to get to the mayor, Cian. Before someone else does."
 
The bed had never felt more comfortable. Cian nestled deep into the sheets, hugging his pillow close to his face. His body was sore in all the best ways as he curled up next to the woman who'd driven him crazy for most of the night. He couldn't wait to do it again. Cian was on the precipice of wakefulness and sleep, there was a part of him that wanted to reach for Alannah as she slipped from the bed and tuck her away forever. They could just spend the rest of their days in this bed and he would been on cloud nine. Alas he'd been to bogged down in his own comfort to do anything else but grumble something as she pulled on one of his shirts.

Cian lay there for long peaceful moments, listening to the sounds of Alannah move through his apartment. He liked that she turned the TV on to the news, and he could hear the tell tale signs of the coffee pot rumbling to life. The smell of the heavenly beans reached his nose and it stirred him enough to rouse from his nest and slip on a comfortable pair of sweats. Cian didn't bother with a shirt, and instead padded down the hall to find Alannah standing in front of the TV. Her eyes were wide, close to brimming over. Cian's good mood immediately shifted and his baser instincts kicked in as his eyes swept over his apartment ready to take out whatever it was that had caused her to look that way.

Cian's body froze in place as Preston's photo took up most of his TV while the news caster's voice gave out what few details the public was allowed. Truthfully, Cian could barely understand what he was seeing. It wasn't possible, they had just seen him the day before. How could everything have gone so wrong in the space of an evening? Alannah's voice was shaky, as she whispered and Cian placed a hand on her shoulder giving it a squeeze before nodding.

"Ok. We'll do what we can." The two of them fell into silence, listening as the newscaster finished the story. From the bedroom the buzzing of their phone could be heard and Cian pulled away from Alannah to grab it from the bedside table. Theo's contact info came up for the caller ID and Cian swiped to accept and put it on speaker phone. He placed the phone on the bed and grunted out a hello as he dug into his closet for some clothes.

"I'm sure you've seen the news." Came Theo's greeting. "We've got to move a bit faster, everyone's at the Fiddle. Stuart's expediting the process in city hall." Theo's words were cut off and Cian heard a grunt and a surprised exclamation from Theo. Seconds later Stuart's voice replaced Theo's and Cian had to assume he's snatched the device right from Theo.

"We're just about ready to preform our little coup. It's really refreshing to see so many people who want better."

"I could have told him that..." Cian could just make out Theo's mutter. There was another sound of jostling from the line and once against Stuart's voice came but it sounded like he was struggling to keep the phone away from Theo.

"I called Guybrush and Smithe as well, they're on the way to the fiddle to take a statement from Adam. Seems like those two are willing to be on our side if we don't mention to their superiors that they used someone as bait."

"Great. Thanks guys. Alannah and I are just about to hit the road. See if we can track down the Mayor." Cian finished dressing and picked up the phone. Alannah had come into the room during their debrief and she too dressed while listening to the phone. There was another scuffle and Theo managed to snatch the phone back, his next words came a little out of breath.

"I've already got his location. He's golfing today, at that country club. Golden Acres."
 
The shock was deep rooted though Alannah couldn't shake the feeling that it shouldn't have been. People that they knew were being dragged into this situation left, right and centre but then she supposed that so far... nobody had actually died, not that she knew of. Now, Preston had been murdered, his life taken from him, someone who had once been her friend, which made the danger of their situation feel all the more real somehow.

Cian's hand on her shoulder was a welcome warmth, a comfort, even as they stood staring at the rest of the story. She didn't know what to say really, or what to do; the mayor was forefront and centre of the pressing matters at hand but despite her earlier whispered urgency, she couldn't bring herself to move, or focus on anything other than Preston's face, once smiling, now wiped off the face of the earth forever. This had to be Sal's doing... it just had to be.

Theo's voice was a brief surprise to the politician who had not heard the phone buzzing. She glanced at it briefly, then up at Cian, taking a little bit of relief at least from the fact that their team were already working hard to put a stop to anything else happening to any of them, or Kirkbridge in general. It was the kickstart into gear that she needed and she followed Cian into the bedroom so she could change into a pair of sports leggings and a large, hooded sweatshirt that practically fit her like a dress. Her hair, she tied up into a ponytail, but still she did not smile, even when she could hear Theo and Stuart's scuffling on the other end of the phone.

"That's great, thanks Theo," were the first words she managed though her voice sounded oddly unlike her, and it showed by the pause on the other end of the line.
"... You're welcome, love."
"We'll head there now, the location is perfect actually, it shouldn't be hard to lull the mayor into saying something all play and no work at a golfing resort. I'll record whatever comes out of his mouth and I'll send it to you, Stuart, straight away. If you could play it to the other politicians first, then send it onto the news channels, that would be great."
"Yes ma'am."

Then, Alannah turned to Cian, her expression blank as she nodded her head as though trying to convince herself that she was too. "You ready?"
 
Cian had chosen a simple pair of jeans and a soft green v-neck t-shirt that hugged his biceps, those same arms folded over his chest as he leaned against the wall of his bedroom. His eyes jumped between Alannah as she dressed, her movements seemed jarring, almost robotic as she pulled the hoodie over her head and gathered her hair in her hands. He had to admit it took him a moment to connect the dots, having met Preston only a handful of times and under the influence of Sal West his opinion of the man had never been high. Alannah however had known Preston far longer, and perhaps even before his ideals had been molded into something entirely different. Perhaps this was more jarring for her than he realized.

Truthfully he couldn't quite understand mourning over someone that had tried to murder them the day previously. Alannah's capacity for love was a marvel, and Cian hoped that the world never took that from her. Alannah was speaking to Stuart over the phone and when their conversation finished he approached the bed and leaned down to disconnect the call.

"I just need to do one more thing before we go." Cian said, he was gentle as he approached Alannah. One of his hands caught the back of Alannah's head while the other curled around her waist as he tugged her closer to him. He tried to picture himself in her shoes, and what he would need to move forward, and at the top of the list was a hug. His embrace was warm and gentle, letting her know silently that he was there, and he would weather whatever storms came their way. They stayed like that a long while, Cian focused on his breathing, letting his lungs fill, and fall with the slow release of his exhale. Finally when he did let go of her he couldn't resist catching her chin and gently guiding her gaze back up to his.

"Don't ever change Sunshine. The world deserves your glow." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and then let go, it was time to press on.

The drive to Golden Acres took them outside of the city to the more rural parts of Kirkbridge, perfectly manicured parks were replaced by old farms and tall grass that lined the roads. Wrought iron gates greeted them, and with a push of a button they swung open to reveal a newly paved road lined with birch trees. Already Cian could tell no expense was spared on keeping the country club looking like a paradise. Their grass was a deep green despite the cities water conserving efforts and it made Cian roll his eyes.

"Jeez. This is quite the establishment. Can't believe they just let us right in." Cian voiced his thoughts aloud, he'd been quiet most of the ride wanting to give Alannah her space and time to process as she needed. As they pulled up to the large mansion that seemed to be the main base of operations for the country club. A valet stepped down the marble stairs with a bright smile plastered over his face. The valet took in the sight of Alannah and Cian's attire as he rounded the car to the drivers side, and his smile was noticeably less as Cian shut off the engine and prepared to get out.

"Are you folks lost?" The valet asked, not taking the keys Cian offered him.
 
She was so engrossed in her own mind that for the first time since she had met him, Alannah briefly did not notice Cian until he spoke to her, hazel eyes eventually settling upon dark brown and immediately softening when his hand held the back of her head, the other finding her waist. Her previous rigidity momentarily melted away as she took in the t-shirt hugging his biceps, the arms that she had spent most of the night in, and taking a deep inhale when he tugged her close, Alannah buried her face in his chest and just let herself be held by him. It wasn't even as if she felt emotional, it was more that she just felt... numb. Things continued to be taken away from her and her capacity for coping with the heartbreak that came with such losses was dwindling to the point that it was all she could do to bury the feelings to deal with later, and focus upon the comfort being with Cian brought her. For now, the other stuff could wait, especially when there were more pressing matters at hand.

The politician had just been about to pull back when he caught her chin and she looked up at him, her grip upon his t-shirt tightening for a moment when his words ignited a small flame to start once more in her chest. It was fading but it was still there, and he was fanning it, keeping it alive. A kiss was placed on the top of her head and all too soon they had to detach from one another to make their way outside of their little bubble so that they could both step into the face of reality once more.

As always, Cian knew exactly what Alannah needed as they headed out in the car to Golden Acres; time to process what had just happened, to mentally prepare herself for what was about to happen next. This was the second time that she and Cian had made it out of the city in two days and she only wished that it was under happier circumstances, that their first time out of Kirkbridge had been exciting and romantic and everything she knew that it would be once this was all over. Her mind continued to settle upon the image of the two of them curled up in front of a log fire in the middle of nowhere, and it was enough to spur her on, to keep her moving, to give her the strength that she needed.

When the countryside began to give way to something more pristine looking, Alannah sat up in her seat, watching the neat rows of trees pass them by, the sign in gold that signified they should turn into a neatly gravelled driveway and deep green grass that was adorned with sprinklers. The place was idyllic, if not oozing with wealth and importance - the kind of place that people exactly like the mayor would come to for their work away days, otherwise known as a holiday day they got paid for. She had just been about to comment on the seeming lack of security when the valet approached them, his demeanour and tone immediately bristling something within the small woman who stepped out of her side of the car.

"Um... not unless this isn't Golden Acres? If not, you should probably get that big golden sign out there changed, could cause folks like us a lot of confusion."

The valet's smile twitched as Alannah gestured towards the keys that Cian was still holding out to him. "Have you made a booking with us Miss...?"

"Heshmati. Lovely to meet you and no, I haven't. But I intend to. So if you wouldn't mind taking our car, please do excuse us." Her patience was waning and it showed from the way that she gripped the keys and shoved them into the valet's hand before taking Cian's into her other and marching him towards the marble staircase. "Jumped up little busybody," she grumbled under her breath, pretty much the whole way up the stairs until they reached the front door and entered into one of the most stunning reception areas that she had ever seen. A glass chandelier hung from the ceiling over black and white tiles and golden lamps flooded the space with light. Alannah couldn't help but stand there for a moment and give a low whistle before in turn she looked around them and at the people who were milling about with golf bags and staff in waistcoats who seemed too busy to notice them.

"Do you think we should maybe have a look around this place first, see if we can spot him anywhere? I really hope he's in the restaurant and not in the middle of a hole-in-one somewhere."
 
Cian had to admit, the valet had gumption, but it was no match for Alannah's take no shit stance. A proud smile settled over his features as Alannah shoved the keys in the Valet's direction, not apologizing or making excuses for anything. She didn't owe the man an explanation and left him looking nonplussed as the keys dangled between his fingers. He couldn't help but give the man a clap on the side of his arm as Alannah wrapped her hand in his and tugged him up the stairs and into the country club. The sensation of their fingers laced felt so right, even as they marched on into the lions den.

"He was never a match for you." Cian chuckled at Alannah's mutterings. He had to admit he liked her like this, there was something so attractive about the way she took charge and took names. There wasn't anything that could distract her from her path forward. The lobby to the club was as ornate as the detailing's outside, and Cian joined Alannah in tilting his head back and glancing up at the crystal chandelier that sent droplets of light all around the room.

"Yeah, lets look around here first. If we have to comb the entire course we will. Let me just get the recording started." Cian agreed and pulled out their phone. After selecting the recording app and making sure it was working he handed Alannah the phone and she tucked it away. Cian caught a glimpse of the front reception giving the both of them awkward looks while whispering amongst themselves. He was certain the two of them stood out in their casual clothes and lack of elegance but there was something about the way Alannah held herself that seemed to bring pause to their misgivings. She stood there, in her oversized hoodie and leggings and still looked like she owned the place. Deciding to follow suit Cian straightened a little, his chin coming up in a defiant angle.

"Alright love, let's get this show on the road." Cian pressed a gentle hand to the small of Alannah's back before the two walked right past reception. A timid voice rose from behind the desk and Cian and Alannah barely paused to listen.

"S- Sorry but you have to sign in..." A meek voice sounded, belonging to a rather mousy looking woman with a prim bun in her blonde hair.

"Well do that later." Cian told her, and the woman seemed to shrivel under his stare. Without another word Cian and Alannah made their way down the hall and towards the signs that indicated the location of the restaurant. Unfortunately for them, the mayor was not in attendance. The scanned the room with eagle eyes, but only a few women and men were in attendance sipping on the finest teas and finger sandwiches. Undeterred the two of them continued their search, looking into parlor rooms as well as game rooms set up for a casino night that was soon to be hosted.

The Clubs long marble halls were filled with doors leading off to several meeting rooms while the second floor seemed dedicated to large spaces for events to be held. Cian and Alannah were walking along the second floor when Cian peered out of the window to the patio down below. A large outdoor bar was fully in use, next to a large unused pool. Scantily clad women in fashionable swimsuits lounged around the pool, while a great number of important looking men leered at them from their place near the bar.

"Oh, looks like we've found him." Cian said dryly as loud raucous laughter reached the second floor windows. He pointed down towards the bar, where the Mayor had his arms full with a number of eager women. "Jeez..." Cian spoke again as one of the women fed the mayor a cherry from her mouth. "Are you ready?" Cian asked turning away from the window and heading to the stairs with Alannah.
 
It took them moments to set up the recording and once Cian was happy, Alannah tucked the phone away in the front pocket of her hoody in the hopes that it would be close enough to the mayor to pick up whatever he would undoubtedly say when he saw the both of them turn up unexpectedly. Her hazel eyes immediately began to shift, scouring the lobby for any signs of a small man with a huge ego, and she nodded when Cian gestured her forwards with a hand on her back, taking a breath when they reached the receptionist. She had been about to interrupt until Cian took the lead and Alannah found her heart flip flopping at his authoritative tone, at the way he was her perfect teammate, always on the same page as she was without either of them needing to say a word. Not to mention, she was getting pretty hot under the collar at the confidence oozing off of him right now. If they had been here under any other circumstance...

With her lips curling into a satisfied smirk, Cian led the way to the restaurant where unfortunately they found no sign of the mayor, only more pompous men and women and what looked to be some kind of set up for a sleazy party later on that evening. They searched high and low throughout the lower section of the building to no avail until a familiar slimy chuckle seemed crawled up their spines as they made their way along a second floor balcony. Both of them peered over the edge in unison and it was difficult for Alannah not to make overt gagging sounds at the sight before them.

The women in tiny bikinis and golden heels, the men who were old enough to be their fathers drooling over tanned, bare flesh from the bar, the pool, the sun loungers. It was a sight to behold and before they decidedly made their way down to start their show, Alannah pulled out her phone and snapped a picture of the mayor with his crew, right at about the time the cherry touched his lips. The politician wrinkled her nose in disgust before folding the phone away again. "Yeah. As ready as I'll ever be to step into a cesspit like this."

Within moments the two of them were down the stairs and making their way back outside into the sunshine. Alannah took a breath but didn't hesitate in walking straight towards the mayor, several people stopping to stare and murmur as the two who looked out of place passed by, and even more so when she began to excuse people out of the way. As soon as the mayor saw something, or rather someone parting the waves of his admirers he frowned to see what was going on, milky grey eyes widening in surprise when he finally spotted Alannah and Cian, as though he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

"Heshmati? Wha... What in the hell are you doing here?"

Alannah stopped just in front of him, angry, stubborn, determined. "I'm here for the party, Mr Mayor. Is that not why you're here too? Though I didn't get the memo for the tiny bikini, sorry. Maybe next time."

The mayor looked dumbstruck. "What... What party are you talking about? This is a staff away day, Miss Heshmati. You must be mistaken."

"Oh well, my mistake," she couldn't help but scoff, "This is some staff away day. Being fed glacier cherries by attractive bar staff and double whiskeys on the rocks? Must have cost you a sum, huh? Shame the money couldn't be used to stop all of the cuts you've been suggesting back home. This did come out of the city's budget, did it not?"

"Well now, look here Alannah, being mayor, it's a... it's a difficult job, you must understand. Sometimes, my team and I... We need to get away, recharge the batteries and nowhere offers relaxation like Golden Acres." A rumble of chuckles sounded from the men who now stood around them and Alannah couldn't help but shudder. "So what if this came out of the city's budget? Kirkbridge doesn't need a mayor whose run into the ground, exhausted and useless, does it? And believe me, being mayor of a place like that... You gotta take what perks you can get. The whole place is a shit-show, you know that. Ain't never going to get any better, no matter how much money you throw at it So why shouldn't hard working people like me and you have a little fun in the meantime?" He stepped towards her then, wrapping an arm around her small shoulders.

"Come on, whaddya say? Join me for a drink and we'll see if I can change your mind."
 
With every work the Mayor drew closer to Alannah, his dull grey eyes appraised Alannah and it seemed the man was more than willing to bribe Alannah with the lifestyle that had gotten him into trouble in the first place. Now Cian wasn't a possessive man, he'd been more than comfortable with his teams easy touches as they met Alannah, but when the Mayor threw his arm around Alannah's shoulder he felt his hands form into fists. Were he a lesser man he might have enjoyed prying the mans grimy fingers off her shoulder one by one with a stratifying snap of bone. Instead he cleared his throat, making the Mayor lift his head in surprise, it was almost as if he had just noticed Cian.

"Shall I make it two drinks?" The mayor asked, a twinkle of mischief that might have otherwise been endearing shining in his eye. Cian's lip curled a little, already the mayor's words were damning but they needed more, that final nail in the coffin. Still, he couldn't abide the man's touch on Alannah anymore. As they made their way towards the bar, Cian dropped into a vacant stool, and curled his arm around Alannah's hip pulling her out of the Mayor's grasp and into the space between his legs. The old man seemed as if he might argue for a moment before lifting his shoulders in a shrug and gesturing for one of the nearby women to take Alannah's place. Cian watched as the man's fingers hovered over the curve of a cherry red bikini top with narrowed eyes.

"Benny! Some of that Glenfiddich, the 30 year one." The mayor lifted his hand holding up three digits and the man behind the bar nodded his head. The sounds of glassware clinking had the group falling into a strained silence as the Benny quickly poured amber liquid into three short glasses and placed them in front of the group. The woman the Mayor was holding onto turned in his arms and lifted her glossy lips to the old man's ear, her husky whisper barely carrying over the outdoor speakers. "And a sex on the beach for the lady." Benny nodded once more, ignoring the loud giggle from the woman.

"Does your wife come to these events often?" Cian asked as the mayor dug out a clip of folded bills and tossed a few of them on the counter without checking.

"Oh you know wives these days. Always off to the spa or the mall." The mayor shrugged clearly unbothered by what the public heard or saw. His stubby fingers grasped the top shelf liquor tightly and with a single motion he downed the drink like it was a cheap shot. The woman laughed, clapping her well manicured hands together in approval. With every passing second Cian felt his fight or flight instincts wanting to kick in. He wanted to pull Alannah away from this place but he also wanted to punch the smug look off the Mayors face.

"I have to admit Ms. Heshmati, you've made quite the splash in the public eye recently. I could use a hardworking woman like yourself in my office, I'd love to put you right in the trenches, and really get stuff done for this city." The mayor lifted a wistful hand, and twirled it around. "Whadda say?" His words slurred a little together and Cian took note of the was he heavily leaned against the woman in his arms. "Leave that little office of yours and join the hardworking men, the perks are... quite pleasurable." The old man purred, his fingers trailing along the woman's collarbone. Instinctively Cian's hold tightened on Alannah, his legs were tense as he prepared to step between the two of them, a soft growl that only Alannah could hear rumbled from him.

"It seems like you have a lot of hardworking men on your team. I remember seeing you and Sal West as the Gala." Cian asked, his voice sharp with his budding anger.
 
The older man's arm was warm and he smelled like alcohol as he leaned in closer to Alannah who was practically squirming under the weight now upon her shoulders. She didn't mind the contact as much as she minded the mayor believing that he could simply touch her in that way, taking what he wanted and not giving a thought to the other person involved. It was clear that such behaviour was very much ingrained, when it came to individuals and to Kirkbridge, and even though it had been slim when she came here at best, any hope that she had left for finding goodness in the mayor finally ebbed away from her.

Despite wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible, Alannah knew that they had to accept the drink offered so they could leave with what they wanted and she sighed softly through her nose, but at least took comfort from Cian tugging her out of the mayor's grasp and guiding her between his legs. The warmth of his chest settled upon her back as she sank into him in a small display of solidarity against the ridiculous facade that was playing out in front of them. Alannah could feel her stomach churning as the mayor's meaty fingers brushed up and down against the tanned skin of the bikini-clad woman, as he ordered what was perhaps once of the most expensive whiskeys the bar stocked and shrugged of Cian's mention of his wife as though she was merely a token gift, rather than someone he was married to.

The politician accepted the whiskey though she kept it between her hands rather than risking clouding her judgement, but that didn't mean she was at all prepared for the offer that came her way next. It took her all her energy not to laugh in his face, though the sensation was short-lived when she felt Cian's hold upon her tighten and the rumble from his chest vibrating against her back. Instinctively, she found his leg with her hand, her thumb drifting back and forth in comfort to let him know that she was okay, that they both were. They had this. Just a little while longer...

"Oh... Oh yes. Sal and I go way back. He's played a big part in the city Kirkbridge is today. I believe that half of the skyline is owned by the West family name these days. A terrific man."

Alannah shuddered. "He sounds it. I have to admit, I was quite surprised by your close involvement with the West family, especially after the rumours..."

"That's all nonsense," the mayor snapped, his mask briefly slipping. "Sal has pumped unbelievable amounts into the place, god knows why and if you join us, Miss Heshmati, you'll see exactly what I mean. Sal is a... very generous stakeholder."

"Generous?" The mayor nodded, holding out his empty glass to be refilled. "I'm not sure what you mean, Mr Mayor?" Alannah was changing tact slightly, batting her eyelashes and trying not to cringe.

"He pays well, if you catch my drift." Her blank expression suggested that she did not and with a wry smile, the mayor cocked his finger towards her, beckoning closer with it. Alannah did as she was told, merely because she had a feeling that this was it, this was what they had been waiting for. The mayor's breath was warm against her cheek.

"Join us and you'll find your pockets well lined, Alannah. So long as you do what Sal wants, of course. And if I know Sal, he'll want much more from you than just your pretty face."
 
Alannah's soft stokes over his leg were keeping Cian's already frayed anger from snapping. It seemed in the case of undercover super spy missions Cian was severely lacking the skills to keep his cool under pressure. Alannah however played the mayor like the way his mother expertly crafted a tune from her fiddle. The old man's gaze seemed to flare with with an emotion that Cian didn't recognize, and he gestured Alannah closer. The politician obliged, her dark hair swaying with the motion as the Mayor fell so completely into her snare.

"You should consider yourself lucky Miss. Heshmati. It's not everyday we welcome another into bullpen." The mayor leaned back and gave Cian a once over. "Though you'll have to loose the groupie. I can't imagine the rest of the guys would be happy with someone bogarting the newbies time." The mayor spoke as if Alannah were already a part of the 'team' and the pure crudeness had Cian's lip curling in disgust. It took him a moment to remember how to breathe, while his mind conjured up images of making the mayor pay for each slimy word that dripped from his tongue. Abruptly Cian stood, his chair skidding back on the concrete slab of the bar, he was careful not to push Alannah as he did so. Truthfully he had to leave the situation before he snapped and did anything stupid.

"Leaving already?" The mayor's eyes landed on Cian's untouched whiskey, and Cian thought he might grab it but the mayor's hand diverted at the last second. In a blink of an eye the bikini clad woman was unceremoniously shoved aside as the mayor's hands clasped tightly around Alannah's upper arms. "I've got the per-" Without warning Cian's angry words cut through whatever statement the mayor had been about to say.

"Touch her without permission again and I'll fucking end you." Cian all but snarled. In response the mayor's hands lifted in mock surrender, though he didn't step away from Alannah. The man seemed to sway a little on his feet, his booze drenched breath harsh in the air between him and Alannah.

"Easy now Groupie. I'd hate for one of Miss. Heshmati's friends to have to deal the consequences of a threat like that." Still the mayor was too close and Cian itched to tug Alannah behind him. It was appalling to think that the man in front of them thought he was the good guy. In an effort to keep the barely concealed wrath at bay, Cian rested his hand on Alannah's shoulder, his fingers squeezing gently.

"Perhaps we should get going." Cian muttered through clenched teeth, his eyes never straying from the Mayor. Cian's voice lowered in a soft whisper for Alannah's ears only, "Unless you don't mind me racking up an assault charge on your behalf...?" The tone of his final word lifted, his voice tinged with the smallest bit of hope.
 
The mayor's breath was warm and medicinal between them and though it took everything that Alannah had not to cringe away, she couldn't help but feel a little grateful for his clearly inebriated state, because it was making him loose-lipped and in the end, gave them exactly what they'd come here for. Her tanned skin was crawling with disgust at the admission of what, despite her knowing to be true, spoken out loud was still incredibly disturbing. That anyone was so willing to be bought for the sake of commodities, or status. It wasn't even as if these people, Preston, the mayor, had been frightened into their betrayals; they had willingly accepted Sal's price and joined him without a second thought for who around them it might hurt.

When he finally leaned back and regarded Cian as her groupie, Alannah felt her bodyguard tense behind her, his body abruptly coming to a stand, sending his chair skidding across the floor. She too had no choice but to stand with him and she glanced behind her at the raging fury within the depths of those usually gentle deep brown eyes, her own amber ones urging him to hold on for just a few seconds longer. Her hand found his behind her, while she returned her gaze back to the mayor who seemed oblivious, reaching out to grip onto her arms and--

Cian's snarl was enough to send him retreating and Alannah loosed a breath she hadn't realised she had been holding, though the mayor's threat didn't do much for her nerves. The older man seemed to regard her as though she had a choice to make, even though in reality there was no such thing. The warm hand upon her shoulder, squeezing gently caused her to glance backwards for just a moment, her lips twitching slightly with the intonation of hope Cian spoke with.

"Don't tempt me."

Even though there was nothing more that Alannah would enjoy right now than seeing the mayor with a bloody nose, in the end she sighing gently, before turning back to the mayor to give him a curt nod. "I'll think about your offer. As you can imagine this is... a lot to take in. Cian is right though. We should get going. I'll be in touch."

The mayor settled back on his seat, gripping the woman he had shoved away moments earlier once more. "Don't leave me hanging now will you, Heshmati? The offer won't stay open for long..." Alannah didn't say anything as she turned away, gently lifting her hand to touch the top of Cian's arm when she noticed that his eyes were still set on the man, as if he could knock him out with his gaze alone. "Come on," she murmured gently. "He's not worth it." Then her fingers, cool and soft danced down to his hand, gripping it in her own and softly tugging him away.

For the most part, Alannah walked away from the party in silence, her footsteps fast, urgent as though she was worried they wouldn't get away with this. Once they made it through the main exit and out onto the stairs and towards the valet, she finally pulled her phone from her pocket with shaking hands and stopped the recording, before beginning to tap a message to Theo and Stuart who were on standby, awaiting her and Cian's findings.

"Well, here goes nothing," she breathed, hitting send. "I just hope it picked up most of what we heard back there. There won't be any going back for him if it did."
 
The further they got away from the soon to be ex mayor the easier it was to take deep breaths. For a moment there, Cian's morals had flown right out the window only to be replaced by a baser need to protect. What the mayor had said and done left a sick feeling deep in the pit of his stomach, Cian couldn't imagine how any of those who took up their spot next to Sal West could sleep at night. The valet with a pompous sneer of his lip was a welcome sight compared to what they had left behind, at the sight of them the Valet seemed to perk up and quickly bent to retrieve their keys from behind his stand.

Cian stopped on the stars with Alannah, his dark eyes taking in the sight of Alannah's trembling hands as she pressed send. As gently as the anger still roiling through him would allow, Cian reached out and clasped Alannah's hand in his own. Their finger's twined and he gave her a little squeeze.

"You did it Alannah. You've got him right where you wanted him." There was pride in his voice. Truthfully he was grateful that Alannah took the lead on most of this mission. "Everyone that listens to that recording will know who should be in office and who shouldn't. You're probably going to make Stuart cry, he'll be so proud." As he spoke the valet eagerly pulled their little SUV up to the curb of the stairs, he left the engine running and the door open, and without another word he walked away from the car and the couple. Cian was too focused on Alannah to find humour in the situation. "I'm proud of you Alannah, I love- er love what you did in there." The confession had almost slipped free before Cian caught himself.

Heat crept up the back of his neck as Cian hastily made his way down the rest of the stairs and to the car. Alannah followed after him, and as he opened the door Cian mentally chided himself for jumping the gun. He closed the door behind Alannah and walked around the car to the front seat, grumbling to himself.

"Jesus Cian, pace yourself." It was entirely too early in their relationship for those three little words. Cian hopped into the drivers seat and took a moment to find the perfect song for their latest victory before they made tracks towards the Fiddle.

~

Stuart had all hands on deck, and he along with Theo were working hard to orchestrate the seizure of power in Kirkbridge. The audio was good, and after the group had listened to it they had jumped into action with a new sort of fierceness in their eyes. Adam had to admit it was a stark contrast to the way his father worked. People were bought or threatened, each person under his fathers shadow was there because of fear or greed. With Miss. Heshmati at the helm there came a sense of purpose, all those around him worked hard because their moral compass had led them there.

It was strangely inspiring to see so many likeminded individuals working to bring peace to their home. Adam sat behind the bar, waiting for his moment to be called upon. What with the arrival of the recording attention had shifted to Miss. Heshmati's campaign and he felt a bit useless. Adam's phone rumbled on the bartop, lighting up with an incoming text message from a number he didn't recognize. Adam's heart sank as he read over the words, knowing immediately who it was that had decided to contact him.

Unknown Number 5:45
Warehouse 3, you know the one. Come alone.

Sal West was never the type for pleasantries, but Adam could feel the learned urge to comply to his fathers clear demand. Adam learned quickly growing up that an angry father was not a force to be trifled with. It was much easier to follow orders and stuff his feelings into a deep dark corner than try to disobey. Already his mind was whirring with ideas on how to sneak out of the bar. It had been stupid to think he could escape his father. Adam had been halfway to his feet when Stuart approached, the man looked over his shoulder and Adam followed the man's gaze to the doorway where someone stood.

"I've got someone for you to meet Adam, come on over Thea." Stuart gestured to the woman and Adam found himself visibly swallowing. As Thea approached Adam took in the dark brown hair tied in a neat bun, and small lithe body hidden under a prim looking suit set. Promptly all thoughts of running to his fathers beck and call disappeared as she smiled at him.

"Thea, this is Adam West." Stuart made the introductions and Adam clumsily reached over the bar to shake her hand. He couldn't help noticing how soft the skin at the back of her hand felt.

"H-Hey." Was all he managed. It was hard to talk with his heart in his throat like this.

"Mr. West. It's a pleasure. I've been brought up to date with what's been happening. Stuart's brought me in to help work on your statement. You'll be going public along with Alannah to solidify a stance against your father." Thea's lips curved a little as she spoke and Adam found himself nodding along with her words.

"I'll let you two get to work." Stuart said, a gleam in his eye as he stepped away from them.
 
As always, Cian's reassurances were desperately needed to give her an opportunity to stop, to breathe, to actually consider the success to come out of an otherwise vulgar experience. In return, she gave his larger hands a squeeze and softly uttered, "I hope so," before the valet turned up with their car. Alannah of course, found that she had at least enough energy left to roll her eyes at the guy's abruptness, and enough about her to notice when Cian slipped over the word love. He recovered it well of course, though the politician found herself thinking upon it as she clambered into the passenger side of their car once more, and Cian cranked on another victory song for the two of them. Had she imagined it? Was it too soon to be thinking about feelings like that? There was enough uncertainty for her not to say a word, but Alannah couldn't help but think that despite the whirlwind of how they had come together... Her own feelings for Cian were clear. She was absolutely and completely in love with everything about him, and all that was left to do was find a time to tell him.

When they eventually pulled up outside of the fiddle and Cian parked up the car, Alannah took a breath once the engine was killed and silence filled the space on behalf of it. Over the course of their journey she had been quiet, but that wasn't to say that her mind hadn't been alive with her feelings, to the point that she suddenly felt as though they were clawing at her insides, dying to get out somehow. Yet at the same time, her body was battling with fear, fear that speaking them might be too much too soon, fear that this wasn't the correct time. But the more that Alannah thought on it, the more she felt as though she needed to say something, whether Cian almost had or not. The past few days had shown them how fragile life could be, and how quickly the opportunity to speak could be taken away from someone, and she was determined not to let that happen to them.

"Cian." Her small hand reached out to catch his wrist when he motioned towards his own door, encouraging him to stay where he was. "Wait. Before we go back inside I just... I mean I wanted to... I wanted to tell you something. It's nothing to worry about it's just... well, since I met you everything has felt like a bit of a whirlwind and so many things have been uncertain except for... um, except for you, actually." The words once they had started seemed to pour out of her, as though she couldn't stop them and she took a shuddering inhale before turning in her seat so that she could see Cian properly, her own expression softening when her eyes met his.

"Sorry, I know I'm not making any sense but I just wanted to tell you that... I wanted you to know that I... I've never felt like this about someone before. Not like I do about you, McRannall." Alannah smiled a bit, despite herself, despite the way her chest was hammering, her mouth dry. "And I just need you to know that no matter what happens in the next few days, I'm completely and utterly in--"

The words however, never quite made it fully out as Stuart suddenly tapped on the car window, waggling his phone and hopping from one foot to the other. "You did it! You bloody well did it!" Alannah loosed a sigh, closing her eyes and then reopening them to meet dark brown once more. "To be continued?" She mouthed silently at Cian before finally, and reluctantly, opening her door and stepping out to meet her manager. No sooner than she was on her feet did the older man swoop her up into his arms, planting a large fatherly kiss to her temple. "I knew you would, I just knew it. Fuck, I'm so proud of you." Despite the residual nerves fluttering in her chest, Alannah couldn't help but giggle, but it appeared that Stuart was not about to stop there. "And you..." He turned to Cian next and clasped his hands around one of his, shaking a little too excitedly. "You kept her safe. Again. Thank you."

The softer moment was only interrupted by a clearing of Stuart's throat, as if he was suddenly remembering himself before wrapping his arms around Alannah's shoulders and guiding her inside. "Even the die-heard mayor fans were unimpressed Alannah, honestly, you should have seen their faces. Both sides are calling for a re-election, and last I heard, Guybrush and whatever the heck that other one's called were headed out to Golden Acres to break up the party. It won't be long before that story hits the news, trust me."
 
The street along the Finest Fiddle was crowded with the evening rush and it took Cian a moment to find a parking spot near their destination. Around them other restaurants and shops open later bustled with people. He had to admit he wanted nothing more than to get out of the gaze of those around them and into the familiar walls of his fathers pub, but Alannah's hand on his wrist stopped him. When his head swiveled he took in the sight of her face, her teeth caught her bottom lip before she began speaking. With each word she spoke Cian could feel his heart turning into a puddle. He shifted when she did, and turned his body to face her, giving her his undivided attention as she did her best to speak the words that were so clearly embedded on her heart.

Cian's dark eyes sparked in the space between them, and he felt himself leaning closer, unable to resist the magnetic pull she had on him. Something inside of him told him where this confession was going, almost as if he knew instinctively that there was no way she couldn't feel what there was between them, and yet he was so greedy for the words. He wanted to be in this moment forever, this one where hope seemed so bright and they were so close to everything they had worked so hard for.

Tap tap.

Fuck.

It took a moment for Cian to drag his eyes away from the woman across from him and her irresistible presence. Seeing Stuart was a bit like dumping an ice bucket over the moment and Cian had to force himself from reaching over and keeping Alannah in the car with him. When she mouthed that they would continue this later he nodded, the intensity in his eyes promising her everything.

Stuart's congratulations were an unwelcome interruption and yet Cian had to admit the man was endearing as he kissed Alannah's temple. Begrudgingly he accepted the handshake offered to him and was forced to break into a smile as Stuart pumped his hand up and down in thanks.

"Always." Cian's voice was gruff as his eyes slid to Alannah. He would always keep her safe.

Stuart's throat clear brought him back to the present, and as he began to ramble off the next steps that had been taken they made their way into the Fiddle. Donovan had opened up the bar to the public again, but kept a secluded back table reserved for their motley crew. Upon their arrival the team greeted them happily while Adam and Thea remained at the far end of the table. Adam was gazing at Theo with a certain intensity and Cian recognized as she typed away at her computer.

"Welcome back." Donovan's warm lilt sounded from behind them and Cian turned to smile at his father.

"Hey there old man."

They settled around the table exchanging hellos and small talk, but when the conversation lulled Theo took the opportunity to ask the question that was on everyone's mind. "So what's next?"

Miguel took the opportunity to answer, "The audio you procured is already on an upward trend, if it keeps going by this rate it should be viral by tomorrow evening. Everyone that's heard it with a government position is more than happy to demand his resignation, there are too many of them for Sal to pay off and its too public now. It seems like the police have gotten their act together and are connecting the dots, my understanding is that those investigating Preston's death are looking towards Sal as a suspect." At the mention of Preston Cian automatically reached for Alannah's thigh under the table. His hand squeezed gently, letting her know silently he was there for her. "We should be seeing the re-election campaign starting up near the end of the week." Miguel paused, peering over his meticulous notes, and Stuart took the opportunity to jump in.

"Alannah we'll announce your running by the end of the week, both you and Adam can take the stage and as a united front against Sal, you'll announce your plans for office. We've got some time to solidify your campaign while government get's its butt in gear."

"So really all that's left to do it wait?" Cian asked.

"I guess it's time to let the city do it's job, but in the mean time I had a few thoughts." Theo told the group and all eyes swung over to him. "By my understanding it seems a good number of us are now without a job and with recent events it seems a number of you will be needing protection." A gleam of understanding flickered over Cian as he leaned forward to peer at his friend.

"Keep talking." Cian prompted.
 
Their team, for the first time in what felt like a long time, finally felt as though they had things under some kind of control. Everything was beginning to come together; the police's involvement in looking to Sal as the criminal he was, the mayor's resignation, her campaign, Theo and Cian putting their heads together for something big...

Waiting around had never come particularly naturally to Alannah, who filled her life with one thing after another, usually work or family related things. This time however, the days between the mayor finally handing in his resignation and her own announcement that she was running for office, were as perhaps as relaxed Alannah got, and enjoyably so and there was only one person who could thank for that.

With her own apartment still out of action, Alannah spent most of her time at Cian's where between her working at his kitchen island on her laptop, she'd drag him to bed or they'd curl up on the sofa and watch a movie, or a series, then cook together and start it all again the next day. They had become unbelievably close in a short space of time, though neither of them mentioned their conversation in the car a few days ago, given that their focus was otherwise engaged and possibly because... both of them were just a little bit scared. For Alannah at least, it had been a long time since she'd felt this way about anybody, if ever, and she wanted to get that moment right, when the two of them were finally stress and worry free. In a way, she was glad she hadn't blurted it out, to give her a chance to think, to plan and... to make it special for the both of them.

The two of them remained in constant contact with the people who were backing them; Stuart visited Cian's apartment more than either of them probably cared for him to, and they met a few times at the Fiddle with Theo and the rest of their gang for updates, stats and so that they could coordinate their protection strategies.

By the time that the day of the speech came round, Alannah was incredibly nervous, understandably so. She'd stood in Cian's full length mirror for longer than she cared to think about, practicing, re-practicing, while simultaneously trying to calm herself. Breakfast was off the cards because the churning of her stomach said so, as did the settling feeling of dread upon her chest. Alannah was sure she was just being silly, but the small niggle in her mind wouldn't stop reminding her that Sal West was still out there, and one of the last times she had been in a similar position to this, someone - linked to him - had literally tried to kill her.

Taking a breath, the politician smoothed her hair, straightened her navy blazer and then wandered towards the door where her heels laid in wait. Before she reached them though, her path crossed Cian's and she stopped him, pulling him into her by his wrist, burying her small body into his chest and just... breathing him in, in an attempt to calm herself. "Is it really happening today?" She mumbled into his shirt. "Can we not just go back to bed and watch Star Wars again, please? I'll make it worth your while." Then she lifted her chin onto Cian's chest and gave him a sly grin. "Promise."
 
If Cian and Alannah did well with their relationship with outside stressors weighing on them, they did even better when it was just the two of them. Cian loved waking up next to Alannah, pressing his face to the spot in her neck that made her shiver and drawing out their mornings. She fit seamlessly into his space and into his life. She worked hard on her campaign while Cian worked with Theo on what would be Kirkbridges newest security agency. They weren't even a fully fledge company yet and they had a great number of interested parties. Theo had arranged for a number of protections for those that would be speaking against Sal and the Mayor.

Based on the newspaper coverage the trial would be bigger than big, that being said they had yet to catch the elusive Mr. West. Everything was turning out exactly as it should and Cian couldn't have been more grateful for it, even if a little voice in his head warned him that it almost felt too easy. He did his best to push the thought from his mind as Alannah pulled herself into his arms and he sank into her sweet embrace. His hand lifted to stoke down her neatly straightened hair as she burrowed into the fabric of his shirt. When her teasing words and wry smile beamed up at him Cian let out a low chuckle that rumbled through his chest. He made a show of checking his watch.

"Hmm looks like we may have a little time..." His smile was slow and easy as he bent forward and caught Alannah's legs under his arms. She went with him willingly and he took the short steps to the small square table that served as his dining table. Using his foot, he carefully moved the chair out of the way before setting Alannah down on the table. "I hear it's best to be relaxed when giving important speeches. As your body guard, I have to make sure you're in the right state of mind." He winked at her before slipping her pants away from her person, groaning at the sight he saw. "God, I love my job."

Later when the two of them were feeling satiated and relaxed they made their way from the apartment and down to the town car that had been sent to pick them up. They were joined by Stuart and a guard that Theo had assigned to him. Adam and Thea would be taking another car. As soon as the car door closed behind them Stuart immediately jumped into action. His pep talk was earnest and supportive as he ran through the plans with everyone one last time. The press and it seemed quite a few of Alannah's supporters would be in attendance as she spoke in front of city hall to formally announce her plans for office. Based off the coverage they were getting as compared to the other mayoral hopefuls, Alannah was at the top of the list.

Cian couldn't help the burst of pride that flared through him. Alannah looked perfect with her blue blazer and neatly arranged hair he'd help put back into place after their tryst. The car parked and everyone paused to take a breath, their eyes all lingering on Alannah as the clock ticked closer to her speech.

"I'll let you two get ready. We'll knock once we're ready for you." Stuart looked between the two of them, his gaze warm. "Come on Burt! Let's see if they set up the stage right." Stuart left them without another look, and after a moment they were the only two left in the car.

"I can't wait to hear the crowd cheering for you." Cian confessed. "It feels like this is a long time coming. I'm so proud to have been a part of your journey." Cian's knuckles rubbed the spot where his heart beat steadily in his chest. "I'll be right by your side the whole time. Hey I've got something to show you-" Cian reached for the small folded paper in the pocket of his pants, a reservation confirmation for a small little cabin in the woods, but he was cut off when a knock sounded on the window.

The city was waiting for her.
 
Her hopefulness in how they could spend their extra twenty minutes before they left was quickly picked up on and Alannah giggled all the way to the dining room table, until her mouth was too busy, of course. Her legs were soon wrapped around Cian's waist, her hands urgently grappling at the shirt clung tightly to his chest. This wasn't the first time they had ended up in this position and she hoped that it wouldn't be the last, and Alannah tried her best to communicate that with him the whole way through. Fingers scratching into his back, whispered feelings gasped into his ear. All of it was exactly what she needed to work out some of her nerves, to take her mind of what was about to happen, how their lives were potentially about to change forever.

Once they had redressed and got themselves back into some kind of order, only narrowly missing a second round against the wall by the front door, Alannah very quickly slipped back into professional mode as soon as they clambered into their car with Stuart giving the best pep-talk he'd given her yet. The politician listened to him, of course she did, though her hazel eyes drifted now and again to Kirkbridge passing by outside of the window, how she was suddenly almost in a very real position to try and change the city she loved, everything that she'd ever dreamed of was within reach in front of her. It was a lot to take in, overwhelming in a sense and she was grateful when Stuart eventually left her and Cian to get ready before the fun began.

She was just about to turn to her bodyguard when he spoke before her and she smiled at his gentle words, taking his hand into her own and pressing her lips to his knuckles. "I couldn't have done it without you," she told him earnestly and her eyes lit up at the mention that he had something to show her, though this was short-lived when once again, their moment was interrupted. By Stuart.

Alannah loosed an exhale, murmuring another small, "To be continued? Again?", with a knowing smile before leaning over to kiss Cian's cheek and then finally giving in to Stuart's insistence. "You two are so gross," he stuck out his tongue, "You'll have no time for any of that once you're mayor, believe me." His tone however, for once, was full of humour, his eyes alight with excitement and Alannah found herself smiling back at her manager and long-term friend, because there was something infectious about how he was looking at her. "Are there lots of people?" She asked him quietly, to which he nodded eagerly. "You have no idea Alannah, and I'd say 99.9% of them are waiting for you. All you gotta do now is go get 'em." Bringing her into a squeeze, Stuart eventually pulled her back by the top of her arms. "You ready? You're on in five. Let's get you up to the podium."

"I'm ready." Casting another glance over at Cian, the group finally made their way to the stage, which once they were up on it they could hear the vast crowd on the other side of the curtains, the announcer who soon shouted Alannah's name into the mic and then finally, the curtains opening to reveal the small politician to her crowd of excited supporters. It was unbelievable, really, the sight in front of her and for a moment, Alannah stood still to take it all in before her brain kicked into gear and a smile started across her lips, her hand lifting into a wave. This was her moment, and now all she needed to do was take it.

Approaching the microphone, she stepped up towards it and encouraged quiet by thanking her audience for the warm greeting. In her hand, she held the notes for her speech, though they were soon cast aside for Alannah was best when she spoke from the heart, she knew this and she knew it was important now, more than ever to do so.

"It's easy for me to stand up here in my position and tell you, the people of this city, what policies I'm going to implement, what my plans are for Kirkbridge. But I'm not here to do that today. That's how things have been run for as... long as I can remember. What I want to do to make a difference is to listen to you, the people of this city. To listen to what you need, to what you want. As someone who has lived here my whole life, has been directly affected by the poor decisions of people in the role of mayor, I know how important it is to listen. And you have my promise, made here today, that I will listen to you, first and foremost, and that I will do whatever I can to make Kirkbridge the city that I know that it is." Another round of applause came from the crowd as Alannah began to wrap up, "I'm Alannah Heshmati and--"

"You will never be mayor of this city!" The voice came, loud from the back of the crowd, and a startled gasp erupted with it, rippling through the wave of people. But before anyone could act, could move, could even breathe... what came next was a gunshot. A scream.

And then Alannah fell to the floor.
 
The city came alive at the sight of Alannah. The stage had been set, its podium covered with newscasters microphones while it looked out on the sea of people who'd gathered. From Cian's position near the edge of the stage where the stairs were, he could spot signs that dotted the crowd: Elect Her! Hire Heshmati! He knew he shouldn't but Cian felt his gaze turn to Alannah as she greeted the crowd. This was her moment and he wanted to watch her as she took it. Alannah spoke to the people as she'd always done, with grace and relatability. Cian was certain every person in attendance felt as though she were talking to just them.

He'd been so lost in her moment that when a voice rebuked her, he'd barely had enough time to twist his head towards the crowd. The flash of a muzzle erupted in his vision, the loud pop of a bullet leaving its chamber deafened his ears. It was like his head had been shoved underwater, the screams and alarm of the crowd sounded so far away. Alannah's body seemed to be falling in slow motion, and Cian barely registered the thud of his own knees against the stages flooring as he rushed towards her.

"Alannah!" Cian's cry brought the rush of sound back into his ears. His hands shook as he peeled back her blazer to get a good look at the red bloom of blood forming near her stomach. He knew what to do, knew not to move her unless it was absolutely necessary. God she was so pale, her normally bright eyes hidden behind the seal of her eyelids. Behind them Stuart let out a howl of pain as he was roughly pulled back but Burt his guard. People were rushing all around him, guards with their guns drawn as they scanned the crowd. Cian could faintly hear Theo barking into a phone but all he could focus on was her.

His hands curled around the spot where the bullet had entered, and he pressed hard onto the wound, doing his best to staunch the flow. Alannah made a small noise, a squeak of pain as Cian's hands pressed hard into the place the bullet had ripped through her. "Shit, Sunshine." Cian's voice came out in a croak, a droplet fell of his cheek, landing on the blood stained shirt she wore. "I'm so fucking sorry. God I'm sorry." He could faintly hear sirens in the distance and Cian worked quickly to twist Alannah into recovery position while keeping pressure on her wound. His heart broke in two when her head lolled limply to the side, she didn't make another noise.

"Stay with me Alannah!" Cian tried to order but his voice was choked out as his throat burned with the force of his sorrow. He bent over her, pressing his forehead to her temple, doing his best to get the sense of closeness his heart begged him for, he wanted to feel the warmth of her skin, but when his skin touched hers she just felt cold. "I love you Alannah, please hear me sunshine, come back to me. I love you..."

He whispered the words over and over again, begging her to open her eyes even as the first responders rushed up the stage. Cian was pulled roughly from Alannah as they worked quickly. In moments she was on a stretcher, a medic hovering over her as he worked to stabilize her. Cian was covered in Alannah's blood, and he sat limply on the stage staring down at his red soaked hands.
"Cian! Get up!" Stuart's shout reached him but all Cian could do was look up. Stuart's eyes were wide as he struggled out of Burt's grasp. "I fucking see him!" Those words woke him up, and within seconds Stuart was by his side and helping to his feet as he gestured towards the crowd. So many people had turned up to witness the event and now a small circle widened a short distance away from the stage, at it's center stood Sal West as he brandished his gun angrily at the crowd trying to find his way out of the masses. Scream's of terror filled the air as Sal lifted his gun and fired. A body fell to the ground as the crowd turned into a stampede, all desperately trying to get away from the man that had taken so much from the city.

Police cars lined the street, and officers did their best to handle the crowds, Cian and Stuart wasted no time. In unison they leapt off the stage, running as fast as the could through the quickly thinning plaza. Stuart reached Sal first and had it been any other day Cian might have laughed at the way Stuart launched himself at Sal West. The politician's arms wrapped around Sal's neck from behind. Stuart hooked tightly around his airways making Sal reel back as he tried to get Stuart off of him. Cian caught the flash of the gun in the sunlight and wasted no time diving into the fray like Stuart had. His strong hand closed around Sal's wrist and thrust upward just before the gun went off again, sending the bullet high up into the air and missing anyone from the crowd. More screams sounded as the three men fell to the ground in their struggle.

With the tight pressure around his neck cutting off his breath Sal struggled to keep hold of the gun and with a choking gasp it was ripped from from his hand by Cian. Shouts sounded all around them, the authoritative voices of police as they gathered around them guns drawn. Stuart and Cian were quick to back away from Sal as he coughed and gasped, their hands raised in the air as the police swarmed them and took control of the situation. Cian and Stuart were cleared and directed to stand a short distance away while the scene was secured. Theo and the others soon joined them.

"Where is she?" Cian whirled around, doing his best to peer over to the stage.
 
Her own senses zoned out, almost as if they were trying to absorb the impact of the bullet that had just missed her stomach. Alannah could feel a ringing in her ears, could see her vision blurring, could feel her body crumpling, yet her brain was having a hard time understanding why. The shock had kicked in before anything else, the chaos around her otherwise lost to her body trying to compute why there was a pool of crimson leaking into her shirt, why her hands were glistening with red. In fact, it was only when Cian appeared, seemingly from nowhere was she pulled back into her reality. The gunshot. The scream. The pain. Everything hit her all at once, the burning of a bullet lodged into her torso, the trembling of her body, the cold, the dreadful feeling of cold that was seeping like ice into her veins.

"C-Cian," she managed to whimper, the fear lucid in her voice. She wasn't aware of anything other than her own body and his, how it felt as though something was trying to drag her away from him when all she wanted was to stay here, right here with him. He looked so scared, so worried yet she couldn't bring herself to make him feel better, her brow crinkling as black dots began to cloud her vision. The pain caused by him pressing onto her briefly chased them away when a sound of pain ripped from her throat, her voice sounding nothing like herself. Alannah used her hands to try and push Cian's away, to stop it from hurting but she was too weak, and what was left her strength was quickly fading, even as Cian spoke, his voice getting further and further away from her... "Cian," Alannah whispered, tears falling from the corners of her eyes. "I... I lo..." But the words wouldn't come. She wasn't strong enough to get the reply out even though his declaration were the last words she heard before she lost consciousness altogether.

While the struggle ensued down in the arena, the paramedics worked on stabilising Alannah, pumping oxygen through a face mask to help her breathing and bandaging her wound to stem the bleeding. She wasn't aware of any of it of as she was stretchered up and taken into the back of an ambulance. Theo remained with her as much as he could, explaining that there were no next of kin here and giving as many details as he knew so that her family could be informed. It was only when they began to wrap up to get her to the hospital did he leave, rushing over to find Cian and Stuart amongst the crowds of police who now surrounded the man who had caused all of this. They were finally cuffing him and hauling him to his feet. Theo might have relished in the image if he hadn't been so god damn frightened.

"Cian!! Cian! Stuart! Over here!" He ran, hurtling over to the two men, breathless but clear. "They're... They're taking her. To hospital. Back of the ambulance if you want to go." Theo looked between both Stuart and Cian, but it was Stuart who spoke first, clamping a firm hand onto Cian's large shoulder. "Go with her. We'll be following straight behind. We'll see you there."

The hospital thankfully wasn't too far away and it wasn't long before the ambulance pulled up outside of the emergency department, ready to whisk Alannah, who had remained unconscious, inside. Doctors met them at the doors, speaking medical jargon to each other that only they seemed to understand and it was only when they reached a set of red double doors did one of them put a hand out to stop Cian from going any further. "I'm sorry sir, but you'll have to wait here. Miss Heshmati needs surgery, you can't go any further. As soon as there are any updates, we'll let you know, but I'd advise that we can only really discuss the matter in detail with her next of kin."

And with that, the doctor gave Cian a look of sympathy before turning and heading in the direction the others had, just at about the same time as Stuart and Theo appeared through the entrance, searching, panicked. When they spotted Cian they immediately headed over, gathering around him like a forcefield.

"What is it, what's happened? What did they say?"
 
Cian stood alone in the waiting room, looking at the red doors Alannah had disappeared behind. Part of him wanted to push past the barrier and demand that he stay with Alannah every part of the way but he still had enough common sense to know that would get him thrown out. The sounds of Stuart and Theo approaching had him twisting on his heel, their questions forced him to think, and finally to speak despite the lump in his throat.

"Sh- she's going into surgery now. If there are any updates they will let us know." Cian trailed off, unable to meet the eye of either of his friends.

"And now we wait..." Theo heaved out a sigh, before sitting down in a nearby chair and pulling out his phone. Stuart did the same, muttering about needing to call Alannah's family, and Cian remained where he was, his gaze returning to the red doors.

Time in hospitals seemed to move much differently than the outside walls, with each tick of the of the second hand it felt like hours had gone by. Cian had been offered a change of clothes and a bathroom so that he could wash up and get rid of the blood stained clothes. As soon as Cian had closed the door behind himself he'd leaned back against the solid wood and tilted his head back. The clean clothes that had been placed in a bag by the nursing staff fell out of his fingers and onto the floor as a deep shuddering sob wracked through him.

Sal West had almost taken everything from him, and he'd completely failed her. Every time Cian's eyes closed he could picture Alannah pushing him away as the pain of his hold proved to be too much. He was certain that image would haunt his nightmares for the rest of his life. The sound of the intercom sounded muffled through the door of the bathroom as a nurse made an announcement, and it helped to push Cian forward. He approached the sink and let the water run warm before sticking his hands underneath the flowing stream. Alannah's blood was diluted pink by the water and the white of the basin and he watched as it swirled its way down the drain.

He wasn't sure how long it had taken him to completely change and clean away the blood but by the time he'd stepped back in the waiting room Stuart and Theo had been joined by a great number of concerned looking faces. Cian recognized most of the Thistles as well as his father and mother beyond those familiar forms Cian spotted a group that he recognized only by the pictures that had hung in Alannah's apartment. Alannah's father, mother, grandparents and three younger sisters were all present. They stood huddled around Stuart who was doing his best to explain the situation, when Stuart's eyes landed on Cian his gaze softened a little.

"This is Cian, Mr. and Mrs. Heshmati. He made sure Alannah was stable up until the paramedics could get to her." Upon hearing Stuart's words Mrs. Heshmati's chin wobbled and she stepped forward breathing her thanks over and over again as she wrapped her arms around him. Cian stood struck dumb for half a moment, his mind at war with the words Stuart had spoken. How could they be thanking him when Alannah's fate rested under the competency of her doctor. Awkwardly he lifted his hand to place a hand on Mrs. Heshmati's back.

Later, when everyone had settled in their chairs for the long wait, Cian found himself leaning against the wall, looking between the red doors that remained shut and the clock. Five long hours had passed with not a single update. Cian wasn't a religious or spiritual man, but he found himself bargaining with whatever higher power was out there for something. Finally after another long hour a tired looking doctor opened the door and greeted the waiting mass with a look of surprise.

"Are you all here for Miss. Heshmati?" He asked and everyone stood nodding. "The surgery went well, she's off to the recovery room now. She'll be asleep for sometime but we can allow one person through who would like to sit with her. It looks like she'll make a full recovery no problem." Cian felt his knees buckle, and he was grateful for the wall as he slowly slid down and landed on the floor. He'd never felt relief rush so quick through him like that.

"Would anyone like to follow me to the room?" The doctor prompted and Cian half expected Alannah's mother or father to push forward, instead all eyes turned to him.

"Oh, no. It should be her family." Cian tried to protest, but when Theo stepped forward to help him up once more he found his friend grinning at him.

"Tell her we love her." Theo whispered and Cian nodded. He was humbled and touched that even Alannah's parents would let him see her. He tried to convey his thanks as he passed by them but the words got caught in his throat. Alannah's mother gave him a knowing smile before reaching out to pat his arm.

"I will bring you both some of my Dhal." Cian had no idea what that was but he nodded his thanks before joining the doctor.

They walked through long corridors that all looked the same, Cian caught glimpses of patients through curtains and heard the sounds of machines beeping as the monitored their patients. Alannah's room was a corner room of the hospital with big windows that were covered by curtains to darken the room as she slept. She shared her space with three other beds, their patients hidden away behind the curtains. Alannah lay in her bed, her eyes closed and her skin just as pale but there was something peaceful about seeing her like this. He couldn't help the smile the flickered over him as she snorted a little in her sleep and twisted her head.

Cian hadn't noticed the doctor leaving, but instead drew the chair closer to Alannah's bedside. His hand found hers and he leaned against the edge of the bed as his body released all the stress that had been keeping him upright.
"I'm here Sunshine." He murmured, leaning his head against the mattress and closing his eyes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 3 (members: 0, guests: 3)

Similar threads

madsiscool
Fandom Dancing Under the Moon {closed}
closed harry potter
Replies
9
Views
117
EmilySmith
EmilySmith
Lucyfer
Realistic or Modern The Witching Hours [Closed]
2 3 4 5
Replies
120
Views
814
awkwardradish
awkwardradish
Lucyfer
Realistic or Modern Wages of Sin [Closed]
Replies
3
Views
43
cleopat
cleopat
CeruleanStars
Fantasy Early Bloomer's Guide to a Healthy Mana Garden
closed fantasy magic
Replies
17
Views
249
Elffri3nd
Elffri3nd
CeruleanStars
Fantasy The Marriage of War Blades
closed fantasy royal
Replies
0
Views
53
CeruleanStars
CeruleanStars
Back
Top