axelhughes

[axelhughes]

Amos couldn't pinpoint exactly what about Axel ticked him off, but it was clear that he did not like the other man. It sounded like Axel thought he knew Amos and his insecurities, making whatever they had against each other run way deeper than it was probably necessary. "It's tough just listening to you go on and on about nonsense, actually." He retorted, giving him an eye roll and then walking away.

THE END.

#axel && amos 01 #//thank you for ending this for us byy. <3

[axelhughes]

"Listen, I'm not going to stand here and debate this with you all night," Axel said, his patience wearing thin. "You bumped into me, end of story. If you can't accept that, then that's your problem, not mine." He took a step back, ready to walk away from this pointless exchange. The last thing he needed was to draw unwanted attention to himself, especially given his plans for Wilmington. He had to be careful not to let his temper get the best of him—lest he risk exposing his true intentions. "Why don't you just go get yourself another drink and leave me alone?" Axel suggested. "Or better yet, maybe watch where you're going next time?"

"Nu-uh!" Isaiah shakes his head, my back was turned! Tur--ned!" He Said showly In case the guy was not understanding what he was meaning, "So, its clearly your fault," the man shrugs. "I can handle it just fine, thank you very much!" Who did this man think he was? The audacity, Isaiah fixes his shirt, eyebrow raised at the other, "ain't my fault you aren't looking where you going!" He huffs. "I got nothing to apologize for. This is your fault. You bump into me," he insisted.

#axel && isaiah 01 #//shush all good. <3

[axelhughes]

“I'm not exactly known for my patience," Axel admitted, his foot still tapping as he waited. "But I've heard great things about this particular food truck, so I figured it was worth the wait." Now he wasn’t sure if he made the right decision. I suppose it depends on the situation and how hungry I am." Generally speaking, he wasn’t the sort of guy who liked confrontation. It wasn’t like him at all to be dramatic. "I'd like to think I have some semblance of manners." His gaze flickered back to the two women as the stranger pondered the relationship between the two. “I can’t tell, but I’m guessing maybe they’re family. Can you imagine yelling at your employer?" Not that he would ever know, since he ran his own business. This was just a hunch from his end. 

“The lengths people go to for a corndog. Even when there are a lot of other trucks.” While Lily was not known for her patience, it was clear that she managed to find a man that was even more irritable than she. The tapping of his foot, the slight agitation that laced his sarcastic words. She looked him up and down and could not believe that he would be standing in line for street food. He appeared to be the type of man that would only prefer fine dining. One who was used to not waiting in lines. She was jumping to all sorts of conclusions from a brief encounter. But she prided herself on her observation skills. And in her mind, he struck her as the type of man that would have either been in finance or made it big as a tech entrepreneur. “Maybe. But if I said it would be, would you actually not say something?” There was no reason to test her hypothesis, but she genuinely wondered if this stranger would care about being rude or if he would let his irritation win over his manners. “What makes you say that? She could just be her employer?” Though Lily agreed with his assessment. There were telltale signs in the way they interacted. / @axelhughes

#axel && lily 01 #event: springtide bash 01

[axelhughes]

closed starter @shivanixrao & @amosdeleon

Axel strolled through midtown with Shivani—their stomachs full after a satisfying lunch. The sun beat down on them as they walked. He was in the middle of telling her about his latest real estate acquisition when he spotted Amos heading their way. Instantly, his mood soured. Great, just what he needed—an encounter with the one person in Wilmington he couldn't stand. He'd rather have his teeth pulled than make small talk with this guy. As they walked towards the man, he plastered on a fake smile. "Nice running into you here," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And here I thought my day couldn't get any better." He glanced at Shivani, hoping she'd pick up on his annoyance and help him end this interaction quickly. The last thing he wanted was to waste his precious time on Amos when there were so many other things he'd rather be doing—like watching paint dry or counting the cracks in the sidewalk.

#axel && shivani 03 #axel && amos 02 #//i hope this is okie babies! <3

[axelhughes]

He nodded along as Zian shared his thoughts on the city, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's definitely a step up from the Big Apple in terms of noise and grime," Axel agreed. "But I think Wilmington is unique in its own right. There's just something special about this place." The only special thing about this place was that he wanted to destroy everything. This was the real reason he was so invested in Wilmington's development. But he pushed those thoughts aside. "I couldn't agree more. It's up to all of us to make this city the best it can be. And I think we're off to a pretty good start, don't you? With your big brain molding the minds of the future and my dashing good looks and charm winning over the hearts of the people..." He grinned, waggling his eyebrows comically.

Hah... the mention of guilty pleasures definitely struck a chord inside the young professor's mind. People usually didn't know half of it when it came to him. Zian completely agreed with Axel when it came to different literary styles and different writes. Just like he might not like this or that genres, other people might not like the ones Zian preferred... and that was okay. That was the beauty in diversity—any type of it. "What's my take on the city?" The professor crossed his arms, rubbing his chin from over his beard. "I mean, I think it's a nice city. Definitely cleaner and less noisy than New York." And he considered himself friends with the Mayor as his father had sponsored some of his campaign, so he had to choose his words carefully. "I think it's up to not only the mayor, but also us, to set this city in the right direction, you know? With people like you wanting to invest here, people like me wanting to work here, and all of that." / @axelhughes

#axel && zian 01

[axelhughes]

"I would never assume such a thing about you, Ruhi. You're far too clever for that." Axel already knew how this conversation would go, and how it would end. So, he took another sip of his coffee, and lounged back in his seat. "I'm flattered that you find me so invigorating. Maybe I should consider a career change—from real estate mogul to professional eye candy." He was kidding, of course. "So…as much as I enjoy our witty repartee, I’m wondering why you’re here.” He wasn’t, but the game was amusing nonetheless. “Is there something specific you’re here for?”

Ruhi’s smile was bright, as expected from the woman who had practiced it in front of the mirror from the moment she knew its value. From the second that she was forced to hold up the image of propriety around every person she interacted with. And Axel was no different. There was a purpose for her visit. There always was. “Should I be offended that you think I come with ulterior motives? Is that the type of woman you take me for?” With a teasing tone, she took a sip from her cup while looking up at the man whose business was important to them. And specifically, to her. So he wasn’t exactly wrong. “Maybe I just needed a good start to my day,” she said with a casual shrug, nodding over to him. “You happen to be a great pick me up. Very easy on the eyes.”  | @axelhughes

#axel && ruhi 01

[axelhughes]

"Demon time? I never get to see it. I’d love to see that side come out," Axel teased. Not that he would ever complain because if she could only see the things he had thought about, she’d probably run for the hills or tell him to get lost. "Alright then, let's go." he said, leading the way to the restaurant—a hand resting at the small of her back. The mention of living on someone else's terms hit close to home, reminding him of the years he spent consumed by his resentment towards Wilmington. He had let his past dictate his present for far too long. But could he let it go? No. He was intent on ensuring no one would ever experience the same kind heartbreak he did. A brow rose at her remark of her drug use. "You joking? I doubt it. But I get that. Sometimes, you have to put on a brave face and keep pushing forward, even when things are tough. Although, I do wonder, does it ever get exhausting? Constantly putting on a show for the world?" He asked as if he didn’t already know the answer. Yes. It was exhausting.

"No, Hughes, no, you really wouldn't." She assured him, "I go a little demon time when I'm faced with my wrath. You never know what you may wake up to." Although there was humor in her voice, suggesting she was joking-- she was very well not. Not even close. Which is why she kept things strictly no strings attached with just about everyone, because she just didn't have the time for the aftermath of being fucked over. She smiled wide as he spoke, "You sold me at 'Margaritas that pack a punch.'" Tequila was always a win in her book, add in good Mexican food, and she was content. "Lead the way, Mr. Hughes."

"A woman gotta have a secret or two. It's what makes us so powerful." She teased, "And exactly. Especially after you've lived on someone else's for so long, you're just not about to waste another minute." Her excitement faded slightly as he asked her if he could as a question. Glancing over at him, she gave a small smile, "Sure." But when the question was asked, she found herself laughing, before giving him a shrug, "Don't know -- must be all the molly I take." She replied, before looking back at him, and shaking her head, "I'm joking, I'm so joking. I don't know, Ax. I guess I want to believe in that whole fake it til you make it thing." @axelhughes

#axel && armi 01 #tw: drug use mention

[axelhughes]

He felt a spark of excitement when Shivani mentioned adding dance lessons to the list of tasks she'd have him do as her personal assistant. The thought of holding her close, moving in sync to the music, did things to him he shouldn’t be feeling. But he pushed those feelings aside. They were friends. Best friends. And he couldn't risk losing that. "A week? Nah, I'd need you for at least a month to get through all those boring meetings," he joked, trying to ignore the way his heart skipped a beat at the idea of having her by his side for an extended period. "And you know you'd love getting all dolled up for those fancy dinners. I'd even let you pick out my tie." The woman was gorgeous, and she would look stunning in a designer gown.

As the game progressed, Axel found himself pulling further ahead, much to Shivani's chagrin. Did he feel a little smug? Yeah. But he also hated seeing her frustrated. "Don’t hate, I can't help it if I'm a natural," he teased, bumping his shoulder against hers. When Shivani leaned against him, admitting defeat and asking him to take her home, he sighed. They were having so much fun, he didn’t want to leave yet. But alas, all good things had to come to an end. "Of course I'll take you home," he said, his hand resting on the small of her back as he guided her towards the exit. As they walked out into the cool night air, he took note of how easy this all felt. If his life wasn’t so messed up, there might have been a possibility for them. But she deserved better, furthermore, she would hate him for what he planned. So he simply couldn’t let his mind wander to places it shouldn’t go. Still, a guy could dream.

“For future reference, okay then…” she said with a grin, not missing the way he looked up at her as he lined up that shot. What was going on here tonight? Why did things feel more…electric than normal? What was this feeling that was electric between them? She couldn’t focus on it too much and decided to go off into this whole bet he’d arranged and chuckled at his question, “what to do? I have nothing else interesting to make you do for me. Oh but I’d add in a dance lesson with me,” she grinned before asking him what he’d make her do. “We said it would be for a day Axel, you’re making it seem like I’m yours for the week,” she chided before rolling her eyes and shaking her head. “You’re impossible and why would you want to torture me that way?” The only thing in his whole spiel that sounded remotely interested was these business dinners and only because they’d give her a chance to get all dressed up. “Can you maybe stop winning?” She murmured as she watched how less of his balls there were on the green while she felt like she had a lot more remaining to be sunk. “Damn, look at you being all sweet, making me melt every day with these words…what are we going to do when you get a girlfriend and don’t say any of this to me anymore?” She murmured hating the idea of having to share him with someone else. “I’d make you home-cooked food even if I wasn’t your personal assistant, you know that.” Shivani told him with a smile before finally taking the cue stick from him when it was her turn.

As the game continued—Axel emerged as the clear winner and Shivani was left pouting and slightly tipsy as she leaned against him with a sigh. “You won—now do you believe that I wasn’t out to hustle you?” She asked him with a grin before turning to face him once more and speaking again, “can you take me home? I’m feeling the alcohol crash coming on and I…don’t want to be all melancholy in front of you again,” she whispered quietly hoping he didn’t ask her why she felt that way but the truth was that sometimes when Shivani found herself drinking, she ended up getting to this point where she felt saddened by life and everything happening around her; something she didn’t want him to witness. 

#axel && shivani 01 #//completely okay with me bby!

[axelhughes]

I'm definitely a catch. I mean, who wouldn't want all of this?" Axel gestured to himself with a playful grin, clearly joking around. He knew he was attractive, but he wasn't arrogant about it, much. "But seriously, you're a great guy, Benji. Any woman would be lucky to have you. Your parents just want you to be happy, even if their methods are a bit…outdated." He couldn’t picture his mom trying to set him up. It would annoy him. Then again, he was lucky, because she understood him. "I know. I’m such a great friend, right? Who would have done that? No one.” He teased.

"you've got that right. i'd say we're two of the most eligible bachelors." benji was only joking. he wasn't that pull of himself and he doubted that anyone was interested in him, especially when he didn't spend enough time out. on top of that, his parents were still trying to set him up despite being well into his thirties and so that was also something he was fighting with. "oh yeah, might as well treat you." he joked, a chuckle falling from his lips as he shook his head at the man in next to him. "i mean, you really went out of your way to come get me." he tagged on.

#axel && benji 01

[axelhughes]

He found himself smiling as Shivani giggled at his wink. Seeing her confidence shine through always filled him with a sense of pride. She'd been through a lot, and yeah, he was nuts, but he'd made it his mission to help her rediscover that self-assurance she once had. "I'm glad you feel that way, Shivi," he said, his heart swelling at her admission. "I'll always be here for you. Let’s get real here, you're stuck with me, whether you like it or not." The thought of leaving her behind in New York had been gut-wrenching, but they'd managed to maintain their close bond despite the distance. He couldn’t be more grateful to still have her unwavering friendship and support, even from miles away. She was one of the few people he truly trusted in this world. 

"A little self-doubt is normal. But don't let it hold you back from pursuing your dreams.." He sure hadn’t let anything stop him from pursuing his dreams—even if his dreams involved bringing down an entire city to avenge his family's tragedy. He had nurtured that deep hatred for years, letting it fuel his ambition. Wilmington would pay for what it had done to him. As she rolled her eyes at his joke, he simply grinned. He took her purse and held it while she rummaged inside, his curiosity piqued. When she pulled out a flask of bourbon, he raised an eyebrow. "Trying to get me drunk? I'm flattered," he teased, accepting the flask and taking a sip. The warmth of the liquor spread through his chest, and he handed it back to her. "That’s some good stuff.” 

“See, you get it,” she grinned at him and ended up giggling at that wink he gave her. The truth was, she’d always been a very confident woman but then once she had her Broadway accident, that confidence had started dwindling down a bit. But with Axel’s belief in her so strong—she’d worked on finding that part of herself back and really—she owed a lot to the man she called her best friend. Even as she spoke about the constellations and the Greek gods, she found him listening to her so intently that it stirred something inexplicable inside of her. He was  genuinely interested in what she had to say which only helped build that warm and fuzzy feeling inside of her. 

“Exactly, it’s how you are in a way to me too,” she admitted quietly, “not about the dead and forgotten part but…the comforting part, knowing that wherever I happen to go potentially, you’ll be right there by my side like a constant companion.” Leaving him behind in New York had been one of the hardest things she’d done but they’d still stayed in touch and reminded as close as they were even now because of the effort shown by them both. “I’m not selling myself short, it’s just—never been something I’ve thought about. So a little self-doubt is valid,” she grinned at him before looking back his way thanks to that soft touch on her chin which brought her back towards him. His words were so earnest and the way he was looking at her was so deep that she couldn’t help the way her heart started to race until he let go of her and made that joke again. “Yes yes, you’re the most awesome guy around,” she told him before rolling her own eyes. This time she pulled her purse closer and unzipped it before handing him her purse to hold while she brought out the flask from inside. “It’s just a little bourbon to stay warm, if you want.” She told him as she unscrewed the top and took a sip before offering  it to him. 

#axel && shivani 02 #event: springtide bash 01

[axelhughes]

"I see. The people here do have a way of drawing you in, don't they?" Axel asked, his thoughts briefly drifting to his own reasons for being in this town—reasons that were far less pleasant than the ones Nik had mentioned. As they moved along the line, he chuckled at the other’s advice about finding the shortest queue. "I guess that’s not a bad idea, but nothing caught my attention. So, here I am.” He nodded, "Yeah, I just moved here too, a few months back. And you're right, I'm in real estate. Cityscape Ventures, to be precise. It's a bit different from the astronomical prices in NYC, but I’m here to help rebuild the city, too." The lie slipped past without much thought. “Have you run into Shivi, yet?” He asked, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

“The odds, as you say…are very slim, but this town has some people that managed to pull me here so what can I say, it felt like the right move.” Nikhil hadn’t expected to meet Axel ever again in life but life truly had a way of surprising you and so Nik took that in stride. “You really should go around the entire place first, find all the good spots and then hit the one with the shortest line. You’re starting at the longest line my friend,” he grinned at the other man before nodding at his agreement for the Korean food truck. “So—do you live here as well then? You’re in—real estate? Or was I imagining that? I just vaguely remember us talking about that and the astronomical prices in New York City when we first met.” 

#axel && nik 01 #event: springtide bash 01

[axelhughes]

He chuckled at her retort, finding her confidence utterly charming. Then again, was there anything about her he didn’t find charming? "I can't argue with that logic. Anyone who doesn't find you endearing is clearly missing out," he said with a wink. As she shared the stories behind the constellations, he found himself captivated not just by the tales, but by the way her eyes sparkled with passion. This was the only time he could actually check her out without looking like a creep. Seeing her tongue darting out to lick her lips, his mind instantly flashed back to their kiss. The memory sent a shiver down his spine, and he had to fight the urge to lean in and capture her lips once more. Nope. Not going there again. She hadn’t mentioned the kiss, he wasn’t about to make things awkward between them by obsessing about it.

Forcing himself to focus on the conversation, he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's comforting to know that wherever you go, the stars are always there. Like a constant companion in an ever-changing world. In a million years, when we’re both dead and forgotten, the stars will still be there." He rolled his eyes at her and chided. "Of course you can write a book! You have a gift for storytelling, Shivi. Don't sell yourself short." When she looked away, he reached out and gently touched her chin, turning her face back towards him. "I'm not just flattering you. I truly believe you can do whatever you set your mind on. You're amazing. I wish you would see it." Realizing how close they were, he let go of her chin before making a joke. “You damn right I am. Someone’s gotta be, and who better than an awesome guy like me?” 

“Of course I own it, I’m incredibly loveable…if someone doesn’t find me endearing, the problem is with them alone.” Shivani retorted with a grin. Of course this wasn’t entirely true since she wasn’t always all sunshine and rainbows but for the most part, she tried to be. It wasn’t easy to forget all the current problems in her life but whenever she was around this man in particular, it became easier to focus on other things. When Axel asked her about the constellations she was most excited to see, she told him their stories and only paused when she finished and glanced back in his direction. 

What she hadn’t expected was the way he was looking at her lips. It made her almost self conscious, enough to make her tongue dart out and lick over them like a nervous habit. That kiss they had both shared had been electrifying, enough that it left her wanting more even if she knew that was a very dangerous route to go down. She had to push those thoughts away repeatedly. She needed to remind herself that this was Axel, her best friend and nothing more. “Exactly, it just makes them that much more special, you know? And I also love how you can…almost have the stars with you wherever you go in the world. It’s like that one familiar thing even if you’re in a completely unknown place,” she murmured before hearing his words and allowing a small smile to settle on her lips. “I can’t write a book, can I...” she said softly before sighing and shaking her head, finally pulling her gaze away from his. “You flatter me so much Axel, you’re truly my biggest supporter in every way aren’t you?”

#axel && shivani 02 #event: springtide bash 01

[axelhughes]

“I bet. I’m an ocean guy myself, which is why I have a home here.” No one could take him away from the sea. It was his safe space. Did he miss Philly? That was a good question. "Sometimes, but I've been so focused on my business, I haven't had much time to really miss it," he said as they entered the seafood restaurant. The place was nice. He could only hope it lived up to the hype. He raised an eyebrow when she mentioned working for the Marathe Group. "Is that so? Interesting… I’ve worked with Ruhika and she’s a character." Mainly because the woman was persistent. It was something he actually admired about the woman. Once they were settled in their seats, he opened up the menu to look through the selection. "I do, but since he’s working with me, I’d say we’re in the same group. I don’t know if you’ve met him…Benji Aquino? Great guy.” Then again, Benji was his best friend and he was being biased.

It really was a great place to grow up. Despite the lavish lifestyle the place represented, to Yasemin, home was her baba's warm hug after a rough school day, it was laughing hard during movie nights, it was praying during Ramadan and enjoying the love of her family. Sure, they had a wonderful house to live, her mother was a successful surgeon and her father not only was a badass architect, but he was also the one who raised Hazal and her to be the women they were today, so, talk about a great place to grow up indeed.

"It is lovely, and while I do miss the West Coast, living near the beach here has made homesickness less apparent." She chuckled. In a way, Yasemin had always lived near the ocean... from Orange County to Berkeley and then her San Francisco years with Irza, followed by her years in New York made it clear to her that she was always meant to be by the ocean. The year spent in London, the darkest of her life so far, was enough proof of it, that the ocean brought her clarity. It centered her. "Do you ever miss Philly, friend?" She chuckled, taking advantage of the fact that Axel and her had been talking about friendly faces.

When Axel mentioned his company, Yasemin offered him yet another smile as she stepped into the seafood restaurant. "Oh! We've definitely worked together, then! I work for the Marathe, group." Yasemin looked around, picking a spot by the windows so they could overlook at the ocean. "Do you have business partners? Because I would have remembered your face if I'd sold a property of yours." / @axelhughes

#axel && yasemin 01 #//i didn't match fhdl;asfj

[axelhughes]

Should he have been thinking those things? No. But he was a guy and she was a pretty woman. What else was he supposed to do? Obviously, he shouldn’t say it out loud, of course. "You know you love it," he teased. As he lined up his next shot, he mulled over her words about smaller tokens of affection. It was true, he tended to go big with his gestures, but maybe there was something to be said for the little things too. "Noted. I'll keep that in mind for future reference," he said, glancing up at her with a smile that hinted at something more. When she listed off all the tasks she'd have him do as her personal assistant, he laughed. "Wow, you'd really put me to work like that? I see how it is." He shook his head in amusement, imagining himself running around the city, arms laden with groceries and dry-cleaning. "But for you, I'd do it all with a smile on my face." Or he could pay someone to do it. Nah. That wouldn’t be fair. A bet's a bet, after all.

As for what he'd have her do if the roles were reversed, he paused for a moment to consider his options. "You'd have to bring me coffee every morning. None of that instant stuff either, I'm talking fancy lattes with those little foam hearts on top." He grinned, already picturing her rolling her eyes at his request. "Then, you'd have to sit through all my boring meetings, taking notes and keeping me from falling asleep. Oh, and you'd definitely have to come with me to all those stuffy business dinners, just to keep me sane." He took another shot, sinking yet another ball with ease. "But honestly, just having you around would be enough. Your company is worth more than any personal assistant duties." Axel meant it too. Shivani's presence in his life was something he cherished, even if he didn't always say it out loud. "Although, I wouldn't say no to a home-cooked meal or two. You know how hopeless I am in the kitchen. Plus, other than mom's—I love your cooking."

Shivani would be lying through her teeth if she said she hadn’t heard his little remark. But she couldn’t say anything. What did one say when their best friend made a comment like that? She had no idea and so she just tried to focus on her shot but couldn’t, not with him standing that close to her. Sure he had no idea that his closeness could often send her heart rate through the roof or how it could sometimes cause her to feel warm in the cheeks but at this point she had to put a stop to it. Luckily thanks to her threat, he’d backed away and allowed her to make her shot, promising to behave. But Shivani wasn’t entirely sure she wanted that either. So she made a bigger shot of leaning over the table this time to make the shot and sure enough—as soon as she missed thanks to thinking about him watching her—he was giving her that smug smile. His stupid tactic had worked. “You’re the worst,” she grumbled with a smile before handing back the stick.

She’d made the comment about being his girlfriend in jest but then his response, telling her that if he was asking her for that—it would be a big production had her staring at him in surprise. He meant if he was asking anyone to be his girlfriend it would be in that manner, right? That had to be what he meant. Because they were just friends, best friends…but just friends. “The whole nine yards,” she repeated before clearing her throat, “sometimes girls want smaller tokens of affection, little gestures.” But Shivani had always been different and so for her, that type of thing sounded ideal. But his words about surprising her had her looking at him very curiously because what exactly did he mean by that? “Hmmm if you were my personal assistant for the day, I’d make you buy my groceries, make me dinner, pick up my dry-cleaning, and of course make me coffee, oh and then do all my accounting for the studio.” All of this was said in jest but she really wouldn’t make him do anything special, they were friends and this was merely said in fun. “What about you though, what would you have me do?” She watched him sink two balls in one shot and stared at him in shock, “because clearly it looks like I’m going to be the one who gets the title of personal assistant to Axel Hughes pretty soon.” 

#axel && shivani 01 #//focus on the expression. he's not walking lmao

[axelhughes]

Axel turned around, annoyed. The audacity of this man. "Excuse me? I didn't make you waste anything. You're the one who bumped into me and spilled your own drink." He rolled his eyes, clearly not in the mood for this nonsense. He had come to the bar to unwind after a long day, not to be accosted by some random guy looking for a fight. "Look, I don't know what your problem is, but I'm not interested in settling anything with you. If you can't handle your own drink, that's on you." His jaw clenched as he tried to keep his temper in check. He had no patience for people who couldn't take responsibility for their own actions. "So, are you going to apologize for falsely accusing me, or are you just going to keep making a scene?"

"Excuse me, asshole!" Isaiah calls out, "When someone accidently spills someone's drink, you pay for it!" he says, though he's a unsure if this guy really did it, his back was truned, it could had been someone else, he didn't care though, "So what? ya gonna pay for what you made me waste or we need to settle this some other way?" okay, he was escalating thigs, but he couldn't help it, he wasn't here to make friends, anyway, can't a guy just come to a bar, have his drink in peace and leave?! @axelhughes

#axel && isaiah 01 #//the way i cackle at this. i love it! <3

[axelhughes]

"Thanks for the welcome, Ryat. It's refreshing to meet someone who doesn't sugarcoat things," he said with a grin. There was no reason for anyone to mince their words, if he was being honest. But sometimes it was needed. "Well, I'm here for a few reasons. Business opportunities, mainly. I'm in real estate development." Okay, maybe not all business. It was partly to burn everything in this city to the ground. Metaphorically, of course. He wasn’t that crazy… "So, if not the beaches, what keeps you here in Wilmington? Any hidden gems I should know about?"

It usually wasn't hard to tell if someone was new around here. For a multitude of reasons. His distaste for this event gave Ryat the biggest clue. Mainly because it was rather rare for someone to not like this thing. Grant it, he could take it or leave it. But most townie wanted year round for this. "Well, welcome -- I'd say you'd love it here. But, honestly, I don't buy into that shit." Ryat held out his hand, shaking the males, "Born and raised--" Raised was truly a debatable word. "Name's Ryat, nice to meet you." As they dropped their hands, Ryat shoved both of his back into the pockets of his jacket. Looking over his shoulder once, before back at Axel, "What brings you to town, Axel? Hope it's not the beaches."

#axel && ryatt 01 #event: springtide bash 01

[axelhughes]

"Oh, I'm sorry, did I hit a nerve there, champ?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're right, I don't care what you think. But when you start acting like you're better than everyone else, someone's gotta call you out on it." Axel shook his head, a chuckle escaping his lips. "Bored. Well, I guess I can't blame you. Must be tough living in the shadow of your own ego." He took a step back, his hands raised in mock surrender. "I'm sure you've got plenty of adoring fans waiting for you. Don't let me keep you away from them." Did he have to be a dick? No, but there was something about this guy that rubbed him the wrong way. So, here they were.

Amos narrowed his eyes at the other man. There was just something that Amos couldn't figure out about him, whether it was the way that he carried himself or that he acted like he owed Wilmington since the moment that he showed up and now, he dared to act like Amos was in the wrong for being defensive. "The only one that keeps talking about my status here is you, by the way. Trying to dig at me for what I do like I even care what you think." Amos smirked back at him, finally stepping away to put some distance between them. "No, I talk to you the way you talk to me, Axel. Anyway, I'm frankly bored and I'd say I'll see you around, but I really hope I don't."

#axel && amos 01 #//bby you can wrap this up and i'll start the 3 way thread for us. <3