https://i2.paste.pics/Q363O.png DRAGGING IN MY TRAUMATIZED OLD MAN 🗣️🗣️🗣️ HE WILL GET DANTES ASS Bshjh I start?

Daukius clamped his fingers around the ceramic in his hands, taking a pause from drinking his brew as he watches... That. He knew it was none of his business to stick his nose into some randos bullshit, but he had a bad feeling about that whole fiasco. Seeing how everyone had quietly ducked their heads back into the comforts of their food and drink, not a soul daring to question or challenge what just happened... He sighed, Slinging his coat around his shoulder and tossing his pay for the drink on the table, Eyeing the door. He felt his belt. Pocket knife and handgun secure. Just in case. And out he goes.

(hoping this is alr 🙏🙏💀 my writings funky)

Daukius paused for a second, before letting himself walk around the corner. He kept a hand cozily tucked in his pocket, if he need to reach his weapons. He called out, "Hey, Snow white. The hell you think you're doing treating a girl like that?"

Daukius glanced at the woman on the ground his mouth twitching in annoyance, threatening to break his stone cold expression into something soft and worried. He turned back to the wolf, his gaze set.

"I don't play fair with scumbags." Daukius growled. He cast a gentle glance to the girl. He fought on the regular, and he wasn't gonna let this rando slide. He wasn't one for compassion or empathy, but sometimes he just had to help.

STOP he had the most stereotypical new yorker voice and sounds like he smoked a pack a day ever since he popped out his momma💀)) Even if the man stopped, Daukius had already drawn his pistol and shot twice at the claw. Through the palm, and one grazing the upper arm. He'd also taken quick two steps back and spread his stance slightly, Not wanting to be unprepared to move again. He scowled. Guns were not his weapon of choice, and neither was the small knife in his pocket, but he didn't expect a fight going to the cafe so he didn't bring his beloved mechanised pinwheel, Lucy.

CHILL HE IS AN OLD MAN 🗣️🗣️🗣️)) Daukius hissed at the knife in his leg before yanking it out. He glanced at the two, before taking a pause and gathering his thoughts about the situation. The gangster swung the knife around in his hand. He let himself chuckle and hummed, "Thanks," In a cold voice, before swingning a lighter kick towards the girls legs, just to get her back, before driving the newly acquired into the wolf's eye, and taking a blow at his stomach.

"'Do with her'? Jesus what dya take me for? Tell her to **** off to somewhere safer than with you, asshole, she's practically a ****in kid and you're beating her" Daukius huffed, swinging his knife into his pocket and let his gun stay raised at the ready.

Daukius thought momentarily, looking at the girl. It wasn't a demand for a dangerous weapon, it was moreso A cry of desperation. Pityable. Besides, she couldnt do much harm in that state. He almost felt guilty about kicking her. He sighed. He had his own knife anyways. He idly tossed hers to her, and swiftly raised his gun and shot the man's foot, just in case he tried any fast moves.

"Win what? I came to chase you the **** off not for a pat on the back, Pal." Daukius growled. Every once and a while he cast a glance to the girl. To make sure she was alright he supposed, glancing so frequently it was almost like he feared the poor thing was going to wither away any second. She sure looked it.

Daukius paused for a moment, his eyes switching from the girl to the man. His eyes landed on the girl's, and they both held a gaze for a moment. He sighed, before asking, "a quick word?"

"Are you kidding? It's nothing." The older man sighed and rubbed his temple, making sure to keep an eye on the wolf and his gun at the ready. He turned back to the girl, pausing for his moment as his features crinkled with concern as he glanced to the wolf momentarily before turning back and quietly questioning, "Not the safest ****er to be around, huh?"

Daukius cast a glare to the man, before questioning the girl again. "This a regular occurrence?..."

Daukius squints at all the marks, bruises and history across her. He growls slightly but his face softens as he looks at the girl's expression. "We aren't done talking, quit with the scooting away." Once within whisper range again, he quietly spoke. "Look. I can offer you two places to stay with two jobs. I know a guy ya could work that'd land you with a cushy life and an easy job. I also know a gal and her group that could offer some coverage and easy hidin along with a decent place to stay, even if a bit rough. Sure wouldn't be as bad as shitface over there."

"If you're sure." Daukius said, although his voice was quiet and almost held the weight of a warning in a way. He glanced over to the wolf. He stood silently. Leaving it up to the girl to walk back to that man if she so wished.

THE SNEAKY INFORMATION LETS GOO🗣️🗣️🗣️)) Daukius huffed, rolling his eyes. What a waste. Poor girl had no idea what she was getting into, but he supposed that was just her choice and there wasn't much else he could do. He eyed the black stained spot where he had been stabbed in the leg and grimaced. He'd need Alex to patch him up, and even then he'd get a bunch of questions from his other roomates. He sighed, strolling out of the alley. And down the street to under a large tree. He rummaged through his pocket to phone to be picked up, but his hand grazed a thin papery material. He pulled out a napkin and his eyes widened at the writing. He paused. Call/go now or wait?... He felt guilty as he opted to go home instead, but he decided it would be best to be better prepared and face that later, perhaps with the others if he could convince them... He quickly rang his ride and waited.

Silly gyal...😔)) Through all the waiting, even if a while, soon enough the number she had hopefully slipped to a stranger had been rang.

"Hello?- Daukius what did you say her name was?- oh- Uhmmm... pink- pink hair girl?" The voice that answered was not that of a grouchy old new yorker, but a stuttery and stressed sounding young man, with a soft British accent. Hardly the man from earlier.

"I uhm. I'm Onyx, with- with Daukius whom you met earlier and gave a location and phone number- I uhm- he explained you're in a rough situation and we are currently- DAUKIUS THAT WAS A RED LIGHT- ****- we are c-curently on our way to the address... Very quickly. A little too quick." He added at the end, his voice sneering disapprovingly at the terrible driving he was enduring at the moment. He sighed into the receiver but stayed on the phone, knowing he was told to.

"We're nearly there, we'll live." This was not the younger man's voice but the familiar gravelly speech from earlier that day. "Onyx pass me the phone, check on the two in the back make sure neither of them have thrown up... Yes they're a little drunk- they'll still be useful!- PRINCEY- check on them already for the love of christ-" a muffled argument briefly occurs but ends. Daukius focuses back on the girl he's calling. "Hang tight Karma."

Daukius heard the yells of that bastard and immediately slammed his foot harder on the pedal. No way he was testing his luck by seeing how long he could wait. The stickler now standing in the back of the van as he checked up on his comrades yelped as he was near concusted, but was grabbed and given a soft landing by one of his fellow gang members. All Karma could hear from the phone were some whined curses streaming quietly from a little bit away from the phone and ragged breathing and the occasional 'shut up we'll be out soon enough'.

Just in the nick of time the van swerves near to the building, The driver eyeing around before spotting pink hair sticking out one of the windows. He drives the van beside the wall, tucking it into the shadow of the building and getting out. Three other figures exit. A tall wall of a dark grey robot, a sharply suited ginger woman and a thin pale blue crystalline boy. Daukius gives a sharp whistle and waves upwards to the girl.

The taller robot of the group waves up, calling, "hey! Hey- she can't move properly. I can get up there, but we're gonna have to be fast." The crystal male looks at him with concern. "If you mean using your boots they aren't exactly quiet. And besides remember they failed on you last time you tried?- I don't think-" "It's worth a try rather than leaving her stuck up there!-"

The group turned in a panic the the louder bangs, the tallest grunting, "**** it I'm going up there-" Before kicking his boots off the ground, emitting a green glow as he let himself get propelled up to the girls height. He raised his arms, gently speaking, "Hey, hey, grab on I'm gonna get you down-"

The robot quickly lets himself drift down and lets the girl stand, but still keeps a grip on her just in case she's weak. Daukius walks over and speaks quickly, "Let her sit in the front seat, she can't be getting thrown around in the back, c'mon people into the van- Nate help her into the front." The tallest nods, leading her over to the passenger seat and opening the door for her, making sure she can get in fine while Daukius gets in the driver seat and the others all pile into the back.

The robot in the driver seat did a double take as he saw her crying. He looked concerned, but gave a softer look. His face still stressed looking and deeply etched with wrinkles and marks but... His gaze, soft. "There's uhm... There's some tissues in the glovebox... Some caramels too if you uhm, want something to distract yourself..." He offered quietly. He wasn't the best at comforting. Hell, any of the ****ers in the back of the van would be doing a much better job. Onyx was gentle- even if mean at first, Nate was kind, Soot was motherly and reassuring, And Daukius... Was just kinda Daukius. He never stuck around people he was close to enough to need to know how to comfort them, not for a long while now, so he just forgot how.

The older robot's hands tensed around the steering wheel. He's dogshit at reassuring words. Or kind words. Or gentle words. He drives on, but quietly makes an attempt, in a soft-spoken voice saying, "You were very brave back there, and in our first encounter. You did good. Trust me, we have your back."

Daukius glanced at her, noticing her calming down a bit and nodded. "Mhm, the glovebox compartment in front of ya has a few left I think." He sighed under his breath, glad the girl had calmed slightly. What a day.

Daukius tensed slightly. Hands touching. Ew. Ewewew. No matter how nice this girl was he wasn't too keen on setting off his issues. He tried to politely reason- "Well we're nearly there and-" He looked at her and felt guilty. She'd gone through a lot, he could push past some mild sensory discomfort if it meant making the girl more accustomed to her surroundings and feelings a little safer. He sighed and took a large calloused hand off the wheel, offering it to her.

Daukius sighed, giving her hand a light squeeze as he steered, coming close to their destination as the rolled further and further into a dingier part of the city. “It’s not a problem.” SHE JUST ATE ALL OF THEM??))

Soon enough the van goes through a dark underground tunnel. There’s a moment of almost pitch black before they see daylight again. An abandoned housing complex, walled up by towering high concrete slabs all around. They park under an unsuspecting building, visibly as run down as the others from the outside. They hardly lived here? Daukius gently shook his hand from the girls, as if he was doing operation by trying to be so gentle and I unharming- very uncharacteristic- before opening his door and stepping out. The others in the back climbed out too, the thinnest looking particularly shaken. “I hate- I hate rides in the back-“ He stammered, getting a hearty pat on the back from the ginger lady which only resulted in him hunching over and coughing up some bile. Daukius grimaced and gestured for the girl to look away. He glanced at whatever face she pulled at that and reassured, “He always does that, he’ll live.”

While Onyx was being picked up by Soot, Nate gave Karma a gentle wave, just glad the frail girl survived. He turned and helped the lankier boy to his feet properly, muttering something to him that earned a smack over the back of his head, but it didn’t affect him much, just making him laugh as he hauled the thinner man along, Soot walking behind. Daukius led the group, and Karma, into the building and up a few flights of stairs. The entire place was damp and mossy and mouldy, with wild nests and vegetation peeking through cracks in the walls and floors of the almost entirely concrete complex.

CALM DOWN- BACK I SAY BACK 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️)) “Like I said, I got jobs to offer for you and I’m sure either way you’d be a good help. Don’t worry about it.” Daukius said simply, idly lighting up a cigar as the group continued up the stairwell and huffing quietly. The three behind them were mumbling something amongst each other, but it was unaudible to the two ahead.

CALM YOURSELF YOU CREATURE)) Daukius waved his cigar idly as he exhaled a drag he took prior. “Well you got with us, which would land you well hidden and protected but you’d have to pull your weight in a gang of criminals- or I could always see if my uhm…” He paused momentarily, coming up with a good word. “Celebrity connection. Requires a new assistant. A cushy easy life. Wether he needs one or not, he’s not one to turn down such a charity case and someone to blab to.” A laugh calls out from behind them as the suited lady snorts “‘Celebrity connection’ my ass. Aren’t you a littlest old to get shy over having a- dare I say, boyfriend?-“ She laughed heartily again, even making the other two men snicker a bit as Daukius rolled his eyes and blushed, grumbling something to himself as he bit down on his cigar.

THEYRE ALL LOSERS👹👹)) Daukius huffed, turning to karma, his voice softening again as he says, “Well, you can stay for the night without any ties if you need some time to think.” The 5 walk in silence for a time. The three in the back are still muttering to each other, although Karma can Catch the other woman ask the two, “dyou think she’ll manage with the others? Tex will be fine, he’s quiet and stays out the way but Comics a hyper child and Alex… is a hyper adult-“

HELP WHY IS THAT SO SPECIFIC??)) The woman turned to her, and looked at her curiously. “Mhm. Three. Or two and half if you’re counting the kid. Although then again us right now would be a group of four considering you and Daukius probably only add up to halves.” And audible groan could be heard from the man waking ahead as the lady chuckled before going on, “One minds his business. Not a bother. The other two… quite friendly. Although then again maybe they’ll restrain themselves meeting you. Afterall, Nate’s been awful quiet and he’s usually roped in with the rowdier ones.” She elbowed Nate who gave a little hum and just looked at his feet and blushed slightly in embarrassment for being called out on his usual antics.

They’re going to explode in the microwave 💔💔💔 Nate prolly also smells like 1542 in one shower gel😔)) The group paused but all gave their own form of polite acknowledgement, wether it be genuine or the akward attempt at a polite smile Onyx was doing. They all spoke, the ginger first smiling as she said “Name’s Soot. Pleasure to meet ya Karma.” The thinnedt just awkwardly mutters, “Onyx.” And the tallest smiles, “Nate.” Daukius had already walked ahead but the two knew each others names already by this point. Finally they reached what seemed to be the correct landing.

Soot walked to the front of the group, opening a door. The building still didn’t look promising until they got inside, where it looked like a completely normal and well kept furnished home, with a small kitchen and living room from where you stepped in the front door, and several bedrooms across a long hall that took up the rest of the apartment. “We’re back!” Soot called, but the previously mentioned Tex, Comic nor Alex did nit answer. Instead a gentle voice from the kitchen. “Back so soon dear? Is the girl alright?” Out strode a simply dressed taller woman of about 6ft, wearing a white shirt and a long mustard coloured skirt that complimented her wild and puffy pale lavender hair. Soot immediately ran up to her and gave her a quick peck on the cheek, humming, “She got here safe. Best get her settled.”

“Nate can you help with dinner?” The woman asked. Nate nodded and responded with “‘Course Ivy!” And went into the kitchen to help her cook. Soot walked in too, just for an excuse to sit around and chat with her fiance. Onyx and Daukius both kind of stood in the sitting room/entryway to the house. Neither were the best talkers but at least Daukius felt enough pity to make an attempt. Onyx just kept his distance.

Daukius, not only wanting to not smother the girl by being the only one talking to her as much, sat down on the sofa and whilst flicking on the TV, spoke, “Oi Princey, why don’t ya make yourself useful and help Karma with the spare room? She can stay there on the air mattress for the night if you move out some of the boxes.” Onyx huffed something under his breath as he was given a chore, but was too awkward about ‘looking bad in front of guests’ to really oppose.’ He looked to the girl and nodded, a silent ask for her to follow him as he walked up the hall.

Onyx just kept quiet, not one to be keen on strangers either. Especially little weirdos who kept smiling. Smiles always freaked him out anyways. He tapped the pads of his fingertips against each other in a rythmic pattern as they entered the room. A small room, filled mostly with unused furniture and cardboard and plastic boxes. “I’ll- I’ll get the chairs, you can get the- the smaller boxes. Anything you can carry just stack in the hall.” His voice was almost constantly annoyed and stressed sounding at its edges- wether he was actually or not- even if he had a soft spoken tone and posh accent.

Onyx just hates people man or he’s just gonna come off really know it all and giddy about. Idk ranting about nerd shit 😭)) Onyx made an attempt at the furniture littered about the room. Difficult considering he too had an agility over strength build and wasn’t particularly good moving anything at all, that was moreso Nate’s job. And yet he still struggled trying to yank a dresser out of the room, scuffing his shoes against the floor in an attempt to get some sort of leverage until his thin arms gave way and he just stood there for a moment questioning what to do.

((HELP)) He blushed in embarrassment at his own… patheticness. And when offered help he drummed his fingers on the surface of the dresser and opened his mouth to speak, before closing it and taking a pause before trying to speak again, managing a curt, “I- Fine.”

((He’s just a little weirdo 💔)) “At least we uhm, did something?” Onyx sighed and looked down the end of the hallway, calling “uhm… Daukius? Can you- can you help with the furniture?…” which from the end of the hall earned a very long, dramatic and drawn out groan of annoyance and the sound of someone settled in watching tv getting up off the sofa.

Onyx flinched slightly at being spoken to but managed a small smile. “You’re welcome.” He said, looking away but seeming relatively pleased with himself. The eldest of the gang appeared and huffed at the dresser. And dragged it out with ease. “There. You’re welcome both of you.” Daukius eyerolled and immediately walked off to return to his tv.

Onyx glanced at the damages but knew better than to question. Hell, he’d flew off the handle at Nate a few times when questioned about his own scars and bruises. It would be hypocritical to intrude now. “Of course, of course,” He nodded, moving to quickly get into the room and finish. In his hasted he ended up trying and failing to step over a broken chair and absolutely eating shit by falling flat on his arse. He quickly got up and brushed himself off. He was then just dead silent and buried his face into some box he began sorting out. I love writing him as a complete boyfailure it’s so funny))

He is pathetic 🫡🫡🫡)) Onyx shuffled eeeeverr so slightly away from her when she neared. He cleared his throat as he curt,y answered, “I uhm. Just records. I don’t think I can throw them out, they aren’t mine…”

He will die 💔)) He fidgeted slightly but stopped himself from shoving himself into the wall, and glanced at her curiously. “They’re uhm- they’re Nate’s I believe.” He stated simply, now kind of stuck looking at records. He didn’t need to sort them, he did that initially to avoid Karma and yet now he was sort of stuck.

HIM??? OF ALL PEOPLE???)) Onyx put down one of the unmarked records and gave her an incredulous look. He just sat there for a moment, taking a couple blinks. "P-pardon?"

Onyx blushed akwardly at being called 'pretty' but cleared his throat and tried to just be factual. Maybe the girl was a bit of a ditz, he couldn't be too rude. Seemed like the sensitive type. "Well I'm uhm, a pureblue... A crystalline, obviously- sure- surely you've seen a crystalline? Yes?- no?-" He raised an eyebrow and drummed his fingertips together inquisitively. Even if she lived about up somewhere where there wasn't that many surely she'd seen at least some? Hell, the species was pretty upper class. Onyx reminded himself not to judge to harshly.

He looked at the girl curiously, still really ****ing confused as to how she missed out on an entire genre of people, but then again who knew how bad her captive situation is. He let himself feel a little proud of his appearance, a slight smirk on his face as he said, "Well I-I suppose it is the most noble and, dare I day- flattering hue." He looked extremely smug, but also a little on edge. Although he doubted this girl would care he was the supposedly recently declared dead king of an empire, he wasn't really too in the mood to explain that whole shabang or- just in case- if she took the information negatively. You can never be too careful.

He raised an eyebrow, grabbing the box of records and putting it on one of the few shelves at the sides of the room. "Interesting how?" He asked, wondering if this was some sort of backhanded compliment or something genuine.

*sauntering out of the door without paying he ran a hand through his scalp, listening as the pained noises echoed through the silence. Rather desensitized to such things his expression remained tired but slightly hardened once turning the corner, dragging his feet through a puddle of what he’d only hope to be water he laid his golden eyes on the two in the dim lighting, leaving his brows to slightly furrow at the rather grim sight* having fun? *he called out from the opposite end*

*his eyes studied the little lady for a moment, slightly tugging his black gloves further up his wrist. There was a pang of empathy in his chest which he hated so his eyes shut for a moment cursing under his breath before opening them again to Dante with an answer returning the sarcasm* As fun as that sounds I’ll have to pass pal. Especially if it’s over something as petty as a spilled drink. *he squinted with disgust aimed toward him, the thought crossed his mind to turn him into gold but he wasn’t fond of that method besides it’d be as dramatic as this situation was but he’d use other ways if necessary* didn’t your mama ever teach you not to hit other kiddies?

*his brows slightly raised at the instant the noise hit the air, he stepped forward his expression darkening at his reply* I can see that much but you should’ve kept it to yourself. I’m not asking for a fight I just want you to quit causing a scene, you’re wrecking the mood.

*he didn’t smile back but the look he gave the woman wasn’t a harsh one either, more...bothered. It wasn’t really about his coffee when he finally had a day off about the way he acted toward her despite him being a stranger imposing on their business, he guessed it was just pity* and get those anger issues looked at too while you’re at it. *he added stepping aside a fair amount and watching as the couple started on their exit*

(Forgive me dear Karma- mafia man will come back for you I promise.😭😭 I apologize for cutting this short the exhaustion is getting to me.) *his eyes followed them as they did leaving himself glaring at where they had been moments before, wishing he could’ve done more for the woman but who was he to? and better yet if he was nosey again what would he do after? It was a thought to ponder but hopefully it wouldn’t linger with him for too long, same with her face. Would he even be better than that man..? Then it dawned on him in his dreary silence, he forgot to pay for his coffee and he’d forgotten amidst the tense situation...maybe he should take care of that*

Thank you..👍) *Midas was there at the fairly well hidden cafe almost everyday for a brief visit to pick up a drink before heading to work, he had to admit it was a hidden gem with the contents and just the ambience that seemed cosy despite how it looked from the outside...A bonus was not many people came in, it was perfect...well almost perfect. That day he ended up lingering a bit longer than usual due to him spilling a drink stupidly, he quickly moved away his files grumbling as he rubbed the bridge of his nose before going to ask the staff for extra napkins and hopefully another coffee, to go this time. As he cleaned the mess he heard the two enter so he had a glimpse toward the door without much thought only to see the couple, it made his eyes narrow once getting a better look then turned to continue cleaning but a lot slower, he had noticed she looked in a worst shape than last time and it made the excuse of him just being a stranger feel a lot more flimsy which to be frank slightly pissed him off*

Joins you because you are—) *once he finished cleaning up the spilled coffee, his eyes traveled to Dante who was busy ordering. And so he took the chance to stroll by her specifically to head for the trash with the excuse throwing away the coffee soaked napkins. Just because things were peachy now didn’t put him at ease, the fact that everyone seemed relaxed gave him a brief moment of second thoughts but the peace felt more off to him albeit only seeing this couple once. When he was close enough to her his pace slowed, his eyes lowering to her with a grave expression*

*at her kind gesture the man felt a bang of guilt in his chest for not being able to do anything the last time, it was clear he definitely needed to do something. But just before he could resume his walk to the trash can he had his pants watered like daisies, and just before work too. If it wasn’t for the situation he would’ve blown a gasket, he just sucked air through his clenched teeth with a tense figure. His tone was shaky, letting her off* no- I mean- it’s...F-Fine. I’d.. *he huffed, his voice going lower as he watched her get up. Perhaps this was a good thing* ...appreciate it. Lets be quick before your boyfriend comes back, he doesn’t seem too friendly.

Ofc we are. 😎)

*he readily followed her with no hesitation, his eyes cautiously darting around until they entered the bathroom. Once in he watched her seize multiple napkins into her hand and make her way back over. Before he could protest she was already at his pants but he didn’t move away, he only watched her silently with empathy her situation hitting too close to home despite the obvious differences. After a moment he sighed finally understanding and kneeled in front of her putting a hand on her shoulder, ah...how was he going to pull this off* no, no you did well miss- thank you for..that. What’s more important is if your doing alright. Do you need help?

*he gently patted her shoulder, Midas saw her pause and grew confused but now wasn’t the time for pondering and what not. They couldn’t be there all day so his questions had to be put on hold and he had to think quickly. He couldn’t call the cops because well- he was a criminal and he couldn’t quite run off with her then and there but hey at least they were getting somewhere. He gruffly sighed* what’s your name, darling?

Karma huh...its a pleasure to meet ya. I'm eh, call me Midas.*he slowly revealed in a deliberate yet gentle manner trying to keep away the hesitation, normally he only permitted people to use his last name but I suppose now was the only exception for the sake of her comfort. Managing a small yet awkward smile in the situation before his hand had left her shoulder* well...Karma, if I'm being honest here I wont be able to run off with you on the spot, unfortunately. Nor can I call the police because..- *he stopped himself from going any further and physically waved off the reasoning not wanting to potentially scare her off* ..but I do have something else in mind so I need you to help me out for this to work, yeah?

*he gave a slow nod, his voice becoming more hushed not wanting to risk anything with how much the bathroom echoed* thank you...it’s just a little bit of acting so your boyfriend doesn’t catch on. When we leave we need to go back to our respective tables as if nothing happened. I’ll write my number on a napkin and I’ll come and give it to you, don’t give off any hints that it was planned. *he stood up from his position with a grunt and held out a hand to help her up as well* From there we can just go on with our days, if you’re in any danger anytime then call me and I’ll come. Sound like a plan?

ALRIGHT i may as well write somethin. might not be a quick reply btw. her name's Jess, there's her ref --> -- Jess frowns as she watches, taking a small sip of her hot chocolate. 'that poor girl,' she thinks to herself. she should do something. so, she stands up and walks over. "is everything alright over here?" Jess asks, voice soft.

Jess looks from Dante, to Karma, and back again. "are you sure? do you need help?" she asks Karma softly, a worried expression on her face. she glances up at Dante, slightly intimidated by the stronger looking man.

"no problem.." Jess replies, trailing off. her gaze flicks to Dante's hand on Karma's wrist. it's a really tight grip, she notices. she has a bad feeling about this, so she keeps a eye on the couple as they walk out the door.

Jess's eyebrows raise when she hears the yelp. she gets up and quickly leaves the cafe, trying to find where the noise had come from. she glances at the alley. jesus christ, what on earth was that man doing? "hey, uh.. the hell are you doing, man?"

"well, she looks, um.. hurt." Jess murmurs. "i'm just concerned-"

Jess's eyebrows furrow in concern. "that's practically water! here," she digs in her purse and pulls out a granola bar, gently pressing it into the woman's hand. "here. you should eat something." she glances at the man, and takes a small step back. "just.. be careful, yeah?"

Jess gives a slight nod. she's still worried, but she also knows that that man could probably snap her in half like a twig if he wanted to, and she'd like to avoid that fate.

Jess leaves, leaving the two to their business. she wonders what on earth was going on with them.. she hopes that the woman will be alright.

[lol its fine!] Jess goes back into the cafe, and sits back down. she glances out the window from time to time, seeing if she can spot the people from earlier. she always has been a bit too nosy when it came to other people's business.

[ragh me neither 😭]

Cheering and blowing up Uh alr I'll use them https://toyhou.se/20195611.asnisa (They use She/They pronouns btw) -Asnisa placed their back down onto the table, a sigh escaping them. Their eyes followed the two as they thought about what to do. If they called the authorities, they'd probably be long gone by the time they would arrive. Following them may be the best choice if Asnisa wanted to help the girl though. With a grumble she placed the change on the table for the unfinished coffee and stood up , heading towards the doors.-

IKR I LOVE THEM)) -They were able to follow them due to their enhanced sense of smell, (because why not) quickly being able to find the rather gloomy alley. They stopped at the corner, already called herself an idiot for what she was about to do-

-Asnisa sighed and stepped around the corner, automatically shooting a cold glare at the hellhound."Is something wrong here? Or is this how you decide to treat a lady?" They asked in bitter tone.

They caught onto the sign pretty quickly however replied with a shake of their head before walking towards the man , having to glare up at him due to being a bit shorter. "Well?" They asked again.

She raised an eyebrow and sniffed "Really? I think the moment you drew all of that unnecessary attention to you and her in the cafe, it became my business," They said with crossed arms.

-They glanced at karma and sighed. "You aren't a very sincere person are you," They asked rhetorically and turned to karma, their eyes narrowed carefully and non-threateningly as they tried to spot any serious injuries-

HELP IM RUNNING OUT OF IDEAS)) -They raised their hands as if offended "Listen man, I'm not the one who laid their hands on anyone else," She said with mock surprise-

Plotting..)) "Yet her face says otherwise," They said, referring to the bruises that marked her skin-

-They blinked in disbelief, how could she be defending the very same person who injured her? They face palmed lightly and sighed before looking at Dante again. Honestly, this was a tough spot to be in.-

-Asnisa's eyes softened and she crouched to be eye level with karma. "Be honest with me, does he hurt you often?" They asked suddenly.-

Nobody's gonna know--They're gonna know /ref)) -They narrowed their eyes and gave the smallest of nods before glaring at Dante discreetly and gently pulling karma further away from him-

I'm thinking of something so dumb rn that may not work but it might actually be Asnisa's only choice😭ll

It includes that so that's good enough for me!)) -Asnisa took a deep breath and glared heavily at him before throwing a fist forward and punching him, full force in the face ((I apologize Dante)) and pulling karma out of his grip , bringing her out of the alleyway-

-They made it out of the alley and Asnisa thought quickly, recalling the route to a nearby mall and quickly headed in that direction, hoping to be lost on the quickly forming crowds that would begin to rise the closer they got to the more popular area.-

-Quicker than expected, they made it to the mall. Asnisa slowed as crowds began to form and sighed after catching their breath. "That was the dumbest decision I could've ever made," Shs grumbled to herself.