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Darkseeker
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Crew sprinted up the stairs, already dreading the sight that was about to meet his eyes. He carefully pushed open his sister's bedroom door, and he flinched. Kennedy was yanking Drew's blonde curls, and Drew was trying to bite Kennedy's arms. They were both screaming horrid things at each other, and Crew could hear his father starting to get even more frustrated. He snatched his cousin back, quickly disentangling fingers from hair, and shushing them as best he could. Both girls glowered at him, upset that they hadn't been able to sort out their feelings by themselves. Crew matched their glares, unwilling to be budged on his role as peacemaker.
"Are you crazy?" This was directed at Kennedy. "You know dad will go absolutely insane if you keep fighting. Do you not remember last summer? You were almost disowned, Miss Kennedy Caroline. It's bad enough that last night he didn't get back until almost four AM, and mum still expects him up at six. No wonder you screeching like a pair of banshees set him off." Crew's words were firm, but he was doing his best to not be hurtful. He knew neither of them were trying to get each other in trouble. No one slept well when Mr. Sinclair had late night business to attend to. Thankfully, Drew left the room a moment later, still in a huff, but nothing Crew couldn't smooth out later with an iced coffee and after the meds had all kicked in. For both of them. He sighed, turning back to Kennedy, who was sulking on the huge bed. Her whole rooms were done in icy blue, reminiscent of a winter's day, and her bedspread was no different. However, at this time, it lay crumpled at the end of her bed, the crisp white sheets all that were showing. He sighed, and walked over to sit next to her. Crew hated that he was the one who had to do feelings with his sisters. So far, with Kennedy, he'd done school drama, he'd done boy drama, and he'd done parental drama, and he was dreading Clementine being old enough to need someone, because he knew Kennedy wasn't going to be the one who could help her through it. She was far too focused on her own goals and ideals for that. He gave her space, but a moment later, she leaned against his shoulder, and he relaxed.
"Tell me what's going on?" He asked softly, not wanting to push her into talking. Kennedy took a deep breath, and promptly burst into tears. Crew winced internally, but wrapped his arms around her, waiting.
"It's dad," she sobbed. "I'm worried for him. He's been coming back with more and more blood on his shirts, and he's been getting threatening phone calls, and mummy is starting to deal with stuff in her job too. But still, they never find time for us. It's like, they wanted something to show off, so they had a baby, and then a few more. And they show us off like a necklace, or a purse, and then we get home, and they hide us away in a closet." Crew waited another moment, making sure she was done, at least for now. She seemed to be, so he gave her his best bittersweet smile. "I know, Dee-Dee. Life isn't fair sometimes. You're one of the richest people in the world, but you're not happy? How does that work?" He teased. "Look. We'll all go out later, okay? It means a little extra work for us, with the paparazzi and all, but it'll be good. Who's that boy you're dating? He can come too. And Drew can stay here and hold down the fort."
He hated to throw his cousin under the bus like that, but close family would come first always. Kennedy's spirits had been bolstered, and she sat up.
"Okay. Is Capri going to come to?"
Crew paused at the mention of the pretty Italian girl he was supposedly dating.
"Um...don't tell mum, but we broke up..."
Kennedy gasped. "Why?"
"You knew we were only stunting," Crew said defensively. "She got mad that I was...exploring other options?"
Kennedy slapped him.
"I can't believe you. A pretty girl is willing to date you, and you still find a way to blow it."
He shrugged. "It's irrelevant. Come on. Get ready to go out for lunch." He patted her shoulder, and walked briskly to the door, pulling it open, where he was startled to be met with the maid he'd helped earlier.
His cheerful smile dropped slightly, the corners of his full lips turning down.
"You wouldn't have possibly been eavesdropping, would you?" He said coolly. |
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(Now realizing I got Liane in a bit of a pickle because that was not at all the route I expected things to go XD.)) Staring at the back of the door, she could still be muttering to herself whether this was a good idea or not. Maybe she could try to push out when things quieten down and they wouldn't notice? She could hear Crew talking to his sisters, she presumed. She actually didn't know how everyone was related, just that they were. She could also hear the agruing of two girls, but everything was rather muffled. Only being able to collect bits and peices, especially after one of the girls and it sounded like just Crew and one of the girls. She could hear sobbing, her hand eased onto the handle, like she wanted to turn it, just couldn't will herself to do it. Then what she heard next caused her to stop dead in her tracks. Of all the peices she managed to snag from their conversation, how did it manage to be that one? 'He's been coming back with more and more blood on his shirts' Her mind flicked back to the load of laundry she just started. That shirt... that wasn't a design. That was the shirt Mr. Sinclair came home in last night. Her stomach dropped and she felt sick. Did she just agree to clean up after criminals? Taking a step back she scrambled to grab her phone, unsure what she was supposed to do so her mind panicked and made her check the timer on her phone. You know when you get startled by something and don't know what to do with your hands? Yeah, that's what happened. But about that time, the door was pulled open, startling Liane only that much more. Crew stood in the doorway. The unsureness, but equally as ominous look on his face caused Liane to immediately brace herself for a quick getaway. Her heart was racing, but she had to play it cool. She could feel her anxiety welling up but she had to act like how she's had to do forever: fine. "Mr. Sinclair...err Crew. I apologize for how this looks, but I promise I only heard about you inviting...Miss Sinclair?" She arched a brow with the question. Her poker face could be considered near perfection, as long as he couldn't tell how much she was sweating and how pale she was. On a lunch date, oh and something about... Caprisun?" she tilted her head with a finger placed on her chin as if asking a question. Learning how to lie was apart of the customer service job. "I'm so sorry about that wait on those fajitas, we were really busy this morning and they had to prep some more fajita meat." (knowing fully well She forgot to ring them in.) "But I was coming up stairs to do some cleaning while I wait for the timer on the laundry to go off." She continued with a normal expression now, holding up her phone to show the timer ticking down. "51 minutes" Slipping her phone back into her pocket, she fixated her amber gaze back on his. As if awaiting a response, only for the phone she just placed back in her pocket to start buzzing. With an annoyed expression Liane glanced down to check her phone only to see the words: "KARA" writting on the screen. Her eyes went wide and she clutched the phone in her hand, "I am... I am so sorry...Please, I have to take this, it's my mom, something could be wrong." she stammered her words out as her hands began shaking. She had to get away, her eyes frantically searching for any escape route. She couldn't go back down because there was no service, and she didn't want to just push Crew out of the way. Sure, he might be a criminal but he's been nice so far. Besides, she needed this job right? Maybe it's just a misunderstanding. |
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Darkseeker
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Crew's eyes only darkened further at her attempt to cover, but didn't say anything, watching her do her best to make it seem alright. She waved her phone in his face, but he could barely see it with how quickly she snatched it back as the screen flashed to a call. She seemed desperate to take it, and he raised an eyebrow, his gaze icy cold.
"Take it. I don't care. I didn't hire you."
He pushed past her, heading down the hallway, shaking his head. It always happened this way. No one ever actually wanted to be a maid for the Sinclairs. All of it came down to the pay, and the fact that most girls would kill for a little bit of gossip, especially from a family like Crew's. Either that, or they wanted to get a chance at him or his father. Taft was still too young, thankfully. Most of the maids were fired after the first week, and the others quit because of all the stipulations about what they could and couldn't talk about. Crew rolled his eyes, pausing beside a large family portrait. He ran his fingers down the edge, and triggered a tiny latch, and the picture swung forward, revealing a small passage. That was the best part about the Boston Home. It was full of secret passages, hidden rooms, and other various secrets and treasures. Crew stepped into the cramped little passage, and made his way down a small flight of steps. On all the walls were more portraits, most of them done of the early Sinclair men and their wives. Finally, Crew pushed open another portrait, this one of Dixie, which led into his own sprawling bedroom. The dogs were all there, Goose and Dixie playing on his bed, and he winced. The maids hated it when he let the dogs on his bed, they often made a mess with their dirty paws and fluffs of hair. He wandered to his closet, and was going to pick something horrendous to wear, just to annoy his sister, but decided against it, going with his usual attire of designer jeans and a button down with half the buttons undone. To be a bit of a help, he stripped the sheets off his bed, and left them in a neat pile next to the door to grab later. He didn't normally sleep at the Boston House anyways, so if the maids didn't get sheets back on that night, it probably won't be a problem. Once he was finished getting ready, he picked up the sheets, and headed down to the laundry room, starting a new load in the auxiliary washer, and headed up to face his father. Crew normally would've just told his mother what they were doing, but at a time like this, bringing up Kennedy's concerns might warrant a moment of rare affection from their father to her. He took the normal staircases this time, and paused in front of his dad's office door. He could hear voices inside, and knew better than to knock during one of his meetings. Instead, he waited patiently outside, doing his best to eavesdrop but not enough that he would get caught if his father tried to test him on something. "That's what I said," Preston was saying. "He's gotta go, whatever it takes. I can keep it off the police radar. Nothing too bloody though."
Crew grimaced. Hearing about his father's...job wasn't something he loved, especially the gory details. Thankfully, they seemed to be wrapping it up, and Crew moved a respectful distance away from the door. Two men, tall and brooding, exited the office, and stalked towards the door. Crew caught a glimpse of the brass knuckles hiding under the guise of rings. Thankfully, they headed out, and disappeared into the foggy morning. Crew knocked on the door, and heard a terse response, and carefully walked in, ready to risk his skin. His father, surprisingly, seemed in a rather genial mood, and offered his son a cheerful look. Bile rose in Crew's throat, his dad was only ever that happy after making an absolutely disgusting plan. Still, he knew he had to bring up his sister, so he returned the smile.
"Dad? Kennedy is...she's really been worrying about you," he said carefully. "She'd love to see you? Maybe hang out with you for a bit? I know you're super busy-"
Preston cut him off.
"I understand, Crew," he said gently. "I'll talk to her this evening, at dinner. We will *all* dine together tonight." Crew was happy enough with the response and nodded, thanking his father, and exited the office as quickly as possible before hurrying down to the back entrance, waiting for his sister. |
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Liane almost paused as soon as she stepped away, to go back and apologize to Crew but then that would mean admitting she was eavesdropping. Would that be the best course? Explain what she heard and try to explain the only reason she was worried was because of the shirt she found and how they confirmed Mr. Sinclair was up to some shady stuff. Maybe it was just their father? Did they know anything about it? Her mind whirled with questions, some about her mom, some about Crew, some about Mr. Sinclair, but as soon as she stepped foot outside the front door and put the phone to her ear all she could get out was: "KARA?! What's wrong? Did something happen?!" She blurted it out as she paced back and forth. Are you normal if you don't pace when on the phone? A familiar and soothing voice responded, "She's fine Liane. This call concerns you." Liane clutched herself with her other arm as she walked back and forth in tiny lines. The chill from this morning had not subsided, if anything it now felt like a storm was starting to brew. The sky was still dark, despite almost being midday, and the moisture in the air seemed to have increased. "I'm not sure what you mean?" Liane responeded. "You have my phone number down as your emergency contact for any job, correct?" Kara didn't raise her voice, and her tone was always cool and collected so it was often hard to tell how she was feeling. "Umm... yeah?" Liane hesitantly responded. Kara had told her before it was okay for Liane to put her as an emergency contact since her mom wasn't in the state to be it. "I received two very interesting phone calls today. One from Marie's stating you walked out. Then another from a Dorian, who informed me you were working for the Sinclair family now, is that correct?" Liane hated it when she did this. Speaking to her like she was in trouble but wanted her to admit she was in trouble. "Yes. That is correct. I could not stand the management at Marie's anymore, and I overhead a conversation the Sinclair's were hiring and they offered me a job. I'm making good money and they offered a place for me to stay so I don't have to renew my lease in that little apartment." Liane spoke back almost matter of factly. Why was she defending this family? She's been here for half a day. Liane rubbed her forehead with her free hand. Just yesterday she was tending to her plants and eating what little dinner she could stomach and dreading going into Marie's. Now she's some kind of house nanny for potential criminals? She was complaining her life had been boring, guess this is the universe's way of flipping her off now. Kara was quiet for moment. As if calculating her next words carefully. "I am going to be sending someone by to check on you in the next few days. Be careful." was all she said before hanging up the phone. Liane stared at the blank screen of the phone after the sound of Kara hanging up and ending the conversation. What just happened? Kara had never acted this way anytime she started another job, much less called. Usually it was just a quick text to affirm the correct information. Liane checked the timer she had set as she put her phone back in her pocket. Sucking in a breath as she prepared herself for whatever wrath was going to come down upon her. After all, Liane might mess up sometimes, but she normally takes accountability for her actions. Keyword is normally. Allowing herself back into the home, she glanced around. Maybe she could just try to hurry and get busy with something. Her timer still lacked 45 minutes, so she went ahead to finish the living room area she had started. The seating area had already been cleaned, so she just went about straightening up the decorations on shelves and tabletops and began sweeping the floor. Just do your job, keep your head down, and avoid contact with anyone unless they speak to you. She kept reminding herself. This was the best course. What did she expect? She'd be friends with them? No, they are from an entirely different world than yours, all they care about is their precious money and reputation. But she still couldn't get the expression of Crew's face from her head. She had just expected him to disregard her completely, pretty much acting like she didn't exist. But for some reason stomaching the fact he was upset with her was worse than that. But what was she supposed to do? Would it be considered unproffesional to apologize? Her brow furrowed with frustration as she argued with herself, completely losing awareness of her surroundings as she cleaned. |
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Darkseeker
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Twenty minutes had passed by, and Crew was getting impatient and bored. The most interesting thing that had happened was watching a fly attempt to go through a closed window, and since that had been so entertaining to him, he was starting to worry about his mental state. He chewed absentmindedly on his bottom lip, staring at the high, vaulted ceiling in the entryway, considering going in search of his sister, but he wanted to give her some time to get ready. Just because it only took him ten minutes to get ready didn't mean that she could also only take a few. He tapped his foot, wishing that she would hurry up, and was starting to head down the hall when he heard footsteps. Assuming it was Kennedy, he decided to just wait in the hall, but to his dismay, it was Drew, looking like she'd just fought a battle with her bedsheets and lost. He tried to sound nonchalant about what he was doing, but she easily figured out that he was leaving. She sighed, and patted his shoulder.
"Oh well. Maybe take me next time. I don't even know where my mom is, and my dad is dead."
"Yeah, yeah," Crew responded genially, his tone gentle. "But Kennedy needs this." Drew wandered off in search of the dogs, and left her older cousin bored and alone again. Thankfully, another person came along to entertain him; however, little did he know that it was about to ruin his whole day. Mrs. Sinclair breezed into the entryway, and frowned when she saw her eldest loitering beside the door.
"Expecting someone?" She asked in her usual, fluttery way.
"No, mum. Waiting on Kennedy. I'm taking her out. She had a rough morning."
Rosamund pinched her pretty pink lips, causing the slight crinkles beside her eyes to deepen. She was clearly upset, and Crew was hoping it wasn't his fault.
"Out shopping? You'll need someone to go with you," she said firmly.
Crew groaned. "Mum, it's fine. I can just carry them for her."
Mrs. Sinclair shook her head vehemently.
"Absolutely not! Not with the cameras that will be everywhere. We can afford to keep a maid, you know."
"Yes, mum, I know. All too well. Please, just let us go? Ivy is busy with Jules, and Margaret and Betty have enough on their plates. Dad needs Dorian to run all the household things, and Luke is supposed to have the day off this afternoon," Crew reminded, hoping to get his mother off his back. Normally she didn't forget they'd hired a new maid for a couple days, but he had hope that with all the turnover and stress in his mother's life, it might slip her mind. Luck was not on his side however, and all he was met with was a glare.
"I hired that new girl this morning. Alli, or something. Take her."
Crew groaned, getting ready to argue even more with his mother, but to no avail, she was set in her decision. Her face told him that if he wasn't going to listen, he would regret it, and he wasn't in the mood for being chastised. Rosamund called the girl, and while she was explaining the situation, Kennedy arrived. She was just as annoyed as her brother that their plans had been changed for the worse. Kennedy hated when she had to be accompanied, and had hoped that her brother would be enough, but it never was. At least her mother hadn't decided they all needed bodyguards yet. Crew was still annoyed when the maid walked into the room, and was still arguing with his mother in a way that wouldn't annoy her to the point of actually getting him in trouble, but the girl's arrival only seemed to cement her decision. Crew scowled, running hand through his blonde locks, his face twisted with dismay. With a huff, he snatched his keys out of his pocket, and gestured for them to go. He unlocked his Range Rover, and they were off. Crew had elected to take his sister to the highest end mall nearby, a sprawling complex full of designer shops and rich kids eager to spend their parents' money. He parked close, still stewing, hands shoved in his back pockets. As they arrived, Kennedy's boyfriend, Maddox, also arrived, and they held hands as they entered the building. Crew rolled his eyes, only half keeping an eye on them. They knew better than to try any risky business, but he wasn't as tetchy about PDA as their parents were. They walked into some designer clothes store, and Crew stared absentmindedly at a shirt display while his sister shopped, happy that her mood Al had peaked. He had also almost forgot about the maid tailing them, and his spirits were slowly rising again. He pretended to be considering some cologne while really eyeing the pretty girl who'd come up to talk to his sister. Maybe the day really was looking up. |
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Liane had barely noticed the Sinclair's in the same room as her. Mindlessly finishing her cleaning as she pondered on the questions spinning around in her head. When finally, "Miss?" A polite voice interrupted her inner monologue and she turned to look at who grabbed her attention. Mrs. Sinclair, the mom. She explained that Crew and Kennedy were going to the mall, and none of the staff could be spared to accompany them to help them, and keep an eye on them. Liane's mouth dropped open slightly. Avoid them she said. It would be easy she said. Knowing she couldn't deny Mrs. Sinclair, Liane nodded her agreement. Although not very happy she was still clad in a very large deep blue tee, and black leggings, but oh well, standing next to the Sinclair's, who'd notice her? Liane walked over to the siblings she was informed to accompany. Offering a friendly smile but not saying anything. Just stay quiet and this will all be over soon. She had to reassure herself. Once at the mall, Liane almost wanted to turn around right there and walk home. This was a normal mall to them? This is literally a small city? Liane walked a slight ways behind as Kennedy and her boyfriend led the way. Crew a pace behind them, and Liane a pace behind him. What was she even supposed to do? How would a 5'2 female be of any use in any situation where they might be in danger? Is this just the universe's way of saying it absolutely hates Liane Rose Stark. Kennedy eventually settled on a rather fancy store. Sifting through the racks with a pretty smile on her face, her boyfriend always right there with her. A pretty store clerk came up and was speaking to Kennedy but Liane was too far away to hear. Probably talking about how much that designer shirt cost. With a roll of her eyes, she set herself to looking like she was busy near the doorway of the store. Twiddling with a price tag on a peice of clothing. She did keep an eye on them though. They were easy enough to spot. Kennedy still seemed to be enjoying herself, and all Crew was watching was Kennedy, or the store clerk. (Apologies in advance, I could not think of a reasonable enough conflict to force these two stubborn butts to react, so please enjoy this awful and corny scene. And please let me know if you would like for it to be redone. XD) After just a few minutes of Liane trying to do anything to keep herself amused, another worker walked over. A taller and elegant looking lady with sleek hair. "Ma'am. I do apologize but if you are not purchasing something, please find somewhere else to... loiter." the woman hesitated on her words, as if making sure to carefully select them. Liane stared back with a rather annoyed face. Like c'mon, she knows she's in leggings but she's just a maid for goodness sake. She didn't have time to change, geez. Liane clamped her mouth shut as she tried to think of a response. She could yell at this lady, because for one, rude. But if she makes a scene and attracts a lot of attention, that could very well get her fired. Ultimately, Liane had to keep her mouth shut because she needed this job. Weird secret criminals and all. "Yes ma'am. My apologies." she replied back through gritted teeth before wheeling around and moving to stand outside of the store. Walking over to the closest bench she could sit at and still keep an eye on the entrance in case they moved on. "Stupid store. Can't I loiter in peace?" she muttered to herself. Attempting her own sense of humor to try and make light of this situation. With a frown she reminded herself, "I knew this day was going to suck." she grumbled. Pulling out her phone to find something to idle her time with. (I'm so sorry dude. I feel awful this is the only creative thing my brain could come up with. :( |
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Darkseeker
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Crew was doing his best to stay engaged in the moment with his sister, who was dragging out her time in the store. He wanted to talk with the pretty girl next to her, clearly one of her friends, but he didn't want to ruin their time together. He wandered the store, his attention wandering back and forth between various items on the racks, and keeping an eye on the small group beside the dress aisle. It was around this time that he watched one of the sales clerks escort someone out. He was surprised, this was a nice establishment. People knew better than to do anything that might end in them being escorted out. It was then that he realised that it was that new maid, and grimaced. He honestly should've known that with the outfit that had been presented to the girl, she would get removed, especially since she had clearly had no interest in the actual shopping aspect. He sighed, and hurried towards the sales clerk. Without a doubt, somehow it would get back to his mother, and he'd never hear the end of it if he didn't do something. The last thing Crew wanted to do was make a scene, but the sales lady seemed to have other ideas. As soon as he walked up to her, she started flapping her lips, simpering and sweet talking about how amazing it was to have the Sinclairs in her store, and how grateful she was that they had interest in the items they had stocked. Crew was going to let her just run her mouth for a while so he could think up a nicer way to present what he felt he needed to say, but the woman then started carrying on about having riffraff in the store, and his neutral expression shifted into a much less pleasant one.
"Excuse me," he said coldly. "But that girl that you just so rudely escorted from this establishment is actually employed by my mother."
The woman seemed very put out by that statement, probably terrified that her life was now in danger, thanks to what very little people knew about Preston Sinclair, and she started apologizing profusely. Not wanting to wait around while she came up with excuses, Crew grabbed Kennedy's arm, and pulled her from the store. He was glad to see that the pretty girl that she'd been talking with didn't work at the store, and followed them out. Maddox was disgruntled that his girlfriend was being manhandled, but didn't want to get on Crew's bad side when he was already so clearly upset, and Kennedy was being vocal enough about her annoyance at being removed. He rolled his eyes, and pushed her into the next store over.
"Oh, hush. I'll buy you something expensive, just don't shop there anymore."
Kennedy brightened at this, and happily went off into the store to find something for Crew to buy for her, and Maddox hurried after, hoping to stay on her good side. The girl, who Crew now recognized as one of Kennedy's school friends, was staying close to him, which he had no problems with. She was a pretty girl of around twenty with big blue eyes, and blonde hair that fell in a simple butterfly cut around her heart shaped face. Crew entertained himself by seeing how close he could get before she felt the need to put her hands on him, and what phrases he could use to make her blush, but unfortunately, she was already head over heels for him, and it didn't offer as much satisfaction as he had originally hoped for. In the end, he wandered out to where the maid was, in hopes of keeping her from being kicked out of the mall entirely. The maid had found a bench on the side of one of the walls, set beside a small koi pond. He sat down at the far end of the bench, not wanting to intrude into her personal space.
"Sorry you got kicked out," he said, only half meaning it. In the end, he urned his attention back to his phone, and his friends that waited for some amount of attention therein. |
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Liane was occupying herself with a book she was reading on her phone. She preferred the comfort of a physical book, but it was convenient to just read some stuff on her phone. Only glancing up occasionally to make sure she kept track of where the Sinclair's went. Raising a brow in question when she saw Crew practically dragging Kennedy out of the store they were just in followed by Kennedy's boyfriend and the pretty blonde who approached Kennedy. Guess she didn't work there. Must have just been shopping in there and saw her friend and came to say hi. Her gaze traveled after them as Kennedy's attention was quickly deterred by another store. Her expression softened as she watched them go about, behaving like normal siblings. Annoying as it was, Liane didn't mind being here. At least she felt like was involved, in some weird way. Pointing her attention back on her phone once she determined they were stuck at that store for a moment as they all seemed rather preoccupied with whatever task they set for themselves. After perusing through some of her book a voice caused her to jump. Turning with a rather unsure expression on her face as her gaze focused on Crew sitting further down on the bench. Did he just apologize? "Umm... it's not that big of a deal, but thanks?" she worded it almost like a question. How much socially awkward could she get? Clamping her jaw shut, with a slight frown tugging at her lips she looked back to her phone, trying to find the spot she was at. But now she couldn't focus. Continuously side eyeing Crew. Was she supposed to be saying something? She was making this awkward wasn't she? What was she even supposed to do? Why was he here? Hearing a few people giggling rather loudly, her attention was quickly diverted over to them. It looked like a handful of younger girls, young teenagers at best, who were whispering and giggling, then made direct eye contact with Liane. Before she could even get, "Oh sh*t," out, the girls pulled out their phones and began snapping pictures. Probably of Crew but what fun rumors could start if she was included in the picture. "One moment of peace. Is that too much to ask for.." she grumbled as she stood up, tapping Crew on his shoulder to get his attention. "Unless you want to be swarmed by a fanclub, it might be better to get out of dodge." she lowered her voice to speak to him, but still audible to hear. She didn't want to make it known they were running because that seems to only further entice people to be like, "oh I was randomly taking pictures and making them super uncomfortable but it's totally sketchy they didn't want to stand and be photographed. The audacity." Throwing another glance over her shoulder as she had her back turned to them, the girls had stopped taking photos but were clearly discussing what they were doing and had their gazes locked on them, eagarly anticipating their next movies. Don't they have better things to do? Liane halfway rolled her eyes as she looked back forward. They needed a way to warn Kennedy without alerting to them another Sinclair being at the mall, that would surely drive them even more crazy. Trying to casually walk to the store, but not getting too close so they didn't make the connection. Hopefully their attention was locked on Crew. "Umm.. Miss Sinclair? Kennedy?" She whisper yelled as inconspicuously as she could. "Some people spotted your brother, would it help to move to somewhere more concealed?" Liane stepped back once she finished speaking to make it look like she was walking back towards Crew. Looking around for any exit they could use. |
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Crew was throughly occupied with arguing over text with one of his friends about the pros and cons of European football when he first noticed the girls. It was practically a sixth sense for all Sinclairs above twelve: you just started knowing when there were cameras pointed at you. He did his best to ignore it for the moment, not wanting to engage with them, but the maid had noticed. He frowned slightly, and shifted to hide his face further, but the maid and the girls persisted in trying to get his attention.
"Dammit," he muttered, slowly standing up. "It's fine. Tell Dee-Dee, and I'll...do something." The words were slow and measured, and once he was sure the girl was thoroughly out of the way of pictures, Crew stood up, half watching her out of the corner of his eye, needing a bigger distraction. He knew the group of teens would follow the maid, it was only natural for them to want to know more. Unless there was something he could do to make them forget all about it. His eyes wandered to the store, where the pretty blonde girl, Lindley, was looking out, concern painted across her pretty face. He was cheered slightly by the sight, an idea coming to him. He watched as Kennedy bundled herself and Maddox into a dressing room, quickly shutting the door before anyone could catch them, and his jaw tensed. He didn't like not being able to keep an eye on them, but hoped they would keep themselves together. They were in public for heaven's sake. Crew's movements were slow and languid, pretending he hadn't noticed the group of girls more than any other shopper had, and walked towards the store. He hadn't really looked at it before he'd sent his sister inside, and groaned internally as he paused at the doorway. It was a Prada store, which meant he would end up buying a very expensive purse for his sister. No doubt, she was already having a rough morning, and after this, she'd probably need a coffee or something to 'boost her spirits.' That was something Kennedy was good at; making excuses to spend more and more money, but preferably not hers. Thankfully, Taft was quite the adept investor, and enjoyed it too, so for the most part, Crew left his finances in the capable hands of his young cousin. His mother didn't approve of course, but did she ever of his decisions? As he stopped in the doorway, Lindley reached out, clearly concerned. She knew the perils of being vaguely rich and famous, especially in all the time spent with the Sinclairs, so her worry was not in vain. Crew carefully took her hand, leaning down to let his lips brush her ear.
"Please just go along," he murmured.
From the outside, it looked like a simple greeting between two lovers, or possibly a moment of sweet nothings or innuendos. Crew was glad of this. Once they figured out half of what the media saw was stunts, they'd never hear the end of it. Lindley nodded, and Crew deftly spun her around, her light skirt twirling, a move bound to create a sense of romance for the girls watching, phones at the ready. Crew but back a sigh, and carefully kissed her. He was good at stunting, and had learned all the little ins and outs of it. From the angle of the girls, and almost anyone around him, it would look like a passionate kiss on the lips. In truth, his lips barely touched her, and it was only her cheek anyways. The girls squealed so loudly he could hear it halfway across the mall from them, and whispering and giggling, carried on with their shopping. Crew relaxed, and stepped back from the pretty blonde. If someone who knew anything about a real relationship had seen the kiss, they wouldn't have been fooled. Maybe by Lindley's performance, she has played her part well: relaxing into Crew's arms, eyes closed in a look of seemingly calm affection. Crew on the other hand looked vaguely put out, his eyes had been closed, yes, but his posture had been tense and not at all that of a young man in love. However, the group had been fooled, and would leave them alone, at least for now. Crew stepped back, and immediately went to fetch his sister, wiping his lips as he went, even though he hadn't even touched Lindley's. It was the idea surrounding it that bothered him the most, he thought. |
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Neutral
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Liane had managed to slip away from the view of the girls and the phones, but she didn't notice anybody else around her. After retreating to a safe distance, she turned around to watch a rather captivating spectacle. Crew had apparently decided kissing Kennedy's friend was the best idea at the moment. Arching a brow in question as she observed them. Damn, were they actually a couple? Or just really good actors? She thought on the question as she watched them, but she did pick up on a slight rigidness from Crew's end. The pretty blonde practically melted as soon as he grabbed her. Are all rich people this peculiar? Fidgeting with the bottom of her shirt as she averted her attention elsewhere. It felt weird watching a couple kiss like that. She'd had virtually no dating history asides from a few flings here and there during high school but intimacy and affection were very foreign concepts to her. The most she knew about it was from a few movies here and there. As her gaze wandered over the side of the balcony to observe the other end of the mall, someone bumping into her caused her to stumble sideways a step. "Excuse-" she was cut off by someone shushing her. Shoving a peice of paper into her hands before the figure scurried off. It was someone in a hoodie and sweatpants with the hood up and as quickly as they appeared, they disappeared. Liane furrowed her brows as she stared at the direction they went off in before unraveling the paper in her hand. "888-0909 - Gold is a fools game" That was all it said. With a rather confused look on her face Liane folded it back up and slipped the peice of paper into the back of her phone case. Liane didn't care a purse, and the only wallet she had was just a magnetic card holder on her phone as well. So, phonecase doubles as a place to keep stuff she didn't want lost. Looking back up to notice that the girls who had been preoccupied with watching Crew and the pretty blonde, Lindley? She thought that was the name she heard. The spectators seemed content with the show they received and were going along exclaiming the juicy gossip they just got and couldn't wait to show everyone. Liane grimaced slightly. This was going to be on her if Mrs. Sinclair saw that wasn't it? She eventually trudged back over to the store they were all at. "Iss this like a normal shopping outing?" she didn't mean for it come out that sarcastic. Actually, she hadn't intended to really speak at all but it seemed to have just slipped out. Her eyes went wide when she noticed she had said it loud she just sucked her lips into a thin line and hope no one noticed it. "Where did Miss Sinclair...err.. Kennedy go?" she tried to recover with a distraction for Crew. At least one thing she could admire him for is he did care about his family. Probably the only thing they had in common. Folding her arms across her chest, a very unamused look on her face. How much longer would this shopping trip take? Would she have enough time to help set up for this important dinner Mrs. Sinclair kept mentioning? What even was so important about this dinner. Oh crap! The laundry! She had snoozed her timer earlier when they had just arrived at the mall, not thinking about why she had set it in the first place. Great. |
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Summer 
Night Weather: 
Clear Moon: 
