[Dane Wayland]

[nospaces]

I FELT NO GUILT TIL I WAS CAUGHT

and i was told that i was guilty (and even then i wasn't really sure)

[break]

[attr="class","lizardstripe-text"]Dane prided himself on being wily and slippery. Despite his numberless and nameless atrocities, not to mention his "lesser evils", he rarely saw the inside of a holding cell. He'd gone almost a whole year in Los Eurosia without a single catch (though there had been a few close calls). So it was almost ironic (and certainly a bit funny) that his first time being brought to the city's station was because he'd actually been trying to help someone. [break][break]

It'd been well after last call and on his slow stroll back to his apartment. A man had snatched a woman's purse and booked it down an alley. Rather than laughing and being useless, Dane had set Snowcone after him. It'd been a mistake, apparently.[break][break]

She hadn't even hurt him that bad. But the would-be robber had kicked up a pathetic little fuss, fluffed up how he was the bigger victim of the whole thing, and... unfortunately, an over-eager and empathetic cop had been right around the corner. The woman had got her purse back, the whiny thief got an ambulance, and sleepy Dane got hauled into the police station for possession of a dangerous animal. He'd just been one block and two flights of stairs away from falling into his waiting couch, too. He supposed it went to show where "good deeds" got a person. He'd just let the next lady get robbed.[break][break]

Fortunately, Snowcone had gotten his cue to bolt and had disappeared through the streets before the cops could get their grubby hands on her. But still, they insisted they needed proof of her vaccinations. When he said he didn't have any, they had nudged him into a room to await the dog's capture. He could feel her still, out there in the world without him, and had snorted when they warned him they'd put her down if they felt the need. They could try, he supposed. But it'd make for a hell of a surprise. [break][break]

He could unravel her. But it was a particular risk when he didn't know who had eyes on her and while they had him detained. He didn't feel like being questioned about that. [break][break]

Instead, he'd simply plopped himself down in one of the uncomfortable chairs the sparse room had to offer and tried to nap. He wasn't worried about it. These sorts of things just had a way of working themselves out where he was concerned. When they ran him through whatever system they had, however it worked, it would generate some sort of Guild-crafted lie. A name and a life that wasn't his. Nothing to point to or suggest all the other, far worse things he got up to in the night. And someone, somewhere, would be getting pinged about the whole development as soon as he was screened. Even at the ungodly hour that it was, he was half-certain he would be walking out of the precinct by sunrise. Antonio knew better than to leave him in any station too long, lest his son suddenly find himself in a "talkative mood".
[break]

the thing i felt was guilt itself, though maybe it was something else [break]
frustration at the fact that i was ever caught at all

Tag: Ethan Rivers [break]
Woops, this is a wreck lmao. [break]Give me a nudge for any changes!

[newclass=.lizardstripe-text b]color:#1F2F22;font-size:8pt;font-family:Open Sans, sans serif;[/newclass]

[googlefont=Poppins][googlefont=Open Sans]

[Ethan Rivers]

It's the fear that wakes us up
The truth that things are such a mess; Far beyond repair

---

It was an ungodly hour when Ethan woke up to the sound of a phone ringing. He glanced at his nightstand, but his phone wasn’t there. He rolled over and groaned, remembering why his phone wasn’t there. Derek.

Even though Ethan had promised himself he wasn’t going to get back with Derek, the man knew just how to stroke his ego in the right way. He’d texted him that afternoon, claiming to just want to say hey, that he missed them. Ethan didn’t buy it, but still, he messaged him back. Several flirty messages later, and they were at Ethan’s house with a couple bottles of wine, Italian take out, and plans to watch a movie. It didn’t take long for the movie to get ignored.

Ethan slipped out of the bed, neglecting to turn on the light so he didn’t wake Derek. He was looking for his pants when his phone started ringing again. This better be something important, or he was going to be irritated. At least the noise made quick work of locating his phone. He silenced the ringer and glanced back toward the bed. Derek seemed like he was still asleep, so Ethan slipped out into the hallway and looked at his screen, right as it went dark again.

He didn’t even have time to unlock it before a third call was coming through. Alan Rivers showed on the caller ID. Ethan sighed before answering the phone.

”Dad?” More than likely, Alan would be calling about business. Ethan had no concern that this could be a family emergency. If it had been, Alan would have just left a message and moved on. No, he would only call repeatedly like this when he was making a point to get his son’s attention.

”It’s about time you picked up.” Alan’s tone was clipped and irritable, the standard for when Ethan was dealing with him. His father hardly spoke to him aside from when he needed something.

”It’s the middle of the night. I was asleep.” Ethan’s tone was defensive, explaining his side to his father. He took a deep breath. The last thing he needed to do was get into an argument with his father over how long it took him to answer from a dead sleep. ”Not important. What is going on?”

”I need you to get to the police station. Now. I’ve got a problem client who was arrested.” Alan explained.

”A problem client?” Just what he’d expected, of course, leaving the most important part unsaid - a Guild client. ”What am I looking at?”

Ethan listened as his father detailed that this was an important client, son of one of his bosses, and he was absolutely not to get booked. Use any means necessary. Ethan was certain that his father thought he used the same blackmail and bribery tactics that he used, and Ethan wasn’t going to correct his assumptions. It was safer if Alan thought that’s what he did. When he mentioned the charges, possession of a dangerous animal, Ethan audibly laughed. Was he serious? He was getting woken up before dawn for some dumbass getting busted with an animal he wasn’t supposed to have?

”Ethan, I mean it. Get down there. This kid is a liability.” Alan hung up after warning his son.

”What’s going on?’ Derek stepped into the hallway, wearing nothing but his sleepy smile. His messy hair stuck out in all directions. ”You coming back to bed?” Damn it.

”Just work. Nothing to worry your pretty little head about.” Ethan gave him a once over, thinking about ignoring his father and dealing with the client during normal business hours instead. What was a few more hours, anyway?

”Any client who’s getting into trouble this time of night deserves whatever they get.” Derek stated with his usual level of arrogance. Ethan didn’t necessarily disagree, but he knew he was getting himself into dangerous territory with Derek. He had to keep his resolve, this was just a one night lapse in judgment.

”I’ve gotta go in.” Ethan walked back into his bedroom, flipping on the light now that he didn’t have to worry about waking anyone. He moved around the room, grabbing suitable work clothes. He wasn’t sure if he’d make it back in time to change before heading to the office, so he made sure it was appropriate for the entire day. Derek had followed him from the bedroom into the ensuite. ”You’re really gonna choose the criminal over all this?” And there it was. A stark reminder that Derek, as much as he flattered and made Ethan feel good about himself, was a self centered ass.

”Lock up when you leave.” Ethan swished some mouthwash and spit it out into the sink. ”It was fun, but let’s not keep doing this, yeah?” Ethan grabbed his bag, containing work files and his laptop, made sure he had his phone and keys, and walked past a flustered Derek.

-----

”I’m here for Darren Wolf.” Ethan told the desk officer after walking into the station. The correlation between the name and the charges was amusing, but Ethan remained professional. He was directed to the correct room. He made all the usual pleasantries, nodded at officers he was familiar with, and then made his way to the room where his client was being held.

When he walked into the room, he glanced over his new client. Whether it was his own lack of sleep or his predisposition to dislike Guild members, Ethan thought the guy looked smug. He reminded himself to reserve judgment and find out what really happened first. This was a rather odd charge, after all. There had to be a story.

”Mr. Wolf, I’ll be your attorney, Ethan Rivers.” Ethan cleared his throat and sat across from him and pulled out a legal pad and pen to take any notes he needed. ”I haven’t seen the report yet. What happened tonight?”

---

Dane Wayland
This got to be so much longer than I thought it would. Derek needed a cameo!
Let me know for changes.

[Dane Wayland]

[nospaces]

I FELT NO GUILT TIL I WAS CAUGHT

and i was told that i was guilty (and even then i wasn't really sure)

[break]

[attr="class","lizardstripe-text"]Dane had just begun to nod off — sunk down in his seat with his legs stretched before him, chin tucked to his chest and his arms folded across his middle — when a man entered through the only door. He startled and lifted his head, blinking the almost-sleep from his eyes and straightening. The man introduced himself but Dane almost didn't catch his name, thrown gleefully off-guard as he was by the one he'd used to address him. [break][break]

Mr. Wolf. [break][break]

Dane immediately snorted, his shoulders giving a quick bob as he lifted a hand to smother the chuckle on his lips. It was hilarious. A call-out to his Guild name, obviously, but it reminded him of the children's game that groups of squealing kids played in big backyards. "Sorry," he apologized, waving his hand through the air and trying to school the clear amusement from his face. "My name's just so silly. Call me Darren, it's fine. Mr. Wolf is my fa..." his mouth tucked, momentarily tight as he fought back another chuckle. "Well, nevermind." [break][break]

The man settled in the seat across from him and pulled out a legal pad, launching right into the task at hand. Dane only watched him for a moment, wondering how forcibly he'd been pulled from bed at this hour. He was obviously in the Guild's pockets, else he wouldn't be here, but was he a Sarah? Someone unwillingly tied to them? Or was he more like him? [break][break]

He leaned forward and settled his forearms on the table between them, interlacing his fingers. When he opened his mouth, he fully intended to jump right into the story, but at the last second, some morbid amusement stilled the words on his tongue; twisted them into something impertinent instead. He just couldn't help himself. "Does it really matter what happened?" He asked quietly, lifting dark eyes to the attorney and settling them on his face. He tipped his head slightly and let the corners of his mouth pull upward just barely. "You've gotta get me out no matter what, right? Even if I tell you nothing?" He could feel his eyes glitter as he dropped his voice even quieter. "Even if I did something real bad?" [break][break]

He let the questions linger as he dragged his gaze slowly between Ethan's eyes; hoping to see a flicker of grim acknowledgment or discomfort as he came to terms with the threatening truth unsaid. What would happen to him, Dane wondered, if he didn't walk tonight? Would Antonio be upset? Upset enough to do some real harm? [break][break]

After a moment, Dane let his slight smile broaden into something wide and toothy. He winked, slow and smooth, then chuckled. "Just fucking with you, man." Settling back in his seat once more, he crossed his arms across his chest and began to bounce his knee absently. "Some lady was getting mugged outside my apartment. My dog chased down the thief and tore up his hand. I have no proof she doesn't have rabies — she doesn't — and she ran away. They're looking for her now. I'm sure the guy will want to press charges. He seemed like the type."
[break]

the thing i felt was guilt itself, though maybe it was something else [break]
frustration at the fact that i was ever caught at all

Tag: Ethan Rivers [break]
Give me a nudge for any changes![break]Or if you need more ot work with!

[newclass=.lizardstripe-text b]color:#1F2F22;font-size:8pt;font-family:Open Sans, sans serif;[/newclass]

[googlefont=Poppins][googlefont=Open Sans]

[Ethan Rivers]

It's the fear that wakes us up
The truth that things are such a mess; Far beyond repair

---

Even his client couldn’t keep a straight face when Ethan called him Mr. Wolf. He was well aware that it was a pseudonym, but his new client went on, starting a joke that Ethan had also used several times, but unable to complete it before having to stifle another laugh. ”Well, Darren it is, then.”

Maybe this client wouldn’t be all bad. He certainly had a sense of humor, at the very least.

Ethan waited patiently for Darren to begin telling him what occurred to bring them to the station tonight. Instead, he decided to be belligerent. Ethan sat back in his chair, certain his face looked as irritable as he was feeling. He did not get out of bed in the middle of the night to come and be jerked around like this. Even if he was technically correct, it rubbed Ethan raw.

”Well, Darren, yes, my job is to get you out of here.” Ethan confirmed. ”However, I’m only human. There’s only so much one man can do.” His choice of phrase was intentional. Common saying, but making a point. If he failed to get a walk for this guy, what would happen? He knew his father would be pissed, he’d made it clear this was a high priority client, but really, what would Alan do to him? There were a lot of possibilities, none of them seeming pleasant.

The threat and challenge both hung in the air. Yes, Ethan would get Darren out of trouble even if he didn’t cooperate, but it would be a hell of a lot easier if he did, and he hated the fact that he didn’t have a choice.

After a moment, the jovial smile returned to the guy’s face, and Mr. Wolf claimed to just be messing with him. Ethan didn’t care if that was the case, or if he’d just decided that cooperation was the better option. Either way, Ethan jotted down a couple notes as he launched into his narrative of the night’s events.

”Wait, I’m sorry.. To get this straight, they arrested you after your dog bit a man who robbed a woman?” Ethan shook his head. ”And they slapped you with possession of a dangerous animal? What did you do, mouth off to the responding officer? Piss him off somehow?”

If that was really all that happened, maybe he would be able to get this guy out of trouble without using his gift to leverage a release. It seemed cut and dry, a good samaritan who got a raw deal.

---

Dane Wayland
Let me know for changes.

[Dane Wayland]

[nospaces]

I FELT NO GUILT TIL I WAS CAUGHT

and i was told that i was guilty (and even then i wasn't really sure)

[break]

[attr="class","lizardstripe-text"]Ethan gave very little to stoke his satisfaction. There was no readable discomfort, uncertainty, or even acknowledgment of a threat at Dane's little barb. Just plain, well-composed, and boring irritation. When he answered, matter-of-factly, that it was indeed his job to see him walk, without really making any promises, his lips tucked petulantly. He'd just have to try harder to irritate him. Needle and nettle until he found a way under the dude's skin. Maybe once "business" was concluded he'd be more willing to rise to a bit of goading. To curl his lip or flash his teeth. [break][break]

The attorney seemed a little surprised by the simplicity of his story. Dane cracked another grin, eyes gleaming. "You were expecting something worse, huh?" He chuckled. Working as an attorney for the Guild was likely hell. Who knew what atrocities other Hunters got themselves caught doing. Though, probably less than half of them were important (or untrustworthy) enough to net a lawyer, especially so early in the morning.[break][break]

"But... right?" Dane scoffed and shook his head, falling seamlessly back into a more neutral, open attitude. "How am I the bad guy here? What if that lady had important life-saving medications in her purse? Or the guy made off with her keys and she had a child at home or something?" They obviously weren't things he'd actually considered when he'd clucked for Snowcone to chase, but still. [break][break]

"But it was a beat cop — you know how they feel about their little neighborhoods, their little territories — we..." he shucked his shoulders. "We may have had a few chats before. He's stopped me on my way home from the bars a couple of times." He was sure the police officer looked for him most nights, waiting to spy him stumbling home. Some nights, pausing to empty his stomach in an alley. Or busted up and bleeding. Or with an intoxicated, giggly woman in tow. He couldn't blame the guy for not liking him. Or being suspicious. Even if it was East End, full of all sorts of Danes to worry about. "But I was nothing but compliant tonight, promise." He knew someone would come for him. And, at the time, he'd thought it would be awfully hilarious for his father to be woken up for what essentially would only earn a night in a cell, if anything. He was bound to overreact where Dane was concerned, expecting the worst. "Guy just has it out for me." He smirked. "Well... I did ask if he had a crush on me. Y'know, since he was so obsessed. But really, he didn't have to get so mad."
[break]

the thing i felt was guilt itself, though maybe it was something else [break]
frustration at the fact that i was ever caught at all

Tag: Ethan Rivers [break]
Give me a nudge for any changes![break]Or if you need more to work with!

[newclass=.lizardstripe-text b]color:#1F2F22;font-size:8pt;font-family:Open Sans, sans serif;[/newclass]

[googlefont=Poppins][googlefont=Open Sans]

[Ethan Rivers]

It's the fear that wakes us up
The truth that things are such a mess; Far beyond repair

---

It almost seemed as if his client was amused by the situation. Ethan had to admit that it was ridiculous, if this were truly the facts and nothing was being omitted. Even if he was omitting a small detail or two, it wasn’t like he’d had some exotic animal or one that was illegal to own. They were talking about the man’s dog biting a legitimate criminal, who was actively robbing a woman.

Even if there hadn't been medication or important keys or any other fantastically noble reasons to help the woman whose purse was snatched, the fact Darren had been assisting a victim of a crime should have been enough to warrant him the benefit of the doubt. But as he went on, explaining it was a beat cop he’d had interaction with before, some of the pieces clicked into place. This was exactly the sort of stunt he could see someone like Derrick pulling. Hauling someone in on the slightest charge they could make stick, just because they had a grudge against the person. And, certainly, someone like Mr. Wolf here would have probably rubbed a cop the wrong way in the past.

”I see.” Ethan finished scribbling down a couple lines of notes. This was going to be easier than he originally thought, but just the general absurdity of the situation made him suppress a groan. They really didn’t have anyone else who could get this guy out of something this stupid? It was an inane charge that even a first year law student could pick apart. They really couldn’t let this guy wait until a judge threw the case out at first appearance around eleven? That was really too many hours for them to wait?

”This should be easy enough. As long as you don’t ask if anyone else has a crush on you.” Ethan kept himself from rolling his eyes. From the sound of it, the cop he’d goaded rose to the bait easily. He didn’t need any more stray comments making his job more difficult. ”Just how mad did you make him? And which officer are we talking about?” By no means did Ethan know everyone who worked for Los Eurosia’s finest, but he knew a fair number of them simply from the nature of his work. He’d also dated several officers on the force, but that was beside the point, unless it ended up being one of them. Though, with the homophobic implications it didn’t seem like that was likely.

Ethan stood. ”Unless there is anything else I need to be aware of, I’m going to go see about getting your immediate release.” If this wasn’t a Guild member, he could see himself pushing for immediate release and suspension of the asshole cop who hauled his client in for being a good samaritan. But this was a Guild member, and that would be more work that he didn’t feel like doing. Besides, all he’d been instructed to do was get the guy released, get the charges dropped as quickly as possible. He didn’t go above and beyond for Guild clients. He didn’t need to become seen as more valuable, as an asset. He let his father and brother take care of those particular roles. He valued his own freedom, even if it did still have a few strings attached.

---

Dane Wayland
Let me know for changes.