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font-size: 14px;">This wasn't her normal Thursday. Hell, this wasn't normal on any day of the week but the day so happened to be Thursday. The unsuspecting wife landed herself in the middle of intimate diner date between her man and his escort, to put it mildly. Like any woman dumb enough to believe her man is a good man, she flipped. The velvety insides of Dukes leather jacket slid over her arms as the shouting in the background became louder. Accompanied by the sound of items being thrown. Possibly books, and a plate from the sound of something breaking.<br/>
<br/>
Dukes wasn't a stranger to these sorts of situations, but it's weird that it has happened more than once. The number of men who go behind their spouses back due their inability to communicate their needs laughable to admit. It wasn't her fault the husband lied about being married. Not that Dukes would have called their arrangement quits if he had. She wasn't the one in the relationship, and homes were only wrecked by those who opened the door. No hard ship fell on her, truly. Nor did she feel bad about it. To her, men were disposable. Any woman crazy enough to get worked up over one was plain moronic.<br/>
<br/>
Without a word she passed by the shouting couple. Grabbing her heels and purse, before making her way to the door. Calm and nonreactive, the best way to get out this sort of lover's quarrel quick.<br/>
<br/>
Maybe it was his first time or maybe it was one to many that she found herself discovering but the wife's outburst was… dramatic. Nothing had happened or was going to happen. Obvious at how oblivious she was up until she made her way to the dinning/ kitchen area of the apartment. It was strictly a dinner date, in the simplest of forms. The husband had texted Dukes asking for some company for the night, and of course the redhead agreed. It was easy money to sit and have conversations about someone's work. She was quite good at it. The young woman was only a little upset that she couldn't finish her second glass of wine. It was expensive too, the kind of shit she would only get from appointments like this.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"If she's that riled up, I hope she cuts his balls off."</span> The red head retorted as she left the fancy apartment building. Ducking into the side street for that quick smoke she wanted. Slipping a hand into her pocket she retrieved her phone. Checking the time first. It was earlier than expected, Dukes date with her wonderful partner was to happen after the timed ending of her appointment. Now she found herself an hour ahead of schedule. Which meant if the young hybrid couldn't find anything else to do, she would be heading to the meeting spot, to wait.<br/>
<br/>
Normally, she would go home and tell Honey about her day. But Honey was an active girl, she barely had the ability to sit still for more than an hour. When the offer for a last-minute burglary emerged, of course the young fae jumped at the chance. If it kept her from being bored to death, she was game for anything. Especially when it came to her current buddy in crime Paris the Prick. There was nothing wrong with him, per say, but Dukes didn't like most people. Blame it on the streets if you will. The back alleys and poor districts were incredibly cold in Black City.<br/>
<br/>
Cigarette in hand, she held her phone with the other. Checking social media for anything funny to read. Most if not, everyone was chattering about Halloween. Right, that was coming up in less than a week. She didn't really pay attention to the dates. Even though her birthday just so happened to fall on All Hallows Eve, it was rare she celebrated out of her own will. Any planning for the day were done by Honey with Fox's assistance. From the events they would be attending right down to the costumes. Sometimes the idea where a hit and miss, but this year she found the costume fun. Dukes vaguely remembers watching Pokémon with Honey growing up. She was always a fan of the trio of antagonists that were always trying to steal something from someone. It summed up her and her friends nicely.<br/>
<br/>
Dukes was taking her sweet time when she noticed a figure from her peripheral. The woman from before, had stormed out of the apartment complex. Still pissed as all hell. Jay could only watch her, brown hues studying her form as she inhaled another hot take from her cancer stick. Curious to see what she was doing. Did they not live together? Looking at her hands she did not have the clutch from earlier, so maybe she had no intent of leaving just yet. Was she getting some air after that huge rant? Possible. Either way, Dukes figured it was high time to leave in case the wife's furry rained down on her.<br/>
<br/>
As if she could read her thoughts, the wife started heading her way <i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">'Oh. Great.'</span> </i>The redhead rolled her eyes. That's just what she needed to top off the evening. Fortunate for her, the woman had not come for that. Like the hybrid, the situation had made her tense. Enough to warrant a smoke break. Brown eyes continued to watch as she rummaged around in her pockets before showing signs of defeat. Rather reluctantly she made her way closer to Dukes, eyes narrowed in caution. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#8f0024">"Do you mind lighting me up?"</span><br/>
<br/>
<div style="text-align: center"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:white"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010"><i class="fa fa-coins"></i> <i class="fa fa-coins"></i> <i class="fa fa-coins"></i> <i class="fa fa-coins"></i></span></span>​</div><br/>
Dukes couldn't help but think this was some sort of cosmic punishment. Being forced to listen to another woman ramble on about her husband's affairs. One that she was apart of no less, but that didn't seem to matter much to the woman -what was it, Carla?- at the moment. It's not like it was her fault the man was no good. That was between him and whatever bullshit therapist he had on call. If he thought anything was wrong to begin with.<br/>
<br/>
But the red head had to admit. If she were in Carla's red bottomed heels, having devoted a good chunk of her life to some less than satisfactory man only to have him turn around and invite other women to their bed, Jay would be more or less just ass violent. Though probably more. The hybrid was vindictive like that. Unlike the pitiful woman before her, she would have stopped it after the first affair. Making a proper example by removing his facilities with a meat cleaver.<br/>
<br/>
A small smirk tugged at the corner of her full lips.<i> <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">'That's a fun idea.'</span> </i>If Dukes wasn't concerned with the possibility of Carla turning on her, she would have mentioned the comment as a light hearted joke. She could stand to use some. Carla's self-deprecating pity knew no bounds at the moment.<br/>
<br/>
Brown hues looked at the woman once more, her voice starting again in a hushed and bitter tone. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#8f0024">"I knew I should have left him the first time. How could I have been so stupid?"</span><br/>
<br/>
Stupid indeed. Dukes had to control the urge to roll her eyes as the annoyance began to rise. She was only sticking around to finish her smoke; annoyed Carla took it upon herself to make Dukes company some sort of therapy session. Maybe if she were a different person, Dukes would have taken the soft approach. But she wasn't soft, and neither were her opinions. Definitely not for strangers. Her cigarette was now left than half a stick, it was a good a time as any to leave. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"You're right,"</span> A long red nail tapped the bud of the cigarette. Knocking any ash from the end before bringing it up for a deep inhale to finish it off. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"You should have left him the first time. Old dogs can't learn new tricks."</span> She watched as the smoke from her lips climb into the air before dissipating.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"Look, I know you're feelin like shit but I don't have the luxury of time to sit and coddle you ma'am."</span> Manicured nails flicked the cigarette bud onto the floor before crushing it under a heel. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"I can recommend you a therapist, and my services. I do more than hustle weak men out of money."</span> Carla's eyes were on her. Weather that was a good or bad thing Dukes couldn't tell. She was too busy reaching into her bag to noticed what sort of look the woman was giving.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#8f0024">"Why are you being so nice to me?"</span> Was all that Carla could muster while Dukes attention was elsewhere.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"I'm not. If this is what you consider nice no wonder you feel for a dickhead. I'm just telling you the truth."</span> Finally, she passed along two business cards. Before sticking her hand into her purse again. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"One more thing. If you're the malicious kind you could always ruin his shit. Here, I'll give you something."</span> Dukes retrieved a single ring. Usually she hated giving up jewelry, but it was a silver band instead of gold and the diamonds where fairly small for her taste. She waited for the woman to hold out her hand before placing the items in her palm. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"Call it a divorce gift, for your freedom. The bastard gave it to me a last month, but it's not my taste. You should pawn it for some cash. Will probably run you a pretty penny."</span><br/>
<br/>
Carla's eyes were wide when she saw the item. A shaky breath escaped her. From the way her heart rate picked up. It could be from anger, or another fit of hysteria coming on. Dukes was preparing for either reaction. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#8f0024">"This… this is my mother's ring. He told me he lost it during the move, he gave this to you?"</span> Her eyes locked onto Dukes, eyes full of disbelief and shock. It was obvious by the pain in her voice.<br/>
<br/>
The hybrids brows raised in surprised. Not the reaction she expected.<br/>
<br/>
Unbelievable. Dukes has met her fair share of scummy men. They never seemed to grow out of their infantile stage as most men do. Being catered to by society and all. A shared trait they all had was the audacity. It was if someone took a sledge hammer to their sympathy and rational thought, all scattered and barely put together when needed. So of course, the shit husband would do something like this.<br/>
<br/>
A hand reached up to her lightly tanned neck. Touching the small gold ring that hung around a thin gold chain. Javionna was familiar with the keep sakes between mother and daughter. The young hybrid never went anywhere without the gold jewelry her mother left behind for her. Carla was currently getting the very little sympathy Dukes had left within her. Good thing she was a momma's girl.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"That mother fucker."</span> The hybrids voice was heavy with venom. Many thoughts running through her head most were ways on how to castrate with common household goods. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"You definitely have to divorce him now."</span> She wanted to believe Carla wasn't a complete chump. That she still had some semblance of a back bone left not to take him back a fourth time (yes, a fourth time. She might be asking for too much at this point).<br/>
<br/>
It was hard to get a read on the woman. Her head was hanging low as if contemplating. They remained next to each other in silence for a few moments before Dukes grew tired. Not at all the reaction the young hybrid hoped the woman had. She wanted to see her angry, upset, furious at her lover. The one time the wife's outbursts would be reasonable. She wanted to watch the woman cuss, scream and cry. Throw some more shit around and demolish the husband's stuff. Not for her own enjoyment, a woman's rage was often snuffed. Toned down for the sake of the man's ego or monetized for entertainment. It was satisfying feeling to watch another woman own her 'frightening' emotions. It's even more satisfying to watch men get the berating they often deserved.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"So?"</span> Her body now fully turned to the woman, a manicured hand on her hip. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"What are you gonna do?"</span><br/>
<br/>
Carla's head rose. Dukes could tell she was holding back tears. Was it out of frustration? Anger? Dukes hoped they weren't for that sack of shit Carla called a husband. The response finally came in a listless tone. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#8f0024">"Divorce seems to be the only option now…"</span> What followed after that was a chuckle, it was sad sounding. Like she was finally giving up. Dukes could only think <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">'Good for her'</span><br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#8f0024">"But I'm still angry."</span> Dukes watched as her grip around the ring confirmed it. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#8f0024">"For now. I think I'll just throw all of his shit off the balcony. I'll settle for some public humiliation."</span><br/>
<br/>
A small smile painted the hybrid's lips. She was very familiar with the word. In fact, it was one of her favorite words in the English vernacular. And her favorite punishment. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"Mind if I join you?"</span><br/>
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<div style="text-align: center"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:white"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010"><i class="fa fa-coins"></i> <i class="fa fa-coins"></i> <i class="fa fa-coins"></i> <i class="fa fa-coins"></i></span></span>​</div><br/>
How satisfying it was to watch a man try and gather is clothes from the wet side walk. Especially when they were ripped to high hell with a few scorch marks. It was tame for Duke's taste, but Carla seemed satisfied with his pitiful screeching as all his designer button ups cluttered the walk way in front of the apartment complex.<br/>
<br/>
Dukes only watched momentarily, enjoying the chaos before her cab arrived. As fun as it was destroying a man's pride, she refused to miss her date. With a wave to Carla Dukes stepped in, and off she was to her next destination. Her schedule for the night was rather busy. Dinner date with Fox and then work. At least now she would be in a very good mood before arriving at Ms. Katz place.<br/>
<br/>
The cab stopped at the familiar site of Duke's favorite hole in the wall. A loving way to refer her and Honey's small home and place of work. It wasn't much to look at on the outside but it did what it needed. Handing the driver, a small wad of cash the hybrid stepped out, heading inside to get her work bag ready and change clothes for the date. Good thing her appointment ended early.<br/>
<br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"Foxie~!"</span> Dukes called out as she entered the apartment. Immediately she kicked off her heals and hung up her jacket. Footsteps approached her, into the small entry way stepped a familiar face. They exchanged kisses on the cheek, Dukes holding her partner's hand. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#400010">"You wont believe the fucking nightmare appointment I just had. I'll tell you about it ina second, Imma change then we can go, okay?" </span><br/>
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text-align: center;">「 <a class="username" data-user-id="9400" data-username="Vexux_Vixen" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/9400/">Vexux_Vixen</a> 」</div><div style="
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font-size: 10px;"><abbr class="bbc-abbr" data-trigger="hover focus touchclick" data-xf-init="tooltip" role="button" tabindex="0" title="VAMPIRE SLICE- GREY SLICE">LOCATION</abbr> | <abbr class="bbc-abbr" data-trigger="hover focus touchclick" data-xf-init="tooltip" role="button" tabindex="0" title="NPC CLIENT/WIFE. FOX">INTERACTIONS</abbr> | <abbr class="bbc-abbr" data-trigger="hover focus touchclick" data-xf-init="tooltip" role="button" tabindex="0" title="HONEY, CECELIA">MENTIONS</abbr></div></div><div style=" margin: auto; margin-top: 5px; height: 10px; max-width: 100%; text-align: center; font-size: 8px;">Code by Jenamos</div>