Ends and Beginnings (Nox’s Building)

[Elyse]

Elyse laughed and nodded at the mention of Ana. "That's a good idea. I'll send Ana a message. She's probably mad at me that I haven't checked in in awhile, but she will be a good help."

Elyse got out her wallet, sending Ana a text. Hey Ana. Sorry I've not checked in in awhile. Things have been really crazy. I'm living in Nox's building now, and it can use a little more of a decorative touch. Would you be interested in helping me? Love you, Elyse

While she was at it, she sent Hayden one too. Heya...just ended the relationship with Mae. We're going to stay friends at least. Might need to talk soon - I don't know yet. Depends on where my mood is after lunch. Bar open?

She put her wallet down and dipped a fry in ketchup before eating it and taking a sip of her water. Elyse felt like they should take things slow. Having lunch would be fine, then they could part ways for now. "Anna and I have been thinking about doing a routine together sometime soon. I'm really excited about trying something with her."

[Legione Sumus]

Mae Kawata (Mist)

Mae smiled "I'm glad you and Anna are connecting. I look forward to seeing your routine." They finished their lunch and Mae gave Elyse a smile and wave before heading home.

---

Anastasia Vega

Sounds lovely. That boy needs some better taste, and a woman's touch.

[Hayden]

Not officially. But you are always welcome

[Elyse]

Mae left and Elyse began the walk to Hayden’s place. She responded to their texts.

Will be fun, Ana - will set a time soon. We have a lot to catch up on.

Then to Hayden I meant the metaphorical bar, you dolt! XD lll be there soon if you have time. If not we can talk later. I also have a girl that I think would benefit from talking to you. I’ve talked with her and her guardian and they are okay with it. I can tell you about it too.

[Hayden]

Already said any time sweet heart. I'm here.

[Elyse]

Elyse arrived at Hayden’s building and sent a message asking where he was. She didn’t just want to walking, upon his answer she found him and gave him a quick hug. Elyse had really enjoyed talking with him last time. The sex had been great too, but she had told herself it wasn’t he plan to take advantage of that. She wasn’t opposed to it, but today she wasn’t here for sex.

”Hey!” she said. ”Your advice was in line with what I thought I needed to do. I talked to Mae today, and we ended things. We’re both able to be friends. It feels a little awkward now, but that will go with time. Still hurts though. Hurts a lot. I’m just trying to tell myself I’m doing the right thing here.” she sighed. ”Really trying. But I wanted to touch base not just because of that. I have a friend who I think could benefit from talking to you. She’s thirteen and has lived a pretty traumatic life. She’s a good kid, sees a therapist weekly and has made a lot of progress, but well, she’s like me and can’t share everything with that therapist. I know you’re not one, but I think you could help her, and she’s willing to try. Is that something you’d be willing to do?”

[Hayden]

Hayden's place wasn't exactly furnished well yet. The bar was under construction, the safe house remained relatively the same as it had, and so had the apartment above, but he only had a ratty couch and a bed. He needed to improve things, but his home bar was working and stocked. He poured Elyse a special drink that he didn't give anyone the recipe for.

He handed her the drink as she started explaining her day. He gave her a sad grin but nodded. "I'm glad it's working out for you."

Talking with another kid was pretty par for course since coming to Moscow. What was one other. "If she's up for it I can talk with her. What exactly is the goal? Just someone to talk to? I can't help with mental issues just be a listening ear."

[Elyse]

Elyse took the proffered drink and took a sip as she finished speaking. She looked at it with a smile. ”What is this concoction you have made? It’s delicious!”

Elyse nodded at his statement. He wasn’t a therapist, but Elyse thought she could help Marta. ”Someone to talk to is always great for her. She has a therapist for her “more than a listening ear” mental health issues she has. She struggles a lot with connection and I think that is something you can help with. There are things she can’t tell her therapist and it helps her to get it out and to know she has support elsewhere. Beyond that - I think you’re a lot alike. She reads people well, even if she is unpracticed at it.” Elyse took another sip of Hayden’s excellent whatever it was. ”Shes already okay with it. As is her guardian. Things I think you should know, which I’ve been given permission to share: she’s wolfkin, like me. She has a wolf pup companion who goes everywhere with her and acts in an emotional support capacity. She grew up in Mexico.  Her trauma is that her family was murdered by her uncle who then sold her to one of the cartels. I’m sure you can figure out why. She’s also thirteen, an age difficult for a lot of girls - even more so from her trauma and having developed wolf senses. I think she could benefit from talking to you. I’ve been thinking that since I found out that you talk to those kids at Nox’s place, and no matter what she can always use another friend.”

[Hayden]

Hayden grinned at her immediate question after a sip. "My secret. And I haven't named it so no one can ask for it." It was something he and his father worked on, not his biological one, technically his grandfather, but his father none-the-less the man who raised him. Who made him the man he was. It was a good memory and one he didn't want to share with others. One of few memories.

Hayden chuckled at the irony. Friends with a 28-year-old man who is a notable player to a girl who was abused and more that didn't sound like a match made in heaven. "And does her guardian know the type of man I am? Or did you just relay the good things? While I do not prey on children of any gender, I don't want to make anyone even slightly uncomfortable. I will talk with her. Listen, but my life experiences may not be exactly what she needs. The other kids Nox has me talking to were abused and forced into sex work in order to feed monsters. But she doesn't need to feel left out, I'll talk with her, she can join in on the group talks. Emma and Sophia won't talk with me unless the others are present so we just have a chat session usually in the dojo at Nox's why don't we start there. And if she wants to talk to me alone she can arrange that, or go through you or her guardian."

[Elyse]

Elyse smiled. ”Do you mean does Ricky know you’re a player? He does, but he was somewhat of a player himself before Marta came into the picture, and no - there are no attempts at rehabilitation for you here,” Elyse turned serious. ”Ricky trusts my judgement quite a bit when it comes to her, and if I in any way, shape, or form thought you were going to hurt her, I wouldn’t have asked about it. Group session would probably be a good start. She’s doing school with Sterling at Kallisti, so she’s also in contact with a lot of these kids too, and since human connection is a struggle for her, I think that might be best too.”