Ezra exhaled deeply, his hands gripping the steering wheel as he maneuvered through the security gates of Faust Campion’s estate. The manicured lawns and grand architecture faded in the rearview mirror as he turned onto the sun-drenched streets of Beverly Shores. He was glad to be leaving, even if just for a moment. The prospect of an unplanned family reunion filled him with a mix of apprehension and relief—relief that he could avoid the inevitable mushiness and emotional exchanges that accompanied family gatherings of others.
As he drove, the weight of his responsibilities as Faust’s bodyguard loomed in the back of his mind. He had always been supportive of his clients family, if not a little suspicious at all times, but he didn’t relish the idea of getting caught in the crossfire of heartfelt conversations and sentimental gestures. That was why he had volunteered to pick up donuts and coffee. It was a perfect diversion—one that would buy him some much-needed time. He wasn’t planning on getting all too close to any client.
The muscle memory of parallel parking felt good. Clean, smooth, no stress. Ezra couldn’t count the amount of times he’d practiced it as a teenager after failing his driving test because he hadn’t been within twelve inches of the curb. Yeah, good time.
Closing his car door, Ezra felt the sun warm his back and decided to keep his sunglasses pulled over his face. The coffee shop was crowed with patrons, he didn’t mind. He wasn’t in a rush. So as he strode in, continually taking in everything from habit, it struck him that a particular man’s lean build piqued his interest.
He recalled vividly seeing this man at the Friendsgiving gathering last night. They hadn’t exchanged words, just a brief glance shared over crowded tables and laughter. Despite the busyness of the evening, the man’s presence had left an impression on him, maybe even a peculiar sense of curiosity that lingered.
Ezra’s pulse quickened, his initial surprise giving way to a devilish grin. Why not have a little fun? He moved away from the his beaten path and made his way toward the man, seemingly also getting coffee. As Ezra approached, he could feel the intoxicating rush of the moment—an inexplicable energy crackled between everyone he met off duty.
“Hey,” Ezra said playfully as he caught up, holding the door open. Unable to suppress the smile tugging at his lips, “don’t tell me you’re stalking me now. I didn’t think I’d see a face from last nights friendsgiving here in broad daylight.” he teased.
@cordyx | Marco | hope this works 
@LunaticLeviTheSecond | Faust | Mentioned
