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[FXF] The rest: be damned.

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Best friends reunite after a decade ~ with a dark, obsessive twist.

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|The day they met|

"Hey, leave her alone!" The sound of the scream echoed across the playground, causing heads to turn and eyes to widen in surprise. It was almost unbelievable that such a powerful outburst could come from the tiny frame of an eight-year-old girl. The little girl's scream had been provoked by the sight of a group of children huddled around a new girl who had just been pushed to the ground by one of her peers. The new girl had been waiting patiently in line, only to be shoved violently and knocked face-first into the bark. The force of the impact had knocked the wind out of her, and although she was trying to hold back her tears, her puffy, rosy cheeks betrayed the pain she was feeling.

Scarlett, who had been watching the scene unfold from a distance, was quick to act. She ran towards the new girl, who was still lying on the ground, and knelt beside her. Scarlett helped the new girl up, taking her hands in hers and offering a hopeful smile. Scarlett could see the fear and confusion in the new girl's eyes, and she knew that she had to act fast to protect her from the taunts and jeers of the other children. Without saying a word, Scarlett led the new girl away from the group of children, shielding her from their cruel words and gestures. Scarlett stayed with the new girl for the rest of the day.

They had been best friends since.

~

|8 Years later|

The two girls had a special bond that was evident to anyone who crossed their path. They were inseparable, always by each other's side, and their friendship was the talk of the town. People often remarked that they were so close that they lived in each other's pockets. They shared everything, from their secrets to their clothes, and it was clear that their friendship was built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

However, despite their closeness, both girls had a history of short-lived relationships with men. This led some people to wonder if there was more to their relationship than just friendship. Scarlett, in particular, often wished that their friendship was more than platonic. She cherished her friend's company and dreamt of the day that they could take their relationship to the next level. But Scarlett knew that revealing her true feelings could jeopardize their friendship, and she was willing to keep her secret to herself to avoid any potential fallout.

Most evenings after school, they would eagerly make plans to explore the small town they grew up in. They would spend their time together at the movie theatre, delving into the latest blockbuster hits or indulging in classic films that never failed to bring them joy. They would also frequent the local arcades, spending hours playing games and challenging each other to see who could earn the highest score.

When they weren't at the arcade or the theatre, they would hang out at one of the diners in town, sipping on milkshakes and talking about everything and nothing at all. Scarlett treasured their friendship more than anything and would do anything to keep it that way. She always made sure to keep her best friend close, as close as she could, without the fear of losing her to anyone else. Scarlett especially loathed the idea of losing her friend to some undeserving, immature boy, so she made sure to protect their bond at all costs.

It's quite puzzling that every single one of Scarlett's best friend's boyfriends seemed to have a string of ill-fated incidents happen to them throughout their relationship. One of them had their car completely totalled in a freak accident, another had their brakes mysteriously cut, and yet another slipped and fell down a long flight of stairs. As if that wasn't enough, these hapless boyfriends also found themselves getting into constant trouble, which often led to detention. They were even accused of things they swore they didn't do - like graffiti on school walls, pulling fire alarms, and even breaking windows around the school premises.

However, the silver lining in this strange situation was that the boys' detention after school provided Scarlett and her best friend with more alone time to hang out and bond. They often spent this time chatting, laughing, and simply enjoying each other's company. It was almost as if this series of unfortunate events had been orchestrated to ensure that Scarlett and her best friend had plenty of quality time together.

So, was it all really so puzzling?

The moment that would change the girls' lives forever occurred when Scarlett's father received a job offer from another state across the country. Scarlett, who was celebrating her 16th birthday, was overjoyed when her father came to her with the news. However, her elation was short-lived when he told her that they would have to move and leave behind everything they knew. Scarlett was heartbroken, and tears streamed down her face as she clung to her father, begging him to reconsider. But the decision had already been made, and there was no going back. Scarlett's father promised her that things would get better, that they would find a new home, and that she would make new friends, but the prospect of starting all over again in a strange place was daunting. Despite the heartache, Scarlett knew she had to be strong and accept the situation, even if it meant leaving her heart behind in the hands of her first love: her best friend.

Just like that, they had been made to pack up that very night and catch the next flight to a new state she would have to call home.

Scarlett never had the opportunity to bid farewell to her closest friend.

~

|Present day - 10 Years since they had last spoken|

Scarlett sat there in front of her phone screen, lost in thought over the message she had typed. Her finger hovered over the send button for fifteen minutes as she debated what would happen next. Would her best friend reply, or had they moved on? It had been ten long years since they last spoke, and the uncertainty made Scarlett feel vulnerable and anxious.

But she knew she had to take the risk. This person was the closest friend she'd ever had, and they had been indivisible since the first day of school when Scarlett saved them from bullies. They had shared everything together, from their first crushes to their biggest dreams. However, life had taken them on different paths, and they had lost touch.

Scarlett felt a deep sense of nostalgia and yearning for her friend. She missed their inside jokes, their long conversations, and the comfort of their companionship. She couldn't help but wonder if her friend felt the same way. With a deep breath, Scarlett finally pressed send, hoping to reconnect with her long-lost friend.

The message she had sent was as follows:

'Hey! This may be a long shot, but here's to hoping you still use the same number.
Just wanted to let you know that I'm back in town for awhile and would love to see you.
I'm staying at the hotel on Crimson. I'm usually sitting at the bar from 6-8 pm.
Come see me? xx'

~
If it wasn't obvious already, this will contain darker themes. This could go any way, even a folie à deux story could be interesting.
Looking for someone 20+. A slow burn romance preferred. Open to changes and discussion.

[FXF] Ethical paradox

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Blurb: The past catches up with two women when they were least expecting it. And the best part: one's an assassin and the other is a newlywed.

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Target data:

Richard Scholz, 51
Married
2 Kids
Running for Mayor

Yeah, yeah, yeah…

Currently on a family vacation in the Bahamas
Due to attend a weddding tomorrow night

Bingo.

A, Mr. Frank Taylor had appointed Katerina her latest assignment via mutual connects—a head honcho lawyer with a rash hunger for political control.

Katerina could not care less about those who reached out needing her assistance. She was happy to oblige if they made a deposit upon request and carried out the total payment on finalization.

The first installment had been fulfilled without issue on Mr. Taylor's part.

It was up to Katerina to deliver her end of the contract.

~

After a leisurely flight to the Bahamas, Katerina settled into a dump of a motel near where the Scholz family would be attending the wedding. Stickers of 'surveillance cameras operating' were plastered on every window of the motel room windows and littered all over the janky reception room - if one could call a utility closet with a desk a reception.
Anyone with half a brain could decipher the need to broadcast masses of surveillance as one thing and one thing only: No working cameras on premises.

It was perfect.
Perfect for a figure lurking in the shadows unnoticed.

Despite the rancid odor, mouse holes in every corner, and bedsheets reeking of week-old tuna, Katerina was content. The stay would not be long, which was a slight downer. The Bahamas was an exquisite place - outside the borders of that particular motel room.

With no time to dwell on the surroundings, the woman on a mission had a wedding to attend. Uninvited and without connection to guests. However, how many people could honestly say they attended a wedding where everyone knew everyone?

Yes, that's right—those who elope.

The sun was setting, and so was Katerina's full face of makeup. A strapless, mid-thigh black dress hugged the tall woman's curves in all the right places. A blonde wig was applied with nimble fingers to cover the raven hair underneath. This wasn't Katerina's first rodeo, and it surely would not be her last with the living she made from the profession.

Once final touchups were made, Katerina tended to the last piece to put her look together. Almost ready.

Almost.

A garter was strapped to Katerina's right thigh, and a secured Sig Sauer P238 sat in that garter.

That was just a precaution. The lethal weapon of preference was snug between her breasts: a vial of cyanide.

Showtime.

Katerina cut out on the ceremony for many obvious reasons, mainly her inability to suppress the yawns that would undoubtedly make a show during the long, overdrawn - not to mention - cheesy vows.
Saving herself the trouble, she appeared at the reception venue, which was being hosted alfresco - because who would want to spend their time indoors during a summer in the Bahamas?

The music boomed, bodies danced, and fresh drinks catered around the reserved beach; the party's vitality was strong.
However, the more drunk everyone got, the more likely it was to have a clean getaway out of a sea of hazy minds.

Waiters served appetizers; tiki bartenders served drinks at impressive rates; overhead fairy lights illuminated sweaty faces, and then….there it was, the face Katerina had been ordered to watch like a hawk until he’d taken his last breath: Richard Scholz. The brawny man stood at the bar, whiskey glass in one hand, Cuban cigar between two fingers in the other, while he laughed with an older man on the shorter, rather paunchy side. Whatever they were chit-chatting about remained a riddle as Katerina's emerald eyes leered from a distance.

There had to be a time when the man was alone. Even a minute would be enough to finish the job before skipping out and never seeing that smug, hard face again.

Richard excused himself from his plump friend and approached the newly wedded couple. That was when Katerina's studying gaze anchored on a familiar face. But how? She knew no one save her target. However, those eyes that now stared back into hers stood out like black wool amongst a flock of sheep. Katerina had seen that woman; she knew that woman…

You have got to be kidding me.

Was it too late to make a run for it?

The way the woman refused to break eye contact, Katerina's plot to escape unidentified, was scrapped.

What was it, 4 or 5 years since the duo parted ways? Over the years, the memory had become sand in her palm, slipping through her fingers. However, a tsunami of memories brought an array of history rushing back to Katerina. (they can be old friends or exes)

More stunning than ever, she (your character) stood in a pristine white wedding dress. The mesmerizing waves crashing in the background gave a beautiful touch to an already alluring sight.

Katerina was paralyzed, stunned by the shocking turn her day had taken in the blink of an eye.

Katerina would have to put her plans on involuntary pause. It was time to face the music and put a final spurt of energy into reacquainting with the past. Sharp heels pierced the sand with each step; the closer she got to the couple, the louder her gut yelled at her to leave.

The groom's goofy smile showed off a row of pearly whites. His amusement was in response to something Richard had said. Katerina wondered about their relationship. She was full of questions now. "Congratulations," She broke her vow of silence to extend the wish.

"Thank you very much." The groom was the first to crack the border of tension with an energetic style. His eyes asked Katerina, 'Who the hell are you?' but his friendliness persisted, doing an excellent job of concealing underlying skepticism. "Katerina, but please, call me Kat," She answered his unasked question, echoing his lively manner. "Friend of the bride," Were they still friends? Only time will tell.
"Richard," Mr. Scholz inserted himself into the introduction unapologetically. "Father of the groom,"

If the scene had played out in a cartoon, Katerina's smile would have melted off her face and sunk into the sand at their feet. Someone had ordered a hit on the bride's father-in-law. "Lovely to meet you, Richard," She seized his hand in a courteous shake, but her eyes implored with the bride for a moment alone.

~
Basically wanting this to be a story about trials and tribulations, making hard decisions and coming out of it at the end together or going their seperate ways.

Looking for someone 20+. A slow burn romance preferred. Open to changes and discussion.