ofprosecution

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Cynthia was used to nervous witnesses, for some of them what they'd seen was the worst thing they'd ever see in their life. It was only natural that they'd be hesitant when meeting her. She couldn't help but wonder if it was something more for this young man though.

His questions made her frown slightly. "Oh no, no please whatever the defense ask you, you must answer. To lie or omit anything only leaves us open to appeal or mistrial." Cynthia spoke sternly. "All I want you to do today is go trough your timeline of what you saw."

Max couldn't help his hand being a little shaky as she touched it, and a familiar sense of feeling dirty slipped right back into his mind. He may have been older, grown now, but moments like this always made him feel exactly the same. Guilty. Guilty of staying, even after all these years.

"Nice to meet you. Uh, yes, yes I have. I work as a paramedic, so that kind of comes with it depending on the district. And since I drive in most of them..." His smile is brief and falters when he looks at her again. Being in court already feels bad enough, having to meet someone that saw him in such a vulnerable state... "Is there anything you don't want me to say or mention, or something you especially want me to bring up?" He was too used to lawyers being bribed not to ask before she could tell him.

Cindy gave a small sigh, his reluctance to even hold her hand now made her heart ache and his words made her withdraw. She knew she wasn't the warmest person, not anymore, not with him. But it was Christmas and he was surprised she'd called? It broke her.

"What can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment."

William couldn't bring himself to explain - how he felt like a disappointment to his children. The distance had certainly grown, showing in how they had pulled away from each other. It had always been complicated, given how much time had spent away from them. He had loved them - did love them - but he knew he wasn't the man he had been before, a fact that embarrassed him more than anything.

When Cynthia took his hand, he didn't pull away from her, even if part of him wanted to. "Okay," he finally said. "It's just been a while since we've all been together. I don't want to make things difficult." He looked at her for a moment. "...I was surprised you even called."

"Yes some days it feels like I don't stop. Hence the smoke breaks." Cindy chuckled before nodding. "Indeed yes, Laurie is a good friend of mine."

"That must be interesting. Keeps you busy I'm sure." It piqued Cemre's interest. "I work as a personal assistant for Laurie Morganthal. He is the CEO of Empire State publications. Have you heard of him?"

"I'm more than happy to take the lead tonight," Cynthia said with a smile as they walked onto the dance floor. As he leant in she glanced quickly trying to make sure no one else heard. There was no hiding the blush on her cheeks though and her gaze dipped from his before she looked up.

"Mm, an odd order to do things in I suppose. But one is far more enticing. I'll let you make your own mind up about which is which."

“I’m what’s called an intermediate- not good, but not bad- and but what I can do is far less impressive than someone with Spanish blood: you’re a natural dancer because of it, I’m sure, so you’ll have to lead the way.”

Laurie then smiled his oh-so charming smile he had perfected to a t and enjoyed the warmth of Cynthia’s hand around his own. He lowered his voice, leaning in a little closer. “To think I’ve seen you naked in my bed before I’ve seen you at a party with your dancing shoes on.”

Cynthia couldn't help but worry about him, she took the time to look at him properly, taking in the tired gaze, the uncertain words. It broke her heart more than the awkwardness. She wanted to ask if he was well, if someone was looking out for him. But she wouldn't, couldn't, she didn't know how she'd feel with either answer he could give.

"I wouldn't have asked if you weren't wanted Will, honestly. You're still their father I don't know why you act like they wouldn't want to see you," Cynthia said with a sigh before reaching across the table to take one of his hands. "Either way, I want to see you. That should be enough for them... They do know though. I made it clear that it'd be a family occasion."

Honestly, he hates this. Not Cynthia, of course - he could never hate her - but everything else. The way this feels like a business transaction, almost, after decades of marriage is what bothers him most. It's not that he doesn't understand why things are going this way - he has entirely too much awareness of it all, and how incredibly his fault it is.

Holding a cup of coffee between his hands, he looked at her, his bright blue eyes offset by dark circles beneath them. "Right. I guess that makes sense. They're all... grown now." He shrugged slightly, pausing a moment. "I should be able to. If you really want me to." That was the part that he felt the least sure of. "Do they know that you're asking me?"

Cynthia was grateful to have Emma's friendship especially as the woman understood how hectic things could be. "Sounds like we'll have a wonderful afternoon then, how is everyone?"

"I think we all need life to slow down so we can enjoy it." Emma knew that would be happening anytime soon either. "Then you and I will have an afternoon date. No one will bother us here. Teens are somewhere, doing their thing and Magnus is at city hall."

"Criminal prosecution," Cynthia said with a small smile, as much as she enjoyed her job she was never sure how to talk about it. So many people found it odd or boring. "What about you?"

Law interested her. Especially when she was reading over some of the contracts that Mr. Morganthal had. She liked to double check things for him. "What exactly do you do?" Cemre knew there were different branches.

"Mm, not really, I suppose there are times when it's interesting. But it's for the state so often that I never really get any of the 'fun' cases." Cynthia said with a small shrug, she didn't usually mind it. "I'm doing well, certainly looking forward to new year, I always tell myself I'll do these exciting things. Do you have a resolution at all?"

Work has been fraught, and he's very glad she attempts to change the subject. A soft smile and a shrug as he holds his drink in one hand. "You must have some interesting stories." He points out. "Everyone does. We just... all happen to forget them the second we need to tell them to people." Gus laughs, and starts to fold a napkin into... something. Origami? Maybe? "Work's not worth talking about. How're you? Excited for a new year?"

"Oh now that is very kind, are you sure though? I've likely had one too many already." Cynthia chuckled but wasn't about to say no to another drink, especially a free one.

Closed for: @ofprosecution ; NYE Event

Esme tipped the glass towards her lips, finishing off her third drink. She rarely drank this much, but she figured that since it was a party, then why not? “One more round for me.” Esmeralda smiled at the bartender before glancing towards the woman next to her. “And you can order whatever you’d like! It’s on me.”

Cynthia had had a few drinks by the time she met with Emma, the alcohol showing by the flush on her cheeks and the way she laughed a little too loudly at Emma's question. "It certainly is required of him and if you don't drag him out I will. As for me well, there's plenty that catch my eye."

Who: @ofprosecution @ The Standard NYE

"You look lovely Cynthia." The redhead appears at the woman's side, glancing out at those dancing on the dance floor. "I will have to drag Magnus out later. I'm sure it's required of him." She gives a small snort, taking a sip of her champagne. "Anyone catch your eye?" Emma may have thought plenty of times to play matchmaker with one of her closest friends.

Cynthia was grateful to see Laurie, it was nice to see someone with whom she needed to have no pretence and instead could be herself. The fact he was quite handsome helped too and she didn't hide that either.

When he put his glass down she chuckled and took his hand. "Oh you need not worry about that. I have Spanish blood, we're brought up dancing but I can tone it down, for beginners." She teased.

Laurie loved New Year’s Eve. It was the best night of the year to party and drink as much as he wanted and to dress up in one of his finer suits. He also knew he’d always get a good glass of champagne at a big party.

By the time Cynthia had appeared, Laurie had almost finished his first glass and was well on his way to drinking more. He smiled brightly at her when she approached and stood up straight.

“Hello to you, too, stranger. Long time no see.”

Laurie took a final swig of his champagne before setting the empty glass down on the nearest available surface and then turning back to Cynthia. “I’d love to dance. Just don’t show me up; I have a reputation to maintain.”

Cynthia had been quite happy nursing her drink and taking the party in but she couldn't deny she loved dancing and so when Darwyn walked over her smile brightened. "Darwyn Black well don't you scrub up nicely. I'd love to dance but I do believe I need a moment to finish my drink first. Are you enjoying the party?"

Who: @ofprosecution @ The Standard NYE

Darwyn made his way over Cynthia, spotting her standing alone. He comes up to her side. "Evening Ms. Vasquez, you look quite lovely. Care to dance?" He was certain Will wouldn't mind if he danced with his ex-wife.

She was a young lawyer trying to make her name. She didn't have time for feelings. Didn't have time for her anxiousness or guilt. But the things she saw still struck her, even if she tried to ignore them. She couldn't. The people she saw in work, even those she was prosecuting, some were so young and well, innocent until proven guilty she always believed in. She never spoke to the young boy, never tried to stop what was happening. But she remembered.

As Cynthia walked into the meeting room her steps faltered, he was older now but those eyes god she recognised them. Still she didn't want to show that and instead shook his hand before sitting down. "Cynthia Bell-Vasquez but Cynthia is just fine. Thank you for coming in, this won't take long it's just to talk about what to expect in court. Have you been a witness before?"

@ofprosecution | Setting: Court | Local Time: 14:32 | TW: abuse, minor self-harm

"How could you fuck up this badly again." The grip of his father's hand is rough on Max upper arm. He's young, way too young for this, way too young to complain as his father pulls him to the counter of the department, fingers digging int his skin so harshly that he's starting to feel nauseous. "I'm sorry, I-" "You shut the fuck up." Max quietens down as his father pays, his eyes only darting to the side when he notices the woman standing close, but he doesn't dare to say a word as tears gather in the corners of his eyes and start to spill down his cheeks. He also doesn't speak up when his father starts dragging him out. He never does.

Years later, Max is in court for an entirely different reason, but he can't help and be reminded of that specific night. The flashbacks catch him before he can skill them away, memories of a fist hitting his cheek and his stomach and and and clear and visible in his head as his fingernails dig into his skin so hard that they draw blood. He recognizes her face immediately as she enters the room, and through all the mails, all the phone conversations, he had never known that it was her.

"Hi.", Max croaks out, vision blurred by derealization, as he wipes his hands on his black trousers and then offers them to the woman for a shake, "Nice to finally meet you. I'm Max Miller. The witness."

"Oh I know I'm sorry, I really do need to need to get better managing my time." Cynthia felt guilty about that, she always did struggle to make time. Usually she just threw herself into work especially around this time. "But I have all afternoon,"

Emma knew that at the end of the year she would have one of her babies gone off to college. She was excited, but knew it wouldn't hit her until the end of May. "You will be their favourite auntie." She shuts the door behind them, making her way down the hallway. "Coffee it is. I feel like it's been forever since we were able to catch up. Life seems to be keeping us busy."

"That sounds like a good idea, but I will admit that it is not the most exciting case." Cindy gave a quick warning before she started to explain more about the case as they walked.

Eyebrows raise slightly, but she finds herself nodding. It's not that she needs the distraction, really - work is plenty enough, but it gives her a goal. Maybe a goal is what she needs. "I'd love a coffee, actually - There's a place not too far from here that has really wonderful cheese danishes. Give me the cliff notes as we go?"

"I do indeed, the fascinating world of law." Even Cynthia could recognise how dull her work could be so it was with a slight sigh more than a laugh that she responded.

Smith would cope, and then he would complain, because that was what he was good at. Deep breath. It would be the holidays soon and she could forget about work for a week. "I guess we'll find out shortly." She gives a small chuckle.

Her eyes glance up at the building. "You work here?"

@mixedinterpretations || Gus & Cynthia || New Year's Eve

"I'm always fascinated by people's stories I wish I had some more interesting ones." Cynthia chuckled as she sipped at her drink. "How's your work been? Ugh no actually scratch that. You don't want to have to talk about work at a party."

@lauriemorganthal || Laurie & Cynthia || New Year's Eve

"Well hello stranger," Seeing a familiar face would always put Cynthia at ease she when she spotted Laurie she walked over to him. "Fancy a dance?"

@bcysdontcry || Silas & Cynthia || New Year's Eve

"I think it is very much a shame that too many people here have empty glasses." Cynthia had likely already had too much to drink and they weren't close to the bells ringing but she couldn't help but be cheery and when she spotted others with no glasses she interjected into their conversation. "I'm getting a round what would you like?"

New Year Ball

Decked out in black and gold for the event! Cynthia loves a party and finds New Years can be a difficult time so spending it with other people (and plenty of wine) is a guarantee to get her there.

— SUCCESSION S04E02 “Rehearsal”

NEVER HAVE I EVER 4.02 ...GOTTEN SWEET REVENGE

"I know they don't but my little ones have flown the nest so let me spoil your kids rotten whilst I can." Cynthia missed her children's childhoods and although she was closer to them than Will was it was still not the relationship she'd wished for when they were little. "I'd love a coffee,"

Emma shakes her head at her friend, who always did seem to spoil her children, even when they didn't deserve it. "Happy Holidays Cyn." She takes the gifts, placing them down before giving her friend a hug. "You know you don't have to do that. It's not like they need anything more." The redhead gives a small laugh. "Come in, I'll make us some coffee, or do you want tea?" It was nice to have some time off for the holidays.

"I do indeed," Cynthia enjoyed working with Aria especially due to her enthusiasm. "Can I take you out for a coffee? We can discuss it there and of course give you a nice break."

Aria nearly bowls over the person in front of her, coming to a halt so fast at the sound of Cindy's voice. She whips around and finds herself pasting on that polite smile once more - navigating the office these days was an ordeal and a half. "I am!" Excited, courteous, she could do this. "Do you have a client I need to look into?"

"Real? Dear god please make sure you find out where it is so I can avoid that store forever." Cynthia was laughing though. She could see the appeal for some people but to her that truly sounded like a nightmare. "That's sweet that you listen to your partner so closely, you should take him there."

Mars grins. "Wait, I love that idea... but no, they don't touch anything. They're just above everything. They're not sentient, just. Weird animatronics. Like It's a Small World, but with a grocery store." He leans onto his strong arms. "It's a real thing. A real grocery store. 's why I ask, babes. It's absolutely mental. My-" His what? "...Someone I'm seeing, he. Has a weird fascination with them. We've been chatting about them, and. I shouldn't have ever told him about this grocery store."

Cynthia gave a brief laugh before nodding. "Yes I think that's the jist of it, got to find some way to make it edible." She liked the bar, but she came here to drink not eat so the food was never quite important to her.

"I'm sure someone would be willing to share for you."

Sufficiently warmed. "Cooks off the fungus, I guess." Not the most pleasant answer, but Malachi isn't the most pleasant person.

He has a drink in front of him already - just whiskey, which he's taken a sip or two of. Bony fingers tap a few more times as he mulls it over. Then, a look back at his present company. "Think the fries are warm enough?" Then a brief moment of pause. "Might need a taste tester."

"Oh you shouldn't have to be nicer. I'm sure he can cope," Cynthia said with a small shrug, perhaps she was becoming more callous than usual but she was sure if the roles were reversed Cemre would have been expected to be fine.

"Not interrupted at all, just a cigarette break."

Cemre wanted to believe she dealt with it. She was sure Smith would give her a call in an hour with the same story and she would have to stand her ground. Thankfully there was only one more day before she was off for a little.

"I hope so. I don't think I could be much more nicer to him." She offers the woman a smile. "I hope I didn't interrupt anything." She had already made a fool of herself.

"Oh believe me I can be far more grinchy than this," Cynthia said with a scoff but she was slightly teasing. "A bit of company would certainly make the day better."

"Avoid it?" She tilted her head a bit - the near-collision already forgotten about once she's realized just exactly who was standing in front of her. "There's no reason to be all grinchy - I'm in the same boat. Figuring shit out.." A wave of her hand, "But I'm just about to pack it up and go elsewhere. Maybe I could help you get yours done quicker, hm?"

@ariaboughton

"Aria! So glad I've caught you, tell me are you still working at the moment?" Although Cindy's clients were usually 'the State' she did try to make sure that individuals were represented in a positive light - Aria was the best person she knew for that job.