armisdeleon

[armisdeleon]

secret santa gift @armisdeleon

from your secret santa 🎅🏽

[armisdeleon]

Armi nodded at Sloane's replied. She could do that, it wouldn't be that hard. Shit, she worked in customer service as is. At this wouldn't involve shoving sharp things through people's skin. That was a win, right? Maybe. When she offered for her to hang around, Armi felt something in her relax. "That... that sounds nice." She replied, "I could use the human contact." Maybe help get her out of her own head for a little bit.

sloane knew that this was just as hard on armi and so, she tried not to hold it against her when it really wasn't her fault in the first place. after all, any boyfriend would do what kian did for her. she nodded her head, "please," she started, "i just want to grab something to eat and then you can go home, you know, if that's what you want to do or if you want the company, you can always hang around for awhile."

[armisdeleon]

Armi watched as Kian decided, giving her her own choice to answer. She thought about it for a moment, the ideas running rampage in her head. She smiled wide at her boyfriend, "Like--- a full out white and pink tree decorated in nothing but Barbie?" She mused, "Because that's what Cece was trying to convince me to go with. Instead, I told her to ask her mom to put one in her room like that instead. So if there's a pissed off Latina at our door in the next few days -- oops." It was all in good fun, of course. Not that she really though Camila would care either way. It was Christmas after all. "A batman tree does sound pretty damn cool...." She thought out loud, "I don't know -- I'm kinda torn between the white winter wonderland theme and a green 'he's a mean one' Grinch one." She tapped against her lips in deep thought, "You could be The Grinch, I'll be Martha May, and --- Jax could even be Max??" She wiggled her brows, amused at the idea forming in her head.

Kian had stared at the cart, wondering how they’d managed to fit half the store into it without it tipping over. His first thought when Armi mentioned a white tree wasn't about how elegant it would look—no, he went straight to calculating how long it would take Jax to turn it into confetti. The black tree idea, though? That sounded like something out of a Tim Burton movie—kind of cool, actually. But green was classic. He mulled over the idea of a theme, imagining the chaos of trying to stick to one when they both had wildly different tastes. “Alright,” he said with a smile, “white if we’re feeling fancy, black if we’re feeling like Batman, and green if we’re feeling lazy. Theme? Sure, but only if it’s not something that’ll make me regret my life choices halfway through decorating.”

[armisdeleon]

TO: @kianlawson

Armi came up to her boyfriend, the cart, Kian got lucky enough to have to push was full of a bunch of different stuff ranging from food, to pet stuff, to random clothes, to some personal items, and now Christmas decorations. "Okay -- so, hear me out... what if, we do like... a white tree instead of a green one?" She asked, wiggling her brows, "If we're feeling extra edgy, maybe even black?" She hummed to herself, "Unless you want the green normal tree? Do you think we should do a theme?"

[armisdeleon]

Armi hated everything about the situation they were currently in. She hated that it was her fault, even if most told her it wasn't. It was hard to believe otherwise. Kian was trying to protect her, and now he was facing time in prison for it. Not to mention the wrath of that ridiculous family. She hadn't expected the hug, nor did she realize how much she needed it until Jemma had her arms around her. Relaxing into the brunette, she wrapped her own arms around her, squeezing. Pulling back, her eyes searched Jemma's. "You got anything that could help to calm anxiety?" She thought out loud, "It's through the roof..." And sleeping was near impossible as well. She nodded, "Yeah, yeah --- I just... I hate you guys are dealing with this as well."

Soft smile appeared on Jemma's lips and she walked around the counter to stand in full-height in front of Armi. It took her a moment to figure whether what she was about to do was okay before making another step forward and wrapping her arms around the other woman. She remembered Kian falling apart when she'd done that and only hoped it won't happen again with Armi, too, because this time she didn't feel strong enough to not fall apart, too. "You don't need to buy something, if you don't feel like it. It's okay, if you just wanted to come and check up on me or talk." She pulled back. "And it's all going to be okay, right? They'll figure they've got the wrong guy soon."

[armisdeleon]

MELISSA BARRERA EW's Toronto Film Festival Portrait Studio (2022)

[armisdeleon]

Armi hated the standstill life seemed to be on at the moment. Anytime the mention of a trial came up, she found her mood dropping, even with the reassurance of the lawyers. She just wanted this to be over and done with, and for her to be able to pick up the forever ever she was praying for with this man. "Uh, yeah -- he's out. Amos got him the best legal team, and unfortunately, they are trying to take this to trial, but the legal team is pretty confident it's a solid win for them." She truly fucking hoped so. "I'm -- fine. How are you? Lets talk about you. Anything new and exciting?"

CLOSED STARTER FT. @armisdeleon

he was, admittedly, a little zoned out. he had a lot on his mind and well, he was sure armi did too. eddie's problem wasn't nearly as traumatic as hers was and so, he was trying to be there for her as much as he could. in fact, his problem wasn't traumatic at all. it was just that he had a lot to figure out as far as feelings went and it was something that he was unfamiliar with. "how are you holding up? kian's out, right? is everything over or is there still more to come as far as, you know, the trial and all?"

[armisdeleon]

Armi wasn't exactly sure what Kian had planned. She wasn't expecting anything over the top, nor did she particularly want it. Therefore, when he pulled up to beachfront, the beauty of their surroundings not missing her, she couldn't help but smile. Was her surprise going to be a weekend, just the two of them? Shit -- this was even better. She eyed the beautiful house that was sure to be theirs for the next two days. Getting out of the car, it'd take her a moment longer before she could rip her attention on their temporary home and back upon her boyfriend. "Are you joking?" She asked, "This is perfect." Closing the space between her and Kian, she rested her hands on his chest, "Being away at the beach, just the two of us -- that sounds pretty great, actually." She tilted her head slightly, "I'm requesting a late night picnic under the stars on the beach." Forgetting about their reality for a weekend and acting like newly weds sounds just right up her alley.

closed starter @armisdeleon

location: airbnb - wrightsville (halloween)

Pulling the car up to the small beachfront rental, Kian took a moment to look at the airbnb. The place wasn't fancy—a modest one-story cottage with weathered blue siding—but it would do. He turned to Armi in the passenger seat, taking in her beautiful face and felt his stomach twisted with guilt that this was all he could give her for her birthday, given his current situation. "Happy birthday, sweetheart," he said, leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek before he hopped out, went to the other side and took her hand once she was out of the passenger seat. He thought about how different this birthday was compared to what he'd planned before everything went sideways with Sean. This was his reality now. He could only do little things for his girlfriend, instead of going all out. It wasn’t enough, he knew that, but he could only hope she would enjoy herself nonetheless. "I know we can't go anywhere fancy, but I still wanted you to make sure you had a good birthday." 

[armisdeleon]

"It's okay." She replied softly, wanting him to actually believe that. Because it was okay. She loved that he loved her like that. It was everything she could ever hope for. She just didn't want him to throw away his life for her. Ever. And that was her biggest fear at the moment. "I just don't want to be the reason your life is ruined, Ki. I appreciate what you did. But please, don't end up in police custody again over me." She placed her hand gently on the side of his face, "I love you. I appreciate you. And I just want to be alone with you, now. I've had enough socialization for the night."

She slid into the passenger side, a soft smile on her features as he closed the door and rounded the vehicle. Once in, he asked her what kind of food she'd like, and she found herself pausing as she thought over the options. "Both sound so good." She replied, biting on her bottom, after another moment, she gave an answer, "Pizza. Extra cheese." Yeah, that sounded just right. She sighed contently as he grabbed her hand and squeezed, shaking her head softly, "You. Just you. And our pets. And a large blanket, with something half funny and half scary... OH! Lets watch Fresh." She suggested, "It got romance, comedy, and horror all in one. It's perfect."

The adrenaline still raced through his body, making his hands shake from the confrontation. When she pulled at his arm, begging to leave, he gave a quick nod. "Yeah, let's get out of here." Kian kept her tucked against his side while they moved through the crowd. His mind filled with dark thoughts about the guy who'd dared harass her, but seeing her distress pushed those violent urges aside. She needed him present, not lost in rage. Standing outside his car, he turned to face her. "I'm sorry," he said, dragging fingers through his hair. "I lost it back there. Seeing him talk to you like that... I just snapped." His stomach twisted as memories of Sean invaded his thoughts. "I didn't mean to scare you."

After opening her door, he settled behind the wheel. "Home it is then. What should we get for takeout? Chinese or pizza? Your pick." His muscles still burned with the need to protect her, but he tried lightening the mood. "Though I should warn you—if we watch another rom-com, I might need ice cream to cope with all the feelings." He took her hand, squeezing gently. "I know things got intense back there. Talk to me—what do you need right now?" The silence stretched between them. After Sean, after everything she'd survived, making her feel safe mattered most. The night had gone sideways fast, but he'd spend however long it took making sure she knew she was protected. Not because she needed protecting, but because she deserved to feel secure. He'd give her space or hold her close—whatever she needed.

[armisdeleon]

Armi feared so many things when it came to her boyfriend being locked up. Things that some might consider unnecessarily, but it didn't stop the thoughts nonetheless. Armi immediately nodded when Sloane suggested watching the store while she went on break. "Of course." She looked towards the front, "Just need me to keep an eye on the front? I got you." She smiled, "Whatever you need."

sloane did have to agree with her there. kian deserved better than to be locked away for protecting his girlfriend. at the end of the day he was just trying to look out for armi. she just hoped that they could figure this all out and that things could go back to normal. normal being kian out and free. she took in a deep breath, "if you wouldn't mind hanging around so i could have an actual lunch break, i wouldn't hate that."

[armisdeleon]

Fuck, fuck, fuck, no.

Armi’s heart began to race as she watch the scene play out before her. Before she could budge Kian any further, he had the guy against the wall. Her eyes widen in fear, her heart beating in her ears, her chilled skin heated as panic overwhelmed her.

This wasn’t happening again, this wasn’t happening again.

“Kian— Ki, it’s fine. Let’s go, forget about him.” She attempted to pull on his sleeve, but her boyfriend was making a point and the point would be, in fact, made. Her eyes flickered back to the guy who had been harassing her. Her mouth fell slightly apart, eyes widening as the guy seemed to apology. She took a small step back as Kian continued, making sure the guy before them heard him loud and clear.

Once the message seemed to clear, Kian released the guy, but not before another shove against the wall that bought an unmistakable groan from the guy’s mouth. He scrambled away the second Kian released his grip, Armi’s eyes followed as the guy cut her one last scowl. It took her a minute to refocus on her boyfriend. The hockey mask had been removed, and concerned rode his features. She shook her head, “I want to leave.” She assured, “Let’s go, please.” She grabbed a hold of his arm again and pulled forward, “Movies and take out sound way too good to pass up.” She looked over his shoulder once more before back at him, “I want to go home.”

Kian already knew everything wasn’t fine. She wouldn’t be reacting this way if things were hunky dory. Still, he didn’t push when she answered him. “Okay, let’s do that.” He was about to lead them out when shit hit the fan. His muscles went rigid at the man's crude words. His hand tightened around Armi's protectively as rage flooded through him. The hockey mask suddenly felt suffocating as memories of that night with Sean flashed in his mind. But this time was different—he wouldn't let things escalate that far.

"No," he stated firmly when Armi tried pulling him away. "We're not going anywhere until this guy apologizes." He stepped between them, using his body as a shield. The stranger's comments about "jail bird boyfriend" made his blood boil. In one swift motion, he grabbed the guy's collar and slammed him against the wall.

"Listen carefully," he growled, his heart pounding. "That 'Angel Wings' you're harassing? She's with me. And yeah, I am that 'jail bird'—the one who didn't hesitate to protect what's mine before. Want to test if I'd do it again?"

He pressed harder, satisfaction coursing through him as fear replaced the stranger's previous arrogance. "Now apologize to the lady. Make it good."

The man wheezed, but somehow managed to gurgle, “Sorry. Fuck...Can't breathe. Sorry. Let me go.”

Releasing his hold, he grabbed the other by the collar and slammed him against the wall one more time for good measure. "Get lost. And spread the word—she's off limits."

Once the guy scrambled away, he turned back to Armi, removing his mask to study her face. His anger melted into concern. "Are you okay?” He asked, cupping her cheeks, pulling her into his arms and pressing a kiss on her forehead. “Did you still want to stay?" He asked, pulling back and brushing his thumb across her cheek. "My offer for takeout and movies does sound pretty perfect too. Your choice—but don't let jerks like him ruin our fun."

[armisdeleon]

Armi bowed her head, unable to escape the shame she felt towards the whole ordeal. Maybe she was over thinking it, but this did, in fact, only happen because of her. So what else was she supposed to do? She didn’t want to be the reason Kian ruined his life. “Yeah, that’s what he kept trying to tell me.” She replied softly, playing with her fingers, “Not yet, no.” She shook her head and sat back, “I would take this to the grave if I was him to be honest. But Kian’s a good guy, and this whole thing is a serious situation.” Grant it, Armi’s mind played this whole thing a little differently. It was crazy the way trauma could change someone brain chemistry. “They do….” She agreed, “but you don’t know his family. Self defense of not, they will ask for the book to be thrown at him. And well… money talks.” That really was her fear here. Sean’s family. She bit her lip and shifted, “Someone’s stalking you?”

She stared at her friend in shock, her mouth falling open. The confession hit her like a slap to the face. "Oh my god, Armi..." she gasped, reaching across the table to grab her friend's hand. "That must have been terrifying. Are you okay? And don't you dare blame yourself. Kian protected you because he cares about you. None of this is your fault." Abuse was never okay, and if Kian was doing what he had to do to protect her, she couldn’t imagine why Armi would blame herself. The waitress approached their table, but she asked for a few more minutes, focusing entirely on her friend's distress. "Have you talked to the police? What did they say?" Her mind raced through possibilities, legal scenarios. She sat up straighter, already mentally listing contacts who might help. "This was self-defense, Armi. He saved your life. The law has provisions for that."

[armisdeleon]

Armi was finding it difficult to focus. Her head continued to go back to Kian, to the situation that was at hand. How did they get here, how were they going to get passed it. Once they entered Soundwave, she began to lose herself in her best friend. Letting the music speak to her, wash over her. She moved in sync with Nina, the music taking her somewhere calm, safe, pleasant. She needed this. She readjusted her focus on Nina, a smile breaking form, "I love you too! I needed this! Have I told you lately you're the best friend ever???!" Placing both hands on either side, she gave her a small shake. "Shots? On me?"

As they stepped into Soundwave, the pulsating bass enveloped them like a warm embrace. The vibrant lights danced across the crowd, reflecting the energy in the room. Nina wrapped her arm around her friend Armi, letting the rhythm of the music take her into a new dimension. "You know how much I love you right?" she yelled over the music. "You're fucking amazing and you deserve to be happy always!"

[armisdeleon]

Melissa Barrera "You Monster" Press

[armisdeleon]

Armi wasn't sure what to think or how to feel. She knew she felt extremely guilty for what was happening with Kian right now. And the truth was -- she wasn't the only one who needed him. She fidgeted with her fingers as Jemma expressed she was fine. Olaf pitter-pattered towards her, easing some of the tension with his big beautiful face. Kneeling down, she gave the pup some head rubs. Glancing up at Jemma, "Both?" She replied, feeling the waters. Standing to her full height, "I definitely plan on buying something, but I also just wanted to know how you were doing."

Jemma didn't expect anyone coming in this early and was surprised when she heard Armi's voice. Her eyes quickly darted off to meet hers, her head already in shaking motion. "No, I'll clean it up later." She did, however, picked a broom to scoop it to the side, hiding all evidence of something not being right behind the counter before pulling at Olaf's collar. Unlike Jemma, who didn't know exactly what to say — not because she harboured ill feelings towards the woman or blamed her for her brother's absence and current situation but because she simply wasn't good at handling her emotions — Olaf's attention was quickly consumed by the newcomer and he headed straight to greet Armi with his tail wagging. "Did you come to buy tea or to talk?"

[armisdeleon]

The last thing Armi wanted to do was cause Kian another problem. The thought of him going back to jail or doing anything else to protect her scared her more than she cared to admit. She shook her head, "No -- everything's fine. It's good." She looked over his shoulder for a quick second before back at him. The moment he mentioned leaving, she frantically nodded. "You know what? That sounds even better." She agreed, "I'm cold and I'd much rather be snuggled up with you on the couch. This was a stupid idea. Lets go." She attempted to pull him forward again, but she'd freeze when she hear someone call out from behind them.

"Wait, baby -- you forgot to get my number." The man from the bathroom called out, stopping just behind Kian. The strange man glanced over at her boyfriend, not recognizing him at first. "Oh, shit -- you move fast, Angel Wings." He looked back over at Armi, "Hell, why not turn this into a party of three, baby?" His eyes lingered down her form, causing nausea to wash through her. "That jail bird boyfriend won't ever have to know."

Was she really surprised that she was being propositioned out in the open? No. Not when her dead fiance's parents were making sure to let the public know what a whore she was. She turned her attention back to her boyfriend, her eyes pleading with him, as she tugged him forward again, "Please, lets just go."

She turned to leave but the strange man grabbed her arm, turning her back to him. She ripped her arm from his grip, "Don't touch me." She hissed, "Kian -- please." She tilted her head towards the exit, desperate to leave.

He stood there near the restrooms, adjusting the hockey mask on his face. The plastic felt hot and uncomfortable against his skin, but right now, it served its purpose. After getting out of jail, the last thing he wanted was to be recognized at Fright Fest. Still, seeing how excited Armi had been about coming here made it worth it. Kian shifted his weight, waiting. When she finally emerged, something seemed off about her demeanor. Her usual bright energy had dimmed, replaced by something that made his stomach turn. "Everything okay?" he asked, noticing how quickly she latched onto his arm. He studied her face carefully, noting the slight tremor in her voice. "Hold up," he murmured, gently stopping their movement. "What happened back there?" His protective instincts kicked in, remembering all too well how things had gone sideways with Sean. "Did someone say something to you?"

The crowd moved around them as he waited for her answer, his body tensed beneath the costume. Even with everything that had happened—the arrest, the headlines, the whispers—nothing mattered more than keeping her safe. He'd do it all again if he had to. "You sure you still want to stay out? We don't have to stay if you're uncomfortable," he offered quietly, meaning every word. "We can go home, order takeout, watch scary movies instead." He honestly was more worried about her. Did something happen? Because he knew Armi. She would be acting like this unless something happened.

[armisdeleon]

Armi smiled softy at her confession, "I'm not even surprised." She replied honesty, "Don't be surprised if you never go home again. You two pretty much living with each other from this point on." She was teasing her friend, although, her words she felt were true. As her and Hazal got comfortable, smiling and nodding at the waiters and guests around before turning her attention back on her friend. She bit her lip, debating on rather or not to say what she wanted to next. She realized it wouldn't be long before it was public news, so why not have her hear it from her. Leaning forward, closing the space between them, she lowered her voice, "Kian shot and killed my ex-fiance." She started, inhaling deep before continuing, "He was trying to kill me, so Kian did what he had to. But -- I'm scared about what might happen to him, and it'd be all my fault."

Hazal shook her head, stepping into the restaurant. "No, I never saw his face clearly in the dark. Lincoln's been great though—he actually insisted I stay with him until they catch the guy." A small smile crossed her lips as she listened to Armi talk about her relationship. "That's sweet. I'm glad it worked out for you both." Moving to sit at their table, she noticed how her friend tried to change the subject. Her eyes narrowed at the denial about a mystery man. "Oh come on, you’re practically glowing. Don't play dumb with me. Also, I shared. It’s your turn." The scent of Mexican spices filled the air as she settled into her seat, making her stomach rumble. Still, curiosity about her friend's love life won over hunger. "Don't think I didn't notice you're trying to deflect." She folded her arms before her and rested them on the table. "Spill."