callouscustom

[callouscustom]

nicocastillo​:

·✥·  

“More like went all mountain man—I’m not sure if that’s better or worse, but definitely been a lot of flannel in my life in the last ten years,” he said with a laugh, tucking his hands in his jacket pockets as his posture relaxed automatically. They weren’t in the range of anyone who might hear as they walked down the hall, so he risked elaborating a little. “I was travelling with another wolf, so the pair of us got pretty used to living light and outside of major cities, so we wouldn’t attract too much attention,” he explained. “Then we sort of got adopted by a human and her kid in the Rockies, and came back down south to a few years back. The three of them are still out there, waiting until I can tell them if it’s actually safe in the safe haven after all.” He hadn’t been open with many people about that—he was used to keeping certain things secret, and his patchwork family was one of them. Maybe he shouldn’t trust her so quickly after all their years apart, but something about her still felt safe. They’d graduated from skipping school to skipping dance class, but overall his instincts told him the important things probably hadn’t changed. 

“Hey, I tried to grow out of them, believe me,” he protested, then as they passed the front desk, he was about to congratulate her brother but set his expression to something more serious to help sell the lie. He leaned closer. “Well if he’s willing to the risk that he’ll look good for the ceremony and awkward the second he hits the dance floor—I think that’s his problem more than yours.” Nico kept his voice low until they were outside, when he brightened visibly at her suggestion. “Overpriced juice in the sun with my favorite former delinquent? How could I refuse?” He bowed slightly and extended a hand as though asking her for a dance. “Your lead, Guzmán.”

・ﾟ✧ —

     At the thought of Nico in all plaid, chopping logs or wrestling a bear, she stifled a giggle. “Please tell me there is photographic evidence of this time.” Of course, it was hardly as though the woman could judge; had they not met during her black eyeliner, My Chemical Romance phase? He had witnessed her at what was, objectively, her worst fashion phase. The story of his life, of where he’d been, conflicted her inside. She had left, and things had worked out okay for him; he’d found himself a new little family. But maybe he wouldn’t have had to do that if she didn’t abandon the town. Frustrated, she dismissed the thoughts. He wasn’t her responsibility, and Atlanta had been what was best for her. You cannot change the past, nor can you live in it. “You should bring them here.” Perhaps she had said it too quickly, but he was the younger brother she had never had, or really asked for. Now, only slightly plagued by her teenage demons, she had begun to understand the importance of such a thing. “I’d like to meet them, at least. Mainly to share my stories of the thousand ways we skipped class, and each creative excuse we ever gave.” Perhaps it was too soon for the heavy topics; nobody other than her brother knew about how she had left Atlanta, and she couldn’t quite face the inevitable pity, or disdain, on Nico’s face if she told him. 

     “A wolf never changes his fur, or whatever.” Mixing idioms was a thing she hadn’t done since she was seventeen, but seeing Nico had made her realise that she still was seventeen. A part of her was, at least. “I’ll send him your concerns, I’m sure he’d love to know how you disapprove.” Did her brother even know they were friends? So much had been kept in the dark from them, she never did figure out which of her secrets weren’t so secret after all. “Former former delinquent. You’ve turned me into a rule breaker again Nicolás. Should have known you were to blame for all those detention slips.” With a slight grin, she curtseyed and took his hand, playing along. “I don’t think any of us want that - unless you enjoy broken toes.” 

[callouscustom]

cantfightmoonlight​:

“Am I sure that I want you to open it instead? Yes? I mean I didn’t say you can keep whatever’s in it?” Jasmine pointed out, half tempted to take the present back the second the woman in front of her’s eyes seemed to light up like a tree on Christmas. “And in terms of whoever sent this, that’s debatable,” She mumbled out under her breath, sometimes finding herself truly wondering how much her biological dad actually gave a shit about her or whether he just saw her as a pawn he could use? A pawn that just so happened to be indebted to him after she had made the unfortunate decision to ask him for a favor. An action he had seemed to love to hold over her head ever since, which wasn’t to say, she didn’t love her dad or that a part of him, deep, deep down, didn’t love her. It just didn’t exactly feel like it most of the time. Not in the way her mother or her adopted family seemed to openly adore her that is. 

“But, I don’t really give a shit about pretty paper, so go ahead and tear that baby wide open. We can always, like recycle the wrapping later or something? I don’t know.”

・ﾟ✧ —

     At the reminder that the gift was in fact not hers, Florencia deflated slightly. She hadn’t received many gifts in recent years; her brothers had tried, but getting them to purchase her something that she actually liked was a rare, rare feat. Still, it had not dissuaded her enough to stop her from following through with the other’s request. A mutter under the breath of the other increased the curiosity surrounding the gift, but she opted not to pry. Sticking her nose into the business of others was a sure-fire way to find them in yours, something that she never wanted. When given permission to tear it open, Florencia acted instantaneously. With slight caution, she released the paper from the taped prison, before gently slipping the box out, leaving the wrapping unscathed. “Do you want to do this bit, or am I unwrapping and unboxing?” The inevitable satisfaction that was mere moments away made her understand the fascination people had nowadays with those, formerly ridiculous, unboxing videos. She gave the box a slight shake, in an effort to uncover more of the mystery. 

[callouscustom]

devour-deveaux​:

“Mmm, more like gasoline… or maybe diesel,” Daphne offered with a humored smile before flashing her an It wasn’t good face, pushing the glass from herself. “Mary Pickford? Now why does that sound familiar?” What’s in it?” Daphne asked eagerly. Although she didn’t really need the suggestion, she welcomed it nonetheless, considering it came with company. The young vampire would never admit it to herself but moving to a new town and starting over always came with a rush of loneliness that always eventually settled, but this time just seemed harder. Maybe it was because she was surrounded by people she no longer had to hide her true self from. Then again she still couldn’t shake her suspicions as she looked around the bar once more. “Honestly i’ll take whatever I can get to shake these nerves away,” she admitted with a small smile. 

・ﾟ✧ —

     “I’m pretty sure that’s the same thing as 99,” Florencia laughed, predominantly due to the flashback to her youth that discussion of the drink brought up. Cheap, got you drunk quickly, and was easy to hide. Of course, it was also completely lethal and utterly disgusting. “She was an actress, I think.” History never was one of her strong suits. “White rum, pineapple juice and,” for a second she hesitated, taking another sip. “Grenadine. You also cannot forget the cherry, of course.” Delicately, she removed the cherry from her glass, popped it into her mouth and allowed the burst of sweetness to drench her taste buds. “Nerves?” Her interest was once again piqued in the stranger; what could she have to be nervous about? “Don’t tell me - hot date. You’re worried they’ve stood you up.” 

[callouscustom]

kenxmatsui​:

⇌

His acceptance of her offer was done without further thought, or at least, nothing beyond a means to kill time. There was already a resignation within him of knowing that he’ll come to regret this shortly, but till then, he’s fine with the little comfort in that at least this wouldn’t literally kill him. The abrupt stop flicked his attention back to her, with a raised brow and a smirk forming as he questioned, “Something what?” There was no real need to prod, but where was the fun in ever letting things go? “Finish that thought.” With a low laugh, he gave her a nod, “I won’t need an hour but sure, I’ll have an answer for you then.” Now came the part where his smug words wavered to a drawn out “Uhhh” as he finally took in his surroundings. “Absolutely none,” he replied, “You leading or me, won’t matter much. Which were you doing with your no-show partner?” A glance went towards the front, where the instructor was preparing, and Ken never the dancer, never having that much grace to even attempt such a thing, straightened up match the posture. “Can’t be that hard if it’s just a matter of following instructions. Of course, feel free to have all the fun you want, just don’t extend that to me.” 

・ﾟ✧ —

     Allowing her thoughts to go unfinished, unverbalized, was a terrible and nasty habit that Florencia had held since childhood. Often, there were so many thoughts in her brain that they all bled into one another and tumbled out unceremoniously, leading to nothing but confusion for both her and the unfortunate listener. For an ordinary circumstance, an ordinary day, an ordinary mood, she would have allowed the thought to slip into the ether, never to be seen again. Yet, that didn’t feel like an option with him. “To be learned,” her eyes connected with the floor, unable to look at him. “But maybe you’re right. Maybe you have nothing to learn.” She hoped that she wasn’t wrong, if only to prove a point. Not that it was likely to be a point worth proving. “If it’ll harm you so much to dance for so long, I’ll renegotiate. One drink for a dance, two for half an hour, three for the entire class?” Truthfully, she hoped he would opt for door number one. Dancing with him, the tango nonetheless, for an entire hour led to a total feeling of unease. What if she simply couldn’t hack it? “He was leading. Poorly, might I add.” Perhaps it was wrong of her to shit-talk her brother without him being there to defend himself, and her mother would surely scold her for such a fact, but neither of them were present, and thus their opinions were of little regard to the witch. “What happens if you do begin to have fun? I’m not making a guarantee, I’m just saying it’s of high probability.” 

[callouscustom]

jonahxrivas​.

≋

“In a way,” he bobbed his head side to side, “This was just something to ease myself into, get to know the land and such. My research primarily involves fish. Lunar Cove fish specifically. They seem to be quite the attraction and have had numerous posts made about them and their behaviour,” he explained, “What the tourists saw as fun and cool kinda struck odd with us, so here I am!” There was more he could say, all about the exact behavoiur, and how he wasn’t the first one, what his hypothesis was, but those were long explanations and though time was not of the essence, he didn’t want to bore the person with his rambles. “Oh, plants are good too!” he exclaimed, “I know a bit about marine plants. While I do find us fascinating, anthropology was something I could never get into,” he added with a shrug. Now came a laugh at her question, “You’d be surprised at how many times I did have to do just that. Pray that no one moves my stuff, or messes with the equipment. It’s a real fear. But for now, I’ll just be taking all the findings and analyse it to see how the shore’s faring and if anything needs to done in terms of conservation.” Realising then, he had indeed rambled, he shot her an apologetic look, “Sorry, I can get carried away. Um, so, what do you do with plants?”

・ﾟ✧ —  

     Fish. Of course. Why would it not be fish? Not like those beady eyed brats were already the source of numerous childhood nightmares, and then proceeded to stalk her long into adulthood, watching her every move, plotting their next take over. Suffice to say, fish freaked Florencia out. It was what had begun the childhood fishing trips in the first place; a way to get her over her fear. Evidently, after the event especially, it never really worked. “So you... communicate with fish?” Either she was on the verge of looking like a complete and utter crazy person, or about to finally make a new marine-inclined friend, that wasn’t intrinsically linked to the sea with an inability to lie. “I’m more into land plants. Or.. well, regular plants.” A precarious game of cat-and-mouse was afoot, she surmised, though it was less between them, and more with her brain and her mouth. “What would conservation look like? You’re not going to build a giant greenhouse on the shore, or anything, are you?” His apology was unnecessary, but somewhat appreciated nonetheless. The more he talked, the less she could make a fool of herself. “I’m an apothecary. The Poison Room? Kind of my job.” And sometimes, the trees whisper things in my ear. 

[callouscustom]

msannadonnelly​:

“Darling, if I was singing to you, I assure you, uncomfortable is not a feeling you would be capable of.” If only because hypnosis and compulsion left very little room in the mind for discomfort or awkwardness when the attention was made so entirely absorbed elsewhere. “But as you wish. There will be no songs tonight except what our lovely DJ here is playing. I prefer your mind be entirely your own anyhow.” As for being the center of attention, “A shame. But I suppose I shall have to fill the spotlight myself. I do hate to share, but for you, I might have made an exception.” 

Anna met and held Florencia’s gaze as she considered the question. “A heart can only be broken if first it is offered,” she said. “Is it?” Of course, Florencia had been right before: the fae could not lie, but they could side step and circle, avoid and double-speak. Anna had absolutely no desire to break Florencia’s heart. But that was her greatest talent, wasn’t it? What siren could hold a heart in her hands without breaking it? Anna thought of love, and she thought of waves, of the last smile of her father before his head dipped beneath the water and the girl who had promised turning her back at the shore. 

“It is a waste of time to be anything but bold. If you do not believe you’re going in the right direction, whatever would be the purpose of continuing to go that way? Uncertainty serves no one, my dear.” She hummed thoughtfully. The dancing had become simple then, a flow from step to step that required no thought or second guessing. “I assume you’re a woman who wants more than she’ll let herself have. Someone who need only reach out and take what she deserves. I assume you’ve been running for a very long time and don’t know how to stop, even once you’ve come back home. I assume there is power in you, magic in you, that is bursting to come out, but letting it out would mean risking everything that comes with it, both dangerous and wonderful.” If the words were starting to hit too close to home, if Florencia was perhaps no longer the only one she was describing, Anna tried her best not to dwell on it. “I believe that you would be capable of anything you tried, but first, you must jump.” 

The music stopped, the song finished, and the couples all broke away, laughing awkwardly and apologizing for stepped on toes. “In order to receive sad flowers,” said Anna, “You will have to tell me where you live. Is that a jump you are willing to make?” 

      ・ﾟ✧ —  

     “Why do I get the feeling that the no singing tonight will come back to bite me later? I imagine whenever I find myself drawn to the karaoke club, you’ll be there to remedy my refusal tonight?” Florencia raised her eyebrows, almost daringly. Maybe being seduced by a siren wasn’t so bad after all. There were worse people to be intoxicated by, of course. At least she didn’t wish to drink her dry. “I’ll allow you to keep the spotlight. Perhaps you can settle for a very encouraging cheer from the sidelines? I was hardly a cheerleader in high school, but I’m sure I can figure something out. Rah, rah, go Ann-ah?” She offered, withholding the giggle that threatened itself at the poor attempt she made to cheer.

     “Maybe not quite yet.” The witch cleared her throat, averting her eyes from the gaze of the other. Did she even have a heart left to break? It felt as though the beating muscle - usually guiding her more than her head - was cast adrift upon her return to her home town. Perhaps that was for the best, lead to less complications when if she ever decided to leave again. It was easier to abandon someone if you kept them far away, if you didn’t care for them. Didn’t love them. Losing the one you loved was a task no woman could handle alone, and yet it seemed that she had become an unwilling expert on the subject. 

     All the assumptions were threatening to make her head spin and her feet stop; was she truly so easy to read? Every syllable that rang from Anna’s lips rang true, the thought of being so dastardly opaque made her stomach quiver. “Uncertainty is the only certain thing in life, Anna.” The moment had become too heavy, and the adolescent urge to abandon ship bubbled inside of her. Avoidance was the only solution that Florencia ever seemed comfortable in, though she felt the need to defend herself, even if the other was not attacking. “Well, I have my reasons. And maybe you’re wrong about the magic.” Doubt was a cruel mistress, yet it frolicked amongst her all too regularly. 

     “Well, I don’t suppose you feel like doing an uncanny impression of Glenn Close anytime soon, do you?” Stepping away and losing the warmth between the two felt wrong. Despite her lack of skill on the dancefloor, there was something about the proximity that felt natural and right. Though maybe that was all in her head, despite silent prayer it was anything but. “How about we escape, and you buy a drink, and then I’ll give you my address. It is where I live, after all, and I have no plans to relocate any time soon. If you force me out, it would figure that I will at least be owed a drink for my trouble.” 

[callouscustom]

crescentcrowd​:

Location: Sucré Open to: All! @lunarcovestarters​

The winter menu for Sucre was already laid out, with a few exceptions. The usuals, such as croissants, crème brûlée, and their bread selection would of course stay on the menu, but they always added five temporary pastries that would only last the season. She and the kitchen staff had already agreed on four, but were stuck on the fifth. And because Bea was the one who couldn’t make the final decision, she was the one standing in front of Sucre handing out samples. “Would you like to try a sample?” she asked a passerby, “We’re trying to break a tie, so if you have an opinion on the sugarplum danish versus the apple tart, we’d be happy to hear it,” her voice was almost robotic at this point given how many times she’d offered said samples today. They still weren’t any closer to a decision with many opinions consisting of, “They’re both great!” Which might have been true, but was certainly unhelpful.

・ﾟ✧ —

     Whenever accosted in the street by a stranger, Florencia made the - often tedious - decision to pause her day. Her first week in Atlanta, she had signed up for three email updates on animal sanctuaries, taken information from two Wi-Fi companies and donated to seven causes, though she was sure that at least four of them had been a scam of some sort. Her argument was that you never knew when someone might be in need of a hand, and even if she got scammed, it was likely for a justifiable reason. “If the response to that question is ever ‘no’, please call for the police because there is something severely wrong with me.” Fervid eyes scanned the treats before her, taking the first and chewing in fake thought, her mind ambitious for the next. “Mm!” There was a clear winner here, and she was almost ashamed that it had ever been a contest at all. “Apple tart,” she spoke, her mouth still half-full as she covered it with her hand. “Easily the apple tart.” Florencia scanned the street, as though she were looking for clues. “It’s not Christmas yet. You can’t have a sugarplum danish outside of Christmas. It’s immoral.” 

[callouscustom]

crescentcrowd​:

“I am pretty expensive,” Reese grinned, “And in high demand. Just before you asked, I had a line of other dancers waiting. They’re probably heartbroken right now,” she said as though Florencia hadn’t seen her milling about on her own just a few moments before. “But that sounds like a good trial period to me. I have a no-ankle-trampling policy, so you’ll be sorely disappointed if you think that would get you out of future payments.” 

She shook her head as she placed her other hand on Florencia’s waist, “You got too much trust in me if you think I should be the one in control,” she laughed, but placed her hand securely on her partner’s waist and pulled her in a bit more. “What, are you leaving room for Jesus? This isn’t a school dance, you know,” she joked before placing her left foot forward and leading Florencia back, then bringing her back to center. “And now your turn,” she said, shifting her weight on her right leg as she moved back, letting Florencia come forward. “Okay, that’s not as bad as I thought,” she said, finally looking up from their feet to keep her eyes locked on Florencia’s. “What about you? Struggling yet, Guzmán?”

・ﾟ✧ —

     “And you picked me out of all those in line?” Had it been true, she certainly would have been honoured. Regardless, there was at least a small pop of pride regarding the fact that she had been chosen, as opposed to whatever alternative her partner had, in her mind. “Policies were made to be broken, Reese. I’m sure there’s a policy about littering - doesn’t stop it from happening.” There was at least a little faith within that she wouldn’t completely ruin Florencia’s ability to walk, but coming away with a bruised toe or so was at least moderately expected. Being unscathed from their partnership would certainly be an impressive feat. 

     “I’m pretty sure it’s in the Lunar Cove by-laws that I’m not allowed to be responsible in any capacity.” She had limited experience in the role at best, and at least if she was the one being lead, then there was less room for error. Psychologically, at least. “I didn’t realise you wanted to get intimate with me Reese. You could have the courtesy to at least buy me a drink first.” Regardless, she obeyed and shortened the gap between them, simultaneously mimicking the actions of the other, before suppressing an eyeroll at the lack of faith. She wasn’t a complete dolt. “Only with what I’ll be having for dinner tonight.” They were better at this than she thought, but in an effort to not seem weak, she opted to lie, pretend as though she wasn’t actually impressed. “What do you think? Fancy a dip?” Almost cocky in manner, she raised her eyebrows, knowing that while the other was in control, there was no harm in dipping her leader, her hand sliding to the middle of Reese’s back, applying light pressure. No harm, providing she then didn’t drop her, of course.

[callouscustom]

antonioalvarez​:

.

Tony crouched by the machine and placed his hands on both sides of the box, using his technology manipulation to calm it like someone might with a rabid dog. “I’m working,” he said without looking up, like this was obvious. “And I almost have it–can you go further back?” He finally looked up, raising an eyebrow in surprise at her question. “No. But if it worked, that wouldn’t matter. I could just go back in time and tell myself not to make this, and thus everyone would not die.” He stood up, hands on his hips, and frowned down at the box which was just refusing to cooperate. “Maybe you’re making it nervous. You’re making me nervous. The look on your face right now is really not very inspiring. Do you want some tea or something?”

・ﾟ✧ —  

     The mere notion that she was the misguided one here only sparked a sense of more curiosity in the witch. Almost amazed at watching this odd creature in, what she could only presume, in it’s natural habitat was truly fascinating. It were as though she had front row seats to a David Attenborough special, and obeyed his request without a thought of hesitation. “Go back in time..” At such a statement, the spell was broken and the absurdity of the situation was realized. “Are you preparing for a role as Doc Brown at Halloween?” Truthfully, it was the only semi-rational explanation that she could think of, allowing her to fear the truth. “It’s sentient?” This only lead to more confusion, and a vague nod for tea. Tea wouldn’t help, but then, answers likely wouldn’t do much either. “What is it? Your thingamajig?” 

[callouscustom]

cantfightmoonlight​:

@lunarcovestarters​

Minutes found themselves transitioning into an hour as Jasmine sat there. Her foot mindlessly tapped away against the floor as her eyes continued to burn a hole into the perfectly wrapped gift that now sat on her lap. A present that had been sent to her directly from a better left unmentioned unofficial coven in Boston and could have only been a request from a certain father of hers. After all, it was pretty much the only time of year she actually heard from her old man and, even though most seemed to enjoy being showered with gifts on their birthday, the ominous present before her was making that far from easy to do at the present.

“Do me a favor?” Jas asked, casting the person before her a pleading look. “Can you, um, can you open this for me? I, uh, I don’t know if I really want to or can bring myself to do it, and yes before you ask, it’s my birthday, but please, please, please don’t make a big deal about it. Okay?”

・ﾟ✧ —

     Had she not known any better, Florencia would have assumed that the girl with the gift was some sort of new art instalment. It was almost hypnotic to watch her as she sat, statuesque, just seemingly studying the wrapped box before her. Truthfully, she was dying to know what was inside, but it was not hers to known. Sticking her nose in places it did not belong had long been a nasty habit of the youngest Guzmán’s, and one she had been making an effort to attempt to work on. Yet, when posed with the option to tear it open and peak inside for herself, it took her no time at all to grasp it with both hands and place it into her own lap. 

     Only when the nature of the gift was revealed did she hesitate. Stealing a birthday gift from someone else was a crime she hadn’t committed since she was two and thought the pile of presents labelled Gerónimo actually belonged to her. “Are you sure?” Despite the question, her fingers had already begun to slide beneath the tape which kept the left side together. “Whoever sent you this seems to really care about you.” And so did she, taking great care not to tear the paper, if only in case Jasmine wished for the satisfaction of ripping it open herself. “Last chance, cause if you say I can, I’m tearing this bad boy open. Pretty paper be damned.”

[callouscustom]

antonioalvarez​:

Location: A random street in Shadow Lake For: OPEN @lunarcovestarters

“Wait, stay there!” Tony stood on top of an upside down trash can, dressed in sweats, Christmas socks, and a ratty t-shirt that was more holes than fabric. But when someone new came walking down what had previously been an empty (though still very much public) street, he jumped down and waved his hands over his head to get their attention. Weaving across the street was a large mess of wires that he had clearly plugged into a public power line, all of which led to a clunky metal box that was spinning so fast it looked on the precipice of explosion. Which was not entirely unexpected, as every “demo” before this had definitely gone up in smoke–literally. “Unless you want to lose your eyebrows–been there, done that, do not recommend it–you’re going to want to take 10 steps back.” He frowned at the box as it made a few worrying, high-pitched sounds. “Er, maybe 20.” 

・ﾟ✧ —

     Burning a hole in her pocket, the mile long to-do list should have been at the forefront of Florencia’s mind. Yet there were so many more interesting things to do, that she opted to briefly neglect her duties, and inspect the newest additions on offer at Second Chance. While it didn’t quite cater to her taste as perfectly as she would have wished, there was an always opportunity to give the articles a third chance by fashioning them into something new. Something new that was evidently required by the Christmas goblin which appeared before her. “Uhh...” Stunned by the choice in attire, not a word that he spoke was able to register. In her time she had surely worn some questionable things, but this was a new level of what the fuck. “What are you doing?” Despite the fact that he was clearly lacking in a few components - both mentally and with whatever contraption he had concocted - she abided by the request, the ten extra steps included. “Are you trying to kill us all?” 

[callouscustom]

©

[callouscustom]

devour-deveaux​:

Location: Starlight Bar or Eclipse Time: 11PM-ish Who: Open| @lunarcovestarters​

Daphne sat staring at the ceiling of her Emerald Hotel room for what seemed like hours. After looking at houses and apartments all afternoon, she’d come back defeated. The only thing she could think to do was plop herself onto her bed and questions her life choices. Had she made the right decision coming here? Was this all just one big mistake? Before she could spiral any further she quickly popped up from the bed, threw on a fresh shade of lipstick, and headed out the door to see what Lunar Cove’s night life was all about. 

Determined to get herself out of her funk, Daphne walked the bustling Lunar Cove streets until she found herself sitting at a bar waiting for her drink. As she waited, she found herself stealing glances around the bar, curious as ever at the type of people who inhabited this place. The petite vamp smiled to herself  at the glass placed in front of her before taking down her whole drink in one go. She swished it around first, then made a face as it burned it’s way down. “I may be tiny but i can handle my liquor, I swear” she pleaded with a chuckle at the person next to her flashing her a look. “Whatever you have in your glass looks really good, by the way,” She added, fishing for suggestions of what to order next. 

・ﾟ✧ —

     Florencia had adjusted back into the life of Lunar Cove with surprising ease. The transformation from a city of 500,000 to the tiny Rhode Island town was one that she had somewhat dreaded when the plan to abandon Atlanta had occurred. Now, three years later, such an act seemed like the easiest thing in the world. That was the thing with the past; it’s impossible to outrun. Home will always be home, whether you wish it to be or not. A routine had occurred for the thirty-five year old without conscious choice. Mornings and afternoons were spent manning the store, the apothecary business never booming but never settling. She would attend her tutoring sessions with Poppy during lunch breaks, when the Supreme was available, and the Follow My Lead dance class every Thursday. Mondays were inventory, and she stayed open late on Wednesday to accommodate the post-work crowd. The remainder of the week was free, though she preferred to spend most of it at Starlight, if only because it was better than staring at the four walls of her bedroom that she had still failed to decorate, from fear of attachment. 

     An unfamiliar face took occupancy at the space closest to her, eliciting instant curiosity around the stranger. Didn’t she know everybody in town already, or recognized them at least? Florencia had a penchant for keeping herself to herself for the most part, but she still found familiarity in the faces that crossed the square, or passed by the store. Curiosity brewed beneath, though the other opted to speak before an unassuming question could formulate within. “I don’t doubt it,” She offered a smile, no longer worrying about sneaking glances to ensure that she was suffering from facial blindness.

 “Mm,” mid-sip, she nodded; manners costed not a dime, after all. “Mary Pickford. It’s good, though likely not nearly as strong as whatever you’ve just had. What was that, 99 proof?” 

[callouscustom]

finnh​:

When & Where: Sweet Tooth …in the afternoon

OPEN | CLOSED @lunarcovestarters​

                 Finn never minded the fact that he was often one of the only single adult regulars of Sweet Tooth. He always loved sweets, which isn’t really a surprise to anyone. The banshee would fail to mention, however… that he was slowly starting to acknowledge a possible addiction manifesting right before his very eyes. It worried him, from time to time. Especially given the amount of instances clients had found candy wrappers in random places at the funeral home. Still, Finn felt like he could cut himself some slack today. There was a certain anniversary coming up that he would rather not think about. 

Nearing the chocolates, Finn starts eyeing the cherry filled ones until he hears a particular laugh nearing the register. He knows that laugh, its distinction like no other cementing itself in his brain. He shivers, heterochromatic eyes searching for the other single adult he remembers seeing a few minutes ago. “Hey, uh… would you mind helping me with something?” he asks, turning his back towards the laughing woman, talking to another. “Could you… would you mind pretending we’re together? I’m just trying to avoid someone,” he clears his throat, nodding subtly in the woman’s direction. “She should be leaving soon.” 

・ﾟ✧ —

     Tradition, in Florencia’s mind, was simply obeying the societal obligations of dead people. For this, she cared little for it. If everybody behaved in a certain way simply because that’s “the way it had always been done,” then nothing would change. The thought of stagnation made her skin itchy, so she opted to forgo most things ‘expected’ of her, in an effort to do things her own way. Mourning, and the ghost of grief, was included in that. Since her return to Lunar Cove, she had spent each August 27th retracing the steps of that fateful day in 2002. Her family opted to spend the day mourning in their own ways - often at her father’s graveside. Perhaps this was remnants of teenage rebellion, or perhaps it was simply an act of masochism. She could not forget him, nor forgive herself, if she tortured herself each year with the events of that day.  And, each year, after retracing her steps at the fishing dock, she would end the excavation into Sunny Harbour with a small bag of jellybeans, only in red and yellow, as they were the only food permitted on a Guzmán fishing trip. 

     Her visit to Sweet Tooth, intended to be brief, had been impeded by the reorganization of the store in the past 365 days. The mission of relocation of the treats was beginning to set foot, before another unexpected interruption occurred, much to her chagrin. Her eyes followed the direction he had gestured towards, which allowed the situation to only make slightly more sense, though it was a tentative understanding. “Sure...” The monosyllabic became drawn out, lilted at the end. “So, uh, babe," she paused, wondering the depth of this pool he wished her to wade into. “Did you manage to find the jellybeans? Remember, only red and yellow. They will compliment the wedding colours perfectly!” 

[callouscustom]

kenxmatsui​:

⇌

Ken had no idea what had possessed him to say his decision, it wasn’t the offer to buy a beer, or three as she put it, and it definitely was not the incentive to come back to be her partner, that had to be a joke because he was taking it as such, other than to kill some time as Ken couldn’t really think of anything better to do, apart from walking away which again sounded like a delight had it not been for the obligation he was under. There wasn’t much and he could stand here and think on it, grasp and hold out for those microscopic reasons and waste everyone’s time, which again, sounded like a delight, but he found himself nodding instead, “I doubt I’d learn anything, but fine, three drinks works for me.” How much he’d live to regret this, only time will tell. “This is to kill time anyway. What do I have to do?”

・ﾟ✧ —

     In truth, Florencia had predicted that her request would be an exercise in futility, which was why when he respected her offer, she did nothing but stare at her other for a pause. He failed to strike her as a man who would do such an act - something he clearly did not want to do - out of the goodness of his heart. Or for the meagre payment of three drinks. Still, not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, she nodded and straightened herself. “I’m sure there’s someth-” She stopped herself. Applying pressure to a rickety bridge always went south in the movies, so why would she attempt to do anything similar at this moment? “Three drinks. You have a whole hour to think about which you’d like.” Maybe if she filled the silence with incessant babbling, this would be an easier task. “Well, do you have experience with the tango? I mean.. I can lead, if that’s easier for you.” Of course, her leadership skills on the ballroom floor left much to be desired, but he didn’t need to be privy to such information. “All we really have to do is mimic the teacher’s steps and instructions. There is of course the option of having fun, as well.” 

[callouscustom]

[callouscustom]

moonglowmagic​:

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Poppy hadn’t planned to actively be tutoring others but it was clear that Florencia needed her help when it came to duplication, which happened to be one of the few that she did excel at. “That’s it?” Looking up slightly shocked, she couldn’t help but find herself wondering if she was abusing her power for a moment. Shaking off the thoughts as she refocused. “How long do you hold them when you duplicate? An hour or longer?” She asked. Mostly just so she could gauge exactly what she was dealing with. Giving a soft laugh at Florencia’s words, she put the notebook and pen she was using down. “Gotta love having it for those reasons. Mine was always in the classes I hated while I was probably out back smoking.” She had always made sure to meet the duplicate as quickly as possible so she actually retained the info and didn’t loose it. Although in her youth that had happened more than once. Now she knew her limits and exactly how far she could push herself when needed. "I see. Well why not not? Let’s just see how many duplicates you can make? Worst case you make none and well it’s just me seeing it.” She told her as she put her hands on her knees and stood up. “We can each do one duplicate at a time if it will help? And that way there isn’t twenty of you and just one of me.” She remarked with a tease.

・ﾟ✧ —

     Though likely unintentional, the more questions and surprise that Poppy shoved her way made Florencia feel smaller and smaller. How was it that the woman three years her junior was such a seeming expert, whilst she struggled so? Of course, taking two decades off of her magical practice undoubtedly played a part, but she couldn’t help but to feel three inches tall regardless. “Five minutes, maybe ten?” Her head hung in shame, hating herself for being honest about her struggles instead of simply acting as though she had the most intimate knowledge of the power, even if it would have been a lie. “Ah, so the Supreme has a bad girl streak. Good to know.” There was more ease at the admittance; she hadn’t been the only fuck-up in high school, it seemed. That did little to dissuade the ocean of differences between them, however. Somehow, she felt exactly like the girl with dark bangs and braces, with overdramatic eyeliner and lipstick that was usually only found in Hot Topic. “Okay, sure.” The witch rose with the other, exhaling a breath that had been subconsciously held. “If there end up being twenty of me, I think I’ll go mildly insane.” The horror of such a thing. What, was she Gizmo all of a sudden? “I got this, it’s just one. I can duplicate once...” She murmured to herself with limited confidence. “Why don’t you go first? I can learn from the master.”