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[aaronjlevy]

Aaron smiled sheepishly, a slight blush on his cheeks. He had been paid to sing for years… it’s not as though his voice was bad but it was embarrassing, constantly getting lost in his own thoughts. He didn’t want to bother anyone else around him; that was obviously not his intention. “Oh god…. lame. That’s so lame!” He was a man pushing fourty, but sometimes he felt embarrassed, like he was much younger. Like it mattered what people around him thought. “Well… the song was You Make Loving Fun, by Fleetwood Mac. Which, is an excellent song, if you ask me. The people should be lucky to have it on the playlist! Anyone comes for anything by this band, and they are just revealing their lack of taste.”

"No, I don't need the seat."

Though if it got busier, then Banks knew that it would be taken by someone else before too long. Most people knew to share the seats when it got busy at the cafe, though he hadn't worked there in years. He still took up shifts here and there when things lined up for both him and Monroe, each of them needing something. Usually for Banks, he could use extra cash and knew the job like the back of his hand from when he was a kid.

That and he always managed to find a new book that caught his interest, even if he rarely took them home but spent many of his breaks thumbing through them before setting them back on the shelf for paying customers. "Yeah, I know. And so do a few of the tables around you that were on the verge of making a complaint, you know? I don't want to have to deal with them so I came here instead." He shrugged. "I don't care about the singing, I just can't stand the bitching." As he gestured towards one table in particular that got under his skin because they thought they owned the place. "Name the song and I'll put on the playlist so that I can really piss them off and sending them packing without Monroe knowing what's going on," he spoke.

[aaronjlevy]

Aaron can’t remember the last time he saw Allegra. No doubt in some chic New York City cafe, gossiping over coffees or tea. It probably when he was on Broadway, living a life that was entirely different to where he was now. And that was okay. He had made peace with the changes, knowing he had achieved his dreams and more and this was something new… an opportunity to chase alternative goals. “It’s a nice place, I gotta say. Different than home… but soft. Sweet. Good people, you know? He grinned, grabbing his coffee to take a sip. It had gone a bit tepid, but he didn’t mind. “I’m a teacher now, actually. Left acting behind… for a few reasons.” His breakup had destroyed him and it just took him out. Maybe one day he’d find his way back to it. “Teaching at the university. Living downtown. It’s a new life, but a good one. I can’t really complain.”

It's always pleasant to see a familiar face, especially in a town where she does not know what she is going to do, nor how long she wants to stay. She hugged him back warmly before adjusting her posture and giggling a little. ⏤ ❛ Yes, I do. I moved here a month ago, still, I'm not sure how long I will stay, but this is it. ❜ She admitted, sighing deeply flipping her silky, platinum blonde hair with the back of her hand. ❛ How about you? What are you doing? Do you live here? ❜

[aaronjlevy]

It was a nice day out, and in between classes, Aaron like capitalizing on the nice weather. Just to give himself a breath and a break. He really loved teaching... it was allowing him to be a guide and a mentor, which felt like he was putting the skills he had to some use. He had loved performing with all of his heart, but it had been years since he had been on a stage... even if it had been at the highest level of performance. These days, it felt much nicer to live in the studio on the other side of the table, offering a direction and a kind word.

But he needed a moment to himself. He itched for a smoke, a bad habit, but he got a crisp apple instead, something to chew on. He had some books in his hand, taking a bite of the apple, when he heard a familiar voice calling his name. He could have choked, but tried to hold composure. Swallowing, he looks sheepish. "Fiona!" He tries not to sound at all terrified. Fiona was the rabbi's daughter... a force on her own. He knew she wasn't an undergrad, but perhaps she was taking a class or giving a talk. "What brings you around these parts?"

who: fiona moore & aaron levy (@aaronjlevy) when: april 2nd at noon where: the university

fiona wasn't a stranger to the university grounds. since launching her podcast, nasty woman, she's hosted several sold-out live shows for college students. but this time, fiona's on campus for another reason. ready to elevate her podcast, it just made sense for her to take an audio production class where she'll gain a deeper understanding of the technical side. fiona has always known what she wants and her ear for audio was undeniable; however, this could take her podcast to the next level.

heading for the student center, fiona nearly passes a familiar face. they have never spoken outside of synagogue, but completely ignoring him felt wrong (plus, she had some time to kill before her meeting with the academic advisor). "aaron?" she approaches closer, as if they're old friends. "oh hey ! i thought that was you. "

[aaronjlevy]

The man seems curt, perhaps. But Aaron doesn't mind. He tries, as hard as he can, to typically maintain a rather sunny disposition. Enough to account for others, if necessary. He doesn't expect thanks for the exchange. Certainly doesn't expect it to extend. But Aaron is always happy to make a friend, or talk to a stranger. There's something in him that drives the constant need to be liked, some insatiable need to please.

But the man comes back, with an adorably out of place cup of coffee in his hands. Aaron cracks a smile, nodding at the thanks, but then almost looks surprised at his new seating partner. "No sweat, man. Happy to help!" He pulls the change in, depositing it into his wallet, before smiling. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Aaron."

"yeah, no kidding." is all ethan says before grabbing the money and going to place his order. white rabbit is a far cry from his usual scene of comfort (any bar that sells beer for cheap and lets you smoke inside), but it's come to a point where he'd rather be anywhere else than cooped up in his sister's house.

returning a few minutes later, he carries a cup of freshly brewed coffee; foam on top and a bunny surrounded by small hearts drawn in it (he didn't get a say in the matter). he dumps a small pile of change in front of the man and utters a flat 'thanks' before taking the free seat next to him.

[aaronjlevy]

God, his smile was something. Aaron was a complicated man in some respects, but he was simple in his capacity for attraction. And looking at Joe, well... Aaron was only human. He only had nice things to say about the guy, as far as their interactions had gone. Students and colleagues alike seemed to love him! And his books... one especially had absolutely captivated Aaron. Joe was talented and kind and... he was, well. He was tall. Aaron was getting ahead of himself, grinning like a fool. "Call me Aaron, I entreat you. Mr. Levy was my father."

He looked over to where Joe was motioning, eyes lighting up at the cabin. He was, at his core, a city boy. But in his years of traveling, meandering around, he had formed a taste for the more... rustic. And the cabin certainly looked rustic. He wondered, for a fleeting moment, what it looked like inside. What kind of knick-knacks Joe had, lying around. What his book collection looked like. "It looks well loved." He meant it, in earnest. "There's something very charming about it! At least, from where I stand."

He blushed, just a touch, nodding. "I do! I do. It's not as hard as the regiment the people had me on over the years back East. But I lost that in my travels, and my therapist thought it would be good to retain some form of control." He blinked, stupified at his revealing what felt like a particularly personal piece of information. Well, Aaron was somewhat of an open book. But he wasn't in the business of trying to scare the man off. "Which is to say that... yes! Sand is, well. Difficult. But god, can't beat this view, huh? I mean, I suppose no one can really beat your view... but the morning jogs give me a little taste of it."

"Mr Levy. Fancy meeting you here." Joe greeted the other with a smile. Aaron was his colleague from the university and a former star of the Broadway stages. They'd bumped into each other and talked a couple of times at work. Joe reached down and grabbed his towel, using it to dry his hair while speaking to the other man.

"Yeah, I, uh... I live just up there." Joe turned and pointed to the cabin. It needed to be painted, and the deck still needed to be replaced, but the new roof and the now-cleared land at the back made it look better than it had. "My little seaside shack." Joe joked, turning back to Aaron.

"You run, on the beach? That must be quite the workout, with the sand." It was a weak attempt at conversation, but in truth, Joe was kinda curious about this guy. Something was endearing about him... and Joe couldn't lie, he did think he was cute. Gorgeous even...

[aaronjlevy]

"Please sit! I insist. If you had to listen to me sing, you may as well get something out of it, anyhow." He chuckled, but the blush still laced his cheeks. He had a lovely voice, sure. He had worked in musicals over the years, although he much preferred dramas. And even with that professional background, he still felt silly performing off the stage. This hadn't even been intentional... he simply found himself away with the fairies, more often than not. It wasn't even feigning modesty... he too was unaware of the sheer capacity of his talents.

As she sat, he smiled as he nodded. "Look, Stevie really did one with Dreams, and I will be the first to acknowledge it. The dynamics of Fleetwood Mac are less than ideal, I suppose. But fuck me, they made excellent music." He waved her off, sighing, but there was still a bit of mischief in his eyes. "Now that I'm aware, you'd have to get me liquid courage first. Unless I'm stuck in my own head, songs don't come for free." He sat up, extending his hand. "Aaron Levy. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The bibliophile in Nixon had been strong since her return to town, if only because she didn't have a television or a job. She was only tentatively reaching out to people she'd known in what now felt like another life. Her broken heart didn't really know how to do it any faster than she was, and she almost refused to apologize for it. There were people she hadn't left with their relationships in the best condition and she lived with some degree of trepidation about running into them. The guy singing in the middle of the book shop café was not one of them and she stopped to listen (not staring. She definitely wasn't staring.)

There was just nowhere to sit with her coffee and new book, and he was singing. Gorgeously. Some part of her needed to just listen and to try to remember what that lack of inhibition felt like. She'd spent too many days in a row with her head down in this place for her own comfort, eschewing both sympathy for present circumstances and chiding for past sins.

"I do need a seat," she acknowledged. She hesitated another moment before accepting and sitting down. She let his stammering explanation die down a little before she offered her own opinion. "It was probably the highlight of my day, so I'm glad you didn't apologize for it. Fleetwood Mac is a jam, but I'm more of a Dreams girl myself. Nothing against Christine McVie, though, of course. What a legend. If I sit here long enough, are you likely to unintentionally serenade me again? I could make some requests."

[aaronjlevy]

He hadn't meant to turn heads, really. He just sometimes became suddenly unaware of himself, so trapped in his own head. And he had a beautiful voice, sure, but it's not like he was trying to call attention to himself. It's just when his mind went sort of fuzzy, and the music took over.. well, he just had to sing. But then he spotted an old friend, one he hadn't seen for a minute. "Allegra! What are you doing here? You live here? In Starlight Oaks?" He smiled, placing his journal down and scrambling out of his seat to get up and give her a hug. "I moved in 9 months ago, but... most of my life is centered around the university, now."

IT WAS a nice day to have a picnic by herself… Or whatever. It would be a waste to miss the sun so bright and shine like the day. Allegra made her way to get a nice frappe. ⏤ It seemed like everyone else also had the same idea as her, it was kind of crowded. She noticed a familiar face when everyone turned their face to the singing guy… ❛ Uh, yes you did. It was funny though. I can't believe you also live here. Hi! ❜ She beamed at his sight.

[aaronjlevy]

Aaron Jacob Levy (Introduction)

(still a work-in-progress)

details

full name: Aaron Jacob Levy

age: 38 years old 

date of birth: February 16, 1986

place of birth: New York, New York

residential area: Downtown, Starlight Oaks, Washington State 

gender: Cis-Male 

pronouns: He/Him

sexuality: Bisexual

martial status: Single

occupation: Theatre Professor, Actor 

faceclaim: Andrew Garfield

personality

personality type: ENFJ | the protagonist 

moral alignment:  chaotic good 

astrology: Aquarius Sun, Taurus Moon, Cancer Rising 

three positive traits: charming, quick-witted, kind

three negative traits: fickle, moody, neurotic

education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, NYU | Masters in Fine Arts in Acting, Brown/Trinity REP

background

tw: death, grief, loss, cheating, cancer

It was a brilliantly sunny day when Aaron was born, which was not normal for February in New York City. Maybe it was a sign of things to come. The Lower East Side was his playground, and Aaron grew up living a happy life. His parents had been high school sweethearts growing up in Philadelphia, and they instilled in him, at a very young age, that love was indeed all you needed. Though they didn’t live in excess, his mother was a middle school choir teacher, and his father was a high school librarian; they had all that they needed. When he was five, they gave Aaron a baby sister, Talia, his best friend in the world. 

It was many years of bliss—years filled with dirt-cheap movies, Hanukkah celebrations, record stores, and homemade matzoh ball soup. Years of discovering Shakespeare and pop music and discovering that maybe Aaron liked boys as much as he liked girls. Years of music, laughter, and joy filled the Levy household. Aaron wanted for nothing back then. He thinks back on this time in his life with bittersweet fondness, knowing he was lucky to grow up in a place that felt so warm. 

When he was 18, he moved a few blocks north and attended NYU for his BFA in Theatre. He had found theatre in high school without much pushback from his parents. Yes, of course, it was a risky career path. But he had a spark, this big burning flare of talent and passion, and his parents didn’t want to snuff it out. Aaron had to work two jobs, alternating between working at a cinema and a bar, to afford anything, but he was happy, and that was enough.

It wasn’t until his senior year of college when his father got sick. Cancer caught him quickly and gave him little time. Aaron was devastated, trying to be home as much as he could. It was setting up for his Senior Showcase, but he didn’t have it in him to push through the pain and try as hard as he might have under better circumstances. He needed to be there for his mother and Talia. He spent much of the time that he was supposed to be in rehearsals, visiting his father in the hospital. It all went so fast, and suddenly, the wonderful Levys were now a family of three.

He managed to graduate, thankfully. Aaron was despondent, but he had maintained his grades and relatively good standing with the university, so he got out on time. He didn’t do particularly well in his Showcase, however, so he was not matched with an agent and manager like most of his classmates. It took him three years of hustling and grinding to make his way up on his own. Skimping on meals and working until he was numb and delirious. But it was also distracting, and carrying the grief he still held; he was grateful for any distractions.

And then, one fine day, right after his 25th birthday, Aaron was unbelievably lucky. Or at least, that’s what he says. He was in the elevator with the right casting agent, just making small talk, and landed an audition for Shakespeare in the Park’s summer production of A Winter’s Tale. He landed the part of Florizel, and from there, the parts just kept on coming. Over the next few years, he became a bona fide Broadway mainstay, hopping between contemporary and classical works effortlessly. He even had a brief stint as Fiyero in Wicked, which… scarred him for life. He would never do a musical again. He had bit roles in long-running New York City TV shows, like Law & Order SVU, and he felt calm. Like the hard work paid off, and he was making his dad proud. 

It was early into these years that he met Travis Walker, a Broadway investor. Travis was older, not by a huge amount, but by enough. Over the years, Aaron had his fair share of flings; men and women were constant but fleeting, and he didn’t place too much stock into forming long-lasting relationships. He was married to his work, and though he was taught that love was so important, he found love in other things: his friends, and his plays and his drive to create art that mattered. But he met Travis on the opening night of one of his plays, and things moved quickly.

He fell, and he fell hard. Aaron was besotted. This was what he had been waiting for, at least he thought. It was perfect: every time he looked at Travis, he could swear he heard choirs singing like angels were in his ears. This was the love his parents had gone on and on about… it had to be. He felt infatuated and believed that he was adored in return. Travis would buy him trinkets and take him on lavish dates and make space for him in his penthouse on Fifth Avenue… this was the dream. 

But soon, that dream was five years long. And Aaron was at the peak of his career, having just given a star turn as Hamlet. He thought he felt the proposal coming on… it had been years, and he had been so patient and attentive, even when Travis had his moods. Even when Travis started to travel much more. Even when things felt lonely. He was supposed to be at the theatre one night for a post-show celebration, but he decided to head out early for the evening, wanting to spend the evening with his partner. When he got home, he discovered a waking nightmare: Travis and a chorus boy. He methodically packed up, absolutely crushed by Travis’ cold and cruel nonchalance at what had transpired. He didn’t even care that it was ending… and then it was done.

Aaron needed to leave the city… he needed to get out. He moved most of his things, which weren’t too much, into a storage unit, grabbed a large backpack, and left. Took a flight to Europe and backpacked. Spent some time roaming around Asia. Came back to the States and got off and on Greyhound buses until he was fully wiped. It was almost two years of this. He needed to shake it out of his system and get the grief and the loss out of him. It was then, at age 32, that he decided he would go back and get his Masters.

Getting into Brown’s program was easy. He was a celebrated actor and though the shock of him being in class with his cohort was a bit much, at first, he settled in nicely. He fell in love with Rhode Island, and 3 years on the coast did him well. He learned so much about himself and what he wanted to do, and what he needed in his life, and he wouldn’t have traded that time for the whole world. When he got out, he was still disillusioned with New York, so he looked for jobs elsewhere. 

That’s how he landed on Starlight Oaks. He’d had a friend in his cohort who had spent some time in the area, and when he saw an open job at the University, his friend recommended it. It was another coastal city, welcoming and waiting for him. He couldn’t wait to see what was in store.

[aaronjlevy]

Aaron knew Carmen was about to giggle, which meant he felt his own laughter bubbling up. This was often the case with the two of them. Even though they had only known each other for eight months or so, it was like they were speaking their own language. One where Carmen would say or do something admittedly outlandish, and Aaron would try to keep it together, often failing.

"I'm not a little bird! I'm just..." he paused, searching. "Well... kind of a boring bird. A stylish, yet refined bird. A mature bird!" He cracked a smile, a glimmer in his eyes.

The moment she suggested he wear the damned thing, he rolled his eyes, feigning anguish. "That? You want me to put that on?" As if he hadn't spent years of his life getting all dolled up in costumes to grace the stage. "Ugh, fine. If you must. Only for you."

Carmen couldn't help it. She tried to neutralize her own expression as he tried in vain to control his own, but she burst into giggles at the sight of his bulging eyes. She had this effect on him every time she said or did something out of pocket - which was, admittedly, a lot.

"That's exactly the reaction I'm trying to avoid, Aaron!" she said, once the giggles subsided. "I'm scaring people in this little town. They're like you, little birds that take off at the slightest movement," she teased.

She sighed at the jacket, turning to go put it back, but then tilted her head and smirked. "You should try it on," she said, handing it to him with a mischievous look in her eyes.

[aaronjlevy]

One of the things that Aaron's therapist had put him on, other than journaling, was running. And, sure. Having a past as a consistent actor meant that Aaron knew the value of staying fit. He had to, to successfully perform eight shows a week. But that wasn't his life anymore. And when everything had come tumbling down all those years ago, he simply lost track of the consistency of care.

So when he moved across the country, finding his way to the opposite coast, he decided to bring running back into his routine. And Aaron was a man who loved sticking to his routines. Even though he lived downtown, lately, he found himself fond of running along the coast. Relishing in the scenery he found himself in.

He didn't expect to see anyone swimming - the cold still stung, but alas, midway through his jog, he spotted someone, out of the corner of his eye, coming out of the ocean like a James Bond character... or Venus on the clamshell. Of course it was Joseph Conway.

Mr. Conway was one of his colleagues, as a matter of fact, one whom he had only met a handful of times. The first of those times eerily felt like some kind of rom-com meet cute, but Aaron tried not to put too much stock into that. But seeing him... dripping wet, making his way out of the ocean? It was almost too much for Aaron Levy.

He blinked a few times before raising a hand in response, feeling himself nearly hurtling forward towards the sand. He used all of his core strength just to keep himself upright, offering Joseph a sheepish smile. "Come here often?" He could have yelled at himself for the stupidity of what came out of his mouth, but in the end, he was drowning out his own thoughts with his embarrassment.

where: Starlight Cove, just outside Joe's beach cabin with: OPEN (0/3)

The closer it got to Spring, the warmer the cove got, little by little. Perhaps Joe was more aware of the temperature and the weather because of where he lived - he could hear the rush and roar of the ocean, the wind rattled his windows and even with his new wood burner, he felt it when it was cold.

He was also wild-swimming when the ocean was calm - that might've helped his tolerance to the cold. He knew his neighbours thought he was crazy, but it cleared his head and his heart like nothing else... or he was just addicted to the rush of adrenaline.

He was making his way out of the water, shaking his hair like a dog, wandering up towards his small pile of things - towel, dry coat, a flask of coffee, when he noticed someone nearby. He raised his hand in greeting, knowing he must've been a strange sight. "Morning."

[aaronjlevy]

Aaron gave the man a knowing smile, nodding, before taking a small sip. The accent was a dead giveaway, sure, but even in Aaron’s nine months in town, he had picked up a fair amount of local intel, now not only knowing his way around but also the ins and outs of much of the workings of Starlight Oaks. “You must be new in town. Trust me, I’m not a local myself, and did my fair share of attempting to localize myself when I first got here.” He laughed, shaking his head at his previous follies. “I looked like a fool on more than one occasion. Toto, we’re not in New York City anymore.”

“Which is not to say that you look like a fool. But this place is particular. Small-town living, you know?” He grinned, looking down at his drink. “Twelve years running, really. Before that, it was shit vodka sodas, two buck chuck, and happy hour-priced margarita pitchers, if I was lucky. Once I got my first proper job, I felt I had to get a bit more refined, and the gin martinis have stuck with me ever since.” He extended his hand, happy to shake. “I’m Aaron, by the way. What are you drinking to this evening?”

"It is most certainly not," Jack said between dying coughs. He waved another hand in apology and plucked a cocktail napkin from the bar top, running it over his mouth and crumpling it in his hand. "I was trying to... I don't know, entrench myself in the local culture. But I think at this rate, they can keep it."

Jack's eyes trailed to the drink in the other man's hand. It looked far more sophisticated than anything he'd ever order for himself. Not that the electric blue glass of sugary poison was. He nodded his chin in the man's direction. "I'm guessing that is your tried and true drink?"

[aaronjlevy]

Aaron blinked, nodding slowly as he took his headphones from around his neck and placed them on the table in front of him. "Uh... no, yeah, of course, man. I don't.. normally carry cash anymore, but let me look." He reached for the tote bag, hanging off of the corner of his chair. Rooting around for his wallet, luckily, he found three crinkled up bills. "It's not much, but hey! It'll get you that coffee! Prices are expensive these days, hm?"

ethan doesn't know much about fleetwood mac except that it has some dude named linda in it. what he does know is that he's a few dollars short on his coffee order and taking it out of the tip jar is a clear example of what his parole officer deems as 'non-compliant behavior'. "yeah, sure... listen, i'm like two bucks short of a coffee. got any spare change on you?", he asks the man, who looks exactly like the kind of sucker who would give money to a stranger.

[aaronjlevy]

location: white rabbit bookstore & café

status: OPEN [ @starteroaks ]

It was the perfect afternoon. Spring was starting to take root, and Aaron could've sworn he heard birds chirping. Like something out of a fucking fairytale. He had taken up the hobby of journaling... his therapist was a big fan, but he thought it would be nice to get some fresh air, and caffeination wouldn't hurt. So, like many weekend afternoons of the last year, he found himself sitting at a table at White Rabbit, pen clicking idly in his hand.

There was a hot black coffee in front of him, which he occasionally remembered was there. Maybe it was nearing tepid, but he had other things to focus on. Like self-reflection, and sunshine, and the music playing in his headphones. "I never did believe in the ways of magic, but I'm beginning to wonder why...."

He felt a pair of eyes on him, and he blinked, before slipping his headphones off, giving them a sheepish grin. "Did you need a seat? That chair is absolutely free!" He took a moment, realizing, blushing. "Oh... shit... was I singing? I... hm. I do that sometimes. When I'm distracted. And god, when Christine Mcvie is serenading me... I mean, Fleetwood Mac really gets me going, you know?"

[aaronjlevy]

Aaron absolutely loved teaching. Perhaps even more than acting or directing, teaching felt like it gave him a purpose in life. He loved seeing potential in his students, and he knew it was the same wide-eyed excitement and hunger he had once possessed. Maybe sometimes he still even felt that pit in his stomach, his own craving to be on a stage, lights beaming down, reciting the words of Shakespeare or Shepard or Stoppard.

But god, sometimes teaching was a nightmare. It wasn't even a reflection on his students, really. Most of them were so lovely, and Aaron knew he was lucky to be able to foster that passion and growth. But some days were just.... tiresome. Heavy and weighted. Emotionally taxing. One of his students had unloaded a portion of grief on her dear professor, and it made him feel tender and longing for his own loss. It was part of the gig, acting as a support system. One he'd gladly take on! But right now, it leads him to Cosmo Bar in search of a stiff drink.

Aaron Levy was a man of relative absolutes. It's not that he wasn't able to be spontaneous or adventurous. But he did enjoy his routines and preferences. So, as he sat down at the bar, he ordered the exact drink that he knew would do the trick: a gin martini (Bombay, typically), extra dry vermouth, three olives, and a splash of olive oil as garnish. It was particular, yes... but so was he.

There was a method to this madness, and looking over at the man sputtering next to him, drinking some ungodly blue cocktail, he felt relieved in his own need for a pattern. "I'm guessing that's not your tried and true drink, hm?"

WHERE: cosmo bar. WHO: jack & OPEN. [ @starteroaks ]

It hadn't been the promise of a drink that had lured him inside, but even still, he sat at the bar, eyes roving over the drink menu again and again as if the selections might change if he looked long enough. His father likely wouldn't approve which only made him feel like a child, but unpacking that was getting into backstory stuff. And Jack didn't want backstory stuff. He wanted a drink.

Inner turmoil effectively quieted, Jack ordered the special of the day, deciding to take the deciding out of it entirely and just let the place tell him what he wanted. This was a new town, after all. A new country. A new life. A blank slate. Why not be malleable?

The bartender set down his drink. It was an unnatural shade of blue and he slid it closer, peering inside like that might give him any more information. A brown liquor man to his core, he was skeptical as he brought the drink to his lips, taking a hearty sip.

...Only to immediately choke, sputtering and coughing into his hand as the overwhelming sweetness hit the back of his throat. Jack glanced around apologetically, meeting the eyes of someone beside him. "Sorry," he said, sheepish. "I dunno what I was expecting, but it wasn't that."

[aaronjlevy]

Aaron was.... relatively tame in his sartorial choices. He always had been and thought he'd likely always be. It's not to say that he didn't appreciate a fun pop of color now and then. He had a few monochromatic suits in a few choice colors, and some well-pressed polo sweaters that were simply divine. But he wasn't terribly out of the box. Growing up in New York, he knew that people had fun with fashion... but it never struck his fancy as much as it could have.

But looking at what seemed to be toxically neon garment (he couldn't really place exactly what it was) in Carmen's hands had Aaron's eyebrows skyrocketing. He was an actor... he could neutralize. He tried to school his expression, manipulating his lips to form a bit of a sheepish grin, with a shrug. "It's.... well... perhaps not my taste. But I'm a neutrals guy, Carmen! You know this! If you want to rock it, you absolutely will."

location: storeroom vintage status: OPEN [ @starteroaks ]

"Tell me this isn't the cutest thing you've ever seen," Carmen said, beaming almost as brightly as the neon monstrosity in her hand. "No shut up, you can't, this is so fucking cute!" As she held it up to herself in the mirror, the thing (jacket? blanket? who knew) abrasively assaulted the eyes of anyone who looked at it, but... Carmen kind of could pull it off. She would stand out like a sore thumb in it, of course, in a town like this. Even in her native New York she'd look like a crazy person in something like that, but there, people don't mind that as much. She'd been in Starlight Oaks for two years and was only now learning that maybe things were different in a small town. And that maybe she should be different too. "...Is it too much?" she asked, pouting a little.