chroniichorror

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Leela smiles warmly, appreciating the gesture. "Well, I’m glad you enjoy it. Makes me feel a little less guilty about accepting the help," she replies, a hint of playfulness in her tone. "But still, thank you. It’s not every day someone finds work fun—especially when it involves wrangling little ones and everything that comes with it."

She pours a dash of lemonade into her tea before stirring it. She then tilts her head in curiosity. "Why is it you have more fun than actual work?"

the rumbling of his stomach is the final nail in the coffin, and a good motivator to grab some food. "it's nothing, really. just the least i can do," he says, taking a sip from his water. "honestly, it's more fun for me than it is work."

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Leela smiled, cradling the stuffed bunny in her hands. "You’re probably right—this little guy will do more to keep the peace than anything I could say." She went quietly & quickly up the stairs & into Ravi's room, placing the stuffed bunny next to the sleeping boy to wake up to.

She waved off his concern with a gentle smile as she returned. "Honestly, you're no trouble at all. It's nice to talk in my normal voice & well...to another adult." She opens the fridge & brings out a pitcher of nilgiri tea, a recipe her grandmother taught her. "I've done lots of baby talking & fake crying to get him settled down. I promised him that when he woke up, his bunny would be right there waiting, so thank you for helping me on my end of the bargain."

Saying naptime was unpredictable was an understatement. Nic might have only had one kid (and part time at that), but he'd talked to enough moms to know that some kids couldn't nap or else they wouldn't sleep, while some kids had to nap or they were the devil incarnate. Some wanted to nap, some would only nap under certain conditions, and some threw a fit until they passed out. While it wasn't like his own little angel couldn't be a headache from time to time, it never failed that there was a horror story out there that made him realize things could be worse.

"Thanks, but I think the bunny will be more help than anything else." Nic said, keeping his voice low just in case the idea of a guest visiting might set the kids off so that they refused to sleep. Couldn't risk missing anything, after all. "No, no, don't worry about it, don't want to trouble you. Sounds like I should be offering you a drink after dealing with an upset kid for hours." When in the hell did she had the time to pick up after her kids while Ravi was crying? Maybe that diaper commercial was right and moms really were experts by their second kid.

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Aaliyah slowed her pace, sensing Shari’s discomfort. She felt something like that once. She turned, offering a gentle, understanding smile. “You don’t have to feel embarrassed,” she said softly, her voice warm and reassuring. “This shop is a place where curiosity is welcome, no matter how unusual it might seem. And to answer your question…” She paused, her eyes glinting with a mix of sincerity and intrigue. “Yes, I do. Ghosts, spirits, energies—they’re all part of the history that surrounds us. You’re not alone in wondering about these things.”

as welcoming as aaliyah is, it still feels more than a little humiliating to follow after her further into the store. maybe that's just because as far as existing goes, shari has generally found it to be humiliating. is there ever anything in her life she's done or said without instantly feeling embarrassed? better to just get it over with. "um, well... i mean, you don't..." oh good lord she's doing it again. just speak. "do you believe in, like... ghosts?"

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Callista listened, her eyes narrowing slightly as he continued on. She knew it wasn't obvious that she had too much on her plate, but couldn't he at least ask that first? And what was the point of needing her help anyway? Max was independent, as far as she knew, & didn't need help. The band was just a hobby, a career.

When he finally got to it—asking her to do something, whatever it was—she raised an eyebrow. "A 'special team,' huh?" she echoed, her tone skeptical yet curious. "And here I thought we already were one."

She crossed her arms, leaning against the wall as she studied him, trying to gauge what he was really after. "Alright, spill it, Max. What exactly are you asking me to do? Because if you're looking for someone to pull extra weight, you’d better be clear about what you're expecting." There was a slight edge to her voice, not quite confrontational but definitely firm. She wasn’t about to agree to anything without knowing what she was getting into.

truth be told, her explanation isn't terribly important to him. there's only two words he's looking for: yes and no. or... maybe, too. anything else? inconsequential. some nice filler, for certain, but he's got more on his mind than just conversation—and when was the last time he had truly listened to anyone speak, anyway? he's still a child mashing through dialogue options, just with more mental skimming involved. still, he's satisfied with the answer he's incurred. "you know, that's a good way to put it," he says, nodding sagely. um, the last bit anyway. the part he was paying some attention to. "so i don't know if it's fate that you're sober-curious right now or what, but it's perfect because i need someone i can—" he cuts off, glancing back towards callista. this time, he's smiling. "rely on, i guess? i mean, look. i know i got pissed you were late. shit happens, you know? at the end of the day, i need us to be a team. but i need us—you know, you and me—to be a bit more of a special team." purposefully vague and wandering around the point, is it any wonder that he's leading into wanting something? "i want you to do something for me, cal." inhale, exhale. "well, with me. i'll be there. but you're the one who's going to be doing the extra work."

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"Don't worry about me," she reassures. "I'm not too hungry & you did most of the heavy lifting & doing." Leela walks over to the fridge to grab herself a drink. "You've been very helpful today."

"are you sure?" he asks, soldiering on toward the kitchen. "i hate to feel like i'm taking advantage of you."

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Aaliyah smiled warmly at the customer, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of an old book. "You've come to the right place. Let me show you a few things that might help with your situation." She motioned for the customer to follow her to a section of the shop filled with artifacts and ancient tomes. "We have a selection of charms, rare herbs, and even a few manuscripts that might hold the answers you're looking for." She turns to the woman. "What's going on, if I may ask?"

starter for @chroniichorror ( for aaliyah !! )

"you wouldn't happen to have anything for curses, would you? i checked lovecrafts, but... it was all stuff i've already tried."

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Callista smiled softly at John's knowledge and care for his flowers. She appreciated the way he spoke about each plant with such reverence and understanding. It reminded her of the times she spent with her mother, learning about the natural world and its hidden secrets. She picked up a sprig of lavender, bringing it to her nose and inhaling its calming scent. "Not quite," she replied, glancing at John. "I don't have the space for a garden, but I love having fresh flowers around. They make the place feel alive." She set the lavender back down gently.

"Your knowledge is impressive," she added. She picked up a bundle of feverfew, examining the delicate petals. "I might take some of these, though. Good to have on hand for headaches." Callista's attention drifted back to the flowers, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Do you have any other recommendations? Something that’s good for morning sickness?" She asks. "My sister is pregnant & she's been constantly feeling nauseous...She swears she can smell everything ten times more & it bothers her. Thought flowers might freshen up the place."

"I like all of them for one reason or another," John answered honestly, and it was true... though one might have assumed that he wasn't the type to appreciate them, he always made sure the flowers on his land were taken care of. Healthy flowers meant healthy ecosystems, all the way from producers to decomposers. He reached a callused, dirt-stained hand out to thumb a bunch of tightly-grouped lilac flowers vased on the counter. "Valerian here'll give you the best night's sleep of your life, and feverfew..." He brushed at the petals of a delicate white blossom next. "helps headaches, arthritis pains." He nearly mentioned that it helped his wife when she went into labor, too, but he kept that more intimate information to himself.

John stepped aside so Callista had access to the other part of the stand, found himself watching how she picked each flower to smell as if she could distinguish their scents from the amalgamation of floral aromas surrounding the stand. "Planting a garden?"

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Callista almost felt agitated that he wanted the break & even more when he extended the time. She considered leaving him by himself to face his fear & look like a loser. But the others stared at her with an expectant look to leave so they could whisper about her behavior. With a huff, she followed him outside, the cooler air a welcome change from the stuffy garage. As Max settled on the bench and took a puff of his joint, she took a moment to enjoy the fresh air, feeling a small sense of relief. When he finally looked her way and asked, "Do you believe in fate?" Callista hesitated, weighing her response. She leaned against the wall, crossing her arms as she considered his question.

"Fate, huh?" she said, her eyes meeting his. "I think… I want to believe in it. That everything happens for a reason, that there's some kind of plan." She glanced away, her thoughts drifting. "But sometimes, it just feels like chaos. Like we're all just trying to make sense of the mess." She sighed, turning back to Max with a small, rueful smile. "Maybe it's a bit of both. Fate gives us the cards, but it's up to us how we play them."

she does at least seem to have found her motivation, but max, ever-distracted, has found it easy to sidestep. "nah, i think you've got the right idea. i want a break. we'll take ten." he pauses, fishing around in his pocket for a joint. once its secured between his teeth, he adds, "okay, more like twenty. whenever i finish this shit." turning back to cal, he offers a crooked smile and a finger pointed her way. "you come with me. i don't want to sit out by myself like a loser." somehow, outside feels cooler than inside. a relief, after being holed up in the garage for the last few hours. "so," max starts, making sure the door is securely shut behind him before he takes a seat on the bench; "i have a question for you, cal." after taking a puff of his joint, he finally looks her way. "do you believe in fate?"

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Leela shakes her head as she waves her hands at him. "No, no. Help yourself," she urges. "I'm not too hungry. I'll eat later."

"sounds perfect," he says, which would have been exactly the same no matter what she had told him, really. as far as food goes, alan is about the farthest possible point from picky. besides, who doesn't like a pepperoni pizza? stepping into the kitchen, he turns back to ask, "how many slices did you want?"

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Leela opened the door, her tired eyes softening at the sight of Nic and the stuffed rabbit. "Oh, no worries," she said quietly, offering a small, understanding smile. "Naptime can be unpredictable anyway." She reached out to take the rabbit, her expression grateful. "Thank you for bringing this back. Ravi's been missing his bunny."

She glanced behind her, listening for any signs of waking children, then stepped aside to let Nic in. "Come on in, it's no trouble. I could use a little help if the crying starts up again." She chuckled softly, sharing in Nic’s concern. "Once he realized he lost it, he's been crying non stop. He's only been asleep for ten minutes after crying for hours," she whispers to avoid waking the children. Leela led Nic into the living room, glancing around to make sure there were no other toys left behind. "Make yourself comfortable. Hopefully, they'll stay asleep, but if not, I'll take you up on that offer to help. Would you like anything to drink?"

@chroniichorror (leela)

"did i ring the doorbell during naptime? sorry," nic apologized sincerely with a wince, holding up a stuffed rabbit like it was a peace offering. "i'm just here to drop off this, i guess it got left?" or who knew, maybe his munchkin was turning into a thief, seemed like they wanted to grab everything lately. which was fine - well no. not fine because as much as he understood the importance of baby proofing, little hands were good at finding big trouble. but it was okay if grabbing just meant a baby pulling at grass, but it wasn't great if they were grabbing things off shelves in stores (he'd once seen a kid grab something and drop it in the mama's purse. it was impressive and concerning.) or if they were stealing toys. but his baby was innocent, of course. "you mind if i come in? if that's my fault, least i can do is help stop the crying."

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aaliyah renee monroe

[ ZENDAYA COLEMAN, 27, CIS WOMAN, SHE/HER ] Welcome to Antioch, AALIYAH RENEE MONROE ! Local sources report that you’ve been in town for 3 MONTHS and are known to be PASSIONATE yet RESTLESS. Others have dredged up rumors that you’re involved in SKELETON 5 as THE ARTIFACT’S OWNER, but most know you for your work as the OWNER of ECHOES OF THE PAST. We’ll see you around town soon ! ⸻ played by serena.

Character Name: Aaliyah Renee Monroe Nickname (s): Ali, Lia, Renee, Treasures Face Claim: Zendaya Birthday: August 15 Place of birth: Richmond, Virginia Sexuality: Bisexual Zodiac: Leo MBTI: ISFJ Moral Alignment: Neutral Good Occupation: Owner Place of work: Echoes of the Past Subplot affiliation: Skeleton 5/Talk to Me as THE ARTIFACT’S OWNER 3 positive traits: passionate, resilient, empathetic 3 negative traits: overly-curious, restless, emotionally guarded Languages: english, french, spanish Love language: acts of service Biography (optional): 

Aaliyah Renee Monroe was born in Richmond, Virginia, to Diana & Robert Monroe. Raised in a creatively stimulating environment, her mother Diana was an artist, & her father was a history teacher. She grew up with two older brothers, Malcom & Jaden, in a home that fostered curiosity, creativity, & a deep appreciation for learning. From a young age, she was adventurous & inquisitive, indulging in activities like swimming, cheerleading, & dance. Her parents encourages her explorations & supported her growing interests in history & the arts. This nurturing environment shaped her into a dynamic & resilient individual with a passion for uncovering the past.

Aaliyah excelled academically & pursued higher education with a focus on history & cultural studies. During her college years, she travelled extensively, studying abroad in Europe & South America, which further fueled her fascination with different cultures historical artifacts. After graduating, Aaliyah initally worked in various roles related to historical research & archival work. Her career path included stints as a freelance writer, a historical consultant, & a researcher. However, her heart remained in the world of antiques & historical preservation.

Seeking a fresh start & drawn by the town's historical charm, she moved to Antioch. She opened Echoes of the PastI, an antique shop. The shop, housed in a restored Victorian building, reflects Aaliyah's deep passion for history with its carefully curated selection of artifacts, vintage jewelry, and rare books.

Tragically, shortly after her move, Aaliyah experienced a near-death situation at the Antioch coast. Captivated by the rugged beauty of the rocky shoreline & the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. Walking along a particularly steep & slippery section of the coast, she lost her footing on a moss-covered rock/ She slipped & fell, striking her head on a sharp edge as she tumbled down twad the water. Disoriented & bleeding from the head injury, she was unable to keep herself afloat & was quickly pulled under by the powerful currents. Miraculously, she was saved by a passerby. When Aaliyah regained consciousness, she was surrounded by bystanders & emergency personnel To everyone's astonishment, a delicate, ancient locked was found wrapped around her neck. A mysterious locket that she felt inexplicably drawn to. The locket, adorned with intricate & unfamiliar symbols appeared to be of significant age. No one knew where it had come from, but it was clear that it didn't belong to her. She felt an immediate & inexplicable connection to the locket. Despite its mysterious origins, she decided to keep it, believing it held some significance related to her near-death experience. She couldn't shake the feeling that the locket had somehow been responsible for her survival.

Since acquiring the locket, she has experienced a series of unusual & unsettling events. These occurents have only deepened her curiosity & determination to uncover the truth about the lockets & its origins:

Unexplained Noises: Aaliyah often hears faint whispers and indistinct sounds, especially when she's alone in her shop or at home. These noises seem to come from nowhere and disappear just as quickly. Fleeting Shadows: She occasionally sees fleeting shadows out of the corner of her eye, as if someone or something is moving just beyond her field of vision. These shadows vanish whenever she tries to look directly at them. Vivid Dreams: Aaliyah has been having vivid and often disturbing dreams since the incident. In these dreams, she finds herself in various historical settings, encountering people and events that feel strangely familiar yet distant. Temperature Fluctuations: She has noticed sudden and inexplicable temperature changes around her, with cold spots appearing in her shop or home, often accompanied by a sense of unease. Electrical Disturbances: There have been instances of flickering lights, malfunctioning electronic devices, and other electrical disturbances in her presence, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Aaliyah is determined to uncover the secrets of the locket and understand its connection to her near-death experience. She has begun researching its symbols, consulting with historians, and even exploring the possibility of supernatural explanations. Her journey is not only one of personal discovery but also a quest to unlock the mysteries that now seem intertwined with her fate.

Echoes of the Past:

A charming, inviting antique shop that exudes a sense of history & nostalgia. The shop is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building, with a quaint exterior painted in warm, welcoming colors. The large windows display carefully curated items, hinting at the treasures that lie within. As you step inside, you're greeted by the rich aroma of polished wood & aged paper, mingling with the faint scent of lavender from the dried bouquets hanging by the entrance. The interior or a harmonious blend of old-world charm & meticulous organization, with polished wooden floors & vintage light fixtures casting a warm, golden glow.

The shop is divided into several sections, each one deticated to a different era or type of artifact. Antique furniture, intricately designed & loving restored, fills one corner, while another showcases a collection of vintage jewelry, each piece with its own unique story. Shelves lined with old books, rare manuscripts, historical documents invite visitors to lose themselves in the written word.

Glass display cases house delicate porcelain figurines, ancient coins, and other small, valuable items, each labeled with detailed descriptions that highlight their history and significance. A cozy nook at the back of the shop features a small seating area with plush armchairs and a vintage rug, providing a perfect spot for customers to relax and browse through old photographs and letters.

The atmosphere is serene and contemplative, with soft music playing in the background. The shop is adorned with tasteful decorations, including framed antique maps, old clocks, and vintage posters, all contributing to the sense of stepping back in time.

Aaliyah is often found behind the counter or assisting customers with her warm, approachable demeanor. Her extensive knowledge of history and antiques, combined with her genuine passion for the past, makes every visit to the shop a fascinating and enriching experience. Her connections with local & well-known historians helps her with her research & providing artifacts for the shop.

Headcanons:

Dreams of Travel: Aaliyah often dreams of traveling the world to uncover rare antiques and historical artifacts, inspired by her past explorations and her love for different cultures.

Secret Hobbies: In her spare time, Aaliyah enjoys restoring old photographs and creating art from antique materials, blending her artistic side with her historical interests.

Culinary Passion: She has a secret talent for baking, often using recipes passed down through generations and experimenting with vintage cooking techniques.

Spiritual Curiosity: The mysterious events surrounding the locket have sparked an interest in the occult and metaphysical studies, leading her to explore these areas in her free time.

Close Bond with Family: Despite the distance, Aaliyah maintains a close relationship with her family through regular video calls and visits, often sharing her adventures and discoveries with them.

Personal Rituals: She has developed a personal ritual of lighting a candle and meditating each evening, which she believes helps her connect with the historical energies of the artifacts in her shop. Recently, it has helped keep her calm with new occurrences.

Local Friend: Aaliyah has formed a close friendship with a local historian who helps her with research and shares stories about Antioch’s past, providing both professional and personal support.

Antique Journal: She keeps a detailed journal where she documents the history and stories behind each item in her shop, as well as personal reflections on her experiences and the strange events she's encountered.

Vintage Fashion Enthusiast: Aaliyah loves incorporating vintage fashion into her wardrobe, often mixing modern pieces with classic styles from different eras.

Pet Companion: Aaliyah has a rescue cat named "Whisper," who she found shortly after her move to Antioch. A domestic shorthair with sleek, black fur & striking green eyes. She's three years old. Energetic & mysterious. She seems unusually perceptive of the strange occurrences around the locket, often reacting to things that Aaliyah can't see.

Antique Detective: Aaliyah occasionally helps local residents identify and appraise their antiques, earning her the playful nickname "Antique Detective" among her friends and customers.

Cultural Festivals: She loves attending and participating in cultural festivals and historical reenactments, often setting up a booth for her shop and sharing her knowledge with the community.

Artisan Collaborations: Aaliyah collaborates with local artisans to create unique, handmade items inspired by historical designs, which she sells in her shop. These collaborations help foster a sense of community and support local craftsmanship.

Wanted Connection #1: the person who saved aaliyah from drowning Wanted Connection #2: friends who are helping her research the locket but also trying to keep her safe & sane Wanted Connection #3: regulars at echoes

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What am I, Jesus? ZENDAYA as TASHI DUNCAN CHALLENGERS (2024) dir. Luca Guadagnino

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tashi donaldson - challengers (2024)

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Pregnancy had heightened Callista's senses in ways she hadn't anticipated. Every scent in her home seemed more pronounced, not necessarily unpleasant, but definitely in need of a refresh. She craved something soothing, something that wouldn’t trigger her nausea but would bring a touch of tranquility to her surroundings. So, she decided to visit the swap meet, hoping to discover some locally grown flowers that would be both visually and aromatically delightful.

On her way there, she indulged in a variety of snacks to satisfy her unexpected cravings. She picked up treats she’d never normally consider, but today, they looked irresistible. When she finally arrived at the flower stalls, she took her time, carefully sniffing each bloom to identify the perfect scent before considering their appearance. “Nothing like I expected,” she mused, holding up a delicate blossom. “What do you think? Any favorites among these?”

who: Callista (@chroniichorror) where: the swap meet when: a beautiful and unassuming afternoon

John was actually in a decent mood when he finally made it to the weekly swap meet. His attendance was exceedingly rare - there had just been so many guests on the compound recently who've all deserved his attention - but it was nice when he was able to lay eyes on the Society's stand, watch from a careful distance and observe how the Star Children fared. It was even nicer when he saw it was profitable.

He wandered along a separate aisle, stopping alongside a woman who was perusing a selection of fresh flowers. Feeling amicable and, rarer still, conversational, John greeted her. "Ain't nothing quite like fresh-cut flowers, is there?" he asked in a friendly tone, though, for him, it was still rumbling and rough-edged with old exhaustion.

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"Cheese & pepperoni," she answers. Leela opens the boxes after separating them onto the table. She turns & begins pointing at things as she speaks. "Plates are in there & I have plenty drinks in the fridge. Help yourself."

before he can get anything situated, he's compelled to lunge in and help in case she trips. she doesn't, leaving him to half-awkwardly lean back and resume his work with the painting. he gets it straight enough, at least. "starving," he admits, cracking a smile. "what kind did you get?"