recklesszoe

[recklesszoe]

"I am way too old to be here," she murmurs to herself, just as a glob of soapy foam comes flying towards her face. Zoe grimaces and bats it away. She's there babysitting a couple of her coworkers who convinced her it would be 'a lot of fun.' Now, as her shoes feel soaked through from the moisture in the foam, and the slipperiness of the floor makes her almost fall half a dozen times onto what is probably the nastiest, wettest, shoe-grimiest floor she's ever encountered, Zoe is pretty over the event, despite doing her best to have a good time. Still, she promised them she'd stay. Doesn't mean she can't drink, though. She turns in the direction of the bar--a little too suddenly, apparently--and loses her footing once again, though this time it's just too slippery where she's standing, and Zoe goes stumbling forward, desperate to keep herself up, slamming right into the man. "Ohhh my god. I am so sorry!" Of course she's laughing, despite the embarrassment she's feeling. She struggles to get herself upright, relying on him a little too heavily for a couple moments. "I wore heels!" she confesses to the stranger. "How stupid is that?" @philippedubois

open starter! @aurorabaystarter location: palacio's foam party

Big themed events were never really Philippe's thing, but after a couple of shots, he found himself loosening up, even dancing a bit. The party was in full swing with waves of bodies pulsing to the music, bass thumping, and the foam spraying everywhere. It felt like a throwback to the college days at the infamous frat parties.

Just as he made his way out of the thick crowd, someone suddenly slipped and stumbled into him, causing him to nearly lose his footing on the slick foam-covered floor. "-Woah, are you alright there?"

[recklesszoe]

"Oh definitely," she nods. "Or woman. Equal opportunity." Zoe gives a playful grin. "I've for sure had my share of asshole moments in my day..." Zoe perks at the offer, fighting a little laugh. "Oh no. Um... Alright. I'll take it! I'm guessing... they will wait until they're out of sight, so they don't make a bigger scene..." She offers her hand to shake. "Otherwise, if they cry here on the way out, you're making $20 tonight." And after, her eyes scan the crowd curiously. "It's probably worth mentioning we aren't allowed to influence any of this, right?" @shilohsharma

"See, I don't even know most of the people here, but the tension is palpable in a couple spots..." She laughs, nodding quickly. "And you're absolutely right. Alcohol definitely brings out the big feelings sometimes... I've already seen a couple people make very abrupt exits, too... But they could just be getting air?" She shrugs. "The guy I'm here with it's... Uh... I don't even know if it's a date or just, like... a friendly hang? Waiting to see. He had to go take a work call... But I know we aren't ending the night with a face slap or tears, at least?" She beams. "So it's a win either way." "Nice to meet you. And exactly! Just, you know... Playing the odds... We could probably be taking wagers..." A glance around, then she laughs. "I mean... not that we would..." @shilohsharma

[recklesszoe]

She actually holds back from talking about the real reason for those trials anyway. It's not usually a fun, upbeat topic for people she's just met randomly in a bar. She also fights the urge to make a TLC reference as he mentions the 'rivers and lakes he's used to,' but just barely. There's an amused little smile that creeps across her lips as the thought crosses her mind. "It is my favorite ocean, having seen... Well, only one, actually." Zoe teases. She crinkles her nose, head canting. "I don't know if it was entirely selfless. I was poor and struggling to find a path and it's easy to at least start the nursing program? Staying in is more of a challenge, yeah... But, uh... I like it. And thank you. It's nice being able to be there for people in scary or stressful moments of their lives. It is nice to help." She takes a little drink as he mentions family and complicated, Zoe nodding quickly. "Oh I know that one. Well, I mean... Mine isn't here. It's back in Seattle. I figured a thousand plus miles was... almost enough distance..." @stephanxevans

"Yeah, the witch trials," he chuckled at her reaction. It was one of two reactions he got whenever he mentioned Salem. Either elated curiosity or a look of concern as if he possessed magic from growing up on the land. Back then, it felt like the best thing in the world. Now, it felt like an old wound he did not dare reopen. "Rivers and lakes are what I'm used to, but I don't mind seeing the Pacific." It was a nice change of pace and scenery, but he wouldn't lie that he preferred the simplicity of rolling greens for eons. "Ah, a selfless path. People don't say it enough, but you are a lifesaver, so thank you for your time and effort." Teachers and the like were the backbone of keeping this country functioning. Stéphan would always be ready to thank them. "Work primarily…maybe family. It's a bit complicated."

[recklesszoe]

"I used to straight up make people tell me how to make what they wanted when it was something complicated. But I wasn't getting paid, so..." She gives a little smile, though it quickly turns to more of an impish grin as he continues. "Hm... Maybe I'll have to test those bartending abilities of yours. Just ask for the most outlandish drinks... See that skill in action." There's a tinge of something when he mentions his mom, maybe a little sting, and Zoe nods, expression softening. "That's really nice that you guys did that. And being able to cook is so important. My sister and I had way too many mac & cheese nights when we first moved in together." She forces a little laugh with this last part. Her smile widens some, though she tries to fight it. Interesting is good. "You, too," she admits, smothering away the expression for a moment. "I don't, uh, always spend so much time talking to patients. I was just..." Zoe clears her throat, fighting a little laugh, and maybe focusing more on those dreamy eyes. "So, this is the slightly awkward part where I give you my number, huh?" Rather than asking for his phone, she does it the old-fashioned way, pulling one of her nurse business cards from her scrubs pocket, and a pen from her lanyard. Zoe scrawls her cell number on the back of the card, smirking as she offers it to Marco. "Alright, when you're done with the doctor, text me, and we can hang out." @sirmarcoalvarez

"oh?" marco questioned with curiosity before chuckling slightly. "yeah they can be a lot and i practiced a lot. in classes, at home and i made sure i had it down before i got my job at the bar. i still practice and make sure i know though today," he admitted with a soft smile. "it can be, i guess - i'm lucky. if i wasn't a bartender i was going to try culinary actually. i cooked a lot with my mom growing up as we have a big family and it was helpful sometimes as well, and i liked doing it." giving a nod of his head, smile still present on his face. "yes, well, i'm not a professional, but i know a few things, so i believe i could be helpful." his smile still remained on his lips.

looking at her for a moment, noticing how she answered and laughed it offer as another smile came to him. "alright, sounds good. lunch it is then. i just - you're interesting and i'd like to get to know you more." marco admitted. he wasn't blind either, she was also beautiful, but mostly she was interesting so no matter what, a new connection would be nice. though maybe he had a charm he wasn't aware of. either way, he was ready to get out of her himself, despite always down to make sure he was fully healthy, but he knew it wouldn't take long.

[recklesszoe]

A grin tugs her lips at the playful challenge, mirth in Zoe's eyes. "Don't make me sweep the floor with you, Ric..." She doesn't hesitate to start in the direction of said dance floor, Zoe all smiles as she slips through the crowd, nodding and waving at random people. She twirls back in Ric's direction, fighting a little smirk as she watched him. She can't help but laugh at his words, shaking her head. "Ugh... Guilty as charged. Those were my exact words. I like to tell people they're doomed when they're at the doctor's office... Keeps things interesting." A wink. "And sometimes I get a date out of it..." His compliment is not missed, and he might even notice a hint of a blush on her cheeks. "You're sweet." The song playing is something upbeat right now and Zoe watches for Ric's lead, that smirk returning. "I'm expecting you to bust out with the Cabbage Patch or the Running Man any second now..." Just as she says this, though, the song shifts to something with a slower, softer tempo. @castellcnos

Ricardo's ears perked up as she mentioned dancing, shooting her a look of disdain. However, the corners of his lips gave him away as they creased into a smirk. "Dancing... ooft, I don't know. I wouldn't want to show you up with my good moves." A hidden talent, that was not so secret. He loved to party, especially when he was younger. "But sure, lets go and get a closer look... see if you can bust a move like I can." He teased, extending his hand to her.

"Nah, I distinctly remember you telling me that I was doomed." He jested. "Oh yeah, the theme's pretty fabulous. I mean, in Aurora Bay at least. Everyone dresses up like they're walking some kind of runaway. Although, I think you'd be getting crowned the runaway queen in that get up."

@recklesszoe

[recklesszoe]

N. What are their hidden talents?

I have a lot of really dumb bar tricks, do those count? Hm. I think I'm pretty good at reading people, too, which can be great for the job, obviously, but also has come in handy to get me into or out of different situations, depending. When I was younger, I used to be a pretty good skateboarder. I haven't tried in a really long time, though. I can just imagine trying to do an ollie now and fracturing my neck.

[recklesszoe]

"I dabbled in college," she says, "But, you know... bartending parties and stuff like that. I think actually working in a busy bar I'd have messed up way too many orders." A smirk. "But yeah, just remembering everything is a pain sometimes... Especially when people want to get fancy with their drinks, too." Her eyes stay with him at the next bit, head canting. "Oh, like... as a trainer? I'd be down... I was looking into one when I first moved to Aurora Bay and then, just... life." A shrug. She immediately fights the grin that tugs her lips at his suggestion. She's seen his chart. She knows he's a little young, and yet... she finds herself slowly nodding. "Yeah, I, uh... I could probably get out of here in a bit... We could... go somewhere. Maybe... get lunch or something." With her long shifts, she has no idea if it's even normal lunch time. Really, she's trying to meet people, too, right? Make friends... Totally innocent. Nothing to do with those pretty eyes. @sirmarcoalvarez

giving a nod of his head, he was on his feet a bit and moving a bit - and he liked it that way. "yeah, it can be a lot of hard work remembering all the drinks and even the occasional new or special ones," marco said with a chuckle, a smile resting on his face. "i'm unsure how that'd have gone for me but - i think this was the right choice for me. bartending or culinary, really." looking at zoe for a moment before gently saying, "if you ever want help or more motivation, i offer."

"yes, of course - but um - maybe after it's over, if you're maybe close to wrapping up we can, i don't know just get out of here. hang, whatever." he gave a warm friendly presence, as flirting wasn't really his strong suit and he didn't even know who was with who, so he just always looked to bond with everyone he could.

"i think i'm good actually, thanks. maybe i'll see you after the doctor."

[recklesszoe]

"Thank you," she says with a warm smile. She can't help but follow his eyes toward the dance floor. He seems a little preoccupied and she can't help but smirk. "Working up the courage to head over there and dance or... just taking in the scenery? We could... head over there and get a closer look. Maybe even dance?" She bats her lashes playfully. Zoe laughs at the last bit, eyes widening. "Hey I didn't say you would die. Just, you know, that it's good to be a little more mindful of it... And of course! It seemed like such a random, fun event... It's crazy how many people came out, though. I saw a woman in, like... She looked like a living sea goddess, shells and all. People are really doing it up big." @castellcnos

"Well, you look absolutely breathtaking." Ricardo said, as he took a sip from the beer he'd gotten at the beer. He peeked over a glance at her outfit again, before remaining fixated on the dancefloor, trying to uncover any secrets happening between the party goers. News worthy. "Thanks," he did reply, however. "And thanks for coming with me. I thought it's the least I could do, after you basically told me to lower my blood pressure or I'll die."

@recklesszoe

[recklesszoe]

It's his expression with this that makes her want to ask more, but she knows better. She has a feeling she knows the answer to that question, just based on the pain on the man's face. Instead, she focuses on Tomás and his dad, giving a smile as the boy uses the temperature gun on his father. "Perfect," she says. "I think Daddy's staying pretty healthy..." "Lots of handwashing, and hand sanitizer," she tells him with a playful grin. "And prayers. Probably prayers more than anything. Teachers have to have such good immune systems with all the bugs coming through there... And yeaaaah. Nurses aren't immune either. People come to the hospital to get well and then we take their viruses home with us, too." A wink. For this one, she even has a little booklet, taking it from a drawer to show Tomás the picture on the front. It's a very cute, cartoony vampire using his arm to pull his cape over half his face. "So this... is how we vampire cough. You see how he has his arm up like this?" She demonstrates, holding her arm up to her face, crook of her elbow just between her nose and mouth. "So, when you need to cough, you do like the vampire does, and you hold your arm up like this... and cough into your elbow..." She fakes a cough here to demonstrate, coughing into her elbow. "That way... all the little germs we get from being sick don't go anywhere near our hands! It takes practice, but you seem really smart, so I bet you can be an expert at vampire coughing in no time!" @alejandro-facundo

“They definitely are,” he responds with a smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. He distracts himself by holding his son’s hand, watching him closely as Zoe takes his temperature. He breaths a slight sigh of relief as he hears that there’s nothing overly concerning, and hopes that it wasn’t audible. Then, he crouches down to allow Tomás to reach his forehead.

Another relieved exhale as he hears how common things like this are. “Sounds like it’s a miracle our teachers aren’t off sick all the time,” he jokes. “I pick up just about every bug Tomás brings home, so I don’t have a clue how they do it.”

“A vampire cough?” He remarks, his surprise genuine but exaggerated somewhat. “Oh, now that sounds fun.”

[recklesszoe]

"Don't worry we've got this in the bag," she says with a confident grin, following Arwen up toward the stage as the previous act finishes. Of course she cheers them on as they're coming off the stage, but she's ready to dominate and maybe show off their silly dance moves. She doesn't even hesitate as she hops up on the stage with her friend, accepting the offered mic. "Absolutely!"

"Hands in the air!" Zoe tells the crowd emphatically, demonstrating a quick clap to the beat. And as the song gets going, she's right there with Arwen, executing the dance moves near-flawlessly, laughing through the lyrics, though managing to hit most of the notes as she sings the chorus. "Slam it to the left - if you're havin' a good time! Shake it to the right - if you know that you feel fine~ Chicas to the front - Ha Ha Go 'round~" She's all smiles, clearly loving the fun energy and silliness of their performance, which the crowd seems to be vibing with as well. It definitely beats yet another rendition of 'Piano Man.' @arwengriffiths

“Let’s go! Let’s go!” Arwen exclaimed with a bubble of laughter, giving an cackle filled cheer at Zoe’s emphasis. “I’ve got big expectations for you and your dance moves, Zoe!”

As the duo on stage finished their song, Arwen burst into a round of applause and hooted with cheers, simultaneously half-dragging Zoe through the crowds and towards the stage. She passed her one of the microphones as the opening notes to ‘Spice Up Your Life’ began to play. “Ready?”

[recklesszoe]

M. How do they handle competition?

Honestly, it depends on the competition. If it's something I know I'm good at, I'm more likely to be competitive than if it's something I'm terrible at. Then, it's usually just about having a good time, win or lose. I like to win, but the prize also has to be worth it. If it's work-related, I don't want to do anything underhanded to get ahead with work. That will always come back to haunt you. I'm not going to engage in pettiness for work rewards. I'm just going to prove I'm the better choice over and over. In relationships, there's a point where it doesn't feel worth it to fight for someone. Once I knew there was 'another woman' with my marriage, there was nothing left to fight for. I bowed out. I see those stories of women fighting over a guy like he's some amazing catch and it's like... Girl, he's trash. It's not worth it. If I'm having to compete for someone's affection, I don't want it. And if someone is making you compete, they don't want you either. They just want their ego stroked.

[recklesszoe]

What was their high school experience like?

Messy. I dated a lot, and kind of collected friends like Pokemon, which didn't usually work. There were a lot of clashing personalities and hurt feelings along the way. I think I just really wanted to feel liked and wanted, so I tended to allow too much or do too much to keep people's focus. I was also desperately trying to find myself and my voice, so could be something of a chameleon, though it probably came across as just being fake, which... let's be real. It kind of was. I didn't do any extracurriculars. Definitely wouldn't have been able to afford it or stay focused on them back then. I did OK in school. Kept a B-C average. Some teachers liked me, some probably were annoyed by my over-the-top personality and constant drama back then.

[recklesszoe]

"Oh, like the witch trials!" she says with entirely too much enthusiasm, then quickly catches herself, fighting a smile as he continues. "Oh Texas? That's cool. Probably very different from here, then." Zoe 100% avoids making an 'everything's bigger in Texas' joke. She straightens at the question, giving an easy smile. "I'm a nurse, actually. I also moved here for work. The hospital had an open position, and I was feeling restless, you could say. Aurora Bay sounded like the perfect escape. It's... been really nice, honestly." Her eyes stay on his. "What about you?" @stephanxevans

"Yes, I am, and thank you." He once heard from a longtime resident of Junction, Texas, where he had lived for six months, that he was like a brand-new car when he arrived in town. However, in that same moment, he felt he depreciated like a car being driven off the lot, thanks to another newcomer arriving just twenty-four hours later. "Well, I'm originally from Salem, Massachusetts, but I've been living in the Texas countryside for the past ten years." It was quite a different pace compared to the beach town. "I'm here mainly for work. My aunt lives here too," he added. He also had a brother and two sisters in the area, but he wasn't keen on discussing that. "What do you do, if you don't mind me asking?"

[recklesszoe]

"Hey, you're on your feet a lot, too," she says quickly, giving a little grin. "Bartending is a b--It's hard work!" She quickly corrects, fighting a little blush. "See, I think I'd be way too lazy to actually be a trainer and help other people... I barely manage to drag myself out for my morning runs." Zoe gives a little laugh. "Of course, you still have too see the doctor and they will do a more thorough exam, but it shouldn't take too long. They'll probably order routine labs as well, but they do them in-house so it's just... another waiting room and all that fun stuff. -- And exactly! Definitely don't want to be without the inhaler when you need it." Another warm smile. "I am just about done here, but if you have any other questions for me before the doctor comes in, I'm happy to answer them." @marcogalvarez

"i get that. i'm just a bartender and a bit of a health nut. i was almost a fitness trainer after my last job fell through but - went with bartending instead," he admitted with a chuckle. "they are and that one can be helpful on the harder sleep days."

marco gave a little nod at the season allergies mention. "it's all good. healthy, yes - exactly what i wanted to hear," he laughed a bit. "yup, i definitely do as you never know. could be good for years and then suddenly you're not." he said knowingly. he was very cautious of it due to issues he had as a kid. "no, you're good. i'll definitely do that. it's good to make sure of things are current and all that jazz."

[recklesszoe]

"I don't imagine it'll take that long," she says with a smile, then slips the arm cuff up his right arm, positioning it. "If they have to do X-rays, maybe a little longer but... You should be good for your... previous engagement." If she's familiar with him as an actor, she doesn't let on, instead focusing on taking care of him in the moment. She positions his right arm, listening for the pulse for a moment. "Gonna feel just a little baby squeeze for a few seconds... Just... breathe in and out and try to relax..." She pumps the bulb, filling the cuff around his upper arm, which squeezes maybe a bit more than a 'baby squeeze.' And then of course there is the gentle hiss of air leaving the cuff. Her eyes are on the gauge, Zoe making a note of the numbers. "Looks good... And let me just..." She already has the little temperature gun in her hand, swiping it in front of his forehead. "Perfect!" Her smile is genuine and warm. "So you think you broke your wrist or sprained it?" she asks, then glances to the appendage to see if it's in a normal position or held awkwardly. "What happened?"

——- Roman gave an small smile himself before watching her move around to get things. his hazel green eyes full of a mix of curiosity and maybe the smallest bit of fear. he wasn't afraid of doctors, nurses and such — just didn't like to go often. he was one of those that tried to let shit heal on it's own, but being an actor he felt he had to take better care of that stuff and check it out as soon as he could. he hated missing out on work. ❝  right, of course. i'm just — i'm hoping this doesn't take long. i got somewhere to be in a couple hours. ❞  he explained simply. the work of an actor — he was always doing something. ❝  oh, right. it's the left one. ❞

[recklesszoe]

"Exactly," she says with a warm smile. "Can't keep this golden complexion hiding from the rain all the time..." Her gaze stays with him and she nods quickly. "Ohhh ok yeah you're brand new then. Well, welcome to the town." She accepts his hand with that same easy smile. "And nice to meet you, Stéphan. So what about you? Where did you call home?" @stephanxevans

"Seattle," he nodded with a grin falling onto his lips. His college roommate had come from there. All they could do was rave about how Starbucks had the best coffee ever and would never be comparable to Stéphan's preference for Dunkin. A true coffee drinker knew neither was actually that great. "Wanted to trade in the cloudy skies for sunshine and sand?" Despite being more of a lake person, he would have to admit having the beach close by was a nice perk. There was none close by to the places he lived in Texas. "Just a little over a week now." Extending his hand towards her, he offered her a small smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Zoe. I'm Stéphan."

[recklesszoe]

"Yessss, perfect!" She laughs, accepting the hand as Arwen leads her towards the front. More laughter at her admission, Zoe shaking her head. "Oh girl it is on. We're either gonna kill it, or each other then--But I think it's gonna be the first thing." She gives an emphatic nod. Buzzing with energy and a little liquid courage, she's definitely vibing to whoever is onstage right now, probably even cheering on any solid notes. "Oh 100% then! Bootylicious next." She smacks her own butt for emphasis, laughing again. @arwengriffiths

Arwen couldn’t help but cheer and cackle at Zoe’s dancing, kicking her legs back in delight. “Oh, we are so doing this!”

She took Zoe by the hand and began leading her to the front, punching in the number for ‘Spice Up Your Life’ with her free hand. “Fair warning — I am competitive when it comes to dancing, so I hope you’re ready to keep up!”

“‘Bootylicious’ is a genius idea and we are absolutely doing that next!”