#Studded Saddle Bag

[the-kr8tor]

Cowboy hobie request you say? How about we say yes. We both need a cowboy hobie with a new reader to the town/community and him helping them out 💳💥

Cowboy hobie also definitely has a fully black gorgeous horse

*squeals* cowboy! Hobie!!! Thank you for requesting 🫶

Pairing: Hobie Brown x fem! Reader

Tags: use of Y/N, no specific physical description of the reader (except for her clothing), cowboy AU, Western AU, crush at first sight for the reader. FLUFF.

ʕ⁠·⁠ᴥ⁠·⁠ʔ

The sun bares down on you, The air is thicker, humid, almost choking you whenever you step outside. Heavy luggages waits for you out in your new lawn, a good twelve feet away from your front door. Maybe you should've paid extra for the movers to help you.

Wiping the sweat off your brow, you heave a bag in your arms, the contents clinking together as you lift it up. You could do with some help right about now.

“Need help?”

As if some sort of divine intervention, a deep voice asks behind you, an unmistakable whinny of a horse echoes out in the barren space. At first you thought it would be an outlaw after your stuff but the genuine concern in the stranger's voice fills you with ease.

Turning around, you're greeted by a large black stallion, its silver saddle glinting in the sun, the horse's coat shining like black pearls. Flicking your eyes upwards, you see a leather clad cowboy, his eyes hidden behind the brim of his cherry red ten-gallon hat. The smile on his face makes you want to take his offer.

“You got sand in your ears?” he continued, grimacing when his choice of wording was a bit too harsh for a stranger.

“D’you need my help?” he asks softer and kinder this time. Maybe he should go out more often, his social skills are shot like a bottle in a shooting range.

“I–” you look back at the numerous bags at your feet. “I don't know– I mean thank you but I can handle it.” Based on his accent, he's not from this side of the world, someone who wanted a fresh start, just like you.

You've got a good reason to be apprehensive, you're situated in the middle of nowhere, if this man is actually an outlaw then there's no one who would come to your rescue, with only the buffaloes as your witness. Despite his handsome smile, you see his six shooter strapped on his belt, the sight alone makes you nervous to accept his help.

“That's bare of bags.” With one swift movement, he gets off his horse, spurs clinking, boots thudding on the dusty ground. He takes off his hat to properly greet you.

Saying he's handsome is an understatement. His face is chiseled, a jaw that can cut a rock, irises as green as the grass and the finest jade. Silver piercings and studs add an edge to his handsome face. You can't believe you're ogling a stranger.

“Welcome to the neighborhood,” he gestures around the empty space with your little farm situated in the middle of nothing but grass and dirt. “Name's Hobie, Hobie Brown”

Hobie, you test his name in your mind, repeating it so you could memorize it. “Mr. Brown, I–”

“Just Hobie's fine.” He chuckles, mindlessly twirling the hat in his gloved hands.

“Hobie, what exactly did you say about the neighborhood? Or the lack of it” you look around the field.

“I live down over there.” he points to the left, you follow it with your eyes, squinting, you see a black dot in the distance. You guess that's his house.

“That's incredibly far” you turn back towards him, fixing your hold on the bag.

“Ain't that far with my old boy,” he twists around, patting the horse on his snout. “Right, Velvet?” Velvet shoves Hobie lightly.

You smile as the horse snorts, his exhale hits Hobie right on his face. He pushes Velvet’s face away, the stallion nods like he's laughing after making fun of his rider in front of you.

“I swear this horse,” Hobie shakes his head with a smile. “So now you know me ma’am, may I help you with your bags?”

The bag almost falls from your arms when he calls you ma’am. “Oh you don't need to call me that,” the warmth in your cheeks isn't from the summer sun. “Just Y/N is fine.”

“Y/N” your name rolls off his tongue smoothly. Hobie grins, “I promise I don't bite. Velvet on the other hand.” Said horse whinnies like he's offended by what Hobie said.

“Alright, good sir.” You internally cringe, Hobie laughs, the sound sending butterflies in your stomach. “Y-you can help me with my bags as long as you stay after for some lemonade?” You take your chance with the handsome cowboy.

“Lemonde? I haven't had that in a while.” you think you've made a fool of yourself. “Sure, Let me have this then.” he takes your heavy bag from you, carrying it effortlessly. With his boot, he loops it around the strap of a bag on the floor, kicking it up in the air before catching it in his arm all suave.

Hobie has no idea the effect he has on you.

You're sweating like a sinner in church, blouse sticking to your skin like glue on paper. Maybe you shouldn't have asked him to stay after because you have no idea how to survive the day without melting whenever he smiles at you.

You get a whiff of leather and sandalwood as he passes by. He looks over his shoulder, “You comin'?”

“Y-yes” oh you know you're already smitten.

[p0shprinc3ss]

Wish listᰔ

Pink uggs

Korillakuma plushies

Hello kitty plushies

Hello kitty makeup brushes

Hello kitty mirror

Short pink murder robe

Necklace with my name on in gold

Laneige lip mask

Pink jacket

Hello kitty necklace

Miss Dior perfume

Vintage Dior saddle bag

Juicy couture bag

Victoria Secret striped tote bag

Miu Miu frames glasses

Silk bonnet in pink

Gold Kendra Scott Bow locket

Cherry blossom Dior bag

Pink chanel bag

My mum made it bag

Chanel compact mirror

White fur coat

Fur boots

Rinestone letter shirts

Bebe shirts

Hello kitty wallets

Black kitten heels

Loui vittoin vintage denim kitten heels

Tory Burch sandles

Juicy courture platforms

Sparkley pink heels

Dainty tennis bracelet

Juicy tracksuits

Pink lululemon define jacket

Black Victoria Secret pullover yoga pants

Fluffy kitten heels

Chanel stud earrings

Pink leg warmers

Off sleeve with fur

Fluffy pen

Chloe Elizabeth shirts, and dresses.

Pink day planner

Dior heels

Miu Miu heels

[fuckyeahdindjarin]

Congrats on hitting 2222!! 🥳 I am in a SOFT mood and would love to know more about Palomino Jack and animals! Horsey and critter stories from his past? Fluffy or angsty stories from growing up on a farm or ranch? Did he have pets as a kid? His philosophy about our animal friends? How his gentle, tender relationship with horses developed? I wanna know MOAR about the man that will forever have a place in my heart for arranging that reveal of horseys in birthday hats and tinsel 🥰🥰🥰. Headcanon or whatever tickles your fancy! 🐎🐖🦙🐍🐇🐐🐿🦔🐤🐌🦋🐞🦜

Shirks my darling, thank you for this fun ask! You know I'll take any opportunity to talk about Palomino!Jack 😘 I'd actually left Jack's history pretty blank when I started this series, so it was really fun brainstorming and putting down in words where our cowboy came from.

I briefly mentioned how Jack learned to ride in Dapple Grey:

Jack learned to ride on his uncle’s farm. His first pony belonged to his older cousin who lost interest in the sport, so he spent years riding Sparkles, resplendent in matching pink bridle and saddle, until he outgrew her. He worked in and around the equestrian circuit until Champ offered him the job ten years ago, after meeting at a rodeo.

I will actually be getting a little bit more into Jack's family in the next chapter of Palomino. Without giving too much away, Jack grew up on his uncle's farm on his dad's side. He's the youngest of his three cousins, and he's always tagging along and wanted to do whatever they were doing.

When he was too small to learn to ride, they taught him how to groom the horses, which brushes to use, and how to tack up, even though the saddle was too heavy for him. He would run around the stables with a bag of carrots and apples, standing on tip toes to pet the horses on the nose. He sat on the fence when his cousins had their riding lessons, watching and learning from the sidelines until he turned five.

His riding instructor was Jill, a long-time friend of the family and a bit of a horse whisperer. She instilled in young Jack a deep respect and love for his four-legged friends, teaching him that he should never pull on a horse's mouth, or flap his legs and kick, nor did spurs or whips have a place in the Daniels farm.

As he grew up, he learned that he had a particular knack for handling difficult horses, not by strong arming them, but with patience and gentle hands. Throughout high school, he took on odd jobs at stables around the area, paying his dues, saving up because he knows he wants to get out of the small town he grew up in.

After he graduated high school, he drove off in his beat-up truck and went where the wind took him. He worked on a cattle ranch in Alberta, Canada, then a stud farm in Georgia, then he joined the rodeo circuit, working as a groom while studying for an equine veterinary diploma.

It was on the rodeo circuit where he first met his wife, and then Champ, who poached him for the Statesman Ranch ten years before Palomino begins. And as they say, the rest is history.

Fuck Yeah 2222 Sleepover

[imaginedreamwrite]

Cowboy Curtis and his wife’s first kiss 💋

The gentle stride of his noble stud beneath you was smooth and calm, no urgency in its steps while Curtis rode with you from his property to a small lake nearby. It was one of the beaches that were off the beaten path, one that only locals really seemed to know about yet it promised amazing views and had crisp clear water.

Curtis had done all he could to help you fit in before he even took you on a trail ride, and now three weeks later he was taking you further from the property to his favourite spots.

“You’re going to have a good life here, I’m going to make it good for you. I promise.” He had said as much, he had whispered vows when you signed the legal document and still you’d never kissed.

He was gentlemanly, he was chivalrous and charismatic yet he never pushed beyond your boundaries. Curtis had drawn more intense feelings from you than any ex-boyfriend or potential partner you’d ever had. And still you hadn’t kissed.

“Its not California, but I thought you’d like to spend the day at a beach anyway.” He stopped just before the line of sand, where the trees created shadows and shade for Curtis’ stud. “Its not as fine as Californian sand, but I think you’ll like it.”

His hands held your hips tightly as he lifted you from the saddle, his strength holding you securely to his side as you regained movement in your legs. As far as you could see was the breathtaking nature of Montana.

The lake was clear and captivating, waters stretching for what seemed like miles. The beach was empty of people, inviting you and Curtis onto the sandy surface. He let you go ahead of him, watching you walk toward the beach while he removed a blanket and picnic bag, both tucked under the same arm.

“I used to come here a lot when I was younger.” Curtis spoke while you started to rip off your boots and strip down to your bare feet. “Could’ve swam here for hours.”

“Its beautiful.” Instead of palm trees and the intense heat of a California summer, there was a gentle lap of lake water against sandy beaches and the rustle of leaves as a breeze blew through the trees. “Its…wow.”

California was behind you, it was a part of your past although some portion of you missed the beaches and endless summer, this was something entirely different. With mountains in the distance and the nicker of his horse in the trees, it felt like home.

“Curtis-” you turned suddenly, coming to face him as he started setting up the blanket, basket and food.

“Maybe you could be happy here.”

“Curtis,” you spoke his name again, slowly stepping back toward him, “thank you for bringing me here.”

“I want you to be able to appreciate life here.” He stood, reaching for your hand when you were close. “Life can be hard but its good and honest-“

You slipped your arms around his neck and drew him down to your level. Your gaze dropped from his eyes to his lips, your tongue parting from mouth to draw across your lips wetting them.

“Ma’am,” Curtis’ voice was thick like honey, teasing you as he did, “you can’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?” You questioned softly, quietly. “Why not?”

“Because…” Curtis cupped your chin and raised your head, lips dusting against your own, moving with every word. “…it makes me want to kiss you until time stops.”

Breath hitched in your throat. The kiss started light in a barely there manner and quickly became far more passionate and heated, fuelled by increasing desire and want. Your fingers wove into the hair at the nape of his neck, your toes curled in the sand as your heart started beating synonymously to his.

“You can,” you pulled away, shivering against him, “kiss me until time stops, I mean. I never want this to end.”

[cultivatetheconglomerate]

Who said Breakfast At Tiffany's was a thing of the past? This modern twist is sure to get heads turning. Links:

i. Crystal Rhinestone Black Headband

ii. Faux Pearl Gold Stud Earrings

iii. Black Saddle Bag

iv. Deep-V Neck Classical Bow Belt Vintage Casual Swing Dress

v. 5-Strand Crystal Flower "Audrey Hepburn" Necklace - Own a piece of history with this pearl necklace famously worn by Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's.

vi. Sterling Silver Three-Row White Freshwater Cultured A Quality Pearl Bracelet (6.5-7 mm)

vii. White Ruffle Socks for Women

viii. Chunky Low Block Heels Mary Jane Closed Toe Work Pumps Comfortable Round Toe Shoes

[jeg-szarvas]

"Ink"-tober 2023 (Magic Items)

Wanted to stretch my creativity this year, but wasn't feeling in the mood to draw, so I opted to make up D&D Magic Items with the Inktober 2023 prompts. I'll be re-posting as I create links to the full item but for now, here are some teasers:

Dream - Dreamweaver's Staff (Quarterstaff)

Spiders - Archane's Weave (Wondrous Item - Robe)

Path - Expedition Scope (Wondrous Item - Spyglass)

Dodge - Chicanery Leathers (Studded Leather)

Map - Cartographer's Case (Wondrous Item - Box)

Golden - Blade of the Tarnished Heretic (Greatsword)

Drip - Juiblex Gauntlets (Wondrous Item - Gauntlets)

Toad - Hop & A Skip Boots (Wondrous Item - Boots)

Bounce - Ricochet Shield (Shield)

Fortune - Tyche's Fate Blades (Shortswords)

Wander - Planeswanderer Boots (Wondrous Item - Boots)

Spicey - Láng Peppers (Wondrous Item - Consumable)

Rise - Gravitation Circlet (Wondrous Item - Headwear)

Castle - Fortress Breaker (Shield)

Dagger - Sune's Handmaiden (Dagger)

Angel - Crossbow of the Seven Heavens (Heavy Crossbow)

Demon - Mycelium Flail (Flail)

Saddle - Mountaineer's Saddlebag (Wondrous Item - Bag)

Plump - Beanstalk Capsules (Wondrous Item - Consumable)

Frost - Téliharag Bow (Longbow)

Chains - Minauros Whip (Whip)

Scratchy - Claws of the Fallen Lich (Wondrous Item - Gauntlets)

Celestial - Armor of the God's Chosen (Plate Armor)

Shallow - Surface Strike Axe (Greataxe)

Dangerous - Elemental Upheaval Mine (Wondrous Item - Consumable)

Remove - Potion of Restoration (Potion)

Beast - Beast King's Pride (Glaive)

Sparkle - Dazzle Sling (Sling)

Massive - Niloticus Hide (Hide Armor)

Rush - Voltlaúf Hammer (Warhammer)

Fire - Halcyon Comet (Morningstar)

[jade-escobar]

Poison & Wine | Jadrigo

Featuring: Jade Clark, @rodrigo-esc & Jeanette Shapiro; mentions of Jewel & Jett Clark, and Fletcher Van Hall Location: Saddle River Day School & Jade/Clover’s apartment; San Francisco, CA Date: Late afternoon/early evening, Thurs. March 23, 2023 Notes: "Oh your mouth is poison, your mouth is wine...” --The Civil Wars Triggers: Verbal abuse

JADE

Jade was saying goodbye to Jett and Jewel as their mom's driver escorted the two kids down the hallway and towards the nearest exit. Her twin half-siblings were singing harmony to, "Dear Theodosia" on their way out, which had Jade smiling to herself as she returned to the music room. With all of the kids in the cast and crew having gone home, Jade figured she should probably pack up her belongings and go too. The only things she'd had out were her songbook and a small container of mostly eaten grapes and almost entirely consumed cookies she baked. Her eyes went to Rodrigo as she secured the lid on the container. "That was a great rehearsal. The kids seem like they're about ready for the dress rehearsals. You're doing a really good job."

RODRIGO

Rodrigo had picked up some leftover scripts and fliers left behind by his students. He quickly updated Ziggy on the show, sending him videos of the kids. He was so excited about the production and couldn't believe how close they were to dress rehearsals already. Soon, sound equipment would be available for the kids to test out the mics and he knew the children would be ecstatic.  Jade had stepped away to say goodbye to her siblings and he sat in one of the classroom chairs to listen to some music as he read Ziggy's text with a giant smile. When Jade returned to the room, he pulled out one bud, looking up at her, smile never wavering. He did that a lot around her ad it wasn't like he hadn't noticed it. "Ah, thanks. I mean, I couldn't do this without you and the other volunteers but you're such an instrumental part of these rehearsals. See what I did there?" His smile melted into a soft grin and he pulled the chair that was a few inches away from him a little closer. "Sit with me? I want to show you something."

JADE

Jade caught his pun and couldn't help herself smiling from it. "I see. Clever," she replied, the smile still on her lips as she looked back to the container, making sure the lid was secure at all four corners. She stacked all of the remaining 9 mini water bottles on top of the casserole dish-sized container, all of the bottles in neat rows except for one, which she'd purposedly turned on its side. Her bag was sitting next to the container and bottles but she left all of it alone to come and sit next to Rodrigo. For some reason, her heart always wanted to thump a little bit quicker whenever she was close to him--be it her needing to invade his space for a brief moment, or him coming over and leaning against the side of the piano while directing the kids through a number. "What did you want to show me?" she asked, looking up at him.

RODRIGO

"Thank you, I'm here every day." He chuckled and was glad to see Jade sit beside him. He wanted to show her a cover of one of his favorite songs he had stumbled upon. "Here." He handed her his ear bud and pulled himself close enough so that he was sitting right next to her, shoulder to shoulder. "Sorry, my luxury phone." He chuckled at the slightly broken screen and looked over at her with a smile. She looked so pretty today. He wished he could tell her.  "Um, Do you like Etta James? This is a friend of mine covering I'd Rather Go Blind. It's a beautiful rendition. I wanted you to hear it." He kept close before pressing play, trying his best to ignore the very obvious tingling he felt just by being so close.

JADE

Jade let out a demure chuckle, head dipped a little bit as she did so. She saw the earbud he was holding and then said, "Hang on one second," Tilting her head away from Rodrigo while she undid her tragus stud earring, Jade told him, "I can't wear earbuds with these earrings in." She pushed the back into the earring and set it on the arm of the chair between them, and then accepted his ear bud. When he apologized about his phone, Jade shook her head, "It's okay. But I'm guessing that's not what you wanted to show me?" Her smile was brief and there was a curiosity until he asked her about Etta James and explained further. Situating the earbud, she said, "I love Etta James." With a new smile, Jade listened while leaning slightly into Rodrigo to look at the screen and his friend's cover. "This is beautiful," she spoke as though it was a secret between them. "Is your friend singing or playing the guitar?"

RODRIGO

“Okay.” His tone was just above a whisper. He had learned to keep quieter around Jade. There was something about her that made things peaceful. When she took the earbud, he smirked at her comment and shook his head. He let her listen, smiling the entire time. “Singing. The one playing is her boyfriend. They’re incredibly talented. I knew you’d really this.” Rodrigo watched Jade as her gaze remained on the screen. He secretly hoped that she didn’t notice just how smitten he probably looked in that moment. “It’s nice that we have some similar tastes in music,huh?” (edited)

JADE

Jade really was enjoying the cover. The woman's voice was so smooth and the way she sang almost seemed effortless. It was almost enough to distract her mind from the accelerated thumping her heart had been doing. Almost. She kept watching the two perform the song and nodded a little when Rodrigo explained who each of them were to him and each other. "You were right, I do." Her lips tugged up at the corners a little and she lifted her gaze off of the phone screen and to Rodrigo's eyes. "Yes, it is. It doesn't feel like I've met or known a lot of people around my age who like jazz, or blues." The music made an ease flood over her, even though the anxious flutters still kept up in her chest and kept her eyes on Rodrigo. "This is nice... Really nice."

RODRIGO

He wanted to be respectful and wanted nothing more than to make Jade comfortable. It was important to him that Jade understood how he felt about her, how much he cared already. "Yeah, I hear that sometimes." He smiled, his gaze still on her, his lips twitching into a soft smile. "You're really nice." He whispered as the song drifted. "Pretty. Beautiful..." His eyes melted into a softer gaze. He leaned in slowly, hoping she wouldn't pull away. "I wanted you to know that..."

JADE

Jade's heartbeat was picking up when the song ended. All she had to focus on now was Rodrigo--his kind eyes, the alluring smile on his full lips, and now, how much closer he was getting. She hadn't realized until that moment that kissing Rodrigo was something she wanted. She wanted to know what his full lips would feel like on hers. Would he be tender or kiss her deeply? She wanted to know if he would enjoy her lips on his. It had been years since she'd kissed anyone; would it be obvious the moment their lips connected? She tried not to overthink it and let the moment happen. Their noses brushed and her eyes started to close but before any of her internal musings could be answered, her phone rang, loudly from her bag. Jade jumped at the ordinary ringtone bringing noise back into the music room. She drew back and rolled her lips into her mouth. "I have to... sorry," she said, opening her eyes more fully again and reaching up to remove his earbud and place it in the chair seat she just vacated as she hurried to get the call. It could have been one of her staff phoning for an emergency but when she pulled the device from her bag, she saw, "Mom" on the caller ID. A bit deflated and simultaneously tense, Jade answered, "Hello?" and listened, eyes soon widening, "You could have told me you were coming over beforehand... no, I know... I know, I'm sorry. Okay... I'll be there in about fifteen minutes... no I'm not at work... I know you don't... okay... yes... I'll be there soon. Bye." Her mother ended the call before she could and with a slump in her shoulders, Jade placed her phone back in her bag and gathered everything up before turning back to Rodrigo. "I have to go. I'm sorry. But I'll see you at the next rehearsal, okay?"

RODRIGO

He had decided in that moment he wanted this more than anytbing. He would be lying if he said he hadn't thought about it before. Rodrigo had spent enough time with Jade, shared so much with her, and talked to her every single day that he was certain he wanted to pursue this. He only hoped she felt the same and based on how she didn't pull away or didn't stop him from leaning in, Rodrigo knew this was his green light. "Can I--" and before he could ask Jade if he could kiss her, before he felt his lips against hers, before he could wrap his arms around her,  the phone rang and he cursed their bad luck. Swallowing back the anticipation, he pressed his hand against his cheek, feeling the warmth that had formed there.  A stupid, satisfied smile pulled at the corner of his lips because even though they didn't get to kiss, Jade wanted to. He listened to the conversation, slightly annoyed that someone was making Jade annoyed and when she said she had to go, he stood up wanting to stop her. But Rodrigo knew better than to press on. Instead, he nodded,opening the door for her. "Okay. Text me?" He leaned against the frame and smiled at her. "I had fun today."

JADE

Jade had the container and water bottles pressed to her chest to keep them from falling away. When Rodrigo opened the door for her, she smiled up at him, "Thank you. I will." The quick-forming memory of their almost kiss was starting to swim in her mind, keeping her smile on her lips as she told him, "I did too. See you later, Rodrigo." As much as she wanted to stay and wanted to hope for that moment to come back for the two of them, she knew she had to leave. If she didn't, her mother would continue to call and then resort to several text messages, and then switch back to calling. She hurried out of the school and to her mini van, setting everything inside and then situating herself in the driver's seat. Her apartment complex wasn't terribly far from the school and about 15 minutes later with the light traffic, she'd arrived. Leaving the water bottles behind, she took the container and her purse, and headed to her unit and up the stairs. Waiting at the landing was her mother, arms folded and a scowl on her face. "Honestly, Jade, what took you so long? And why are you coming home so late if you weren't at work? Please don't tell me you were up at that school. Haven't they finished with that silly play already?" Jade didn't reply right away to her mother and let the woman go on with her questions and comments, all of which were a dig or criticism in some way. Rather, she fished out her keys again and let the two of them inside. Jeanette didn't make appearances to Jade's apartment often anymore--the perks of having a roommate again and Jade managing to convince her mother that dropping in frequently wasn't being considerate of the other person occupying the apartment. She didn't have that excuse for the few months between roommates, prior to Clover moving in. Thankfully, this also meant Jeanette wouldn't stay long. To help shorten her time with her mother, Jade let the other woman know, "I need to take a shower. I'm sorry. We can talk as soon as I'm done."

JADE

Jeanette sighed as though she disapproved of this too, but when she spoke, she said, "Fine, but be quick about it, Jadey-kins. I wanted to go home a long time ago but you weren't home sooner. I did text you first, you know." Jade repeatedly flexed and relaxed her fingers. She did have a text from her mother that had come in while she was saying 'goodbye' to Jett and Jewel, but she hadn't checked her phone once since rehearsals had begun. Most people knew to only call her if it was important. Her mother's arrival made her anxious. What could she have to say that couldn't have been said in text or left in a voicemail? Jade tried her hardest not to think about it as she set the food container in the kitchen and then disappeared into her bedroom for a few minutes, followed by the bathroom to take her shower.

RODRIGO

He felt...light. For an English teacher, Rodrigo was struggling with finding the words to explain how he felt. He was giddy, and for the first time in a long time, he was happy. He couldn't wait to see her again, couldn't wait to tell her everything he had been feeling. Jade was special, and Rodrigo was incredibly smitten. He looked for his earbuds, finding one in his pocket and the other on the arm rest of Jade's sure. Beside it laid her earrings, and while he knew she wouldn’t need it right away, he figured it'd be the perfect excuse to see her again. Even if it was for a few minutes. Having dropped Jade at her place before, Rodrigo knew where to go and he gathered his things, placing the earring in his shirt pocket before exiting the school and mounting his bike. He contemplating getting flowers maybe but thought he'd wait before overwhelming her for the night. Once he arrived, he removed his helmet and left it behind. Rodrigo made his way to her unit and before ringing her bell, he made sure nothing on him was out of place and donned a smile as he waited for Jade to come to the door

JEANETTE

While Jade was taking her shower, Jeanette was slowly meandering around the apartment, looking at everything and making mental notes of the messes she came across. The apartment was relatively clean--very clean by most people's standards--but there were little things out of place: a throw blanket sprawled across the cushions of a love seat, rather than folded and draped neatly across the back. Framed artwork of roses that was resting a little crookedly on one of the living room walls; two dirty coffee mugs in the kitchen sink, mail was sprawled on the kitchen table, shoes abandoned in the hallway instead of lined up neatly on the shoe rack by the front door. And something about the floor made Jeanette feel it was overdue for cleaning. Jeanette had removed her coat and was about to perch herself on the living room's long couch when the doorbell rang. After she considered ignoring it, she set her designer purse down and made her way to the door. She opened it as though the apartment was hers and then looked up at the man on the other side of it. She'd taken in his appearance which was mostly decent, presentable, but the fact that a man was on her daughter's doorstep made Jeanette tense. Arching one brow higher than the other, she asked, "Yes? What do you want?"

RODRIGO

His smile faded a bit when he realized it wasn't Jade at the door and as his mind tried to quickly figure out who the woman was, Rodrigo came up with a response that wasn't too rude. It was a knee-jerk reaction to react to someone the way he is treated but over the years, he's learned to bite his tongue. He'd thank his mother for that later. He figures that raising a son like him, gave her no choice but to help him with his personality flaws. "I'm a friend of Jade's. Is she home? I came to drop something off." He kept it vague as possible, using his talent to observe people at a quick glance in order to figure out who the distanced woman was. Friend? Relative? Roommate?

JEANETTE

Jeanette's critical eye watched the change in the man's expression, and her equally keen ear heard his response. "Do you have a name?" She asked, keeping one hand on the door and the other on her hip. But shortly after having asked her question, she thought about his eager, hopeful expression when she first answered the door. Assumptions started forming and if she was right, he had hopes of being more than a friend and since Jeanette didn't already know him, she already decided that she didn't approve. Moving her hand from her hip, she held her palm out expectedly. "Jade's busy right now. I'll give her whatever you're dropping off for her so you can be on your way."

RODRIGO

"Yes, of course. Sorry, I'm Rodrigo. Escobar. Rodrigo Escobar." He held out his hand waiting for it to be pushed away or something. He could tell the woman, whoever she was, was not in the mood for platitudes.  Hearing her response caused his expression to change again from perplexed to curious. "Oh? Yeah, yeah, sure. I'll just call her and let her know I came by. I'm sorry, are you her roommate?" He asked genuinely before reaching into the pocket of his shacket and pulling out her earring wrapped in a tissue.  He handed the item to the woman. "I feel like we got off on the wrong foot here. I'm her sibling's teacher. I'm not a creep or anything, I promise."

JEANETTE

Jeanette mentally filed his name away and eyed his hand before briefly placing her four fingers to his extended hand. Her face became impossibly stonier than before when he asked if she was Jade's roommate. "I'm her mother," Jeanette replied flatly. She soured at Rodrigo further identifying himself, closing her fingers on the tissue that seemed to hold next-to-nothing in it. "What’s this?" She brought her hand close and opened it, letting the tissue fall open to reveal the earring inside. Jeanette narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing, and then schooled her face. She knew Jade had been helping her younger half-siblings with their school musical, much to Jeanette's disdain, but she was piecing together that there seemed to be more going on between her daughter and the man before her. "No, you're not a creep. You're just the man who came all the way to my daughter's apartment just to return an earring, correct?" She tilted her head a little while spearing Rodrigo with a mildly accusatory look, "You should know, you aren't very subtle with whatever feelings you're developing for Jade, but you should know now that they're pointless."

RODRIGO

When Rodrigo heard who the woman was, it made zero to no sense. She behaved nothing like Jade or rather,  Jade behaved nothing like her. It was difficult to put together any similarities. "Um..." He let out a bit of a dry chuckle, unsure if he was being insulted or not. "Jade, I know it's important she has her things. I'm sure she would have really appreciated the earring back. And with the long weekend because of Spring br--" His words were cut off when the woman continued and now he was sure she was in fact, insulting him. "Ma'am, I assure you that you're mistaken. I came to drop off her belongings." But Jade's mother was right in her assumption but something in Rodrigo told him not to let her win this even though her saying that his feelings were pointless did pique his interest in learning why she thought so. "I'm sure Jade and I will make some time to talk."

JEANETTE

"Oh I'm sure she would appreciate her earring back," Jeanette dryly replied, "but I'm also sure that with how much time she's undoubtedly invested in this little musical, that she would see you again, or that the earring could have been given to your students whom she's related to." Jeanette wouldn't deign to refer to Richard's other offspring as Jade's half-siblings, even if that's exactly who they were. She gave him a look that was a mix of puzzled and irritated. "Did you not hear me? You're wasting your time. And frankly, I'm sparing you from hurt feelings down the road. Any kindness she's paying you is just an act. Believe me when I say that she's a great actress--it's one of her stronger qualities." Jeanette was half listening for the shower water to shut off but since it hadn't happened yet, she asked, "Let me guess: she's given you a demure persona? Seemingly patient, kind, subtly showing off some of her talents in a way that's piqued your interest? Made you want to get closer to her?" She shook her head in a 'tsk tsk' manner and then told him, "Jade has other ambitions for herself, greater ambitions than some silly little relationship with you."

RODRIGO

With how unpleasant Jade's mother was, he didn't want to believe anything she was spewing and he usually wouldn't if not for the part about Jade being a great actress. Julia was a great actress and there was a time he believed everything she said even when everyone else was screaming at him to see the red flags. But Jade? She never showed any signs of that. Or was she really that good? "How did you know? Did she mention me?" He didn't realize then he had fallen into her trap, slowly believing the words that were coming out of her mouth. "What did she say?" He didn't care how insulting it was, Rodrigo needed to know. Was this woman full of shit or did Jade play him just like Julia did?

JEANETTE

Jeanette's expression melted into one of satisfaction when Rodrigo started questioning her. She'd shaken his confidence which made it that much easier for her to lie to his face. "Of course she's mentioned you. All the ways you've tried to earn her attention. Besides, I told you that you're not very subtle. You don't listen very well the first time, do you? Maybe that's why Jade should take my advice, hm? Not make letting you down this long, drawn out process." Taking her hand off of the door to give it a dismissive wave, she said, "But what do I know? I'm only her mother, right? Raised and provided for her, pushed her to strive to be the best, and never settle for anything less?" Eyes fixed on him, Jeanette asked, "So ask yourself, Rodrigo, are the best for Jade? And don't you think she's figured out the answer to that by now?"

RODRIGO

He felt so...lost and that was an unusual threat for Rodrigo. It was like he was a little boy again and his father was standing before him ready to belittle him. He had no voice, no comeback, no effort left to defend himself and how could he? He had been played. Again. And this made more sense. This is the outcome that he knew would come. How could he be so foolish? He had noticed the pink flags; the way she'd let him down gently or tried to keep her distance. He figured she was shy but Jade was simply not into him. "She could just say that. I wouldn't be mad. We're adults after all. It was never that serious. Quote me." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "But you're wrong about me and I guess she is too. That's okay. Thank you for getting that to her. You have a good day, ma'am."

JEANETTE

"Like I said. She's a good actress, not some saint, as much as it pains me to say. But I guess it's nice to hear from both of you that it was never that serious. You're both better off, I'm sure." Jeanette really had nothing to gain from all of this other than some short term satisfaction of toiling in Jade's life. It's what she deserved after all, after her colossal failure at persuading her father in naming her a proper Clark heir and securing her a hefty inheritance. In Jeanette's eyes, she had done absolutely everything to mold Jade into the perfect person--the perfect daughter, student, academic, athlete, whatever she was needed to be. And none of it made a difference, which was ultimately cemented by Jade being outnumbered by the arrival of Jett and Jewel. "If you say so, Rodrigo." Giving a half-hearted wave, she stepped back to shut the door, just as the shower water shut off from within.

RODRIGO

"Yeah. Better off." He whispered the moment the door closed in his face. Rodrigo didn't actually believe those words and that's the part he hated the most. He wouldn't be better off without her. How is that even a plausible reality? It made him sick just thinking about it. The break would help in this situation but what happens the week of dress rehearsals? All back to normal? Lies? He was a kicked puppy now and he refused to stand there any longer. Rodrigo left the building, placing the helmet back on his head and choosing to text Fletcher if he'd be down for a drink.

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