themeixhuang

[themeixhuang]

Mei: I second that! Taking the kids to the parade and the picnic sounds perfect Mei: We'll see you guys there

Sterling: that sounds perfect!! Sterling: maybe we can do something for pride as well! take the kiddos to the parade maybe Sterling: of course! @themeixhuang

[themeixhuang]

"You have no idea." Mei responded with a soft little laugh, thinking back to her years in plaid skirts and school sweaters and knee-high socks. The rigidity that was engrained into her since childhood was not what she wanted for her daughter--case in point how Luna had one pink shoe and one green on right now while with her babysitter, along with bright yellow shorts. She let her daughter have freedoms she herself had only ever dreamed of growing up.

"Well, I wasn't exactly feeling up for partying and festivities, but my friend Santiago felt that I'd enjoy myself, and he enlisted Luna to convince me to go with him. He's...practically like my big brother," And really the only father figure Luna ever had "and when he and Luna team up on something, there's no way to deny them."

“Private schools sound intimidating.” Noelle grimaced at the thought. She imagined herself in a school uniform and she had to shake her head to get it out. The thought of school made her think It was funny to think how different her life turned out to be. She wanted to become a kindergarten teacher and she always imagined herself have a colorful class room with fun outfits and earrings themed to holidays or school in general. She believed she was so much happier now than she would’ve been if she went down that path. Although, she wouldn’t deny that she was a bit lonely and wished that she and her ex-husband could’ve worked things out. She still felt guilty for basically neglecting their marriage.

“Guilting you? You have to be guilted into it? Meanwhile I’m going whether i have a date or I have to go alone!” Noelle laughed. “Who is this friend and why are they guilting you into to?”

@themeixhuang

[themeixhuang]

Mei's smile easily stayed on her face as the two of them playfully bantered, and slowly but surely the tension even drained out of her shoulders, her whole posture relaxing. It was one of the many reasons Mei loved Joey so much- she could let her guard down around the other woman, could be vulnerable and ease.

"Listen, if you need help with those funds please let me know." Mei told her seriously, even reaching her hand out and giving Joey's a little squeeze, "It would be the least I could do. And before you go about saying you couldn't, just think that in return you can just always guarantee me free drinks and the best seat in the house for performances whenever I manage to swing by." she teased, giving her hand another little squeeze before letting go so she could take another sip of her wine. "I mean it though Joe, really. You should do it."

Her couch is definitely quite comfortable, though definitely covered in a bit of dog fur. Joey will put down an extra sheet if necessary.

"Don't ruin the surprise!" She makes a 'shh' sound through her laughter and holds her finger to her mouth. It would still be thoughtful. Hopefully they'll be enjoying wine without another bout of man issues, and with Mateo gone, Joey figures it'll be less likely by that time. There is still plenty to process and navigate at this point.

Hopefully by that time, Joey will also be making strides to her newest goal. "I need to figure out an offer, figure out if I can get those funds together, and then propose the idea to him. Who knows, if not there, I can always wander elsewhere, too." Just because she had it snatched from her once doesn't mean she shouldn't try again.

"He already puts seasonal and event drink menus on me, and I practically run that bar. The clientele like me too, so why not?"

@themeixhuang

[themeixhuang]

Mei gave her friend a playful little eyeroll but smiled just the same and went along with it, figuring it better to do that than argue the point--besides, she did actually feel pretty tonight, which she supposed was the whole point. And besides that, a better point was now being made and Mei looked from Nikki to then across the room, spotting the boy she believed Nikki was speaking about and smiling. "I don't believe I do! But he's very handsome. Are you two a thing now?"

Nikki raised an eyebrow, cause 'tried' is not the verb she'd go for. "You slayed this, trust me." Letting Mei guide them to the jellyfish, she grinned and waved at a few of the moms they saw at kindergarten; everyone was there tonight. Nikki never realized how many people were attached to the memory of prom, it was kind of sweet. "Well..." she said grinning and pointed at Alfie across the hall, who was talking to some old classmates. "Do you know Alfie?" || @themeixhuang

[themeixhuang]

Mei: I can imagine! He's at that perfect little age where they're so squishy Mei: I'd love to! This weekend maybe? We can do a little coffee and picnic with the girls at the park? And bring Kai of course so I can cuddle him!

Sterling: Kai is so so cute and perfect and lovely and i just love him so much Sterling: please you have to come visit more! Sterling: and we should have a little coffee date with luna and sun soon!! plesss @themeixhuang

[themeixhuang]

Peach 🌸:What song is your go-to comfort song?

"It may be a little cliche for some? But Vienna by Billy Joel always just regulates my whole system in a way."

[themeixhuang]

Doll 🌸:If you could change something about your life what would it be and why?

"There's plenty I wish could be different. I wish Luna's father wanted her, I wish I had a relationship with my siblings. I wish my father were a better man, one I could still have in my life. I'd change the fact that outside of a small circle of people, that both me and Luna don't really have much of a family because I want her to have all the love in the world. But I also do love my life here, and ultimately I wouldn't give it up. The family we have may not be blood, but it's mine just the same- and hers."

[themeixhuang]

There were times that having Nira in her life was quite literally a godsend, and this was definitely one of them. While technically her cousin, Nira was the closest thing to a sister Mei had, and right now, she definitely needed her sister.

"Sounds good." She agreed, following further into Nira's place. Luna rushed ahead and all but jumped onto the couch, making Mei shake her head but smile fondly towards her daughter--a smile that soon tinged sadly because how could anyone turn their back on her... She couldn't allow herself to steer down that path of thought for too long and Mei just gently cleared her throat, letting Nira set up the tv for Luna while she went to the kitchen to start getting everything set up for their dinner. "Anything new going on with you, Ray?" She asked casually, figuring they could stick to potentially lighter topics before she effectively ruined the mood.

"As she should, because it's the truth and nothing but," Nira states with certainty as she happily snuggles her niece. Only putting her down once they're in the kitchen, she starts taking out some of the items -- only for Mei to bring out the bottle of wine. Although Nira isn't a drinker, it doesn't bother them when others do.

But that isn't why they pause. Needed means something happened, but Nira has enough grace to keep a smile on her face.

"Let me grab two glasses." Pausing, she points back at her television set-up. "I have a few brain games Luna could play for a half hour while we cook? Gives some room for a much-needed catch-up."

@themeixhuang

[themeixhuang]

Mei smiled at the familiar face as the man came up beside her and she hummed, glancing around the room before she spotted Santiago in the crowd. "I came with my friend." She told him, pointing him out on the other side of the room. "He practically guilted me into it by using my daughter to goad me into agreement." She was smiling still as she said it, obviously not upset by it. "And you?"

starter for: @themeixhuang location: under the sea prom

"So, did you roll into this thing with a date or is that not your style?"

[themeixhuang]

Mei laughed at her friend's reaction to her own outfit, shaking her head even before she just fluffed up her dress a bit so Nikki could get a better view since it was beautiful. "I tried." She teased. She wanted to look her best since Santiago had already gone out of his way just to invite her to this thing. She knew why he'd done it too, so she wasn't going to half-ass it and insult his efforts. "Yes! Excellent idea." Mei looped her arm through Nikki's, leading them over so they could take photos. "You here on anyone's arm tonight?"

"Are you kidding me!?" Nikki exclaimed. "You look like an absolute goddess!" she all but cooed, taking a step back to look at Mei fully, taking in the deep blue skirt of the dress and the details on the corset top. Wow. "Definitely..by the jellyfish too, they're so cool..she'll love it!" Nikki definitely did. || @themeixhuang

[themeixhuang]

Mei looked at Santiago then with even more confusion, head still titled in that confused, and now concerned, way. "Benji?" She echoed just to make sure she'd heard him right, a little frown now added onto the confused expression on her face. "...Why on earth would you want to be shielded from him?" Mei knew something was up with Santiago--she'd known him for years after all. She knew he was the suffer in silence type, and would probably take as many troubles with him to the grave as he could, but..still. She loved him and wanted to at least attempt to help him through some of them- if he'd let her.

And considering he'd just mentioned needing to be kept away from someone whom she thought was one of his best friends, well, she figured he was dealing with something rather big.

"I don't think he's even in the country anymore, let alone California. And I'd...rather not know? For my sake and for Luna's. But if I ever see him again, I'll be sure to let you know." She promised, moving to loop her arm through his and give it a gentle squeeze, her gaze staying up on his all the while. "Do you....want to talk about anything?" She pressed, voice staying soft all the while, like trying to coax a cornered animal to come towards her. "We can go for a walk if it'll help?"

"Benji," Santiago answers simply, entirely unenthused at having to explain why he was now outright avoiding a man he had once considered one of his best friends.

( Still did consider him one, truthfully, despite being convinced Ben would argue to the ground otherwise. )

His expression morphs from the curious look he gave the space around them to a more serious expression at the mention of Luna's father and his absence.

"If that asshole is dumb enough to show his face here, I can't promise you I won't get myself into trouble."

@themeixhuang

[themeixhuang]

closed - @forrestxconrad

where - prom

While she originally wasn't going to attend, Mei ultimately was happy she did. She loved spending time with Santiago, and him wanting to get her out of the house and have a good time after all the bad as of late really did mean a lot. She felt lucky to have him in her (and her daughter's) life. But all the same she wasn't going to force her friend to be attached at her hip the entire night so she went off to people-watch a bit, figuring maybe she'd get a drink, maybe even walk around the building a bit since she'd never been inside. Before she could fully make her decision then too she saw a familiar face and smiled as she walked over. "Is it not odd to be spending your free time in your place of work?"

[themeixhuang]

Whats something upcoming that you’re excited for?

"Luna's kindergarten graduation! It's next week and I really can't believe it. Might have to talk to her Uncle Yago and see if he'd be willing to throw a little party for her at the pub. She deserves to feel wanted and loved and celebrated." @santiagodeleons

[themeixhuang]

closed - @ambivalenceshefelt

where - prom

"Not that I expected anything less, but you look beautiful, Nik." Mei complimented as soon as she was within earshot, smiling warmly at her. "We need to take a picture or Luna will never let me hear the end of it."

[themeixhuang]

closed - @kalanixhale

where - prom

Mei smiled when she saw her neighbor (kind of hard not to spot him, really) and she immediately headed over to him, giving him a playful little tap on the arm to get his attention. "Look at you all dressed up and fancy."

[themeixhuang]

While Mei had originally planned on not going to this event at all, Santiago clearly had other plans--especially once he'd utilized Luna in helping him with a silly little promposal and everything. So here she was now, in a gorgeous gown and admittedly already in a better mood than she'd been in ages thanks to his insistences. "Human shield you from whom exactly?" She wondered, head tilting as she looked up at him. "Because here I thought it was you who was ready to inflict bodily harm on my behalf." Not that she imagined Mateo would be here--for all she knew he wasn't even in the country anymore-- but still.

closed for: @themeixhuang

where: under the sea prom

"It's going to be a fun night," Santiago reassures his date for the evening, speaking as much to himself as he was to her when he does. After a consistently shit go of things for the pair of them independently, he imagines she needs an evening that doesn't feel somewhat dire as much as he does.

"You might have to human shield me at some point but other than that, it'll be a fantastic time."

[themeixhuang]

mei lian huang - aurora bay prom

with @santiagodeleons

@aurorabayaesthetic