y sin rencor

bane riviere

demir kavas-fortier

charlene contreras

julian “jill” sato

renata salazar

“Sad I can’t spend all my time there,” Haru noted. He would if he could, but his allergies had other plans. One or two cats, Haru could tolerate, but an entire cafe of them felt like a death sentence. He’d figured that out the hard way years ago. Now all he could do was look in wistfully whenever he passed by. “Must’ve reminded the barista of the Wizard of Oz,” Haru teased, though his expression didn’t change. He was sure that Dorothea understood that the statement was in jest, though. They’d certainly known one another long enough that his quirks weren’t new. At her question, Haru shrugged. “Nothing going on outside of work,” he answered. “Sometimes I think that’s all there is to life. We work, then we die.”

“And you of a wizard. Maybe that should be our Halloween costumes.” Dorothea giggled in return. Haru’s stoic demeanor had intimidated her at first but now she felt that it only added to his charm. Especially when he cracked a joke. Something about his deadpan delivery maybe.  “Yeah, I get what you mean. It does kind of feel that way, huh?” She sighed, taking a sip of her coffee before tapping a surprisingly assertive slap on the table, “Well, I refuse to believe that’s all there is to life! What about friends, and music, and Christmas and... and... finding love?” Or even was losing it too. Dorothea knew all about that. She shook away the thought as quickly as it came. She didn’t invite Haru out for coffee so that she could mope about her failed attempt of a happy ever after. “Maybe it’s time you put yourself out there, Haru. I could help you set up a dating profile, if you wanted. ” She raised an eyebrow in question, though she doubted he would actually concede. “What’s your type, anyways?”

           ‘  you’re  literally  the  most  annoying  person  i’ve  ever  met .  ’    she  just  thought  he  should  know  that ,   in  case  he  wasn’t  already  aware .   ‘  i  know  i  look  good ,   idiot .   that’s  the  whole  point .  ’    there’s  a  reason  she  drives  a  range  rover  &  lives  alone  in  a  two  bedroom  apartment !    (  come  on ,   it’s  only  partially  daddy’s  money . )    ‘  right ,  sure ,   you’re  a  catch .   that’s  why  you’re  here ,   right ?    why  you’re  paying  dancers  to  shake  their  asses  instead  of  at  home ,   fucking  someone  who  actually  gives  half  a  shit  about  you ?  ’     pen  gives  him  a  saccharine  smile ,    nevermind  the  venom  in  her  tone .    a  catch .   ha .    what  a  fucking  joke .     ‘  then  again ,    who  wouldn’t  want  to  settle  down  with  you ?    you  have  so  much  to  offer .  like ……  ’     she  trails  off .   that’s  it .    that’s  the  end  of  the  sentence .

“I pay to see dancers shake their ass because I like it.” He responded easily. Demir couldn't help but roll his eyes and she continued to run her mouth off at him. “You know Penny, when I first met you I thought that yapping of yours was kinda cute. In a rabid chihuahua kind of way but now - god you're so fucking insufferable”   He tried to shrug off her words but that last bit about what he had to offer did admittedly strike a nerve. Who the hell died and made her the dating expert? “What, you think just ‘cus you and Zian are having a little fling going that suddenly makes you the prime candidate for an ideal wife?” he snorted, leaning in closer as he flashed her a vindictive grin. “I hate to break it you babe, but you and him will never work out. He-” God, he wanted to say it. What he would give to see that smug look on her face wiped clean by the revelation of Zian’s sexuality.  “He’ll get some sense smacked into him someday.” The words were followed up by a disappointed sigh. They weren’t nearly as satisfying as what he really wanted to say. “Anyways, are you done? Like you said, I pay to see ass not to hear you run your mouth. Go find someone else to annoy the shit out of, yeah? .” 

SOLEDAD

“ever,” she reassured with a light laugh, giving him a side smile. out of all the people in moorbrooke, sol really couldn’t see who else she’d like to bring on her first road trip with her. she had listened to bane’s stories if she got lucky enough in his visits that he’d stick around long enough to tell one or two. sometimes she would purposely say the machine was acting up so she could take more time making his cup of coffee and sol would often send him off with a muffin of the day. little did she know that he was just as happy to be her chosen partner in adventure. when he inquires about her travels to peru and prague she turns to look over at him as she speaks, “both places were fantastic. when i visited peru it was during the sun festival. also, during my visit to peru, i felt the after shock of an earthquake that happened a about a town over. i remember thinking i was imagining things until the owner of the restaurant i was eat at came over and ushered me under the table. i was so thrown off i honestly didn’t understand what was happening until it was practically over, and then seeing it on the news.”  not to mention there were so many people at the festival, sol thought it could’ve been  shaking the walls of the restaurant with all the noise they were making in celebration. “prague was like stepping into the renaissance era, if i’m honest. everything looked like it was stuck in time. except there were also sprinkles of modernized things, like the ice bar i discovered and visited.  you were allowed twenty minutes in this extremly cold ice bar, where everything was made of ice, and every drink you got you were able to break the ice shot glasses. you were served shots though, guess i can’t blame them. another cool thing about prague was the blacklight theatre i stumbled across! now that was an experience. what were your experiences like traveling to these locations? especially in peru, did you hike up any mountains?” when he asked where she wanted to visit anywhere in the world, sol didn’t hesitate to answer, “london. for some reason, i just can’t seem to get there. something always ends up in the way.” she laughed, giving a little shrug. “what’s your favorite spot you’ve visited in your travels?”  they had a whole weekend ahead of them and sol intended to ask every curious question that came to mind. well, almost every question. she laughs as he mentions the neon leotards of the 80s, “oh, i bet you’d make even a neon leotard look good.” her attention returned to the map and road so they wouldn’t miss their exit, and thankfully they did not this time. 

(small time skip to them getting to the camp grounds and getting their stuff out of the car to set up camp)

they had walked a good distance from the car by the time they finally found the lake and a good spot by it to set up their tent. sol didn’t know much about pitching up tents but she had remembered to watch a couple of youtube tutorials before their trip and keeping those tips in mind she began to set up their tent as best as she possible could. “wait. i think we need to redo this side,” she giggled, redirecting them for the third time, “sorry. here we go! see? yes!” finally by try number three the tent was up and perfect. she had also taken time to pause and update their ‘adventurer video log’ every time they attempted to re-do the tent. “i totally know what i’m doing,” she jokingly reassured bane, looking over at him, both of her hands on her hips, a playful grin on her lips. of course she had zero idea of what she was doing, but wasn’t that part of the adventure?  “would you like to go gather us some wood for our campfire?” she looks up to the sky, “it seems like the sun will be ending its rounds here soon. i can keep setting up here. also, if you can, see if you can spot a nice little fishing spot for us. it’s been a while, but i did pack two fishing poles to give a shot.” 

Bane listened intently as Sol spoke. He had so many questions, so many comment he wanted to make about her experiences in Peru and Prague.  And London. It was a surprisingly simple request. It wasn’t what he expected to hear, Their conversation was cut short when both of their attentions shifted on finding a spot to set up camp, but Bane made a mental note to bring it up later. There were times he considered taking the reins one or twice while they were trying to pitch their tent. The ability to set up a tent had become second nature to him. Bane wouldn’t be able to count all the time’s he’s had to build on for his expeditions  even if he tried. Whenever he opened his mouth to speak, he would promptly shut it because she was so engrossed in the activity, so determined to get it right that he didn’t have the heart to  say anything.  Once she got it right, Bane offered a round of applause. “Wow. You’re a natural.” He replied with a teasing smile and a reassuring pat on her back. “What would I do without you, Sol? ” Seeing the way she stood with so much conviction and confidence caused Bane to release an airy laugh “Totally.” he agreed with teasing tone. He confirmed her request with a simple nod. “Yes ma’am. I’ll be back. I think I saw some potential fishing spots on our way here.”

Missed turns and tents aside, the rest of the night had gone rather smoothly. By the time he got back to camp, Sol had just finished setting up a good fire pit for them. Bane had spent the last couple of minutes trying to build a fire.   “That should do it. Just in time. ” Bane stood from his crouched position,  dusting the remnants of wood from his hands as he took in the horizon. The sun was almost done setting but the sky was still decorated with splashes of orange and pink.   “I feel like a boy scout.” He chuckled lightly, before plopping on a log across from the fire and Sol. “Ready for some s’mores? Let me know if you get cold, okay?” Surely the fire would be fine for now, but they were camping during the colder season.  “This is around the time we start to share horror campfire stories or something, right? Do you believe in curses and ghosts?”

Kian: ryan would probably try to jump my bones too!!!

Kian: i'm not ready to have a child yet

Kian: YES!!! let's not make that the main focus

Charlene: LOL YOURE SO RIGHT

Charlene: Pretty thing like you would get ravished. Your honor would be compromised

Charlene: sorry ive been reading too many period eroticas recently. ok im calling rn

        ‘  you’re  a  little  bossy ,  ’  felicity  confirms  affectionately .    ‘  but  it’s  okay ,   i  like  it .  ’     her  face ,   already  a  bit  flushed  from  the  alcohol ,   turns  a  bit  more  red  when  he  relents  and  takes  her  phone :   i  can’t  say  no  to  you  when  you  look  at  me  like  that .    even  though  that  was  kind  of  the  whole  point ,    hearing  it  out  loud  makes  her  feel  a  little  bashful .   nevermind  that .    she’s  putting  her  stuff  back  into  her  purse  when  he  asks  who  it  is ,    and  in  the  moment  it  takes  her  to  scramble  for  a  believable  lie  demir  has  answered  the  phone .

         ‘  oh ,   don’t  —-  ’   but  it’s  too  late .  she  shuts  up ,  mainly  so  hugo  can’t  hear  her ,    and  watches  the  mess  unfold .  it’s  nice ,   though ,   to  see  demir  be  so  openly  protective  of  her .   we’re  trying  to  have  a  good  night  here .   surely  this  doesn’t  mean  they  can’t  have  a  good  rest  of  the  night ,   right ?   maybe ,   somehow ,   by  the  grace  of  god ,   hugo  hadn’t  opened  his  big  mouth  and  ruined  this  for  her .   of  course ,   nothing  ever  goes  that  smoothly  for  felicity .   when  the  phone  is  hung  up ,   she  laughs  too ,    though  the  sound  is  stressed .   she’s  been  waiting  for  years  for  someone  to  tell  off  hugo  ( or  to  work  up  the  courage  to  do  so  herself ) ,    and  demir  just  singlehandedly  took  a  wrecking  ball  to  his  ego .  hugo  has  probably  never  been  spoken  to  like  that  in  his  comfortable ,   privileged  life .   ‘  oh ,   i’m  going  to  pay  for  that  tomorrow …..  ’    mumbled  mostly  to  herself ,   she  rubs  her  temple  for  a  moment  before  looking  back  at  demir  somewhat  sheepishly .   ‘  no …..  no  stalker .  ‘   honestly ,   at  this  point  a  stalker  might  even  be  preferable  to  the  man  on  the  other  end  of  the  phone .    she  takes  a  deep  drag  off  her  cigarette ,   willing  the  nicotine  to  help  clear  her  mind .    ‘  that  was …..   just  someone  from  my  past .   what ,  uhm ,    what  exactly did  he  say ?  ’    there’s  still  a  way  she  got  out  of  this  without  her  husband  ruining  it ,   right ?   

Even drunk, Demir could pick up the shift in Felicity's demeanor. He cocked head to the side, confused by the sudden change as well as by her words. “Huh? Then who was that? Had to be a scam call or something. He was talking some bullshit about you being his wife. I thought the asshole was going to refer to himself as a Nigerian prince if I kept talking to him” While taking another drag of his cigarette he stared at Felicity intently, studying her reaction at his words.  As far as Demir could recall, she had never once mentioned having a husband. Not that it was any of his business, but surely the topic would have been brought up by now... right?  “Felicity.” Funny, he had been slurring his words this entire time, but as he called her name his tone was unnaturally stable. Ash flicked to the ground as a moment of silence took over them. Whether it was due to Demir’s  inability wrap his head around the sudden possibility of Felicity's marriage or because his vocabulary had been limited by the liquor he wasn't entirely sure.  It was probably both. After yet another drag, he finally spoke up “Are you married?”

“You know... I-I like it. I think I can work with this.” Dorothea looked in the mirror, eyes scanning her own figure as she made little poses.  Shopping for Halloween customes in September might seem like silly activity to some, but Dorothea liked thinking ahead and being prepared. Pay no mind that the chances of her changing into something completely different at the very  last minute were ridiculously high. Still... it was good to have options.

"What about you? Have you found anything nice?”

Haru’s gaze drifted over to the speaker, amusement pulling at his lips. “It’s definitely unique,” he commented. “Don’t know if you should be insulted though. I’d take pokémon over generic name any day.” He extended a hand in greeting. He’d definitely seen the person in passing before; where, he couldn’t say, but Moorbrooke was small enough so that didn’t really surprise him. “I’m Haru. Don’t think we’ve been formally introduced.”

“Do you really? Don’t come for me if I start referring to you as one then.” The last bit was a joke, signaled by the crooked smile that formed on their lips. No use crying over spilled milk they supposed.  “I know who you are.” Renata responded with a firm shake.  “We frequent the same establishment, though I’m usually in the peanut gallery. You’ve... made me quite a bit of money.” Betting of course. Haru was one of the fighters that Renata particularly enjoyed watching. “Renata. Not to be confused with a rat Pokémon.” Okay so maybe they were still a little bitter. “ I just moved here a couple months ago  so I haven’t really been formally introduced myself to... hardly anyone.  So it’s a pleasure.”

Starter for: @confortaleza​ Julian

Location: Flossie’s Florist

August & Jill

August loved his job at the florist because it encouraged him to help others create something that was glorious that they could bring into their home or to a friends or do whatever they wanted to do with it. He threw his apron on and he knew it was time to get to work. As he saw a customer who was looking, he didn’t want to bother them but he also wanted to assure that the other didn’t need any help. He walked up to them and shot them a big smile, “Hi there! Are you finding everything okay? Or is there something I can help you  find?” He asked. 

Flossie’s Florist was arguable one of Jill’s favorite stores. If there was a heaven, they imagined it would look this - enveloped in flowers.  They were a regular at the store, so when a familiar face approached them they didn’t hesitate to flash them with a amiable girn. “Hi August!” they greeted cheerfully. “How are ya? You know I could always use your expert opinion. I’m trying to plan for the colder months. I was thinking of getting Chrysanthemums for the fall and Pansies for Winter, but what do you think?”

ZIAN

more laughter escapes him as he feels the smack to the back of his head, one eye closes while the other gives demir a playful ‘angry’ look as he rubs the spot the other smacked. his relationship with demir was a riveting one, one that certainly took a lot of effort and hard work (mainly from demir’s part) to get to the point it is today. if you had told him he would be getting dating advice from his mentor when he first met him zian would’ve laughed and never believed it. now he could see no one else giving him any kind of advice, at least none he would take to heart. “oh yeah?” he rolled his eyes, a playful smirk still on his lips, though he didn’t  not agree with demir. one of the main things zian had an issue when he first was starting to work with demir is how to handle the jealousy he felt whenever he’d see jude come around and how demir seemed to be so unafraid to shower the man with affection. for so long it was drilled into him that he needed to think a certain way, be a certain way, achieve certain goals, and he never once believed there could ever be any other way to live. there wasn’t an ounce in zian that believed it was ever going to be okay to be free with the person he’d end up falling for, because he knew they would never fit the picture his dad wanted for him, and the jealousy he felt seeing other same sex couples be so happy ate him up. what he didn’t realize was that the jealousy he harbored had turned into anger, rebellion, which is something that demir had to deal with a lot at first. until…the day zian finally broke down to the older male and the rest was history. 

“i mean you go from calling me ‘little shit’ to ‘ladybug’. i can only imagine what creative nicknames you’ll come up with soon, old man.” he teased, half expecting to get smacked again. ‘good one. keep your chin down, z.’ zian gives a nod at the words of advice before following instructions, lowering his chin a little, and continuing to throw more punches. “do you think if i keep this going i’ll be able to give that ass who was talking shit to me the other week a run for his money?” hearing demir’s dismissive answer to his question didn’t really surprise zian, but it did surprise him when the other added the last bit. “yeah? the guy from before?” zian curiously questioned, not wanting to assume, “because i liked that guy. jude, right? he made some pretty delicious lunches, now the food just sucks around here.” hearing demir mention the fight he missed made zian accidentally miss the punching bag and go stumbling a little bit forward but he catches himself before he can completely crash into the bag and demir. a sigh of frustration escapes him, his voice suddenly comes out sounding a little softer, “i was with my dad. i had intentions of coming, but you know, shit happens.” he pauses for a second, scanning the imaginary calendar in his head, quickly bouncing himself back to normal sounding zian, “my next fight is this upcoming saturday. i’m supposed to see my dad on thursday because i agreed to help him paint his shed. it’s actually one of the few things we do every year that we get along doing but…i’m kinda trying to get out of it.” he lowers his hands, shoulders dropping, “i’m not too sure why, but lately he’s been even more upset with me. it seems like even the smallest things set him off.” he let out a sigh, sadness in his eyes, “i just keep telling myself it’s old age. it has to be, right? i’m doing good, right? right, demir?” he asks, almost pleadingly, looking to his mentor for some sort of guidance. “i just..i have to win saturday. that’s all, right? it’ll be a miracle if i don’t try to fight someone before then for the experience.” 

“Yeah,” he asserted with an nod. “More creative than ‘old man’. Seven year difference and you make it sound like I should be asking for a senior citizen discount.” Granted, it was a step up from the names Zian had for him when they first met.  Demir knew he wasn’t exactly the most likable of man but damn, Zian really had a bone to pick with him since day one. Little did Demir know the reason at the time of course, so imagine his surprise when Zian came out to him of all people! Still, it was a good thing that he had. Lord knows the relationship they would have had if that hadn’t been the case.  “Is it that same guy from last time talking shit again? You really wanna talk old men; that asshole is a fucking relic. He doesn't know shit.” One hand extended from the bag to catch Zian when he stumbled. Demir was impressed that Zian was able to catch himself. The kid had wicked reflexes, he’ll give him that. Still, Demir couldn't help the sharp look he flashed to him alongside the strict tone. “Posture.” he reminded, one hand going down to smack his own thigh - a gesture for Zian to keep his legs grounded and apart. 

“You little shit - I’m sure you did. ” Demir couldn't help the way he squinted his eyes in a pointed glare. “Yeah Jude. My ex. Nothing's official but if I we do end up seeing each other again then you bet your ass I’ll be eating lunch with him than risk getting mine stolen.” Another glare. “Your dad’s a bitch.” It might not sound like it but that was Demir putting it lightly. “Just tell him someone quit so you have to pick up an extra shifts at Brinie’s or something. Can’t fault you for that right?” Though knowing Zian’s father. He probably would find a way.”  It was clear that Zian was looking for reassuring words and well... Demir wasn’t used to it.  People came to him for a lot of things - entertainment, sex, even the occasional request to rough someone up a bit but for someone to look to him for comfort? That was new. Scary even, because he could totally fuck it up. In fact, Demir wouldn’t even feel bad if he did fuck it up. Serves them right for choosing him of all people to fill such a nurturing role. Honestly, had it been anyone else seeking this from Demir, he would have laughed at them or told them to fuck off and see a shrink or something, but it wasn’t anyone else. It was Zian. Demir would never say it out loud, but he had grown fond of the younger man.  “Yeah man, you’re doing good. Just focus on not getting your ass kicked this Saturday.” the words were followed by a smirk, “Or before. ” 

“I do.” He affirmed, pleasantly surprised at Jude’s skill. Demir raised an eyebrow when Jude said he had fun and he wanted to do it again sometime. He wondered why they needed did this while they dated but knowing Demir it was probably cus his dumb ass never thought to suggest it. “Yeah it was.” Fun. Now there was a word that Demir would never think to associate with an ex. “Well, you know where to find me if you ever need to punch something.” He joked with a light smile. As they locked eyes, Demir couldn’t help but admire the state that Jude was in. The sweat in his brow, his eyes dark clouded with liquor and adrenaline, the way his lips parted as he regulated his breathing. His lips... Demir bit his bottom lip, almost as if he was trying to stop himself from saying something that would break the moment. It wasn’t him that did though, it was Jude. Demir released his wrist the moment he took his step back and his hand dug itself into the pocket of his sweatpants. “Hallway, second door on the right. Towels are in the closet inside the bathroom.”  Jude’s invitation to have Demir join him in the kept replaying in his mind, almost like he was trying to convince himself that he didn’t imagine it. The idea of the two of them in the shower excited Demir, evident by the way his sweatpants felt tighter around his lower region. A part of him considered just relieving himself while Jude showered so that he could have a clearer mind by the time they reunited but he knew that wouldn’t be nearly enough. “Fuck.” He was really going to do it. He was going to take this step. A step that would mean that he would officially be back in Jude’s life. Demir landed a single punch on the bag in attempt to release some of this frustration he was feeling.  Had Jude been distant, had he treated his ex coldly then Demir would have had an easier time maintaining the forced narrative that he no longer wanted Jude in his life, but no that would be too easy!