looks can be deceiving

𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡…

“What's behind the smoke and glass? Painted faces, everybody wears a mask”  |  template credit: rareddeer

—— 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗔 𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗘. ❜

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—— 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗢 𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗔. ❜

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—— 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗞 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡. ❜

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—— 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗘𝗠 𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗧. ❜

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—— 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗡𝗔𝗭𝗟𝗜 𝗖𝗘𝗬𝗛𝗔𝗡. ❜

Anxiety traversed his body with all the appointments Malik visualized over his computer’s screen, the beginning of a new season, prepping new players that were now part of his agency, working alongside his team for events and so on. Malik urged to make his best in order for all of them to reach their goals and dreams; something Malik himself would never be able to. 

Once his eyes landed on Wyatt, he waved inviting him to enter his office. “Looking good as always, huh? Hope you had a great New Year’s celebration,” he would always wear his happiest tone with clients, without sounding fake, of course. “Ready for the preseason? I’m sure you’ll take LA Galaxy to places.” And hopefully, soon, they could get him to a different team, a better one even. “Which reminds me... what are your thoughts about the team’s goalkeeper, I’ve been thinking about assessing him. Be as honest as possible.”

It wasn’t always that Malik would have some free time for himself during the week; meetings were a constant at the beginning of this month. Yet, the moment he noticed he had enough time to surprise his wife at work and take her for dinner, Malik decided to take that opportunity. 

However, once he finally reached the gallery, his eyes solely met the person that he reminded himself of as Yaren’s boss. Still, with a smile, he approached her, offering his hand to shake alongside a few words. “Good afternoon… Sorry to bother but– Have you seen Yaren? If she’s busy, I could always wait. I’ve noticed a coffee shop nearby, I wouldn’t mind the company if you have the time.” He enjoyed getting to know people that were part of his wife’s life. It wouldn’t hurt to make some room for Tess in that department.

Karsyn let out a small laugh and nodded. “Me too. I learned to hold my tongue as a kid, plus I was too busy learning how to do backflips.” She said jokingly. It was true, she didn’t really have a lot of friends due to her schedule, which meant no confrontations. 

When he introduced himself and offered to have lunch with her, Karsyn quickly glanced down at her watch to check the time. She smiled and nodded. “Actually, that’d be nice. I also don’t think I can wait to get home to eat this, I’m starving.” Karsyn told him honestly. 

She smiled. “I love a good picnic. I mean I haven’t had one in a few years, so this’ll be great.” She continued. “So Dario, what do you do?” Karsyn asked, turning towards the park. “Besides being incredibly nice to strangers who order similar food to you?” She joked, letting out another laugh. 

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He was taken by surprise when she talked about backflips, which was transparente over his reaction in their conversation; at least she was funny to talk to, Dario was certain he would have met someone that would be annoyed by their orders being switched and making a chaos out of all this. “I think if I played games online more often in the past, I’d be more confrontation… for now, I’m okay at holding onto my peace of mind.”

Once it was set that he’d have some company for his lunch, Dario allowed his lips to curve upwards guiding himself and his new company towards the park — they’d just need to find a nice spot to sit by and enjoy their meal, which so far seemed to be delicious. Or the smell was doing its trick. 

“I’m a– help desk technician at the university of san francisco, it’s just boring stuff you know? And what about you?” He stated. “Being nice to strangers was something I was forced to learn since I’m always talking to people. It just made me a little bit more extroverted than I already was.”

.

dario was one of those people that made the whole ‘friends are the family you get to choose’ make sense. ever since meeting him, things had been—less lonely, he reckoned. it was like they had known each other since they were kids… and if he had to admit, sometimes it actually felt like they were kids. “what kind of friend would i be if i didn’t come home bearing gifts?” he chuckled as he washed his hands, then proceeded to pop the pizza box open and get himself a slice. “beer always helps. that’s like–weed’s second cousin or something. it heals some wounds. not all of’em.” he teased while pointing his slice to his friend, then took another bite. “oh, you know… just fucking customers thinking they can piss on your day just because they’re having a shitty day, themselves, you know?” he shook his head. “like… farley’s is fine. i know i’m lucky to work there. i feel like i would’ve shot myself in the face if i worked at starbucks or something, but there are days, man… there are days. these people seem to think they own me or something.” and then, charlie sighed. “hope your day was better than mine, though.”

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There was alleviation in a crowded home; it was one of the reasons why Dario opted for an apartment with three rooms in hopes that he would never feel alone, that somehow conversations and sounds were constantly giving him a reminiscing of home. Even when it was just himself and his mother, it always seemed to be noisy, and it had never been uncomfortable for him. So having Charlie around, gave him the joy needed that day. “You’d still be a friend, but my mother would have something to say about you if she was here,” Dario offered lightly to his friend. And, in the end, it was simply a joke. “I’ve been healing wounds with alcohol for awhile now, thankfully not in a way that you know– it’d control me more than I control the amount of it that I drink, but, yeah…” he chuckled. Talking about his romantic shenanigans could be a topic for another time or later. “I know the feelings, the amount of people I deal with in a daily basis, it’s bound to happen that some of them will try to make my day a nightmare. So, you definitely deserve that beer! But my day was better, it was one of those days that time passes by so fast that when you least expect it’s already time to get home. And hey, the weekend is just around the corner, any plans?”

Tatum smiled and clapped the table, letting out a chuckle. “Oh, come on Adanna, I bet you say that to every host!” They shook their head and smiled. It was always a great compliment when people told Tatum that, on or off the air. 

They leaned in across the desk, completely memorized. Tatum wished they could sing or play an instrument. Acting was a completely different beast but music, music was not something in the cards for Tate.

He nodded. “Wow, well I for one am so excited to hear it.” They smiled honestly. Now the fun began, Tatum’s favourite part. “I mean…” He leaned in. “A little birdie told me that you guys are thinking about an early 2023 release but you know… I won’t tell if you decide to confirm it here, live with me.” They chuckled, leaning back and crossing their arms. 

“Although… Since we are here and we’re talking about the album. I’d love to hear if this mysterious person got any mention?” They asked, smiling brightly. “I mean, he could be a friend but I’d love to hear your thoughts about this photo… Definitely looking a little cozier then friends.” Tatum asked, pulling up the photo in the background, right behind the both of them. 

It was from the other’s account, he was sitting at a drum set and they were standing rather close together. In Tatum’s opinion, it looked harmless… But harmless didn’t get views. “A private lesson, perhaps?” They asked, raising his brows. 

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“Oh never, I’m being completely honest. I could blame it on being a Leo, the whole being a big hearted kind of person, but it just comes with the pack of being… well– me” and in a way, Tate was one of the few that made her feel comfortable during interviews. 

And there it was, the way he navigated the conversation was mainly why Adanna adored being in the show, “ah– look at you! I really can’t confirm it nor deny or else, I’m sure everyone else in the band wouldn’t appreciate the fact I share those news by myself instead with them right next to me. But, I tell you what– as soon as we share the date we’ll release it, you’ll be able to hear a day before, deal?”

It was the least they could do, and that was good press in the way. Having someone like Tatum sharing their opinion about the album would certainly make others curious about it, once it was officially out for the public. 

Then, raising an eyebrow, Adanna felt her heart pounding a little bit faster while words were being shared by him, trying to picture who he was talking about until her dark eyes finally noticed the picture, which caused her to laugh. “Oh, he’s just a friend. Even if it doesn’t look like it, Conrad is more like a brother to me, but I should say that he’s single so if someone’s interested in meeting him, by all means– what a nice guy, he makes my day whenever I’m around him. But yeah– nothing more than friends, I can reassure you that! Now I wish I had pictures of you with someone too so we could gossip about your life like two friends at a bar table.”

“my skin is crawling at the mere thought,” karina feigned a shiver going down her spine before a fit of laughter broke the facade. in the affluent world, genuine friendships were rare and there were moments where she wondered how she managed to find it with adanna. it was like she repelled them, yet the two became closer as time went on and karina hoped from the bottom of her heart it would last. “exactly, plus the last thing i need is another angry wife throwing chairs about like a few weeks ago,” it was becoming a trend, one she didn’t want to form at her club nor did the reputation sit well with the high rolling customers. karina nearly choked on the sip of wine she took when adanna offered up their number, something that may either defuse or escalate the situation at hand. “don’t tempt me— surprisingly enough, playing matchmaker is quite fun to me,” for others, of course, karina didn’t have any luck securing a long term partner for herself and she had come to terms she was better off that way. more independent, never having to adjust her lifestyle for another but even then, deep down— she did yearn for something more than what could be bought. “how exciting, i’ll make sure Ali pencils in some time so i can catch it if its live. if you ever do, you know i’d be happy to play auntie and petsit,” karina never envisioned herself to be a parent, more or less a pet owner, despite the floor to ceiling tank of exotic fish she had in her office at the club. it was another added stress and unlike her responsibilities, a pet had more needs than basic ones and karina wasn’t sure if she had it in her to offer more than that. sighing, she refilled her glass once more before rounding the island to sit down next to the other, kicking off her heels in the process. “so, why don’t we then? it’s easier to get back in the dating game if someone is doing it with you,”

˖°˖ ☾  ♡  ☽ ˖°˖

“I didn’t think about it– I mean, the whole angry wife appearing by your establishment, it must be annoying.” At least, in their perspective Karina wasn’t the one to blame, if husbands being there were against the marriage contract they had with their significant other, then that person was to blame. Yet, she was certain people would hardly see that way. Then, dark hues stared at their friend; the probability of Karina finding someone for Adanna was curious to say the least, but knowing their own self, the reaction offered seconds later was a playful laughter. “Oh– my beautiful Karina. I’m a shit show, if you ever find someone that could handle all of this, then I probably owe you more than I could ever pay you back,” it wasn’t to say that Ada didn’t have people in her life that she would life to spend the rest of her years with; however, they would always find a way to ruin it all. Or life would make sure to lead them to it. 

“I”ll for sure leave them with you or just a few that I’d trust. Make sure they wouldn’t get too attached to me, so they wouldn’t suffer whenever I’m on tour,” it was a lot to think about, but Ada hoped that it’d work out. They needed that company from time to time at home, and above it all, she was certain it would light up the mood of the apartment whenever she got home from a busy day. “I would never decline your company– going out to bars, clubs or anything that will help me see a few beautiful faces, I’m game. Truth being told, I’d accept any plan that involves being with you, K.”

.

“i do feel honored.” charlie bobbed his head, an easy smirk gracing his lips, eyes scanning her face for a split second while his hands had already began working on the sketch. it was both weird and nice to share a roof with a rockstar. because, damn… adanna was a rockstar, you know? he didn’t truly believe he was on her best friends list, because why would someone like her be friends with a nobody him? yeah, that was hard to believe… but he’d feed into that fantasy for as long as adanna would let him. “wait, you’re saying you’re not going to frame this masterpiece i’m making of you? damn, ada! just wait until i’m famous, you know? you just wait!” one could dream, right? that part of life was still free of charge. at least he could joke about it with her, share a laugh or two about his so-longed career. “i’ve got no plans either. i was going to meet up with someone after they were done with work, but they had other plans, so i was once again pushed to being the plan b. i could offer to cook, but i’m not the best cook out there. if you’re free, we could hang out? maybe go somewhere instead of staying home.”

˖°˖ ☾  ♡  ☽ ˖°˖  

Conrad was shocked. Adanna was such a good friend since moving here and he couldn’t believe they’d brought him here. “Jesus, Ada! This is fucking cool as hell.” He told them, shaking his head. “I can’t believe it.” He extended his arms and flexed his fingers. “Before we get started, get over here and give Conrad a hug.” He hated talking about himself in third person but sometimes it was necessary. 

He clapped his hands together and walked over to the instruments. Ada was asking him which one he wanted to try first and he smiled. “Oh, Ada please. You know even if I suck at this, you’ll always be my person. You know that.” He winked at her and picked up the guitar. “Listen… I bet I’ll pick this up right away, I am a natural.” Conrad joked. He had never played anything in his life, although his parents always wanted him to try. He guessed he could add this to the never-ending list of things they didn’t and wouldn’t know about him anymore. 

“What do you think?” He asked, showing up some of the rockstar poses he saw in magazines. “Think I look like a rockstar now.” Conrad pouted his lips and posed for a second before cracking up. 

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“I know! See? If I was ever to leave you, you were going to miss me too much,” the smile plastered all over their face was their emotions all transparent that Ada adored to make others happy; specially when they were important to them. Something that Conrad made sure to become ever since his friendship wasn’t something Ada could see herself without. Reaching closer, their arms wrapped around Conrad in a tight hug. Ah, he was home. 

The distance with her family, both literally and metaphorically caused them to aim for the security of being important to others in different ways. And the reassurance of being his person warmed her heart. “Maybe you’re mine too,” they joked. But truth being told, he definitely was. “But, in case you don’t pick it up right away, I can help you with that. When I was simply focused on becoming a great drummer I had no clue how to play guitars, but with time I learned a thing or two,” the perks of joining a band. 

✧･ﾟ* ☾​

Hearing the apology, Yvonne shook her head and dismissed it immediately. She had a soft spot for animals and preferred them MORE than well…human beings. Unfortunately with her lifestyle, she couldn’t quite commit to a pet in the long run. “No need to apologize hun, they’re adorable.” Learning that they were the babysitter for the day, the socialite chuckled in response and nodded in understanding, “You probably have the best job in the world right now if you’re taking care of her for the day and you’re also a great friend.” 

Yvonne cooed at Zaha as she continued to pet them before leading her back to Ada. Arching a brow in amusement, she held her hand out for a handshake and introduced herself. “Well Zaha has great taste at this point…And I’m Yvonne, it’s a pleasure to meet you. So are the two of you just strolling for today?” 

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At mention of having the best job, Adanna’s mind navigated straight to her actual job — which caused them to nod instantly. There was more than passion about being a drummer, being able to follow their dream and share it, not only with her bandmates, but also with all the people that had faith in their job and became fans of the band. Yet, Ada knew that the other person was talking about babysitting Zaha for the day; which, honestly, Ada was also thankful for. “It was the least I could do, they’re helping me and I’m helping them. Besides, Zaha is the most adorable dog I’ve ever met! Aren’t you Zaha?”

Surprisingly Zaha barked in return, which caused Adanna to chuckle. “It’s nice to meet you too. And yes, it’s a beautiful day after all. My job provided me a free day, I don’t need to meet anyone for rehearsals or anything,” which means photoshoots or interviews. “So, I thought: why not? Staying at home with her would be too much, she’d get all bored and honestly so you would I. What about you? Are we keeping you here?”