* more

hello, hello again! back with my second character and you can find out more about malachi under the cut!!

[ mason gooding, cis man, he/him ] - was that MALACHI PHILLIPS i saw by the lighthouse today? i heard that the THIRTY year old who has been in nightrest for TWENTY-THREE YEARS ON & OFF and works as a PART-TIME PERSONAL TRAINER & BASKETBALL COACH has a reputation of being PASSIONATE, but also HOTHEADED. they reside in STOUGHTON ESTATES & people in town usually associate them with SPENDING HOURS ALONE ON A BASKETBALL COURT, BLOODIED KNUCKLES & GETTING ANOTHER TATTOO. let’s hope the killer doesn’t go after them next.

trigger warnings: parental death, injury, car accident & amnesia

let us pretend they’re also wearing formalwear here and that kyle isn’t shirtless thank you

let us all pretend they’re wearing formalwear thank you

Dear Ma, 

I know we haven’t talked since the last time I came over three days ago, when I suggested the plan to leave this town and start new somewhere else. That day was probably the most lucid I’d seen you in so long, because you were adamant on staying, looking at me as if I was the Devil for suggesting it in the first place, saying you wouldn’t leave him. I assume you meant dad, but I know you also meant Monty. I understand. I really do. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life, but I can’t stay here, Ma. I can feel myself becoming the man I was when I first got back here after my career was over, and I don’t want to be that person anymore. I never want to be that person again. 

Especially because I got a girl now and the last thing I want to do is hurt her by being that asshole I was years ago. You’ll love her. Her name’s Aranya, but everybody just calls her Ari and she’s the sweetest, kindest person I know. Can shoot hoops like a pro too. Is really, really damn good at games. She’s even better than me. Got the brightest smile and the biggest heart and I just... I don’t know what I would’ve done if she hadn’t been in my corner this entire time, if she didn’t hold my hand through it all and reminded me it was okay to feel, if she hadn’t let me lean on her. I... I genuinely think I’m starting to love her, Ma. Give me a month and I’ll probably say that to her face. She deserves the best, and I can’t be that if I stay here. I just can’t do it. We talked, and agreed that this place isn’t a good place to be in anymore. All these deaths and pain... It can’t be good for anybody. You’d know that best, out of all of us, and I refuse to give up the same way you did. I can see a future with her, Ma. That’s why I’m leaving. Because as much as this place is home, I just don’t see a future here anymore. 

I’m bringing Lany with me too. I’m getting her far away from this place because even though she puts on a strong front, I know she’s struggling. I know she’s hurting so damn much. She’d lost her dad at such a young age. She’d lost her brother right after celebrating his birthday, so unexpectedly too, and no offense, but you’re not the best person to take care of her either. It’s been so long since we lost Dad, Ma. So, so long. You left us the night he died too, because whoever you are now is who you left us with years ago, leaving me to have to take care of them all on my own. I was still just a fucking kid, and I had to step up because you weren’t able to. Because you let your grief consume you until you were absolutely nothing and I refuse to let Lany turn into you. You think it didn’t hurt me losing Monty? You think something vital to who I am as a person didn’t break that night? You think I don’t think of him every damn day, wishing it should have been me instead, if it meant he’d live the long, happy life he deserved? It all fucking hurts, Ma, but we keep going because that’s what we’re supposed to do. Dad wouldn’t have wanted you to turn into this.

I refuse to let Lu turn into you too. She won’t come to Los Angeles with us, but she said she was going back to Spain. I think that’ll do her some good. Get away from this place, that house. You remember when you told her she had the sweetest voice when we were all kids? Yeah, none of us have heard it since that night. She’s hurting as much as I’m pretty sure you were back when Dad died, but at least she’s still doing something. 

Grief is a horrible thing to deal with and I’m trying to understand it, Ma, but I don’t. I really don’t.

I’ve already entrusted someone to take care of you while I’m gone. Meatloaf, Lasagna and Big Mac are all under your name now, though I got someone else to take care of them too. You can be a husk of a person all you want, Ma, but just know that I love you. I hope there can be some solace in knowing Dad’s with Monty now. I don’t know what they’re doing up there, but we both know they’re definitely not playing ball lol (that stands for laughing out loud, it’s an expression for when you find something funny. I’m sure Lany can tell you all about it since she’s like freakishly smart. Are you sure she’s not adopted?)

Anyway, I love you. I’m sorry. I’ve got Lany. I’ll talk to you soon. 

Look after Kyle for me (in case he won’t come with us). 

Bleed with me this time I've been hurting to find Someone to make it right I learned so much but lost it all And when I'm stuck with you, I fall Bleed with me this time Till we bleed out

trigger warning: death mentioned: @lanyphillips @aranyasaeli @kyleyangs @veritycalma @kattcalled

“Look at you. Two months ago you were sending every chick in town the same good morning text. And now you look like a lovesick puppy.” It felt like their roles were switching, Kyle once the guy that preferred being in relationships, as fleeting as they were, and Malachi the one girls turned to for a good night. Here his best friend was finally settling down, and he was moving in the exact opposite direction. It was a little too ironic. But after everything Mal had been through, losing his dad, his mom too essentially, and losing his career, he was glad that the other had someone there for him when they’d lost Monty. As nonchalant as Kyle was, he wasn’t ever oblivious to the struggles Malachi has went through, and that most of the time, he kept it to himself and never let anyone in. "I was always the smart one, I can’t be that surprised it took you this long,” Kyle let out jokingly. It was obvious that things were serious, and for that, he was happy for Malachi. “Sometimes. Not like I’d really have any place to go though,” he replied honestly. “Why? Thinking about getting out of here?”

Malachi let out a loud laugh at the memory, remembering how he’d wake up every morning and send the same text to multiple women. Maybe it had been a sign that he always sent out the text to Ari first. “Can’t even deny that,” he said with a chuckle. “I know it’s early but... I don’t know, I think it’s her, man. You know me, I never rush into anything but... I guess I get it now. That whole thing where people say ‘when you know, you know’. I always thought that was bullshit,” Mal admitted. “But I get it now,” he murmured, his eyes seeking out Ari again, feeling a little more at peace knowing she was merely there, before turning back towards his best friend, snorting out a laugh. “Yeah, smartass? What happened with you and Vera, huh?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Uh, well... yeah. Kinda?” Mal said, before clearing his throat. “Ari and I were thinking LA. Maybe a little vacation away from all of this. I’m taking Lany too, giving her a change of scenery for a bit, because being here... it can’t be good for her, you know? Can’t be good for any of us. You wanna come with us? A little spring break action?” 

She felt silly crying right now. But Aranya had always been an emotional person, always been the kind to wear her heart on her sleeve, her emotions written all over her face whether she’d liked it or not. The love she had for the man in front of her was so beyond obvious, thinking to herself that she’d finally found her person. Someone who didn’t run at the sight of her being overly-involved, someone who accepted her for who she was. She smiled at his words, holding him close even as she calmed down. “You’re already the best, Mal. There isn’t anyone else I’d want to be with,” she retorted softly. Throughout their hardships, throughout the pain, it was him she wanted to beside. Whether it meant taking care of him, or vice-versa. It was what she wanted. Even in the darkness, he managed to make her feel happy, make her feel wanted. Just as much as he’d opened up to her, Ari let herself open up to him fully as well. To let herself fall, feel as intensely as her heart wanted to. Even in her broken sobs, happy tears as they were, he’d been the first person she was comfortable crying in front of, expressing a side of herself that wasn’t all the sunshine that she was perceived as. And she was hopeful, thinking that if they had each other that that things would turn out okay, whatever the future held for them. When his lips melted into hers with a smile, she could only really blush, public declaration of what they were making her feel giddy. “Yes, boyfriend,” she replied with a grin, unable to hide its brightness in the moment. Her eyes lingered to the room inside, almost forgetting where they were but quickly nodding her head in agreement. “What do you mean cheesy? Of course I do.” Enclosing her hand in his, she took the lead, happily pulling the both of them back inside.

“God, I love the sound of that,” Mal murmured with a grin. Hearing the word ‘boyfriend’ coming from her lips was something he had hoped would happen tonight, but he still hadn’t let his hopes get too high. It was becoming a real fear of his, that everything that made him happy would be ripped from him eventually, his latest loss a cruel reminder of that so to have her be so happy to be his that she cried was something he hadn’t expected, but accepted completely. It was easier now for him to stomp down on that fear because he had her, and it made all the difference. Mal chuckled as he let her lead them back inside the main room, but as soon as they were on that dance floor, he twirled her around once before pulling her close to him, unable to stop smiling, proud to be the one to have Aranya in his arms. “Hey. Hey, buddy,” Mal said to the man also dancing beside them. “She’s my girlfriend,” he added, gesturing towards Aranya before letting out a carefree laugh. Tonight was the lightest he had felt since that night, since that loss, and as he swayed the both of them to the music, Malachi couldn’t help but still just be so grateful. His gaze rested at the necklace on her neck and he remembered when he gave her that months ago, wanting nothing more than to woo his hot, sweet neighbor, and how different everything was now. She’d been the best surprise of his life, and he couldn’t help himself from leaning in to press another kiss on her lips, in front of everybody. “It’s you, babe,” Mal murmured against her lips before pulling away slightly to show her a soft smile. There was clarity there, in knowing exactly what he wanted, who he wanted, and knowing that was reciprocated and he now had someone to build a future with, to share a life with. Someone whose happiness was so important to him that he’d work towards being a better man because that’s what she deserved. “You think Jieun would know the best spot here for a good picture? I wanna make it official on the gram too and you look so damn beautiful in that dress,” he said as he smiled down at her, still swaying the both of them to the music.

The both of them knew more than well what it was like to lose family, no need for words between each other to know what the other was feeling. If there was one person that Kyle would always need in his life, it was Malachi. The one person he really wouldn’t be able to bare losing. The one person in this world that had been there for him through it all. “I’m surprised she’s here in the first place,” he let out, thinking that if he knew the younger well enough, her home was where she’d rather be right now. He eyed the brunette, watching the expression on his best friend’s face grow softer. He almost felt jealous, but more than anything, he was happy that the other had someone right now. “You need someone like her. Someone who won’t let you ignore all the shit you bottle up,” Kyle responded with a sigh, before glancing at Mal with his brows raised. “You? Girlfriend? …Look at that, you’re finally growing up. I’m proud.” He grinned slightly at the good news, before his expression faded with the mention of how he was doing. “Yeah, I’m okay. Kind of wish I could have more than this beer right now, but besides that.”

“Yeah, me too,” Mal murmured, before the smile was back on his lips and he had to order another beer for himself to turn his face away before his best friend saw just how hard he was cheesing. “Yeah, I... I kinda lost it after the funeral,” he admitted. “Got so tired of having to bury people, you know?” Mal asked, his voice low. “But... she was there, man. She was there and it made all the difference,” he said, as his eyes almost immediately zoned in on her, even from afar and Mal felt a little more at peace. Like the storm in his head got a little quieter, easier to navigate. “Took me a fucking minute, huh?” Mal said, laughing lightly. “She’s worth it, though. So worth it,” he added. “You on shift the whole night?” He asked before he cleared his throat. “You, uh, you ever think about moving? Getting out of here?”

open starter : @nightreststarters​

location : royal cove yacht club .

“I don’t know about you,” Vera began, giving herself one final look in the hall mirror before turning toward the other,  “But if I’m going to survive the night here, I need a drink.” Or ten.  However many it would take to make the night somewhat bearable—if it were even possible. 

a bright smile appeared on her face at the compliment. she was just happy that people noticed her efforts tonight. “ thanks, ” she smoothed out her fit before fixing her hair. “ you look great tonight as well. just not better than me, of course. ” the blonde teased. it was a shock to see him here, but she was happy nonetheless. to know that he was doing okay. to see that he was still here brought a little peace to her soul. her cheeks flushed a bit as she looked over at jake. her once big smile now softened. “ yeah. . he’s amazing but you, ” she changed the topic. they weren’t officially together, and she didn’t want to jinx anything. she clinked their glasses together before quickly finishing it. “ i’m shocked the player finally settled down. ” kat teased once more. “ but honestly, you two are cute. i’m glad you have her. ”

“oh, never better than you,” mal said with a chuckle. the two had been through so much just the past couple of months alone, but it felt like everything had fallen into place for them, save for the death that he didn’t really have the strength left to talk or even think about. “he’s a good one, kat,” mal softly said with a nod of his head, making a mental note to check up on jacob later on too, but it was hard. it was so damn hard, because all it did when he saw him, and even lu, was remind him of who they had all lost. there was a lump in his throat as his thoughts strayed there, but he could feel himself smiling at the mention of ari. “i’m glad i have her too,” mal said, his grin turning softer. “literally the most unexpected thing too, because truth be told, i hadn’t gotten into it looking for a relationship,” he admitted. “but i’m so fucking... happy, kat. she makes me so fucking happy. the player is now completely and totally off the market because i don’t want anybody else but her and i’m holding onto this one for a good long while,” mal said, still smiling before taking a deep breath. “what the hell are we gonna do about kyle and vera, though? seems like the gang can never get back together now,” he murmured. 

Truthfully, Aranya was trying to not have expectations. Trying to not have her hopes high. For a long time, it felt like whenever she’d given her all to a relationship, expected too much, she’d always fallen short. She didn’t want Malachi to disappoint her, so as secretly unsure it made her feel, she had always pretended she was okay with things being casual between them. But if she was being honest with herself, nothing about them had felt casual to her. In the beginning, she wanted to believe that she was special, that he treated her different from the other girls he was talking to. She wanted to believe that the flowers, and the necklace, and the way he was wanted to take care of her meant something to him too. She hadn’t even meant to get close to him, meant to fall for him the way she had. But he crept on her, and at some point, Aranya stopped thinking about if there were other girls in the picture, or if he really even wanted things to be serious. Because neither of those things would change how she felt. Having expectations were what had ended every one of her relationships. So with Malachi, she’d forced herself to believe that it was okay. If he never asked her to be official, if he never wanted anything more, it was okay. And that she would take what she got, because in her mind it was better to have a part of him than nothing at all. She no longer entertained the idea of the conversation they were having right now, which is why she struggled to really form any words in response. Be my girlfriend. Be my girlfriend? The words circled in her mind for a moment, feeling as though she was in her own world. Be my girlfriend? It took a few moments for reality to kick in, looking into his eyes making her realize that this was actually happening. Her movements following that were in a flurry, the way she clung to his body, wrapping her arms around him and letting the tears fall from her face freely. She wasn’t even really sure why she was crying, it was supposed to be a happy moment, but she really just felt so overwhelmed. “Of course I’ll be your girlfriend,” she finally responded, muffled against his shirt before pulling away, arms still clinging to him as she spoke. “These are like… totally happy tears, I promise. You just make me really happy, and I’m just happy that you want to be with me,” Ari added, sniffling as she wiped away the remains.

Mal couldn’t help the warmth he felt as his arms enveloped her in a hug, almost an instinct at this point. Being with Ari was just... right. Everything about this moment felt right, down to her reassuring him they were happy tears, which made him chuckle. “You make me really happy and there’s nobody else I want to be with,” Mal murmured, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks to wipe away some of her tears before he showed her a soft smile, leaning down to press a kiss on her forehead. “You deserve the best, Aranya. The absolute best, and I swear-- I swear on my life that I’ll be that for you,” he said, truly wishing the circumstances were different. Better, because everything was still tainted in grief. But it was still okay because he had her, officially now. Kyle’s words from earlier went through his head then, about how he needed someone who wouldn’t let him bottle everything up, and he thought back to how he had trusted her enough to fall apart completely and trust that she’d still be there through it all, and as he pulled away slightly to look at her, he could have sworn this was what love was. What his father talked to him about all those years ago about. Find someone who makes you feel at peace, son. And Ari did. She was making him a better man just by who she was and he trusted her. Completely. Something Mal never thought he’d have to deal with because he always held everyone at an arm’s length, even in past relationships, but he was ready now. Totally and completely ready to let her in and there was no hesitation as he pulled her in, his arm around her waist, his other hand cupping her cheek before pressing his lips against hers in a lingering kiss. He wondered if she could feel his smile in the kiss too. “Hey, girlfriend,” Mal said when he pulled away slightly with a grin, adjusting his hands on her so that one was resting on the small of her back and the other held onto her hand. “I’m gonna be real cheesy here for a minute but-- Want to dance?” He asked softly, still hearing the music that came from inside the main room in the yacht club. It was his excuse, really, to just hold her close to him because now that he had her here with him, there was no chance he was letting her go. 

She was learning to not take things personally, figuring that any brother would be worried about their sister after what happened. Ari didn’t really mind, because even if she treasured her time with Malachi, she was still her own person beyond that. She was the kind of girl that always found a way to enjoy herself. Though, the smile on her face did brighten a little watching him enjoy what she’d offered him. “Oh… sure,” she agreed, suddenly feeling a little nervous thinking about what it would be. Was he tired of her already? She kept the smile on her face despite the question brewing in her mind, standing up and taking his hands. Following him outside onto the deck, Ari turned towards him once they’d stopped, doe eyes glancing up at the man she really didn’t want to lose. “Is there something wrong?” she asked, expression turning soft and unsure.

Mal took a deep breath of the night air, still not letting go of Ari’s hand before he turned to face her, grateful that they were now alone. “No, no, nothing’s wrong,” he immediately said, wanting to reassure her. “Bear in mind, I’m a little rusty with this since it’s been a while,” Mal admitted, clearing his throat as a hand reached out to tuck a strand of her hair back behind her ear. “I have literally... never met someone like you before in my life. Someone so... innately good. And kind. And sweet. And just so fucking genuine that I don’t blame those nerds at Comic Con for falling over themselves trying to give you their numbers,” Mal said with a soft chuckle. “You make everybody around you feel better, just by being yourself, and I... I’m lucky enough to have had felt that, especially during the past couple of days,” he murmured, his thumb gently brushing over the back of her hand. “You’ve been my rock this entire time, when I know you didn’t need to be, and I’m just so damn grateful for you,” Mal said, before swallowing nervously. “I honestly can say there’s nobody else I’d rather lose to at the basketball toss, or watch for hours on end playing a game, or go on late night drives with, or eat five burgers each with. There’s nobody else I’d rather be with in general, because you’re the only one I want. So, what do you say, Saeli? You wanna make it official and be my girlfriend?” Malachi softly asked. 

for @malachiphillips

location: royal cove yacht club

“Thank you,” he let out, taking the beer from the other’s and bringing it up for a swig. He kind of hated that he was working tonight, and not getting drunk like he’d been the past few nights. He’d have to settle for a light buzz considering what his job was. But maybe he needed something other than booze to occupy his mind from everything that’d happened. Though, he couldn’t help but start to feel like history had a way of repeating itself, and that everyone gathered here was asking for trouble. “You holdin’ up okay?” he asked nonchalantly, more than well aware that behind his best friend’s demeanor, neither of them would ever be fully okay.

Mal’s emotions were all over the place, and though he knew that he’d never be fully okay, he knew he was a lot better than he was feeling a week ago. Still, it was hard for him to let go of that heavy feeling that only loss could give. Perhaps that was why his hug with Kyle went on for a little longer than usual before they finally settled down, and he even let his friend take his beer away from him as he let out a chuckle. Probably for the best since he hadn’t eaten yet. “Trying my best but it’s been... a lot. Mostly just been looking out for Lany. Making sure she’s eaten and all that fun stuff. It helps if I have something else to focus on instead of me dealing with it,” Mal said honestly before gesturing towards Ari from across the room, affection evident on his features. “She’s been helping. A whole damn lot. Don’t even know where I’d be or what I’d do without her at this point, you know?” He murmured, before taking a deep breath. “Wish the circumstances were better but... I’m actually gonna ask her to be my girlfriend. Tonight,” Mal said, showing his best friend a small smile. “And you? You holding up okay?”

for @malachiphillips​​

location: royal cove yacht club

Though she was happy to be with Malachi tonight, a part of her wondered if he was really ready to be out at a big event like this, remembering what happened at Rhee’s. But Ari thought to herself that she might as well make the most of things, especially considering she loved stuff like this. Getting all dressed up and eating the finger foods that waiters would carry around throughout the night. Though one of her hands remained locked with Malachi’s, the other occupied every passing tray, sampling the food to see what she’d like the best. Making sure to thank the same three waiters that entertained her test, she finally grabbed a plate, turning towards Malachi with a smile. “This is the best one, for sure. Come on, have a bite,” she spoke, pushing the plate in front of him. Though her methods were a little strange, she figured that she needed to make sure that he was eating, especially if he planned on drinking, proud of herself for thinking of all the possible outcomes of the nights.

Malachi was a little distracted that night, unable to stop his eyes from searching for Lany in the crowd. He felt more protective now than ever, and the tension in his shoulders only eased slightly once he spotted her, just in time to notice Ari pushing the plate in front of him. Guilt gnawed at his gut, because he had asked her to be his date for the event, and he hasn’t exactly been the best company so far. and Ari definitely didn’t deserve that. He showed her a grateful smile before taking a bite out of the food in front of him, his eyebrows raising when he unexpectedly ended up really liking the food. Mal took in a few more bites before standing up, extending his hand out for Aranya to take. There was one more thing he had planned on doing tonight, another thing that was making him nervous. "You want to come with me out on the deck for a bit?” Mal asked gently.

location: royal cove yacht club 

He felt like he had gone through so much with Kat since he’d known her. They’ve been pretty much everything from friends to enemies to everything in between, but he was truly glad to see her that night. “Don’t know how to explain it but this dress is very you. You look beautiful,” Mal said with a smile before gesturing towards Jacob on the other side of the room. “You and Baby Boy Oh, huh? Congratulations, Kat,” he said, holding up his drink so the two can clink their glasses together.