Luca de Leon

one thing roan appreciated most about small-town living was the vibes. he’d been raised in the city, where the streets were dirty and the closest thing you got to halloween decorations were only seen after the sun had set and the troublemakers came out. it was…amazing, in a way, for him to walk peacefully though the square and be able to enjoy the sights of people who actually care about where they live. they had come to maple creek for this kind of life, something quiet and pretty and safe. however the peacefulness of their new home did not stop the suspicion and uneasiness roan felt when an unknown man stepped into his path. he seemed friendly, and was asking roan about haunted houses. “huh? oh uh, yeah, actually hang on.” being a huge halloween fan, when roan had seen a flyer taped to the pole talking about the local haunted house, he had to grab it. he flipped open the top of the messenger bag that hung loosely over his hip, the unruly stack of papers inside threatening to explode over the sidewalk. “here. i found this on a hydro pole. it looks kinda neat.” he offered the flyer with an easy smile.

Harriet was on her third cup of coffee, her phone in her other hand as she absentmindely scrolled TikTok. Her eyes scanned over the random videos, lost in her thoughts a moments before she noticed someone come into her path. She glanced up returning his smile. “No, no. No bother at all. Yes, actually. There’s one all weekend. The town Halloween festivities.” She paused. “Though if you really want creepy. There is for sure some in the old part of town.”

Taking in the cup of coffee in the others hand left Luca with a hankering for one of his own, and he made a mental note to grab one on his way back home- whenever that would be. “Glad to hear it, my day might have been completely ruined if I’d bothered someone.” A small smirk played at the corners of his lips. “You don’t say. I’ll have to check that out. I’m assuming it’ll be one of those things where it’s impossible not to know the location?” Her pause gave him one of his own, and he cocked his head a bit in curiosity. “I’m intrigued. Tell me more?” 

Alex smiled, taking her headphones off her ears. For a moment she was wondering whether she had heard him correctly. “You have come to the right person my friend.” She held her arm out. “Do you want the tourist spots… or something a little more…. real?” 

Luca watched the smile spreading across his new companions face, though at her words he cocked an eyebrow. “It must be my lucky day, then. Why do you say that?” He asked, curious about what sorts of hobbies she might have, responding the way she did. Without a second thought Luca took her arm, allowing himself to be guided. “Well, if you’d have asked me that a few months ago, I would have said the former. Buuuuuut...” He elongated. “You’ve managed to catch my attention. What do you mean by something a little more real?” 

Luca’s head was on a swivel as he made his way through Town Square, taking in the decorations and aesthetics all around him. The crisp air was plenty to remind him that Fall had officially arrived, though the decorations surrounding him only added to the effect. Spotting an oncoming passerby, Luca sidestepped into their path, offering a charming smile as he lifted a hand in greeting. “My apologies, I don’t mean to interrupt your afternoon. However, I wondered if you might be willing to be of some assistance. Tell me, are there any noteworthy Haunted Houses in the area?”

After several days of consideration, of brainstorming, and of taking stock of what would most help the town of Maple Creek at the present moment, Luca believed he had finally come up with a near-perfect idea. The home he’d been occupying by himself for the past year was more than big enough for a more than decent-sized party, and came complete with a gazebo, a deck, and an above-ground pool. Taking stock of all he had, as well as his talents and the things he knew he did best, Luca formulated a plan. Currently, he was set up just inside the town’s center, standing casually, passing out brightly colored fliers to all who passed. “Party for a Cause! All donations go to the City Hall Restoration!” He called to each individual. Seeing a figure heading his way, Luca stepped forward, thrusting a flier towards them. “I’m having a party at my place Friday night. $5 entry, open bar, catered, open pool, and I’ll match every dollar donated, to double the amount. What do you say? Can I expect to see you there?”

@maplecstarters​

Ray was sleep deprived. The official reopening date was coming up for the motel and he’d been working around the clock to get everything ready. So maybe he wasn’t in his right mind as he crossed the caution tape very early one morning after the fire. 

He wasn’t even a few steps onto the City Hall premises when he heard someone behind him. Ray put up his gloved hands, “I know this looks bad, just let me explain.”

Despite not being considered a local, even after the summers and time he’d spent in Maple Creek, Luca couldn’t help but to feel an amalgamation of things about, and after, the fire. He’d already submitted a generous donation to the restoration fund, but something within him left him questioning, and feeling as though perhaps he could do more. Initially, he’d simply intended to take a walk, with no particular destination in mind. However, he quickly realized that he was heading in the directly of City Hall. 

Luca didn’t see the other figure as he approached, his eyes focusing on further surveying the damage before him, his mind semi-blank while he simply took in what was before him. It didn’t take long, however, for movement on the premises caught his eye, and he turned his attention slowly to the other. A small smirk crossed his lips as the other held up his hands, explanations poised on his tongue. 

“No need to explain.” Luca commented, stepping closer. “I’m not the police, nor am I with the fire department. I suppose I could say it’s strange that you’re here, poking around a crime scene when the sun has only just graced us all with its presence. Then again, you could say the same about me, could you not?” Glancing back to the remains of the building, Luca crossed his arms loosely over his chest. “If you’re looking for someone to share with, though, I am all ears.”

Birdie was a little hopped up on caffeine, she might admit, but instead she just teased the young man. “Then you should hang out with me more often. This old bird has a lot of dances left in her. Oh, I’m Birdie by the way. Beatrice if you want to be formal.” 

Birdie sighed, looking back over her shoulder. It was surreal to see sky where a wall should be. “Still too early to tell, but I think I heard the firefighters say the foundation was in tact so that’s a god send. We might have to source some masonry from some older buildings in town which should help restore the façade but it’s an expensive prospect. I think the city council might do another open forum to discus how much taxpayers might contribute to the restoration so any donations we get on top of that will help make sure the job is as good as possible.” She knew it wasn’t a good answer, just what she knew of some of these processes. 

“Generous and a gentleman to boot.” Birdie said, affectionately. “Well, as a local, I thank you on everyone’s behalf.” She said with smile.

Luca’s eyes sparkled as he watched Birdie, her movements seeming to be free of anxiety or fear, something the man admired off-the-bat. Despite his cool and confident facade, Luca harbored a good amount of insecurities, and to be that truly free, without inhibitions, was something he yearned to be able to achieve for himself. “So it seems. I can imagine you’re a hit at parties...” His voice trailed as he brought the pad of his index finger up to tap against his chin. “Speaking of parties, I wonder if that isn’t something we could look into doing. A fundraiser of sorts. I realize we’ve only just completed the music festival, but maybe there’s something different enough we could put together to attract good crowds, and better donations. 

When she introduced herself, Luca nodded, smiling as he offered a hand for her to shake. “Birdie it is then. Pleasure. I am Luca, Luca de Leon.” He listened as Birdie shared what she knew of the restoration, as well as the cost. The corners of his lips turned downward for a moment, as he mulled over the information she’d given him. “Tragic.” He commented with a click of his tongue. “I mean, it’s great that not everything was lost, but...The damage was extensive enough.” Turning back to his checkbook, Luca began to scribble, jotting down an obviously generous, five-figured number before ripping the check from the book and passing it towards the man identified as Bob. “That should be a decent enough start, I hope. Though, once we have a better grip on the amount needed, my family and I would be honored to donate again, if the goal is terribly far off.”

Birdie had been ready to haggle with the young man, very much in her element of wheeling and dealing. When he praised her, she brightened and gave a celebratory dance. 

“I do my best.” She said, trying to be modest and probably failing. “Yes, over here. Bob we got a guardian angel in our midst.” She said, loudly in the hopes to push others to donate if they noticed the young man’s generosity. She directed Luca to the man taking donations and helped him fill it out.

“You’re donation is much appreciated, I’m serious.” Birdie said, dropping her big persona for a moment and patting the man on the shoulder. She hadn’t been able to sleep when the texts had started to come through from concerned friends and family. She’d been at it for hours now, afraid to stop since it meant she might just fall asleep on the spot.

The dance brought a smile to Luca’s lips, eyebrows raising in surprised. Nodding, he chuckled a bit, an impressed expression overtaking his features. “I can’t say I’ve ever gotten quite that reaction before, but I also can’t say I’m mad at it.” 

Following Birdie’s gesture, Luca stepped towards the man- Bob- who had been indicated. Giving the man a bright smile of his own, Luca bent to begin making out the check. Pausing, he turned back to Birdie. “Do they have any thoughts yet on how much a restoration might run? How extensive was the damage?” Straightening his back. Luca kept the tip of his pen hovering over the still-blank check. “I mean, I can see the damage is...Vast. But, structurally, have they released any thoughts?”

@maplecstarters​

“With your support we can start on the hard work of restoring City Hall. It’s not just a building but our shared history and every little bit will help restore City Hall so that it can continue standing for our children’s children.” Birdie was proselytizing on the street in front of the City Hall. She’d been contacted by a few people who were working on a fundraiser. “If not the building then consider donating some money to the families of those who were hurt in the flames.” She said, ringing a bell to get as many people’s attention as possible.

“You’re going to donate, right?” Birdie said to the person who had approached.

When: dusk/night where: The Cavity  who: @maplestarters

“Alright, before you say it I’m well aware this is weird. But trust me I wasn’t scoping this place out by volition—I’ve had my share of summer nights here alright— I got lost.” Flashlight beamed in all directions even his own, to accent his seriousness, “But true as legend goes, I did hear something in there…a flash caught my eye.” 

Chris had cast his line out into the water of the creek. Or at least he was assuming that is what it was called. He wasn’t one for fishing, but he’d found his father’s old equipment at his mom’s house and she’d insisted on giving it to him. He was fairly certain she just wanted to clear out the garage of the old man’s stuff. He huffed, leaning back in the chair. “I’m not certain how people find this relaxing.” He mused, closing his eyes in the sunlight for just a moment. 

Before he knew it a loud snore startled him, shaking from the chair he jumped awake. “I was just resting my eyes.” he defended, blinking awake to see if anyone had seen him drifting off. 

@maplecstarters​

Despite his proclivity for parties and what many might consider the “wild life”, Luca had a deep love for nature. He truly couldn’t speak to where the draw had come from. Growing up, his parents had placed far more focus on more materialistic ventures, such as the parties they often attended and which fashions they might choose to wear in public. But, since childhood, Luca had found a sense of peace unlike any he’d ever experienced, being in nature. The creek had quickly become one of his favorite spots, and he’d been enjoying a bit of quiet time when he’d noticed the other approach. He made no move and said nothing at the time, respecting the fact that the other man was obviously attempting to do a bit of relaxing himself. However, when Luca began hearing the man’s snores, he couldn’t help but to chuckle. 

When Chris rose suddenly from his slumber, Luca grinned, tossing a nod in his direction before standing to make his way over. “Right, of course. Anyone could have seen that.” He replied cheekily. “So, tell me, how did that resting go?”

Where: the open mic & karaoke stage  when: whenever who: @maplecstarters​

“Oh this’ll be good.” By good it was clear he meant probably entertaining at the very least. Sitting perched off to the side on a table set up originally for a food stand that was a no show or something, passing off his joint like a good festival samaritan would, “I remember last year all too well—hope we get that redhead twin duo again. Maybe they’ve mastered that yodel…I hope  it was a yodel.” He laughed out that puff he held in. “Anyways, you’re in for it.” 

Alex wasn’t exactly a huge fan of the big crowds, loud music or even the beer. But there was one thing at the festival she adored. Glitter. She grinned at the thought and as she sat down in the chair she was prepared to get anything painted on her face. She was looking over the designs when she saw a familiar face walk past. 

“Hey!” She beamed, already excitable with everything going on around her. “Do you want to get matching glitter face paint?” She wiggled her brows, turning the designs to face the person she’d collared towards her. 

@maplecstarters​

Generally speaking, festivals were precisely the kind of places that Luca found himself gravitating towards. The music, the alcohol, the people, the party- every bit of it was his “scene” Hearing that the Music Festival would once again be sweeping through Maple Creek left him feeling near-giddy with excitement. Once the festival had begun, Luca made his way through the crowd, taking in every sight and sound around him. As he headed towards a nearby display, he found himself literally pulled in another direction. Immediately he prepared his most charming of smiles, taking in the words his “captor” had uttered. Grinning, he gave a soft chuckle. “You had me at glitter.” Luca spoke, taking his place in the spot next to her. “Tell me, are we aiming for just glitter, or are you interested in getting something more specific painted on?”

There was a wave of guilt that washed over her. She hadn’t realized someone else was here due to being wrapped up in her own thoughts. “Oh sorry”, she apologized. “I didn’t realize anyone was here.”

Luca’s eyebrows furrowed at the woman’s response, and he gave a shake of his head. “Don’t apologize, you’ve done nothing to warrant it. Please, have a seat. If you’d like.” He said, gesturing to the space next to him. “I’m Luca, by the way. I don’t think we’ve met. What’s your name?”

Harriet knew every inch of Maple Creek. She’d spent her childhood with her brother exploring, playing outside and sometimes getting up to no good. She had so many good memories and they always came back to her as she walked across The Rockies. Taking a couple of hours to herself, she decided to bring her sketch pad, she hadn’t done that in so long. It took her a moment to realise someone was talking to her, looking up. “Penny for my thoughts?” she repeated. “I am just thinking about my childhood here.”

Luca’s eyes fell to the sketchbook in the newcomer’s hand, and he nodded his head slowly as he glanced back out across the waterline. “That’s as good a thing as any to think about, I guess. As long as it wasn’t terribly traumatizing, that is.” Chuckling, he glanced back at his new companion, studying her for a moment. “So, you’re a lifelong resident then? It seems there are a lot of you here. Let me ask you- what is it that keeps you here, do you think? Is it the familiarity, the charm, or...Something else?” He asked, brows knitting together as he squinted up at her. “I’m Luca, by the way. Luca de Leon.”

Exploration wasn’t something Luca necessarily held dear, though curiosity was. He’d found The Rockies early on during his stay in Maple Creek, however, having stumbled upon them during his search for another location. The area was attractive to him from the start- despite Luca’s outward personality and affect, the truth was that often, he found himself desperate for a place to turn that had the potential to quiet his mind. The Rockies did just that, and it was something he appreciated. Hearing a set of approaching footsteps wading through the sand, he took a deep breath, forcing a smile on his previously solemn face, glancing up at the newcomer. “Penny for your thoughts?” Luca asked with a grin.

Marcus laughed gently, nodding his head. “I will keep you posted on that one.” He smiled, giving a shrug. “I mean, you could say no if you wanted to. Free will and all,” he joked. “Now I know,” he replied, moving his hands to his pockets, his usual friendly and casual tone as he walked beside him. “Only my mum gets to call me Mark,” he said, letting out another laugh. “But no, I moved here when I was ten. I’ve been about a while.”

Marcus laughed, and it drew one of Luca’s own, his eyes twinkling as he gave the other another once-over. “I’ll be sure to keep my ears open for that one.” Rolling his eyes playfully, Luca shook his head. “Alright, you got me. I suppose I could, but why on earth would I want to? Have you seen yourself?” For a moment, he took pause, telling himself he should be casual. “Only your mom, huh? How sweet. I take it you two are close?” The question was casual, however Luca possessed a genuine interest in what the answer might be. Behind his flirtatious and at times ostentatious personality, Luca truly did possess a desire to know people, to get close to them...To have someone, anyone who might care to see beyond the facade he so often put up. “So you have been. And how do you like it? I’ve only been here for about a year myself. It’s funny that we haven’t crossed paths. Then again, I do believe things happen when they’re meant to.”