ugh.

name: Renata Nieve Cortès gender/pronouns: trans woman, she/her age: 28 years old birthdate: March 21st, 1995                                   ☼ Aries (Aquarius cusp) ☾ Scorpio ↗ Aquarius born: Denver, CO lives: West Hollywood occupation: model, influencer

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-diving deeper (tw: violence, drugs mention)

who: @ashairis

"Asha sweetie, I'm so so sorry. I just realized earlier today that I missed your birthday," she crossed the club to join her and offered up a small pout. "I'm the worst friend. I do hope you'll forgive me." Ren produced a small, neatly wrapped box from her bag with a sleek tennis bracelet inside adorned with Asha's birthstone. There was an art to gift giving and Ren certainly tried to master it the best she could. She was self aware enough to know she was inherently selfish over half of the time and a bit more self absorbed the other half. Then again, she had yet to meet any famous, semi-famous, or up and comer in society that wasn't a little self absorbed. How else were they going to sell themselves to get the public to love them if they didn't think they were worth it. "I got you this. Nothing big but I hope you like it," that was genuine. She did love giving her friends gifts when she could. Ren leaned forward to kiss on either side of her friend's face. "Open it then tell me everything you got up to. Anything super exciting happen?"

who: @josiahcarrington

She'd just finished the photoshoot she had booked with Theo. Renata huffed softly while she picked up her things she'd brought over to represent the brand. She wanted to get out of his way as quickly as possible just in case he had another session. On her way out the door she spotted her cousin or ex-cousin? She wasn't sure how all that worked, family and marriages and divorces were confusing. It was just as easy to call him her cousin. "Josiah!" She greeted him with a bright smile. "Hey! Are you here to see Theo or get photos done or, um, both?" Ren chuckled not knowing where she was going with her list of options given. What else would there be? "Follow up, do you want a towel or a mini Polaroid camera? I already have a set of these back at the house. I think they sent me the same PR box twice." She shrugged and offered them. If not, one of her friends was bound to take it off her hands. She didn't like the clutter.

who: @gabriel-miller

They had not spoken much, especially recently. She should have been more sensitive and checked in after what happened to his bandmate. Renata never was known for her sensitive and caring nature, however. Sweet, she could do. She could even do a great job of pretending to care when she had to. In this case she did not need to pretend, Gabriel was not a bad guy and losing a loved one is never something she would wish on anyone. Nor would she relish in that pain they were feeling. She was also not the type to reach out or send more than a couple messages of sympathy. Hearing the rumors he was dating Brie did concern her, however. Renata was not so egotistical to think it had anything to do with her or their brief affair years before. However she could not help worrying he was on a bad decision tour with the choice then wondered if she could use it for her own advantage in some way.

All that was why when she spotted him at the Troubadour she made her way over with a friendly smile painted on her glossy pink lips. "Gabe? Darling I thought that was you, I could recognize those lavish locks anywhere." His hair was quite the feature after all. Despite the siren effects of his voice, it was one of the things she still found uniquely attractive about him. Mostly it had been his status, though. Fame would always be the hottest thing until Renata had equal or more of her own. "How are you doing? We should catch up. Come on let me get you a drink, you're not too busy right now are you?" She extended a slender arm and bejeweled hand for him to take.

Cass can’t help herself from laughing at Renata’s comment. “That’s ironic coming from you,” she points out with a tilt of her head. “Isn’t assaulting people kind of your specialty?” For the most part, Cass is honestly over the drama that happened between the two of them. It had been years ago and it had been because of a boy of all things. The blonde knows that she hadn’t been innocent in all of it and had the tables been turned she could’ve easily been the one throwing punches. While Ren gives her a once over, Cass does the same and she’s annoyed to find that if you took away the alcohol stain on her outfit, she doesn’t look bad. Her eyes roll, but she shrugs her shoulders. “No, that was a one off for me,” she hums. Despite everything that could be said about Cassandra, she really wasn’t in the business of fucking other people’s boyfriends. It was a line she should have never crossed in the first place, and she does feel bad about it — but Renata isn’t going to receive an apology about it today. “How have you been, by the way? It’s been a while. Haven’t done many shows together.” Though Cass would have to be living in a cave to not know that Ren was starting her comeback journey. The blonde knows it won’t be long before the other’s career is back in full swing, even if there had been a lull. 

"Is fucking people over yours?" There was a quick frown that smoothed because no way in hell was she going to get a wrinkle for this woman. "If assault was my specialty I am fairly bad at it considering I have done it once in the past ten years. Guess you just bring out that side of me." Cass was not the one who brought that out in her, it was her ex and he still made her blood boil to that day. Unfortunately the other woman was an unlucky bystander to that anger. "Good," she responded plainly. "Seems we both learned a valuable lesson." That being that men are slimy, shitty people and should never be trusted. It was not normally like her to let a man put her against another woman. Honestly, if it was not for Brie's added revenge she would have likely given Cass a sincere apology years ago. Renata had no choice but to assume that both the Barlow sisters were using their influence to destroy Renata's career and that she could not ignore. "I have been great, seems like I am just too much of an asset to the fashion world to be black listed." She leaned down with a smile. "Don't worry honey, you'll be seeing a lot more of me. Before you know it, we'll practically be besties." She straightened out again and smoothed her dress.

Another festival, another flash of the camera. A perfectly done smile was all that Emersyn had to offer, sunglasses on and a gorgeous, curve hugging dress - black, to be exact. She offered a mysteriousness that others wondered about - the elegance of the Barnes socialite, and she wasn’t dressed bright and showy like every other so called influencer. She took pride in that - but she couldn’t help to overhear the kerfuffle that was happening near her. Turning to the voice of Renata Cortes, she sighed, sipping at the drink she had in her hands. The poor party goer that made the grave error of bumping into the influencer looked horrified and amused, Emersyn let out a breath. “Now, now, Renata, is that anyway to treat a fellow partygoer? Your shoes, after all, will dry. You should know by now that there is nothing better than club soda for those stains.” Turning to the assistant with the phone, she gestured to it, as it were obvious. “This is the part, darling, where you help and keep your job.” Emersyn stated to them before turning to Renata. “You’re starting early tonight, Renata. Save some diva for later, hmm?” 

Renata made a soft humpf noise at the comment. There was no right answer because it would paint her in a bad light either way and she could have none of that. Seeing Emersyn got her perked up for something else, however. It meant party favors might be available and those would certainly make her forget about anything that had gone wrong so far. "I think you put more gear in her than I ever have, just now. Impressive." Renata let out a covered chuckle watching her assistant rush off for the items. The model shoot out her hair and smoothed it back into place. "Aw, Emersyn, that's cute you think I ever stop. I simply refuse to be accosted in front of the whole word without any consequence." Everyone would peg her for weak, a doormat free to walk all over and treat like trash. No, she would not stand for it. "Anyways," she moved for a change of subject, "what are you doing tonight? Bring anything fun with you?"

“Don’t act like you were dying for an excuse to get to your next outfit change,” Roman said, the lean against the counter of the bar dissolving as he took his place along her line of sight. He intruded upon her scene with little invitation. His only cue was the very fact that he didn’t belong to any of it, and therefore, he’d have the stage he tilted into his entrance. “You’ve got about what, at least five things to change into for this whole event?”

The smirk was the remnants of a former ripple a long his features, some polite smile he pinned to the corners of his mouth for someone else’s sake. He didn’t bother pretending around those he knew, though they did seem to make some of it genuine. It was just a shame that the most they could do was change it to a smirk.

“For your information,” she snapped back to him in a low tone. “I had fully intended to just wear the one today.” Ren stood back up after doing what she could with the towel. Immediately she moved over to Roman to ask the bartender for some club soda and water. Her eyes rolled in response to his question while she waited. “This is not Coachella. Like, it’s documented but it’s not a multi-outfit day.” She realized he was probably saying it to annoy her, but she couldn’t stop herself from correcting him anyways. “With the exception of an after party, which I will be changing for if I end up going to one.” If she was invited somewhere. It would be depressing if she wasn’t, even if it was just to turn it down. Renata took a step back to look him over. At least it appeared like he made some kind of effort. “You’re just trying to push my buttons aren’t you? I feel like you just want to see if you can make me cry.” She huffed out in a quiet tone to keep the conversation between them. Despite giving her assistant the day off, she texted her and asked if she was available to bring her a change of shoes. The dress was fine from what she could see. “Jokes on you, I’m actually a robot. All models are.”

Renata and Elliott

There was nothing comfortable about the festival. Amidst the many people he’s wronged and abandoned, and the ever-abundant supply of temptation. Elliott can feel every light perspiration or too-loud noise. A natural consequence of leaving sleepy old Sweden, for the theatrics of his hometown. Yet despite the very real discomfort, he couldn’t help but feel alive. How long had it been since he’d been to a festival, or even listened to his label’s top musicians? The music hits his ear different, and it’s a saving grace amidst the speculation. But it only lasts so long, and in the reprieve between sets, his beeline towards the sparkling water is interrupted by a familiar purr. 

Of course, he knew Renata Cortes. His circle may be rich with influencers and models, but Renata had the unlucky talent of getting under his wife’s skin (if he could still call her that). How many nights did Elliott spend uttering grunts and murmurs of acknowledgement, while Brie aired her grievances about Renata fucking Cortes. Yet for the life of him, he can’t sum their dislike up to anything beyond a love for a fight. “In the flesh.” He agrees simply, with an uncharacteristic shrug. There was a time when Elliott marveled at the attention. A right alpha, preening at his ego being stroked. But there’s a heavy dose of shame and embarrassment, that makes chatter with an acquaintance at best difficult. “From you? A compliment.” Though he’s certain Brie had picked his shirt out years ago, and that the very knowledge would have Renata disavowing it out of spite. 

“It’s been an adjustment, but it’s good to be home.” He answers diplomatically, with a steady voice that intends to keep a friendly distance. Yet Renata manages to clobber the chances of that, in that innocent tone that goes unnoticed by Elliott’s own attention. “What the fuck are you talking about?” Elliott furrows his brow, now turning to Renata with full attention. “She’s been seen with someone new?” He had assumed there’d be someone, not because Brie was disloyal, but because how could he expect her to wait? it’s the public nature of it all. Whatever it was his wife was doing, she had no qualms letting the likes of Renata know about it. “How do you even know this?”

.

A satisfied smile spread across her lips when she managed to get Elliott's acknowledgement. He could have easily waved her off. She had no idea if he shared the same animosity for her that Brie did. Hate by association once removed since the only one she truly wronged was Cass. Well, Renata was the real victim in all of it but everyone seemed to look past that little fact. "Oh you," she lightly touched his arm and pulled her hand back. "I think most would agree that LA just wasn't the same without your unique presence and impeccable expertise." It was a compliment that had a fair amount of truth behind it, though a bit embellished for the sake of conversation. The Jonsson name was legendary and Elliott had all the talent along with the historical prowess to potentially continue carrying the torch for that dynasty. It was admirable to even those who were outside the music industry.

"No," Renata gasped and covered her mouth with genuine shock. While she intended to stir the pot, she had walked into the conversation assuming he would know about the headlines. Especially since they involved him as much as the other two. It's one thing to be apathetic to celebrity and industry elite gossip but it's another thing entirely to walk around blind not knowing exactly what your public narrative was. "I cannot believe you don't know already." She held up a finger for him to give her a moment while she procured her phone to pull up one of the articles that had photographic evidence. "She's been messing around with Gabriel Miller for a bit now, see?" She held out her phone so he could look. Ren had no clue how long it had been going on for and she didn't personally have it confirmed, but that's besides the point. This was a spark to make a fire start, then bloom, and eventually rage to hopefully leave at least Brie, if not the whole Barlow family, nothing but warm ashes. "This is just one of many. Did you seriously not know?" She was still shocked, the poor thing really had been hiding under a rock.

He had watched the whole think happen, and saw the idiot next to him do it and now he was getting blamed? Considering how crossed he was at the current moment. “That wasn’t me.” He almost wanted to double check now, second guessing that he didn’t do it. And now he was getting confused. But he knew he didn’t. Now he had no fucking clue, though, confusing himself. “Pretty sure it was that dude over there,” He pointed towards the guy quickly walking away. “You know they sell clothes at the pier shop, right? Could be helpful in your situation.” He felt for her, well not really, but that was because he lacked sympathy right now due to the substances that he had consumed.

Her eyes narrowed at the man when he responded. To be fair, she had not seen the actual culprit, too busy trying to see if a fellow influencer named Darla was sporting a knockoff Louis Vuitton mini backpack. A rumor she had already decided to spread regardless. “Well, sorry, then. I guess.” Her eyes did a quick roll and she took a moment to burn a hole in the real perpetrator's back. Renata turned back to the initial conversation when he mentioned the pier. “Ew, there is absolutely no way I would be caught dead in, what? Plastic foam flip flops and a clown t-shirt? Disgusting.” She would call her assistant if it looked like the drink would discolor her boots. “Who are you anyways?”

.

Laughing a little bit Theo made a show of lifting his arms, showing all the equipment that he’s got on his person. “Less about the perfect shot more about I don’t know if I can hold anything else, thanks though.” He also wasn’t really destroying himself for the perfect shot today. He got enough good content behind the scenes. Lowering his camera and replacing the cap on the lens, Theo slid his hands in his pockets. “Oh yeah, I’ve been at most of the shows today. That mean you’re a big fan of music or less of a fan of carnivals?” He asked, eyebrow raised.

She nodded when he raised his arms, not completely understanding his struggle but trying to look like she did. “I do not think I could stand that. You’re at least staying hydrated right?” Otherwise there would be a photographer down fairly soon and another case of dehydration in the medical tent. She took another sip of her drink without thinking because they were talking about it. “Do you see this?” Ren motioned to her outfit. “This would be a hazard at a carnival.” A quiet chuckle followed her words. “I am a sucker for all things music, it’s my love to dance I think. But, I might go on the ferris wheel later to see all this from up high.” Her hand raised in a quick flourish to encompass their surroundings.

With Renata standing in the middle of the crowd oblivious to the world around her and a drunken party go-er oblivious to the model, Cass had known what was going to happen before it did. Maybe if it was someone else, she would’ve spoken up and given a warning but seeing as it was Renata…. well, she kept her mouth shut and watched on with amusement. She sips at her own drinking, watching as the other woman berates the stranger before the man in question sheepishly manages to escape the nightmare scenario. “I thought you were supposed to be managing your temper?” Cass pipes up, head tilting at the other and an eyebrow raised. “Though you did manage to resist getting physical with him, so I guess that’s an improvement for you, right?” Not that Cass hadn’t fully deserved what she’d gotten when she and Renata had their blow up years ago, but she isn’t quite ready to admit that yet.

She spent another solid minute chastising the man about manners and watching where the hell they were going in a slightly raised tone. After all, she was trying to keep the fact that she had a bad temper forgotten. That wasn’t going to be easy when the minute one annoyance walks away, another takes their place. A nightmare dressed like a daydream, none other than Cass Barlow herself. “I have no idea what you are insinuating, I was just offering a much needed lesson in common courtesy so he didn’t get assaulted later tonight by someone with less impulse control.” She hummed the retort in a melodic tone, fake smile perched on her lips. Her eyes flicked over the other woman, analyzing her from head to toe. Not only to pick out the flaws (in which there were little) for ammunition, but also making mental notes of what she liked to steal for the future. “Speaking of impulse control, how is yours fairing these days? Still playing with other people’s toys?” Ren sipped from the straw of the frozen margarita in her hand, giving her a subtle but pointed look.

When opportunity presents itself, Brie doesn’t ignore it. It’s hard to miss someone like Renata Cortes – She’s statuesque, standing at 6ft tall without heels, and looked good in everything she wore. Renata was both a designers and stylists dream. In theory, at least. At one point she’d been part of Brie’s client list – But after the woman in question ended up in the tabloids with Cass, Brie was quick to choose her sister over the ego-ridden model. It didn’t matter if her baby sister had been the ‘bad guy’ in the situation, Brie wouldn’t stand for anyone badmouthing her family. Rather than simply cut ties professionally, the blonde ensured a message was sent – She’d been a contributing factor in the downfall of Renata’s career post-scandal, happy to further push the narrative that she was untrustworthy and difficult to work with. Thankfully, Renata had done most of the heavy lifting herself – But Brie had been the one to squash conversations of second chances and insisted on blacklisting the woman when her name came up.

Never one to simply let things go, Brie ‘tripped’ upon approaching Renata – Well, it had been more of a shoulder check, enough to make it look like an accident from afar. Though, she’s knows Renata will see through it. Brie’s counting on it. “Oh –” The insincerity in her tone is clear, despite the pretend look of shock on her face. “I didn’t even notice you were there.” She claims, flicking her wrist to pour the last remaining drops of her margarita onto Renata’s shoes. “Consider it a favor,” She states with a shrug, as if there was some sort of silver lining to pouring your drink on someone. “That outfit was tacky. You look like a Coachella reject.” Truthfully, she had liked Renata’s look – It was fitting for a music festival, and Brie probably would have styled her in something of the same nature if they still worked together. Of course, she kept that bit of information to herself, opting to instead add: “Now you have more reason to leave.”

The Barlows were becoming an everlasting thorn in her side. It was tragic, too. Brie made her look perfect every time they worked together. With her help she would have easily stayed a big name in the world of fashion for years to come. Now she was forced to become a legend with someone good enough, all because she had one tiny overreaction to a traumatic situation three years ago. It was stupid but she also was not ready to even attempt to say sorry to Cass or repair the bridge burned between her and Brie. Even if she no longer blamed Cass for her involvement in the situation. Men are pigs and with how fleeting relationships were in their industry, it was not Cass’ responsibility to make sure the asshole didn’t cheat on her. But, pride is a fickle thing and Renata was holding onto what she had.

A sardonic smile spread across Ren’s face as Brie spoke. No need to alert the tabloids to insinuate an incident between them, despite the animosity being very real. “Are your eyes going bad? They must be with that makeup. You look like a melting witch. Fitting.” She spoke while she begrudgingly dabbed at her boots to make sure any of the suede pieces didn’t soak up the evil witch’s margarita. “Oh, thanks. How’s Gabe by the way? It seems both you and your sister like to pick up my sloppy seconds. Must be a genetic thing.” She mused with a faux smugness to mask the burning aggravation over the minor inconvenience of being slightly wet and disliked. The goal was always to be loved by everyone even if she didn’t love them back. “Seriously, what is your problem? It’s been years, get a new hobby. You are actually neurotic at this point, Brie.” Renata would, of course, claim nothing but innocence in the entire thing. Obviously she was the victim here.

Kirby’s social media career was a complete accident on her part but the shining achievement of her ex-social media manager, a now very successful full time one for some of the city’s most well known faces. The sheer amount of followers was not something the brunette had sought out but having them there meant she had an image to maintain all of a sudden. She did feel bad, however, watching other people work hard to build up their following while she sort of just inherited it after her main career fell to the wayside. She respected those like Renata, who took this shit way more seriously than Kirby and her three story posts about her cat clearly did. Speaking of, she found herself coming between the girl and the offender with the now empty glass. “Alrighty, we can just chalk this one up to human error huh?” She helped the other person face the opposite direction and escape the moment before turning to Renata. “What, you’re gonna tell me you of all people don’t have a back-up outfit for these exact situations?”

Renata all but snarled at the offender’s back and went back to focus on saving her shoes before any damage could sink in. The rest was mostly unharmed and her legs could certainly wait until she could find water or soap or both. She straightened up with a pout looking at Kirby with big sad eyes. “Not to this, I took a car here because I knew I wouldn’t be sober when I left,” at least she hoped she wouldn’t be. It was easier to sit in the back of a car weeding through Los Angeles traffic than drive anyways. “It’s fine, I think I saved my shoes. I just need to find somewhere to clean off my legs. I refuse to feel gross all night or leave early.”  She let out one last huff of frustration and ended her miniature pity party. None of it was really that serious, unless the shoes were ruined then she might rage a little more. “Anyways, hi sweetie, how are you? You look cute as hell, it’s good to see you.” Ren added in the pleasantries that were missing from the start of their conversation.