#close ones

Just the sight of my family or being with them for a while in real and in the strongest sense, conversations with close ones, sight of a good place, some good food. These things happen and I once again return to being a happy kid.

And I wonder — Is my gloom not thick enough or there still plays a child at my core?

❤

Introducing an NPC within Chris’s story/world. Acacia Ramos, 5′4, 122 years old, vampire. A traveling artist that settled down for a bit in Arizona, not too far from Luna’s Moonlight Delights. Like the baker, she frequented some of the local art shows and record stores before meeting Chris officially. The artist dropped her french press, leaving her without coffee and ended up going into Lunas. They recognized each other and struck up a light conversation, exchanging thoughts and tea on some of local art shows.

The duo began to run into each other more, soon hanging out as friends. Record shopping, watching movies, driving around Arizona and taking in the sights. Of course, not without her fair share of teasing and light flirtations. It also helped that they could make his ex and new boyfriend jealous. Now Acacia thought Chris was cute and fun to be around, plus she had fun messing with him until she finally gave him a kiss on the cheek.

From there on, their friendship evolved into a fling of sorts. Chris went along with this, even after she told him she’s not going to stick around too long. Going on small dates and late night meet ups. When anyone asked if they were dating both would answer with  we’re just talking’. This went on for a year until Acacia started making plans to move to the next town. Of course, Chris wanted her to stay but he never voiced it and helped her pack. 

Before she left, Acacia left Chris with a few words of advice.

“You can’t go through life always putting people’s wants over yours, cupcake. You’ll live longer and happier if you do.”

"The twins?" Chris asked.

The bakers guided a few levitating baked goods into two boxes, labeled Mellie and Melvin respectively. A batch of glazed donuts alongside a few Madeline's and Luna's finest coffee beans for Melvin. Four chocolate cupcakes, two chocolate dipped conchas and a half dozen croissants floated into Mellie's box. Topped off with a few bags of vanilla black tea.

"Mellie's so sweet," he smiled. His thoughts drifted to her home. The baker appreciated how the fellow witch organized her bookshelf. Normal novels were paired alongside tomes and grimoires along with a few scrolls. The sweet song that was her voice brought a smile to his face.

"She's one of the nicest people I know. I don't know a lot of people who would be cool with me borrowing certain books from her place" he chuckled. "Plus, she's always down to chat over tea and coffee. It's good to meet another nice witch, ya know?"

The baker thumbs through a few cassette tapes. A moment passed before he finally found a bright red tape, labeled in intentionally scratched font with black coloring. A ska album he found during one of his visits to a local record shop. Another surprise for Melvin.

"Melvin," Chris chuckled, "My fellow casette tape enjoyer and friend."

Instantly, he thought of their in depth discussions on various albums. Agreements and disagreements on tape vs wax. While he had his uncle to discuss music with, he couldn't be as silly as he is when he's with Melvin.

"One of the funniest guys I know too. That man has made me laugh for a good two hours with his jokes, man. He doesn't know when to stop."

Semiomime Close Ones