Teddy Martinez

Gemma overheard the unfamiliar male’s words, her nose scrunching up at even the idea of eating something like Subway or McDonalds. Luckily, her mother had stepped away for a moment, leaving Gemma to sulk alone - she knew that that statement would send her off on a lecture, even though the boy saying it was a stranger. “The food is good,” Gemma murmured in response, though the way she was just stabbing the helpings on her plate with her fork and shifting it around didn’t seem to back that up. “It certainly could be worse. Like, it could be Subway,” she pointed out, raising an eyebrow at him. 

Chico wasn’t shocked to hear the prissy looking girl liked the boujie ass food. He shook his head intending to just end the conversation there He laughed loudly when she said it could be worse. “Wow, I feel like I set that one up for you.” He said with a chuckle, beginning to pick away at his food. “I don’t know man.” He said lifting his food up to his face to sniff it. “Is this fish?” He asked, poking the black blobby looking thing on his plate. He shrugged and shook his head. “I’ll stick to Subway.” He pulled out his phone. “Think anyone would give me shit if I ordered food?” He asked with a laugh. 

Ceci had been sitting right next to her sister when she began to hear the snickering around her, the overall whispers lifting the entire volume of the crowd at graduation. Her eyebrows furrowed together as she recognized it, her mom asked her what was going on as Ceci just shrugged, she was wondering the same thing, her attention drew to the pamphlet everyone seemed to be focusing on, it had to be the cause of all the whispers. Flipping through the she didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, until she found her sister’s name towards the end, and eventually got to the words that practically choked the girl as she read them. She looked over to where her sister had been sitting right next to her and she seemed to have already be gone, her eyes moving to her mom, the tears already building. “Sabias esto?” The girl could barely get the words out, as she pointed to the portion of the page, but she saw the pain on her mom’s face the moment she read it and couldn’t even stomach sitting there in that moment. Ceci rarely expected anyone to be a good person, her expectations of people were always very low, she’d bee disappointed too many times to think highly of just about everyone. However, not for a second did she question her sister, she was the one person Ceci trusted with absolutely everything. 

She’d been thrown enough by the fact that her dad was on campus and looking for her, she hadn’t actually seen him but the fact that he was there had her already on edge. “I’m leaving.” She said firmly, although she wished it was to Isa and not to her mother, who she was sure was going through her own emotions in the moment, but she couldn’t bear being strong for her in that moment. Her head began to spin as he stood up, sure she could be hurt by the fact that her father found a way and even wanted to be apart of Isa’s life now yet still never reached out to Ceci, but that was the same situation she was in when she was a child and he left, Ceci gave up expecting anything from him long ago. What hurt most was that her sister was out there building a relationship with him and didn’t so much as mention it to her. 

As she walked away from the crowds of people she found a set of stairs tucked away from everyone, needing to sit down to even process what she’d been running away from. She’d wanted to do anything but cry, yet her face was wet from tears regardless, she began to wipe them away as she heard steps, not bothering to look up, “Please. Not now…” 

@luxorstarters​

Truthfully this had been the worst time for a family event to pop up, all Teddy ever wanted to do was show Ceci off, to his mom especially. She’d been going on and on about how excited she was to see prom pictures, and see Ceci herself at graduation that at this point he felt like a failure. Not only did his relationship crumble but now he was also disappointing his own mom. He was excited to just graduate, walk the stage and get it over with. But much like Luxor fashion, the circle had to infiltrate's. He saw the commotion, everyone arguing, getting flustered, storming off. He did what he needed to do before hopping down and grabbing one of the papers everyone seemed to be studying. He was happy to see none of the paragraphs were about him. Though, honestly his stomach dropped upon reading Isa’s secret. His eyes immediately scanning the room for Ceci. He knew she had to be hurt by this- how couldn’t she be? 

Chico had just retrieved his food, going to find himself a spot as far away from his family as he could. “Bro, like how do you guys eat the food like this all the time.” He asked the person next to him. “I’d be forreal ordering Subway or McDonalds every day.” He said with a laugh, obviously disgusted at the ritsy seeming food. “My school has a bunch of vending machines in the cafe.” He continued talking at the person. 

Neither of the girls knew he was coming, which didn’t come as much of a surprise considering the amount of digging he even had to do to find about the event in the first place. It was no secret he’d been distant for a good portion of their lives, but he didn’t think it made him any less of a father. That was exactly what he planned on explaining, after all, given his circumstances he was sure there was no way they’d be able to turn him down with what he now had to offer. As he scanned the room filled with parents and student’s alike he was anxious, this was going to be a big moment for his family, yet he couldn’t seem to be able to find any of them. Continuing to scan the many faces he finally caved, tapping someone near by on the shoulder, “Do you know a Cecilia, or an Isabella?”

@luxorstarters​

Teddy had been bummed to say the least. He wanted nothing more than to go back to sulking by himself where his mom could ask him a million questions over text instead of asking to his face because it was a lot harder to pretend to be okay when the one person you can’t lie to is staring right at you. He had been on the search for his father when he felt a man tap him. “Bro.” He responded, caught off guard by the man he didn’t recognize. “Why, did my mom send you to ask? Tell her im fi-” He cut himself off when he heard isabella followed up after Ceci’s name. “Who are you?” He asked abruptly, not answering the guy’s question. 

who: open. @luxorstarters​ when: during convocation dinner. where: grand hall.

When the dinner had commenced, Benedetta had found herself increasing restless due to her skipping a bathroom break before. Eventually, she impatiently excused herself, before heading off toward where Marcello had directed her. Unfortunately, the Grand Hall was more massive and rowdy than when she had realized when she declined her older brother’s escort. As she was headed back toward her family, she realized she had no idea where they had been seated. Benny’s eyes searched frantically, her anxiety growing as she felt more and more isolated from the rest of her family. Approaching a random person passing by, Benedetta’s mouth felt dry as she began to speak up. “E-excuse me?” she called in her thick accent, not nearly as accustomed to speaking English as her brother was. “I’m sorry, I think I got lost,” she explained quietly, although she was quite certainly lost. “Do you know who Marcello is? I’m trying to find him but…” her voice trailed off, a few tears forming in her eyes despite her best efforts to stay calm.

Teddy had been roaming the halls, in search of his father who’d once again wondered off and had his mother frantic. He zoned out, hoping the time would pass quicker because for once he was over seeing his family. He passed by people quickly, not thinking twice, knowing his dad would stick out like a sore thumb in a school this prestigious. He turned around quickly when he heard the voice of one of the people he’d just wizzed by speak up. “Hmm?” He asked quietly, unsure even if she was talking to him. “Oh? Okay. I can help.” He immediately offered. Maybe they’d see his dad on the way to wherever she needed to go. “Marcello.” He repeated. He indeed did know who he was, though where to find him was another story. “I don’t really hang out with him actually, but, I mean I can keep you company. I’m looking for my dad too.” He said with a hopefully warm smile. 

@yesteddymartinez​

It had been ages since Kenzie had been inside Teddy’s room. But at least this time, she was here as his friend. And she had brought a bottle of vodka along. “I figured we might need this for our first solo hang as friends,” she explained, holding up the bottle before setting it on his desk. “I heard about you and Ceci. I’m sorry,” she said, being very genuine about it. “We don’t have to talk about it, obviously. We can talk about literally anything else. Like how pumped you probably are for graduation and your parents being here.”

Teddy sat in a chair, nodding at the vodka. He had been feeling the worst comedown since prom. Every part of him felt exhausted both mentally and physically. “Good idea.” He said quietly. The mention of Ceci instantly putting a knot in his stomach. “Yeah...” He said quietly. “I want to forget about her.” He said honestly. It was easier not to feel the pain when his brain wasn’t constantly going back to her. He felt like he’d become so codependent with her that being alone felt empty. He held it together as much as he could, letting off a small smile at the mention of parents. “My mom.” He said happily. He knew that’s who Kenzie would’ve been making refrence to, given that he didn’t care for his dad much. “I wonder if she’s going to bring my siblings this time.” He wondered aloud. “Are you excited?” He asked.

She had always had mixed emotions about her name, considering most people gave her a strange look as she introduced herself. Her parents were full-blooded hippies, and the infamous Fleetwood Mac album had been their obsession during her mom’s pregnancy. It was a favorite amongst Rhia’s music collection as well, but her appreciation did not prevent her embarrassment. “Thank you,” she said shyly, her eyes avoiding his eyes as she hesitantly accepted the compliment. It was a name of power, and Rhiannon was anything but. “Well, good thing I just invited you,” she replied coquettishly at his concern about intruding. A smile brightened her features as Teddy agreed, a blush undoubtedly coming to her cheeks at her excitement. Her eyes drifted downward as she thought for a moment, wondering what answer would be the most hands-on. “Muscle strength,” she proclaimed suddenly, her hands balling into fists in front of her chest as she looked up at Teddy. “Specifically my core. I hate shaking after holding a position for too long… especially during lifts,” Rhia admitted timidly, her hands pressing against her abdominem as if she could magically increase its strength. She could feel her heart start to flutter at the thought of being so close to him, and her effort to hide her nervousness led her to emit a strained hum. 

“Of course.” He said back to her thanks. Her timid seeming nature was undeniably adorable. His face lit up after she mentioned that she’d invited him. “I suppose I can’t argue with you there.” He said sing-songingly. He nodded as she told him about her core strength and the muscle twinges. “Ah, I honestly used to get those really bad too.” He said mirroring her touch to the abdomen. His was less so in the core, more arms, but still. “The more you work the muscles the less you get the shakes.” He said softly. “I’m always down to practice if you’re looking for a workout partner.” He said with a laugh, extending his arm out to her to dance together.

Ceci: I know I'm the last person you want to hear from rn

Ceci: But if you think you're going to do or take something you'll regret just promise me you'll call me first. It's not going to be worth it Teo.

Teo: Does it make u feel like a better person for pretending to care like this?

Ceci hadn’t really thought twice about going to Teddy’s room, it was pretty much one of the main things in her mindless daily routine the past couple of weeks. She wasn’t sure when she became so accustom to being with him every night, but that was the truth of the matter, Teddy’s room felt more like home to her these days than her own room. Her day was long, and she’d spent a majority of it hidden away in the library catching up on schoolwork, her head felt like it was about to explode if she had to do any more risk analysis. Ceci didn’t think much of Teddy’s call, although she didn’t think much of anything these days and perhaps that’s why she didn’t catch something special over the phone. “Hi baby.” Her confusion was apparent once she made it into the room and set her bag down, instantly wondering if there was something she was missing, was it their anniversary? What anniversary could it even be? It wasn’t her birthday… or his. She pulled her lips up into a small smile despite her confusion, “What is all of this?” 

Teddy watched as the confusion hit the other’s face. It made him chuckle to see people this shocked that he could manage to take care of his surroundings. “Hmm?” He asked looking around. He lazily shrugged. “Not much.” He said with a chuckle. He opened one of his drawers revealing it to be empty. “I did make room for some of your stuff though, since you’re here so often.” He said with a beaming smile. He wasn’t sure that she was going to accept the offer or run at the level of commitment that was, but he was hopeful for the best- just given that she was in and out of his room more often than not lately. 

it was weird being back after so many months, but the blonde was finding comfort in the room she made a home in before they started traveling. the island craziness was enough to make her appreciate being home that much more, that and finally getting to take a normal shower again. lennon finally washed everything from that long few days, especially the bag that acted as a saving grace in preventing clothing from being left behind. she set teddy’s clothes on her dresser, knowing she’d have to find time to drop them off to him. she heard the subtle knock against her door and a voice she’d never be able to forget, “hey, i’m here.” she said with a smile as she opened the door to look at him. “happy birthday, it’s like you knew that i was thinking about when to go see you. come in, i have something for you.” 

Teddy felt comfort in hearing that she was on the other side of the door. “Hey.” He greeted when he saw her. It felt nice to know they weren’t on bad terms for what felt like the first time in forever. “It’s my birthday.” He repeated back hollowly. He’d somehow let it slip his mind. It seemed like the least important thing right now. He looked at her confused for a moment on what she’d have for him before he remembered why he was here in the first place. “Right! My clothes.” He said stepping in behind her. The amount it felt like his brain was lagging in this moment was leaving him feeling mentally exhausted. Stepping into her room left him with a wave of framility. Sure it might not be the same physical dorm he used to hangout with her in, but all her stuff was pretty well the same. 

Hearing him greet her back, Rhia’s smile grew more authentic while also noticing his distance. She wrinkled her nose at his compliment, unsure about the validity of his claim. Flexibility and strength were one thing, but Rhiannon wanted it to be perfect. “Nothing compared to yours,” she cooed serenely, her hands interweaving in the center of her chest. Rhia loved to watch Teddy and Alek together, it brought her a comforting warmth. She stepped toward him, her eyes gazing in amusement at the hand he held out. She had always been slightly insecure of the calluses on her hand, obtained by years and years of abusing string instruments. She reached her hand out anyway, grasping his and giving it a delicate shake. “Rhiannon,” she answered sweetly, gazing up at him with a smile. She dropped her hand after a lingering second, trying to fight the flush that threatened her cheeks from being so close to Teddy. “You should stay,” she suggested, hoping that her presence didn’t scare him off. “I could use the feedback and you’re the perfect teacher!” Rhia exclaimed, her face beaming at the suggestion. 

Teddy always felt a combination of embarrassment and pride when people recognized him from his dance skills. He was so use to being a nobody for so long that it still almost felt like a bit of a joke when people praised him highly. He shook his head and smiled widely at her compliment. “Rhiannon.” He repeated back to her. “That’s a strong name.” He remarked happily. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.” He protested before beginning to chuckle at her next statement. He felt a buzz of excitement from being asked to help teach. “Alright, alright!” He said happily. “Okay, what’re we working on then?” He asked as he pulled out his water bottle and made himself comfortable. 

who: @yesteddymartinez​ when: nearly midnight, a week or so after game night. where: dance studio

It was hard for Rhia to look past the uphill struggle of improving on something she desperately wanted to be good at. She watched herself intently in the wall mirror, her calf resting high on the ballet barre. While the blonde could move along to a beat fine, it was her nervousness that kept her from daring to do so. In her heyday, Rhiannon would simply snort a line or three and throw all caution to the wind. Yet, she was a different, more destructive girl back then. Her concentration dwindled as she heard the sound of the studio door opening and closing, her heart raced as she heard the echoing footsteps approach. Rhia’s gaze lifted up, staring above her shoulder to see whoever it was that was intruding. Her cheeks undoubtedly brightened at the sight of the taller brunette, not expecting to be faced with the boy she had been admiring all semester. “Hello,” she called delicately, her lips lifting into a small smile as she greeted him. Rhia was admittedly at a loss for words, torn between acting oblivious to his superior status and complimenting him on his skill. “Teddy… right?” she inquired, acting as if the name hadn’t been engraved in her head along with the million other infatuations she had. “It’s nice to meet you,” she added on coquettishly, bringing her leg down to turn toward him. 

Teddy had been struggling hard to feel like himself. With everything going on with the last few huge things that happened at this school, it felt hard to worry about himself. To think about himself. The studio was a place he could do that. He hadn’t seen any names saying that the studio was reserved for the night so he peeked in. He didn’t see anyone when he peeked into the door. He was a few steps in already when he saw a blonde standing, he decided there was no point in turning back. “Hello!” He called back, shaking his head apologetically. “Sorry! Don’t let me harsh your vibe here! Your form is beautiful.” He complimented with a smile. His face truly lit up when she called out his name. “Yes! That’s me.” He held out his hand to offer her a shake. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name?” He asked- intrigued. 

Ceci made her way to Teddy’s room, her usual routine these days, not really seeing the purpose in going to her room and having to sit with the reality and anxiety she’d been facing since their return home. “Hi baby.” She said as she opened the door, setting her phone down on his desk, she got comfortable on the bed, sitting down and pulling her legs up, “I’m in a mood.” Her nose scrunched as her face revealed a sort of sad and disgusted reaction to the words, “I feel like I haven’t felt anything since we got home. I’m just a walking zombie going through the motions…”

@yesteddymartinez​

@lenncnwintxr​