castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

a low chuckle passed his lips, his head shaking at her questions. "no, no. it was a good day. this whole outing was a celebration." his words followed by a drink of his own rum and coke.

"currently, I'm the district attorney for the country." cas divulged as he pardoned her own pardon with a soft wave of his hand. even under the blanket of liquor, he still felt quite green in the area of small talk. why does it seem that grief not only took away rosalyn, but also my ability to exist as a human in this world. though he knew he had to try. he couldn't stay like this forever (especially with his therapist and his co-workers on his ass about not sequestering himself). "but when that's over, I'm the lead prosecutor of the aargón and associates law firm."

"what about you?"

She smiled and nodded in response to his handshake. He seemed like a nice man right off the bat. "Oh? Getting drinks with colleagues... is that the sign of a good day or an especially bad one?" She asked before bringing her wine glass to her lips.

"What is it you do, Castillo?" She said, blue eyes diverting her entire attention to him. Layne always had an interest in other people. Hence why her entire career, she had focused on the talents of others. Switching how her legs were crossed she accidentally nudged him. "Oh pardon me.." She said and quickly tucked ankles back to the bar of her chair.

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

cas had probably looked the best he had in months: greying hair combed down in something that could have been called a respectable hairstyle, a freshly dry-cleaned suit matched with complementing pocket square. It was all a good start. the man sheepishly held out the bag filled with multiple liters of sodas, juices, and a few gallons of water. "as you know, I wasn't the cook of the family." the twinge of pain at even alluding to rosalyn was more damaging then he expected. "so, am I officially the worst contributor of the potluck?"

he pulled noelle into a gentle yet loving hug. "the place looks great. you're an angel."

open starter: @aurorabaystarter

where: Noelle's home in Seabrook Quarter on November 21st, the day of her Friendsgiving

"Oh my god, hi!" Noelle beamed as she opened her front door to greet her guests. "I'm so glad you could make it! Please, come in and make yourself at home. We have plenty of food, drinks, desserts... Oh, I have little coloring books and things for the kids, too! Thank you for being here."

[castillo-aargon]

[castillo-aargon]

there were days cas though he was getting better; the clouds of grief finally parting towards the blue skies of the future. but it was never for long. memories tended to have that pesky habit of crawling back and igniting the flame of despair. what he hated most was that feeling lived in the faces of his children. the people he should be able to, most of all, support and share his feelings with during this time were the ones who made it that much harder to cope. it killed him. there was a part of him that just wanted to scoop up his grown children like they were young again and let them know it would all soon be alright. to have that parental magic to make their own troubles go away. but, instead, the loss had made him another trouble. as badly, as much he wished to change it, the wall was just too tall to climb. so there he sat, in his spot on the couch and at an emotional arms length.

cas' therapy dog's, guagua, dark brown eyes followed bas as he moved across the room with his giant tail wagging yet was hard-pressed to move from his spot next to his owner. "yeah? that does sound annoying." a sad smile resting on his lips as his eyes moved back to the file in front of him. the way stillness sat in the air so comfortably was a huge contrast to just even three years ago. back then, it seemed cas would find himself internally begging for a moment of quiet. be careful what you wish for, right?

"besides annoying dormmates, how's school going?"

Sometimes the dorms got too loud for Bas to do his work and today was one of those days. Most of the time he'd end up moving to the library and finding a study room, but sometimes, just sometimes he'd head back home. It was one of those days where he couldn't focus in his dorm room and the library would be too quiet. Every little sound was annoying him. So he packed up his belongings and hoped that his house would be empty—or at least hoped that maybe possibly for once he was asleep.

Creaking the door open quietly, he made his way inside the house, hoping he was at least quiet enough that his dad wouldn't hear him. Bas felt like he was sixteen years old again, sneaking in after breaking curfew—not that Bas often snuck in. Still. He really didn't want to look into his dad's face and see the grief. Unfortunately, there was a light on in the living room. He froze, thinking that maybe his dad just wouldn't talk to him.

Bas didn't like the look on his dad's face as he turned around. "Hi, dad." He nodded slowly. This was why he'd moved away. That look was too much. "I think my neighbors are playing a board game or something. It was too loud." He dropped his backpack on the ground beside the couch and took a seat on the other end from his dad.

[castillo-aargon]

as she took her seat, cas made sure to quickly move his briefcase out of her way (a remnant of work now a huge burden). "of course." his eyes scanned over her for just another moment. "my pleasure."

cas took her hand, returning the firmness and professionalism in the handshake. "pleasure to meet you as well, layne." he waved his hand at her next statement. "no, no I'm actually the straggler of my group. was out with a few colleagues. what about you?"

Layne was grateful that the man didn't shoo her off. She simply just wanted to enjoy some wine after a long work week. Gracefully hooking her purse over the back of her chair, she slid into her seat and set her glass down. "Thank you." she said as she hooked one ankle under the other. As the man introduced himself, she took a brief moment to look him over. He was dressed nice. Well put together. handsome. She knew a businessman when she met one. Extending her hand she took his for a firm handshake. "Layne Dell. Pleasure to meet you Castillo.... are you sure Im not taking someone's seat? Are you waiting for someone?" @castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

his fingers ran through greying hair as she commented on his attire. "oh really? I call this look simply 'it's my day off and I who cares how I look'." a soft smile on his lips as he adjusted his reading glasses. there was no use much lately for looking presentable outside of work, and it was the first thing to go after he began to shut down. what was the point? who cared what he looked like outside of work or work-related events? still, there was a part of the 'old' cas that felt embarrassed about his current appearance.

cas walked ann in, placing the food up on his end table (which was conveniently just out of reach from the dog's eager grasp). the old living room resembled more of a cave than somewhere his family had made so many happy memories: case files strewn about, half-drank cups of coffee (some multiple days old) acting as paperweights. another twinge of embarrassment flowed through him. "sorry about all this mess. big case coming up." though true, a hot flash of guilt still flowed through him for blaming his workload on his inability to look after himself.

"you always outdo yourself, ann." cas stated with a warm smile as he found his way back to his spot on the couch. a sigh struck the air at her treat for guagua. "he doesn't need any of that! he's already a tub of lard." the man chuckled as the dog continued to circle the two, as if jaws himself waiting for the right moment to strike the orca.

then it hit: that question. a question he had heard so many times over the past year. some version of 'how're you holding up?' or 'doing alright?' was always being directed his way, the words almost losing all meaning. though, he couldn't fault people much. he'd ask the same question if the shoe was on the other foot. "I'm....okay." cas said, letting the last word do most of the heavy lifting. "how're you doing?"

deflecting was a well crafted skill.

Ann chuckled as she stepped inside, giving Cas a knowing look as she took in his dishevelled state. “I must say, Cas, you’re really giving off the ‘eccentric genius’ vibe today,” she teased, her gaze flicking from his wild hair to the loose robe slipping off his shoulder. “A rockstar in rehab—Someone would have a field day with this look.” She set her bag down and gently quickly picking it back up when she noticed that the Guagua was getting a little too close to the bag for her own liking.

Crouching to Guagua’s level, Ann gave him an affectionate scratch behind his ears. “And you, sir, are as charming as ever," she said, raising an eyebrow at Cas. "Don’t worry, I’ll guard the food with my life. Can’t have this little mischief-maker taking your food when you’re probably all the hungrier smelling the food.” She stated, getting back up, which to be honest here was getting a little more difficult the older she got. 

Placing the bag up higher out of Guagua’s reach this time, she handed Cas a foil-covered dish from her bag, the smell of the ribs, mash, and greens honestly making her own stomach rumble a little. “Alright, feast time,” she said warmly. “I may have gone a little overboard, but hey, I thought we both deserved it today. And don't worry, I packed a little baggie just for Guagua—he won’t be left out, don’t be afraid to eat the ribs with your hands nothing polite about ribs. Now, tell me, how’ve you really been holding up?”

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

a stern look, something between annoyance and a hidden feeling of impressed at his gumption to even ask, pierced through cas' eyes at his request. "no." he said simply, taking another drink of his drink.

"and tomorrow it will also be no, so don't get any funny ideas."

a spark of mischief brightened up his face, ready to relish the opportunity to continue his ruse. "that's usually what happens when you let people out of captivity." a smirk and a chuckle intertwined with his tease. "you know because I imagine that's the only way you could get someone to go with you anywhere that could even be considered a date."

A laugh escapes his lips, and Cas's sarcasm is hard to miss. It’s one of the things he always adored about him-the quick wit that belied his serious demeanor. His brow raises at the mention of Cas's friend. Wait, Cas has friends? “Jasper Morgan, as in the Jasper Morgan?” He shouldn’t be surprised; the rich and powerful always seem to stick together-something his own father had taught him-but it’s still a shock. “Do you think you could snag me a signed napkin or maybe a picture for the store?” he asks.

The creases in his forehead deepen as his brows furrow. “Baked potato, I…” His eyes dart to his own outfit, widening as he realizes that his half-assed costume could actually fit with what the man just mentioned. “I…” He stumbles over his words. “It looks ridiculous, I know. But I have a Juliet running around here somewhere,” he says, almost as if that justifies the lack of effort in his costume.

[castillo-aargon]

closed starter for @basaaragon

where: the aargón house @ aurora bay drive when: night

like an even more depressing version of groundhog's day, cas found himself alone in that old victorian house which felt as still and quiet as a mausoleum. well, except for the constant snoring of his therapy dog. cas had sat himself in front of the television, but he wasn't really watching whatever show was droning on. per usual, his nose was stuck in a case file.

minutes ticked on as the sun left nothing but an inky black night. cas was illuminated only by the tv and a small, antique desk lamp rosalyn had thrifted a few weeks before the accident. he didn't quite care if the world slipped away from him. let it. time is a thief and will continue to take.

the bubble of focus was popped by the noise of the heavy oak door creaking open. he whipped around to see the culprit, pushing his readers up to the top of his head. a soft smile only appeared on his lips when he saw bas poke his head from behind the monstrous door. "hey kid." his voice soft and gentle yet still empty with grief. so much of her was etched into his son's face. a mix of pain, sadness, and pride always followed when he came home. "not feeling your dorm tonight?"

[castillo-aargon]

✨ - Castillo

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

the 'after winning a case' festivities had wrapped up a while ago, yet there cas stayed. anything's better then going home and being alone. another bar, another rum and coke, and another night of him finding himself alone amongst happy people. he looked down at his phone, mindlessly filing away emails. that was until a voice broke him out of his bubble. "hm?" he looked up, a bit of the old cas jumping out: the one who couldn't help but put on the charm when a beautiful woman stood in front of him. even though there was still a part of him that felt unsure about ever acting on those feelings again, there was enough alcohol in his system to act as a social lubricant and dull the voice of doubt. "it is now." a smile pulling at his lips. "by you."

"castillo aargón. and you are?"

who? @castillo-aargon

where? the bar at neptune

Hearing the party near her raise their voice again, Layne grabbed her wine glass, stood up and walked over to the other side of the bar mumbling to herself. "Can barely hear myself think over there." She watched as the seat she had been eying had been snagged by a couple. "Shit.." She whispered before turning to one of the few open seats left, right next to a stranger. "Excuse me... is this seat taken? It's a bit noisy over there..." She said looking at the man that occupied the nearest seat. Oh... not bad on the eyes either. Resting her free hand on the back of the seat she hoped it was free. It would be embarrassing to have to go back now.

[castillo-aargon]

prosecution wasn't easy, being a district attorney even more so. but cas tried to be as fair as a human could possibly be. though, he knew he'd never win a popularity contest. that was fine with him. for him, it was just about getting justice for people who had been hurt and doing the absolute best while getting that justice.

"oh, come on jacobs. you know that mistrial was complete luck due to the idiot cops mishandling the arrest." another sip taken from his drink. "besides, I was talking about me. personally. think I still have you beat the few times we've been at the bench."

his low chuckle joined hers, adding to the atmosphere of the bar. "oh, come on. you can admit it: your life would be boring without me."

If she was feeling judicious, Laurel might say that she held a certain amount of respect for anyone who got into this line of work and managed to stay true to their convictions, but she was rarely feeling judicious when it came to prosecutors. They were a perpetual thorn in her side.

"Last time I checked, we have about a 60/40 split on the cases your staff and I have gone toe to toe on. 60 me, 40 you. And yes, I do count that one mistrial as a win for me."

"Friends?" She chuckled lightly. "Maybe I need to stop shaking your hand after a verdict. Can't be letting you get any funny ideas about friendship."

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

"now that's just a lie." the tease continuing as he moved his briefcase out of the way to accommodate his friend. "when have I ever got into any sort of trouble?" a bold thing to tease for anyone who might have known him or even of him back in the day. winning class clown and class flirt never spelled anything but trouble. "no, no it's not like I'm in a job where I am constantly trying to prove the guilt of someone who has friends and a family who decide I'm the devil on site. I'm aurora bay's most beloved member."

though he could tell there might be something behind that 'alright', cas wasn't about to push someone into talking about something they clearly weren't ready for. enough people tried to do that to him. "hell, they seem to come quicker and quicker every year. think that's the prerequisite of getting old: that first time you have the holiday season accost you, you should get handed your aarp membership card."

"doing alright. two oldest at college while lydia is going to new york to pursue makeup artistry in january." his heart ached as the words left his mouth: it made it all too real. soon, he'd be a complete empty nester. and with no rosalyn. he was going to be alone. "it'll be a change, that's for sure."

“Maybe it’s because you’ve always got something to do with it.” Mateo continued to tease his friend and moved to sit on the bar stool beside him, stuffing his cane under the bar to keep it out of the way. “I don’t see how anyone could dislike you.” That was genuine even if he said it in a slightly teasing tone.

“I’m alright.” He wasn’t about to go into how he was still reeling that he recently found out he had a daughter he knew nothing about. “Seascape is getting ready for yet another busy season with the holidays coming up. I’m mentally preparing myself for it.” He said with a chuckle. “How are you? You know, besides running everyone off?”

@castillo-aargon

[castillo-aargon]

👻 mateo

@mateoxdiaz

[castillo-aargon]

📘 driftwood

@jaceberg

[castillo-aargon]

closed starter for @jaspermorgan

where: neptune when: early evening

"if I didn't know any better, I'd think you're trying to 'wine and dine' me here." cas joked with his good friend as he took a long drink from his wine glass. he knew it was only a matter of time that jasper would realize his birthday had come and gone and he, in his usual cas way, had spent it holed away in his office with his nose buried in a case file.

though he wouldn't hesitate to joke about his friend's incessant need to bring him out of his shell, cas was thankful to have someone like jasper in his life. he saw so much of who he used to be in the other: that gregarious soul who drank from the cup of life with both hands. "but seriously, you didn't have to do any of this. you're too good to this curmudgeon."

[castillo-aargon]

✨ + jace !

castillo: If I find one more rubber duck in this house castillo: I will create seventy sock puppet accounts on Yelp castillo: Your 4.7 star rating will drop to a 2.3 castillo: Black Cat Cafe will mysteriously jump to a 4.9 castillo: Your days as Aurora Bay's premier cafe are numbered, child

@jaceberg

[castillo-aargon]

✨ + noelle

castillo: I leave for 3 hours castillo: My oldest, my youngest and Jace Bergeron took 100 rubber ducks castillo: And hid them all over the house castillo: I've so far found 57 castillo: Think I can get out of murder charges three times over?

@noellexdriscoll @jaceberg