cecemorales

[cecemorales]

As she often found herself, Cece was listening to the radio at home. Not because she liked the music necessarily but because she liked to hear his voice - not that she would ever admit that if she was asked. But tonight was different. It was weird. He seemed … spooked. And Cecelia didn’t like hearing him like that. She knew his schedule well enough at this point and when she realised that he was still there, after he usually was, she decided to go. She had to make sure he was okay. In a town like theirs, it wasn’t worth risking it. Cece made sure she had some potions ready - healing, mostly, and set off.

Once she gently knocked on the door, she wasn’t sure just trying the handle and walking in would be too good of an idea. “Matt?” Cecelia called out, a lot softer than she typically was. “Matt, it’s Cece. Are you okay?”

Open; the radio station

To say he was freaked out wouldn't even begin to cover it. He had been sat in the station the entire day except for a quick run into town around noon, he needed his daily bagel from the bakery. But other than that, he'd been there all day and night. Which is when things began to get weird, as soon as the sun had settled behind the mountains.

Midnight was when he was supposed to leave. To call it a night and go home to get at least four hours of sleep; always woke up before that fifth hour rolled in. But he hadn't been able to move from the desk, eyes staring at the phone. Waiting for it to ring or for something to crawl out of it. Either way, he wasn't moving, wasn't going to leave because that meant going out into the dark. Then making a somewhat lengthy drive home and he could safely say he was terrified.

[cecemorales]

Now playing: ...sometimes I don't like what is requested, but no matter what I'll play it. So up next we've got Juno by Sabrina Carpenter as requested by one @cecemorales ...

[cecemorales]

"And somethings tells me that neither of us is that." Cecelia raised an eyebrow. She certainly was not a romantic. She never had been. Romance just had never been on the cards for her, it wasn't something she was particularly interested by. "That does sound like some sort of come on. I'm not going to lie." She shrugged, a smirk on her lips as she spoke. "Something tells me you won't struggle too hard - with or without the mistletoe." She commented. She definitely didn't mean that as a come on. She thought that it was just pretty obvious that he was an attractive man, so why pretend otherwise? The tipsiness probably didn't help her forthrightness either. "Sounds good. Lead the way."

"Yeah, I guess so. Nothing spectacular, unless you're a hopeless romantic at heart." He shrugged, looking back to the mistletoe in the distance. The returned question made him shake his head before he answered, "I have not. I'm not just saying that to try and kiss you under it. I swear. I've just never found myself under a mistletoe with someone, but...I think I'm good on its mystical powers of romance. Maybe next year I'll consider trying to find myself underneath one with someone." The witch doubted it, but he was not about to be the debby downer of the season. " Mistletoes aside. Are you interested in grabbing something caffeinated? That little shop up ahead is rumored to have some delicious holiday beverages."

[cecemorales]

The day that Matthew spoke to her at work, it had tipped her world completely on it's head. Because she never let people get too close. She had all of these walls up that she just refused to let down. She didn't usually want to let people in. But with him? She wanted, so badly, to let him in. She wanted to let him see the darkest sides of her. And that was what made her bolt, each and every time.

And his questions never really helped. She was scared. She had no idea what he would do when he found out. Would he leave? Was that all he wanted? Did he already know? There were too many questions that ran through her head and she just couldn't get rid of them. She couldn't let herself fall for him. It was too dangerous.

Cecelia rolled her eyes as she looked up at Matt. She was never going to tire of being with him. She was basically completely addicted to him. Though it wasn't something which she was about to say. "My moments? You're going to ruin my reputation." She chuckled, her arms moving to wrap around his neck. "Do we have to keep talking or are you going to do what I know you want to do?"

There was something going on with the town. Something that only a select few knew about and he was left to wonder. He was an outsider despite having been there for a decade now, but he understood. Knew that it was going to take a lot of trust building with the locals before anyone felt keen enough to open up. But that wasn't the case with Cecelia, no, she had been a happy accident.

Just out for a walk a little over a year ago and he happened to pass the florist at the right time. Because there she had been, sun beating down on her and he knew he had to know her name. To at least take a chance of asking her out and seeing if it went anywhere, but we all know how that ended. There was a always a constant push and pull between them, Matt feeling the resistance from her and how she kept him at an arms distance. How she would react to him bringing up the weird things in town and asking her about it, mostly wanting her opinion, but she never gave it.

In the long run, they just didn't work. At least not in a relationship, not one that lasted longer than two to three months. But this, the simplicity of sharing in basic human desire, they were good at. So there was no surprise on his part as he watched the other walk up to him, his head bowing slightly to look down at her. He can't help but smirk at her question as his hand fell to take hold of her waist while the other came to rest at the back of her neck.

"I don't know...you have your moments," he mused, keeping out of reach of her lips for a brief second before he closed the gap. They didn't have to do the formal thing, they both knew why she was there and why he replied to her text. Why he opened the door and why he pulled her closer to him as he kissed her feverishly and possessively.

[cecemorales]

If Cecelia thought about it for long enough, she would know what her issues were with committing to Matt. She didn't want to get close to him. She didn't want to give him the chance to hurt her. And she didn't want to lie to him. She knew he was interested in the supernatural, in knowing what was going on in the town and yet she hadn't told him. She didn't know how much longer she could stand his questions before she caved. Keeping him at arms length was easier, she thought.

And there was a part of her, deep down, that thought he was only interested in her because he knew more than he let on. She had managed to convince himself that as soon as he knew about her, he would be gone. As soon as he had his answers, he wouldn't want her anymore. Pretending like she didn't care about him was easier. It meant that it hurt less in the long run.

She shrugged her shoulders at his retort. "It's fun to keep you on your toes." She laughed. At least that was what she told herself. That was the answer she kept ready to go whenever someone asked what was going on - it was fun. They were just having fun. It wasn't any deeper than that - though, of course, she knew that it was.

Cece raised an eyebrow at his questioned. But instead of answering right away, she took a couple of steps towards him. "When do I ever play nice and sweet?" She questioned before she lent forward to kiss him. They didn't need the formality. It was clear why the two of them were there, after all.

Back and forth like some twisted dance. She'd say they couldn't keep doing this one time then he'd be the one saying the same damn thing. It was a dance and movie they knew all too well, a script and routine they had memorized and executed perfectly. And it was one that neither of them could quit, move on to greener pastures or whatever made sense. Because as try as he may not to catch feelings, he was only human after all.

Her reply was received and read, but nothing else was said on his part. Leaving her on read, Matt finished up work and switched the automated system on. He really needed to find another DJ because five hours of sleep before he had to be back in was wearing him down. But it was the price he paid to take over the business from the original owner who couldn't be more than happy to be rid of it. Maybe that should have been a red flag; oh well.

With the station locked up and lights turned off, he headed into town to his apartment. Which wasn't much, but it was home at least. Knowing he'd be waiting for a bit ( he had a feeling ) he took a shower and fixed himself something to eat as he had, like always forgotten to eat throughout the day. His eyes kept glancing to the clock on the microwave, watching the minutes tick away until an hour had passed and then some. Though eventually there was a knock and he was moving to open the door, brow arched with a questioning look, but he didn't bother to ask.

Matt disregarded her first question as he stepped aside to allow her in before closing the door. Her follow up question though did pull a gruff chuckle from lips. "Oh, you're one to talk, princess..." he mused, watching her move about the apartment. She knew his place just as well as he knew hers; again, a vicious back and forth cycle.

"So...what's the plan tonight huh?" he asked, moving to lean against the back of the couch. "We gonna play twenty questions, play nice and sweet, or just get to the point, Cece?"

[cecemorales]

Cecelia raised an eyebrow as Gabriel sprang into his rant. She had not really expected an answer but she was definitely intrigued. Especially since it seemed that he had put a lot of time into learning exactly what it was. "So it was some sort of old tradition that just got passed on?" She questioned. As he explained why he knew it, she couldn't help but laugh, "That was about to be my next question. It certainly sounds like it, though. Like I said, it sounded like some desperate people who just wanted to kiss someone without getting a slap." She rolled her eyes. "Of course I have. Hasn't everyone? Have you?"

Gabriel's gaze follows to where she pointed, settling on the mistletoe ahead of them. He chuckles, "I wish I could give you a solid answer, but it's a bit unclear. However, it is believed that the ancient Greeks celebrated the winter holiday of Kronia—a lively festival and one of the biggest of the year—with mistletoe and may have started the tradition of kissing under it. It was used to symbolize masculinity, including romance, vitality, and fertility, and this symbolism led to a belief that the mistletoe had mystical powers such as the power to start romance." He turned to look at her, "I was bored one day during the holidays and decided to look it up. Although, I feel like it was just made up as an excuse to kiss someone and not get rejected. It was probably created by some random famous person from back in the day of Greek gods. I dunno. Have you ever kissed someone underneath a mistletoe?"

[cecemorales]

Cecelia knew that she probably shouldn't text Matthew. She knew that she needed to stay away from him. Every time was the last time. And yet...yet she still found herself texting him and he still replied with the familiar text. It wasn't even a question anymore. And the blonde responded as she always did.

[ text : matt ] see you soon x

There was a part of Cecelia that really didn't want to keep going back to him. She didn't want to allow someone in. But each time she was around him, she wanted more. She didn't like that feeling. She didn't like the feeling of needing someone and that was how it was becoming with Matt. But she still found him outside of his place - a little later than an hour after the text. She had to keep him waiting a little while, after all.

As the door opened, Cecelia raised an eyebrow, "What took you so long?" She huffed as she moved into his place. It was a place that she knew back to front at this point. She'd been there enough. "I thought you were done with me?" She raised an eyebrow as she looked over her shoulder to Matt.

@cecemorales gets a semi plotted thing. taking place: before event

Phonelines had been dead all day, which wasn't uncommon and made his life easier. But it did bring boredom and aided in his anti-social ways with the lack of any human interaction. So while the music rolled into the ad free hour, Matt scrolled about on the laptop. He hadn't got any new emails regarding any of the what if's happening around town. Which was disappointing because he could tell there was something off about Westray, he just didn't know what.

Head was propped up and resting against the palm of his hand when he heard his cell buzz. He didn't grab it immediately, his eyes drifted to look at the clock above the door and noted the time. There were only two people whoever texted him late at night or well, used to anyways ( Veronica hadn't in quite a while, not since she started seeing the baker. ) So it left only one suspect, one he had told the last time no more. It changed every time between them.

After another moment of scrolling, Matthew's hand finally picked up his phone and sent a simple text. One that was practically memorized as he had used it so often. Even though he kept telling himself to stop it, to stop going back to Cecelia and to cut her off. But he couldn't.

[ text : cece ] my place...in an hour

With the short message sent, he turned his attention back to the music. It was getting late and time for him to switch it over to auto-play until the morning. Which Cece would have known so he knew it wasn't entirely a random thing.

[cecemorales]

"fetility magic..." cecelia repeated. she thought on that for a moment before she nodded her. she was actually really interested in what it was that he had to say. "which makes sense. but don't you think that it kind of dilutes all of that now? now that it is just something which is used as some sort of ..." she paused, to think of the right word. "some sort of trap for unsuspecting kisses? it held something important but now it's ... it's frivolous."

cecelia narrowed her eyes at his tone but she quickly brushed it off. not something which she usually would but she was feeling a little in the christmas spirit. something which she definitely didn't feel often.

"oh, there's definitely not a problem with that." she laughed, shaking her head. "in fact, it's mostly encouraged." she shrugged. "the problem, if you ask me, is people needing an excuse for it. like that." she nodded, once again, at the mistletoe.

"it's fertility magic." theus replied, turning to face cecelia with a sly smirk. "mistletoe was considered by the ancient cultures across europe - celtic druids, the norse, scandanavia and beyond - to be a symbol of romance, friendship, fertility and vitality and was valued for its healing properties. to kiss under the mistoletoe was a ritual, to ensure fertility. which was important back then when infant mortality was high."

"you might ask why we make wreaths or decorate trees with lights. all traditions have their place... even ones that are stolen to celebrate other things." theus' voice had a slight edge to it, but he quickly brushed it off with another smile.

"is it really so wrong for people to want a warm body and companionship during the coldest months with the least sunlight?"

[cecemorales]

open @ the christmas markets

"Okay, look.." Cecelia pointed out a clump of mistletoe that was a few steps ahead of them. "What is the point of mistletoe?" She questioned. "Are people really so desperate for a little bit of action that they trap people underneath or is there something else?" She turned to look at the person that was stood beside her. "Where did the tradition even come from, anyway? Who thought 'oh yeah, this means people get a kiss', it's weird, don't you think?" She continued. It was more interested than she had been in anything else at the market so far - maybe the mulled wine had gotten to her head, softened her edges a little.

[cecemorales]

"Diana, you are always cheery and light. Why do you need another sort of excuse for it?" Cecelia asked. There wasn't anyone like Diana, she thought. She was a total breath of fresh air. There was a part of her that wished she could be more like her. Though she would never actually say that out loud. "You definitely do not need to buy me anything." She laughed, shaking her head.

"No, no, see that's the joy of the season, Cece. We get to be cheery and light without holding it back for a boring Tuesday. So if we shop or eat or talk to people or dance, it's all with maximum enjoyment." Diana would never force the other woman to act some sort of way for the holiday. That was just her stance on it. "That is all I could ask of you- not to complain. Now don't complain to me as we find more things. I still have to buy you another Christmas gift."

[cecemorales]

Cecelia shrugged her shoulders, "I dunno. I get it." She could understand why people might enjoy this time of year but she just didn't. There was too much pressure for everything to be perfect, for you to be around loved ones. Cecelia didn't really have many of those - if any. "Yeah. Definitely not for me, either." She nodded. She turned to look at him then, raising an eyebrow. "But yet you still came. Why?"

"The ones who enjoy it rarely get it. Since its the same for us but the opposite way, yeah," Kane commented idly as the next drink was placed in front of him. He would need to slow his roll. Especially if there was company. He didn't want to get drunk for a multitude of reasons and now there was just one more. "I appreciate they appreciate it. Not for me though. Or you by the sounds of it."

[cecemorales]

As Cecelia felt the other girls hands on her body, she had to bite down on her lip so that she didn't make an unvoluntary sound. She didn't want to give Odessa that satisfaction. Especially since the other girl knew that she was lying through her teeth. "Because you're infuriating, that's why." She huffed, drawing herself away from the other girl.

Cecelia crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes as she glanced over her shoulder to Odessa. Usually, she couldn't get out of there fast enough but something may her want to stay a little while longer this time. "Since you're so desperate for me to stay, i'll stay." Cecelia shrugged.

"Baby." Odessa's tone is soft, mocking almost, when she wraps her hands around Cecelia's waist and draws her in closer, her own chest hitting the other woman's back while her fingers slide under her shirt, bra, and over her chest. The Fae leans forward so that her lips almost touch her ear, releases an equally mocking, soft laugh, and allows a grin to form on her lips. "Lie to yourself all you want. I know why you're coming back after all."

Odessa draws away to slowly walk to the kitchen, looking through the cupboards to see what she can offer -- and that is a lot. If she loves one thing, then it's cooking fresh. "Are you staying this once, or are you still in panicking, dove? Might as well decide now, no?"

[cecemorales]

It should probably have been concerning how there was a wave of relief that hit her as the first sip of alcohol passed her lips. But it wasn't something she was about to pay too much attention too. "I get that." Cecelia nodded. "It's the same for me. I told my friend that I didn't get all of this earlier and she looked like she was about to have a cardiac arrest." She rolled her eyes. "Just seems a lot for another old day."

"Something like that," Kane mused. He waited. Waited for her to receive her drink and take the first sip of it. If they were to 'cry' into their beers, they needed said beers to cry into. Even if only he was the one with an actual beer. "Most holidays for me are just normal days with extra decorations. Not in a hatred way, just...stating observations, yeah."

[cecemorales]

"Perfect." Cecelia nodded as she moved to climb up onto the stool. This whole thing just wasn't something which Cecelia was ever going to be particularly excited about. Sitting in the bar was much more her speed. "Oh really? Sounds like a good tip." She nodded and ordered herself a vodka and cranberry juice. "Sounds like you have experience in this kind of stuff, hm?" She questioned as she glanced to Kane, "This thing not for you either?"

"Shit. Then pull up a chair," He half slid the stool next to him to her so that she can put herself into it. Pretty little thing needed a cry me a river corner? Seemed dubious. Maybe a fae trap? Dark eyes flagged down the bartender for another. "Waxing poetic into a dark beer helps. Though the poison is up to the poisoned I suppose, yeah."

[cecemorales]

"Right, right. I should have known that one." Even Cecelia couldn't help but smile a little at that one. Though it quickly made way for an eyeroll. "Yeah but we can do that on any day of the week. It doesn't just have to be because of a holiday. When everything is forced cheer and light." She shrugged. She didn't really hate the holidays all too much, she just didn't understand why it was such a big deal to people. She didn't have the nostalgic pull that a lot of people did. Cecelia shrugged her shoulders, "I wouldn't complain, i'll say that."

"Live to? No, of course not! It is just one of the life's great, boundless gifts among the other joys of it all," She teased in return. "It's about the joy of being together, Cecelia! We get to hang out together, shop and talk and drink and do all sorts of things like that. With the atmosphere of the holidays around it." She liked being around the other regardless, but this just added the fun to it. "Tell me you're not out here looking for some possible dates as well. Come on now. You know you can tell me."

[cecemorales]

Cecelia didn't think that she had ever put this much effort into any thing before but she could definitely appreciate the hard work from others. She actually thought that it was pretty cool that Kora and Valina would have something they wanted to put so much work into. "September?! That's thinking ahead." She chuckled. "Was it just the two of you? Making all of this?" She questioned as she glanced around the room again. "I do really like these." She commented, looking down at the small brooms again.

IT WAS NICE FOR SOMEONE TO OUTWARDLY BE APPRECIATIVE and acknowledging of all the hard work both Kora and Valina put in for this evening's festivities. They worked hard all year round, but the holiday's of course came with some extra baggage and took more time. But they enjoyed it, to see a smiling face from those who took special notice. Kora smiles in return and nods with a gentle hum, ❝ thank you, and yes, we started working on everything in September. Everything had to be freshly made, after all. Both for the Halloween event and for tonight. How have you been enjoying yourself, so far? And does anything here catch your eye, specifically? ❞

[cecemorales]

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