esmemaxwcll

[esmemaxwcll]

🚶

Send me a 🚶 and I’ll introduce you to an NPC in my muse’s life.

Meet Pamela Maxwell, Esme's mother. She is an ex-socialite who left behind all the money to marry her husband and start a new life with. Pamela used to enjoy starting charities and events before she met her husband. Now you can find her as a stay at home wife who occasionally bakes and volunteers at local charities.

[esmemaxwcll]

MEMES.

Aesthetic French asks

( * VALENTINE’S DAY ALPHABET

Send me a 🚶 and I’ll introduce you to an NPC in my muse’s life.

MUSES.

Esme

Clayton

Gracie

Alice

Claudia

Lara

Lacey

Mason

Haley

April

Melody

[esmemaxwcll]

"Uh yeah, just getting rid of unwanted memories." Esme said with a slight smile. It was hard to let those things go, the love letters, pictures and what not. After her breakup, she had a troublesome time coming to terms with it. But after chucking things into the fire, it was like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders and she can finally move on. When Carlos offered her a beer, the smile on her face widens as she accepted the beer and took a long sip before lowering it back down. "I didn't realize there would be a lot of people here with the same intention."

who: @esmemaxwcll where: oasis bonfire

"You good?" Carlos asked Esme as she returned from the bonfire, he'd only just arrived to see her throwing a couple of things in. He hadn't brought anything to throw into the fire however, he always showed up to these things because he wanted to observe and make sure everyone was safe. He didn't even really agree with the whole thing in the first place. "Here," he said, handing her his beer, then turned to the bar to get himself another one.

[esmemaxwcll]

closed starter: @thegillyxliang location: Crescent Moon Tattoo

Esme never had a tattoo, she wasn't keen on the idea of blood or needles. But she figured why not do a little something out of the ordinary and get herself a small tattoo that she likes. After all, it was a new year and new opportunities, right? "Okay what if I change my mind middle of the session, what then...or worse, I faint." Esme asked Gilly with raised brows.

[esmemaxwcll]

"I think life is just weird to see all your old classmates start their lives, I had a few classmates start a family when they were like...twenty-to-twenty three. Like good for them but I can't imagine starting a family so young...because that's a lot of commitment and in this economy? No thanks. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we're all starting off at a different path and who knows where we will end up, the main purpose is if we're happy because being happy is a big deal." Esme felt like a damn advice book and it felt weird talking about this sort of thing out loud to Cal.

"Welcome to adulthood, we all don't know what the fuck we are doing. Hell I don't even know if I want to become a vet but I love animals and I put the years in to schooling...but is it something I really want to do? I don't know...maybe I want to become some sexy pole dancer--actually no I don't because I cannot dance in high high heels...anyways off track, I think since we're still so young and we're always constructed into this society of the older generation of what we're supposed to do...it doesn't fit us anymore. Does that make sense?"

"I mean, yes," he responded. "I was in a show when I was fourteen. So all the people I went to school with were in the same boat. Unfortunately, my aunt was too broke to send me to a fancy school in New York and I wasn't able to do the whole public school thing since I was in a show." Cal didn't have to do what he did, but it was easier. "Oh, well, yeah, I guess that's true. Tons of the people that I knew in school ended up in college. And then I was one of the few that decided not to. Actually a few of the people that I was friends with ended up in Hollywood. Some are in Europe. It's kind of wild."

Cal knew that was true, but at the same time, he didn't care. "Yeah, but that's the thing. I know that everyone has the same thing. Or at some point feel the same way. That doesn't help me. Like sorry to say that and it might make me sound selfish, but honestly, it doesn't help me to know that other people feel the same way. How do I help myself?" Cal knew they were barely doing better than a lot of people.

He didn't feel like he was ahead at all or where he needs to be. Right now, all Cal wants is to go back to New York and get back to work. "I don't know about that. I think I'm not where I want to be, but I don't know how to get where I want to be."

[esmemaxwcll]

"I keep hearing nothing but good things about Bluey so like anyone who hates on it clearly doesn't have great taste. Not that I watched it but it's a cute enough cartoon to even think about it." Esme laughed lightly and added, "The fact I seen a few good tiktoks of animals watching bluey says a lot. So it wouldn't be no joke on it being a good show."

"But the idea of a ghost haunting my home seems a little skeptical....like they can watch me change clothes or worse, finish a whole tub of ice cream with judgement. I cannot handle judgement when I finish a whole tub of ice cream...like please don't judge me while I'm having a breakdown watching some stupid show." Esme said with a dramatic wiping of her eye and laughed. "But really, the idea of a ghost chilling around and turning shit on is a bit terrifying."

“ I’m already judged in my apartment with three sisters, do I really want to have a fourth person judge me? Only this time they are using more eloquent burns “ sully noted with a small smile on his face. He didn’t think anything of the situation when it came to his siblings because that’s what they did. But with a hypothetical ghost child? Sully didn’t have time for that at all. “ I would imagine they would like tv? But he never met a ghost so who am I to say?” He shrugged. “ I mean I don’t know where I’m gonna burn it. I live in an apartment. But I’m prepared to cleanse the three bedrooms “

“ no not at all. Sera is a smart little girl don’t get me wrong but she’s also pretty naive and innocent too. I don’t want her to lose a lot of that when she doesn’t have to. I don’t even think she understands what a ghost even is “ he admitted. sully held back on a lot of that stuff just because he never wanted his sister to process their family tragedy at too young of an age. “ that’s honestly a good point “

“ no one shares the remote now. I think they would get along with my sisters immediately so it might be just like having another sibling. So I mean, I don’t really watch any tv now. It's mostly my baby sister and Bluey. so I hope she's a Bluey fan " @esmemaxwcll

[esmemaxwcll]

She sighed playfully as she looked at the feast arranged on the table. Cookies, cupcakes, Chinese takeout, AND ice cream? "Girl, you've really brightened my day." Reaching for a set of glasses, Esme slung her bag off her shoulder and joined Priya at the table. "I'm diving in headfirst—after all, it's not every day we get to enjoy this kind of madness together." Her eyes sparkled with genuine delight. "Let's eat, laugh, and just enjoy this beautiful whirlwind of friendship. Thanks for always being the perfect partner in crime."

A bright smile graced Priya's lips as Esme spoke and she let out a pleased little hum, "This is why we're friends." she replied as she made her way inside the other's home. "Seriously. Like some people still have Christmas lights up, and yet there's just hearts and shit everywhere. It's an exhausting whirlwind."

As she spoke, Priya toed off her shoes and then headed to the living room so she could put the bags down, pulling out various containers of Chinese take-out and spreading them out across the table, practically a feast even if they were just two people. "I think diving right in sounds like a good way to go, especially since you already got the glasses." She told her with a grin as she sat down. "And nothing heart-shaped but I do have cookies and cupcakes, and I can doordash some ice cream if you want, so..."

[esmemaxwcll]

"What can I say, I have very high expectations on what you have to offer, and if it's something simple as that then...I must keep you in mind about improving on it." Esme said with a slight laughter in her answer. Things with Carlos was always so amusing, it was something she found herself enjoying about him. The blonde tilt her head to the side to look him over smiling. "I do enjoy a good game Carlos, so I'm totally on for whatever we have in the future of this game. But perhaps not something like coffee...unless you improve on making it then maybe I'll give you another chance...maybe."

Carlos watched her reaction like a chef waiting for a critic’s verdict, arms crossed, a smug little smirk playing on his lips. When she finally gave her judgment, he let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.

“A B, huh?” He placed a hand over his heart, feigning deep offense. “Mildly impressed? Damn, Esme, you’re tough.” He leaned against the counter, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Here I was thinking I’d get at least a B-plus for the effort. Guess I’ll have to work harder to earn those precious A’s you’re hoarding.”

His gaze flicked to the bagel, then back to her, clearly accepting the challenge. “Alright, I respect the honesty. No sugarcoating—it’s good, but not great. I can work with that.” He tapped a finger against the counter. “But now you’ve put yourself in a situation, because see… now I have to prove you wrong. Next time? You’re not walking away with anything less than an A-minus. Maybe even an A if I’m feeling generous.” Carlos leaned in slightly, mirroring her energy. “So, you better be ready, because now I’m personally invested in blowing your expectations out of the water.” He grabbed a rag and casually wiped down the counter, throwing her a wink. “Game on, Esme.” @esmemaxwcll

[esmemaxwcll]

MEMES

meme one meme two meme three bonus: valentine's starter prompts

MUSES

Esme

Clayton

Gracie

Alice

Claudia

Lara

Lacey

Mason

Haley

April

Melody

[esmemaxwcll]

Esme's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and warmth, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile. She shifted her posture, leaning just a bit closer as she studied Vince, clearly taking in the moment with a lighthearted but unflappable ease.

"Oh, I'm sure," she said with a soft laugh, her gaze flicking down to the dress, the fabric swirling with a playful elegance as she smoothed it out. "But I think I might look better out of it anyway," she added with a wink, the words casual but laced with a confidence that would’ve made anyone else second guess their assumptions.

She chuckled again at the mention of the champagne, her tone warm, but there was an edge of sarcasm creeping in as she replied. "Dom Perignon, huh? A bit too fancy for a retirement party, don't you think? Unless you’re planning on retiring early." She tilted her head, as if appraising him with a smile. "But I suppose we should treat this like the grand event it is. I’ll go with that."

He’s almost taken aback by how relaxed the woman is about the situation; surely, this wouldn’t have happened at any of the events he attended during his upbringing. His hands halt their frantic search as she speaks, her words bringing him a sense of ease.

A lopsided smile begins to spread across his lips as his eyes meet hers. “You sure?” he asks, raising an eyebrow. “It’s a nice dress, after all, and the color really complements your eyes.”

Vince chuckles, running a hand through his hair as he nods. “Yeah, alright. I can do that. But what kind of champagne were you thinking? I'm personally leaning towards Dom Perignon? You know, since this is technically a retirement party now.”

[esmemaxwcll]

Esme chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she gave Scottie a playful side-eye. "Well, if your brother’s involved, I guess we’re all in trouble then, huh?" She leaned back slightly, resting her chin in her hand as she studied Scottie. "Violent, huh? Sounds like I might need to make a few more friends… or enemies, depending on how you look at it."

Her lips quirked up as she took a slow sip of her drink, then set it down with deliberate care. "But hey, I get it," she added, her voice taking on a more serious note, though her smile never wavered. "The whole ‘love’ thing can be a real gamble. But I’m not sure the divorce benefits are enough to outweigh the chaos of it all. Just think of the mess, the drama... and the paperwork," she said, her tone dry with just a hint of amusement. "Not to mention, who would I trust to handle all of that? You? Or your brother?" She winked, raising her glass in a mock toast. "I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that one."

"Oh, hon, you wouldn't have to do that," Scottie says soothingly, reaching over to pat Esme's hand.

"My brother would do it first. And far more violently and he wouldn't be caught. And if if he was caught, he'd survive prison. Which is more than what I can say for you. I appreciate the sentiment, but let's keep your pretty little conscience clean."

Scottie laughs in appreciation, raising her glass in turn at the toast to herself and taking a hearty drink.

"I mean, the benefits of getting divorced are really the only reason to get married. Besides the 'love' thing, but you have better odds at being struck by lightening while you're being hit by a train."

@esmemaxwcll

[esmemaxwcll]

Esme couldn’t help but laugh as she swung open the door, her grin widening at the sight of Priya standing there, practically ready for a party with the bags in hand. “You’re my kind of person,” she said, stepping aside to let her in. “Dinner, drinks, and a healthy dose of anti-Valentine’s Day attitude. I couldn’t have asked for a better delivery.”

She raised an eyebrow, taking in the bags of takeout and the bottles of wine with appreciation. “We’re definitely going to need these for survival. I swear, the second February hits, it’s like every store in town suddenly turns into a Hallmark store on overdrive. It’s a whole lot of red and pink, and I’m not sure I’m emotionally equipped to handle it this year.”

Esme stepped toward the kitchen, grabbing a couple of glasses for the wine, clearly ready to dive straight into the evening. “Alright, so what’s the plan? Should we start with pretending this holiday doesn’t exist, or just dive straight into wine and snacks? I’m good with either, as long as we avoid any heart-shaped anything.” She gave Priya a teasing side-eye. “Though, if you somehow have a heart-shaped dessert in there, I might have to rethink our entire friendship.”

closed - @esmemaxwcll

where - esme's place

Armed with a bag of takeout food and two bottles of wine, Priya made her way up to her friend's door, smiling as it was opened, "I come armed with dinner and drinks and ready to ignore the fact that Valentine's day is just weeks away so this town will inevitably look like Cupid puked all over in a matter of days."

[esmemaxwcll]

Esme leaned in slightly, taking in the mug with a raised eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corner of her lips. “A calling, huh? I’ll admit, that’s a bold claim. But I suppose I’ll give you a chance to prove it,” she said, giving him a playful but skeptical look. She lifted the mug to her lips, taking a careful sip, her eyes narrowing as she savored the warmth, the richness. “Well, well, Carlos,” she said, lowering the mug slowly, her expression half-serious, half-amused. “I’ll give credit where it’s due. This... this is actually good. I was expecting an overhyped coffee disaster, but color me impressed.” She gave him a nod, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You’ve lived up to the hype, I’ll give you that. But you know, it’s still early. We’re not out of the woods yet.”

Esme placed the mug down gently, then grabbed the bagel, taking a deliberate bite, the crunch filling the space between them for a moment. She chewed thoughtfully, her eyes never leaving his as she processed the taste. “Alright, alright. I see you’re not messing around. The bagel’s solid too. A little crisp on the outside, but warm and soft in the middle. Nice balance. But”—she paused, teasing him—“don’t think I’m letting you off the hook just yet. There’s always room for improvement.” She leaned forward, her voice turning playful as she tapped the edge of the mug. “But for now, Carlos? Consider me mildly impressed. If I had to grade this, I’d say you’re—what? A solid B with room to grow? Don’t let it go to your head, though. I don’t hand out A’s easily.” Esme leaned back, her grin widening, giving him a challenge. “Your move, my coffee connoisseur.”

Carlos chuckled, shaking his head as he poured the coffee with practiced ease. “You wound me, Esme. Coffee isn’t just my ‘thing’—it’s a calling.” He set the pot down with a satisfied nod, lifting his gaze to meet hers. “And if you think I’d let you suffer through anything less than perfection, you’ve clearly underestimated my devotion to the craft.”

He slid a mug toward her, arching a brow. “Now, as for your bagel standards—good. Keeps people honest. But fair warning, I don’t believe in half-measures. If this is a taste test, I expect a full critique. No holding back.”

Carlos leaned against the counter, mirroring her stance. “So, go on. Take your first sip. Let’s see if I live up to the pressure.”

[esmemaxwcll]

She tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “Your high school sounds kind of… wild, actually. Like, Broadway actors? That’s some next-level education right there. But yeah, I get it. When you see other people living the dream you want, it’s hard not to feel like you’re playing catch-up. That’s the thing with artsy careers though, right? There’s no clear path. One minute you’re doing everything right, and the next, you’re wondering what you missed.”

Esme gave a soft shrug, her voice taking on a more honest tone as she looked at him. “But the thing is, everyone has those moments. Even the ones who seem like they’ve got it all figured out? They’re just better at pretending they don’t have doubts. Honestly, if you’re still breathing and still trying, I’d say you’re doing a hell of a lot better than a lot of people.”

She paused for a moment, a small smile tugging at her lips. “So no, you’re definitely not the only one feeling like they have no idea what they’re doing. But that’s also kind of the point, right? If we all had it figured out, life would be way less interesting.” Esme leaned forward a little, her voice softening. “You’re not behind, Cal. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. And when you get back to that thing you’re meant to do, it’ll be worth the wait. Trust me.”

"God, I wished I'd learned that. I didn't even get lessons on like helpful math." Cal's education was something else. His graduation was nothing more than getting a piece of paper and being shoved on an actual stage for a play. Maybe Cal should consider going to college or something. "I was the worst student."

Cal couldn't help the grin on his face. "Thankfully, my high school was less of a formal thing and more of a tutor thing. Other people in my "class" were other actors who were on Broadway. I mean it was a real education or whatever, but now I see all them living the dream that I want or like they graduated from Juliard. Kinda sucks when I'm back here unemployed."

Life was a lot to take in these days. "I guess I'm not in a rush either, but I do like knowing that I'm not the only one who has no idea what the hell I'm doing."

[esmemaxwcll]

She grinned wider, eyes narrowing with mock seriousness. “Of course, the dragon will need some... ‘historical context.’ Maybe we add a plaque next to it that references ancient cheese mythology. You know, the stuff no one’s heard of but everyone pretends to understand. Just to keep things deep. Or maybe I’ll just tell them it’s about existential dread and charge double for the experience."

Esme’s gaze softened slightly, her smile turning more reflective. “But honestly, I like the ‘minimalist monolith’ angle. It’s clever—straightforward, impactful. Not everything has to melt under the heat of complexity. Maybe I'll make the cheese just a little too perfect, so that when they look at it, they’re not sure if it’s real or art. Mystery sells.” She tapped her chin, her tone growing slightly more serious. “You know, it’s crazy—there’s something oddly profound about a cheese block. Something... timeless. Maybe that’s the real art—just finding the beauty in simplicity.” She looked at Jethro, a playful glint still dancing in her eyes. “But hey, if we’re going with the dragon, maybe we should add a hidden camera. See how long it takes for people to realize they’re staring at a melting sculpture of cheese. That could be the real commentary—on how people are conditioned to see ‘art’ only when it’s supposed to be art.”

Jethro laughed, the kind of laugh that started in his chest and ended in a shake of his head. He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as he gave Esme an amused look. “A cheese dragon? That’s not just avant-garde, that’s borderline mythical. I’m picturing it now—perfect little Parmesan scales, maybe some cheddar flames. You could charge admission just to see it before it melts.”

He raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Though, if it melts before judging, doesn’t that make it performance art? You could spin it as a commentary on impermanence. People love that kind of thing. Get some existential quotes in there and boom—you’re not just an artist, you’re a philosopher.” Jethro tapped his chin thoughtfully. “But honestly, I think you’re onto something with the ‘Minimalism’ idea. Why overcomplicate things? A single block of cheese, maybe slightly tilted for artistic effect, and a title like ‘Erosion of Monoliths.’ Sell it for millions, retire to a vineyard, and live off cheese platters and wine.”

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Or, and hear me out—what if we combined the ideas? A cheese dragon guarding the minimalist cheese block. You get the audacity and the artistry. Judging panel wouldn’t know what hit them.” @esmemaxwcll

[esmemaxwcll]

💋

someone my muse has dated.

"Oh, yeah! Okay, so back in high school, Esme and I got together for a little bit. Not for super long. I don't know, we didn't really click, for obvious reasons, but she caught onto it faster than me. I was still unsure of myself back then. Anyway, we are still good friend today, so that's what matters. I really appreciate and adore her for it."

@esmemaxwcll

[esmemaxwcll]

Esme tilted her head, her smile softening as she listened, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her glass. "Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being a homebody. Honestly, charcoal portraits in pajamas sounds like a better night than a lot of New Year’s parties I’ve been to." She let out a small laugh, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Though, I guess a social butterfly boyfriend probably keeps life interesting, huh? Always a balance to strike."

She leaned forward slightly, her voice warm but teasing. "And avoiding the cringe is always a solid plan. But I gotta say, the whole 'gluing to his side' thing after a few shots? That’s honestly kind of adorable. Like, 'clingy but make it affectionate.' New Year’s kiss at midnight, too? Classic. You’ve got your priorities straight."

Esme paused, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "But I’m curious—are you one of those 'let’s reflect on the year' people, or more of a 'new year, new me' type? Or do you just go with the flow and see what happens after the clock strikes twelve?"

He will. It wasn't a great comeback in any way, and it's just dug him into a deeper hole of embarrassment. Pax can say Carin's words really didn't mean all that much anyway, but Leo's did more than anything.

"Yep. He's a social butterfly. I can be a homebody. Last year I was in my pajamas drawing a charcoal portrait."

Pax hadn't intended on going out at all, either, but Maura's call to rescue had him out there and then ordering food at the diner. That was a tricky thing, especially considering her relationship with Ziggy, and Paxton is just glad he never got dragged into the mess in any way.

... he never did ask Cricket what happened that night...

"Oh, no. I want to avoid the cringe. I'll eventually make my way to my boyfriend when I have a couple more shots, I tend to glue to his side when that happens." Always touching, nearby in some way, and delivering all the soft affections he can. "And of course, the traditional New Year's kiss at midnight. I'm not sure how long we're hanging out until after."

@esmemaxwcll