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Walking through the new garage, careful not to step onto anything and break her neck in her heels, PJ followed Sam inside and into the living space she had created for herself. It looked really nice and she couldn't help but beam and feel proud of her. "Not too bad. It looks great actually!"

PJ sat across from her and kicked off her shoes immediately, tired of walking around all day in heels. Even if she was so used to them, it was always a relief to take them of at the end of the day so she sighed once they were off, curling her toes for a moment. She hadn't realized she felt so at home with Sam that she didn't even ask if she minded. "What fries? You can get them anywhere here, you know?" PJ teased her knowing exactly what she meant as she did the same and stole some fries from her box before taking out the burgers. "I'm actually starving, it's a miracle these made it all the way here without me grabbing a bite on the way so, *de nada."

Samantha exhale a brief laughter at PJ's response to her comment. She leaned her head to the side and fired right back at her, with a sentence that began with a sarcastic tone, but gradually ended in a slightly more serious "Maybe you would in the last outfit you were wearing." She smiled fully and genuinely for the first time in PJ's presence since they left Texas. Food has always been the way to Sam's heart, even when they fought as kids, she was always defeated by a sweet offering. Who offered it mattered more than what was offered, but that was never something she specified. It was only natural that such a ritual would make a return. She glanced at the car she was working on and turned her eyes back towards PJ "I'm never too busy for you... and good food. Come on, believe it or not there is some sort of home in here." She ended her sentence backing away from her, inviting her into the garage. She crossed from one garage space to the next until she passed a corner which led to a freshly renovated lounging area with a table and chairs. Modern and brand new, like a fancy bird's nest in an old tree. "Not too bad huh?" She turned to smile at PJ as she sat down and reached her arm across the table to open the bag. "And you got my favorites... Someone knows the way to my heart." She began removing various items, took out a box of fries, and then a second one from which she stole a few before handing it to PJ. "I've missed this."

[pjcwrites]

PJ snorted a laugh at her comment while she made a horrible mess o her candle- she was never good at handy work why did she think this was going to be her thing was a mystery. "Yeah, I know what you mean, it's like, by the end of Thanksgiving, I don't want to even smell pumpkin anywhere. Like, okay, *ya, es otoño we get it!" She turned to the other and gave her a grin. "But see, now I kinda want some pumpkin pie."

"Right?!" Liliana expressed as she sighed to herself because she couldn't make up her mind, but all thoughts were leading towards the apple scent. "I was thinking more so apple because sometimes I feel like pumpkin can become a bit overwhelming or a bit too much and I like the freshness that the apple has to offer, ya know?" Liliana explained, not sure if her point was coming across or if she was just blabbering at this point.

[pjcwrites]

Character development task 001. Playlist.

01. Perfecta - Miranda 02. Mujer Latina - Thalia 03. Si antes te hubiera conocido - Karol G 04. Don't Speak - No Doubt 05. What a girl wants - Christina Aguilera. 06. Just Like a Pill - P!nk 07. Stronger - Kelly Clarkson

[pjcwrites]

PJ: I didn't even realize you could see it. lol It's laundry day PJ: I got it back home in Texas. Somewhere. No clue. It's cheap, for sure. I've had it for years. PJ: Love coffee so yes, we can do that. I'll be in tomorrow. 10am is okay? I'll wear a rose on my lapel so you can recognize me. 😂 jk but I'll for have clean clothes. PJ: Probably.

Rowan: Only a bit creepy Rowan: But we do kind of know each other so it's okay haha Rowan: Side note where did you get that swimsuit? it's so cute Rowan: OH THANK GOD!!! It's my mum's she gave to me when i came over here and i was ripping my apartment apart trying to find it Rowan: Are you in work tomorrow? Maybe we could grab a coffee or something on the ground floor at that place?

[pjcwrites]

text 📲 @rowanelodie

PJ: This is going to sound super creepy but I'm Penélope. We work in the same building. PJ: 📎Image attached

PJ: Proof that it's me lol. PJ: We've seen each other at that coffee shop near work a lot of times. Anyway. You left your scarf there the other day and I managed to find out your name and where you work. (I said it sounded creepy!) PJ: Anyway! It looks expensive as shit so I bet you want it back.

[pjcwrites]

No one told PJ that starting a new life in a new city would be such a struggle to find new things she liked so she was basically willing to try anything. Has she ever made a candle in her life? Well no, but she did like how they smelled and had nothing better to do on a Tuesday at 5pm. "Okay but that's a loaded question..." she replied, tongue sticking out as she tried to figure out how to not make a giant mess. "'Cause, for me, I love apple and cinnamon, it reminds me of *el pastel de manzana de mi abuela, so that's what I'm going for."

Starter for: Liliana & Open @bhqextras

Event: DIY Fall Candles

Liliana was so happy that fall was here and she was able to smell all of the pumpkin and apple smells without feeling judged about how she could smell them all year if she could. She decided to attend the make your own candle at Sappho's. "Listen." She said as she looked at the person next to her. "I need some help. Do I combine apple and cinnamon or pumpkin and cinnamon? Because I think both ideas would be good but I feel like all three together could be too much." She mentioned.

[pjcwrites]

Seeing Sam again after a month of radio silence, that was totally on her, felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders, especially knowing that the other didn't hate her, in fact, she was willing to give her a second chance to see where they went from there. PJ still wasn't quite sure about anything except one thing: She wanted Sam to be a part of her life no matter what and she couldn't deny how her heart raised as the other cupped her face or touched her the other night. A show of affection so gentle and subtle, and yet it left her restless and up all night after she left.

But the fears were still there. What if it changed it all between them? What if she only knew how to be Sam's friend and not her girlfriend? She would never forgive herself if she broke one of the most important relationships she's ever had and even worst, she would never forgive herself if she broke Sam's heart.

PJ blushed when Sam's eyes were on her and she tucked her hair behind her ear, looking away and biting her bottom lip. Has she always looked at her like this? Has she never noticed before now? Maybe Miguel was right and she was honestly blind because Sam was not subtle. "Oh I'm sorry, I thought I'd get special treatment since I know the owner." She joked back, letting out a chuckle. "Hey, hope you're not busy? I just came out of the office and I thought..." PJ lifted the brown bag to show her she brought food. "I thought maybe you were hungry." The brunette was still in her work clothes, tailored black pants and a white shirt with a black vest on top of it, wearing heels. Her wavy long hair falling to the side.

■ Closed starter for: @pjcwrites (PJ Cortez) ■ Location: Sam's Old Garage

The old garage smelled of motor oil and gasoline. Dim sunlight filtered through the grime-smeared windows, casting a golden haze over inside the empty office space on the side of the building. The second floor was already renovated into a living space, Sam's living space for now. At the front of the building, the two main garage doors, large enough for two vehicles each, were both raised open. The gas pumps in the parking were at least half a century old, but overall, it was the type of place Sam liked. At the entrance of the second garage door, there was a car inside being repaired, an old Camaro. Amidst the scattered tools and discarded parts, Samantha was standing up in front of the car, she was wearing a dirty damp tank top and jeans. Her arms were lifting heavy parts and their strength was being tested. She moved with practiced ease, removing parts, adding some, tightening the bolts on the car's engine. She was concentrated on her task, blasting music by K. FLAY. Lost in her thoughts, fixing the car was like playing music of her own. She went around the car to go wash her hands thoroughly before she walked back to the front. It is as she was wiping her hands with a hand towel that she spotted someone close to the entrance. She squinted her eyes due to the brightness of the orange sunlight outside, wiping her brow with the back of her hand. Her brown eyes locked onto the person approaching the garage, it was PJ. In the moment, she was surprised to see her so soon. She didn't know for how long PJ had been around for. A small part of herself anticipated the worst, but most of her simply embraced having PJ at her door. Sam walked slowly towards the entrance of the garage, eyeing her up and down as she approached. A smirk appeared on her face as she spoke "I'm sorry lady but we are closed."

[pjcwrites]

PJ slapped his arm with the back of her hand and scoffed at him. "Gabriel!" She reprimanded him, "Miguel has been living here for a while. Have you two not been in touch? I mean, I know he's a grumpy old man." She said with the courage of someone who knew Miguel wasn't around to hear her. "But he practically raised you and he's been through a lot. You should reach out to him." PJ said as she moved to grab plates and started to set the table. She loved how close her family was and under no circumstance she was going to allow anyone to fall behind on sibling duty.

Since moving out to New York, Gabriel missed his family and craved to visit, but finding the time was hard. So, no matter what if they ever came out - he'd offer his home if they needed or wanted for as long as they'd like. It was surely that part missing everyone back in Texas.

When PJ came in he glanced at her briefly, a smile coming to his face quickly. "Of course! I'm glad to have you here. I'm sure we'll fuck around a lot and you'll definitely be the best." The hug caught him a bit off guard with how tight but he composed himself as best he could during and after. "Good, just been working mostly. Spending time with the guy I told you about and making other friends." The ask of Miguel startled him some. "I um - no. I didn't even know he was around." Gabe answered honestly, definitely not even knowing another one of his siblings made it out.

[pjcwrites]

melissa barrera via instagram

[pjcwrites]

A clear of her throat came before she spoke, hardcover notebook hugged to her chest, shoulders straight. "Hi, I'm PJ Cortez. I sent in an e-mail hoping I could interview you or your partner about the shelter. You are Mr. Fox, right?" As much as she was begging she'd find Haggar here, of course, with her atrocious luck, she had to find Austin instead.

PJ stepped inside the office and left the door slightly ajar as she found it, then made her way to the man's desk. "I write for The New Yorker and my brother told me about this place. My editor thought it was a good idea to make a piece about it, if you'd like." She tried to stay professional even when everything within her was begging her to start screaming her head off at the other

——- As soon as possible, austin saw the shelter and was pretty much in love at first sight. hiring was going alright — however, the former prince set his sights on getting his own office in order. that was the task for the most part today. he wanted it professional but definitely to scream austin fox when one would enter so mostly he'd just characterize his desk. a picture of him and sebastian, the last one he has of him and his sister. he had a cup holder with some writing utensils in it as well as a couple pride flags. mostly all he added but there was a book shelf as well because as if the brit would be reading or sharing some of his favourites with some of the youth here. at the moment the knock came to his door — despite it open enough to show he was in there, austin was in a phone call with his boss from his other job as the knock it his ears. ❝  i'll be around tonight, to help no worries. i gotta let you go now. ❞ waiting for an word back before he'd hang up the phone and his attention went to the open door, seeing who knocked. ❝  can i help you with something ? ❞ something about her upon first seeing her reminded him of gabriel and his heart sank to the pit of his stomach, but he kept composed and professional on the outside.

[pjcwrites]

It was odd to feel that your soul found its way back inside your body when you weren't even aware it had been gone in the first place. Drifting, floating somewhere, perhaps near you but not entirely in you. But the moment PJ felt Sam's hands on her again, saw the way she soften up and let her in, well, her soul found its way back home inside her heart and she felt right the second it did.

For the first time, PJ hears Sam say it so bluntly 'I'm in love with you.' She figured as much but hearing it so clearly and bravely, it was different than just knowing. It was like some things were slowly falling into place, even though she wasn't sure what to do with it yet.

PJ nodded at Sam's words, sobbing quietly and trying to hold her intense gaze. It wasn't the first time they held each other like this and by god she hoped it wasn't to be the last time because she truly didn't know what she'd do without her. She then chuckled wetly at the comment about the tattoo, "Yeah well... I didn't want to go on that vacation without you but like this..." PJ took her arm back and held her wrist that had the *'contigo' in Sam's handwriting to her chest. "I knew you were close to me no matter what." She was seventeen and they couldn't take Sam to Mexico with the family and Mrs. Cortez kept asking her why she had a bandana on her wrist when it was 90° outside because her mom was going to kill her for getting that tattoo without permission but she didn't care and went and did it anyway and had to hide it all summer. It was the first time they spent so long apart and after that holiday she knew she never wanted to ever again.

"You are the most important person for me too. I promise I'll figure my shit out."

The last words spoken by PJ came crashing into Samantha's mind like a wave. Sam made a single step towards the exit, helmet in hand, and stopped herself. And in that moment she understood PJ maybe more than she has for a month. Samantha was about to leave the way PJ left, in confusion and yet she was filled with love for this woman. She was madly in love with her and yet she was emptying a month of hurt on her. It's not as if she deserved it, because this person never deserved an ounce of pain. Sam turned around and rushed back with her steps towards PJ and wrapped her arms around her. "You don't deserve this, I just... All of this was started by me. Believe it or not I was coming here to apologize for it all. And now look at me... I'm sorry Lupe..." After holding back her tears since she arrived, she allowed herself. "He's gone you know, he's really gone. I think... now that everyone is gone, I didn't want to be the one being left for once. But truth is, I don't want to be the one that leaves either. I'm in love with you and I've probably been for far longer than I was aware of." Sam kissed PJ's cheeks maybe a little too long before leaning her head against hers. "I would forgive you, but I don't need to, because you didn't do this to me, I did. I never meant to hurt you, actually you are the last person on earth I would ever want to see hurt, by me or anyone else... Especially not by me." She raised her hand up PJ's neck and took her head, pressing her forehead against hers. "You take all the time you need, I'm not going anywhere, okay? You won't break this." She leaned her head back to contemplate Lupe's face, she saw the tears she caused and her heart sank. A hand still playing slowly and gently in PJ's hair, she spoke, a weak attempt at a smile on her lips, drying tears in her eyes. "You still look pretty, even when you're sad... No matter what we are, no matter what we become, you will remain the most important person in the world to me." Her hand left PJ's hair and made its way down to her shoulder, and then down her arm, grabbing it and raising it gently to look down at the wrist area. "I still remember that day. I sat next to you and I held your hand while you were getting it. The whole time I thought... Wow, she might just be as crazy as I am, good." Sam raised her eyes while her head was still looking down. She looked at PJ's eyes. Powerlessness always made her angry, like a caged animal trying to get out. She couldn't push her away, she couldn't stay angry, she couldn't do a single thing. Perhaps for the first time in Sam's life, she found it in her to trust someone else with everything that she is in a moment when she didn't know herself. PJ was that someone.

[pjcwrites]

@thenightofgabe

Thinking about these pictures of Taylor Zakhar Perez and Melissa Barrera right now ❤️

[pjcwrites]

Weren't those the million dollar questions everyone wanted the answers to? But then something Miguel said surprised her. "Wait, what do you mean she finally made a move?" PJ frowned at his words. "You knew about it?" She wanted to protest and ask why he didn't tell her but, in all honesty, it wasn't his to tell and of course he wouldn't. "Did she tell you? She could have told me first..." Among all the things she was feeling about the whole situation, she was also a little mad at Sam. Not about her feelings, obviously, but about the way, the moment she chose to finally tell PJ.

"God, I haven't talked to Eddie and I'm terrified of doing so." She moved on the couch to rest against Miguel's side, her head on his shoulder. "And Sam... she's here. Her dad passed, did you know that too?" PJ looked up briefly, before resting her head on his shoulder again. "I saw her... *fue una mierda. I think we both went into it with our hackles up and we ended up fighting." She swallowed, her eyes filling with tears a the memory. PJ slowly slid down to rest her head on her brothers lap, grabbing one of his arms to tuck it to her chest. She wanted the comfort but she couldn't bare him judging her. "*No sé que hacer, Migue."

Miguel wasn't happy about it, but he couldn't say he was surprised this was something he hadn't heard about. The last two and a half years blurred together and he didn't keep up with things as well as he should've. "Surprised she finally made a move." Now might not been the best time for the comment, but if he was going to be surprised by any part of the story, it was going to be the part where Sam let her feeling be known. "Okay, so have you spoken to either one of them since all this happened?" He figured the answer was no when it came to things with Sam given his sister's confusion on the matter now. "You know, to give Eddie some closure and get some clarity on things between you and Sam." He wasn't sure he was exactly qualified to give advice on this topic. He had a few semi-serious relationships in the past, but it'd been a while since his love life was full of anything more than a single night with someone.

He shook his head, "It's fine, really. And I was the one who asked you to tell me what's going on, so there's nothing to feel like a selfish dick about." His reassurance was followed by a small shrug, "Besides, I've been fine." Debatable, but that was something he wasn't up to delving into. "Nothing exciting happening on my end."

[pjcwrites]

Sam wasn't quite hearing what she was saying and maybe that was for the best. Maybe she actually didn't want PJ as more than a friend after all, not anymore. Either way, the brunette nodded, not following after her when she pulled back, even when her heartbeat picked up the second Sam put her hands on her face. PJ's entire body reacted to it and lent into it but she didn't chase after it. Didn't feel she had the right to do it.

"I was hurt too, you know?" PJ said through a sniff because yes, she was wrong in how she handled things but it wasn't like the news of her getting married was the best way to find out her best friend has been in love with her her whole life. "I would have never thought how you felt was wrong and that was never the problem. You know that. But you did spring that on me in a moment that didn't seem quite fair... in a moment where, no matter what I did, I would be breaking someone's heart. I had no choice but to be the bad guy one way or the other."

"Right," She nodded at Sam last words, not looking back at her now, angrily wiping her own tears away. "You have a busy life. I get it, sure. I'm sorry I put you through hell and I wasn't there for you but at least know this isn't a walk in the park for me either." PJ said, ready to let Sam go if she wanted to.

She sighed deeply. She turned towards PJ and could see the hurt in her eyes. Sam knew that this girl did not deserve to bear all the fury of those who failed to love her solely because she was the most recent one. And what is love if not welcoming the pain from someone as the price for calling them ours? How could she love PJ if from the first day she was unwilling to accept that to love is to accept the pain that comes with it? It is not fair and so is life. But all is fair in love and war. Samantha looked at her and listened, walkin back towards her, leaving her helmet behind on the table. As she got closer and closer, she said "I am hurt to think you wouldn't want me back. But it is not what has hurt me the most. It's that you vanished on me when I opened my heart, maybe at a time and in a way that was wrong of me." She brought her hand to PJ's face and brushed her cheek with her thumb, wiping the tears away. "You are not a bad person PJ, bad people don't cry for others. You are not the worst either. You are kind of crazy, always have been, I will give you that..." Her caresses turned into gently holding PJ's face. "But I like you that way. I always did. That's why I'm hurt. You should have trusted after all this time that I wouldn't give up on you. And I felt that you did when you left." Sam's eyes drifted down to PJ's lips, her stare on them was shameless but not consciously so. Even in such a state, even after everything that happened, the pull still existed within her. She let go of her face and backed away. Walked up to her helmet again and simply laid a flat hand on top of it. Frustration echoed behind each words coming out of her. "You left as if how I feel is some sort of plague and you know what? Maybe it fucking is, but I still deserved... It's just.... I get it. I'm hurt and fucking angry, but I got it. It just felt like something that mattered enough to risk failing at it." She looked back at PJ. In her eyes, she could not make her feel what she so desired, but it was not PJ's fault. It was a turmoil of understanding and pain, but ultimately the love she felt mattered more than the rest. She added with a tender tone. "You are always enough PJ, this doesn't change that. I don't know what we are, that's not up to me. It's your heart and your life. I don't know what else to tell you, all I know is that I have a busy life in New York now and I will cope."

[pjcwrites]

MELISSA BARRERA at the Willy Chavarria RTW Spring 2025 show

[pjcwrites]