saccharinepet

[saccharinepet]

“Honestly?” Naija inquired, before proceeding, ��I can absolutely get where your mother is coming from. Mine is not too different.” She spent so much money outside as a teenager that her mother constantly scolded her. Out of respect, Naija listened often, but when her mother wasn’t around she’d end up running right back to all those delicious cravings for unhealthy fast food. Nothing could ever beat her mother’s cooking, but it was hard to ignore the pull of outside food. “It took me growing up and having my own kid to really understand all of the concerns.” 

Speaking of Maija as if she was still around was something that Naija still found herself doing. It took a proper moment to move past the comment, her thoughts immediately diving into an abyss of pollution, but Naija wouldn’t deny herself reminiscing about her child whenever possible. Plastering the smile to her face, she proceeded to reply, “Oh, I definitely am a sucker for the minestrone soup. It's simply delicious. And nothing could beat the tomato soup with fresh grilled cheese.” 

Naija’s smile flashed more genuine at the title of the book, and she nodded with enthusiasm. “Dr. Nolen was a true genius! I actually lived about a 15 minute drive from his home.” She too had read the book a grand deal of times, and had it autographed for her mother who was also a fan. It had been a pleasant surprise finding out that he lived only fifteen minutes from her home back in Minnesota. “I have a couple of his other works, if you’re interested in more.”

.

Dolores gave Naija a soft smile. "Yes... I wish I could come by more often, but I'm more used to cooking at home. My mother considers eating out an unnecessary expense." She almost rolled her eyes, before realizing how that would look. She wasn't a kid anymore, she couldn't exactly do that sort of things she would do as an angry teenager. And besides, in a sense, she was right. If they had perfectly good food at home, why pay for someone else to do it?

"Is there a soup that's your favorite? The few times I've come by I had the pumpkin one, but I'd be willing to try something new." It was something she had decided for herself: try new things this upcoming year, especially now that she definitely knew there were other witches like her. Dolores stared at Naija for a few seconds. Might she be a witch, too? How could she ask her that without looking insane? She had been lucky when meeting Brook, but right then her intuition didn't tell her anything about the pharmacist.

"The Making of a Surgeon, by William Nolen. One of my favorites," she replied, showing Naija the book. "Not to brag, but I've read it about twenty-eight times already, cover to cover."

[saccharinepet]

✶ 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ; castillo's boxing gym ✶ 𝐅𝐎𝐑 ; rafael @eldritchxembers

There was nothing better than the feeling of the belt placed on her hands after a good fight. It was an addiction so embedded into her core by this point that the ring felt more like a playground than a battle zone. Her muscles built to sustain all her opponents threw her way, as though they’d been made from vibranium. Strong and unwavering like the suit of armor Black Panther wore. 

It didn’t come as a surprise that she’d win tonight’s fight either. The last few weeks being back home, Naija ensured to get in at least one fight a week. Needing that outlet to unravel the pain and suffering that threatened to break her each dawn. Waking up without Maija was torturous. Knowing that her daughter would never get to see another day, or even make it to her birthday… the list was endless, and so she took the thoughts into the ring. 

As hard as it was to not allow herself to be completely taken over once inside, Naija often felt like letting herself lose. Why keep going when all she wanted to do was give into the physical paint of it all? But she couldn’t bring herself to disrespect the fight, or even less Rafe, in such a way. 

With her opponent all but defeated, she ignored the round of applause echoing throughout the ring and made way towards the lockers out back. Needing to breathe properly and get her bruises properly cared for. She had a massive bruise on her cheek, she could feel it throbbing and almost ran straight into Rafe as she turned to grab her ice. 

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! You’re trying to give me a heart attack?” 

[saccharinepet]

✶ 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ; serene scissors ✶ 𝐅𝐎𝐑 ; max @innocentcurse

There was still so much left to unpack when it came to her life, and the loops Naija seemed to be stuck in, but one of the best things about returning to Cardinal was how surrounded by love and support she was. She had most of her family and friends to keep her focus on as she figured it all out again. Starting from zero wasn’t on her bucket list for this new year, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t take a moment to look back. Allow her situation to become clear enough to navigate once more so she wasn’t drowning in its pressure. 

It was one of the many reasons she needed this day to relax. Contacting Maxine to meet her came naturally as Naija ensured to allow her friendships to fruition despite all the time spent apart. “Learn anything new about attack on New Years?” she asked, turning to face her friend as the manicurist got to work on their nails. 

Naija hadn’t kept up with too much of Cardinal’s news while away, choosing to allow her good friend Max to inform her whenever they came together. At first she had tried, even while in Minnesota, but after a while the necessity seemed to disappear and she focused on her new residence. Coming back now, Naija was left a little more than surprised at the odd occurrences. She told herself it was just her mind playing with her, but more and more odd things just seemed to keep happening.

[saccharinepet]

✶ 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ; lilla bakstugan ✶ 𝐅𝐎𝐑 ; astrid @hexstrom

After her father’s departure, Naija and her mom had to find means of their own in order to keep moving forward. They had proper access to her family’s money, but along with kicking him out they kicked out any and everything that would remind them of his abusive ruling thumb. They had to still keep pretences around the town in order to keep their family’s name clean, so Naija took on more fights for the winning bid. By that point in her life she was almost unstoppable, which led to her and her mother being able to afford their own property to rent and later on own. 

Along with this property, came a venue space that neither cared to do much with and so they decided to rent it instead. Walking into the space now, Naija would never have imagined it as beautiful and inviting as Astrid had turned it into. “Anybody home?” she asked, sticking her head into the space only minutes after closure. “I figured I’d check and see if there was anything left.”

[saccharinepet]

From the moment she walked into the little store, Naija had been nervous. It wasn’t an emotion she liked to associate with her husband, but there were far too many feelings attached to the location itself. Who it belonged to once upon a time, as well as the dynamic that made up Naija and his grandmother’s relationship. She had never been one to sugar coat things, and from the moment she met the older woman, Naija had let her know that she wasn’t there to play games. That no amount of bullying and nasty comments would separate the connection that she shared with her grandson. If anything it’d make her want him more - because there was nothing as satisfying as watching others scowl and spit at the earth while she watched in utter bliss.

It was a little funny, thinking about it now. How so soon after her death, Sebastian would ask her for a divorce. There was that massive fact that everything had come down to Maija, but in retrospect…Naija had heard of it happening before - parents losing their children and not knowing how to be around one another. Blaming themselves or each other for the tragedy neither had control over. 

 Naija never thought she’d be back within these walls though. Her last argument with Etienne had been bad enough to make the pharmacist keep a good distance. Toxicity wasn’t something she entertained, and even less after their daughter had been born, especially if Naija couldn’t trust her to not speak ill of her person. The old woman was a viper, but Naija was ruthless in her approach. If she had to deny her access to her family she would have without thinking twice about it. 

Sebastian’s reaction initially made her smile. The nickname was a bit pretentious she had thought in the beginning, corny at best, but over the years had gained so much affection that hearing it now made her eyes water. Her smile didn’t last very long though. She could tell his mind was not present. That the reality wasn’t present for him as it was for her, but she swallowed and decided to not break his trance. It’d be worse to break him out of it so suddenly, so she played along instead. Inching forward until she could reach out and touch him. A hand caressing his cheek while she moved into his space and did her best to ignore the comment about their baby. 

“I missed you too much to wait.” she whispered, letting her fingers gently glide over his cheek and up the crown of his head. It was hard to figure out words to speak to him then, when she knew so well that he may not even want her near. She waited, almost expecting his immediate rejection. “I can’t be where you aren’t, Bash. There is nowhere for me out there.” 

Naija had always been able to understand and live in pain, but after meeting him, she thought the end had come. After marrying him, nothing and nobody could come close enough to hurting her… nobody but him. Ironic as it all was. Yet, despite all that, Naija couldn’t bring herself to give up on him. They’d both been broken down to pieces, but only one could really afford to live in their surrender. She was willing to numb her pain in order to help him through this. Afterwards… if he still wanted her gone, then so be it. 

“I thought maybe we could have dinner?” she asked, guiding his gaze up to her face, “If you don’t mind closing a little early? I don’t think anybody will be coming in so late.” Naija had come specifically right before closing for that very reason. A guarantee that the place would close soon and he’d have no option other than to refuse to see and be with her - which she expected despite her desperate attempt - and accepting to have dinner with her. “I can call the rusty oven for a pizza. I hear they’re doing deliveries now.”

Sebastian sat at the workbench in the quiet of their his house, the soft hum of a piano piece filling the room as he carefully repaired a set of children’s books. His hands moved with practiced precision, stitching the bindings with delicate care, but his mind drifted. He didn't need his full mind to work. The music, gentle and steady, seemed to push against the heaviness of the silence that had become his constant companion these last months. His mind fought to stay in the present, but every time he tried, it was as though his grief slipped through the cracks, creeping back with a vengeance.

His daughter, Maija, lingered like a ghost. It was a strange thing, the way she would be there in the room with him. The soft whisper of her voice, the rustle of her dress, the weight of her tiny hand in his. Little Bear.. he'd catch himself calling for her, turning around as though she'd be there for him to sweep into his arms and hold her close.

His heart ached, the familiar pain like a raw wound he could never stitch together. Six months since she was gone, and the hollowness that followed her death had become a permanent pain.

He knew it was grief-fueled hallucinations; his mind’s desperate attempt to hold onto what was no longer there. But it didn’t matter; it felt real. Her presence, her warmth. And sometimes, in the quietest moments, Sebastian found himself looking for her -- on purpose, chasing the pain like an addict chased their next fix. His eyes would search for her in the house, as though he might find her tucked away somewhere, like it was all just a cruel joke -- just a long game of hide and go seek.

But no, she was gone, and he was alone with his sorrow.

But ... of course would Little Bear be without Momma Bear?

He glanced up, and there she was, standing in the doorway, damp from the rain, her eyes filled with something he couldn’t place. Naija? His breath caught in his throat, though the part of his mind still tethered to reality knew that it wasn’t possible. She had left. No - he had left. He had run away. She’d been gone for months now. No - he had been gone for months.

And yet, there she was, just like always. He looked at her. He didn't see her yet. Not really. Not her in the present -- but his wife... His Queen who had given him their daughter ... a daughter who had been his to save ... and he had failed his wife. He had failed his daughter.

His heart gave a painful throb in his chest, and he had to force his breath to steady. This isn’t real, he thought, a quiet whisper in his mind. It’s just the grief again, it’s just my mind playing tricks.

But, he would chase the pain.

His fingers twitched involuntarily, but he didn’t move. Maybe this time... he thought, but the thought was quickly replaced by the knowledge that it was only his heartache, his desperate need for her presence, that had summoned this hallucination.

Her voice was as familiar as his own, but it only made his chest tighten further. He felt like he was dying. He hoped that he was. The playful tone, the teasing smile she always wore when she wanted to provoke him... It made it worse, somehow. He blinked, the room suddenly feeling like it was spinning. He gripped the table to steady himself. She’s not really here, he reminded himself. Just a fragment of my broken heart.

He took in a slow breath, his voice coming out calm, collected as always. He had learned how to mask the storm inside, how to wear the shell of himself that kept the world at bay. Even now, he held onto it, even though he could feel his heart tightening with every passing moment. He read that people could die from heartbreak.

Was this how it felt?

"Good evening, My Queen,” he said softly, almost too gently, as though speaking to a memory instead of a person. He couldn’t bring himself to look away from her. When he looked away from Maija, she would disappear. Even if this hallucination of his wife hated him -- he wanted her to stay in front of him for a little while longer.

“You’re early," he continued, a hollow smile pulling at the corners of his lips. "I thought you would wait a little longer before you came back.” The words felt wrong coming out of his mouth, but he couldn’t stop them.

There was a strange comfort in this pain, in the idea of her being near, even if it was just the torment of his own mind.

“I don’t suppose you have anything more to say than the usual?” His voice was quieter now, as if talking to a dream, not a living person. The words hung in the air, unspoken but clear: I wish you were here. I need you here. But you’re gone. I did that. Would you yell at me please? Would you hate me? Please hate me. I hate me.

"Did you bring Bear?"

[saccharinepet]

“I’m glad.” Naija commented with genuine delight before responding, “I’m doing alright, too. Was walking around the town a bit aimlessly today. Smelled the soup from across the street and simply had to stop in.” It’s been one of her favorite spots for a long time, and even though she didn’t recognize the staff anymore, Naija could assume the recipes and deliciousness of their menu remained true. The inside also looked a little remodeled, which made her think that perhaps there were new owners. However, she left that chat for another day when she was more focused on the shop itself and not on the book Dolores read.

Pointing in the direction of the - now closed - book, Naija inquired, “What you got there?” She didn’t go out of her way to read very many books, that was more her husband’s hobby than hers, but Naija could indulge in a good story once in a while. Usually when the rest of her life was in absolute disarray and she could use it for a sense of order and organized chaos. Not much unlike now, so she waited curiously and patiently for a response.

.

It wasn't that the Cardinal Hill hospital's cafeteria was bad, by any means; it was just, well, a hospital cafeteria. At the end of the day, the food was just okay. And The Ceramic Cup, on the other hand, was not too far and had much warmer, tastier options. The hospital was well staffed that day and she had been allowed some time for lunch, so Dolores made the most of it: she got comfortable (as much as she could, that is) on a table at the back, where she wouldn't be distracted, and had a good bowl of soup to enjoy while catching up on her reading.

A familiar voice made her look up from her book. It was that kind, pretty pharmacist, from which Dolores bought her mother's medicine every week or so. It was indeed strange to see her out of that usual context, and she felt a bit awkward. Regardless of the circumnstances, she did like Naija, or at least what little she knew of her. "It's nice to see you too," Dolores said with a small smile.

"No, no, it isn't..." She quickly took her coat off the chair across from her to allow Naija to sit comfortably. Dolores couldn't imagine why the pharmacist would be interested in talking to her, but she could guess that, whatever her true reasons, she did it out of sheer courtesy. "I'm doing mostly well," she said and shut her book to focus her attention entirely on Naija. "How are you?"

[saccharinepet]

All she could do was smile and wait for Dimitri to allow her a chance to speak. Before Naija could open her mouth to answer his questions, he added onto it by answering it himself. The moment made her shoulders shake with a silent chuckle, but she continued to wait patiently until she could speak. Naija had always joked about Sebastian and Dimitri being too alike one another. In moments like this, where he seemed keen on avoiding the towering elephant in the room, she could see it so clearly. From the nervousness in his speech pattern, to his resign at the end as he finally mentions Sebastian. “That’s great,” she said, almost instinctively, “It’s a bit of a change between Minnesota and here, huh?” 

Naija’s eyes traveled over to the cosmetics section where she could barely make out the top of his daughter’s head moving about. She was glad that at least they were all holding it out together and that they’d all be around for the holidays. On more than one occasion she’d stressed over just how fast she could get Ozma’s christmas present delivered by mail. 

“What? No, stop.” Naija shook her head, refusing to let him take blame over absolutely nothing. Despite everything happening between Sebastian and her, Naija couldn’t begin to explain just how grateful she was that Dimitri chose to stay by her husband’s side. That her sweet Bash wouldn’t be alone during such a horrid time in their lives. “There’s no reason to apologize, D. Honestly. He needs you. Much more than I do. I’m glad he’s not shutting you out.” She had to resist the urge to correct his words. That there was no divorce. That she hadn’t signed any papers and didn’t plan on it. That nothing was finalized and Sebastian was still her husband, no matter the major shift in their union. “Besides, we’re all here now, right? Focus on that. Maybe we can catch lunch?” she asked, “I’m about to head out, either way. I don’t start until next week.”

Dimi thought at first that maybe he was imagining this. He hadn't seen Naija in awhile, even before leaving Minneapolis. After everything that had happened with Naija and Sebastian and...well everything, it had been challenging for Dimi to figure out how to be friends with both of them. And admittedly, he hadn't been a good friend to Naija. It wasn't that he had chosen Sebastian, but...well actually, he kind of had, and thinking that caused Dimi to feel deeply ashamed. Naija had deserved better than that. "This is so wild," Dimi said, smiling at his friend, but there was a sadness to it. "Do you work here now?" At that, Dimi broke into laughter, acknowledging, "Yeah, okay, of course you do. Why else would you be behind the counter?" He was nervous, stumbling over his words. "I live here now too," Dimi replied. "I'm staying with - " He stopped abruptly, but then he realized he was being silly; he could say Sebastian's name to her. "I'm staying with Sebastian," he finished.

Naija's almost slip-up hadn't gone unnoticed either. Dimi gave his friend a sympathetic smile, and at first he didn't acknowledge it. "Ozma is over by the nail polish," he answered. "I'm sure she's going to be really happy to see you." Dimi and Ozma had always felt like part of Sebastian and Naija's family. But then Dimi decided to stop playing coy, adding, "Sebastian isn't here though." There was no one else around, and Dimi decided he had something he needed to say before Ozma returned. "Listen Naija," he began, "I...I owe you an apology. I know I haven't been a good friend since the divorce, I just...I think maybe I didn't know how to be a good friend to both of you. And then there were things going on with Ozma, and I just got so caught up in my own life. It wasn't fair to you though, and I'm really sorry." As soon as he'd apologized, Dimi felt a little better, and he just hoped Naija would forgive him.

[saccharinepet]

[saccharinepet]

Naija hadn’t given much thought to how things would follow. Sort of move back home and find him,- That was it. That’s where her plan began and ended. The future wasn’t something she was sure of anymore. It wasn’t something she could count on either, so she went where impulsive decisions took her. It’s been her way of life from the moments she could remember, and while a great deal of her life had aided in her growth throughout the years, some habits were impossible to restrain. Like refusing to allow Sebastian to act like the entire world was over and he could throw it all away. 

It was funny how their lives had gone straight back to how it was before they met. Naija, unruly and daring, no matter the challenges thrown at her steps… then there was Sebastian - her sweet and gentle Bash, holding it all in and refusing anyone near. Refusing himself even, as he ran back to the old routines. The old him. Someone who no longer held a space in their heart for her. Who could dispose of her so easily when they were going through this torment. 

“Dates, you say?” Naija comments, a small smile adorning her shivering lips. Another impromptu move of hers, to leave the house without an umbrella despite the rain. It’s only a sprinkle she’d told herself as she rushed out the door. Running into her vehicle to avoid her hair from getting wet only to arrive here and have to run some more from the parking space to the doors. “I’d at least thought you’d wait a little longer.” she continued in jest, although packed with layers of genuine curiosity and dread. “Good evening, Sebastian.” 

For: Anyone | Cap of 3 | @cardinalstart - 2 taken Location: The Book Repair Shop Time: Any (business hours)

The workshop was quiet save for the soft scrape of a pencil against paper and the occasional rustle of Fitz shifting atop a stack of vellum sheets. Sebastian sat hunched at his workbench, his posture a testament to hours lost in the precise motions of his craft. The faint light of a single desk lamp illuminated the page before him, casting long shadows across the room.

His latest project—a sketch for an illuminated manuscript—lay half-finished, the lines delicate and deliberate. Tendrils of ivy curled around the borders, framing an intricate depiction of an ancient tree. The leaves were sketched in detail that seemed almost reverent, each vein painstakingly rendered. In the margins, faint notations marked color choices and ideas for gold leaf embellishments.

Sebastian paused, tilting his head as he considered the drawing. His fingers, still smudged with graphite, absently traced a curve in the design. There was a slight tension in his jaw, the kind that came from balancing the weight of perfectionism against the fleeting nature of inspiration. He leaned back, stretching his arms before glancing toward the small window above his desk. Rain tapped gently against the glass, its rhythm steady and soothing.

Fitz let out a low, disapproving chirp, his tail flicking once as if to remind Sebastian of his presence. “I know,” Sebastian murmured, his voice soft as he reached out to scratch behind the cat’s ears. “Just a little longer.”

The words hung in the air as he returned to his work, the quiet persistence of his movements a reflection of the unspoken purpose that seemed to guide him.

He set the pencil down, resting his hands on the edges of the page as if grounding himself. For a moment, he simply stared at the sketch, the corners of his mouth tightening in quiet contemplation. The sound of the rain mingled with the faint creak of the floorboards, the silence in the workshop broken only by the faint scratching of Fitz adjusting his position.

Sebastian’s gaze flicked toward the door as he caught the faint shuffle of footsteps outside and then the door swung open. “If you’ve brought something for repair,” he called evenly, “you can come in. Just mind the papers—Fitz has claimed most of them as his... and if we had a date, or an appointment, or we were supposed to go out for something -- I forgot." Probably again.

[saccharinepet]

✶ 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ; the ceramic cup ✶ 𝐅𝐎𝐑 ; dolores @dolores-cuervo

Coffee wasn't always Naija's go to, being obsessed with tea since she was a mere child, but ever so often she allowed herself the delicious taste. She’d been walking through the streets that afternoon, reminiscing about her childhood in town and taking in the many changes over the years. At some point while walking past the shop, the smell of homemade soups and freshly brewed coffee did her in. Before she could even process her cravings, Naija found herself walking through the main doors of the business and ordering herself a lunch. 

Having had a good look around, her gaze fell onto a familiar face sitting off towards the back of the store so Naija informed the worker that’s where she’d be before making way. “Dolores.” she called out with a wave while approaching the booth, “ It’s nice to see you outside of work hours.” Naija offered the young lady a smile as she leaned over to greet her with a side hug then took a seat in the open space across from her. “This seat taken?- How are you, darling?”

[saccharinepet]

Moving back to Cardinal Hill hadn't been on her cards anytime soon, but Naija did whatever was best for her in the moment. Being as vulnerable and emotional as she was, there was only one place that made her feel better, and that was in the arms of her loving mother. When all other forms of self preservation fail, her mother would be there. When nothing else in the world made any sense, her mother would. So it went without saying that the moment her entire life laid in crumbles at her feet, Naija would return. Just until things started to look up again, she’d tell herself time and time again over the last two weeks, this move wasn’t permanent - simply necessary. 

Which is how she found herself back at her old job - asking for her job back, or rather finishing up paperwork for her return. She wasn’t meant to start until the following week, but seeing how busy the morning had been, Naija decided to stay and help out instead. As she gathered her belongings, her name was called and so she turned expectedly, waiting for the next task. Work was an easy enough distraction from all the thoughts in her head. 

Coming face to face with Dimitri wasn’t in the cards though, so she gazed back in mimicked shock. “Uh- hi!” she said, after what felt like a deafening moment of silence and words returned to her, “Not too long, about two weeks or so. What are you doing here? Is-” Naija couldn’t help the quickness in which her gaze shifted from him to the space around him as if Sebastian would manifest. Clearing her throat after catching no sign of her husband she offered Dimi a strained smile, “Is um, Ozma with you?” 

Closed starter: Naija ( @saccharinepet ) Location: Plinth Family Drugs

Well, this is going to be a more expensive trip than I'd expected, Dimi thought. He was at the drugstore with Ozma, and they were both looking at a huge display of various kinds of makeup and such. And what had really caught their eye - for different reasons - was the large section that was exclusively nail polish. Dimi knew his daughter well, so he knew that Ozma loved nail polish. She was quite the artsy young girl, and one way she expressed that was with nail polish; it wasn't uncommon for her to have every nail on her hands and toes painted a different color. Already Dimi planned to keep an eye on which of these colors Ozma chose because he was going to buy some of the others to put in her stocking. For now though, the pair looked at them, Ozma in complete awe. It was cute to see her like this, and Dimi just smiled. Before his daughter could ask, he said, "Alright, you can choose five colors. Five, and no more." Ozma looked at Dimi excitedly, and he knew what else was on her mind: "And yes, you can paint my nails when we get home," he told the girl. That was something Ozma had been doing for years.

As his daughter excitedly perused the various nail polish options, Dimi looked around. This was his first time in the drugstore, and he needed to pick up his prescription, so he told Ozma to meet him at the pharmacy counter when she was ready. Dimi had talked to his daughter all about stranger danger, and Cardinal Hill was a small town that felt much safer than Minneapolis had been, so he felt like it was alright to let Ozma have a little more independence. She wasn't a little girl anymore, a thought that made him equal parts proud and sad. As Ozma looked through the nail polish, Dimi headed toward the pharmacy counter, and he stopped dead when he saw her there. "Naija?" Dimi asked, barely able to believe it. "Is that really you?" Picking up his pace, Dimi walked quickly toward the counter, almost wondering if he was hallucinating. But of course he wasn't, and Dimi just looked at the woman in shock. "How long have you been here?" he asked, stunned.

[saccharinepet]

✶ 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ; summit sushi ✶ 𝐅𝐎𝐑 ; joel @ziggysarcana

Out of all the new places around the town, Summit Sushi had to be one of Naija’s favorites so far. Within the last two weeks she’s ordered from them almost every other day as the kitchen would close for good. So it came as no surprise when she beckoned Joel to meet her there for lunch as opposed to elsewhere. “I still find it a little crazy that you’ve returned with such clear eyes when it comes to this place. Remember all the shit you used to talk about back then?” Naija gave into a gentle laugh at just how oblivious to life they had been back then. She couldn’t consider Cardinal to be the most amazing place in the world - had absolutely loved Minnesota despite her last few months there - but the town had a way of growing on you the older you got. Walking through the streets now, she could see the appeal of it all. How her mother ended up staying despite her constantly asking her to move with them. 

“How are you enjoying the store, by the way? I don’t think I got to ask.” Naija said, maneuvering the chopsticks onto her fingers so she could take another bite. She wasn’t the best at handling the sticks, but at a glance nobody would really notice the extra second it takes her to pick up the roll. Spread around the table before them, aside from the large boat filled with their favorites, were gyoza and a side of edamame. “I meant to stop by sooner, but trying to catch up with so many people has definitely taken a toll on my social battery.” Not to mention the fights she lined up back to back the first week of her return. It was no wonder half her body felt like it’d been run over with a plow. 

[saccharinepet]

✶ 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ; the moonlit drive-in ✶ 𝐅𝐎𝐑 ; cubs @wcirdo

The last few months Naija couldn’t focus on the days enough to keep track of them. There were the before and now there was after Maija. Everything from before hurt too much for her to think about, and the after…? Nothing else mattered. Not the dates, not the hours, not the seconds in the day. To say that she felt numb from it all was an understatement, and sitting on the back of her truck now - taking in the largest puff of blunt that she could muster - her sorrows all seemed distant. As if they belonged to someone else entirely and she was nothing but an observer to it all. 

“I think sitting out here was a bad idea.” Naija said, blowing out the smoke and extending her hand over towards Cubs to hand him the blunt, “It’s fucking brick.” Snow had fallen the previous night, and while most of it had disappeared by this point, the chill in the air remained. Naija had gathered up some heated blankets to dress the truck bed, and pillows to hold them up as they watched the movie. There was no doubt in her mind that once they were beneath the covers it would all be alright, but for the moment she could feel her fingers ready to give in so she tucked them beneath her legs.

[saccharinepet]

Walking through the picturesque streets of Cardinal Hill, you find NAIJA DAVIS, the THIRTY7 year old pharmacist originally from Cardinal Hill, WA. Living alongside them in such a small town, you know that they’re allocentric and assertive, but what you might not know is that they are a HUMAN, and that they’re hiding something… ―

✶ 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 ✶ 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 ✶ 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 ✶ 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 ✶

✶ 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑐 ;

full name: Naija Marie Davis Agbani nickname: Nai birthdate: January 5th zodiac sign: Capricorn place of birth: Cardinal Hill, WA ethnicity: African American/Afro Brazilian gender: cis female pronouns: She/Her sexual orientation: Bisexual occupation: Pharmacist

✶ ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑠 ;

Born and raised in Cardinal - moved away at the age of 28 up until the beginning of December (2 weeks ago)

Has an unhealthy obsession with tea to the point that it's become a hobby

Has a new companion, a baby tuxedo kitten named Alma (meaning soul)

A lover of all things scary/horror

Extreme sport fanatic. While her focus is mainly on boxing, Naija does love going hiking, snowboarding, parasailing, mountain climbing, etc.

When she's not at work, Naija can be found at the local boxing gym training new members

✶ 𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑦 ;

tw: domestic abuse, child abuse, gore, child death, depression alluding

Only child to Jeffrey and Viola Agbani, Naija had a pretty normal start to life. She was smart and observant by nature with a will to accomplish great things in her life. From a very early age, she knew that she wanted to work in medicine like her mother. Not a nurse because she simply could not handle the thought of always being surrounded by sick people and death, but she enjoyed learning about medications and its plentiful effects on the human body. 

For most of early life Naija's family seemed like the perfect little trio. A loving mother who doted on her at all times and taught her to be the independent and strong woman that she is today. Her father, being a man of God who ensured his family feared the Lord as much as he did, wasn't afraid to use the great book against their sinful behaviors. 

The yelling had become such a normal part of her life that Naija at first didn't intervene. She didn't understand why her father was always yelling at her mother for the smallest of things, but knew that he was a man of God and his reasoning perhaps were justified. It wasn't until she was fourteen years old when she first witnessed the physical pain her mother endured at her father's hands. 

Naija had been present one night her father struck, and in a wave of shock and confusion she ran to shield her mother from the blow, only to be struck and thrown to the side with minimal efforts. There was nothing that she could have done, and so she covered her eyes and ears and waited for it all to come to an end. 

Her mother consoled her after, as if Naija had been the one repeatedly harmed. That's when Viola explained it all to Naija. The years of pain that her loving father had put her mother through after endless nights of drinking, and the reason for her staying despite it all. Naija had wanted them to leave. To pack their stuff and go stay with other family members, but her mother wouldn't budge claiming that her father wasn’t a bad man and just needed help. 

Determined to put an end to her father's reign of terror, Naija sought help. She didn't tell anyone about what happened behind her house doors, but found a family friend who helped her get stronger. He taught her how to fight in a ring, and before she knew it Naija had become a force to be reckoned with. 

Somewhere along the way, she met a boy who claimed her heart and never let it go. Sebastian quickly became her favorite person. The two began to date, and even though his family didn't particularly like her, Naija held onto him, promising to never let go. 

It wasn't until her first year of college, when she began to see more bruises showing up on her mother again. The last few years had been good, Viola promised her, but out of nowhere her father had begun drinking again. His outburst became more violent and his abuse only grew. 

During one of Naija's home visits after moving into college, her father punched Viola in front of her for the first time since she was young, and all of the anger she had been saving poured out of her. Naija attacked Jeffrey violently until blood gushed out of his features. That night Naija gave him the option of leaving and never coming near her and her mother again, or calling the police and ruining his precious reputation forever. That was the last time she ever saw her father.

It went without saying that her next step in life was marrying Sebastian. With so much negative energy around their relationship coming from his family, and the bad memories of her own life rooted into every corner of Cardinal Hill, the two decided it would be best to move elsewhere to start their new life.

Mere months after moving to Minnesota, they found out they'd be having their first child. Naija had never thought about kids before, and while she expected to have some of their own, the news caught her off guard. She had fights lined up for months in advance that she would go to cancel in preparation for the growing life inside of her. 

After the initial shock dissipated, Naija was overjoyed to welcome her daughter - Maija - into the world. Naija and Bash went out of their way to ensure everything they could ever need was at their disposal, and that their child wanted for nothing. 

A year in, they received heart breaking news that would lead to their daughter's early demise at the age of five. Despite the diagnosis, Naija saw no decline in their daughter's health over the years and so she told herself it was all a misdiagnosis. That the doctors didn't know what they were talking about because how could her beautifully healthy daughter be dying?

To say that day was the worst day of her life was an understatement. Naija still didn’t understand how her healthy baby could be ripped from her arms so effortlessly by this cruel world. Trying to navigate that darkness built within her, and her marriage felt almost impossible. Sebastian grew distant and later asked for a divorce, which she acceded to only because she hoped it was just the emotion talking. She was too in her head to realize how serious he was until he was gone, and then acceptance became impossible. 

It took only a matter of months for the divorce papers to arrive, but Naija wasn’t someone who gave up so easily. She kept hold of them in the hopes that Sebastian would return but when he didn’t she sought him out. Moving back to Cardinal Hill hadn’t been in her plans, but she would follow where her heart went. If he truly wanted the divorce still then she’d sign the papers, but if there was even an inch of him that wished to heal from this torture they were both going through together then she’d be strong and hold on for both of them.

✶ 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑠 ;

platonic ― naija was born and raised in cardinal hill so she'd have a plethora of friends and acquaintances around. this is including but not limited to confidant, best friend/ride of die, coworkers, volunteering friends, brunch buddies, gym connects, drinking buddies, and every day people that surround her. //

familiar ― has a very large family still in town so perhaps some cousins would be fun, or other people who have grown beyond friends and she considers family.

romantic ― this would be quite limited/new as she's soon to be divorced but old/new crushes, will they won't they, unrequited attractions, flirtationships etc.

antagonistic ― while she does her best to ignore those she doesn't care about, naija has always had a sharp and deadly tongue that only seemed to compliment her swift hands. there's definitely those people who get under her skin and vice versa.

[saccharinepet]

[saccharinepet]

[saccharinepet]

SACCHARINEPET , is a dependent and private blog in association with Cardinalhq. – as penned by stef, twenty8, her/she, est .

𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐉𝐀 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐒 〰 thirty7. pharmacist. her/she. bisexual.

𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 ✶ 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 ✶ 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄 ✶ 𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 ✶ 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒

𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑 , under the read more you'll find a list of what is currently sitting in my drafts. if you think I'm missing something please reach out <3

𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑑 - drafts .

Dimitri

Dolores

Cubs

Sebastian

Mora - starter

Rafe - starter

Max - starter

𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 - awaiting .

Joel