#acup: sage

[acuppellarp]

♬ Full Name: Alessandra Sage “Sage” LeBlanc ♪  FC: Vanessa Morgan ♫ Alternate FCs: ♪ Age/Birthday: 27 / November 1, 1991 ♫ Occupation: Crime analyst for the NYPD ♪ Hometown: New Orleans, LA ♫ Personality: blunt, nihilistic, frigid, whip-smart, irritable

From the time she was born, Alessandra LeBlanc was too smart for her own good. As the younger of the LeBlanc sisters, Alessandra couldn’t have asked for a better childhood. While she grew up in a rural part of Louisana, her father was a famous jazz musician and moved the family to New Orleans when his band started catching a big break.

Alessandra loved living in New Orleans. There was so much culture, history, and folklore surrounding the town that she couldn’t help but get swept up in it. She would listen to stories about voodoo, Marie Laveau, ghost hunting, and of the incredible food. She and her sister, Alison, took the most pleasure in roaming the streets in the afternoons, listening to music pour out of the restaurants on Bourbon Street. Mardi Gras was a party that resulted in their mother cooking and baking up a storm.

Family was everything to Alessandra. First, her mother Rebecca, a wise and kind woman with soft eyes and an even softer heart, who worked as a cleaning woman in the local hotel. But she could bake, and she could play the piano. She’d often play the piano for Shaw, the patriarch of the household, who was a wizard on the tenor saxophone, and whose career in music was supposed to drive them from the slums to easy street. Then there was Alison, who embodied all of the best possible qualities of both parents. She was every bit of the perfect older sister to Alessandra– the guardian, the protector. They were happy, and family always came first.

Tragedy struck Alessandra over the course of two years, one after the other. Alessandra never saw either of them coming, but shortly after she turned twelve years old, she and her parents buried her fifteen year old sister after a terminal illness caught too late, to the point where nothing more could be done. Alessandra felt so lost in the world after that, and it’s where she started to flounder. Her dad stopped playing jazz. Her mom started resorting to take out. The streets of New Orleans had lost its magic, but the family wouldn’t be there for much longer.

When Katrina hit, Alessandra was in eighth grade, and her parents made the wise decision to move away from Louisana and into lower New York State, instead. Alessandra’s mother had family in the greater New York area, and it seemed like a good decision at the time. This was when she started going by Sage instead– new life, new name, right? Any hope of making something new for herself faded away. Unfortunately, they moved into a community where children had been friends since they were in diapers, and a sullen, moody, pink-haired child wasn’t exactly on the top of everyone’s list to be friends with.

Between Alison’s passing and being displaced from her home, Sage never quite bounced back from the charismatic, know-it-all that she once was. No more would she run up to her teachers and ask if they wanted to hear about a math proof, or a fun fact. She kept to herself and lost herself in a world of books. Other people’s stories distracted her from her own, and she was found getting in trouble in class for reading books when she should have been paying attention. Even when Sage would be randomly called on, she could always come up with the right answer. Sage had the curse of being smart and being bored.

This was why nobody was even remotely surprised when Sage graduated as the valedictorian of her class, with a full-ride scholarship to Columbia University. She majored in Criminal Studies with a minor in Women’s Literature. Part of Sage wanted to go ahead and pursue a law degree, but people aren’t really her thing. She’s much better off behind the scenes, analyzing data and helping to solve crimes in that manner.

Sage is heavy– mentally, emotionally. She isn’t friendly, and she isn’t kind. She’s not like her mother and never learned enough from her sister on how to face the world with a smile. Instead, Sage relies on her ability to push people away in order to get by. One might think that she wouldn’t thrive in an environment like Acuppella Cafe, because it is a place that thrives on community and togetherness. The cafe has given Sage just that– a community of people who understand her (and plenty of those who don’t) as well as some of her best friends in New York City.

Pets: An adopted Bengal cat named Nefertari. Sage is convinced that this cat is a reincarnation of the famed Egypitan queen. She’ll bend over backwards to tell you that, too.

♬ Haley Sterling

Roommate. Sage can’t stand her, if she’s being completely honest, because Haley is far too peppy and happy for her own good. Sage thinks she’s a six year old child trapped in an adult body, and she has no patience for it. Sage tries to avoid her roommate as much as humanly possible.

♪  Scout Solano

While these two don’t seem to have much in common on the surface, they’ve fallen into a benefits situation. Calling them friends might be a bit far. Sage thinks Scout is absolutely gorgeous and has no trouble admitting that, but she’d much prefer Scout with her mouth shut. Or occupied.

♬ Darcy Allen

Best friends. There is absolutely nothing that Sage loves more than being able to sit in complete silence with someone and know that things are good. They’ll go on a hike, read a book, one of them will crack a joke, rinse and repeat. Sage would kill and die for her.

♪  Naomi Puckerman

In order, the top three things that Sage cannot stand: overly flirtatious people, people who feel the need to constantly mention how hot they are, and people who vanish from their job for six months and leave the weird post-nasal drip dude with pocket protectors as the only person for Sage to talk to. Puck? Puck is all three of them. They work together for the NYPD and while Sage isn’t completely offended by Puck’s existence, she finds the other woman very hilarious. She’d deny it under oath, though.

♬ Rachel Berry

Sage and Rachel bonded over having similar diets, and woefully looking inside the Acup pastry case. The two will often go out to lunch together and share their exercise habits and dietary tips.

[acuppaleigh]

TEXTS || OPEN

SAGE: I'm 99% sure that my apartment is haunted.

SAGE: And in this case, I don't know if I should be thrilled (which, obviously) that the spirits have chosen to co-dwell with me, or if I should be offended that my apartment is always... saged.

SAGE: (:

[sageleblanc]

@queensageoftheunderworld posted an instagram

when @starchildellie takes a picture of you taking a picture of her and puts the dumbest ass filter on it #stillrootingforpleventhoughshesanidiot 

[mikhailacey]

↳ instagram: @mikhailacey uploaded a new photo

That smile when you remember the delights of beachside ice cream delivery 📸: @sageleblanc

[serenasmythemd]

jemma, reggie, scout, aria, sage, theo

Do the sexy love™ with: Nope.

Sacrifice yourself for: Nope.

Kiss: Nope.

Take to prom: @ariayybrams​ As a means to make her Make-A-Wish ACup lesbian group date prom fantasy come true.

Abandon in Jurassic Park: Everyone else.  I don’t really know Sage and Theo too well, but they strike me as the type to enjoy this sort of stuff.  I hardly know Scout either, and as for Jemma & Reggie, too jail-baity for my tastes.

Push off a bridge (bungee jump optional)

@scxutshonor @itsjemmabitch @rocketpowerreg @acuppaleigh @acuppajeanne

[kateinvogue]

Rest Your Bones || Sam + Kate

Tagging: @kateinvogue & @goldenglovesam

Location:  224 Thomson St.

Date: March 13th, 2018

Summary: Sam and Kate spend the morning after Meme Monday having a serious conversation. 

Notes:  This para is complete.

Sam

Sam woke up to a mix of emotions, if she were being honest.  Last night had been another doozy, between Blair mistakenly sending her a naked photo and the reveal of Ellie and Blair having kissed.  Kate, understandably, had been upset and Sam hadn’t really known how to help other than offer her company.  Sure, they had spent most of Sunday together, but why not extend it.  As the sun started to shine through her window, Sam wrapped her arm around Kate’s waist and pulled her close.  She needed to get up to at least help Mae get ready for the day and to let Quinn know what was happening, but for now she was content just laying there.March 13, 2018

Kate

Whether it was the morning sun or the feeling of Sam's arms snug around her that woke her up, Kate wasn't sure. Her head pounded from the hours spent crying the night before, and she was certain her eyes would be puffy all day no matter how many cold masks she tried. She relaxed into the embrace with a sigh, giving voice to the thoughts that she had been too drained to speak last night. "It would be unfair to you if I said I was over Blair- I think last night alone proves that I've got a lot of work to do."

Sam

Sam's thumb rubbed softly against Kate's back as they both woke up.  And it wasn't exactly what she expected their first words to be about, but hey, Sam was constantly being surprised.  "I understand, you know I do.  And I know that Blair isn't over you, either.  Obviously, that's half of the issue, right?  That I ... swooped in or something?"  She closed her eyes, finally vocalizing things she had really only said via text.

Kate

Kate knew from the way Sam's body stiffened for a second that she had caught her by surprise. Her stomach tossed guiltily as she turned the response in her mind, grasping for anything that felt right. "From what I've gathered that's how she feels. Honestly, I was blind to the fact that she actually wanted to get back together until last week. Like, I knew that I wasn't over her, but I thought enough time had passed that going on a date with you would be okay. I'm just as much to blame." Carefully she rolled over so that she was facing Sam.

Sam

Even with the subject matter, Sam smiled as they faced each other.  "Neither of us can be responsible when she didn't tell us.  I don't know what kinds of conversations you've had with her, but she gave me every indication that this was okay.  That I was okay in asking you out."  Sam had a reasonable amount of guilt for the turmoil she had caused, but she still didn't regret it.  "I'm still going to try to gain back that friendship, but I want this, too.  I hope you're okay with that."

Kate

Kate smiled in return and felt some of the tension ease off her shoulders. "I hate to do the she said/she said thing, but Blair did text me good luck the night of our date. I don't know how she expected either one of us to read into it. For what it's worth, I wouldn't change my decision. I'm happy with you." She ducked her head shyly, her fingers worrying at the edge of the blanket. "I would never stop you from being friends with her."

Sam

"See?" Sam tucked a piece of Kate's hair behind her ear.  "We both tried and thought we were in the clear.  Now we're just...dealing with the consequences."  She tried to laugh without sounding bitter.  "I'm happy with you, too."  Sam grinned, fingers lingering along Kate's jaw.  "And good, I'm glad we have that out in the open."  This was new to her, being so open about feelings with the girl she was dating, even having feelings this strong.  Sounds of life were coming from the living room and Sam let out a soft groan.  "Let me go help Quinn, and I'll come back with some coffee?"

Kate

"Honestly, me too. It already feels like a huge weight off of me. And coffee would be much appreciated," Kate replied, knowing full well that only a concoction of  that and ibuprofen would do the trick of getting  her out of bed. The blanket was still warm from where Sam was laying and Kate breathed in the lingering smell of her shampoo. Despite everything that had gone down in the past 12 hours she was feeling remarkably calm, and she knew that a big part of that had to do with Sam. Kate pulled herself into a sitting position and pulled her wild hair into a messy bun while she waited for Sam to return.

Sam

Sam gave her a quick kiss before getting out of the bed, dodging any knowing looks from Quinn.  "Morning, ladies." She grinned, helping Mae with her breakfast and making both the cups of coffee.  "I'm going to take a mental health day today," she explained to Quinn.  Soon enough, the Fabrays were heading out for the day and Sam made her way back to the bedroom.  "Here we go!" She smiled, gingerly crossing her legs as she sat down.  "The day is ours to do with as we please."

Kate

Kate hummed a note of satisfaction as she grabbed the cup and took a sip, feeling more alive already. She cupped the mug between her hands, cautious not to let it spill over onto the bed. "I think I'm still trying to convince myself that you actually took a day off with me. We've never had an entire day together." The idea filled her with delight as she contemplated all of the ways they could spend it. A tumblr alert lit up her phone, drawing her attention back to the topic at hand. "You've been completely open and honest with me, so I'd like to do the same without you finding out through some meme. The only other friends I've been involved with are Blair and Ellie. Ellie and I have only kissed a couple of times, and obviously Blair was a serious relationship. I promise there aren't any others hiding in my baggage."

Sam

Smiling, Sam took a drink of her own coffee and relaxed against the headboard.  "Oh come on, I think we both needed a day where we didn't have to face the world.  Work stress on top of social stress is just the worst." She nodded, as if she had made some sage connection.  Kate's phone lit up and Sam was reminded again of how they got to here anyway.  "Well thank you, for telling me.  And even if I've said it online, I'm gonna tell you here that you and Quinn are the only girl's I've been with, but I've kissed Brittany and Aria.  I think Aria and I were just a little drunk, and we both realized we were meant to just be platonic soulmates.  Britt and I just hung out a little, but she's not really a relationship girl."  She didn't even realize she had been nervous of Kate's answer, but now that she knew, she was glad.  And her hurt made a lot more sense, too.

Kate

Kate listened carefully, letting out a breath she wasn't aware of holding when Sam came to the end of the list. She took another sip of her coffee, letting the warmth wash over her. "Is it ridiculous that I found this conversation more comforting than anything? I honestly can't remember the last time someone was this open with me..." It was hard for Kate to believe that they had only been dating for about a month. If the feelings fluttering around in her chest were any indication, she was falling hard.

Sam

Sam shook her head, stretching her legs out now.  "Not at all, Kate.  I just think that keeping things in leads to more bad things than good.  Personally, my face breaks out like crazy when I get too stress, no matter what causes it."  She joked a little, nudging her knee against Kate's.  "So, if you wanted, we can just chill out, have some brunch here and watch some TV.  I did want to pop by ACup tonight, maybe sing something for Open Mic?  Unless you had other plans..."

Kate

"So you're saying that if you start having a massive break out I should call in that favor I've got with Dr. Phil?" Kate teased as she carefully set her coffee down on a nearby nightstand and scooted herself closer to her girlfriend. "I think all of those things sound fantastic,.but perhaps I can suggest a small change of plans? Like some quality time together because I just can't get enough of you." She lifted her gaze to meet Sam's briefly before ducking down to leave a trail of kisses along her neck.

Sam

Laughing, Sam mirrored Kate's movement and let her arms rest around waist.  "That is a change of plans I can absolutely agree to."  She let out a soft sigh as Kate's lips dusted against her skin, something that she was finding more and more natural.  "Not that this was my initial plan." A small laugh came out.  After everything that had happened, Sam was glad they were easily able to get back to something resembling a normal encounter between them.  This was what she had planned, more or less, when she had invited Kate over: to clear the air, to comfort Kate, and to spend as much time as possible with her girlfriend.

[djjeffries]

Karate. Which ACup person(s) do you think could harness their inner black belt and chop a wooden board in half?

sage. with like both her hands and just a stare. 

@sageleblanc

[acuppaleigh]

tweet tweet

@queensageoftheunderworld: TFW you've booked your august vacation to italy and poveglia island is calling your name... #comelittlespiritsilltaketheeaway

[acuppaleigh]

Greek Mythology fun fact of the day: Cerebus was the three-headed dog owned by Hades, who served as guardian of the Underworld. Cerebus, in Greek, means “spotted.” So Hades, the actual God of the Underworld, Ruler of Death and Destroyer of Souls, named his dog Spot.

The more you know.

[acuppaleigh]

I finally succumbed to the world of peer pressure and watched the first season of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Can I just say, I love the lore that they’ve created there? I’ve never read the original comics so I’m not sure how much was created for the television show, but it’s got this beautifully dark vibe without being overly campy or downright scary. I’m excited to get through season 2, and I think Nefertari has a crush on Salem. Can’t blame her for that.

[acuppaleigh]

SAGE BELMONT: DREAM POKEMON TEAM

[acuppaleigh]

@queensageoftheunderworld just posted an insta:

throwing away my signature black ensemble for some denim on demin thanks to tonight’s #botb theme. feel free to fight for my loyalty in the comments below.

2.4k LIKES ♥, 724 COMMENTS:

[acuppaleigh]

MOODBOARD: SAGE BELMONT 1/?

she walked with darkness dripping off her shoulders, i’ve seen ghosts brighter than her soul

[acuppaleigh]

MOODBOARD: SAGE BELMONT 2/? FT. SCOUT SOLANO

[acuppaleigh]

QUEENSAGEOFTHEUNDERWORLD JUST POSTED:

If she gives me this look long enough, she can have my bed and I’ll take hers. #QueenNefertari

VIEW LIKES AND COMMENTS

[acuppellarp]

HAPPY 100 WEEKS OF ACUP!

We officially kick off that milestone on Sunday, and with it our Miami Week. Below the cut you’ll find a wealth of IC and OOC information about how the characters are getting to Miami, where they’ll be staying, and the happenings for each day of the week. 

OOC INFORMATION

While the overall ACup verse is rooted in reality, we ask that you have a bit of flexibility when it comes to this celebratory event. As such:

April, Serena, and Sugar are fronting the majority of costs for this trip. Specific costs they’re covering/not covering can be found below in the IC info section.

The NYC Public Schools’ final day for students is technically Wednesday, June 26, but for all intents and purposes related to the game, as noted on the weekly update from this week, today was the last for both students and teachers, which means there should be no classes next week preventing the city’s finest educators from enjoying a trip to Miami.

April has hired trusted temp baristas and a past manager to hold down the proverbial ACup fort for the week.

Knowing that there are characters who may not have a week’s vacation time available, or have the time but must put it toward another occasion, the conglomerate of April, Serena, and Sugar are willing to cover someone’s weekly salary if they need to take unpaid leave. 

And while we know that there may be characters less inclined to travel to Miami and spend a week with acquaintances/friends/enemies, we hope you choose to perhaps push your character beyond their comfort zone for the sake of the event. However, if you’re planning to not have your character attend, please message the Main so that the rooming list below can be adjusted.

PRIDE MONTH

Color Wars will continue throughout Miami Week, and characters will be able to earn additional points to go toward their group’s totals.

Any dash starters relating to an event on the Daily Schedule will be worth 50 points.

Any social media posts relating to an event on the Daily Schedule will be worth 25 points.

Completion of a Miami Week Daily Prompt will earn your character 25-50 points.

Characters will also have the chance to earn points of a wide range via what we’re going to call Flash Posts. These may from prompts, questions, tasks, etc. that are only available to earn points for a specific time period, or first-come-first-serve (e.g. the first three characters that respond will earn points).

Daily Prompts and Flash Posts will be posted via April’s blog.

And finally, BOTB points for this week won’t go to a particular band winning. Instead, points earned by characters will go to their respective Color War team totals. Specific point earnings for BOTB will be detailed on the normal Wednesday BOTB kickoff post.

IC INFORMATION

Flight, hotel room charge, transportation to/from the airports as well as any scheduled events (noted below on daily schedule), and daily dinners at the hotel will all be covered expenses. There is one group dinner on June 16; all other dinners if done on-site at the hotel can be charged to the room (does not include room service). Additionally, alcohol expenses charged at hotel bars will be covered as well. 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinners outside of hotel, as well as transportation to locations not listed on daily schedule will be covered by individual characters. 

DAILY SCHEDULE

None of the daily events listed are required. If characters wish to spend all their time at the pool/beach, or explore other parts of Miami, they are more than welcome. Listed events are essentially “sponsored” events where full costs and transportation have been covered. 

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

6:00AM - Meet at ACup at 6AM (coffee and pastries provided for breakfast) and board party bus (2 buses will be provided; a third coach will transport luggage).

6:30AM - Depart for Teterboro Airport.

7:30AM - Depart for Miami on a JetSuiteX Embraer 135.

10:00AM - Arrive at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and depart for South Beach hotel.

10:30AM - Arrive at W South Beach and check-in.

12:00PM - Enjoy the USWNT Round 2 match against Chile at the nearby sports bar Free Spirits.

6:00PM - April’s Showers match against Miami Shutout Machine at Flamingo Park Soccer Field.

9:00PM - Private group dinner at the RWSB.

MONDAY, JUNE 17

Beach/Pool Day.

Scout surfing Lesson #1

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

9:00AM - Depart for Airboat Rides Miami for Everglades Tour.

7:00PM - Tacos & Tequila Tuesday Dinner and Drag Show at Palace. April has reserved tables for all to attend, but attendance isn’t necessary.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

10:00AM - Day trip to Little Havana. Shuttle service drop-off provided for those interested in exploring.

12:00AM - Mynt Ultra Lounge. 3 Premium VIP tables and bottle service are reserved.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

3:00PM - Enjoy the USWNT Round 3 match against Sweden at the nearby sports bar Free Spirits.

8:00PM - BOTB: Miami Edition at Mango’s Tropical Cafe. Come support the groups as they take over the night’s Dinner & Show event.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Beach/Pool Day.

Scout Surfing Lesson #2

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

10:00AM - Check-out.

10:30AM - Depart hotel for Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.

11:30AM - Depart for NJ.

2:00PM - Arrive at Teterboro Airport.

2:15PM - Private car service will be provided to individuals/groups to return to their homes. 

W SOUTH BEACH

2201 Collins Avenue - Miami Beach

For rooming purposes, April has randomly paired or grouped characters together in either 2- or 3-bedroom suites. They can sleep wherever they want, but these suites serve as their home base/closet/etc.

SANCTUARY 2 BEDROOM SUITES

Balcony View  -  Floor Plan

Suite 1 - Santana & Harper

Suite 2 - Fiona & Kitty

Suite 3 - Riley & Evie

Suite 4 - Haley & Charlie

COOL CORNER 2 BEDROOM SUITES

Balcony View  -  Floor Plan

Suite 1 - Sam & Theo

Suite 2 - Lily & Aria

Suite 3 - Lara & Nora

Suite 4 - Spencer & Rachel

WOW OCEANFRONT 2 BEDROOM SUITES

Living Area View  -  Floor Plan

Suite 1 - Eva & Mae

Suite 2 - Hunter & Stacey

Suite 3 - Scout & Serena

Suite 4 - Reggie & Blair 

SENSATIONAL 2 BEDROOM SUITES

Living Area View  -  Floor Plan

Suite 1 - Jessi & Natalie

Suite 2 - Samantha & Lacey

E-WOW 3 BEDROOM SUITES

Living Area  -  Floor Plan

Suite 1 - Reagan & Jemma & Bea

Suite 2 - Shawn & Darcy & Sage

Suite 3 - Matt & Stevie & Lola

Suite 4 - Marley & Nicola & Kate

WET Outdoor Pool

W’s Private Beach