#convo ⸻ 𝔪𝔦𝔫𝔡 𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔯 𝔪𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @hairpintvrns

There were plenty of things Leandro could think of doing with his kids and more often than not he found new and creative ways to do the same task yet make it a bit more challenging and fun. He spent so much time focusing on their amusement that he frequently forgot how to properly make plans and stick with them when it came to adults. Or simply forgot how to be with other adults without thinking of what Lupita and Diego were up to.  Today wasn’t one of those days though. Plans all ready, Leandro made turns left and right to gather up all the belongings, counting off as he picked each one; water bottles, spare clothes, lunch, first aid, kaleidoscope, lavender oil - for mosquitoes of course, binoculars, and llama llama for Diego. Confident in his count off, Leandro made both the bags and set them by the entrance.  “Lupita! Diego! Come on, before Terry gets here.” He called up the stairs, before walking over to grab the breakfast burritos from the counter. Lea made sure to pack enough for the kids and Terry, as well as some for him to take. “How are we doing on sunscreen?” He asked, once they entered the kitchen only to be rewarded with two very apologetic faces. Shaking his head, Leandro walked around the island - handing each a burrito to start munching on while he applied their sunscreen.  Once he finished, Lea made sure to put the lotion into Lupita’s bag in case they needed to reapply during their hike. Just as his front door opens, Leandro’s phone dings a new message and he pulls it out of his pockets. “Good morning, Terry.” He greets them as he glances at his phone then sighs. His plans needed rescheduling which kind of bummed him out, but alas. “You got room for one more?”

[endlesswoes]

“Not at all, but thank you.” Lea replied with a large smile as his children found a booth for them to share. They were used to this routine. The first two years, Leandro had done everything in his power to protect and ensure their safety. Bordering the stained windows of the church to ensure they didn’t glance outside, to straight denying them a chance to walk outside when the sun was coming down. Five years deep and he was more willing to let them live a little more. 

It would have been too easy to keep them held up inside of the church, but that wasn’t a life worth living, and he didn’t want his children to be afraid of the world. Afraid of this place that they had no choice but to call home. So, he made sure to show them about, and stay outside until the ding of the bell each day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the diner, and lessons as well as playtime throughout the rest of the day. There were no books or homework for them to write, but each learned about the town and the plenty of ways that they - even at their age - could contribute. 

“Do you need help with anything while I’m here?” he asked, unbuttoning and adjusting the sleeve of his shirt before playfully adding, “That line could sure use a bit of work.”

The soup wasn't ready yet.

The diner smelled good. It was a homey, comforting scent that slipped out from the kitchen and wandered out the door, drawing people in . He'd started cooking it earlier that day, but this particular soup took a while on the heat, and Jake was nothing if not very specific with his rituals. Everyone in the doomed town knew that every now and then, Jake would get to making something special. When it happened, it was best not to rush his process. In fact, it was critical not to rush his process. Several people found out the hard way. So, the soup was not ready yet. It was a phrase he'd repeated several times already to everyone who entered looking for the source of the scent. And alas, here he was, about to say it again.

"The soup isn't ready yet," he grunted, peering out of the serving window with a frown on his face and a furrow in his brow. "Unless you want something else." His words were inviting, but the tone bled something different: don't want something else.

[storagefms]

STARTERS

➷Closed; name @ ↪ Location:

JUNO

convo ⸻ 𝔰𝔱𝔞𝔯𝔰! 𝔩𝔢𝔱 𝔶𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢 𝔰𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔢 𝔧𝔲𝔫𝔬 𝔠𝔬𝔰𝔢𝔱𝔱𝔢 ⸻ ft.

LEA

convo ⸻ 𝔪𝔦𝔫𝔡 𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔯 𝔪𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔩𝔢𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔯𝔬 ⸻ ft.

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @tonibeltran  at Aurora

Whenever Terry took his kids, Leandro did his best to find a way to entertain himself without them. Sometimes that felt like an entire mission, but today he had plans in advance. It wasn’t always easy finding himself amongst the crowd. Everywhere he looked it felt as though eyes followed him, and while he knew that some might, it had been far too many years since he left the church. At some point they’d have to stop staring and whispering, right? Lea didn’t mind it as much now as he did in the beginning but every time he faced a bar or club his mind wandered. Back then he could hear the whispers, and while he didn’t know if they were commenting on the sin his wife committed or the abruptness in which he terminated his lifestyle, he could only assume as time went on. Sol had been a ray of sunshine everywhere she went. Commanded a room when she walked in, while he followed behind ready to catch her when she stumbled. Except when it truly mattered he hadn’t been there. Did they talk about that? Did they wonder what happened within the walls of the Pastor’s home like some true crime junky?  With a sigh, Lea stopped stalling and made his way into the club. Aurora was well known, and had a not so palatable reputation within the church, so at the very least he could expect to not find any church goers within. Clocking Toni already at the bar, Leandro offered the male a smile and headed his way. “If I so much as hear that joke, I will walk back out, Toni.” he warned, giving him a look as he approached before reaching around to offer the man a side hug. “How are you?”

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @izuluzakwe

Dropping his kids off at school had always been one of the most rewarding and yet difficult things for Leandro to do. Yes, a whole new year of school began, but with that came a whole year of growth. Soon enough Lupita would be off to high school and then what was he to do? Already she wanted her nails painted, and her make up brushes and other nonsense that Lea had no clue about. If he could have stopped time, this would be the where.  Having already gotten Guadalupe to her building, Leandro made way with an overly jovial Diego while he carried two bags of supplies and a large coffee. The regular things; paper towels, pencils, tissues, and whatever other nonsense the school system refuses to provide for the teachers despite the money that came in. “Pórtate bien, amor. I’ll see you in a few hours.” Leandro said, leaning down to kiss his son’s head and urge him into the classroom before dropping off the bags and making an exit.  He was halfway through the hallway when he noticed Izzy inside of a room. Sporting a smile, he peered in to see distracted children and took the opportunity to approach. On his way into the school they had stopped for a donut and he couldn’t help but get her something too, knowing he’d run into her with intent if not by chance. “Well, good morning, Miss Zakwe.” he said, holding the coffee out to her, “Took the liberty of stopping for your favorite. Hopefully I remembered correctly.” 

Pórtate bien, amor - Behave, my love.

[hvneymelons]

LEA: Yes, of course! They have their own habitats with proper accommodations and weather system LEA: Or at least am working on the weather system, but that's taking a bit more brain power than I have access for at the moment jaja LEA: <image>

RORY: Sounds like Annie. I never know what's in store next, but it sure does keep me young, being on my toes this much > RORY is typing... RORY: Thank you. My condolences to you as well > RORY is typing... RORY: I am not RORY: Though I suppose they're probably like housing for bugs? RORY: Otherwise I'm afraid I'm imagining ur house a swarm of insects

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @jiakim

“Okay, okay, I’m going to need you to stop for a second.” Leandro said overwhelmed with the information already and all he had written were five things. His binder spread open over the dining table as he hurried to write down all the names and the details of where and how it was applied. “So you’re telling me there's really needs a device to help curl her already curly lashes? This is so absurd. Honestly, I think at this point they’re just making products to take your money. There's literally no way, Jia. None!”  With Guadalupe’s new found interest in makeup and nails, Leandro was doing his best to update his daddy/daughter binder. Somehow he hadn’t anticipated age ten to be the prime time for female evolution - seriously hoping that he had at least two more years before it all began. Or at least until she actually entered high school. The period talk had already been devastating enough, and even that he’d had help with.  “I’m going to need a second job at this rate.” he joked, shaking his head in dismay. The children were off to bed already, so at least he didn’t have them adding on to his current stress. A breather was well needed. “You want some wine?” he asked, standing up and heading for the kitchen, “I need a pick me up. And some adult conversation for the next five minutes before we get back into the chaos.”

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @thephoebeyates

Leandro took advantage of Phoebe being at the house with Lupita to run quickly to pick up some dinner without having to drag both the children along. He did take Diego, to ensure Phoebe didn’t have too hard a time while he was gone. The trip was a mere ten minute ride which meant at least twenty with his curious son, but before long he was parked and back inside the home.  “We’re back!” Leandro called into the living room where the two girls worked over some lessons. “How’s it going in here?” He asked, walking into the room after placing the food on the kitchen island. Meanwhile, Diego made a dash for his bedroom to finish up some ‘investigative work’ as he so vaguely put it. Leandro glanced at Phoebe and shrugged with a smile.  “Staying for dinner, yes?” He asked, looking at the clock then at the work on the table, “We’re having fried fish with mashed plantains.” For as long as he could remember Leandro had preferred fish over all other meats. He followed a pescatarian diet, and by default so did his children, but he wouldn’t be opposed if they decided to branch out and try other meats. "Figured I'd stop and get the fried fish to avoid the smell lingering around all night. How's it going in here?"

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @averyherochopra at Leandro’s place

With the commencement of school it was almost impossible for the girls to not want to come together and play after school. Leandro had become so used to Avery and her children’s regular presence that the children went off on their own around the yard while the two merely sat on the deck and supervised. Diego held onto Mars as if the sun rose and fell over the older boy. It was heartwarming to witness them having such a bond despite the enormous age difference between them. Despite the distance he could just picture his son naming off all the new insects he collected during their last hike.  Much like his son, Lea sat telling Avery all about the weather system he planned to install in the vivarium in his basement. So far they only had ants living within, but over time he planned on introducing all types of insects and watching nature take its course. It was a hobby he and his children enjoyed even if the set up could take months. “I also think we can get it to adjust weather accordingly on its own. That’s the goal at the very least. I found this guy online who made his own. Much bigger than mine of course, but I’ve been emailing back and forth with him about it.” Leandro, noticing Avery’s glass empty, moved to stand and extended a hand, “Would you like a refill?” They were merely sipping on mocktails as it was rather early and he didn’t like drinking in front of his children, however he enjoyed a fun and tasty drink so he opted for making them virgin horchata. His children’s grandmother had gone through the trouble of preparing and blending the rice for him so all he truly had to do was pour some ice, the drink, and place a beautiful layer of cinnamon on top along with a stick of cinnamon just for the giggles.

[hvneymelons]

It’d be wrong to laugh at his best friend’s expense, surely. That had to be written somewhere in bold prints, but Leandro didn’t bother to stop the chuckles from erupting throughout his body. Words need not to be spoken to describe the thoughts coursing through Cookie’s head as he watched Lea with threat written all over his features. It was so easy to focus on trivial things when the two came together. A space Leandro gained to not be so focused on his children and all the concerns he encountered himself with each year that came. With Deacon, Leandro could just be present in the moment. Lost in all the irrelevant nonsense they crafted up for one another even if it only ever lasted for a few moments.  It came to no one’s surprise that despite their lengthy history, the two lived completely different lives - were completely different people - and yet they came together so perfectly complementing each other. Leandro came from close to nothing and wanted for nothing more than life itself and happiness for his family, while Deacon came from riches and lived a moderately lavish lifestyle. Had the opportunity to travel and be a star along with some of the greatest in his career making Leandro so incredibly proud of him and his accomplishments. Even with the hurdles that tumbled along the way, Cookie had proved to him time and time again that there was nothing that could stand in his way if he so wished. That no amount of pressure could keep him down when his intent to rise bloomed. 

A smile dressed his lips as Lea walked into the home. Just because he had never dreamed of the luxury he found within didn’t mean he wasn’t phased by the uttered beauty in the home. The shiny floors and high rise roof that made his own humble abode seem like a shack in comparison. His eyes made quick scans of random objects that held little interest to him but somehow brought the rest of the home together. Ignoring the massive tree at the front entrance because that was simply unnecessary. “Honestly, you have me there because I do not recall.” Lea replied, having just barely remembered throwing some joggers and a plain white tee in a bag before leaving his home the prior day. He had to be ready for anything when dealing with children. One second he’d be fine and the next there’d be stains and fluids on his person that he had no clue where it came from. Diego wasn’t exactly the cleanest child.  “Don’t be ridiculous,” he commented with a roll of his eyes, “I’ll meet you in the pool in five. Last one in is a dirty fart.” And with that Leandro left him standing there, rushing over to one of the guest bathrooms to rinse off his body and slide into some swim trunks. Unintelligently he had done it in that particular order, which only added an extra minute to his quick change. He folded his clothes and placed them neatly on top of the bathroom counter before taking a last look in the mirror. Emerging to what he could only hope is victory, Leandro rushed out of the bathroom and caught sight of his best friend nearing the water edge. “Oh, no you don’t!” he called out from behind, shifting into a full on sprint to make it inside of the pool before Deacon, Lea screamed out, “Cannonball!” and jumped in.

Quite pleased? There’s nothing Deacon would like more than to wipe that teasing grin off his face—that makes one of them satisfied, at least. In truth, Deacon should be happy about the progress Leandro’s making. It’s far more important that Leandro, rather than he, would sustain a moderately healthy lifestyle, what with the former’s priorities in life. His children, for one. (He hopes his best friend knows that he’d die for them, but it’s hard, Deacon thinks, to let go of the desire to keep his distance. Knows that he’s hogging his friend’s time with them, such as it was.) His work as a counselor, for another. Far too many people depend on Lea, and Deacon, in truth, can count with only three fingers those who’d miss him when he was gone. Four, if he was lucky. 

And, well, maybe he is lucky, because Leandro does agree to spend a little more time with him. It’s enough for Deacon to decide that he’s done enough ruminating for the morning. Frankly, he thinks, he shouldn’t even be in a position to ruminate. His life is quieter now, his world far more settled. Sure, there was the pesky business of  his ailing mother, his restless sister, and his father who could stand to be more involved in each of their affairs, but the ache in his chest has abated, if slightly. 

He steps forward, then, leaving the sidewalk and tracing the familiar, leaf-strewn path to his home. “Yeah, yeah, we ought to rinse off first. You get first pick of the guest bathrooms, buddy,” he says, evasive, shifting his attention from Leandro’s figure to his house. Perhaps it’s a little too on the nose that his home should have a great white oak tree planted on its lawn, dotting the grass with irregular specks of light and shadow. He indulges in the thought that the neighborhood of Oak Gardens owes its name to this old home. Only briefly, though. His indulgences are only ever brief. 

A chuckle, short but incredulous, slips past his lips at his friend’s admission. “How do you not have a towel but have a change of clothing? What, I look like Towel Master to you?” He says, retrieving the keys from his fanny pack and making a move to unlock the door. Twisting the doorknob, he swings the door open, fully, and right to the side jamb, and holds out the door for Leandro to enter first. “Mi casa es su casa,” he chuckles, “See, I know my Spanish just fine. The guest bathroom is to your right, but there’s a showerhead near the poolside if you’re—” He shrugs, “—I don’t know. Like, aching to go or whatever.” 

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @rafaelmoldonado

“It was enormous, you should have seen it! I can’t believe I didn’t think to take a picture. The thing was a good forty six inches long, which is far bigger than we’re allowed to keep unfortunately so I had to throw it back into the water, but the girth on that thing?!” Leandro motioned with his hands to show exactly how large the fish he had caught was. He had been far too excited about the catch to focus on the type of fish it was - he’d have to ask Daniel, who had gone with him, to see if he knew. “I’m sure it was bigger than sweet Diego.” he continued with enthusiasm.  Fishing was something that began to interest him over the years as a way of connecting with friends. Leandro had spent so much of his time focused on the church and the children around the town he offered help to so when it came to bonding with his brothers he lacked normal experiences. Fishing gave him something else to bond over and share with one another, and now it turned into such a passion that merely talking about it brought him joy. “I’ve got to get you out there with me.”

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter:  @ftgrace  at Charity Luncheon

While his children were in fact in attendance at the luncheon, they were being cared for by his in-laws. The older couple had come as a show of support for charity and not exactly because they were allies, but Lea was certain it had more to do with him having informed them he’d be coming with a date. Did it make him a little nervous to have them so close when the only person they’d ever expect to see on his arm was their daughter? Of course, but he wouldn’t let that deter him from spending a great time with Grace who looked as - if not more - beautiful than ever before. Besides, they didn't stay long, and once gone he could feel the relief of not having their eyes on him.  After saying his farewell to them and his children, Leandro made his way inside once more to find where Grace had gone to mingle. It took only mere seconds for him to find her figure among the crowd and he v lined for her, stopping to grab two glasses of who-knows-what from a tray. “Sorry to interrupt,” he excused himself, handing over one of the glasses before extending an arm around her waist, “Want to go for a walk?” he asked discreetly as to not interrupt whatever conversation the others had around them. “I heard there’s a beautiful garden somewhere on the grounds.”

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @eclvpses

It had only been about a week since he last saw him, but Leandro was close enough to stop by the flower shop and make a visit. It also gave him some time to catch up with the youngster’s family while he was there. The kids were off with Maya enjoying their day away, which really meant Leandro had absolutely nothing to occupy his afternoon. It was a rare occasion, which would have easily been fixed if he had stayed home and worked on the weather system for his vivarium, but he promised Maya he’d go outside. Enjoy the world and everything that came with it while she took the nene’s to the arcade.  When he arrived, Leo was nowhere to be found and so Leandro made quick conversation with his relatives. From the very moment he met little Leo, Leandro had a natural urge to help out the youngster in any way he could. It’s been over two decades now, and still the two shared a bond that in time Lea thinks definitely helped his own relationship with his little Diego. Even if the two were polar opposites in both character and likes. Diego took so much after Leandro it was scary to witness.  Leandro had begun helping Marj with an arrangement when the front door opened and Leopold walked through. “Considerate of you to make it to work on time.” Lea joked, putting his hands on his hips as he gave the young florist a pointed look. “Sweet Marj here almost had to cut me a check. And I charge twice the minimum wage.”

[endlesswoes]

He always wished there was more he could say. More reassurance that he could give, or even a shred of silver lining, but the truth of their situation was that nobody knew what went on anymore. The world itself made no sense, and in order to keep himself from thinking the worst, Leandro focused on the little bit of his life that he could control. His daily activities, and plans to rise the following day. Keeping his thoughts away from the unknown and mentally bending reality that came out in the night. 

It wasn’t that he didn’t feel the devastation and sorrow in the air. The way each newcomer died a little inside when they realized that the people of Arcadia were as serious as the dead. Most people’s first thought was always the same. Oh My God. Or close enough to, not really understanding that while yes, God was merciful and good, He was also vengeful and fear worthy. That everything happening around them, if his life long teachings were true and his beliefs were real, was an act of His doing. A storm they were meant to evolve with and not let it consume them. Like Noah’s journey on the arc. A cleanse of sin, perhaps.

But those weren’t thoughts, Leandro wanted to air between them. Not when no good could come from those philosophes. 

“Lea will do just fine, Theo, please.” he requested with a more comfortable smile. He didn’t mind the respect, of course, having the position he did for well over two decades now, but in recent times it felt almost comical. When nothing could stop the storm outside their guarded homes, what purpose did it serve the people to pray? At least that’s what he’s heard time and time again. It certainly made him wonder and lose himself in thoughts he’d rather not touch. “Well, that absolutely depends on what you enjoy doing. We don’t have too much here, but you can find great joy in the little things. Nostalgia in old games you probably haven’t played since your early youth. Tell me, what did you enjoy back home?”

His gaze stuck to the walls, the light that casted fragmented patterns on the floor. He felt the real weight of his words sink into his heart. the kind of melancholic certainty in the air that made the silence feel too heavy. Theo took a slow breath as his fingers traced along leather, mind far from the texts inside. It was the uncertainty that stirred him. Questions that always seemed to claw at him when he allowed himself to stop moving, stop his mind from racing.

"I suppose," he started, his voice quieter now. He hesitated, like he was looking for something to grasp onto. "Maybe that's what I've been trying to do. Find some kind of peace in this storm." He let out a soft laugh, barely moving through the stillness, "I don't know if I'm meant for peace."

His eyes drifted to the door, as if anything beyond it could answer every question. "But I have to try," another pause, "because you're right. We have to try and make this His home, even if this place is alien to us." Theo rubbed a hand over his face, exhaustion and the weight of truth hanging there. "Thank you, Father, sometimes it's nice to voice your own thoughts when your brain is too cramped." Earnest, a smile fraying the edges of his lips, "What do you do for fun around here when you need a distraction?" Another question before he could turn the faucet of his mouth off "If that's even possible here." Did it exist in a place like this? Fun? Peace? A question he couldn't shake.

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @safaksoy at BHU

Leandro was wrapping in his office nearing the end of the day when he glanced up to find Safiye smiling at him at the door. “Well hello there, Stranger.” he called out with an equally matching smile, “Where have you been hiding?” Lea continued to gather his belongings around the room, only to notice a pile of unfinished papers he had yet to file and blew out a sigh. He thought he was all done for the day, but unfortunately God had other plans for him today. So much for catching Miss Izulu on his way to get Diego, but perhaps another day.  He shifted focus from his luggage to the pile of papers, assessing them for a while before he began. “What brings you around my neck of the woods this evening?” he asked, moving towards the side table where he alphabetically organized all his paperwork. This load would take him about a good thirty minutes to sort through before he could even attempt to file them. If he didn’t find filing to be rather relaxing he might have actually been upset about the situation, but he’d prefer to get it all done now and have a clean office Monday morning.

[hvneymelons]

Closed Starter: @valleyxrose at hospital elevator

It wouldn’t be a normal school year if at least once he didn’t find himself escorting his child out of the grade school building and into the hospital. Diego once more, was far too excited and clumsy during recess, earning himself a good old fashion shoulder snap on the monkey bars. It was nothing new - by this point his son was well acquainted with his physician. In need to find his son a snack while the doctor finished up paperwork, he left him with a nurse and headed towards the elevator.  The cafeteria was on the lower floor of another building, but instead of going straight down he passed through multiple corridors to the elevator closer to his destination. “Hold the elevator, please!” he called out, seeing the doors closing as he approached and sprinted into a light jog, making it just in time. “Thanks.” he spoke to the women standing inside then turned to push the L button only to find it already lit. “Good afternoon,” he greeted, “Hope your day’s going well.”