#santiagoint

[gloriouswhispers]

isla and ines' apartment santi, isla & ines

dinner with his nieces is rare. but something santiago cherishes. a small gesture that weaves their connection back to his brother. sitting across from isla and ines, he occasionally glimpses hints of their father in their expressions. a smirk that curls just like miguel’s, or a twinkle in the eye that reminds him of late-night conversations and shared secrets. more often, though, santiago sees traces of the woman miguel loved, a woman he knows only through fleeting mentions. it’s in the way isla's eyes crinkle with genuine laughter, or how ines tilts her head thoughtfully, embodying a spirit santiago has pieced together from stories and snapshots. the meals always consist of small talk and it's never long until the conversation lulls. silence settles over the table, broken only by the soft clink of forks against plates. santiago clears his throat, searching for a lifeline to bridge the growing quiet. his mind drifts to the institute, the common ground they all share along with the chaos swirling around them. chaos he never intended to suddenly feel so close.

'how are you both with everything? do you...er...feel safe?' santi asks hesitantly, his voice tinged with genuine concern. he meets their eyes, offering a small and reassuring smile. 'if you have any worries or anything, i can get a few guys to keep an eye on this place at night or something. if that helps you sleep better.' he nods, his sense of duty clear as he takes another bite, chewing thoughtfully. he watches for their reactions, hoping his offer doesn’t come off as overbearing. 'i hope nothing happening has made you want to leave?' he continues, his tone softening. 'because...well, it’s all...still being figured out, but i’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of it sooner rather than later.' @waterfallswords

[gloriouswhispers]

'don't do that.' santiago laughs at ines's quip. 'don't use my own words against me, that's not what they're for.' he adds, but his grin is wide at the mischievous look behind his daughter's eyes. he supposes she's never been any different, distinct memories that only feel like yesterday always at the forefront of his mind. her harmless ways of getting in and out of trouble. but it doesn't matter how recent anything feels, santiago is all too aware of the shift between him and his girls. particularly with ines. he can feel the resentment, even if she doesn't speak it.

a quick laugh escapes him at the question, santiago smoothing a hand down his suit arm with a proud nod. 'i feel bonita.' he chuckles, one of the only things from ines's sense of humor he understood. usually, she waves a phone in front of his nose look at this, isn't this funny? and santiago's responses without fail is, who's that? her humor is even evident now, the way she's trying to quietly prompt santiago to be fair with his disapproval. 'oh, don't you worry. she'll be talked to.' nevermind if he hasn't said a word to ines. the ice feels a little too thin, even with isla.

the shift from the youngest's lighthearted nature is quick, but santiago could notice the subtlest of changes from either of his daughters. this, though, is impossible to ignore. he can see how ines tenses, an emotion writing just behind her expression which she holds onto for a moment. he's not surprised when she finally asks, and santiago nods gently with his answer. it's his turn to clear his throat, grabbing hold of his whiskey. 'he's my son, ines. and it's for family. elliot's gonna be there. kat, if she wants. i bet zey is, too. it'd be wrong.' and he's trying to do the right thing by everybody, even if he knows ines has decided it's too late.

"I think I listen." Ines chuckles keeping her tone light with a playful innocence. "Like, you can listen and still think someone's wrong." she adds with a more mischievous grin but her tone is affectionate and warm for her father. She knows how teasing can get close to disrespect, however and watches where she steps. And right now, Ines can feel how there's a slight tension that usually wouldn't be there. Ever since Carina appeared, little Toby, she can't quite look at her father in the same way. And she knows he knows it, too.

The little hidden flowers in Santiago's suit bring a more genuine smile across Ines' lips, chuckling at Isla's humor but she gives her father a sincere nod. "She was right, though. It's a great suit." even if Ines will stand by her initial statement, that seeing her father in a suit will always feel a little strange to her. "Do you feel bonita?" she adds, raising her brows with excitement for the one meme Santiago managed to understand.

Ines has long since accepted that her and Isla will always be Santiago's little girls, and given how he raised them, she's not surprised to feel the undercurrent of disapproval in the way her father reacts. It's been a long time since it's effected her, though. And since Carina and Tobias, Ines doesn't think her father has a single right to be so opinionated on anything that equates to morals nor dignity. But still, arguing with him is the last thing on her mind and she smiles slightly. "Both?" Ines shrugs sweetly, moving with him to the bar.

She tries to appear casual at the mention of her training, instead nodding at the plans for a family get together. Ines is undecided where next life is calling her, because there's only one thing that seems true to her. She can't seem to find the point anymore in the one sport she's loved since a child. "That sounds good, I'll ask her." Ines nods gently, accepting the help up onto the barstool with a chuckle as she takes her drink. But then, she's quiet, nails tapping against the glass slightly as Ines tries to fight back the burning question. Eventually, it wins and she glances to her father. "Is um...are you gonna invite Carina and Toby?"

[gloriouswhispers]

the wards santiago & charlie

santiago strides through the narrow streets, the familiar hum of life echoing around him. charlie's message rattles in his mind, how it's not like her to reach out. not since luke. he can't help but wonder what trouble has found her this time. he approaches the apartment building, eyes landing on charlie just outside. her posture is tense, more so than usual and he follows her gaze to two figures loitering nearby. further down the street, almost in the shadows. their body language may be indifferent, but santiago's instincts say otherwise.

'hey, charl. you called, what's up?' santiago says once he nears charlie, ensuring his eyes stay on her. focused while keeping a vague view of the men in his vision. they seem just as watchful. and charlie seems to take sharp glances in their direction. 'them? they why you called?' he asks, making it appear as casual as any other conversation. 'kinda look like they're waiting for someone.' santiago muses, deciding to glance through the street for another chance to study the men. 'think it might be for one of your tenants?' his hand lazily gestures to the building. @dxrkenedheights

[gloriouswhispers]

the wards santiago and carina

santiago cradles tobias against his chest, feeling the gentle rise and fall of the baby's breaths. the tiny home is quiet. just the two of them, almost in a bubble of their own. the noise of the wards long forgotten about. tobias curls a chubby hand around his father's finger, making santi laugh as he shifts carefully, rubbing circles on his son's back, eyes tracing the delicate line of tobias's nose, the flutter of his eyelids as he drifts in and out of sleep. it hits him, like a wave that leaves him breathless. this moment, it's almost too familiar. his mind drifts back to when ruben and ines were this small, this new to the world. back when beatriz would walk in with a sleepy smile. it feels like she might appear any second now, her footsteps soft and sure.

but the door creaks open, and it's not beatriz. it's carina. her eyes are warm, gentle, as they land on him and tobias. she's done nothing to earn his doubt, nothing but care for him in ways he thought he could never want again. yet, the guilt twists inside him, sharp and heavy, like a betrayal.

santiago forces a smile, though it comes out more tender than he expects. 'hey.' he says softly, voice still dipped in the warmth of the moment. 'he just had a bath.' he glances down at tobias, his expression softening. 'but he's kinda...stubborn.' santiago admits, his chuckle escaping and just like that, toby's wide eyes are open again. 'think er...think i lost the sleep hack.' but it was beatriz who had always been able to get ines and ruben to sleep so fast. santiago won't even dare try singing to toby, just incase it hurts the poor boy's ears. 'but if you can get him down, he can stay tonight? you don't need to take him back.' @wilddwcrds

[gloriouswhispers]

the wards santiago and ines

it might seem overbearing for santiago to be moving through the wards with his daughter tucked under his arm, hand tight at her slender shoulder. it's the only way to not lose ines in the crowd, one that can become fights or chaos within a breath. it's busier today than usual, and santiago doesn't like it. he thinks he can smell trouble in the smoggy air. a tension that years of experience tells him can snap unexpectedly.

if he could, ines would be perched on his shoulders. just as she was when she was a child. he still could now, but only this time with more protest from her. 'i got a message to isla that you're up there today. she might come down to see you for lunch or something. whatever it is you do.' he mentions, but his attention is constantly scanning as they walk. he takes ines to the station every day since her acceptance into the ascend program. seeing her off, and collecting her from the same place if he can. if he can't, then it's ruben. 'you two getting along, right?' santiago then asks, now curious as he peers down to nes.

nothing ever seems to bother her. but from what he's seen so far, he's always caught the sound of isla and ines laughing together. taking it as a good sign. 'i'm not really sure the next time she's gonna come down. maybe ask her if you see her. would be good...' to be all together but santiago quickly remembers that the last time, carina was a face present at the table. and now, he's barely said more than three words to her. conversations barely moving on from anything unless they're to do with tobias. 'you know. get some good food. a real party this time.' @rviner

[gloriouswhispers]

santi gives another nod, letting elliot know he's sincere about the goods and a slight laugh escapes him. 'what you trying to say?' he grins, not offended by the truth. but now ruben and ines are older, its been slightly easier to get by. 'think you crosses got the most to feed.' he thinks for a second about the size of their family before chuckling, scratching his ear. 'if not the most, got the loudest.' santi adds teasingly, a small cough following from the sound.

as for fennick, it's hard to know whether to be concerned or not. he comes and goes like a ghost, but there's usually some sign where he is. or at least a hint for when he might return. 'hope nothing happened. got a few things coming up, kinda need him.' santi's mind is forever turning but he waves a hand so he can focus. 'i'll talk to wolfy about it, don't need to worry right now.' he spins a finger by his ear, signaling that it's still all being fine tuned through his thoughts.

the older man's smile turns fond about isla. despite how strange it is, and new it is...there's no other option, in santiago's opinion. she's his daughter, and then there's thirty years of lost time to find. 'yeah, it's...' his tone doesn't seem too happy, though. the risk of isla constantly coming down to the wards. 'it's hard for us to get a schedule going so it's kinda as and when right now. but i was hoping...' he feels bad asking but, her safety has quickly become his priority. 'if you don't mind, could you be the one to take her back when i can't? it might be short notice, especially if she just shows up and there's something i can't get out of.' santiago explains, looking to elliot hopefully. 'but i trust you, el. you're a good kid, i know it's a lot to ask and a lot of risk but i'd make sure you got paid for it. and if not rats, then food.'

Elliot dips his head at the sight of the box. "Ah, thanks, you sure?" He glances around the kitchen, at the tell-tale signs of a full house and shrugs. "You got a lotta mouths to feed here." Especially now with a new son and daughter. "I'll let them know you sent it." He accepts, taking the seat opposite Santi. He respects his drive for equity all around, and he's grateful to be on the receiving end of it. Even if he suspects it's repayment for his earlier favor. Which, if Elliot's being honest, didn't feel like a favor at all.

"Shit, yeah, I heard. Maybe with all the uppers ...figured he should lay low?" Which makes sense but is a real pain in the ass for TPC. "He'll be back when it settles. Usually is." Or maybe he's gone off station. But he doesn't say that, knowing it would be bad news if that was the case. "We're good. Givin' Wolf and Ryan a hard time but nothing outta the ordinary." He shares before canting his head a bit as he listens. If Santi needs something, it's usually important, since he wouldn't ask for a favor otherwise. But who the favor is regarding takes Elliot aback. He blinks slightly and nods. "Yeah, 'course – it weren't no big deal...it's good she got a way to visit y'all too. She gonna visit again? I mean, just seems like y'all had a lot to talk about. Catch up on..." Which is none of Elliot's business but they had talked on the way back to the shuttle, and it seemed like she was keen to visit again.

[gloriouswhispers]

grand gala santiago & elliot

there's a delicateness to life right now and santiago is all too aware of it. his initial distaste towards the cross now has no place to surface, considering he's cece's father. and when given the opportunity to hand over information, elliot refused. the latter earns him a boat load of respect in their world. but still. santiago's overprotective nature towards his daughter's will never disappear. even now, as isla and ines dance together, he notices every pair of eyes on them. he also notices a slight stare from jakob ranstrom, a frown moving over his lips in response. before he then notices elliot's.

it's like a bombardment that makes santiago approach instinctively, appearing right in the middle of elliot's view to break his eyeline from isla. 'i know you were invited as a guest tonight, but would you mind if we talk a little?' despite the polite tone, santiago isn't asking and is already moving for elliot to follow. he means the two of them talking business and nothing sinister but he doesn't mind the thought of elliot stewing in a little anxiety while he leads them from the party.

once in a secluded enough corner, santiago barely looks to elliot and instead watches the crowd. 'i want a few decoy conversations set up next to a few people. it will be dud information. we set a little trap for who shows their face.' or rather, the poor people they get to do their bidding being kept until they say who they work for. 'you can have these conversations with your brothers somewhere that seems like you're trying to be quiet but making sure you're heard.' he says smoothly, glancing to elliot finally. 'and don't...' tell isla. but he thinks that goes without saying. santiago's head tilts to the side, as if checking that elliot can finish the sentence for him. @ofwrxth

[gloriouswhispers]

'name one person that's ever said you're the fun one.' santiago counters with a laugh on his lips, pausing for a dramatic second, arms raising in a playful challenge. 'no un alma.' he says before cruz has a chance to respond, another laugh escaping. but the sound fades as santiago clicks his tongue to his brother's retort. waving a hand, the older alvarez quickly dismisses the notion. 'i smile when it matters, alright? i can't control my face. only one i got.' in the literal sense, maybe. but santiago is more than aware how he slips into an alvarez charm when it means business and money. 'mm, maybe if you tried a lil harder, it wouldn't be down to me. i'd pay good money to see you being nice to someone you hate.' he's quickly laughing again, just at the thought of cruz sticking on a smile.

it's practically instinctual, the way cruz and santiago fall away from their teasing when work calls. it's never far away, after all. the older brother nods gently, eyes scanning the room as he listens to cruz. 'yeah, same with you. i think they're here, though. i feel something's a lil different this year.' but unfortunately, he can't say what. or who. the mention of elliot, however, is enough to prick at santiago's ears and he does a double take from the cross and his daughter back to his brother. 'she invited him.' he says about isla, waving a hand discreetly in her direction. 'he's family, though. i've never said he wasn't.' even if it's...slightly different. and unwillingly. 'but he still works. don't piss me off, huh? i just got here.'

"Miserable?" Cruz immediately laughed, glancing from their father to his brother. "Oh come on. Just 'cause I think most people are assholes doesn't mean I'm miserable. You smile like it costs you half of your fucking soul." he added with amusement for the brotherly back and forth but he did know Santiago was right. If the whole networking, building connections side of their work was down to him, he'd more than likely be making more enemies than friends. "Gotta play to our strengths." he shrugged, a grin remaining for a few more moments.

When the conversation turned to work, however, Cruz was easily swept into a serious demeanor. He gave his brother a thoughtful nod, also trusting their father's judgement. Miguel had years to hone his intuition, meaning it was rarely wrong. "Yeah, I haven't noticed anything yet but I'll let you know if I do." if anything, he mainly noticed the fact Elliot wasn't with his brothers. "He climbed a few ranks?" Cruz teased giving a slight nod to the Cross with Isla. "How long he got until we call him family?"

[gloriouswhispers]

just as santiago and elliot start digging into the reason for the cross's visit, the words fade out. so, those disruptors you got hold of...santiago catches movement out of the corner of his eye and looks up to see rafael stepping through the door. no matter how calm and composed rafael tries to be, a father always knows when his son is carrying something heavy. 'sorry, el. we'll hold that thought.' santiago says, leaning back in his chair as rafael approaches.

'shit, that was today?' he mutters, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly surprised. and clearly, his mind trying to catch up to what day it is. there has been nothing but chaos, and santiago's certain it's only a matter of time before the news of the masked attackers gets twisted, placing the blame on the phoenix collective if they're not careful. he watches rafael's eyes flick to the window, where a woman stands with her back to them, holding the sleeping boy. santiago sighs, the sound almost perfectly in sync with his son's. 'nah, i don't blame you. the anchor's no good for something like this.' he mumbles, eyes narrowing slightly as he thinks. his gaze shifts toward lola and ines's room, the closeness of the situation gnawing at him.

'problem is, if everyone's saying no, what if you don't find anywhere in the morning?' santiago drums his fingers on the table, thinking aloud, tension creeping into his voice. 'raf, this...can't become a habit. you know that.' he pauses, catching rafael's eye. 'they can't take yours and xav's room.' there's a beat of silence before santiago gives rafael a knowing look, his thoughts drifting to xavier and all the intel he collects. 'but...we don't see people on the streets. we can clear out the storage room.' he says, tone soft but firm. 'only fits one of them, though. the other will have to take the couch tonight.' santiago still isn't done thinking, once again looking to his daughter's room. 'yeah, let them through. we need to figure out something for them to say if curious and curiouser talk to them.' @ofwrxth

closed starter, alvarez apartment rafael & lots of people

Rafael steps into the apartment, his movements casual but there's an urgency simmering beneath. It's been a long night trying to secure a safe place for Ramona, Carina, and the small boy, Toby. No luck. The streets are hostile, their wanted announcements flickering on every billboard like a silent curse. Most doors slammed in his face before he could even explain. Now, they linger just outside, waiting. Rafael gives his father a nod, acknowledging Elliot with a brief smile, steady, but his mind's racing.

"Hey, El." Rafael says, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm… well, there's a lil problem." he glances at Santiago, offering his father a simple but defeated shrug. "Look, Dad, I've tried everywhere. For the RR members. I pulled strings I didn't even know I had." he chuckles weakly, eyes drifting to the window and catching a glimpse of Carina, holding Toby in her arms, the young boy fast asleep. He sighs. "Only person I haven't asked is the anchor, and we both know how shaky that is." he doesn't need to explain further. "After the other day, everywhere's locked down or people are spread too thin." Rafael mutters, glancing back to his father. "Figured me and Xav can give up our room for the night. I'll try again tomorrow, something might've come free."

It's not ideal. In fact, it goes against Santiago's golden rule of never bringing TPC home. Rafael is just thankful Lola and Ines aren't cluttered around the small dining table. "She has a kid, dad." Rafael then whispers, as if urging his father to do the right thing. Something he knows Santiago does often. "They've had next to nothing to eat, I got a few things for them but their craft came in like two hours ago. It's been a long day for them." @gloriouswhispers

[gloriouswhispers]

santiago watches isla move through his cramped kitchen with an ease. and it should feel strange, seeing her here. but it doesn't. she claims the small space as if she has done her whole life, when in reality they've barely shared more than a handful of moments together. he lets out a quiet chuckle as the smell of whatever she cooks fills the room, something warm and rich, completely out of place in a space this rundown. 'yeah, smells like you're a better cook than i ever was.' he says, his voice soft as he chuckles. not like there's many opportunities to make a meal so big when you're from the wards.

'they'll love it, i bet. ruben definitely will, he would eat the walls of this place if he could.' he laughs. 'he'll probably try and recreate this.' santiago adds, nodding to the dish he puts down on the table. 'you didn’t have to do all this.' there's a warmth in his tone, but also a layer of something more. caution, maybe, or guilt. he glances at the bottle of wine she's packed in so neatly, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. 'you got talent, i'll give you that. sneaking this past everyone. but isla...this isn’t a game. it's dangerous down here, you know that, right?' his words come out gently, but there's a quiet concern underneath.

'i don’t want you putting yourself at risk like this.' not for him. but he can see the determination in her eyes. there's a fire there, something that reminds him of...well, maybe of himself, back when he thought he could take on the world. the suggestion of finding a schedule both warms him and worries him, but santiago nods faintly. 'we could do rotating week days? something like that?' he shrugs and waves a hand to the food she's brought him. 'but don't do this again, okay? sorry that you gotta eat noodles when you're here, though.'

now he grins, picking up his knife and fork to take the first bite. and santiago isn't prepared for the flavors that hit him. 'oh my god.' he remarks, still chewing as he glances to the plate and then to isla. a small laugh escaping as he sits back, dropping his utensils and wiping his mouth. 'well, maybe you can bring some stuff every so often. i could ask el to go up for you and bring it down so you won't get caught with it.' he's only joking, risks are only worth it for the real deal. 'oh, i gotta...i forgot to say, he's gonna get you back home tonight. i hope that's okay?'

location: the wards, alvarez home

starter for: isla velez and santiago alvarez @gloriouswhispers

;

This isn't the first time Isla has been in The Wards, spending time with the father she never knew. But, it is the first time that she brings food from Olympia with her. Isla doesn't consider it should even be called smuggling, bringing food to her literal family. Nor does she think it should even be needed. She was careful the whole way, only bringing what she could hide in her bag. Just enough to make a difference, and also not too much to make it look like she has pity for her father's life. Pity is the wrong word for it. Anger is the better word, how people live like this and it's never even addressed or talked about where she's from.

Instead, Isla brings just enough to make it seem as if she's obsessed with a new recipe she wants to cook for Santiago. Overtaking the small kitchen as if she owns it, shooing him away from her as if she's known him her whole life. Maybe the bottle of wine was a little excessive but Isla worked out how to pack it so it never once clinked while she walked.

"Smells good, right?" she beams, plating up and bringing over the food to the small table. "There should be enough for a second helping, and er...it can be reheated? For when Nes and Ruben come home." she smiles widely, only slightly disheartened that her brother and sister weren't there, but it does mean a better chance at talking with Santiago. "I tried to get a message that I was coming but..." Isla frowns slightly as she sits opposite her father, both of them knowing that it's difficult and risky if there's too much communication between them. And messaging in codes looks just as suspicious too. "I have an idea that might help but...maybe we could work out a schedule that looks random but isn't? Does that make sense?"

[gloriouswhispers]

santiago sprints through the back alleys, his breath coming fast, rafael keeping pace just a step behind. the chaos around them is thick, and all he can think about is finding the rest of his children. xavier should be walking ines back from the train stop by now, which pushes santiago further, leading him from the workshop to the main street of the wards, where the sounds of destruction grow louder with every step.

when they reach it, it's hell. debris is scattered, flames licking the edges of crumbling structures, and masked figures tear through the crowd like a wave of darkness. people are running, some fighting back with whatever they can grab, others seizing the moment to loot whatever's left. it's a mess of screams, smoke, and shadows. and then he sees her. ines down on the ground, lost in the crowd surging around her, making it impossible for her to get back to her feet.

'raf, stay close!' santiago calls out, his voice sharp. he charges into the tide of bodies, shoulders and elbows cutting his way through the crowd, every shove filled with a force that demands they get out of his way. he's not even aware of the bruises forming where strangers' limbs slam against him. the only thought pounding in his head is ines and her safety. his hands reach for her, grip firm and unrelenting as he grabs hold of her, keeping her to him in the middle of the flood. pulling her up, he doesn't even slow. he tucks her close under his arm, her safety the only thing steadying his own racing pulse as he plows forward, creating a path through the madness. 'you okay!?' santiago asks, voice swept with worry and fear but his determination is sharp as he peers down at her.

just then, xavier appears beside them, breathless and wide-eyed, clearly shaken. santiago's gaze flicks to him, a quick once over to make sure his son's unharmed, before he refocuses. 'yeah, everyone's got the same idea to take them. you good?' he asks as they push forward, but the question about lola churns a new rising fear in the back of his mind. 'i don’t know where she is. we gotta keep moving, we'll get back home and-'

but before his words can finish, he hears a sharp crack from above, louder than the shouting and chaos around them. he glances up, eyes widening as he sees a power line snapping loose from a building, sparks flying wildly from the frayed ends. the line swings down, the metal cable hissing as it connects with the ground, a spray of sparks lighting up the street just steps away from them. 'watch out!' santiago yells, releasing ines just long enough to push her and his sons back, shielding them to the best of his ability as the line hits, the impact sending a wave of bright, angry sparks scattering across the ground. the current racing through the metal grate beneath them.

'move, go, go around!' santiago urges, his hand grabbing hold of ines's arm and keeping her close as xavier and rafael take the lead. all the while he thinks of a route home, eyes darting through the chaos that surrounds them, hoping that by some miracle he'd see a flash of lola's pink hair. 'nes, has lola told you where she'd be today?' he asks, not glancing to his youngest as they charge ahead. @secrettyrant

Ines rushes forward, each heartbeat crashing against her ribs, as if the fear pulsing through her might burst free at any second. The lingering heat of the explosion clings in the air but Xavier's grip on her shoulder steadies her, keeps her from spiraling completely. Her mind fractures, pulled in a dozen directions as worry tugs her back toward Lola, Rafael, Jakob. "Can't we use the back roads and go-" she starts, turning instinctively, but Xavier's sharp order to keep moving cuts through. Her legs propel her forward, even if her whole body swarms with worry.

The street is a blur, bodies colliding, people surging like a desperate tide, each of them scrambling with no clear direction. Ines mutters a soft, breathless "Okay..." her voice barely audible above the din, trying to focus solely on the idea of home. Somewhere safe. She spots their usual turn up ahead, but it's flooded with people, the same frantic idea driving everyone. Ines swallows hard and keeps going, pushing her legs to match Xavier's relentless pace.

Without warning, a body barrels into her side, a man scrambling past in his own desperate bid to escape. The impact knocks her off balance, and she crashes hard onto the ground. Pain ricochets up her legs as her knees hit the metal street, her palms scraping against the rough surface, and for a split second, everything spins. She catches herself, but the crowd swarms around her, bodies moving too fast, feet nearly trampling her as she scrambles to regain control.

Dazed, her eyes dart frantically, searching the chaotic blur of faces for Xavier. She can feel the ache pulsing through her hands, but the urgency screams louder than the pain, pushing her to her feet even as her legs wobble. She stumbles, glancing around desperately. She's lost him. "Xav!?" Ines's voice is hoarse as she calls out. She forces herself upright, pushing against the current of people, to the best of her ability. "Xavier!?"

[gloriouswhispers]

santiago leans back, his gaze sweeping the dinner table with a quiet pride for his children. it only settles deeper after the chaos of everything. the risk, the danger they all faced and still face. tonight, he lets that all fall away, focusing instead on the simple joy of having his family together, still in one piece. the mess waiting outside these walls can stay there. for now, they're all here, laughter already building as he catches xavier's quip and ines's quiet mutter. a brow arches, his smirk twitching just enough to show his amusement.

'she's with her sister and lil toby.' he says, his voice calm, letting his words slide over to ines, who's looking for something more than just an easy answer. as always. he grins as rafael jumps in with a perfectly diplomatic reasoning and santiago gives a small nod of agreement, eyes on his cards, arranging them in his hold. he tunes out the bickering that floats back and forth between his children. grown or not, he knows they'll never stop needling each other over the smallest things.

he glances up over his cards, his gaze settling on ines with a warmth that's never left him when he looks at his youngest. 'don't go asking her and ramona about all that, right?' he advises, with a grin that holds just the slightest edge. 'it's probably not a nice situation. doubt they'd wanna talk about it.' it's a lie, but it's not. a delicate line he walks. just like the silent secret they're all in on about tpc. santiago knows ines and lola know, but it's never talked about. not once. he still shields them from it, to the best of his ability.

'don't know why you're fighting each other already...' he grins, letting the pride settle heavy in his tone. 'we all know who's about to take every one of those tokens.' he waits until rafael takes his turn, then leans in, the grin on his face widening as he draws another card instead of playing one of his own. he does this every time, building a strategy, smugly and quietly. 'anyways, with carina here now for the foreseeable, it got me thinking about moving you around.' santiago announces as the game continues, but his eyes set on his daughters. 'you two should take the boy's room, they've been in the smaller one long enough. about time for a change.' and the fact xavier and rafael's room doesn't have a window has nothing to do with it. @dxrkenedheights

alvarez apartment

xavier and the fam @rviner

"Carina won't wanna play?" Xavier asked, shooting his father a grin as he set up the game in the middle of the dinner table. The dishes could wait until later. "Where is she, anyways?" he added, already getting somewhat used to their new roommate. A roommate that just so happened to be on a wanted list, but of course, that wasn't a family discussion. Not in front of Lola and Ines.

Speaking of which, Xavier had to admit both of them seemed annoyed that game night even started up again. He glanced at his sisters, making an offended face at their expressions. "Why do you both look so moody? Geez." he teased, opening up the box and portioning out Quantum Tokens for everyone. "I think tonight's gonna be fun, 'cause we haven't played this for months, so." Xavier huffed out while he shuffled the cards, dealing them out to everyone. But as his eyes scanned over the table, he quickly noticed how his entire family looked a little...unenthusiastic. "Am I the only person who thinks this game is good? Why the hell you all say yes for?"

[gloriouswhispers]

santiago waits patiently, watching as the familiar sibling squabbles unfold in front of him. he doesn't intervene, not at first. he never does unless things go too far. instead, he watches with a grin, listening as the noise fills the small apartment, reminding him of just how much life is crammed into this little space. but it's only a matter of time before ruben and xavier take it too far, and santiago sighs. he clips both of them around the ear, lightly and quick. 'hey, enough.' he says, voice cutting through the noise. 'she's gonna be h-' ines's little steps beyond the door stop him from saying more, santiago standing straighter as his face lights up.

there's always a bittersweet feeling on his youngest's birthday. santiago can't help but remember the worry when she was born early, how fragile she seemed in those first days. but more than that, it's the timing. the fact that her birthday falls just a few days before the anniversary of beatriz's death. five years now, but the ache never really goes away. as he watches isla sweep across the room to pull ines into a tight hug, kissing the top of her head, santiago can see beatriz in her. see the woman she was, the mother she should still be. the smile that crosses his face isn't sad, but it's remorseful.

'happy birthday, chaparrita.' santiago's voice cuts through the chaotic jumble of xavier, ruben, and isla all trying to grab ines's attention. he steps forward, raising his voice just enough to be heard without losing that warmth. 'okay, hey, hey, everyone. listen.' he says, his tone firm but playful. 'let's all back up, huh? let her breathe.' he waves his hands to usher them away from her. 'we got time for gifts and cake.' he nods, his eyes soft as he watches his youngest daughter. but just as quickly, he catches the way she tries to slip through the chaos, making her escape towards her bedroom.

'janitor?' santiago frowns, catching the brief mention before she can disappear. 'nes, don't talk to creeps like that. he doesn't care about giving you movie recs.' there's a slight edge to his voice, protectiveness seeping through, but before she can shrug it off, he stops her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. 'hey, wait, wait, wait. slow down.' he says, a chuckle breaking through as he pulls her in for a tight hug. 'give your father a goddamn hug.' his arms wrap around her small frame, his hand ruffling her hair affectionately before he leans back, looking down at her with a soft smile.

'why don't we have cake first, huh? gifts and movies can come later.' he glances over at xavier and ruben, raising a brow. 'the nexbot you're always fighting mase and ty for, right?' he shoots them a pointed look, jerking his thumb towards wherever they've hidden it in the apartment. because nothing misses santiago, even if he's pretended for weeks that he had no idea where it was. @waterfallswords

location: alvarez home

starter for: the alvarez's @dxrkenedheights

;

"I just realized something." Isla mutters as she stands in position, wedging herself between Xavier and Ruben. Her eyes lock on the door where Ines's footsteps can be heard beyond, just little shuffles like a critter coming out of a garbage chute. "It's not really a surprise, is it? Because...we all live here." Isla glances to their family with a ghost of a chuckle but then the door opens and she quickly gasps. Her hands twist the confetti popper, exploding little holograms of cherry blossoms and flowers and fireworks to an unsuspecting Ines. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Isla screams, slightly shrill to ensure she's heard above the rest of them. NetBox chimes in with the cheer, a little digital tune ringing out of Happy Birthday as the little droid sways.

The older sister is quick to spring into action, lunging forward so she can rush to the door with excitement and grab hold of Ines into a hug. "Surprise! I made you a cake." she declares, squeezing Ines tightly before shoving her little sister with her closer to the dinner table and yoinking off the cloth to reveal the treat. It's only small, but it's complete with a real strawberry on the very top of it. "And Ruben helped." Isla adds as an aside after seeing their brother's frown. She waves a quick bossy gesture to him and Xavier. "Get the candles! Why are you just standing there?" she instructs but wears a bright smile to Ines. "You're not too cool now on the Ascend Program to spend some time with us, huh? Invited to parties like you're Miss Fancy."

[gloriouswhispers]

santiago laughs, a full sound leaving his chest. he's never surprised by ines's questions, or that she more than likely never realizes she asks so many. half the time, ones that can't even be answered. 'well, i can't compare it, nes. i didn't get to know you or ru. you were born and i knew ya.' he chuckles fondly, his hand moving from her shoulder to shake the top of her head gently. 'yeah, i think she would, too.' it's been five years since the loss of beatriz, and these days she's easier to talk about. but it's never any easier to miss her. 'i can just see them taking over the whole place, huh? your mom saying can spend the night, say me and her will be on the couch.' he laughs at the thought. 'and that'd mean i was on the floor like a dog.'

but even if beatriz can be mentioned without the raw pain of grief, it's still natural for santiago to check over ines's expression. to ensure she isn't harboring it deeper, away from the surface. as she tends to do. all he can see, however, is that she seems deep in thought. he draws in a breath about the rations, shaking his head subtly as his frustration flares. 'they're playing games, nes.' he says, but gently. he doesn't want to ruin her dream, be the one who snatches hope from her hands. 'just...' he thinks, mind always calculating. 'you made any friends up there? anyone who can talk to them for you? they'll probably listen better.' he nudges her chin, softly and encouraging. 'not because you don't say the right things.'

"A good different, or?" Ines asks, glancing up to her father. She knows she thinks it's been easier, getting to know someone with an established life and personality. But, Ines quickly tries to imagine if it was a baby turning up on the doorstep and she ends up chuckling. "Having two under two would be like insane." she says out loud at the thought. "But yeah, she does feel like family. I think mom would've liked her." Ines adds, nodding gently as they walk. Even if Isla is family they can't see every day, can't even reach out to whenever they feel like it. And it's that thought that makes Ines frown. Because...what happens next? Is this it, forever?

Of course it is, a small voice tells her from the back of her mind. That's why you're clinging onto the Ascend Program, because you know it's just for a year before everything goes back to normal. And what's even changed, anyways? Ines can't even ignore it, not when she hears Santiago's reaction to the news about yet more Rations. She gives him an apologetic smile, glancing up at him before ensuring she's not running into oncoming people. "I um...I already talked at the office about it. They said it was a mistake. Like, the first time it was because of an error, and this time it was like...a cut off date or something." Ines says, distracted by watching where she walks but she laughs at her dad's insistence. "I mean...you can? I don't mind. But, I don't know what they can do. They just said they'd make sure it was stellar's next month."

[gloriouswhispers]

santiago can't fault the cross's hard working nature. or any of them, for that matter. but one thing he never wanted for his daughters was them to become tied closer to this world. and now, with elliot as the father of isla's daughter, the two worlds emerge closer than is comfortable. nevermind the disrespect that santiago constantly puts to one side. he nods, attempting to control his expression and disallow the sternness to come through. this is just a simple talk, to your granddaughter's father. 'just a decoy. we'll probably sell it on after. a lil too risky once the information gets out.' or a clever change of names on the papers will conceal the true ownership further down the line. 'try and keep track of you drop the location near, okay? it'll help us narrow it.' santiago adds with another slight nod.

a small huff of a laugh escapes him at elliot's question, eyes on quinlan and roman briefly. 'what doesn't he own? that's the better question. that lil mexican he's always got with him is just someone who helps him with security. apparently. but...' a shrug and click of tongue denotes santi's disbelief of that story. they know the world just as well, sometimes even using the same tricks. his eyes travel back to elliot, tone always low as if they're sharing a simple conversation. 'we think they might be with the kings. well, my father thinks they are the kings.' and miguel has rarely been wrong. 'we wanna see who shows up to that warehouse, because once we get hold of them we can start tracing back and higher up the ranks. get us a lil closer to the top.' it'll be a risky move, a dangerous day, and a dangerous few days holding whoever they capture staking out the warehouse. but, risk is everything.

'yeah, her and ines love this place.' santiago then nods proudly about his daughters. 'they spent a lot of time here growing up. became a family staple, i guess.' there's a slight reluctance to share an insight into their history, however. even if elliot means well, those walls stay up upon instinct. he could say that it was clearly important to isla for elliot to be here with her tonight. but that would be too much. instead, santiago follows elliot's tilt of head to the younger kelly, a slight laugh leaving him. 'he's not a bad person to say that info near, actually. big mouth on him. can't seem to stop it.'

It's been three years but, really, one and change, that he's known Santiago in any other capacity besides boss. Which is perhaps part of the reason why their relationship is more complicated to navigate than he'd have thought. But if one thing remains true about Elliot, it's that he's had plenty of experience navigating complicated relationships with a father, and now, grandfather. "Got it, Westmont." Elliot nods at the information, tucking it away as he observes the party around him. "S'meant to be a decoy warehouse? Or just for now?" He inquires, curious and thoughtful over future plans. He may not be as high up as some, but he also is aware that his relationship (however complicated it is) with Isla means he's got a vested interested in making sure things go well for her family.

Elliot looks to where Santi nods, a hum on his lips. "Ah, yeah. Got it. Don't they own some sorta studio or somethin'?" He asks, having not really looked into it much but with Isla in the business, he thinks it's worth knowing who some of the players are. "What's the MO here? We just wanna ping their involvement or we tryin' to get them to start askin' questions?" Elliot looks to Santi and gives a soft chuckle. "Well, Isla seemed pretty keen to show it off too. Seems proud of it." Her family hosting a party that everyone's at was important enough for her to ask him to come with. Elliot waves a hand at the offer of a drink. "Stayin' sharp. Don't wanna confuse Quinlan for his brother." He tips his head in the direction of another Kelly, seeming to wave his hands wildly as he recounts a tale.

[gloriouswhispers]

santiago catches it in the way ines speaks. a flicker of beatriz's wit buried in her words. it's those little moments that make it harder for him to talk to ines than isla, because the youngest is so much like her mother. he feels it then, a small ache in his chest, the old grief still lingering, never fully gone. there's guilt, too, knowing ines resents him, and that their conversation may as well be just a formality. still, her humor brings out a chuckle from him. at least tonight isn't going to be about carina or tobias. 'even if i said no, you wouldn't listen.' he teases, watching ines as she smirks.

santiago laughs louder when she points out the flowers hidden within the design of his suit. he lets her check under the light, and together they inspect the fabric. he squints, finally noticing the subtle pattern, and laughs again. 'maybe she thought it'd make me look nicer, huh?' he grins, amused by isla's playful meddling. 'i don’t stand a chance with you two.' he adds, his playfully stern tone softened by the warmth in his eyes.

the lightheartedness doesn't last long. ines' reaction to his comment about her dress brings a wave of guilt crashing back. santiago battles the instinctive fatherly urge, now knowing her million followers have seen her in that dress. he masks his disapproval with a casual gesture toward the bar, guiding ines with him. 'are you trying to throw your sister under the bus right now?' he raises an eyebrow at her, clearly amused by her tactics but clicking his tongue playfully. 'or are just trying to give me a heart attack?' santiago adds, reaching the bar with a quick wave at the bartender to order their drinks. there's a brief moment where he's not sure what to say to his own daughter. sorry isn't a particularly easy word, and he wouldn't even know where to begin. it feels as if there's too much to apologize for, at times.

'keep next weekend free.' he taps her arm gently. 'i'm trying to get everyone over for a day. some good food and music.' his tone is casual, hiding how much he shapes his plans around ines' training schedule. 'you've got training tomorrow, right? ask ekaterina for me when you're gonna finish. see if she wants to come too.' santiago doesn't even register that none of his questions have been questions, they've been simple remarks and demands as he takes their drinks and pulls ines' closer across the bar. a hand offered out to help her onto the barstool.

Ines' laughter bubbles up as her father takes hold of her head, pulling her towards him in a seriousness she knows isn't real. "Myself, isn't that enough?" she teases, wrangling free as he moves her away again and a chuckle lingers. Ines has never had to navigate any underlying tension between her and her father before. Maybe when she was a teen, annoyed by all the rules but she didn't dare vocalize her opinions then. Now, she has made her stance more than clear. In many ways, she feels guilt for it. For being so hurt she didn't talk to him for days and disrupting their closeness. Ines also doesn't appreciate the topic being brushed under the rug, despite having no intention of revisiting it tonight.

"Well, it looks Valentino. Wait, does it have...flowers on it?" Ines laughs again and peers closer, leaning so the light can cast over the faint pattern in the fabric. Standing straight again, she's not sure why she's surprised that her father doesn't like her dress. It was actually her first thought when Isla helped her pick it out, and Ines nods subtly. "I didn't pay for it, it was like...as long as I post an instagram story with it sorta thing." she's not sure that will placate what Santiago's true problem is.

Now, Ines doesn't stand quite so straight. Not from shame but more so out of sheer awareness of her revealing dress. "Isla's came with a free belly button piercing." she quips, fighting a slight grin because if she's going to have a comment made then so should her sister.