#that maybe he loved juliana? even if he did how does that prove that he killed her?

[niaerinisms]

Uh....

[sapphire374]

Soy Sol: Chapter 10 (Hopeful Curiosity)

Wattpad Link

Ch.1 / Ch.2 / Ch.3 / Ch.4 / Ch.5 / Ch.6 / Ch.7 / Ch.8 / Ch.9 / Ch.11 / Ch.12 / Ch.13 / Ch.14 / Ch.15 / Ch.16 / Ch.17

The gang is huddled around each other at the Jam and Roller rink. Ámbar proceeds to glance over her clipboard that carries the original sign-up sheet. “So, Ámbar, do we have enough members to make up a team for the competition.” Ámbar quickly looks Luna in the eyes and decides to call out the list of names. “The official Jam and Roller team members are Luna, Simon, Matteo, Gaston, Ramiro, Jim, Delfi, Pedro and Jazmin.” Everyone starts counting with their fingers but before anyone gets the chance to start counting, Gaston and Nina both yell out “that’s nine members, we’re missing one.” Luna rollers towards Ámbar. “Ámbar you’re not on the list. Are you going to join us? Please, pretty please join us. Whether you would like to admit it or not, you’re one of the best roller skaters out there and we need you.”

Ámbar takes a big gulp of air, processing everything that’s going on. Luna’s pout with her watery eyes has made Ámbar reconsider her decision. Before she always wanted the worst for Luna, but the past few years has made them become inseparable. She now views Luna as her younger sister plus being the manager of the gang’s favorite place has made her feel as everyone’s bigger sister, being the mature one. Ambar gives in. “Fine, I’ll do it. Especially since you guys need me so much. You guys aren’t wrong though, I am the best,” Ámbar jokes. The whole gang cheers, everyone jumps up and down and excitement enters the room.

Everyone is huddled as they all set their hands out and chant, “ready! One, two, three Jam and Roller!” Juliana enters through the chaos of excitement. “Opa opa! Seems like the group has never separated and feels closer than ever.” The gang all turn around facing her, their faces show signs of shock. No one was expecting this except one certain person in the room. “Juliana! You’re back! Wait how did you know we got the team back together for a competition?” Simón asks. “A little birdy called me and said that a certain team needed my help so I came as quick as I can.” The whole gang starts whispering, wondering who was it that reached out to her. Luna gives Ámbar and Simón a little smirk.

“So have you guys chosen which song you all are going to skate to?” Juliana questions. “Nope,” Ámbar answers. That’s when the idea hits Simón. “I have an idea! Maybe not only the team gets back together for this competition, but also the band? What do you guys say, Nico, Pedro?” Simón suggests. Nico and Pedro look at each other in disbelief and with a loss of words. “Uhh yes of course! You have no idea how long I’ve missed playing on the drums,” Pedro states. “And you guys have no idea how long I’ve missed collaborating the three of us together again,” Nico chimes in. “I guess that settles it. The band is back!!” Simón announces. The room is filled with so many emotions as everyone is so excited about what’s to come next. True nostalgia and memories really do start coming back to them since working together and competing to save their beloved place truly brings them back to old times. Just like how Matteo and Luna wouldn’t stop stealing glances at each other through the midst of it all.

This competition will be fierce including what’s called two stages. The first stage is the basic entry in which they record a video of their performance, the second stage is where they have the official competition. They first though have to make it through the first stage. For the next few days, Juliana tries to prepare them with some exercises since it has been years some of them roller skated. Then they gradually learned again how to do some simple routines as pairs then as groups. Before the gang knew it, in a week they have mastered all the skills and are ready to practice the actual choreography for the performance. Luna and Matteo still haven’t talked much though, yet they’re constant staring proves to show that they still miss and love each other.

Monday Evening at the Jam and Roller (after about a week and a half)

Juliana tells the gang that they can rest, and training has just finished. The group has finally mastered the double turns alignment but are struggling with air spins. Matteo heads over to Luna like old times, while she’s drinking water near the rails. “What’s the matter Chica Delivery? Has all the training finally tired you out?” Matteo flirtatiously says. Luna tries to hide her blushed cheeks and smirks at his comment. “Chico fresa you know that can never happen. My internal adrenaline is endless.” Luna and Matteo begin to laugh. Luna stops once she remembers why she was trying to avoid him for the longest. “Matteo don’t think I forgot everything that has happened.” She begins to stare at the floor, holding back a tear. “I’ve already apologized, what more do you want?” Matteo begs.

“You know that’s not the issue. I just feel like I can’t trust you anymore. You promised me you wouldn’t lie to me anymore and that’s exactly what you did. I don’t want our relationship to be built out of lies. I’d rather stay single instead of having someone stab me in the back unaware.” Matteo widely opens his eyes, it feels like someone has sucker punched him in the gut. For a long time, Matteo has tried to prove to Luna he has changed and does truly care about her, how can one little lie bring all the pain back. “Luna, you know I would never want to break your heart or ‘stab you in the back.’ I just lied about this because I knew you would get jealous of me hanging out with Viviana.” Luna gasps in astonishment. “Jealous! Now that’s a joke right there. For me to be jealous of her, that would mean I would want to be like her or want something she has but that’s not the case at all. I’m happy with the life I live and don’t want to change it. I just don’t like how close she’s been with you. You know I’m okay with you having female friends, but not when one tries to kiss you when I’m not around and constantly wrapping her arms around you. Even the news outlets think you broke up with me and dating her because of how much ‘quality time’ you guys spend together.”

Matteo responds with, “You know how much I miss it when you call me Chico Fresa and miss these fun bantering moments. I would never fall for her because you’re my one true love. You may not be jealous of her but you’re jealous of her getting to spend time with me. Is that it? You want to hang out more with me? How do I make it up to you?” Luna shakes her head and says, “You just don’t get it and it’s okay. I don’t feel like arguing today.” Luna rollers away and Matteo covers his face as he lays his elbows on the silver polished rails. Gastón heads to him and pats his shoulder. “She still hasn’t forgiven you?” Matteo shakes his head in response. His phone begins to ring in the pocket of his jeans. He lifts himself up and pulls it out. “Hello…. yes……. Already in a week? ..... ah I see, okay that seems appropriate I guess…...tomorrow okay, I’ll see you then.” Matteo hangs up and places his phone in his pocket again. “Who was that?” Gastón questions. “It’s my manager. They’re planning to release my music video with Viviana at the end of this week. Usually, we don’t release music videos this early but apparently she demanded for it since it would look good and perfect for this summer. Well to prepare for the release, they want me to perform with her in a live concert.” Matteo’s expression shows his stress and frustration. “But what about the Jam and Roller training?” Gastón asks him. “I’ll try to practice for the concert before the Jam and Roller training starts every day and the concert is on Saturday so that day I guess I’ll just miss training for that one day. I have no other choice.”

Gastón keeps thinking and doesn’t say a word till an amazing idea slips in his head. “I just got it! I just thought of the perfect plan that’ll get Luna to forgive you and get back together with her.” Matteo starts smiling as Gastón whispers the plan into his left ear. “Hermano, you’re a genius.”

The Benson Mansion

Ámbar doesn’t stop glaring at the letter in front of her. It was the original copy that was locked up in Sharon’s vault. This was what her biological mom wrote to her before she gave her away, it includes her phone number. She wants to call that number, desperately wants to but what if this number doesn’t work anymore? Or what if it does? She feels so confused. The closer the wedding gets, the scarier it feels for her. She wants to invite her biological mom and maybe even Sharon, she’s just undecided. It’s more than just complicated for her.

She sucks up every bit of courage left in her, grabs her phone and types in the numbers smeared at the bottom of the letter. It’s…. ringing. The longer she has to wait, the faster her heart beats. The phone stops ringing. “Hello,” the person on the other end answers. Ámbar’s voice begins to crack, “Uh… yes is this Sylvana Ariel?” Ámbar takes a big gulp of air. The person on the other end responds, “yes this is she. Who do I have the pleasure speaking to?” When Ambar hears that it’s her, she decides to move forward with the plan of meeting her. Maybe it was destiny for her to still have this phone number for so many years? “Yes, this is Ámbar, Ámbar Smith. We need to talk. Are you available today?” Ámbar takes control of the situation showing no signs of hesitation, even though her heart says otherwise. “Oh Ámbar? Yes, I’m available today.” Ámbar takes one good look at the letter and answers back, “Good. Meet me at Pachani’s restaurant today at 7 p.m.” The lady answers with an okay before Ámbar hangs up the phone.

She didn’t know this day would come so soon. Getting to meet her birth mother. What should she say? What should she do? Maybe this would help her understand her whole story and discover more who she really is before she gets married. Simón walks into the living room. “There you are. I thought you would be at the Jam and Roller; you never miss an afternoon of work?” Ámbar quickly folds the letter and slips it into her purse. “Oh yeah I just came home to… find another bridal magazine. I thought I left one of my favorite ones here in the living room.” Simón scrunches up his face, “here? In the living room of the Benson Mansion? But you always look at them at our apartment?” Ámbar clasps her purse and places the strap around her arm. “Oh well I sometimes look at them here whenever I visit the Valentes and have a cup of coffee, by mistake one of these days I left my bridal magazine.” Simón nods showing how he understands. “So how are bridal things going?”

“Pretty smooth. Luna and Nina agreed to go order the sets of flowers and decorations at the boutique right across town,” Ámbar states. “Oh, that’s nice. Luna and Nina were so kind to offer their help. What would we do without them?”

“Yes, I agree. We’re very lucky to have them indeed. Um there is one thing I forgot to tell you. At around 7 p.m I won’t be at home yet, I have a meeting with some other law school students for this project we have going on, so I won’t be home.”

Simón’s smile fades away. “Aww I’ll miss you, but I do wish you good luck on the project. I know you’ll do great on it.” Ámbar smiles from thinking how lucky she is to have a caring, understanding partner by her side. They hug each other and head out of the mansion.

*Gif not made by me. Owner of gif's name is at the bottom right hand corner :) *

Lacey’s Boutique

Luna and Nina wait at the front desk holding a slip of paper that carries a list of things they need to purchase for Ámbar’s wedding. “He said that?” Nina whispers. “Yep, I can’t believe he called me jealous when he was the one who lied and created this whole mess in the first place. When we got back together, we agreed on no secrets and to always communicate. That’s the only way a relationship can go well, just look at Ámbar and Simón?”

“I absolutely agree. I felt awful when Gaston spied on me that day, so I understand what you mean. Luckily everything is fixed now,” Nina cheers. “I’m happy for you Nina, sadly in between Matteo and I is a person who doesn’t stop flirting and hanging out with him. Plus, it’s so obvious too, even Simón thought he was dating Viviana and broke up with me. I can’t believe Matteo doesn’t believe me and instead calls me jealous. After everything we’ve been through.” The cashier heads to the counter and Luna and Nina’s conversation ends. “So, is this the list for everything?” Luna nods in approval. “Okay great, everything will be prepared in time and the delivery will be sent to the place on the date of the card.” Luna picks up the card and puts it away in her tiny backpack.

“Thank you,” she begins to head out before the cashier stops her. “Wait, I have something to give you.” He pulls out another card from his pocket. “Here’s my phone number, maybe we can have a cup of coffee together someday if you’d like?” Luna is speechless and turns to Nina for a choice of words. Nina shrugs and seems to be just as confused as her. “Um... well the thing is I’m in a relationship… well right at this moment I’m not sure…. Honestly I don’t know it’s complicated me and my boyfriend well after what he did, I don’t think he’s still my boyfriend but I don’t know…” Luna stops talking when the cashier extremely perplexed expression shows vividly. “Um… well once you get all that resorted and decide not to be with this… complicated person feel free to give me a call.” He leaves and heads to the back of the store. “Luna, I’m shocked he’s still into you after everything you blurted out. I think you even fried his brain.” Nina and Luna giggle their way out.

Jim and Yam’s Apartment

Ramiro adjusts the collar of his nicely firm long sleeve button up shirt. He’s holding a bouquet of sunflowers and is trying to collect the right words to say to Yam. He knocks on the door and waits for a response. “I’m coming,” she says. For Ramiro, hearing Yam’s voice is like a breath of fresh air.

She opens the door and is surprised to see Ramiro’s well put together fit. “Before you say anything I want to do this right. Yam, I know our relationship has been like an ongoing rollercoaster, we’ve been through the ups and the downs but the one thing that has always stayed constant is my love for you. After everything that has happened, I always knew I love you and my path ends up meeting yours. Yam would you like to go on a date with me?” Yam covers her mouth in amusement. She’s appalled from the beautiful surprise he’s presented her, and with a speech too. Usually, Ramiro is too cool for all of this but seeing what he has done has proven enough to Yam that he’s committed. “Ramiro of course, I would love to. In fact, I was always thinking what took you so long?” Yam begins to chuckle. “I guess fear from this not working out, but you can’t always live in fear for the rest of your life.”

Yam jumps into Ramiro’s arms and kisses him on the cheek.

[oliveiraveiro]

The Right Moment

Open Heart, Rafael Aveiro x F!MC

Rafael and Casey both propose to each other.

based on this quote / ao3 link / tagging: @mvalentine​ <3

let me know if you wanna be tagged in rare rafael x mc fics of mine

Everything is perfect.

It’s been almost six months since Casey and Rafael moved in to their apartment; almost two years since they’ve gotten back together. The two of them are happier than ever: everything is right into place.

Tonight, like every other night and every day, should’ve been perfect as well. But earlier today, Casey lost a patient.

She’s cuddled in Rafael’s arms in their shared bed, devastated, painful tears in her eyes. “Do you think it’s better that they didn’t get to marry before he died?”

Rafael takes a shaky breath, knowing either answer is bound to make her cry more. He continues rubbing her back gently, careful with his words. “There’s not really a better scenario in this situation.”

“You’re right—” Casey sobs again, holding onto him tighter.

Rafael frowns, wishing he could be more helpful. But what happened was a freak accident. Casey couldn’t have done anything and they both knew that, but it didn’t break her heart less. Telling the news to the fiancée is just another thing that will haunt her.

“Just let it out, meu amor. I’m here for you.” He holds her closer, hoping his embrace makes her feel protected like he intended.

Casey cries out the sadness and stress. It really helps, as well as the comfort from her loving partner.

But she thinks about how lucky she is that she’s here in his arms, in the apartment they call home. In an instant she’s also thinking about how one accident can happen and just like that it’s easy for them to lose everything. This perfect life, this happiness, and the thought makes her squeeze his shirt in her hand tighter, as if that can assure she’ll forever stay by his side and he won’t leave hers.

Casey buries her face into his chest, the life she very much wants to spend with him playing in her mind.

She knows they still have a lot to achieve, specifically in their careers. Especially Rafael, along with work, he started the path to becoming an occupational therapist. Since last year he’s in an associate degree program to be an occupational therapy assistant. It might not be the right time to settle down more officially yet.

But god, life is too short. They know that fact well enough in their field, and today’s events is a dreadful reminder. Casey is confident there’s no one else she’d want to spend the rest of her life with, and every day she does her best to make Rafael happy and make sure she’s the right person for him. What more did they need to prove?

Before she can think of more harrowing thoughts, she speaks into his chest, muffled. “Let’s get married.”

Rafael doesn’t even skip a beat, although his heart does, and he immediately responds. “What was that?”

Casey feels the blood drain from her face. He couldn’t have heard her; she spoke in a sigh. No. She slowly pulls away to look up at him. “What?”

“You said something.” His eyes are surprised, she notes, but it seems like the good kind because of the smile he’s failing to hide.

Still, Casey blushes in embarrassment. She didn’t even have a ring or anything special or commemorative. She just finished crying, looks like it, and she soaked his black T-shirt with tears. This wasn’t the proposal Rafael deserves.

Okay, play dumb. “I didn’t hear what you said.” she says simply, running a hand through his hair to distract him a little.

“No, you said—” Rafael furrows his eyebrows. Did he just hear what he wanted to hear? While on the topic of marriage, he couldn’t help but to think about theirs. He has been for a while, but struggled to figure out if now is the perfect time.

“You said something...” he says again, but now unsure and a little disappointed that maybe he just made it up. He looks into Casey’s eyes determinedly, trying to figure out if she’s just denying it.

Like he suspected, she couldn’t easily meet his eyes. “...No.” Her answer is almost a whisper.

He starts to gently pull away from their embrace, reaching for the drawer on his side of the bed.

Casey can only widen her eyes as it looked like he was leaving. Quick thoughts flash in her mind. Was it too much? They’re very happy and content, did she just ruin everything by asking a stupid question? Did he really hear her? Is it worse that she tried to deny saying so?

Before she can speak, or more accurately, stumble over her words, Rafael opens his drawer and pulls out a pair of socks. It was bundled, and Casey watches him undo it and start pulling out something from one of it.

It’s a black velvet ring box, but she’s watching him too intently that what is happening only registers when he finally opens the box and reveals the ring.

It’s a classic with a round cut diamond. She didn’t know the precise measure, not that it mattered, but she can’t help but notice it’s big. It’s lined with smaller diamonds, and overall sophisticated and gorgeous. Then it suddenly hits her: she’s already seen this ring.

She looks up at him with recognition in her eyes. It takes all of Casey’s self-control not to be screaming in excitement. “Is that...?”

Rafael smiles shyly, cheeks flushing. “Avó’s,” he agrees. He’s also about to admit he’s asked for it since their second month of living together, but that’s probably for a different conversation.

Casey’s eyes shine. She’s only seen it in pictures, but here it was before her, offered by the person she wanted to grow old with, much like Juliana. She already can’t wait to tell her she said yes and share a much deeper bond with the older woman who’s been a good family to her as much as she is to Rafael.

He visibly swallows, nervous despite his excitement and the elation in Casey’s eyes that he sees very clearly. For months he agonized thinking about when or how to ask her. Who knew this could be simple and that dressing up in something uncharacteristically fancy should’ve been the least of his worries?

True, this moment is not the flashiest. Or one of his plans, really. He knows she only deserves the best, but this is Casey, his Casey. The love of his life who’s always loved him just as he is, simple and genuine.

That said, he’s gonna push through with one of the many special dates he planned this weekend. She deserves a great night after the week she’s had so far. But this moment, it feels right.

It’s just like how her hands fit in his like his are made to hold hers. Like how their bodies mold into each other’s whenever they embrace. It’s perfect.

Rafael borrows Casey’s words with a playful smile. “Let’s get married?”

[deadagainmaevepetre]

— PEER INTO MY MUSE’S MEMORIES

❤️- A happy memory that makes them smile

💙- A sad memory that makes them cry

💛- A memory that makes them feel angry

💚- A memory that makes them feel guilty

💜- A memory about one of their loved ones, happy or sad

💔- A memory that leaves them feeling lonely

❣- A memory that leaves them laughing

featuring @evcravens​ & @dukemassetti​

💓- A memory about their friends

featuring @julianaxcapulet​ & @stlapin​

💗- A memory about a good deed they did

💖- A memory that made them feel special

💝- A memory that made them feel loved

💘- A memory that gets their heart pounding

featuring @dukemassetti​

❤️- A happy memory that makes them smile

the sun clinging to her lashes. a dirt path surrounded by blossoms. a woman’s hand in hers. she is not maeve’s mother, but she is the closest thing maeve has. signora fiore guides maeve through her secret garden. all these years, maeve thought it was only a backyard. she did not expect to find flowers blooming from the earth everywhere. she learns the name of each bud and helps signora fiore take care of them all. when she asks if she can sleep in the garden, signora fiore laughs and says maybe one day. before she runs home, signora fiore gives her a single sunflower. to bring joy to your home, she tells maeve. maeve tucks it under her pillow.

💙- A sad memory that makes them cry

amalia is her first girlfriend — or at least, the first thing to come close to being a girlfriend. the two hold hands on their way to school and come close to kissing once in awhile, until maeve begins giggling or her ears turn bright red with embarrassment. one night, amalia doesn’t call, but maeve doesn’t mind; she’s been busy with bunny, making flower crowns and finding the sweetest treat in the city. in the morning, she waits for amalia in front of their usual spot to walk to school together; amalia doesn’t show. at school, maeve goes to school to find amalia kissing another girl, who she does not recognize. when confronted, amalia says plainly: “you love without being asked, and that’s why it’s hard to want you. you’re too easy, maeve. it’s just not fun.”

💛- A memory that makes them feel angry

when she asks her papa why he became a capulet, he tells her that it’s for her mamma. to avenge her. to make the montagues pay. when maeve tells him, with anger and love joined in her voice, of the rot it has birthed inside of him and their hometown, he laughs. “you are a child. what do you know? the capulets would eat you alive and spit your bones out after. you will never understand.” she promises him then, that she will prove him wrong.

💚- A memory that makes them feel guilty

what is stronger: a full heart or an empty stomach? maeve learns the answer when a neighbor invites her inside after seeing her wandering around alone in the neighborhood. she lost her house keys, and she’s waiting for her papa to come home and let her in. sitting at her neighbor’s dining room table, maeve is supposed to do her homework but it’s boring. she hates numbers. as she stares at her multiplication tables, her stomach yowls with anger and need. the neighbor is taking a nap. with frequent glances towards the bedroom door, maeve opens the fridge and yelps softly. 

so many sweets! and fruit! and juice! what starts off as just one strawberry turns into the whole carton. one piece of a cupcake turns into three. by the end of the afternoon, maeve has demolished every sweet thing in her neighbor’s fridge. the neighbor doesn’t realize as she waves goodbye from her doorstep, and maeve blushes bright red when she tells her papa she doesn’t want dinner. she avoids walking on that part of town for years after.

💜- A memory about one of their loved ones, happy or sad

when her papa comes to her bedroom in the middle of the night, he thinks she’s asleep. maeve pretends she is, but she smiles when he presses a kiss to her temple. she can tell he’s been drinking; the stench sticks to him like putty or glue. “stella mia, my sweet girl,” he tells her. then he hugs her so tight that only a drunk man would believe it wouldn’t wake a little girl. in the dark, maeve smiles and holds the moment close. it’s when he calls her stella mia that she hears what he can’t bring himself to ever say: i love you.

💔- A memory that leaves them feeling lonely

her papa is loud when he comes home. he curses loudly and slurs so much that she’s not sure she completely understands him. she peeks out of her bedroom door, and just barely catches the sight of him grabbing a vase of violets and throwing it to the ground. maeve cries out, a mewling kitten in sudden agony. her papa doesn’t hear over the sound of his yelling, so she waits until he’s gone into his room to start picking up the ceramic pieces. she does not cry, though she can’t help but sniffle. in the morning, he doesn’t remember much and apologizes for the mess after maeve asks a neighbor to come help. he doesn’t notice that the violets are nowhere to be found, saved in a small box of the other flowers her papa killed. 

❣- A memory that leaves them laughing

everett and orion are arguing again, and maeve munches on popcorn as she watches. literally — she just bought some popcorn from the grocery store on her way to everett’s home and they’re too busy fighting to notice her snacking. but when orion starts imitating everett, she has to cut in. “that’s not what everett sounds like!” uncurling from her spot on the couch, maeve stands with her spine so erect that she’s almost bending backwards. “listen here young man, you are not to use that foul, young-people language around me ever again!” she says sternly, wagging her finger at orion for emphasis.

it spirals from there. the look on everett’s face — so offended and horrified at the behavior of the soldier who just joined his borgata a few days prior — makes her and orion laugh until they’re crying. then he joins in on the fun, mimicking orion. when it’s clear he’s too kind to mock maeve, orion decides to do so instead. suddenly, the three of them are taking turns and doubling over, breathless with laughter. 

she wishes she had taken a picture of that moment, when they went from a team to a family.

💕- A memory about their significant other

N/A

💞- A memory about their children

N/A

💓- A memory about their friends

juliana, bunny and maeve are having a picnic. the clouds drift lazily along in the sky, and juliana points out the interesting shapes they make in the sky. bunny dips a chocolate-covered strawberry onto her tongue. maeve sits with her back against the tree that gives them shade, watching them both without a word. her heart swells with love for her friends. the girls who have known her her entire life, the girls who have come to define all that maeve is. when bunny asks what maeve is thinking about, she answers honestly: “how much i love you both.” with a private glance between the two of them, juliana and bunny creep closer until finally, they tackle maeve to the ground and begin tickling her until she’s gasping and begging for a break. 

“serves you right for being cute,” juliana says.

“it’s what you deserve,” bunny agrees.

then it’s maeve’s turn to tackle them with a sweeping hug, stretching her arms as far as they’ll go. “i don’t care, i’d do it again.”

“now you’re really asking for it,” bunny smiles with a wicked gleam in her eye. and so the cycle repeats. it’s the perfect afternoon.

💗- A memory about a good deed they did

on the anniversary of her mother’s death, maeve spends her entire paycheck on flowers — whatever is in season and fully bloomed. she spends the rest of the day passing them out to children. boys and girls who she sees without a parent. whether it’s because their guardians have passed or are just not there at that exact moment, maeve spends her entire afternoon passing out small gifts. she hopes it makes them happy. she knows it would have made her happy when she was their age.

💖- A memory that made them feel special

this entire thread okay

💝- A memory that made them feel loved

it’s her sixteenth birthday, and her papa remembered. he takes the day off work (even capulet work, which she finds out later). he makes breakfast, simple but still homemade. he tries to make a cake for her, although she ends up finding out and babysitting him through the entire process. he watches her favorite movies with her, goes shopping at the flea market with her. he listens to her stories and even shares a few of his own: what it was like growing up, how he met her mother, how her mother cried and cried when she found out she was pregnant. at the end of the day, she kisses him on the cheek as she says goodnight and he pulls her close for the rare hug. “you are the best thing in my life, stella mia.” he doesn’t say i love you, but he doesn’t have to. 

“i love you too, papa. more than life.”

it’s her best birthday yet.

💘- A memory that gets their heart pounding

it’s a deal gone wrong, and there are four men closing in on her and orion.

she pulls out her knife, but her hand is shaking; she’s never used it against anything but a practice dummy before.

she ends up using hand-to-hand combat more often, using only the hilt of the blade against her opponents. she and orion manage to knock them unconscious by themselves, and she’s breathing hard with her heart almost ripping out of her throat every time it beats.

“nice, i almost thought — hey, hey, what are you doing!”

one by one, orion methodically slits their throats with a knife of his own. “just look away. or close your eyes.”

“but i—”

“miranda.” his voice is a warning. 

“okay. fine.” she closes her eyes. she doesn’t forget what orion is doing, but it does help her heart calm down and her breathing to return to normal. she decides, then, that if orion knows her well enough to give her sound advice, she’ll trust him. even if he’s killing someone as she’s deciding that she likes him, after all.

[captainskyson]

(IGORE THIS IF YOU HAVEN’T FINISHED SEASON 4) *Spoiler*Spoiler* Do you think Wyatt and Juliana banged? Cuz, like, the camera kept the bed in frame when they kissed. Buuut, there is obvious trouble for Juliana letting anyone in. And, she says basically that, and why she’s kept her distance with him. BUT!!! There is that brief moment she wakes out of bed and he has his shirt off in the damn winter cold. They spent A LOT of time hiding in that Harlem apartment... what do you think?

Yeah, to my followers please don’t read my response if you haven’t finished Season 04. I’m on mobile so unfortunately I can’t figure how to put in the “read more” line. So, SPOILERS BELOW.

I believe they did, in the bakery bunker; you’re right the framing of the camera was certainly done on purpose. Also, I want to note that in professional photography for the episode, there is a shot of the two of them cuddling together beneath the covers, he’s definitely shirtless and pretty sure she is too. It’s likely from a deleted scene that would have further proved they did have sex. But honestly I think the camerawork of what we WERE given is enough proof by itself, which is a possible reason they ended up not using the scene in the final edit of the episode.

I think Juliana stepped back after the bakery to put some more distance between them because of the reasons you (and she) mentioned.

There were many moments that showed me (in my opinion, anyway) she and Wyatt were still rather close emotionally even with said ixnay on the smoochies - I believe at one point she was sleeping with his sweater draped over her. Their easygoing teasing and goofing off during the lighter moments. The casual way they share a cigarette. Their general nearness to one another when in a larger group. The way they stand up for one another against doubters of plans... their romance is very understated, all in all, which I LOVE. Beyond the physicality or lack thereof in their relationship, they obviously respect and care for one another very deeply.

I think perhaps they may have only slept together once, in that bakery bunker (not counting literal sleep, haha, as you said - they spent a while in Harlem). But in the last shot she not only holds his hand, but she’s twined their fingers together. They’re standing at the front of the Resistance, together, and I think that imagery was very poignant. So maybe they’ll allow themselves more of a physical relationship again, in the future. Who knows! Wyatt did point out that’s he’s dangerous to be connected to, as well, after all. And did you notice their slight parallels with Hawthorne and Caroline? Caroline tells Hawthorne their love is rare, seemingly being only in this universe. Juliana tells Wyatt there’s only one world where she has people that understand her, and looks him in the eye when she does so. I think eye contact with Juliana is very important, considering she often keeps her head down, her hair hiding her face.

I do know, in any case, I’m gonna have a lot of fic inspiration though - because that Harlem house alone is a gold mine. Haha

Short answer: Oh yeah, they totally did it 😏 And they definitely love one another.

[smolfangirl]

I’m yours to keep, I’m yours to lose

A sound so sweet, of you and me - 13 - First promises

*hides in a place where no one can find me* So, we’re approaching the end of the story and tbh I’m getting more emotional with every chapter... but I still hope you enjoy this! (Mari, don’t read this at work, remember, and please put the chancla down)

Story: In a world where you only know who your soulmate is by calling them by their first name, Matteo soon finds that the smallest words can be the hardest to say.

Word count: 3.1k

His bed felt too big for him alone. Despite the darkness covering his room, the empty space next to him lit up in his mind like a neon sign. Not thinking about it or about his little moon usually laying next to him proved to be impossible.

And if he managed to tear away from these thoughts, Matteo only found worse ones, bitter and sad and petty. He didn’t want to, but he couldn’t help cursing his parents. They should’ve stayed in Italy if they only came back to ruin his happiness. If they couldn’t bother about what he wanted or what he needed.

And while he found no rest, they probably slept without feeling the littlest bit of guilt.

Matteo rolled to the side where usually Luna slept, traces of her scent engraved in his sheets. Burying his face in them, he once again counted the days left.

No matter how many times he started over, the number always ended up too small.

Stepping outside the house felt like putting his heavy backpack down after a long school day. Matteo still felt the weight on his sore shoulders as he walked to the park, but at the same time breathing got easier, finally.

Or it did until he saw Luna waiting for him, smiling and happy and clueless. Her sight slammed the weight back on his shoulders, and for a moment he stopped on his way, trying to regain some composure.

He let out a relieved sigh when she discovered him only afterwards.

She kissed him hello, soft and sweet. Matteo wondered how many more times she got to do this, or if she sensed the tension in his body. If she did, she didn’t let it show.

“How are you? How did that talk with your dad go?”

Her eyes drew him in. The warmth, the little sprinkles Matteo knew so well… Luna had become his home. He hated to be apart from her, hated the thought of it alone. Hated having to tell her. At the same time, though, what good would denying it any longer do? What would be the point of hiding it from her?

Perhaps the earlier he told her, the better.

Matteo sighed.

“We’re going back to Italy”, he said.

Silence.

His aching heart. Her shocked expression. The realization dawning in her eyes. The realization hitting her like a tsunami.

“What?” she whispered.

“I’m leaving Buenos Aires.”

“No.” Her breathing hitched. Her eyes stared at him, huge and surprised and filled with the same heartbreak he felt. “No, you can’t go, they can’t make you do this, no, please!” With every word that left Luna’s voice, her voice swelled with emotion until she sounded like a rain storm, like opening floodgates.  

Matteo had no idea what to say. Nothing felt right, nothing felt comforting enough to be worth the effort.

Carefully, he reached for her hand and lead her to a bench close by, where she collapsed into his arms. Tears wetted her cheeks, and soon his shirt.

“What will you do?” she sniffed.

Matteo shrugged, uncertain how far his voice would carry him before he cried too.

Suddenly, Luna shrieked up. “Wait, does that mean you’ll break up with me? Please don’t break up with me, don’t, I couldn’t…” Another sniff. More tears.

He pulled her closer. Let his hands stroke over her back in gentle circles as he tried to soothe her fears. “No one is breaking up, okay? I promise I am not breaking up with you, I could never. I promise.”

In return, Luna tightened her grip on him. For a while, they held each other like that. Soaked up the moment too aware of it’s inevitable end.

“When are you leaving?”, she asked.

“In the first week of the holidays.”

“And when will you come back? You will, right? You won’t leave forever.”

“I don’t know.”

Luna closed her eyes. Just in this insignificant gesture he recognized her pain, because he knew that pain, because he felt it as much as she did. “It’s going to be alright, little moon”, he whispered.

“How?”

To that, he knew no answer. Too many times had he changed the country. Too many times had he changed his life, and the truth was an ugly reflection in a mirror under fluorescent lights.

So, he held in her in his arms, and took her scent in, the sensation of her embrace, and tried to memorize it.

They were back in his bed.

Lately, they spent a lot of time there, in fact more than ever. Before dinner, in between homework, after they enjoyed the dessert she sneaked into his room. Sometimes they cuddled on her bed too, when he got to have dinner with her family. (However, one night he’d fallen out of it since it was way too small for them both, and since then, she stayed the nights at his house only.)

In this moment, Luna laid on top of him, head rested on his chest right above his heartbeat while she held onto his hand. Whenever she particularly liked the way he let his other hand wander over her body, she pressed soft kisses to his fingertips.

“Do you regret this?”, she asked, her voice so careful Matteo almost missed it altogether.

“What? Us?”, he replied.

The pressure on his chest changed as she nodded.

“No, of course not. Do you?”

“No.”

“Good.”

Training drained her. Half an hour of exercises and repetitions with Juliana, and Luna dreamed about sitting down every time she blinked. Matteo too, it showed in his weary expression and confused wrinkle on his forehead, though he’d never admit it out loud around other people.

She loved him, flaws and all, but with his parents back in town, Matteo’s restricted side showed more often, and it irritated her every single time. A stiff line would replace his mouth, which wasn’t a good look on him – it erased all the softness in his eyes and reflected in his tone too.

Usually, though, he reserved this behavior for his parents only. At rare times for Ámbar as well. But after Juliana reminded them how little time they had left until the competition, Luna recognized this very same look on him.

Not that she blamed him. How could she, when the same thought urged into the spotlight of her mind? Barely two weeks left until the competition meant barely a month left until the end of the school year, meant the end of her time with Matteo. Their love wore an expiration date and this fact sat in her stomach like a knife she’d been stabbed with.

“Where is your concentration today, hm? Forgot it in your lockers?”, Juliana scolded them after they failed to complete a new lift on the third trial.

Luna fidgeted with the bracelets on her wrist, glancing at her boyfriend who bit his lips. “I’m sorry, it’s my fault, I wasn’t focused”, she conceded. The look Matteo threw in her direction told her not to worry, told her it’d be fine – a statement she struggled to believe in despite his infinite efforts to comfort her.

“Try again”, their trainer ordered.

Eventually, they completed their routine without any interruptions from Juliana. But if skating with Matteo usually felt like flying, she recently focused too much on the inevitable landing.

“I don’t get why she insists on changing the whole choreography, it’s not like our old one sucked”, Matteo later admitted while they packed up their skates.

“We just need a bit more training”, she said, silently adding that she needed to stop thinking over him leaving too. “What are you doing tomorrow afternoon? We could train for an hour or two.”

“Wait, didn’t you want to go to that Mexican restaurant with Simón?”

Yeah, that. “I’m not sure I want to go… I just want to spend as much time with you as possible.”

Matteo sighed. His fingers stroke her cheek and a rush of hormones flooded her as she leaned into his touch. “No, Luna, please don’t call it off. He’s probably really excited to spend the afternoon alone with you.”

He had a point, of course he did. (Not that she’d flatter his ego by agreeing just yet.) “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

Stealing a kiss from her lips, Matteo smirked. “Yes, you busted me. I secretly hate you and only exploit you for the competition. No, seriously... I just don’t want your friendships to suffer because I’m leaving. He wants to spend time with you just as much as I do.”

Luna pouted. She hated neglecting her friends as soon as she walked out of school but fighting the urge to be glued to Matteo’s side became harder with every passing day and at times – like now – she didn’t even want to fight it.

“Look, novia delivery”, he smiled at her, brushing her pout away with his thumb on her cheek. “If you miss me that much, I’m sure you can convince your parents to stay the night. We might even get some sleep.”

Of course he had to make her blush like this. “Really? Just when I was about to say how you’re all grown-up and not jealous and all”, she teased him and ruffled through his hair.

“Very funny.”

She laughed anyway. And when he leaned down to kiss her, she thought that maybe his idea wasn’t so bad after all.

Matteo entered the wardrobe with a knot in his stomach. Gastón had tried his best to cheer him up, but their warm-up ran everything but smoothly and he figured Luna’s nerves got the best of her even before he discovered her.

She sat in front of the mirror, a frozen sculpture.

Hands clenched in her lap. Hair falling straight and motionless over her shoulders. Her gaze fixated the make-up in front of her as if her life depended on it. Her mind drifting far, far away, in fact so far, she didn’t even notice hm in the whirling wind of her thoughts.

Seeing her so collapsed into herself felt wrong, like she’d been drained of her inner light, nothing left but a broken heart trapped in a once colorful shell.

He closed the door and kept his voice low. “Hey.”

Their eyes met in the mirror.

“What’s wrong, little moon?”

Luna tore her gaze away. “Nothing”, she replied before she applied more blush.

Without a sound, Matteo sighed. Sat down next to her. His hand gently found the brush, stopped her hasty movements. “No, something’s wrong, I can see that. Do you want to talk about it?”

A silent heartbeat. A second.

She intertwined their hands, squeezing until he lightly pressed back. The tiniest smile found its way on her lips.

“It’ll be okay”, he promised, despite his feelings not able yet to match his words.

“What if this is the only time we will ever compete together? What if we screw this up? What if we can’t enjoy this like we should?”

He wished he could take her pain. Just take it, and feel it all instead of her, because his little sun deserved better than that. And he wished he could find the right encouragements – he wasn’t sure if the few simple words he owned were enough to lift her spirits.

“We won’t”, he assured her. Then, he leaned in and kissed her hand. “Look at me. We trained hard, and we trained a lot to get here. You improved so much since you got here, you will outshine every single one out there. Well… except me, of course.”

Her chuckle rewarded him with more happiness than any won competition ever could.

“So, solare, please don’t worry. Just enjoy this, okay?”

Luna nodded. Hesitated. Avoided his eyes. “How can you be so okay with leaving?”

It dawned upon Matteo that he showed her a lot less of his struggling than he had believed. And that he needed to change that, no matter if he believed to protect her from the heartache or not. “I’m not. I’m just used to it.”

“You shouldn’t.”

Matteo only pressed a kiss on her hair as he pulled her into a hug, thinking how right she was. And how he still lacked the courage to tell her how it would the hardest time he’d ever had leaving a place.

“Matteo, no! You’re gonna ruin it”, she laughed and ducked before the brush in his hand reached her face.

After simply a little bit of goofing around, all the negative thoughts seemed forgotten. And who cared about watching their opponents when threatening her with a make-over was so much more fun?

“Excuse you, I am a wonderful make-up artist!”, he protested. “Have you seen my eyeliner? It’s sharp enough to break the moon in two.”

For a second, he paused and grinned at her, but then she already kidnapped the brush out of his grip and waved it victoriously.

“Good thing I’m not the literal moon.”

“Oh, if I were you, I still wouldn’t feel safe. Don’t you know my lipstick skills are the most dangerous?” he shot back.

A confused frown was about to slip on her face, yet never truly unfolded as Matteo already brought her mouth to his own. At first reluctant, she soon wrapped her arms around his neck and met the pressure of his lips with full force.

Breaking millimeters away, he whispered, “We still have a bit time left.”

“Not here, idiot.” She slapped his sneaky hands away, rolling her eyes. “You should get ready. Reapply your lipstick and all.”

“I should also keep my girlfriend from overthinking certain things.” Another stolen peck. He could kiss her for the rest of his life, and it would never be enough.

“Matteo.”

Lifting his hands to give her free, he surrendered.

Or at least let her think he did. “Okay, okay, got it.” In return, she caressed his cheek, smiling so warm his heart somersaulted. “Smart boy.”

“Or let’s say, I might wait until tonight… and who knows, if you don’t make a fool of us because you stumble over your own two feet, there might be a little treat for you.” He winked, amused at how her cheeks lost all color only to light up in a glorious red.

“Do you really want to explain to Juliana that it’s your fault we lost because you distracted me too much?”

“Oh, we won’t lose.”

When Juliana handed them their trophy, it became the first time they ever saw her grin from ear to ear. And yet, all Luna thought about was Matteo’s wink and the shameless implications it contained.

(She couldn’t wait.)

“Matteo, can you pass me the salt?”, Miguel asked that evening.

“But Ámbar isn’t here”, he replied, earning him a snicker from Luna that she soon concealed with a cough, as well as a disbelieving glare from Monica.

“I’m sorry”, Matteo added before Monica took the chance to scold him, although he barely meant it. In fact, the way his ex-girlfriend congratulated them still amused him. Gritted teeth and a tone like she’d been tortured into talking to him – the exact reaction he expected after beating her, the self-claimed queen of the rink.

Maybe Jazmín or Nina had captured the moment of her defeat, he’d ask them later. For now, he figured he needed to protect his dinner first.

“Hey, you have your own food, chica delivery, stop stealing mine!”

Luna laughed and snuck yet another bite from his plate. “Make me.”

“Oh, I will”, he said, poking her right where she was the most ticklish while sticking his tongue out at her. Her grin turned into laughter. The fork in her hand fell on the table, and as she tried to weasel out of his attack, she leaned down dangerously close to her plate.

Miguel cleared his throat.

Immediately, they stopped and returned to their dinner, the grins on their faces not entirely gone.

Her dad continued to watch them. “Luna, do you remember our agreement?” he wanted to know.

“Which agreement?”

“The one from last week. About the jewelry store.”

Looking around the table, it looked like Matteo was the only clueless one in the room. Monica nodded along her husband’s words in silent agreement, while Luna put her cutlery down to beam at her dad in excitement. “Sure, sure, I do!”

“I thought we could go there tomorrow, do you still want to join me?”

“Yes, of course!” Now, she failed to sit still. “Wait, I’ll give you the necklace now, so I can’t lose it until then.”

That surprised Matteo. Luna only separated from her necklace at night or in the shower, and since it wasn’t broken, he saw no reason to go to a jewelry store.

Except… “Hang on, are you trying to find out more about your birth family?”

With wide eyes, Luna stared at him. If he wasn’t so curious (and concerned, to be honest), he’d laugh at her dumbfounded expression.

“Oh. Well, uh, yes. I wanted to for a while, but I decided to focus on the competition first, so we agreed to wait until it’s over. Didn’t I tell you?”

Worry tainted her gaze, a hint of guilt too, and Matteo couldn’t help but tease her for it. “No, you never mentioned it with a single word. But actually, I’m not surprised, sometimes you live that far on the moon that I wonder if there’ll ever be a day where you forget me over it.”

“Don’t you remember? I already did.” A smirk on her lips appeared.

He smiled along. This memory, with all its uncertainty and pining and longing, sparked a warmth in Matteo that fueled the laughter rising from his lungs. Knowing how it all turned out, looking back amused him, and made him wonder how he ever came to deserve so much happiness.

And why it had to end so soon.

Their time together passed by quickly.

Too quickly, for both of them.

Meetings with friends lasted not long enough for Matteo, who tried to push back the feelings of guilt and sadness. Finals exhausted him, brought him to the limits of his time management skills, and Juliana seemed set on bringing them to World Championship level in what few training sessions him and Luna had left.

But then there were the evenings and nights with Luna, and they made him so happy. They filled his soul with warmth and calmness, only for the mornings to break his heart as they got one day closer to the inevitable goodbye.

It was a cycle, day for day, although he tried to focus on the positive only.

Until this day arrived.

It came too soon, way before he was ready for it. (He never would have been.) But it arrived without mercy, and he woke up one last time with Luna in his arms and a smile on his lips.

[quiet-night-musings]

Justine and Just Him - The Listahan (00)

Justine and Just The Paper Plane

Juliana's 18th Birthday

"Juliana, anak. You are now 18 and I can see that you are excited. But remember, it also comes with responsibilities. Hindi mo na mawawala sa amin ng Papa mo ang mag-alala para sa'yo. But also remember that we are here for you. To support you. To take care of you. To love you. Have fun and enjoy the grownup things you can do now that you are officially 18. Happy birthday, Juliana! We love you!"

Elisa's 18th Birthday

"Let's ask the debutante!"

"What are you most excited about now that you are 18?"

"I can now drive a car!" Eli giggled.

Sabrina's 18th Birthday

"We heard that you did something interesting before you turned 18. Can you share it with us?"

"I went to Ilocos and traveled alone," Sab shyly answered.

"Wow! Do your parents know about it?"

"Yes. They even informed the hotel that I'm traveling alone and booked a room for me."

"Why did you think about traveling alone? Did your parents easily agree with your plan?"

"Uh... Dad was against it. Actually, both of them were against it at first. But I talked to them that I wanted to try solo travel. They wanted to go with me but it will only ruin the plan of solo traveling."

"Paano mo sila napapayag?"

"I just told them that I'll still leave whether they'd allow me or not. Maybe they realized na baka maglayas ako kung hindi nila ako payagan."

"Maybe they realized that they should trust you. But after all, they are your parents. And we can't take it from them to worry."

"Yeah, sa sobrang worried nila, I was on the bus to Ilocos and they called me every hour."

Everyone in the ballroom roared in laughter.

Angelica's 18th Birthday

"This is one of the days that we are excited about. But your Dad said this is the day he fears the most," Geli's mom joked and the guests laughed. "You are officially 18. You not only gain legal rights and responsibilities but this is also an exciting time of your teenage life. Many things will change as you reach the legal age. But remember that my love and your Dad's love for you will never change. Happy birthday, Angel!"

Tonette's 18th Birthday

"Does our debutante have any plans as she turns 18?"

"Ah.. siguro... I want to get a tattoo."

Rosie's 18th Birthday

"Is there something that scares you now that you are 18?"

"Uhm... getting jailed."

The guests laughed at Rosie's answer.

Cheska's 18th Birthday

"Our debutante has a surprise for everyone!"

"Yes! I'll be making cocktail drinks later for all of you. That's one of the things I tried to learn before my birthday."

"What's your favorite cocktail to make?"

"Almost everything. I enjoyed making them, but I love Margaritas, Pina Colada, Bloody Mary, and vodka spritz."

Fritzie's 18th Birthday

"Thank you sa lahat na mga bumati at pumunta ngayong gabi. I am deeply touched by your birthday greetings. To Mommy and Daddy, thank you for making my birthday extra special. I wouldn't be here right now if not for both of you. To my best friends, thank you for always being there for me. Huwag muna kayong umuwi. May usapan tayong uminom hanggang alas-dose!"

"We're going to get drunk!" a friend of Ate Fritzie yelled.

Joyce's 18th Birthday

"Salamat kay Mama at Papa na nag-plano para sa birthday ko. Akala ko hindi ako makakapag-celebrate pero na surprise ako."

"And you surprised your parents, too!"

"Hala... sorry po, Pa. Hindi ko naman po itatago. Naghahanap lang po ng tamang timing."

The guests laughed at Joyce.

"So is it true?"

"Po?" Jo asked shyly.

"That you have a boyfriend? Itatago natin sa pangalang Kent?"

Joyce couldn't hide her embarrassed smile. She slowly nodded and blushed when everyone in the room teased her.

"I went to see my favorite band."

"Already did that."

"I burnt all my teddy bears!"

"Why would you burn a teddy bear?" I was puzzled.

"Slumber party with friends."

"We did that on Quennie's birthday."

"I swam with the sharks in South Africa!"

"I want to have some fun. Not to get eaten," I jested.

"I got an autograph from Taylor Swift!"

"How can I get an autograph from Taka?" I wondered.

"Gave up my virginity the night before my 18th."

"No," I dismissed the idea instantly.

"Stole a road traffic sign."

"That is against the law."

"I cut my own hair for my 18th birthday!"

"I can't even draw a straight line. Maggupit pa kaya?" I chuckled.

"Went outside of Las Vegas for 24 hours. Just to get away from my home state. T'was fun!"

"Nagba-biyahe naman ako araw-araw palabas ng siyudad. So counted na yon di ba?"

"I wrote a book. My autobiography."

"Sigurado hindi ko 'to matatapos. Sorry. No."

"Joined a boxing match. And I won $300."

"And you came home with a black eye," the brother interrupted.

"No to violence," I reminded myself.

"Y'all should try navel piercing."

I glanced down at my navel. "I don't think Mom and Dad will be happy if they find out."

"Smoke a tobacco."

"Smoking is dangerous to your health."

"Apply for a passport."

"I already did a long time ago."

"I went to a strip club. And met my boyfriend in there."

"Nah uh!"

Exhausted, I lied down the freshly mowed grass of the village park. It's nice here. Not every village has a regularly maintained park with lots of foliage and benches where the homeowners can relax. And the breeze... oh I love the cool breeze.

My favorite spot to unwind is under the shades of the trees. What a wonderful sense of relaxation it provides.

I could just lie here and sleep until the sun bids farewell for the day. If I'm lucky enough, I get to hear the birds singing. They sing with such vigor like it's early in the morning. Ahh... it's lovely. It's peaceful. I wish it's like this every day.

"Ikaw lang naman 'tong nag-iisip ng kung ano-anong gawin sa buhay mo." I groaned and opened my eyes only to be greeted by the sunlight passing through the leaves. Hindi naman masakit sa mata dahil hapon na pero ang liwanag pa rin at dumagdag sa sakit ng ulo ko.

Paanong hindi sasakit? Eh sa buong oras na ginugol ko rito sa park ng village, binalikan ko ang mga 18th birthday videos ng mga kaklase at pinsan ko. Pinanood ko lahat. I even took down notes of what I thought special about their debut.

What struck me the most are the things they did before and after they turned 18. They sure had fun and learned something from what they did. And I want that too. I want to do different things before I turn 18.

The question now is what will I do?

Tinanong ko na rin si Google kung ano-ano ang mga exciting na bagay na pwedeng gawin bago mag 18 pero ang mga nabasa at napanood ko... kakaiba. Kung hindi iinom, magta-travel. Kung hindi travel, labag naman sa batas. Ang iba sakit sa katawan ang resulta.

I sighed in frustration. I raised the piece of paper I was holding and mentally read what I have listed so far. It's not that bad, but I'm having second thoughts.

"Ugh! Why is this so hard? Do I really have to do this? Hindi lang naman ako siguro ang babae sa mundo na hindi pa nagagawa ang mga 'to! Sino ba kasi unang nakaisip nito? And why do I bother making this list? Kailangan ba before mag 18 talaga? Para naman akong may taning sa buhay nito! Waste of time," I complained.

I crumpled the paper and planned to throw it in a nearby trash bin but I stopped halfway. I'm not supposed to litter. I tapped my back shirt and shorts as I stood up and sat on the bench. I ironed the paper with my palms and made a paper plane. Within seconds, I let the plane fly and it successfully landed at its destination: the trash bin.

I raised my head to a cloudless blue sky. It looks empty. A perfect canvas to paint it with some yellow, white, and red.

"Goodbye, my stupid list. Hello, responsibilities." Ang drama ko. Ang daming arte.

"I think it's just right. I'm a graduating senior high student and I have my plate full right now. I can still enjoy and do them after graduating, right? I can still do those things when I'm 19, 20, or 30?"

Ugh! I shut my eyes and groaned. "Uwi na nga ako!"

I ambled on my way out of the park. There was this heavy feeling in my chest and I know exactly why. It's been decided, I decided not to push through the plan of doing whatever I listed down. It's fine. I will be fine. I will still be a healthy teenage girl even without the list. I kept on convincing myself. But who am I kidding? Here I am, walking towards our house with a long face.

"Ah! I'm going to do it!" I blurted and rushed back to the park, straight to the bin where the paper plane landed.

"Nasaan na?" Wala na ang eroplanong papel sa basurahan. "Wala namang flight 'yon!"

I scoured the bin but it was not there. Paanong nawala 'yon dito? Impossibleng liparin 'yon ng hangin eh hindi naman puno 'tong basurahan. Pwera kung natumba 'to. Pero hindi, eh! Kung nilinis na ng maintenance ang laman ng mga basurahan, dapat walang natira. Eh bakit ito nasa kalahati pa rin ang basura sa loob?

Frustrated that I couldn't find my list from the bin, I stomped my foot hard and scurried back home.

"I'm gonna make a new one!" I declared and started writing the listahan.

"Who says I'm still young to do it? I'm not going to wait until I'm 30 to do all of them. I have time! I will do it! And no one can stop me!"

What could possibly happen? Who knows? Right now, I see nothing but great things. I'm turning 18 and I'm gonna prove to them that I know how to be responsible for my actions.

Pero... saan napunta ang unang listahan ko?

*another slow burn. once a month update :P

[diveronarpg]

Congratulations, BREE! You’ve been accepted for the role of BIANCA. Admin Rosey: I think the first thing that came to mind was how powerfully you captured Bunny's voice, Bree. You. Absolutely. Killed it. Your plot points built upon one after the other which shows how you plan to lay the foundation for her and force her to grow, no matter how much she kicks up her heels about it. It can be difficult trying to force a character like Bunny to grow without taking away from what makes her so intriguing and fun, but wow. Am I so very glad to have her added to the ranks, ready to bring us chaos and absolute ruin. Please read over the checklist and send in your blog within 24 hours.

WELCOME TO THE MOB.

Out of Character

Alias | Bree.

Age | Twenty.

Preferred Pronouns | She/her.

Activity Level | I’m studying engineering and running collegiately, so the short answer is that I’m not entirely sure. The long answer is that my activity will ebb and flow depending on my schedule; some weeks are easier than others. But I’ll do my damnedest to be around, even if that means firing off ugly-formatted replies on mobile (or having Rosey or Kiersten format them for me… we’ve done it before).

Timezone | CST.

How did you find the rp?  | English class my senior year of high school, with the help of Rosey (no, seriously). I’ve been watching from afar, and I couldn’t stay away.

Current/Past RP Accounts | here, here, and here

In Character

Character | Bianca; Bernadette “Bunny” Dupont

What drew you to this character? | Well… originally, I wrote her. But since that sounds like a cop-out and I can never pass up the opportunity to wax poetic about one of my literary children, I’ll bite. ;)

She’s a piece of work. No, not that kind of work, not artwork—given her art forging expertise, that would be a cliché, and neither I nor Bunny are particularly fond of those. I mean that she’s single-handedly both the easiest and the most difficult character I’ve ever written and, I might argue, will ever write. Self-absorbed and yet oddly self-aware, vulgar in the delicate way only someone with a face like hers could be, and so tenderly cruel it’s endearing���she’s awful, but writing her has never been an inkling as heavy as writing equally diabolical characters has been in the past. She’s somehow able to be a light-hearted character in an environment where that sort of label tends to be reserved for characters like Maeve, all flower petals and naivete and ripe for the slaughter—without encompassing any of that. I don’t know, maybe it’s her youthful appearance, maybe it’s her love of candy and strawberries and her tendency to act so much like a child, or maybe it’s that careful balance between what she appears to be, what she’d like to be, and who she is, but she manages to check off some boxes that appear at first glance to be mutually exclusive. She lacks any concrete ambition outside of being revered, yet she possesses the potential to climb, to do some terrible things, because of that unfocused ambition. Her selfishness makes her a target for manipulation while being an avid manipulator herself. Her priorities are bottoms-up and she’s hardly got what most would call a good head on her shoulders, but damn if she isn’t a coquettish kind of cunning.

I thought I wouldn’t even know where to begin, but I’m having trouble finding where to end. The point is, I love this little brat.

What is a future plot idea you have in mind for the character? | Where do you see this character developing, and what kind of actions would you have them take to get there? 3 future plot ideas would be preferable.

Piss off, Picasso: It’s only fitting, I suppose, that a little girl so proficient at mocking her sister (and her friends) behind her doting parents’ backs should grow up and learn to put that art of imitation to good, more mature use in the mob. She’s got it all going for her, really; wealthy upbringing, an eye for detail, and a shameless disregard for plucking coins from the purses of others to feed her own greed—what could go wrong? Plenty. And while I’d definitely like to explore the aftermath of what might happen if she got sloppy and was found out, she’s got her fair share of trouble on her plate right now with her—er, bad publicity. So first, I’d like to see her do well. I’d like to see her get overconfident, make connections, be successful. Once she’s finished throwing her little tantrum about my next plot idea, she’ll probably be inclined to hone her skills, sell a few more paintings to get out of the hole she stumbled into. After all, respect isn’t earned in Bunny’s world; it’s bought.

Paparazzi: It’s not what it looks like. Come on, he isn’t even that cute. Bunny’s moment of weakness, if it can be called that, presents obvious potential for her to either pull herself up by the bootstraps (imagine) or dig herself even farther. This might be the first time she’s gotten into any real trouble, especially the kind that Daddy Dupont couldn’t fix, and she’s not going to handle it well. But her knee-jerk reaction should make for good comedy and some even better plots. How far will she go to prove that she’s still just as loyal to the Capulets as she’s always been (which is to say, not particularly?)? What other mistakes can she make? It’s time to get her pretty little hands dirty, I think. She’s too proud to ask her sister for help, but all bets are off when it comes to Cyrus. Hell, maybe even her connection to Boris can come into play here (counterproductive, probably).

This Is What Makes Us Girls: The relationship Bunny has with Maeve and Juliana is one of my favorite parts about her, because it’s one of the best means for me to flesh out and play with all of the different sides of Bunny. They’re a pretty integral part to the image she keeps up—both that of a dignified daughter and a girl still steeped in candy-lacquered youth, and it’s for that reason that her secret dislike/jealousy of them both is so… telling? Bunny’s conceited, sure, but she is—at her core—insecure. And insecure people—insecure teenage girls, although she’s aged out of that territory—do pretty terrible things. I want to explore the dynamic within this friend group. I want to see her sabotage something important to Juliana. I want to see her have Maeve do her bidding, see her put her friends in harm’s way. Betrayal doesn’t always call for bloodshed; sometimes cutting deep doesn’t call for a knife.

Are you comfortable with killing off your character? | Eh… as much as I’d love to give the usual “yes, give me all the angst,” I’m not really sure that Bunny is the type of character whose death will serve a purpose/further the plot, to be honest. Only the good die young, and she’s anything but.

If at any point the plot calls for it, we can talk about it, but I don’t foresee her developing in such a way that I’d suggest it.

In Depth

What is your favorite place in Verona? |

That’s a stupid question, she thinks, smoothing out the hem of her skirt and settling contentedly into the plush armchair, half-business and half-play. It’s a copout, almost—the daytime equivalent of asking someone’s favorite color in truth or dare. It’s a wasted turn, a missed opportunity. If she wanted to write love letters to the streets of Verona, she’d pick up the noble art of journaling.

In any case, the answer was most certainly a harrowing tie between her clawfoot bathtub and the half of her king-sized bed farthest from the window—but that sounded so infantile even she might’ve quirked an eyebrow at such a response. This, she realizes, is what it’s like to grow older: to make terrible small talk over lukewarm tea and lie in more dignified ways than she had in her youth.

(She’s twenty-one years, two months, and three days old. This is middle age. This is melodrama.)

“There’s a little candy shop a few blocks from the foot of the Castelvecchio. Their chocolate-covered strawberries are to die for.”

What does your typical day look like?

She likes this one—likes the way it sounds like a question straight out of the magazines she reads in her near-infinite free time, all gloss and understated glamour. In fact, she’s spent a perhaps embarrassing amount of time crafting responses to such a question in the event that she were ever asked, and although this isn’t exactly the avenue she’d had in mind, it’ll do.

Let it never be said that Bunny Dupont cannot compromise.

“I like to wake before the sun,” she lies elegantly, matter-of-factly, knowing damn well that just this morning she’d slumbered until noon but eager to portray the image of a young woman with her shit thoroughly together. The corners of her pink lips turn up in a smile, as if the very thought of a sunrise sways her to cliché thoughts of new beginnings and second chances, of the kinds of phrases befitting the tacky dollar-store decorations Maeve collects like an old man does stamps. How very carpe diem of her.

“I wash my face, have a cup of tea, and try to get a bit of reading done.” When she puts it that way, it sounds quite a bit more like a sophisticated heiress devouring novels in the early morning light than the slightly-less-respectable-but-nonetheless-true alternative of a troublemaker surveying last night’s damage, pastries piled with whipped cream within arm’s reach.

“I like to meet my friends for brunch. Juliana and I are regulars at The Phoenix and the Turtle,” she says delicately, deliberate with her inclusion of the Capulet girl’s name and her exclusion of any others. “I’ll paint a bit in the afternoons…” The little blonde trails off, green eyes darting about as if calling the remainder of her routine to mind. The truth is that she’s already grown bored, and perhaps that’s her own fault; it can get exhausting, pretending to be responsible, truly exhausting—but playing pretend is too fun. “And home for dinner, always.”

What has been your biggest mistake thus far?

She twirls a strand of cotton-blonde hair around her finger, a coy display of sheepishness befitting a schoolgirl. What was her biggest mistake? The question demands a certain sort of humility, a level of introspection and honesty she’s never had the need to stoop to in all her years as the Dupont family darling, and if she were a tad less shameless it might even be a little—what’s the word?—unnerving. There was a reason she’d been dutiful enough to go to church on Sundays with her father but had avoided the confessional like her mother avoided carbs, and that reason had nothing to do—okay, fine, but only a little— to do with an aversion to being on her knees.

But she’s nothing if not an opportunist, a performer, and she treads the line between timid and cruel when she remarks, “I held a Montague boy’s hand once. Went home and went through two bars of soap.”

What has been the most difficult task asked of you?

“Firing a gun,” Bunny admits, leaning in as if to let the intern in on a secret, “It’s harder than I expected. “Pulling the trigger, I mean. Takes a bit more pressure than they show you in the movies.” Leave it to her to turn such a grim discussion to something a bit less uncomfortable, a bit more palatable. Leave it to her to dodge the—well, difficult—questions. When have you failed? When have you struggled? How have you grown?

In two words: she hasn’t. (In another two: not yet.)

What are your thoughts on the war between the Capulets and the Montagues?

Lingering in the air like her favorite perfume was a rule oft-spoken and waiting to be broken: no politics, it’s simply not lady-like. Her father’s banks backed the Capulets, and where the money went, the Duponts surely followed. For all her selfishness and disdain for anything which drew the attention away from her and her needs, Bunny Dupont understood the necessity of these things—of petty grudges and not-so-petty crimes—for people like them. Wars, even wars like these, needed money: a lot of it.

“I don’t feel I know enough to say much about it,” she says carefully, the gleam in her green eyes looking more like a trick of the light and less like a clue. “I only wish there weren’t so much blood.”

Why? It left a nasty stain.

Extras: If you have anything else you’d like to include (further headcanons, an inspo tag, a mock blog, etc), feel free to share it here! This is OPTIONAL.

Headcanons:

When she was little, she wanted to be an actress or an only child: the former, she told her parents, and the latter, she told her sister.

Her hard liquor of choice is vodka, the flavored kind—the sweeter, the better. She’s mastered the art of taking shots of it with a straight face after many years of practice.

Strawberries are her favorite. Chocolate-covered, in champagne—you name it.

In high school, she got her kicks by scaring off boys who approached her to get a leg-up on wooing Juliana. So many potential suitors shot down, convinced that Cosimo would have them shipped off to some foreign land without their heads or their manhood.

Once, she promised Maeve she’d get her crush to ask her on a date. She was only half a virgin after that. He never called Maeve.

She’s a Gemini (May 30th).