ven0ms

[ven0ms]

         eyes   met   others   as   soon   as   barrier   was   opened   ,   corners   of   lips   upturning   almost   immediately   .   '   as   if   the   vigilante   is   polite   enough   to   knock   on   the   door   ...   or   maybe   that's   how   he   gets   ya   !   he'll   lure   you   into   a   false   sense   of   security   and   then   when   you're   least   expecting   it   ,   he'll   pounce   .   shit's   crazy   ,   huh   ?   '   yeah   ,   nobody   really   wanted   a   dissertation   from   you   ,   santos   .   hands   are   thrown   up   in   feigned   surrender   .   '   hey   ,   if   you're   looking   for   decent   taste   ,   i'd   say   you   came   to   the   right   place   ,   my   friend   .   '   santos   steps   back   slightly   to   open   the   door   for   homme   ,   head   tilting   inwards   inviting   him   inside   .   '   no   problemo   ,   i   get   it   .   you   definitely   need   a   good   drink   after   working   so   hard   ,   huh   ?   '   hands   shove   themselves   in   the   pockets   of   his   sweatpants   ,   always   awkward   about   what   to   do   with   them   most   times ; it's his go - to move   .   '   listen   ,   you   don't   have   to   provide   any entertainment   to   drink   my   liquor   .   i'm   happy   to   host   .   '   more   like   :   thank   god   i   don't   have   to   sit   in   silence   any   longer   .

with: open starter ! where: the front door of a residence in beverly park

laurie rested an arm on his neighbor's doorframe, knuckles rapping lightly as he leaned in close, grinning when the door opened just a crack. he didn't wait for the other to say anything — simply shot them a look, innocent yet incorrigible. " glad you still trust me enough to answer the door after curfew, " laurie teased, his voice smooth, though a touch too loud for the hour. " i was just thinking . . . someone in beverly park must have decent taste — and most importantly, a decent liquor cabinet. " he arched a brow, eyes flickering between their face and the door. " i ran dry quicker than i expected . . . meant to restock earlier, but, uh . . . had a late night at work, " laurie lied through his teeth. " think you can spare a drink or two for your favorite neighbor ? i promise i'll make it worth your while . . . even if it's just for the entertainment. "

[ven0ms]

         '   well   ,   i'm   glad   you   see   it   my   way   !   my   time   is   coming   ...   the   end   is   near   ...   i   just   hope   i   get   to   say   my   goodbye's   before   he   takes   me   out   ...   '   okay   ,   that   was   definitely   theatrical   on   purpose   this   time   and   not   her   just   being   ...   her   .   '   how   am   i   spiraling   when   people   around   us   are   d*ing , regina   ?   sure   ,   when   we   first   got   the   letters   we   could've   chalked   it   up   to   a   prank   ,   but   now   ?   who's   to   say   we're   even   going   to   survive   the   night   !   '   fingers   come   up   to   pinch   the   bridge   of   her   nose   ,   a   slow   exhale   coming   .   deep   breath   ,   val   .   '   i'm   fine   ,   really   .   everything's   fine   !   the   k*ller   isn't   real   ,   we   aren't   gonna   d*e   ...   but   i   could   really   use   a   shot   right   now   .   or   many   .   you   have   tequila   ,   right   ?   '

ꨄ 𝅄 ❛ regina   rolled   her   eyes   at   valeria's   words   ,   an   amused   scoff   escaping   her   lips   .   she   shook   her   head   in   astonishment   ,   wondering   how   it   was   possible   for   someone   to   be   so   full   of   themselves   .   then   again   ,   she   supposed   the   other   had   every   right   to   be   .   “   okay   ,   yeah   ,   you're   hot   .   .   .   but   i   think   you're   kinda   spiraling   a   little   here   ,   ”   she   told   her   .   she   wasn't   one   to   shy   from   the   truth   .   she   had   the   patience   of   a   saint   ,   though   .   growing   up   with   multiple   siblings   ,   it   taught   her   quite   a   bit   about   it   .   regina   continued   to   observe   valeria   ,   wishing   she   could   get   the   smallest   preview   into   the   functionality   of   her   mind   .   “   okay   ,   well   .   .   .   i   can   help   you   with   any   of   those   things   .   just   pick   your   poison   .   i   can   help   you   relax   .   ”

[ven0ms]

         femme's   never   been   one   for   violence   herself   ,   but   something   about   xavier   is   driving   her   to   want   to   hit   them   !   eyes   slightly   narrow   at   him   ,   the   words   already   coming   to   the   tip   of   her   tongue   before   they're   even   done   speaking   !   (   she's   never   one   to   remain   calm   ,   cool   ,   and   collected   about   anything   ,   either   ,   so   the   extraness   was   bound   to   happen   )   .   '   that's   really   fucking   mean   ,   xavier   !   i   can't   believe   you   .   '   the   feigned   dramatics   are   in   full   swing   ,   the   roll   of   her   eyes   following   suit   .   '   i   think   it   would   be   a   gift   , by the way .   you   would   be   so   lucky   to   be   stuck   with   only   me   forever   .   '   val   added ,   only   to   then completely   drop   the   monologue   she   had   prepared   ,   on   how   special   and   fun   she   is   of   course   ,   when   xavier   brought   up   how   the   vigilante   would   kill   her   .

ears   were   listening , eyes   were   set   on   him   ,   soaking   up   every   word   -   as   if   she   doesn't   work   herself   up   just   thinking   about   the   killer   .   she's   positive that   in   another   universe   she'd   toss   her   hands   up   in   the   air   ,   throw   something   at   them   (   hopefully   something   soft   )   ,   and   start   her   screaming   rampage   about   how   rude   that   was   to   say   and   how   it's   not   funny   , yadda , yadda , yadda ...   but   in   this   universe   ,   for   some   reason   ,   she   was   much   more   restrained   .   maybe   through   genuine   fear   ,   maybe   she   wanted   some   semblance   of   realism   .   for   once   .   '   well   ,   you   are   being   a   dick   .   '   she   started   ,   only   a   brief   pause   given   before   continuing   .   '   but   i   really   do   think   he's   going   to   come   after   me   soon   .   and   given   all   my   accolades   ,   my   success   ,   my   fame   ,   my   good   looks   ,   and   my   talent   ...   he'll   go   all   out   .   maybe   peeling   -   my   -   face   -   off   is   in   the   cards   .   never   really   thought   of   that   one   before   ,   so   ...   thanks   !   '

xavier  smirks  widens  ,  just  enough  to  let  valeria  know  he's  enjoying  this  (  probably  more  than  he  should  .  )  because  . . .  it's  almost  cute  ,  if  you  squint  .  "  aw  ,  come  on  ,  val  ,  "  they  drawl  ,  voice  dripping  with  that  brand  of  sarcasm  that's  practically  their  second  language  ,  equal  parts  mocking  and  amused  .  "  didn't  mean  to  offend  her  royal  highness  of  self-love  over  here  ,  my  bad  .  but  forever  ,  though  ?  just  you  and  you  ?  sounds  like  a  prison  sentence  .  "  they  tip  their  head  back  ,  eyes  half-lidded  ,  tapping  a  finger  against  their  chin  ,  feigning  deep  thought  .  "  y'know  . . .  i  was  gonna  say  something  poetic  ,  maybe  to  do  with  music  . . .  "  he  pauses  ,  drawing  it  out  ,  savoring  the  anticipation  (  and  knowing  it  probably  drives  her  nuts  .  )  "  but  after  that  whole  speech  ?  especially  if  he's  listening  right  now  ?  i  think  he'd  go  for  something  . . .  visceral  .  he'd  make  you  look  at  yourself  ,  maybe  .  i'm  talking  really  look  .  i'm  talking  peeling-your-face-off  kind  of  look  .  holding  it  up  to  you  and  going  ,  '  here  ,  love  yourself  now  ,  biatch  .  '  "  he  chuckles  ,  low  and  unbothered  ,  giving  her  a  look  that  says  . . .  what  ?  too  much  ?  "  but  hey  ,  maybe  i'm  just  being  a  dick  .  "  

[ven0ms]

god he's so fucking pathetic. what a god damn loser. (insane with lust)

[ven0ms]

Yi Lei, Mother

[ven0ms]

         duffel   bag   swung   over   his   shoulder   ,   forgotten   car   keys   strewn   on   the   table   inside   his   door   -   what   an   idiot   for   forgetting   the   only   thing   he   actually   needed   to   get   himself   to   the   gym   .   the   barking   was   almost   white   noise   for   a   split   second   ,   too   in   his   own   head   ,   but   was   pulled   from   his   thoughts   by   the   sound   of   a   voice   that   seemed   pointed   towards   him   .   santos   came   to   a   halt   ,   eyes   meeting   theirs   as   an   immediate   smile   presents   itself   .   as   always   !   gaze   shifts   down   at   the   dog   for   a   split   second   before   back   up to them   .   '   well   ,   that's   okay   !   sometimes   i'm   not   the   biggest   fan   either   .   '   except   santos   is   almost   the   exact   opposite   of   that   ...   (   but   the   dog   doesn't   have   to   know   )   .   '   i   think   i've   seen   you   once   or   twice   ,   but   i'm   always   on   the   move   so   i   never   got   to   introduce   myself   properly   .   '   he'll   set   his   duffel   bag   down   on   the   ground   ,   making   sure   to   keep   it   away   from   nosferatu   .   a   hand   comes   out   gently   as   he   speaks   .   '   i'm   santos   .   of   the   ochoa   variety   .   and   i   don't   have   a   cute   little   dog   to   introduce   you   to   ,   but   i   have   been   thinking   about   getting   a   bearded   dragon   so   ...   '   oh   ,   shut   the   hell   up   .

·   open   starter   ,   assume   connections   ! ·   located   at   the   mailbox   closest   to   her   residence   .

                 “    oh   ,   stop   your   yapping   ,   nosferatu   .    ”    they   command   the   yorkie   located   at   her   feet   ,   who   is   barking   continuously   at   the   other's   sudden   appearance   .    “    —   he's   not   a   fan   of   people   .    ”    just   as   she   !   hand   tugs   on   the   leash   while   the   other   closes   the   door   to   the   opening   of   her   mailbox   ,   shuffling   the   envelopes   now   in   their   grasp   .    “    have   we   met   before   ?   i'm   dolores   ;   i   just   moved   into   the   neighborhood   about   a   week   ago   .    ” 

[ven0ms]

         eyebrows   raise   ,   immediate   interest   written   across   his   features   .   '   more   reckless   ?   you're   speakin'   my   language   ,   my   friend   .   '   he's   acting   as   if   he   even   has   the   time   to   be   reckless   anymore   !   the   worst   thing   he's   done   in   the   past   few   weeks   is   doordash   dinner   most   nights   -   he's   a   loser   .   '   nah   ,   don't   let   them   get   to   you   .   they   always   have   somethin'   to   say   when   they're   sitting   at   home   on   their   ass   or   at   their   job   where   they   make   shit   up   for   fun   .   '   santos   waves   a   hand   in   the   air   ,   dismissing   the   bullshit   she's   going   through   .   homme   knows   all   too   well   the   interests   of   media   leeches   .   '   i   think   you   can   definitely   have   fun   without   regretting it later   ,   y'know   ?   but   also   ... if   you   wanna   get   a   case   of   the   fuck   -   its   ,   i'll   be   so on   board   .   '

open starter ; for all . location ; gwen's place . connections can be assumed .

ꨄ 𝅄 ❛ “   you   know   ,   i've   been   thinkin'   i   should   do   something   a   little   more   reckless,   ”   she   said   ,   turning   to   look   at   the   other   .   “   i'm   getting   real   sick   of   seeing   all   those   gossip   articles   still   talking   about   those   pictures   and   how   hollywood's   golden   girl   has   been   corrupted   .   i   mean   ,   its   been   like   .   .   .   weeks   ,   ”   gwen   stated   ,   shaking   her   head   .   didn't   they   have   anything   better   to   do   with   their   time   ?   why   were   people   so   hung   up   on   her   image   still   ?   gwen   wondered   if   she'd   ever   fully   shed   the   image   she'd   held   for   years   .   “   what   do   you   think   i   should   do   ?   ”

[ven0ms]

𝗧𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝗭𝗔𝗞𝗛𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗭 ━━ red, white & royal blue , 2023.

[ven0ms]

𝗧𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝗭𝗔𝗞𝗛𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗭 via 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 .

[ven0ms]

☾ ₊ ⊹  •  trying to fulfill the inescapable feeling of emptiness within , the unmistakable melody of a piano playing softly in the distance , a pile of books with the corners folded over , the shift in temperature right before the storm , the choice between contentment and endless ambition , the brightness of a just - polished crystal chandelier .

*   biography   ,   pinterest   ,   spotify   .

full name , santos miguel - jakov ochoa . nickname(s) , n/a . name meaning , the saint . age , thirty . date of birth , august 7th . place of birth , new york city , new york . ethnicity , mexican , white . gender , cis man . pronouns , he / his . sexual orientation , bisexual . religion , catholic . occupation , casino heir , indulging in non - profits . education level , masters in business . label(s) , the humanist , the halcyon , the golden retriever , the magnet , the dynamo . positive traits , allocentric , staunch , adaptable . negative traits , recalcitrant , fractious , reticent .    

faceclaim , taylor zakhar perez . career / voice claim , n/a . hair color , dark brown . hair style , short messy curls . eye color , brown . height , 6'1" . build , athletic , muscular . tattoos , n/a . piercings , n/a . clothing style , jeans , t - shirt , beat up sneakers . distinguishing characteristics , always the upturn of a smile , long dark eyelashes , boisterous laugh . signature scent , tom ford oud wood , notes that overwhelm the senses with dark , earthy sensuality , exotic rosewood and cardamom give way to a smoky blend of precious oud notes , sandalwood and vetiver , tonka bean and amber add warmth .    

diagnosed disorders , insomnia . physical disorders , n/a . allergies , n/a . sleeping habits , irregular , often passes out at odd hours , in odd places ( friends couch , party , etc ) . eating habits , often forgets to eat regularly due to constantly working , but will eat large portions to make up for it . sociability , enjoys being around people , an extreme extrovert , will never get tired of talking . addictions , finding the next charity to sponsor , 20oz sugar free energy drinks , interacting with people on twitter . alcohol use , mostly social , the majority of the days of the week . drug use , regularly , to keep functioning at such a high rate , and to wind down , will deny if asked . cigarette use , n/a .    

likes , the ache that blooms in well - worn muscles , a grounding reminder that strength is earned through effort , that every lift and stretch sculpts resilience into sinew / the quiet reverence in small gestures of kindness , as if each offering is a note in a symphony of unseen compassion , anchoring the spirit in a world that often forgets to be gentle / the intimate scent of old pages , each creased line and frayed corner a portal to unspoken truths and voices long stilled , an escape from noise yet also a place of reflection , wisdom hidden within yellowed paper and ink - stained whispers . dislikes , the thin veneer of shallow exchanges , where pleasantries hang like gauze over a festering hollowness , the heart recoiling from connections lacking warmth , as though sincerity were a foreign tongue / the silent pressure of expectations , an unseen weight that presses upon the shoulders , urging a choice between self - truth and the mirrored gaze of others , a tension that knots beneath the skin / the abrasive hum of overcrowded spaces , where minds and voices overlap in discord , drowning out the gentle solitude craved yet often denied .    

fears , the vulnerable sting of openness , the way honesty feels like standing on a precipice , arms outstretched with nothing to shield against the winds of judgment / the haunting specter of family , of anchoring oneself to others in a dance of love and risk , where past scars lie in wait to imprint themselves on the next generation / the terror of inertia , a soul dulled by the relentless ticking of time without progress , a nightmare where the fire to grow and evolve slowly wanes , leaving only shadows where brightness once burned . habits , driven by an insatiable urge to keep moving , a mind filled with lists and goals that run like clockwork , so much so that basic needs — food , rest — are lost in the relentless pursuit of “ better ” / rituals of physical discipline , the rhythmic strain of exercise like a heartbeat that steadies , the body’s silent communion with strength and control amidst chaos / a private collection of passages and phrases , lines of prose that speak back to a hidden yearning , small anchors of meaning in a world where grounding is often as fleeting as breath .    

mother , marija antonela ochoa , neé hazdic ( 50 ) . father , miguel tomás ochoa ( 52 ) . sibling(s) , alejandra ( twenty - seven ) , antonia ( twenty - four ) . significant other(s) , has not been in a long - term relationship . children , n/a . pets , n/a . primary vice , lust . primary virtue , modesty . weather , light breeze of coastal waters , half cloudy sky to shield the sun's full power . color , reddish - brown . music , anything that sounds good . movie , the departed . book , the once and future king . sport , football . beverage , americano . food , anything homemade . animal , bearded dragon . season , middle of summer , when the crickets make up the nightly soundscape .

[ven0ms]

         ' ugh , you're so annoying ! he's not right , xavier . ' arms cross over her chest , subconsciously offended . ' can you just ... speak for yourself , please ? because i'd love me . ' and that's a lie , isn't it val ? the facade you parade around in is nothing short of a detriment to your teenage self . but you cover the feelings up with another layer of entitlement , don't you ? sad ! ' okay , do you get off on freaking people out or ... because this isn't helpful . like ? my preferred way to die ? how about i live forever just as i am , thanks ! ' the roll of her eyes , a small huff escaping before a silent beat hangs a second too long in the air . a wave of intrigue washes over her as eyes dare to glance towards them . ' but if you had to guess how he'd take me out , what would you say ? ' please for fuck's sake do not answer her .

who:  xavier  &  your  muse

where:  idfk  ??

xavier  plops  down  on  the  couch  with  a  dramatic  sigh  .  "  you  know  ,  at  this  point  ,  i'm  starting  to  think  the  killer's  right  .  we  are  kinda  terrible  .  i  mean  ,  look  at  us  ,  "  they  wave  a  hand  at  the  scene—vodka  bottles  tilted  sideways  ,  joints  half-buried  in  ashtrays  ,  and  scattered  lines�� of  cocaine  across  the  glass  table  .  "  if  i  weren't  me  ,  i'd  hate  me  .  "  leaning  back  ,  they  tap  their  chin  thoughtfully  .  "  and  you  gotta  give  it  to  this  guy—he’s  creative  .  when  it's  my  turn  ,  i  want  him  to  go  all  out  ,  like  ,  maybe  sharpen  my  old  cds  and  launch  them  at  me  like  ninja  stars  until  ,  bam  ,  poetic  justice  .  and  yeah  ,  i  said  when  ,  because  let's  be  real  :  statistically  ,  i've  made  enough  poor  life  choices  to  qualify  .  "  then  he  glances  over  ,  eyebrows  raising  .  "  anyway  ,  that's  my  preferred  way  out  .  what  about  you  ?  "  

[ven0ms]

         head shakes as arms lazily throw themselves in the air . ' uh , of course i need to be on edge ! he's coming after all of us - and the hot one always dies early , so it has to be me any second ! ' there's really no talking her down from the ledge at this point . it's honestly a shock that anybody would put up with her under these circumstances . valeria's falling back against the couch cushions , dramatically throwing an arm over her eyes , as though she's been on the manhunt for the vigilante . idiot ! ' what i need is a shot , a line , or a joint . ' anybody could've guessed that . ' otherwise you'll have to come up with something - i'm just too preoccupied . ' yeah ... right .

open starter ; for all . location ; regina's place . connections can be assumed .

was   this   how   she   wanted   to   spend   her   twenties   ?   definitely   not   .   being   confined   to   her   home   was   far   from   ideal   ,   but   she'd   be   damned   if   she   remained   alone   every   night   .   she   preferred   having   company   ,   hence   the   reason   she   had   the   other   over   .   sitting   alone   in   her   place   could   be   a   little   intimidating   ,   and   having   someone   else   there   made   it   a   lot   easier   for   her   .   “   you   don't   need   to   be   so   on   edge   ,   ”   she   stated   ,   shaking   her   head   .   “   nobody's   getting   in   here   unnoticed   .   we're   fine   here   .   try   to   relax   and   have   a   little   fun   ,   will   you   ?   ”   she   knew   she   wanted   to   enjoy   herself   ,   she   didn't   want   to   think   about   what   a   joke   their   lives   had   become   .   “   come   on   .   what'll   take   your   mind   off   things   ?   we   might   be   stuck   in   here   ,   but   we   still   have   a   lot   of   options   .   ”

[ven0ms]

- Evelyn Waugh, from Brideshead Revisited (1945)

[ven0ms]

[ven0ms]

         her   lips   curling   into   a   self   -   assured   smile   .   femme   steps   just   a   little   closer   to   him   ,   not   quite   enough   to   invade   his   space   ,   but   enough   to   make   sure   he   feels   her   presence   -   she   can’t   let   him   have   all   of   the   fun   !   ‘   mr   .   suave   ,   i   see   .   tell   me   ,   are   you   the   type   who’s   used   to   getting   whatever   you   want   ?   ’   her   gaze   sweeps   over   him   ,   deliberate   and   cool   ,   as   though   she’s   inspecting   a   prize   she’s   not   sure   she   wants   yet   .   (   she’ll   come   to   find   out   she   does   )   .   ‘   you   didn’t   have   to   take   me   up   on   the   offer   ,   ace   .   ’   she   drawls   ,   her   tone   playful   but   laced   with   a   sharpness   that   cuts   through   the   air   .   ‘   but   i   rather   like   the   idea   of   you   choosing   to   get   closer   to   me regardless   .   ’   a   test   .   she   holds   his   gaze   ,   her   smile   widening   ever   so   slightly   ,   as   though   savoring   the   back   and   forth   .   she   takes   another   small   step   ,   subconsciously   ,   head   tilting   .   ‘   maybe   you’re   just   so   desperate   for   my   attention   that   you   can’t   help   yourself   from   offering   up   praise   .   ’   pause   ,   her   eyes   gleam   while   she   leans   in   ,   just   a   fraction   ,   as   if   testing   the   limits   .   ‘   but   don’t   worry   ,   i’ll   let   you   keep   trying   .   you   might   earn   a   compliment   eventually   .   ’

               tilts   his   head   ,     smirk   flickering   as   blue   eyes   narrow   at   her   .          “       closer   ,     huh   ?       ”          and   gaze   drops   in   a   slow   ,     deliberate   move   before   blocking   back   onto   hers   .          “       nah   ,     princess   .     don’t   need   glasses   for   this   view   .       ”          still   ,     steps   forward   just   a   half   step   ,     just   enough   to   make   the   distance   between   them   feel   a   little   tighter   .     after   all   ,     she   invited   him   to   .          “       guess   you   got   me   ,     alright   .     just   couldn’t   help   myself   .     not   when   you’re   lookin’   at   me   like   that   .       ”          huffs   a   quiet   laugh   ,     one   that   might   come   off   as   sarcastic   if   it   weren’t   for   the   way   his   gaze   lingers   on   her   .     (   because   he   means   it   —   hell   ,     he’s   barely   holding   back   at   this   point   .     he’d   never   say   it   out   loud   ,     but   he’s   caught   up   enough   in   the   game   to   let   a   little   honesty   slip   through   ,     even   if   it   sounds   like   sarcasm   )   .          “       but   someone’s   forgetting   she’s   the   one   who   wanted   me   closer   .     sure   ,     maybe   you’re   so   used   to   all   the   compliments   …     but   something   tells   me   you   don’t   mind   hearin’   ‘em   from   me   .     maybe   even   like   it   .       ”

[ven0ms]

         her lips turn upwards involuntarily , without a second thought . and god , how she loved anybody who wasn't a man ! ' oh , come on , i don't believe that . surely you've got the longest line of suitors waiting for their chance to even catch a glimpse . ' a small suck of her teeth , disbelief , came out . val's head will tilt to the side slightly , eyes lighting up - the quickest way to her heart is through her looks ! ' you know , i would never lie to you , so yes i've been told quite a few similar things , but just between you and i ... i like it much better coming from you . ' reign it back in , girl ! ' now tell me ... how's life been treating you these days ? '

           “  that  is  honestly  the  sweetest  thing  i  have  ever  heard  !  ”  lips  turn  up  into  a  small  smile  at  the  compliment  .  a  genuine  smile  at  that  .  for  nalini  is  a  girl’s  girl  and  there’s  always  something  about  women  (  and  non-men  )  complimenting  each  other  that  always  gets  her  feeling  some  type  of  way  .  “  has  anyone  told  you  that  you’re  absolutely  breathtaking  ?  like  just  show  stopping  ?  ”

[ven0ms]