Realistic or Modern young volcanoes (closed)

[partially-stars]

soren bowers. 4d5676. outfit.​

The party had seemed like a really good idea at the time. All three of them were actually around and were going to be for a few weeks. There were so many people they wanted to catch up with, and they were well overdue for a good party. Their apartment seemed like as good a place as any to host it, too. They had access to plenty of good sound equipment, and it was big enough for a decent party.

And it still seemed like a good idea. Soren was psyched for the whole thing. But he also would have been lying if he’d said that there wasn’t a healthy dose of apprehension there too. There were a lot of people that Soren hadn’t seen since… well, he hadn’t seen them for a while. And the memories that came with seeing some of them wasn’t exactly the best. He was ready to move on and build the future, build new, better memories. Even still, in the run up to the party, his symptoms flared, leading to Rori and Mateo finding him lying on the floor even more than usual.

When the day came, at least, he was starting to feel better. Erin had sorted the alcohol for them, meaning they had an entire bar’s worth of alcohol sitting in their dining area. They’d gotten it pretty cheaply, at least, and Soren was pretty sure that there wouldn’t be too much of it left. Between himself, Rori, and Mateo, they’d rigged a good sound set up for the music. Food wise, they’d just decided to order pizza. You couldn’t beat a good pizza for a party, and they’d long ago figured out the best spot within delivery distance for their apartment.

Fueled by plenty of caffeine and sugar (and some actual food at Rori’s orders), Soren was beginning to feel like he could face the party properly. Being all dressed up and having some makeup on made him feel a little more like his stage persona, and having a drink in his system only further went to confirm that. He was nervous; but he’d done scarier things when he was nervous, and he’d always come out just fine. He could do this too.

Callie was one of the first to arrive in her usual bright, colourful, bouncy self. She hadn’t arrived empty handed, bringing bags of chips and some homemade dip, and immediately made herself at home, putting them out as everyone else arrived. People trickled in, getting drinks for themselves and making themselves at home throughout the apartment. Soren claimed his usual favourite spot on one of the couches, near their makeshift bar and the door so he could greet newcomers, but also near the food. Maybe he could finally relax now.

 

[Saracen_Rue]

​

​

Erin Monaghan - #3f4e66 - Outfit // Fleur Blairwood - #547f94 - Outfit​

To say that Erin was entirely surprised when Soren, Mateo, and Rori had announced they were planning a party after all these years, would have been a bit of a lie, if she was to be honest. It had just been so many years since the friend group had actually been together again, all in one room. Or well, more precisely what was left of it, anyway. Everyone became so caught up in their respective lives and careers, that Erin had only really kept in contact with so few of her old friends. And even that was putting it lightly. The only people she truly kept in contact with, she could count them all on one hand, and even that was debatable. But Erin was more than happy to agree to go to the party, as long as she was in charge of the drinks, of course. And it only made sense when people looked at what Erin's career had been after all, owning her own bar seemed to be just a little too appropriate for a party after all.

Work had been slow that day, and after being at work for nearly five hours, Erin had checked her phone, and it was getting too close to the time she was meant to start leaving for the party. She could leave a half hour early, she was sure the boss totally wouldn't mind after all. "Tyson! Leaving a bit early, bar's all your's, mate!" Erin called out as she moved from behind the bar counter, and made her way out the front door after tossing the store keys to her lead bartender. Tyson would be fine, the two had worked together for nearly three years at this point, and Erin had full faith in him he wouldn't burn the whole building down. At least she hoped so anyway. Digging in her jacket's pocket Erin retrieved her phone, and sent a quick text to her roommate:

To Fleur:
"Heading back earlier than planned. Be ready to head out after I shower!"

Erin quickly shoved her phone back in her pocket, but not before retrieving a packet of cigarettes and a lighter, lighting it up as she continued homeward bound. It was only a five minute walk from where the bar was, but she had been fighting off cravings all day. Sure, it was a nasty habit to have even started, but old habits died hard. And she sure as shit wasn't about to show up at her friend's house, hung over or intoxicated. Well, she'd get trashed at the party, just not yet. Erin had found herself arriving at the apartment much sooner than she anticipated, and after one long drag of her cigarette, Erin found herself dropping cigarette on the ground and grinding it under the heel of her boot. Swiftly walking in through the front door of the complex after allowing herself in. Once inside, she walked through the hall, seeing Fleur sitting on the couch, Erin managed to catch her attention and signed, 'Fifteen minutes', and turned on her heel for the bathroom.

Fleur had managed to lookup just in time as Erin walked in through the door, giving her a small nod as she signed back, 'Okay!', Fleur essentially scrambled to her feet shortly after, and went into her room. Quickly changing into the clothes she ended up settling on for the party. Contrary to Erin, Fleur never did feel like she exactly belonged in the party scene. Even before the accident years ago that left her practically deaf, Fleur always felt a bit out of place at events like that. Always was a wallflower back then, and had since remained one. But, all of her friends would be there, and Fleur would be a fool if she didn't go see them at the very least. She missed everyone dearly, even if they did keep in contact through texts and various posts throughout social media. Getting to see them all again in one place brought a small smile to Fleur's face as she finished getting ready. But not being putting the small hearing aid into her left ear, sure even with the device, Fleur was just able to hear the environment around her, things still sounded so muffled and faraway. But it was better than having to fully rely on reading lips all night.

"Je suis prêt dès que tu l'es!" Ready when you are, Fleur called out against the closed bathroom door, hoping her roommate would get the hint. While Fleur did manage to understand English entirely, and rather fluently, she had a hard time speaking it. Even before the accident, Fleur always slipped into her native French tongue, much to the dismay of her friends. But she always had people like Soren and Erin who used to always translate for her. And it only became more so after the accident, a few of the others learning how to use sign language and even French to communicate with her. An effort that warmed Fleur's heart dearly.

It was a few minutes later when Erin walked back into the living room, finishing tying her hair up in a low bun; her hair still partially wet from the shower. But by the time the two made their way to their friend's apartment, it would dry. "D'accord allons-y-" Alright, let's go, Erin both said in perfect French, and signed as she motioned with her head towards the door. Fleur shortly following behind the blond as they left their apartment.

The walk to Rori's apartment was refreshing, the two conversing back and forth in a mixture of English and sign language, with some French thrown casually about. Barely fifteen minutes later they found themself arriving at the front door. "Alright, let's get this shitshow started, shall we?" Erin playfully mused.

Fleur couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's comment, and followed behind.

There were already plenty of people throughout the apartment, so they weren't the only ones arriving. Thank god. As Erin surveyed the entryway, something caught her eyes. A head of all too familiar orange hair was seen across the room. Erin felt her throat go dry, her hands began to feel sweaty and she could already feel anxiety filling up her stomach. Of course Callie would be here, you idiot- Erin mentally chastised herself. She shouldn't have been surprised, and yet. Here she was. Already feeling those long buried familiar feelings of anxiety and nerves she got whenever she was around Callie. It was stupid, really. It had been years, and yet, she still had those butterflied in her stomach everytime, and she couldn't help but feel guilty. How could she not? Erin knew one of her best friends, Jack, had feelings for Callie. And yet, here Erin was with repressed feelings slowly resurrfacing. Why wouldn't she? Shaking her head, "I'm gonna get drinks-" Erin blurted out to Fleur, and swiftly turned on her heels to find the alcohol. Leaving Fleur suddenly very confused and alone. Fleur simply gave a small nod of her head as she managed to only here the last few words leave her friend, before looking around for any familiar faces in the slowly growing crowd. That was when she spotted Callie, and a large smile spread across her lips, and before Fleur knew it, she was making a bee-line for the redhead in question.

 

[therealmcdreamy]

mateo rivera.

outfit. #565656.
​

Mateo was nervous about the party. So many people he hadn’t seen in years were coming. This was the first time he, Soren, and Rori were all in town at the same time so it seemed necessary to try and bring as much of the high school crew together as possible. Save for a few problematic guests Mateo made sure not to invite. People he’s still chosen not to speak to. Still, his nerves were high that something could go wrong. Soren and Rori were the only thing keeping him calm at this moment. If anything went wrong, he’d have them.

Getting to see Soren dressed up did calm his nerves a bit. It made him happy to see his friend more like himself. It made him feel better about the party and seeing so many people. Mateo himself didn’t feel like he looked as great as Soren or Rori but he dressed himself up a bit for the evening. If only he could pull off makeup as well as Soren. Mateo could feel his cheeks starting to burn the more he thought about Soren and he tried to shake off the idea. Thankfully, an orange haired distraction came right through the door.

Callie was the first to arrive and Mateo immediately beamed with a smile over seeing her. He made his way over to her first to greet her. ”Hey, Callie. I’m so happy to see you!” He couldn’t stop himself from going for a hug. He would’ve stayed longer to catch up more until another arrival caught his attention. He would have to come back to her later so he can hear all about her latest podcasts.

Erin had arrived along with Fleur. Mateo greeted Fleur with a nod as she came over near Callie but Mateo chose not to stay for conversation. It was nothing against Fleur, he just would rather go over near Erin. It wasn’t that he disliked her or anything like that. Him and Fleur simply didn’t interact much thanks to Ricky. ”So what’s our poison tonight, Chief.” Mateo spoke from behind the blonde with a grin as he grabbed himself a cup and waited for her to fill his cup with whatever she was also drinking. Mateo hates alcohol but he chose to when erin did. His hopeful way of trying to get her to slow down and not overdo it.

With more people arriving and seeming to enjoy themselves, Mateo felt like tonight was going to go off smoothly. There was nothing for him to worry about… Yet. He didn’t know that one of the devil’s right hand men was busy getting ready to arrive fashionably late to the same party.

 

[Cryptic_Ink]

Rose Cromwell.

Outfit. X | #814890.​

Smoke wafted up from the cigarillo Rose held between her middle and index fingers at her side. It was the third she had lit on the way to Soren's. She really needed to cut back. Just because it was just tobacco and vanilla and not all the harmful chemicals that come with cigarettes... smoking tobacco was still bad for her lungs. She was typically an occasional smoker; only in social situations and situations of high stress where she couldn't take an edible. Something about the party had her stressed out. She wasn't sure if it was that her friend was stressed, or that there were a ton of people from high school. Some of those people she hadn't seen since she walked the halls of their school. Not that she had a problem with anyone.

She took a drag, tilted her head back against the brick wall of the building she was leaning against, closed her eyes, and blew out the smoke. She prayed to the gods who listened that Lauren and Tia wouldn't somehow hear about it. They were two people who would cause chaos if they showed. The thought of seeing Tia... She took another drag. Heat coiled in her stomach as she thought about when they last saw each other. She took another drag and swore as she felt the heat lightly singe the tips of her fingers.

She dug for her tin in her bag, stopped, and sighed. She needed to stop. She pulled out her phone to check the time and swore. She was going to be late and she promised to help finish setting up. She took up running, thankful that while her boots had heels, they were surprisingly comfortable. She was only a block away anyway. She stopped before her friend's apartment, hands on her knees and gasping. Probably shouldn't run after a smoke. Especially when she wasn't the most physically inclined.

Once she caught her breath, she straightened and took a deep breath. She had to smile, hide her feeling, and ignore her gut that said something terrible was going to happen today. Soren was already nervous. She couldn't make it worse with her feelings even if they were often right. She tossed her hair over her shoulder and made her way inside. "Sor? I'm here! Where do you want me to set up? Anything you still need me to do?"

She quickly found her friend sitting in his spot on the couch dressed to the nines. Or at least, dressed to the nines for Soren. She found herself grinning. "You look nice." She winked and bent to give him a hug, careful not to smack him with her bag. She tried not to linger, a little self-conscious about the smoke that clung to her hair and mixed with her jasmine perfume. She quickly found another friend had arrived before her and she raced to greet her. "Callie!" She said excitedly but didn't squeal. Rose Cromwell doesn't squeal. "You look gorgeous! Wait, hold on, you've got a loop in your hair." She expertly reached out, tugged the loop free, and said, "There."

"Oh! Before I forget." She reached into her bag and withdrew two medium bottles of jager and a case of sugar-free red bull. She was the only one who really drank jager bombs, but she thought she'd bring extra supplies just in case. She made her way to the bar to place them and found a familiar blonde head staring at the bottles. Rose knew that look. Mateo was nearby talking with her, glass held in his hand, likely asking for a drink. She gently put the bottles down and reached out, gently. When Erin was like this, sudden movements were likely to make her run. Like a deer. A very blonde... very gay deer.

She ducked into her line of sight, brows creased with concern, her fingers lightly brushing against the material of her jacket. "Hey, love. You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost." She turned towards Mateo and smiled her funeral organizer smile and said, "Pick your poison, friend." She tried not to look at all the ways he looked like his brother. She and Ricky were... a match and lighter fuel. Apart, they were harmless. Together? They were hot and destructive. She found herself hoping that along with Tia and Lauren... he wouldn't show either.

 

[partially-stars]

callie jones. ff9738. outfit
​

Callie would have been lying if she'd said that she hadn't hesitated before accepting the invitation. She wanted to spend time with her friends. It was so rare for them to all be in the one place all at once. But she also knew that if Soren was one of the hosts, then... well, someone else was likely to be there as well. It wasn't that she didn't want to see Erin. It was more that six years of awkwardness wasn't something they could just forget for the sake of a party. She hesitated for as long as an hour before texting Rori back to say "girl you know you couldn't keep me away." She'd be fine. After all of that, she quickly forwarded on the text to Jack, accompanied with the message "you're coming, end of story xoxo". She knew that she'd be fine if she had her best friend by her side.

It wasn't that she was anxious about the party. As time went on, her excitement ultimately won out over her apprehension. But the apprehension was still there anyway, and so, she did what she always did when she was stressed. She cooked. Nothing too elaborate; Soren had told her that they were ordering in pizza. So she decided to make her special buffalo chicken dip, and brought a few bags of chips too. It was only as she arrived that she wondered if she should have brought some alcohol too; but it was too late for that. When Soren let her in, she was thankful that she had decided against it as there were piles of alcohol there already, taking up most of the small kitchen. Mateo was the first to greet her; but they didn't talk for long. He slipped away, and Fleur took his place. "You look cute!" Callie signed to Fleur with a grin. "I'm so glad to see you!" She reached out to her friend for a hug.

Rose arrived then. As usual, she was full of energy, fixing Callie's hair and complimenting her outfit. "Says you, you look gorgeous!" She returned. Rose made a dart for the kitchen then, towards... Erin. Callie turned away again to Fleur, her face betraying her for a moment before her expression lit up again. All of a sudden, she wanted a drink, but that would mean going over in that direction and... not yet. But she had Fleur here at least, and she dug out her phone.

To: Jack-Jack
where are youuuuuuuu

 

[AbsoluteWhisper]

jack griffin. ff2e8f. outfit
​

When Jack received the text from Callie, she couldn’t help but laugh a little (and do her best to ignore the butterflies that came with reading the end of the message). It's not as if she would have said no; she didn’t like the idea of Callie going to parties on her own (for some mysterious reason), even if they were being hosted by some of their best friends. She had no clue who would show up, how much people would be drinking, etc, plus she hadn’t seen Soren, Livvy, Erin, and Rose in a few weeks. She wouldn’t mind a good catch-up session. Not to mention, they tended to appreciate Jack being there, all 220 pounds of her. With her experience as a bouncer and her body mass, if anyone got too rowdy, Jack was more than capable of taking care of them.

After a quick reply agreeing to attend, Jack went to talk to her supervisor. She couldn’t get out of her shift completely, but she could at least leave early to go to the party. Since it was so much earlier, it was a quiet night. On her way out, Jack pondered going home and changing out of her work clothes. They weren’t dirty or anything, but they certainly weren’t “party” attire: just a simple pair of black slacks, a black long-sleeve button up, and some black loafers. She’d stopped at the grocery store near her job to pick up a fruit platter, but her apartment was in the opposite direction of Soren’s… Before she could even entertain the thought, her phone buzzed in her pocket. In an instant, she had her car in gear and was driving towards the party.

Before starting her walk to their apartment, Jack did her best to look as informal as she could. It was a difficult task, given the fact that she looked like a waiter from the upper-west side, but after rolling up her sleeves and unbuttoning her shirt a little, she balanced the fruit platter on one hand and started her ascent.

Jack wasn’t one to announce her entrance. She slipped into the apartment, but someone of her size isn’t often very subtle. So she waved to some of her friends as she passed them, giving soft “Hello”s or fistbumps to those on her way to the kitchen. She cast a glance at the alcohol, and a twinge of nervousness sparked in her belly. Her anxiety had lessened over the years, but there was always that baseline fear knowing that everybody was going to get wasted. However, she trusted her friends, so she tried to remind herself to remain as calm as she could. “Hey Rose, hey Erin. Staying out of trouble, I hope?” She chirped over at them, but it was clear she was distracted by all the bottles behind them. Before she could get into her own head, she turned and spotted someone else’s- well, the back of someone else’s. There was a noticeable change in her smile, a softness and warmth that lit up her face. Anyone could see it, she was like a lighthouse among all her shorter friends.

Once she was close enough, Jack tapped Callie on her right shoulder and then positioned herself to the left. “Boo,” She greeted her before placing the fruit platter on the table. “How're you doin'?” Jack asked, fully turning towards Callie then. She plucked a strawberry off the plate and ate it quickly. She was starving. “Sorry I didn’t text you back, I was drivin',” As straight-laced as ever. A grape this time; it crunched in her mouth. “Hi Fleur,” she greeted the shorter woman as well before her attention was tugged back in her best friend’s direction. “Would ya like me to get you a drink?” She asked Callie, continually picking up more and more fruit as she waited.

 

[apprenticesmith95]

Rori Russo
Outfit #419c94​

Nerves weren’t a new thing for Rori. She’d felt them plenty of times before heading on stage. That giddy, vaguely nauseating feeling was always there before it melted into pure adrenaline. But she didn’t have her bass tonight. No, instead she was seeing her old high school friends, some for the first time in years. And she was nervous. Anxious might have been a better word for it. How much had changed? Sure, she’d had Callie’s updates, but it was different. They weren’t abstract anymore. They were real people with, what? Six, seven years more life experience.

It was these nerves that led to her current situation; perched on the windowsill in Soren and Matteo’s spare room, her temporary home from home, one leg out the window on the fire escape and the other curled up beneath her, cigarette in hand. No smoking in the house had been her mom’s old rule and old habits died hard. She took a drag, closing her eyes and feeling her shoulders drop, then sighed out the exhale, the cloud of smoke fading away as it took her anxieties with it. Keeping Soren and Mateo on task with organising everything had been a useful distraction from how nervous she was about everyone being here. Maybe she needed to touch base with her therapist again. Rori reached for her phone and set a reminder for the day after tomorrow to email Matt before firing off another text.

To: Cassidy
You had better be on your way ​

She could hear the door go and voices mingling with the music. She took one last inhale, pinched the end of her cigarette and returned the half-smoked end to the box. She casually threw the packet and her phone on the nightstand and sprayed herself with Black Orchid to disguise the smell of smoke. One quick final check of her hair and outfit and Rori dragged herself from her room.

Stepping into the room, her eyes immediately found Jack towering over everyone. Rori waved before pressing a finger to her lips as she slipped her way over to Callie. Rori wrapped her arms around her friend’s waist and rested her head on Callie’s shoulder. “Guess who?”

Cassidy Moore
Outfit #0c7832​

Cassidy was nestled in the back seat of his Uber when Rori’s text came through. It was rare that her name ended up emblazoned across his lock screen, but it was never unwelcome. He unlocked the screen and replied:

To: Rori
Careful rockstar, sounds like you’re starting to miss me

I’m on my way​

If he was honest, had Rori not asked him to be there, he probably wouldn’t have gone. It’s not like any of Rori’s friends were particularly close to his friends, except maybe Erin. And then there was the small issue of Soren. Like, sure, Cass could take a hint, but even just a text would have been better than nothing. But Rori had asked and asked and asked until he gave in and agreed. He didn’t have to stay that long, could just be an hour or so and then dip. He could probably come up with some work-related excuse.

The car pulled up outside the block of apartments. A brief thanks to the driver later, Cassidy was heading up to the party. The deja vu was weird. It had been months since he’d last been here, and yet it felt like no time at all. It was like being on autopilot, pushing the button in the elevator, then taking a left, this many steps to the door. His hand hovered over the door handle. It felt wrong to just let himself in. He wasn’t with Soren anymore, he had no claim over this space. He raised his hand to rap on the door, and still, he hesitated.

Jesus H, Cass, pull yourself together. Cassidy cleared his throat and knocked. Please god, let anyone but Soren answer this door. He sent a text to Ricky while he waited. He was pretty sure having his best friend here would make things a little less awkward.

To: Ricky
Party at Soren’s place. Already here if you wanna join​

Cass stared at the screen. Nah, that wouldn’t be enough.

To: Ricky
Rori’s here too.​

 

[Cryptic_Ink]

Olivia Erikson

Outfit: X | #F1D03A​

[CW: mentions of self harm]

Releasing the last curl from her wand, she shook them all out. She knew they wouldn't last for more than an hour, but she couldn't help, but to try. She hadn't seen most of the people at the party in... She ran a hand through her hair. In years. The last time she spoke to many of them was before her late-husband came into the picture. The thought of him filled her with panic. He wouldn't like her going to this party. He'd accuse her of going there to mess around. She wouldn't have, of course. At least, not while they were still together...

She had stood in the mirror for too long of a time trying to decide what to wear. Most of her clothes were from when Jackson was alive. Most of her clothes were overly modest with long hems and high collars. They were alright for some people but for her they made her feel like she was choking and drowning in fabric. She purchased her dress for his funeral with its lace sleeves and hem just past her knees. It was the most skin she showed in years... and she loved it. That was the dress she had decided to wear for the party. Black could be dressy or casual of course and... she wanted to feel like herself again.

So, she curled her hair, wore the black dress, and put on her makeup like she had in high school. Thick liner, smudged slightly on the bottom and winged on top. She only had her delicate flats. No boots or converse sneakers. She resisted the urge to scratch at the healed scars on her wrists as she stared at her reflection. She still looked like his version of her but... it was a start.

She grabbed her bag and headed out the door of her room. She poked her head into her mother's room, dark thanks to the blackout curtains. "Mom," she whispered into the dark, "I'm going to the party now. Call my cell if you need me ok? I... I'll come right back." Her mom grunted in response and Livvy took that as her sign to leave. It was her sign her mother was at least alive and that was enough for her for now.

Waving down a cab, she made her way to the apartment and the party. Nerves fluttered around in her stomach the whole way. She feared she'd be carsick in the back of the cab, but she held herself together. What were they going to say? What were they going to think? What was she thinking going in a black dress she wore to her husband's funeral? Her hands shook on the door handle as she climbed from the cab. Her knees quaked as she climbed the front steps. And her hand trembled when she lifted it to knock. Then, remembering all the parties from high school she just... stepped inside. Her stomach dropped when she realized she was late. The party was alrighty in full swing with people everywhere.

Her palms began to sweat as her eyes darted between the faces. Most she didn't recognize, but she could easily pick out a few from her past. Soren, Erin, Callie... panic raced in her chest so hard and loud she could hear it in her ears. Especially seeing Callie surrounded by those she currently considered friends. She took two steps towards them, before bile rose in her throat, she was going to be sick. She turned, racing from the apartment. She bent over the railing by the front door, heaving into the bushes. Definitely wasn't how she wanted this first interaction to go.

 

[partially-stars]

Lauren was bored. She had the world at her feet, the job she’d always wanted, and people who could come as soon as she called. She had everything she wanted and people who worshipped her. And she was bored. People who would do everything she asked when she asked without having to be forced into doing it were boring. But it seemed like everyone just loved her too much now.

So, honestly, Fleur’s slip up couldn’t have come at a better time. She really had thought that Tia wouldn’t say anything to Lauren. That naivety in and of itself was so entertaining, it gave Lauren a thrill. And it was only going to get better. They soon had all of the details. And Lauren was bringing her best people, because of course she would. She could manipulate plenty of people; but with Tia and Ricky by her side, she could make sure they could cause as much mayhem as possible.

It took her all day to choose her outfit. It had to be just right. Too many choices, too many potential targets. God, she couldn’t wait to see the look on all of their faces. They really thought they were too good for her, it seemed. Time to drag them down to earth and remind them that they only got away because she let them. You never truly escaped the Clarks.

Her outfit finally chosen, hair and makeup done, and her favourite coat waiting beside her on the bed, she picked up her phone and sent a few texts.

To: the better rivera
hello chauffeur, i am ready to be collected, meet me in ten

To: tia maria
we’re gonna break so many coward hearts tonight

Guilt was not an emotion that Tia felt often. She shunned it, blocked it out, or nipped it in the bud every time it attempted to blossom. And today she’d had plenty of gardening to do. Fleur mentioned the party, and Tia almost didn’t mention it to Lauren. She isn’t exactly sure why, but Tia had been hesitating a lot lately. It's almost like Lauren could sense it; she was constantly pulling Tia back in with sickly sweet words that left her trapped. So she told Lauren, and immediately she planned to go. So Tia told herself she wouldn’t mind. She would get to see Fleur. Rose would probably be there too. And the alcohol would be free. She could let loose, have a little fun, fun she hadn’t had in a while. It took her quite some time to get ready, curling her hair and applying her make-up, vibrant red lipstick included. Her dress may have been a tad over the top, but when was Tia not over the top? The buzz from her phone caused her to jump; why was she so jumpy all of a sudden?

The message from Lauren made her smile, something a touch wicked. Tonight would surely be funny.

To: Lovely Lauren
you’re breaking them? im stealing some to stash away for a rainy day

To: my good boy
ready when you are, handsome

For once, Ricky found himself not in the mood for a party. He found out because Fleur slipped up and told Tia who told Lauren who told him. Funny how those things work out. He'd been sitting in his car for awhile deciding on his game plan. He knew Mateo would be there and that was trouble. Maybe he'd just drop off Lauren and Tia and be on his way. Sure, he was dressed for a party and Rose being there was a bit of an incentive for him but he knew better than to cross Mateo. At least he did until his phone blew up from 3 different people. The first two were Lauren and Tia being ready for him to geab him but it was Cassidy that managed to grab his full attention by mentioning one simple name: Rori. Of course she was back in town and of course Ricky found himself now suddenly in the mood to crash a party. He sent out messages back to everyone:

To: Queen Lauren
Your chariot is on the way.

To: Princess Tia
I'll be there soon, beautiful.

To: My Better Half
Say less. On my way.

Ricky had his hellcat to drive this time around. As much as he would've loved to take his Nissan Fairlady there wouldn't have been room for Tia and Lauren. He went for Lauren first. She lived closer to his mother's place so she was easier to grab. Next was Tia that he grabbed. Once he had both of them in the car he spoke up, "Ready to cause some trouble?"

Lauren smirked at Tia’s reply. As if there’d be any hearts worth stealing there. No, they were fun to break and that was it. But before she could get around to a reply, Ricky said that he was nearly there. She met him downstairs, climbing into the car and leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. She didn’t live far from Tia, so it was only a few minutes before she had her two best minions by her side. She grinned at Ricky’s question. “Oh, darling, you know I’m always ready for trouble,” she replied. “Tia, darling, you look perfectly set to steal all of the hearts you desire,” she gushed. “And Ricky, you’re as handsome as ever. We’re gonna cause so much trouble, you guys,” she said with a wicked grin.

Lauren’s compliment rattled around in Tia’s head. A year ago, that would have fed her ego. It would have drawn her in. However, today, it stung, almost as much as watching Ricky get a kiss on his cheek. But instead she smiled and nodded in agreement, her grin just as wicked. “Causing trouble and breaking hearts. My favorite pastime,” She replied with a giggle.

She scanned the building as they pulled up outside. Just from outside, she could tell that her apartment was likely to be at least twice the size of theirs. Her building was newer, more modern, and nicer. The whole thing was entirely unimpressive for a supposed rockstar. Somebody was already getting sick in the bushes. Classy. As she passed, she realised that it was none other than Olivia Erikson. She smirked to herself, stashing it in her mind to use against her at a later date.

She sauntered into the building, taking her time. They weren’t in a hurry; they’d have plenty of time to wreak havoc. There was somebody at the door as they approached. That was good enough; but then the door opened, and Lauren recognised the faces. Cassidy and Soren. Two of her victims. Her smile turned venomous. Neither of them had noticed her yet, looking like deer caught in each other’s headlights. Far too distracted to notice her approaching. Even better. She didn’t say or do anything until she reached Cassidy.

“Hello, darlings,” she said, her voice laced with venom. She kissed Cassidy on the cheek, and leaned in to do the same to Soren. He flinched away, and she laughed, still poisonous. “Lovely to see you,” she remarked, her voice deceptively light, and stepped inside, Soren unable to stop her. “Go have fun, you two. I’ll see you both soon,” she called to Tia and Ricky, scanning the room to take in everyone there.

Ever the dutiful subordinate, Tia followed behind Lauren. It wasn’t the first time she’d been at the apartment, and it most certainly wouldn’t be the last. She didn’t grace Cassidy with a kiss like Lauren had, instead sending him a glare with a scrunched nose. And Soren, oh, the poor boy practically recoiled away from them, but he didn’t have enough of a spine to say anything about their entry. They simply pushed past him, Tia giving him a deceptively gentle touch to the shoulder as she stepped inside.

Tia wasted no time standing around; she didn’t even bother informing Lauren before walking away from her. There were very few people there tonight that interested her (although there were a couple candidates that could be fun a little later after she’d had a few drinks in her). So instead, Tia walked through everybody, searching for one specific person. The crowd parted around her, very few people would get in the way of Tia Aguirre, although glances and murmurs were spawned from her entry. It didn’t take long for Tia to find the person she was looking for. Her eyes had been drawn to the mountain of a woman standing next to her, along with the bright-haired short stack in front of her. But she paid them no mind, hardly even casting cursory glances in their direction despite the daggers being glared in her back by little Jackie.

After placing her hand on Fleur’s shoulder, Tia walked around her so they were standing face to face. She waved and greeted, “Hey,” verbally, before lifting her hands. She signed, hello, how are you?, shortly after. Her signing was sloppy, and that was about all she could remember, but it was perhaps the most thoughtful thing anybody in the room might have seen her do. “I’m thirsty,” Tia spoke matter-of-factly, her eyes darting to Jack and Callie before returning to Fleur. “Let’s go get a drink,” It was more of an assertion rather than a request, and Tia held her hand out, offering it to Fleur.

Ricky was the last to enter the room behind Lauren and Tia. He said nothing to Soren. Not like he had any reason to acknowledge him. He shot Cassidy an apologetic look and shrugged his shoulders as he walked past. Hopefully he’d be understanding of the company he brought over. He glanced around the room to find somewhere to go but the looks he was getting showed he didn't really have anywhere to go. Especially the daggers he was getting from his brother which was what kept him from going over to Rose like he wanted.

That’s when he finally noticed his incentive for even wanting to come here. Rori. Too bad she was over with Callie and Jack. He wouldn’t be able to go over there. At least it wouldn’t be a good idea but Ricky was always doing bad ideas. He’d nodded over in Fleur’s direction to say hello before ultimately deciding to go along with his bad idea. It was better than going near Mateo right now who looked ready to kick his ass right there.

He made his way over towards the small group and gave a small smile to everyone. “Hey,” He said to all of them but then fixed his attention to Rori. “You’re back in town.”

 

[partially-stars]

soren bowers. 4d5676. outfit.​

It didn’t take long for the apartment to fill up with all the people he’d missed seeing in person over the years. Most people also knew that the door was open and let themselves in. Rose was the only one to spot him and come over to say hi and ask if there was anything she could do. “You’re all good, Ro, teamwork made the dream work,” Soren laughed. “And you look gorgeous, as always.” Before the conversation could move on much further, Rose spotted Callie and ran over to talk to her. Soren didn’t mind; they’d have plenty of time to catch up.

He spotted Erin in the kitchen, looking a bit panicked. Mateo was there as well, and Rose had made her way over to talk to them both. Great, he could talk to some of his favourite people and get a drink. He got to his feet, wincing a little as he did so, and made a beeline for the kitchen. He’d only gotten as far as getting himself a vodka and coke when he heard a knock at the door. He glanced at Mateo, frowning a little. “I’ll get it,” he said. Everyone else had let themselves in so he wasn’t sure who would knock. It was too early to be the pizza. He swung open the door with his usual energy- and froze. Of all people, Cassidy was standing on the other side.

Just seeing Cassidy brought back bad memories. It wasn’t that any of it had been Cass’ fault. The time they’d spent together had been… enjoyable. But Soren hadn’t been in a good place. It had been somewhat destructive for him as he’d tried to put himself back together. And eventually, things had gotten too much. Soren hadn’t been able to face Cass, able to face the things they’d done together. So he’d just started dodging calls and texts. And then eventually, they stopped coming. Soren wasn’t proud of it. As time had gone on, he’d wished that he’d said something to Cass, that he hadn’t just run away. He knew why he’d done it; but that didn’t make it okay. And by the time he’d realised that, it was too late to reach out. So he’d stayed avoiding Cass. And now, here he was. On his doorstep.

“Hi,” was all Soren could say. Somewhere, he could hear someone approaching, and he was glad for a potential distraction. That was, until he heard the voice. His whole body ran cold as Lauren Clark, the devil herself, leaned in to kiss Cass’ cheek. When she approached him, he flinched, taking a whole step back and pushing himself against the door frame. She laughed, that wicked, cruel laugh, and brushed past him into the apartment. And as if Lauren alone wasn’t bad enough, Tia and Ricky followed her into the apartment. He glanced back at Cassidy, unable to say anything. He wanted to run, but he couldn’t. “I… need to go deal with this,” he forced out, turning and heading back into the party. He watched the wicked trio the whole time, trying to avoid all of them. He made it back to Erin, Mateo, and Rose. “Satan and her archdemons are here,” was all he said. He was sure they’d already seen them. “Lauren and Tia are going to start causing a scene. We need to distract everyone, quick, and steal their thunder.” The thought of interacting with Lauren even after all this time made him feel like he was on the verge of a panic attack. He glanced at Mateo, knowing that he had to be going through something similar.

callie jones. ff9738. outfit
​

Callie felt a tap on her shoulder but barely had time to glance over before a familiar voice appeared from her other shoulder. Her face lit up with a smile as Jack appeared. Jack looked so handsome in her outfit, even if the fruit plate she was carrying did make her look a little like a waiter. Callie shrugged as Jack apologised for not texting her back.

“Nah, I’m glad you didn’t text and drive. I’m not worth risking your life for,” she said, laughing a little. She reached over and retrieved a piece of pineapple from the plate. As Jack asked her if she wanted a drink, she nodded enthusiastically. “Sure, I’ll have whatever you’re having.” She knew Jack was a little nervous about people drinking, and Callie really didn’t care about getting drunk. Jack might be more comfortable if Callie wasn’t drinking, and that was what mattered to Callie.

There was a moment when she was confused about the arms wrapping around her waist until she heard the voice. She beamed and turned her head so she could plant a kiss on the side of Rori’s forehead. “It’s ma bestie!” She cheered. “Everywhere looks so good!” She dropped her voice. “And we both know you’re solely responsible for it,” she said in a stage whisper, before laughing.

She turned to look at Rori properly, intending on complimenting her outfit. But it was as she turned that she spotted three more people entering the party. Three people who made her blood run cold and her smile slip from her face. Ricky, Tia, and Lauren. They walked in like they owned the place, as if they’d been invited. Who the hell would have told any of them about it?

She got something of an answer. Tia sauntered right over to them and turned her attention to Fleur. She even signed to Fleur. Callie looked at Fleur, unable to hide the pain and the hurt written all over her face. And then Ricky of all people decided to join them. That was the final straw. She didn’t respond to his greeting, reaching out and grabbing Jack’s hand instead. She tugged it and tilted her head towards the couches, noticing that there was a spot big enough for both of them. Rising to them would only give them what they wanted, she told herself, and walking away was the better thing to do.

 

[Saracen_Rue]

​

Erin Monaghan - #3f4e66 - Outfit // Fleur Blairwood - #547f94 - Outfit​

The moment Erin had made her way to the kitchen in a quick attempt to distract herself from a certain someone, she didn't expect to be approached by someone as quickly as she was. Which, she shouldn't have been as surprised as she was, all things considered. She was here partially on the job, after all. When she turned to look at the familiar face, a smile formed on her own, but for only a moment, "Uhm..." Erin paused, before looking at the array of drinks that were covering the island in the center of the kitchen. "Honestly depends on how absolutely fuckin' trashed you wanna get, bud. And exactly how fast, is also your choice." she mused, while gesturing at the various bottles. "But I for one, know I'm going for some shots...I'll moderate myself, so don't worry. I'm not gonna get that hammered, Matty." Erin mused, before she poured an amber toned liquid into a shot glass and quickly downed it, which resulted in a briefly lived coughing fit from the blond, "Yup, that never stops burning." she grumbled.

And yet, somehow, once again, Erin heard a familiar voice before she saw the person it belonged to. This time turning on her heels, "Oh yeah, I'm doing absolutely amazing, what could ever possibly say otherwise?" Erin retorted, that all too familiar tone of sarcasm was ever present as she spoke, "Totally not like I am in a small apartment-" she turned to Mateo, "No offense-" turning back to Rose, "-With like...more than a dozen people that I mostly haven't really talked to like, seven years. I'm doing fantastic-" Erin practically laughed out, before pouring herself another shot and downed it somehow even quicker than the last one. "As if things could get even worse, am I right?" as if the universe couldn't have found itself wanting to torture her even more so, Erin managed to see Soren practically scrambling his way across the apartment over to the three of them. An all too familiar look of panic on his face. One that Erin knew all too well by this point. "Don't tell me-" but she was immediately cut off as Soren managed to get out the exact words that Erin feared.

For the love of-

Erin let out a dragged sigh, perhaps even a little more exaggerated than she would have liked. Erin dragged a hand across her face as she let out another deep sigh, trying to think of how they could possibly all be distracted long enough without having to interact with them. After a few moments, Erin took a half empty beer bottle, emptying the remaining contents into the sink, turning to look at the other three, "Call it childish and immature, but we're about to play a little game. One I'd imagine us heathens are all admittedly a bit too familiar with, let's go." Erin gestured with her head as she turned, in hopes of finding a somewhat empty and reclusive spot of the apartment.


Meanwhile across the room, Fleur had found herself preoccupied with a few others as well. However awkward the communication may have been, from an outsiders perspective. That was always one of Fleur's bigger insecurities, how often it felt like others had to pander to her, to make simple conversation. It was a frustration like no other, but it just couldn't be helped, especially after the accident that left her more or less entirely deaf all those years ago. Things were already so hard back then, having been the new student in town. But, there was thing that Fleur could always count on over the years, and it was her friends. Always being there whenever she needed them, even if they didn't have to.

Fleur, Callie, and a few others that had arrived had been making small talk, even if some had a better form of communication than others, Fleur didn't exactly mind the small language barrier there, all that mattered was that they even cared to try. And they did. However, Fleur couldn't have denied that things did start to get a bit awkward when Jack had arrived though. Not that the two weren't friends, rather the exact opposite. Jack was one of Fleur's closest friends, someone she entrusted things that no one else was aware of. It was just, rather ashamedly, Fleur felt like a bit of a thirdwheel whenever the two other women would hang out. They were just so close, and there she was, practically sitting among the sidelines. Fleur was about to speak up, as well as she could, to excuse herself, but another person stepped into the picture and it immediately caused Fleur to stop in her tracks.

After a few moments, of dumbfounded blinking, a small, however bashful smile overtook Fleur's expression as her eyes landed on Tia. "Your signing is getting better already." Fleur signed and verbally said aloud, a habit she often used to not only help people slowly learn, but also out of habit for herself as well. After taking a moment to look at Jack and Callie, Fleur's previous smile had begun to slowly disapear, she didn't exactly understand the near death-glares the two had been aiming in Tia's direction. Offering a somewhat attempt of a smile to the other two. Before looking back at Tia, giving a small nod, "Dr-drinks sound good." she managed to get out as her arm was taken, and Fleur had found herself being escorted in the direction of the kitchen.

 

[Cryptic_Ink]

Rose Cromwell.

Outfit. X | #814890.​

Rose listened intently to Erin talk while sipping on her vodka soda. She could tell her friend was... struggling to say the least. She bit her lip, thinking. She opened her mouth to say something potentially helpful when Soren came up on them...fast. Her eyes immediately locked on his and saw the unease swimming there. All she could think was Shit, why now?. She downed the rest of her drink, nose wrinkling as the alcohol burned it's way down to her core where it settled, smoldering filling her with warmth. She took a step forward, fully prepared to tell the lot to fuck off.

Then Erin came up with the most delicious idea. Rose felt a grin crawl it's way across her face until it was practically ear to ear. "Yes. Let's do it. I brought my cards, too. Wonder what the fates have in store for the fire-breathing bitch queen." She poured herself a quick shot for an extra layer of fuzz to her i-dont-give-a-shit attitude when it came to Lauren. Tia... was a little more complicated. Don't even get her started on Ricky. If she was being honest with herself, they were the reason she needed the extra shot. Not Lauren. The has-been didn't scare her. Not when they were kids, not now. Sure, she had her nose in places it didn't belong which can be unsettling, but at the end of the day, without the people behind her, she's nothing. She refused to give her the power of seeing her sweat. It made it difficult knowing people who know the intimate spaces of her heart are at the woman's side.

She walked up to Erin, gave her a look that said "take no shit", gave her bicep a squeeze of support, and then watched her go into the other room with the bottle. She was going to round up the gang. She waved about the crowd announcing the game as quietly as she could, avoiding Lauren and her gang until people began to trickle out of the room. Then she stood, blocking their path to the other room, a feral grin on her face.

"Well well well," She said, avoiding locking eyes with Tia or Ricky. "If it isn't the fire-breathing-has-been-bitch-queen." She gestured to the room around her. "Are you here to lead your people? Looks like they don't need you anymore. So, why are you here?" Movement caught her eye and she saw Tia had dragged Fleur into this. She wasn't about to pull her any further into the mess so she signed, They're playing a game in the other room if you'd like to join.

 

[partially-stars]

jack and callie.
​

Those first words from Callie tugged at Jack’s heart. Of course, that wasn’t how Jack felt. To her, Callie was worth risking everything, but it's not as if she could verbalize that. She couldn’t even parse that info in her own mind; all she knew was this overwhelming warmth when she looked at Callie. But what did she do with that? Well, Jack nodded silently in agreement, and she continued to chow down on fruit. Strawberries, grapes, pineapple, none of it was safe from Jack, and the sweet taste was a good distraction from her nerves. So many people drinking in one place; nothing good could come of it. It never did. She knew better. When Callie said Jack could get their drinks, she nodded. Jack knew what that meant. Callie understood Jack’s apprehension to drinking, and that crushing warmth returned again.

But before Jack could even think about stepping away to try and find something light for them to sip at, her blood ran cold. Her eyes widened, but they followed the three people that just joined the party: Lauren, Tia, and Ricky. Callie told Jack about what Tia and Lauren did to her when they were younger, and every time she thought about it, an unfamiliar feeling burned in her gut: rage. Jack hated being angry. She hated it because it would make people scared of her, and that was the last thing she wanted. But it was times like these that she wished she could let that rage loose. Instead, she stood there, still as a statue, her glare fixed on one target: Tia. Even as she skulked over to the kitchen to talk to Fleur, Jack’s eyes remained there, as if waiting for some sort of attack. In truth, she would have remained there forever if it meant keeping Tia’s wrath away from her friends. However, Callie had other ideas, and she tugged Jack towards some of the couches. Once line of sight was broken, Jack blinked a few times before all of her sense of self came rushing back.

Jack followed to the couch. Once she sat, she sunk into the plush cushion; it was so plush there was significant give in the middle. Her weight and gravity pulled the two of them closer, close enough that their thighs pressed together. Jack considered shuffling away, but she wasn’t even thinking about that. All she cared about was Callie. So she shifted forward, leaning in near enough that she could speak quietly and Callie would still be able to hear. “Are you alright?” Jack asked, big brown eyes training on only Callie now. “I had no idea they were coming. I’m sure Sor had no idea either.”

Callie’s only thought had been that the couches were far away from where the three demons were. That had been the only thing that she’d worried about. But as they sat down, she was closer to Jack than she’d expected- and she didn’t mind at all. All she wanted was to lean fully against Jack, wrap her arms around her to keep them both anchored and safe. But this wasn’t the place to do that, and besides, she wasn’t sure she’d have the guts for such a gesture. It felt too intimate for a friendship, and Callie wasn’t ready to take the risk of assuming they might both want it to be anything more. And certainly not when they already had all of this to be dealing with. So she instead was just grateful for Jack’s thigh against her, the small contact calming enough.

The way Jack sat pretty much blocked her view to the kitchen and of the three intruders, something she was grateful for. When she asked if Callie was okay, Callie just shrugged. “I’m fine, I just… hoped I’d never have to see them again,” she said. At the mention of Sor, she glanced around, wanting to see how he was doing, but it seemed he’d vanished. “He definitely didn’t. As awful as they were to me? They were… worse to him. All three of them. He never would have allowed any of them to be invited. I hope he’s okay,” she mused. She looked at Jack, studying her face for a few seconds. “What about you? Are you okay?” She asked quietly.

Even as Callie glanced around to try and search for Soren, Jack never once pulled her eyes away from her. Her attention was utterly undivided from Callie. Even as Callie said she was alright, Jack didn’t relax. She could tell it was still upsetting her, and she understood why. As far as Jack was concerned, Lauren and her entourage were a group of irredeemable, wicked people who didn’t deserve anyone’s attention. How they managed to find out about the party, she had no clue. She knew almost everyone at the party couldn’t stand them, or at least, that’s what she assumed. But at that point, she had no idea what to believe.

But then Callie asked how Jack was, and once again, Jack was blinking in surprise. The only reason she would never be ok would be if Callie wasn’t ok. “I’m alright. I wanna bite ‘er head off, but I’m alright,” She explained almost sheepishly. She didn’t like admitting she was angry, especially not to her… her best friend. “I’m just worried about you.” With that, she placed a heavy, warm hand on Callie’s knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. Jack wasn’t planning on leaving Callie’s side a single time that night, but she knew she couldn’t predict the future. So instead, she said, “Tell me if any of ‘em tries anythin’. Give me any excuse and I’ll get rid of ‘em myself.” Jack’s expression couldn’t get more somber. She was serious; she could easily toss them over her shoulder, honestly probably both at the same time. She didn’t want to start a scene or give them a reason to lash out, but if she had an excuse, she was going to take it.

Callie smiled at Jack’s admission that she was okay, but angry. Honestly, Callie was over being angry. They weren’t worth her energy, and she far preferred to give her attention and her energy to the people who made her happy. It wasn’t that she’d forgiven them, though. She didn’t think she’d ever forgive any of them for anything they’d done.

Jack’s hand on her knee snapped her right back to reality, both because of the sudden contact and because, well, it was Jack’s hand on her knee. She knew she should have been more than used to it at that point, she knew that it shouldn’t have had that dramatic of an effect on her, but it did. Jack admitting that she worried about Callie did absolutely nothing to calm the familiar flurry of swirling thoughts, and only made them worse if anything. But her expression and her words were deadly serious, and so Callie managed a serious nod.

“Don’t worry. I’m planning on avoiding them like the plague tonight. My energy is going on the people that I… that matter to me,” she said, managing a soft smile towards Jack. It was at that point that a familiar face charged over towards where Jack and Callie were sitting. Callie had a moment of panic, followed by a moment of confusion. And then she figured out what was going on. “Spin the bottle? Really?” She said without even really meaning to, but her tone was filled with amusement. It reminded her of university and of the parties there, and it was dumb enough it might have just worked as a distraction.

As much as Jack appreciated what Callie said, it did very little ease her anxiety. She was already nervous enough with all the alcohol, and now she had to deal with her drunk friends and her drunk enemies? By that point, the hand on Callie’s leg was more to ease herself rather than Callie. But sitting there, staring at that soft look on Callie’s face, Jack could get lost in that warm, fuzzy feeling in her chest.

A part of her wished they could stay like that forever. And staring at Callie, she didn’t even notice someone approaching them and offering something. Spin the bottle, of course. As if they couldn’t get more cliche. Jack had no interest in kissing anyone- well, anyone else that might be participating. And the idea of possibly having to kiss one of the wicked trio made bile rise in her throat. She swallowed it down, but she couldn’t hide the grimace on her face. “Do we have to play?” Jack asked, but her question was to no one in particular.

 

[partially-stars]

livvy and soren​

Erin’s suggestion was probably unorthodox. But hell, it would work. It would take the attention off the three demons, and starving them of attention was pretty much the only way to get them to leave. Or else make them so much worse until they got the attention they desired. Either or. But at least the game would give him time to get more of a game plan together, figure out how the hell to deal with them.

If he even could deal with them, that was. Because as he turned around to follow Erin towards the middle of the room, Tia was walking towards him. She was arm in arm with Fleur. Fleur, of all people? Couldn’t she leave poor Fleur the hell alone? But one look at Tia brought back too many memories. He could still hear her voice in his head, the comments she’d made about his split lip and black eye. He could still see her approaching him at the cafe, backing him into a corner. The panic was creeping up now, just like it always did.

“I’ll… I’ll be back in a minute,” he called to Erin, his voice more strangled than he would have liked, but he wasn’t able to keep it together just then. “Five minutes, I just need some air, give me five minutes.” He couldn’t breathe in the apartment, couldn’t handle all of the people there. And so he bolted for the door, making a beeline down the stairs and out into the fresh air. It was quiet there, or quieter at least. He put his hands on his head and forced a few deep breaths into his lungs, trying to quell the panic that way. When he spotted somebody else, he naively hoped it might be somebody else freaking out about Lauren and Tia and Ricky like he was. But instead, it was Livvy of all people. She looked a little worse for wear already. He’d been staring for too long to not acknowledge her now.

“Hey. Uh, you okay?” He asked.

After she finished emptying her stomach into the bushes, she had slowly moved into a sitting position on the last step. She had sat, blonde strands blowing in the chilly wind, face blank. Then she had pulled out her phone and stared at the screen for so long she stopped seeing where she cradled it in her hands. Now, she sat with her face in her hands in a poor attempt at pretending to be invisible. It was like if she couldn’t see her problems, they couldn’t see her. It didn’t help that three pretty shitty presences had made their appearance only making her desire to go inside… dismal.

She heard the door open, but didn’t move, hoping she wouldn’t be seen. Obviously, it took more than just wishing she was invisible to make it so. And still, when Soren, Soren of all people, saw her and asked if she was ok, she actually gasped, dropping her hands into her lap and staired up at him. She knew her big doe eyes were likely smudged with eyeliner and or mascara by now which was… probably unattractive. She prayed, Lauren and her crones (yes Ricky was considered a Crone in Livvy’s mind) they hadn’t told anyone what they saw her doing when they had arrived.

She wiped at her eyes and stood, brushing the imaginary dirt and dust off the skirt of her dress. Striving for perfection was her default.

“Oh, yeah.” She said, arms waving around as she tried to figure out what to do with them. She couldn’t reach for him like she wanted to. Their friendship was long since broken and that level of intimacy… wouldn’t work anymore. Well and she was terrified he’d push her away.

First they were on her hips which felt… weird, then behind her back, and around herself… she ultimately just tried to leave them dropped at her sides. Though her anxiety made her fidget. “I’m… alright.” Her voice broke on the last word and tears began to cloud her vision. She took a deep breath and forced a wobbling smile. “Are you? I know who walked inside and I know they… well aren’t the best.”

Jesus, Livvy really looked like hell. She looked like how he was feeling, so he could only imagine how she was feeling. Once upon a time, he would have gone and pulled her into a hug, a hug he was pretty sure they both needed. But he… couldn’t. The emotional distance between them made the physical distance between them feel all the further. She’d disappeared when he’d needed her. After all this time and after his own experiences with Lauren, he had an inkling as to why she disappeared. But that didn’t take away the pain of the angry teenager who just wanted his best friend.

He managed a bitter smirk as she referred to the trio that had just gatecrashed his party. “Understatement of the century, right there,” he said. “I… think I’m about as alright as you are,” he admitted with a shrug. She didn’t know. Maybe she’d heard some of it, but she didn’t know the full extent of what he’d endured. And he couldn’t tell her. Not with all this distance between them. “She turned on me like she did everyone,” was all he could say, even if that barely covered it.

Livvy wrapped her arms around herself, decided that was the best place for her hands. She could use the shield. When Soren told her what Lauren did, in the briefest of terms she was absolutely sure, her eyebrows rose in concern and a pain like glass embedded itself into her chest. “I’m sorry, Soren.” She said, eyes searching him as if she could see the emotional scars like they were physical. Like she did for herself from time to time.

But all she saw was her friend. Well, she supposed, former friend since they hadn’t actually talked in… too long. Much too long. She wanted to say more, but couldn’t find the words. In fact there were too many. They swirled around like alphabet soup inside her. She eyed the door warily and said, “Should… we go inside? It’s your party, I’m sure the others,” she stressed ‘others’ to mean their actual friends, “Would probably like to see you.” There were only a few people inside, enough that she could count on one hand, who would probably be happy to see her.

Soren shrugged a little at Livvy’s sympathy. What else could he do or say? There wasn’t much else he could do or say. Once upon a time, Livvy would have been one of the handful of people who knew everything. But not any more and he didn’t know how to fix that now. And now, with three demons taking over his apartment, wasn’t the time to figure it out. As she mentioned going inside, he nodded. They needed to face the music at some point anyway, and it wasn’t like either of them were having a good time out here anyway.

“Sure. I’m sure they’d like to see you too,” he said, managing a small smile. He turned and headed inside, presuming that Livvy would be following him. He was relieved and pleasantly surprised to see that things hadn’t completely disintegrated into chaos in the few minutes since he’d left. As he came back in, Rose was standing in between him and Lauren; a position he was sure wasn’t deliberate, but was still appreciated nonetheless.

It was only as he went into the living area and saw Erin brandishing an empty bottle that he remembered exactly what he was facing. “Oh no. No, I’m too sober for this,” he said, turning around and heading back to the kitchen area. Mateo was still there, and instinctively, Soren sought him out. “You holding up okay?” he asked as he reached him, reaching for the nearest bottle of vodka as he did so.

 

[apprenticesmith95]

Rori Russo
Outfit #419c94​

“And we both know you’re solely responsible for it.”

“Oh, I don’t think I can take all the credit, the boys helped…some,” her sentence trailed off when she saw the change on Callie’s face. Rori wished she hadn’t looked over her shoulder to the door. The three of them walked in. A heavy weight settled in her stomach, twisting over itself as Tia came sauntering towards them like she had done nothing wrong, straight to Fleur, who looked happier than Rori had seen her in years to see the hellspawn. Rori watched them go. Clearly, she had missed a lot in seven years.

She was pulled from the puzzling moment by another voice. “Hey. You’re back in town.” Callie and Jack were gone and Rori silently pleaded with the universe for them to come back. She looked up at Ricky and suddenly she was fifteen and awkward all over again, and Ricky was older and effortlessly cool. Jesus Christ Rori, you’re not fifteen anymore. No, now she was in her twenties and had travelled and was significantly more interesting than she had been when she was fifteen. So why did her tongue feel like lead? More to the point, what the hell was Ricky doing with Lauren after everything? She knew Ricky and Matteo hadn’t exactly been close, but jeez.

“Hey,” she responded. It had only been a second or two since he had spoken, but it felt like an eternity. “Yeah, figured it was time to show my face again. And, y’know, making sure my mom and dad were okay after Lauren decided they were fair game for whatever scheme she’s running this time.” She smiled politely. “What about you? How you doing?”

Rori was half-listening to whatever Ricky was saying. She had half an eye on Lauren, just waiting for the harpy to put a foot wrong. Behind Ricky, Erin was wandering with an empty bottle.

“Spin the bottle? Really?”

Ah, so that’s what was happening. “Pretty sure we can move some things around if we need more space.”

Cassidy Moore
Outfit #0c7832​

The door opened and Cassidy was pretty sure he had forgotten how to breathe. Of all the people in the apartment, it had to be him. Cass smiled thinly but managed to bite back the comment bubbling in his throat. At least Soren had learned how to answer when someone called. Something, something, personal growth.

Cassidy was not a man with many regrets in life, but the sound of heels click-clacking on tiles echoed down the hall and the appearance of Lauren with Tia and Ricky in tow did inspire a similar feeling. It was truly amazing that she could afford to be buying new outfits every week when she was in so much debt. He wiped his cheek, cleaning the sticky lipgloss residue away. Ricky was his very best friend and had been for years now, Cass would die for the guy, but clearly, he was bone dead stupid if he was bringing Lauren and Tia here.

Inside, Cassidy sank into the couch. He could grab Ricky in a moment and find out what the hell he had been thinking with this latest stunt. Besides, he was talking to Rori and there’d be no getting any sense out of him for at least ten minutes. There was palpable tension in the room as people broke off into their groups. Perhaps it had been a mistake to invite Ricky. Maybe he should have asked Rori first. Cass massaged the palm of his hand.

Nah, this would be fine. They were all adults. If anyone was out of line, they could be kicked out. None of them had to engage in forced participation anymore, even with Erin and Rose rounding everyone up for Spin The Bottle. They were all gonna need a drink for this. Cass rocked up onto his feet, pointedly ignoring Soren at the ‘bar’ as he poured his own drink, just whisky soda, nothing fancy yet. He’d rather not be bundled into a cab by Jack pre-midnight. “So, where are we playing?”

 

[therealmcdreamy]

mateo rivera.

Outfit. 565656.​

Mateo couldn’t help but watch with concern over Erin as she poured herself shots. He opted for whiskey for himself. His stomach would hate him tomorrow for it but it was always his safest choice. One of the few alcohols he didn’t completely hate the taste of. He poured the contents of the bottle into another shot glass and quickly worked on getting his number close to what he’d seen Erin do so far. God he hated drinking. Erin had been going off in her usual sarcastic manner. Mateo simply shook his head and laughed in response. ”I’m not even offended. Just happy you could make it.” He said once he finished his fourth shot. He’d have to pace himself a bit from here but he’d manage. He always did.

What he could not manage though, just came through the door. Mateo had just poured himself another drink to babysit for part of the night only to drop it and its contents at his feet. His chest tightened on itself and all he could hear was the pounding of his own heart over what he just saw. His breathing became heavy and his body shook. ”What is he doing here?” was all he could say through gritted teeth. His blood felt like it was boiling. He was about to make his way over and quite possibly cause a scene of kicking out his own brother when worse walked through that door. His legs began to buckle beneath him. It’d been years since he saw her face. He didn’t think he’d see her again. Why was she here? Why was she doing this to him all over again?

Erin had said something next to him but everything around him was muffled except for his heart. Everyone was moving around him and it was like he could only move in slow motion now. He tried to take a step forward. Join the small group that was forming. Go where it’s safe. Except he nearly fell over when he took a step. He scanned the room with pleading eyes for someone. Soren. Rori. Anyone. It was getting harder to breathe but still he kept trying and hoping someone would snap him out of it.

 

[partially-stars]

mateo and soren​

It was as Soren spoke to Mateo that he took everything in. The shattered glass at Mateo’s feet, the panic on his face, the fixed stare at Lauren. Soren knew that look all too well, because he was sure he’d been wearing it only a few minutes ago. Even now, looking at her made his chest feel like it was closing up, like he was suffocating. He poured himself a generous shot, knocked it back in one, and then grabbed another glass for Mateo and filled it with just water.

Purposefully, as though he wasn’t terrified himself, he strode forward and stood in front of Mateo, blocking Lauren from his view. His free hand went to Mateo’s shoulder, and he held out the glass. “Listen to me. You’re here. You’re in the room. She can’t hurt you here, okay? We’ve got your back. We’ve all got your back. She won’t hurt you.” He repeated. He was saying them for Mateo, but there was a part of him that needed to hear them himself. She wouldn’t hurt either of them, not in public at least. He needed to be here. He needed to be present to help Mateo. “Erin’s going to play a game to get away from her. Do you want to play as well?” he asked.

Memories had begun to flash in his head until something came to block his view. It took him a few moments to register that it was Soren. He was saying something but Mateo couldn’t fully make it out until he repeated himself. The combination of his words and hand on his shoulder sent a wave of calm over him allowing him to finally take a deep breath. He took a few more breaths and steadied himself. He brought a hand up to grab the glass from Soren’s and downed it before finally being able to speak. “Yeah.” He gave a reassuring smile back at Soren. He could tell he needed it too. That those words weren’t just for Mateo. “I’m good.” He needed to be there for Soren. Mateo always viewed what Lauren put him through as worse so he couldn’t be panicking now. Not when his friend needed him.

Soren then mentioned a game. That must’ve been what he missed Erin saying. He nodded his head and flashed Soren a grin. “Yeah, that sounds great. What are we playing?” He motioned for Soren to lead the way. “After you my good sir.” He did his best to act like himself. He had to be okay. There was still the Ricky issue at the back of his mind though. He’d deal with that at a more appropriate time.

The moment Mateo took the deep breath, Soren managed a small smile, relieved that Mateo seemed to be okay. The reassuring smile was almost grounding, reminding him that they’d both gotten through it all once before. They had each other’s backs, they always had. Soren squeezed Mateo’s shoulder briefly before letting go.

At the question of what they were playing, Soren raised his eyebrows, retrieving the bottle of vodka at the memory and pouring himself a generous measure before topping it off with diet coke. “Spin the bottle. I think. Which is… yeah. But better than dealing with the alternative,” he remarked, shrugging a little. He headed for the last direction he’d seen Erin going, just in time to catch Rori saying they could move stuff around. “Here, push that sofa out of the way and we should have enough room,” he added. He managed to move it himself, before sitting cross-legged on the floor, his drink still in one hand. “You gotta play this sitting on the floor, right?” He added with a grin. He was sure his body would hate him after a few minutes sitting like this, but it brought back fun memories of playing this game on the floor as a teenager in somebody’s living room. It was only then that he began to process exactly what they were facing. The choices here ranged from hilariously awkward to painfully awkward and... well, feelings that he really didn't want to acknowledge or think about. He didn't need his dumb unrequited feelings on his brain tonight. It would be fine, he told himself. He'd probably land on Erin and end up with a hilarious story to tell at every available opportunity to embarrass her.