Los Angeles, a place in The Arris

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Los Angeles is a part of The Arris.

Setting

Los Angeles

22 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Ximena Esteves-Flores

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#2021-11-03 04:45:59, as written by leisurelyatwar

The sun had begun to set, a cool autumn crisp in the air sharpening as the shadows took over the light. City lights reflected against the glass panes along the length of the building, people peering in with no avail. Pooling around all sides were the casual paparazzi, some standing aside smoking a square as they waited for some big names to arrive.

Though the Arris had only been constructed within the last few years, it already was a hot spot. Not only was it home to some of the richest people in the world, but also many rising stars across many industries. That made guest lists for events at the rooftop bar, Mani all the more stacked. On a night like tonight it was a sure thing to get a paycheck hanging around the lot.

“Where you want this, boss?” Alex asked from the end of the bar, carrying two boxes of his wine.

Isko looked over from the station, polishing glasses. He blew his hair back from his face in thought, eyes wandering over the back of the bar seeing where they had space. They had jam packed all the extra inventory they could, utilizing every square inch of space. He set down the glass, shuffling some things around attempting to make space before huffing in defeat.

“You know what, follow me.” Isko finally gave up, gesturing for Alex to follow him. He shook his keys in his hands as he walked, his mind rotating through his list of things he needed to get in order before the party began. It always was like this leading up to an event, no matter how much they prepared. That was the one rule of the business, always prepare for it to go wrong.

Unlocking his office, he gestured for Alex to set the boxes inside before going to his computer to check his emails. Of course there were many strangers who had somehow got ahold of his email and offered monetary compensation for any tips or exclusives he could give them. The offers had been coming more and more as the Arris attracted higher profile names. He glanced at the clock, it was still another hour until other’s arrived and he hadn’t even showered.

Isko didn’t usually like to participate in the events at his club but lately he’d been trying to feel more comfortable delegating tasks. Raised to work, it was against his nature. After Ximena however, he had learned that there was no joy in that life - at least not the kind he could share with another.

Coraline's face filled his mind, Isko lingering for a moment before pushing the sentiment aside to return to his emails. If he was being honest, she was the real reason he had decided to participate in the event this year. Though the two had been living parallel to one another for some time, Isko felt like he hadn’t been able to cross that barrier to assert his intentions - always keeping something between them be it a bar or a plant. Anything to be able to detract from the way he hesitated with his words around her.

Though English wasn’t his first language, he was entirely fluent - but the way Coraline spoke, wrote, even the way she moved it was all poetry. He could listen to her talk for hours, though he often found himself getting so lost in her that he wouldn’t have much to contribute. Unlike others however she actually seemed to be the one to listen, surprising Isko with the things she remembered. It was the small things that made her keep returning to his thoughts.

He logged off his computer, locking his office behind him and spinning his key ring around his finger.Tapping at the bar to get one of the staff's attention, nodding over his shoulder towards the elevator. “I’ll be right back, I’m going to get ready. Text me any questions you have.”

They gave him a nod, Isko giving everyone a wave as he turned towards the elevator already on his phone responding to messages. Between his business and his family there were always unread and unanswered texts or emails. The elevator took him to either floor of his penthouse, his fob key allowing the doors to open right into his living room. He walked out towards the windows, looking below.

Already the cars and crowds had begun to gather, cameras flashing. Isko looked over to Arris West, many of its inhabitants invited to the party at Mani. Unless they had already ventured over earlier in the day, they would have to pass through the crowd below to enter. Though he was certain they all had planned it that way.

Though Isko didn’t usually drink on the job, intent on committing to delegating tonight he poured himself a glass of malbec. Despite his profession he rarely drank, preferring to remain clear headed. Even so, he had appreciation for fine alcohol in its many forms. It’s why he wanted to open a bar to begin with, each cocktail custom created by him and his team. Though to him nothing could compare to a quality glass of wine.

He paused, savoring the moment as he took a drink. It felt like sealing his own promise to himself with a kiss, the red wine wet on his lips. He wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand, taking the glass with him to his master suite to get ready.

Setting

Los Angeles

2 Characters Present

Character Portrait: Huckleberry Cromwell

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#2021-11-07 23:44:20, as written by SleepingInTheGardens

A.J. PARK

location Huck’s place - The Commune
hex #D26918

HUCKLEBERRY CROMWELL

location His place - The Commune
hex #6C8325Gentle fingers tapped against the soft fabric of the white button up covering AJ’s torso, his arms kept neatly folded across his chest. The longer he examined the collection of harnesses in front of him, the less he understood them. In theory, the costume idea for the fast approaching party had been a great one. But in retrospect, he probably could’ve came up with something a bit more simple. He could hear the subtle sounds of shuffling coming from the bathroom as Huckleberry worked his way through his own ensemble. They had decided on sharing a theme, though subtle enough to be taken as a coincidence. AJ had been the one to cautiously suggest their final looks, and Huck happily agreed, assuring the former that it was a fantastic idea.

That was the thing about Huckleberry; he always knew the right words to say and the right time to say them. Over the past few months of dating in secret, he’d somehow managed to make AJ feel wanted in spite of his insecurities. The modeling world had never been kind to anyone, but especially not to someone like AJ Park. Every photoshoot gave birth to a new insecurity, another part of himself to doubt, but Huck’s comfort and company felt like healing. That’s all AJ needed, at least for now.

With a sigh of defeat, he let his body plop down onto the bed behind him, the plush comforter molding to his curves. Thoughts wandered back to just a bit ago. AJ had sat Huck on the bed, proclaiming that he could probably do a much better job of recreating Eren Yeager with the help of some costume makeup. After all, he’d done this sort of thing many times before. Once Huck’s look was finished, he moved on to do his own make up, reshaping his own face into one Levi Ackerman. It was all going smoothly, and they would seemingly be finished getting ready just in time for the event. Until it was time to strap on the gear. Try as he may, he couldn’t get them to fit right. He had no choice now but to wait and ask for Huck’s help.

Huck spent most of his time in the bathroom looking at every angle of himself in the mirror. While he was a big fan of his appearance, it was mainly to determine if this size of shorts was too short or if they covered just enough. Going as Eren Yeager’s titan form was mainly an excuse to walk around shirtless all night, and AJ had helped him with the makeup considering he was pretty clueless - and AJ was right, he was better at it anyway; AJ was better at a lot of things, Huck learned quickly. After taking one final look and assuming that any slips from the small pair of shorts would be appreciated by onlookers, he called from the bathroom: ”Did you get those harnesses on?”

AJ was… different. Huck had never formed a serious relationship with a man, and yet, for months now, his mind was stuck on AJ. This smiling, adorable man that had taken his attention since they met. It wasn’t quite love just yet - ~~was he?~~ - but he found himself wanting him badly. He wanted to spend all of his time with AJ, making him laugh and giving him all of the attention he deserved. It was an odd feeling for Huck, but it was in a good odd way.

As Huck moves back into his bedroom, he smirks as he leans against the wall, noticing that AJ was on his bed without said harnesses on. He saunters forward, laying himself next to AJ on the bed and propping his head on one elbow to look at AJ. ”That looks like a no. Did you need my help… or do you just want me to help you?” Huck asks, his boyish grin ever present as he winks at AJ. The harnesses were sure to put up a struggle, but it was fun to tease AJ and get the opportunity to help him get them situated on AJ’s body.

A few seconds of staring at the ceiling and Huck had wandered his way back out of the bathroom in the one piece of clothing he would be wearing all night. AJ often found himself wishing he had an ounce of the confidence that Huck carried, but the more he tried the less he felt it. His head turned in Huck’s direction as he was joined on the bed, just in time to catch the wink thrown his way. The subtle warmth made its way onto AJ’s cheeks, the thought of Huck’s hands traveling all over his body as he steadied the harnesses made him break eye contact. He was well aware that Huck could still see the rosy color adorning his face, which only made him blush more.

In an effort to detour Huck’s attention, AJ quickly got to his feet. He glanced at the harnesses, Huck’s question replaying in his head. Did he actually need the help or did he simply want it? He decided to not give that question an answer, but instead held out a hand for Huck to take, a small pout settling on his lips. ”Help me please…”. AJ was not the type to ask others for help, but he was tired and had already given up on trying to make sense of the garment. Plus, Huck’s help was never unwelcomed.

The flirtatious words and wink did exactly what Huck wanted them to. Although AJ moved from the bed, trying to hide his fluster, he was able to see it before AJ moved away. Huck pulled himself from the bed, following behind AJ as he took the harnesses from their spot on the floor and held them out to Huck. The words were sweet as they accompanied the cutest pout on AJ’s face, and with a wider grin, Huck tilted his face up by the chin and pressed a quick peck on that little pout. ”I was already going to, but since you asked so nicely…” Huck replied, taking the harnesses and pulling AJ over to the full length mirror so he could watch and make sure that the harnesses were in the right place.

The idea for the characters was AJ’s idea, after he had convinced Huck to start watching Attack on Titan. Huck had always thought that he’d never be interested in anime, but they ended up binging the first season in one night and Huck was hooked. Plus, the idea of having a couple’s costume together - even if no one would know - was wildly satisfying. He started with the leg portion of the harnesses, which proved to be just as difficult as Huck imagined. ”I didn’t think this would be so difficult when you suggested this costume,” Huck admits with a chuckle, moving down onto his knees to untangle the leg harnesses and buckle them together on AJ’s legs.

The small smile that settled onto AJ’s face after the kiss lingered up until the first set of harnesses was pulled on. One of his hands rested on Huck’s shoulder for balance, while the other attempted to help. He watched as Huck somehow managed to make sense of the mess and tightened the straps around his thighs, despite his comment. ”I’m sorry…” he muttered as he watched Huck move onto the other leg. ”I didn’t plan this far ahead.”. Part of him felt guilty for picking the more complicated costume, but somehow it didn’t seem like Huck minded. In fact, it almost seemed like he was enjoying it a bit too

There was still a mild flush of pink on AJ’s face as Huck finished tightening straps that hugged his thighs and waist. Taking a quick glance in the mirror reminded AJ of just how tight his pants were, enhanced even more so by the equally tight harnesses. He quickly looked away from his reflection, glancing at the last piece of gear that was meant to hug his torso. ”Thank you!” he chimed, adding a quick peck to Huck’s cheek before stretching out his hand for the remaining harness. ”I can probably handle that one.”

Truthfully, Huck was probably enjoying this more than AJ. He’d said the last comment about the difficulty as a tease, since he would have insisted AJ do the Levi costume rather than himself if AJ hadn’t picked it out. When he was fixing the hip straps, Huck didn’t miss the color that took to AJ’s face, and had a tease on the tip of his tongue when AJ kissed his cheek and asked for the rest of the harnesses. He hadn’t missed the look in the mirror either, assuming that caused AJ to want to finish on his own. Huck had dated plenty of models to understand the insecurity that came with people judging their body every day, and recognized it early on in AJ. He never saw what made AJ so insecure - he always thought AJ was the most gorgeous person he’d ever met - but he could still sympathize.

So instead, he kept the harnesses and started to fit them on AJ’s chest, turning him to face Huck instead of the mirror this time. ”I could let you handle it, but why would I want to?” Huck answers in a flirtatious tone, hooking the harness in with the rest and fitting it to AJ’s chest. He wanted AJ to have a good time tonight, and obsessing over how his costume fit was not a recipe for a good time. Once the costume was complete, he stepped back and gave AJ a full look over, before stepping back in and grinning wildly at him. ”There you are, captain. You’re gonna get all the ladies tonight. Should I be jealous?” Huck teases, his hands resting comfortably on AJ’s waist.

Every part of AJ told him that he couldn’t pull off such an elaborate costume, though he already knew that long before putting it on. His game plan had been to ignore those doubts and just have a good time. Still, he couldn’t help but feel self conscious, even as the tight straps hugged his body in all the right places. But as usual, Huck shut those thoughts down as he ignored AJ’s halfhearted request and continued to help. He couldn’t hide the blush that had steadily marked his cheeks, nor did he attempt to. Instead, he accepted Huck’s praise, responding with one of his own. ”I think I should be the one asking that.”.

Thought his tone was playful, AJ was well aware of how popular Huck was. This often led him to ask himself what it was that the singer-songwriter even saw in him to make him want to stick around. He was never brave enough to ask, he only hoped that whatever it was, it was enough. AJ’s hands carefully rested on Huck’s chest as he reached up for a kiss, thankful for the brief boost of confidence. ”Should we get going?”

Huck’s words seemed to boost AJ’s mood somewhat, and the party was sure to help as well. Part of him wanted to stay and just indulge in AJ’s company. The pair wasn’t out yet, and even though they were heading to the party together in a couple’s costume, Huck wouldn’t be able to stay as close as he wanted without causing suspicion. It was a mutual decision since neither man was comfortable with coming out, but he would have enjoyed the looks on his exes’ faces strolling in with AJ on his arm. And being able to kiss AJ whenever he wanted. Unfortunately, their time together would be on pause until the party was over. Huck indulged in one last kiss, hugging AJ’s body to his, before pulling away towards the door. ”After you, handsome.”

Setting

Los Angeles

2 Characters Present

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#2021-11-18 02:59:26, as written by esoteric

coraline quinn
location: Arris West | hex code: #919F9F

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Her studio was filled with the fragrant scent of roses, and when the crisp autumn breeze stirred the trees in the garden below there came through the open window the heavy scent of lilac, and the more delicate perfume of the pink-flowering thorn. By the light of the setting sun she read, her obsidian tipped fingernails turning the page every few minutes, dark eyes dancing along every printed word. This book was one of her favorites, a novel by Victor Hugo. She’s read it so many times the spine was cracked and worn; its cover weathered from years of use. From the corner of her studio, she sat — smoking, as was her habit — with her legs tucked up under her in her emerald velvet chair. The agitated murmur of paparazzi shouldering their way to the doors of Arris West seemed to make the stillness of the evening more oppressive. The dull roar of Los Angeles was like the bourdon note of a distant organ. Once she got up and pulled her window shut all the noise faded to a soft hum, white noise softly reverberating against the glass. If she hadn’t grown up in Paris, living in such a lively city may have annoyed her, but to Coraline it just felt like home.

Tonight, the Mani was hosting a Halloween party. Anyone who was anyone was expected to attend, including Coraline herself. Normally she would’ve politely declined an offer like this, not really one to involve herself in these kinds of social situations if she could avoid it, even when receiving a personal invitation from the owner. When it’s a personal invitation from the owner of Mani, however, she had happily made an exception.

Coraline would never pass up the chance to spend time with Isko Alvarez.

He’s been her upstairs neighbor since she moved to Los Angeles about a year and half ago, and a good friend for the better part of several months. With how busy he likes to keep himself and how much he throws himself into his work, Cora has actually found herself setting aside time for the club owner just to be able to see him. She’s done the same for Mae Chin Sun – Sunny, as Cora and many others are accustomed to calling her – on multiple occasions but setting time aside for a woman was a lot more in Coraline’s character. Her mother had brought her up to never rely on a man for anything, especially emotional comfort. Men were accessories for Quinn women, to be used and quickly discarded like an out of season pair of shoes. Cora couldn’t do that with Isko. He was kind, reserved, and respectful – the kind of man you could trust to be there for you no matter what. She likes being about to sit in a room with him, the two of them doing their own activity, and simply exist with one another in companionable silence. That kind of quality time was so rare and so cherished, and it wasn’t something Cora would willingly let go.

Snuffing her cigarette out, Cora placed her book back on the shelf, making her way into the bathroom to start getting ready for the party. An hour later she was sat at her vanity, skin exfoliated and hair pinned back; she meticulously put on her wig cap before she began applying makeup, making sure to conceal the edges of the cap. She contoured her high cheekbones with grey shadow to mimic the look of one Morticia Adams, finishing the look with her signature red lip – now a deeper shade of crimson to fit to the character. Her jet-black wig was lace front and it molded to her head perfectly; it looked completely natural, her own natural hair color just a few shades shy of what she wore now. Tightening a corset was something she was very familiar with and she had no trouble putting it on herself; it was an essential piece to her costume in order to obtain Morticia’s deep hourglass figure. Her black floor length dress accentuated her body attractively, the plunging neckline leaving very little to the imagination. Her nails were stilettos, just like her heels, both black with red bottoms.

It was nearing the start of the party by the time she was done. She was thankful that the party was being held in the same building she lived in, not wanting to have to deal with the crowd of people outside. Cora had no reason to bring a pocketbook with her on this adventure. Her phone was strapped to her inner thigh by a black lace garter, and she was able to get into her apartment with an app she’d downloaded when she first moved in. She didn’t have to bring any money; the bartenders knew her well and she always kept up with her tab. With all this in mind, Cora was able to step out of the elevator and into the rooftop lounge with full confidence, making her way to the bar just as she’s done several times before. She was met with a familiar face, a bartender she’s come to know on a first name basis.

“Happy All Hallow’s Eve, Alex.” Coraline says, her accent giving away her origins, it made her voice sound almost harmonic, a melodic tune that was always gentle on the ears. She took a seat at the end of the bar in her usual spot, taking in the barkeep’s attire. He was dressed in all black - slacks, button down, and waistcoat – strictly professional despite the festivities. If you knew Isko like Cora knew him, it didn’t come as much of a surprise.

Alex greets her with a smile, “And a happy Halloween to you too Miss Quinn,” his voice with light with amused glee, looking her over in complete wonder. “Or should I say, Mrs. Adams. I sure hope you convinced the boss man to dress up as Gomez.”

Cora smiled to herself, the image of her and Isko dressing in a “couple’s costume” bringing a soft blush to her cheeks. “I did not, unfortunately,” though now she wishes she had thought of it.

“Can I fix you a glass while you wait?” Alex asked, “I can let the boss know you’re here when I see him.”

“That would be great, Alex. Thank you.”

With a nod and a smile, he quickly poured a glass of red wine. It was malbec, she believed, and an excellent year. He tended the bar close by, keeping an ear out for her as he always did, just in case she needed a refill. She always liked Alex, and she tipped very well – which is probably why he liked her. That, and the fact that he and few of the other bartenders seemed to ‘ship’ her with their boss. She allowed herself to get lost in thought as she waited for more people to arrive, sipping at her wine as she watched the small cluster of people gyrate on the dancefloor.

3 posts here • Page 1 of 1

Los Angeles

a part of The Arris, by leisurelyatwar.

Setting

Los Angeles

Minimap

northwest

north

northeast

west

You are here.

east

southwest

south

southeast

Los Angeles is a part of The Arris.

21 Characters Here

Coraline Quinn [2] A true masterpiece does not tell everything

Huckleberry Cromwell [2] prettier than you

Isko Alvarez [2] Forbes 30 under 30, a feature on Isko Alvarez

AJ Park [2]

Mae Chin Sun [1] made of stars

Roy Abernathy [1] WIP

Chanel Belmont [1] Gaslight. Gatekeep. Girlboss.

Shion Bartolome [1] resisting everything except temptation

Aurore Kitt [1] the tombstone will be my diploma

Oumarou Che [1] Just the Cameroon boy from Southwark

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22 Characters Present

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