commander;

adrian sinclair. owner of the lucerna. libra. xxxvii. coral coast.

[adriansinclair]

"you think charm gets you everywhere? maybe. but a sharp mind and a little audacity? that’s how the real work gets done."

name: adrian julian sinclair

age: thirty-seven

dob: october 14th

gender: cismale

sexuality: bisexual

hometown: windsor bay

neighborhood: coral coast

occupation: owner of the lucerna

personality: charismatic, intelligent, loyal, stubborn, secretive, hot-headed

born into the prominent sinclair family, adrian grew up surrounded by polished reputations, high expectations, and the quiet pressure of legacy. his father, bruce sinclair, is a sharp, influential real-estate developer. his mother, asha sinclair, is the executive director of the portland museum of fine arts. she's also known for her taste, poise, and philanthropic work. from them, adrian inherited a mix of ambition, discipline, and the ability to read a room before ever speaking. while everyone assumed he’d follow the family path, adrian carved out his own. music was the only place he felt like himself, so instead of stepping into real estate or society politics, he transformed the lucerna, windsor bay’s premier music venue and his greatest act of rebellion and pride. charismatic, intelligent, and stubborn as hell, adrian thrives under pressure but keeps his emotions locked down tight. he’s loyal to a fault, secretive when he’s unsure, and notorious for his temper when his family or business is threatened. off hours, he’s usually sailing the coral coast, sifting through vintage vinyl, or hustling someone at poker. the sinclair name may have opened doors, but adrian’s the one who decided who he lets through them.

loves sailing on the coral coast, especially at sunset

collects vintage vinyl records, favorite genre: classic rock

keeps a personal journal he rarely lets anyone read

plays chess and poker competitively

gets hot-headed if someone threatens his family or business

playlist

wanted connections

the almost (but never quite)

that person adrian has been circling for YEARS. right person, wrong time, every time. complicated chemistry, emotional tension, unresolved everything. maybe they dated briefly, maybe they almost kissed, maybe they always stop just short of something real.

the bad influence (partner in crime)

someone who brings out his reckless side. late-night adventures, questionable decisions, mutually enabling each other. they probably shouldn’t hang out unsupervised… which means they absolutely do.

the ex he never got closure with

a serious relationship that crashed & burned, spectacularly. they know too much about him, emotionally speaking. seeing them around town is… complicated.

the one who hates him (for good reason)

maybe he broke a heart, screwed up a deal, or lashed out when he shouldn’t have. this person does NOT like adrian, and they’re vocal about it. he pretends not to care. he absolutely cares.

the sinclair family co-conspirator

a cousin or sibling with whom he schemes, argues, or protects the family legacy alongside. they know the real sinclair history, unfiltered. they have the ability to check him or hype him up.

the one who knows his soft spots

the only person he lets his guard down with. they’ve seen him tired, unpolished, maybe even vulnerable. this connection can be platonic or romantic.

the rival (professional or personal)

they’re equally talented, equally stubborn. maybe they own a competing business. maybe they want the same recognition or social standing. maybe windsor bay just loves comparing them.

the unexpected friend

someone adrian never thought he’d vibe with, but somehow, it works. could be someone soft, chaotic, naive, older, younger. just not “his type” of person at all.

the on-again/off-again flame

they burn hot, explode, swear they’re done, and then find themselves tangled up again. it’s ridiculous. it’s addictive. it’s absolutely a bad idea.

someone who knows a sinclair secret

maybe an old family scandal. maybe something adrian did. maybe something much bigger. this connection adds stakes and a threat or an uneasy alliance.

[nainaxvyas]

Naina let out a soft laugh at his 'brutally honest' critique, nudging his knee lightly with hers before shaking her head. "Wow...more salt?" she teased. “Here I bare my culinary soul and you attack it with sodium of all things.” But the smile tugging at the corner of her lips gave her away. She was pleased at the way everything had turned out, critique included...more than she’d admit out loud.

When his tone shifted and he spoke about honesty, her expression settled into something more sincere. She didn’t pull her hand away when he traced her knuckles. Instead, her fingers curled slightly around his, like she was wanting to keep the contact rather than just accepting it for what it was. "I never want just perfect honesty," she said softly. "I'd rather have real honesty. The kind where you never edit yourself to be easier to accept." Her eyes flicked up to meet his gaze. "And I will do my best to give you the same. Even when it's messy, even when it's not really what you're expecting...especially then." At the light bump of his forehead to hers, she smiled, the kind that starts in the eyes. "I really like this version of us too," she murmured. “It feels… calm. Like I’m not waiting for the other shoe to drop. Which...is rare for me."

[adriansinclair]

Adrian released a faint breath, the sort of breath that escapes when words strike farther inside than anticipated. He felt her fingers press more firmly around his and he noticed how her voice lost its edge when she spoke of plain truth. "Real honesty, I can do that. Messy, inconvenient, badly timed truths included."

After she confessed that the moment felt calm, that she no longer braced for a blow, the lines of his face eased and an even warmth settled there. "That means a lot," Adrian said in a low voice. "Because that's what this feels like for me too." He looked down at their linked hands then lifted his gaze back to her. "I don't want to be the person who makes you brace for impact." He bent close again and pressed a light kiss to her temple, letting it last a beat. "And for the record," he added, tone light, as he drew back only far enough to meet her eyes. "I'm not planning on dropping any shoes. Worst case scenario, I eat too much pasta and fall asleep on your couch." The corner of his mouth lifted into a small, crooked smile. "Which feels like a very manageable risk."

[itsbrayden-rhodes]

Brayden was trying to get his head clear. While he worked late nights, he tried to get up at a decent time and go for a run every day. He was one type of person at work, and another when he wasn't there. He had been pushing himself for about thirty minutes straight and now decided to take a break. He removed a headphone and took some deep breaths as he approached a railing to look out on the water. "That did sound heavy as hell but I mean. It's kind of true when you think about it. I mean i'm sure there's a lot of people who don't care who I am honestly but it's nice knowing that it's incapable of figuring it out."

[adriansinclair]

Adrian let out a soft laugh and raised the cup even though the coffee had cooled. "That's the nice part. No names, no history. It doesn't care if you're doing great or barely holding it together." He moved slightly against the railing then looked at Brayden, who stood beside him, breathing hard. "You running from something?" Adrian asked in a relaxed tone. "Or just trying to clear your head?"

[amaraxhawthcrne]

open starter @windsorbaystarters location: shade culture, coral coast

Walking in, the smell of paint hit her first. Shade Culture had been on her list of things to try for so long yet Amara had always imagined she'll come with some company to make the whole experience less daunting. The thought of bringing her mother had crossed her mind but the woman had called last minute to let her know she had a change of heart. She offered a small smile at the woman, who greeted her upon arrival and requested a glass of soda before heading towards the long table with set canvas. "Is this your first time, too?" She chuckled, taking a seat next another early comer. Noticing most of the seats were still empty, she hoped to at least break the ice and have a decent first experience.

[adriansinclair]

Adrian arrived a few minutes ahead of time, his flannel sleeves were rolled up and he held a cup of coffee from habit, not thirst. The odor of fresh paint struck him as he crossed the threshold and he almost stepped back outside. Before he could retreat, Amara appeared. He walked toward her without planning, placed the mug on the table beside a vacant chair and sat. "Didn't expect to see you here," he murmured. A faint, familiar smile lifted one corner of his mouth. "Guess the ocean wasn't enough chaos for one week."

[coopermonroe]

beads of sweat clung to him like regret. no matter how many miles he ran, he couldn't outrun the emotion of losing the only family he'd ever known. he'd stopped to give his thrumming heart a break, the organ knocking so hard against his ribs that he'd barely heard the other's voice. he turned, listening as he continued on and when he finished speaking, coop nodded, a small smile pulling on his mouth. "no, you're right. it's the only thing in town that hasn't tried to play twenty-one questions with me." too many people asked where he'd been, asked if he was staying this time around, or if he was doing okay. the ocean? it had nothing but comfort him, offering the steady sounds of crashing waves hitting rocks. "don't worry about it. heavy isn't a bad thing."

[adriansinclair]

Adrian adjusted his hold on the railing and pivoted until he faced Cooper fully. Perspiration covered the man's skin and his flushed face carried the aftermath of a run that spoke for itself. "The ocean doesn't care where you've been or what people expect next." He looked at Cooper for a moment longer than courtesy allowed but the gaze felt neutral, as though he checked items on an unseen list. Same hometown, same generation, separate lives. He noted the fatigue beneath the polite smile. "Windsor Bay's real good at making people explain themselves. I've lived here my whole life and it still tries." His gaze returned to the water. "But you're right, heavy isn't bad." He looked at Cooper once more. "You just get back into town? Doing the whole pretend jogging is about cardio and not grief routine?"

[atlasxsinclair]

Atlas sighed and ran both hands through his hair before picking up a rock and tossing it far as he could. He listened to his cousin and gave the male a small sad smile, shrugging his shoulders. "I did tend to run away when things get too much and overwhelming which was before I discovered I was bipolar. They still think it is all made up, an excuse and me trying not to take responsibility at all," the doctor spoke. In his parents eyes, they were forever tainted by his behavior which mostly not his in the past because he was not well. "At least this time around, I was stable when I left," he chuckled to himself looking at his cousin.

"In a way it really does but sometimes, the feeling like you are letting down the people who understands, it feels like you have a responsibility to be better for them...." he admitted. Atlas did try to hide it but he had so much expectations of himself. He expected himself to be strong, stable and to be on top of things. He was a doctor, he was running a ranch too but sometimes he felt he was not doing enough. He felt like he was little his cousin down but he would not fully say it. "Okay good to know. I will let you keep dreaming because we really know who is responsible and that is me. I might not show it and you should know I like putting a show, making people guess wrong," he spoke sticking out his tongue like a child before laughing.

"I know but..." he shrugged again and sighed before dropping the last rock in his hand and turning to head inside. "I am hungry, actually don't remember if I have eaten today and could use something strong. That reminds me, I got some amazing risky on the road and this would be the perfect time to open especially since I don't work tomorrow."

[adriansinclair]

Adrian walked beside Atlas without comment and slid his hands into his pockets as they entered the house. He paid close attention when Atlas spoke about his bipolar diagnosis and about his parents still calling it a weakness instead of an illness. Adrian's jaw tightened. A familiar, quiet anger appeared. "That part's brutal, being told your brain chemistry is just… bad behavior." He gave a single shake of his head. "You don't owe anyone stability as proof of worth. You work at it because you deserve peace, not because people are keeping score." He looked at Atlas with a gentler expression. "And that pressure you're talking about? Trying to be better for everyone who understands? That's love mixed with fear. It happens. Doesn't mean you’re failing."

Atlas stuck out his tongue and Adrian responded with a quiet laugh. "Oh, please." Adrian spoke in a dry tone. "You disappear internationally and come back with liquor souvenirs. That's chaos with a medical degree."

Adrian switched on a light and went straight to the kitchen. He opened cabinets as if long practice had taught him where everything sat. "You haven't eaten." He added the comment. "I can tell. You get this hollow look in your eyes when you forget basic survival needs." He took one glass then a second and placed both on the counter. "Alright, you open your mysterious road whiskey, I'll find something edible. And Atlas?" He stopped and looked straight at his cousin. "I don't need you perfect, I just need you alive, honest, and occasionally annoying. Now sit down before you pass out dramatically on my floor and prove your parents' imaginary point."

[vihaanxsinghania]

With King at his feet, Vihaan had stepped out for a nice walk and ended up here at Oceanside Park. The familiar figure leaning against the railing had him wondering if he should avoid Adrian all together or approach him. He hadn't had any real reason to rush back to the hotel though so he made the intentional steps in his direction and was about to call out to the man when he heard what could only be described as an existential crisis. "Uh...can't say I've ever felt that way but you doing okay Sinclair? Should I carefully lead you away from the railing?" He asked with a small smile, even if the concern in his voice wasn't fully disguised. King though, wanted to keep moving closer to the man, eager to get a read on him and so Vihaan loosened the leash just a bit, enough that he didn't overwhelm Adrian but could still be close enough.

[adriansinclair]

Adrian let out a soft laugh. Turning from the water and straightening, he faced Vihaan with a relaxed half smile. "Carefully lead me away?" he repeated. "Wow. Is that how bad I sounded?" His eyes dropped to King and softened right away. He crouched so the dog could sniff his hand, if King permitted, then he stroked the top of the dog's head. Animals steadied him faster than people ever did.

"I'm good." Adrian said, rising. "Just got caught in my own head for a second. Happens when things finally slow down." He took a sip from his cup. "Nothing dramatic," he added. "Just one of those moments where you realize how loud everything usually is… and how weird it feels when it isn't."

He looked back at the ocean then returned his attention to Vihaan. "Sorry if I made it sound like I was about to swan dive into an existential crisis." A slight smirk touched his lips. "You and King showed up right on time. How's the walk treating you?"

[hattie-mayonnaise]

Hattie had seen Adrian step outside and decided to say hello. She walked towards where he was leaning, his demeanor seeming lost in thought and she almost decided to leave him to it when he tossed a question her way. Her head tipped gently at the inquiry, in the way it often did when she was really trying to consider what was being asked, similar to a confused puppy. Her brows gently knit together before shrugging. "No." she answered truthfully, her eyes darting away for a second before landing back on him. Truth was she didn't care who people were, in the sense she thought he may be speaking. Not that of character but of status. A small smile tugged upwards at her lips, slowly closing the distance to stand next to him. "You alright?"

[adriansinclair]

Adrian released a low breath as she approached. He adjusted his hold on the coffee cup and rolled his shoulders, as if resetting his posture. "Fair," he murmured. "That might just be me projecting." He glanced toward her then back at the water. In truth, he hadn't come to speak, he simply wanted air, room, and a place where his thoughts would not echo. But Hattie arrived without force and without crowding him. That restraint meant more to him than he often acknowledged.

"I'm okay." Adrian replied after a pause. "Just one of those moments where everything finally gets quiet and your brain decides that's the perfect time to check in." He set his forearms on the rail and followed the tide with his eyes. "I forget sometimes how loud things get," he added. "Work, people, expectations… all of it stacks up. Coming out here reminds me I don't actually have to carry every piece at once."

He turned to her again and gave a small, unguarded smile. "Thanks for asking," he said. "How about you? You just here for the view or did the ocean call you in too?"

[nainaxvyas]

“I will always critique and judge you Adrian, that’s my right as…the person you’re with.” Naina retorted with a chuckle before leaning up to give him a soft little peck on the cheek. For a moment she’d been about to call herself his girlfriend but she hesitated, absolutely not wanting to be presumptuous and put a title on their relationship when it might not need that. She was happy with them and like he said—they’d ultimately figure it out as they went along. 

By the time he’d brought the food to the table, she followed him with the bag from the candy store and placing that on the coffee table before watching that little action. “You ask me to come like that—I’m not going to be thinking about dinner one bit,” she warned him with a glint in her eyes as she took that seat, tucking her legs underneath her as she almost leaned slightly into the couch, but facing him. “So—try the pasta, tell me what you think…and stay brutally honest okay?” Naina warned before holding up her fork, “we may be…together now but I fell for you when you were honest with me and gave it to me straight and somewhere I think that helped your feelings develop too…so promise to always just say it as it is, we have no pretence between us…deal?” 

[adriansinclair]

Adrian gave a low chuckle at her warning. "Noted," he said under his breath. "I'll try to behave, no promises though." He edged closer all the same, then picked up his fork and took a bite. He chewed with deliberate slowness, eyes narrowing a fraction as if he were grading the dish. "Okay," he remarked after a moment. "Here's the brutally honest part." He sampled another forkful and nodded. "It's really good," he confessed. "Like… comfort food good. The kind that makes you forget what time it is." He looked at her, one corner of his mouth curled. "Sauce is perfect, pasta's got bite. If I'm being picky, maybe a little more salt next time, but that's just me being annoying." He laid the fork aside then faced her squarely, resting an arm along the couch behind her in a casual but deliberate gesture.

Then she spoke of honesty and its weight. He held her gaze for a second, voice gentler. "Deal," he stated. "I spent too long doing that, saying I was fine when I wasn't. Acting detached when I cared. I don't want that with you." He took her hand once more and ran his thumb across her knuckles. "If something's good, I'll say it," he continued. "If something's hard, I'll say that too. And if I screw up, I won't disappear about it."

A small, open smile appeared. "You're right," he said. "You fell for me when I stopped dancing around things. That's probably when I stopped lying to myself too." He leaned forward until his forehead touched hers with a light bump. "Brutal honesty, shared candy, pasta on the couch. I like this version of us."

[jj-hayes]

JJ could not help but playfully roll his eyes at Adrian's remark, which he followed by letting out a hearty laugh before he lowered his voice. "Hm... Good for you, really. You could use someone like her in your life." And he meant that. After everything that Adrian had been through, he knew that he could use someone who was as kind and empathetic as Naina. Given the Sinclair family's reputation, he was well aware that Adrian had not had someone like this in his life until now. So, he was all the more grateful that the two of them had found each other. "Quieter is good. You need quiet. Enjoy that quiet, because you deserve it." JJ grinned, giving him a pat on his shoulder.

As Adrian grabbed the Root Beer Barrels for his sister, JJ pondered if he should pick something out for his sister. Cordelia was not big on sweets, but she was at the height of her residency and could use a little pick-me-up. Perhaps he could grab her some of the sugar-free peach rings that she really liked. "Sisters, man." JJ laughed, picking up the scoop and filling it up with the peach rings. "I'm going to get these for mine. She really loves peach rings."

Follow Adrian down the aisle, scanning the jars of chocolate. "Oh, look... they've already got the Valentine's Day flavours out," he pointed out, pondering if he should pick up some up for Amara. Were they at that stage yet? He did not have a clue. But after how things had turned out with their supposed first date, he wanted to show her that he was willing to put in the effort. "Dark chocolate's always a good choice, though. Cordelia bakes a lot with these ones." Without saying a word, JJ grabbed another bag and began filling it up with the chocolate hearts. "You don't need to thank me, Sinclair. You don't owe me any details if you're not ready to share them. I'm just really excited for you... and let's be real, it is as exciting as a lottery win. Are you kidding me?" He let out another laugh, shaking his head.

"I'm getting the peach rings for Cordelia and the chocolate hearts for... someone." JJ gulped, knowing that Adrian's interrogation was currently on its way. "As for Mia... if you insist, the sugar-free gummy bears are her favourite."

[adriansinclair]

Adrian caught the tiny pause, and he saw how JJ suddenly stared at the candy bins as if they were the most interesting objects in the store. His mouth twitched. "Oh," he said in a light tone, while he scooped sugar free gummy bears into a bag for Mia. "We're doing mystery chocolates now, got it." He let the bears fall into his basket then looked sideways at JJ. His face stayed calm but he recorded every detail. "I'm noticing you just bought heart shaped chocolate for a hypothetical person."

He tilted the basket so he could check the contents like a clerk doing inventory - root beer barrels, baking chocolate, peach rings, gummies. Emotional growth, apparently. "Look at us," Adrian muttered. "Two grown men in a candy store making thoughtful purchases and pretending we're not soft."

He tapped JJ's arm with his elbow gently, but he wasn't about to drop the subject. "Someone?" he said again, slower. "Absolutely not. You don't get to gloss over that like we're discussing the weather." He moved the basket to one hand and set the other hand on his hip. "Heart shaped chocolate isn't casual, Hayes. That's intent, that's effort. That's 'I stood in iCandy thinking about her preferences.'" A short silence followed. "Her, right?" His grin grew sharper but warmth stayed underneath. "You nearly dislocated your jaw when I said girlfriend five minutes ago, now you're buying themed chocolate for 'someone' and expecting me not to pry?" He shook his head once. "No chance. I gave you Naina's full name, I gave you emotional growth." Adrian pointed at the bag JJ held. "So, who is she? And don't you dare say it's nothing. Nobody buys heart shaped chocolate for nothing."

At last he started toward the register, a small smirk on his face. "We can pay while you confess. I'm patient, but not that patient."

[adriansinclair]

@windsorbaystarters location: oceanside park

Adrian rested his weight on the railing. The coffee in his hand had cooled while he watched the tide move forward and backward as if it lacked any other place to go. He had stepped outside to breathe, that simple intention shifted into silent reflection, something he normally evaded. He released a small breath then looked at the person who had paused close by. "You ever notice the ocean's the only thing in this town that doesn't care who you are?" he spoke, voice relaxed even though weariness showed at the corners of his eyes. "Sorry, that sounded heavier than I meant."

[hattie-mayonnaise]

"I have." she answered matter of factly, "I've been thinkin' about it since I got here, just hard to dive into something so big when you ain't got your feet on the ground yet- ya know." she glanced over at him again for a moment. "But- I'm taking it slow, one thing at a time, and by the time Spring rolls around- Things should hopefully be takin' shape." Her lips pulled into a wide grin, almost bouncing excitedly in her steps as he admitted to wanting to help her with the renovations. "Really?!" she asked. Hattie smirked softly as he mentioned being bossy again and she shrugged one shoulder lazily. "I can handle bossy" she said with a nod. "I doubt you're any worse than my sister" she teased.

She listened as he spoke, a small smile tugged the corners of her lips as he admitted to things being quieter, a few weeks ago, he was in her kitchen talking about how loud everything was. It was nice to see things had started to slow down for him. She nodded a little, acknowledging him. "Well, that sounds wonderful" she replied. "I think slowing down is good, you don't get to enjoy things when you's always rushin' around." She exhaled a scoffed laugh, causing a plume of fog to exit her mouth, as he said walking with her was good. Shoving her hands back into her pockets, her shoulder bumped into his and she could feel the heat in her cheeks. "I think it counts" she said with a nod that felt a little too quick. "I quite enjoy walking over running" she said, "and the company ain't too bad neither."

[adriansinclair]

Adrian smiled at her excitement. It was contagious in a quiet way. He liked that she'd thought this through, that she wasn't rushing headfirst just to prove something to herself. That steadiness mattered more to him than grand plans ever had. "Yeah," he said, nodding as they walked. "Big things don't stick if you build them on shaky ground." He glanced over at her, catching that grin, the way she almost bounced when she talked about spring. "Slow doesn't mean stuck, you're just paying attention."

Her reaction to his offer made his chest warm in a way he didn't comment on. "Really," he confirmed, amused. "And good, because I do have opinions. But I listen too, eventually." The tease came easy, comfortable. When she said she could handle bossy, he laughed under his breath. "Fair warning given, then."

As she talked about slowing down, he felt it land somewhere solid. She was right, he knew she was. The noise had been his armor for so long that quiet sometimes felt exposed, but walking beside her, it didn't feel like that. "I'm starting to see that. Turns out, if you don't rush past things, they actually get a chance to mean something." Her shoulder bumped his again and this time he didn't pretend it was accidental. "I'll take walking," he said. "Running's overrated." A glance her way. "And the company's better than decent, don't sell yourself short."

[atlasxsinclair]

Atlas knew deep down when he forgot something during a trip it was an excuse, his way of finding a reason of backing out of it. The doctor sometimes knew himself way and sometimes he did not. It was often complicated. Atlas had his passport and other important document in one place that he could easily grab but he did not take it with him because he knew sooner or later he would be back and there was really no point. "Right, I did not want to do that to people and get the world to stop working. After all everyone needs their resident doctor and troublemaker, plus without me the town will be very, very boring," he chuckled softly shaking his head.

"At least you are one Sinclair that thinks that...." he sighed softly, closing his eyes for a moment before opening them. "My parents think otherwise and they always say, everything I do is for attention and to make a statement. I need to stop being a childish brat," The doctor added laughing, a laughter with sadness behind them. To his parents, they always saw his actions as attention-seeking, even when he was hospitalize and he started treatment. "Here I am back. At least now I got some fresh air and feel like I can breath again but I wonder how long this would last...."

Atlas was glad to hear Adrian got his gift. Atlas loved giving gift to people on their birthdays and the holidays. Maybe because growing up gift were something he got to shut him up or it came with a string attached to it. So he always wanted people to feel special, remembered and cared for. He smiled even more hearing that his cousin was glad he was back. "Next time I will text for sure and bring you along. We will have an amazing adventure for sure," he spoke. "Plus, I will always come back. Can't leave my favorite cousin and little brother all alone to handle our family."

One of the reasons Atlas had never left was that he wanted to be there for his cousins, he would always feel bad knowing he left them all alone.

[adriansinclair]

Adrian listened without interrupting, his grip tightening just a little on the fence rail as Atlas talked about his parents. Attention seeking, childish brat—yeah, he knew those words. Different mouths, same script. It landed heavier than Adrian let show, because he'd spent enough years being misread by the same people to recognize the damage it did. He shook his head once, slow and deliberate. "They're wrong," he said plainly. "Needing air isn't a performance, it's survival." His eyes stayed on Atlas. "And you're not a brat for knowing when the walls are closing in. You're human."

There was a flicker of something protective in him. "I won't lie," Adrian added, quieter. "I get the wondering how long it lasts, that part doesn't magically disappear. But it does help knowing you can come back to people who don't make you explain yourself every time." He pushed off the fence and took a step closer, nudging Atlas lightly with his shoulder. "Don't get it twisted," he said, a faint grin cutting through the seriousness. "If you bring me along next time, I'm absolutely holding you to that 'amazing adventure' promise. I'll even let you pretend you're the responsible one."

His expression softened again, sincerity slipping back in. "I don't need you to stay for us," Adrian said. "But I'm glad you choose to. And I'm really glad you're here right now. Come on," he said, nodding toward the house. "You look like you could use real food and something stronger than fresh air. We can sit, catch up properly. No disappearing required."

[amaraxhawthcrne]

Adrian's comment about her high school version made Amara reminisce of all the times she'd felt too brave for her own good. Well, her high school self had no idea of the underlying issue behind these moments of sudden bravery or the way they would explode in her face later on in life. But thinking back now, she was seeing a lot more patterns than she'd ever dare to admit of. "Well," her voice lingered before being swallowed by the breeze and the sound of the ocean. "I'm not asking you to strip and jump in, so there's nothing to be worried about." Soft chuckle escaped her lips as she glanced back at him, hoping the little tease would shake off some of the lingering tension in the space between them.

Usually she was good at reading people, but she had a hard time figuring out what truly was going on inside Adrian's mind. His words didn't help either. But he seemed a lot more hopeful at the Lucerna than now. "Did something happen?" She asked, unable to hold back the slight worry from creeping in her voice. She didn't stay long after the fireworks show. She had to take her parents home and then went home herself to find Maple curled up under the kitchen table. "I don't think anyone pretended, though." She added. There was just something about the promise of a new beginning that made people eager and hopeful, but it all easily wore off the following day. "You know, I've always liked the sea at winter better than during the summer." She admitted, after musing over his words for a moment.

[adriansinclair]

Adrian considered her question. He watched the water, the way it folded in on itself, steady and indifferent. She's perceptive, he thought. No point pretending otherwise. "Nothing bad happened," he said finally. He let out a breath, slower than before. "I think that's kind of the problem." A small, self aware tilt of his head followed. "When everything goes right, there's nowhere to hide behind fixing things. You're just left with yourself." The cold was biting now, but he welcomed it. It kept him present. "I'm good at momentum," Adrian added. "Big nights, constant noise, being needed, it all keeps the engine running. When it stops…" He shrugged, "there's a moment where you feel the quiet a little too clearly."

Her comment about winter made him glance back at her. "Yeah," he agreed. "Summer feels like it's performing, winter doesn't bother." Maple circled back again, dropping the stick at Amara's feet like it was a formal request, tail thumping. Adrian smiled despite himself. Dogs have it figured out. He looked at her again, softer now. "I didn't mean to sound heavier than I am," he said. The wind picked up slightly, tugging at their jackets. Adrian nodded toward the shoreline, casual but inviting. "Want to walk a bit? Before we both turn into ice sculptures."

[holiday-diaz]

"I know I'm alright"she insisted, waving a hand that felt disconnected from her body. Her eyes searched the dark in a jagged, ill-fated hunt for something that wasn’t there. She looked up at him as he leaned closer and for just a split second she thought he was leaning down to kiss her, she lifted her chin a tick before he pulled away and the girls brows furrowed, half confused before turning her attention back to focusing on the lost cigarette.

"I'm not going to get hurt Ian" she mumbled, the name of her ex-fiance slipping clumsily past her lips. She tried to catch it, "Adrian" she corrected herself. She exhaled a sharp, frustrated sigh and tried to pull herself into what she thought was a commanding posture. In reality, she was still slumped heavily against the brick. "See" the word rushed out, biting. Her eyes hooded further. "Just find the thing"

[adriansinclair]

"Hey," he said, softer this time. He didn't say anything about the name; it was as if he hadn't even heard it. Telling her she was wrong would just make things worse, pushing her further to the brink. "I get that's what you believe." He slid nearer, watching her move, and his jaw got just a little tighter. "Okay," he said calmly, nodding once. "We'll find it." He got down low once more, looking at the ground, going slow enough that she could watch what he was doing if she'd wanted to. "But we're only going half the speed we should be. I'm staying right here." He looked back at her, speaking softly and steadily. "You're relying heavily on that wall," he observed. "Let's just… chill here for a sec, let the ground settle down." He managed a small smile, trying to be reassuring, even though he felt a squeeze in his chest.

Adrian reached out, his hand gently near her forearm, giving her something steady to hold onto if she needed it. "We'll look together," he said again. "And if the cigarette's gone, that's okay too. It doesn't get to boss the night around."

[nainaxvyas]

Naina couldn’t pretend she wasn’t stunned at these words of his. This affection, the softness he was displaying to her right now. It was all so much more than she’d ever expected from Adrian. Not because he wasn’t capable of it, but because she didn’t think she’d be the kind of girl someone like him would want to be this person with. She let herself release a deep breath at those words of his before nodding. “I hope…” she paused for a minute, needing to change the way she was about to say the words next. “No...I don't hope, I want you to stick with this.” 

It was such early days for them, but in a way—it didn’t feel that way. She’d had him come over to help decorate her home for Christmas, they’d rung in the New Year together, had little days in between and while the timeline of their relationship seemed short, Naina felt like they’d been together forever and yet were still getting to know different facets of one another. “Good,” she finally said with a little firm nod. “I won’t leave either, not when it’s easy and definitely not when it’s hard.” Naina said these words with full confidence, committing them to memory so that whenever things did get tough, she remembered her promise. 

“Great,” Naina had been ready to move but instead remained in place, his soft kiss keeping her there, her cheeks flushing as he pulled back. “Sounds good babe,” she murmured before following him with the wine he’d already opened and sat on the couch with him, “hmmm mindless binge watching, or something intentional?” She asked with a nod to the tv before looking back at him, “or we can talk. Whatever you’re in the mood for.” 

[adriansinclair]

"Okay," Adrian said finally, the word simple but intentional. It carried weight, agreement, choice. His fingers found hers and laced them together, a feeling that brought a smile to both their faces. "That's good, then we agree. We'll figure it out as we go." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, then let go. He didn't want to burn the spaghetti and looked back at the stove. The pasta was almost done, a little al dente or maybe a lot, he would just have to see. He stirred it around and pulled out a noodle, just to check. Steam rose briefly, fogging the air as he drained the pasta. The movements were typical, nearly domestic. It felt good in a way that truly surprised him. He grabbed two from the cabinet like he'd been there a hundred times before. "I'll serve if you promise not to critique my portion sizes."

When all the food was ready, he moved the plates to the living room, putting them gently on the coffee table. He sat, then looked up at her, that same unguarded smile back on his face. "Come here," he said softly, patting the spot beside him.

[jj-hayes]

"Sorry!" JJ quickly lowered his voice, but nevertheless grinned at his friend. "Okay, I wouldn't say that it's dramatic. I'm just... so happy for you, Sinclair." He could not hide the joy and pride that he felt for his friend. Having seen him at some of his lowest points in life, there was nothing more that JJ wanted than for Adrian to be happy. Seeing him now, JJ could say for certain that that was the case. Whoever his girlfriend was, she clearly made him so happy. "Hey, it's fine. You're valid for wanting to keep things private until you're ready. You don't owe me anything, you know?" He would not hold that against Adrian. He was not going to tell anyone, including his own family, about going on a second date with Amara. He wanted to be certain about where things were before he told anyone.

"Naina? As in... Naina Vyas? Owner of Corks & Wine, Naina Vyas?" JJ's jaw dropped. "Adrian Julian Sinclair, how in the world did you convince that sweet girl to be your girlfriend? You do realize how lucky you are, don't you?" Naturally, JJ had become quite protective of Naina after the incident during Thanksgiving weekend. Not to mention the fact that she had been kind enough to make Mia her frozen yogurt treats as a 'thank you' for what he had done that night. "She's a good one, Sinclair. I'm happy for you, really." Glancing over at the wall of candy jars, JJ thought for a moment. "Naina... If I remember correctly, she's a really good baker. So, I would probably get her something that she could enjoy, but also bake with. As for your sister, I would say... Maybe some of those soda-flavoured hard candies?" He asked, pointing to the jar of Root Beer Barrels. "Well, you're clearly doing a good job. This is good."

[adriansinclair]

Adrian felt his face warm the second JJ said her full name out loud. He huffed a quiet laugh and shook his head. "Okay, first of all, don't say it like that," he muttered, glancing around again out of habit. "And yeah, that's her." The way JJ talked about Naina, protective and approving, hit him in a place he didn't fully expect. Good, he thought. She deserves people who see her that clearly. "I know how lucky I am," Adrian said. "Trust me, I wake up aware of it. She makes things quieter in a good way."

JJ's suggestions pulled him back to the candy wall, and Adrian leaned in. Root Beer Barrels. He smiled because Stassie would definitely clock the intention behind that. "Yeah," he said, nodding. "That's annoyingly perfect." He grabbed a scoop and started filling a bag. "She used to steal those out of my jacket pockets when we were kids. Claimed it was a 'tax.'"

He moved a step down the aisle, eyes scanning jars again, this time calmer. "And baking chocolate for Naina," he continued. "Something she can use, not just eat." His fingers hovered, then settled on a high quality dark chocolate. He exhaled, tension easing out of his shoulders. "She'll appreciate that I didn't just buy her sugar and call it a day." Adrian glanced back at JJ, gratitude flickering through his expression. "Thanks for being excited instead of interrogating me." A crooked smile followed. "And for not yelling 'girlfriend' again like you're announcing a lottery win."

"Alright," he added, nudging JJ with his elbow. "Growth arc accomplished. I'm buying, consider it payment for emotional support and excellent candy instincts. Anything little Mia can enjoy around here?"