ocean eyes

i'll let you into my soul but wipe your feel at the door

[alcrayildiz]

→ INTRODUCING ALARA YILDIZ

in character

Name: Alara Yildiz

Faceclaim: Melisa Asli Pamuk

Gender & Pronouns: Cisfemale & she her

Age: 33

Birthday: February 21, 1991

Occupation: Owner & Wedding Dress Designer @ Enchanted Gowns

Neighborhood: carrington falls

Sexuality: Bisexual

biography

from the moment the older twin was born, she'd always been into fashion. Her parents could remember her picking her outfits at a very young age and modeling them like they were the best things in the entire world. alara never cared whether they matched or not. None of that mattered to her as long as it was something that she had put together all on her own and so, she regularly attended day care in princess costumes and paired it with whatever the hell she thought looked right, and all that mattered to her parents was that she was happy.

as she got older, she started collecting sketch books and drawing up designs of clothing she'd love to make on her own. For her 10th birthday, she asked for a sewing machine and she spent hours at her grandmother's house learning how to sew. She tried again and again until she got it right, and by the time she was fourteen, she was designing the clothes she wore and even went as far as to make things for her sister as well. her parents couldn't be more proud that she was exploring something she loved. They continued to support her hobby and dream, and her mom often brought home fabric for alara to create something with whether it was for her or someone else.

As soon as she graduated high school, she moved to New York for fashion school and immediately found a love for designing gowns. She designed other things if she very well had to but her focus shifted from every day clothing to both prom dresses and wedding gowns. While she knew that she could make a bigger living out of it in New York, once she finished school she moved with a group of friends to a city in north carolina, which most people didn't understand but she wanted to start over and she wanted to try something new. After all, she thought it was about time that she attempt to make a name for herself.

There really wasn't a place for her to use her skills once she got there and she started off working at a retail clothing store to make ends meet but she knew that wasn't what she was destined to do and so, she did whatever it took to open her own shop. That being, enchanted gowns where she designs all the gowns she sells and even goes as far as to do custom ones at a bride's request. She loves what she does and loves helping people find something to wear on their special days.

[hazalyildizs]

Hazal's heart swelled with joy when she saw how happy Alara was. She'd watched her sister struggle with dating over the years, so this newfound excitement was refreshing. When Alara mentioned it had been forever since meeting someone special, she nodded in understanding. Her sister deserved someone amazing after everything. "How about this weekend? I'm free Saturday afternoon if you want to do lunch? I need to make sure this Feyza person is good enough for my favorite twin," she said with a laugh, though she meant every word. Her protective instincts were kicking in, even as she tried to play it cool. "And don't worry—I promise to ask all embarrassing questions just to test her loyalty to you."

[alcrayildiz]

it felt like forever since the last time she'd been this happy and she couldn't wait to see where things landed between both her and feyza. after all, things were already going so well. "that would be amazing. i can't wait for you to meet her and if i'm being honest, i don't really want to wait any longer." she admitted with a light laugh. she shook her head, a smile resting over her lips. "you don't have to do all that but i can't say i'll hate you for it."

[kianlawson]

The suggestion of cookie butter cold brew got his interest. "Cookie butter cold brew? That's a new one for me. I'm always up for trying something different," he said, mixing cookie butter with coffee sounded both weird and amazing to Kian—like one of those combinations that shouldn't work but probably did. "Tell you what, let's both get something we haven't tried before. I'll go for your cookie butter recommendation if you'll try something new too. It's only fair."

[alcrayildiz]

"it's completely delicious." that's something that she wasn't going to lie about. alara was serious about her coffee, her business, her girlfriend, and her family. "you know what? you've got yourself a deal. have any recommendations or should i choose something i haven't tried myself?" she didn't mind either way, she just wanted to make sure that it was fair at the end of the day.

[maliaxwoodard]

No surprise, Alara made her own costumes. She ran a bridal shop, duh. Their chat replayed in her mind, and wow, Alara really lit up when talking about design. "You're like a total pro with fabric," she said, amazed by how sure Alara was about everything. The tulle talk made her think about her own prom dress from way back - all big and princess-y. A quick thought about wedding dresses popped into her head but nope, she wasn't going there. Those thoughts needed to stay locked away. "Princess style fits you perfect! And tulle … it's super fancy and fun, right?" Seeing a picture would be cool.

[alcrayildiz]

alara was admittedly proud of where she was with both her life and with her career, so she couldn't help but to smile when other's complimented her. "i like to think i am. i struggle with some more than others but over all, i'm pretty damn good at what i do." as she mentioned seeing a picture, she smiled further. "i have my sketches in my phone. i'll show you what i have in mind." she pulled her phone out and dug up the sketch before flashing her phone screen in malia's direction. "what do you think?"

[shivanixrao-deactivated20250108]

"It would be very funny," Shivani nodded before wondering why she hadn't though of doing the same with her friends one year, of them dressing up as devils and angels alike--it could have been fun. She nodded as the other spoke about her twin's costume as well though and smiled at the two of them matching that way. It was cute to have a sister, she was sure of it. For Shivani--she'd always had just her older brother so growing up hadn't been that much fun for her but she never regret her childhood. "It's absolutely stunning and yes I'll do that just to make sure there's no issues for the day of." She quickly took the dress and slipped into Alara's bathroom before taking her time to get the dress on and when she emerged, she truly felt like a million bucks. Of course her hair would be different and she'd have her heels on but for the most part the dress fit perfectly. "What do you think?"

[alcrayildiz]

alara made a mental note to do something that may or may not be matching next year, something that could end up being comical. after all, she liked having fun just as much as everyone else did. she nudged her toward the bathroom and waited patiently for the other to come out so that she could see how all of it looked. she couldn't help but to smile at the sight of the girl in the dress. "you look amazing," she cooed, her hands clapping together in excitement. "i'm so glad it worked out. that dress was definitely made for you."

[hazalyildizs]

Alara's hug was exactly what she needed. Hazal stayed close to her sister, letting herself break down completely. Having her twin there made the words come out easier. "They caught him at his house," she said between shaky breaths. "The police were suspicious of him. Apparently, he'd been cyber stalking women." She tried wiping her tears away but they kept coming. Everything felt too real, too raw. "He had plane tickets to Barcelona. Fake passports too." She squeezed her sister's hand, needing something solid to hold onto while her world spun. "I keep thinking about what would've happened if I didn’t reach for that vase." Her words caught on another sob. "The doctor says I'll be okay. The drugs will be out of my system soon."

[alcrayildiz]

alara hated that her twin was having to go through this. she wanted nothing more than to take her pain away and erase the memories of what she'd been through. "i'm glad they caught him. a dirt bad like this should never been out in public with everyone else." she let out a puff of air. it was a miracle that she got out of there before he took them to barcelona. "maybe you should stay with me for a while. lincoln was supposed to have your back and i don't like that this happened to you under his watch."

[lattesfms]

She nodded, recalling the memory with fondness. It was a special day she shared with her Mama and Baba. “That’s so cute that you were making your own clothes! I bet your parents were proud once the shock wore off,” Feyza said, grinning. Her eyes got big when Alara mentioned her dating history. “Seriously? I’m your first date with a woman? I hope I don’t disappoint.” Trying to be cool, she cracked a joke, all nervous and jittery. As they neared the restaurant, Feyza’s tummy started growling from the delicious smells. “I’m starved. Let’s grab a table and order some meze to start,” she said, leading Alara inside. Once they sat down, she kept glancing at her date across the table – her insides fluttery looking at the pretty female. “Tell me more about this long-term relationship. When did you figure out you liked women?” She couldn’t help but ask. She really wanted to know everything about Alara.

[alcrayildiz]

she laughed softly, “they weren’t as elegant as they are now. Though, I won’t be completely modest. I would like to say I wasn’t that bad. I knew how to use a sewing machine and I thought it was the best thing ever back then.” She nodded slowly, “you are and I doubt you’ll disappoint.” She reassured. She wanted this to go well and so she was trying to do what she could to be both honest and interesting. Following her date inside, she sat down across from her at the table. “Oh,” she laughed a little, “his name was Amos and he was, well, more infatuated with his career than he was me. I guess after a while, I just felt like he wasn’t serious about us so we ended things and I thought maybe after that, exploring my sexuality would be something I should get into now. I mean, women were always an interest to me but I’m just now trying things out.”

[lattesfms]

Feyza sank into the passenger seat, stealing glances at Alara while they drove. "I need to grab my stuff - especially my toothbrush," she said, her laugh soft and genuine. The thought of sleeping in Alara's clothes made her stomach do little flips. "It's nice that you understand me. I worry sometimes that I come on too strong," she said, drawing invisible patterns across Alara's palm. "Let's find the perfect pumpkins. You seem like you'd be good at picking them out." She chewed her bottom lip for a moment. "Full disclosure though - I'm pretty terrible at carving. My last attempt looked like a sad potato instead of anything Halloween-worthy." A small giggle escaped her lips. "And yes to chocolate! It's the best part of s'mores, even though I'll probably spend ages trying to get them exactly right. I'm weirdly particular about random things like that." Her voice grew quiet, gentle as she looked at Alara. "Being with you makes everything better. Honestly, I don't think I've ever smiled this much before."

[alcrayildiz]

Alara had never been with anyone that seemed this genuinely into her and well, she were being honest, she was just as into feyza. The chemistry between the two of them was undeniable and she was just happy that it wasn’t at all one sided. “You can always be honest with me when it comes to how you’re feeling.” She assured. “Aw! I’m sure your pumpkin will be cute. I do have some paint if you’d rather paint whatever it is you want to do. I want my girl to have free creative range.” She announced and bit down on her bottom lip after using the term. She assumed feyza wouldn’t mind but she couldn’t help but glance over at her in curiosity to see how she was reacting. “That’s okay. Nothing wrong with that but I’m excited. I can’t tell you the last time I had s’mores.” Or company as pretty as feyza was. “I don’t think I’ve smiled this much in a long time either. I’m really glad that I met you.”

[maliaxwoodard]

Malia started laughing, seeing in her mind the perfect combo of sparkles and superhero vibes. “For real though, a mermaid Wonder Woman would be epic! She’d crush that look.” Her face lit up thinking about Lei’s wild costume ideas. She perked up when the wedding dress came up. “Wait, you made your own dress? That’s next level!” A quick sting hit her gut at the wedding talk, but she brushed it off fast. “And doing a prom dress must’ve been such a fun break from all the white … like getting to play with a whole new box of crayons.” Her curiosity got the best of her as she leaned in. “Please tell me you went all out with the colors? Maybe some neon action?” She couldn’t believe she wore that blue prom dress back in the day. “I dig how stoked you get talking about your designs,” she said with a real smile, actually super into hearing more about it all.

[alcrayildiz]

she always loved to hear what kids came up with when it came to anything and while alara had to be creative, she wished she was still as creative as she was when she was a kid. alara smiled and nodded her head in response, "of course i did. why wouldn't i? i mean, i know what i want and i don't want to put it in anyone else's hands." she was picky when it came to things like that. "it was a lot of fun. i loved getting to do something else for once. i'll have to find the picture of it but i can promise you there was a lot of tulle. i love a princess style dress." but then again, she loved designing in general."

[hazalyildizs]

Hazal took in her sister's radiant expression. "I can't wait to see these photos of you two lovebirds at the pumpkin patch," she said, shifting on the couch to face Alara better. The conversation brought back memories of their late-night talks as kids, huddled in their shared bedroom. "You deserve this happiness, you know that?" She meant every word, watching her twin's face light up at the mention of Feyza. Something about seeing her sister this happy made her own mood brighter. "And yes, I definitely need that picture of you both together. I need to see who's making my sister smile like this." She winked, but wondered if Feyza would be good enough to pass her test. Being protective came naturally when it came to Alara. It was what sisters did, after all.

[alcrayildiz]

alara couldn't wait to share the pictures and she had a feeling that they were going to be some of her most prized possessions, especially with their relationship being so new. "i appreciate that. it feels like forever since the last time i've met anyone who has made me this happy." and she knew that hazal knew that. it was a lot for her to date and not because she was scared but because she just felt like nothing ever worked the way she hoped it would. "so, when do you want to meet her?"

[kianlawson]

He walked beside her, hands tucked into his pockets as they made their way to The Cozy Cup. The question about his coffee preferences made him smile. “I’m pretty basic most days—black coffee, maybe an espresso if I need the extra kick. But fall?” He shook his head with a small laugh. “It’s pumpkin spice everything is how I’d describe fall. I’ll grab a pumpkin spice latte and pretend I’m sophisticated about it.” It sounded right for today. “I’ve got to admit, though, those caramel apple ciders they do here are pretty incredible, too. You seem like you know your fall drinks—so if you have recommendations, share it with me.”

[alcrayildiz]

alara couldn't help but to smile as he went on. she was admittedly pretty satisfied with this whole interaction, especially since kian was so willing to go along with the whole pumpkin spice ordeal. she followed him inside and made her way up toward the counter, patiently waiting for it to be their turn. "they do a cookie butter cold brew this time of year too and it's amazing. you have to try it at least once but i wouldn't judge you if you just wanted to stick with the pumpkin spice."

[amosdeleon]

Amos nodded his head, smiling widely back at her. For the first time since their breakup, it felt like he and Alara could maybe be friends if they both wanted to. He was just content with the fact that she seemed truly happy now, that she wasn't letting what happened between them a while ago taunt her like sometimes Amos let it get to him. "Thank you. And for what is worth, Alara, I am very happy that you're happy too."

[alcrayildiz]

alara had high hopes for what was forming between them. at this point in her life, it seemed ridiculous to hold a grudge toward someone it didn't work out with romantically. after all, she'd found someone who made her happy and she hoped that amos did too. she smiled in response to the other, "well, i appreciate that." she paused for a moment and stood up, "i guess i should leave you to it. i've taken up enough of your time, don't you think?"

[isabcllamcndoza]

“And that’s why I added cute, to lessen the blow.” replied Kimmie with a pout before expressing a look of adoration after hearing Alara’s support. “I do more than ever! I appreciate youuu!~” With her best friend around, Kimberly definitely felt a lot better and more of herself as their conversation continued on, which she took as a good sign of progress. “Right? If anything it makes the workday go by fast and more interesting than staring at emails all day.” After hearing Alara’s response, the heiress was clearly excited for her relationship to develop as time went by. “Oh I would support you in a heartbeat. Say no more, I got you and I’m absolutely thrilled and ecstatic to see where it goes...But dating a client huh? Your hard work really does pay off." she teased with a wink.

[alcrayildiz]

alara didn't know what she did to meet someone as good to her as kimmie but she did know that she was by far one of the best friends she'd ever had and she appreciated the fact that she could lean on her for anything and everything. she laughed at the mention of her dating a client and shook her head, "her cousin was technically the client. plus, you should've seen the way she looked in the bridesmaid dress. i'd have to have been blind to not have found her beautiful." she spoke, an almost dreamy look coating her features. "is this how you felt when you met benji?"

[hazalyildizs]

closed starter @alcrayildiz

location: the hospital

Hazal’s hands shook as she sat in the hospital room, the events of the night replaying in her mind like a horror movie she couldn't shut off. When Alara burst through the door, she crumbled. The tears she'd been fighting back streamed down her face. "I was so scared," she choked out, gripping her sister's hand. "He drugged me, Alara. Marcus… he…" The words stuck in her throat, fresh tears spilling over her bruised cheeks. "He invited everyone for a party at his house, but no one showed up. He said they got the date wrong." She paused, wiping her tears with trembling fingers. "I should've known something was wrong. The wine… he drugged the wine. When I woke up, I was tied to a bed. He kept talking about Barcelona, saying we were going to get married there. That I belonged to him." Her voice broke. "He watched me for months, Alara. At work, at home, everywhere."

[alcrayildiz]

the last thing alara wanted was to see her sister in a hospital room but the bright side to this horrible situation was that she was alive and she couldn't be more grateful to see her. wrapping her arms around her sister as she approached her and nodded, her lips kissing the top of her twin sister's head. she listened to everything the woman said, her hands rubbing over her back in a concerned manner. "i know. i know. i'm just," she sighed and pulled back, her hands cupping the outsides of her arms, "you're alive. i don't know what i'd do without you. tell me they caught that sicko?"

[lattesfms]

Feyza smiled at the suggestion, her eyes lighting up. “I’d totally love to steal one of your shirts,” she said, playing with a strand of her dark hair. The thought of sleeping in Alara’s clothes made her giddy inside. “Let’s swing by my place first - I’ll grab my essentials and my lucky toothbrush!” Their fingers stayed linked, making her skin buzz with happiness. “You want a massive pumpkin? Watch us try to lift that into your trunk,” she giggled, imagining their future struggle. “It’s weird, you know? Autumn used to be this basic season with leaves and stuff. But now? Everything’s different. Better.” She imagined their evening ahead, getting cozy. “I’m already dreaming about hot chocolate by your fire pit. Heads up - I’ll most likely destroy all the marshmallows. I’m legendarily bad at roasting them. It might be too soon to say, but you make my world brighter.

[alcrayildiz]

she was already looking forward to the way one of her shirts would hang on feyza. There was something almost possessive about seeing her like that, in her shirt and cuddled up next to her in her bed. She giggled, “do you have more than one toothbrush?” She teased her, following the question by squeezing her hand. As she mentioned the struggle that the two of them were bound to have with the pumpkin she’d decide on, she laughed. “I think we can do it together or maybe I’ll drive not to over do it.” After all, she didn’t want to have to haul that thing in her house too. As she spoke, she couldn’t help but smile. Feyza truly was a sweet girl and she couldn’t wait to get closer to her by the fire pit. “That’s okay. The chocolate is the best part anyways. Don’t you think?” Her words didn’t go unnoticed though. She wasted little time bringing her hand up to her lips, “you make mine brighter too.” She cooed.

[lattesfms]

Feyza's mind spun as they walked to the restaurant. She was on a date with Alara! Unbelievable. "Oh, the baklava disaster?" She giggled. "My parents found it funny. Baba said it was payback for my sneaking. Mama just told me to clean up 'my artwork'. I smelled like honey forever!" She smiled, thinking back at the day. She was lucky to have all the good memories of her parents. Turning to Alara, she asked. "What about you? Any funny stories? Or were you the perfect child?" Her palms were sweaty, but she didn't care. This was really happening! "So, um, have you always known you liked women? Or was it a later realization for you?" She couldn’t help but ask, trying to sound laid-back. She wanted to know everything about Alara, but didn't want to seem too eager. It was their first date, after all. First date! The thought made her smile again.

[alcrayildiz]

she took it as a good sign that the two of them had been reunited in a way that ultimately landed her a date with the girl she’d been eyeing during their entire session. She laughed softly along to the story, “artwork, huh?” She teased and used her free hand to tuck some hair behind her own ear as the two of them walked together. “God, I was anything but perfect. I remember using a pair of my parents sheets as fabric for an outfit that I made and they were so upset at first. Of course, they forgave me but I definitely was set on making my own clothes.” She finished with a laugh. At her next question, she lifted her shoulders up in a shrug. “I’ve known since I was a teenager but I never got the opportunity to go out with a woman. I was in a long term relationship with a man for a long time and I’m just now really getting back into dating.” She hoped her lack of experience wouldn’t turn her away, especially when she was excited as she was to be going out with feyza.

[lattesfms]

Feyza’s insides flipped as she settled into Alara’s car, the scent of Alara’s perfume making her head spin. “You know how it goes - watching the clock, trying to make it move faster. Pssst, it didn’t move,” she giggled. “But we’re here now, and that’s what counts.” She linked her fingers with Alara’s, loving the softness. “S’mores by the firepit. Talk about the perfect end to a perfect day,” she gushed, her mind racing with ideas. “Are you serious? I’d absolutely love to stay over! If you’re cool with it, of course. Don’t want to overstay my welcome.” she nibbled her lip, suddenly shy. “This is cheesy, but I can’t seem to get enough of you, Alara. When we’re apart, it feels like forever. Is that weird? We haven’t been dating long, but it feels like I’ve known you my whole life.” It could be too much to share, but she couldn’t hold back. “I’m so excited to pick pumpkins with you. Bet you’re a pro at spotting the perfect one, right? Me? My pumpkin will probably be the weirdest one in the patch. But that’s half the fun, don’t you think?”

[alcrayildiz]

excitement filled her as feyza agreed to stay with her for the night. she was more than thrilled to have the woman sleep over with her, especially with how close that the two of the seemed to be getting. something about waking up next to a pretty girl, one she liked, was thrilling. "you could never overstay your welcome. i love your company. once we're done at the pumpkin patch, we could swing by your place if you want to pick up some things. if not, i don't mind if you borrow something of mine." she would love to see feyza sporting one of her t shirts. "no, that's not weird," she replied, butterflies filling her stomach, "i miss you when you're not around too." and it was strange for her to feel so attached already. even so, she didn't question it and instead, went with the flow. "i want an enormous pumpkin. i hope i can find one that's half my weight." she joked.