ᴍᴇʟᴀɴᴄʜᴏʟʏ.

[userlarri]

behold: an actual sibling relationship

[alextcte]

@oliviatcte

[alextcte]

Rose. 

-

Despite the knowledge of who he was, a fact that all but screamed within her head, Rose failed to move away. She didn’t want too—not yet. And so, she simply stood there looking up at him, dark hues watching as that hand moved to his lips. Cute, she thought him as a near smile encroached upon her own. Playful—mischievous, as those dangerous thoughts continued to grow. Took root, as she wondered what it would be like to have him truly kiss her. Without the shock that seemed to hang very clearly from his face. She almost moved to tease him then, though the words would fall away as her previous question seemed to pull one of his own. Painted lips parted, only to be interrupted by the sudden appearance of her ‘friend.’

Irritation flared within her chest, as she was all but cast aside. Stumbling slightly as Alex was shoved backwards. A mere step or two—though a step too far or so she considered it. Utterly ridiculous, she all but seethed as steal found her gaze. As she glared at the drunk, those dark hues nearly black with her agitation—with the shadows cast by the lights of that room. It was a glance that failed to falter in the face of such anger. That display only managing to pull at her pride. Chin jutted forward—sarcasm dripping from every fiber of her being, as her confidence would be fanned. As a dangerous slant found her features then. No longer mischievous, but almost deadly, “I don’t expect much from you, but he is,” she would have said more. Cut deeper, but Alex was speaking then. Asking the other to leave in a way that almost appeared polite, if not for the tightness that lingered within his jaw.  

Those words, egged on by Rose’s slight would have the buffoon shoving hard against Alex’s chest. Yet again. Make me. His own pride wounded—his gaze looking for a fight. Come on boyfriend. Why don’t you make me? He pushed again.

        How in the world Alex had ended up caught in such a mess, when he’d only been minding his business — as always, was a wonder to him. It made sense now; Rose had been escaping the likes of a drunken asshole, and for that, Alex knew he had to step up to assist her out of the mess. Unfortunately, the ordeal was heading towards a physical altercation that he had no choice but to be a part of. Especially now that the guy was shoving him. “Hey, I’m not looking for trouble.. let’s just walk away from this man, it’s not worth it,” Alex attempts to convince him, but his response was given the instant the guy shoved him, again. And again. A kind of rage brewed within, he could feel it in the heat of his cheeks, the full steam of anger as it touched the very tips of his ears. And when he couldn’t take it anymore, he shoved back, pushing the guy out of his face. Everything was a whirlwind, a mix of back and forths until he heard — and FELT — the CRACK against his cheekbone. Before he could even process what had just happened, he straightened back up only to find several people carrying the guy out of the club, not without a fight of course. With the adrenaline coursing through his veins, it took a moment or two before the pain hit, wincing some as he raises his hand to his cheek. “Shit.” 

[alextcte]

Josie. 

                                         A big, unashamed grin appeared on Josie’s lips at Alex’s recognition in her costume, as if the name wasn’t plastered across her chest. They hadn’t much discussed their plans for the holiday, so Josie was happy to run into him for more reasons than one. She was happy to see her friend seemingly relaxed and enjoying himself. “I still think you look great,” she complimented genuinely, reaching a hand out to squeeze his arm in an innocent gesture of affection. “I, um, I have probably had a lot more to drink than I want to admit to, but I’m supposed to be turning up to the murder mystery party soon. What about you? Are you enjoying yourself tonight?” 

        “You’re a great liar,” he jokes, a grin appearing as he nudges her with his elbow. He’d grown quite fond of Josie — for reasons he couldn’t quite comprehend, she saw good in him and made him feel good. He decided this was what good friendships were supposed to feel like, making one another feel good about themselves. “It’s Halloween, don’t beat yourself up! The perfect excuse to drink. Oh yeah, sounds like it’s gonna be interesting. Can’t wait to hear who the murderer is.. are you taking part? —I think I’m gonna stick around here and maybe head over to Moonie’s later. —Oh and uh, is the Malibu Ken walking around connected to you by any chance?” A sly grin tugs at his lips, looking over at her amusedly. 

[modern-alchemy-deactivated20150]

[dirbenaffleck]

A Rising Tide ( 2015)

[alextcte]

Riley. 

Riley is practically beaming from ear to ear upon Alex’s arrival to their booth. It’s become rather crowded as the day continues on and people catch word of the booth, but Riley feels comfortable enough with the set they have queued to leave the music running by itself, so they can talk to their friend. “My golden boy! Look at you, Mr. Kent, looking all dapper and handsome as hell. Now, I know you don’t need any boo advise from me, so tell me… you got any song requests?” An idea crosses their mind, and though they’re unsure if he’ll actually take it, the liquor in their system tells them to try anyways. “Is there a chance that Mystic might be able to see a little boogie action from you tonight? For old times sake?”

       “Aw, shucks.. and look at you! Don’t think I didn’t notice the Lil Nas X look.. some might call you a genius, Riley Jackson,” he smiles at them and then looks out to the growing crowd. It was insane, the kind of turnout they were drawing in, their booth set up rather successful. It wasn’t until Riley proposed a question that pulled him out of his little reverie that he stops mid sip, and peers over at them with widened eyes. “What.. are you planning..? Should I be scared?” 

[alextcte]

Josie. 

STARTER: CLOSED. LOCATION: the BOOZE & BOOS BOOTH. TIME: EARLY EVENING.

@alextcte​

              Josie was thankful that Oliver, ever supportive of her explorative streak, didn’t mind her mingling throughout the town for the duration of the day’s events, especially considering they would be teaming up to figure out who’d “murdered” Miss J, later that evening, at her party. If someone was overly conscious of their actions, looking around, or generally being overzealous, Josie would notice them. Since people-watching was one of her favorite pastimes, she was thriving off the opportunity to do so, to actually reach a goal. She’d just successfully come up with her strategy for the game and was preparing to approach the booth to order another drink before departing to find another sight to see, when a drunken pair of event-goers cut the line ahead of her. Mildly irritated, Josie considered calling their drunk asses out but thought better of it, (not that she was particularly in a position to judge, given her own alcohol consumption this evening). Her mild irritation would be altogether forgotten when she heard a familiar voice from behind her. 

                                          Whirling around quickly, she greeted the person with surprise. “Alex?! Oh my god, you look amazing! Clark Kent is so on brand for you.”

       “Well, well, well.. if it isn’t Barbie herself,” he couldn’t help but grin as he approached her, somewhat inserting himself in her line, ready for yet another toxic concoction thanks to Matt Leland. “I almost didn’t recognise you.. And uh, thanks. Was pretty easy to throw together considering this t-shirt is my pyjamas,” as embarrassing as that was to admit. Alex had watched as several intoxicated people cut in the line in front of Josie — it wasn’t a surprise, with the fact that most people at this point were definitely boo-zed up. “Things are getting pretty wild ‘round here, huh? Where are you off to next?” 

[alextcte]

TEXT📲 ALEX

ROSE: Leaving that murder mystery party.

ROSE: You never answered my question.

ALEX: Did you figure it out?

ALEX: And you never answered mine..

[alextcte]

TEXT📲 ALEX

ROSE: Invite me over and find out.

ALEX: No invitation needed. I'm at Booze and Boo's. Where are you?

[alextcte]

TEXT📲 ALEX

ROSE: Black or green?

ALEX: That depends on what we're talking about..

[alextcte]

« 🎃 starter for @rileyjackscn​ »

        “I should’ve known you two could pull off something like this,” Alex approaches them over at the DJ deck with a drink in hand, thanks to Matt’s handy bartending skills. He takes a moment to look around at their stand, and the ever growing crowd with sheer wonder and amazement. It was quite the turnout, he concluded, taking a sip of whatever concoction had been pulled together. Damn, it was strong. “I mean, after all the shit you’ve pulled in the past, why am I even surprised?!” A smirk grows on his features as he turns back to Riley, giving them an assured smile. “Your taste in music has always been a winner.” 

[alextcte]

CLARK KENT ... “you will be different. sometimes you’ll feel like an outcast, but you’ll never be alone.”

Growing up, Alex always wanted to be Superman. He collected comics like crazy; and so this felt like the most opportune time to dress up as his hero. Donned in a wool blazer, black jeans, white shirt.. and the infamous Superman shirt peeking through, not to mention a pair of glass with Clark Kent-like rims, the town has an undercover hero for Halloween. He’ll be floating between a morning shift at Dusty’s, an appearance at the haunted mansion over at the Town Hall, and spending quite some time supporting Riley at their booth, Booze and Boo’s. 

[alextcte]

Arya. 

           Alex was a far better person than Arya ever would be, and that she was absolutely sure of. She would have never reprimanded him for spilling the details, although she certainly admired his professionalism. “Don’t worry, I frustrate her too, so you aren’t alone. You aren’t the person who made her quit for a week when they first showed up.” As laughter floated from her lips, Arya took a moment to listen as Alex gave her a brief rundown of his family tree. It was hard for her not to envy him, even the slightest. His life seemed so normal. Even his parents’ jobs were that — normal.

           “Rhode Island, huh? Why did you decide to move to Mystic? Something just far away enough from your parents without being states away?” If there was one thing Arya was able to relate to it was the need to flee. She had spent so many years fantasizing about the very day she would leave her hometown and while she was happy she’d done it, she definitely hadn’t found herself the way she thought she would. “The thought of having a sibling is so foreign to me. I probably would have been the biggest brat. I’ve always been independent, but what about you? Do the two of you get along?”

♫ 

         “Ouch, that’s.. well, I haven’t gotten there yet, let’s just put it that way,” he chuckles in response, scratching the back of his head nervously. It wasn’t always easy for him to get along with others, to actually feel comfortable enough to be his true self. But, Arya felt familiar enough that he could practically feel his walls coming down. Peering over at the brunette now, he offers a small smile. “Well, I just—felt like I needed a change. Like I didn’t fit in back there, as strange as that sounds. I travelled around for a while.. ‘round the country. But Mystic was the first place that genuinely felt like home. So, I stayed, and here I am.” The blond offers her a smile, amused at the thought of Arya having a sibling. “I don’t think you’d be so bad. We do.. she’s the best person I know, if I’m being honest. We were pretty close, growing up, and still are. She came to visit recently, and it looks like she’s sticking ‘round for a while.” 

[alextcte]

Sutton. 

-

For some reason the insecurities and comparing yourself to others was something Sutton thought that adults out grew. It became clearer each day that she’d probably feel all of it until the end of time. “Hey,” She said softly. “It’s not going to go away. There is so much your good at and if you ever need a reminder of that - you call me and I will be sure to boost your ego.” Sutton spoke completely genuinely. She felt fondly of Alex Tate and she would do anything for him to know that - to make him feel as such. “ You’re one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. One of my best friends - something you’re very good at being.” She smiled.

“I think there is plenty of enough room in this town for both Tate siblings to shine.”

       The high points of his features were suddenly tinged pink, always having been uncomfortable with compliments. “Thanks, Sutton. I really appreciate it,” he manages to glance up and smile warmly at her, albeit still immensely shy about it. Though, he knew who mattered to him and who his friends were, and if not for coming to Mystic, he never would’ve known them. For that, he was incredibly grateful. “You’re probably right though. I’m sure it’ll be okay.. I shouldn’t think that way, I know.” 

[alextcte]

Rose. 

As their lips touched something clicked—no, something opened up and swallowed that moment whole. It pulled her over an edge, sending her careening towards—what? Rose Holder was not one that led her life by emotion. But still her heart pounded within her ears in a way that managed to drown out the music. The bar, and that sea of people that jostled for positions, it all fell away leaving behind a girl that had kissed a boy. Dangerous thoughts found her head as his lips molded to her own, things that told her not to stop. That had her frame pressed ever so slightly against his—damn the consequences. The looks and whispers. And yet, no one was truly looking at them. Social etiquette in such a space being so beyond what was perceived as being proper and adequate beyond those doors—making her the only true thing out of place. Off balance. Perhaps it was the adrenaline, or maybe it was the notion that something about that string of seconds had been daring. Fun. Intoxicating. What ever it was, she deepened it. Gave in to the silence.

He pulled away first, her eyes fluttering open to see a set of familiar features. Fuck, she thought but would not step away. No, she lingered. Hands slipping from their place at his neck, to rest against his chest as he said her name.  “Is he still there?” she asked, as if everything was completely normal. Wondering if her ‘friend’ from before had finally managed to take the hint.

       And the very instant her name fell from his lips, realisation dawned upon him that he’d just.. well, somehow kissed his friend’s sister. What in the hell? His fingertips somehow find his lips, almost trying to figure out what in the hell that tingly sensation was. He tries to process the thought, but then Rose begins asking questions that had him pulled right back into reality.. albeit, leaving him even more confused. “Is who still here?” But before he can even await a response from her, there’s a shove against his chest, knocking him backwards. Some burly, evidently drunken asshole is suddenly up in his face, and there isn’t any time to make sense of the situation. One should preface this with the very fact that Alex wasn’t one to start fights, let alone be in one. He much preferred to stay in his own lane, wherever possible. This guy, however, wasn’t giving him much of a choice. “Whoa. —What’s your problem, man?” My problem? My problem is you, the guy turns back to Rose, then. You expect me to believe this is your boyfriend?! Alex steals a glance at her now, lips parting in realisation. “I think it’s time to walk away, man,” he dares to say, gritting his teeth together. 

[alextcte]

Josie. 

-

                                                    It was clear that Alex wasn’t really comfortable being the topic of conversation, and that was something she could understand to an extent. Josie often felt like she hadn’t accomplished enough herself to ever really be talked about in any serious way. But it saddened her to see that her friend couldn’t see the immense value he added to the lives around him, just by being himself. “Alex, your sister could be the frickin’ pope. That doesn’t make you any less awesome, or kind, or caring, or… Perfectly you. Even if you did throw coffee at me, just to get me to be your friend.” She had to make him laugh just then. What else were friends for, during moments like these? Hearing Alex talk about success, to use it as a metric to measure his worthiness, it stirred something within Josie. An old ache she hadn’t known, hadn’t remembered to heal, within herself. Suddenly impassioned, Josie spoke up. “Success doesn’t mean.. It doesn’t make your sister any more important or more deserving of love than you, Alex. It just means her path is a little different. There’s so much more to life than being successful anyway. I mean, what really matters is.. is what people have to say about you when you’re not around anymore. And that you’re happy, like you said.” 

       Her words brought a smile to Alex’s face, unable to help himself because he knew they weren’t just words; she genuinely meant them. Josie was perhaps the most honest, straight-up no bullshit person he’d ever met. “I lied, you know,” he says, her confused expression only prompting him further. “I’m not sorry for spilling coffee that day ‘cause I got to meet you. But unfortunately for you, you had to meet me.” And with a goofy grin, he can’t help but laugh, amusement reaching his very eyes. This he needed, lightheartedness, away from all the seriousness of things where he thought a little too much about how guilty he felt, admitting such feelings. “Yeah, I know.. you’re right. I just, need to break away from thinking that, I guess. I hate that I feel this way.. and I feel like it more so stems from, I guess, being the black sheep of the family. —At least I know you’ll say good things about me when I’m gone, apparently.” 

[alextcte]

Josie. 

CW: death mention

                 Before she could scold Alex for even attempting to change the subject, her friend found himself back on track toward the truth of what had stolen his attention. When he divulged, Josie couldn’t help but feel sympathetic, and instinctively reached out to give his hand a gentle, but supportive squeeze. She wanted to believe that she wasn’t the type to wear her heart on her sleeve, but, well, she did. It wasn’t hard for her to sympathize with others, but it was harder to express that sometimes. At least, until now. Josie felt like she and Alex understood each other almost instantly; their friendship was growing organically.

                 As as on only child, Josie hadn’t really understood that part of what Alex had said. Morbidly, her focus pivoted to the fact that the only family she had (at least that she was aware of) died with her uncle, not long ago. But, she could relate to the feeling of inferiority. It often felt like everyone in her life was on some superior course, to some destination they’d had planned out since they were a kid, and she was merely floating by. Having to be affronted by that feeling, all of the time? It sounded brutal, even for someone as kind and gentle as Alex. 

                                                     “Well, first, I think that you are a fantastic person, Alex.” Josie tried to offer her friend what she hoped to be a comforting smile. She also knew that, sometimes, if you weren’t feeling fantastic, someone telling you that you were didn’t really change anything. “It is also super normal to be wary of changes in your home environment. I mean, no offense to your sister, I am sure she is lovely, but I can imagine it feels a bit like she’s, well, intruding a bit.”

         A humourless chuckle escapes his lips, shaking his head some in sheer embarrassment — he never liked talking about himself much, let alone to be complimented. What he appreciated most, however, was the fact that this new friend of his was showing far more support than many friends had throughout his lifetime, and he knew then what he’d suspected since the day he’d met her, that Josie was a hell of a good person. “Thanks, Jose,” he offers her an appreciative smile, scratching the back of his head some as he lowers his gaze. “Could say the same about you. —Liv’s amazing, she.. is so smart, she’s compassionate and.. she’s a far better person than I’ll ever be. But it’s tough I guess, coming from a family of successful people and I just.. never quite fit in that category, I guess. I moved here six years ago and.. there was just something about the place. I mean I hold two different jobs and I’m just.. happy.” He was sure it was all his family would ever want for him, but it was hard knowing he’d never quite had a clear path nor direction. “I mean, maybe it won’t be like that in the end, but uh—yeah.”