chaos and moonlight

@andreacostc

I feel haunted by a terrifying melancholy which I struggle wildly to kill—and I can’t. I feel waylaid by madness

30 posts

name: andrea acosta

nickname: andi, drea ( v. selective )

age: 33

occupation: private investigator

gender: cis female

sexuality: bisexual

time in town: on and off for ten years

#— intro: andi.#pinned 📌

open starter / @coyotestarters

your muses front/backyard

Andrea didn't really know what it said about her to be sneaking out of a man's home after his mother arrived from her late night shift. She figured it was better than a wife, but it didn't help her self-esteem at all to be wearing nothing but an opened button shirt and a bikini which didn't even belong to her.

That should have been her red flag. When the man had a bathing suit readily available for her so they could go in his hot tub. Now she was left wondering if it belonged to his mother.

"I'm sorry," she paused after she jumped their gate, standing still in front of the person who clearly lived there or nearby. "I'm just passing through and if it makes you feel better, or gives me sympathy points, this is exactly what it looks like." A one night stand gone back. "You wouldn't happen to have pants or something?"

#open starter.#please feel free to assume connection #it can literally be anyone who lives there/nearby/ or just driving by

with a snap of his fingers max's hand nearly flew into her face, fingers pointing at her just inches away. "exactly!" then his hands flew up and dropped down to smack against his legs. "exactly. always when it's fucking convenient for them. always when they're caught up in the fucking wrong." the adrenaline was still a little strong in his system and he took a deep breath and tried to slow his animated pacing by stopping in front of andrea. "fuck yeah," he scoffed in a manner that begged why she even had to ask, "trip and spill your queso dip, which is on the house by the way, all over her. make sure it gets her hair too." clearly he was not of the be the bigger person practice. "she ordered the blta and then got pissed saying the menu says it comes with tomatoes and the ones in her sandwich were not heirlooms. started yelling at the server when she nicely said yes they are heirlooms and said she's leaving no tip and all that bullshit. she can play in fucking traffic for all i care."

"That's how most people are and I've done it as well before." Not so much when it came to food but with big retail stores whenever an item was marked down at the right price, she argued that she should get it at the lower price. Most times being fussy did work. "She sounds like a piece of work. I think that I can do that while conveniently holding a glass of wine." It would take some creativity on her part but she was certain it would be feasible. "Hair and down the front of her shirt, just to make sure that really saturates." She leans to the side to see the target who was still creating drama and whining in the store. "But before I do you a solid, does this mean that I get free food for a week?" It would save her money and given how often she came and paid for the food here, she figured she could test her luck.

#— conversation;#max

open ⸺ @coyotestarters location ⸺ the siren, after dinner rush

"i'm not sure how much more of this i can take." most of the time max talked to talk. it didn't matter to whom or where they were or even who else was around. the nightmare karen of a customer had finally just left with her people and he'd nearly kicked the door shut on their asses on their way out. "there needs to be a cost for people's stupidity," he vented as he lit up a cigarette now behind the bar, "otherwise i'm gonna start physically throwin' people out." smoke was blown out with force, as though it were in the way of all he had to go on about. "and what pisses me off even more is i know she's out there," max gestured to the door, "goin' on about how she told us and how the customer is always right." there was a near snarl on his lips as he shook his head. "nah. no, it ain't. not in this fuckin' house."

"The customer is always right. I don't know who decided that but it's always brought up when it's most convenient, isn't it?" Andrea had heard it time and time again while she was bartending. Luckily, she now worked a job that didn't require her to speak with anyone if she didn't want to. Most of her interactions were done online, through email, and that was just how she liked it. "You want me to go fuck her up? Nudge her into an oncoming order of chili or something?" She could scratch her car or even get it towed through her connections but she wanted to get a feel for how upset he was before she suggested something that was a little less on the legal side. "What did she say you did?" Getting more specifics would also help with exactly how much of an asshole the karen was.

#— conversation;#max

the laugh burst out of sena so suddenly that her hand flew up to cover her mouth due to surprise. widened eyes implored at andrea. saying without saying: are you fucking kidding me? "i'm trying to tempt you." it was almost embarrassing having to directly say it but fuck it. the booze intake the day promised would wash any shame away. at least temporarily. "i'd be a fucking idiot not to shoot my shot with you and those glorious ass cheeks on tease mode." maybe she was bad at this now. sena hadn't really done much but waste time since mick.

not only did she take a more blatant and deliberate look when andrea posed, sena found the courage to reach out and give each cheek a tap. the vino in her system already was making this easy, and thank god. "you're the worst," she laughed but practically hopped into step beside the gorgeous brunette. "well, i'm here for the show until its time to leave and dip into the pleasure. then i'd like to be an active participant."

Andrea couldn't help but laugh at the cute little laugh that came out of Sena. "You should stay silent for a second because you'll be able to hear the hearts of a thousand men shattering." Luckily for Andrea, she would take up the opportunity while it was in front of her and make it worse for them. There was no shame in rubbing the fact that she had the hottest woman in town on her arm. "No need to say any more." A hand crept upon Sena's side to pull her closer to her. "I mean, look at you, you could be in a mou mou and people would be on their knees."

The brunette laughed at the way Sena was a little more courageous than she knew her to be. "I've got to be around you more while you're drunk because I didn't know you had half of this in you." She couldn't help but look her over and then nod her head. "We won't be staying long because the idea of you saying you want to be an active participant in the same sentence as pleasure just got me weak in the knees." She looked down at her phone. "I'm actually ready to go now."

#— conversation;#sena.

Andrea peered at the woman when she began to take the items away from her and place them on her side of the table. Clearly she'd hit a nerve and instead of admitting as much, the redhead had chosen to go about it in a way that reminded her of a child tearing toys from other kids when they took them. The brunette leaned back and wiped her hands on the napkin, which was what remained from her side of the table.

While they were being childish, she figured she may as well play the part. "Do you want this as well or am I allowed to keep the napkin? I'm not sure if they charge you for that in this place and I wouldn't want to keep it and steal a penny more."

Instead of giving it, she crumpled it in her hand and placed it back on the table in an act of defiance.

"I do love how you tell me not to judge what a person has gone through but in the same breath you pass judgement on what you assume I've gone or haven't gone through." Not that it mattered because Andrea had work to do and didn't have time to mend a bruised ego.

She was working beneath the shadow of the night to find men who were stepping out on their marriage while the redhead was on her own, eating a meal that cost more than anything Andrea could pay for, so she figured the woman would be just fine.

"Maybe it would be best that I recommend you to some of my friends instead. I'm getting the vibe that I'm no longer welcome here. I do hope that you enjoy your meal and watch those small pieces, I'd hate for you to choke on them."

The last bit was more out of annoyance and she regretted them as soon as they came out of her mouth but she'd chalk it up to lack of being social given how she often spent majority of her waking moments alone.

The character the woman across from her showed through much more easily than she'd likely wanted. Not only had she been offensive with her remarks, she also wanted to try and add insult to injury because she didn't like or accept that there were consequences to her actions. Eliana let the woman be, it was just adding to the poor display the whole bit with the napkin.

This woman could act cold and calloused, unbothered, and as much of a smartass as she wanted. The redhead wasn't shy of being human, of having emotions and feeling things, especially when she was already down. Something the private detective clearly hadn't read well coming and sitting at her table. Clearly that was just to mooch.

A smile shaped her lips and her head lightly shook at the ridiculous of the brunette's statement. "Does that make you feel like you've won a disagreement — putting words in people's mouths?"

After she'd handed her card to the waitress, Eliana sighed and leaned back in her seat a bit. Her gaze leveled at the woman. Andrea wanted it both ways, to be the abuser and the victim. It was something she saw often in her office. But she wasn't being paid to work right now. "It was an assumption based on information you'd given me. An assumption is not judgement." It didn't need to be said, she could easily see damage written all over this woman. That much would be obvious even to the most casual observer with the way she spoke and treated someone that had actually been doing her a kindness.

There was a little chuckle at how upset the brunette had actually gotten. She'd already gone low with insults, then had to take a trip even lower in wishing harm. All because Eliana took her handouts away after she'd fucked up. "No, but thank you for the thought. Birds of a feather and all that," the redhead waved it off. "I know some great investigators. I had just been trying to be friendly with you and that clearly backfired."

Then she clicked her tongue against her cheek and winked, finger pointing at Andrea. "Thanks for the warning, though. As someone who works based on reputation, word of mouth, and recommendations though... I'd curb the attitude." How easily could Eliana go ruin this woman's payday right now? Not to mention all the future ones.

"You're welcome for the food and drink," she said before she grabbed her things and headed right for the couple Andrea had been watching.

the end.

#— conversation;#eliana.

zayden responded without words, the raising of his brows saying more than words could anyway. people watching was one thing, but it was another when the people on the other end of it were picked out of purpose, not curiosity or blind misfortune. "if i did know them? would you have known them too?" it felt like a challenge waged between them, one without a winner, but not without satisfaction earned.

a low rumble of laughter clawed out from his throat. "out of everyone in this entire place, they're the only two people you seem to care about." it was a somewhat baseless assumption, but he'd called attention to it, to her, and he was too stubborn to admit that maybe he'd ben wrong. "i'm not saying much of anything right now." his smirk widened, the jab not entirely lost on him. it stirred amusement beneath his ribs, just enough to pull another muffled laugh from him. "i can't say that i was, but i'm curious. what makes you say that?"

Andrea peered over at him and then shrugged her shoulder. "It would depend on how you knew them." She wanted information without having to give any but it was pretty obvious by the way they spoke that they both knew more than they were saying in regard to those people. "But like I said, I don't know them."

"Is that right? Seems like you're pretty observant to who and what I'm paying attention to. Maybe I should be asking why you're staring at me?" She was keen on turning it around towards him rather than being the one who was answering the question. "I'm just saying because you're talking to me so maybe you're interested and I just wanted to be clear that you're a little too.... immature for me if you get what I'm saying."

#— conversation;#zayden.

Nellie first checked on Amelia, who said a small sorry before her eyes wondered over to the big dog next to the woman. "I'm really sorry. I told her to skate slower, but she never listens. I hope she didn't break anything of yours." Nellie helped Amelia get up, who instantly forgot all about the incident and asked if she could pet the big dog. To Nellie. Who could not have less of an answer. "Ah, I'm sorry, this is my daughter, Amelia. She seems to be more worried about the dog than with you. Is there anything I can do to makeup for almost knocking you down?"

Andrea peered over at the child and then back at the mother before she took a moment to take inventory over herself. "I think that I'm okay. Maybe a few bruised limbs but that's about it." Her legs would hurt come morning but at least she hadn't knocked her over enough that her camera got broken when she took the impact of the little girl. "She's smart and has her priorities straight. I prefer dogs over humans any day of the week." She shook her head and then took a second to think about what she could get out of this. "Maybe a cup of coffee."

#— conversation;#kim.

Open starter

Where: the park

Nellie still hated roller skating to this day, but Amelia liked it too much, and her being a teenager in that phase where everything with mom was too embarrassing, she made an effort to do anything that she liked. So there she was once again, at the park, trying to balance on wheels. Amelia was having the most fun, while Nellie's knees still trembled a little bit here and there. "Don't go too fast." She ordered, earning and a disgruntled grunt from Amelia. As the girl turned around to show her tongue with a smile on her face, she immediately bumped into someone, falling right back on the ground. Nellie panicked a little for two reasons, and immediately went there to check on Amelia, the first concern. Then came the second. "Are you okay?" She asked the person.

Andrea had grunted and sighed each day going up to the dog sitting task she'd begrundgedly accepted. Her neighbour was out of town but given that one time he'd come over when she'd set her microwave ablaze and prevented the whole building from going up in flames, she figured that she owed him one. The dog was cute, she'd give him that, and maybe she'd kind of fallen in love a little bit, but the fact that she had to be active on this little sleep was criminal. At least she thought until she felt the impact knock the wind out of her and almost knock her over. Luckily, the large dog had helped counter balance her and she remained upright, peering over the younger girl who had fallen to the ground. "I'm good. Is she okay? That was an hard knock." Probably because she'd been on roller blades and had worked up quite the speed. "She almost took me down with her but I think I'm fine."

#— conversation;#nellie.

The woman's attitude, done through a smile no less, hit her in a way that Eliana's faded. Here she'd been generous with a stranger and paid the price for it. It was a reason why people were pulling back from doing nice things for others and while lots of people were upset by that, no one was willing to change and do better.

The redhead pulled the board back to her side of the table rather than let it remain in the center, indicating share time was over. The last fucking thing she needed or deserved was judgement and this bullshit from a strange woman she'd been kind to. Furthermore, Eliana reached out and pulled the wine and the woman's glass back on her side as well. You don't get to be an asshole and continue to enjoy the freebies.

"Doesn't matter how classy someone is," she finally said, previous comments gone without reply, "life hits hard and low points for everyone. You know that bullshit about being kind to everyone you meet because you have no idea what battles they're dealing with," she shot the brunette a pointed look, "it's not actual bullshit. It's sound advice."

Because that was the reason Eliana was sitting there with a bought and paid for claim to an entire bottle of wine and a fancy board. Her job was tough but she'd signed up for that. It was the things going on with her family, her ex, battling her sobriety, and the weight of it all crushing her. Unfortunately people seemed to forget that others were just as human as them, as much as they wanted sympathy and grace for themselves they failed in giving that to others.

As she listened about the marriage Andrea was spying in on, the redhead had come up with her own conclusions due to having seen much of the same herself in her line of work. It felt as though the investigator was simplifying it down to black and white, as though there could only be two points and reasonings. "Being betrayed is devastating. Even if you see it coming, even if you suspected it... getting confirmation is painful. I guess you've never dealt with that."

When the server came around Eliana told them they could take the board away and asked for a cork for her bottle as she'd be taking the remainder home with her. The interest she'd felt a bit ago had waned, but she still nodded along a little. "I'll take your card and if something comes up I'll pass it along." Said in a friendly manner, Eliana wasn't sure she'd send clients this direction. A little more compassion was needed in such sensitive topics. "Anyway, good luck with your case."

Andrea peered at the woman when she began to take the items away from her and place them on her side of the table. Clearly she'd hit a nerve and instead of admitting as much, the redhead had chosen to go about it in a way that reminded her of a child tearing toys from other kids when they took them. The brunette leaned back and wiped her hands on the napkin, which was what remained from her side of the table.

While they were being childish, she figured she may as well play the part. "Do you want this as well or am I allowed to keep the napkin? I'm not sure if they charge you for that in this place and I wouldn't want to keep it and steal a penny more."

Instead of giving it, she crumpled it in her hand and placed it back on the table in an act of defiance.

"I do love how you tell me not to judge what a person has gone through but in the same breath you pass judgement on what you assume I've gone or haven't gone through." Not that it mattered because Andrea had work to do and didn't have time to mend a bruised ego.

She was working beneath the shadow of the night to find men who were stepping out on their marriage while the redhead was on her own, eating a meal that cost more than anything Andrea could pay for, so she figured the woman would be just fine.

"Maybe it would be best that I recommend you to some of my friends instead. I'm getting the vibe that I'm no longer welcome here. I do hope that you enjoy your meal and watch those small pieces, I'd hate for you to choke on them."

The last bit was more out of annoyance and she regretted them as soon as they came out of her mouth but she'd chalk it up to lack of being social given how she often spent majority of her waking moments alone.

#— conversation;#eliana.

"well, with that, they're gonna be talking about you." with a laugh sena glanced at the woman at her side, noted that she seemed a little off and glassy eyed. "take a look around, babe," she motioned with her hand, still grinning a bit as half wine drunk festival goers marveled at the brunette duo making their way through them. “i am out there. with you, now,” sena winked. might as well shoot her shot.

on their way to get wine slushies hand in hand, she laughed at first and then grinned over at andrea. "yeah, thanks for that, the shorts. making me realize i am no better than a man." she pretended to lean back a little and get a peek. "there's definitely a bit of cheek showing and no one is complaining. i love that you chose violence and dressed to make us all suffer today." there was a moment she displayed exaggerated plight. "did you come with someone or just with the full on intent to stir up trouble?"

Andrea tilted her head as she looked over the woman with a raised brow. "Are you teasing or trying to tempt me with a good time because I'm not going to need to be told twice but I need to at least be told once, clearly." Of course Sena was gorgeous so she wouldn't think twice but to take that shot if it was offered to her. There wasn't going to be anyone that matched her, especially not a boy with dopy grin who wanted nothing more than a quickie in the back of his car in exchange for a teddy bear.

When Sena stepped back to have a look, of course Andrea needed to bend over and pose at the perfect angle to give her the best look. It wasn't for the male gaze because no one would appreciate the way the short fit her form as perfectly as they did. "I'm only here for pain. Maybe a bit of pleasure but I'm very selective on who gets to have that." She winked, tugging Sena forward once more. "I always come alone if my intent is to leave with someone."

#— conversation;#sena.

the counter question caused a muscle to tick in his jaw. not out of frustration or even annoyance, but it fueled the curiosity that had already began to boil beneath his skin like an unwanted challenge. "why does that make a difference?" he let a beat settle between them before he spoke again. "i don't. know them," he corrected, hoping that made a difference in whatever she gave him next. he needed a break from his own stuff and this seemed like an easy route to take.

zay didn't get a chance to answer before she spoke again. he figured that was the point anyway. "noted." when she spoke again, he released a low sigh of defeat. his curiosity hadn't paid off. not yet, at least. "what makes you think i thought anything?" he let the silence settle between them, his gaze holding hers as a means of a challenge.

"It does." Andrea said with a nod but she wasn't going to tell him why unless he asked her, and then she'd probably lie about the real reason because why show any cards if she didn't have to. "Interesting— then I don't know them either." The brunette said as she pushed hair from her face and fixed her gaze on him in an attempt to avoid looking at the people who were, in fact, targets of hers. Better safe than sorry.

"Well you made the assumption that I may be interested in them." Whether that was sexual or not, it was how she took the question because it was often how men thought. At least from her experience. "Are you telling me that I'm wrong?" Her head tilted as she folded her arms against her chest. "But I do prefer older men— just not that old. Just wiser, most men my age act like boys. —If you were wondering. I'm guessing you're my age."

#— conversation;#zayden.

"oh my god ⸺ was all that for me?" sena laughed as andrea hung an arm over her and leaned against her. "people are gonna get the impression that i have a social life. i'm gonna become hot gossip with my dating life." she was all laughs as the woman pulled herself off. there was some temptation to tell her to keep it up just so they could see if any rumors started floating around town.

"what do you mean? girl, i'm schlepping my goods like everyone else. the girls are giving me a break from the table though. said to get buzzed on some wine slushies." a mischievous grin was directed at andrea. "you wanna join me?" she took the woman's hand. "it's on me. plus, do you really think there's anyone hotter than you?"

"Of course, who else would it be for?" She said with a laugh as she bumped her hip. Andrea had the energy of a labrador when she had caffeine in her and the delirium from not sleeping for forty hours was beginning to show with just how wide she was smiling and her excitable nature. "As you should be. As long as they aren't talking about me then that's all that matters to me. Plus, it might help you to get out there."

"That sounds like a fun time and yet I don't see any slushies in hand." At the mention of joining her, it became obvious that it was where she was heading and the brunette was more than eager to join her. "I thought you weren't going to ask." Andrea flashed her a smile, holding Sena's hand in hers and giving her a squeeze. "On you? Shit, I need to wear these shorts more often. I knew they were showing off the bottom of my ass."

#— conversation;#sena.

"Is that you letting me know you'll not be carrying me out of here, or taking care of me when the wine drunk hits?" A little smile formed, slightly amused, maybe a little offended at the assumption she couldn't handle her wine. Eliana had been building up her tolerance for years. "Or are you inviting me for a burger, maybe a walk down to Fool's Gold for some greasy pizza?"

Then, just a moment later a hand swiped lazily between them. "No worries, I have a person I can call. I'm also not planning on getting shitfaced." If she did that it was an event behind closed doors. Not only did she have a reputation to uphold, she also couldn't chance one of her clients seeing her so sloppy. It could undo so much.

As the pretty brunette spoke about the letdown, seeing a married man entertain a pretty young thing, she nodded along with a sigh. Experience had taught her the hard way that men, aside from one, couldn't be trusted. Women either, really. Both were capable. The reasons for stepping out usually differed. "Not that I condone it... what's the marriage like? Did your client paint a happy picture, is this something that's blindsided her?" It was more than curiosity, she'd had clients on both sides of this particular coin seated in her chair.

"Do you only do these kinds of cases or do you have a broader scope?" A thought had snagged in her head and the redhead began consideration for looking into her father's claims. Ellie just didn't know if this woman wanted such intense work. She had a good gig going. "What's your fee? I might be able to send clients your way. Do you have a card or anything like that?"

She shook her head and flashed her a smile. "Sorry to break it to you but I don't have the patience to deal with a drunk anyone. Especially while I'm this painfully sober and even free booze, or this fancy food, won't change my mind on that. You might be on your own. Hopefully you've got a good uber rating so they'll risk taking you once you stumble out of here."

The idea of leaving wasn't really a possibility right now but if she managed to get everything she needed, and if the redhead, was at risk of leaving alone and putting herself in danger— then she'd consider getting her sober enough to get a ride home.

"I was going to say that you seem to be a little more classy than someone who just gets drunk and leaves witnesses to what's hiding behind the mask, you know."

She reminded her of many of the clients that she had who paid her because their husbands were cheating, and if she were honest, she felt it was because of lot of those women were defeated. Perhaps that was the only detail that wasn't similar to them.

Her gaze flicked towards the male and she casually rose her phone as if she was looking at it but she was taking pictures and zooming in to ensure she caught the intimate moments between the two of them. "The marriage is like all of them, it's sexless and grown boring. Whether it's because he's getting it somewhere else and got lazy or they actually don't love each other — who knows. I don't think she's going to be surprised but they're always heartbroken no matter the ways they prepare themselves for this." It was the part she hated most about her job.

"I do a lot of things but there's always cheaters so that's the jobs that I usually have. I've had a few missing cases but they're harder and last over a span of years." She had to look through everything that had already been tainted by the cops for missing pieces and that never could get done over night. "I've got a card and fee is case by case. It depends on what they want and how quickly they need to find out."

#— conversation;#eliana.

@goldrvshs - SENA

Andrea placed her pointer finger and thumb in her mouth when she noticed Sena up ahead, tearing a loud and obnoxious whistle through the air that had many people turning their head to see if they were the one being cat called. She ignored them all until her gaze met Sena's, rushing towards her to playfully place her arm over her shoulder. "Hey pretty mama."

It didn't take too long for Andrea's guise to fall with laughter as she returned her arm to her side. "I didn't think I'd see you here. I wasn't sure if you could get it off but I'm happy you are. It means I can highjack you for a little while unless you're here to meet someone that's hotter and more impressionable than me."

#— conversation;#sena.

— andrea acosta ; art & wine festival.

he should've minded his own business, should've stopped at another tasting or made small talk with another vendor, but he chose to linger on the outskirts of all the buzz, watching as happy families and friends passed by. what he'd found the most amusing was that another had opted to do the same, except her gaze seemed fixed on the same person as they moved from booth to booth.

"you know them or just really into people watching?" as he asked, his eyes followed her line of sight to where the person had landed next, unaware that their every move was being clocked. "you could talk to them," he added, a bit of sarcasm weaved into his tone, "unless you're the shy type."

@andreacostc

Andrea's head snapped towards the male, mentally cursing at herself for allowing someone to sneak up on he— but also notice that she'd been fixed on a man with a much younger woman. She cleared her throat and stood up a bit straighter. "Depends who's asking? Do you know them?" Her suspicion grew. A man with that much money and influence ( enough to proposition a girl half his age ) could easily have a bodyguard or lookout.

"Do I look like the shy type to you?" Her body turned towards him with a raise brow. "I'm more the 'don't piss me off' type." It was the first time looking at him and while she didn't mind what she saw, she wasn't easily impressed either. "But I'm curious to know what part of me you think looks like she has daddy issues because he's more than fifteen years older than I am -- or are you trying to say I look old?"

#— conversation;#zayden.

souldividess-deactivated2025073

"Well that's no good. I hope you're not the hangry type, you know like those Snicker commercials. Afraid I don't have one of those to share." Kade responded, his tone teasing in nature. "Me and you both. Some of these mixtures are strange and unusual. But this - gets all the approval."

"I am the hangry type but this will satiate my need for food for some time." She'd had a bite of this and would probably go to whatever was open later on when the sun settled and she was getting ready to go out on the road to follow her latest case. "Where did you think up of this? If you say tik tok then I may have to stop eating it right away."

#— conversation;#kade.

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