ᆞaᆞᆞrᆞᆞiᆞᆞaᆞ

[ariaxjohnson]

if you’re hearing DON'T KILL MY VIBE by SIGRID playing, you have to know ARIA JOHNSON (SHE/HER; CIS WOMAN) is near by! the TWENTY FIVE year old BARTENDER has been in denver for, like, TWO YEARS. they’re known to be quite IMPULSIVE, but being ASSERTIVE seems to balance that out. or maybe it’s the fact that they resemble KRISTINE FROSETH. personally, i’d love to know more about them seeing as how they’ve got those LATE NIGHT PHONE CALLS, ESCAPE PLANS & SPONTANEOUS ROAD TRIPS vibes. and maybe i’ll get my chance if i hang out around the RINO DISTRICT long enough!

Musings // Pinterest // Playlist

S T A T I S T I C S

GENERAL

NAME: Aria Johnson AGE: 25 HEIGHT: 5'6 BIRTHDAY: August 20th OCCUPATION: Bartender at Hell & High Water

PERSONALITY

ZODIAC: Leo sun, Scorpio moon, Gemini Rising MBTI: ESTP - T ENNEAGRAM: 8w7 POSITIVE TRAITS: assertive, adventurous, confident NEGATIVE TRAITS: impulsive, impatient, reticent

HEALTH

ALCOHOL: Often DRUGS: occasionally PHYSICAL: n/a PSYCHOLOGICAL: BPD, PTSD, C-PTSD

M I S C / F U N F A C T S

- There is not a single Sigrid or CHVRCHES song that Aria doesn't relate to - Very much a "leave before get left" approach to life - Would absolutely carry vodka in a waterbottle, and what of it - Honestly takes pride in how aloof and guarded she is. Kind of treats it as a game sometimes, finding amusement in people trying to "figure her out" - yet still desperately wants someone to understand her even though she self sabotages so much they eventually get tired of her games - expect many late night texts if you're friends w/ her a;sdgja - so. much. anger

W A N T E D C O N N E C T I O N S

- Drinking buddies - Ex's (romantic or platonic!) - Confidants - Childhood friends (that likely lost touch) - Friends she used to live with (would be right after high school, a group of friends moved in together and had a huge falling out, which was the spark for Aria to pack up and move to Denver) - Found Family vibes !!!!!! - And really anything else!

B I O G R A P H Y:

( TW: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Grooming, Suicidal ideation/attempt )

TLDR: Aria was a competitive figure skater and an olympic hopeful. However, between the pressure her mother placed on her, the muddied boundaries between her and her coach, the fall right before the Olympic trials was merely the last straw that broke the camel's back. She found Denver to be an escape from all of the pressure and expectation.

Aria used to joke that she learned how to ice skate before she learned how to walk. As far back as she could remember, prodigy, a natural, Olympic hopeful were all labels orbiting around her. Her entire world revolved around the ice. When she wasn't actively competing, she was rigorously training. Sleep was the only break she'd get from skating, and she'd still be perfecting every technique in her dreams. Before long, several competitions in, she established a reputation for herself for her relentless precision, almost feeling more machine than human. And with her growing success, she began to realize she'd only hear from her father, who left before Aria could form any meaningful memories of him, when she won something. Yet no matter how many competitions she finished first in, or how exceptional her score was, there was always something to criticize. At least, that was how she rationalized her mother screaming and shouting behind closed doors, ridiculing and degrading her for every tiny mistake, even ones that the judges themselves didn't even seem to notice.

Her coach, on the other hand, couldn't cease to sing her praises. Always asking her to demonstrate for the others, being the first to teach her more advanced techniques, and expressing more pride than she ever had felt from her mother. Yet even with the pedestal he put her on, she felt like he was the only one who still treated her like a person. He understood things at home were difficult, an understatement at best, and he would lend an ear to any vents she needed to get off her chest. In time, he trusted her with his own burdens and troubles at home. Conflicts with his wife, excusing and problem solving ways to hide his own infidelity, and more. None of which he should have looked for support from a child. Even as boundaries started to waver, Aria couldn't comprehend the red flags. Not only was she a child, but one who lacked any sense of comfort or nurture from the one who was supposed to love her the most in the entire world. He made her feel important. As though she had a place in the world. As though she mattered.

Her peers training alongside her began to be more perceptive to his favoritism. Some took it out on Aria herself, whereas others were more confused and occasionally concerned. Unbeknownst to Aria, her coach shifted in his treatment towards her. At least, publicly. Calling her on each mistakes loud enough for people on the other side of the country to hear, with so much contempt that she couldn't help but wonder at times if he and her mother exchanged notes on how to cut her down most efficiently. Yet, whenever they were alone, his sweet, caring persona would be back. He'd even explain to her that the others didn't understand, and he couldn't have them get the wrong idea. She bought the excuse, even as it formed a strange pit in her stomach - tying into knots as it felt like she was a secret. Still, she just reminded herself that he didn't really mean it every time he made her feel like the dirt under his shoe that he was trying to scrape off anytime they were in the presence of others.

At fifteen, she could start to see a light at the end of the tunnel, after putting her blood sweat and tears into training. The Olympic trials were right around the corner, and she felt more confident than ever. Her coach even was easing up on her. She finally felt like she was doing something right. However, during practice, after hours and hours of overexerting herself, she missed her landing, her ankle bending in a way she never knew it could before, and let out a harrowing yelp. And for as much pain as she was in, she wouldn't be able to recall it if she tried to retell the story present day - the only pain she could remember was every cruel word that felt like spears piercing through her from her coach. After a while, his voice became muffled - in fact, everything did… it was like she had slipped underwater and she was just hearing indistinguishable shouts from above the surface. Until finally, she couldn't take it anymore, and she took off her skates, and stormed out - or as best as she could with a sprained ankle, more so hopping than anything.

When she got outside, she had no incline as to where she wanted to go, just anywhere but there. And the adrenaline coursing through her veins failed to remember the rink leading directly to a busy intersection. Was she so out of it that she couldn't perceive the cars zipping down the road? Or did she just not care? Either way, she woke up to fluorescent overhead lights, persistent beeping of monitors, and a nurse informing her that she was lucky to be alive. The entire duration of the time she was in casts, her mother could hardly stand to look at her. As if she was the one who worked so hard and dedicated her entire life to this one dream that shattered along with the bones in her body. Aria was lost… Knowing it'd be a miracle if she ever got herself to skate again, and impossible to ever perform as well as she had before, she didn't know who she was anymore.

She started staying out late, going to any party she could find only to go to school hungover having slept barely an hour. Teachers noticed her shift and were understandably concerned. But no matter how many times the counselors would try to get through to her, she was intent on her mission to self destruct. After spending so much of her life maintaining a perfect image to satisfy those who didn't know the meaning of the word, it felt liberating to let herself fall apart for everyone to see.

Having no interest in continuing her education to college, Aria moved in with a few friends and lived paycheck to paycheck with any minimum wage jobs they could find. Yet drama ensued, as she was beginning to realize it inevitably did wherever she seemed to go. With the money she saved, she moved out and ventured in search of a place where no one knew her and there were no ghosts from her past, finding that haven in Denver, Colorado when she was twenty three.

[ariaxjohnson]

who: nathaniel ( @nathaaaaniell ) location: swolemates

About ten minutes into her run, Aria fully settled into her rhythm. Until she'd inevitably become too comfortable, indicating her need to increase the pace. Exercise had always been a part of her life, but running in particular was the one that could clear her head most effectively. Between the repetition of the rhythmic steps, and timing the inhales and exhales, it was as close as to meditation as she ever managed to achieve no matter how many times she heard it recommended by pseudotherapists on their virtual soapboxes. After a while, she slowed down speed, getting ready to take a water break. It wasn't until after she had fully stopped and stepped off the treadmill that she realized how tired she actually was. The endorphins were still buzzing around her, though, as she sipped on her water and noticed some of the other members. A soft chuckle upon seeing her friend. Was it written in the stars for their paths to cross so much at the gym, or were they both just unable to allow themselves to rest? "Your form could use some work," she offered her unsolicited feedback, the playful tone of her voice indicating the lack of a single ounce of seriousness.

[ariaxjohnson]

who: aaron ( @tctteredwings ) location: spring to life

"Be honest, how often does someone come in and ask you what flower would be best as an apology?" Aria asked, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips as she asked the question. It was fascinating to learn about the different meanings and symbolism flowers would bring, but she couldn't help but find it amusing to know the creative lengths people would go just to avoid saying two simple words.

[ariaxjohnson]

closed: mei ( @tctteredwings )

"No, but I have to tell you about the latest installment of the trials and tribulations of my upstairs neighbors," Aria announced, skipping past insignificant greetings and small talk as she saw her friend. "Apparently she was the one who was cheating even though just last week they got into a screaming match after she accused him of it. Projection at it's finest, if you ask me. But also, he's offended he still hasn't met any of her family yet? Because apparently we're still abiding by the societal customs and expectations from the fucking fifties or some shit."

[ofwishfulthinking]

who: open @chqstarter

Tony tugged on the strands of hair that brushed against his chin. He was due for a haircut and an updated dye job. The pink he’d added in the beginning of the summer had since faded out, the time spent in the pool leeching the color until there wasn’t even a pale hint of it’s former vibrant glory. If his father saw him now, he knew Edgar would roll his eyes. The man seemed to appreciate his son’s self expression, but made it clear that he believed Tony lacked any sense of professionalism. “So,” he began, turning to the person beside him, “I obviously need to do something about this.” He tugged on the strands again for emphasis. “But I don’t know what. Got any suggestions?”

[ariaxjohnson]

"Indeed," Aria was perhaps too quick to agree, but she never claimed tact to be a strong suite of hers. When he asked for advice, Aria let out a sigh as she considered different possibilities. Almost like Tony was a new sim she was designing and just trying out the different swatches and styles for his hair. "I think whatever you decide, you shouldn't limit yourself to one color this time," she suggested. "Hair's only hair, might as well go crazy with it and chop it off if you don't end up liking it." Aria had a theory that if people treated their own hair with the creativity and chaos that was probably bordering on destruction kids would treat their doll's when they used to pretend to be their stylist, everyone would feel far more confident and free to try out whatever they were feeling. Just another case of people growing up with the false belief that life was suddenly meant to be taking ten times more seriously than it was during childhood.

[chefet]

@chqstarter

Astra sighed as she looked down at her cart as she stopped at the end of an aisle. She had come to the market with a list of what she needed but at the moment she was looking at a cart full of unnecessary items. Tilting her head some she reached down to take a couple of items out. "Ugh, why tryna stay healthy so hard." She muttered to herself.

[ariaxjohnson]

"Because no matter how many times it bites us in the ass, only being able to see the instant gratification is human nature," Aria suggested with a shrug. Although, she found that most people she knew fell on either extreme. Over indulgence, never able to learn their lesson because of how good something may seem in the moment or the complete opposite where they seem more afraid of enjoying anything to begin with. "Plus, labeling stuff as healthy or unhealthy immediately puts on unnecessary pressure. Instead, just have a bowl of fruit and pretend they're over ice cream or that there's a sugary glaze over them. The mind is a very powerful and gullible thing."

[aetherfms]

Jesus. He'd only agreed to going out for the sake of not suffocating in the shoebox of an apartment, but if he had known that it was going to entail some deeper thought provoking kinds of questions, then might have been better suffocating to death in the closing in walls. All he'd wanted was a drink or three, something to numb all the thoughts that were rattling around in his head as he hung his head low through his shoulders when Aria made her rounds back to him again. It was easier to drown his shit in the rumble of voices that surrounded around him, rather than wanting any of them aimed at him as he picked his head up enough to peer over at her with a bemused expression on his face. "You know that you talk too much for a bartender? Isn't half your job supposed to be listening?" He was only half joking, but if she was looking for him to answer all her questions then he was going to need a lot more alcohol and maybe a two by four to the skull to dislodge some of the words that were wrapped up and never made it past his lips.

[ariaxjohnson]

"I just had to listen to this guy crying over the grass he stepped on today because he's afraid they were tiny pods harboring the souls he'd known in past lives, Banks," Aria was quick to defend herself, a smile despite the indisputably newly sharpened tone in her voice. "The fact that I listened for that long is a miracle." In truth, she typically had more of an opaque facade, especially when it came to work. Some people just needed to unwind, others catching up with friends, and others needing to vent to anyone who'd listen- most of her job really was just being whatever they needed. Nothing less, nothing more. But her patience was wearing thin that week, more so than it normally was to begin with. "Besides, just because your job is to listen doesn't mean other people's voices won't eventually become nails on a chalkboard." The next words fell from her lips in a more hushed voice as she cleaned up after the patron that had gotten the ride. "It's a therapist's job to care, you really think they have the patience and emotional energy to care about every fuck up that sits on their couch?" She glanced up from the countertop to Banks, almost like she was trying to see if the mumbled remark met his ears with all of the noise around them. Just for good measure, she nodded towards his nearly empty glass. "Another?"

[hcartachesx]

Kendra had gotten some amusement out of the drunken patrons ramblings, but she knew she was probably one of the few who was. Then again, it wasn't like he was trying to engage her in conversation. "Probably a good indicator that they've had enough. Unless they just come in spewing that stuff because they're a conspiracy theorist all the time and not just when they're drunk," she joked a bit, taking a sip of her own drink.

[ariaxjohnson]

"Hm," Aria nodded in agreement as she cleaned up the area he had been sitting at. "I don't know, conspiracy theories are fun and all, but- ironically..." she couldn't help but cringe at the sound of her own voice saying she liked something ironically. The same excuse people used for liking something quote on quote basic because they couldn't stand to bring themselves to just enjoy things. "Like, I don't know, the same energy as crafting fan theories for your favorite show or something, but at the end of the day, knowing none of it matters, and letting yourself have a life outside of analyzing and theorizing." At the end of the day, putting any more energy into it just seemed like a waste of time. It was bad enough one third of life was typically spent asleep, why throw away the remaining two thirds on stressing about questions that would never have answers to? "Maybe I should be more compassionate, though - what if it's just people not knowing how to find fun and excitement on their own, so they use contrived theories to distract themselves by how mundane their life actually is."

[fadedstarsfms]

Bianca's grin was fully on her face now that they both were on the same page. "Hey don't sweat it kid, it wouldn't be the first time someone underestimated me. Plus it's hard to bullshit a bullshitter. I like the effort though, that was very good." She laughed, reminded of her own daughter. "Okay you've got yourself a deal. From one criminal to another we know it's an exhausting job and have to keep up our strength."

[ariaxjohnson]

"Aria," she corrected with a forced smile, not exactly trying to hide the bitterness she felt from being called a kid. "Or Ari, some people prefer," she offered. "I appreciate it. I guess I pushed my luck, though. Should have taken the twenty." Was it going to be a learning moment? Most definitely not. Besides, the exchange that followed was more entertaining than a twenty dollar bill. "Yes. You understand. Night and Dine? Us criminals also need to blend in, and what's more cliche and unsuspecting than that?" Seemed like the safest bet. "Plus, I'm craving one of their milkshakes."

[ariaxjohnson]

open ( @chqstarter ) location: hell & high water

Working as a bartender certainly had its fair share of ups and downs, and Aria had grown skilled in the art of acting like she gave a shit about the patrons drunken rambles. Although maybe it was her own state of exhaustion from the long week or the fact that she didn't think this one particular person would ever stop, but it was getting harder and harder to keep her annoyance and impatience at bay. Until finally, they decided they've had enough, paid for their drinks with a tip that - despite was generous - still didn't make it worth it, and accepted the ride she had called for them. "Okay, let me know if this is too harsh," she said after they left. "But I'm thinking once anyone starts going on about existential questions about life and the universe, I'm shutting them off." She was mostly joking, but at the very least hoped it gave everyone around her the hint to not try to get her to engage in those topics. "I mean, seriously, who cares if we're living in a simulation, or if we're living in one but a thousand timelines and dimensions? Whatever happened to just living in the moment and making your own meaning out of it?"

[avadcniels]

eleanor shellstrop appreciation [3/?]

My name is Eleanor Shellstrop, and I think I might be a monster. I’m rude, I’m selfish, I cyberbullied Ryan Lochte until he quit Instagram, but something happened to me today, and from now on, I’m gonna try to become a better, kinder, more generous person.

[fadedstarsfms]

Bianca tried her best not to laugh but a chuckle did come past her lips. "Wow you're really haunted by all those pens? Have you considered leaving them at a restaurant or something? I'm sure they can always use pens that people have stolen." With that Bianca had a fun idea to run with. "In fact how do I not know you didn't steal them to begin with? Maybe that's your master plan. Maybe you owe me $30 to keep your crime silent. Stealing has a higher jail time than a simple fender bender after all."

[ariaxjohnson]

"Mhm, my deepest regret in life," Aria nodded along. Though in a split second, the tables were turned right before her eyes. A smirk tugged at her lips, unable to help but feel a sense of admiration for the other seemingly beating her at her own game. "It appears I've underestimated you," she confessed as she crossed her arms. "I'll settle on keeping your secret if you keep mine- but I'll still take you up on lunch. Only fair since you reopened all of those old wounds from the pens, after all."

[aurorahawthorne]

for: @chqstarter location: apple picking

autumn leaves blushed hearth-hues above, as if trying to wrap themselves around the earth in one final warm embrace. he loved the fall weather, without a doubt, it was his favorite season. one of his guilty pleasures of the fall season was going apple picking. he was upset at himself for having taken so long in getting around to the activity because most of the good apples were probably picked off by now, but he needed to at least do it for old times' sake. another guilty pleasure of his was to bake, especially pies. so, his current mission was to find the best apples he could find and return home to bake a fresh apple pie as a reward. for having only been picking for about twenty minutes, levi had to admit he was having some pretty good luck finding the right apples. that is...until he came across a couple of apples that were just a little bit too out of his reach. "damn," he sighed, looking up at them in thought. after a minute he looks to his side, "hey, could i ask you a favor? do you think you could help me snag those three apples up there? i just need a small boost, unless...you can reach them. i'll give you a piece of the apple pie i plan to make with them."

[ariaxjohnson]

"...--Not sure how you're expecting me to help out with that one," Aria admitted, shifting her gaze from him to the desired apple. "What's wrong with the ones over there?" she asked, nodding to some other apples that looked just as good to her and were significantly easier to get a hold of. "Or is wanting things that are just out of reach a pattern of yours?" She challenged, a slight tilt to her head. She supposed she couldn't judge, though. The amount of times she had been told she was never satisfied almost made her feel bad for slinging the same accusation his way. Letting a soft sigh out as she looked back up at the apple in question, and then around for any sort of stepping stone. Instead, she bent down to pick up a rock, catching it in her hands a couple times. "I could throw this at it, and the force might knock it down?" It'd also certainly damage the apple, assuming her aim was even good enough, and defeat the entire purpose of picking it in the first place.

[fadedstarsfms]

For a split second Bianca got worried that the girl talking to her really was going to tell but then her mother senses started going off at the situation. It was clear she was trying to get a bit more money out of Bianca, and she had to admit she liked the initiative. "Oh man I can't have your guilt eating at you. That wouldn't be good at all." She said as sympathetically as she could. "How much do you think would take to cover this little guilt thing?"

[ariaxjohnson]

Aria released a heavy sigh, far more dramatic than what the situation called for. Bianca seemed to be going along with it, though, and Aria couldn't help but wonder how far she could push. "Well, you know how guilt is... is it ever ending? Honestly, I'm left staring at the ceiling, haunted by all the pens I've never returned after asking to borrow them. How is it fair to only be compensated once for a strain on my conscience that I will have to continuously scrub away at?"

[owenmason-deactivated20231109]

Closed | @ariaxjohnson

Most of the time when he texted Aria if she wanted to go on a hike with him, it was to clear his head, to give himself a moment to just breathe, and not have to really think. But it was quite the opposite this time around- his shifts had been back to back in the ER the last few days, allowing very little time to do anything or see his friends. So finally with a day off and a need to get out of the house, even if the cooler air seemed to have settled into town, he asked her to join him for a hike.

He had been walking along a grassy area of the parking lot with Lady until she arrived and as soon as he saw Lady's tail start to wag and her take off, Owen glanced in the same direction- grinning widely as he saw Aria. Making his way over with a laugh as Lady was already on the ground, begging for belly rubs. "Hey stranger-" Owen greeted her, still beyond grateful that she had taken the time over the years of knowing each other to learn ASL. "Figured we probably only had a few more hikes left before the snow starts." Something he didn't care for at all, the cold and snow, even if it did often mean cozy nights inside with a hot drink. "That and I'm pretty sure Lady is convinced it's been a lifetime since she last seen you." Letting out a rumble of laughter as he gave an amused shake of his head. Beyond glad to be getting some time to spend with Aria.

[ariaxjohnson]

It was one of those days where all she wanted to do was lay in bed, watching shitty reality tv underneath her covers, and pretend she had found the pause button to the entire world. For someone who prided herself on being such a social butterfly, she sure did have the temptation to run away and live the rest of her days as a reclusive hermit... until she'd inevitably become bored and in desperate need of distraction from herself and all she ran from, of course. Or until she'd receive an unprompted text from Owen out of the blue, asking her to hike. Without a second thought, Aria eagerly accepted the invitation and jumped out of bed to get ready. Besides, maybe fresh air could do her some good as well.

Grinning as she approached Owen, her greeting was interrupted by Lady galloping over to her as though it had been years since their last reunion. "Oh my god Lady! I just saw you like- a couple days ago," Aria exclaimed, giving the dog the belly rubs she demanded, cheeks starting to hurt with how wide her smile was. She looked up to Owen as he greeted her. Her smile remaining, even as she understood in the back of her mind that the reason was greater than the weather changing. It wasn't her place to call him on it, though. "Hiking in the snow could be fun, too." At least, if it was just a light blanket of freshly fallen snow. Chuckling along to Owen's infection laugh, Aria nodded and stood back up from her crouched position from greeting Lady. "Do you think dogs have object permanence?" It was a concept she remembered learning about in a psychology class from school. It certainly would explain why they acted like it would be the last time they'd get to see someone - that or they just had severe abandonment issues.

[writtenwcrd]

who: open @chqstarter

"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒈𝒔, 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆." William said, wiping his mouth on a napkin as someone breathed in his ear with anger. "𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒎𝒆, 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒚."

[ariaxjohnson]

"Mmm," Aria hummed, nodding along to the sentiment. Although there was a level of insincerity and sarcasm that was seeping out even before she even said anything of substance. "So, just to clarify so I can understand, are you the dog, or them?" Aria pretty much always welcomed a fight to clear the air, but wearing her anger and hurt so overtly on her sleeve wasn't quite the angle she preferred to take. The element of surprise, letting everything that was burred and festered, everything they thought they'd moved on from, spill out was far more effective in her opinion. Assuming they were talking about burning bridges beyond repair, of course.

[fadedstarsfms]

OPEN STARTER @chqstarter Location: Super Market

To say that Bianca hated grocery shopping was an understatement. There were always too many choices and in general it was too boring for her liking. Which was why she liked to play little games with herself when she could. The most fun to her was shopping cart bowling, and at the end of her trip she tried to get a perfect score by pushing her cart into the return when it gave an unexpected veer to the right hitting a car. "Oh shit!" Bianca said before looking around and finding someone who watched the whole thing. "Listen I'll give you $20 if you don't snitch." She offered before a sudden thought came to mind. "Or I'll buy you lunch if that was your car."

[ariaxjohnson]

She wasn't sure what was more amusing - watching the cart crash into the car and imagining the owner's reaction to seeing a fresh scratch on their precious vehical or the fact that the woman was frantically looking around as though she thought she jumped up to the top of the fbi's most wanted for carelessly steering her shopping cart. By the time Bianca noticed Aria and bribed her to keep quiet, it took everything in her power not to burst out laughing right then and there. Who would she even tell? It wasn't like she knew who's car she rammed into. Instead she took a deep breath and looked contemplatively up to the sky. "Hmm... I don't know..." she looked back to the woman, tilting her head a bit with crossed arms. "I think the guilt would eat away at me far too much to be worth twenty dollars..."