so smooth.

chel martinez. twenty-two. not your mamacita.

[cheldorados-blog]

athicketsnotrick·:

“I dunno, sounds pretty good to me,” he half smirked, curiosity well piqued. “How many roommates? You can’t be the only one around the place that does any cooking, can you? Because I’ll say speaking from experience, they will not survive the rest of their lives if you’re the only one at the stove for now. They’ll burn down their apartments the day you’re not cooking for them anymore.” To his credit, Florian was well aware that he could get a bit long-winded at points, but he came from a long line of movers and shakers who knew how to talk. It was hardly his fault. “I was thinking about it, yeah,” he admitted, glancing down the street. “No plans set in stone, but it seemed like a good night to get out, catch up with some people or meet some new ones… No time like the present, I figure. And no roommates to cook for either, unfortunately,” he lied. He hated living with people, but it sounded nicer to say that she had it good.

“Two, but I don’t really trust either of them with fire and gas,” Chel admitted. Then again, could she be trusted with either one? Perhaps more than her foolish roommates, but she’d been prone to setting things on fire more than once. “If they burn ‘em down when I’m not around, then I guess that’s their fault. I’ll hopefully be nice and cozy in a mansion where people cook for me. What a dream.” Fat chance she’d get that far in life, but a girl could hold out hope. If she spoke it into the universe enough times, surely it had to happen. “I hear the Hause of Mause is perfectly uptight this time of day, so why not head there for your fun? Seems like it’s right up your alley, unless you’re cooler than you look.”

[cheldorados-blog]

amxrvnthe·:

“Death traps aren’t really my thing so .. I’ll take my chances.” She gave quickly enough for the state of her, still peering over the other’s shoulder towards the window awhile longer before settling back. For the time being at least, she gave the impression of being alert enough so perhaps she could stumble her way through a flight of stairs. It seemed a better idea that risking a chance on a shaky elevator that might just as easily cause her to heave, anyway. A few minutes more, and she’d be in bed. Not hers, granted, but it really didn’t matter much.

“Not really my style either,” Chel agreed with a sigh. She’d had her fair share of trouble with the elevator, especially when Tulio was too lazy to carry groceries up stairs and Miguel humored him with an elevator ride. “One time I was stuck in there for three hours before the owner finally called the firefighters. Not fun, but I guess neither is having to walk up three flights while you’re drunk. Do you plan on making this a habit, by the way? ‘Cause if most nights end up like this, you'll probably wanna have your address written down somewhere. Maybe tattoo it to your forehead?”

[cheldorados-blog]

jvsmincs·:

Jasmine’s expression clearly displayed that she wasn’t too happy with this comment, nothing against the person it came from. But the Hause of Mause was exactly the kind of place she’d be expected to show up at. And when she had, she was always accompanied by her father, being introduced to people her father would like her find companionship in. To Jasmine, it was just another trap away from her home. There was no fun to be had there. “I’ve been there. It’s alright. A lot of snobs, in my opinion.” Any kind of place her father would encourage her to hang around was automatically labeled a drag in Jasmine’s mind. “I’ve spent way too many nights staying home.” Too many without booze as well, but that was besides the point. “I’d rather go out and experience something.” 

At the other’s comment, Chel couldn’t help but laugh. It was true that the Hause of Mause was full of snobs, hardly catering to anyone who’d be seen as the Snuggly Duckling. Their kind wasn’t welcome in the spic and span future for Cadense, or so it seemed as of late. “Alright, alright, point taken,” she said, waving a dismissive hand. “Think of this as your first baby step. If you can stomach this place, then you’re probably ready for something bigger and better. But between you and me? You should probably start making friends in all the wrong places. Maybe someone will know of a club that checks off all your boxes -- an exclusive club.”

[cheldorados-blog]

amxrvnthe·:

Obviously, she hadn’t been paying the theatrics much mind as Chel went to work on securing her guest spot within her humble abode, most of it essentially background noise that seemed to blend in easily with her waning thoughts and their roaming about. The occasional bump in the road seems to jolt her awake again, here and there. From what she could briefly grasp from the furious speed with which her friend plucks away at the keys on her device, the familiar clicking catching her attention, there’s a discussion in play that she’s next to no clue about and it all appears to settle when the magic words are mentioned.  What luck.

“Mm .. sure. .. Yeah.” It’s mumbled again and unconvincing, more than likely, but she does strain to make an effort, sitting up properly again after pushing away from the door. She’s leaning towards Chel’s side of the vehicle after a moment or so, however, trying to get a better idea of where they were. “ .. How far are we?” The roads were dark, of course, but occasionally there’s a flash of something that seems familiar enough as far as she can imagine.

Watching Vidia finally sit up, Chel made a mental note to brace herself for the following morning. If Vidia was this far gone now, she’d wake up with a hangover to rival all hangovers of past, present, and future. Nothing Chel hadn’t handled before, but she didn’t need Tulio or Miguel complaining either -- Tulio mostly. “Shouldn’t be much farther,” she replied. “Five minutes to Little Fransokyo and if the traffic isn’t bad--” Which it probably would be. “--then another five minutes to my apartment. But the more important question is, do you think you can walk three flights of stairs or would you rather risk it with a half-working elevator?” 

[cheldorados-blog]

jvsmincs·:

If she weren’t tipsy, the comment probably would’ve made her feel a bit embarrassed. But she just shrugged it off. “A little bit. New to night life, you could say.” Not by her own choice. “Yeah, well, maybe more people would come if the music was better.” But judging by those that were currently in the bar, better music wouldn’t attract the kind of people they’d like. Even Jasmine probably wasn’t the kind of clientele they were trying to provide for, but the girl needed some drinks. “Uh, no? There isn’t exactly a lot of selection of bars in Cadense. Plus, like I said, I’m new to this.” 

While some nearby patrons weren’t too keen on the newcomer’s opinions, Chel was quietly snickering to herself. “Don’t take this the wrong way, princess,” she teased, “but the Hause seems more up to your speed. Overpriced drinks, live music, that kind of thing.” No one in the Snuggly Duckling would be caught dead at the Hause of Mause, but Chel had been there a few times -- strictly due to work obligations, of course. “But nothing beats buying booze at the liquor store and staying home to drink your problems away. Ever tried that?”

[cheldorados-blog]

pvnzies·:

Rapunzel smiled brightly, as if this was a high compliment. Because to her, it truly was, even if others may have thought of it as somewhat backhanded. “I will definitely fill that potential,” she promised, nodding genuinely. As the car pulled up for her new friend, Rapunzel learned the girl’s name indirectly. When she turned back to her, the blonde had a decision to make. Should she go? Any logical influence in her life told her it would be smarter to just go on home, but the curious, adventurous side of her argued against it. “I’m coming!” She agreed without much thought, climbing into the car that pulled up. “I don’t want you to have to cancel on your roommates. Maybe they could meet us at the club? I really like the Snuggly Duckling so hopefully Wonderland is just as wonderful!”

To be honest, Chel was pleasantly surprised that her new friend was so willing to hop into the car. Maybe this would actually be a fun night. “Don’t worry about my roommates,” she quickly reassured, pulling a compact from her purse. As soon as their driver took off, she began fixing her makeup. “Tulio’s over thirty, so he’s basically a dinosaur and totally no fun at clubs. Miguel...well, Miguel might actually be fun but he’d never leave Tulio behind because he’s too nice for his own good. So it’ll just be you and me, but I can totally introduce you to a bunch of awesome people at Wonderland. Everyone could use new friends, right?”

[littlemusings]

[cheldorados-blog]

amxrvnthe·:

She’d been grasping for it, at one point, the name just there and fading quickly. Chel’s voice chimes in, a pleasant hum as a smirk darts across Vidia’s lips in vague admission of hearing something amusing before that too falls away. Maybe it was more exhaustion than anything – she’d been awake for hours, after all, and she actually hadn’t been home properly in a couple days. A separate issue, but the point still stood. 

A lack of willingness to string words together is more apparent as the minutes tick by, even as she dares to attempt anyway, waving a hand as if to brush off the idea that she’s truly at a loss. “It’ll ..” Come to me, is what she means to blurt out, but she can’t even summon the energy as she starts dozing, a little too comfortable in the roaming vehicle as if a mere child again. And the driver was going awfully slow, wasn’t he? Likely a little agitated at the lack of a decision, probably. He’d get over it. Maybe she’d just rent out the car instead, have him continue to drive her around. How much would that cost, she wonders. Too much. Obviously.

Mumbling, barely above a whisper anymore, she ends with another half-thought sentence, “ .. Owe you.”

Chel can’t help the long, forlorn sigh that falls from her lips. It looks like she’s going to have an unexpected guest for the night, but at least Vidia makes for entertaining company. With Vidia still slumped against her own side of the car, Chel spends a few moments quietly confirming the address with the driver, who seems thankful that the destination is still the same. Then Chel has to clear it up with Miguel and Tulio, which essentially means she spends another ten minutes arguing in their group chat before threatening to shave Tulio’s head while he sleeps and getting her way. At least they’ll mind their own business once she squares Vidia away in her room.

“My roomies are cool with it,” she eventually says, tucking her phone into her pocket. “Just as long as you stay in my room, but that’s really for your sake more than theirs. Think you can stay awake long enough to get there? Because there’s no way in hell I’d be able to carry you up three flights of stairs and through a messy apartment.”

[cheldorados-blog]

pvnzies·:

Her eyes were wide, eyebrows raised, an expression of excited innocence at the idea of being taken to this new place. Hands clasped together when the other agreed, under the conditions. “Oh, yeah, I can handle it! I’m quite good on adventures!” And she was. Except when she nervously hit Flynn over the head with a frying pan when he first popped up in her house, and then hit him again when she was still unsure of what to do next. But maybe some would say that’s what made her even more capable of handling it. (People who were probably not Flynn.) She didn’t like the idea of keeping things from Cass, but considered it a necessary evil to go on this adventure. Although at her brunette’s friend last sentence, Rapunzel couldn’t help but lean in, a growing smile on her face. “You think I’m cool?”

"I think you have the potential to be cool,” Chel corrected, a mischievous grin spreading across her lips. “We’ll just have to see how you are after the trip to Wonderland.” Ironically enough, that was the exact moment a car pulled up along the sidewalk -- brandishing the all-too familiar Lyft logo. When the window rolled down, Chel didn’t hesitate to kneel slightly and shout, “Ride for Chel?” With a nod form the driver, she turned back to her newfound friend and asked, “You coming, Blondie? Wonderland is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Snuggly Duckling, which is where I was headed anyway. I’ll cancel on my roommates and we can head straight to the club.”

[cheldorados-blog]

athicketsnotrick·:

Florian gave her a well-earned chuckle, sealing his lips shut after he’d managed to get his toothy grin to subside. As much as he loved a good game, he wasn’t about to argue with a woman who knew her terms. He nodded, hands slipping into his own pockets as he looked out at the street, glanced about for familiar faces. There was a cold pressed juice bar down the street, and he took as long as the comfortable silence stretched to weigh his options, gauge how hungry he was and if he was making it a long night. Finally, when he couldn’t take it anymore and curiosity got the best of him, he looked back over. “Gonna have a fun night to make up for it?”

Surprisingly enough, he managed to keep quiet for much longer than a few seconds. If anything, Chel could appreciate someone who knew how to follow directions. “I wish,” she snorted, rolling her eyes. “Tonight I have a hot date with my stove and my roommates, which I promise you isn’t as exciting as it sounds.” Allowing herself to glance at her unexpected companion, she took in his attire. He looked stylish enough and was definitely put together; maybe his night had just begun. “How about you? You look like you’re headed somewhere nice.”

[cheldorados-blog]

amxrvnthe·:

They’re off, she supposes, the rolling of tires beneath her a familiar enough feeling where she can at least tell they’re moving forward. The moment she catches a glimpse of anything through a neighboring window, with the surrounding scenery shifting in waves of lights and colors, it’s all but confirmed as true. Her gaze flickers back in her friend’s direction at the sound of her voice, the lower tone appreciated as the makings of a headache begin already, but the question itself seems to throw her.

Does she remember exactly where she lives? Well, no, not exactly, actually. The image is there, buried in her memory, and it seems ridiculous now that the words somehow leave her when they were just on the tip of her tongue. Why couldn’t people just be mind readers already? Resting on a bench for the evening, in this cold and terrible weather, seems equally unappealing however; she’s certain she’d never be able to really sleep. It’s with all this in mind that she queries next in an even quieter voice somehow, “On a scale from one to eleven, how dumb are they, really?”

Taking a moment to mull over the question, Chel can’t help but laugh. “Definitely an elevent,” she replies with a grin tugging at her lips. “They may be idiots, but they’re my idiots. They never come into my room without permission though, so I guess if push comes to shove you can have my bed in all its messy glory.” As prim as Chel tries to be for work, her bedroom is just as chaotic as her roommates and the rest of their apartment. “Do you seriously not remember which place is yours, though? Not to brag, but I could pick out my shitty complex from a lineup whether I’m drunk or sober.”

[cheldorados-blog]

jvsmincs·:

Despite having the money to go some place much nicer, Jasmine enjoyed hanging around the Snuggly Duckling. It was a nice break from the snotty places she was expected to hang out at, full of people she considered to be much more real and genuine, unapologetically themselves. Plus, after years of being sheltered, she enjoyed having the opportunity to let loose. After a few drinks, the practical-princess had been dancing, despite the lack of people participating the activity. Once she was tired and thirsty, she returned to the bar stools, still moving to the lowly playing music before sitting and attempting to get the attention of a tender. “You know, I really like this place, but it could use some better music,” she commented to the person closest to her. “You’d think a place like Cadense would have somewhere to dance and enjoy yourself.” 

Watching the woman have her own little dance party, Chel had to hide her mouth behind her hand to stifle a laugh. It didn’t help that she suddenly came to sit down beside Chel after she tired herself out, prompting Chel to cough and cover up her laughter. “You must be new here,” she remarked with a wry grin. “No one really comes her for the music, just the booze and the company.” Curiosity was beginning to get the best of her, or maybe Chel just had a penchant for anywhere trouble could be lurking. “Be honest; have you ever been to a bar before? Like, besides this one?”

[cheldorados-blog]

coraliiiine·:

Coraline had a lot going on. With her job being raided for weapons and her nightmares growing more and more detailed, it was a lot on her head and her energy. In all honesty, she just wanted to sleep until she died, but since she could actually die in her sleep if anything she had been told about her dreams were accurate,  the phrase ended up being more of a phrase than an actual wish. So instead she smoked. Out in public, ready to hear someone talk to her about the dangers of the habit or how it was illegal or something boring. Regardless she didn’t care. Either she gets arrested or she would smoke in peace.

As the first stranger started to hover over her, she extended her blunt to them. “Want a hit? it’s like sleepy time tea but better. And it’s medical so don’t give me that look.”

Chel gave the blunt a doubtful look, glanced back up at Coraline’s face, and promptly wondering what sort of medical condition she had that made it necessary. “I’ll pass,” she replied, motioning to the cigarette clasped between two fingers. “I’d rather ruin my lungs than get high in public, but to each their own.” Taking a drag, she leaned back against the light pole to her left and gave Coraline a full once-over. “Had a rough day, huh?"

[cheldorados-blog]

TASK ONE -- NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL CHEL MARTINEZ

a collection representing chel’s taste in music, along with a few of the mun’s chel-esque picks. tunes that inspire both muse and mun alike.

[cheldorados-blog]

amxrvnthe·:

Paranoid. She doesn’t know if that’s quite the description she’d go for. Her experiences more or less spoke for themselves, didn’t they? Granted, Vidia could never claim to be an easy customer by any means so she really may have had herself to blame. “Sounds disgusting, actually.” She gives after a moment or so, struggling to keep her energy up so as not to drag Chel further down. Never mind the actual idea of projectile vomit and all the nauseating feelings it summoned; considering the sort of work that might actually take to angle herself well enough to avoid a proper mess? Pass, entirely. Her willpower was a sight to behold at the best of times and surely, she’d make this no exception.

Lo and behold, their driver arrives with little time to spare. The lack of a second body beside her for even a brief period is almost immediately apparent, however, as Chel scrambles to get things together. She didn’t realize at first how bitter the chill was or how much she truly needed support to stand against as she finds her feet slipping beneath her. Vidia vaguely catches the snap of a heel as she’s shoved inside, a series of profanities that nearly earns a tired chuckle. Her head is leaning against a window before she knows it though, and she’s comfortable again, weakly shoving a foot against the driver’s seat in a show of actions over words. It was so time to go. 

“ .. You heard the lady.”

At some point, the driver finally realizes that the sooner he drives, the sooner he can get them out of his car. It doesn’t take very long for the car to lurch forward, and it takes even less time for the Snuggly Duckling to become nothing more than a fading light in a sea of darkness. For a brief second, Chel contemplates the sheer luck that’s allowing her to go home in the back of a Lyft as opposed to jail in the back of a cop car. She finally turns to face Vidia when they’re a comfortable distance away from the bar, trying to let her temper cool down all the while.

“Do you remember where exactly you live?” She asks -- quietly, for Vidia’s sake. “‘Cause I just guessed the general area when I called the driver, but we should probably tell him the exact building. Unless you’re cool bumming it on a bench somewhere? Or crashing at my place, but I think you’re better off on a bench than listening to my dumb roommates.”

[cheldorados-blog]

pvnzies·:

“Okay, maybe not smarter than me,” she trailed off, feeling embarrassed by the way the girl reacted, even if Rapunzel did truly believe Cass was smarter than her. “But definitely more…experienced.” Which the blonde was very grateful for considering she definitely lacked in the field of experience. She couldn’t help but giggle at her description of her friends, amused. “Well, I’m sure they’re fun or they wouldn’t be your friends, right?” Her curiosity was immediately piqued by the suggestion, eyebrows rising. “Would you take me?” She couldn’t help but ask. Maybe she had just met this person, but so far she seemed really nice. Plus, if there was one thing she had learned, going on an adventure was a great way to make friends. Just look at her and Flynn!

“Yeah, fun,” Chel repeated, managing a genuine laugh. “You could say that.” Maybe that was more Miguel’s thing, but he tended to have a high-functioning moral compass, so there was only so much fun to be had there. Tulio was the total opposite; more work, less play. Chel liked to think she was the perfect blend of both, and if she wasn’t then she wouldn’t even entertain the thought of taking a stranger to Wonderland. But given the fact she’d only been there once and was itching to go with someone who’d actually have fun, it was tempting. “Tell you what,” she said. “If you honestly think you could hang, I’ll take you. It’s no Snuggly Duckling, though; it’s ten times as wild and you can’t tell that friend Cass of yours where it is. Only cool people get to go there, alright?”

[cheldorados-blog]

pvnzies·:

“Well,” Rapunzel said, clearly looked embarrassed by the next words to come out her mouth. “If I had to be honest, I would say Cass is my babysitter. Not that she assigned! Just that she is a lot smarter than me.” This wasn’t incorrect, as Rapunzel believed Cass was smarter than her, clear by the advice Cass gave her. She’d be lost without her friend. “Are you the Cass for those two friends?” She asked, hoping she wasn’t the only one with a more informed friend. “Well, I have money, but I’m not trying to use it to be the ‘right person.’“ she began, believing money was the kind of thing that couldn’t buy any experience that was truly worthwhile. “I think I’m willing to take risks. Does that make me the right kind of person?”

“Smarter than you?” Chel echoed, brows raised and arms crossed over her chest. “Sweetheart, you don’t look that dumb -- and that means a lot coming from me. I might be a genius compared to my friends, but it’s only because they’re dumb boys who’d be lost without me. Put them together and they’re still a few fries short of a Happy Meal.” Not that she didn’t love Tulio and Miguel, but even she had to admit they weren’t the brightest bulbs in the bunch. “You should use that money to stay safe,” she remarked, letting out a huff of laughter. “But if you’re really looking for a good time, then I guess you could use it for that too. You ever heard of Wonderland? Slip the bouncers a twenty or two and you’ll have a blast -- but you didn’t hear that from me.”