jasmine tookes. she/her. cis woman. › spotted at the met steps , DAHLIA LEWIS , most likely listening to american money by børns with their airpods pro . the thirty year old gained quite a reputation , known to be -overly-independent yet +debonair to anyone who knows them . you'll easily spot them when you hear about the feeling of toned muscles , caring more about others than your own wellbeing , holding your head high even in the face of adversity , silk pajamas paired with an extensive nighttime routine , followed by their alien by mugler . latest nepoupdates article talks about family bailout ? dahlia lewis seen back in new york after 10 years due to failed attempt to distance herself from family , but i guess any reputation is good reputation .
[ ! ] WANTED CONNECTIONS ( TBD ).
[ ! ] ESTABLISHED CONNECTIONS ( TBD ).
penned by HECATE ( she/her , pst , 21+ )
OVERVIEW.
STATS PAGE .
FULL NAME: dahlia esme lewis
NICKNAME(S) / ALIASES: lia / siren ( callsign )
DOB: 09/25/1993
AGE: 30
HEIGHT: 5'9"
ZODIAC: libra
GENDER: cis woman
PRONOUNS: she/her/hers
ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: biromantic
SEXUAL ORIENTATION: bisexual
LANGUAGES: english , spanish , french
AESTHETICS: the feeling of toned muscles , caring more about others than your own wellbeing , holding your head high even in the face of adversity , silk pajamas paired with an extensive nighttime routine , harsh words spoken with a calm visage
CHARACTER PARALLELS: rhys larsen ( twisted games ) , isabelle lightwood ( shadowhunters ) , elizabeth swann ( pirates of the caribbean ) , natasha romanoff ( marvel comics ) , zatanna zatara ( dc comics )
BACKGROUND.
the lewis family made their fortune through shipping and a number of various investments . since then , their wealth has spanned for generations . with a father who inherited this business and a mother who hails from a family notable for their social prominence and philanthropy , dahlia is born into this legacy with her life planned out the moment she’s conceived . the lewis’ are picture-perfect at best . she only sees her parents for more than an hour or so is when the family is attending formal events to keep up appearances . she’s close to her siblings because of this . and even more so with her grandparents . but definitely not her parents .
she’s 16 when she starts to question the path put ahead of her . was this what she truly wanted ? she’s been pitted against her siblings . resentment is surely there . the mounting pressure starts to spiral . there’s really only one person she feels like she can confide in –– her grandfather . and that’s what she does . he’s surprisingly supportive . she had expected the opposite . a pep talk about how this is the family legacy . heavy is the head that wears the crown . instead , he urges her to do something for herself .
( death mention tw ) tragedy strikes at 17 . her grandfather suddenly passes . dahlia is devastated . who can she confide in now ? she feels alone . her parents are still expected to live the life she set out . it all becomes too much the moment they start urging her to look for prospective partners . ones that could help maintain the family’s social standing . dahlia ends up running away and to the navy in efforts to distance herself from her family . after all , would any of them dare enter that territory ? she doubts it . and when she sets her mind to it , she does it . bootcamp was hell but she made it . the work doesn’t stop there . dahlia joins the seals . serves two tours before landing herself in private security company run by a friend .
she doesn’t need the job but she’s good at what she does . however , a new client brings her back to new york after almost over a decade of staying away . or at the very least , staying under the radar and no contact with her family . however , being the current bodyguard for the valente sisters meant she was back on the radar whether she likes it or not .
PERSONALITY.
dahlia can be very charming and insightful . there’s something about her that draws the attention of everyone in the room when they speak . inspiration . conviction . however , it doesn’t come without its faults . dahlia burns out easily without a set routine . but she’s decisive through and through . there's a difference in the way she presents herself while working vs when she's not . she takes her work seriously . committed to whatever she sets her mind to . and within her line of work , dahlia's become more selfless . stoic . not readily showing her emotions as she once did when she was younger .
HEADCANONS.
this section is a wip and will be updated when i think of more things ! <33
classically trained in ballet so she's got impeccable posture
knows her way around a boat and was taught how to sail
formerly did competitive swim when she was younger , qualified for the junior olympics
impulsively joined the navy as a way out of dealing with familial expectations
after making it through bootcamp , decided to work towards being part of the navy seals
did two tours before receiving an honorable discharge
her "callsign" ( more of a nickname tbh ) given by her platoon mates is siren
good with close quarters combat and since being part of the navy has taken up kickboxing and judo
＊ 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥 ›› @nepofmstarters
＊ 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ›› dahlia & your muse
＊ 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 ›› club 1919 , manhattan
＊ 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 ›› casino night
“ i just overheard someone say they’re here to drink alone . and boy do i have some bad news for them , ” dahlia comments , handing [ your muse ] a drink . “ but i get it , some places have the vibe where you can drink alone . i don’t think this is one of those places –– ” gestures to the space . “ anyway , planning to try your luck tonight at one of the tables ? ”
her shoulders are held taught with tension , gaze shifting back out to the sky who's setting sun is just beginning to paint shades of orange and pink . " you were never a shitty friend , " she's quick to interject , her problem with dahlia was that she was about the quality of their relationship , their friendship never one she had to question , a sentiment that she thought had gone both ways until she disappeared into thin air . but she lets her speak her piece , her eyes finding their way back to dahlia when she finally begins to get what she'd wanted all along ⸻ an explanation .
of course it makes sense why she left , couldn't ever imagine what it feels like to have her every move under the influence of the people who claim to have her best interest at heart even though they both know that's not the full story . " no one said anything about you being a bad friend , dahlia , " she repeats , had to make sure she knew that as fact . " why didn't you tell me any of that ? i thought you trusted me . . . " it wasn't like aria didn't know how ridiculous her parents could be , honestly not even surprised that their harsh expectations had been the thing to push their own daughter away . " do you even know how worried i was about you ? i felt sick thinking something had happened to you , someone had done something to you , " was she quick to jump to the worst possible conclusions ? maybe . but where else was her train of thought meant to go ?
" you just can't do that to people who care about you , it's not fair , " a single , warm tear rolls down her cheek , quickly brushed off with the sleeve of her sweater as if that'd do anything to hide the fact that it was there . " where did you even go ? were you at least safe ? " clearly she must have been , but that still couldn't stop her from wondering . " and i'm not saying i don't accept your apology i just need to know what happened . "
she gives aria a skeptical look at the insistence that she wasn’t a shitty friend . it’s not exactly true . she disappeared . up and left without as much uttering a word to anyone . in hindsight , it was what she thought was best . but it was also a selfish decision on her part . she had people who cared about her . and she doubted her family would’ve even explained her disappearance . likely would’ve said she decided to take an extended vacation or whatever . anything to save face that they have a daughter who up and joined the military of all things .
“ i’m sorry , ” she says again . “ and i do trust you ! it was … an impulsive decision . i didn’t really tell anyone . it just happened . ” despite dahlia’s attempt to keep a neutral facade to try and explain her situation without getting too caught up , the sea of emotions were ever present in her eyes . “ and i know that’s a terrible excuse but it just happened so fast and the next thing i know i was hopping from one impulsive thing to another but … i was safe . ” she understands where the redhead is coming from . the absolute worst could have happened to her . and joining the navy ? depending on the person , it could have been the absolute worst !
that single tear was all it took for dahlia to instinctively reach out and gently grasp aria’s hand . a subtle gesture of comfort . after years of being away , she didn’t think their friendship would be back to where it was . “ i was safe , ” she repeats , smiling reassuringly . “ i know it’s drastic and sounds ridiculous when i say it out loud but i ended up joining the navy . SEALs actually … uhm , ” she’ll awkwardly clear her throat before continuing . again , it’s always been a little odd talking about it . but that’s for dahlia to work through . “ did two tours and now i’m in private security . so uh , that’s where i’ve been . is there anything else you wanna know ? ”
rio looked over to where dahlia was looking , her shoulders stiffening slightly at the sentiment she shared . they scoffed in agreement . “ a ring and all that money spent to have a photo album collect dust on a shelf with a frozen cake topper haunting the back of your freezer for who knows how long ? ” they shook their head in disapproval as the one in white wrapped their arms around their partner . but god , do they look happy . “ it's a bragging game . prestige and all that bullshit wrapped in a vera wang dress and hundred thousand dollar flower arrangements . ”
“ people actually keep the cake topper ? ” she’ll scoff and shake her head . “ and here i was thinking people just tossed it at the end of the reception . ” and despite her … apprehensions about weddings and by proxy , marriages , dahlia can’t help but keep her eyes on that random couple . “ oh totally especially with certain crowds . ” ( ie. the upper east side social scene ) “ don’t forget agonizing over cake flavors and deciding if making the tiers a different flavor is worth it . but the bigger the wedding , the bigger the budget . it’s stupid . the day’s supposed to be about the couple but the guests make it about themselves . it’s just not worth the trouble . or the tax benefits . ”
"no, hello? it'd be like, totes romantic to be proposed to on the day of love, surrounded by my literal signature color." plus, she'd rather die than be proposed to on a day that's supposed to be solely hers. it's the one thing she's ever really had. for her own. not having to share it with anyone or anybody. "i mean, it like, probably won't be my first or last proposal either, y'know?"
with an answer like that , she expected nothing less from paige . the younger woman’s entire brand is pink and a babydoll aesthetic with a twist . “ it’s more of a lesser of two evils for me . ” but again , dahlia has no such option as her almost proposal was ARRANGED by her parents . “ so you’re saying it’ll do as an in between proposal ? ” dahlia jests . “ how many proposals do you expect to turn down ? ”
＊ 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥 ›› @lovesues
＊ 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ›› dahlia & winnie
＊ 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 ›› central park , manhattan
“ i won’t lie , i don’t think i’d ever do security for events . no amount of money will change my mind . one of my buddies came out TRAUMATIZED because he was working security for a taylor swift concert . and he was covering for another friend . swifties really are something else , huh ? ”
＊ 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗥 ›› @fieldsides
＊ 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ›› dahlia & rio
＊ 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 ›› central park , manhattan
“ weddings are such a scam . ” dahlia can’t help but comment as she spots a wedding shoot happening in a distance . “ but i guess that’s why it’s a billion dollar industry . ” don’t even get her started about her own gripes with marriage !
“ how many weddings have you officiated ? is there some sort of MLS for that ? i’ve always been curious because imagine searching through that and choosing you at random . even better is if they don’t know who you are think that you’re just some guy . ”
“ i’m saying this as a rich person but god some of these rich people are something else . ” and dahlia usually has a better hold on complaining about clients . but this might be the last time she covers for a friend . “ clients who give the silent treatment or the dramatic ones that want attention ? i can handle . but the spoiled and entitled ones ? migraine inducing . ”
“ proposing on valentine’s days is boring. tasteless. shameless… but that’s a lot better than proposing on your birthday. imagine, what if you call it quits? maybe we weren’t meant to me bullshit, yada yada, and then it’s your birthday— your day, mind you! but you can’t help but be reminded that your day was supposed to be your anniversary with your now ex-fiancee? thus remembering the downfall to your relationship? …and if someone has ever proposed on their partner’s birthday, i hope that they have acquired some shame. or that they’ve been together since then. ”
“ don’t forget selfish ! like come on , at least let them have their day before you pop the question . and like you said , worst comes to worst and the relationship doesn’t work out ? yikes . it’s passable to hate valentine’s day . that’s pretty much a prerequisite for half the people who live in new york . but to hate your own birthday or not want to celebrate it because of a failed relationship ? god … i’d want to change my birthday . ”
tips of her ears feel hot , smug look on dahlia's face only further confirming that she clearly felt apathetic the way she'd left things between them . " pretty sure i just said i have no interest in talking to you , " she huffs , coping with the hurt that tightens in her chest by lying right through her teeth . of course she wanted to talk , spent months , maybe even a year imagining what it'd be like if she were to ever see her again , calculating the things she'd say , hopeful for the opportunity to receive an explanation she didn't think she'd ever get ⸻ now , the moment has finally come , and all those thoughts have completely melted from her mind . bottom lip is softly bitten with her teeth , can already feel a faint , hot sting creeping up the back of her eyes ⸻ maybe the wound is still a lot fresher than she'd like to believe . " not even a goodbye , dahl ? seriously ? " the hurt in her voice is evident , arms folded across her chest as she finally finds the courage to let their eyes meet . " i mean , like . . . what happened ? "
she clenches her jaw . dahlia should say something to at least defend herself from aria’s wrath but she knows that no explanation can make up for disappearing from the younger woman’s life for years . now that she’s back , she made no attempt to reach out . and yes , she knows it’s a shitty thing to do . but how does one reach out after disappearing for over a decade ? it was selfish of her to leave without so much as telling anyone . and there’s a lot she should’ve done after leaving new york . and part of dahlia regrets not trying harder to keep in touch . but it was easier to avoid all reminders of her former life in new york and start fresh .
features soften at the look on aria’s face as she asks what happened . “ look i –– ” pauses to take a breath . “ ari , i’m sorry . for leaving without saying goodbye . for not reaching out . and just being a shitty friend . ” she was never one for waxing poetics when it came to apologies . it was always better to be concise , succinct and mean it .
she averts her gaze momentarily , trying to think of a way to explain the events leading up to her departure . “ it’s no excuse … ” she starts , turning to look back at her friend . “ but it was just a lot . my grandfather died . my parents were well –– you know how they are . uhm , long story short , they were trying to run my life . dictate what i studied . who i dated . who i’ll marry . ” she swallows the lump forming in her throat . “ they told me i’d be marrying someone i barely knew let alone started dating . god … it’s stupid when i say it out loud , ” she admits , letting out a dry laugh . “ but it’s why i left . again , it’s no excuse but that’s what happened . i don’t even think my parents know i’m back in town . ” or maybe they do but she’s reached the point in her life where she’s stopped caring about what they think . “ anyway , that’s what happened . you don’t have to forgive me or accept my apology . i’ve been a terrible friend . you deserve an explanation . ”
“ woah , wait , hold up — there’s a bad time for proposals ? i always figured the big no - no was just popping the question in front of a crowd , you know ? like … for real , imagine saying ‘ no ’ with all those eyes on you . but you know … on valentine’s … sounds pretty rad to me , actually . it’s all about love anyway , right ? so it kinda sets the stage . but … no public proposals . that’s just embarrassing . ”
“ i think public proposals are dependent on the person . some people love it . some people hate it . so long as it’s not an inconvenience to the general public then it’s not too bad in my opinion . ” and far better than an arranged engagement set up by family . but she digresses . “ okay but think about it this way lu , would you want to be proposed to on EASTER ? that’s how some people feel about being proposed to on valentine’s day . ”
"i know you ain't eavesdropping right now," gemma said with a giggle. she pondered for a short moment, already knowing her answer. "oh, neither. those are both horrible choices. first of all, there's already gonna be like a hundred other proposals on valentine's day, zero points for creativity and personalization. they better not even think of doin' it in a crowded restaurant on top of that. and my birthday? absolutely not. that's my day. put some real effort and thought into it, don't try to piggyback off another big day." gemma shook her head and took a long sip of her mimosa. "that reminds me of this girl i saw on tiktok a while ago, she had a list of what not to do for whenever any future partner may potentially be ready to propose. i don't remember everything on the list, but it was valid points. i gotta find it again, and then make my own list."
“ it’s technically not eavesdropping if they’re being loud enough to draw attention to themselves . i think they should do us the courtesy and speak up if they wanna make it that public , ” dahlia winks . “ all valid points . it’s not really a romantic notion to do it on valentine’s day of all days . imagine sharing an engagement anniversary with a day dedicated to love . it’s giving … bare minimum , ” she tuts and shakes her head . “ and no hate to anyone who prefer it , i just know that’s not for me and it’s a red flag if my future partner does that . ” she grimaces and reaches for the bottle of champagne to fill up her glass . “ i remember seeing that too ! i support you . and it’s not wrong to know what you want , y’know ? having that list is more of a reminder . and a bit of a red flag detector . so why wait to find that video ? might as well start brainstorming now . ”
" well, i like to do the games for the experience, and not for the prizes, " ishika says like the liar she is. she finds competition in the smallest things, even carnival games aren't safe. " i've actually never been to a carnival. not like this, anyway. have you won anything yet ? is it worth it ? "
“ you’re probably the first person i’ve ever heard say that , ” dahlia admits with a light laugh . are ishika’s words true ? who’s to say ? there are people who really just live in the moment . “ really ? ” she asks in intrigue . “ what kind of carnivals have you been to if you don’t mind me asking ? i won a prize at the shooting range . it’s really not worth the money but hey , it’s worth the experience . ”
she doesn't even bother stopping herself from rolling her eyes , the smile on dahlia's face only serving to further sour her attitude as their cabin lifts them into the air . " yea , i wonder who's fault that is , " clearly aria's still salty ⸻ but to be fair , who wouldn't be after their so - called - best -friend up and left without so much as saying a goodbye ? the ride comes to it's first pause when they're only a few feet off the ground , her head turned to look out at the view from the side though really she's just doing anything in her power to avoid making any eye contact . " i mean seriously , is that really want you want to lead with ? " an apology would've been more fitting in her opinion . " you know what , actually , can we just not talk ? you seem to be pretty good at that these days so it shouldn't be a problem for you . "
aria’s attitude towards her isn’t unwarranted . in fact , dahlia wasn’t anticipating a warm welcome . then again , she wasn’t expecting to be back in the city long term but it was bound to happen either way . after all , she did go AWOL without so much as a notice to most of the people in her life . and maybe it was her way of appeasing her guilt she supposes . head turns to look at the view , letting her gaze settle on the horizon for a moment before turning back to face the younger woman . “ anything else ? ” keeps her tone neutral and expression passive . “ you have an issue with me so let it all out . ” she’s heard worse . and yes , she owes aria an apology . but somehow , an apology doesn’t feel like enough to make up for years of no contact .
