Even Strays Find A Home

[errantesadas]

(roberta colindrez / 40 / non-binary, she/they) METZLI BERNAL has been in Eden Ros for 3 years, and is from TEOCALTICHE, JALISCO, MEXICO. They are 161 and work at MUERTARTE as a GALLERIST. Rumor has it, they’re a VAMPIRE associated with LOS SOMBRAS (only in Mexico, which they are exiled from). They are HONEST and PATIENT, but also STOIC and UNSETTLING. (jojo / 29 / cst / infidelity)

Headcanons

Born in 1865, Metzli’s peculiarities and tendency for outbursts when overstimulated caused them to be ostracized from their community due to the superstitious nature of the area. They were thought to be cursed or possessed by a demon, leaving them to mostly fend for themself as their parents kept them at arm’s length, and later, their brother Kabil did as well.

Both Metzli and their brother Kabil were changed together. Falling easily for their sire’s teachings due to the neglect in their childhood, Metzli found a place and a family within Los Sombras, becoming a respected and often terrifying member. Kabil on the other hand saw through their sire’s manipulations and coordinated a coup that failed. Metzli has severed ties with their brother and has fled the faction.

To mitigate their oversensitivity to stimuli and remove their empathy, their sire removed their heart. They have it with them, but can’t find the courage to put it back, unsure of what kind of person will be waiting for them.

From childhood, Metzli has always enjoyed the arts. They are skilled in painting and sketching, and spent most of their free time after becoming a vampire studying art history. This led them to opening a gallery with their newfound freedom from the faction. They like to pretend they still feel a spark inside when painting, living vicariously through the patrons that attend the painting classes they hold in the gallery.

[ameliaharfield]

Molly watched as their hand came to their sideburn. The words that followed caught her off guard. Thread density was an awfully specific term for someone to casually know. "Thread density?" She questioned with a quirk of her brow. Her own hand brought her cup of coffee to her lips and she sipped. Her gaze didn't waver.

"Most people are just aware of the thread count." She said it matter-of-factly because it was true, and then she couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm impressed." And the fabric at hand did have appear to have a nice density. It might be the sort of fabric one would wear on a day like today - something breathable, leaving you feeling covered but not smothered by the fabric.

Then Molly nodded. "I do enjoy fabrics, actually." She'd never been asked that question before, but she liked it. "No one's ever asked me that before. It's always, 'oh do you like clothes?' or 'do you like to sew?' It's never about the fabric. And I swear there are projects that I've abandoned because I didn't care much for the fabric. And that's not really fair to the fabric. Not that I think that fabric has feelings or anything." What the hell was that, Molly? she thought to herself. She was sure she could feel a blush blooming across her cheeks in embarrassment from her rambling. So she sighed and shook her head. "Do you like fabric?"

[errantesadas]

"Oh--well..." Metzli shrugged, chuckling awkwardly. "I have many custom suits made. I'm very particular about what fabrics are used since I'm sensitive to textures."

They stood a little straighter then, gaining more confidence. It was a relief to know their idiosyncrasies hadn't turned the woman off. The last thing they needed was a reason to make themself disappear. Especially when the conversation was beginning to become interesting.

"Then I suppose my next question may annoy you because now I wonder if you do sew." The corner of their lips lifted gently and they looked down with a mixture of anxiety and amusement. "I do like fabric, though. Not my preferred medium, but I enjoy learning about people's art. Is fabric yours?"

[moss-ontherocks]

Morgan made a mental note to ask Kevin his assessment of the rat later. She was sure having a pet rat wasn't as big a deal as she was making it out to be (was it any weirder or more traumatic than a hamster?), but she was old-fashioned that way.

"No, she won't keep it. We'll get it back to you. I'll have to wake her up to go home in a bit anyways," she insisted. Morgan knew Charlie would sleep pretty soundly (and ironic choice of word) with her implant turned off. She wished she could better understand how her daughter heard the gentle crash of waves, the robust snapping of the bonfire burrowing through the last of its fresh firewood. Thousands of miles across the world and these noises reminded her of home. She wondered how Charlie felt in the moments where the living world should make noise, but all was stillness. "She has her own art books at home I'm sure she'd love to share with you as well. Maybe next time you two will have to compare notes."

Metzli's words caught Morgan off guard as she gently brushed a sand-matted lock of the girl's curls away from her face. She stared at her companion wordlessly for a moment before a small sob of surprise escaped her. First, it was the notion of someone, unprompted, reassuring her. Being a single parent was hard, and protecting two children (even if one was a grown adult) was even harder. But Metzli offered answers to the questions Morgan was too afraid to ask, about their scars. Their words caught heavy in the woman's chest.

"Oh. Metzli, I am so sorry. I don't... I can't imagine... I'm so sorry," she sniffled. "I hope I wasn't... I didn't mean to stare, if that's why..."

[errantesadas]

"Do you have to? She looks...peaceful." And Metzli would hate to disturb her. In some strange way, it was healing a part of them they hadn't known was still festering. The way Morgan clearly loved her daughter, and loved Kevin too gave Metzli a sense of relief. They'd passed by many families in their lifetime, but the feeling was always the same because there was distinct proof that not all children had love dangled out of reach.

"No, I--um..." Metzli shifted in their seat uncomfortably, but didn't make a fuss over the way Morgan's emotions were foreign to them. She was a mother. Not only that, she was doing it all alone. All they could do was imagine how emotional it would be to know that even if you'd made mistakes, you weren't a failure. Furthermore, given how easily Morgan offered her sympathies, Metzli could gather she was crying for the parent they never got to be and the child they never got to know.

Likely going so far as to hurt for the concept if Charlie had been taken away. But that was all assumption in a mind that could only work with such things. Metzli didn't have the burden of those emotions.

"I should be sorry. It wasn't you. I didn't even notice you had stared. Nayeli is just...she is on my mind when I see families. I'm sorry I made you cry."

[thickdickgrayson]

titans (2018–)

[moss-ontherocks]

"Okay... we're pretty used to drunks at the bar, but, still. Glad you got to meet him, though," she said, allowing her heartrate to settle somewhat. "Kevin is just the sweetest young man. He's like the son I never had, and Charlie's big brother." If he really was in danger, she hoped he would call her. Metzli was right, it was probably fine.

"A corpse reviver isn't too sweet, all things considered. And I know it's controversial, but I like Irish whiskey," Morgan admitted, lowering her voice as if she'd get jumped by the mob for saying so. If Kevin was getting harassed by drunks, there was a strong possibility...

Morgan's eyes drifted over to where her daughter's posture had grown heavy with sleep. She smiled. "Looks like the Sandman came to collect. I knew she couldn't stay up all night, but she put up a very, very good effort." The mother noted that Charlie had turned off her implant as well. Hopefully that meant she'd stay asleep. "I'll get your sketchbook back from her before we go, I promise. I'm just going to finish this tea. I'm a little more accustomed to these late nights because of the bar anyways."

[errantesadas]

"He seemed that way, yes. His dog Saturn, too. She and Tino met." It was an endearing moment, and sharing a few more with Kevin ended up being something Metzli needed more than they thought.

If he was connected to Morgan, then Metzli hoped they could all cross paths at once, if only to see the family dynamic in action. Judging by the way Morgan spoke of him and how she interacted with Charlie, it seemed to them that she had managed to create a family that was all but foreign to the vampire. At least by experience. They'd wished on many a star for anything like what they were witnessing, but that was a lot of pressure to put on something long dead.

Seeing Morgan smile made the ghost of something shift inside them and forget about the cocktail conversation. Almost heavy, but not quite able to take full shape. "I...she can keep it. Call it a peace offering." Without their heart, Metzli would never be burdened by what they were really feeling at the sight. Still, even the logic made the truth spill easier than they would have liked.

"You're a good mother. Charlie, she...she looks happy. Safe." Metzli locked their gaze with Morgan for a moment, smiling flatly and then looking back at Charlie. "Looking at her makes me wonder what my...my daughter looks like." Or looked. It'd been well over a century. Even if Los Sombras didn't get to where she was taken, her life ended a long time ago. "My parents, um," They watched the rise and fall of Charlie's chest, recalling the first breaths they watched Nayeli take. "They took her away from me."

Why couldn't they shut up?

[ameliaharfield]

It was only after her quiet remark that she even realized someone had appeared next to her, reaching for the same fabric. She felt what she swore was a chill, but then again it was Scotland. Despite growing up here, she was having to readjust to the weather. June was hot in New York. Here? It was unpredictable.

"Oh, really, it's okay. No need to apologize." Molly figured she was the one who needed to apologize as she had been so consumed by the material before her and the memories it surfaced that she hadn't been paying attention to the very real world around her.

She gave a shrug as the fabric slipped between her fingers and turned to face the source of the voice. Standing at a mere 5' 7", she had to tilt her neck a bit to properly see their face and she couldn't help but smile flatly as she took note of their posture. They truly thought they'd disturbed her. "I was.. off in a world of my own. No worries." She wanted to reassure them, even though she didn't really know why she wanted to do so.

"You have a good eye." She added and then nodded towards the piece of fabric. And then she kind of wanted to roll her eyes at herself for being so corny, but she couldn't help it.

[errantesadas]

Even with the woman's reassurances, Metzli's posture remained the same. They knew their disturbance was okay, but now there was a new discomfort to handle. A social interaction with a total stranger.

"Not a good eye." They took a deep breath, scratching their sideburn idly before gesturing awkwardly at the fabric. "Just a good touch. The...thread density is ideal."

Metzli didn't deal with fabric outside of wearing it, but it did take extensive research to find the right materials they could wear comfortably for a work day. And that fabric in particular would be something they could imagine wearing. The weight and texture of it would be pleasant and calming. Anything lighter would brush against their skin too lightly.

"Do you enjoy fabric?" Stupid question. Their social inexperience was surely evident.

[moss-ontherocks]

Morgan could already see the gears turning behind her daughter's eyes at the thought of a rat who could do tricks. Star wasn't so much a performer -- she knew the basics of good behavior, but wasn't going to jump through any hoops for Charlie, even if treats were promised.

Charlie nodded and returned to reading the sketchbook, perhaps scanning it for inspiration that could spark some ideas for scenes with Tino.

"Yeah, Kevin. That's him -- why, is everything okay?" Morgan hadn't seen him for a little bit, but they checked in a few times during the day. Surely everything was fine, Metzli had just met another notable American mingled in among the local crowds. A smile twitched over her lips as Metzli affirmed her own perspective on remembrance. She wondered many questions she dared not ask as their eyes fluttered to her daughter. Morgan didn't know Metzli well enough to make educated guesses, but they seemed to possess an air of sadness. Regret? Something that kept them stern and withdrawn. Maybe they weren't friends yet, maybe they never would be.

"Well, I'm not going to pressure anyone to drink if they don't want. But I do have some fun ones on the menu. I also do have straight spirits, but I'm still learning which local ones are best. Everyone has opinions about that here, who'd've thunk?"

[errantesadas]

Inspiration shined behind Charlie's eyes, and if Metzli wasn't so empty, they would've been excited. They knew that look. They saw it in nearly every artist they welcomed into MuertArte. If Charlie kept it up, and Metzli sincerely hoped she would, they'd be lucky to watch a short film by her.

"Everything is okay, don't worry." Metzli waved at Morgan's concern. "Just a brief encounter with a drunk, but no harm. Only a nuisance." They assured kindly, noticing the small twitch in Morgan's expression. It was minute and almost indiscernable in that dim light, in the warmth that danced a mixture of orange and yellows on her face, but Metzli didn't miss it. They just didn't understand why she gave them that look.

"I like a good drink," They clarified. "I just don't always enjoy the sweeter drinks. If you're the bartender though, I'll trust your judgement and give one a try. I'll try your favorite local scotch too." And it actually seemed like fun. Metzli had only been to a handful of local business, normally opting to enjoy their time at home. As it turned out, their employee had been right. Going out suddenly wasn't a mistake.

"Do you--" Oh. Metzli's attention was taken from the conversation as they noticed Charlie's head tilt sleepily. They chuckled, "I think someone decided it was bedtime."

[mdmfwnwb-deactivated20240908]

[ameliaharfield]

Who: open! Where/When: Summer Solstice Festival Market, just after noon

Molly had a slow morning at home - those had become one of her most sacred routines since returning to Eden Ros. The first few weeks she felt uneasy despite being able to move back to her childhood home. The space felt enormously empty without Gale. But six months later, Molly had managed to begin to create something for herself in the cottage, around all of her mother's belongings. It was nice, or a "new" kind of nice that Molly had become accustomed to. She still felt like she was living in a shell of who she had been for the last thirty years away.

Finally, after lunch she mustered up the courage to head out to the Solstice Jubilee. A bundle of nerves seemed to settle in the pit of her stomach as she walked down main drag towards the start of a row of vendors. It was odd, feeling like such a stranger in one's hometown. Molly had moments that had her second guessing her choice to return altogether, but she'd rather cease to exist than chance running into Roger back in New York. This was one of her first big outings since returning - outside of a few nights in local pubs or burying herself (sometimes literally) in her work at Figheadair. Perhaps the nerves didn't have to make sense, and maybe a warm drink would help.

After a short meander down a row Molly found a food truck serving coffee. She ordered a Cortado and continued on her way, backtracking to a few of the vendor booths she had slipped past while in search of her beverage. It was no surprise that she found herself spending more time than she realized at a booth selling textiles and woven goods. With her coffee in one hand, her free hand reached out to touch a patchwork shawl. It was soft. "My mother wore one just like this when I was a kid." She spoke to no one in particular, and truly she hadn't meant to speak the thought aloud at all. Great - now she was talking to herself, she thought.

[errantesadas]

After checking in on a few of the students who'd taken the plunge and set up a tent, Metzli took to admiring other vendors. There were a few things that caught their eye, and many others that engulfed their sense of smell. It was easy to get lost in it, to become captured by how a real community worked and came together for an entire event.

Back in Mexico, Metzli could recall similar occasions, on a smaller scale. A weekly market called a tianguis where you could find anything. From the bootleg movies Metzli enjoyed so much, to off brand action figures, to entire machines. Eden Ros wasn't Mexico, but it certainly had become home.

In their musing, Metzli had wandered into a stall full of colorful fabric, and as someone who enjoyed soft textures, the vampire grazed several items. They even enjoyed the stiffer items, intrigued by the rigidity of the weave. Humming to themself, Metzli went for the next item, accidentally brushing another woman's hand.

"O-oh." They took a step back, posture going as rigid as the fabric they'd just admired a moment before. "I'm...sorry."

[moss-ontherocks]

Morgan was struck by the tenderness of the diminutive, though she recognized Charlie might not know the word. "[It's a good thing,]" she further clarified for her daughter, who nodded. The woman looked at the phone screen as it was proffered in her direction. Clearly the rat meant a lot to Metzli, and Morgan could kind of see the way in which he could be considered cute... but all she could think of was a health code violation if she saw anything else like Tino in her bar.

Charlie, thankfully, was more accepting. "[He's cute,]" she said. "[Do you think he would be okay being on camera? My storyboards are for movies.]"

Morgan laughed, having known it was only a matter of time before Charlie had another movie idea. In another year's time, she expected half of the population of Eden Ros to be featured in one of the girl's films. "We'll discuss Dino -- no, wait, Tino -- Tino's contract another time," she informed Metzli.

"Yeah, a year. Time flies, I guess. My 46th birthday was earlier this month actually. Charlie turned 10 in March, and Kev's birthday is next month," Morgan said, unsure of why she was giving away all their information. "Y'know. Little anniversaries keep popping up. Lots of 'firsts' in Eden Ros have come and gone now, but I still don't want to take anything for granted. But, yes, you're welcome to come by the bar any time -- but only if you're not stopping by out of pity." She nodded and chuckled a little.

"I'll mix you anything you want to drink."

[errantesadas]

Metzli nodded in agreement, hoping the sentiment hadn't been soured by their lack of further explanation. They made a mental note to approach the language barriers more thoroughly and to be as clear as possible. As well as the need to study ASL with a little more discipline.

"At least one of you has taste." Metzli joked, leaning toward Charlie to give her a nod. "He knows tricks and can solve puzzles. He enjoys the courses of obstacles a lot too." Now, could Tino be a star? If they went based off of the way he filled Metzli's camera roll, the answer could be yes, but only a director of film could be the true judge. "I'll make sure to circle back with you on that, okay, chiquita?"

Metzli listened along and looked at Morgan at the mention of her birthday, then to Charlie at the mention of hers, and then they tilted their head doggishly at the name Kev. "Short for Kevin? And he...has a cane?" Though the town was small, an American accent stood out, which led Metzli to believe the young man they'd just met hours ago could be the very one Morgan was talking about.

"That's a good philosophy. Moments are fleeting. Seconds and thirds, and even twentieths are important." Metzli relaxed into their seat and slipped their hand over their exposed stomach, eyeing Charlie gently. She was about the age Nayeli would've been when Metzli died. "I don't do pity." Metzli interrupted their thoughts, gaze still lingering on Charlie. "I don't normally drink cocktails, but I'll try one of yours." They looked at Morgan, expression the softest it'd ever been since they'd met. "Normally I'm more of a scotch sipper. Or tequila."

[moss-ontherocks]

"Sore winner?" She repeated with incredulity once more. "No, I'm nothing if not gracious. But a winner? Tell that to the landlord."

Charlie took Metzli's sketch book and handed her cocoa over to her mother, signing [thank you] to the stranger-no-more. Morgan tucked it into the cupholder arm of her own beach chair. The girl settled into her own seat, which was more low slung, and bowed her head over the pages, a curtain of wavy brown hair falling in front of her face. The flowered braids Allie had done earlier were since undone, messed up by a dip in the ocean, now drying with a familiar saltiness.

Morgan raised an eyebrow at Metzli as she lowered herself into her chair. "Pet rat? Interesting choice." Perhaps Morgan's last choice, personally. That or a snake. A snake to which a rat was probably dinner instead, huh? "Um, yeah. It's good," she said, having to think about it. Statistics of how many businesses failed in their first three years bounced behind her eyeballs. "We're celebrating a year in business next week. You should come by, I'll be running discounts on drinks and everyone gets a free token to play the arcade games. It's not much, but I wanted to thank the people in the community who have helped reassure me this wasn't the..." Morgan paused, looking to see Charlie still distracted with the sketchbook.

[Dumbest decision of my life,] she signed and mouthed wordlessly, unsure of Metzli's ASL fluency.

[errantesadas]

Metzli chuckled with a nod. Morgan had a decent point. Under capitalism, was anyone really a winner?

"You're welcome, chiquita." They paused and blinked several times, unsure where that came from, but they didn't fight it. Charlie had endeared them, it seemed. "It means small one." Metzli clarified before rolling their eyes at Morgan's comment and retrieving their phone. There was a picture of them with Tino in their hair as their lock screen.

"He is clean and very smart." They presented the screen for a moment to Morgan, and then to Charlie, a clear expression of adoration on their face for the only friend they really had. Though they supposed Kore could count considering all the times they'd both worked in silence together.

"A year?" That was no easy feat. Metzli was going to hit a year themself in a few months, but they didn't have much at stake like Morgan did. They were an immortal vampire with wealth that was easily acquired with a few compulsions. "You should be proud. Doing the impossible has its own rewards, but persistence offers more. If you are sure, I would be happy to visit."

[aboywithacane]

He had managed to find a spot at the very edge of a planter as the sun was setting, with a good vantage point of where they would light the bonfire. Kevin mistakenly believed that the beach might empty out as it got later, with some of the younger participants going home but it mostly seemed like more and more people kept joining.

Kevin pulled his cane flush up against his body, trying to keep it from sticking out and interfering with foot traffic, but as his phone buzzed in his pocket, he fumbled with it briefly, and it snagged the foot of a passing man, making him slosh his beer over the front of his shirt. "Fuckin'-"

Immediately, Saturn's hackles rose at his aggressive tone, planting her body between Kevin and the man. Judging by his ruddy complexion, that was not his first beer, and he quickly looped his fingers around Saturn's collar to keep her under closer control. "Sor-" He didn't even get his apology out before the man spoke over him, telling him to train his dog better.

At first, Kevin didn't hear the stranger come up to them, the anxiety rising in his throat at the confrontation. But then they spoke again, this time pulling the man out of Kevin's face, and he flicked his gaze over to them. "Uh... hi, it's-" He was about to say it was okay out of habit when it was decidedly not, and he swallowed the words before they came out of his mouth. "Thanks?"

[errantesadas]

Metzli didn't acknowledge the gratitude, keeping their focus on the drunk. The unpredictability of his movements made him dangerous. Not to them, but to the more human company behind the vampire.

"Leave." They commanded firmly, dropping the man the mere inch they'd brought him up from. He grunted and yelled some more, giving Metzli a good shove that didn't make them budge. His eyes widened and he stumbled back, falling with little grace. Seemingly embarrassed, he wordlessly fled, rubbing at his behind.

For a few moments, Metzli remained still, watching and waiting until the man was out of sight to regard the stranger behind them. "Are you okay?" Their brow was arched and Tino was sniffing at the air from Metzli's curls, and they retrieved him from there to make sure he wasn't too stressed. With a few pets to his head, they looked at the young man again, taking note that his dog was not just a pet, but a hard worker.

"I hope he didn't stress her out too much. Tino didn't like him either."

[moss-ontherocks]

Okaaay. Maybe Metzli wasn't so much the joking type. They weren't unkind, but Morgan wondered if there was maybe some sort of cultural disconnect between the both of them, relative foreigners as far as Eden Ros was concerned. Or maybe Metzli was sensitive about their missing arm -- a detail Morgan was doing her best to commit to memory, but sometimes forgot in between their brief meetings. Would a "wrong foot" remark be pushing things too much now?

Thankfully, they spoke kindly to Charlie. Morgan could tell her daughter was exhausted from the day's events, the sheer amount of hearing a social event like this required. The bartender's eyes fluttered over to Metzli and caught sight of marks on their abdomen -- at first they appeared like scar tissue, glistening against the firelight. But then another thought occurred to her, a phantom tug at Morgan's own stomach, which bore the marks of stretched skin, surgical scars, and other signs of life. Signs of carrying life. She blinked hard, questions washing forward on her tongue like the tides. A hot gulp of tea forced all those notions deep inside her.

"Oh, we can, can we?" Morgan smiled. It was still cheeky, a bit of a joke. Really, they weren't enemies either. She wasn't sure what they were, other than two individuals carrying unspoken pain, trying to make a living. To make a life. "[Metzli owns an art gallery near the bar,]" she informed Charlie.

The girl sipped her cocoa before asking, "[Do you draw? I am learning to do storyboards.]"

[errantesadas]

"Yes, we can. Unless you're a sore winner?" Metzli quipped back, brow raising as playfully as they could display. They weren't very good at the expression part, but they knew they had to make more of an effort with humans than they did with their family in Mexico. For added measure, Metzli smirked, though it barely reached their eyes. It wasn't disingenuous. Just not practiced.

"Gallery, yes. Your mother got the building I had my eye on, and then I had to pick the one I'm in now." Nodding, a spark of connection arched both of Metzli's brows and they reached into their pocket to retrieve the small sketchbook they kept on them.

"I do draw." They knelt down and offered the small thing to small hands, eyes softening in their subconscious attempt to reach something in a heart that was no longer in their chest. Nothing. Their grasp fell short, but their eyes remained gentle. "You will be able to find my pet rat Tino in there, along with other things that catch my eye. Not storyboarding, but stories in their own way."

Metzli looked back at Morgan and they stood for a moment to grab a nearby chair. They planted it next to Morgan and watched as Charlie perused. "How is the bar coming along? Good, I hope."

[belligerently]

wow called out

[moss-ontherocks]

Morgan playfully scoffed despite herself as Metzli extended their damp hand. "Did your right hand go for a midnight swim?" She smiled and tried not to be rude as she wiped her own hand on her pants leg. "It's okay. We're at a beach, we're going to get wet and sandy."

She went to respond just as the girl in question walked back. "[Thanks sweetie]," Morgan said and signed as she took the steaming tea. Not her usual drink of choice, but odds were a coffee at this hour would really keep her up in a way she didn't need. The woman turned to the gallerist and nodded, smiling. "Yes. Charlotte, but we've always called her Charlie. She's 10, and up waaay past her bedtime."

Charlie's eyes widened with something like surprise and excitement at the sign of American Sign Language, a rare sight since moving to Eden Ros. Morgan watched her daughter weigh her tiredness, her shyness, and her desire to acknowledge the stranger.

[Hi, M-E-T-Z-L-I.] she signed back, thinking about trying to speak their name but growing self-conscious about it. [You know my mom?]

[errantesadas]

Metzli blinked a few times, brows twitching together brieflt. "No." They frowned, "I spilled my drink, and then you waved at me. Now we're here." Sighing, they decided to joke. "It isn't like my left hand can go for a swim anyway." They almost laughed, only letting out an amused huff from their nose. "Or was that not obvious?" Waving their half-limb, Metzli then grew still as they watched Morgan and Charlie interact.

Absently, they grazed the stretch marks on their stomach, unable to feel for what their parents did, but perfectly capable of recalling what it was like to carry Nayeli. Metzli swallowed hard and looked away from the mother and daughter. That memory was dead, and so were they.

"I suppose summer festivities call for a break in bedtime." Metzli made sure Charlie could see their lips, eyes returning to Morgan's. They were delighted to see Charlie wasn't put off by them, though they wished they knew more sign so they could include the girl more properly.

"Yes," They nodded, "Your mother and I were rivals. She..." Metzli looked at Morgan and then back at Charlie. "Beat me. But maybe we can be friends now." They didn't need friends, nor did they really want them, but for the sake of speaking to a child, Metzli would play the part.

[moss-ontherocks]

People had come and gone all day -- many familiar faces, many new ones. Morgan was actually glad she seemed to recognize a decent enough number and they recognized her in turn. It made her feel less like an obvious transplant. Aside from the accent, of course, but Eden Ros seemed to be a hub for all things strange. A girl from California being one of them.

The bonfire's light flickered still, not yet dimming embers despite the terribly late hour. A yawn escaped her as she scanned, noticing another familiar face in the orange glow, who almost looked away from her as fast as she noticed them. Morgan got up out of her beach chair and waved to Metzli Bernal.

She wanted to remain friendly with the fellow business owner, despite their initial real estate tensions. Maybe those were just on Morgan's end, as she worried about protecting Kevin and Charlie, not failing them halfway across the world with her half-baked idea to open a bar.

"Hi there, M-yawn-etzli. Oof, sorry. You want to come sit? You can take Charlie's chair for a minute."

[errantesadas]

Another wave went Metzli's way, and that time around, theg checked behind them to ensure they weren't mistaken once more. Then again, they actually recognized Morgan, and she went so far as to greet her former real estate opponent. She looked tired but happy, and that was a sort of relief for Metzli. As much of one as it could be to a numbed vampire.

"Hi." They greeted, walking over and shaking Morgan's hand politely. It was still wet from the tea they'd forgotten they spilled. "Oh...I apologize." Metzli wiped their hand on their pants, frustrated and grumbling in Spanish to themself.

"Charlie is your daughter, correct?" Their voice was monotone but not empty, and they made the extra effort to make genuine eye contact with Morgan. Then, as if on cue, her daughter returned, giving Metzli the opportunity to use the rudimentary sign language they'd practiced. They waved, and spoke as they slowly signed as best they could. [Hello, I am M-E-T-Z-L-I. Good to meet...you.]

[moss-ontherocks]

closed starter for @errantesadas where: Bheagain Beach beach during the solstice festival when: the tail end of the bonfire

There comes a time in every parent's life when they have to decide whether to be the fun parent or the responsible one. Morgan was now both, and somehow at the same time she was neither. But it was one special night, Charlie was on summer holiday, and Morgan wasn't quite done enjoying the beach festivities just yet. So the girl could stay up way past her bedtime.

Sitting in the coastal darkness, warmth from the bonfire pressing into her skin, the bartender could close her eyes and almost imagine these were Californian sands. A hand on her shoulder made Morgan open her eyes, though. [Hey, Chacha] she signed and spoke. [Tired yet?]

[No. Just saw you falling asleep.]

Morgan smiled at the hint of a yawn, a tiny gulp of extra air Charlie took as she insisted on being awake enough to stay through the remainder of the festivities. It was getting pretty late, the last of the performances about ready to conclude. [You know what?] Morgan signed, grabbing a few bills from her pocket. [Will you go get me a tea? You want one more cocoa for the road? We'll head home soon.]

The girl nodded and scampered off. Morgan yawned and scanned the sands to see who all else was staying until the bitter end.

[errantesadas]

Metzli wished they could've brought Tino with them. Unfortunately for the awkward vampire though, rats didn't do well with sand. Furthermore, Metzli didn't want to overwhelm him further. By the end of the market, he had tucked himself into their hoodie pocket, small rat hands clinging onto their fingers any time they dipped their hand in for a pet.

So there Metzli stood, alone and off to the side like they were used to. It didn't feel good, but it at least felt familiar. It was good to get out, too. That's what their employee had told them after hours of convincing. They decided right there that they probably wouldn't take any advice from her again, taking a mock sip of the drink they were given and scanning the crowd.

That's when they spotted a total stranger waving happily at them. Metzli's back straightened and their eyes widened, hand raising to wave back politely only to spill the drink in their hand onto the leggings they'd spent so much time picking out to fight against the sand. They grumbled to themself, just then realizing that the woman wasn't waving at them, but a woman behind them.

"Weirdo," She muttered, passing them and joining her friend. Yeah, they thought, they weren't never going out again. It had been a stupid idea.