Goals/Desires: His primary and present goal is to make sure Desiree flourishes and thrives. Gianluca has some secondary goals pertaining to a five year plan that heâs been putting off for years. Heâs hoping to one day settle down, properly fall in love, start a family and be a much more present paternal figure than his father ever was. He also is hopeful in submitting a piece of art for a gallery viewing someday.Â
Likes & Dislikes:
Likes - Pasta, traveling, fresh lemonade, the smell of the sea, looking at someoneâs expression when theyâre receiving a heartfelt gift, seeing joy and gratitude in anyone who enjoys his floral arrangements, motorcycles, vintage cars.
Dislikes - Vodka, liars, rudeness, open mouth-chewers, squids, being pressured, finding cigarette ash on his floors when thereâs clearly trays all over the place.
Hogwarts House: Gryffindor
FAMILY
Parents: Stefano Nicoli (Estranged) and Cecilia Nicoli (Deceased)Â
Sibling(s): One older sister, one younger brother.Â
Pet(s): Ginger (Bordeaux Mastiff)
POTENTIAL CONNECTIONS:
The Ride or Die (1/1): This person knows Gianluca inside and out and has never once made a pass at him. As a result he knew this connection was far different than any fleeting connections heâs had on and off in the past and present. They fall into each others lives as easy as breathing, will often joke about how theyâre counterparts of each other but born into different cultures for the sake of being able to share that knowledge together. If something is amiss for either of them, they know how to respond accordingly. There is nothing that they wouldnât do for each other. (STATUSÂ Filled by: Mallory Hou)
The Business Associate/Confidante (1/1): Gianluca has been primed for business engagement since the tender age of 10. As a result he has knowledge of what it takes to run a successful business but there are still some things that arenât quite his strong points. This person fills in those gaps and then some. They encourage him to be at peace with what he knows rather than tossing it aside out of spite, they make him want to utilize what heâs learned rather than letting it fray away in vain. He highly respects this person and is glad that not all who go into business have greed, some have absolute heart, just as this person does. (STATUS Filled by: Julieta Betancourt)
The Platonic Soulmates (1/2): The bond that stands between this person and Gianluca is transcendent on a level that will mark him for the rest of his days. Gianluca grew up with a large family and because of his travels he often had to be without them though loved the aspect of being checked in on and checking in on them. This premise is the same for this person. There are a plethora of things that could bond them together such as hobbies, perhaps meeting at a sympathy/grief group, or perhaps just chatting along with each other on a constant basis at Desiree. All he knows is he feels good having them in his life, the comfort he feels makes Paris feel even more like a new home to him. (STATUS: Filled by: Adrien Cadieux [ One slot left ] )
The Muse (1/1): Most of Gianlucaâs art pieces are derived from family, friends, animals, walks of any life that have come in and out of his life. He studies enough to try to capture their essence, and itâs this persons essence that he simply cannot get enough of. He feels he can draw their features by memory, though will ask for the chance to use their likeness if theyâll allow him because there is something about them he cannot shake off, heâs more than delighted to continue to study them, he only hopes heâs granted the chance to show off his work. (STATUS: Filled by: Camille Andre)Â
The Chaotic Influences/Idiot Squad (1/3): Gianluca isnât always all business with virtually no fun, on the days that he does get to go cause some debauchery, these are the people he does so with. Whether itâs getting drunk and rowdy at bars or mooning people at landmarks and running from the police to evade repercussions, he finds that he is at his most boyish charm when heâs with this group. Granted, thereâs a part of him that wonders why he keeps agreeing to go out with them, thereâs just a part of him that canât help him. (STATUS: Filled by: Andrei Vulpe [Two Slots Left] )Â
The Set-Up (0/1): The idea of settling down has just recently come into Gianlucaâs radar, but heâs not much for dating apps and prefers to meet people organically. One of his friends insisted that this person would be a good match for him and so he agrees to go on a date with this person. The events of the date are open interpretation, it could have gone supremely well, supremely awkward, either way they both agreed to meet and now are leaving things to chance, especially with the mutual friend who set them up who cannot stop asking for updates. (STATUS: OPEN)Â
The Scorned One (0/1): No one in this world can say they were perfect, the same goes for Gianluca. Heâs not afraid of commitment but always knew what he was seeking at the time. When he met this person, he was never looking for anything serious. While they enjoyed a few weeks of regular routine, Gianluca could tell the other person was falling fast while he was still quite guarded. In order to not let it sink any further than it already had, he suggests that they stop seeing each other. He never knew the severity of that call, though will feel guilt once it comes to the surface. (STATUS: OPEN)Â
ETC: Always down for friends, flings, enemies, definitely siblings and family, and potential past, present, and future business partners! If Luca might fit into something, please donât hesitate to ask!Â
Bloodied, bruised and utterly spent, all Jean wanted was a drink. His ribs twinged every time he moved and his head spun with each new step to the bar but still he persisted. He wondered, in his state of bloodied pulp, if theyâd sell to him but it was a risk he was willing to take. Finally, he made it to the bar and gingerly took a seat and ordered his favorite. âOld Fashioned, please.âÂ
Heâd come to Le Rouge with the promise of a good time, yet he found himself looking in complete bewilderment with the rest of the crowd as a vaguely familiar yet bloodied face stepped up to the bar. The order was loud and crystal clear, but it did nothing to quell everyoneâs immediate curiosity, so Luca bit the bullet and asked, âWhat the fuck happened here?â He motioned for the bartender turn around in haste to make the drink as necessary, âMore importantly shouldnât you be seeking medical assistance or is this an avant garde way of healing?
     By now the brunette was sure the jests and jabs at his merriment and indulgence on the recent Hallmark holiday were getting old, if he was still plagued with sharp memories from that day at the festival. For lack of a better opening line Lena had gone for it as well, wanting to veer away from their brief history and how they came to know one another. Mostly for the fact that she was embarrassed about that night and the image she must have given off of herself. Had she been scared? Yes. Did she want to be taken as a damsel in distress to anyone? No. The last thing the bar owner desired was for anyone to get involved or become collateral damage in the escalating family drama. âMaybe,â she toyed and played along, a bit of a gleam in her dark eyes, âor a rogue imposter who makes cherubs look good.â
      âYour secret is safe with me.â Lips were zipped and Lena tossed away the key. âIâve been meaning to call you or shoot you a text in the least, things have just ââ been a little intense and troublesome. âI was wanting to thank you for that night properly, with a drink somewhere or maybe grab a coffee or lunch.â That was a few options, maybe a little too much to show her intentions were friendly and casual. The brunette was looking to make a friend, she felt alone. âDo you ship to the south? My mother has been staying in Nice and Iâd rather patron your shop, if itâs possible.â Now, more than ever, Lena felt as though she understood her mother.
Eyes fixated on the brunette in a gentle nature. At the very least, Lena appeared to be in better spirits then when they first ran into each other. There was an air about her that made him hyper aware that despite the one moment of fear, she had tenacity. It was in the very way she carried herself and whether it was for public appearances or any other reason, he knew not to question anything, not when his first priority was simply to have her know that he meant it when he said he would be there for her in the capacities sheâd need. Whether to protect or to just to check in, Luca knew he was always good for that. âIâm appreciative for your cooperation,â He teased in jest. âI donât trust just any random person with my secrets.â With a playful wink then, he canted his head to the side, listening to her reasonings as to why he hadnât heard from her. âI get it,â He said simply, hoping that the tone conveyed to Lena that he would never ask more than what she was willing to share. âBusiness can get to us in different ways doesnât it? You certainly donât have to thank me though, it was still my pleasure. Besides, what are newly made friends for?â Letting the moment sit for a moment, he grabbed for his order form and presented it to the woman. âI absolutely can get that sent to Nice. Might be good for me to take a day trip away as it is.â Luca began. âIs there anything in particular sheâs privy to?âÂ
The way his friend tensed and fell into a silent despair broke CaoimhĂn. Luca meant a lot to him and he hated to see his friend like this, especially when he had no way to help him, other than to be present and listen - that didnât feel like enough. âItâs okay,â he muttered softly, trying to remind Luca that whatever it was, he would be there with him through it.Â
When it came to those he loved, the irishman clung to them because he knew too well how quickly they could be taken from you, but even though that was how he felt, he didnât expect others to feel the same. His own experience didnât define the worldâs perspective on love and loss, but it did make him a touch enviable that others had the chance to change their fate, whereas his had already been decided five years ago. âYea, I remember you saying,â he said, listening as Luca opened up. The next words stung because he could hear and see the toll that decision had taken on Luca. âI know it might be hard to hear right now, but you were selfless in those actions, mate. I think we always need to let others decide what is best for them,â he paused to glance at his friend, as that might have been too honest.Â
âBut you had good intentions and in life thatâs all we can do⌠try to do good by others as best we can.â Blue eyes filled with compassion for his friend and he gave him a tight lipped smile, hoping what he said might help, but not sure that anything could really help the other man right now.Â
Whether it was the rawness of the situation or how many drinks theyâd already consumed, Luca felt gobsmacked when Finn had relayed to him that he thought he was being selfless. It was an ideation that he battled with for years now, wondering if he had truly made the right call. With Alya, he knew deep down she was everything that made sense in what he was looking for in his better half. She complimented him in ways that made him feel less like the drone he had been molded to become and more of the free spirit that his beloved mother had always hoped he could be. Thinking of how much she believed in him, how she stood by him, how every conversation still played back idly in his mind from time to time, it gutted him still. âSometimes I just feel like it was the wrong call, but then when I saw her again, it just-â He stopped short then.Â
A beat of silence fell between the two friends. Lucaâs brown eyes met with Finnâs piercing blues, and he couldnât help but offer him a half-hearted smile. âItâs just something Iâll have to cope with for the time being, isnât it? Everythingâs just in a such a murky area, every time I feel like Iâve got it figured out, something else happens. I even thought maybe this is just my reckoning with destiny,â A laugh fell from his lips then. âFeel free to tell me to shut up any time, weâre here for a good time arenât we?â He asked, before he apologetically followed it up with, âI didnât mean to bring the mood down.âÂ
How long had it been since sheâd occupied his mind, infiltrating every other thought? Since the chance encounter of her dropping into Desireeâ, what followed was a series of events that once again found Luca at a crossroad, one where Alya fit perfectly into place once more, but with so much left unsaid. Was it right for him to give her his number? Was it right for him to send her flowers? Was it right for him to text her and slowly get back into a new normal routine? He didnât realize how much heâd missed being in a semblance of a routine with her until everything seemed to pick up again. It wasnât back to where they were before no, but Luca couldnât help but feel that somehow the universe was giving him his third and final shot. Heâd once heard a customer talk about how incidences happened in threes, meeting Alya in university, seeing her again at a business event, to now? Heâd be a fool to say that things didnât happen by chance.Â
Which was why when a new chance came into fruition, one that had the florist wandering around in Palais-Bourbon for a delivery, he couldnât help but think to himself what she might have been up to. Had she had a busy itinerary? Was she trapped in a meeting that didnât allow her to sneak away to have her beloved snacks? Was her smile still brilliant, hair still soft as silk, aura still warm and inviting as itâd always been before? After heâd delivered a rather large order of arrangements for a hotel in the area, Luca found himself walking down the path that led him to Cafe Du Temple. Tourists and residents alike seemed to be surrounding the cafe, trying to order drinks and pastries at a rapid rate. That was when his eyes caught the sign for a pastry special, one that once again brought out in the forefront of his mind, thoughts of her. Taking out his phone, he scrolled till he saw their messages together, he hesitated a moment before deciding to take the plunge. There were no other deliveries for the day and Maeva and the new hire would surely be fine back at the physical location without him, wouldnât they?Â
L: Hey! So Iâm at Cafe Du Temple and they have a some very tempting pastries and a questionable liquorice based drink special. Made me think of you. If youâre around, Iâll be here for a bit catching my bearings from a delivery. If not, hope youâre having a good day. x.Â
With the text sent, Luca walked up to the line, spotting a table outside that he could sequester into. To his surprise, heâd received a text back from Alya that she also just happened to be in the same neighborhood, sheâd meet him shortly. Getting out of the line then, he decided to secure the table, taking a seat and telling a few others who wanted to take the chance to strike up a conversation that he was terribly sorry but he was waiting on someone. Waiting for her. Soon enough, he found his eyes locking with hers from the distance, the tell-tale sign of his heart beating rapidly at just the sight of her coming back once again. Offering her a smile as she was finally within earshot of her, he said, âYou came,â A bit bashfully, before he continued. âI havenât ordered yet, but I can grab it now if you want to wait here.âÂ
Mallory hated how good Luca was at finding the cracks in the armor she had created around herself. She loved having a friend that she could be authentic with. Someone who was willing to look past her less than cheery attitude. But, if he could do it, who else could achieve the same thing? It was her form of protection against the rest of the world, and preconceived threats she had created in her mind, but it kept her sane and safe. Knowing how easy it was to crack that exterior for the people who got too close to her was disconcerting. But, so far, Luca had been the only one to achieve that. As long as he didnât go spreading around the fact that she was some sort of softie despite her best efforts to be a hard ass, everything would be fine. All concerns of her reputation went out the window at the moment of panic in Lucaâs voice over her insinuation. âCalm down, mon gĂŠant amie, I was speaking in hypotheticals. You think anyone will date you if you brand yourself with my name? Hardly.â Mallory followed his finger to the little drawing. She wanted to hate it. But⌠it was obnoxiously fitting. âJust know that Iâm upset that I like that idea. But, if youâre doing something food related, I should, too.â
He knew it wouldnât take Mallory long to catch the panic in his voice. Truthfully he hadnât been good at hiding his emotions as of lately. Alya Yousefi-Dubois re-entered his life like a breeze traveling in when one needed to feel it the most. But Luca found himself constantly at a crossroad, wondering if talking to her as if nothing had happened was really going to be healthy for either of them in the long run. A soft pang hit him more frequently now in the center of his chest, the overwhelming feeling of how badly he wanted to see her grew more prevalent. âAh, see I donât think anyone would want to date me, not the way I am now.â He half joked and half spoke with a serious connotation. But he quickly grabbed the sheet his tattoo of choice was on before they walked together down the rest of the portraits. Grinning in delight he nodded in response to Mallory also wanting something food related. âYouâve got two options Mal, pasta or gelato. Or, you can just get a piece of fettucine in the shape of an L, thatâd be the best homage to me.â He quipped.Â
If there was anything that Maeva had learned in her career, it was that finding someone whoâs a good fit with the culture and willing to learn was far better than a hire who was perfect on paper in terms of experience and education. But it didnât mean that that degree in botany wasnât something that caught her eye. âYou know me so well. I donât want to rule anyone out just based on the resume alone, but I know that we have neither the time nor the resources to screen thirty applicants. Iâm thinking we choose four each for this round, maybe five if we like them a lot. If we have overlap in our choices, even better - we can divide and conquer,â the woman decided, waiting for her business partnerâs feedback. âWhatâs up? You seem a little distracted. Do you want to take a break and regroup later? I could get started on the screening question list if you wantâŚâ
"Oui, that seems like the best route.â Luca agreed. He wouldnât say that their streak with part-timers was exactly golden. He boiled it down to experience, maturity, or even just someone who was willing to take the job if only to get a parent or significant other off their backs. What he wanted more than anything was to find someone who would treat the shop as a feasible livelihood, one that didnât feel like a chore. With his and Maevaâs combined experience of knowing what it was like to just simply crank out work with no meaning, he always wanted a candidate to express passion in some way. Or perhaps maybe he was being too crucial because that was the exact reason why he found himself being a co-owner, finally living out a dream that didnât leave him restless at night. At least, not for the reason he used to stay up. âHmm?â He hummed slightly, realizing he had been in a daze while Maeva had talked so animatedly about her wants and what she looked for in qualifications. âDĂŠsolĂŠ, je pense que je suis juste dans ma tĂŞte.â He sighed then, stretching a bit. âDid I ever tell you why I left my dadâs company?â He paused slightly before letting out a billowing exhale. âDid I ever tell you what that meant and sacrificed in the same token?âÂ
CLOSED STARTER FOR GIANLUCA NICOLI. ( @gianlucanicoliâ )
late afternoon at desiree florist
      âSo I heard we Parisians have our very own cherub within our midsts.â The brunette had spotted Luca at the counter upon entry and began making her way over, the pad of her index finger ghosting over a few sturdy blooms. âI wish I had known that when we met outside of Le Comptoir the other week.â There was a slight curving to her lips and a playful gleam in her dark eyes as they finally fixed on the Italian gentleman. âNot that I donât understand your need for secrecy, and I donât think I couldâve refrained from asking you to take aim with an arrow for me, but ââ Lithe shoulders rose and fell, gaze pulling away from him for a moment to adore an arrangement.
      âHow fitting that part of your guise is a flower shop.â Despite having come in for a reason, the brunette couldnât resist some jesting. After having seen him dressed up at the Valentineâs festival within the vendor space for Desiree, Lena figured a surprise visit was a little better than a text or phone call. âYour mystery unveiled aside, what is your delivery range?â
The florist knew heâd taken a bit of a risk on alienating clientele rather than bringing in business for his cherub stint, but as Saint Valentineâs day of honor came and went, he found that slowly but surely Desiree was being booked up to the gills, well into the summer. He prayed that the artistry in each arrangement was the cause of the surge, especially with the dynamic ideas that Maeva had presented as they prepared for their spring layout, but Luca knew when he was being sought out. It didnât help that people seemed to giggle before asking where his bow and arrow was. He assumed he probably deserved that, he just wished he knew when the bit would end. Eyes fluttered up as he heard a familiar yet still unfamiliar voice. âDo we have one?â Luca asked, feigning shock. While in his regular attire for the day, he vowed that his days of exposing his arms were in the past, until the summer anyway.Â
Arms folded together as he listened to Lena banter playfully with him, all things that he could easily take in stride. Truthfully, with the rush of orders and immersing in art, he was surprised he hadnât heard from her more for walks home. She still seemed to be standing though, tall and a strong. A complete 180Ⲡfrom the night theyâd met. âThatâs our secret, isnât it? You wonât tell anyone I use the shop as a ploy to hide that I might be a good matchmaker in the making?â He teased, before he settled on her question. âHow far are you looking to send?âÂ
Alya: I can't tonight, I've already got plans, but maybe some other time. I'll never permanently small plates of food. Let me know when you're free.
Luca: I will! We definitely will. Ginger really loves her walks. For such a tiny thing she can really go for long stretches of time, it's probably good that my legs can keep up with her and that they're good for ...the long stretches.
Luca: Some other time sounds good, phenomenal even. Have a good time wherever you're going today. Talk soon!
[ several hours later ]
Luca: [ Picture SMS, Ginger on her lead walking down a path in the park ]
Alya: [Photo SMS: A sealed tupperware box full of snacks with Alya's thumb up in the corner]
Alya: I brought snacks to the party.
Alya: You could always bring her over? The girls can meet and run around the living room if you want. That way, Ginger isn't sad and Tatin can climb on someone her own size.
Alya: I'm probably distracting you from your wall too much, aren't I?
Luca: Always one to be prepared weren't you? Your exact type of party too.
Luca: She and I wouldn't want to intrude, plus it's a gorgeous day outside, gotta get my steps in and what not.
Luca: We could go for tapas somewhere, there's a place I've been wanting to try. If you're free.
Alya: She did give me a dirty look when I only gave her one treat earlier, maybe she's me in dog form..
Alya: That does sound nice, we've only been on a short walk today, but that does also sound like I would need to get dressed and I'm not sure how I feel about that.
Alya: Wear a happy colour and have a happy day, right?
Luca: Like I said, she certainly seems to take on a lot of your mannerisms if I recall correctly. It is 16:03 though, are you famished?
Luca: Can always raincheck, you looked comfortable. But Ginger probably will be a bit sad that she won't get to sniff around Tatin.
Luca: Something like that, helps that the sun is still shining.
Alya: She doesn't realise her tiny legs aren't great for climbing.
Alya: It would be, but this is actually quite fun, she tried to climb on my head a minute ago. She has been asking about her playdate with Ginger though..
Alya: Thanks, orange is a bold choice but it brightens up the day, right?
Luca: She's an adventurer, truly must get it from you.
Luca: Oh? Ginger's actually eagerly waiting for her long walk once I'm done here for the day. We usually take a few laps around the park. You're welcome to join if you'd like?
Alya: He had a lot of attention on our office floor, or maybe it was the flowers :P
Alya: [Photo SMS: A selfie of Alya, poking her tongue out, lying on the floor of her living room, Tatin climbing onto her back.]
Alya: I'm currently being used as a climbing frame whilst she tries to get her favourite toy off of the couch. Really regretting wearing a crop top and not getting her nails clipped.
Luca: Tatin certainly knows how to assert her dominance, doesn't she?
Luca: Might be easier to grab the toy for her no? Less damage for you and maximum playtime for her. She's too adorable.
Alya: I have a pretty impressive display of pink roses sitting on the coffee table in my office.
Alya: I've become the talk of the building.. maybe all the new customers I'm directing your way can be me finding a way to pay you for all these flowers you've been giving me.
Luca: Oh hello there!
Luca: Are they too overwhelming? I can trim them down for you if need be. I'm glad you received them!
Luca: Any business is welcome business but your appreciation for the flowers is all that's needed, not to worry.
