Cara

Once Upon a Cursed Town Season 1 AU Tracking: hiddengoldie

[princeturnednurse]

Jacob had just let out a small laugh, about to agree with her sentiments about him being a talkative drunk. He wasn’t sure about how friendly he would be, if it would reach to an overly friendly point but — the sudden turn of events cut off his train of thoughts, no longer caring about what type of drunk he may or may not be.

Straight away, he moved into action. “How deep is it?” he questioned her, tearing his gaze away from her long enough to spot the opening of the bar and sliding off his seat to head for it. He barely contemplated if it were even legal for him to be behind the bar before throwing caution to the wind and doing so anyways. Once behind the counter, he leaned down to grab for the cloth. “Let’s get you a clean cloth, or do you have a first aid kit around here?” he asked as he reached for her hand. “You’re still able to move your fingers, yes?” He wanted to make sure she hadn’t hit a nerve first of all, along with stopping the bleeding.

[hiddengoldie]

She quickly shook her head, reaching for another towel to wrap around her hand, "It's fine."  She was thinking about the best way to get this taken care of and get back out here when he was by her side as she went to wrap her hand but, he took it and stopped what she was doing and thinking about.  She swallowed and nodded motioning towards the stock room, "The first aide kit is just over there."  She wiggles her fingers a bit to demonstrate that she could definitely move them still.

She hadn't actually been able to see it at this point thanks to the blood so she didn't know the answer to how deep it was.  She shook her head, "I'm sure it's nothing, just a scratch.  You don't need to worry about it.  I'll, get it cleaned up and come back and finished talking with you since that had been the plan."  She gave him a bit of a smile even though her hand was currently aching.

[theeuissilentgene]

Dine and Ditch || Cara & Eugene aka Lani & Liam

[theeuissilentgene]

"Is that what we’re going with Sunshine? That secretly deep down I really have some vendetta against your voice. You are a crazy one now aren’t you." He couldn’t help but laugh as he let his eyes gaze over her just slightly again. She seemed a bit familiar, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. It didn’t matter though. He probably just recognized her from the bar. "No it’s not that hard to stay under the radar." You just don’t get to eat, or really do much of anything. He didn’t know this girls story but surely she had a life. There was no way she would understand what he’s been through. "But I’m doing my best to stay out of trouble just for you." He teased her a little, trying to lighten up the mood he was quickly falling into.

He really couldn’t understand the pains of working. He didn’t even want to try. Maybe one day he could get his life right and do that, but he honestly didn’t want to. Because that meant relying on someone else, and he refused to do that. He could only rely on himself. “Well I make an amazing wall support. What can I say?” He couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips as he started walking. At least they didn’t have to walk to far. Eugene walked beside her, eyes glancing her way as they did. It was kind of nice walking in silence. It didn’t actually feel awkward. When he saw the sign for the diner, he tilted his head a bit. “Hope you’re hungry.” He told her as he held the door open for her.

[hiddengoldie]

She nodded her head, smiling with the hint of a laugh dancing on her features. She was doing what she could to hold it in, “Yes, you don't like my voice. That's really what it is but, you're still here and listening to it so it can't be that bad.” She shrugged looking back over at him now. “It's alright, I get that not everyone likes everything about everyone and a suppose my voice being on the squeaky side isn't the worst thing possible.” She knew he was joking about this by now but, making him think it actually hurt, for some reason was interesting. She was more confident than that, even though she had paid attention to her voice more often than not since he'd mentioned it. Still not sure why he'd said that since it's what she was used to so, it wasn't sounding off. Maybe she needed to record it back and listen but, then, didn't everyone think they sounded funny when they did that? She shook her brunette head again, “Liam, it's really not that difficult. Sheriff Humbert doesn't go out looking to bust people, he's fairly easy to avoid on that really.” She nodded, she worked in The Rabbit Hole. She saw him often enough for various things, even sometimes just knocking a few drinks back. He was a fairly normal guy from what she could tell.

She laughed at the wall support comment, “If you say so. It was nice of you to lend yourself to make sure it could have a break for a little while.” She walked next to him, occasionally looking his way but, her eyes continued to survey the area around them. She wanted to take in all the signs of Spring finally showing it's face and she also need to make sure there was no sign of Mabel. If she saw her she'd need to just run and find somewhere that wouldn't lead her back to where she was living. So far though, things were going well and he didn't seem to bothered by her lack of talking for a bit. She smiled, “Thank you.” She stepped inside the diner and motioned for him to lead where he wanted to sit, “I am hungry. I skipped lunch so, something to eat would be nice right now.” She looked up at him as they made their way further into the establishment, “Are you hungry right now?”

[princeturnednurse]

Perhaps it was merely the alcohol, but between her words and her bright smile, Jacob felt something unfamiliar stirring within him. Attraction? He’d never really dated before, having always put school and his internship above all else. “I’m glad to hear you’re not entirely weirded out then,” he replied, attempting to shake the thoughts away. Certainly it had to be the alcohol.

"Well you could continue to give me the usual, but I’m afraid you’d have another drunk on your hands," he joked back as he accepted the drink, sipping on it at once. "As for continuing to speak, I’ve no where else to be. Far as I’m aware I haven’t got to be at the hospital until the afternoon," he told her without really thinking. "I just wouldn’t want to hold you up from doing your job"

[hiddengoldie]

She shook her head with a light laugh, "I work here, it takes quite a bit to weird me out, so no worries about getting too out there."  She laughed more fully at the drunk comments, "I don't see you being a lousy drunk.  I can see you being talkative and overly friendly but, that's about where I think you'd go."  She shrugged, "Who knows though you could surprise me and prove me wrong here."

She shook her head, grabbing a clean washcloth and wiped down the counter where someone had spilled alcohol and she'd been delaying on cleaning up, "Look at this, I can talk and work at the same time." She reached over to take his used glass and glanced around the bar, making sure they weren't overly busy.  She already knew they weren't, she would've seen if anyone walked in and they really hadn't.  She shrugged, opening her mouth to ask about why he needed to go to the hospital when the glass slipped from her finger and dropped to floor.  "Shoot.  One second."  She bent down and started to grab the larger pieces and in the process sliced the palm of her hand open.  She stood up as the blood started to pool in her upturned palm and grabbed the nearest towel possible to wrap around it.  She was used to dealing with her own wounds and this one wasn't any different.  "Sorry about this I just need a secon....." She cried out as she wrapped the towel around it and the alcohol she'd just wiped up came in contact with the freshly opened wound.  Dropping the towel onto the ground now as well.

[theeuissilentgene]

Dine and Ditch || Cara & Eugene aka Lani & Liam

[theeuissilentgene]

Eugene just chuckled a little bit. He honestly didn’t know what was the purpose of this date still. But it was a good deed, and hopefully this would make just one more bar tender that he could get on his side. He always could use those at the Hole. “You don’t have a squeaky voice. I was just screwing with you.” He told her and shook his head a bit. He probably shouldn’t have said it but he couldn’t help it. He really did tend to be sarcastic at times. “I can honestly say I haven’t been in trouble again since the other day. You know, sometimes we have to stay under the radar.” And off the radar. And just disappear. But he couldn’t disappear. So he had to keep the smile on his face.

"Well that sounds like a ton of fun." He said not really sure how else to respond. He didn’t work. At least, not in that sense. He made his money the dirty way. It wasn’t safe, it wasn’t ethical, and it sure as hell wasn’t honest. But it was what he knew. And it was all he could manage. Graham had mentioned something more. That he could even come to them but he wasn’t one to ask for help. He had always been on his own, and he wasn’t about to start asking for more now. "What you don’t want to stand here all night? I thought it would be fun." He rolled his eyes jokingly. "But yeah, let’s head that way." He stamped out his cigarette and started down the sidewalk. There was so much he could talk about, but he was tired. This week had been a bad one, and maybe a terrible time for a date. 

[hiddengoldie]

She shook her head, “Sure I don't. Behind every just joking is a hint of truth so, there's something about my voice that bothers you, even if it's not that it's squeaky.” She observed with a shrug. She didn't know what it was and honestly there was not point in stewing over it too much. It was her voice and it was the way it was. She couldn't change it, unless she wanted to go take hormone supplements and she didn't see the need or reason in that so, it was the way it was. She smiled and nodded, “See, look at that, you staying out of trouble. Even if it's your middle name and just seems to find you.” She nodded, “It's not that hard to keep yourself under the radar. I get that it's going to happen every now and then, it's just how life works but, I'm glad to hear you're capable of dodging bullies.” Truth was Cara did try to see the best in people and she knew he liked to drink, was probably underage, liked to gamble but, she more worried about him being beat up by the guys she'd come across the other day.

She laughed and shook her head, “No, it's not fun. It's just work.” She took in a breath with a shrug, “You get used to it and it helps time pass by so, it's not completely bad. A lot of the regulars are actually nice to talk with. You get to know them, you know?” She wasn't sure if he did but, it was one of her favorite parts about working at The Hole. Even if some of the people could be shady they were all interesting in their own way. They had unique stories and she loved hearing them whenever she could get one of them talking. Which was fairly often since alcohol consumption was high at her place of employment. She nodded with a light laugh at his joke, “You were holding that wall up pretty amazingly but, I think it might be alright if we start to walk. Can't be too sure about that though.” She smiled with a teasing tone to her voice. It's why Ry had her work in the bar. She was easy going, let things roll off of her but, wasn't afraid to stand up for herself either and she could make light of most things.

[ashesbeginnew]

Ashley just smiled and nodded her head. “I will, for sure. I might even be able to get away one night and come see you or something.” She didn’t have an extensive amount of friends now so she took what she got. “Thank you though. She is my angel and I love her.” She hugged her back. “But go, I don’t want you to be late.”

[hiddengoldie]

Lani smiled and nodded her head, "Good, I hope you do and you'll get a free drink on me.  You've earned one, I think."  She hug her a bit more before pulling back, "You're a good mom and you can tell you love her by how you are.  Someone who didn't care wouldn't have been upset like you were."  She took a breath and gave a small wave, "I'm not too worried about being late.  It's not a normal thing for me so, I doubt one night I'll get horribly in trouble for.  Have a good night though.'

[princeturnednurse]

Jacob shook his head, a smile broad upon his face. Despite her dismissing the impact of her words, he knew his statement to be true. “I must agree about it’s change being more significant. Almost as if the dead has reincarnated into something even more beautiful than before.”

"Sorry, that was a bit dark, wasn’t it?" he laughed softly. "Perhaps I’d be better to stay away from any more alcohol tonight. I’d rather not walk in the dark while drunk anyways. I wouldn’t say no to an ale however, so long as you’re not tired of me lingering about the bar speaking of the world dying and reincarnating."

[hiddengoldie]

The brunette nodded her head in agreement again.  It might be a bit dark as he mention but, truthfully it was more poetic in the way he spoke it and it fit the season perfectly.  She shook her head, "I don't think it's too dark.  I think it's fitting and there isn't much of a better way to put it than that."  She gave him a small shrug.  She liked that he seemed like a genuinely good guy and had his own perspective on things.

She laughed softly and shook her head, "Sorry, we only do alcohol here."  She turned to get a new glass and start opening the ale as soon as she spoke though, she shook her head, "I'm not tired of speaking with you at all and hearing your take on things.  I mean I know we've barely talked at this point but, I like how you put it."  She smiled and set the glass down in front of him, "So, as long as you want to continue talking I'm more than okay with it."

[theeuissilentgene]

Dine and Ditch || Cara & Eugene aka Lani & Liam

[theeuissilentgene]

He couldn’t help himself as he looked the girl over. She was attractive, he’d be stupid not to notice that. But he tried not to screw things up where he went all the time. He could take her back and rob her, and honestly he was pretty desperate to do that. But this was honestly just a dinner to pay her back for the other day. Because if he didn’t do things right, she would remember and then he could never go back to the rabbit hole. 

He took another long puff from the cigarette. Probably from nerves. Though, he never normally got nervous about this kind of thing. And she honestly grated his nerves a little bit. “Why of course I missed you. Why wouldn’t I?” He had been spending a lot of time hiding out in the back. It was the one surefire way to keep Graham from catching him there, and he couldn’t normally flirt his way into a few drinks, or just count on the Charlotte giving him a few. Plus he didn’t have any money to gamble, so being at the bar was kind of a lame point. “I’ve been.. busy.” He said with a little shrug. He had managed to shower up and get cleaned up before the date at least. It was just another reason why the bar was easy to fit in. He didn’t have to be clean and the low lights helped hide that. Not that he chose to live that way. Any chance he got to spend the night in a real bed he took. And most nights he would break into the empty house boats that residents of Storybrooke didn’t use on regular bases. But with Graham breathing down his back, he hadn’t managed to do anything lately. “How was your day?” He asked, trying to make small talk.

[hiddengoldie]

She shifted her weight a bit and tucked her hair behind her ear, looking over to the side. It was clear he was looking at her and it was something she didn't particularly like. Not because she was self-conscious but, because once again, it could lead to him realizing something she'd rather stay hidden for so many reasons. She glanced back over at him and gave a smile. She noticed the hint of the bruising still there, glad she had helped how she could but, still wished she could've made it all disappear but, then again, that's not how the world worked. Even if she'd been able to, some bruises are the kind you can't see and they don't ever fully recover. She took in a breath and decided he was a strong guy and didn't have anything like that so, she put a smile on her face and looked back over at him fully.

She laughed softly and shook her head, “Because of my squeaky annoying little voice you mentioned the other day?” She shrugged a bit, “It could very well be that or a multitude of other things.” She looked him over now to see how he seemed to be holding up. Maybe he really didn't need or want the help from her and that was his subtle way of telling her? She nodded, “I'm glad to hear that you did though, I'm not sure why but, it's still nice to hear.” She gave another smile when he said he'd been busy, “That's good that you have been.” She tilted her head to the side narrowing her eyes just slightly though the smile on her face hinted that the words that were to follow were joking, “Not the getting into trouble kind, right?” She gave a small laugh to emphasize that she was joking with him right now. When he asked about her though she just shrugged slightly. “It's been fine. I came in early to cover to switch shifts with someone. Which means I had the easier shift since it was during the day and it was more stocking than anything.” This was something Cara was fine with. She could talk about her job and anything that wasn't directly about her. It's what she almost always did unless it was small and insignificant information. She didn't like lying either so, that's why she just generally chose to avoid going for the questions that she felt like she'd have to. “Should we start walking, maybe?” She motioned down the sidewalk a bit.

[ashesbeginnew]

"Oh no, I won’t. As soon as I tell Granny what you did, she’ll definitely be right there with me. I just don’t get to talk to people very often. I mean, Alexandra is a great listener, but she can’t exactly talk back."

[hiddengoldie]

She smiled and nodded, "Alright, then I'll be by to see how you're doing soon and the same goes for me.  If you need to talk you can even just send a message to the bar and I'll get away for a bit if you're needing some help or even just someone to talk to." Cara knew she might not be the first person she'd think of for something like this but, she wanted to let her know she was here for her now and would help her however she could and that she'd let her.  She took a breath though, "I should probably get going before I'm late though.  It's been nice talking with you though and your little one is adorable."  She gave her one more hug, "You're doing a good job with her."  

[princeturnednurse]

Jacob could see the scene she painted in his mind only too well. It practically brought a peacefulness to him with each word she spoke. “Well I believe you could convince even the strongest lover of winter that spring brings greatness with passion such as that.”

"Spring and fall do tend to be quite lovely, don’t they?" Jacob agreed, his smile growing. "Here’s to hoping this spring brings about beauty that gives justice to your words." Tilting his glass towards her, he brought the glass to his lips and emptied it.

[hiddengoldie]

Cara couldn't help but smile as he spoke in return, "I highly doubt I could if they were that deeply rooted in their love of the freezing temperatures."  She shrugged slightly, "I Just think think there's beauty in the way the world sort of seems to wake up after being asleep for the winter.  I think it's even more of a change than the transition from Summer to Autumn."  She shrugged a bit but, was still smiling that he thought she might be able to convince someone of something like that.  "Thank you though."

"It will." She nodded firmly, she completely believed that it would, "Even if it's a bit late this year Spring never fails to be refreshing and beautiful."  She watched him finished off his drink and then motioned towards the now empty glass, "Would you like another?"

[theeuissilentgene]

"Let’s just make it a Tuesday night then. And I can’t promise anything. Trouble just finds me."

[hiddengoldie]

"Alright." She nodded and gave him a smile, "Tuesday it is and I'll be here around what 5?  Or do you want earlier or later?  I'm sure I can find a way to make whatever time happen."  She took a breath and moved grab something to make her hands busy again, "At least just try to avoid it then.  Trouble does happen but, you know what I mean.   Don't make this worse." She lifted her hand to motion towards his already bruising eye.

[theeuissilentgene]

Dine and Ditch || Cara & Eugene aka Lani & Liam

This date had been kind of spur of the moment. And at the time, Eugene hadn’t figured that he would be struggling now to come up with funds for it. But it seemed like every time he stepped near a house he had Graham on his ass. He hadn’t even been able to really find food to eat for the week. But he figured he could figure this out. Because this girl had actually taken the time to help him out and he did owe her. Just hopefully he could get out of the payment, and maybe go back later and pay when he could scrounge it up. 

He dragged his ass to the bar, so he could walk there with her. He did still have a slight black eye from his altercation the other day, but it wasn’t bad. He stood outside leaning against the bricks of the building while he waited. This was his last pack of cigarettes, and he wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to get another any time soon. So he had been smoking then incredibly slow. But at this point, he wasn’t sure why but he was a bit nervous about tonight ending badly. When he saw the dark hair coming out of the bar, he pushed off and walked her way. “Sup Sunshine? You miss me?” He asked taking the cigarette between his fingers and blowing out a puff away from her. 

[hiddengoldie]

Lani had left school early today so she could work an earlier shift to make Rylan happy that she was working enough. So, when the time came for her to leave she when upstairs to do a quick clothing swap and check to be sure everything was the way it should be so that he didn't realize she was actually a blonde or that he contact was completely off. Usually the people she talked with at work were drinking and didn't noticed little things. She figured the dim lighting didn't hurt either but, now she was going to go to dinner with Liam. Why, she still wasn't sure at all but, he seemed nice enough and like he just wanted someone to talk to or things along those lines. He was easy enough to talk with, even if most of the time they almost seemed to disagree with one another. That really didn't bother Cara. She mainly just liked talking and helping out how she could.

The girl nodded to her reflection before she made her way back downstairs and outside to meet him. She smiled at him when she saw him. People generally smoked around her in the bar, it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Even if she felt it was for the best not to do that sort of stuff, for health reasons. It wasn't her body though so, she wasn't going to say anything about it or think to much of it. When he pulled it from his lips she prepared herself for the puff in the face that some people thought it was hilarious to do. She let out a small sigh of relief when he blew it away from her. At least he was nice enough about that, she smiled at him, “Hey, Liam.” She shrugged a bit, “I suppose I did. You keep things interesting and I haven't seen you much in there lately.” She motioned back towards The Hole as she spoke. “Did you miss me?” She didn't think he actually did at all but, figured she'd ask him back since she'd answered.

[hiddengoldie]

Cara Headcannon #1

The only place Cara can be herself and act like herself is at school.  There she is protected from Mabel so, there she is her normal blonde haired, blue eyed self. Before she leaves though she has to hide herself because as soon as she steps out of the walls she has to worry about Mabel finding her.  If you see her at work she's Lani, the Brunette with green eyes. She usually has this outside of the walls of The Rabbit Hole as well.  On very rare occasions she'll go a red color.  She hates lying so no matter who she is at the moment, she's generally just doing what she can to avoid talking too much about herself.  In these different hair colors she styles her makeup to help play up different features.

[ashesbeginnew]

"Right, Lani. I’m so sorry. I’ll remember that. But alright, if you’re sure about that. I mean, I guess I’m just kind of used to rambling on with people. I do it a lot at the diner. You should come get food sometime and I’ll give you a discount. Always willing to help those who help me."

[hiddengoldie]

"Alright, I'll stop by sometime then and visit you.  As long as you won't get in trouble for the discount.  I know how some bosses are. I mean I'm sure Granny is really sweet but, still.  I'm glad I stopped by today.  It's been nice talking with you and you can ramble all you want when I'm around, anytime.  I promise it won't be said to anyone else either."

[theeuissilentgene]

"Fine, then let’s clean me up so I can go." 

"And we don’t have to do it on a weekend. We can do it during the week. I… um.. don’t have the kind of job that makes a difference when I ask off, you know. Nights are pretty free range to me."

[hiddengoldie]

"There you go.  Just tell me when you're wanting to and I'll get it off somehow.  I just need to know so that I can.  That's all.  Don't get in more trouble, alright?"

[ashesbeginnew]

"I’ll keep that in mind. Some nights get hard because little miss doesn’t like sleeping for some reason."

"I probably could, I guess you’re right. Oh god, I’ve been talking so much about myself again. Wait, did I even get your name? I’m Ashley. I’m so sorry, everything has just been really… difficult lately."

[hiddengoldie]

"I'm sure it isn't easy but, really I don't mind helping you out every now and then so you can get away for a little bit."

"You're just fine.  I like hearing about you and seeing if I can help at all.  I'm not the best at it but, I do try.  We did exchange names after you came downstairs but, I'm Lani.  You don't need to apologize either, you're under a lot of stress right now.  It's okay."

[theeuissilentgene]

"You’re right. I don’t know you well enough to actually judge you. So I should probably stop that. But look Sunshine. I should probably be going before those two beefcakes come back and try to finish the job, huh?"

"But I’ll see you for dinner next weekend? I can just meet you here and we can walk to the diner or something."

[hiddengoldie]

"Sit down.  You're still bleeding you haven't even let me actually help you get them cleaned up.  They're not going to come in here though and cause any issues or they're wish they'd actually used what brains they do have.  I'd guess going elsewhere could be worse for you right now."

"Once I'm done you can leave and yeah, here will be the best place to meet me but, you have to let me know which day so I can make sure to ask for it off.  Weekends are harder to get so, the sooner the better."

[princeturnednurse]

"Winter isn’t all bad, but I’ll confess that walking to work will be much easier without having to bundle up each day and make my way through the snow."

"How about yourself, do you have a preferred season?"

[hiddengoldie]

"That's a good way to look at it.  Not having to bundle up as much.  I'm going to be looking forward to that and all the flowers popping out.  I love being able to take a scenic walk and just see all the various things that just aren't there during the winter months.  Little animals and foliage and who knows what else."

"They all have their ups and down but, I think my favorite is either Spring or Fall.  Just because of all the colors those two bring and just how much change the world seems to be going through.  Plus, it's generally not too hot or too cold."