[icingsweet]

alice evans / 26 / she/her / co-owner of sweet encounters bakery (intro)

yazmin elsayed / 36 / she/her / owner of frisky cat cafe (intro)

erin williams / 25 / they/he / bartender (intro)

ryder sydney / 33 / they/he/any / retired professional bare-knuckle boxer now personal trainer (intro)

see their connections here

cat / 29 / she/they - please note that I have dyslexia so if i mcfuck up anything (which I will) i'm very sorry, please let me know if anything needs to be corrected!

[thoughtcascades]

If you ALREADY know I got a little attitude problem why would you upset me

[carinademir]

location: wherever u want! for: @chqstarter

"Okay, let's hear it," says Yvonne, leaning in conspiratorially, "what's the scariest thing that's ever happened to you? Not abstractly, like, near-death experience scary, I mean. Preferably supernatural."

[icingsweet]

"When I went to Starbucks and found out the price of a cold brew." Erin replies, the memory of their last visit still ingrained in their memory much like their small frown. "I don't fuck with ghosts so they don't fuck with me. I'd be pretty pissed if strangers came to my apartment and kept asking me shit, y'know?" There's a pause. "This is where you tell me a table has levitated or something, isn't it?"

[writtenwcrd]

who: open @chqstarter

Where: a bar

"You know life is all about moderation, what I'm trying to say is, drink in moderation - you'll be drunk if you keep drinking booze like it's lemonade." William said as he looked at the other in concern.

[icingsweet]

Erin takes a second to process what the other person said, their immediate frown turning into a low chuckle that somebody had the audacity to say something. "And?" They place the glass down only to face their palm up, a gesture to carry their words. "You're acting like that's not the idea. Life is about a lot of things, dude."

[whiskeyneats]

open to: anyone! (@chqstarter) location/event: afterthoughts tattoo/friday the 13th tattoos

"happy friday the 13th." august grins, turning to face the person that had just walked into the shop. "half off themed flash tattoos today, if you wanna take a look at the flash sheet. not to sound biased, but i think there's some pretty neat stuff available."

[icingsweet]

"i hope you're having a spooky friday." alice replies, showing her teeth with a wide smile as she lifts her hand and wiggles her fingers to wave. by all accounts, she doesn't look like somebody with tattoos at first glance, but people are mistaken. the only reason she feels half comfortable coming here being the floral piece on her back which femi blew out of the water. "pretty neat is the understatement of the century," she corrects. "i saw on insta and had to head down. i'm torn between the magic potion and the ghost bunny... but i think the bunny wins."

[whiskeyneats]

"Sit. I'm bringing you ice and Tylenol." Esme says with a wave of their hand, shooing Ryder back towards the couch. Bringing them both along with some water and the banana bread, Esme hands the items to Ryder carefully, perching herself onto the arm of the couch. "I'm happy you're working again, but not if you're gonna be pushing yourself too hard. Believe me, I get it. It's in our blood. But you don't have just yourself to think about anymore." Esme says seriously, nodding. She wasn't trying to guilt Ryder or loft Alicia over his head because she wasn't like that, not at all. Becoming a parent had shifted Esme's perspective, and she hoped Ryder would get to that point eventually too. "Speaking of Alicia, I was thinking you two should do something just the two of you for a day? What do you think?"

[icingsweet]

Just as before Ryder follows her instructions, even if there's a small grunt as they fall backwards off the arm and swivel around so they're sat properly. For somebody often so stern, they had their goofy moments. Although they doubt they're going to get used to somebody caring for them anytime soon, accepting what Esme offers them as they look up with a small smile before dry swallowing the tablets.

"Thanks." They say, taking a small sip of the water before placing it on the coffee table. "It's not that—" Ryder starts but then shakes their head with a small laugh, "—I forget it's impossible to bullshit you. It's like you have a tiny window into my brain or something." While they've yet to figure out if this is a good or bad thing, somebody understanding them sure lifted a weight off their shoulders. "I'm trying." And it's sincere even if talking about things always had an air of awkwardness. "I can't explain how weird it is going from that to this but I uh, appreciate you and what you're doing. I need to start saying that more." It's now they finally take a bite of the banana bread, frowning as they listen almost as though they don't believe what Esme's saying. "Really? I'd like that. There's the Farm Fest but I don't know if that's her thing."

[icingsweet]

closed starter for @petalsfm (baking himbo!)

Most people would assume that Alice didn't like to bake outside of work but they'd be mistaken, the idea of spending time at home in her kitchen was her ideal day and it was even better when there was somebody she could talk to. Ok, Uncle's kitchen to be exact, but she had all but declared that part of the house hers with a cute name plaque hanging on the wall. Just as expected, the doorbell chimes. She pops on the kettle before going to open the door and greets Rhys with a wide smile, an arm looping around him in a quick hug before she steps back and ushers him in. "Come in, come in!" Alice says. "How've you been? Oh! I hope you don't mind that Ricecake's on the loose."

[whiskeyneats]

closed starter for @icingsweet (yaz) location: farmer's market

Now that summer was coming to an end, Kai was trying to get the past bit of summer fruits that were available, even if most of the farmer's market had seemed to already be in fall mode. Wandering from stall to stall, they pause to look over a selection of sourdough loaves when he notices a familiar face nearby, clearing his throat softly to get her attention. "Yazmin, hello."

[icingsweet]

As weird as it is to admit, the Farmers' Markets was a highlight of her week. There was something cathartic from going from stall to stall and talking to the people who owned them as she was now a familiar face. By the time she got to the bread, the tote bag on her shoulder weighed heavy but she ponders over the display trying to remember which one her fathers liked. "Good morning," she looks up and greets with a smile. "How're you? It's been a while. I'm sorry, I was lost in the world of bread."

[deviloutofluck]

@icingsweet / the park

One could have hoped for a quiet evening reading at the park, to simply cozy up with a blanket and a thicker cardigan to keep the early breeze of autumn away for an hour or so. The somber chirping of birds, of the leaves rustling above and the distant laughter of children playing off the last day of the week. It was peaceful to say the least and he wanted to do nothing but freeze in this moment of time and bask in it for just a little while longer and -

Felipe's thoughts were cut short, nearly jumping off the ground as he heard the crushing sounds of wood bending and snapping to his left. He was ready to catch a branch falling or worse, the whole damned tree. Alas, the only thing that fell to the ground was a bunch of leaves and supposedly bark, forcing Felipe to walk closer with a suddenly curiosity riddled within his chest. Was it an animal, perhaps? Not spotting anything at first, he almost gave up and ventured back to his belongings, when the soft grunts of something... no, a someone, caused him to stop in his tracks.

And it wasn't long until he let out a deep sigh, cursing his ability to somehow always end up where this person seemed to venture - and either get themselves stuck or injured. "Are you able to get down from there by yourself or do you need help, Ryder?" Perhaps he should have left while he had the chance, for some odd reason Felipe never seemed able to leave Ryder hanging - no matter the headache they caused. "Do I even dare ask why you were climbing the tree to begin with?"

[icingsweet]

Ryder Sydney doesn't listen to a lot of people. Number one being the medical professionals who routinely tell them that they should rest but that was impossible for somebody whose brain and body itched to be doing something. Their doctor had advised them to retire, what more did he want? For them not to be climbing a tree. They sit perched on a branch, their legs dangling on either side as they feel conflicted in their efforts. While Ryder's angry at how their body can no longer do some things with ease, forever not accepting the wear and tear from the industry, the fact they made it paired with the view was enough to bring a smile to their face.

They don't know how long it's been but as they look up from their phone they spot somebody on the bench and let out an amused huff at who it was. They consider taking a photo of Felipe and watch his reaction as he'd no doubt turn around with a less-than-impressed expression that Ryder was always at the other end of. Instead, they decide to try to climb back down and pretend they weren't up there in the first place.

That was until they found it's harder to get down than up. There's no surprise that their cussing and the branch they were relying on falling to the ground alerted Filipie to where they were, their frustrated expression trying to change into something light-hearted as they looked down. "You're not joining me?" Ryder asks, their grasp looking uncomfortable. "You know what that sounds like? Words from somebody who has never climbed a tree. You don't know what you're missing." Pain, mostly. While speaking, they try and figure out a way down, deciding on the hanging and let go method which lands them on the ground with an almighty thud which did no favours for their ankle as they try to hide the grimace. "I was up there before you sat down." Ryder points out, rubbing their dirty and scraped hands on their jacket. "Didn't want to interrupt your book thing and get a judgy look but it's too late for both but hey you found me this time not the other way around so you can't complain at that."

[aetherfms]

Somehow he didn't fully believe it, but was smart enough to not comment or question the fact that out of everyone that he'd hurt the most; that person was the one waiting for him years later to come back into their life. "Never knew that I looked forward to spending time with bathroom mold before now," he commented instead of touching on the reality that Erin had waited. Not just that, but wanted him back in their life as he took another bite of the pizza before he leaned back further into the couch that doubled as his bed.

It wasn't going to last, that much he knew, because he wasn't going to be able to live on a couch forever but he didn't know to broach the subject or get together enough money for a room somewhere. That was how much he owed Erin and Ayanna, still trying to find a way to pay them back for everything as he shook his head. "I've tried that once. I don't recommend it to anyone to go and try to tell you what to do." Or even suggest things, because Erin was always going to do what they wanted to do even if it meant getting him food when he didn't have the money for it, like now.

"A neon art exhibit?" He stared at the half piece of pizza left in his hand, considering his options which included either avoiding responsibility or his parents or everything and figured he could do that outdoors for the day. Banks shrugged. "That sounds, interesting. If you want the company, I'll go with you." Not talking about how much he missed drawing like he used to do where there would be doodles and designs all over the place when he was apprenticing at his old shop. But he hadn't picked up a pen or pencil since getting locked up, which left him feeling out of sorts in a way that he couldn't name.

Erin stepped away, leaving him slightly confused as he finished off the piece of pizza and waited for them to return in boxers and a shirt that looked familiar. The corner of his lip twisted upwards when he stared at it before Erin was back and hit him with their covers from their own bed. "You know, I had a shirt like that once. I thought I lost it though. Looks good on you," he added after a beat, staring straight ahead when the last bit was spoken to hide the look on his face only somewhat. "Apple juice or bee? Why do those sound like the choices of a kid that's let loose in their parents' liquor cabinet," he replied with an amused look on his face. "A beer, thanks."

[icingsweet]

"Weirdo." Erin lets out a low chuckle, their face scrunching to show feign disgust although that soon changes as the warmth from their chest rises to a smile. It's the first time he's admitted to missing them. It's the first time anybody has admitted to missing them. And they can't help but lose themselves in that for a second. "I missed you too." The words escaped their lips before they had time to analyse them, realising how they sounded and quickly carried on. "I mean, If that's your way of saying you missed me then I missed you."

If there's one thing that's been consistent with Erin Williams it's that they're their own worst enemy in many ways. Despite trying to seem nonchalant and easy-going even to those close to them, there's always a battle in their head over what to say, what not to say, and how they're always second-guessing where that line should be. They'd rather be interrupted as cold and disinterested than show something that somebody could use against them. It's unfortunately how they were raised and even it's still something they carry with them. Or try to. Banks once again throwing them off guard.

"So tomorrow whenever we wake up?" Was the last thing Erin said, eager to leave the room and the prior conversation before returning in different clothes. "I don't know why it looks familiar." A smirk indicating otherwise. They notice the way he looks too, unsure how to interpret it as the compliment he gave still rings in their ears. It's better to ignore it, they tell themselves. "Sue me or something. I kept some of your shirts but it's not like they're going to fit you now." Alongside some of his doodles, his letters, and little sentimental things that they refused to give to his parents knowing they might throw them away.

Now in the kitchen, Erin pours their drink and reaches for the cold beer while chuckling at his comment. "A parents' liquor cabinet? Sounds fake." They joke back, their dark sense of humour forever present as they make their way back to the couch. They stand the can on the table, walking between the that and Banks to get to their spot where they juggle their drink and the covers with no grace. "Are you saying I'm a bad bartender?" They laugh. "I stop the second I clock off but I'm still a beer connoisseur. It's one of my good ones, promise." Still trying to get comfy, they settle before looking over at him. "Ready?"

[andante--andante]

Percy instantly furrowed his brow at Alice's words and gave her an incredibly skeptical look. She was one of the most trusting individuals he ever knew in his life. "Just be careful, Alice," he finally said with a chuckle and a shake of his head. "Trust less people, even me. You gotta be a little more selfish sometimes. Maybe all the time."

"For dogs? Man, dogs get everything nowadays," he laughed. The idea seemed absurd to him but he knew plenty of people would do anything and everything for their pets. "Yea but I don't name the drinks. I just make them. Uhh just call it 'something cute' then."

[icingsweet]

"I have anxiety so I'm always careful," Alice counters with an awkward chuckle. "No but I—" she tries to find the words as she shakes her head which sends loose curls moving with the motion, "—I understand what you're saying. I do. But my point from before still stands and I'd feel bad if I was ever selfish." Referencing that if people let her down that's on them. "But you? Why wouldn't I trust you? You're here eating cupcakes at 3am that's the most unproblematic and good boy behaviour ever." While confused, a small snort escapes her at the good boy part for even she's not oblivious to his reputation.

"Is this a bad time to admit I've made the same for ricecake?" Her rabbit. Although she feels like Percy wouldn't be surprised in the slightest. Taking another sip of her tea, she takes a moment to think of names. "Something cute." A pause. "Berry cute? Don't laugh that's the best I can come up with on short notice."

[draumas]

[aetherfms]

"After you making me crawl through that? I think the roller rink might be me going easy on you," he commented with a shake of his head, stepping further into the room and avoiding the other people in there as they stared all around at everything between the floor and ceiling. "I don't know if this calls for us being cultured and shit, but it's an attempt, right?" He was tired of work and the apartment being most of his life, and the group sessions that he was forced to attend as much as his parole meetings but the museum had been recommended too many times to ignore forever. "I'm not sure where we go next." Or the point of it all as he saw a passage, stairs, and half a boat in the room with them.

[icingsweet]

"What do you mean? I said that was the best part." Erin looks up at him, their chin hiked higher than necessary as their smile uncharacteristically shows teeth. There's something to be said about how instead of looking at the exhibition they'd rather look at him but that's too much to unpack. "If you want to go skating then I'll oblige." They pause as a chuckle makes its way through their smile. "Look at me being cultured and shit? But know I'll complain and you'll have to hold me up so I don't think that makes you a winner." Now turning to look at what Banks had mentioned, one of their hands goes to wrap around his sleeve as Erin attempts to guide him forward with them. "We're taking a selfie at the boat and then you can pick."

[petalsfm]

"it just means you're... what do the kids say? BUILT DIFFERENT." he prays he's using that phrase right. "now you're bullshitting me. you've got a damn good face, scars and all. god knows what i'd look like after i've been knocked around a bit." the idea of it sends a shiver down his spine. bare knuckle boxing seemed to be the exact opposite of ballet, which was what he was raised for growing up. achilles was scared to let his hair grow out after he quit dancing. he'd looked one way his whole life. achilles laughs at the other's comment. "must be some movie trope or something. but fuck, a dating app? god, those things terrify me... are things going decently, at least?"

[icingsweet]

"built different." ryder repeats with a ring of asmusement. they can't help but find the irony in it. even as they sit here they can feel the wear and tear they had gained from fighting for so many years, some skateboarding accidents combined, as they roll their shoulder with a small grimace. "maybe the problem is my outstanding personality." since retiring it's clear they had mellowed but still only a select few of people unlocked this side of ryder sydney — cracking jokes, low chuckles with small windows of openness even though they still weren't much of a talker. it helped that pretty boy was chill to be around. "terrify you?" they pause, looking over at him and cracking a smile. "they're kinda scary. thought it would be fun but turns out i'm better at throwing punches than giving compliments." and it's the fact they're not lying either. "i keep messaging this one guy but who knows."

[rhettlancaster]

who: open @chqstarterwhere: Oktoberfest Celebration @ 8 Ball Brewing Co

Staying sober was not all that it was cracked up to be as Rhett took in the sight before him that included too many different kinds of beers that would have tickled his fancy. Now he was boring. Or bored. His brother was already lost in the crowd, leaving him to his own devices which often led to actual vices and then disappearing for months at a time before he resurfaced again with too many stories and not enough common sense. If his brother wasn't the one bailing him out, then it was another old band mate that did the same until they all grew tired of taking care of a grown ass man. Rhett shook the train of thoughts, focusing on the now as he squinted to try and make out some of the signs that he knew he couldn't read without his damn glasses. But fuck all if he was going to wear those in public. Instead he leaned towards the closest person and asked. "Hey, do you know what all they even do here that doesn't involve drinking?" What the fuck was someone supposed to do at a beer drinking festival that didn't include beer? "Like, is there even a point?"

[icingsweet]

Oktoberfest hadn't originally been on Yazmin's plans but a text from Rhett saying "save me" was a more appetising thought than sitting inside her apartment trying to sort through her finances. Closing her laptop, she knows that she should be doing something more protective with her time but replies saying she'll be there soon regardless. She'll joke around and call him a bad influence later. It didn't take her long to get ready, kissing her cat on the forehead and promising she'll be back later.

"Please tell me this wasn't one of your smart ideas." Yazmin says, announcing her presence as she steps to stand behind him holding a plate. There's a heavy emphasis on smart as she picks up a bite-size piece of reiberdatschi on a wooden fork, lifting it up to Rhett's mouth for him to taste like it was nothing. This wasn't Yazmin's idea of fun either but at least there was good food. "Should I be offended you choose this over my place?" She raises an eyebrow at the question, a hint of a smirk on her lips.

[madeleineengland]

me filling the room with negative energy bc i don’t wanna be there:

[balveermahajan-deactivated20230]

Who: open ( @chqstarter​​ )

Where: Behind closed stores, near some dumpsters. (You can choose a specific store if you'd like)

When: Late at night, approaching sunrise but not yet light.

-

Unable to sleep, Balveer had taken himself outside in search of anything he could find that could be sellable on his online store. Dumpster diving wasn't his favourite past time, but, it almost always produced results. He'd headed around the back of a string of stores, hoping to hit more than one place. However, he was stopped in his tracks by an unusual sound. He looked around, but couldn't see anybody in the darkness. "Who's there?" he spoke out, his voice barely breaking a whisper. The night was otherwise still and he didn't want to bring any unneeded attention to himself. He stood completely still, listening for any sign of life. "Show yourself and there'll be no trouble. Don't make me have to find you."

[icingsweet]

It wasn't like Yasmin Elsayed to be out this late, or early, but it wasn't without good reason. There had been reports of a stray cat in the area and gaining its trust was proving to be difficult. Not one to forcibly make a cat do anything, she had brought a bowl of water and food to leave out and adopted the wait-and-see method. Yesterday she had managed to sit a few feet away. Today was the same. Except this time she teeters between staying at a distance or deciding to scoot closer, her tone nothing but soothing as she tries to comfort the animal. It was going to plan until something causes the cat to freeze, its ears pulling back. It'd be a lie to say that she too wasn't alarmed at meeting somebody in the pitch black of night. "It's ok. It's ok. Carrying on eating your food swe —" she tries to reassure the cat until it bolts in the other direction. While picking herself off the ground she raises a hand in the air to indicate where she is, not wanting to alarm whoever it may be. "I was—" she rubs her palms on her jeans, "—trying to make friends. No trouble, I promise. Just some weird cat lady trying to pick up an injured stray. I didn't take anything if you're security."