Golden

"To be great is to be misunderstood." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

[addamsoctober]

“I remember,” she told him with a smile, as his band was on festival line-ups before her’s even existed. (Or at least- before it really existed. They weren’t that far off in age.) It had to be a weird feeling, and she was she wanted to keep doing this until she dropped dead, and for all she knew Alejandro felt that way too. They were both still young though, one festival from the sidelines wasn't a death sentence. A grin spread across her features, "Stoked. I think this is the biggest crowd we've played but, I don't know, it's all kinda the same to me, once I'm up there."

[liam--molina]

If Alejandro had really thought about it in a big picture way, not as much time had passed as he thought. He had been still touring when Jack was born but now he could form full sentences and he and Casper had made a whole other human being together. It made time feel distorted and he just altogether felt like a different person. But his passion for making music had never changed. He was sure it never would. "I hear you. Good to be in that zone but I think this crowd will be very rewarding. The energy has been really good. You playing anything new?" He wiggled his eyebrows before laughing. "I'll definitely try to get my ass up front for it."

[peteverona]

"You're the one standing here lamenting over the past like you're on your deathbed," she pointed out. It wasn't like she didn't know who he was, she just wasn't the type to care. Everyone in Rosewood was someone, or someone adjacent. "I don't know, people who crash events seem to forget their clothes for some reason. Yeah, well, we're only as old as we feel or whatever, right? Why aren't you up there anyway?" It seemed simple to her– if you wanted something, why not go for it?

[liam--molina]

"I mean, aren't we all on our deathbed in some way?" He let out a dramatic sigh before laughing at himself. "That's a fair assessment for sure. People do love to streak in this town. And probably because I haven't put out anything relevant or recent. I'd be inviting myself up there and that's not the look I'm going for. At least not at the moment, I think I'd have to be blackout for that. Or have more of an incentive like.." he glanced at her and grinned. "Like if someone dared me. A very serious dare of course. Those are not agreements to be broken."

[addamspatton]

"Sadly, I agree. Spontaneity is wonderful but not during sets that have been meticulously planned. I think they should invite you to perform but that's just my opinion." Casper was proud of Alejandro. She had the luxury of watching him grow as an artist throughout their relationship. She had seen her husband flourish in other ways as they changed and grew over time. Seeing Al become the amazing father she always knew he'd be was such a fulfilling journey. They had created a beautiful life together. one she still couldn't believe was the result of Christmas karaoke but the universe worked in mysterious ways. Their careers were important to them. From the get go Casper supported Alejandro. She would find a balance between school and touring to support her man. She would have gladly followed him to the ends of the earth if he asked. As their family grew it was Alejandro's turn to find balance. Casper was grateful to have Alejandro home. Their kids could say with confidence that their dad was present in their life. Growing up in a single-parent household, the notion meant more to Casper than her husband would ever know. "Yeah, I think it's time you pick up the guitar again don't you?" She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "I think every lead has to take solo endeavors in their career but they always come back to the band when the time is right. You're very different from when you first started the Alchemists, which is great. Maybe your solo ventures can showcase that growth. "

[liam--molina]

Alejandro smiled down at their hands, just glad that she could be there with him. They both deserved some time out of the house and she also had the ability to ground him with such ease. "It might be yeah," he agreed, eyes still on the stage. Cory had managed to find a way back up there and he was proud of him. Maybe it was time for Alejandro to actually think about what it could be like to do something new. He didn't know if it would actually be a solo act, he liked working with people too much but it could be something new. A new collaboration, a new journey altogether. The thought of it had him feeling a little lighter as his mind ran with all of the possible scenarios and he brought Casper's hand up to his lips. "And this, mi vida, is why you are my forever muse, hm? You're a genius," he told her, his smile growing. "Maybe, I mean there are possibilities. I could become a DJ," he joked, probably laughing too loud at that bit as he thought about it. "But for today, you and I are free and we could do whatever we want, hm? What's something you want to do today?"

[liam--molina]

[addamspatton]

Casper had excused herself to get water for her and her husband. She had forgotten to pack one crucial item for someone with a designated mom bag with everything anyone could possibly need. As she returned to Alejandro she saw her husband looking longingly at the stage. Casper knew that he had missed performing. Music had been his love before she came along on. "we're ancient to most people." she teased as she came beside him. "It is weird not seeing you up there. I've grown so used to seeing you on stage." It had been an adjustment having Alejandro not on tour or performing. her features softened. "Baby, I know you miss it. I don't think it would be desperate if you snuck on stage. I think it'd be a wonderful surprise. These festivals always have guests come on for performances from what I'm told. Who wouldn't want to hear a set from Alejandro Molina?"

[liam--molina]

Alejandro felt his mood shift as soon as he heard her voice, a slight smile working itself onto his face. "I mean yeah, if it was planned. If someone had thought of it and invited me up. But inviting myself up there? Confusing everyone? I don't think that's exactly a good look," he admitted. He didn't regret the choices that he made. Especially when he looked at his kids and realized that they would only remember their childhood as him being there. Being present. Those first few years of Jack's life when he was so far from home, he thought often about what it might feel like to him. Even the years he wouldn't remember. Now though, as they were getting a little older, at least enough to go to daycare and start school, he had found himself a little at a loss for how to move forward. How to keep himself busy when they weren't home. And a little consulting here and there for up and coming artist only did so much. "Maybe one day again soon though, yeah?" He glanced at her, reaching out for one of her hands. "Maybe a solo act wouldn't be so bad."

[peteverona]

"Yeah, that sounds like a good way to get your ass banned at every event in town and your ego obliterated by the wider internet. But hey, we don't kink shame." Tomi glanced between the stage and the guy, eyes narrowed in expectation that he might make a sudden move. "Just keep your pants on at least, nobody wanna see your balls slapping in the breeze, grandpa."

[liam--molina]

Alejandro let out a loud laugh, imagining that exact scenario. The internet had gotten even more creative and he was sure any recording could be played on some hilarious loop. "I'm not entirely sure what kink this would categorize as. I've never heard of a time machine kink," he joked before his eyebrows shot up. "Who said anything about being naked? Grandpa? Jesus, might as well start eating dinner at 4 and get myself one of those golfer hats. Pretty sure my kids think I'm 95 anyway."

[addamsoctober]

The Crypt Keepers didn't play until later in the day, so Gen was sneaking in time to check out some of the other artists when she spotted her- cousin? Cousin-in-law? "What was that?," she raised her voice over the music, eyes still on the stage as she settled into the crowd next to Alejandro. She peeled her attention away from the band performing though once she realized there was some kind of personal crisis happening next to her. "People bring up special guests at these things all the time, sure... You good?"

[liam--molina]

"Oh it's nothing," he said and ran his hands over his face before he looked over at her. "Just feeling nostalgic. This used to be a big day for us," he admitted and now he couldn't tell you where his former bandmates were right now. Though knowing Amber she'd surely try to find him later and was probably feeling the same. "It's one of the best stages, you're gonna crush it." He had easily become a fan of Genesis as a musician alone and not just because she was related to his wife but because of her talent and then her band had only made it that much better. He was rooting for them, that was for sure. "Are you excited?"

[liam--molina]

"Feels kind of weird not to be up there." Alejandro wasn't sure if anyone heard him. The edible he had taken earlier were finally starting to kick in and he was sure he had been standing in the same spot for what felt like hours even though in reality it had been minutes. The kids were with his parents and he was sure Casper was somewhere around here but he had been feeling melancholy at the idea of merely being a fan at this festival. A feeling he wasn't at all used to. "Maybe they won't notice if I just go up there. Oh fuck, that's desperate isn't it? Am I old now?"

[keatonchadwell]

"You think so? What was my best thing according to you?" Franco said teasingly, although she wasn't wrong. He was more into letting his actions speak louder than his words, his patience or his presence said more than he could ever say out loud in his opinion. A soft laugh left his lips at her words, that was one way to put how awkward things could be between them. "I'd love a drink. I have no idea what you've been up to for the past few months, so why don't you tell me about it? Anything fun?"

[liam--molina]

"Oh I don't know if I can say it out loud, your ego might get too big," she teased but her expression softened. "You're heart, honestly. You have such a good heart and not in a cheesy, kindest guy around way but in a you really care about your people way. No matter what. That's what guides you," she said simply and tried not to seem too emotional about it. She'd always love him, that became clearer to her every time they shared space together. "Mm, that would mean I would have to have an idea of what I've been up to," she joked, more as a way to think of a more exciting story to tell as they got to the bar and got their drinks. "Training, mostly, getting ready for next season, I might actually be playing abroad so that's been amazing to think about. Helping Liam do some recruiting for the high school. Lot's of sports all the time but I get to spend time with Devon and when I'm not, I'm being Jack and Bowie's favorite Tia. Jack is getting so big so quickly but Bowie is like my little angel, she loves hanging out at the gym with me. I can't believe Al is fully the father of two but it suits him and Dev and I are loving being Tia and Tio. We spoil the shit out of those kids. How are your parents? I think I saw the twins running around here, I didn't realize J was back."

[addamspatton]

casper loved halloween. that fact was obvious given her maiden name and the aura she exuded on a regular basis. fall was when she truly felt alive. prior to Alejandro, she had never been much of a party girl, often keeping to herself for being a little too odd but now she enjoyed them. it's how she met her now husband after all. who knew that a simple holiday party would lead to marriage and two kids but here they were six years later. currently, casper was trying an assortment of sweet treats the party had to offer. she graciously took the cookie that her husband offered and bit into it. her eyes widened in surprise as she nodded with a full mouth and hand covering her lips. "right. they're delightful. i don't feel like I'm going into a sugar shock eating them." she smiled. "we'll have to thank them personally. they really stepped up their game from last year." she shivered at the thought of stale cookies from Halloween past. "it might be controversial but I really enjoyed the bleeding black cupcakes. they were a fun surprise. messy but fun. yours?"

[liam--molina]

"i know, which is amazing because i'm pretty sure we're both going to go into a sugar shock in about three minutes. jack is going to be so jealous. he'll smell the sweetness on us," he joked, though he knew their toddler would definitely lose it with all of these sweets. "oh yes, so controversial," he teased, "gotta say the black bleeding out of your mouth as you ate it? very sexy. maybe it's actually an aphrodisiac. i'd believe it. oh i'm all for this spiderweb with the pretzel and the caramel it was just perfectly salty and sweet. i did kind of like the vampire blood. i thought it would be too...goopy but the consistency is really doing it for me." he smiled as he took a few more sips before finally setting the plates down to catch his breath. "whew, okay, food coma coming on strong. who's your next guess for who's gonna get out of the game? i'm honestly surprised lupe didn't join. hubie though, you think he's gonna last. it feels like he has to."

[liam--molina]

"Oh wait, wait, try this one," Alejandro said as he held another kind of cookie up for Casper to try. "Not too sweet but still kind of sweet, right?" Alejandro and Casper were sat off in some random corner, a pile of snacks on their plates as they passed each back and forth. "Major compliments to whoever put this spread together. I mean, truly." Al knew there was no way they would miss a Halloween party so with the kids staying with his parents they had been taking their time, observing costumes, taking pictures and now was time for stuffing their faces and making guesses about the game. He loved his life, truly. "What's the best one you've had so far?" @addamspatton

[keatonchadwell]

"You always did know how to win." Though his answer is playful, Franco can't explain how much it means that despite their break up and lack of communication recently, she still feels like that about him. Lupe was always an all or nothing kind of person and a part of Franco wondered if they would end up hating each other after everything. It took him a second or two but he snaked his arms around her shoulders carefully, kissing the side of her head. It felt strange, not to have her on his lap, not to kiss her. "Oh, come on, freaky shit is my thing. You know if it doesn't happen before the end of the night, I'll make it happen. You'll get all the dirty details." He smirked as they pulled away and shoved his hands into the pocket of his dark blue trousers, looking her over. "I'm really glad to see you, Lupe. I wasn't sure how to talk while I was out of town, didn't really know what the right thing to do was."

[liam--molina]

She tired not to show how much the kiss to the side of her head affected her but it made her realize how much she missed him. It wasn't like she had a lot of friends to begin with but in so many ways Franco had become one of the people she trusted most in the world. She felt so comfortable around him, even now. "Alright good, I expect it. Freaky shit is your shit, I haven't forgotten," she told him as she met his eyes. Even though time had passed, not enough had passed for her to forget anything about him. She was sure no amount of time passing could do that. "Yeah well words were never your best thing," she joked, only because she felt a little nervous. "I'm really glad to see you too. Really." She took a breath before letting out a laugh. "Fuck this is kind of intense, huh? Do you want to get a drink? Together?"

[keatonchadwell]

Franco turned around as soon as he heard her voice, a small smile showing up his face at the sight of her. He didn't think that would ever change, the way he looked at her. No matter how different everything had been for the past few months. "Huh, still betting on me then?" He murmured playfully, letting his eyes follow her. He wondered if she'd show up, he always did. Lupe had been a constant in his life for so long, realizing that now they only saw each other by chance was something he never thought would happen. "Thanks, I know you love costumes, but you know me. I'll avoid a costume like the plague. You look great too. Are you playing tonight or just here for the party?"

[liam--molina]

Lupe had to keep her arms down as he turned to smile at her, too familiar with wrapping her arms around him the moment they saw each other. "Always, it's the safest bet to make. And you know I pride myself on being a smart gambler." She hesitated for a moment longer before finally deciding to lean in for a brief hug, though she kept her arms around him a second too long, she was sure. "Just the party. You need a lot more for me to sign up for one of these party games. Figured I'd just see what all the hype was about before heading home. I'm sure some freaky shit is gonna happen and I'd rather hear about then be a part of it. But now I've got my man on the inside with you so look, easy work."

[liam--molina]

"You know that means you gotta win this thing, right? I'm betting money on it now." Lupe smiled at Franco, having seen his name on the list of players when they had come around to collect names. "I plan to make some big earnings." It wasn't like they never spoke but every time they did, Lupe found herself wondering why they were the way they were now. It was almost too easy and that felt scary to her. But it wasn't like she was going to talk to many other people at this party. "You look good. I mean as far as looking good at a Halloween party can be." @keatonchadwell

[liam--molina]

addamspatton​:

“which is why i let him run it. i knew it would tucker him out. oh, i’m sure he’ll want that or someone else. we’ll have to buy him new bedsheets and decor soon to replace his dinosaurs. i will too. i enjoyed watching you play ‘t-rex’ with him.” casper often wondered where the time had gone each time she looked at her son. it seemed like yesterday she was dancing in a diner with alejandro. both of them unsure of where they were headed but knowing that they liked each others company. how a simple christmas spawned this beautiful life she lived cas would never know but she was entirely grateful to the universe for placing alejandro in her path. “4am meals are the most important meals.” she teased. “i miss watching you do what you love.” alejandro’s passion was one of the many reasons as to why she had fallen in love with him. watching her husband perform with his band was mesmerizing. her gaze softened as his lips touched her hands. “i have become quite fond of waking up to you everyday now and the wonderful, surprise concoctions you come up with in the kitchen. in this universe and all the universes? that might be a bit of a stretch, honey. our kids are brilliant and beautiful. mhm, you’re a very lucky man, alejandro molina. a lucky man with amazing facial hair.” she returned the kiss and placed a hand on her husband’s cheek. “of course i’m happy with you and our life. i never imagined i would find someone. yet you waltzed into my life and gave me everything i never knew i wanted and more. you have made me the happiest woman alive. i miss it sometimes but i enjoy this domestic bliss we’ve found ourselves in.”

**

“well maybe if we’re lucky bowie will have a dino phase too and we can re-purpose everything. i did love playing t-rex,” he said with a dramatic sigh, bring his arms up to his chest and imitating the dinosaur one more time before laughing. his expression softened at her sentiment because he did miss it too. but it was never really far from him and he knew that when the kids were a little older, he’d be right back on that stage. just in a different way. “speaking of surprise concoctions, i think i have a really good one for tomorrow morning. you’re in for a true treat. a stretch? not at all. in every single universe. all of the galaxy. every single inch of it.” he blushed under her praise, taking it all in as he leaned into the touch of her hand. “happiest woman alive? can we test that?” he joked and turned his head to kiss her palm. "domestic bliss is a good way to put it. we do however, have a whole afternoon to ourselves tomorrow. i’m pretty sure your father is already planning matching outfits with jack,” he joked and made room for them to lay back as he wrapped his arm around her. “do you want to go on a little adventure together once we drop the kids off or should we be responsible adults and go..shopping or something?”

[buffyscmmers]

Sivan Alyra Rose as Sasha Yazzie in Chambers (2019)

[castillo-javier]

liam–molina​:

**

Lupe blushed at the comment and laughed softly. “No, I mean I remember. Some of it, most of it,” she admitted, every bit of it sending a flush of warmth through her body and she wasn’t sure how to handle that. “Yeah, yeah I’m okay. I mean my head is pounding but I’m okay,” she admitted and sank down a bit into the pillows. “I guess I haven’t gotten that drunk in a really long time. Probably since the first time we met,” she joked and looked over at Noelle, her expression softening as she did. “This isn’t..weird for you? I mean it’s not like we haven’t seen each other naked but I mean…” she was blushing against, clutching the covers up to her neck as she thought about it. “Was I..I mean was it..good? For you?”

.

Noelle’s lips quirked up in a small smile as she watched her best friend work through her thoughts in real time. “It’s okay if you don’t remember. That’s the thing about partying. You have a great time you’ll never really remember.” A notch formed between her brows showing her concern for Lupe. “Will you be okay on your own for a second? I’ll grab some water and advil.” Noelle didn’t bother to cover herself up as she left her bed but she returned clothed in a robe for Lupe’s benefit. The way she was clutching the sheets to her neck made Noelle feel like blatant exhibitionism wasn’t the right move. “Here, take this. Honestly, no. It’s not weird for me. I’ve thought about sleeping with you more than once in our friendship. I’d like to do it again sober so you can remember it and we can both be fully present for it.” She laid back down on top of the covers, her robe falling open a touch at her chest. “What I can remember of it was great, yeah.” Noelle reached out to take her friend’s hand. “Are you okay? You seem like you’re freaking out. If you need to run away for a bit I won’t hold it against you.”

[liam--molina]

“Yeah, yeah I’ll be fine,” she said and in Noelle’s absence she tried to scold herself into acting normal. Still, it didn’t stop her from watching Noelle walk away or come back into the room in her robe. “Wait? Really? With me?” The shock was clear in her voice for many reasons. One, Lupe had always been surprised that Noelle had noticed her out of everyone. That they had built up their friendship enough to be best friends. Noelle had made the transition to living in Rosewood an easier one, even if she missed Puerto Rico every damn day. Second, she generally had not had that confidence in herself. The one that Noelle clearly had in her and it made her want to be that person. Who wasn’t a blushing mess right now. She glanced down at their hands and gave Noelle’s a squeeze. “Yes, yeah I’m okay, I swear,” she told her softly and sunk down to lie next to Noelle and looked up at her. “You know, before shit went crazy in my life I was actually pretty confident,” she started, turning Noelle’s hand over to trace the lines on her palm. “Best basketball player on the island, at least according to Liam, a promising future,” and then she had met her biological mother, but Lupe couldn’t say that. Not to mention her relationship with Franco had been so comfortable, so easy, so safe. “And then I just kind of got lost, the push and pull between here and the island, the identity crisis, all of it.” She glanced up at Noelle and smiled softly. “You’re so important to me, Noe. I guess I kind of woke up and freaked out because I don’t know, if we were gonna sleep together I would at least have wanted it to be more memorable,” she teased, bringing Noelle’s palm up to kiss it gently. “I would’ve been a lot more charming. And way less drunk.”