hello, hello again! back with my second character and you can find out more about malachi under the cut!!
[ mason gooding, cis man, he/him ] - was that MALACHI PHILLIPS i saw by the lighthouse today? i heard that the THIRTY year old who has been in nightrest for TWENTY-THREE YEARS ON & OFF and works as a PART-TIME PERSONAL TRAINER & BASKETBALL COACH has a reputation of being PASSIONATE, but also HOTHEADED. they reside in STOUGHTON ESTATES & people in town usually associate them with SPENDING HOURS ALONE ON A BASKETBALL COURT, BLOODIED KNUCKLES & GETTING ANOTHER TATTOO. let’s hope the killer doesn’t go after them next.
trigger warnings: parental death, injury, car accident & amnesia
BASICS
full name: malachi alec phillips
nickname: mal, chi
date of birth: october 24, 1992
gender: cis man
pronouns: he/him
occupation: ex-nba player, personal trainer & basketball coach
birthplace: nightrest, massachusetts
sexuality: heterosexual
height: 6′3″
BACKGROUND
malachi grew up in a wealthy but humble household with his dad as a basketball coach & pe teacher, his mom as the deputy principal (both at wardwell academy), his younger brother, monty, and his younger sister, melany
growing up, his father had instilled in him his love of basketball and it was no surprise when malachi picked it up immediately, loved the sport from the moment he first held a toy basketball in his little hands
everyone could see that that love and passion was special because with his dedication, malachi turned out to be really good at it. like REALLY good at it
the sport became his main focus in life, his dream turning singular: to make it to the NBA. even though that was his focus, he would always make time for his family and his friends
malachi would do anything for his family, but especially monty. his younger brother is his rock, his best friend, his ride or die, despite the fact that they were into completely different things
his bond with lany was different. much more protective, more playful. he feels responsible for her, especially when that day came. a day that started off like many others, malachi was pulled out of class by his mother because his father was rushed to the university medical center due to suffering a heart attack while he was in the middle of teaching one of his classes. he was dead on arrival
malachi was absolutely devastated. the man who got him into basketball, his hero, the man who hadn’t even seen him go pro yet was gone, just like that. nothing in the world could have prepared him for it, and nothing could have prepared him for his mother growing distant and absolutely nothing could have prepared him for the sobering and heavy responsibility of being the one who has to take care of his younger siblings
malachi just wanted to get her back, wanted his warm, loving, happy mom back and it got to the point that he would have just wanted a simple reaction from her, whether it was good or bad. he got into trouble, saw his brother get into trouble too, saw his sister revert into herself, but it led to nothing. their mother was still unbelievably distant and very much not the same
it pushed the siblings to grow even closer, because it felt like they only had each other left at that point, even when malachi went away to continue pursuing his dreams of playing in the nba
he was able to reach that dream, dedicating each of his games to his dad, remembering all his dad taught him throughout the years. he started off as part of the san antonio spurs but he willingly wanted to be traded to the boston celtics because that was his dad’s favorite team
four years. that was the extent of how long he was able to live his dream before a grave injury shattered every hope he had of being able to continue playing the sport he loved so much, a sport that was so closely tied to his dad
he went back to nightrest two and a half years ago and has been a menace ever since
drinking, partying, fucking around, you name it. had been detained overnight a couple of times because he kept getting into fights
the one and only time he cleaned his act enough was when his younger brother had gotten into a car accident, wiping away most of his more recent memories
he had to step up to look after the brother that he’d do anything for, would kill for, but with monty slowly getting better, chi was also slowly getting back to his ways
fucking around, drinking, partying, going on impulsive dares
PERSONALITY TRAITS
+ steadfast, determined, ambitious
- irresponsible, violent, dishonest
FUN FACTS
has a lot of tattoos, not full on sleeves but he’s on his way there for sure
lives in a big ol’ beach house far away from the rest of the town, mostly because he likes his privacy but also because he just likes being close to the beach, but spends most of his time at the gym or his siblings’ place
has a german shepherd named bolt (it’s short for troy bolton)
constantly works out, still loves to play basketball tbh and can usually be found in a basketball court somewhere
not so cynical when it comes to love, because he does believe it exists, but also thinks it’s painful as fuck, after seeing what has happened to his mother, and also his younger brother so he tends to avoid it
likes to sleep around and probably has broken a few hearts along the way
extremely protective of the people he loves
isn’t afraid to be an asshole tbh, kind of his default setting
definitely isn’t afraid to throw a punch here or there, especially after drinking
unironically loves the high school musical movies whoops
it’s not lost on him that the job he has now as basketball coach over at wardwell academy is the job his father used to have too. it’s something he thinks about often but doesn’t really talk about
the epitome of “i’m gonna do it, i just gotta complain first” for anything other than basketball
WANTED PLOTS
his squad (got one more spot available!!)
high school sweetheart (sent a wc to the main)
ex-girlfriends
unexpected friends
friends with benefits
tinder date
ex-flings
gym bros
hateship
good influence
fellow dog lovers
childhood friends who stayed friends
childhood friends who drifted apart
enemies
will they, won’t they
older brother/sister figure
someone who has patched him up after a pretty grizzly bar fight one time
i’m more than willing to plot all the things !!!!!
a letter from malachi to his mother, left on her nightstand before he went to the charity gala
Dear Ma,
I know we haven’t talked since the last time I came over three days ago, when I suggested the plan to leave this town and start new somewhere else. That day was probably the most lucid I’d seen you in so long, because you were adamant on staying, looking at me as if I was the Devil for suggesting it in the first place, saying you wouldn’t leave him. I assume you meant dad, but I know you also meant Monty. I understand. I really do. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life, but I can’t stay here, Ma. I can feel myself becoming the man I was when I first got back here after my career was over, and I don’t want to be that person anymore. I never want to be that person again.
Especially because I got a girl now and the last thing I want to do is hurt her by being that asshole I was years ago. You’ll love her. Her name’s Aranya, but everybody just calls her Ari and she’s the sweetest, kindest person I know. Can shoot hoops like a pro too. Is really, really damn good at games. She’s even better than me. Got the brightest smile and the biggest heart and I just... I don’t know what I would’ve done if she hadn’t been in my corner this entire time, if she didn’t hold my hand through it all and reminded me it was okay to feel, if she hadn’t let me lean on her. I... I genuinely think I’m starting to love her, Ma. Give me a month and I’ll probably say that to her face. She deserves the best, and I can’t be that if I stay here. I just can’t do it. We talked, and agreed that this place isn’t a good place to be in anymore. All these deaths and pain... It can’t be good for anybody. You’d know that best, out of all of us, and I refuse to give up the same way you did. I can see a future with her, Ma. That’s why I’m leaving. Because as much as this place is home, I just don’t see a future here anymore.
I’m bringing Lany with me too. I’m getting her far away from this place because even though she puts on a strong front, I know she’s struggling. I know she’s hurting so damn much. She’d lost her dad at such a young age. She’d lost her brother right after celebrating his birthday, so unexpectedly too, and no offense, but you’re not the best person to take care of her either. It’s been so long since we lost Dad, Ma. So, so long. You left us the night he died too, because whoever you are now is who you left us with years ago, leaving me to have to take care of them all on my own. I was still just a fucking kid, and I had to step up because you weren’t able to. Because you let your grief consume you until you were absolutely nothing and I refuse to let Lany turn into you. You think it didn’t hurt me losing Monty? You think something vital to who I am as a person didn’t break that night? You think I don’t think of him every damn day, wishing it should have been me instead, if it meant he’d live the long, happy life he deserved? It all fucking hurts, Ma, but we keep going because that’s what we’re supposed to do. Dad wouldn’t have wanted you to turn into this.
I refuse to let Lu turn into you too. She won’t come to Los Angeles with us, but she said she was going back to Spain. I think that’ll do her some good. Get away from this place, that house. You remember when you told her she had the sweetest voice when we were all kids? Yeah, none of us have heard it since that night. She’s hurting as much as I’m pretty sure you were back when Dad died, but at least she’s still doing something.
Grief is a horrible thing to deal with and I’m trying to understand it, Ma, but I don’t. I really don’t.
I’ve already entrusted someone to take care of you while I’m gone. Meatloaf, Lasagna and Big Mac are all under your name now, though I got someone else to take care of them too. You can be a husk of a person all you want, Ma, but just know that I love you. I hope there can be some solace in knowing Dad’s with Monty now. I don’t know what they’re doing up there, but we both know they’re definitely not playing ball lol (that stands for laughing out loud, it’s an expression for when you find something funny. I’m sure Lany can tell you all about it since she’s like freakishly smart. Are you sure she’s not adopted?)
Anyway, I love you. I’m sorry. I’ve got Lany. I’ll talk to you soon.
Look after Kyle for me (in case he won’t come with us).
Bleed with me this time
I've been hurting to find
Someone to make it right
I learned so much but lost it all
And when I'm stuck with you, I fall
Bleed with me this time
Till we bleed out
trigger warning: death
mentioned: @lanyphillips @aranyasaeli @kyleyangs @veritycalma @kattcalled
“Yeah, of course,” Mal said when his girlfriend told him she wanted to get some air. He felt himself smiling into the kiss because even though it had been a couple of hours since Aranya had said yes, he still couldn’t believe it. Still couldn’t believe how goddamn giddy he felt. Kyle was right, he truly was like some lovesick puppy, but as he watched Ari walk away from him, there was a feeling of peace that he truly hadn’t been able to feel in the longest time. A lot of people might have thought that he hadn’t been at peace ever since his brother’s death, but it had been so much longer than that.
He hadn’t been at peace since he came back to Nightrest over three years ago, after his career-ending injury. If there was a moment in his life that he knew was the turning point, it was that. Not just because it cut short his passion in life, but because he felt like that had severed his last connection to his father, and without that, Malachi was lost. He knew some people might think it was silly. It’s just a sport. It’s just a ball. It’s just a game. It’s nothing special. But it was so much more than that to him.
It reminded him of the days his father turned into his coach, when his dad taught him the basics, from the proper way of holding the basketball to how to shoot, moving him farther and farther away from the hoop until he could hear “For threeeeee!” in his head every time he shot from the three-point line his father had placed in their basketball court in their backyard. The cheers his father yelled out every time there was that swish when it was nothing but net, the pointers his father gave him to make him better. Malachi knew a lot of people learned to love the things that they were good at, but he learned to be good at this because he loved it. His dad loved it, and that was all that mattered to him.
How he wished his father was around now. How he wished he could come home to see his mom and dad slow dancing in the kitchen while dinner cooked, so he could introduce Aranya to them. How he wished it was a Sunday and his father would be at the grill, oldies and soul music playing from inside their home.
Remembering it all made him remember Monty, and his heart ached just a little bit more. He thought there was no pain harsher and harder to accept than the pain of losing a parent, but he thought wrong. Losing a brother was a different but just as harsh pain. Malachi had literally been in Monty’s life since he was born, and with how close they were in ages, he could still remember when people mistook them for twins. How the two of them grew up to be completely different, but still undeniably close because there truly was no other way. Malachi loved Monty and Lany once she came into the family a few years later more than anything and anyone else in his entire life.
What were you supposed to do when you lose someone who meant the world to you? There was guilt that gnawed at him too, a factor in his breakdown in front of Aranya, because he was supposed to be the older brother. He was supposed to protect them and he failed. He could even remember how the tradition of Phillips Fam Fries Day Friday started. It was his way of trying to protect his siblings from the harsh reality that they were practically orphans then, because while their mother was still physically present, she was no longer... present. The woman gave up, and the responsibility rested heavy on Malachi’s shoulders since, and he took that more seriously than anything in his life. More seriously than basketball. More seriously than any relationship.
Malachi knew he busted Monty’s ass all the time, but it always came from a place of love. How happy he had been at his birthday celebration. The knowing look on his face as Mal sat on the couch with his arm slung around Aranya’s shoulders. Mal knew, without a doubt in his mind, that his brother would have been happy about this. Probably would’ve started talking about weddings, because that was just the kind of man he was. Mal would have called him a nerd, and to go take care of his cow.
It was heartbreaking how vividly he could picture out the conversation going, knowing he’d never actually be able to have the conversation.
The heavy feeling in his chest was back, but he cleared his throat, knowing it wouldn’t be okay for him to break down here, not when the entire event was for a good cause. No, what he needed to do was find his sister, give her a hug and then find his girlfriend to make sure she was okay, since he checked his watch and noticed that she’d been gone for a while. Maybe she went to the restroom? He thought to himself, but he still made out of his way to where Lany was to give her an unexpected hug. The two were never the most public when it came to touchy-feely things, but so much has changed since their recent loss that Mal felt no shame in interrupting her conversation just to make sure she was okay. To give her a hug that he couldn’t totally tell was for her, or for both of them.
“Tell me when you’re ready to leave and I can drop you and Lu off,” Mal murmured, reluctant to let go of her. Desperation clawed at his chest as he looked at his younger sister because he wanted, more than anything, to just protect her now. She and Kyle were the only family he had left, and he couldn’t keep losing people. He just can’t, not after all the losses they had all suffered. He was barely holding it all together as it was. “Actually, lemme see where my girlfriend is--” Mal said, showing Lany a grin. “And then we can head home. I’ll be right back,” he said, squeezing Lany’s arm before he went out of the main room, to try and find Aranya.
The smile was still on his lips as he went out to the deck, the place now a familiar and sentimental place for him. This was where he had asked Ari to officially be his girlfriend just a couple of hours ago. This was where she had cried and told him yes. This was where Malachi had made a promise himself to be a better man. For her. For their future together. This was where he felt the first inkling of hope blooming in his chest, that maybe, just maybe, things will be okay. Everything was so confusing and painful right now but he had her. He trusted her.
She had him, in the same way he knew he’d always have her, and that made it all worth it.
It was funny, looking back, how much this took him by surprise when it probably shouldn’t have. He’d always liked Ari, thought she was a sweet girl, and he definitely liked hanging out with her. Maybe it was because they started off as friends first until he started to flirt with her that made the difference. Maybe it was because she was so close to him, literally his next door neighbor, that made the difference. Mal had made it a point to make extra for her when he was cooking, especially when he could see that she had been streaming for hours. He had learned how to make her favorite food early on just so he could surprise her with it when he could tell that she was having a bad day but was too nice to say anything, to burden anyone with her problems because that was just the kind of person she was.
Mal had come to know her, her body language, her tells. He loved learning about her. He loved listening to her talk, watching her play her games, go on car rides with him. He came to crave her company more than just what he got in the bedroom. He talked about his dad with her out there on the basketball court during the snowstorm, when he hadn’t really expected to do that. It just goes to show how comfortable he had been with her already for him to just talk about it. To open up to her. He already trusted her then, he just hadn’t seen yet just how much.
He didn’t even think twice about letting her see him break down after the funeral because for someone who didn’t really instill trust in his relationships, it was still a big deal for him. I trust you was a bigger deal to him than I love you and when she walked in on him, amidst the broken glass, the trashed trophies lying down on the floor, the pictures of him and Kyle and his father from high school, the lonely sound of a basketball bouncing on the floor until it rolled to a stop, he realized he felt both.
As he looked at her then, all Mal could think of was I trust you. I love you.
I love her, Mal realized with jarring clarity. The thought made him stop in his tracks because he had been thinking it, playing around with the idea of it, but he had been so scared that something that made him so happy would be taken from him again. The story of his life. Once something made him happy, it felt like it was ripped from his hands almost immediately. He knew that he loved her deep down but because he didn’t want to admit it to himself yet, his mind had rejected it, especially because just a couple of hours ago, he had been a little scared that she was going to say no.
But she didn’t.
She said yes.
Holy fuck, I love her.
Maybe I’m the luckiest man in the world and she might actually love me too.
That sweet, beautiful, kind woman who was valid in everything she did was someone he trusted and loved and even though the past few days have made him spiral in a way he never had before, the warmth in his chest made him start walking away, eager to tell her. There was nothing to be done about the past, nothing to be said or done that can heal the part of him that will always be broken with the loss they suffered, but he had her. The hope of the future they planned together is enough; the lifeline he needed not to drown in despair. He had a goal and that was to make sure she was happy because that woman deserved the best.
It was her. It was just her for him, he knew that.
I love her.
It was getting pretty dark out there on the deck, and his eyes furrowed as he wondered where she could be, but a glimmer caught his eye out on the far end of the deck, right where he had asked Aranya to be his girlfriend a few hours ago. It was like the light had caught something shiny from there and he blinked as he realized there was something on the floor, something that inched towards him slowly.
Malachi wondered what it could be -- water, maybe? A spilled drink? -- but then felt himself being jerked back immediately once he realized it was blood. It only took him a second of that realization before he started running, his heart breaking as he found himself faced with something his brain refused to accept.
“No. No, no, no, c’mon, baby,” Mal said, already feeling tears fall down his cheeks as the crushing sight brought him to his knees. “Baby. Baby, hey. Ari, come on,” he said, his voice pleading as he cradled her cheeks, but he didn’t start sobbing until his eyes drifted down, seeing the red bloom from her stomach. It was so familiar to what he had seen been done to his younger brother that a guttural cry escaped him as he hoisted her upper body into his arms, rocking her as he wondered why this was happening.
Why bad things happened to good people.
Why her? Why her?
She didn’t deserve this.
She didn’t fucking deserve this.
He would never be able to see her smile again.
To hear her laugh again.
To watch her sleepily wake up in the morning with that stretch that he had always teased her was too adorable.
To watch her get so into her games, and be so good that when they played together, she beat him no matter how hard he tried, like every time they were at the basketball toss.
To run his fingers down her bare back as he held her close every night.
To cook her things and see the way her eyes lit up when he brought her food.
To hold her hand and give her the comfort she definitely gave him.
To tell her she didn’t even need to get dressed, they were just going out for a late night drive.
To watch her ask him which she should wear, because he thought she looked so damn good in everything.
To listen to her talk, knowing it could be about anything, even things he knew nothing about and he’d still be a happy man, just to hear her.
He would never be able to tell her he loved her.
Mal knew he probably should find someone, anyone that might be able to help, but he couldn’t leave her. He couldn’t even let go of her until he felt a chilling presence that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up, signifying that he wasn’t alone anymore. That maybe whoever was responsible for this was back. He gently laid Ari back down on the floor, unable to stop another sob from escaping past his lips at the sight before he acted first, his fist swinging out until it connected with a strong jaw.
He hadn’t been able to protect her either.
Mal didn’t know who this fucker in the mask was, but he was controlled by rage, by grief, by guilt, by all the pain he was still nursing and he held up the person by grabbing onto the front of their suit before forcing them back on their feet so he could punch them again, feeling his knuckles split as they came in contact with the other’s nose. There was blood on his own suit, and he knew most of it came from Ari when he held her and as the reminder of his now lifeless girlfriend flitted through his mind, Mal threw another punch, not caring that the other still wasn’t on their feet yet.
She didn’t deserve this.
Mal was about to throw another punch when he felt his arms being pulled back from behind, causing him to thrash as he tried to find a way to escape. There are two of them, Mal realized with a sinking feeling. Were these the same assholes who hurt his brother? Fresh tears were still on his cheeks as he clenched his jaw, watching the person he had just punched multiple times stand up and take off their mask.
His mask.
Mal would never have thought he would be responsible for this and he was breathing hard as he continued to find a way to release himself from the other’s grip -- whoever this was was strong too -- but before he could do much of anything, he felt a sharp pain in his gut.
He breathed out as the knife was twisted inside of him, and the fight was no longer in him, as the man took out the knife and stabbed him with it again.
And again.
And again.
Mal lost count of how many times it was but by the time the other person let go of his grip on him, he fell down to the floor of the deck, finding the last of his strength to crawl closer to Ari, so he could hold onto her one last time.
To rely on her to have him one more time, he thought as his fingers shakily clasped onto her cold ones.
God, he didn’t want to die alone.
Lany, he thought as he struggled to breathe. Please. Please just let her be okay. Please, Mal prayed to whoever was listening as his breaths turned shallower. There was a small comfort in knowing Kyle would be there for her, make sure she was okay. So would Lu, despite her looking lost now. Jacob too. She wouldn’t be alone.
Mal would no longer be there to bring them all together, to protect them and look out for each of them anymore, but they’ll be okay. They had each other.
They had each other.
There was comfort there. And as his eyes rested on Aranya, he held onto that fleeting sense of peace and comfort only she could bring, his fingers twitching as he no longer had the strength to hold onto her. I love you. I’m sorry, he thought, his eyes slowly closing. Mal didn’t know what would come next, but as the life drained out of him, he found a small comfort in knowing he’d finally be reunited with his dad. His brother. Ari. My little buzzer beater, Mal affectionately thought as he looked at her, the last sight he’d live to see. Grateful that she had given him so much happiness before it had to come to this.
He wished they had more time. He wished he had more time to laugh with Kyle. To poke fun at Vera. To spend with Kat now that they were friends again. To comfort Lu. To tell Lany he loved her. To tell his mother he now understood. That he forgave her. To invite everybody for another barbecue for lunch, to be followed by shots later that evening. To just have his family together, the most important thing to him. To shoot another basketball. To play the game that was his and his father’s.
“Look at you. Two months ago you were sending every chick in town the same good morning text. And now you look like a lovesick puppy.” It felt like their roles were switching, Kyle once the guy that preferred being in relationships, as fleeting as they were, and Malachi the one girls turned to for a good night. Here his best friend was finally settling down, and he was moving in the exact opposite direction. It was a little too ironic. But after everything Mal had been through, losing his dad, his mom too essentially, and losing his career, he was glad that the other had someone there for him when they’d lost Monty. As nonchalant as Kyle was, he wasn’t ever oblivious to the struggles Malachi has went through, and that most of the time, he kept it to himself and never let anyone in. "I was always the smart one, I can’t be that surprised it took you this long,” Kyle let out jokingly. It was obvious that things were serious, and for that, he was happy for Malachi. “Sometimes. Not like I’d really have any place to go though,” he replied honestly. “Why? Thinking about getting out of here?”
Malachi let out a loud laugh at the memory, remembering how he’d wake up every morning and send the same text to multiple women. Maybe it had been a sign that he always sent out the text to Ari first. “Can’t even deny that,” he said with a chuckle. “I know it’s early but... I don’t know, I think it’s her, man. You know me, I never rush into anything but... I guess I get it now. That whole thing where people say ‘when you know, you know’. I always thought that was bullshit,” Mal admitted. “But I get it now,” he murmured, his eyes seeking out Ari again, feeling a little more at peace knowing she was merely there, before turning back towards his best friend, snorting out a laugh. “Yeah, smartass? What happened with you and Vera, huh?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Uh, well... yeah. Kinda?” Mal said, before clearing his throat. “Ari and I were thinking LA. Maybe a little vacation away from all of this. I’m taking Lany too, giving her a change of scenery for a bit, because being here... it can’t be good for her, you know? Can’t be good for any of us. You wanna come with us? A little spring break action?”
She felt silly crying right now. But Aranya had always been an emotional person, always been the kind to wear her heart on her sleeve, her emotions written all over her face whether she’d liked it or not. The love she had for the man in front of her was so beyond obvious, thinking to herself that she’d finally found her person. Someone who didn’t run at the sight of her being overly-involved, someone who accepted her for who she was. She smiled at his words, holding him close even as she calmed down. “You’re already the best, Mal. There isn’t anyone else I’d want to be with,” she retorted softly. Throughout their hardships, throughout the pain, it was him she wanted to beside. Whether it meant taking care of him, or vice-versa. It was what she wanted. Even in the darkness, he managed to make her feel happy, make her feel wanted. Just as much as he’d opened up to her, Ari let herself open up to him fully as well. To let herself fall, feel as intensely as her heart wanted to. Even in her broken sobs, happy tears as they were, he’d been the first person she was comfortable crying in front of, expressing a side of herself that wasn’t all the sunshine that she was perceived as. And she was hopeful, thinking that if they had each other that that things would turn out okay, whatever the future held for them. When his lips melted into hers with a smile, she could only really blush, public declaration of what they were making her feel giddy. “Yes, boyfriend,” she replied with a grin, unable to hide its brightness in the moment. Her eyes lingered to the room inside, almost forgetting where they were but quickly nodding her head in agreement. “What do you mean cheesy? Of course I do.” Enclosing her hand in his, she took the lead, happily pulling the both of them back inside.
“God, I love the sound of that,” Mal murmured with a grin. Hearing the word ‘boyfriend’ coming from her lips was something he had hoped would happen tonight, but he still hadn’t let his hopes get too high. It was becoming a real fear of his, that everything that made him happy would be ripped from him eventually, his latest loss a cruel reminder of that so to have her be so happy to be his that she cried was something he hadn’t expected, but accepted completely. It was easier now for him to stomp down on that fear because he had her, and it made all the difference. Mal chuckled as he let her lead them back inside the main room, but as soon as they were on that dance floor, he twirled her around once before pulling her close to him, unable to stop smiling, proud to be the one to have Aranya in his arms. “Hey. Hey, buddy,” Mal said to the man also dancing beside them. “She’s my girlfriend,” he added, gesturing towards Aranya before letting out a carefree laugh. Tonight was the lightest he had felt since that night, since that loss, and as he swayed the both of them to the music, Malachi couldn’t help but still just be so grateful. His gaze rested at the necklace on her neck and he remembered when he gave her that months ago, wanting nothing more than to woo his hot, sweet neighbor, and how different everything was now. She’d been the best surprise of his life, and he couldn’t help himself from leaning in to press another kiss on her lips, in front of everybody. “It’s you, babe,” Mal murmured against her lips before pulling away slightly to show her a soft smile. There was clarity there, in knowing exactly what he wanted, who he wanted, and knowing that was reciprocated and he now had someone to build a future with, to share a life with. Someone whose happiness was so important to him that he’d work towards being a better man because that’s what she deserved. “You think Jieun would know the best spot here for a good picture? I wanna make it official on the gram too and you look so damn beautiful in that dress,” he said as he smiled down at her, still swaying the both of them to the music.
The both of them knew more than well what it was like to lose family, no need for words between each other to know what the other was feeling. If there was one person that Kyle would always need in his life, it was Malachi. The one person he really wouldn’t be able to bare losing. The one person in this world that had been there for him through it all. “I’m surprised she’s here in the first place,” he let out, thinking that if he knew the younger well enough, her home was where she’d rather be right now. He eyed the brunette, watching the expression on his best friend’s face grow softer. He almost felt jealous, but more than anything, he was happy that the other had someone right now. “You need someone like her. Someone who won’t let you ignore all the shit you bottle up,” Kyle responded with a sigh, before glancing at Mal with his brows raised. “You? Girlfriend? …Look at that, you’re finally growing up. I’m proud.” He grinned slightly at the good news, before his expression faded with the mention of how he was doing. “Yeah, I’m okay. Kind of wish I could have more than this beer right now, but besides that.”
“Yeah, me too,” Mal murmured, before the smile was back on his lips and he had to order another beer for himself to turn his face away before his best friend saw just how hard he was cheesing. “Yeah, I... I kinda lost it after the funeral,” he admitted. “Got so tired of having to bury people, you know?” Mal asked, his voice low. “But... she was there, man. She was there and it made all the difference,” he said, as his eyes almost immediately zoned in on her, even from afar and Mal felt a little more at peace. Like the storm in his head got a little quieter, easier to navigate. “Took me a fucking minute, huh?” Mal said, laughing lightly. “She’s worth it, though. So worth it,” he added. “You on shift the whole night?” He asked before he cleared his throat. “You, uh, you ever think about moving? Getting out of here?”
“I don’t know about you,” Vera began, giving herself one final look in the hall mirror before turning toward the other, “But if I’m going to survive the night here, I need a drink.” Or ten. However many it would take to make the night somewhat bearable—if it were even possible.
“C’mon then. The quicker I get some drinks in you, the quicker I can ask you what the hell happened with you and my bestie,” Mal said, trying to suppress his smile. He liked poking fun at Vera all the time, but he couldn’t help the underlying tone of concern there too. “You look great, by the way, Vera,” Mal said, showing Vera a grin before leading the way to the open bar. “Your usual?” He asked.
a bright smile appeared on her face at the compliment. she was just happy that people noticed her efforts tonight. “ thanks, ” she smoothed out her fit before fixing her hair. “ you look great tonight as well. just not better than me, of course. ” the blonde teased. it was a shock to see him here, but she was happy nonetheless. to know that he was doing okay. to see that he was still here brought a little peace to her soul. her cheeks flushed a bit as she looked over at jake. her once big smile now softened. “ yeah. . he’s amazing but you, ” she changed the topic. they weren’t officially together, and she didn’t want to jinx anything. she clinked their glasses together before quickly finishing it. “ i’m shocked the player finally settled down. ” kat teased once more. “ but honestly, you two are cute. i’m glad you have her. ”
“oh, never better than you,” mal said with a chuckle. the two had been through so much just the past couple of months alone, but it felt like everything had fallen into place for them, save for the death that he didn’t really have the strength left to talk or even think about. “he’s a good one, kat,” mal softly said with a nod of his head, making a mental note to check up on jacob later on too, but it was hard. it was so damn hard, because all it did when he saw him, and even lu, was remind him of who they had all lost. there was a lump in his throat as his thoughts strayed there, but he could feel himself smiling at the mention of ari. “i’m glad i have her too,” mal said, his grin turning softer. “literally the most unexpected thing too, because truth be told, i hadn’t gotten into it looking for a relationship,” he admitted. “but i’m so fucking... happy, kat. she makes me so fucking happy. the player is now completely and totally off the market because i don’t want anybody else but her and i’m holding onto this one for a good long while,” mal said, still smiling before taking a deep breath. “what the hell are we gonna do about kyle and vera, though? seems like the gang can never get back together now,” he murmured.
Truthfully, Aranya was trying to not have expectations. Trying to not have her hopes high. For a long time, it felt like whenever she’d given her all to a relationship, expected too much, she’d always fallen short. She didn’t want Malachi to disappoint her, so as secretly unsure it made her feel, she had always pretended she was okay with things being casual between them. But if she was being honest with herself, nothing about them had felt casual to her. In the beginning, she wanted to believe that she was special, that he treated her different from the other girls he was talking to. She wanted to believe that the flowers, and the necklace, and the way he was wanted to take care of her meant something to him too. She hadn’t even meant to get close to him, meant to fall for him the way she had. But he crept on her, and at some point, Aranya stopped thinking about if there were other girls in the picture, or if he really even wanted things to be serious. Because neither of those things would change how she felt. Having expectations were what had ended every one of her relationships. So with Malachi, she’d forced herself to believe that it was okay. If he never asked her to be official, if he never wanted anything more, it was okay. And that she would take what she got, because in her mind it was better to have a part of him than nothing at all. She no longer entertained the idea of the conversation they were having right now, which is why she struggled to really form any words in response. Be my girlfriend. Be my girlfriend? The words circled in her mind for a moment, feeling as though she was in her own world. Be my girlfriend? It took a few moments for reality to kick in, looking into his eyes making her realize that this was actually happening. Her movements following that were in a flurry, the way she clung to his body, wrapping her arms around him and letting the tears fall from her face freely. She wasn’t even really sure why she was crying, it was supposed to be a happy moment, but she really just felt so overwhelmed. “Of course I’ll be your girlfriend,” she finally responded, muffled against his shirt before pulling away, arms still clinging to him as she spoke. “These are like… totally happy tears, I promise. You just make me really happy, and I’m just happy that you want to be with me,” Ari added, sniffling as she wiped away the remains.
Mal couldn’t help the warmth he felt as his arms enveloped her in a hug, almost an instinct at this point. Being with Ari was just... right. Everything about this moment felt right, down to her reassuring him they were happy tears, which made him chuckle. “You make me really happy and there’s nobody else I want to be with,” Mal murmured, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks to wipe away some of her tears before he showed her a soft smile, leaning down to press a kiss on her forehead. “You deserve the best, Aranya. The absolute best, and I swear-- I swear on my life that I’ll be that for you,” he said, truly wishing the circumstances were different. Better, because everything was still tainted in grief. But it was still okay because he had her, officially now. Kyle’s words from earlier went through his head then, about how he needed someone who wouldn’t let him bottle everything up, and he thought back to how he had trusted her enough to fall apart completely and trust that she’d still be there through it all, and as he pulled away slightly to look at her, he could have sworn this was what love was. What his father talked to him about all those years ago about. Find someone who makes you feel at peace, son. And Ari did. She was making him a better man just by who she was and he trusted her. Completely. Something Mal never thought he’d have to deal with because he always held everyone at an arm’s length, even in past relationships, but he was ready now. Totally and completely ready to let her in and there was no hesitation as he pulled her in, his arm around her waist, his other hand cupping her cheek before pressing his lips against hers in a lingering kiss. He wondered if she could feel his smile in the kiss too. “Hey, girlfriend,” Mal said when he pulled away slightly with a grin, adjusting his hands on her so that one was resting on the small of her back and the other held onto her hand. “I’m gonna be real cheesy here for a minute but-- Want to dance?” He asked softly, still hearing the music that came from inside the main room in the yacht club. It was his excuse, really, to just hold her close to him because now that he had her here with him, there was no chance he was letting her go.
She was learning to not take things personally, figuring that any brother would be worried about their sister after what happened. Ari didn’t really mind, because even if she treasured her time with Malachi, she was still her own person beyond that. She was the kind of girl that always found a way to enjoy herself. Though, the smile on her face did brighten a little watching him enjoy what she’d offered him. “Oh… sure,” she agreed, suddenly feeling a little nervous thinking about what it would be. Was he tired of her already? She kept the smile on her face despite the question brewing in her mind, standing up and taking his hands. Following him outside onto the deck, Ari turned towards him once they’d stopped, doe eyes glancing up at the man she really didn’t want to lose. “Is there something wrong?” she asked, expression turning soft and unsure.
Mal took a deep breath of the night air, still not letting go of Ari’s hand before he turned to face her, grateful that they were now alone. “No, no, nothing’s wrong,” he immediately said, wanting to reassure her. “Bear in mind, I’m a little rusty with this since it’s been a while,” Mal admitted, clearing his throat as a hand reached out to tuck a strand of her hair back behind her ear. “I have literally... never met someone like you before in my life. Someone so... innately good. And kind. And sweet. And just so fucking genuine that I don’t blame those nerds at Comic Con for falling over themselves trying to give you their numbers,” Mal said with a soft chuckle. “You make everybody around you feel better, just by being yourself, and I... I’m lucky enough to have had felt that, especially during the past couple of days,” he murmured, his thumb gently brushing over the back of her hand. “You’ve been my rock this entire time, when I know you didn’t need to be, and I’m just so damn grateful for you,” Mal said, before swallowing nervously. “I honestly can say there’s nobody else I’d rather lose to at the basketball toss, or watch for hours on end playing a game, or go on late night drives with, or eat five burgers each with. There’s nobody else I’d rather be with in general, because you’re the only one I want. So, what do you say, Saeli? You wanna make it official and be my girlfriend?” Malachi softly asked.
“Thank you,” he let out, taking the beer from the other’s and bringing it up for a swig. He kind of hated that he was working tonight, and not getting drunk like he’d been the past few nights. He’d have to settle for a light buzz considering what his job was. But maybe he needed something other than booze to occupy his mind from everything that’d happened. Though, he couldn’t help but start to feel like history had a way of repeating itself, and that everyone gathered here was asking for trouble. “You holdin’ up okay?” he asked nonchalantly, more than well aware that behind his best friend’s demeanor, neither of them would ever be fully okay.
Mal’s emotions were all over the place, and though he knew that he’d never be fully okay, he knew he was a lot better than he was feeling a week ago. Still, it was hard for him to let go of that heavy feeling that only loss could give. Perhaps that was why his hug with Kyle went on for a little longer than usual before they finally settled down, and he even let his friend take his beer away from him as he let out a chuckle. Probably for the best since he hadn’t eaten yet. “Trying my best but it’s been... a lot. Mostly just been looking out for Lany. Making sure she’s eaten and all that fun stuff. It helps if I have something else to focus on instead of me dealing with it,” Mal said honestly before gesturing towards Ari from across the room, affection evident on his features. “She’s been helping. A whole damn lot. Don’t even know where I’d be or what I’d do without her at this point, you know?” He murmured, before taking a deep breath. “Wish the circumstances were better but... I’m actually gonna ask her to be my girlfriend. Tonight,” Mal said, showing his best friend a small smile. “And you? You holding up okay?”
Though she was happy to be with Malachi tonight, a part of her wondered if he was really ready to be out at a big event like this, remembering what happened at Rhee’s. But Ari thought to herself that she might as well make the most of things, especially considering she loved stuff like this. Getting all dressed up and eating the finger foods that waiters would carry around throughout the night. Though one of her hands remained locked with Malachi’s, the other occupied every passing tray, sampling the food to see what she’d like the best. Making sure to thank the same three waiters that entertained her test, she finally grabbed a plate, turning towards Malachi with a smile. “This is the best one, for sure. Come on, have a bite,” she spoke, pushing the plate in front of him. Though her methods were a little strange, she figured that she needed to make sure that he was eating, especially if he planned on drinking, proud of herself for thinking of all the possible outcomes of the nights.
Malachi was a little distracted that night, unable to stop his eyes from searching for Lany in the crowd. He felt more protective now than ever, and the tension in his shoulders only eased slightly once he spotted her, just in time to notice Ari pushing the plate in front of him. Guilt gnawed at his gut, because he had asked her to be his date for the event, and he hasn’t exactly been the best company so far. and Ari definitely didn’t deserve that. He showed her a grateful smile before taking a bite out of the food in front of him, his eyebrows raising when he unexpectedly ended up really liking the food. Mal took in a few more bites before standing up, extending his hand out for Aranya to take. There was one more thing he had planned on doing tonight, another thing that was making him nervous. "You want to come with me out on the deck for a bit?” Mal asked gently.
He felt like he had gone through so much with Kat since he’d known her. They’ve been pretty much everything from friends to enemies to everything in between, but he was truly glad to see her that night. “Don’t know how to explain it but this dress is very you. You look beautiful,” Mal said with a smile before gesturing towards Jacob on the other side of the room. “You and Baby Boy Oh, huh? Congratulations, Kat,” he said, holding up his drink so the two can clink their glasses together.
