a r t e m i s.

[monilanchest]

MONIQUE LANCHESTER : : THE SAINT

it’s their last year and they’re going to enjoy it. despite everything that has happened both at gallagher and with their family, monique refuses to mope around and look sad. it’s not in their DNA. the dress was a gift, from another designer. doesn’t fit the theme but the light colors and ethereal aesthetic of it does.

[monilanchest]

martinaw·:

“Because I love you I didn’t hear that.” Another nose bop before she returned Monique some space, arm falling to loop around their frame. Martina leaned her head on their shoulder. “Well, that’s just hurtful.” And it did hurt her feelings, a little, like a paper-cut. “Yeah, legacy, Triple Threat, I get it.” She made a face. “But what about me?” They weren’t talking about the farewell speech anymore. When your life and the lives of other near and dear revolved around you, you’re aware of any shifts, and Martina wasn’t ready to give up being the centermost point. She reached limply for the other shot glass, but it’s closer to Monique and she didn’t feel like giving up her cozy headrest. “Can you get that? It’s so far awayyyyy.”

“What about you?” Their tone was soft when they asked this. Because while MartinaMartina didn’t believe that the others were always thinking about her and her feelings, there was Trinity who always tread lightly when it came to Martina and her feelings. But it was Monique who did everything for both Trinity and Martina, it was the older cousin curse. Just like now, they were giving the other the shot glass that she could’ve easily gotten herself. “One drink.” 

[monilanchest]

chrlseatn·:

“  i  get  it,  ”  charlie  shrugs,  nodding  his  head.  at  least  he  thinks  he  understands.  “  change  is  scary,  and  it  bloody  sucks  most  of  the  time.  but  i  dunno.  ”  there’s  a  shift  in  his  tone,  expression  perking  back  up.  he  cant  help  but  feel  optimistic  for  monique  —  he’s  always  seen  them  as  strong,  as  smart.  someone  who’s  meant  to  make  it.  “  you’re  monique  …  you’re  great.  surely  you’ve  got  plenty  of  job  offers  and  plans  waiting  for  you  after  tomorrow.  ”

“It’s terrifying.” Not as terrifying as vulnerability and opening up about their fears but still terrifying. Charlie’s energy always gave them life even if it didn’t look like it. Even if they weren’t smiling or exactly physical, it was in their eyes. How welcoming and inviting their brown eyes were, accepting of whatever the other had to say to them. “I had one,” they whisper, afraid of anyone but him overhearing this. “It’s the only job that will work with who I am.” 

[monilanchest]

musaox·:

“I heard it was special for one of her favorite students.” He doesn’t know if that’s actually the truth or not, maybe one of her daughters had suggested it but that felt more doubtful. His eyes haven’t left them since he looked up, they’ve always looked great, ethereal tonight. “Did you have fun?” A lame question but he cares about the answer, he wishes they understood he cares about all of the answers. 

“Really?” Monique didn’t think that at all, ni saw more as a fuck you to the board. Why? Ni will never know or care to find out. A beat, as they allowed the question to really sit with nim before answering. “Somewhat,” Monique answered. “Did you?” 

[monilanchest]

musaox·:

He’d made an appearance just the way that he had wanted to and as soon as it felt like everyone was busy enough with someone else, he managed to sneak out. At first he was too busy with his own thoughts to realize that there was anyone else in the hallway with him but once he realized it seemed absurd to not have immediately acknowledged them. Heels or no heels, he felt as if he could recognize the sound of them walking anywhere. The sight of them a welcome one even if he knew things weren’t on good terms at all between them. That didn’t mean that the sight of Monique would ever stop being a mesmerizing one. “No point in staying if Beyonce has finished her set.” Owen’s attempt at a joke but also, like, the truth. 

“I guess that’s fair.” Without Beyonce there, Monique didn’t see a purpose of staying anymore. All of their friends were with dates or their other groups, the same with Trinity and Martina. Ni had no one else. “Surprised that President Sutton got her to come.” 

[monilanchest]

LOCATION && WITH WHOM : : OUTSIDE THE BALLROOM W / @musaox​

Monique was growing tired and didn’t see a reason to stay any longer. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, from their friends to their cousins, each person with their respective group or partner. It made them feel sick and jealous. Though, they’ll never tell someone that. At first, they could only hear the sounds of their own heels clicking across the floor of the hallway. The sound pleasing in the beginning until it mixed and mingled with the sounds of another from behind them. Turning around with curiosity in their eyes, Monique was met with the face of the one person they didn’t want to see. “Oh,” they said. “It’s you. Leaving already?”

[monilanchest]

musaox·:

He knows there’s more that he should say, more that he actually does want to say. Especially where Monique is concerned. Monique who he had gone to Cole to talk about. Who had played in his head over and over again as if they were the sweetest lullaby soft melodies could ever invent. “I…” Owen sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. Mostly he doesn’t want to be having this discussion with them here but making a spectacle in the middle of the library sort of seems like the perfect thing for the two of them. “I have feelings for you as well.” His tone is quieter, if he had ever dreamed of telling them it wouldn’t have been this way. “I should have said that sooner, before any of this, maybe if I had none of this would have even happened.” Everyone wants him to take it back but he can’t. The actions are done, there’s no turning them back. “I’m clearly not good enough to merit the way that you feel about me.” Especially now that he feels like the most terrible person on earth. At Gallagher, at least. There’d been too much he had messed up because of Cole and he’s afraid that now he’s only messing everything further with Monique. 

His confession only caused more tears to fall and a tighten jaw. Knowing that he felt the same at first brought butterflies. They gracefully soared within Monique, wings flapping in glee with twists and turns that resembled a dance. But the butterflies died within seconds, wasps and hornets taking their place. They caused problems, buzzing loudly and bumping into each other, causing themselves to grow more frustrated by the second. None of it was graceful, none of it was beautiful, it was just chaos and anger that fueled Monique Washington. “I thought you were good enough,” they said, voice cracking at the word good. How embarrassing, they thought to themselves, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I thought that you were better than most here but it looks like I was wrong.” Once again, they almost said because this school year has just been Monique being proven to be wrong on multiple occasions. “As if I can be caught with someone like you.” Words pointed but laced with no venom, just sadness at this point. Four steps were taken back, breaking the close contact between them. “I need to leave.” Get away from him and all of the looks of pity that surrounded them. “Goodbye, Owen. I hope you’re happy with Cole.” ooc: mo means this in a platonic way everyone! they are anti-cowen!!!! With one final look, Monique walked out, refusing to never look back despite their never ending tears. 

[monilanchest]

chrlseatn·:

charlie  smiles  at  the  compliment,  and  there’s  something  about  monique  being  honest  with  him  that  makes  him  feel  good.  he  only  wishes  the  circumstances  were  better.  he  can’t  fully  understand  the  way  they’re  feeling,  since  he’s  still  a  year  away  from  his  own  graduation  …  but  charlie  can  imagine  how  he’d  feel  in  their  position,  and  he  thinks  he’d  share  a  similar  sentiment.  “  any  reason  why  ?  ”

“Just--” they shrugged. “-- nervous. About leaving Gallagher and going into the real world.” Gallagher has always been home, even before they attended the school. It was always talked about while at home, listening to stories of old professors and nir family’s experience at Gallagher. All of their memories became Monique’s instantly. “It’ll become official once I walk across the stage and get my diploma. And, I don’t know, I’m second guessing myself on it all.”

[monilanchest]

harperkent·:

She was trying her hardest not to fangirl right there and then. “Yeah, I am. Last year was--” She doesn’t have to finish that sentence, she doesn’t want to finish it. “I only came back because I heard that Beyoncé was performing but God! I didn’t know you were here either.” Monique couldn’t have been here last year, Harper would’ve known. “You’re a spy? Er, a spy in training?”

“Well, welcome back. Glad to see that Gallagher invited you all back, it’s the least they can do.” It was because of the problems with Gallagher and Blackthorne that the Georgetown students got involved. Monique felt bad for that. “Spy in training, well, I was. Graduating tomorrow. Leaving this world behind to model full time.” 

[monilanchest]

sylphidstella·:

“..Right. Right, yes.” She’s feeling…very short today all of a sudden. “Oh, really? Thank you!” Stella looks down at her outfit shyly, hand on her skirt as she appreciates the compliment. “Gosh, I don’t remember off the top of my head. I ordered it online, Martina actually helped me pick it out.” Because of course Stella knows who Monique is, even if it’s not mutual. 

They raised at any eyebrow. “You know Martina?” Of course, Martina was friends with almost everyone here. “Sorry, I don’t know who you are.” 

[lucefrs]

MONILANCHEST​

“Well,” Monique began, breathing in and leaning back into their seat. They had to be careful with this topic because they weren’t around last year to really know what really happened. To understand how Luce and the other students all felt while attending Gallagher. The pain, the frustration, the lies. They deserved so much better than just this. “You’re not used to this, the world. Even though you’ve been here for two years, you did just jump to attending our school after going through something traumatic.” A beat, as they looked down at Luce. “You most likely need a break from everything.” Not two months, no, Luce needed to get away. From Gallagher, from the students, and just settle things with herself. Or maybe that was just Monique just overthinking and giving advice that doesn’t work. “I don’t know. The bag might tell you.” They wanted to say grape or to try one for themself to see but didn’t. They didn’t feel like eating anything. “Yeah, I promise. I’ll hit you up, don’t worry.”

                              caught up in a silent pantomime, she doesn’t notice herself leaning closer as they lean back — reeled in, willingly baited on an answer she thinks will solve everything. monique may be a genius but they’re not a magician, and what they say is what she refuses to already know. but to hear it so close, she immediately feels the crush, of walking straight into a wave and she wants to go to the beach. her gaze is steady on monique, tears dry against an imaginary sun that beats down on them both. knows, in some way, that’s the extent of it. she wants to be on the beach, and she can’t be on the beach if she’s here. ‘   yeah.   ’ uncharacteristic, free of frills — and she lets it sink in, and for a split-second it feels like someones caught her wrist and yanked her underwater, but she exhales and it’s fine, the tide recedes. she trades a glance with the plastic wrapper, but nothing registers. ‘   thanks. for the exclusive one on one. but mostly everything else.   ’

[monilanchest]

End.

[monilanchest]

scottrileys·:

“ hell yeah. it’ll give me some time to become cool, calm and collected. ” he holds out his sharpie. “ can you sign my suit? ”

“Good.” Couldn’t have Scott meeting Beyoncé like he was some obsessed fanboy. “Uh, what for?”

[monilanchest]

martinaw·:

“Why are you yelling!?” Martina whined loudly. Monique’s not yelling. “I’m emotional right now, okay!? And if they can’t tell we’re hungover? Are you gonna snitch?” She’s being extra bratty because she either has news to tell Monique or she’ll miss them next year. Can’t be sure which yet. Either way, Monique’s leaving her. “Take a shot with me!” She hooked an arm around their neck, smushing their cheeks together. “Or else I’ll stand on that table and embarrass you with an extra sappy farewell speech.” She bopped their nose. “And that is a threat.”

“I’m not yelling.” Martina’s outburst only made Monique wonder how much the other had to drink. “I’m not going to snitch, i don’t know why you think I would.” Most likely because a younger version of them was the family’s snitch. But not anymore, they believed that they’ve changed in their snitching ways. “If you do that then you’ll be embarrassing Trinity too,” Monique said, nose scrunching at the bop. “Whatever you do to me, hurts all of us.” But despite their words, they picked up a shot glass, raising for Martina to see. “I’ll do one shot and that’s it.” 

[monilanchest]

levimadden·:

“That’s okay, I don’t know how you didn’t either,” he says, clicking his tongue like it’s some tragedy in Monique’s life. “But you do now. Name’s Levi,” he introduces himself with a lopsided grin. “Way more than decent.” He’s a fourth year DE major! He’s a great driver, thank you very much. “You want a drive around the track?”

“Most likely because you’re a nobody.” Not Monique though, y’all be safe out there. His name set off various alarms in their head, unlocking a memory from months ago. They remembered their film class and sitting in the back with Martina, Trinity, and Scott. Their constant chatter, the passing of chips, a very much annoyed Monique. Names popped in the conversation, Charlie’s as Monique threatened to move and sit next to him. And the name Levi, a name without a face at the time. All they had to go by was-- “So you’re the thumb.” It came out without meaning but ni doesn’t try to cover it up. “Hold out your hand,” ni ordered, keys dangling out for him. “I want to drive out into town. But if you’re here, you can drive me.”

[monilanchest]

LOCATION && WITH WHOM : : BAR W / @martinaw​

“Don’t get too drunk,” they began. “Our parents will be here tomorrow and you already know how they’ll be if they see you and Trinity with a hangover.” Loud because black people stay!!! being!!! LOUD FOR NO DAMN REASON!!!!

[monilanchest]

kassamigos·:

        KASS HAS TO LOOK AWAY WHEN THEY ASK THAT, but she nods anyway, tucking some hair behind her ear.   “ yeah, of course. i mean, just because the way our friendship ended… it doesn’t mean i stopped caring, y’know ?   i’m just sorry i had been such a crappy friend to make you think otherwise. i definitely don’t blame you. ”   the way her and monique’s friendship ended is one of the few regrets kass has.   “ ah, yeah. her flight was delayed or something. ”   it doesn’t really matter now, but she does appreciate monique’s comment, smiling softly.   “ thank you. that means a lot, seriously. ”   kass lets out a laugh.   “ alright, fair enough. martina’s really sweet, though. she’s going to help me get a new wardrobe for my new job. ”

“Kass--” The nickname came out, so familiar and normal, as if it hasn’t been years since Monique last called her that. “It had nothing to do with you being a crappy friend, because you weren’t. It was all on me.” It wasn’t because of Kass or Julian that Monique stopped talking to them and treated them so coldly, it was because of their own selfishness that the trio’s friendship ended. “When the two of you got together after I left, I took it personally. I thought-- I don’t know, that you guys didn’t need me anymore? That you two were better off without me.” The reasoning sounded so dumb and childish that Monique almost laughed because God. Kass and Julian would never do that. But when you were someone like Monique who was stubborn and believed that you were always right, you easily believed in such stupid things. “I’m sorry for treating you like shit. You didn’t deserve that.” A beat, as a smile graced their features. “Told you that she’s the nice one,” they said. “And congrats on your new job. You deserve it.” 

[monilanchest]

yaragale·:

closed for @monilanchest·

“for you, from my mom,” yara says in greeting as she enters their shared room, climbing up to her top bunk before tossing an envelope to monique. “pretty sure it’s a letter and an invitation to the grad party she’s insisting on throwing.” leaning up on one elbow, she glances down at her friend, testing the waters. “i wanna ask how you are. with everything. but if you don’t wanna talk about personal stuff right away, i can go first. i slept with aidan.”

A smile as they picked up the envelope. “A grad party? You already know that I’ll be there.” If it was for Yara of course Monique will be there. They carefully began to open the letter because if Yara’s mother put in the time and effort to make this, then Monique will give the older woman the satisfaction of knowing that someone opened and appreciated the letter. They took a deep breath, not entirely ready to really talk but were willing to do so. Well, until Yara dropped the bomb about sleeping with Aidan. “Wait, you did?” they asked, eyes on their friend. They knew of him, he was related to Charlie so of course they knew him. They just didn’t know him know him. “When did this happen?”