esmcrcldaa: // ⊰ esmeralda amatore . ⊱
find a way to make it work—oh, if only he knows the weight of his words. she thinks about it constantly, them. they’re friends, but she loves him. esmerelda knows she does, yet she remains secluded to the sidelines. it was safer there. the ultimate irony of it all, the man she trusts mosts could unknowingly break her heart with as much as a glance. she realizes she has to respond, and inspiring up all of the falsehood she could muster, she shrugs. “ i thought you were the type to T A K E what you want, mase. ” she never fully realizes how could she is at covering up, her affection for the male. it was when he wasn’t paying attention that she truly allows herself to admire him. he’s perfect in the most imperfect of ways. she’s ghosted on everyone else who has tried to earn her heart, always circling back to mason in this vicious cycle that could so easily be remedied if she was stronger person than she was. esme was a dreamer, often plagued by the ‘ what if’s ‘, the deepest desires of her heart playing like a 3d screen in her mind. in her fantasies, things were different. she wasn’t so damn afraid of the unknown. what mason is describing now is a date—dinner by candlelight, just the two of them, stolen glances across the table and entwined fingers. she knows he doesn’t mean it as she pictures it. it’s something else she thinks about, more often than she’d ever admit out loud. “ well now that you mention it, ” esme hums, lip ghosting over her plump inferior lip, “ if that didn’t get you laid, i don’t know what will. ” she’s pushing the boundaries ever so slightly, resolved with the fact that he started this. but god, how she hopes that he’s not toying with her heart. he could be, without even realizing it. just as quickly as the boldness appeared, she was reminded why she held back. it was too terrifying, thinking this crush on mason would result in the end of their friendship. she needs him. he keeps her sane, keeps her from spiraling into her addiction, into this horrible war of death and betrayal. esmerelda knows that’s why he’s developed such a large holding of her heart. he’s different than the rest. she’d gladly dedicate more of her time to him, caution to the wind. it was dangerous if they were seen together, even more so if his role in the fire was ever uncovered. she didn’t give a fuck. at the end of the day, it didn’t matter—cobras, savages. if she was supposed to hate him, she refuses. esme could never bring herself to allow their affiliation to stand in the way of them being together, in whatever capacity that ‘ togetherness ’ entailed. her brown hues narrow as he speaks. because he’s right, she does love it. mason hasn’t a clue how much. and how much she wished he’d misbehave with her. “ you’re right, there’s somethin’ about arsonists that really turn me on. i bet this is why you did it, huh ? i think there’s easier ways to get a girl’s attention, ” she giggles, playfully jabbing his bare chest with her finger. it’s far easier to keep this lighthearted, to not stare into his captivating eyes and tell him how she dreams of him nearly every night. “ oh, i have PLENTY of ways, ” esme assures with a nod, “ i could share… but it’s way much more for me to watch you wonder about it. ” this is another moment where she hates what he does to her, making her feel as though she’s walking on a cloud—and here she is, completely sober. she offers him a genuine smile, sheepishly looking away momentarily as she tucks a lock of her long brunette tresses behind her ear. “ good. there better not be any other esme’s in your life. ” she knows for a fact there’s no other masons in her’s. he was one of a kind, someone she looked for in the faces of every friend and lover she has. “ you don’t even have a good view with me behind you like this, c’mon, use your brain, ” she teases, affectionately nuzzling her face against the side of his head, at perfect heigh for her short stature. she does this to cover up the red tint to her cheeks. she didn’t want to make it too obvious she was swooning over him. “ oh yeah ? and where would you want it to slip then, huh ? ” she asks, trying hard to focus on her art, and not the man she was crazy over effortlessly making her legs weak. esme is relatively fast at what she does, despite taking extra precautions to ensure mason’s tattoo was flawless. after thirty minutes of drawing and shading, she was pleased with the result. “ i think it might be done… ” she announces, wiping off the space of any excess ink or blood. “ yeah. it’s done. go look ! ” this is the big moment, and she’s absolutely nervous. making him happy is everything to her. the final product is stunning, something she’s really PROUD of— black, white and grey, a rose blossomed out, petals intricate and unique, all encompassed by a passionate flame. the edges of the delicate petals were ashy, nearly dripping in the intense heat ( much like how esme felt when she was with him ). of course, looking closer, the most personal touch of all, her signature worked into the fire, a tiny, chic heart forming from the lettering of the ‘ a ’ ending her name.
words are spoken in such a way that his lips part , corners of his lips twitching as mason kept his gaze on esmeralda - if he were to , he’d probably ruin their friendship , allow himself to close the gap between them right there , do the one thing he’s toying with in his mind , risk it - kiss her , but he doesn’t - holds back from giving in , from doing the one thing he feared would ruin the friendship. she’s too good for him , too good for this world , for valdez - and she deserved so much better. yet he’s completely oblivious as of what flashes through her mind once he’s suggested the dinner , doesn’t know the things she pictures , or how much she truly wants this - wants that , for him to go out , on a date - but her words , they only cause him to bite down onto his bottom lip , the corners of his lips twitching. this banter , it’s what he lives for - to have such a conversation with the femme - addicted to her presence. it’s something he knows he is , somehow ends up texting her whenever they’re not together , bugs her - wants nothing more but to hear her voice - he cares too much , knows he shouldn’t considering his status , but setting the caito mansion on fire and coming right here , heading to see her , just proves with who his loyalty stood. he’d do anything to protect her , to make sure she’d remain safe - fuck he’d KILL anyone who dared to hurt her , he’d KILL for her , would DIE for her and that’s a fact. if he had to take a bullet to the head to make sure she was safe , if it ensured she’d never get hurt , he’d fucking take it. “ oh so you’re suggesting we should . . . ?? ” tone of voice clearly hints at one thing only , - he’s toying with the idea , the way his eyes gaze into her own - they’re friends , just friends - and he toys with the idea , but he wouldn’t do that to her - god she wasn’t just some girl , it was esmeralda for the love of god , and he cares more than he’ll ever admit. he cares , cares so fucking much. it only seems like the playful banter was not stopping any time soon , lips curled into a smirk - his whiskey hues searching her features - he refuses to hate her , refuses to do the one thing he’s meant to do. it doesn’t matter , that they’re cobras and savages - “ but you know i was trynna impress you. see ?? it worked , i got your attention - all to myself now too. ” shameless flirting , - truth is , if he were to see her with anyone else he’d try to let it not bother him , but a part of him would find itself wishing to take the other’s place , be good enough - give her what she deserved , a life away from all this drama. “ you’re the only esme in my life , will always be. ” his gaze is stuck upon the reflection of the mirror , feeling her cheek against his own , nuzzling her face against his - it would take him two seconds , him tilting his head and close the gap between the two , to kiss her - two seconds - but he doesn’t , stops himself from doing so. “ but y’know , i’m sure i don’t have to say anything for you to know where i’m thinking - ” nonstop teasing , and he doesn’t seem to realise how she feels - is only tempting , playing - when deep down he knows he craves the sight of esmeralda , craves the taste , the feel - simply craves her. he’d be a liar if he said he did not , but there he is - trying his best to get by in that moment without thinking about it too much - last thing he wants is to get a fucking hard on right there. and then , the tattoo is done - she’s announced , tells him to go and look , and slowly he gets up - reaches for one of the small mirrors , hand raising as his back faced the one behind him - and he’s quiet , lips parting as he took in every little detail , admiring the perfect inking , the lines , the curves - but there’s one thing he spots , fingertips brushing over her signature , - and he says nothing , as he’s looking at her once again , mirror placed onto the counter only to walk towards her , soft chuckle parting his lips - “ you’re a fuckin’ genius. ” he’s honest , as he wraps his arms around her , his voice softer - grin wide. “ actually a genius , it’s beautiful , i love it. ” and his hand reaches for her own , once again - thumb brushing over her knuckles. he’s not sure what to tell her , he’s mesmerised really , but all he can do is one thing - show his gratitude , thank her - over and over. “ seriously , esme . . . thank you. ”












