Multi Muse Blog

[practicalxmagic]

FULL NAME: Cassidy Bolton SPECIES: Witch AGE: 32 DATE OF BIRTH: March 14 GENDER IDENTITY: Male OCCUPATION: Housekeeper WORKPLACE: Prescott Ranch POSITIVE TRAITS: Intelligent, Protective, Creative NEGATIVE TRAITS: Impulsive, Arrogant, Casuistic, Egocentric FACE CLAIM: Jeremy Allen White

TRIGGER WARNING: Teen Pregnancy TW, Addiction TW, Drugs TW

BIOGRAPHY

Growing up in the Bolton family was a wonderful life, although not rich none of the children needed and/or wanted for anything.  The Bolton family had a wonderful reputation in the town of being good folks, James Bolton the patriarch of the Bolton family working as a firefighter now retired and owning the local pub and the matriarch Evelyn Bolton who is an elementary school teacher.

Throughout his childhood, Cassidy outshone many his age academically, musically and was assumed to be that kid destined for great things.  Not only was he gifted in school, he showed real promise in his magical abilities.  However, life has funny twists.  The girl next door Abigail stole his heart when they were just in diapers.  Growing up next-door, the two were inseparable and became playground boyfriend and girlfriend at a young age and eventually official boyfriend and girlfriend at thirteen.  Abigail and Cassidy planned to go to college and travel the world together.  Yet at the ripe age of fifteen the two paced the floor of his bedroom waiting for the results of the pregnancy test.  Several minutes later the stick turned pink and their plans of adventure went south.  Needless to say, both families were not thrilled at the prospect of their kids having kids.  However, each family was extremely supportive and did their best to help navigate them through the prospects of parenthood.

As Cassidy was supposed to become into the rite of passage of getting a driver’s license, he instead was becoming a father while his siblings off doing their own adventures, Cassidy felt left behind and stuck.  Both Abigail and Cassidy quickly got jobs to support their baby son, while trying to finish their GED.

Who would have thought life as teen parents wouldn’t be easy?  With sleepless nights and being so young the two fought constantly about bills, their son and everything under the sun.  Eventually a year after their son’s birth, the two called it quits and decided to split custody for their son’s sake.  Little did they know what the future would bring them…

After their breakup, Cassidy fell into a pattern of partying and dating several people at a time with little concern of anyone involved.  At least until he met Riley, who flipped his world upside down.  Everything about the woman enticed him; the two started a toxic relationship filled with cheating and drugs.  Eventually, this resulted in twins by the time he was nineteen.  With three kids to support before the age of twenty, Cassidy found jobs wherever he could to try and support the three kids.

However, with his addiction issues it caused problems with his custody arrangement with Abigail and he started seeing less and less of his oldest son Spencer.  In fact, his drug issues started affecting more than just himself. It stretched to his siblings and his parents, he began stealing from work which caused him to lose his job and eventually he got caught stealing from his eldest sibling resulting in the lack of trust with his family and him.

For years, Cassidy would sober up for several months, occasionally getting near a year and then would fall off the wagon, always leaving his family in fear of getting the phone call that he died of an overdose.  At the ripe age of twenty-seven, he met a woman at a party and the two had a one-night stand.  Nothing new for Cassidy, he never thought he would see her again.  Yet, nearly a year later she showed up with a baby named Lily in a car seat and handed the baby off to him and with DNA tests, it proved to be his child.

Currently, he is working as a housekeeper at Prescott Ranch.  Spencer, his eldest son is now sixteen the same age he was when he had him.  The two rarely speak, years of ups, but mostly downs have caused a rift between them.  While his three youngest kids live with him in a small trailer in the trailer park.  Most people who know him, don’t have much nice to say about him given his general attitude towards everything.  But, he loves his kids and is trying to do right by them.

HEADCANONS

Eldest Son (16) - Spencer

Twin Daughter (13) - Devin

Twin Son (13) - Patrick

Youngest Daughter (4) - Lily

A little bit of a clean freak

WANTED CONNECTIONS

Mother of his eldest son

Older brothers

Older sisters

Best friend from high school

Friend with benefits

[sickprettymind]

closed for diego (@practicalxmagic) located at the cardinal hill pumpkin palooza

Someone might've said it was the joint she smoked before entering the Hay Bale Adventure that got her lost, but Sawyer would argue the lack of signs at the entrance. She expected a nice, easy stroll through some straw while enjoying the effects of her favorite substance. That was until they all started to blend together. None stood out from the other as the brunette paused momentarily, repeatedly asking the question of whether it looked familiar or not before ultimately deciding it didn't and continuing on. The sight of another human gave her hope after half-wondering if she'd be lost in there forever, well, at least until the high wore off. With a smile, leading the way, Sawyer stepped towards the stranger who might be able to help her escape the hay horror. "Do you know if we go left or right?" A broad enough question not to give away her disposition while also scoping how much help she'd be able to acquire before being left to fend for herself again. "I realized hay bales kind of all look the same," she joked with far more truth behind her words than she cared to admit. "It's shocking news, I know."

[practicalxmagic]

For some time, Diego had been used to being in a large city during this time of year.  So the concept of a Hay Bale Adventure intrigued him.  Small towns and their little traditions, he wondered if there would be hot cider provided, or maybe even some hot coco.  As he strolled through the maze, his mind went to two things.  The Shining, although he saw no mad men after him.  And how nice this would be if he had someone special in his life, or even had a family.  The notion of a family seemed so distant not that long ago, but now here in this town he was starting to think he was missing out on something pivotal.

Taking in a breath, he heard a young woman say something and his dark eyes peered over towards her.  “Uh, I think we should probably go right?”  Honestly, he was not exactly sure how to get out of there.  But it couldn’t be that difficult right?  He then took a better look and could smell marijuana on her and he couldn’t help laughing to himself and remember when he was a teen.  “Extremely shocking,” he agreed teasingly.

[ritualove]

Closed starter: Cassidy Bolton @practicalxmagic

Location: Prescott Ranch

Sabine had been standing in the slim shade granted by the overhang of the roof covering the porch where she was set up. She was really going out of her way with this occasion, Cassidy was able to get permission for her to do some landscape paintings at Prescott Ranch, and she actually decided to try and do some sort of realism. It was more impressionist, but it was far from the intense abstract expressionism that was her usual artwork. She was actually enjoying it, despite the sun. The borderline tourist trap vibe of any dude ranch, mixed with the halloween decorations set up didn't get in the way of the natural beauty that the landscape, and admittedly the architecture, formed.

Sabine didn't go far from the home, but she didn't tread inside, she was there to exclusive paint landscapes. However she couldn't help but want to snoop a little bit, she was actually quite a curious person, even if she was a cat putting herself in mortal danger doing so. Her rinse cup was very dirty, and while she was directed to various taps around the property she could refill it at, she thought a quick step inside wouldn't hurt. She barely even opened the door before Cassidy had come to check on her. "Oh hey man, how's it going?"

[practicalxmagic]

When Sabine had come a knocking about doing some landscapes at the ranch, Cassidy was hesitant.  Unsure if he wanted to take this request up with his boss.  Sure, Jesse and him got along.  But at the end of the day, Jesse was his boss and friendship only went so far.  After some deliberations and weighing the pros and cons, he finally got permission and now here his friend was on the ranch he worked at doing her things.

Inside the main building, Cassidy had his headphones on and a walkman attached to his belt as he cleaned the bathrooms, then moved out to clean the hallway.  Once he finished, he figured it would be a good time to check on Sabine, see if she needed anything…and to make sure she wasn’t up to any trouble.

Lucky him, she apparently came to him.  Easing his headphone downs around his neck he looked at her with a blank expression.  “Living the dream,” he remarked sarcastically.  “What brought you inside?  Thought all your stuff was for the landscape stuff,” he commented.

[blackcatxmagic]

It was admittedly a little frustrating to have Diego leaning into Dimi saying he might have been wrong, especially when Dimi still wasn't convinced that he was. But he supposed that the other man at least hadn't laid it on too thickly. Even so, Dimi had to grit his teeth and force a smile, muttering, "Thanks" before moving on. The sooner they got past the "Dimi was wrong" factor, the better. Looking at the other man once more, Dimi thought he saw a bit more resemblance, and that made him soften a little more toward Diego - that was a show of how much Dimi cared for Enzo. He noticed the way Diego looked at him as he talked about Enzo, and Dimi was fairly certain the man picked up on the feelings that Dimi wasn't saying, the ones he didn't you know how to say. His face warm now, Dimi just smiled, shaking his head. Really he didn't even care if Diego told Enzo because what could he really say? And more and more, Dimi felt like they were words that needed to be said anyway. Everything he wanted was right there - he just had to reach for it.

Nodding, Dimi replied, "Yeah, that's my daughter. She called Enzo 'Uncle Enzo,' but he's really like a second dad to her. We're a family, the three of us." As he said this, Dimi smiled, thinking of his daughter and his best friend fondly. It all just felt so meant to be. Dimi wondered if Diego was hurt by the fact that Enzo hadn't spoken about him enough to stick out in Dimi's mind. But maybe he should have been around more if he wanted to be part of the conversation. Still, Dimi wanted to make peace, so he shook his head, answering Diego's question, "No, not really. Care to show me?"

[practicalxmagic]

Right now, Diego was trying to size Dimitri up.  Currently, he was fairly sure the man could see through his lies.  Not a good thing for someone who lies for a living.  But there were other things, under the surface that had Diego’s interest piqued.  Clearly, something with Enzo and this man was going on.  But what it was, was something up in the air.  Could he have possibly stolen from someone his brother cares deeply for?  And was there a way to make it right without exposing himself?  Too many questions, he definitely needed to see where this was all going.

Second dad, a family, three of them.  Why did that sting?  Sure, Diego was aware of his selfish nature and never a fan of sharing.  But, it was more that he felt like a stranger in his brother’s life.  The two were leading two completely separate lives and their conversations were apparently surface only, nothing of true substance.  Forcing a smile, he shook his head.  “You know what?  A small cup of water will be fine, then I should probably get out of your hair.

[bitethvhand]

The sight of her brother made her dizzy. It wasn't the normal feeling she got when seeing family, but with the arrival of Haruki and Olive so recent, it was what took over. But then Diego hugged her, and the world felt a little steadier. The two siblings smiled at each other, and at first, she wasn't sure what to even say, her mind still reeling from different conversations, but at his mention of talking and food, she softened. "I mean this in the nicest way possible, what the hell are you doing here?"

"Wait, don't answer that, actually, because I'm sure it's a story." A smirk covered her lips. "Let me get someone to close up, and we can head to the Emerald Dragon. They can make the General Tso's really spicy; you'll love it."

It had been so long since Matilda and Diego had been in the same room, and yet, as always, no time felt as if it had passed. Cardinal Hill was the last place she could imagine seeing her brother again. Last she knew, he was in New York City, the exact opposite of where she chose to settle. Questions whirled through her mind as she handed the keys off and made her way back to her older brother.

"It's so weird seeing you exist in such a cozy town. Are you sure you are in the right place?" Matilda meant to keep the question in, but her filter wasn't the best these days.

[practicalxmagic]

After their hug, Diego gave a faux gasp as he placed his hand over his heart.  “Is that anyway to greet your brother?  Do I need a reason to come visit my favorite sister?”  It helped, she was his only sister when he used the term favorite.  “Maybe, I just wanted to come see you and Enzo.  See what this town is about, after you talk my ear off about it.”

Thankfully, she didn’t pry further.  Even said not to respond but of course he had to say those few words with her.  “I do love some Chinese food.”

While she walked over to hand off the keys, he wondered what the two would discuss.  Although all of them talked regularly on the phone using those lovely minute cards.  They never seem to discuss anything of true depth.  Just your usual basic casual conversation with a little filler.

“Oh, I don’t plan on being here long.  Just here for a lovely visit with my siblings.”  At least that was the plan, but it had been a few weeks already.  Not that she needed to know that and he was still at a loss of what to do.

“You mind driving?”  After all, he didn’t want her seeing all his belongings in his car.

[whispersandwraiths]

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The screen door creaked open before Cassidy could knock a second time, and Linden stood there–one hand on the frame, the other resting on the small of their back. Their brows raised when they saw the wagon before they broke into a grin.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “Well, hell,” they moved to the side. “Look at you, deliverin’ shit in a wagon like it’s Christmas. You practicin’ for the kids?” There were a few people they felt comfortable enough with to tease so easily, and somehow Cassidy had become one of them. 

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ They weren’t easily offended–their best friend was Jesse, after all–and that could have been part of it. That, or Linden found Cassidy charming in his own way.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Linden stepped out onto the porch and reached for the wagon’s handle, then paused. “You can just bring it in. I ain’t afraid of a little dirt on the floor.” They looked at him for a beat longer, something quiet passing behind their eyes. “And hey. Thanks, Cassidy. I know you didn’t have to. I’m still not clappin’, though. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ They took a step back, opening the door a bit wider. Eyeing the wagon, Linden shrugged. It’d probably fit. After they opened the door as far as it could go, they stepped back into the house, headed for the kitchen.

‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ “You want anything?” Linden’s voice rang out as they opened the fridge.

[practicalxmagic]

“What can I say?  Merry fuckin’ Santa Claus, here.”  Cassidy shook his head, “none of them besides Lily believes in Santa anymore.”  He shrugged.  It sucked, he missed a pivotal time in his children' s lives when they had that sense of excitement and extraordinary belief in things.  Now, he had three jaded teenagers.

Cassidy stared at them as they thanked him.  “Not a problem, it was just taking up room at my place.”  Plus, he hated clutter so this was actually helping him out quite a bit.  “Wow, tough crowd.”

With the door opened, he managed to maneuver the wagon around until it was inside blocking the front door.

You want anything?  A dangerous question, because hell he could use some painkillers and maybe a few lines of blow…but he was better now.  “Water is fine, if you don’t mind.”

While he stepped in further, he examined the house just curious about Linden and how they lived.  What type of decoration they preferred, etc.  “So, do you have you started on the nursery yet?”

[angstfactory]

"Head cold, huh?" Tracy actually reached out then, to press the back of his hand up to Cassidy's forehead the way his own mother used to do him when he was little, testing for sickness. "Yeah, you feel pretty flushed," he remarked, a curl to the corner of his mouth as he dropped his hand. "Maybe you need this more than I do," he shook the Tylenol bottles in his grip. Did he believe Cassidy had some head cold? Nah, but, there was some fun in teasing further on it.

Tracy was ready to step in and continue torturing the other man, but paused at the sudden reappearance of the teenager that was with Cassidy. He offered a slight nod of acknowledgement when she glanced his way — not too sure what to say, if anything, so it was definitely an awkward beat as Cassidy dug some money out of his wallet. That awkwardness eased away as soon as she disappeared.

Kids complicated everything. They always did. Last thing he needed was to get mixed up with someone who had kids. He should leave. But he didn't. "No offense, but you don't look old enough to have kids that age," Tracy remarked, casually resting a hand against one of the shelves besides him so he could lean on something. "So you're married?" he assumed, figuring if the guy had kids, then they had a mother somewhere in the picture. "You normally go around macking on strangers with your wife at home?" It didn't really matter to him one way or another...

Or maybe it did, and he just wanted a way to find out if Cassidy was single or not. Tracy didn't feel like pressing too hard on the why for now.

[practicalxmagic]

“Uh yeah,” as Tracy reached out his hand, Cassidy took in a breath and held it.  Of course, his face even went more red, feeling the back of the other’s hand against his forehead.  It irritated him, how easily flustered he became in Tracy’s presence.  Sure, the making out was top notch.  But, it ended there right?  Or maybe it didn’t.  It was hard to tell, he was sober for the most part and for some reason that seemed to blur things for him.  “Probably,” he softly smiled.

Before much else could be said between them, Devin interrupted things. Thankfully, she didn’t ask questions about who Tract was to her father.  All she wanted was money and the freedom to go out with her friends, which he granted to so he could get back to whatever this was going on between them in the grocery aisle.

“I get that a lot,” he responded.  It is what happened when you start at sixteen.  Cassidy wondered if having children already ruined what this attraction was between them.  Even he knew children complicated things.  Right now, Tracy knows about one child…what happens when he finds out about four?  “No, I uh don’t go around,” he paused.  “I mean I don’t…I—I’m not married.”  What he was, was complicated and he wasn’t sure if Tracy needed that in his life or not.

“What about you?  Wifey or hubby at home?”

[touchofmxgic]

starter for @practicalxmagic for Diego location: Breaking Glass Bar 

Elian had been in a particular sour mood after the events at the Fair. While they themselves hadn't gotten hurt, they still felt the anger from someone messing with their own magic. Childs play, dark magic, the culprit probably didn't have a clue of what they were messing with or who, whoever the person or persons were they had made an enemy on that day.

They take a sip of their drink before noticing a familiar face walk through the doors, a welcome distraction." Diego!" The witch calls out with a smile." Have a seat, make me company."

[practicalxmagic]

Lost, it was not something Diego has ever felt before.  For whatever reason, when he came to Cardinal Hill he thought he could fall back on his siblings while he tried to figure out his next step.  Who would have thought they had lives of their own?  Honestly, super annoying.  Especially when he needed a place to stay,  because living out of your car was not as extravagant as those hippies in the 60s made it out to be. 

With not a lot to do, he figured a drink or two might help push his problems back another day.  At least that was until he saw Elian and that chill ran down his spine when the other man greeted him and insisted on company.

“Elian, my dear friend.  How are you?”  He inquired as he sat across from the other.  “I heard some terrible things happened at the little festival.  I do hope you were unscathed.”

[spoiledunrotten]

closed starter for cassidy (@practicalxmagic) located at evergreen bistro

It was close enough to closing that he was doing his own thing now, no one else in the restaurant besides the familiar face of Cassidy. He'd been in before with his kids, on his own, and somehow Lex ended up talking to the guy on more than one occasion. His nature made it difficult to not strike up a conversation, being far too used to a more socialite lifestyle and adjusting to that of a small town. It wasn't small enough until he knew everyone which hadn't been the case. "I tried somethin' different today," he commented when setting down the club sandwich that Lex took a toasted take on. "I put that shit in the panini press and added some poblanos." The chef waiting for Cassidy to take a bite before sauntering back, there wasn't anyone else he needed to feed anyway, using his elbow to prop up against the counter.

[practicalxmagic]

The bistro has become one of those places where Cassidy found some peace and quiet.  Sure, there often was buzzing around the restaurant.  However, most people left him alone to his own thoughts.  At least, everyone besides the chef who over sometime has become somewhat a friend to Cassidy.  As the chef came out and placed a sandwich in front of him, Cassidy’s blue eyes fell upon it then he looked back at Lex.  “Pretty sure I just ordered a grilled cheese, like I always do.”  He commented.  Unbeknownst to the other, Cassidy was an extremely picky eater, hell all his children were less picky than him.  While Lex went towards the back, Cassidy continued to examine this panini with poblanos, even poked it with his finger unsure what to do.

[blackcatxmagic]

Dimi’s confidence was slipping. Now he was starting to wonder if maybe he was wrong. Either Diego was genuinely innocent, or he was a great actor. Con men usually are, Dimi thought, but he pushed that thought away. That wasn’t something he wanted to think about Enzo’s brother. So even though Dimi was pretty sure he wasn’t wrong, he still decided to just let this go for now. It was easier this way. “I guess I was wrong,” Dimi said finally. “It happened so fast.” But he stopped short of offering an apology, one he didn’t think he could make sound convincing. 

“You do look alike though,” Dimi insisted. And maybe he was just going by the fact that both men were very handsome, though of course Enzo was the winner there in Dimi’s eyes (he’d probably always be the winner in that department at far as Dimi was concerned). “I really do,” Dimi replied. “I hold him in the highest esteem. He…” Trailing off, Dimi thought about how to phrase this, and finally he said, “Enzo is the most important person in my life apart from Ozma. He has been for a long time.” And now Dimi was realizing just how much that meant. 

Despite the fact that Dimi was trying to make peace, he was getting the impression that Diego didn’t like him. But he wasn’t sure why unless he was still salty that Dimi had called him out. Resolving to let that go, Dimi said, “He tells me lots of things. We talk every day, even when we’re not in the same place. And maybe he’s mentioned your name, but if so, it would be just one of the many conversations we’ve had.” He felt like Diego had no room to judge. Maybe there were extenuating circumstances, maybe not, but Diego had been away from awhile. “Yeah, what’s your poison?” Dimi asked. “We’ve got beer, or something stronger if you want it.” He led Diego into the kitchen, and he decided he needed to ask: “So where’ve you been all this time, Diego?” Dimi questioned. 

[practicalxmagic]

Diego titled his head, he thought he nearly heard an apology out of the other man’s mouth.  Although Dimitri did not say sorry, he at last admitted he was wrong.  Something that relieved Diego for the time being.  The last thing he wanted or needed was his big brother being aware of his sticky fingers.  “To err is human,” he responded.  “All is forgiven.”  He commented, waving his hands up as if the situation had evaporated and gone for good.

“Glad there is some family resemblance of us Espinozas.”  Listening to Dimitri speak about his brother, he could tell there was something there.  Perhaps feelings of some sort, but he could not be positive if they were romantic ones or mere gratitude ones. Still, he wondered why Enzo hardly ever said anything on the matter to him.  He thought his siblings were close, well he thought his siblings were close to him.  “Ozma?  Is she your daughter?”  He inquired, his brow lifting up.

“Of course, a lot of conversations.  Things get mixed up.”  As terrible as it sounded, he thought he could stay with his brother for a few weeks as he tried to piece his life back together.  But, with Dimitri in the picture and already suspicious of him.  That didn’t seem like a great idea.  Living in his car didn’t sound all that wonderful either.  Why him?  Was the universe out to get him?  “Well, I was merely asking about some water, but the afternoon is young.  Do you know how to make a good dry martini?”

[angstfactory]

There was something different about Cardinal Hill — or was there something different about him? Or perhaps both things were true at once. Either way, the man felt in some strange place of limbo where he couldn't decide if he ought to stay or go.

He should go, right? His life wasn't here anymore. He had an apartment and career, along with friends and clients and agents, in a whole other part of these United States, just waiting for him to return and pick up where he left off. And yet, for the second month in a row, Tracy found himself avoiding those calls, paying for an extension on these lodgings, and staying as he was — for now. He wanted to believe it was only because he needed the break, but truth was, he could have found that break anywhere. Cardinal Hill may have been where he grew up, his family was certainly still here too, all of it had been left in the rearview after high school and now, it didn't feel the same anymore. It was more than just Fallon, too; Tracy thought he'd enjoy seeing her stuck and miserable, only it left a sour taste in his mouth and a hollow feeling inside. But the town itself...

There was some kind of sickness spreading. A recent murder, even. When the hell did stuff like that happen here of all places?

Tracy sniffed and wiped under his nose, pausing before the small display of common over-the-counter remedies the grocery offered. Tylenol was plucked off the shelf. Then another, just in case. His head lifted, hearing a voice down another aisle that — strangely? — had somehow become familiar to his ears already. Tracy scoffed to himself, unsure if he was annoyed or amused by yet again, coming across this same guy. It was like some cosmic joke. His feet carried him over to the next aisle over, unsure what he planned to say or do, if anything, but wanting to satisfy that damned curiosity anyway. There was a kid with him — he'd seen this kid with him a couple of times now, actually — and a mention of money, which sent the young one off. Tracy barely had a chance to open his mouth before Cassidy spotted him and beat him to it. "Me? I was about to say the same of you," he tossed back.

He nodded confirmation, about healing up from the shiner he'd gotten at the carnival. The other then appeared to stumble over his words. "You nervous about something?" Tracy questioned, taking a few casual steps in closer. Just to test a theory, that's all. One to prove if he wasn't what made Cassidy nervous.

[practicalxmagic]

Great, Cassidy essentially admitted he noticed the other’s appearance as he mentioned the previous black eye being healed.  What the hell was wrong with him?  It did not help matters when the other commented about him  being nervous, causing Cassidy to become even more flustered, red filling his cheeks as he shook his head and avoided eye contact.  “No, just a little um.  Head cold.”  That made sense right?  It was that time of year where everyone was getting sick.  But as the other got closer, Cassidy could feel that thumping in his chest only got harder and accelerated.

“I uh,” he took a step back and finally managed to lift his eyes towards the other.  “Probably should give you some space so I don’t get you sick or anything.”  Well, he was now committed to this lie so he had to follow through.  Plus, Tracy…well the other seemed confident and all put together.  And well, Cassidy had confidence most of the time but around certain people such as Tracy he turned to jelly.  Annoying as fuck really, but it was his burden to bear.

Cassidy squeezed his bottom lip between his teeth as he thought about what to say now.  Unfortunately before he could say something else, Devin appeared and threw something into the cart.  “There,” she commented as he rolled her eyes.  “Thanks,” he murmured as he scratched the back of his head.  Children complicate things.  Something he found out multiple times.  “I’m bored, can I have ten dollars and go hang with friends?”  Devin requested before looking over at Tracy then back at her dad.  Smacking his lips, he forced a smile and nodded.  “Sure,” he mumbled as he reached for his wallet and handed her some cash.   Devin was gone, but the strain of the situation between Tracy and him was not.  “My daughter,” he admitted.  “She’s at a fun age,” he commented sarcastically.

[practicalxmagic]

LOCATION: Castillo’s Boxing Gym WHO: @bitethvhand

Who would have thought Diego would have managed to stay ever so busy in the small quaint town of Cardinal Hill?  Not even Diego could have predicted he would have a little misunderstanding with Dimitri, the mystery person in his brother’s life.  Nor could he have foreseen he would have run in with Elian, a man he crossed during his travels.  Things certainly were a lot more exciting than he could have anticipated, especially for a man who was trying to remain invisible.

But today was the day that he decided to give his little sister a surprise that he was in town hoping no one had told her yet.  Pulling up in his beat old car, he looked in his rearview mirror to take a glimpse.  For a man living out of his vehicle the last few weeks he looked spectacular although a little worn in the eyes, but he figured his charisma would make up for any extra lines around his eyes. 

As he made his way in, he noticed his sister right away.  It may have been ages since the two have physically seen each other, but he could pinpoint her in any line up.  Diego stood there quiet, a certain brotherly pride as he watched his younger sibling work.  At least she was making an honest living.  After a few moments, he strolled over towards her.

“You know, questioning if I can still take you in a boxing match.”  Diego teased as he closed the space between them to give his sister a hug.  “Thought I would come by and surprise you since I’m in town and all.”  As he released her from his arms, he smiled.  “So where is a good place to get something to eat and catch up?”

[practicalxmagic]

LOCATION: Cemetery WHO: @undrtaken

It was one of those nights, where the sky sparkled with stars and the air felt crisp.  Cassidy remained warm in his flannel jacket lying on his back as he gazed up at the wonders of the Milky Way.  Moments such as these brought him back to his youth where he would find solace in the silence of the dead.  With one arm being used as a pillow under his head, he used the other to bring the cigarette to his lips and take a long drag before blowing a couple smoke rings.

The sounds of chirping crickets was interrupted by the sound of a snapped twig.  If he was in a horror film, he would be a goner.  But instead of fear invoking him, a light smile crept across his face.

“Running a bit late are we?”

Cassidy questioned, his body remaining still as he tilted his head back to see his friend before patting the empty patch of grass next to him for her to join him.

“Thanks for coming out to just hang.”  He said softly, he missed moments such as these where he felt connected to a friend and nature all at once.

[practicalxmagic]

LOCATION: Side of the road outside of town WHO: @batteredbruises

“Not today,” he grumbled as he heard a sound come from the engine of his 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass.  Diego cursed to himself in Spanish as he hit the palm of his hands against the steering wheel a few times as the vehicle slowed down.  Pulling over and putting on his hazards, he got out of the vehicle and opened the hood of the car.  Why, you ask?  Hell if he knew, he was a lot of things but mechanic was not one of them.  Bigger question, how the hell was he supposed to get back to town?

Usually, Diego was not one to believe in luck.  You make your own luck after all, but this grey cloud was following him around.  First, he is in trouble and on the run then he ran into an acquaintance he may have fucked over…things happen.  Now this, was the universe trying to tell him something?

Outside the vehicle in a nice suit, leather shoes he stood there looking both directions without a car in sight.  “Dammit,” he murmured under his breath not wanting to scoff his beautiful polished shoes as he began to walk towards town.

Maybe, his luck was turning around.  Only a few steps in and a car pulled over and well damn a beautiful woman steps out.  

“Hello there,” he greeted the woman as he gave her a wave.  “Seems like something is wrong with my car,” he told her, although the evidence was right there.  “Um, do you mind if I get a lift into town to the nearest mechanic?

[practicalxmagic]

LOCATION: Karmillo’s Bar WHO: @kamiikruz

Word gets around to a man such as Diego having contacts from all over.  Sure, he told himself he would hang low and stay out of trouble during his stay here in the ever so beautiful Cardinal Hill town. Especially since he had two siblings that made the town their home.  Yet, an opportunity presented itself, one of his trusted contacts mentioned a Karmillo de la Cruz.

It did not take much searching to find out that the young man owned a bar in town nor did it take long to find there were whisperings of crime within the family.  Diego’s specialty.  Only problem, he needed to make himself known and  get in the good graces of this Karmillo.

Living out of his car was rather difficult at times, especially when he could not get his suits pressed to look proper.  But dammit, Diego still managed to look as good as ever in one of his black suits as he went into the bar.  There he was, his target.  With a devilish smirk across his lips, he headed up and sat down next to Karmillo.  “What’s your poison?"

[practicalxmagic]

LOCATION: Homestown Grocer’s WHO: @angstfactory

“Can we get this?”  Devin, Cassidy’s thirteen year old daughter questioned holding up a name brand snack.  “Do I look like I am made out of money?  Go back to the aisle and find something similar, but cheaper.”  Now, he wished he brought her twin brother Patrick instead since he knew Devin was going to bitch the rest of the time at the store.

As he went down another aisle, he debated whether he needed the item more or a pack of cigarettes.  Guess, which one won out?  He placed the item back, figuring the kids and him could have a couple dinners at his parents’.  Surely he could get along with his father for a few hours?  Or at the very least sit there and be quiet?

While Devin was out doing her thing, he seemed to notice a familiar face.  “Stalk much?”  He questioned, an ever so small smirk at the corner of his lips as he looked at the other man.  This had to be the third or fourth time the two have run into each other since the carnival.  “Looks like you’re all healed up.”  What the fuck was he saying?  Damn, he wasn’t usually this dull.  Surely there was something more clever he could have said.  Wait!  Why did he even care?  Was he trying to impress this guy?  Great, now he was all in his head and that place was a fucking trainwreck.  “I mean,” he didn’t realize he said that aloud and his eyes widened, “uh.  Fuck. Sorry, I am  just all over the place mentally.”  He said trying to explain himself, but pretty sure he was more scaring the other off.

[practicalxmagic]

LOCATION: Linden’s Place WHO: @hearthandhallows

With a cigarette hanging between his lips, Cassidy reached and pulled out the crumbled piece of paper with Linden’s address.  Taking a second glance at the numbers on the little house and back to the paper, he stood there dumbfounded.  No way in fuck did Linden live in a yellow house with a bunch of flowers around it.  Surely they would have mentioned it before…Oh that’s right he rarely pays attention when people are talking let alone took the effort to remember personal facts about them.  “Well fuck me,” he murmered to himself taking the last drag from the nicotine stick as not to smoke around Linden as they carried a child.  See right there, that’s called personal growth.

Cassidy flicked the cigarette towards the curb and pulled on Lily’s wagon.  With no vehicle for transportation or a valid driver’s licence…thank you DUIs.  He was stuck with walking or riding a bicycle around town, unless he could catch a ride with someone.  But that often meant being grateful, nice or a combination of things that he usually was not.

At the front door, he tugged on the wagon to get it on the step, making more noise than necessary.  But that was the Cassidy way.  Make it more difficult.  Finally, he knocked on the door.

There they were, “well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”  Cassidy offered a smile.  “Well, I brought all that stuff I told you I would.”  He motioned towards the wagon.  “Save your applause, I do it all out of the kindness of my heart.  So, where do ya want it?”  He figured he should stay and help them out.  After all, carrying a baby was some hard work and even Cassidy on occasion could tone down his assholeness for certain people and they were one of those certain people.