ride the lightning

chasing storms & finding himself along the way

[returntoscnder]

would   you   believe   us   if   we   said   that   wasn't   really   JACOB SCIPIO?   well,   it   isn't   .ᐟ.ᐟ   that's   RAFAEL ROMERO,   a   proud   resident   of   pinehaven   for   the   last   3 YEARS.   you   can   find   them   working   over   at   PINEHAVEN POST OFFICE   as   a   MAILMAN.   they're   30,   but   they   hardly   look   that   old!   it   must   be   the   washington   weather   that   keeps   them   looking   so   young   .ᐟ.ᐟ   word   around   the   town   is   that   they're   EMOTIONALLY REPRESSED, QUIET, AVOIDANT,   but   we   think   that's   silly.   we   feel   like   they're   much   more   LOYAL, GROUNDED, PATIENT.   if   we   had   to   pick   one   song   to   describe   HE/HIM,   it   would   be   RETURN TO SENDER   BY   ELVIS PRESLEY.   see   ya   'round,   RAFE   .ᐟ.ᐟ

Rafael Romero never imagined he’d end up in Pinehaven. Originally from Miami, he was the kind of kid who thrived in the stadium lights — excelling in sports, running with the popular crowd, and carrying himself with an easy confidence. But life has a way of slowing even the fastest runners. When his grandfather fell ill a few years ago, Rafe drove north, intending to help for just a few months. Those months turned into years, and before he knew it, Pinehaven had become home.

He works at the local post office, delivering mail along familiar streets and greeting everyone by name. There’s comfort in routine, and Rafe appreciates the steadiness his job brings. Yet beneath that calm exterior is a restless streak. He loves storm chasing; the thrill of tracking lightning across the sky and feeling the wind and the rain. It’s the one time he lets himself feel un-tethered; a counterpoint to the quiet order of his daily life.

Rafe is physically capable and athletic, but not showy about it. More of a himbo charm: tall, strong, a little oblivious at times, yet sharp and observant in ways people don’t immediately notice. He’s quietly sweet, with a loyal and dependable nature, though a past betrayal has left him with a streak of jealousy he works hard to keep in check. When he cares, he really cares, and he shows it in acts rather than words. He cooks meals he learned from his grandparents, fixes cars and bikes, and does small, thoughtful things that demonstrate how much he values the people around him.

Family is central to Rafe. Most of his relatives have moved to Pinehaven as well, and he’s incredibly close with them, whether it’s playing catch in the driveway with his cousins, grilling at Sunday dinners, or checking in on his grandparents’ old friends. He adopted a senior dog, Chief, from the shelter. He is quiet, patient, and slightly stubborn, much like Rafe himself. Chief and Rafe share a quiet companionship, especially during storms, when the guy who chases lightning is forced to comfort the pup that fears it.

Rafe hasn’t been in a long-term relationship for a while. It’s not from lack of interest, but circumstances and caution. He’s fiercely loyal and dedicated in love; he is protective, and attentive, but his past experiences have made him cautious, especially when it comes to trust. He’s not the type for dramatic gestures, but he shows his feelings through care: cooking a favorite meal, fixing something that’s broken, or quietly just being there.

a little about him:

Rafael 'Rafe' Romero (fc: Nikki Rodriguez)

30 y/o

status: single

sexuality:undecided

he’s not a mechanic, but he’s the guy people call when something’s rattling

plays pickup sports: softball in the summer, basketball at the rec center, occasional flag football games with his cousins

coaches his younger cousins

makes a mean breakfast

likes watching documentaries about nature, space, or history

he’s been slowly fixing up his small house

delivers mail to shut-ins just to check on them

dislikes being indoors too long

has a faint scar above his eyebrow from a high school baseball game

still keeps his old letterman jacket somewhere in the back of his closet

once entered (and won) a local chili cook-off completely by accident because his aunt signed him up

keeps a cast iron skillet that’s older than he is, seasoned to perfection

always drives his partner home, no matter the hour

doesn’t say “I love you” casually, but when he does, it’s sacred

doesn’t do grand gestures often, but when he does, it’s because he means it

aesthetics: soft & faded flannel shirts rolled at the sleeves, the hum of his truck engine, the crack of a bat at a summer game, a dog’s paws on hardwood, low thunder, the scent of pine and wood smoke, well-worn baseball gloves, old-school diners with sticky tables and good pie, fresh coffee and late sunsets, tools scattered across the garage, classic rock, the sound of a baseball game playing quietly in the background while he dozes on the couch

connection ideas:

honestly i'm open to anything & everything, but here are some ideas!

ride or die/besties

neighbors

good friends: Adrian Pierce

friend/sibling vibes

confidantes

long-time friends

crush: Charlotte Du Bois

roomies

exes

flings

ex-flings

one-night stand

fwb: Charlotte Du Bois

flirtationship

co-workers

casual friends

gym buddies

anything!

[bloominflor]

"i'll have you know, i refuse to buy an umbrella outta sheer spite." she says with a slight grin, looking at him. it's really just because she is convinced the pinehaven winds would wreck it anyway. "i won't say no to a gift though, makes me feel special." imani jokes. "it's for sure not ideal, but you know, safety first. if my folks found out i didn't get it serviced- they'd probably have it towed as some lesson on responsibility." imani loved her parents, but fuck they had strict rules. comes with their level of occupations, she supposes. "i won't say no to coffee and a ride. i actually came  here for coffee and to stock up on snacks, the break room ran out of pretty much everything."

[returntoscnder]

“Refusing an umbrella out of spite, huh? That kinda sounds like you're playing chicken,” he teased lightly. “I can’t blame you though — even the best umbrellas don’t last long in Pinehaven winds.”

Rafe offered a small, playful smile at her comment about gifts. “Well… if it makes you feel special, I might have to take notes for Christmas,” he said, tone softening, a quiet warmth in his gaze. “Given my line of work, I do have connections with Santa.”

Glancing at his watch, Rafael still had plenty of time before he needed to hit deliveries again. “I’ve got a little time before my next round — so how about I grab us a cup, and you can stock up on the snacks you need?” He tilted his head toward the door, brushing a damp strand of hair from his forehead. “You know, keep you caffeinated, dry, and morally superior to your car’s tow situation.”

[moonlit-wonderer]

Jimmy was relieved to hear that he wouldn't be responsible for any damages he might have caused. Luckily there was often grace for these kinds of mistakes, even if they did happen to him a little more often than he would like to admit. "no way I'm sending anything without like...triple wrapping it" he said, shocked to hear others were so unbothered by the threat of damage. "these things are supposed to be durable, but I don't know what these carriers are like." Jimmy said before pausing, "no offense, of course. I know you're one of the good ones" he said with a smile, "I'm actually here to pick up a part for my motorcycle. She's out of commission right now and still needs a lot of work, but I'm about to be one part closer to being done" Jimmy was antsy to get back on his bike after years of being without. He felt like a part of him was missing. Unfortunately, not a lot of people had sympathy for that aspect of his life, especially after his accident. Most people thought he was crazy to want to ride again. "what about you? are you ahead of schedule today?"

[returntoscnder]

Rafael couldn’t help but laugh under his breath, the sound low and warm as he shook his head. “Triple wrapping, huh? You’re gonna make the rest of us look bad,” he teased lightly, glancing at the package Jimmy held like it was priceless. “I promise, most of us treat mail like it’s sacred. But hey, no offense taken. I’ve seen what some carriers do on the sorting line. You’re probably smart to be cautious.” He adjusted the strap of his bag on his shoulder, posture relaxing a little as Jimmy mentioned the motorcycle. That earned a grin, the kind that reached Rafael’s eyes. “Ah, that’s what all the excitement was about earlier. You’re still working on her then? That’s some dedication. Can’t say I blame you though; nothing really replaces that feeling, right?” There was a flicker of understanding there, an unspoken kind of respect. “My grandpa used to fix up old cars. I’d help him out when I could, but my patience doesn’t usually survive very long.” His grin softened as he nodded toward Jimmy’s package. “Still, it’s good to have something that gets you outta bed excited.” He glanced toward the street, the sound of rain easing against the pavement. “And yeah, for once, I’m ahead of schedule. If you want, I can give you a lift — save you from triple-wrapping yourself in this weather.”

[chonidale]

Madelaine Petsch & Jacob Scipio in Maintenance Required (2025) dir. Lacey Uhlemeyer

[returntoscnder]

@inknembers

[hoyas-big-head]

jacobscipio

[james-holbrook-deactivated20260]

Being outside was something that James has always loved. Whether it was going hiking, on a run, or just out for a walk. And he was beyond grateful to see that it was slowly making its way back to him. He found himself walking down one of the sidewalks, pretty sure he had gotten turned around at some point, and not entirely sure where he was. But that would simply be a problem for later him. What he wasn't expecting was for a dog to suddenly drop mail at his feet and for Rafael to be rounding the corner.

"You might want to let your new co worker know that he's supposed to put it in mail boxes, not just drop it at random people's feet." James teased, finding Rafael to be one of those people that he could easily joke with. Looking away to where the dog was still running around before his attention was back on his friend. "I was actually thinking about telling the first little old lady I run into about it so the entire town knows by noon-" He went on shrugging his shoulders, amusement dancing across his features.

Hearing the sound of paws against the sidewalk, James turned, kneeling down quickly to intercept the dog who was making its way back towards Rafael. "I don't think he was done with you just yet." He laughed, petting the dog behind the ear, taking the time to look for a collar and coming up empty handed. "Seriously, you good though? Didn't take a bite out of you or anything?" James asked, watching as the dog plopped down next to his feet, and pushed himself back up.

[returntoscnder]

Rafael rounded the corner just in time to see the dog sprawled happily at James’s feet, tail thumping against the damp sidewalk like he hadn’t just nearly tanked his handler’s entire route. It took everything in him not to laugh outright — especially with James kneeling there, looking like he’d just been enlisted into the postal service by accident. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about promoting him,” Rafael called out, a grin tugging at his lips as he slowed his pace. “He’s got great enthusiasm, terrible aim, and a questionable sense of direction, so he fits right in with the rest of us.”

He bent to take the soggy letters James had rescued, giving the dog a light scratch behind the ear. “Thanks for intercepting him. I swear, he’s got a sixth sense for nice people.” At least he was assuming, since James was undoubtedly one of the best guys he knew. A good friend that was easy to talk to; something Rafael needed for sure. Straightening, he brushed a hand down his uniform, shaking his head. “And please, don’t sic the little old ladies on me — I barely survived last month when someone thought I lost their Martha Stewart magazine subscription. I’ll never live this one down.” When James mentioned the dog taking a bite, Rafael laughed under his breath, giving a small shake of his head. “Nah, we’re good. Just my pride’s a little bruised — but that’s kind of standard at this point.”

He glanced toward the direction the dog had come from, rain misting in the air now that the drizzle had picked up again. “I thought he had a home back there, but he's followed me so many times now that I'm starting to doubt it. He doesn't have a collar or anything either. I don't guess you're looking for a four-legged friend to mangle your mail, are you?” As much hell as the dog gave him sometimes, Rafe knew he was just having fun. He deserved a home if he didn't have one, and James was about one of the best people around that could give him a good one. “So what are you getting up to today? Anything fun?”

[descorrosilva]

SHE  DOES  NOT  DO  WELL  WITH  SURPRISES.      it's  always  been  that  way,  and  her  fathers  have  long  since  wished  for  it  to  be  something  they  grow  out  of  –  not  happening,  pops.  the  other  thing  is  is  that  sicily  loves  animals.  maybe  more  than  people,  and  not  in  the  wine  -  mom  kind  of  way.  she's  dedicated  her  entire  life  to  marine  biology  research  (  entirely  life  is  kind  of  a  stretch  —  lifelong  special  interest  turned  career  to  hopeful  maybe  more  of  a  career  if  she's  lucky,  god  willing  )   and  has  since  become  accustomed  to  dealing  with  them,  rather  than  other  people.  retiring  to  her  bedroom  at  her  childhood  home  and  relaxing  with  her  cat  after  a  long  day  of  work  at  the  petting  zoo  made  it  easy  to  not  have  to  deal  with  too  people  other  humans.

except  for  right  now.  the  dog  approaches  her,  tongue  hanging  out  alongside  the  slips  of  mail,  happy  as  can  be.  and  it'd  be  kind  of  endearing  of  a  runaway  train  if  it  didn't  mean  that  some  poor  guy  had  to  chase  after  it  and  pray  that  the  mail  wasn't  totally  ruined.  the  sound  of  the  voice  is  what  catches  her  attention  after  sicily  had  bent  down,  blinking  up  at  the  running  figure,  her  attention  wandering  the  dog  bounding  off  again.  swallows  thickly  –  as  if  she  was  the  one  who  stole  the  mail.  silly.  “seems  like  your  coworker  is  making  a  break  for  it.”  stands  up,  with  a  slight  bewildered  look  on  expression.  “this  –  this  happen  often?”

[returntoscnder]

Rafael had already resigned himself to the chaos the moment he saw the golden blur tear down the sidewalk, half his mail in tow. By the time he caught up, he was out of breath, rain-spattered, and about three steps away from laughing at his own luck. And then he saw her — the woman holding the slightly damp envelopes like she’d just been caught in the middle of a crime scene. The bewildered look on her face made it even harder not to laugh. “Yeah, he thinks he my coworker,” Rafe said, running a hand through his hair, trying to catch his breath. “He’s still working on the whole professionalism thing. We’re... not quite there yet.”

A faint grin tugged at his mouth as he glanced in the direction the dog had bolted off again. “This doesn’t happen often, but I’ll be honest with you — it happens enough that I’m starting to think it’s personal.” He crouched to gather the last of the stray letters, giving her an apologetic look as he stood. “Sorry about that. I swear he’s usually charming; at least when he’s not committing mail fraud. But he’s got good taste in people, apparently. He doesn’t just hand over federal property to anyone.” He paused then granted a crooked smile. “You alright, though? Didn’t expect to be part of a postal chase today, did you?”

[noahsresources]

IN CHARACTER CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS .

send an emoji/series of emojis for my muse to answer any of the following questions in character! for some questions, there are fields italicized and bolded for you to fill in with the name of a person/place/event/etc in the muse's life. please remember to fill in these spaces in order for the question to make sense! each emoji is described in case you can't see them, and they are listed alphabetically. ♡

✈️ AIRPLANE — have you traveled anywhere that helped you discover something about yourself and/or about the world?

😠 ANGRY FACE — how easy or difficult is it for you to express your emotions? if you find it difficult, what do you think is holding you back?

🎨 ARTIST PALETTE — what are some hobbies that you like to partake in? do you think they're just to pass time or to distract yourself, or do you believe some of them potentially have therapeutic outcomes for you?

🎈 BALLOON — what is something you've created and/or accomplished recently that you're proud of?

🖤 BLACK HEART — what would you say is the darkest thought you've ever experienced? what do you think caused you to have that thought? have you ever planned on or fantasized about acting on it?

🏹 BOW AND ARROW — if there's something from your past that you'd give anything to go back in time and redo, what is it?

💔 BROKEN HEART — is there anyone in your life you wish you had a better relationship with? if so, how come? what makes this person important to you?

🎄 CHRISTMAS TREE — what is your favorite holiday and why?

🌙 CRESCENT MOON — what would you say is your current biggest dream and/or career aspiration and why?

❌ CROSS MARK — how would your life be different if [name of person] had never been in it? would it be better or worse?

⚔️ CROSSED SWORDS — do you have any skills that you are absolutely grateful you have and that mean a lot to you? how do you usually use these skills? would they come in handy if someone you cared about was in trouble?

🔮 CRYSTAL BALL — what is a core memory from your childhood that you think defines you today?

🗡️ DAGGER — what is something or someone you know you can't afford to lose? how far are you willing to go to make sure you don't lose it/them?

💧 DROPLET — are you grieving something or someone? do you feel like you lost something or a part of yourself with it/them?

😶‍🌫️ FACE IN CLOUDS — is there something you're hiding from the people you love? if so, how urgent is it for them to hear it? what's holding you back from sharing it?

🍂 FALLEN LEAVES — how would you metaphorically describe your life and the journey(s) you've been on?

👻 GHOST — is there someone or something that you feel is missing from your life? do you know if there's any way to find it/them?

🩶 GRAY HEART — what kind of friend do your friends consider you to be (mom friend, uncle friend, funny friend, etc) and why? what do you think this says about your personality?

🤝 HANDSHAKE — do family or platonic relationships mean more to you? or do they mean different things to you?

❤️‍🔥 HEART ON FIRE — what angers you the most? what triggers this anger, and how do you cope with it? what does this anger feel like, if you had to describe it?

💋 KISS MARK — if you had to share a romantic kiss with a loved one, where would you share that kiss and why? are you thinking about giving this romantic kiss somewhere other than the other person's lips?

✝️ LATIN CROSS — are you a religious person? did you grow up religious? does your faith mean anything to you today?

🩵 LIGHT BLUE HEART — what do you fantasize about the most often (generally/sexually/etc)? are there any people that are significant to or that you can see in this fantasy and why?

⚡️ LIGHTNING BOLT — how has [significant event in muse's life] impacted you? what has it made you realize about yourself? about others? about the world?

💄 LIPSTICK — have you had any romantic or sexual experiences that made you realize something about yourself?

🪄 MAGIC WAND — would you describe yourself as a superstitious person (someone who believes in superstitions)? do you believe in luck?

❤️‍🩹 MENDING HEART — how strongly do you experience your emotions? does it depend on who you're interacting with and/or the context of the situation?

🎶 MUSICAL NOTES — what song lyrics do you think most accurately describe you? your journey through life? who you are as a person?

🫂 PEOPLE HUGGING — generally speaking, do you feel very supported by the people in your life? how strong and cohesive is your support system, if you have one? do you often feel like you're at the front of the line or pushed to the side by the people in your life?

❤️ RED HEART — what is/are your love language(s)? how do you use it/them to communicate your feelings about others?

💞 REVOLVING HEARTS — who and/or what are you most grateful for in your life?

🎀 RIBBON BOW — how confident are you with your physical appearance? is there anything about it that you are insecure about? is there anything about it that you are happy about or gives you confidence? how do you think people perceive you based on your physical appearance?

🧪 TEST TUBE — if you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what is one thing you absolutely have to resolve and/or do before then?

🤔 THINKING FACE — what three emotions tend to dominate your mindset? do you know why they do?

💭 THOUGHT BALLOON — is there something or someone you find yourself thinking about more often than other things? if so, why do you think you do this?

💀 SKULL — how has [name of person] 's death influenced your outlook on life, if anything?

☀️ SUN — would you describe yourself as more of an introvert or extrovert, or are you somewhere in between? how come?

🪽 WING — if you could choose to have one superpower for a day, what would it be and why? what would you do with it?

✍️ WRITING HAND — what is one thing you wish you were better at? this can be a tactical skill, social skill, hobby, etc.

[aedearly]

✎ㅤ. . .ㅤ𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑪𝑨𝑵𝑶𝑵 𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺.

₊˚⊹ ㅤa collection of character analysis/headcanon questions to learn more about your character and your partners'! writing/headcanon prompts requested by anonymous. feel free to edit these as you see fit.

[ 🖐️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat do their hands feel like: soft, calloused, trembling ? [ ☂️ ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they crave touch or fear it ? [ 🎐 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a sound, like a song or voice, that they associate with peace ? [ 🕊️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen did they feel the safest ? [ 💤 ]ㅤ.ㅤhow do they sleep ? curled up, sprawled, holding onto something ? [ 🦇 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a fear they never talk about ? [ 🔒 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a secret they’ve sworn never to tell ? [ 🪢 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen was the last time they broke a promise ? [ 🫳 ]ㅤ.ㅤwho do they feel they owe, but never paid back ? [ 💼 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat do they always carry with them ? [ 🧨 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s the quickest way to set them off, even if they hide it well ? [ ⛓️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat does guilt feel like to them ? [ 💢 ]ㅤ.ㅤwho have they never forgiven and never will ? [ 🩸 ]ㅤ.ㅤis there something or someone that, if lost, would break them ? [ 🌧️ ]ㅤ.ㅤis there a pain they refuse to heal from ? [ 🪞 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen have they looked at their reflection and hated what they saw ? [ 📿 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat superstition or ritual do they cling to ? [ 🌊 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen was the last time they cried ? [ 🐾 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo animals like them instinctively ? [ 🪶 ]ㅤ.ㅤhow do they laugh ? [ 🫀 ]ㅤ.ㅤwho taught them what love is ? did it hurt ? [ 💭 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they believe they’re worthy of being loved ? [ 🎀 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is their main love language ? [ 🔦 ]ㅤ.ㅤwho do they search for ? [ 📜 ]ㅤ.ㅤis there a story they love sharing with others ? [ 🌒 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a dream or goal they have given up on ? [ 🕯️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat memory do they replay when they’re alone ? [ 🌪️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s the one choice they regret (not) making ? [ 🧩 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s a truth about themselves they refuse to admit ? [ 🍻 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of drunk are they ? [ ✉️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of letter would they write but never send ? [ 🗡️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a scar that they have but never talk about ? [ 🕸️ ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a favourite lie they like to hear ? [ 🪦 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat would they want on their gravestone but never admit aloud ? [ 🎱 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of future do they crave, and who’s in it ? [ 🌀 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a recurring dream or nightmare ? [ 🍃 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they feel like they belong ? [ ⚓ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat does “home” mean to them ? [ 🧭 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhere would they go if they could disappear tomorrow ?

[returntoscnder]

[bloominflor]

she tilts her head, a soft 'awe' escaping as she feels her heart grow a few sizes. "someone with good intentions could never give off bad vibes." reverie shrugs, their hands on the counter as they use it to push themselves up. "but everyday stressors can be a lot, it's not rare for them to cause them to latch on if we don't take steps to take care of ourselves." she muses, walking around the counter. their eyes scan their store in thought- tapping a finger against their chin for a moment. "if you want something that's effective, spell jars are a pretty solid go. but if we're talking something that she'll have use out of and lights up the room a bit more? our spell candles are all hand made." she leads him towards the counter with a multitude of candles. they're detailed, made with a level of love and care that isn't present in most major stores. "you may want to get one for yourself too. treat yourself with as much kindness as you treat your loved ones, i say. i'll throw it in for free."

[returntoscnder]

Rafael followed as Reverie moved through the shop, his gaze flicking between the rows of jars and candles, each one looking a little too delicate for someone with calloused hands like his. “Spell jars, huh? My cousin would lose her mind in here. She’s into all this — energy stuff.” Rafe, on the other hand, was completely out of his element.

His fingers brushed the edge of a candle, careful not to knock it out of place. “I figured I’d get her something that actually means something to her this year instead of another bookstore gift card. And thank you, but you don’t have to do that,” he said, voice softer now, a mix of gratitude and surprise. “That’s really kind of you, but I'm happy to pay for both.”

Glancing back at Reverie, there was an earnest curve to his smile. “Guess you’re right, though. Could probably stand to take my own advice for once.” Rafael tilted his head, eyes on the flickering candles. “Any you’d recommend for someone who’s terrible at relaxing but great at overthinking?”

[inkembrs]

adrian: well, that's a relief. adrian: imagine if a fish out there ever does realize it. adrian: if it blows my mind...i can only imagine what it would do the fish's mind.

adrian grinned when he saw rafel had responded back, he always enjoyed talking to him. it had been a couple of days since they'd caught up, or maybe a week, so honestly this was a little overdue. granted he hadn't pictured his first conversation with rafel again to be about stupid fish facts, but small victories were still victories. he shifted a bit on the fire escape, getting himself a bit more comfortable.

adrian: it's good to hear from you, man. adrian: sorry about the weird fish text. honestly, i thought i was texting someone else. but that's not to say i hadn't meant to reach out! i was actually starting to think you'd been avoiding me. adrian: you're not tired of me already, are you? adrian: kidding. how have you been?

[returntoscnder]

rafe: i think they'd be okay. rafe: don't fish have the memory of... rafe: a goldfish? like, i think they forget seconds later. unless that's a myth.

It was probably the most random conversation in his text threads — but somehow, that made it even more endearing. Rafael had always liked that about Adrian, the way he could spark something out of nowhere that made him laugh or actually stop to think. No one else could pull him out of his shell quite like that. He wished he could match that kind of energy. Traffic was at a standstill thanks to the rain and the usual rush of commuters, so he let himself linger in the pause, parked beneath the steady drum of water on his windshield. A small smile tugged at his mouth as he thumbed out a reply, still amused by the message glowing on his screen.

rafe: wow. way to hurt my feelings. rafe: time to go eat my weight in ice cream. rafe: yes, i'm actively avoiding one of my favorite people to talk to. rafe: not at all! it's just been a busy week. if anyone ever gets tired of you then i question their sanity. rafe: i've been fine, just working honestly. the usual boring life lol. rafe: how about you? i know you're a lot more exciting.

[bloominflor]

"oh i walked alright, all the way from the radio station here." imani sighs deeply, looking over with the sad expression of a kicked puppy. "i'm lucky i have a hoodie on or my hair would be more then ruined." and she did not feel like fighting the hair gods today - she really really didn't. "you're a saviour right now." she sighs, the napkins are at least saving her make up right now, using a random nearby reflective surface. "my car is being serviced right now. winter tires, all that fancy stuff."

[returntoscnder]

"You know what might be a good investment? An umbrella," Rafael teased lightly, the corner of his mouth curving in a small grin. "Christmas is coming up, so I’ll keep that in mind." His expression softened as Imani explained her car situation, a quiet hum of understanding leaving him. "Ah, that makes more sense. But still, sorry you had to deal with this mess."

He offered a wry smile. "I hardly think thin paper napkins count as heroic, but it’s the best I’ve got right now." Rafe nodded toward the coffee machine humming behind the counter. "You want something warm? Coffee, maybe? And, at least let me give you a ride back to the station."

[moonlit-wonderer]

jimmy let out a bought of laughter though the situation didn't seem to warrant it, "it's really fine! it's just a little wet." he said, unworried. "i'm really good with bubble wrap" he helped in return with the envelopes scattered about. "aw man, these are soaked" jimmy held up a small, soggy envelope. it dripped between them. "what do you do with it when this happens?" jimmy's curiosity on full display. he often asked rafael questions about the post office. what others found to be mundane would fascinate him, the mail protocols being one of them no matter how often rafael reminded him that, like all public agencies, the post office was a logistics nightmare. "oh shit, should I be offering to pay for this?" he asked, waving the wilting envelope around in reference.

[returntoscnder]

Rafael huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he plucked the dripping envelope from Jimmy’s hand. “Nah, trust me — the post office doesn’t let civilians cover damages. Mostly because it happens way more than anyone wants to admit.” He turned the envelope over gently, grimacing a little at the way it sagged in his fingers. “Luckily it's just mine. And see, this one’s probably junk mail anyway. They always survive hurricanes and fires but the moment it rains, they melt like tissue.” Rafe crouched to gather the last few envelopes, giving Jimmy a sideways glance. “Thank god. I would have felt like shit if it was ruined. You would be surprised how many people just throw something breakable into a box with zero padding and hope for the best. But you're smarter than that.” He always found it entertaining and amusing that Jimmy was so fascinated by the post office; maybe because it was just so routine for him. He was happy to answer though. “So what else are you up to today besides sacrificing yourself in the rain?”

[inkembrs]

charlotte blinked in surprise as the blur of fur vanished around the corner, still processing what had just happened. she looked down at the soggy envelopes by her boots, then up at the man breathless and grinning in front of her. a soft laugh slipped out before she could stop it. "seems like your assistant’s got a lot of enthusiasm, at least,” she teased, crouching to help gather the letters. “though his delivery accuracy could use a little work.”

straightening, she handed him the rescued mail with a teasing smile. “don’t worry — your secret’s safe with me, monsieur rafael. all your secrets are." she didn't flirt with anyone except him, for some reason, he had been someone who had managed to get through her walls shortly after meeting two years ago. he knew her well, in a lot of ways. "besides, i’d hate to ruin a mailman’s reputation over one rogue pup.” she reached out and gently brushed a stray leaf from his hair, still smiling.

"i hope that this wasn't a sign as to how your shift is going. but if it is...i'm sorry." she offered him an apologetic smile, standing up. she had been heading to grab a cup of something warm before heading on her daily walk but none of that mattered all of a sudden. "would you mind some company on your route? if you can spare a couple of minutes, perhaps we could get a warm drink for the walk."

[returntoscnder]

Of course of all people for the dog to lead him to, it had to be her. Charlotte.

Suddenly, Rafael wasn’t so sure the racing in his chest had anything to do with the sprint after the runaway mutt. Hell, he knew it didn’t. She’d had that effect on him since the first day they met; that quiet, effortless pull that made him forget where he was supposed to be or what he was supposed to say. He couldn’t decide if the dog was trying to sabotage him or play wing-man, but any trace of embarrassment melted away the moment she laughed. Her smile — easy, teasing, familiar and alluring — had always been a kind of weakness for him, one he never quite learned how to guard against.

“I can’t tell if he loves me or he’s trying to get me fired,” Rafael said with a low chuckle, glancing toward the direction the dog had bolted, probably already back home and smug about it. “He's still in training though, so I guess it could’ve gone worse.” Much worse. He'd led Rafe right into his dream girl, after all. “Thank you. And I hope so. I'm trusting you to keep your lips sealed.” Rafael accepted the envelopes from her with a grateful nod, slipping them back into his satchel with more care than necessary just to buy another moment standing close to her. When his eyes lifted to meet hers again, that same pull was there — the magnetic gravity she carried without ever trying.

“Though, if he’s going to make me look like an idiot, I should probably thank him for choosing the right audience,” he added, his voice warm and teasing, but softer; a slightly flirtatious tone he only ever used with her. A small smile curved Rafe's mouth, the corner dimpling as he tilted his head slightly. “Coffee sounds perfect, actually. Might even make the rest of the route bearable. You sure you don’t mind keeping a lowly mailman company on his break? But I should warn you; I might get used to it.” His gaze lingered on her for just a second longer than it should’ve, a quiet admission he never quite put into words — that if it were up to him, she could walk into his day like this every damn time.

[hoyas-big-head]

jacobscipio

[returntoscnder]

open to: anyone ! @pinehavenstarters location: anywhere that works

Rafael rounded the corner a little too fast, startled by a blur of brown fur darting across the sidewalk, weaving between piles of fallen leaves. Letters tumbled from his hands as he stumbled forward, cursing softly under his breath. “Hey! Wait!” He called, lunging after the enthusiastic dog as it bounded down the block, tongue lolling and tail wagging like it owned the street.

Just as he skidded to a stop, trying not to trip over a heap of orange and gold leaves, the dog veered sharply and dropped a few soggy envelopes at someone’s feet before darting off again. Rafael froze, cheeks flushed from the chase and the crisp fall air, and threw his hands up in a mix of apology and relief.

“Oh — uh, sorry about that!” He apologized, crouching to scoop up the rest of the mail. “That’s my job slipping away for a second. And dignity. Seems like your new four-legged friend wanted to help deliver the mail instead.” Rafe straightened, a small, sheepish grin tugged at his lips. “Maybe we can keep this whole dog versus mailman cliche between us?”