Siren Santiago

[juandiego-flores]

Juan Diego nodded and smiled “Yeah I guess that’s the point.” It was a great idea to have his brother read them again, he was probably going to love it, except for the part about the sirens, it wasn’t like the most accurate representation of the magic world they live in, but there was something beautiful about that world that he kind of wish it was true “Hey you should, let me know when you start and we can discuss, also don’t judge me for being a Slytherin” He smiled knowing that back when it was out this was a whole joke subject.

“Well that’s because you are nice, nice people always end up having great friends around them.” He laughed and nodded “Yeah of course, what’s a movie night without popcorn.”

[santiagoxflores]

“Absolutely, I totes will let you know so we can talk it all over.”  It brightened his day knowing his brother wanted to be part of his life and not just part of it, but participate in it.  “Um, is Slytherin bad or something?  Should I Google it?”  He inquired with his usual playfulness, bubbly personality.

“Was I always nice?  Or is it just now?”  Santiago questioned curiously.  No one really told him how he was in life before he lost his memories.  Sure, he had friends but was that a childhood obligation or did they genuinely like him as an adult?  There were so many questions and he wasn’t exactly sure how to ask everyone about who he was without setting off alarms.  “Awesome!  I’m excited,” he pulled a blanket over him to curl up to get all cozy on JD’s couch.

[amyinnile]

Honestly, it got her thinking, if even her best friend didn’t mind sharing secrets with all their mutual friends then maybe Amy was the odd one out? She wasn’t entirely sure why she preferred to keep things private. It wasn’t like she kept many big secrets that she should be concerned about really. Maybe she was being insecure? It was certainly something to ponder more about.

“We’ll make it together, I’m decent enough at it. Or you can just take the dips that are already in the fridge, put them into the bowls.” She shrugged, walking back into the house and putting the drinks on the kitchen counter to sort through and leave to chill. As she moved about, she began instructing Santi around politely, asking him to get the certain types of bowls and plates from certain cabinets, see if the dishwasher was done with the dishes or get something from the fridge for her while she whipped up a few last minute snacks.

[santiagoxflores]

“Whatever you want, I am here to serve…well then have fun afterwards of course.”  After all, he did shop up early in hopes of helping Amy and lifting the burden of hosting.  It seemed Amy was always the one having everyone at her place and organizing such events.  And it made him feel bad, but then again she did seem to have the bigger place and the room to host as many people.  “Sure, I can do that.”  It seemed simple enough.  While she instructed him, he followed her directions and got down and began helping her with the snacks.

“Looks like we’re good to go, hopefully everyone gets here soon.  Do we even know who is all coming?  I know Natty, but not sure who else.  Maybe Helen, she wasn’t a definitive yes.”  Finally, since everything seemed near done, he went over to fix himself a glass.

[goldenchildminmin]

“I would tip you so well.” Minho groaned, like it was a double shame with that fact included. “Is it too early to make an appointment a few months in advance?” All of Minho’s life had always been well planned and well in advance, but he’d learned that did not apply to the majority of the world. People without royal or celebrity experience usually planned for a couple of weeks in advance at most but Minho had always led a certain, in lack of a better term, peculiar lifestyle. Every single second of his life was planned and only in Greywood he would occasionally get a chance for respite from it. He turned away from his reflection in the mirror, done with the hairspray and putting it down to give his siren friend a look. “You do not want me to drop the glamour and show you the disaster that are my roots.” He’d had his hair dyed very dark brown presently and with his ashen blonde natural hair, it really did look dreadful.

“Oh how nice, a family gathering!” Minho chirped in his lovely sing song voice, skipping over to where Santi was at. However, what Santi said next made Minho’s beaming smile droop, corners dramatically pointing downwards. “Why do you say so, darling? It cannot be possible, you are so very lovely!” He insisted, wanting to comfort his friend.

[santiagoxflores]

“You can just tip me normally,” Santiago commented, not wanting to take advantage of their friendship in any way.  Nodding, “sure you can.  I think everything is systematic, so I just put it in the computer at work and bam your appointment time and date is reserved.”  Still a few feet back, Santiago continued to admire the fae before him wishing that he could be as beautiful.  “I am sure you looked gorgeous no matter what.  And roots are fairly easy to touch up.”

A sigh left his lips, not sure how nice it would really be but he did add the nod for Minho’s sake.  “Yeah,” the tone was not exactly convincing.  “I don’t know,” it was the truth.  No one would really discuss it with him, so he had no clue as to why some family members and he didn’t click.  Perhaps the loss of the memories caused issues or maybe he did something before that and he doesn’t remember and he couldn’t apologize for it.  Whatever it was, it seemed like it was under wraps.

[the--helen]

"I think trails would be fun if we could stop very often and just sit and enjoy the nature?" she said thoughtfully though she wouldn't force Santiago to do anything. She herself was unlikely to head over for a hike anytime soon, if ever. "And that's nice, that you also get to be friends with them even if they too do like being inside mostly," she hm-ed as she nodded and then looked outside as they parked. "Maybe. I can ask sometimes if I can come. I'm okay though, really," she assured him as she unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the door, looking at the restaurant and smiling. "Sure, it looks lovely!"

[santiagoxflores]

“I suppose you’re right, it could be nice.”  It still was not his cup of tea.  Although he could appreciate nature, he preferred it from a distance.  “Yeah, it is nice.  Known them for a while and am just glad they stuck by my side.  Not many people would have done that.”  Once he parked and was ready to head inside, he looked at her.  “Absolutely, everyone is invited.”  With that, he got out of the car and locked it before heading inside with her.  “So, when do I get to meet your hubby?  You’re married and I never see you two together, is he just super busy or something?”

[jacob-coates]

Starter: open

location: café

it was quite the morning when Jacob woke up, his head hurting from drinking (blood) too much, and he happened to make his way into town, he had been an inhabitant for centuries. Though he had left town decades ago for the sake of people not remembering him, the life of a vampire wasn't an easy lifestyle. He had hoped his path would cross his creator, lover or should he say ex-lover. It was weird that even after hundreds of years he still was captivated by the painter who saved his life, and he was still haunted by the faces of his stepfamily.

It took him a moment to realize that he was in the café, he had been drowsy for a moment, and as he looked at the sky he felt glad for it to be so cloudy. (not that he'd sparkle in the sun like a certain Cullen).

"God, how late is it?" He muttered to someone next to him.

[santiagoxflores]

Out and about, Santiago decided to stop by and get his usual iced coffee and just sit down and have a nice caffeine fix by himself.  Once the drink was handed to him, he settled down and started playing MonopolyGo on his phone.  The fucking game was cheating per usual, but damn was it addictive as he kept rolling the dice in hopes of landing on a railroad.

Little did he realise that the person next to him was speaking, until he heard something and he turned.  “Oh, I’m sorry.  I was just so focused on my game.  Silly me,” he smiled.  Exiting out of the game, he saw the time was late morning.  “Uh, it is close to 10.  Everything okay?”

[erisnotots]

"Yeah, probably. I haven't really stayed in one place for long enough to feel at home anywhere. And right now, for me, home is a person. But I want for my house to feel more homey, at least." He was slightly relieved that this person wasn't put off by his odd questions. Hell, maybe they were normal. He wasn't sure these days what sort of conversation was appropriate and what wasn't. Everything felt odd. He wasn't doing anything that made any sense to him. Staying in one place, letting himself get attached to Roman, and trying to build a life for himself were out of character for him. He was going to die here. But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

"Knick knacks might be nice. Maybe some fake plants to give the place some color. I know I'd kill real plants." Eris said. "Do you have any favorite places you like to find things?"

[santiagoxflores]

Usually, Santiago was great when it came to decorating.  Or at least, he thought he was great at it.  “Well, always a great way to start is to hit the thrift shop.  Cheap and you can find some great finds there,” he told the other.  “Just make sure it is something you want, but the nice thing is.  Hey you can always change it up later and sell off the stuff you don’t want, you’re never stuck with one thing if you get bored with it.”

Santiago nodded in agreement, “absolutely.  Fake plants are wonderful, don’t have the responsibility of watering them.”  Placing his finger on his chin, he pretended to think for a moment. “Pawnland is pretty cool, so is the antique place.  I can’t think of the name now.  You know what, if you want.  Maybe one day we can go together and pick out things,” he smiled.

[the--helen]

"Yes, I do think that is a good approach. If you cannot get comfortable with where you are at the moment you may not feel anything but negative feelings and wish for things to change. And that seems like a sad thing." she spoke slowly, trying to think of a general truth and not her own situation. "And I'm not sure I would be up for a hike. I haven't done sport in ages," she smiled, pushing her hair to the side, glad she could mostly speak the truth around her friend. Despite it being mostly vague. "I am a... what do you call it? Introverted? I really do like being at home," she said, both a truth and a lie. If she could she would lay in the park all day and night, enjoy the sun and moon on her face. But when she was out she didn't like the consequences of that. And besides, she was too used to being stuck between four walls. Going out as much as she did right now felt like a temptation and as if it could be taken away at any moment. "Gossip and wine do sound like a fun thing though."

[santiagoxflores]

“I think you’re reading my mind,” he smiled.  Sure, things sucked in some ways.  However, he learned a lot about who his friends were that stuck by his side and he was making new memories.  “No worries, I don’t go to the trails.  Seems like work and I prefer fun stuff like getting my nails done, new hairstyle and all.”  Santiago nodded, he was not an introvert, he tended to be extroverted and enjoyed being around people and going out.  “I think Amy is the same way, probably Natty too, so I get it.”  He nodded, “oh my goodness, so much fun!  You should come one day, at least for the wine and gossip.  I’m sure one day we’ll discuss a chapter in the book.” Eventually they pulled up and he put the car in park, "ready?"

[the--helen]

"Thank you! And I do think things can be bizarre, but... I try not to pay much attention to it. Just... enjoy it, you know?" she asked, in her mind visualizing the supernatural part of it that she had slowly come to learn of, despite only knowing the very very shallow surface of the ocean of information that she had to dive in if she ever wanted to. Getting comfortable in her seat, making sure to buckle her seatbelt on, Helen thought. "I'm sure if you like her, I'll like her," she said, knowing that was a good thing to say, but never sure. She did like people, but most of them scared her with their overeagerness. Santiago seemed to be an exception to the rule so far, perhaps because he had helped her out on that first week when she was still so freaked out. "Around town.... hm, I do like going for walks sometimes. I do stay home most of the time, reading."

[santiagoxflores]

“Absolutely, I totally get that.  I am the same way, like after losing my memories and all.  It kind of puts everything in alignment with me too, like you know.  Don’t fret over the small things and just enjoy life.”  It warmed his heart, he was always excited when his friends would meet, and grow the group of friends.  But also, it gave others someone to count on when they were on that friend level.  “If you like walks, you might like the trails.  I am not a huge hiker or anything, like exercise is eh, but occasionally I will walk about.”  His mouth dropped.  “What?  Like, I get that reading is great.  But you should come out more, you’re young.  Also, I think there is a book club.  Might have some with that, it is mainly just gossip and wine, but still fun.”

[erisnotots]

Eris had spent a lot of time getting his house cleaned up. Part of him hadn't seen the point of trying to undo the damage of the storm when he knew he didn't have long left in it. But he'd told Roman what he went through, and made plans to stay for just a bit longer. It felt wrong, but there it was.

So once his house was as clean as it was going to be, he went to the bar. He didn't drink like he was trying to die, but rather had a few beers with his dinner. He'd been sleeping better, which was something. He no longer felt like he was numb, or mourning something. He was just thinking about how to stay.

"Say I was going to try to make a house more homey. How would I go about doing that?" He asked the person sitting next to him. As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized how weird it was to bring up out of nowhere. But it was too late to take them back. He could only hope that this person was buzzed enough not to let it bother them.

[santiagoxflores]

Not often did Santiago go to the bars by himself, he usually had one of his girlfriends there for moral support and of course to be his wingman when needed.  Tonight though, he was sitting at the bar drinking a cosmopolitan and looking around to see if there was anyone worth hitting on.  As he sipped his drink, he overheard the person next to him and turned towards them.

“Well, each person is different.  You need to make sure your personality shines through,” he stated.  “Or at least I think that is how it should be,” he commented, a bit nervous now for saying anything.  “First, it is always nice to have little knick knacks that you enjoy and like, some pictures on the walls.”

[juandiego-flores]

"It truly does, that's why I have been wanting to watch it. But sure let's add it to the list for today." He smiled at his brother. "I don't really have that many apps and you are right I don't see how people can just keep up with all of them." Juan Diego couldn't help but laugh at his brother's Harry Potter reference "It does sound accurate that you are. But hey you never know people are tempted to get curious revelations when they do the test." JD shakes his head "Oh come on, doubt you would drive anyone crazy, you are the best, and all your friends love you."

[santiagoxflores]

“I dunno either,” he commented.  “Whatever makes people happy, I suppose.”  Santiago mentioned with a shrug.  “I guess, I am going to have to read the books and watch the movies soon so I understand what a Hufflepuff is, but hopefully that is good.”  In the life before his memory loss, he was sure he read or at the very least watched the Harry Potter films given he found them in his belongings but it still was hard to know.

“You’re nice,” he laughed.  “But hey, glad I have a great brother and great friends,” he said as he snuggled in on the couch.  “We making popcorn right?”

[the--helen]

"Oh, that's okay, you can let me know when you are planning and I can let you know then? Will that be okay?" she asked thoughtfully and then the smile on her face widened a bit. "I believe I would be too. Life here is very nice," she assured him as she got into the car. "I will keep an eye open," she said, unsure of how she would be able to do that but liking the idea of looking out for someone who may like Santiago. "Food... at your friend's restaurant I believe?"

[santiagoxflores]

“Yeah, of course.  Whatever works for you.”  Santiago commented, not wanting to ruffle any feathers.  “So glad you like it here, it is a great place most of the time.  Like yeah, it can be bizarre at times but the town as a whole is great.  And a lot of the people are like my family,” he responded.  “Awesome,” he smirked.  Santiago nodded, “yas! Oh mah gawd, you’ll love Hida!  Natty is the best!”  With that he began to drive the vehicle over towards his friend’s restaurant.  “So, what do you like to do around town?”

[juandiego-flores]

"She really is the best chef around town" He smiled and took out his food to put it on the table. Juan Diego was already looking for the movie on TV "Oh there's one where he actually plays Nick Cage, which is crazy, like he plays an actor with his same name and that has been in the same movies and met a fan that is a billionaire and pays him a lot to be at his birthday party, but yeah I wanted to watch that one, according to people is hilarious." He found Face Off and hit play while he started to have dinner "Hey with how many things there are out there and with all the new streaming apps, it's actually hard to keep track so you don't have to feel bad. There are people by choice that have never watched Harry Potter or Star Wars or a lot of the movies you have already watched." JD smiled "Hey you are having a lot of friends, do you hang out with all of them at the same time, cause it would be fun for you to have like a wine night with all of them. As for the roommate seems like a good idea, just be sure you have someone that doesn't make you crazy by two weeks after with them."

[santiagoxflores]

“That she is!”

Santiago tilted his head, confused by the notion of the film.  “What?  That sounds wild.  If you want we can also add that to our movie list to watch tonight.”  For him, everything was a new experience and he was just glad to be spending time with JD.  The one that helps him with their family, re-learning Spanish and other things.  “Yeah, I know.  It is crazy, like how do people have all these apps?  I think I am just on mom and dad’s Netflix and I started paying for Max.”  He told his brother.  His eyes widened, “really?  Wow, they must feel left out of a lot of things.  Although, I guess I should see those movies again since I don’t remember them, just know what people have told me.  Like, apparently I am a Hufflepuff whatever that means.”

He nodded, “yeah, we all hangout and do girl’s night at Amy’s.  I know, although I am more concerned about driving someone else crazy,” he chuckled.

[amyinnile]

Amy sighed, secretly wishing she could get back at them both somehow, but she was not the type. She could not gossip to save her life unless it was work related. Private lives of her friends were things she handled with great care. So naturally she did not even think to tell Santiago how Natsuki had told her that her college fling had also moved to town. And it seemed like it was the one that got away too, a big, still not gotten over past love. Very juicy gossip but Amy treated it very seriously. So her tongue tied into a knot way before she even thought of gossiping about it. “Cass would never.” She concluded, raising her chin in an indignant expression. Because if there was something Amy was absolutely convinced of, then it was that Cass would really never.

As Santi admitted that no memories had come back to him yet, Amy reached out, giving her friend a reassuring smile and a comforting squeeze to his shoulder. Then she employed both hands to carry a shopping bag full of booze, the load heavy but manageable. She did not overdo it though, she knew her limits as a very human-strong siren on land. She chuckled then as she walked back to the house, grinning at Santi over her shoulder. “Means it worked! You showed up on time for once. All that’s left is for me to mix up a few chip dips and that’s that, we’re all set for the guests. You know how to do a decent guac?”

[santiagoxflores]

Currently, he feels sheepish.  Last thing he wanted to do was place a wedge between his friends.  Honestly, he thought they all told each other everything whether directly from the person or not.  However, it seemed he was very wrong and Amy wasn’t exactly thrilled he had this information.  “She might,” he insisted but shrugged.

It was sweet, his friend’s gesture.  Although he never expressed it to anyone, not his family or friends.  Sometimes, he felt alone, still unsure if he was really himself.  All these people knew him for decades and had this distinct image of him and now, he wondered if it was skewed or if he lived up to it.  Still, he did try and remain positive most of the time, it was just sometimes uncertainty.  “I guess,” he smirked.  “Um, no.  You should have told me, I would have had my mom make some.  I guess I can try though, if you want me to.  I have watched my mom over the last few months make certain dishes.”

[juandiego-flores]

Juan Diego smiled "Of course and I told her to cook something special from her to you, so I'm not sure what she did, but remember to text her 'cause she took all this effort to do something for you."

He smiled at his brother's pick since Face Off was probably one of his favorite movies and it's been so many years since he last watched it "Oh, Face Off one hundred percent, also nothing wrong I wanted to see Nick Cage's new movies someday so we can do that some other day. So Tell me, Santi, what have you been up to?"

[santiagoxflores]

“Awww, she probably did.  She really is the best,” he commented, all thrilled to have something made by his friend who was an extremely talented chef.  “Yeah, I will.  Always gotta let her know her food kills it.”

“Face Off it is!”  Santiago said all giggly, just thrilled to be spending time with his brother and making these memories.  “What new movies is he in?”  He questioned curiously.  “I mostly watch stuff on Netflix, I feel like I am so behind since well you know.”  It was a touchy subject with most of their family, him not remembering anything.  But at least everything was fresh and new for him.  At least, he told himself that to remain positive. “Um work, you know.  Hanging out with Amy a lot, same with Natty, oh met Maya she is cool, hang out with her too.  Also Helen, she was pretty new to town when I first met her.  Other than that, not a whole lot.  Thought about getting a roommate to help with expenses.  What about you?”

[the--helen]

"I'd like that very much," she gave up on the excuses, glad that he didn't question her and quite touched that he was willing to accommodate the plans of himself and his friends for her. She wasn't sure if she would go, even if Alexander was out of the city, unsure of what she might even be expected to do at such an event, her own experience with it none existent aside from overhearing her older sister giggle behind a door with her friends, Helen not allowed to join

She couldn't contain a smile, a genuine smile to bloom on her lips, as he announced their staying. She enjoyed the idea of being here, wishing to never leave and risk being locked away again. "I will make sure to let him know that we should stay, I promise," she said catching her hands together in front of her. They seemed to be stopping in front of a car and she assumed this would be his so she also stopped next to him. "I would disagree. You are a very beautiful and cheerful person. Many would be quite lucky to have that next to them."

[santiagoxflores]

“Yay!  Well, I will get with Amy and you let me know when you’re available.  Trust me, you’ll love everyone.”  At least he hoped, he adored his friends to the moon and back.  All of them have been there for him during his time of need and despite him not remembering them there was a part of him that remembered the feeling of being around them which was hard to explain, besides love.

“Good, hopefully he will want to stay.  I would be heartbroken if you left.”  Santiago said with a smile.  Once they got to the car, he unlocked it with a click.  “You’re too sweet.  Well if you see any cute guys who might be into me, send them my way,” he commented as he got into the driver’s seat.  “So where did we decide on first?”

[juandiego-flores]

Location: Home With: @santiagoxflores

Juan Diego always repeated to himself that there was a good part in having to build up his relationship with his brother from the start. It was doing things without the errors, but true was that deep down he missed having his brother with him, not like the person, because he was so joyful that Santiago was there with them, but to have that old version of him, with all the memories, all the good and the bad. Yet there was not much he could do about it, he was back for him, he was back there to build a new life next to him, so he wouldn't be another stranger. As a part of their new traditions bringing dinner so they could have a chat and watch some old movie that he could watch one more time for the first time was one of the ones he enjoyed the most. "Santi, I brought dinner from Hida, did you pick tonight's movie?"

[santiagoxflores]

Although it has been nearly a year since Santiago stumbled into town incoherent, missing for several months and without any memories.  The man still had difficulty with his family.  It was hard to connect with people who knew the old you and trying to get used to the new you.  Thankfully, Juan Diego still took opportunities to be around him and build on their new found relationship.  And truth be told, it was great for Santiago to know he had a brother that would go above and beyond.

“Yum, Hida!  Did you say hi to Natsuki for me?”  He questioned, thinking of one of his closest friends.  “Okay, so I was thinking we should go 90s since that was our childhood and all.  “Maybe Con Air?  Or Face Off?  I dunno, for some reason I want to see Nicholas Cage.  What do you think?”.

[the--helen]

"I will do my best, I promise," she smiled before pursing her lips and sighing silently to herself. "I will need to ask Alexander if he's okay with me leaving him for the night. He... he does like me to be home when he is since he is away for business quite a bit," she added. She believed it was for business. The details of that were not for her ears, he told her often, as the woman of the home she didn't need to worry about these things.

"I hope we stay. I do like it here better than where we were before," Helen thought of the basement and it made her shiver, which might as well be considered coming from the chilly air. "And I do think it's true, sorry if it sounds... cheesy?" the word seemed foreign on her lips, but she smiled again. "You should. We all should have someone, I believe."

[santiagoxflores]

A brow lifted at her words, but he was not sure what to think about it.  However, he supposed he understood wanting to be with your significant other if you’re away a lot.  “Yeah, of course.  I don’t want to interfere with your time together.  And maybe we can have a girl’s night when he is out of town so then there is no interference.”  Santiago suggested, wanting to make sure she was included in things with him and his friends.

“Great, then you two should stay!”  Of course, he knew that wasn’t his decision to make.  However, he felt connected to Helen since the two first met.  Perhaps it was because they both seemed lost in a sense.  “Hopefully, I dunno.  I don’t think I am the type someone would go for, but who knows?”