#acarike:starter

[judahimber-blog]

Judah was sitting on a small wooden chair on his apartment’s balcony. Being reasonable sized and priced, he wasn’t all that high off of the ground. The third floor, to be exact. He had been smoking and allowing his parrot, who was perched upon the balcony railing, to flap her wings in the summer air, hoping to help her cool down. 

Not being one to appreciate his peace being disturbed, the continuous occurrence of some kind of sound was beginning to get on his nerves. He couldn’t quite place the sound but once his cockatoo’s crest raised in concern, he decided to do something about it. 

He got to his feet and leaned over the railing. “Hey!” he called down to the unknown figure, his Australian accent still reminding him how foreign he was to these parts. “Whatever you’re doing, could you do it somewhere else? You’re pissing off Argent.” He gestured to the parrot with his free hand. 

[choric]

     Delighted was an understatement on how the male was feeling when searching, curious eyes landed on someone handing out peaches of all things and he squeezed through the crowd to get hands on one, eagerly biting into the fruit as he did. The moan in response was perhaps several levels of inappropriate for the occasion but no care was given to such thought as he swallowed, smile wonderingly bright, “ Oh my god, that might be the best juiciest peach I’ve ever tasted-- ” Head whipped to the person standing next to him, tone almost urgent, if not altogether persuading, “ You have to try one, no I’m serious this is mindblowingly good. I’ve found the mecca of superior peaches I’m staying forever! ”Bold statement considering own track record.

[judahimber-blog]

Being Australian, Judah had no interest in the 4th of July or whatever it stood for. However, he’d heard that there was going to be some kind of food market. That was more the kind of thing worth celebrating in his book. He wasn’t short on money, but, more often than not would substitute fresh fruit and veg for another packet of cigarettes. They were getting ridiculously expensive.

So, he hit the market. Argent, his parrot, was sat atop his shoulder as per usual. He snooped around the stalls, looking for something he’d consider appetising before distracting the merchant with various tricks his bird could do. While they were captivated with the birds flight, he sneaked a juicy pink apple into his bag before reaching a bird treat out from the same place to offer to the parrot. 

After tricking a few people into surrendering their fresh fruit, he took a seat on the grass, a little further back and taking a bite out of one of his prize apples. He hadn’t tasted fresh food in a while. It was all to be forgotten when a hand came into contact with his parrot free shoulder. “Hey?! What do you want?” he snapped, turning around, all too prepared to get defensive and cranky.

[giasantoro-blog]

yellow sundress reflecting warm rays from the sun above, slowly baking everyone who’d turned up to this years festivities. while not exactly a patriarch, gia does consider the annual 4th of july celebrations to be one of the best traditions the town has to offer. between the parade and the fireworks at night, it makes the town feel less small. long, blonde locks falling over her shoulders, she puts on her trademark customer service smile, she’s here on business after all. “we’ve got lemonade to quench your thirst! don’t forget to stay hydrated on a sunny day out.” she hands a cup to one of the people walking by. “it’ll keep you on your legs till the night rolls around!”

[esmcwilliams-blog]

fourth of july in acarike is definitely different to any other fourth july celebration esme has ever been to. usually she spends them in the hamptons, or another luxurious place. so this, this is different. but it’s a good different. there was so much pressure on esme to act a certain way when celebrating with her parents. but not here. in fact, people didn’t seem to notice her at all. she’s stood on a street corner, watching the last of the parade go by. she feels very out of place. though she’s been here for four months almost, she’s still very much a stranger to the town. esme contemplates leaving, when a food stand catches her eye. “that looks delicious,” she thinks aloud.

[choric]

     Two immediate problems were on his plate at a glance, one, Noeul badly and preferably right this second needed to take a leak, and two he was located in half a shade just outside the main street, seated in front of the easel he had set up and half finished painting of scenery staring back accusingly. no, third and the most tragic of his current grievances surely lay in the kind-- lack of proper tools the male was operating with here, but alas, such was own doing. fourth one to add insult to injury was the heat pressing down his very being, heady and utterly stifling. that might also be lack of sleep talking.

     Now, he could try for a quick dash to the cafe and hurry back, but memory of last time he had done so was fresh with the scene he had come back to, half of the equipment gone and messed canvas left behind. Head turned to regard the opening to the street, gaze narrowed and lips pursed-- “ Hey! ” Voice raised to catch attention of the first person coming into view, amiable smile at the ready as he carefully laid brush on the palette held in left hand in order to give a far too enthusiastic wave in greeting, “ Yea you! could you give me a hand here? just for a minute. maybe two. lets not put that in the fine print but I promise it wont take long. please? ”