ciao, amore.

VALENTINA DE LUCA | 31 | waitress at oasis night club / social media influencer

[valentinahq]

[cisfemale and she/her] Welcome to Aurora Bay, [VALENTINA DE LUCA]! I couldn’t help but notice you look an awful lot like [LILY COLLINS]. You must be the [THIRTY-ONE] year old [WAITSTAFF AT OASIS NIGHT CLUB]. Word is you’re [VERSATILE] but can also be a bit [DECADENT] and your favorite song is [OFF TO THE RACES BY LANA DEL REY]. I also heard you’ll be staying in [AURORA BAY DRIVE]. I’m sure you’ll love it! / @aurorabayaesthetic

CHARACTER BASICS

NAME: valentina de luca NICKNAME: val, ina AGE: thirty DATE OF BIRTH: november 14, 1992 ZODIAC SIGN: scorpio GENDER & PRONOUNS: cisfemale, she/her ORIENTATION: heteroflexible STATUS: single HEIGHT: 5′4″ OCCUPATION: waitstaff at oasis night club/social media influencer NEIGHBORHOOD: aurora bay drive

BIOGRAPHY

valentina was the product of a love affair between a young starlet and a sotto capo back in italy. her father comes from generational wealth and because of this, she grew up as a spoiled brat. she’s daddy’s little princess and pretty much got everything she wanted. she wanted a pony, her father got her a whole ranch. she wanted a barbie dreamhouse, her father had her built one instead which was better than the ones being sold commercially.

when she was ten years old, she caught her mom kissing their driver and told her father about it. her mom didn’t get a single penny after the divorce and a restraining order was filed against her so she never contacted valentina. what val didn't know was that her father has been cheating on her mom long before she caught her mom--his pride simply just couldn't allow his wife to do the same to him and for him to be the laughing stock of their family. after all, he was supposed to inherit their empire.

even if val is a spoiled brat, she was actually pretty sweet during the start of her high school years. she enjoyed spoiling her friends and didn’t realize that some people were just using her for her money. she got pregnant at sixteen by a senior, who said that he didn’t want anything to do with the baby and even called her out saying that it might not even be his kid. and when she told her father about the pregnancy, he sent her to their vacation house in aurora bay away from prying eyes and had her deliver the child there.

however, he wasn't going to let his daughter taint their reputation so the moment her baby was born, she was taken away from her. this definitely did a number on her and she's heard from her friends back in italy that the father of her child also mysteriously disappeared before his graduation. rather than moving back to italy, val was forced to stay in aurora bay drive in the care of her nanny while her father visited them from time to time.

she continued her studies in aurora bay high school and had the realization that people will just use you, so before they do that, you gotta have the upper hand. she was still sweet when needed, but she can also be pretty mean to people who went against her. she masked her insecurities with arrogance and pretended like nothing ever hurt her anymore. definitely the queen bee in aurora bay highschool during her time and won prom queen during her senior year.

she went to college in paris to study fashion, but she never really applied for work in that field once she graduated and just went to travel all over the world. although she still sketch from time to time, she’s never been confident enough with her designs to actually put them out there. instead, she was just living off of her father’s wealth. this went on for a few years and she’s never even worked an hour of her life unless one considers traveling to new york and paris for their fashion week as work and having some brands sponsoring her since she does have a hefty followers in social media.

when her father got married two years ago, her boyfriend of three years also proposed to her in public, which caught valentina completely off guard and she just walked away instead of giving them an answer. they’ve always opened the thought of marriage to her, wherein she always changed the topic because for starters, she has been unfaithful to them and she believed that they actually deserve better than her. when they ran after her, she told them the truth that she has cheated on them before.  the thought of committing to one person scared her because of what happened to her before, so she ended up hurting them before they could hurt her. she hated herself for doing that to them, but she also knew that she still has a lot of work to do on herself before she could even consider settling down with someone.

a year later, her father gave her an ultimatum to join the family business back in italy or actually find a job to support herself, since being a social media influencer isn't a real job according to her father even if she does make a good amount of money with her content. she chose the latter and since then, her father stopped paying for her things and only paid for the necessities in their house. val jumped from one job to another before landing a gig as a waitstaff in oasis night club, which seemed easy enough of a job for her to do.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

the ex she cheated on (0/1)

the person she cheated on said ex with (1/1)

her ex from high school who refused to believe that the baby was his (0/1)

a ride or die/best friend (0/1)

friends/acquaintances

sibling like friends

frenemy but they actually care about each other (0/1)

childhood friends who are still in good terms

childhood friends who are now on bad terms

friends who have fallen out 

long lost half sibling (her dad had an affair before her mother even did, but she wasn’t aware of that)

keep your friends close but your enemy closer (0/1)

an actual enemy that they don’t really get along with

illicit affair (someone she’s seeing on the down low for some reason) (0/1)

regulars at the oasis night club that she's taken a liking to (0/2)

someone she can be a bad influence to

someone who can be a good influence to her

friend’s don’t look at friends that way (basically based on that way by tate mcrae)

tinder match

ex/high school ex/college ex

unrequited crush (could be one way or another)

current hookups/friends with benefits/enemies with benefits

one night stand

a slow burn

a summer romance

party buddies/drinking buddies

gym buddies

neighbors on good terms or bad terms

honestly down for anything just give this a like if you'd like to plot and i'll hit you up?

[archived-warrenxmelrose]

open starter: @aurorabaystarter

where: choose your own adventure

"I volunteered to help organize the party for my sister's Sweet Sixteen and I have no idea what I've gotten myself into. Where do you even begin?"

[valentinahq]

" hmm--i think you should begin with the theme. what is she into? or maybe ask her what theme does she have in mind then you can go from there? " // @milliexoliveira

[hughxjackson]

If he appreciated one thing about Valentina it was the ability she had to ease his mind, even if she didn’t understand that she had done so. It was a strange thing to have words that eased his mind, even if by simply speaking his name. The way she said and did things calmed and relaxed him and he wasn’t even sure if she knew it. “Ah, well in that case I feel less like I’m intruding and more like I should have brought something to eat for you along with the flowers.” Perhaps his mind had been too locked on the fact that Valentina had left him and tried to push him away that he assumed she had moved far beyond him at this point.

He almost wished that she had let spill forward what had happened so that he would have a reason to be her way of reassurance the same way she had just done for him. While she had done something terrible to him he would have hated to not be able to give her the reassurance. “Yet, here I am wanting to show you that I’ll always come back to you.”

He took the opportunity to step inside, the familiar surroundings feeling more like him than ever. “Thank you, Val, I appreciate you so very much.”

@valentinahq

[valentinahq]

when he mentioned that he wanted to show that he'll always come back to her, the brunette couldn't help but emit a self-deprecating chuckle, the sound tinged with a bitter undertone. " a terrible idea, really, " she confessed, her words laced with a heavy dose of realism. despite the yearning that tugged at her heartstrings, she knew all too well the potential for her to inflict further pain upon him. the truth was undeniable—allowing him back into her life would only reopen old wounds, leaving both of them vulnerable to hurt once more.

yet, amidst the rationality of her thoughts, a selfish longing gnawed at her soul, whispering of the warmth of his affection that she craved so desperately. it was a conflict that tore at her, the desire to seek solace in his embrace warring with the guilt of her past actions. though her actions had been driven by a need to safeguard her own heart, she couldn't ignore the weight of her transgressions against him.

as he slipped inside her home, she shot him a small smile as she motioned towards the bouquet he has given her. " i'll put these in a vase later--would you like a drink? " valentina offered politely as she tried not to think of how he still looked like he belonged in her place, like nothing hasn't really changed at all. // @maxxyrobinson

[cassius-banks]

Cassius' brow cocks, mild concern taking over as Valentina continues to speak. "So you're saying I'm just a glorified bodyguard." Glancing down at her as he allows her to hold onto him, his shoulder relaxing into it smoothly as she tangles her arm with his.

"Jesus. What'd he do?" He questions, now further concerned — if not even for her, but he wasn't really up for a fight this morning, especially one that wasn't of his own making. "If someone swings for me—" he begins, looking down at her again. "— well, you're lucky I like you."

( @valentinahq )

[valentinahq]

" i wouldn't say a bodyguard--just a friendly face that might keep him away from me just in case he's still lurking out there? " the brunette retorted with a sheepish smile. valentina was probably just being paranoid, but she'd rather not be on the headlines of the aurora bay newspaper after being found dead in some ditch.

as they began to walk, she made a conscious effort to keep her gaze fixed ahead, refusing to succumb to the temptation of glancing around every corner. however, a sense of caution lingered in her mind, prompting her to lower her voice as she spoke. " well--you know how drunken idiots can get handsy. let's just say i wasn't afraid to use my own hands either. left quite the mark on his cheek," she added, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her features at the memory of the confrontation. men and their fragile egos, she mused inwardly. " i'll owe you big time for coming to my rescue. " // @cassius-banks

[hughxjackson]

Seeing Valentina there again, looking at him in that way… It was impossible for him to not smile. Perhaps he was an absolute fool for trying to get back in her good graces, but he needed to at least catch sight of her one more time. If she turned him away this time perhaps he would take it far more seriously, but he couldn’t turn away from a five year relationship if it meant there was far more potentially to come from being with her.

Ah, she was expecting someone, perhaps he should have known that she was going to be waiting for someone else, maybe he should have also called before he even wanted to show up here. It was a mistake, it must have been for him to even think coming back here was a good idea.

All of his worry was washed away the moment she said his voice, there was something about his name on valentina’s lips that made him feel more at ease than he could ever explain in words. “I uh… Did I interrupt someone coming? Should I leave?” He asked, almost embarrassed that he may have interrupted someone coming over, thinking that he may be too late. Disappointment was so obvious as it washed across his features, knowing that Valentina didn’t mean it to sound the way he was taking it but still. He looked back at her, trying to wash the disappointment off his face. “Why would I ever try to do that to you, Val?”

@valentinahq

[valentinahq]

his expressions were an open book to valentina, and she could easily discern the disappointment etched across his features as he inquired if he had interrupted something. without a word spoken, she could practically read the thoughts swirling in his mind, prompting her to swiftly intervene to dispel any misconceptions. Wwth a decisive shake of her head, she interjected, her voice laced with reassurance," oh no--i was just waiting for uber eats. funny story was that i literally just ordered a few minutes ago then you started knocking, so i thought it would be them already. should have realized that they always take forever and the food is probably not even out for delivery yet. " she chuckled, hoping to ease his concerns with her explanation.

at the question as to why he would ever try to do that to her, the brunette found herself biting back a myriad of reasons that danced on the tip of her tongue. in all fairness, it would be what she deserves considering the way she hurt him. yet, for now, she opted to remain silent, simply shaking her head in dismissal. " never mind--you've always been too good to me. " for me, she thought inwardly.

stepping to the side before she could give it a second thought, she gestured inside, " did you want to come in? i've ordered some food and it's more than enough to feed two. " // @maxxyrobinson

[cavenshh]

Lia hummed softly, thinking about the potential limited edition getting hurt. She treated her bags like her babies, holding her hand over heart heart she faked being wounded. “I would never take out the limited edition, that’s priceless. It’s even insured and I wouldn’t be able to replace it for that price.” She said, laughing a little as she did. It was hard for her to imagine ever losing one of her bags that way. “I’m not on again for a couple days, but thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it.” She made her way into the diner and found her way to an empty booth. “I’ve tried the apple pie, it’s really good here.”

@valentinahq

[valentinahq]

" that would honestly be unbearable-- " she agreed with the sentiment considering that she had her own collection as well though she's always been more into limited editions pieces of clothing than bags. sliding into the empty booth across her friend, she let out a playful sigh as she remarked, " but what about your legion of adoring fans? i feel like they would miss you too much. " when she assured her of the apple pie being good, she nodded her head. " then we're definitely getting one of those and maybe a burger for me. i'm feeling something greasy right now, " she added with a playful grin, already mentally preparing to burn off those extra calories tomorrow. // @cavenshh

[samucl-kane]

“I appreciate that.” His gaze softens with the gratitude Sam feels swelling in his chest. There have been plenty of people willing to step up and make this something worth investing his time and energy into. He couldn’t be happier about the turnout. Now it’s just waiting for approval and finding financial support to get it off the ground. “At the very least, something that’s twenty by twenty. I would like some wiggle room for space, just so we can welcome more members.”

But if they get crowded and it’s that successful, then maybe a secondary location would be in the books for the following year.

@valentinahq

[valentinahq]

" a twenty by twenty doesn't sound that ambitious, so i'll be on the lookout for that as well-- " valentina noted as her mind wandered as to how she could help out in finding a space if needed. she knew that her father still has some uncultivated land in aurora bay, but she wasn't really sure if he'd be keen on letting them use that especially when he has practically cut her off and told her that being an influencer is not a real job. it still pays better than her waitressing gig though. they don't exactly have a strained relationship, but his new wife seems to be keeping him on a tight leash--which makes her wonder just how long that marriage would last before her dad breaks it off. // @samucl-kane

[hughxjackson]

Location: Valentina's home With: @valentinahq

Usually, Max wasn't one to take time just to think things over, but it had been a long time and maybe he was stupid for thinking there would be a time where things would ever be good between them. He had brought flowers with him, but they didn't feel like enough. He didn't even know if Valentina was home right now, he didn't know what he was doing here. This was a stupid venture, he should have just turned around and gone back to his car, got back in, and walked away. He couldn't do that, he couldn't leave things now on the what-ifs.

Max had so much he wanted to say, he wanted to give Valentina the world, loyal to a fault. Perhaps it was one of his worst qualities, or maybe it was his best, he couldn't decide. Right now, staring at a door he knew so well, it hurt even just being here and knowing she might be on the other side. No, he needed the flowers, he had to have them. He went back to the car, grabbing them from his front seat. Moving back to the door he knocked, slowly taking the time to center himself.

"Hey, I thought you might like these."

[valentinahq]

valentina hadn't anticipated anyone other than the food delivery person arriving at her door. he had literally just finalized her order on the app a minute ago when there came an unexpected knock. surely, they couldn't have arrived that quickly—unless they were aiming for a record time. in her mind, she already envisioned how adorable it would be if the delivery rider turned out to be the one at the door, contemplating turning the surprise into a vlog. with her phone in hand, she hit record, pointing it towards the door before opening it.

" hey, you're really early— " valentina began, but her words were abruptly halted as she found herself face to face with someone entirely unexpected: max. he stood there, holding a bouquet of her favorite flowers—a delightful blend of pink roses and lilies.

for a moment, val froze on her spot, her mind struggling to process what was happening. she quickly ceased recording and tucked her phone into her pocket. " max—hi, " she greeted, her expression a mix of incredulity and disbelief as she gazed at him, almost unable to fathom his presence. tentatively taking the flowers from his hands, she examined the bouquet, the sweet scent of the blooms filling the air. " they're beautiful. " she murmured to herself before meeting his gaze again. " thank you? " she said, her voice tinged with confusion. " they're not poisonous when inhaled or anything, are they? " // @maxxyrobinson

[ethan-windsor]

"I'm not in those apps." He said with a wink, he never had trouble finding someone and besides he was a little old-fashioned, he liked to speak and get to know someone in person, and apps sounded just boring. "I just moved to town and I'm the new owner of this bar, so if you ever want to see me or need a true gentleman, you know where to find me."

@valentinahq

[valentinahq]

" why not? " valentina replied with an air of nonchalance, her words carrying a hint of pragmatism. " pretty much everyone who isn't already taken or prudish is on the apps now. " as he offered his explanation for why she hadn't crossed paths with him before, the brunette arched her brow inquisitively. " so, how are you finding your way around town then? could you use a tour guide, perhaps? " she suggested, a subtle invitation woven into her words. " and as for your definition of a true gentleman, " she continued, her tone teasing yet genuinely curious, " do tell. what qualities do you believe make one? " // @ethan-windsor

[cavenshh]

Lia let out a soft sigh, a warmer smile coming to her face and she held up her hands in submission. “Okay, you know what? I can’t argue with that logic to be fair, a hole in a birkin is kind of a traumatic experience. If it happens to my Chanel I may need to submit myself into therapy.” She giggled as they made their way to the diner, thankful for Valentina’s insight for a lighter tone. “It was great! I tried a new song and they loved it.” She said, a bigger grin coming to her face. “I’ll just have to sing some more for you while I’m not working.”

@valentinahq

[valentinahq]

as lia relented and allowed valentina to treat her tonight, a triumphant grin spread across the brunette's face. " you can always replace it, unless it's some limited edition that's become nearly impossible to find these days, " the brunette remarked with a slight groan, picturing the potential dilemma if that were the case. " i'm sure you were amazing," she affirmed with certainty, not even needing to hear her sing to know it would be a beautiful performance. " when's your next set? " inquired the femme eagerly, already planning to rearrange her schedule if necessary to ensure she could be there to cheer her friend on. as they arrived at the diner, val graciously held the door open for her companion, gesturing for them to enter first. " after you, " she insisted with a warm smile. // @cavenshh

[jacksbaker]

"yes" jack confirms as he pours some drink into his cup. everyone seemed anti love during valentines and it made him sad. when the woman jokes at him he offers her a smile. the edge of his lip turning upwards.

"i would never let you walk past me" he says. following it with a wink. "i'm jack." he offers a hand out for greeting. "and i do believe in love at first sight."

[valentinahq]

when the stranger seemed more than willing to play along, the smile on her lips turned coy. with a graceful movement, she extended her hand, delicate fingers intertwining with his as they met for a handshake. " valentina, " she introduced herself, her voice laced with a hint of flirtatiousness, but i guess you can call me your valentine if you play your cards right. " the brunette remarked coyly, letting her hand linger for another second before pulling it out from his grip.

her words hung in the air, filled with playful suggestion, as she allowed their handshake to linger for an extra moment, relishing in the subtle tension between them, before smoothly retracting her hand from his grasp. // @jacksbaker

[thewrenxharlow]

Wren plucked up the bottle and turned it this way and that, watching the vibrant pink liquid sloshing around in the bottle. "A crazy amount of food dye? Or just some sort of pink juice they bought in the store and are rebranding for seven bucks a pop." She shook her head, moving to put it down. "At least the donut looks good. This is...questionable, at the least. I also saw someone eating a red dyed sandwich before and I just..fear for them in about four or five hours."

[valentinahq]

"people and their bizarre ideas these days," val remarked with a subtle shake of her head, though secretly, she acknowledged that such innovative concepts could lead to profitable ventures. when the woman mentioned the donut, val gracefully accepted it from the seller, examining its heart-shaped form with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. " it does look tempting, but i can't help but think it's diabetes disguised in a heart-shaped pastry, " she commented with a wry smile, holding the treat delicately. " and dyed sandwiches? that doesn't sound all that appetizing. " // @thewrenxharlow

[samucl-kane]

"Not you, that's for sure." But it couldn't be him, Sam muses. To have her energy and enthusiasm for this sort of thing, God. Sam couldn't imagine. He'd only shown face to try and get his footing back here in town. That and he figured hiding away would raise more suspicion than if he could just put on a smile and be present for the holiday.

Then comes a question about one thing that does well to keep Sam's mind off of anything too melancholic as he works through his own issues of self-pity. "I submitted the request in with the mayor's office, and I may have contacted the Levin family for extra support, but that's as far as I've gotten since coming home."

Most people seem pleased with the idea when he talks about it. "I have high hopes for it. I just need to start hunting down a location."

@valentinahq

[valentinahq]

" submitting the request is the first step, so that's still a lot, " val encouraged warmly before continuing, " if there's any way i can help, just give me a call, okay? i'm really looking forward to this. " as she spoke, val's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, reflecting her eagerness to lend a hand. she was genuinely invested in the project, eager to contribute in any way she could. she had always found solace in caring for the various plants in her nonna's greenhouse especially after staying there for the holidays, and now, she seemed eager to extend that passion to a larger endeavor.

" how big of a plot of land are we thinking here? " val inquired, her curiosity piqued as she tilted her head slightly. // @samucl-kane

[charlcyboy]

"Oh no, not the archetype. I couldn't bear to be a stereotype of a history professor." Charley never wanted to be a stereotypical history teacher, he always wanted to be one of those cool professors who people just loved no matter what, but that was before he lost someone he held so dear. He couldn't ever return to that way of life without someone pulling it back out of him. "Cassidy would form an expedition team and come find me no matter where I disappeared off to anyway. It would be impossible for me to disappear from that."

@valentinahq

[valentinahq]

" seems like you need to get out more then even to just combat the stereotypes, " valentina teased them, her eyes sparkling with mischief before delivering a playful wink at them. though at the mention of his daughter, her features softened as her voice faltered a little, " and i'm sure that you would do the same for her. search through the ends of the world just to find her-- " in that moment, val couldn't help but empathize with the depth of his love for his daughter, recognizing the profound bond between a parent and child. yet, beneath her supportive words lay a silent ache, a pang of longing for the daughter she had never seen grow up. as thoughts of her own lost child crossed her mind, the brunette couldn't help but wonder about the life her daughter was living now. how is she doing right now? is she in a good family? one that would have given her unconditional love? the questions lingered in her mind even though she was certain that her father would have placed her daughter in good hands. // @charlcyboy

[cavenshh]

"You would think that would be a logical step, but apparently logic isn't too high on someone's mind when trying to steal something." Lia hummed softly, if there was something she was trying to steal there would be no way she would just cut a hole in it and hope that it would fall out, there would be method, steps, even a little logic thrown in the mix. Thinking about it now though, no one really struck her as the type to try and steal her keys tonight, so maybe someone was just trying to sabotage her. "That does sound great, and please, after my sanity just got ripped away like that the least I can do is buy."

@valentinahq

[valentinahq]

when lia insisted on buying instead, valentina shot her a playful yet firm look that clearly conveyed she wouldn't accept no for an answer. " after you've had your sanity ripped away like that, i should be the one treating, alright? you can return the favor when your birkin doesn't have a hole in it anymore," the brunette teased, her tone laced with light humor as they strolled together in the direction of the diner. as they walked, val shifted the conversation to a lighter topic. " how was your shift today? " she inquired, genuine interest sparkling in her eyes. " i hate that our schedules align—i miss seeing you up on stage. you always slay it up there. " // @cavenshh

[thewrenxharlow]

status: open @aurorabaystarter

where: around all the vday booths in town square, feel free to choose your own adventure

Curiosity had, as usual, gotten the better of her and Wren found herself walking by all the various vendors and so many goddamned hearts. "I get the shtick and all but come on, did they really need to make that heart-shaped?"

[valentinahq]

as valentina reached into her purse to pay for the heart-shaped doughnut, she couldn't help but feel a pang of skepticism about its sweetness. nevertheless, she reasoned that indulging in such treats was all part of embracing the spirit of st. valentine.

just as she was about to complete her purchase, a voice beside her caught her attention. glancing over, she noticed the person next to her examining a heart-shaped pouch containing what was purportedly a love elixir. the brunette couldn't suppress the slight tightening of her lips as she fought back a cringe at the name." do i even want to know what's in that drink? maybe it's some kind of love potion to make someone love you, " valentina remarked dryly. // @thewrenxharlow

[jacksbaker]

starter @aurorabaystarter -- evening at the beach bonfire for valentines.

"mmm, yeah." jack murmurs as he listens to the something twenty year old rant about how their boyfriend was a jackass this week.

a stop for breath is his cue to leave as he makes his way to a drinks table. picking up the first cup he sees, he looks at the person next to him. "you think we're going to find love under these stars?"

[valentinahq]

" love? " valentina questioned them with an incredulous tone as she stared at them with skepticism. the thought of finding love in a place like this almost seemed laughable to the brunette. nonetheless, she merely tilted her head as she answered with light humor in her tone, " i guess if you're a romantic and you believe in love at first sight. or do i have to pass again? " after a beat, she lifted her cup towards him, before tipping it back to her lips and taking a sip with a nonchalant ease. // @jacksbaker