Hell on Heels

Vera Simone Morelli | Age: 22 | Fashion Designer | I'm hell on heels.

[vera-simone]

Domestic Troubles // Angus and Vera

It was never gonna work. You can't hide who you are and what you have been. No one really believes you've changed. These thoughts kept Vera awake at night, causing her to toss and turn and never allowing her to get comfortable. Even with the soothing comfort of Angelo's presence, she just couldn't make her mind be still. 

Thank the stars it was time for her quarterly check up with Dr. Fletcher. When Vera was hired on as a floosy some 5 or 6 years ago, her care-takers had insisted that she see the good doctor to help her cope with the emotional stress of her new job, as well as her traumatic childhood. At first their meetings were strictly business. Vera expained her new position, vented about odd or frustrating clients, and even confided in him how much she truly loved the power she had over people in her new job. With her friendship growing with the doctor, she slowly opened up and revealed her past: her posh upbringing, the isolation she felt from her wealthy and always absent parents, the unconditional love for her younger sister whom Vera practically raised, and even her incarceration due to her feminine robin-hood antics of jobbing her rich father's friends to feed the poor in her hometown. Dr. Fletcher had always been in good humor and easy to talk to. Vera was banking on that repor today. She needed a friend, someone who wouldn't judge her for her less than lady like thoughts or chastise her for not being happy with the many blessings in her life. 

Wearing a simple white sundress of her own creation and cute blue pumps with a matching sun hat, Vera looked ready for spring. In all actuality, she was ready to spring out of her skin. Domestic life did not suit her, but she was determined to make it work. Smiling at her friend when she was let in, Vera set her hat on the coat rack and took a seat across from her friend, confidant, and doctor. "It's good to see you, Angus. I do hope life is treating you well these days."

[vera-simone]

Grocery Shopping // Pete and Vera

Steam hissing from a covered pot, knives thunking against a wooden cutting board as vegetables are diced, and grumbling bubbles from boiling stew - these are the sounds that bring Vera happiness. They mean she is in her cozy kitchen, cooking up something delicious for her small family or possibly the rare dinner guest. Today, those melodies are replaced by the metallic scraping of buggie wheels against tile floors, the beeping of checkout scanners and the low hum of chit chat as neighbors pass in the aisles. Vera used to know almost everyone, but these days she was knowing fewer and fewer faces. New people were coming into her cozy town, and without her former hot seat as a floozy, she was far behind on the gossip and the faces. What names belonged to these new faces?

She was contemplating this dilemna while staring at the various bags of rice. To any passerby it would seem like she couldn't decide on which type of rice to buy. To anyone who knew people, they could tell her mind was far removed from the task at hand. Absently, she scanned her list, noted that the item she needed was on the top shelf, and, even with her stiletto heels, she could not reach the darn foreign noodles for a dish Alban had suggested. Struggling, she reached on her tiptoes, and her fingers barely scratched the box. Vera sighed in exasperation. 

[vera-simone]

Day 9

DAY 9 CHALLENGE

Sex and Romance

What is their sexual orientation? Do they ever question it? Vera is straight. Like many women from her former trade, she was willing to be flexible with partners for a client and the right price. She is absolutely addicted to sex and the male anatomy. 

When did they lose their virginity? Who to? Where? What was it like? She lost her vCard to a vicious dike in jail. She was just a teenager, and the experience was awful, painful, and brutal. She tries to forget it, but like most things you want to forget, it is close to impossible. There are times now with Angelo that she comes close, but it will always be in the back of her mind. 

What is their favorite sexual fantasy? Vera's favorite fantasy involves Angelo as a knight in shining armor coming to ravishing a princess version of her in her gilded tower. It may have to do with some of her early upbringing that lingers in her ego, making her like the feeling of power and wealth. It may be that Angelo spoils her and makes her feel treasured like a princess. It may be that Angelo managed to save her from a life of low income and social exile and in a way was her own personal hero. No matter the motivation. The fantasy was there. 

Do they have any particular fetishes or kinks? What’s the strangest thing they’ve ever done in bed? Is there anything in particular that they won’t do? She likes dressing up and being dominated. She was used to having to take control and put on an act. She likes letting go and surrendering. Once, Vera took part in a role play where she played the client's mother and he pretended to be a baby. That was one of the weirder scenarios that stuck out in her mind. She will not allow someone to hurt her in pursuit of pleasure, though she will indulge in light bondage and easy whipping if her client asked her to do it to them. 

What are they attracted to in a partner? Physically, she likes a toned, well-defined man with dark features. Mentally, she likes a man who is knowledgeable of the world, well-defined, and complimentary. 

If applicable: who is their current partner, and what attracted the character to them? How did they meet? How long have they been together? What kind of a relationship is it? Do they have any plans for the future? Vera is married to Angelo Morreli. They met almost two years ago, back when Montford set a curfew to try and catch the Slasher. Vera saw him walking along the road at night, unaware of the curfew, and saved him by inviting him onto his porch to talk and size hime up. Then she invited him in for the night, once she trusted him. Initially she was intriged by his foreign travels and his love of life and art. She liked that he didn't treat her as an ignorant whore but as a fierce woman with goals, ambition and intellect. Their relationship is healthy, based on mutual interest, killer chemistry, and a deep respect for one another. They do not plan on having children at the moment, not in Montford. Maybe one day, when Angelo is no longer a target on several hit lists, they might try it. As for now, they will live in their cute little house with Vera's sister (Lily), work in their different jobs, and make mad love when they have alone time. 

What would be their perfect date? Vera loves science fiction, games that make you think, and role-playing. Ideally she would love to attend a murder mystery party. It combines all of her favorite things in a social setting, a place she is particularly adept. 

Describe one of the character’s past relationships and what was significant about it. Have they ever hurt someone they loved? Do they fall in love easily? Vera has not had a serious relationship until Angelo. As a glorified escort, she entertained many men, several of whom claimed undying devotion to her until their money ran out. She does not fall in love easily. With Angelo, it was a slow process from acquaintance to friend to lover to husband. Relationships in her past had equalled pain. She grew up with elitist parents who did not approve of her "save the poor" mentality, disowned her, and refused to let her see her sister more than once a month. Her sister was her only lasting rlationship, and that was becasue of her sister's inability to be mean to or judge anyone. Vera felt like she had hurt her sister by getting locked up, but her sister never blamed Vera; she blamed their parents for not believing in Vera and the system for not seeing the heroism in Vera's actions. Now with Angelo and Lily under one roof, she has everyone she loved within reach, and she would not trade that for anything. 

[grace-holiday-rpg]

Tailormade // Vera & Grace

[grace-holiday-rpg]

She stepped inside with a broad smile, a slight blush on her cheeks from her kind words and only able to imagine what Angelo had said about her. “All good things, I hope. I know he speaks only the best of you.” She paused, waiting for Vera to lead the way through the house that the redhead was already familiar with, but didn’t want to seem as if she were imposing. “If it’s not too bold to say so, I don’t really know which of you are the luckier of the two.”

Grace suddenly remembered the package tucked under her arm and offered it to the blonde with a small smile. “Oh, these are the reason that I came by. Or part of the reason, at least. I found them when I was in New York and I thought that Angelo might like to have it to add to his collection.” She flushed again as she corrected herself. “Or, I suppose it’s your collection now, too.” She let her eyes take in the dress that Vera was wearing and recalled the other reason that she was there. “But the other reason was your dress. Dresses, I mean.” She shook her head and laughed lightly at her twisted tongue. “I mean, the dresses that you make. I asked a couple of ladies in town where they had bought the dresses that they were wearing and they gave me your name.”

[vera-simone]

Grenadine, the sweet cherry syrup in mixed drinks. That's what Grace reminded Vera of. Her hair was as radiant as her personality, and her conpliments were more than just politeness. "Certainly all good things, which is saying something since Angelo is far too honest for his own good most of the time." Her dear husband was obviously very good at his job of advising and manipulating, but around her he had always shown an honest side that stemmed from a genuine concern for her well-being. If Vera needed to avoid someone, he told her. Likewise, if someone was an allie, he made sure she knew who was safe to trust. "I'm flatered that he spoke so well of me. I honestly never know quite how he explains us to people..." It was a nagging fear that Angelo might hold some grudge against her for smearing his good name with her past occupation. "You are too kind, and it's certainly not too bold. I know I'm happier than I've ever been. I have certainly been lucky in love." 

Accepting the gifts, Vera couldn't help but grin. "You shouldn't have, but I'm sure he will love them." Browsing the covers, she added, "I'm no music expert like Angelo, but I know some of what he has. These don't look familiar. I can't wait to listen to them with him." A smile spread across her cheeks. "He gets so enthusiastic over music and all forms of art really. I guess you would understand that, given your talent for vocals. He told me of your talent. That's high praise coming from the son of an opera singer." Vera hoped this compliment registered as such.

Grinning at the lady's slip of the tongue, she placed the records on the table so Angelo would see them when he came in. "It's alright. I figured that's what you meant when you began. I'm glad to hear that the ladies are satisified with their dresses enough to share my name. I'm rather flustered honestly." A slight blush was reaching her cheeks. Walking towards a shelf by the seat she'd occupied before the doorbell rang, Vera picked up a small notebook and turned back to Grace. "I don't have all of my supplies here. Most of them are at the shop, but I do have a portfolio here. It just has some sketches, some basic pieces that can be rearranged to make something ideal for certain figures. But it's all up to you in the end. Tell me, did you have something special in mind?"

[vera-simone]

[candy-mae-deactivated20140808]

Coming Home

[candy-mae-deactivated20140808]

Candy was somewhat shocked at the idea of Vera not working as a floozy anymore. A sense of pride welled up into her heart because she was glad for her friend. Almost as if on cue, Vera's heels were heard as she emerged onto the main floor. Candy's eyes went wide as she squealed and embraced her friend. "It has been too long," she said with a genuine smile to the blonde.

Candy sat down across from Vera at the small circular table and placed her handbag on her lap. "Oh V, how have you been? I've missed you." It was true, Vera was one of her only friends at the Blind Tiger. All the other girls seemed very cut throat. Yes, she could get along with the worst of them, but Vera was one she could really talk to.

[vera-simone]

It really had been too long. Candy had gone away with her baby before Vera had left with Angelo for Italy. There  was so much to catch up on. "Oh, life has definitely been interesting." She shook her head at the idea of so many changes. "Angelo asked me to share a life with him. I got to trave to Italy for a sort of honeymoon." She left out the details involving the mafia. "We moved into this cute little house, and Lily came to live with us. I I could not believe it at first. Having my family all under one roof. Not counting my parents of course. We mutually disowned each other years ago." She swatted the air dismissively at the idea of counting parents as family. 

Placing a hand on the table towards her friend, Vera smiled brightly. "But I want to hear about this new bundle of joy! I never really got to talk to you aout her. From the grapevine, I hear you have a little girl, but I don't even know her name. Do tell. I want to hear all about her." Vera was not fit to be a mother, and she knew that, but she still loved babies and chilren. The idea of caring so much for a little person that you helped create was thrilling to say the least. 

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[vera-simone]

Day 8

Accolades

How are they with technology?

Vera likes the new ammenities technology has brought to the kitchen. They make her free time spent there, all the more enjoyable. Phones are nice, but expensive, and with Lily living under the same roof now, Vera hardly uses the thing anymore. Inside lights are a bit harsh. Vera prefers candles light for reading, still. Mostly, she views technology as progress, but she has a hard time enjoying motion pictures like her husband. Vera prefers the effort of reading and using your imagination.

Are they specially qualified in any particular field? Would they be considered at the top of the field?

*snicker, snicker* Vera was damn near the best in her field at the Blind Tiger. She was tiger in the bed and a minx on the stage, luring men backstage with her voice and her body. She had a rep for enjoying her work and taking particular pleasure in fully satisfying her clients.

Nowadays, she would classify herself as decent, maybe even good, but she's nowhere near the best seamstress in the business. There are women who've sewn their entire lives who know secrets to shortening the time it takes to complete a project or tricks to certain stitches for certain designs. Vera knows her way around a sewing machine and is good with a needle and thread, but she's not the best by a long shot.

She can sing quite well. That is a particular pride that Vera keeps mostly to herself these days. She sings while she does chores or while she cooks, but not on a stage in a spotlight anymore. The allure of a performance haunts her, but she knows she can no longer have that kind of life.

Have they ever been publicly acknowledged for anything? (Ex. Nobel Prize)

She won a metal in her town's talent show when she was ten or eleven for singing the operatic "Mes longs cheveux," a song composed by Debussy for the opera "Pelleas et Melisande" which Vera's childhood idol, Mary Garden, made famous when Vera was very young. It was only in her own age bracket, and it was second place. But still, it was a public acknowledgement.

Supposing you count applause, Vera has been acknowledged by the crowds at the Cotton Club countless times after a performance, but her true work at the Blind Tiger soon cast a shadow over any true public worthiness to her talent.

Is there anything they’ve deliberately sought to improve at?

Vera took vocal lessons growing up. That was forced upon her when her family recognized the talent. When she got older, though, singing brought her joy, so she continued to perfect her art until she was a show stopper at the Cotton Club. 

Now she seeks to improve her sewing at every chance, seeing as it is her livelihood now. 

Do they speak more than one language?

Angelo has been teaching her Italian. It is his native tongue, and she finds it beautiful, but she is far from fluent in it.

[vera-simone]

[vera-simone]

Ladylike

[carlottarenaldt-deactivated2015]

"Carlotta Renaldt, pleasure to make your acquaintance." She took the seat offered to her and  smiled. "I’m in need of a new gown for the Governor’s Ball coming up in the spring. I know it’s rather early, but I wanted to go ahead and get my order in."

[vera-simone]

A faint blush touched Vera's cheeks. She was in the presence of a real lady. Knowing nothing of the woman's past, she only could assume that this must be the wife of Mr. Renaldt, a man of influence in the town according to Angelo. Someone like him would have married well. This could be a very big step in getting her name out into society. The little girl inside Vera's ego went skipping about to a melody of her own creation, as Vera put on her grown-up business face.

"The pleasure is mine. I assure you." Tilting her head a bit, she added, "It is early, but that leaves us plenty of time for alterations if necessary. I appreciate the forethought." Pulling out her sketchpad, Vera prepared to take down notes on the details of the order. "Now, a Governor's Ball, you say? I'm assuming you want something formal then. And spring time... Will the ball be indoors in a temperature-controlled room or out of doors? That will determine fabric options and lengths of sleeves and such. Also, I'd like an idea of what you personally had in mind. It is, after all, your dress." Vera was beside herself, a bit flushed from nerves but excited as always to design a dress. They were her favorite works.

[grace-holiday-rpg]

Tailormade // Vera & Grace

When she knocked on the door to the Morelli house, she knew that she had two purposes in making the trip across town to their lovely home. First of all was the small stack of the latest Italian opera and symphony records that she’d procured while in New York that she was certain Angelo would adore if they weren’t already a part of his collection. She hadn’t been aware of their trip to Rome while in the big city but was relieved and elated to know that it had only been a honeymoon of sorts and that they had decided to settle in Montford. This was the first chance she’d had with her busy schedule to sneak in an afternoon visit with a dear friend.

Her second motive to showing up on their doorstep was the want to not only meet his new wife, which he’d spoken so fondly of during their courtship, but to meet the woman behind some of the newest fashions walking around town. She practically skipped up to their front door and rapped the knocker against the metal plate a few times. When the door swung open, she greeted the blonde woman with a broad, genuine smile. “Buongiorno, Mrs. Morelli. I’m Grace Holiday. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Her attempt at the Italian greeting was far from perfect, but she was proud of herself nonetheless.

[vera-simone]

 A knock at the door stirred Vera from her reading. It was the weekend, and that meant hot tea, crumpets, and science fiction novels for Vera. Lily usually joined her, but the young girl was out riding her bike to enjoy the cool end-of-winter air. Vera couldn't blame the girl. Sometimes you just needed to get out of the house. 

Opening the door, Vera recognized the pretty redhead as a friend of Angelo's, but she couldn't remember the woman's name. Thankfully, she spoke first. Her Italian was pretty good, Vera admitted. Even with her time in Rome, Vera was still working on certain pronunciations herself. It had been embarrassing overseas, but everyone had been rather sporting about it, joking politely and still welcoming her. It was odd being an outsider in a close-knit group of blood-born insiders. 

The gesture was sweet. "Buongiorno, Ms. Holiday. The pleasure is mine. Angelo has told me much about you." Gesturing inside, Vera offered, "Won't you come inside? I'm afraid Angelo isn't in at the moment, but there's hot tea and crumpets. You are more than welcome to join me. Any friend of my husband's is a friend of mine." Vera's smile was genuine. In a town full of back-stabbers, it was a good idea to keep your friends close.

[candy-mae-deactivated20140808]

Coming Home | Vera & Candy

With each step, her heart sank. Candy knew she was doing the right thing to provide for her daughter, but she hated the way she had to go about doing it. Suddenly, she understood the catch twenty-two her own mother was involved in. She gave up her own happiness and well being for her daughter to have a good life and Candy was prepared to do the same. She would get two jobs if she needed to. She would do anything for little Elsie.

Candy pulled the doors open to the Blind Tiger and waltzed inside. Something about it was strangely comforting, although there was a darkness attached to this place. She was familiar with the Blind Tiger. She knew what to expect when walking through the door, and that was the only comfort. She walked over to the bar and smiled slightly, “Is Vera in?”

[vera-simone]

The young bar keep was older than he looked, knew the place inside and out. "She don't work here like that no more," he drawled in his thick northern accent, "but you can catch her on her way out. She's dropping off a package with the boss right now."

Speak of the devil, and he (well, she) will appear. Vera's blonde head came bouncing out from the basement where the girls all got ready for their shows and clients. A smile spread ear to ear in sincere happiness over how much the girls liked their new dresses. Approaching the bar, Vera recognized Candy, quickened her pace, and made a bee-line for her friend. She embraced the woman with the shrill squeak of a young girl. "Oh my gosh, Candy! It's been too long! Where have you been?" Finally letting go of the raven-haired beauty, Vera pulled her friend to a nearby table, immediately determined to catch up with her old friend. 

[vera-simone]

Ladylike

[carlottarenaldt-deactivated2015]

Carlotta stepped through the front door of the shop, her purse in one hand and a small list in the other. She had been instructed to get whatever she liked, and the woman smiled politely and happily accepted. She liked quite a bit, and sh knew that there was hardly an end to Ben’s bank account, at lest not when it came to clothing.

Being a newly married woman herself, Carlotta still asked to keep working. She needed something to fill her time with, and she would be damned if she’d be a wife that only busied herself with the latest gossip and fussing with the housekeeper. Having taken up a job with Amanda at Rita’s, she at least found something to keep her preoccupied for the time being.

Glancing over to the woman waiting, Carlotta smiled and extended her hand. “Good afternoon, ma’am,” she said, noting the ring on her finger. 

[vera-simone]

Looking up at the friendly face that walked in, Vera noticed two things: the list and the woman's appearance. She was well-dressed, though somewhat casual, meaning she took care of herself but was practical towards the necessities of shopping, like being comfortable. The list in her hand made Vera assume the woman was making many stops. She was just happy to be one of those stops to be checked off. 

Standing up, Vera shook the woman's hand. "Good afternoon. I'm Vera Morelli, and thank you for stopping by my shop today." Gesturing to a seat across from her, Vera sat back down. "How may I help you today, Mrs.?" Vera took note of the sizable ring on the woman's hand. She was married well, definitely financially so and hopefully happily as well 

[vera-simone]

[vera-simone]

Day 7

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Where does your character live? Why did they choose it, and how did they acquire it? Describe the space.

Vera lives in a small three bedroom house. Angelo bought it for them, a place in which they could live together in the comfort of each other's protection and love. It was chosen for its spacious kitchen, its numerous rooms, and its illusion. The house looks small from the outside, but the design makes it quite spacious and efficient. Angelo picked natural earth tones to be offset with hints and splashes of color and modern advances, like his phonograph and Vera's science fiction book collection. The kitchen is fully equipped with the necessities (an ice box, stove/oven, etc.) and a few luxuries. Their room is dark with mostly red accenting the various shades of black and white. It suits the room's most important function.

The couple invited Vera's only little sister, Lily, to live with them in their spare bedroom shortly after Vera was married and on her feet. Vera's Yorkshire terrier also lives with them, constantly surrounding the feet of visitors, especially those who sit at the table for an extended period of time. 

How do they handle intruders (graciously? violently?)?

Intruders implies that the guest is unwanted and forced their way in. If this person is an unwanted relative or a friend with poor timing, Vera is usually gracious, conceding a visit, but wrapping things up before she looses her cool. If the person is a known enemy (of which Angelo, and Vera by default, have many) or an ill-bidding stranger, Vera will not hesitate to shoot anyone who violates the sacred peace of her home. 

[vera-simone]