At his friend’s suggestion, Milo teetered around the figurine and inspected it from all sides. His untrained eye still thought it looked a bit like a burnt biscuit, however, the curves of the figurine was noticeable when prompted by the description sitting next to it. Just when he was ready to sneak away for a bit of Googling, the stranger next to him drew him into a discussion with their soft voice and jovial excitement.
Milo’s expression changed too, a bit stunned by someone actually recognizing him and a bit elated by how relatively kind the other was. After being surprised by the Morgan siblings in the most unlikely of places (London, for one, when neither of them even lived there), Baptiste was still attempting to dial back his jumpiness. “I– yeah! Yeah, I remember that campaign! Wow, you remember me?” He was damn near glowing, “You just made my whole night! Are you into fashion or–? I’m so rude– sorry, I’m Milo. It’s so so nice to meet you!”
❛ i’m good with faces ! ❜ they say, though this isn’t strictly speaking true. they just remembered him from somewhere, really, and that was that: a slight coincidence, but what a fortuitous one ! they let out a tinkle of a laugh that sounds almost like the chiming of bells, perfectly cultivated and taught to them by their mother ever since they were young. ❛ and no, fashion isn’t really my... forte, i guess you can call it ? my parents just want to send me a tonne of stuff, and they make sure i’m picking out the things i like so i spend a lot of time browsing catalogues. ❜ a small part of them feels somewhat guilty at such a confession of lavish consumption, but they can’t control what their parents do—not really, and they’ve given up on that task a long time ago.
❛ but yes, hello, milo ! ❜ they say, betraying none of the thoughts that plagued them. ❛ i’m blanche cojuangco... ummm, i guess shirley temple if we’re going by code names ? ❜ their tone at the latter half of the sentence seems unsure, almost as if they’ve already forgotten what their code name even is and had to think about it twice to remember correctly. it was weird to insist on such codenames when they kind of already knew each other, but blanche isn’t going to question the traditions of a society much older than them. ❛ i’m guessing you’re a model ? that’s honestly so cool and glamorous ! what’s it like ? ❜
At the call of his name, his head whipped around to find its source. The grin formed easily, it was always good to see an old acquaintance — a friend, even, perhaps — and he smiled as their cheeks touched in greeting. “Tonight’s a reprieve from work and work-related discussions,” Julian said, a soft laugh escaping from his lips. “The husband is well, thank you. He’s over there, if you want to talk to him.” He gestured towards Napoleone, who was talking to some politician or the other, and a smirk curled his lips when the other mentioned a bidding war. “Well, it’s for a good cause, isn’t it?” He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, and took a sip from his champagne glass. “Have you finally brought peace to the world and ended all suffering yet? I don’t know how you plan to that with this lot — it seems rather low on their list of priorities, façade of charity aside.”
❛ oh ! ❜ they say, miffed at the slight rebuke, even if it was only a small one. ❛ sorry about bringing that up, then, ❜ they say, sounding properly contrite—before they nod approvingly at the other’s words. ❛ i just think it’s so very admirable what you’re doing for charitable causes ! i think a lot of people would have turned it down but not you ! ❜ their praise is genuine, their tone warm and appreciative. they wouldn’t have known what to do if they were on the block. would they have risen to the occasion like their friend, or would they have turned it down ? blanche likes to think they’ve had a thick enough skin to be the centre of attention for that long and for such a purpose, especially considering the profile they’ve cultivated through their activism, but then again—they would never had to find out. at the other’s disapproving words, however, their enthusiasm gets dampened, and they can’t help but frown. ❛ what do you mean ? ❜ they ask. ❛ i mean... the whole reason they’re doing this is out of the kindness of their hearts, yes ? ❜
Location: The Louve
Event: Auction
Status: Open to all
“What do you think?” Esmeralda questioned as turned her head and pointed at the newly shaved side. Instead of her tradition random change of colour for an event she decided a cut would be a nice change. She couldn’t be more happier with it. “Go on, be honest. I can handle it!”
blanche could not believe the sight before their eyes. they knew the society was big time, but they didn’t know just how big time it was until they came face-to-face with one of their idols. ❛ oh my goodness, ❜ they say, their voice a soft exhale. ❛ it looks so good on you ! ❜ they’re almost gushing now, but what did they care about propriety and appearances when this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. ❛ i cannot believe i’m actually meeting you ! ❜ they say. ❛ i’m such a big fan ! ❜
the danish prince looked sort of like a real-life disney character, all suave-looking and imposing presence even in a room filled with a who’s who of the world. blanche can’t help but come near to him, mostly as a moth flying towards a flame more than anything else—though they didn’t really know what they’d do once they got near. royals were always a bit of a toss-up to interact with: they can either be huge sticklers of protocol, or they can be as easygoing as easygoing gets. either way, however, they had a huge profile, and convincing them to see the worth in what they’re doing would always prove to be advantageous.
❛ hi there ! ❜ they chirp out, voice bright and bubbly as ever. ❛ geez whiz, this is all rather serious business, isn’t it ? ❜ they say, almost rhetorically. ❛ has your royal highness not seen anything that caught your eye ? i don’t think i’ve seen you bid much. ❜ or at all, but maybe blanche hasn’t just been paying as close of an attention as they should have had.
they met one sibling, now it’s time to meet the other.
not that blanche isn’t going through this thing like a checklist—they genuinely want to meet everyone here, after all, and not just as names they have to cross off a list but as actual people they want to know deeply and be friends with !—but it seemed that the opportunity was there and... well, why not, right ? so blanche not-so-subtly sidled up to the current dutch crown prince and tried to make conversation.
❛ your royal highness, ❜ they say, voice as bubbly as the flute of champagne they were holding for—the past hour now. they didn’t really like drinking alcohol, which was a shame because everybody told them they had a freakishly high tolerance and so it was just being wasted on them. for a moment, though, they flounder at what to talk about and so there’s a couple of seconds of awkward silence before they clear their throat, finally sipping on the still-bubbly champagne as if grasping for some sort of liquid courage. ❛ how’s the new season of your show shaping up ? ❜ they ask once they put the glass down.
they recognised her face, of course. who wouldn’t ? but to bump shoulders with her, to actually get the chance to talk to her ? it was all rather out of blanche’s depth. they’ve never been much involved in what the romanian side of their family was doing, especially politics-wise and in regards to other monarchies ( both current and deposed ) of europe, but they wanted to impress, especially since there was no way such a cool and sophisticated and elegant and put-together woman wasn’t a member.
( or maybe, just maybe, they’re a bit starstruck. )
❛ your royal highness, ❜ they greet, trying to remember if it really was your royal highness and not your highness or your serene highness or any of the dozens of variations thereof. ❛ i couldn’t help but notice you’ve been bidding on a couple of pieces listed here—a shame that you didn’t win, but there’s always next time, right ? ❜ an encouraging smile lights up their face, though perhaps it is decorated at the edges with the slightest tinge of nervousness.
when the last of the the pieces auctioned off, the black curtain falling down on the van gogh as it closes itself to the public view forevermore, there seemed to be the heavy air of expectation—or maybe that was just blanche, who can’t quite believe they were there as it happened. the van gogh fetched a staggering amount—four hundred and fifty five million dollars ! what an amazing amount that can do so much for so many people !—but the reaction they saw was kinda muted: a few low murmurs here and there, nothing more. it’s as if the price was nothing new, perhaps even expected.
of course, they always knew the staggering wealth and resources available to the members of the society—but the reality of it all didn’t hit them until this moment. it makes them feel light-headed, almost dizzy with the possibilities. if they worked hard enough, made themself more charming and likeable, then perhaps they can make friends with all of the members and convince them to give more towards charity ! it was a good plan, and one they were immediately keen to start onto.
❛ hesukristo, ❜ they say, echoing an interjection they heard their mother say. there’s an awed kind of tone present in their voice. ❛ it’s such a big amount, isn’t it ? ❜ they point towards the now-covered masterpiece with their champagne flute glass. ❛ what do you think she’ll do with—well, both the piece and the money ? ❜
there’s simply too much to choose from in the room, the art pieces all varied and so different from one another that there’s this slight temptation to buy them all stir within them. blanche doesn’t like to ask their parents for money, not when their relationship’s kinda been testy these past few years—what, with their activism and all slightly putting them at odds with the rest of their family—but they can’t help the fleeting thought that their parents were just a phone call away, and therefore money with which to buy these pieces with were a phone call away.
( not that blanche didn’t have any money: their account is enough for their lifestyle, and their parents wire them money still, but not enough that they could drop twenty million without having to ask for some... ah, assistance. )
still, the pieces enchanted them, and blanche moved, almost hypnotised, almost stuck in a sort of fantasy, wandering around with their eyes firmly on the pieces, feet taking them around the room, not even looking at where they were going—and that is, perhaps, why they managed to stumble almost headfirst into the current heir to the throne of england.
( though blanche liked to think of him more as their ally and friend. )
❛ edward ! ❜ they gasped out, surprised, before their eyes widened and they put a hand to their mouth. ❛ i meant—um, your royal highness ! ❜ they amend quickly, trying to remember protocol. ❛ dreadfully sorry about bumping into you ! ❜ then, an almost mischievous smile comes across their face, though they try hard to suppress it: ❛ let me make it up to you with a bottle of beer ? ❜
julian’s a familiar face, and blanche has always been super keen to see him whenever the two of them cross paths. blanche has always admired the other’s tenacity and dedication in the legal field, imbued as he was by a kind of discipline that they’ve always felt they were kind of lacking in, leading them to respect others who possessed such a trait. they were familiar with the other’s origins and the discrepancy between them both, a divide that they tried not to pay too much mind to save for trying not to rub their ( obvious ? ) privilege on the other’s face.
( they like to think they’ve succeeded for the most part on this. )
❛ julian, darling ! ❜ they greet, waving their hand towards the other and touching their cheeks to his. upon drawing away, their mouth immediately launched forth a barrage of questions, revealing their earnest desire to catch up with one they considered a good associate. ❛ how’s work ? and how’s the husband ? ❜ a teasing kind of tone seeps through. ❛ i’ve heard you’re up on the block; i’ve half a mind to go into a bidding war with him, y’know ! ❜
having just recently turned twenty-five, blanche has been eager to make connections with people who might share their ideals and their passion for change in the society—so they’ve been overjoyed to hear that they’ve been in the same initiate batch with someone also politically proactive and progressive at the same time. wasting no time at all, they decided to make a beeline for the british woman almost immediately upon seeing her, greeting the other with a smile on their face and a slight twinkle in their eyes.
❛ hi ! ❜ they chirped out, almost like a bird. ❛ i’ve been looking forward to meeting you ever since i heard you were here ! ❜ a lace-gloved hand waved towards the rest of the room, where all the pieces were displayed in all their glory. ❛ it’s all rather admirable, isn’t it ? though i do wonder what charities the winning bidders will support. ❜
it’s very ostentatious, blanche knows, looking at the dainty hors d’ouvres being served and all the champagne that’s being served, almost as if they had a limitless fountain of the stuff; but they can’t exactly fault the society for grandiosity when it’s a sin that can be pointed back to them as well. besides, this whole thing is going to be for charity so it’s not all too bad, blanche supposes.
taking off one lace glove, they picked up a small biscuit topped off with crème fraiche and garnished with a small slice of ham rolled into the shape of a rose. it feels a bit too pretty to eat, so they hold it in their hands for a bit, before wandering towards the venus of monruz. doe-eyed brown eyes read off the description of the exhibited sculpted figurine, letting out a small sound of appreciation and turning to the person beside them.
❛ upper paleolithic ! ❜ they say. ❛ isn’t that just amazing ? ❜ a smile decorates their face, wide and jovial, before they recognise the face of the person they were talking to, and a look of earnest surprise flits across their face. ❛ ooooh ! i recognise your face ! ❜ they say, almost as if they’re meeting an idol. ❛ i saw you in an ad from... ummmm, gucci, i think ? ❜
( christina nadin, nonbinary, they/she ) — a member of the [ COJUANGO ] family seeks entry to the society ! [ VIRIDIANA TERESA ] is a [ 25 ] year old [ YOUTH ACTIVIST & GRADUATE STUDENT ] who hails from [ TARLAC, PHILIPPINES / SĂVÂRȘIN, ROMANIA ] , who call them [ THE DOVE ] . although their peers know them for being [ CHARITABLE ] and [ GOOD-WILLED ] , their reputation for being [ NAÏVE ] and [ GULLIBLE ] might hinder their relations with current society members. while the [ COJUANGCO ] family is known for [ OWNING THE WORLD’S BIGGEST LIQUOR COMPANY ] , the society’s own [ SHIRLEY TEMPLE ] is better remembered by [ A FAIRY TALE-LIKE CHILDHOOD : INNOCENCE AS WHITE AS A DOVE AND THE PEARLS YOU WEAR ; THE WORDS ‘HAVE COURAGE AND BE KIND’ : SECOND CHANCES TURNING INTO THREE, FOUR, FIVE AS YOU LET YOUR HEART RULE YOUR MIND ; & A FLOWER BLOSSOMING DESPITE ADVERSITY, THE PROMISE OF SPRING ETERNAL ] . initial reports say their goal of [ ACHIEVING WORLD PEACE ] would be their first priority after being inducted, although who’s to say that won’t change ?
about
pinterest
familial background.
trigger warning for: mentions of martial law
okay, idk where to fit this in but blanche is the cousin to the current heir apparent of the romanian royal family—which, really means jackshit bc the romanian royals were all deposed some few decades ago. the cojuangcos were political dissidents in the time of martial law in the philippines, had their assets confiscated, and were forced to flee. both families decided to stay at ireland where their children then met. after some years, some kind of status quo was brought back to both countries and all assets and properties were then returned to the two families.
however, since they’ve already fallen in love, they decided they might as well marry each other despite the logistical hassle of everything involved, though this is perhaps helped considering blanche’s mother is the youngest out of her siblings and so the succession (or the image of a succession) wasn’t so dependent on her staying in romania. blanche’s parents decided to acquire the other’s citizenship and split their time evenly between the two nations.
there’s not much to say about the romanian side of their family aside from them being deposed royals; but the cojuangco side are former hacienderos turned conglomerate owners, and they currently own san miguel corporation which can roughly be imagined as the asian competitor to anheuser-busch.
so, yes, your character can probably ask them for free alcohol.
history.
trigger warning for: mentions of hunger and death
they grew up a darling of a child. they never knew the horrors that gripped their families just decades prior, and they grew up spoiled, protected, sheltered. they grew up knowing vast tracts of country estates free for their horses to ride in, silver-coloured bubbling brooks in charming meadows, dripping pearls and emeralds from their mother’s hands. they lived so far removed from reality that it almost seemed like a fairytale.
for all intents and purposes, they did live in one. blanche is the child of a union between two notable families that had been forged by hardship and fire and bloodshed and revolution. perhaps it was overcompensation that made blanche’s parents raise them up in such a manner, but the scars of war and repression cut deep into the psyche of both the cojuangcos and the al româniei. they wanted to give their perfect little daughter everything she could ever want, and so she was given everything from books to ponies to even a small house of their own, completely modelled after a victorian playhouse model they’d acquired for them.
of course, since their family held dual citizenship, they also had twice of everything: one in săvârșin and one in tarlac—and if they ever forgot anything in one country, their parents just as easily bought it again for them instead of making them wait.
blanche could have rotted from the sweetness of their idyllic childhood but they grew up the epitome of a perfect princess, always so sweet and docile and charming.
yet the years go by, and now the common refrain is: where’s that sweet girl gone? blanche doesn’t even consider themself much of a girl, which points towards how much they’ve changed from their childhood years; but they still think of themself as a dutiful child. after all, what better way to honour their family’s legacy than to fight injustice and repression wherever it may take form?
there isn’t really a specific point in time where they knew that they had to something about the state of the world. perhaps it was seeing the disparity between rich and poor, knowing that some people died of hunger while they and their family feasted on several courses of meals and led to so much food waste, and realising that they not only have the means to change it but the framework too.
they always grew up with knowledge of the society their parents were in, and they had always known membership was an inevitability for them, but they never really thought about it much until they woke up from their dogmatic slumber. now, they’re very much keen to use the society to change the world for the better.
ever since that realisation, they did everything they can to be as politically active as possible, involving themself in numerous movements and initiatives. their sheer enthusiasm, the quaintness of their background, as well as their sheer iron-will determinism, made them an icon of the progressive cause. barely even in college, they were thrust into a global spotlight and made into a spokesperson for the causes they choose.
tl;dr: imagine a greta thunberg for world peace but also for literally every good cause you can think of lmfao
achievements.
international children’s peace prize
one of time 100′s “most influential people in the world”
united nations messenger of peace
constantly described as a “pure cinnamon roll” in social media, which is honestly the peak of their success tbh
etc
wanted connections.
i have a loose friendship group request based on the powerpuff girls, basically a group of young people who want to do some actual good in the world! blanche is bubbles, so i’m looking for blossom and buttercup!
i’m also looking for their cousin, the heir presumptive to the deposed romanian royalty. as that adjective suggests, they are deposed and therefore hold no real power. what they do have, however, are some castles—and that’s always fun.
aside from that, fellow activists that want to change the world! help blanche help the world!
on that note, people who think they’re naïve (which they are) and kinda dumb (which they’re not) for wanting world peace. they’re gonna fight you on that but hey, feel free to convince them they’re wrong. they’re never gonna believe you.
childhood friend! they were very protected and probably not allowed much time outside but please let this be the “exception” their parents made for them
older members who might know their parents, who are definitely more traditionalist than them and so are quite surprised upon meeting blanche
someone who will honest-to-god please teach them some street smarts! they’re super naïve and gullible and also they literally are the epitome of “how much can a banana cost? $10?” so they probably get ripped off on the daily so please... someone... save them
someone please be the corrupting influence to this good && precious soul! make the cinnamon roll a sinnamon roll. ;)
note: blanche would and could answer to both their name of viridiana teresa and she/her pronouns but they prefer to be called blanche and be referred to with they/them pronouns
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