𝖒𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖆

xander brossard; seventeen, senior

[xcnder]

lucia ross‌:

“It is not going to be easy. I am sure of it because it took me 3 months to actually share with my therapist.” But that was because Lucia was afraid of sharing things with someone who she knew would share notes with her parents. Maybe it would be easier for Xander to get her to open up, he got her to say more than she usually does with a stranger already and, if she was being honest, that scared her too. She didn’t want to make the mistake of trusting the wrong person again. “That’s a fair point. I will add one more thing. If we feel like it’s too hard to do what we need to, we are going to hold each other’s hand through it no matter what.” A part of her doubted that the boy can commit to that, to staying by her side, but it was worth a shot right? After all that she’s been through, it’s not like she wasn’t used to being disappointed. As for her, she was going to do everything in her power to hold her end of the bargain and be there for him if he lets her. As she looked at him again, she felt as if he was worried and just in case she was right about that, she placed a fake smile on her face. Maybe he wouldn’t notice she was pretending this time. “Yeah. It’s been a living nightmare. I hope you’re not affected by it?” She shook her head at his question. “I have not but my parents showed me a lot of pictures so I agree, it’s beautiful. I dream of living there one day.” And telling by her current state, she may fulfill that dream soon. “A fellow European, bonjour. What’s your favorite thing about France?”

"Well, I'm no therapist but I'm a good listener and that along with my friendship, is what I can offer you." Xander didn't know if that would be enough for Lucia to open up, but he hoped it was. Either way, he wouldn't push her, and whenever she felt like talking he would be there to listen. This was the first time Xander promised so much to a person. It was inevitable to have doubts and he wondered if he would be able to keep those promises, deep down he wanted to but his insecurity and distrustfulness were so unpredictable that it was hard to come up with an answer. Nonetheless, he nodded to her petition. "I can do that." He thought of saying 'I can try to do that' because he didn't want to show his hesitation which by no means had anything to do with Lucia, but with himself. He mirrored her smile but something didn't feel right about it, but he figured out it was because of the dark topic they were talking about. "Not directly. I didn't know any of the kids that went missing. I mean, I saw them around but as I said, I don't socialize a lot. Still, it's terrible what happened. Did you know any of them?" Suddenly he feels like he shouldn't have asked. If she did, it was probably something that she wouldn't like to talk about. "Where in Italy would you like to live? I've only been to Naples, Rome, and Florence." He had vague memories of the first place as he had been just a toddler when his family went there on vacation. "And buongiorno to you," he said, smiling at her. "Where to begin? I like that it's quiet, you know. People don't talk for the sake of talking. I like that it is a country that no matter where you go there is art and I don't know, the cities are just beautiful. I guess, I just like that it's home. I was very happy when we lived there." A sad smile laced on his lips for a moment.

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riley morgan

Riley nodded in agreement. “You should be more careful” She said, a bit uncomfortable by his words. She shook it off and looked up, “Yeah, I’ll show them up, or take them out by their ankles.” She said with a laugh. “I’m planning on owning the team next year, making it mine.” She said with a smile. “You won’t? Are you a senior? Do you know where you are going to college?” She asked him, interested to know what his plans were. “Maybe one day, but I feel like it was meant to be like this.”

"I guess I should. Don't worry I'll stay away from any sharp object." Xander replied with a shrug. "Yeah that would show them not to mess with you," he said as he now guided her towards the gym. "I am a senior." It was hard to believe that high school was almost over. A part of him was relieved, but he also felt some nostalgia which surprised him. "I'm crossing my fingers for Princeton, but if that doesn't happen then somewhere in France." The only reason why France was his second choice over the first was that he really liked the program at Princeton. "I guess things happen for a reason, if you believe in that." Destiny.

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maverick orion‌:

Mave smiled as she grabbed her purse off the floor and followed him, “I’ve been…boring honestly. There has not been a good party, breakup, scandal happening around this place so I guess this time of year is boring.”

"I'm sorry that the people of Paradise Hills are not giving you your daily dose of drama," he said, not even attempting to dampen his sarcasm. "Don't worry, I'm sure soon there will be a break up that will reveal some shady secrets.

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jesse keller‌:

Jesse smiled, inside he was disappointed that Jonah did not talk about him, then again he probably thought Jess was dead for the longest time. “He does, and I am him.” He smiled, “I could use a tour.”

“I mean I don’t know your brother that much, we just have some classes together.” Xander didn’t talk much with his classmates and even if he did, he never asked too many questions. “I have next period off, so sure. Where would you like to start?”

[oitnbgifs]

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jesse keller‌

Upon his arrival at Paradise Hills, Jesse knew he was in a better place. He looked around the halls of his new school before his eyes landed on someone passing. “Hey, I’m Jesse. I’m new.” He said with a smile. “I know I have a twin running around here that has been here for a while, But I promise. I’m not him.”

@paradisestarters​

That was odd. He didn't know that Jonah had a twin but then again he really didn't know much about anyone. "Oh yeah, I have some classes with your brother," he said with a small smile. "Welcome, I guess. I'm Xander. Do you need help with anything?"

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nicolette santiago

“if i hear another word out of this putamadre’s mouth, i swear to god i’m gonna kill her.” nicolette told her friend as she turned around to face them, trying her best not to get caught. “what do you say we ditch this class and go do something way more fun than sitting in this class for what feels like ages?” @paradisestarters​

He wasn't sure what was it about the past couple of days but he felt like skipping all the classes he never did in the past years. Maybe it was the feeling of being so close to graduation that gave him this 'no fucks given' attitude. Whatever it was, he jumped onto the chance of leaving. "Alright," he mumbled as he started to put his stuff back into his backpack, "what's your plan?"

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riley morgan

“There is a lot of controversy over it being a sport but I promise you, it is.” She said with a laugh. “Arts and crafts can be deadly, you should be careful.” She added on playfully, before her accident, Riley was quite gifted when it came to art. “Well thats good. That means I’m doing something right to not seem weak.” She added on with a smile. “Yeah, the gym will be nice, I probably won’t make the team this year as the school year is coming to a close, but I have hope for next year.” She said with a smile. “No, probably not. The issue isn’t my eyes but my nerves. When I hit my head is damaged some of the vital nerves in my brain that processes the images or something, I’m not really sure exactly but all i really know is I hit my head and now I’m blind.” 

"I guess I'll take your word for it," he said with a nod. "I know they can be. I don't think I've ever bleed that much in any other class. As I said, I'm not good at it." He let out a chuckle, although really it wasn't a laughing matter, people shouldn't let him get that close to sharp objects. "I think you are killing it so far and whoever doesn't think that will have to see it with that cane of yours." Something told him that she wouldn't hesitate to use it to shut up some people, and quite frankly, he was here for it. "Just to get you familiar with it. I really hope you make it next year. You seem cool and I think they would be lucky to have you on the team. Let me know how that goes as I won't be here anymore." At least if everything went according to plan. "I'm sorry to hear. I mean, I hate to be one of those people who say 'maybe science will come up with something' but hey, maybe they will."

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siobhan odom‌:

“Are you trying to have a brain aneurysm?” She reiterated. “I’m entitled to a temper tantrum every now and again.” Siobhan paused, brow raised as she looked him over. “Hey, I’d be pissed if I looked like Quasimodo. So .. you have every right to be upset. Just .. please redirect that energy elsewhere. Like, why you gotta dull my shine?” She asked as she feigned sadness.

"You seem awfully concerned about my brain. Why don't you worry about yours?" Xander countered back. “So you admit it? That you are overreacting?” He shouldn't be having so much fun, but he was. "Now you're calling me names? Groundbreaking," he added as he gave her a sarcastic round of applause for her wit. "I'm not upset, I think you are the one dulling your own shine. Don't blame for that, I just asked a simple question," he pointed out, dazzling her a conceited smile.

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lucia ross‌:

“That actually does not sounds like a bad idea. Maybe I will do it if I can get myself to speak up the same way I got you to.” How can she continue helping other people if she can’t help herself, right? “If having a challenge is what it takes for you to commit to things, fine. I will go with it.” Lucia hoped that despite him making a joke out of it, he would be serious about it when the time that he needs to be comes. She also hoped that she can make it easier for him to stick by his word. “Thank you.” She wondered why his cheeks turned red but she decided against asking him why because it might make things awkward. She did not want to do that now. Hearing his answer to her question, though she was the one whose cheeks blushed. Why? She did not know either. “We might be better off not knowing much.” That was her fear talking again. For some reason, the kidnapping incident made her believe that it was better for her to be kept in the dark about things even if that was far from the truth. After she gave her order to the cafeteria lady who was always so nice to her, she turned to Xander again with no smile on her face anymore. ”I used to but now, I don’t feel safe here anymore. I even considered going to Italy because of that. What about you?”

"We'll work on that, don't worry about it." The words came out of lips without even thinking. In truth, it wasn’t his business. He could be his usual self and let her solve it on her own, but how could he after the conversation they just had shared? Not when he understood what Lucia meant. So, he inwardly promises to try his hardest to steer her in the right direction. Or just lend a helping hand. "I would have committed with or without the challenge, but since we're doing it why not give it a go?" He shrugged lightly before green hues found their way to meet her gaze again just in time to catch a light blush searing through her cheeks prompting the corners of his lips to curve up into a smile. "I guess you are right about that." What was the point of getting familiar with this town when he would leave in a few months? The thought of that made him feel a bit nostalgic. After placing his order, he turned to look at Lucia again and he could tell from her absent smile that he'd asked something he shouldn't have. His suspicions were confirmed when she replied. "Right, I guess it's normal to feel that way given what has been happening." He didn't dare to ask if he knew anyone of the missing kids, but something told him that she did. "Italy is beautiful. Have you ever been there before?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation into something lighter. "France. I grew up there and I haven't been there since we moved here, so I miss it, I guess."

[xcnder]

lucia ross‌:

“Somebody has to do it so yes. If there ever comes a point when I’ve gone too far, though, let me know and i’ll stop.” Telling by the way he spoke to her though, Lucia could see that her ways were working and she was pretty happy about that. “I hope that’s a good thing? If I’m brave enough, I would definitely do it. It might make my life more interesting.” She couldn’t remember the last time that she was able to have a light conversation like this with someone so it surprised her that she was able to joke at this point. She owed Xander a thank you for that and their teacher too because the latter was the one who thought of pairing them up for their assignment. “Okay dokie then.” She watched as he wrote down his conditions of the deal and her eyes widened once he finished doing so. “You’re creating a challenge for us, aren’t you? Well… challenge accepted.” It was going to take her a long time to be able to accomplish what he asked of her but if he was willing to try, so was she. That’s why she signed the deal. “He’s more than alright. He’s pretty great.”, she corrected him. “Does this mean you’re going to hug more people now?” were the last words she said before standing up to finally buy some food. “Kind of funny to say when there is so much I don’t know about the town and the people but yeah, I did.”

"Don't worry, I'll be very vocal about it if that happens." He wasn't sure what she would have to say to make him think she'd gone to fast but if that ever happened he would let her know. "It's a good thing. You are very good at making people speak. You should think of it as a career path." It was funny how after unloading a bunch of thoughts he didn't feel overwhelmed by it, in fact, he felt lighter and better. Maybe she was onto something, maybe her logic wasn't as flawed as he initially had thought. Whatever it was, he was glad it was happening. "Hey! If we're going to commit to it then we should go all the way and make it a challenge." Right now it was all fun and games but when the time came where he couldn't fight the negative intrusive thoughts, then he wouldn't feel so cheerful about it. In the meantime, he would enjoy it while he could. "This version of you is not so bad either," he replied with a chuckle and hoped she didn't notice the heat growing in his cheeks. "Mmm... I don't know if there's someone else I'd like to hug," he revealed. He couldn't think of anyone else that could make him feel better with a hug other than her. Hugs with his family felt very mechanical, and they rarely made him feel something. Actually, most of the time, he didn't even think much about them. "That makes me feel a bit better because I've lived in this town for almost eight years and I really don't know much about it or its people," he said as he looked at the cafeteria's menu just to see if he wanted to change his order. "Do you like it here? Or if you had the chance where would you like to be right now?" he asked, looking at her.

[brittany-murphy]

Big Little Lies, What Have They Done? (S02E01)

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lucia ross‌

“I thought so. I just wanted you to admit that to yourself. This is one of the things that overthinking will just ruin for you unfortunately and I know it’s hard to not do that but look at what taking the risk has done for you so far.” Lucia did not want to pinpoint the effects for him because she was unsure if what she saw was the same as what actually happened to him. She liked to believe, though, that he found a friend in her because she found one in him. It was the highlight of her week so far. “It was my pleasure.” She turned her back on him so she can take a seat and write down their deal. “We promise to be each other’s temporary person and to be there for each other when the feeling in our chest is too heavy for us to handle on our own. Do you want to add anything?”  She laughed upon seeing the look on his face when he realized how serious she was. “I like this version of human Xander.”, she admitted. What she left out was the part about wanting to see more of him. It was too soon for that. “Do you believe it now? You’re welcome.” There was a hint of hope in her tone at that point. “After we finish this deal, we will get some food, I promise!” She nodded in agreement. “Better late than never, right?”

"Is this how things are going to be between us? You making me admit stuff to myself," he said, his tone was light and almost playful this time. "I don't think I would have been able to bring myself to say the stuff I did if it wasn't for you. You should be out there interviewing criminals," he joked, trying to lighten up the conversation. It was rare that he felt this comfortable around someone. Perhaps this was the first time he was grateful for a group project because meeting Lucia had been one of the best things that had happened to him in a long time. "Actually I do have something to add," he said as he sat down and took the pen from her fingers. "And Lucia promises not to apologize so much unless it's truly necessary and I promise to not be so pessimistic all the time." He wrote in messy handwriting, one that didn't compare to hers which was pretty flawless. It was a tough promise to keep since Xander didn't how to see life in a different light, a positive one. Nonetheless, he signed the paper before handing the pen back to her. "Yeah, I guess he's alright," he said with a chuckle, resisting the urge to say something self-deprecating or negative. He couldn't break a promise that soon. "I think I understand it now." There was nothing but honesty in his words and he hoped it came across just like that. Now, he'd be lying if he didn't admit he felt curious about Lucia, he wanted to know more about her which didn't happen often. So, he decided to now be the one to ask some questions. "So, uh, did you grow up here?" It was a basic question, but he had to start somewhere.

[xcnder]

lucia ross‌:

“Is that true or is this your way of running again?” Lucia was definitely crossing the boundary at that point so she told herself that that was the last question she would ask him about the matter. After all, she did not want to come off too strong when it was just their first conversation. His latter statement had a different tone from the one he was using earlier but she decided not to dwell on that. Instead, she just responded with “Yes and it’s really good progress.” She smiled at the follow-up. “Thank you for trusting me.”, she said even if she was unsure if he truly did. Still, she was honored that he shared things with her that he seemed to have kept to himself for so long and she hoped that he can help him in return. Like she said earlier, she did not want him to feel alone anymore. “It’s a deal then. I’m going to write it on a paper so we can seal it.” She opened her backpack to take out her extra notebook and a pen to write with. “I feel like we’d be less human if that happened and I’m not sure if I want to be that way.” She could say the same about not having any emotions. There were so many times when people told her that she should stop thinking with her heart and that she stop being so vulnerable to those around her. While she understood why they think it is better for her to be that way, she did not want to end up cold. For her, that was worse than being so affected by things and people around her. She pulled away from their hug then. “Not everyone has physical touch as their love language so I understand. But did you know that a hug can cause the oxytocin levels in your body to rise? That chemical or, as I like to call it, the cuddle hormone is associated with happiness and warmth so hopefully, my hug will make you feel better somehow.” She looked away from him then and walked to her usual table in the cafeteria. “Here!”

Caught red handed again. In just a few minutes of conversation, Lucia had managed to call him out on his bullshit more than anyone in his life. "A little bit of both maybe. More the latter, if I'm being honest. I just don't know what I'd do if I let people in. Just thinking about it overwhelms me." He didn't mind letting Lucia in, even if he hadn't expected to do so when he first read her name off the groups' list. Lucia seemed to understand but not everyone was going to be like her and he didn't know if he could handle that. "Thank you for listening." Xander still felt it was too soon to decide whether he trusted her or not, right now the answer felt like a big yes. This had been the closest he's ever been to talk about what upsets him the most and if he refrained from doing so was only because he didn't feel it was the right time or place. His eyebrows arched when she said she was going to write it, unsure if she was talking figuratively or not. As soon as she reached for her backpack he realized she was serious and he can’t help the sudden smile that graced his expression, head canting to the side just a tad. "Shit! You're serious about it. Alright, count me in. Let's make it official." Her unabashed enthusiasm seemed almost contagious at this point. It was strange but nice. "I complain a lot about being human but I don't think I'd like to be any less human." While Xander tried his best to conceal his true emotions, the fact was that he had plenty of them, all just buried within him, hoping for the day he decided to unleash them. Hopefully, not all at once. She wasn't wrong about the hug for as soon as she pulled away, Xander can feel a fuzzy warm feeling growing inside him. "I've heard about that, I just never believed." Until now, at least. "But it did help, so thanks," he said as he left his backpack on the chair. "Okay, so let's grab something to eat because I'm starving." He glanced her way with a smile still present on his lips. "It's a shame we have never spoken before."

[90schalamet]

[xcnder]

riley morgan

“Yeah, I probably won’t be spilling my deepest darkest secrets to anyone.” Riley said with a shrug. “It was relaxing, swimming is good for the body too.” Riley said with a smile. “It is intense, but a lot of fun. Not many people respect it as a sport but it is .” She said with a shrug. “I hate math. I’ve never liked it. It never really clicked for me.” She said with a shrug. “Everything. I do not like being seen a weak. I don’t need to be taken care of or craddled. I guess I’ve always been very independent.” she said as the walked along. “Yeah, thats true. I’ve seen a lot in my days. I use to be a talented artist. So seeing was everything to me. I could just take a look at something and draw it. But I can;t really do that anymore.” 

"Good choice," he said with a small smile and a nod of approval. "Yeah, that's what they say. The best type of exercise." He didn't know if that was true, nor he really cared. "I don't know much about sports, so I couldn't say if it's a sport or not but it seems like one to me." Anything that required a physical effort and had competitions qualified as a sport in his book. "It's not for everyone. It's like me and art crafts." He made a face at the thought of his art class. "I guess that makes sense,  but you don't strike me as weak, if that helps. Do you want to check out the gym? I believe the cheer trials are there." Xander asked, mustering a more excitable tone even if his face didn't show it. "Uh, is there a chance you can get it back?"

[xcnder]

maverick orion‌:

Maverick smiled softly, “Any food is good.” She smiled. “I’m okay with whatever you want, you can pick.”

"That's a lot of responsibility," he said as he slung his backpack over his shoulder. "What about Mexican food? There's a great taco place there."