Create a family (but it's got a twist)

[CherryBomb50]

[name_m]Cornelio[/name_m] “ [name_m]Elio[/name_m] “ [name_m]Tiberius[/name_m] Epps (11) is the youngest Epps sibling and Evan’s younger brother. He’s close with [name_u]Evan[/name_u] and although he gets along with the friends of his siblings, it’s usually because he doesn’t really have friends of his own. [name_m]Elio[/name_m] doesn’t necessarily consider them his friends yet and is mostly just trying to adjust to moving into his new community. Not having his father and grandmother has made it harder on him since both of them have always been so supportive of him. [name_m]Elio[/name_m] also feels bad for [name_f]Flori[/name_f] and [name_u]Evan[/name_u] since [name_f]Flori[/name_f] used to be in a bad clique and [name_u]Evan[/name_u] was bullied. He respects his teacher but can’t relate to her because she always gives off the impression that she thinks kids are always happy and never have problems. He knows this isn’t true and wants to tell her that, but given his own losses, he wonders if maybe his teacher has issues of her own that she doesn’t believe kids will understand.

He and [name_u]Evan[/name_u] have talked about something that [name_m]Elio[/name_m] hasn’t discussed with anyone else - [name_m]Elio[/name_m] is bi-curious. He’s afraid to come out due to possibly being bullied himself and because he feels his community won’t believe 11-year-olds can be bisexual because they’re “just kids”. [name_m]Elio[/name_m] also wants to get into ballet like [name_f]Aziza[/name_f], [name_f]Gaia[/name_f], [name_f]Maddy[/name_f], and Lisa; but is afraid the people in his class would make fun of him for being a “boy ballerina”. He always watches recitals and loves their moves and knows there are males in ballet, such as Gaia’s brother [name_u]Leon[/name_u]. However he also knows that [name_f]Gaia[/name_f] and [name_u]Leon[/name_u] were in a stressful environment in ballet and doesn’t want that for himself. He has also heard [name_f]Gaia[/name_f] isn’t always the nicest person, especially how she treated [name_f]Aziza[/name_f]. However despite the fact that he wants to be taken seriously, he’s still a kid with a dream, and that dream is ballet.

[I_meme_it]

tw: extreme parental pressure

Leonidas ’ Leon ’ Eames Summerfields (20) is one of the people Elio looks up to, as well as Gaia’s younger brother. Thanks to their parents, Leon has had a love-hate relationship with ballet for the majority of his career: he loves the art of dance itself but has this enjoyment tarnished by his parents constant demands and insistence he isn’t living up to potential. Given that Gaia’s career fully took off and she’s seen a great deal of success, Leon was able to use this to convince his parents to allow him to take some time out to study music too, as he moved from clarinet to piano and continues vocal lessons (although they’re thankfully just for his own enjoyment now and not another demand of his parents).

It’s Leon who’s the lab partner Al befriended - as he’s a fellow victim of late assignment who’s having to stick out something he’s not really interested in (and it was a surprise to Leon his parents didn’t push this at him and his sister as well). He and Gaia’s relationship is complex due to her past behaviour towards Aziza, especially as they’ve never been that close thanks to how their parents pitted them against each other, but he can recognise she’s growing into a better person. While some people can find Leon hard to approach, it’s a habit he picked up thanks to having no time to maintain close relationships with his intense schedule, and his new friends have helped him relax more about enjoying his social life.

He’s been upfront and honest about what Gaia did to Aziza with Al, Jack and the others because he knows they deserve the truth, and it was a borderline shock when they didn’t assume he had similar tendencies (as this is something Leon has encountered before in the ballet scene). Unbeknownst to his parents, Leon’s only plans regarding ballet are to perhaps go into teaching when he finishes his degree, as he’d much rather nurture other people’s enjoyment than pursue a spotlight he never sought out on his own.

Gaia is credited to @lemon_swirlxx

[wandering_willow]

[name_f]Luz[/name_f] [name_f]Nieves[/name_f] [name_m]Rochester[/name_m] (20) is Leonidas’ roommate and best friend. While she never really enjoyed dancing she supports [name_u]Leon[/name_u] with all her heart. She’s often been described as a ‘ray of sunshine’ as that’s exactly what she is- the fun-loving indie kid of her friend group. She’s a very anxious person and fears that her friends find her annoying despite them feeling the exact opposite- she’s bubbly, fun-loving and sweet, which they all love about her. She’s good friends with the aforementioned L-trio, [name_m]Al[/name_m] and [name_u]Jackie[/name_u], as they’re all within the same age range. [name_f]Luz[/name_f] has a tendency never to trust anyone, as she’s scared they all hate her secretly and are laughing at her for being so naive and annoying.

[name_f]Luz[/name_f] was adopted from Nicaragua as a baby by her two loving fathers, who encourage her to optimize her talents and support her constantly. Despite acting annoyed around them jokingly, [name_f]Luz[/name_f] loves both of her dads with all her heart. When [name_u]Leon[/name_u] met them he was overwhelmed by the support and felt a tinge of jealousy as his parents aren’t very supportive or warm people, but as Luz’s friend he was happy for her that she has such wonderful dads. The Rochesters are very rich, and one of Luz’s dads owns a major fashion corporation known as [name_m]Rochester[/name_m] Clothing. [name_f]Luz[/name_f] often fears her friends only like her because she’s got a rich dad, but [name_u]Leon[/name_u] assures her that she’s loved no matter what.

[name_f]Luz[/name_f] is currently dating someone, a struggling musician who loves her wholeheartedly. [name_f]Luz[/name_f] herself is studying nursing with the intent to pursue medical school and become a doctor. She wants to help people as that’s her passion, she’s always been very confident in what she wants to do. Luz’s musician partner and [name_u]Leon[/name_u] are very good friends too, though [name_f]Luz[/name_f] is always the first to listen to any of their songs. She says their music is unique and that’s what she loves about it, that it’s just as unique as them. [name_f]Luz[/name_f] is 5’11 and will often pick up her partner who is significantly shorter than her, as she’s very physically strong. [name_f]Luz[/name_f] sometimes picks up her siblings, too, in an attempt to get their attention.

Unbeknownst to [name_f]Luz[/name_f], her partner is currently writing an album dedicated to her. She’s absolutely clueless, though. Despite studying to become a doctor and being very smart , [name_f]Luz[/name_f] can be very thickheaded sometimes…her partner however thinks this is very cute. It’s a lot easier to hide albums and gifts from her…

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f]Mireia[/name_f] [name_f]Idonia[/name_f] Parraga (19) is a fellow nursing student in Luz’s classes, but one with no aspirations to become a doctor. A first generation immigrant and university student, Mireia’s family left Ecuador when she was eleven after the threat of job redundancy became apparent to her father - but the company he worked for had U.S. based positions he was able to transfer to. In contrast to her younger siblings - two brothers, one of whom uses he/they pronouns - [name_f]Mireia[/name_f] didn’t adapt many Americanisms following the move, partially out of stubbornness, as she enjoys being a contrarian, and her birth culture is very important to her. All three siblings have retained their accents in spite of their different approaches to settling into a new environment, and Mireia’s never phased by how it makes her easy to identify. While the spotlight isn’t something she’s particularly interested in, she can handle attention well, which she credits to how starting school in [name_u]America[/name_u] went - as she got a lot of unwanted questions and people projecting assumptions at her, that [name_f]Mireia[/name_f] dealt with by dismissal, and she continues to hold this sentiment, as she does get asked a lot why she won’t pursue becoming a doctor when she’s already learning about medical practice. It’s her decision what she’s going to work as and she finds nursing much more personally fulfilling due to the close, interpersonal nature of the job; as well as how she always looked up to her abuelas’ nursing aids when she was terminally ill in Ecuador - thanks to how they prioritised her dignity, kept her parents informed and treated her with empathy and kindness.

Aside from their mutual major, [name_f]Mireia[/name_f] knows [name_f]Luz[/name_f] a little better as she belongs to the same friend group as [name_u]Jack[/name_u] and [name_m]Al[/name_m], so [name_u]Leon[/name_u] has linked the two more unintentionally. While she’s not a social butterfly, [name_f]Mireia[/name_f] likes [name_f]Luz[/name_f] and talks to her in class along with a few others she’s friendly with, one of them being another member of her close friend group. Seeing how [name_f]Luz[/name_f] talks about her partner has [name_f]Mireia[/name_f] certain there’s more than platonic feelings stirring between [name_u]Jack[/name_u] and [name_m]Al[/name_m] but it’s something only her closest friend in the group - her fellow nursing student - and her childhood friend who she visits in Ecuador, are aware of. Playing matchmaker is not in Mireia’s wheelhouse - that’s cooking (she’s got a borderline superhuman spice tolerance, but tones this down for friends); playing the saxophone for the jazz society; her sense of direction and picking out urban exploring locations - as she’s bisexual and happily single right now. Some people assume it stems from a bad prior relationship or apprehension but that’s something [name_f]Mireia[/name_f] will quickly correct: dating just isn’t her priority right now but when she wants to get out there, she will. She also is lucky enough to have a pet in her flat - granted it’s a tiny newt named [name_m]Moss[/name_m] who found her instead of being chosen specifically, and [name_f]Mireia[/name_f] refused to see her starve in the wilds beyond the back garden, so she took her in. The one downside of studying is Mireia’s only able to see her family during holiday periods, as she’s almost a two hour drive away from where they live, so she keeps in contact daily - mostly with her mom who works from home and always wants to check in.

[CherryBomb50]

Emilie “ Em “ Janelle Alexandre (20) is also a nursing school student and Mireia’s closest friend. Xe is a first generation immigrant from Senegal, alongside xir paternal cousin Maxim. Xe and Mireia don’t tap into the Americanisms and personally relates to Mireia’s brother using he/they, always welcoming members of the community. Xe is genderfluid and uses she/xe, he/xe, but mostly uses xe/xir as a whole. Xe is great friends with Sapphire and her genderfluid sister. Xe believes Dan likes Sapphire’s genderfluid sister but like Mireia, Em isn’t a matchmaker type. Xe’s friends with Dan and Aziza as well even though they’re both technically second-generation immigrants. Em is also within the group and is also cool with being single, but also agrees Al and Jack may be attracted to each other. Em is asexual and doesn’t like to play matchmaker but can tell when people are attracted to others. Xe knows Luz is attracted to a musician and is intrigued but isn’t going to say anything about this. Em is a fan of relaxing activities, like taking a hot bath or doing Pilates, and is also very focused on skin care. Em and Mireia are also very into their cultures and feel being in America won’t make them any less of their original cultures. Em is allergic to furry pets but definitely not of Mireia’s newt Moss, so she loves seeing Moss.

Maxim and Dan were created by me.

Sapphire was created by @kitkatcookie.

[wandering_willow]

Nguyen Long “Ben” Tham (21) is a good friend of Em, and he’s dating Luz. Ben and Luz instantly clicked for their shared goofy sense of humor. Sometimes Luz asks Ben up front if he is only dating her because, well, she’s a Rochester. Ben instantly denies it, and it’s true- Ben does love Luz, so much that he’d even write an album for her…she’s always oblivious whenever he surprises her but he thinks that’s adorable. Ben is very short, about 5’5, and is very easily picked up. He’s a lot shorter than his sister Sapphire, as well as his girlfriend. Sapphire always names fun of him for being all sappy and lovey dovey, and Ben returns the favor, constantly annoying Sapphire and her boyfriend Adam. Deep down the two love each other and will never let each other go, despite the obvious rivalry.

Ben and Luz are studying at the same university but unlike Luz, Ben is not studying nursing, he’s studying music. He’s a very talented singer, which Luz admires about him. Ben has released a single, but it’s not doing too well and he’s not famous yet- however, Luz always tells Ben to never give up as he’s the most talented musician and person she’s ever met, which keeps him going. Apart from Sapphire and Luz, Ben is also good friends with Mireia and Em, he appreciates their company and support. He’s actually asked them for advice- he’s writing that aforementioned album and he needs inspiration! Ben also has a pet rat, named Chad, who he considers to be him and Luz’s baby boy. Ben and Chad have a very special relationship and Luz often catches him talking to Chad at night…

Sapphire belongs to @kitkatcookie

Luz belongs to yours truly

[kitkatcookie]

[name_u]Thanh[/name_u] Ha " [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] " Tham (23) is the eldest of the siblings, using she/they pronouns interchangeably, however they’re always referred to as the sister of [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f] and [name_m]Ben[/name_m] by choice. Unlike their siblings, [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] isn’t studying as they’re the one primed to take over the family business: a decision that means a lot to not just them but their mother too, as it was Axelle’s choice to inherit instead of something asked of them, [name_m]Ben[/name_m] and [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f]. Seeing how much their mom put into developing the boutique inspired the same passion in [name_u]Axelle[/name_u], who’s done all they can to be supportive of her following the devastating injury their dad has had to adapt too since the incident that left him wheelchair bound. Being naturally stylish and skilled at communications makes [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] an ideal business owner - something the extended Tham family point out on a regular basis - and this is reflected in how they’re friends with quite a few models and influencers who they met through their own strong social media presence. [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] has offered to hand Ben’s music over to their friends, as they’re more than happy to help their friends brother out (as [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] has always shared Sapphires reliable nature when it comes to those they care about), but Ben’s uncertain about accepting this offer, and [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] isn’t offended as they know he wants to make it in the music business by himself.

Unlike him and [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f], [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] doesn’t have a significant other and isn’t really planning on pursuing anything long-term as they’ve got to focus on gaining experience to run the boutique once their mom decides to retire. They’re always upfront about this, including to [name_m]Dan[/name_m] [name_f]Perri[/name_f] who asked them out, as the idea of seriously dating one of Sapphire’s friends makes [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] feel weirded out to say the least, and for them it was more of a means of staying active in the dating scene than finding a life partner. While they had a nice time, it was obvious to [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] that [name_m]Dan[/name_m] was distracted and through [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f] dating [name_m]Adam[/name_m], they know he’s crushing on someone so they actually ended up turning things into an advice session about how [name_m]Dan[/name_m] should approach his feelings for this person. Although [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f] had wondered if her sibling is the mystery person [name_m]Dan[/name_m] harbours a serious thing for, she realised it couldn’t be [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] once [name_m]Adam[/name_m] got a few more details on them, as their personality is nothing like the self-assured, socially sophisticated and quietly confident older sibling she’s grown up with. In spite of these enviable traits, what’s prevented any jealousy erupting between the siblings is their acknowledgement of their differences as well as their appreciation and praise of one another’s talents. [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] is the one whose provided the most care for their dad following his accident as the eldest, and has also been exposed to the emotional brunt of their fathers’ pain following his wheelchair confinement.

The person they confide in is their cousin who was born 6 days after [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] themself, so they joke about being spiritual twins, especially as they’re also Geminis’. [name_m]Said[/name_m] cousin is currently working as a model and has made an impressive name for herself which [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] greatly respects. As [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f] and [name_m]Ben[/name_m] took some alternate time away from their holidays to cover shop duties, [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] was able to visit their cousin while she was at a fashion show in [name_u]Milan[/name_u] and had a wonderful time, bringing back gifts for the family as well as a dozen photos of everything they got up to while out there. While most people assume they’re all about luxury and opulence, it’s Axelle’s loved one’s who mean the most to them…but it doesn’t change how they enjoy a good after party or spending their day hiking about photo shoot grounds to enjoy the scenery and get some peace.

[wandering_willow]

[name_u]Mai[/name_u] Linh Tham (48) is the mother of [name_u]Axelle[/name_u], [name_m]Ben[/name_m], [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f] and 2 other children. She’s very supportive of all her children, despite [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] being her favorite. She never tells anyone who her favorite child is, though. [name_u]Mai[/name_u] emigrated from Ho [name_u]Chi[/name_u] [name_m]Minh[/name_m] at the tender age of eleven, and ever since, she’s wanted to open her own boutique. She found herself inspired by the small boutique situated below her childhood apartment, and often would go downstairs to help the woman who managed it with creating the clothes and making designs. She always dreamed of making royal-looking clothing, and even wearing it. As a child [name_u]Mai[/name_u] would even save up her allowance to buy fabric and thread and eventually, her own sewing machine, which she still owns and plans to give to [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] when she doesn’t need it anymore.

[name_u]Mai[/name_u] met her husband very early on in life- they met in high school. Her husband was the hot lifeguard and she was two years younger, so she thought she never had a chance with him- quite the contrary, as they’ve been happily married for 27 years!! [name_u]Mai[/name_u] once sewed him a cute scarf and a beanie hat to match, and he’s kept it ever since. When [name_u]Mai[/name_u] and her husband found that they were pregnant with [name_u]Axelle[/name_u], they were elated- but [name_u]Mai[/name_u] was terrified. She didn’t want to end up like her mother- Mai’s mother was a tyrannical narcissist who’s call the cops on kids for selling lemonade without a permit. She vowed to herself that Axelle’s childhood would be better than her own. She then had [name_m]Ben[/name_m], then [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f], then their two younger twin children. When [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f] came out, [name_u]Mai[/name_u] was the first person [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f] confided in. [name_u]Mai[/name_u] was naturally very accepting and supportive of [name_f]Sapphire[/name_f], telling her she’d love her forever no matter what. [name_u]Mai[/name_u] also supports [name_f]Luz[/name_f] and [name_m]Adam[/name_m], and loves them like her own kids.

When Mai’s husband was injured, she was devastated. She sewed him a quilt, and took days off from work just to watch over him. She hated seeing him in pain. Luckily he is recovering and he’s in physical therapy in an attempt to get better. [name_u]Mai[/name_u] has gotten back to working at her boutique, which she’s named “Mai’s Boutique.” A bit on the nose, she’d remarked, and she’s told [name_u]Axelle[/name_u] that they can change the name, but they told their mother that they’ll always keep the name.

[cara_murvolio]

[name_m]Trigger[/name_m] Warning (not blurred): death caused by negligence

[name_f]Kathleen[/name_f] " [name_f]Kate[/name_f] " [name_u]Demeter[/name_u] Tarras (57) is the judge who precided over the trial of the joyrider who left Mai’s husband paralysed from the waist down. Criminal cases based around negligent behaviour are Kate’s speciality, as when she was only seven, her parents died after a carbon monoxide leak in their home, which was caused by no maintenance checks being provided to the building and the landlord actively putting off them as he didn’t want to spend the money. [name_f]Kate[/name_f] only survived because she’d spent the night at her granny’s house, and wrestled with guilt throughout her early teens, thinking if she’d been home, somehow she could have saved them. Although she’s managed to get out of this thought process, with the help of proper therapy and a very supportive family network - especially her grandmother who’s still alive and living in the cosy house all her relatives picture fondly when they’re not popping by - it’s what sparked Kate’s interest in criminal justice. While the man who’s actions led to her parents deaths was convicted and sentenced time in prison, she wanted to help others find closure, leading to her journey: first a junior assistant, then a prosecutor, and now a judge.

In spite of carrying a foreboding reputation for how she holds herself in the court room, Kate’s not a woman without empathy. She always makes time to speak to the families post-verdict and if someone shows genuine remorse, she’s willing to help them seek the right help; as she wants to prevent more terrible things happening instead of just throwing people away and not bothering to do more. With the young man who severely injured Mr Tham - so badly he’ll never be able to walk again - there was only excuses and a degree of victim blaming to make things even worse, which not only angered [name_f]Kate[/name_f] but disappointed her, as she’d hoped he’d see the error of his ways and think about the father who’s life he’d changed in a traumatic, needless manner. She was clear to not shame or attack his family though, people who’s guilt made up for his lack of, and explained to them why she chose a harsher sentence when the time came. [name_f]Kate[/name_f] herself is a mother - a single parent by choice - to three kids, all adopted. They all had ties to the legal system somehow but she never lets anyone make assumptions of them because of this, and while she’s busy, always has time for them - usually going on family outings to paint pottery, as her granny loves receiving the art as gifts.

[kitkatcookie]

tw: anxiety, kidnapping, implications of violenxe

[name_f]Avalon[/name_f] " [name_f]Ava[/name_f] " [name_f]Zara[/name_f] [Pierce] Tarras (19) is Kate’s youngest adopted child, who’s still living with her after deciding to not pursue higher education for the time being. Anxiety has always been a big issue for [name_f]Ava[/name_f], stemming from the abduction of her mother when she was six. It happened when Ava’s mother was walking to collect her from school and she never arrived - something that immediately set off alarm bells for the teachers, as while [name_f]Erica[/name_f] [name_u]Pierce[/name_u] was often late to pick up her daughter, if she couldn’t come she’d ask for a neighbour who’s son was in Ava’s year group to bring her back to their apartment block and watch her or send her home depending on the circumstances. In spite of a lengthy investigation, that still garners interest on forums and true crime podcasts to this very day, Ava’s never learned of what happened to her mom, although she’s almost certain she’s gone. While she’ll admit [name_f]Erica[/name_f] wasn’t perfect - she was a teenage mother with no support system who longed for love and acceptance, meaning some less than ideal men were in her and Ava’s lives - they loved one another dearly, and she’d do anything just to know definitively what happened that [name_u]March[/name_u] afternoon, on a day that started out so ordinary.

When she first was fostered by [name_f]Kate[/name_f], eight months after her mothers’ disappearance, [name_f]Ava[/name_f] was very reserved and dispondant. She’d sit alone, only speak when asked a question by someone, and barely slept at night, staying up in case her mom suddenly appeared to take her home. On several occasions, social services offered to move her to another placement, but [name_f]Kate[/name_f] would politely decline the offer every time, as she didn’t want to push [name_f]Ava[/name_f] out for processing her trauma and leave her feeling even more alone. This would pay off, as eventually - after six months of awkwardness around her older siblings and slowly starting to enjoy baking with [name_f]Kate[/name_f] (even if sometimes she’d just watch the process) - [name_f]Ava[/name_f] felt secure once more and began bonding with her new family. Her natural shyness meant she was never demanding anyone’s attention or making big displays of her achievements at school, but [name_f]Ava[/name_f] has a very playful sense of humour once she relaxes more, and began confiding in her siblings about her past more. She was adopted by [name_f]Kate[/name_f] - who she calls mama, as she can’t shake memories of the mother who vanished, something her mama’s never been offended by - when she was nine, and (ironically, as she’s teased about) became the most openly affectionate one of the three, who readily spent time with their adopted mother when the others were absolutely not interested thanks to teenage angst and not being homebirds like their sister.

Many people assume [name_f]Ava[/name_f] would’ve wanted to pursue a career in criminal justice herself but she’s always stepped back from it, as she knows she’s too emotionally sensitive due to her past, and would never be able to handle not finding answers. Once a week she attends therapy sessions, which mostly focus on her anxiety now and not just the past, as while panic attacks aren’t as prevalent in Ava’s life now, she still faces a lot of crippling nerves. She has remained in contact with the detectives responsible for her mom’s case though - if an update or revelation ever happens - and is actually close friends with the daughter of one, who’s attending university close to the city Ava’s family live in; so she’s frequently visiting or they’re going on bike rides together, a hobby they’ve both always loves. Instead she wants to work with animals and currently is employed at a shelter close to her home, where she cares for the abandoned pets and takes the dogs out on daily walks. [name_f]Ava[/name_f] has a pet cat herself, who she got after starting at the shelter, named Susie-Su (or Suz as she’s affectionately called by the family), and they curl up together to watch documentaries with [name_f]Kate[/name_f]. Thrifting is something else Ava’s got a passion for, and if her siblings ever need to find something when they’re all out together, she just magically can track it down.

[CherryBomb50]

Carter Jeremy [Smithens] Tarras (23) is the second-oldest adoptive child of Kate and is the adoptive brother of Ava but not biologically related. His parents gave him to his aunt and uncle since they could not care for a baby and he lived with them until they became very sickly and could no longer take care of then-10-year-old Carter when Kate took him in. Carter and Ava are very close with one another due to their mutual love for thrifting. Carter adores Ava as a sister and is also focusing in on the case, as his biggest fear is never knowing answers. That doesn’t mean Carter will always talk about it as he respects when she doesn’t want to talk about such a painful past. He too hasn’t decided to pursue a career in criminal justice but is great friends with a prosecution lawyer - Ayame. Carter knows Ayame has lost her father due to negligence and although the employers have faced consequences, he knows that it will never bring her father back. Kate has served as a special bond to Ayame following this, and the two have called each other from time to time just to vent out their grief and disdain from negligence causing death to their parent(s). Carter used to have a crush on Ayame but now perceives her best as a friend but this hasn’t affected their bond and they plan to be friends forever. He often flies out or even drives to see her and is close with Cary and the Cassels for their confidence. Carter is an R&B musician and is used to travel so it isn’t rare for him to go out of his city. Despite their different musical tastes, he’s worked with Ben Tham and has just gotten Tino Perri to be his publicist. He’s been asked by people about what happened to his adoptive sister’s mother but he doesn’t answer and hates when people speculate. He too is supportive of the detective team.

Ayame was created by @I_meme_it.

Cary and Tino were created by me.

[wandering_willow]

[name_f]Bellatrix[/name_f] [name_f]Theodosia[/name_f] “Trixie” [name_f]Perri[/name_f] (25) is the oldest adopted child of [name_f]Kate[/name_f]. She was adopted at the age of two, like her brother she was a very sickly child and her parents could no longer care for her so [name_f]Kate[/name_f] took her in without hesitation. Since then, [name_f]Trixie[/name_f] and [name_f]Kate[/name_f] have had a generally harmonious relationship and have loved each other unconditionally. When [name_f]Kate[/name_f] chose to adopt [name_u]Carter[/name_u] and [name_f]Ava[/name_f], [name_f]Trixie[/name_f] was ecstatic as she’d always wanted a friend to play with and has since been very close with her siblings.

[name_f]Trixie[/name_f] works at the local high school as an art teacher. She went through four years of art school and has never been happier now with her job, in spite of some kids being total bullies. [name_f]Trixie[/name_f] herself experienced bullying- as a child she spoke with a lisp and was bullied kindergarten through second grade- luckily [name_f]Kate[/name_f] took the time to move her school and she had a better experience. By middle school, her lisp was gone. [name_f]Trixie[/name_f] makes it her mission to create a bully free zone in her class and though some say it is “corny,” she has hung up a Bully [name_u]Free[/name_u] Zone sign above her desk. She’s noticed that one of the Tran twins has been getting bullied, and she tries to help them with their struggles in school. As she’s very good friends with [name_u]Axelle[/name_u], she’s tried to make class easier for their little sibling and has even taking a liking to this sibling, as they’re a very talented artist and kind person.

[I_meme_it]

maturity warning: teenage pregnancy, time period sexism, child loss

[name_u]Andrea[/name_u] ’ [name_f]Drea[/name_f] ’ [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] Tarras (96) is Kate’s grandmother and the adopted great-gran of her three children, who’s definitely the beloved matriarch of their family. Life wasn’t easy for [name_f]Drea[/name_f], who became pregnant with her sons (Kate’s dad and his twin brother) when she was only seventeen after a rushed engagement that ended the second the responsibility of fatherhood was revealed. Due to the time and
the values it carried though, she was the one shamed for this, not the boy who abandoned his unborn children before any proper talk could be had; going to live with relatives in another state to avoid facing Drea’s parents, who were insistent he at least paid for his son’s upbringing.

After a lot of arguing - and more mud being thrown at her name, namely that she’d been unfaithful - [name_f]Drea[/name_f] was finally able to get monthly payments for her children to take some strain off her own parents. In spite of the odds stacked against her, and social stigma following her wherever she went, [name_f]Drea[/name_f] refused to give up on her son’s who she loved fiercely from the second she learned she was pregnant. She quit school early and began working an assortment of jobs to bring in extra income, eventually settling as a seamstress: the career she maintained until retirement - although if you need any advice on handling a sewing machine, she’s the woman you go to.

Losing Kate’s father - the elder of the twins who was always more boisterous and headstrong, as [name_f]Drea[/name_f] still remembers clear as day - was a crushing blow to her, only alleviated by her eldest grandchild’s survival and the support of her younger son, calling them her ‘miracle workers’ for how they helped her heal emotionally following the senseless loss. [name_f]Drea[/name_f] doesn’t care if you call her a stereotypical granny in how she behaves: providing treats, a place to stay and listening ear are what she’s proud of, and no-one can talk her out of this (with [name_f]Kate[/name_f] joking she’s wear the familial stubbornness originates, something [name_f]Drea[/name_f] never denies). Her surviving son, who’s now 77, is a grandfather himself now, and she’s always inviting her large family over to stay, resulting in gatherings full of the joy, laughter and warmth everyone knows [name_f]Drea[/name_f] deserves to be surrounded by.

~

@cara_murvolio Kate’s granny sounded so cute I just had to introduce her!

[wandering_willow]

[name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] Rahla [name_f]Matar[/name_f] (16) is Drea’s part time caretaker and the little half-sister of aforementioned Rahal [name_f]Matar[/name_f]- and, Aziza’s full sister. Like [name_f]Aziza[/name_f] and many of their other relatives, [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] disapproves of Rahal’s fruitless relationship with [name_f]Angeline[/name_f] and tells him to date someone who will appreciate his unique talents and see him as a person, not a benefit. [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f], despite still being in high school, is wise beyond her years and gives out great advice to all of her siblings, and in spite of them loving and appreciating her, they never take her advice (or at least Rahal doesn’t), and continue to do things their way.

[name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] started caring for [name_f]Drea[/name_f] as a part time job three months ago solely for money, however she’s now come to enjoy Drea’s company and appreciates her witty, sassy sense of humor. [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] finds caring for [name_f]Drea[/name_f] to be very fun. [name_f]Drea[/name_f] reminds [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] of her great-grandmother who lives in [name_u]Jordan[/name_u], who’s actually older than [name_f]Drea[/name_f]. [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] also knows lots of Drea’s family- she’s heard about [name_f]Erica[/name_f], Ava’s mom, and she thinks there might be a way that she’s still alive as she’s been following the true crime story for a while. [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] loves true crime stories and often listens to podcasts based on them.

[name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] is in Trixie’s art class. She admires [name_f]Trixie[/name_f] and sees her as a role model. She sees one of the Tran twins getting bullied in class often despite Trixie’s best efforts and while [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] wishes she had the courage to go up to the bullies and tell them to stop, she suffers from severe social anxiety and is scared that they might bully her too. She’s seen this twin’s art and finds it very beautiful and wishes she had this kind of talent.

Safiyah’s currently dating someone, but she’s not quite sure they like her back and is scared they like someone else. Also, this person is regularly mean to [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f]. Safiyah’s friends are telling her to get out of this relationship but she’s too scared, as they two have been dating since they were twelve and [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] doesn’t want to hurt their feelings…

[chamwue]

censored tw: violence, domestic abuse

[name_f]Viola[/name_f] Dahyun Baek (16) is one of Safiyah’s friends and the one who is the most against her partner. A self-proclaimed “significant other analyser”, [name_f]Viola[/name_f] is the one her friends go-to person to judge their prospective dates by their attitude and vibes. At first it was a coincidence, but as time went on Viola’s judgements became scarily accurate, causing her friends to trust her judge of character. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though she jokingly calls it her superpower, [name_f]Viola[/name_f] just pays attention to people and can tell if someone’s being up a front or is being genuine. In the case of [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f], [name_f]Viola[/name_f] just never got along with her partner, nothing their abrasive behaviour and subtle insults hurled Safiyah’s way. [name_f]Viola[/name_f] is frustrated with [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] dragging her feet, but does understand that leaving abusive relationships is one of the hardest things one can do.

Perhaps the reason for Viola’s anger is because she saw it first hand: Viola’s mother was in a horribly abusive relationship after she divorced Viola’s birth father, and [name_f]Viola[/name_f] was thrown straight in the chaos. There were dozens of nights where little [name_f]Viola[/name_f] had her back pressed against the wall outside of the living room with a knife in her hand, worrying that she’s going need to step in. Thankfully, Viola’s birth father, who still co-parented [name_f]Viola[/name_f], helped get his ex-wife and daughter out of the situation and their relationship improved. Though [name_f]Viola[/name_f] loves her dad and mum, she thinks they’re much better off as friends than husband and wife. She slips by her dad’s and mum’s houses often, and even has a good relationship with her half-siblings.

Outside of her home life, [name_f]Viola[/name_f] is very much interested in fashion and is vice president of her school’s fashion club. She’s organising her first event for the club: a fashion show with clothes made of recycled material and has been very stressed out by it. Her biggest help during all of this is the president, and [name_f]Viola[/name_f] thinks she’s falling for him…

[wandering_willow]

[name_u]Oliver[/name_u] [name_u]Axel[/name_u] “Ollie” [name_m]Larson[/name_m] (16) is the president of the fashion club at Viola’s high school. He’s very passionate about recycling, so when he took charge of the club he decided to incorporate recycled material into their agenda. [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] always stands up for what he believes in and does it without hesitation, which is something that [name_f]Viola[/name_f] admires. [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] and [name_f]Viola[/name_f] had been friends since kindergarten, and now Ollie’s facing his worst fear- falling for someone. Viola’s beautiful, smart, funny, and Ollie’s a flustered mess around her. [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] doesn’t know much about Viola’s past but he knows that there was abuse in her family and that her step father made her life extremely hard as she was little, and feels very sorry for her though he tries not to let it show- [name_f]Viola[/name_f] doesn’t want pity, and for this [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] respects her.

Ollie’s also friends with [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] and knows a little bit about her relationship- he’s very disappointed that her partner would hurt her like that as [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] is such a great person, and nobody deserves to be bullied by the person they love the most. Ollie’s a very empathetic person and he doesn’t like seeing anyone hurt, whether it be [name_f]Viola[/name_f] or [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] or anyone in his friend group. Ollie’s gone through some pain himself- his mother and father died in a tragic car accident when he was four, so him and his three older sisters (who were all named after trees, Ollie’s being an [name_f]Olive[/name_f] tree) bounced from foster home to foster home until they found the right fit- but they’ve been through their share of abusive ones too, some parents who would yell at them for showing emotion. [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] has tried to forget those moments as he is very happy with his new foster parents.

[name_u]Ollie[/name_u] discovered fashion when he was about seven- his sisters would put on fashion shows in the living room when their foster parents were gone. As some of their parents refused to buy them any dresses for their runway walks, [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] would always find himself improvising- quite literally turning trash into treasure. Whatever he could find could become a beautiful dress. He’d take silky curtains and turn them into iconic wrap dresses, and he would take cardboard and turn it into chunky high heels (that didn’t last very long, in spite of Ollie’s hard work). [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] discovered that he actually had a talent and decided to put his passion to work, joining every fashion club and even joining the middle school newspaper club just to put in an article about fashion.

[name_u]Ollie[/name_u] is in Trixie’s art class and finds himself snipers by her unconventional, straightforward way of teaching- though he respects [name_f]Trixie[/name_f] a lot for trying to combat the bullies. He doesn’t see much of that in his other classes, where the bullies run wild…Ollie has never had a direct encounter with the actual bullies, but he has seen his friends get bullies and has never hesitated to stand up for them. He encourages anxious [name_f]Safiyah[/name_f] to come out of her she’ll and show the world how fierce, talented and awesome she is, but she’s still figuring herself out and she isn’t ready to speak up quite yet. She calls [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] a hypocrite as he still refuses to tell [name_f]Viola[/name_f] how he really feels about her…

:･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧ I’m obsessed with these sparkles aaahhhh yay :･ﾟ✧:･ﾟ✧

[kitkatcookie]

tw: emotional abuse, anxiety

[name_f]Cecelia[/name_f] [name_u]Nyx[/name_u] [name_m]Larson[/name_m] (21) is the second eldest of the siblings and currently attending college, majoring in fashion communication and design - to the shock of absolutely no-one. The impact of certain foster parents, who clearly expected the [name_m]Larson[/name_m] siblings to ‘get over’ their trauma quicker than anyone decent would assume is possible, has led to [name_f]Cecelia[/name_f] having a lot of anxiety. It ranges across a spectrum of things - interpersonal relationships; academic success; walking home when it’s busy on campus - but she’s always been the most reserved of the four, albeit she’s clearly the most reliable one if you need someone to help you out last minute. This is mostly because [name_f]Cecelia[/name_f] has her own car - one she partially saved up for herself while working at a thrift store during high school (unsurprisingly assembling her wardrobe through the establishment too) - and the least hectic schedule as she’s usually hanging out with her roommates at their flat or out looking for sustainable materials for her latest project. She’s jokingly told [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] and her younger sister to attend university as it allows for partying to be scheduled around exams, as while she’s not the wildest of people, several of her friend’s DJ and mix their own tracks, meaning her cohort doesn’t need to go bar hopping for a dance party.

In spite of her nerves, being downright silent whenever meeting new foster parents for the first couple of years and speaking to them by whispering to her older sister, Cecelia’s incredibly supportive of her family and gives measured advise. Now Ollie’s president of the fashion club, she checks in to make sure he isn’t overfacing himself with projects or tasks, and has made it clear if there’s ever a crisis she’s happy to lend a hand (unless exams or uni projects are swamping her). Their other sister - the one between [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] and [name_f]Cecelia[/name_f] - is a definitive popular kid, which the siblings affectionately joke about a lot (namely she’s the A-Lister to their C status); but she’s been spending time at Cecelia’s recently to prepare her own university application, and Cecelia’s started teaching her crochet: one of her favourite means of relaxing, that isn’t listening to an audiobook or going swimming in the pool close by her apartment. Named for the cedar tree, she does sometimes wonder if this spurs her interest in the environment further. [name_f]Cecelia[/name_f] has been to several protest marches with her best friend - who’s also from the foster system, however they were never placed in the same home, instead meeting at school - and doesn’t use her car when it can be avoided.

When she’s feeling stressed, frustrated or just unhappy, it’s still her big sister who [name_f]Cecelia[/name_f] turns to for comfort and advice - the two sharing an incredibly tight bond, which arguably is a product of having the most vivid memories of the worst points of their lives.

[I_meme_it]

trigger warning: emotional abuse

[name_f]Bethan[/name_f] ’ [name_u]Birch[/name_u] ’ [name_u]Asa[/name_u] [name_m]Larson[/name_m] (24) is the older sister of [name_f]Cecelia[/name_f] and eldest [name_m]Larson[/name_m] sibling. Shortly before her parents passing - after learning the reasoning behind everyone’s names - [name_u]Birch[/name_u] decided to take her inspiration as her nickname, a decision her mom and dad found ridiculously endearing, especially as she could sometimes seem a bit moody. After they died, Birch’s resolve was strengthened - in spite of some people giving her weird looks when she started at a new school or was introduced to a new foster placement - and only a few people, not including her siblings, ever refer to her as [name_f]Bethan[/name_f]: namely because she doesn’t always respond out of habit.

[name_u]Birch[/name_u] was always the one who’d fight back when a foster parent belittled them or became angry at their emotional states. In one case, the siblings then-foster father forced her to sleep downstairs as a punishment for shouting back at him when they couldn’t sleep due to the trauma, and she was often labeled the ‘troublemaker’ for her protectiveness. In spite of these experiences, [name_u]Birch[/name_u] has remained resolute in supporting her siblings - it’s just that her career means she’s got more responsibilities now and so she’s bound by this part of her life (not that anyone holds it against her).

After studying textiles and visual communication at university, [name_u]Birch[/name_u] started her own fashion magazine - Hollow n’ Grams - with one of her roommates (a journalism student), and they’ve worked hard to build it up from a college publication into the increasingly successful indie product it now is. She’s in charge of the creative directory: organsing photo shoots; bringing in photographers; makeup artists and hair stylists; selecting designers to work with etc. while her close friend focuses on the writing aspect. [name_u]Birch[/name_u] is interviewing for a PA to help lessen her workload and give her more time to just hang out with her siblings, but she’s being a little cautious as the last time this happened, she instead met her significant other and couldn’t hire them based on principles.

[CherryBomb50]

Acacia Riley Larson (20) is the third sibling of the four and a younger sister of Birch. Acacia is into swimming, originally just going to the pool to escape foster toxicity but has gone on to love it and never wants to stop. Truthfully she’s been a swimmer for a long time, having been taught by her parents when she was 3 and they were still alive. Having the name Acacia is ironic as the acacia tree is known to be water resistant and doesn’t need much water. Birch and her roommate have taken pool pictures of Acacia, to her pleasure. She’s often swimming by the pool at Cecelia’s apartment and is practically a “permanent“ guest there. She is the closest to her older sisters but Ollie is the one she finds the most interesting and believes he has the potential to date Viola. She knows a bit about Safiyah and is worried her relationship with her partner won’t turn out well and can’t imagine someone being so cruel to their partner. She gets along with Aziza but also with Gaia and she can’t choose to be friends with just one.

Gaia was created by @lemon_swirlxx.

Aziza was created by me.

[chamwue]

[name_f]Hanako[/name_f] " [name_f]Hana[/name_f] " Murakami (19) is a college student who works part-time as a lifeguard for money. She and [name_f]Acacia[/name_f] aren’t close, but Acacia’s a very familiar face— so much so that [name_f]Hana[/name_f] always makes sure to say hello to her whenever she can. [name_f]Hana[/name_f] and her coworkers often joke about how [name_f]Acacia[/name_f] is secretly a mermaid and lives in the pool. [name_f]Hana[/name_f] herself has become a lot more friendly with water: as a child she nearly drowned, nearly leaving her with a fear of the depths. However, she conquered her fear and now has a better relationship with water. She thinks her experience with nearly dying has made her a better lifeguard: [name_f]Hana[/name_f] feels as if she knows better than anyone how water can be very dangerous and can easily tell if someone needs help or not.

She’s currently a rising sophomore in college and is majoring in psychology. [name_f]Hana[/name_f] is dorming with her best friend, who isn’t really her best friend anymore as [name_f]Hana[/name_f] caught her cheating on her boyfriend, who happens to be Hana’s twin brother.