🌼 create a family with a twist

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f]Lielle[/name_f] " [name_f]Lela[/name_f] " [name_f]Adrianna[/name_f] Brocard (18) is Eden’s best friend and unknowing object of her affections [obvious as Lela’s never been someone talented at subtly conveying secret information]. A fellow member of a dynasty family, in more ways than one really, [name_f]Lela[/name_f] and [name_f]Eden[/name_f] have known each other since they were ten, introduced when their parents worked together. Although she staunchly supports Eden’s endeavours and projects, [name_f]Lela[/name_f] admits she could never take such a front and centre role. Her passion is for costuming, hair and makeup, having just started a degree in visual communications through the open university.

This decision was influenced by the fact Lela’s currently working on a webseries with her older cousin, who’s graduated film school and is working on a horror comedy series called Project Final [name_f]Girl[/name_f]. She’s very much aware her cousin would like [name_f]Eden[/name_f] to star in this series - as either the lead, [name_f]Emery[/name_f] Mullaine, or major supporting character, [name_f]Peach[/name_f] St. [name_f]Claire[/name_f] - however approaching her friend is something Lela’s been cautious about, not wanting [name_f]Eden[/name_f] to feel pressured given their closeness. And that’s not even touching studies on top of acting.

The Brocard legacy is newer than the [name_m]Harding[/name_m] one, with [name_f]Lela[/name_f], her cousin and younger sister jokingly calling themselves ‘new money’. Lela’s father is an influential and respected cinematographer, as well as the unacknowledged son of a famous director, something that the family prefer to not talk about at his request. [name_f]Eden[/name_f] is one of the few people Lela’s trusted with the full story about her estranged grandfather, something she admits she feels only someone like [name_f]Eden[/name_f] can wholly understand. He’s retired from Hollywood - a blessing for Lela’s dad in truth - but hearing his name’s not the best thing in their household.

Lela’s younger sister is currently pursuing Broadway herself, albeit as a dancer instead of a singer and actress. She’s taken a somewhat fresh approach by not clamouring [name_f]Eden[/name_f] for insight though, telling [name_f]Lela[/name_f] she wants to learn by herself and not bother anyone else with questions. The only help she’s willing to accept from [name_f]Lela[/name_f] is costuming, as she’s ideal at sourcing pieces and bringing together looks for the variety of dances her sister participates in, and the showiness does appeal to her.

[I_meme_it]

mw: deadbeat dad to the nth degree

[name_f]Calista[/name_f] ’ Liss ’ [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] [name_m]Campion[/name_m] (26), known professionally as C.X.Campion, is Lela’s cousin and director, who created Project Final [name_f]Girl[/name_f], which has recently commenced its early production stages. The pair are related through their parents being brother and sister, sharing the same father, legendary drama and period piece film director, [name_m]Richard[/name_m] H. Athwell, who left his family around the time his career began picking up, deciding the perks of suburban fatherhood were ‘holding back’ his creative visions - a decision that led to both of his children going by their mothers’ maiden name, Brocard, with it only changing for Liss’ mom when she got married.

A small source of assurance for the family Athwell cut off is that he had no further children and didn’t subject anyone to the pantomime of him pretending to be a good parent. He’s had two failed marriages since his first divorce and is currently dating a much younger woman, who Liss openly states she hopes is merely using him for his money. After all, fame is what matters to him, right, given what he put his kids through?

This is what has drawn Liss to the ‘underdog’ genres as she calls them, namely horror, as she wants to see their statuses climb alongside their more mainstream peers. She does enjoy some period settings and ideas, however wants to establish herself elsewhere before approaching what her estranged grandfather defined himself in creating, which has led to her webseries being conceived. Liss is being cautious in how she goes about assembling the project though, not wanting to be overconfident or forget how things can easily go south.

Her brother took a wholly different path to her and their cousins’, becoming an accountant. This is something Liss reminds [name_f]Lela[/name_f] paid off for him though, as he works for a very well-respected, high profile firm and he recently got engaged. As the single one of the duo, Liss of course enjoys teasing him about how ridiculously mushy he is with his fiance, very much considering it a responsibility to be an annoying younger sister. She does compensate her brother by letting him come visit her beloved Australian sheepdog, Frisbee, whenever he asks though.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_m]Sinai[/name_m] " [name_f]Nan[/name_f] " [name_f]Cassia[/name_f] Brocard (15) is Lela’s younger sister and Liss’ Broadway hopeful cousin. Dance is the first and foremost love of Nans’ life, dominating her interests, although it means academics aren’t exactly a priority. To compromise with their parents, who don’t want [name_f]Nan[/name_f] wholly ignoring her grades [although by no means are they obsessed with As], they’ve got her a tutor, who she’s come to jokingly refer to Liss. The woman in question has mentioned she’s participated in amateur theatre before, and given Project Final [name_f]Girl[/name_f] is casting, [name_f]Nan[/name_f] wanted to return her patience and kindness - listening to every way maths is terribly boring being the main thing - by using what connections she isn’t embarassed in passing on [as it could sound needlessly boastful].

In Nans’ eyes, her tutor would be perfect for the role of [name_f]Heidi[/name_f] Fordland - a sheriff’s deputy and mentor figure to [name_f]Emery[/name_f] Mullaine - however she hasn’t name dropped quite so shamelessly…yet. Her mom affectionately acknowledges that [name_f]Nan[/name_f] loves to ‘scheme’ on the behalf of others, starting when she composed a Valentine’s letter on the behalf of her friend, leading to him speaking to his crush, who’s now his boyfriend. And yes, [name_f]Nan[/name_f] is very proud of that accomplishment.

One of her best friends is Japanese and named [name_m]Nana[/name_m], which leads to the pair often joking about the manga of the same name. [name_f]Nan[/name_f] is someone very enthused about learning and appreciating more cultures, a product in part from her mom, who’s a second generation Lithuanian-American. She’s began learning to speak Lithuanian more recently, although it’s going slower than she first hoped, as [name_f]Nan[/name_f] recently got invited to some workshops focusing on Broadway style routines. Although she’s been downplaying just how excited she is, [name_f]Nan[/name_f] is overjoyed to be taking this next step, but at the same time, she’s keeping hush hush about what she’s learning.

[I_meme_it]

[name_f]Melina[/name_f] [name_f]Tuesday[/name_f] Dry (15) - pictured with her ‘one true love’, [name_f]Dandelion[/name_f], the newest addition to her family - is one of Nans’ close friends and confidents about her dance career. [name_f]An[/name_f] aspiring musician, [name_f]Melina[/name_f] is a percussionist, who used to play drums in a group merely known as TSB, aka The [name_f]Secret[/name_f] Band. Unfortunately the band folded around the time when its members were moving up to high school, as creative differences and personality clashes took over. It became obvious that the musical direction of the group and song writing selection were a major source of contention, with some people, such as [name_f]Melina[/name_f], feeling overlooked because they wanted to be more experimental.

She was among the first to go, however has remained close with former backing vocalist [name_f]Elaine[/name_f] [name_f]Bizou[/name_f], and the bass player, who she’s actually still collaborating with in a creative capacity, as they were friends before being invited to join the group by its lead singer, [name_f]Zara[/name_f] [name_m]Cooper[/name_m]. The duo have made it clear should [name_f]Elaine[/name_f] ever want to work with them the offer is open, and more recently she’s shown more openenss to this, after overcoming her worries it would take away time for her boyfriend, [name_m]Cordian[/name_m].

While at one time [name_f]Melina[/name_f] held some upset towards some of her fellow bandmates, venting to [name_f]Nan[/name_f], [name_m]Nana[/name_m] and their friend group, as well as her two older siblings, she’s mellowed more as time’s gone on. As someone who often tried to encourage cooperation, it got under her skin that she was then ignored when trying to make input, after working so hard to ensure everyone was working together well. Her increase in confidence has helped with this process, and [name_f]Melina[/name_f] now feels that even if someone tried dismissing her, she’d not shy away from asserting herself: not to fight but to just make her point clear.

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Zara was created by @Swimmere1223

Elaine was created by @CherryBomb50

Cordian was created by @moonwriteen

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taaaaaaaags!

@I.have.no.idea
@mynameis1
@lever_du_soleil
@avenmaide
@Tasia
@Sophie_sawriter
@DaughterDuck

[chamwue]

[name_m]Nana[/name_m] Watanabe (16) is a mutual friend of [name_f]Nan[/name_f] and [name_f]Melina[/name_f], and is Nan’s best friend. [name_m]Nana[/name_m] and [name_f]Nan[/name_f] initially became friends over their similar names, but ultimately bonded over their shared dream of appearing on Broadway someday. [name_m]Nana[/name_m], who is blessed with perfect pitch and has been dancing since she was a child, loves to perform. She’d go as far to say that it’s her lifelong dream to perform on Broadway with [name_f]Nan[/name_f] by her side— something that they’ve done in community theatre, but not yet on the big stage.

[name_m]Even[/name_m] though [name_m]Nana[/name_m] shows real promise in becoming a stage actress, her parents aren’t so sure of the dream. It’s mainly because they’re afraid of how insecure the job is as a whole; the stories of struggling actors exist for a reason, after all. Though, she’s planning on showing them all up by auditioning for Project Final [name_f]Girl[/name_f]— to prove that she, in fact, can make it to stardom. She plans on auditioning for the role of [name_m]Jules[/name_m] Yamamoto, Emery’s love interest and rival. She doesn’t know how the process entirely works, though, so she’s been reaching out to their school’s drama teacher, who’s been a big help. [name_m]Nana[/name_m] absolutely wants it all, and refuses to compromise anything in relation to her dream.

This, like [name_f]Nan[/name_f], has meant that her academics aren’t really a priority. Somehow, Nana’s been a completely average C+ student, which [name_m]Nana[/name_m] finds amazing, since she barely studies and is known for doing homework extremely last minute. As a compromise to her parents, she’s been staying after school to at least complete her homework. This compromise has led to her having a contentious relationship with her twin brother, [name_f]Naoko[/name_f], because their parents are pressuring him to do well in academics. [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] thinks that it’s not fair that [name_m]Nana[/name_m] is given a pass because of her talents, and [name_m]Nana[/name_m] isn’t doing anything to soothe his ruffled feathers.

Other than [name_f]Melina[/name_f] and [name_f]Nan[/name_f], [name_m]Nana[/name_m] is also friends with the president of the National Arts [name_m]Honour[/name_m] Society— a club dedicated to the arts. She’s a member and helps them with murals and the like, leading to their school halls to be beautifully adorned with artwork.

[cara_murvolio]

[name_f]Alessandra[/name_f] Volta Laurento (16) is another member of [name_f]Nan[/name_f], [name_m]Nana[/name_m] and Melinas’ friend group, and the person who introduced [name_m]Nana[/name_m] to the president of the National Arts Honour Society. Having come out as trans masc a year ago, Laurento gravitated towards the club as it’s president also primarily uses they pronouns - specifically they/she - which helped them feel more comfortable within the group setting. The president is someone who’s mentored them often, and Laurento has thought about applying to be their successor when they graduate.

Usually sculpting little gremlins and monsters out of clay, Laurento credits this as a product of being raised on so many old Hollywood monster movies, as their dad’s a film archivist. This made him very excited when Laurento befriended [name_f]Nan[/name_f] Brocard in middle school, however he hasn’t used them to clout chase, he’s never been that sort of man (so of course Laurento and their older sister jokingly insist he is).

With their talents, Laurento has been asked if they’d like to come and learn more about stop motion on the set of Project Final [name_f]Girl[/name_f], which is something they’ve accepted after being given a push by [name_m]Nana[/name_m]. Laurento’s also the person who jokingly addresses [name_f]Nan[/name_f] and [name_m]Nana[/name_m] by their surnames, starting from the fact they always prefer to be known by theirs. [name_m]Even[/name_m] before they realised their gender identity it felt more natural, and the reasoning for [name_f]Nan[/name_f] and [name_m]Nana[/name_m] started when a classmate kept getting them mixed up, so Laurento decided to provide some guidelines themselves.

---

@mynameis1
@autumn.leaves
@lever_du_soleil
@olivelovesnames
@szinkle

[DaughterDuck]

TW: anxiety, death of a grandparent, parental issues and sibling rivalry and being closeted

[name_f]Naoko[/name_f] Watanabe (16), Nana’s twin brother, has been living in her shadow his entire life, and he never seemed to be entirely comfortable in it. He’s always been inhibited and aloof from others, even when he was small. His only friends were his twin sister and grandmother, for [name_m]Nana[/name_m] would always find new and exciting ways to get a smile out of him, and his sobo [name_f]Kazuko[/name_f], in her gentle and patient manner, understood him in a way that nobody else did. When he and [name_m]Nana[/name_m] were 7 years old, his family moved to away to [name_f]America[/name_f], leaving [name_f]Kazuko[/name_f] behind. Not having the greatest grasp of conversational [name_f]English[/name_f], he relied on his twin sister to communiate for him, further isolating him from his peers. Over the years, as she blossomed in her talents, she began to find more like-minded people as company, leaving [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] behind.

Things started looking up in high school, when a ragtag group of TTRPG players encouraged him to join them. Although he was tenative at first, he soon found his stride there. [name_m]Math[/name_m] was second nature to him so he loved to conjure up tables and probablity stats. All those years of watching the people around him made him a great storyteller, and his group anticipated what characters he would play next. When the group’s “forever-DM” was forced to move 5 states away, [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] almost immediately took his place. Although the group’s attendance can be spotty, [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] finds them to be loyal and supportive friends, and he wouldn’t trade them for anything.

[name_f]Naoko[/name_f] sports a nearly perfect A average. Keeping up with his high academics has taken a physical and emotional toll on him, as he stays up to almost unweldy hours to study and feels nauseous every time he picks up another textbook. He feels like his parents have given up on [name_m]Nana[/name_m] entirely and shove all their hopes and ambitions on him, with their constant reminders of working for his future and wanting his efforts to focus solely on getting into a [name_f]Ivy[/name_f] League. Secretly, [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] desires to have a quiet life as a fantasy writer, but he understands that if he’s not a doctor or lawyer by 25, his family will freak out as a result. He takes all his stress and nerves out on [name_m]Nana[/name_m], where they’ll have arguments nearly every day about almost everything. She flaunts her leading lady status in turn, which only manages to drive [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] up a wall. He wishes that [name_f]Kazuko[/name_f] was around to soothe his worries. He used to email her every week, asking about how she’s been and seeking out her advice. She remained a helpful presence into his life up until last year, where she was killed in a head-on collision in [name_m]East[/name_m] Fukuoka Although he and his family were too far away to attend her funeral, not a day goes by where she escapes Naoko’s mind.

Never having dated anyone before, [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] secretly identifies as bisexual, as he finds that he has crushes on both men and women. While he is not afraid of coming out to anyone, he simply wants to be in a steady relationship before he announces anything.

[cara_murvolio]

[name_m]James[/name_m] " Katz " [name_m]Alaric[/name_m] Katzenhauer (17) is someone [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] has had a crush on for some time, not that he’d dare say it. Partly this is because Katz is friendly with [name_m]Nana[/name_m], and the friction between the twins is something [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] wants to never collide with his dating life. However the main reason for this lack of confession is because, at the time his infatuation started, Katz wasn’t in a relationship. Now though he is, with [name_f]Melina[/name_f] Dry’s close friend and former bassist of the band TSB being his girlfriend.

[name_f]Naoko[/name_f] met Katz as he’s best friends with the former “forever-DM”, having known them since they pair were in kindergarten, and he regularly visits them, usually bringing news to the group about non D&D related life stuff. He actually used to be involved with the group sporadically prior to his best friends’ dad getting a new job, and this is why he’s kept friendly contact with them, as it means a lot having that reminder about school on a regular basis. But Katz’ dedication really is with the school paper, as more than anything he wants to become an author some day.

Since getting with his girlfriend, he’s tried his hand at song writing and script composing too, the latter being encouraged by [name_m]Nana[/name_m], something [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] would rather not hear about. He’s somewhat aware the two have had conflict and worries this is why [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] sometimes seems so shy around him - as while he’s very affable and good humoured, Katz is also oblivious to the feelings he can spark in people. His girlfriend can attest to this, as she was the one to ask him out after her hints were completely missed!

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[name_f]Melina[/name_f] was created by @I_meme_it

[CherryBomb50]

[name_f]Serenella[/name_f] [name_f]Gioia[/name_f] Laurento (18) is a fellow collaborator on the school paper with Katz, being the chairperson. [name_f]Serenella[/name_f] is planning for Katz to take over as chairperson next year after she graduates, and recently told him. She shares a close bond with Laurento and finds them going by their last name “cool and official”. [name_f]Serenella[/name_f] has no official nickname but she’s cool with just about anyone calling her any nickname. Laurento is going to sculpt a little gremlin with a cap and gown for her on her graduation day and they’ve really done an excellent job keeping that secret from [name_f]Serenella[/name_f] for the time being. Laurento knows [name_f]Serenella[/name_f] has no idea or she’d be hyping non-stop about gremlins every time she saw her sibling. [name_f]Serenella[/name_f] isn’t good at hiding stuff she knows about. As for Katz’ girlfriend liking him, she didn’t know because she’s even worse at reading flirt signs.

[name_f]Serenella[/name_f] only knows a little about TSB but considers the backstory to be “interesting lore”. [name_f]Serenella[/name_f] is friends with a lot of people at the school and was surprised about [name_f]Naoko[/name_f] falling for Katz at some point. She is kind to the Watanabe siblings especially given the bond of [name_m]Nana[/name_m] with her sib Laurento though she’s not sure if she’s very artsy. She is in terms of fashion and in writing, but she’s honestly unsure what to do for a career. It’s awkward for [name_f]Serenella[/name_f] to get asked by younger students what she wants to be when she finishes uni. She feels she’s most likely getting into writing given her spot as school paper chairperson for the year but worries about the competition. She thinks Katz’s girlfriend is also a keeper since his girlfriend was also someone [name_f]Serenella[/name_f] felt comfortable telling about Katz’s chairperson-to-be status. They have a lot of good similarities but a lot of variety in their personalities, plus Katz’s girlfriend is cool and gets along with a lot of people too.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f]Delilah[/name_f] " [name_m]Dell[/name_m] " [name_f]Paige[/name_f] Kayton (16) is Katzs’ girlfriend and former bassist of TSB, who’s gone on to found another band since the folding of that group, High Altitude. Although she’s only told a few people about this, [name_m]Dell[/name_m] feels her current cohort are better suited to the pursuing of music long-term, mostly because they’re all older, a bit more mature and have a consistent vision, which allows them to easily discuss plans. She’s not airing the dirty laundry of those she used to perform alongside, however [name_m]Dell[/name_m] very much was in the same boat as her friend [name_f]Melina[/name_f].

The primary difference between the pair is [name_m]Dell[/name_m] wasn’t against arguing for her voice to be considered more, and this was a source of tension, which she does feel guilty for when looking back, given how other people felt when the disagreements flared up properly. Part of this stems from how [name_m]Dell[/name_m] is the youngest of three and spent the first decade of her life being bossed around by her brothers, so speaking up for herself is something she grew to perfect eventually. She knows her brothers, and her former bandmates in TSB, weren’t malicious in how they acted, it’s just that [name_m]Dell[/name_m] highly values being able to share her thoughts, some would say more so as she spent time being told what to do.

On weekends [name_m]Dell[/name_m] works at her parents animal supplies store, which technically caters mostly to equestrians and farm animals: goats and sheep funnily enough, as there’s a pretty sizeable community of horse enthusiasts and farmers surrounding the town where the Kaytons’ live. Her family actually own two rescue goats, as her maternal granddad left sizeable plots of land to his children, allowing Dell’s parents enough space to comfortably house the duo: Squeaky and Clean. [name_m]Dell[/name_m] absolutely loves them and actually has incorporated them into requested artwork for High Altitude, which is designed by one of Serenellas’ close friends - co-president of the Fashion and Textiles Society.

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Melina’s creditsd to @I_meme_it

[cara_murvolio]

[name_m]Theodore[/name_m] " [name_m]Theo[/name_m] " [name_m]Basil[/name_m] St. [name_m]John[/name_m] (17) is the drummer of High Altitude, who joined the band thanks to being a friendly acquaintance of Katz. Having a ‘resting grump face’, as his sister jokingly calls it, [name_m]Theo[/name_m] does have a habit of seeming a bit stern and moody at first glance, but this is mostly a product of being introverted and not wanting a great deal of attention. Although he’s comfortable performing with the band, [name_m]Theo[/name_m] prefers to just keep it at that: appearing on stage and then getting privacy once he’s done, instead of being asked lots of questions, something the other members respect.

He actually spends a fair amount of time with [name_f]Melina[/name_f], Dells’ close friend, who collaborates with the band as a songwriter. As they’re both percussionists, this has allowed them to bond quickly, and as the St. John’s own three rescue dogs themselves, her doting so much to [name_f]Dandelion[/name_f] is something [name_m]Theo[/name_m] completely understands. The dog he’s closest to is [name_m]Frost[/name_m], a three-legged White [name_m]Shepherd[/name_m], who’s very shy.

Something [name_m]Theo[/name_m] won’t let anyone know - especially his big sister, who he says is ‘off annoying people at college’ - is that he actually has nursed a crush on [name_f]Serenella[/name_f] for several years. He has considered talking to [name_m]Dell[/name_m] and Katz about this, but actually talking about it feels like a recipe for the gossip machine making him their new point of focus. [name_m]Theo[/name_m] also admits the fact his sister has been with her girlfriend for several years makes him worry more about dating, as he doesn’t want to seem a ‘failure’ to their parents.

[wandering_willow]

Michelle Athena ‘ Shell ‘ Ratcliffe (16) is the lead vocalist of High Altitudes, a close friend and little sister figure of Theo, and friendly acquaintance of Serenella. Shell is largely unaware of Theo’s crush on Serenella, and is oblivious to most of this kind of stuff, but would happily support the pair if they ever did end up getting together. A natural bubbly personality, Shell’s uplifting nature and angelic voice are arguably what holds the group together. Shell has loved singing since she was a little kid, and when she saw the e opportunity to join the band, she leapt at it.

The band is Shell’s saving grace- she’s very bad in school (mainly because she spends so much time ant her jobs) and the Ratcliffes are a low-income family on the bad side of job. Shell works two jobs at an Irish pub and sports bar called Shenanigans’ Club as a buzzer and a dishwasher to make ends meet. She doesn’t really talk about any of this with the group as she doesn’t want to make a scene or cause problems, and she’s more interested in focusing on the good things than perseverating on the bad ones. When she grows up, she’s hoping to go to Hollywood and make it big- she knows it’s far-fetched, but it’s her dream, and who would she be to give up on her dream?

Aside from her band, Shell also has some independent solos floating around on YouTube and SoundCloud- she enjoys creating beats in her free time with GarageBand as well, and one of her songs has recently gained a little more traction online, but she doesn’t want to tell anyone because she doesn’t want to get her hopes too high and she prefers to focus on her band, who she considers her “second family”. In the meantime, she’s planning to keep producing her tunes and working her hardest in the band.

[I_meme_it]

cw: anxiety discussed; grandparent death

Wuhao ’ [name_m]Levi[/name_m] ’ Niu (16), pictured with his beloved cat Charcoal, is the lead guitartist of High Altitude, who’s somewhat of a polar opposite of [name_m]Shell[/name_m], at least in how he’s a ‘born pessimist’ - as his older sister calls him. Levi’s always been cautious about the future and prefers to not get his hopes up without good reasoning thanks to his struggles with anxiety. Having been diagnosed when he was fourteen, things have become easier for Levi’s to manage since he had actual answers for his frequent nerves, but it doesn’t mean he’s oblivious or assumes an answer is going to change everything. Thanks to how sensitive this information is, only [name_m]Theo[/name_m] really knows the extent of what Levi’s experienced, as they’ve been friends since middle school, meeting at the band camp programme put on for students each summer.

Alongside his music, Levi’s a member of the [name_m]Chess[/name_m] Team, which has surprised some people, as it doesn’t match what they consider the ‘coolness’ a guitarist should embody. [name_m]Chess[/name_m] has particular meaning to [name_m]Levi[/name_m], as he started practising with his grandfather, who passed away last year. Competing isn’t the be all and end all for him, but socialising is what he enioys most about joining the group, having met some of his closest friends through it. [name_m]Dell[/name_m] actually talked [name_m]Levi[/name_m] into writing a song discussing the game through a more dramatic lens, and they’ve now begun composing music to add it to their set lists, as she and [name_m]Theo[/name_m] in particular are staunchly against doing cover after cover.

Compared to the others, [name_m]Levi[/name_m] knows he seems the most aloof and distant of the group, although it doesn’t bother him. [name_m]Even[/name_m] [name_m]Theo[/name_m], who prefers avoiding constant attention, doesn’t project the same air as [name_m]Levi[/name_m] does, but they joke he needs to teach his friend how to achieve this for peace of mind. It’s most helpful for [name_m]Levi[/name_m] when he goes to visit his sister, who’s in her second year of college, and he gets the train solo, where the last thing he wants is an impromptu extended discussion with a stranger. For their differences - her being a social butterfly and preferring humanities over the arts - the siblings share a close bond, although people usually just notice how they rib each other frequently. [name_m]Levi[/name_m] was the first family member to know his sister had met her significant other - who’s nonbinary - and helped her break the news when she felt ready.

[DaughterDuck]

TW: funeral, implied death by childbirth

[name_f]Francesca[/name_f] “Frankie” [name_f]Kirsten[/name_f] Wakeman (15) is the lead keyboardist of High Altitude, having joined the band the summer before. On the surface, she seems very laid-back, willing to learn songs or become a appreciative listener at a moment’s notice. Once somebody gets her talking, though, it’s almost impossible for her to stop! Most of her chatter is jokes, which tend to be brash, if not down right crude. While she shines in the limelight of the stage, the most difficult part of performing for her is being consistent. Although she and the band both share a passionate creative vision, she can struggle to keep focus, something that she tries her best to work out with her bandmates.

She recently moved in from [name_f]Louisiana[/name_f], as she and her family were stationed in her father’s hometown. While her many siblings serve as decent company in a pinch, she truly wants to explore her surroundings outside her base. She’s doing well in both the chess and the music club this year, even after annoying [name_m]Levi[/name_m] by not knowing what a back rank was. Her confidential worry about being so committed to her interests have come to torment [name_f]Frankie[/name_f], however. While she knows that her father’s job is a staple to his life and even plans on joining in his footsteps when she graduates, [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] wonders what her life would be like if she could have settled down sooner.

Being the youngest out of her friend group, [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] strives to appear on their level of maturity, even at her own detriment. She holds a gig at the concessions in the downtown movie theater, scribbling down lyrics and coming up with riffs on her downtime. They’re all held in a sketchbook she keeps in the depths of her backpack, filled with light-hearted scribbles and caricatures of the families and elderly that usually patrol her workplace. Jarringly, most of her writing seems to be oddly retrospective and cynical, with her latest piece, “Lady In The Grass”. delving into her first encounters with death at her cousin’s funeral, her life cut short by the notion of bringing life itself. In spite of being polished with weeks of rewrites and editing, she’s hesitant about showing the resulting creations with the band, deeming them “too personal” to reveal. Although Frankie’s a natural at reading people, she rarely lets those in her life catch a good view at her.

(Sorry if my writing sucks here!)

[Lindseylloyd052399]

[name_f]Natalia[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] [name_f]Moya[/name_f] (nb) is Frankie’s cousin’s baby. She was born in the birth center near her parents’ home. She was a water birth. Her mom, Frankie’s cousin, died from complications of the birth, but she still has her dad, whom [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] is close to since Natalia’s mom died. [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] is considered a daddy’s girl, and [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] is like an honorary mom to her.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for death by childbirth

[name_f]Esther[/name_f] “ [name_f]Terrie[/name_f] “ [name_f]Ida[/name_f] [name_f]Melrose[/name_f] (56) is Natalia’s maternal grandmother and Frankie’s aunt. While she’s never been uncomfortably strict, she’s been grumpy and unhappy a lot. Many of them know that it’s best not to disturb [name_f]Terrie[/name_f] during these times and she will be nice if you respect that. She’s been like that from time to time being a single mother to three, but it’s more prominent since the passing of her daughter. Natalia’s mother was the middle child of [name_f]Terrie[/name_f] and [name_f]Terrie[/name_f] tried her hardest not to let her feel overshadowed by either sibling. Her late daughter would try as well even despite less-than-appreciative comparisons of the [name_f]Melrose[/name_f] siblings from people outside the family. Her late daughter was closest in age to the eldest than the youngest, so the youngest was babied a lot more often. At least when the youngest was a baby! Another reason for Terrie’s unhappiness was Levi’s grandfather’s passing the year before, as ironically she knew him too. He coached her in chess and she attended his funeral. She felt it a silver lining when [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] and her siblings moved from [name_f]Louisiana[/name_f] and now live closer with her, something she felt was an important moment in her coping. She naturally feels a bond with the Niu family and is happy [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] and [name_m]Levi[/name_m] would end up being friends and band mates.

The youngest child of [name_f]Terrie[/name_f] attends the same school as [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] and was the unofficial “guide” for [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] when she moved to the new school. Frankie’s well adjusted now but she has a stronger bond with that cousin. [name_f]Terrie[/name_f] can’t imagine how her life is without her daughter and found the funeral exceptionally painful for her, but stuck through it for the sake of her late daughter. [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] is Terrie’s first grandchild so she feels a new role in her life as a grandmother, though under circumstances she would never want to face. She is okay with [name_f]Frankie[/name_f] or other female relatives having honourary maternal connections with [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] but is insistent her daughter is irreplaceable. [name_m]Even[/name_m] [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] herself isn’t a replacement despite her birth and the death of Natalia’s mother colliding. [name_f]Terrie[/name_f] doesn’t perceive the baby as “instead of” and doesn’t want high expectations on such a small infant. [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] is [name_f]Natalia[/name_f], and that’s all she really needs to be at the moment. [name_f]Terrie[/name_f] has worked less since this devastating loss, working as an accountant and striving a lot for normalcy, but now wrapping her head around realising it’s okay not to have a normal life. She’s not okay with what happened to her daughter but she takes solace that it was not anyone’s fault. Her family has been supportive of her but she doesn’t constantly try to overshadow their grief with her own – after all, her own daughter lived a life trying to avoid being overshadowed.

[I.have.no.idea]

TW: death by childbirth & grief

Vivianne Sharlottie Melrose ‘Viv’ (16) is Terrie’s younger daughter. Viv is very kind and empathetic but also has a very silly side with those she trusts. Though she loves her mom , she isn’t very close with her since her two older siblings basically raised her since Terrie was in work full time when she born. The death of her sister was really hard on Viv since she was basically a second mother to her and would listen to any of Viv’s problems and dramas and Viv would treat her the same. Viv has had trouble visiting Natalia as she looks very similar to Viv’s sister and reminds Viv of her sister.

Viv has been super supported by her two best friends who have been so kind and thoughtful through her grief process. The three of them met at their school’s track team in sixth grade and have been inseperable since. Viv is also very close with Frankie but the two of them have drifted since their in two very different social groups.

[I_meme_it]

cw: grief

[name_m]Alistair[/name_m] ’ [name_m]Alec[/name_m] ’ [name_m]Waylon[/name_m] [name_f]Melrose[/name_f] (29) is Viv’s brother and the oldest of the siblings, a title he’s kept as - even though his sister has passed - he refuses to erase her place and legacy within the family. Although his schedule as an architect has got more hectic in recent months, [name_m]Alec[/name_m] always makes sure he’s got time to see his family, especially [name_f]Natalia[/name_f], who he adores. Something he is aware of though, and tries to avoid, is the trap of seeing her as wholly a reminder of his late sister, as he doesn’t want his niece somehow feeling she has to embody her late mother, or that it’s solely what defines her within their family.

Another thing [name_m]Alec[/name_m] has is a long term friendship with his brother-in-law (technically his late sister never married, but he uses that term for her partner), and they’re closer in the wake of the tragedy, with [name_m]Alec[/name_m] offering a listening ear as much as he can, given he wants to protect his parents from enduring more pain. [name_m]Alec[/name_m] and his partner live a 15 minute walk away from where his brother-in-law and [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] are, so he’s also the most practical family member to stop by at unusual hours or at the last minute, with the exception being if the needs of their cockatoo, [name_m]Mozart[/name_m], are especially important.

Named by Alecs’ partner - who’s nonbinary and a professional orchestra member - he insists that the mostly self-interested nature of their pet suits him perfectly, as after a day hearing people argue about what shape of window they’d like, having [name_m]Mozart[/name_m] just preening is a welcome change than more demands. His partner actually used to babysit one of Viv’s two best friends as well, which of course is something his youngest sister has sworn him to not mention much, should it unleash major embarrassment - and for how he can be sarcastic at the least ideal of moments, [name_m]Alec[/name_m] hasn’t broken this promise.

[name_m]Alec[/name_m] also jokingly calls himself ‘the nerd to Viv’s jock’ as he’s never been good at sports and preferred academics. Partly this is due to his asthma, which gave him exemption at school to several things, but he’s also upfront about naturally not having interest in it. One of his fondest memories is when he learned to swim with his late sister though, and it’s a memory [name_m]Alec[/name_m] admits to being a comfort mechanism while he processes the loss of her.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for death of a parent by cancer and aforementioned MLMs.

[name_f]Verona[/name_f] “ [name_m]Vero[/name_m] “ [name_f]Allegro[/name_f] McCormack (29) is Alec’s partner, who loves orchestra and lives up to their middle name. They still go by their first, feeling “ [name_f]Allegro[/name_f] “ is just too matchy for their career. They’re the middle child, something they relate with Alec’s late sister over, and [name_m]Vero[/name_m] was raised by their mother most of their life. Unlike [name_f]Terrie[/name_f], Vero’s mother wasn’t always single in raising her children, this occurred to due to the death of her father by stomach cancer. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] is also close with their elder sibling [name_f]Vesper[/name_f] and provided the soundtrack for her documentary exposing a multi-level marketing. Vero’s babysitting was a way to find their own place, especially when they wanted to show their responsibility. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] never felt like they had to do less than [name_f]Vesper[/name_f] just because [name_f]Vesper[/name_f] was the eldest, though this was mainly due to the stress put on by their mother in her life. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] finds it ironic that [name_f]Vesper[/name_f] and [name_m]Alec[/name_m] are both the eldest and both dating a non-binary partner, especially given the irony that [name_m]Vero[/name_m] and [name_f]Vesper[/name_f] got into relationships around the same time. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] sees a lot of her mother’s emotional struggles in [name_f]Terrie[/name_f], which is why she’s been very empathetic. They have a lighthearted sense to them when babysitting, something Viv’s friend knows but understandably finds cringey, which [name_m]Vero[/name_m] is cool with.

Some people think [name_m]Vero[/name_m] is overly proper due to their love for the orchestra, but they can be casual too, especially with cockatoo [name_m]Mozart[/name_m]. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] loves that [name_m]Alec[/name_m] let them pick the name. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] loves rock music too, despite people thinking they’d never listen to it. They’re a fan of late Austrian musician [name_m]Falco[/name_m], and insist he’s not a one-hit wonder, and he had a lot of glorious hits in his native [name_f]Austria[/name_f]. Still they can’t help but know that “Rock Me Amadeus” is what got them into listening and helped bridge the idea of rock music being inspired by classical music. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] is more brain than brawn and feels mutually with [name_m]Alec[/name_m], though [name_m]Vero[/name_m] had some childhood history enjoying lacrosse and rugby. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] has been on good terms with Natalia’s father, now that he has to take the role as a single parent, though Natalia’s mother won’t be forgotten. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] never expected [name_m]Alec[/name_m] and Viv’s sister to pass away though they’ve felt a sense of repayment. [name_m]Alec[/name_m] had always comforted [name_m]Vero[/name_m] over the loss of their father, never telling them to “get over it” no matter how long it’s been. And now with the grief raw on [name_m]Alec[/name_m] and the [name_f]Melrose[/name_f] family’s side, [name_m]Vero[/name_m] will always be there for them.

Vesper was created by @kitkatcookie.

[DaughterDuck]

TW: death by childbirth, homophobia, child neglect

[name_f]Gwendolyn[/name_f] “Gwen” [name_f]Roshelle[/name_f] [name_f]Melrose[/name_f] (died at 27) was the middle child of the Melrose’s and Natalia’s late mother, whose loss stains the lives of many. All throughout her life, she loved caring for little ones, and even worked as a children’s librarian up to her death. While she and her partner wanted to wait until their 30’s to have children, they saw [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] as a lovely surprise and were determined to give her a good life. It was decided that [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] would continue working after her maternity leave, as her significant other’s father was absent throughout most of his childhood, and he wanted to make sure that he could always be available for his wife and children.

Her academics could never be as high as Alec’s, and she was too old to be pampered much like [name_f]Viv[/name_f], but [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] had been something equally important. She was the heart of her family. She took great care of both siblings, like fixing Viv’s scraped knees or helping [name_m]Alec[/name_m] cram for a mighty exam. [name_m]Vero[/name_m] was like a sibling to her, as they both bonded over liking heavier music early on. Her closest friend, however, was [name_f]Rose[/name_f], who she had met in kindergarten. When she was teased in middle school over coming out as a lesbian in the mid 2000’s, [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] stood valiantly beside her, letting others know that despite her mild demeanor, she certainly was not meek. [name_f]Rose[/name_f], in turn, helped her
find her true love years later, an act she was truly grateful for.

Hippie at heart, [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] loved being around nature whenever she could. Whether it’d be camping, walking in the woods, or just stopping to smell the flowers, she treasured every moment. She kept a small garden in her backyard, full of luscious produce and flora. She’d give out her barrings freely, wanting everyone to enjoy them. The later months of her pregnancy were riddled by fatigue, where she’d still make time to care for her patch. Otherwise, her health remained stable until shortly after Natalia’s birth, where she started to feel a sudden, overwhelming panic. She begged her mother to call over a doctor right that second, before losing consciousness a few minutes later. She was then transferred to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead at admission At her wish, her ashes were spread over her garden, to ensure that a piece of her will stay with her loved ones, always.