🌟 create a family with a twist

[chamwue]

[name_f]Margaret[/name_f] " [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] " [name_f]Lily[/name_f] [name_m]Jones[/name_m] (16) is Kiera’s cousin on her father’s side. A lot of people say she and [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] look like siblings, but [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] doesn’t think so. Her friends all disagree, however, despite her chagrin.

A junior in high school with a fervent passion for music, [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] is an indie musician who’s stage name is “maisie” in all lowercase. She mostly makes music out of her bedroom on free music-making programs such as Garageband, but that’s because she’s deathly afraid of her family finding out about her so-called secret. [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] suffers from moderate social anxiety, and the idea of the people that she knows discovering her music without her permission freaks her out to the point where it makes her not want to make music anymore. By the support of her best friend and manager, [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] has thankfully avoided instances where she almost deleted everything she’s ever worked on, but still has her issues surrounding her work.

[name_f]Maisie[/name_f] has a small, but tight-knit group of friends that she’s known since they were in the third grade. She’s navigated school with the five of them and she could not ask for better friends. She loves all of them platonically… except her best friend/manager, whom she has a massive crush on. [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] says the one (1) perk(?) of her social anxiety is that she won’t ever act on her feelings, which means she’ll never get rejected— and the other members of the friend group vehemently disagree.

Outside of music, [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] is a member of her school’s poetry society and volunteers at animal shelters during the weekends.

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for death of a niece.

[name_m]Shain[/name_m] [name_m]Roland[/name_m] [name_m]Jones[/name_m] (43) is Maisie’s father and Kiera’s uncle. He currently works as a fellow teacher at the school Shayauna works at, also he’s a home economics teacher. Many students take both his class and Shayauna’s so the teachers know many of the students mutually plus he enjoys his name being so close to hers. He’s passionate on teaching the subject to teens since he feels this is a subject that will not only be used, but also one every student can benefit from when they’re adults living in their own place. He’s close with his niece [name_f]Kiera[/name_f], who he feels has taken a lot of solace in Shayauna’s younger sister, especially after his niece, Kiera’s sister, passed away years earlier. [name_m]Shain[/name_m] finds her death to be senseless, but he focuses on honouring her life with the help of the other [name_m]Jones[/name_m] family and friends. [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] has found a happier place in her life wedding planning, but all of them know it will be hard to have another event without Kiera’s sister there. [name_m]Shain[/name_m] and Shayauna are good friends, not just co-workers and [name_m]Shain[/name_m] finds himself closest with her.

Sometimes [name_m]Shain[/name_m] wants to be closer with [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] but he never interferes with her secrets. He feels she is very real with her emotions and that she’d never lie about her social anxiety. [name_m]Shain[/name_m] personally supports Maisie’s friends and he’s glad she’s with the right people, so that’s all that matters to him, and he’ll rightfully leave her alone. Because [name_m]Shain[/name_m] doesn’t know Maisie’s secrets, he still thinks the friend [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] is crushing on is simply just a friend like the others. [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] doesn’t try to stop him but she worries sometimes that he won’t approve of them dating, although he wouldn’t mind. [name_m]Shain[/name_m] is close with his brother, talking a lot about how the brothers met their own spouses and that Shain’s wife had the same anxiety liking and asking out him. He actually didn’t know until recently, when the couple was telling family stories. Both of them are active parents even if they mind their business and are both exceptionally sweet to [name_f]Maisie[/name_f].

[avenmaide]

TW: death, grief, dead character, violent crime, gun violence, wrong place wrong time

[name_f]Julia[/name_f] [name_f]Odette[/name_f] [name_m]Jones[/name_m] ‘ [name_u]Julie[/name_u] ’ (would be 32) is/was Shain’s niece, Maisie’s cousin, and Kiera’s older sister. She was always close with [name_m]Shain[/name_m] because he was only 11 years older than her. She used to introduce him to people as her “bruncle” or an uncle who’s more like a brother. They watched [name_u]Monty[/name_u] Python movies together and quoted them at family gatherings, they baked desserts and made decorations for the holidays together, and they had a bet going for several years about who could read the most books.

The book competition was actually part of the reason [name_m]Shain[/name_m] met the love of his life. When [name_u]Julie[/name_u] was 15 and [name_m]Shain[/name_m] was 26, she found out that he had a crush on a girl he’d gone to high school with and saw every few weeks at the book store she worked at when he went to get more books. [name_u]Julie[/name_u] came up with the idea to pretend they were in a book club, and to invite his crush. There were sparks from the very first fake-but-technically-real book club meeting, and a few months later, his crush got the nerve to ask him out officially. They had [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] a little over a year later and got married when [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] was 3. [name_u]Julie[/name_u] was the “best woman,” and [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] (11) was a flower girl along with [name_f]Maisie[/name_f].

[name_u]Julie[/name_u] was extremely close with [name_f]Kiera[/name_f]. [name_u]Julie[/name_u] had always wanted a sibling and was so ecstatic when [name_f]Keira[/name_f] was born. She tried to help her mom name [name_f]Keira[/name_f], actually, but her suggestions of [name_f]Buttercup[/name_f] and [name_f]Rainbow[/name_f] [name_u]Dash[/name_u] were (lovingly) shot down. As [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] grew up, they shared a room, so it made sense for [name_u]Julie[/name_u] to tuck her in bed instead of Mom. Naturally, [name_u]Julie[/name_u] read to her every night. Sometimes she got in trouble for keeping her up too late to read “just one more story” or sing a song to scare away monsters or to have an impromptu dance party while they brushed their teeth in the bathroom. They had a lot of fun, silly memories like that.

There were a couple years when sharing a room was difficult for the two sisters, and they barely spoke to each other unless it was to bicker, but things smoothed out once [name_u]Julie[/name_u] found her passion: crafts. Literally any kind of craft. She just loved making things with her hands and using bright colors and cool textures to create a story. And that was what she and [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] realized they had in common: story-telling. [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] did it with words; [name_u]Julie[/name_u] did it with objects. They found their connection again by sitting in the same room together while they did their own thing. And of course, they became each other’s biggest supporters.

[name_u]Julie[/name_u] lived at home for several years after she graduated high school. She created an Etsy store to save money for college, and she worked at the same book store that Shain’s wife worked at and later took over as owner. When she was 25, she went to community college for [name_m]General[/name_m] Studies to figure out what she wanted to do, and at 27, she switched to a 4-year college half a day’s drive away to study [name_m]Art[/name_m] & Anthropology.

But she never got to complete her degree. She was killed in a senseless act of violence when she was 29. She was pulling into a gas station to fill up the tank on her way home for summer break, when a man ran out of the convenience store and in front of her car. She slammed on the brakes on instinct, and only had a second to realize he was wearing a mask and holding a gun. The robber didn’t give her another second to think or say or do anything else. He shot her through the open window, stole her car, and left her there on the blacktop. Her family didn’t find out what happened until almost the next morning. The workers at the gas station and local police had no way of identifying [name_u]Julie[/name_u] since her wallet and phone had been in the car, and her college/dorm was in a few towns over. But of course her family knew something was wrong when she didn’t arrive at the time she said she would, and phone calls went straight to voicemail. After hours of talking to the police and Julie’s roommates (once they answered because most were traveling home, too, and the one staying behind for the summer worked until late), they finally learned what happened. That summer was obviously full of grief—and anger, because the guy may have gotten caught but he got a lighter sentence than he deserved. But the thing about grief is that even though it never actually goes away, you learn how to live with it, because you have to. They all do in their own way. [name_m]Shain[/name_m] still keeps track of how many books he reads and writes little reports addressed to her, Shain’s wife renamed the bookstore in her memory, [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] wrote several songs for her, [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] dedicated her whole career to seeking out truth and justice for victims of crime and violence and their grieving families, and Shayauna’s sister is planning something special to honor [name_u]Julie[/name_u] at Kiera’s upcoming wedding.

More than just the people who knew her, but everyone who ever purchased her crafts and/or were inspired by her to create their own art or read a certain book, all carry a piece of [name_u]Julie[/name_u] with them. It doesn’t take away the loss or change the fact that there’s an entire human being who should be here today but isn’t… It’s just nice to feel like she’s always close by. Always finding ways to bring color and fun and silliness into the world. Always willing to tell one more story.

(brb gonna go cry)

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f]Tanazia[/name_f] " [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] " [name_f]Ellen[/name_f] [name_u]Marlowe[/name_u] (24) is Kiera’s close friend and Shayauna’s younger sister, having supported the former through the ordeal that was losing [name_u]Julie[/name_u] to such a senseless act of violence. It isn’t something [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] speaks of much, and [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] has admitted to Shayauna that she feels some suppression is going on regarding her best friend: the pain being too much to confront, and it’s difficult finding a time when Kiera’s ready for that. Since [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] became engaged, Tanzy’s been planning on having buttercup floral arrangements and rainbow glass candles adorn the tables for the wedding reception dinner, in tribute to [name_u]Julie[/name_u], who everyone knows would have been maid of honour were she still here with them.

Acting as head bridesmaid wouldn’t have been an issue for [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] by any means, and that role’s now being filled by [name_f]Maisie[/name_f], who’s understandably been a little overwhelmed at having the spotlight directed to her: although nothing will stop her from fulfilling this role [as Shain’s been assured a dozen times over]. At first, Kiera’s fiancé was a bit awkward around [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f], as her importance in Kiera’s life was something they didn’t want to be intruded on, and [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] admits she’s always been the quieter of the two friends, rendering her harder to read. It fits with her current job as an archivist at a local art gallery, by no means Tanzy’s dream job, but she studied visual communication and wants to maintain some connections to her major for when she more directly pursues that line of work. Right now it’s a good ole Etsy shop of tote bags and small accessories: patches, pins and budgets.

Growing up as the youngest of 4 girls wasn’t something [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] necessarily always enjoyed. She usually got bossed around or asked to take a side in quarrel she had no stakes in, and weathering her middle sisters - who were either inseparable or sworn enemies - meant their leaves for college were a blessing for [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f], who weathered the storms with less assurance than Shayauna. It’s undeniable that her oldest sister is the one she turns to whenever in need, having pretty plainly idolised Shayauna for several years. Her perspective is more realistic now - acknowledging human flaws and as such - but nothing can dim Tanzy’s pride in her, or her other sisters for how they gave her many headaches!

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Shayauna’s credited to @avenmaide

[CherryBomb50]

[name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] [name_f]Opal[/name_f] [name_u]Marlowe[/name_u] (30) is [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] and Shayauna’s sister and the sister of her “best frienemy”. Looking back, [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] feels bad if her ways for or against her sister since she was often the feistier one, but at the same time, it’s an old habit that dies hard. Those two sisters borrow each other’s stuff all the time, but thoroughly check afterward to make sure it’s not damaged. Once [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] got into an awkward feud when she loaned her sister a jacket and when she got it back, there was a fiver in the pocket. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] just assumed that was her own money, but it was her sister’s and her sister was angry that [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] had spent it. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] was also angry, calling her sister irresponsible for leaving it there. The two sisters agreed not to borrow stuff from each other after that incident, but in classic sisterly fashion, that agreement didn’t last long and they went back to it. The two basically were like this since childhood, when they shared a room together for most of their time at home, and they’ve often been trying to get Shayauna and [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] to take sides in their bickering, which ended when [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] finally stood up and told them to knock it off and keep it between each other if they’re gonna feud. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] and her sister never really took each other’s agreements seriously, but if Shayauna or [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] stood forward, they always did. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] enjoys playing the trumpet, which she’s great at, but she completely understands her sister now when her sister growled, “Stop playing your trumpet before bed! I want to sleep!”

She’s pretty much been talking about college long before she even went there, so it was a sigh of relief when she was finally off to college. She’s in medical school training to be a family doctor and a lot of her time is focused on that now. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] often felt like she had to prove responsibility and didn’t like to admit when others were more responsible than her, unless it was Shayauna who she always respected. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] would make a responsible doctor although she’s sometimes perceived otherwise due to lacking socially, especially when she once dated her friend Topaz’s ex. [name_f]Topaz[/name_f] was a surgeon-in-training who had a really nice bond with [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] over medical knowledge and was really bothered by [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] doing this. She’s wasn’t angry-then-forgiving like Crisanta’s sister, but gave a vibe of, “Ok do what you want but I really wish you wouldn’t do that”. They’re not together anymore and [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] agreed she shouldn’t have done it. She and [name_f]Topaz[/name_f] are friends, but not best friends, and they’ve moved on in different paths for their lives despite both pursuing medical careers. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] gives herself blame but she’s also focused on moving on and being kind to herself in the present.

In fact, [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] wishes she consulted [name_u]Julie[/name_u] on romantic advice, finding it so sweet how she helped [name_m]Shain[/name_m] find someone special for him. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] respected [name_u]Julie[/name_u] a lot, loving reading as a past time on a special bookshelf [name_u]Julie[/name_u] constructed and cutely painted herself. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] asks herself a lot, “Why [name_u]Julie[/name_u]? How could someone so creative and thoughtful be killed so cruelly?” This wasn’t how her life was supposed to end. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] adores the way [name_u]Julie[/name_u] will be remembered at Kiera’s wedding and that they will all be together as families and friends, although knowing none of them are Julie’s “replacement”. [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] supports [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] using her own talents for the tribute and [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] feels on an honest note that she wants to bond more with [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f]. She feels she knows [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] the least of her three sisters and that she wants to be a better sister to her. She’s always respected Shayauna and despite her feuds, she adores her other sister, but she worries she doesn’t play as much of a role in Tanzy’s life as she feels she should. She admires that [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] still appreciates her despite her many flaws but worries she’s pushed [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] aside too much as the youngest and wants to show [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] that she appreciates her back. Admittedly she doesn’t know [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] and [name_f]Maisie[/name_f] as much as she knew [name_u]Julie[/name_u], but she’s bonded closer with [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] now. [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] has been having lots of people talking to her due to her upcoming wedding but [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] still appreciates Kiera’s patience in talking to her about other stuff, like [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] showing [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] how to be closer with [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f].

Topaz was created by @lilac_elixirxx.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_f]Ixora[/name_f] " [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] " [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] [name_u]Marlowe[/name_u] (28) is the final of the sisters and [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] ‘best frenemy’, a term now much less genuinely contentious between the duo. As the pair with the smallest age gap out the four sisters’, conflict was anticipated long before it began between [name_f]Ixora[/name_f] and [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f], although the very petty stakes were a much needed source of sanity for their parents, Shayauna and [name_f]Tansy[/name_f]. Usually drama stemmed from whatever interested both sisters - namely clothes - as their borrowing would always lead to disagreements about who had which item of clothing well, and their mom insists they inherited Mr. Marlowe’s stubborn side, as they’d both heartily stand their ground until one of the missing articles surfaced [usually from the washing basket, where their mom had told them it was several days earlier].

In spite of these disagreements, [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] admits [name_f]Crisanta[/name_f] was always the sister she’d confide in first, including when she came out as bisexual: specifically with more of an interest in women. She’s been with her girlfriend for 6 years now and couldn’t be happier, especially as they’ve recently purchased an ideal flat for themselves. Enough room for both of them, their beloved pet Cocker Spaniel [name_f]Lulu[/name_f], and their art supplies. The couple met at college, belonging to the same Fashion Society, and the spark was instant between them [although [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] was a little shy about making the first move, leading her girlfriend to take initiative in that moment].

Unsurprisingly, the whole [name_u]Marlowe[/name_u] family have been nothing other than welcoming towards Pixie’s girlfriend, and she does her best to express gratitude, especially towards [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f], who took the most flack in terms of being told what to do. She has immense pride in her little sister’s kindness towards [name_f]Kiera[/name_f], and is also involved in part of the wedding, after [name_f]Tanzy[/name_f] made a query on the behalf of her best friend. Pixie’s a professional nail technician - specialising in intricately designed acrylics and gel nails - where her perfectionism is well-suited, and she’s going to be designing a personalised set for the bride-to-be, as well as all the bridesmaid’s. She’s based out of her apartment, although mobile sessions are always possible, including for the wedding [of course Tanzy’s already joked to Shayauna about fighting with [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] over the soundtrack for the drive].

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@olivelovesnames
@mynameis1
@chamwue
@I.have.no.idea
@cara_murvolio
@szinkle
@Era_Laine
@ElisabethJulie

[olivelovesnames]

tw: homophobia & racism

[name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] [name_f]Amalia[/name_f] Kinvell (29) is Pixie’s girlfriend. She has been lovingly welcomed into the [name_u]Marlowe[/name_u] home, seeing as her own family kicked her out at age 15 for being a lesbian. When she tried to reconnect a few years ago, her sister was the only one who talked to her, saying she left the home at 18 and now lives in [name_u]California[/name_u]. She told [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] that her parents got mad at her for dating a [name_m]Black[/name_m] man. [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] finds this actually insane. She’s glad not to talk to her parents anymore, seeing that she’s a lesbian in a relationship with a [name_m]Black[/name_m] woman? That would make her parents go insane! She and her sister visit all the time though, and [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] absolutely adores her two nephews and little niece. In her relationship with [name_f]Pixie[/name_f], she has been asked too many times if she is the “girl” or the “boy” in the relationship. This rubs [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] the wrong way, understandably, and while [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] prefers not to answer, [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] will always give these people a piece of her mind.

Growing up in rural, conservative [name_f]Georgia[/name_f], [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] always knew she was gay, but tried to convince herself otherwise. She would pray each night to make her like boys. Her first crush was a little girl from her first grade class, [name_f]Annie[/name_f]. [name_f]Annie[/name_f] was always the kindest girl and she and [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] weren’t exactly friends but sat together in art class. One memory that is very vivid to [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] is when she told [name_f]Annie[/name_f], “I wish you were a boy, Annie”. Once they got to middle school, [name_f]Annie[/name_f], who also remembered this time, realized [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] was lesbian. She never told anyone but the two of them never talked again. [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] will always remember her kindness though.

As an [name_m]Art[/name_m] teacher at an elementary school, [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] is reminded of [name_f]Annie[/name_f] every day. She has tried to find the girl online, but nothing has ever come out of it. [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] tries to make sure that all her students feel loved an accepted in her class. Many students enjoy eating lunch in her classroom because it has and will always be a safe space. She and [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] would like children eventually, but [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] is very worried that she will end up a terrible mom like her mother was. [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] has reassured her that this won’t happen, especially seeing how much all of her students love her. Both of them are nervous about getting pregnant and would like to consider adoption. For now, [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] is very happy with her nephews and niece as well as Pixie’s family. Her absolute favorite times are binging dramatic TV shows with [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] and [name_f]Lulu[/name_f] or drawing in the dining room together.

[lilac_elixirxx]

[name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] ‘Lizzie’ [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] Kinvell (36) is Charlotte’s sister. [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] is still in contact with her parents, and is a little sad that [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] isn’t but she completely backs [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] in her decision and thinks her parents are absolutely awful. [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] was torn between cutting off her parents, but [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] told her that it didn’t matter what decision she made and that she didn’t want her niece and nephews to grow up with no grandparents. [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] decided that she was going to see her parents, but her relationship with them has deteriorated massively, and they strongly veer away from the topic of [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] because [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] knows she will get really upset and angry and she doesn’t want her kids to have to witness that. But because she lives in [name_u]California[/name_u], she rarely sees them and she is glad of this, having left home as soon as she could.

[name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] has been married since 22, to a [name_u]Leo[/name_u], man she met when she was on a cruise around [name_f]Italy[/name_f] & Greece, who is from [name_f]Italy[/name_f] but he & [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] moved to [name_u]California[/name_u] after they spent a year in [name_f]Italy[/name_f] together. They have 3 kids together, [name_m]Lucas[/name_m] ‘Luca’ [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] (10), [name_f]Isabella[/name_f] ‘Bella’ [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] (7) and [name_u]Enzo[/name_u] [name_m]Nathaniel[/name_m] (4). [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] knows she wants more kids as well, she has always wanted a massive, loving family like her and [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] didn’t have growing up. They also live with 2 cats [name_f]Bianca[/name_f] (7) & [name_m]Dante[/name_m] (3) who are named after Leo’s parents who both unfortunately passed away before [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] could ever meet them and [name_u]Leo[/name_u] grew up living with his grandparents & extended family.

[name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] respects [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] being a preschool teacher, but she could never. [name_u]Ever[/name_u] since she was little, she would binge house makoevers, real estate programs etc etc. Over Covid, [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] quit her office job and started her own company, helping people redecorate, sell their houses and find new ones, and [name_u]Leo[/name_u] is a Physician. You can definitely tell this when you look at her house, it’s artistic & detailed and she can definitely find a good property bargain. They live in a 6/br 3/ba home in [name_m]Long[/name_m] [name_u]Beach[/name_u].

[CherryBomb50]

[name_f]Haukea[/name_f] [name_f]Haydee[/name_f] [name_m]Kaisen[/name_m] (24) is well-aware of [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] and [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] – she too is in an interracial relationship with a white partner. Like [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f], she’s also lesbian and at the moment, [name_f]Haukea[/name_f] is engaged. Who’s her fiancée? [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] [name_m]Jones[/name_m]! [name_f]Haukea[/name_f] isn’t fully [name_m]Black[/name_m] however, she’s biracial [name_m]Black[/name_m] and [name_m]Pacific[/name_m] Islander, specifically Hawaiian. She was born in [name_u]Kauai[/name_u] and still considers this to be her favourite island, hoping for a honeymoon there. However she’s taking Kiera’s surname [name_m]Jones[/name_m] on marriage because she wants to keep the [name_m]Jones[/name_m] surname alive, especially after the devastating death of [name_u]Julie[/name_u] [name_m]Jones[/name_m], who would have been Haukea’s sister-in-law. [name_f]Haukea[/name_f] loves the connection [name_u]Julie[/name_u] had with helping [name_m]Shain[/name_m] find the love of his life and she credits [name_u]Julie[/name_u] as well with finding [name_f]Kiera[/name_f], even if it was less direct. [name_f]Haukea[/name_f] was falling for [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] at the time and was a huge fan of [name_u]Monty[/name_u] Python. She asked [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] if she wanted to watch it with her but [name_f]Kiera[/name_f] didn’t know much about it, so she consulted her sister [name_u]Julie[/name_u], a huge fan, about everything there is to know. The couple had a great first date and [name_f]Haukea[/name_f] really got to know and like [name_u]Julie[/name_u] alongside the rest of the [name_m]Jones[/name_m] family.

[name_f]Haukea[/name_f] has helped keep the bond between [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] and [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] together and she is willing to talk about [name_m]Long[/name_m] [name_u]Beach[/name_u] whenever [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] is visiting. [name_f]Haukea[/name_f] has actually never been to LA county but isn’t unfamiliar with it. She’s heard about the famous Wareham family and also the Curse of the [name_u]Grey[/name_u] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] Theatre. She is happy [name_u]Leo[/name_u] and [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] like their new home and [name_f]Haukea[/name_f] would like to know more on what it’s like for [name_u]Leo[/name_u] to be [name_m]Black[/name_m] but of Italian descent. She is close to [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] for the reason that she’s helping in wedding involvement, although she loves all the Marlowes equally. She just admires that [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] is actually focused on making everyone feel beautiful and special, rather than being too fixated on what’s “in” right now. [name_f]Haukea[/name_f] has a special kind of confidence with how she’ll be at the wedding thanks to [name_f]Pixie[/name_f] and she’s grateful for an empowered [name_m]Black[/name_m] nail artist. [name_f]Haukea[/name_f] is an employee of a small Black-owned company and supports the empowerment of POC in successful business ownership alongside feeling like she has her own place and never abandons her Hawaiian spirit.

[kitkatcookie]

Xiǎo Dān " [name_u]Dani[/name_u] " Tse (23) is Haukea’s colleague and someone who doesn’t have any plans on getting married currently, but she’s very much invested in hearing about the wedding plans of her friends. Although she’s pretty talented at sewing and customising clothes, [name_u]Dani[/name_u] hasn’t gotten involved in Haukea’s ceremony to that in depth of a level: she prefers keeping her hobbies away from anything stressful, which is why she never played tennis competitively either, as it’s purely fun for [name_u]Dani[/name_u] and her partner. While they’ve been together four years, they aren’t living together and have set a date that when they’re 25 that’ll be the right time, namely for financial reasons.

Instead, [name_u]Dani[/name_u] currently lives with two friends and one pet iguana, who belongs to one of her roomies: although based on how she’s doted on, you’d assume her to be a shared pet in every sense of the word. [name_u]Dani[/name_u] would like to get a lizard herself someday, having always had an affinity for unusual animals, starting when she got an ant farm as a child. Thanks to the lease of the apartment she was raised in, there were limitations as to what pets were allowed, however [name_u]Dani[/name_u] feels appreciating unusual aspects of life is important, something reflected in her musical tastes and how she’s often frequenting antique book shops to find offbeat reads.

Having just completed her degree in physics, [name_u]Dani[/name_u] doesn’t quite know where she wants to go forwards with her academic career. She’s learned over the years to be more honest about her uncertainties, after spending her teens worrying about appearing put together at all possible times, often comparing herself to others unfairly. Encouraging her friends has likewise become important to [name_u]Dani[/name_u], who always wants those around her to feel supported. It’s something she tries to be measured with around new faces though, as [name_u]Dani[/name_u] doesn’t want to come across as insincere or like she’s patronising anyone - something her bosses are often trying to insist doesn’t happen.

[kitkatcookie]

bump / tags !¡!

@moonwriteen
@lever_du_soleil
@autumn.leaves
@wandering_willow
@cara_murvolio
@chamwue
@mynameis1
@I.have.no.idea
@GoldenNebula88
@avenmaide

[please lmk if this is annoying!]

[I_meme_it]

[name_m]Raphael[/name_m] [name_m]Christian[/name_m] Mézard (23) has been Dani’s friend for a long time, in spite of them never living in the same country. They met through an exchange student program exactly ten years ago, arranged by their respective schools, and a mutual love of reptiles forged a longstanding bond, in spite of many insisting the friendship would fizzle out over time. The pair joke that their mutually stubborn natures made them keep in contact just to prove everyone else wrong, but their families never doubted the friendship would be maintained, given how instantly the duo clicked [and no, in spite of a thousand jokes, there was never any romantic interest or crushes formed].

Currently, [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] has a lot going on in his life. He became a father in late 2023 and is planning a trip to visit his fiancé’s family, who flew out to [name_f]Paris[/name_f] for the birth, but subsequently they had to return home after three weeks of bonding. Raphael’s son means absolutely everything to him, and given his fiancé [name_f]Hope[/name_f] experienced major health issues, he tries his best to not be overprotective or smothering where the little boy’s concerned. This is something [name_f]Hope[/name_f] is completely aware of, and [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] follows her intuition more so when it comes to their child, never wanting her to somehow feel responsible for any ailments the little boy might face.

When [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] and [name_f]Hope[/name_f] became a couple, a miscommunication led to panic - and some hostility from the [name_m]Haddon[/name_m] family. [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] is currently a medical student with plans to become a surgeon, following in the footsteps of his mother, however this led to the Mr and Mrs [name_m]Haddon[/name_m] believing that [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] himself was a qualified surgeon, therefor being much older than their daughter. It was through the cautioning of Hope’s younger sister, [name_f]Evie[/name_f], that nothing immediately kicked off then and there, so of course it was a shock when [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] was actually met by the family and he wasn’t considerably older than [name_f]Hope[/name_f]: a relief for everyone, in particular given the whirlwind romance and pregnancy.

Of course, [name_f]Evie[/name_f] and [name_f]Dani[/name_f] now teasingly call [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] ‘old’ given this, but he’s not phased by it: what’s more important is that he’s trusted and liked by the Haddon’s, as he wants them to know his sincerity where [name_f]Hope[/name_f] and their son is concerned. Without the same mix up, the Mézard clan absolutely welcomed [name_f]Hope[/name_f] with open arms once [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] introduced her to them, although the eccentric nature of his dad is a bit embarrassing to [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] sometimes - and [name_f]Dani[/name_f] helped him gear up for the introductions, given she’s well-acquainted with these quirks after so many years of friendship.

---

Hope was created by @lilac_elixirxx

Evie’s the creation of moi

[CherryBomb50]

Warning for health conditions affecting pregnancy.

[name_f]Automne[/name_f] [name_f]Natalie[/name_f] Mézard (29) is Raphael’s older sister and a surgeon herself, specialising in reconstructive plastic surgery. In her spare time, she likes strolling around the city and freelance modelling for amateur photographers to practice their skills. [name_f]Automne[/name_f] wishes she could say that she got [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] and [name_f]Hope[/name_f] together, but she didn’t, although she and Raphael’s other sibling has the bragging right of helping the couple know one another more. She laughs at the “old” jokes surrounding her brother [name_m]Raphael[/name_m], especially given [name_f]Automne[/name_f] is older. Although [name_f]Dani[/name_f] is the same age as [name_m]Raphael[/name_m], [name_f]Automne[/name_f] relates with [name_f]Dani[/name_f] a lot in not trying to rush everything in life. She admits she thought she’d be more put-together at 25 only to realize she hasn’t been, so she’s thrown out the timetable of expectations and lives life her own way. [name_f]Automne[/name_f] has an unusual pet, she actually has a tarantula, but she’s always found them awesome. She’ll respect when people don’t want to see the tarantula but she’s admittedly never understood the fear of spiders. She doesn’t know whether to be relieved that someone else in her family is called “old” and not her, or whether to feel even more awkward – if he’s “old”, is she “elderly”? She finds it really funny and while she knows she’s turning 30 later this year, she’s all about living it up the best in her 20s while she can. She’s not the one giving cosmetic face lifts and she’s very specific about how she does plastic surgery for reconstructive purposes so when she actually gets old, she’s not going to Botox her way in an attempt to look younger. She’s sure someone in Hope’s family has definitely mistaken her age and career with Raphael’s, so ironically she joins in on the joke pretending she’s “younger” than [name_m]Raphael[/name_m]!

She knew about [name_f]Hope[/name_f] and Raphael’s son, who she’s happy to be an aunt to, and she’s wishing the Haddons well on their relationship with their new relative. She can tell [name_f]Hope[/name_f] wants to stay in [name_f]France[/name_f] and supports her independent decision to live where she wants. [name_f]Automne[/name_f] admittedly has also had some confusion with Hope’s life, obviously not about the age thing since she knows her own brother’s age, but about Hope’s heart condition. She mistakenly believed [name_f]Hope[/name_f] had “a heart attack which was fatal” and worried that her brother’s partner had died. Thankfully [name_f]Hope[/name_f] wasn’t dead and [name_f]Automne[/name_f] misunderstood, not really understanding [name_f]English[/name_f] very well. It’s been hard for the Haddons to understand [name_m]French[/name_m] and the Mézards to understand [name_f]English[/name_f] but [name_f]Hope[/name_f] genuinely respects the multicultural world their baby son is raised by. Although he lives in [name_f]France[/name_f], he is being taught [name_f]English[/name_f] as well. The family now has a new set of wheels that can be used as a family car, something the Haddons gifted. Initially they were going to give this to [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] after graduating medical school, but they realised he couldn’t wait that long and he and [name_f]Hope[/name_f] deserved it. [name_f]Automne[/name_f] knows that [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] asked [name_f]Hope[/name_f] to marry him, which is something she’s also excited for him about, but she doesn’t mind if he wants to focus on education and parenting a child for now.

While Automne’s family isn’t forceful of their children to become medics, it’s very clear how knowledgeable they were about health-related topic. They really wanted to make sure that Hope’s heart condition wouldn’t seriously harm her or her son. [name_f]Automne[/name_f] knows [name_f]Hope[/name_f] is invisibly ill, she looks fine on the outside but she’s struggled health-wise on the inside. That’s not to say [name_f]Hope[/name_f] isn’t a strong woman, she is, although [name_f]Automne[/name_f] admittedly was concerned about [name_f]Hope[/name_f] when the latter announced her pregnancy. Thankfully with the Mézard family being very cautious about Hope’s health, prescribing her medication and scheduling several additional appointments to check up on her and her son’s health, they were able to make this work out. [name_f]Automne[/name_f] has high respect and understanding of Raphael’s protective side during and after his son’s birth and for the sake of [name_f]Hope[/name_f]. She feels this has brought the family closer and given her even more honour for Hope’s empowerment. [name_f]Automne[/name_f] loves this determination of her and likes most of Hope’s family from what she’s seen and heard from them. She likes [name_f]Evie[/name_f], Chord, and one of Hope’s older brothers; but another one of Hope’s older brothers is someone who rubs her the wrong way. He’s the one who doubted Hope’s abilities to go to college and mocked her when she was “just a kid”. [name_f]Automne[/name_f] doesn’t hate this man and doesn’t know enough about him to decide how he really is. She’s accepted that the [name_m]Haddon[/name_m] family likely doesn’t have the privileges the Mézard family had in terms of pursuing education. She hopes he’s come around to understand Hope’s passions and not just because [name_f]Hope[/name_f] is a mother and a fiancée. In the back of Automne’s mind, she wants this to just be another “lost in translation” thing, because she really likes the Haddons otherwise.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_m]Daumier[/name_m] [name_m]Clement[/name_m] Mézard (5 months) is Automne’s nephew, the son of [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] and [name_f]Hope[/name_f], and source of joy for both the Mézard and [name_m]Haddon[/name_m] families. [name_m]Born[/name_m] in early [name_f]December[/name_f], [name_m]Daumier[/name_m] was referred to as an early [name_f]Christmas[/name_f] gift by his parents, who were a little worried about having such stress around the holidays should his delivery have been further overdue.

Although they heard a dozen jokes about [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] being prepared to deliver his own baby - and if not him, his mother could step in - [name_f]Hope[/name_f] and he adhered to medical safety, going to a hospital with a renowned midwifery department to ease any further worries.

Daumier’s proven himself very energetic already. He’s a little tricky to settle and is a light sleeper anyways, but when he is awake, he’s delighted to be surrounded by people, especially his family members. It’s already clear that he’s excited to meet the other babies at the music group [name_f]Hope[/name_f] takes him too, and [name_f]Evie[/name_f] calls him ‘Charmer’ whenever mentioning him in passing.

[I_meme_it]

[name_f]True[/name_f] [name_m]Dominic[/name_m] [name_m]Haddon[/name_m] (28) is the oldest of Daumiers’ maternal uncles, and a complicated figure in the eyes of his Aunt [name_f]Automne[/name_f]. Being the first of 5 children, [name_f]True[/name_f] often felt a sense of responsibility, especially where setting a good example is concerned. The financial stresses their parents faced led to him working from the moment he could, and this directed a lot of his future: for [name_f]True[/name_f], what was important became the here and now, seeing that stability was maintained.

He also taught himself to suppress a lot of his emotions, starting when [name_f]Hope[/name_f] became ill, and it became a source of comfort for his other siblings, as well as their parents, who were devastated by this turn of events. On a surface level, the fact [name_f]True[/name_f] barely speaks of this time seems callous and almost unkind - he actively shuts down when his brothers’ or sister ask him about his memories, and barely speaks to [name_f]Hope[/name_f] about it either - but really, the fear, uncertainty and shock are feelings he wants to be as far away from as possible at all times.

These complexities are what led to his dismissive attitude when [name_f]Hope[/name_f] won her scholarship and began making plans to travel. Really, [name_f]True[/name_f] felt he’d failed by opting to become a mechanic, worsened by the fact he’s never been particularly academic, however he’s trying to do things right with [name_f]Evie[/name_f], never making such remarks about her interest in engineering.

Deep down, [name_f]True[/name_f] wonders if [name_f]Hope[/name_f] feels any shame regarding their family, given how sophisticated and cultured the Mézards’ must seem in comparison to the humble beginnings of the Haddons’. Although he understands why she wanted to leave, he fears that one day the siblings could end up disconnected, given it’s difficult enough to spend time with [name_m]Daumier[/name_m] thanks to finding a time everyone can visit, as well as accommodation that isn’t ridiculously expensive - as [name_f]True[/name_f] never wants the Mézard family to feel put upon by requests to stay with them.

Things are going to be colliding sooner rather than later though, as [name_f]True[/name_f] recently became engaged to his high school sweetheart - who works as a nurse - and he’s extended the invitation to [name_f]Automne[/name_f] alongside [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] and Mr and Dr. Mézard, as he wants [name_f]Hope[/name_f] to not feel she has to abandon her new life when returning to see their family. But still, he can’t help but wonder if his accomplishments will seem unimpressive and he won’t be doing right by his brothers and sisters.

---

Chord was created by @CherryBomb50

[cara_murvolio]

[name_m]Anchor[/name_m] ’ [name_m]Alec[/name_m] ’ [name_m]Lucian[/name_m] [name_m]Haddon[/name_m] (27) is the final [name_m]Haddon[/name_m] sibling - younger brother of [name_f]True[/name_f] and older brother of [name_f]Hope[/name_f], [name_m]Chord[/name_m] and [name_f]Evie[/name_f]. Among the pack, he’s generally the peacemaker and voice of calm, reason and measured advice, although the fact [name_m]Alec[/name_m] is someone who has to think everything through is something that can annoy his siblings’, especially when they’re wanting his insight within a time limit. Having chosen to work as a researcher, specialising in the link between sociology and psychology, this patience is crucial for Alecs’ work though, and his diligent approach to things helps with those progresses.

Instead of going to college, [name_m]Alec[/name_m] began his career through an apprenticeship, learning in the field after getting into contact with a sociology professor with the help of one of his teachers. This was because, at the time, it wasn’t possible for Mr and Mrs [name_m]Haddon[/name_m] to afford to send [name_m]Alec[/name_m] to university, even with a scholarship offer, meaning he had to look for alternate paths to pursuing his interest. Like [name_f]True[/name_f], [name_m]Alec[/name_m] had several weekend jobs in his teens, but he still carries some guilt at the fact he feels his brother sacrificed the most so he, [name_f]Hope[/name_f], [name_m]Chord[/name_m] and [name_f]Evie[/name_f] could benefit long term.

Having come out as bi when he was 16, [name_m]Alec[/name_m] has been with his boyfriend for 6 years, and they’re incredibly content where they are right now in life: sharing a studio apartment with their pampered tabby cat, [name_f]Mafalda[/name_f]. His boyfriend is the main person [name_m]Alec[/name_m] speaks to about reconciling issues between [name_f]True[/name_f] and [name_f]Hope[/name_f] - the irony of their names isn’t lost on him - as he’s got the most insight into both of their perspectives, and just wishes the birth of [name_m]Daumier[/name_m] will help with everyone getting to a better place.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_m]Parker[/name_m] " [name_m]Pete[/name_m] " [name_m]Tiernan[/name_m] Bowmarsh (25) is Alecs’ boyfriends’ brother and cat-uncle to [name_f]Mafalda[/name_f]. He and his older sibling are incredibly close, which [name_m]Alec[/name_m] jokes is used by [name_m]Pete[/name_m] to justify always hanging round their house, something the younger man never disputes. Being part of a large house share, living with four friends to be exact, [name_m]Pete[/name_m] does get a break from the hustle and bustle of his own home by visiting the couple. While he knew what was coming - having lived with seven people in college at one point - one of his roommates is a social butterfly in every sense, so there’s a revolving door of new people, some of whom don’t have great volume control.

The main reason this bothers [name_m]Pete[/name_m] is because he’s a musician, and it’s hard to practice or compose when a loud conversation is going on close by, however he’s the sort of person who’d rather maintain some peace than complain. Specialising in bass, [name_m]Pete[/name_m] also knows Spanish guitar and oddly enough how to play the lute, something learned during his LARPing teenage years. His brother loves teasing him about this - as [name_m]Pete[/name_m] gets easily embarrassed being reminded of his antics around the house - but they also jokingly call it rent for [name_m]Pete[/name_m] stopping over.

D&D has subsequently replaced the LARPing, as nothing could ever quite ruin Pete’s love of the fantastic. A lot of his lyrics are inspired by this, and technically he belongs to a band - woven gold - but they’re on hiatus, as their vocalist and rhythm guitarist are currently backpacking across Southeast [name_f]Asia[/name_f], a trip they’ve been saving up for years. Pete’s continued his day job, working in a cafe/vinyl shop [a combination he jokes appeals to fellow artists] calles The Vinyl Countdown, and has actually been providing cover for another band, Minotaur, at live events thanks to their bassist having gone to visit family.

Although he can seem quiet and aloof at face value, [name_m]Pete[/name_m] and [name_m]Alec[/name_m] have formed a solid friendship, as [name_m]Pete[/name_m] himself tends to be the peacemaker and source of calm at his place. He also shares a close friendship with Trues’ wife, which was influenced by Pete’s girlfriend, who actually used to work alongside Mrs. Haddons’ mother. She’s a poet and creative writer, who’s actually been involved in penning a few songs for woven gold, however [name_m]Pete[/name_m] knows she definitely doesn’t want to work in the music industry herself and keeps his bandmates reminded of this fact.

[cara_murvolio]

Ambriel " [name_f]Amber[/name_f] " [name_f]Elaine[/name_f] Dautry (25) is Petes’ girlfriend and the second person who’s house he goes to when the noise of the share is impacting on his music. Having returned home following her own graduation, there isn’t so much composing or performance practice going on at the Dautry household, but more so a place for [name_m]Pete[/name_m] to get some quiet. While some people would resent this, Amber’s parents are welcoming people, especially as they know that the Bowmarshs’ mean well, but are very prone to meddling (or at least trying to) in their sons’ lives, which is why [name_m]Pete[/name_m] opted to go for a houseshare.

They’re also the people [name_f]Amber[/name_f] credits for her quirks, notably how she enjoys colour coordinating her outfits as much as possible, being of the opinion self-expression is the most important thing. [name_f]Amber[/name_f] is working for their printing business alongside writing creatively, usually being overseen by her older sister, who plans on becoming the manager when both their mom and dad retire, not something [name_f]Amber[/name_f] has ever had a problem with, given her own passions.

Having a name admittedly invented by her parents is something [name_f]Amber[/name_f] hated for a bit as a child, usually because it was getting corrected to [name_f]Amberley[/name_f] or [name_f]Amabel[/name_f] (not that she dislikes either of those names, and [name_m]Pete[/name_m] often jokes if they have a daughter together, they should name her one of those). Her sister faced the same situation and this is what’s led to their closeness, in spite of having a 6-year age gap between them, not to mention different natures.

[name_f]Amber[/name_f] is the ‘soft one’ - very sentimental and prone to crying at films, songs and books - whereas her sister is a traditional Type A, but these differences have helped them bond over time. She brings out the fun side in her older sibling, while Ambers’ sister helps her focus on the future and organising.

[chamwue]

Dauphniel " [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] " [name_f]Eden[/name_f] Dautry (31) is Amber’s older sister and an acquaintance of [name_m]Pete[/name_m]. Though she’s as Type A as they come, [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] is a romantic at heart and has texted [name_f]Amber[/name_f] often about how she’s so happy she found someone that loves her for her, and hopes that they get married one day. [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] doesn’t live with the rest of the Dautry household, but she lives ten minutes away and visits her family as much as her job will allow.

Another victim (in her words) of the invented names, [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] refuses to be called by her first legal name by anyone except her parents. She remembers the embarrassment of teachers stumbling over the syllables when they call for attendance with a shiver, and her name has been an easy target for bullying. Perhaps that’s why [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] poured her blood and sweat into studying— no one can touch you if you’re an academic weapon, right?

[name_f]Daphne[/name_f] is a prosecutor working at Whitfield & [name_m]Harding[/name_m], a woman-owned private law firm. She specialises in criminal litigation, and often finds herself dealing with white collar crime cases. Due to what she sees at work, [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] prefers to keep the work talk at work— not only because she wants to leave it there, but because it would be violating the privacy of everyone involved. Unfortunately, her ex-fiancé couldn’t seem to wrap his head around this, and called off the engagement through a text message. [name_f]Amber[/name_f] has been a huge support in all of this— helping [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] branch out and find herself through crying over various types of media. [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] has found out that she has a soft spot for rom-coms, and will cry at any happy ending.

To everyone else except [name_f]Amber[/name_f], though, [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] is stoic and intimidating. Known for her RDF (Resting Disappointed Face), she’s faced many awkward interpersonal situations where her friends often ask if she’s mad at them to her confusion. It’s just how her face is, and she can’t help that! Nevertheless, Daphne’s been trying to curb this… to limited success.

While [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] doesn’t have any roommates, she lives right next door to her work best friend, whom she adores. Recently, though, they’ve been spending a lot of time together, and [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] thinks she might be falling for them.

[kitkatcookie]

[name_m]Cruz[/name_m] [name_m]Jericho[/name_m] [name_m]Hywell[/name_m] (32) is Daphne’s work bestie and neighbour, who she’s started questioning her feelings for. He’s one of the few men employed at Whitfield & [name_m]Harding[/name_m], thanks to always being someone aware of his privileges and ensuring his marginalised colleagues are celebrated instead of him being the centre of attention. Prosecution is in his blood, he jokes, as he descends from a lineage of them, including his grandfather, great-uncle and one of his cousins is also preparing for her bar exam currently. There’s not just one [name_m]Hywell[/name_m] involved in law at any given time, but usually several - a joke invented by Cruzs’ mom.

At twenty-one, [name_m]Cruz[/name_m] married his high school sweetheart, but by twenty-four they’d divorced. It’s not that they had a dysfunctional or especially miserable marriage, more that it dawned on them the future wasn’t a united vision for them. [name_m]Cruz[/name_m] wanted to work at his career extensively, while his ex-wife wanted a family, and a compromise wasn’t going to happen safely. If [name_m]Cruz[/name_m] opted to become a father at the time, he knew he’d be very absent, and he didn’t want to put any hypothetical children through this, even with his then wife insisting she’d bear the brunt of childcare.

The Type A nature of [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] has never affronted [name_m]Cruz[/name_m], in fact he has the opposite reaction to some people, respecting her drive and dedication immensely. Although he’s milder in temperament, [name_m]Cruz[/name_m] likewise is devoted to law, and always holds himself to high standards when it comes to practice. He feels a great sense of responsibility for his clients, something his younger sister teases makes him seem a bit of a downer, but [name_m]Cruz[/name_m] shrugs this off or responds with some snark when he’s in the mood. Like [name_f]Daphne[/name_f], he lives alone, well sans the company of his beloved pinscher, [name_f]Ruby[/name_f], adopted by [name_m]Cruz[/name_m] five years ago.