although jackie is technically on a break right now, she still makes sure to do her daily workout at the local gym. it’s how she meets vanni in the first place; jackie appreciates his assistance whenever she comes in to do her sets and today is no different. focusing on her breath, she pushes the bar back to the starting position, only sitting up once vanni helps her rack the barbell. “alright thank you, coach,” she tells vanni, reaching for her bottle to drink some water. “can i get both? i feel like i deserve a free drink and a bouquet if we’re going for a pr. maybe even a special handwritten note from you while we’re at it,” she chuckles. putting down her water bottle, jackie starts stretching as she ponders over the thought. “how about you decide on the plate this time? i mean, you’ve seen me do this for a while so you probably know what’s my limit. what do you think, coach?”
who: vanni && jackie ! [ @detruines ] where: gimnasio o2 aire
he's spotting jackie while she does bench presses, watching her carefully from above and keeping an eye on every little detail. the last thing he wanted was for her to accidentally injure herself while just trying to get a good workout in. "come on, get it up. you got this. good shit, jackie." he's encouraging her, cheering her on to finish up her set. he helps her rack the barbell as soon as she's done and nods his head in approval. "alright rest for a minute before we do your last set. give yourself a little bit of a stretch and drink some water. you wanna try for a pr today? if you do it, i'll get you a free drink from blooms as a reward. or a bouquet if you want, either works. just tell me what plate you want me to load up." even though she hasn't even answered yet, vanni's already looking on to the rack of plates so that he could load up the bar.
“so all the cool shit, huh? i see,” she nods at spencer. there is no doubt jackie finds them inspiring; they always seem to know what they want to do with their life right from the start and jackie admires them for that. it’s why she decides to not resent spencer for ghosting her all these years; maybe they just got busy chasing their dream, maybe that’s just something she tells herself so she could stop dwelling on the past and move on. “yeah, that’s right. it’s charlie,” she confirms. another person who used to ghost me, but the words never made it out of her mouth. instead she smiles at spencer when they open the door for her. “well, you better,” she tells them, stepping inside the place. “i’m afraid it’s a little too late for that, babes. maybe there’s one attached to you already,” she teases, looking over her shoulder to make sure spencer’s following. she stops at an empty table near the corner and takes a seat, suddenly feeling nervous now that shit is about to get real. “since you’re the one buying, i’ll let you pick the poison, yeah?”
"mostly just a lot of work," they tell her with a shrug, "collaborating and trying to make hits. the usual." and trying to ignore my feelings for you, but spencer can't say that. and it obviously wasn't a successful endeavor because here they are, heart beating more quickly and palms inconspicuously sweaty. "oh, nice. your cousin, charlie?" they ask. they don't know him well, but they know of him, having spent plenty of time with jackie. their eyebrows raise slightly and her question, though, and they nod, "i was about to ask. let me buy you a spooky ass drink." spencer opens the door for her, offering a small smile, letting their eyes traipse over jackie for a moment, "let's get a table." it's their way of agreeing that yes, they should talk, even though spencer knows it's probably not going to paint them in the best light. they deserve it after the shit they pulled on jackie. "do we need a ring of salt or some shit to make sure a demon doesn't attach itself?" they joke.
“so you’re one of those good kids who just eat everything, huh? that’s cute,” she tells adem, head tilting to the side as she muses. “i’m sure your cooking is not bad. if it was she would have told you earlier, right? i know some kids can be brutally honest like that. just give her a little break, babes. it’s okay to not eat your veggies sometimes.” jackie would know because she’s been there, done that too. “do i eat vegetables?” she repeats his question playfully. “well, yeah, i do now! but there was a time i really hated it too, just like emmy. my parents never really cared about it so in the end i just went back into it myself. i could say i’ve grown, ” she laughs. “now that i think about it, maybe it’s some sort of a rebellion after all. have you ever talked this out with emmy though?”
"well, i ate vegetables when i was her age!" not that he had much of a choice, "my sister and i ate whatever. and emmy did eat them, but then she turned eight and suddenly... it's all ewww gross, baba." adem shakes his head, "do you think this is some sort of rebellion? she's growing up on me and suddenly my cooking is bad?" or maybe his cooking isn't that good. he made a note to ask ysla. and also rohan, for a more blunt answer, "well, when did you start eating vegetables? do you eat vegetables?" he hopes so, but he will withhold judgement regardless.
“oh,” comes out her response, followed by a nod. jackie takes a glance at their surrounding for a bit before her attention is back on salem. “you’re absolutely right, babes. there are so many cats in here anyways, i'm sure they wouldn't even notice they're missing one of these." reaching out to pet another cat lingering nearby, jackie couldn't help but grin at the thought. it never crossed her mind to steal a cat out of here ⸻ only because jackie doesn't want one, but she's also not opposed to helping someone who actually wants it. "i don't mind it, really. it's an honor to be your stealing accomplice," she teases back. "you sure you just want one? why not get two while you're at it? i could help smuggle the other one."
"well paying for it wasn't really apart of the plan. i just figured i could like...subtly walk out with one you know?" it was technically stealing but salem saw it as rescuing a stray animal. "i'm gonna be honest but i don't even know where the owner is. you notice how empty it is in here? they probably wouldn't even realize if i took one." salem teased while rubbing the chin of a grey tabby that jumped into her lap. "let me buy you a coffee first and we can discuss theft afterwards. its the least i could do for dragging you along."
although their words should’ve made her heart flutter, somehow they just leave a bitter taste in her mouth. there’s a sudden urge to bite back at spencer, but she has never been the type to lash out at somebody, even if she’s still upset that they just upped and went on with their life one day. “i know,” jackie responds, grinning cheekily. “you must be going through some crazy shit if you’re out here trying to contact demons. what have you been up to without me, huh?” although it comes out as a silly banter, she truly wants to know all about it. there are so many questions she wants to ask, but for now she decides to bite her tongue ⸻ she doesn’t want to risk scaring spencer off now that they’re here. “oh, i’m just visiting my cousin. he’s a really busy man, so i had to come here and find him myself,” she chuckles. taking a moment to gaze at spencer, she wonders if they would stick around this time, or maybe they would try to run away from her again. either way she thinks it’s worth a try, so she asks, “do you want to check out this bar together? see if we could find any ghost or demon to contact?” it’s her way of saying we should definitely talk. “pretty sure they got some spooky ass drinks we could try too.”
i could never forget you, they should say, but instead settles for, "you're hard to forget." despite going no contact, spencer thinks of jackie often, thinks of reaching out, trying to mend things. but they haven't, clearly, as they're standing shell-shocked in front of her. they know that jackie knows they meant what are you doing in chile, but they only hum in reply, "mm, right. i had the same thought, was hoping to see if could contact any demons. brought my ouija board and everything." they joke, trying to act at all like this is normal, like they haven't been ignoring their connection for so long, "i... well, it's a complicated answer," not really, "just been going through some personal bullshit and my mom used to take me here as a kid. just needed a break." they shrug, "now your turn. what brings you to chile? other than trying to find a ghost at this bar, of course." they resist the urge to move closer. even after all this time, there's a natural draw, there's a palpable connection that's hard to shake.
seeing how excited adem is about the deal, she couldn’t help but laugh at his reaction. “oh babes, i’m afraid you’re asking the wrong person about this.” jackie isn’t much of a cook, that much she could admit. “i don’t even know what to say to all that, but i’m surprised you didn’t know that some kids don’t like their veggies,” she teases. “i feel like that’s a phase every kid goes through at some point. did you not have that ever? have you always liked vegetables even as a kid?” there’s nothing wrong with it, of course, but she absolutely gets it why emine would dislike vegetables at her age. “i’ll say it’s a little tricky. just give it a try!”
for @valpostart where? el mercado
"they are having an incredible deal on garlic scapes." he tells the person closest to him, picking up one of them and inspecting it, "i've had them before, but never cooked with them," adem explains, voice going up an octave in excitement over the prospect of learning how to cook them, "i think you can make pesto out of them? or use them instead of scallions or asparagus? oh, or as a side?" he stops, humming, "emine is being really stubborn about green stuff lately, though. apparently eight-year-olds don't love vegetables. do you think i can stick these in butter or a cheese?"
“well, it’s okay to worry,” she reassures, a gentle smile on her lips. “it’s normal to be worried, especially when it comes to something that really matters to you like this. just don’t let it get the best of you.” jackie knows it’s easier said than done, but she trusts that leon would be able to overcome it eventually. “who? me?” she asks, letting out another laugh. “of course i do! there are so many ways things could go wrong in a big race, but you know, it gets better the more you do it,” she grins. “you've done this a lot before, right? think of all the fun you'll be having on that stage, leon. i'm sure you’re gonna fuckin’ nail this.”
"i mean, kinda? i guess?" leon chuckles as he sees the excitement on jackie's face. it's real contagious. he usually freaks the fuck out before a performance if he hasn't rehearsed day in and out for a month. but he's played this kind of crowd before. la fiesta de la vendimia was actually a success, and he was nervous then too. "i worry too much, i know," he offers a defeated smile with a small shrug of his shoulders. "but you're right. we're vibing, chilling, having the best fucking time of our life," the blond nods. "don't you get nervous before a big race? this feels like a big race somehow. not that i've ever raced before," he grins.
it would be a lie to say jackie never thought about it. in fact she knows that their paths would cross again someday, although she didn’t really expect to see spencer here in chile. now that she’s standing face to face with them, jackie could feel her heart skips a beat. there is a small part of her that wants to pull spencer into a hug, just like she usually did back then, but she’s quick to remind herself that they’re not in that point of their life anymore. still, the smile on her face comes easily, as it always is when she’s around them. “i’m kinda surprised you still remember me, babes,” jackie teases, an attempt to lighten the mood. “well, last time i checked this is a fuckin’ bar so, you know, whatever you do at a bar. plus i heard it’s like haunted or something,” she spares a glance at them, “who knows, i might run into a ghost.” and she did, but that’s not the point ⸻ even after all this time, spencer westin still holds a special place in her heart. “how about you? what are you doing here, spencer? i mean here as in chile, not this fuckin’ bar, of course.”
for @detruines where? outside los fantasmas
spencer's ghosted list isn't short, but as someone who has never really had to face the consequences of their actions, it usually doesn't matter. they usually don't plan on seeing them again and if they do? pretend nothing happened. it's an easy strategy. it's one that usually works. but seeing jackie grimaldi for the first time since roleplaying danny phantom and going ghost on her? acting like nothing happened feels a lot more difficult. spencer usually ghosts out of boredom or just because they forget to reply to texts for seven weeks and figure it is what it is, but jackie they ghosted with a purpose. and now, here she is. spencer's jaw tightens and they blink, almost not believing their eyes, "jackie?" their past is right in front of their face and if spencer hadn't missed her so much, they may have just run away. "what the hell are you doing here?" their tone isn't harsh, it's shocked, a few steps short of elated given the context, but not unhappy, "holy shit."
as a fellow adrenaline junkie, she couldn’t really tell why rohan is even complaining about rollercoasters. sure, they might not be as challenging to some, but his complaint doesn’t even imply that, more so the fact that they are too much of a risk, whatever that means. “really, rohan? since when do you consider the risk and what potential harm it could bring before you do something? i thought you said you’re an adrenaline junkie,” she taunts, nudging him gently with her elbow. “i don’t know what’s your deal with rollercoasters, but they’re super fun. well, unless you’re scared,” and suddenly it hits her, “are you scared of rollercoasters, rohan?” no, it’s totally valid, even for someone who craves an adrenaline rush ⸻ jackie doesn’t want to assume things about him, but it does make sense that he might be. she just needs to hear it from him.
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closed starter for JACKIE ( @detruines ) location : la carnaval de invierno, some rollercoaster
-ˋˏ ꒰ 🐚 ꒱ ── rollercoasters are not really rohan's thing. cliff diving and swimming with sharks and sometimes driving a little too fast on the highways ? sure. rollercoasters, however ? rohan stares up at the rickety rails with his hands in his back pockets, half-squinting with distaste towards it. " why would anyone want to go on the metal death trap again ? " he questions, turning to look over his shoulder at jackie. he's not sure where she popped up from, but she's here now ( much to rohan's vague chagrin. ) " like i'm all for an adrenaline rush but those things are too much of a risk. imagine what the windchill is like when you're up that high and going that fast ? i saw a video not that long ago of a whole bunch of people getting stuck upside down for hours. " yes, he's aware statistically, he's safer on the rollercoaster than any of the other stuff he likes doing. doesn't matter. " it doesn't even sound fun. "
music has always been a huge part of jackie’s life. it’s an easy way to connect with people, which is how she finds herself with leon right now as they anticipate for the next set. a laugh manages to escape from her mouth when she sees his reaction. “it’s the good kind of nervous, right? like you know shit’s about to get real good kinda nervous?” it’s not often for jackie to get nervous, but she kinda gets it. it’s all exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. “oh come on, you’re gonna do just fine. we’re just here to vibe and have the best fuckin’ time of our life.”
"i'm kinda nervous, to be honest," leon says to jackie as they sit on the grass. the stage is on the other side and joe vasconcellos just finished his set. people scatter the venue and the blond feels his body jittery. but he can't get high now, can he? it's 3 pm and his set is in an hour. roadies as setting up the instruments for the next act, diego lorenzini. "this guy is gonna be great and i'm shitting it, jackie. i'm shitting it."
@detruines
without a beat, her infamous catchphrase comes out as soon as she hears salem. "why not? i mean if you pay for it, that shouldn't be a problem, no?" jackie has no idea if any of these cats are for purchase, but she believes when there's a will there's a way, and if not, she's pretty sure they could work something out. "i guess you can talk to the owner about it or something," she suggests, a playful smile toying on her lips when an idea suddenly pops into her head. "or don't. it's not like you can get arrested for stealing a cat," then a pause. "can you?" she's unsure. well, now that the realization begins to hit her, maybe they should just abort that mission. "you did say you want to pay for it. i think that works."
status: open @valpostart location: el café de los gatos
“so like….hypothetically speaking if someone wanted one of these cats could they have one?” she asked the person beside her while her gaze was fixed on a larger grey tabby cat. salem being at the cat cafe wouldn’t surprise anyone ( neither would wanting to take in a random stray ) and she knew it would have to be one of the first stops she made as soon as she came back to town. as she crouched down to pet it she wondered how much her own cat would object to a sibling. she seemed to do well with “boat cat” after all. “i mean obviously i would pay for it and ask if i could have it but like can the cats leave with human if they want to?”
while it’s true that jackie is heading towards caos tattoos, she doesn’t rush over when she notices the shop is being closed right before she could even get there. it’s not like getting tattoos is one of her plans tonight ⸻ jackie was just hanging around the area when she came across the tattoo shop earlier, clearly still open by that time so she wanted to check it out, and since she’s already here it’s only right she gets a new tattoo, right? “well, there goes my luck,” she sighs, feigning a disappointed look. “don’t you have like new client privilege or something? i’m only late by what, five seconds?” jackie is not usually a demanding person, and she’s not trying to be, but she thinks it would be fun to try and convince him anyways. “come on, i just wanna get something easy and sweet. what are you in the rush for anyways?”
for: open @valpostart. where: caos tattoos, quilpe.
the shop's 'open for walk-ins!' motto has long reached its limit. elias can see the figure walking up from the window, but he's already set on locking the door. open sign, shut off. keys, in hand. steps out and swiftly locks it without making the effort to buy them any time. turns, speaks aloud: " we're open late, but you're just a little too late. " a sorry attempt at a light joke— a make up for the rushed door slam.