Xander's Cross, Oregon: a small town ringed with forbidding mountains and misty forest. The sky may be gray, but the townspeople are welcoming to people of all kinds...and things that are not quite human as well. Here the native shifters, aliens, werewolves, and witches live in peace. They have yet to find out the new business owners encroaching on the land are also vampires.
The peace has been broken by murder, however, and things in Xander's Cross are about to become quite a bit darker.
Welcome to your new home.
is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured?
August 20, 2020
The mayor, Rowan Starkwood, was found dead less than a mile from his home. Rumors say his body was mutilated, but the state of the body has not yet been released to the public.
Post by Corinne Foster on Aug 12, 2020 22:47:23 GMT -5
Corrine Foster was lucky that she was a morning person, or this job would have been a lot more difficult. Or...she hadn't always been a morning person, but she'd trained herself to be. It took a lot of espresso in the first few months.
Years of routine later, she was up at 3:30 am every day, in the bakery by 3:40, and the bread and rolls were rising by 4:00. While the dough rose, she'd be in the shower, with her favorite good morning playlist going over the speakers. Once she was out of the shower, dressed, with her hair piled in a bun on top of her head to keep it out of the dough, it was time to really get to work. Bread into pans, doughnuts in the fryer, croissants and pastries out of the fridge and into the oven. The whole building filled with the smell of baking--yeast, cinnamon, and chocolate whirled through the air in almost physical waves. She sighed dreamily and added an extra splash of real vanilla to the cookies, for an extra dash of love and romance. Normally her chocolate chip cookies were charmed for comfort, but today seemed like it needed something a little extra.
Hmm, that reminded her. What should she do for the special today? She pulled open the fridge and frowned thoughtfully at the ingredients there. Ooh...blackberries...And cream cheese filling, maybe? Yep, that's what she needed. With a charm for banishing worries. She grinned as she pulled out the ingredients and set to work making a braided pastry filled with the berries and a cream cheese and mascarpone mixture.
By 5:30 am, when she opened the doors, everything was neatly in its cases save for a few pies which sat on cooling racks to the side. The smell of fresh bread was even stronger now that it was sitting close to her, straight from the oven. She tried to resist, but her stomach was growling. Well...Nana Foster always did say not to skip breakfast. She snagged a chocolate croissant off the tray. She'd just have to eat it while there weren't any customers to see...
But of course, as soon as she took a bite, the bell over the door jingled as someone came in. She blushed bright red, holding one hand over her mouth while she chewed, and raising a finger on the other to buy herself a moment while she finished.
"Good morning!" she greeted Ryan Hildago, hurriedly dusting croissant flakes off her apron.
Post by Ryan Hildago on Aug 17, 2020 10:59:45 GMT -5
Luckily for Ryan, the mechanic shop was right across from the bakery. He had a clear view of the main part of the street from the loft apartment right above the shop that let him watch the sun come up in the early morning of Xander's Cross. He leaned against the large windows, sipping on his freshly brewed coffee. His time in the service made him an early riser, nightmares made him an even earlier one. He enjoyed the view most mornings, in the quiet calm of the little town. After only being their about eight months he'd already decided he liked the little town. Especially when the bakery was right across the street. Being the early bird he was, he got access to all the fresh stuff too.
Pushing off from the window, his dog tags jingled against his chest while he tracked down a pair of well worn jeans. Slipping them up over his briefs before he grabbed a grey t-shirt and pulled it on over head before slipping his feet into his steal toed boots. Refilling his coffee mug, he grabbed his key's and headed down the stairs. Locking up as he left, he went out through the main door office door of the shop, before he walked across the parking lot. He looked both ways before crossing the street, his limp was barely noticeable thanks to the summer heat.
He entered the bakery to see Corinne was already enjoying today's selections, and he grinned at catching her off guard while her face turned red and held her up to him. "Hey that look's good." He said. His voice still husky from sleep as he walked towards the counter. He leaned his hip against it like he normally did, bringing his mug up to his lips he sipped at the bitter bean water, but it was just how he liked it. Straight black. "Mornin' Cinnamon." He grinned around the rim of the mug. Calling Corinne the nickname he'd given her. She'd smelled of the spice the day he met her, and it was a such a strong scent he couldn't help it. "How's today's catch looking?" He asked, nodding towards the stocked pastry and doughy goodness shelves.
Post by Corinne Foster on Aug 17, 2020 17:30:43 GMT -5
Someone, somewhere, whatever deity was watching over her, was playing one big old prank putting this man in the mechanic's shop across the street. Having Bill come over for donuts on Saturdays had been just fine, she liked the man and his jovial nature. He had gotten along well with her grandpa before he passed, too, so it had been pleasant memories for both of them. Ryan, on the other hand... well, not that he wasn't pleasant, but his morning visits were also thoroughly nerve-wracking. Eight months in and she still had to take a second to get her heart beating again, sometimes.
It was enough to send any girl into a tizzy, having a handsome mechanic from across the street come in bright and early every morning and grin at her over his mug of coffee, still looking like he'd just woken up. And she didn't have to wonder what kind of pajamas he'd be in if he really had just rolled out of bed--she'd caught a glimpse of him through her window by accident the month he'd moved in. She'd been very careful to keep her lace curtains shut in the mornings since then, too. She'd banged her knee so hard on the old wood bedframe that she'd had a bruise for a week, all because she'd been shocked and rubbernecking like an idiot.
Remembering that made her whole face hot, and she quickly busied herself with grabbing out two of the blackberry & creme braids for him and slipping them into a pastel pink wax paper bag. "Blackberry and cream cheese filling on these," she told him with a smile. It was always easier to talk about baking than anything else. "I haven't tried them yet, so you'll have to tell me how they turned out! I got lured in by the chocolate croissants, instead. They smelled too good." She laughed softly as she held them out to him over the counter.
last edited Aug 17, 2020 17:31:28 GMT -5 by Corinne Foster
Post by Ryan Hildago on Aug 18, 2020 12:54:31 GMT -5
Ryan hid behind his mug, trying to hide that grin as he watched Corinne's face turn red again. He learned quickly, that Corinne got embarrassed easily or the slightest things would turn her nearly as red as a cherry tomato. What he hadn't learned was it was him that caused it. He just thought she did it around everyone. It was cute quirk of her's he liked.
His roguish black eyes watched her fill the pink baggy with the special for the day. Already knowing it was for him. He was already groaning as she told him what the special was. "Ya know Cinnamon, I'm surprised I haven't put on at least a hundred pounds since coming here thanks to the heaven you make." He said with a small chuckle. He reached for the bag, taking it from her before setting it down and digging out his wallet, throwing down a few bills for his breakfast before he set his coffee down as well, and then greedily opened that bag to pull out one of the braids. "Oh I'll let you know. I gotta agree, it looked pretty good while you were munching away." He smiled before he took a bite out of one of the braids. He frowned for a second, pausing before his head dropped dramatically down, and then began nodding his head, while he held up a thumbs up. "It's a crime how good this is woman. Seriously, is there anything you make that taste bad?" He asked, biting another piece off.
His tongue darted out to wipe a bit of cream cheese off the corner of his mouth and folded his arms across his chest while he munched away happily. It was rare for anyone else to come in right as they opened, so he didn't worry about any other customers. He tilted his head slightly in curiosity, his demeanor turning a bit more serious. "How you handling the news?" He asked slowly. "With the uh......mayor." He elaborated. Ryan hadn't been in Xander's Cross long, so he didn't know Mayor Starkwood as well as some of the others residents. From what he knew, Corinne had grew up in the town, and he was curious, albeit maybe a bit concerned in that friend way, for her.
Post by Corinne Foster on Aug 18, 2020 19:01:00 GMT -5
Corinne laughed and shook her head at his comment. She'd wondered herself about how some of the people in town could eat the way they did and never gain a pound, but she'd given up a long time ago. Wolf, fox, or human, some people just had better metabolisms than her, and those that didn't worked hard to keep their figures. She'd accepted a ways back that this was the body she was stuck with because there was no way in hell she could ever give up bread and sugar. She'd rather be chubby and lonely than give up chocolate and that was just the way it was.
She shot Ryan a look as she took his money off the counter and opened the register with a classic 'ding.' Did he hear himself when he talked? Or was he just flirty by nature? Or was it just that she took everything he said the wrong way because she was hopelessly crushing on him? All of the above? Whatever it was, it made her feel some kind of way: flattered and warm and embarrassed all at once. She made herself look back down at the register to count his change, frowning determinedly at it rather than watch him lick cream cheese off the side of his mouth. KEEP IT TOGETHER, CORINNE.
"I sure hope nothing I make tastes bad! I work my booty off making sure this stuff is good, after all," she replied without thinking, too busy worrying about change to be nervous, at least for the moment. "What kind of baker would I be if I sold you something gross, huh?" She set his coins on the counter next to his mug, then glanced at him, then her croissant, then him again, before deciding it wouldn't hurt to keep eating her own breakfast. She picked it up and sat on her little wooden stool as he asked her about the news. Well, at least that was something she could talk about without wanting to hide behind the bread rack.
"Well..." she began, taking a bite of her croissant to buy herself a moment. She tipped her head from side to side as she chewed as if she were trying to shake a proper thought from her head. "I'm alright, I think. A little freaked out, sure, but I'm more worried about Laurel. She comes in here all the time to get cupcakes and things for PTA meetings, and she's always so sweet when I run into her, asking after Nana and her health. She really loved her husband, I think. She must be just torn up." She shook her head, melancholy creeping onto her face. "I know Nana and I were a mess after Grampa passed. I can't even imagine if it were something...gruesome." She made a face, then took another bite of her croissant, giving him a moment to answer. She didn't notice the smudge of melted chocolate that clung to her cheek.
Post by Ryan Hildago on Aug 19, 2020 22:46:47 GMT -5
Ryan turned more to face her while she positioned herself on her stool. Happily munching away on that braided piece of goodness. He found the corner of his lips quirking up in that little side smile of his as he watched her tilt her head from side to side. It was cute. He found himself nodding slowly as she said she was freaked out. His gaze softening as she mentioned worrying about the Mrs. "Yeah I can't imagine what she's goin' through." He murmured. Well...Actually he had a very vivid and clear idea, though he hadn't lost a spouse. He had lost people he considered family.
He grimaced at the word gruesome. Tilting his head to the side a bit and his lips pursed like he'd suddenly had a sour taste in his mouth. He could imagine that too. He'd seen it. His shoulder ached with the phantom pain of the shrapnel he'd had lodged in it during the crash, and his hand tightened in his shirt. "It's not easy..." He said softly, and then his eyes quickly darted to her face. He blinked for a second, spotting the chocolate. "I bet..." He said as a slow grin appeared on his face. "Hey Cin, you got uh," He motioned with his finger at his own face to show her where the chocolate smear was. "You're already sweet enough as is, I don't think you need anymore sugar." He commented. Putting the rest of the braid in his mouth before he picked up his coffee.
Post by Corinne Foster on Aug 20, 2020 17:28:05 GMT -5
Corinne leaned her head farther to the side, confused by his expression at the word 'gruesome.' She wondered if it reminded him of something. She was pretty sure he'd been in the military, so...oh. Yeah, that would definitely be gruesome. "Sorry," she murmured, wishing she hadn't done that. (Even if he had been the one to bring up the murder, she hadn't meant to remind him of bad memories.)
Soon enough, though, his face was changing, and her own crumpled in confusion. Why was he looking at her like that? She looked down at her apron, first, then glanced back up at him just in time to see that he was motioning to her cheek. She must have gotten the chocolate filling on her face! She blushed scarlet as she fumbled her croissant back onto the back counter and rushed to find one of her little heart print napkins. How could she do something embarrassing and still have him making flirty comments the whole time? It was a miracle her heart hadn't just given out by now. She rubbed viciously at her cheek before turning back to him. "Better?"
It was not better--now her face was just red and there was a big splotch of chocolate instead of a glob.
Post by Ryan Hildago on Aug 21, 2020 11:04:16 GMT -5
There she was going red on him again, and he couldn't but chuckle lightly. Not in the make fun of way, but the amusing way. Especially when she went to town on her cheek with that napkin. When she asked if it was better, his lips curled in over his teeth in a straight line. Making it seem like he didn't want to say anything when really he was trying not to laugh again.
He reached over for one of the napkins off the stack, and didn't even think twice. It was just a habit of his. His other hand motioned her closer and then if she allowed, he'd gently hold her chin, while he reached up dampened the napkin with his tongue before gently rubbing it against her cheek, trying to clean up the splotch. "Kind of made it worse." He chuckled softly. He was gentle, not as vigorous as she had been too remove it. Ryan kept his eyes on the task at hand, watching what was doing what that small amused half-smile he had. Once he was done he pulled the napkin away, and then admired his work. Making sure he didn't miss a spot. "Now your better." He said, as his hands dropped away. He reached down for his mug then, taking another sip, and then went right back to leanding against the counter as if he hadn't just wiped Corinne's face free of chocolate. "Think they'll be able to find out who did it? To the...mayor?" He asked. They didn't know all the details, but from what the paper said he'd been murdered. And Ryan was curious as to the why. Everyone seemed to like Mayor Starkwood...
Post by Corinne Foster on Aug 21, 2020 13:49:50 GMT -5
Corinne was still beet red as he motioned her over, and she followed without thinking. Curse her obedient nature. Or maybe it was a blessing, because he was surprisingly gentle as he held her chin and dabbed at her cheek with the napkin. Had it been her Nana or anyone else using spit on her face she would have tried to pull away, but she was practically in a trance.
Gosh, she was in way too deep with this crush. She really light to let it go, but somehow she couldn't help herself. He was funny, and sweet, and he didn't think she was stupid or boring--or at least, he must not, if he was coming back in every day and staying to chat. He could easily have made his excuses and left. She sighed softly when he released her, and gave him a nervous smile. "Thanks."
And then it was totally back to normal, as of that hadn't happened at all. She had to blink a moment, wondering if she'd just imagined it all. But no, her cheek was still slightly damp.
"Um," she began, trying to regain her train of thought, "Um, yes! The sheriff is awfully good at his job, and I trust him. Besides, it's such a small town...it can't really be anyone we do--" She cut off, blanching when she realized what she'd been about to say. It really was a small town, and everyone knew everyone else's business. If someone had motive to the mayor, then it was someone here.
"Anyone we don't already know..." she finished quietly, looking out the front windows at the street where Nolan was riding by on his way home from delivering the paper. Was one of their neighbors really a murderer? The thought made her shudder. She had known these people since she was little, grown up with them all. How could anyone do such a thing? She bit her lip and turned back to Ryan.
"I mean...they have to catch them, right?"
last edited Aug 21, 2020 14:02:09 GMT -5 by Corinne Foster
Post by Ryan Hildago on Aug 26, 2020 9:33:44 GMT -5
Ryan reached over the pink bag and began to pull out his second braid. If he wanted too, the thing would be gone in under a minute, but he wanted to take his time while he ate it. It'd give him a reason to keep standing there talking to Corinne rather than having to go back to his shop. He wasn't ready for that yet.
He nodded at her assessment of the sheriff. Ryan still hadn't really gotten to know everyone in town yet except for a few people down at the bar when he'd ride down on his bike. He arched an eyebrow as she cut herself off. Slowly raising that braid to his mouth before taking a slow bite of it. He followed her gaze out to the street, watching the paper boy ride on bye with his bike. It slowly sank in that whoever had killed the mayor could possibly be someone she'd known her whole life, and Ryan felt a bit bad about bringing it up. Being from Florida of all places, and jumping around from home to home he wasn't able to get close to people before he was gone. He was a bit thankful he wasn't in Corinne's shoes right now.
He watched her bite her lip, and for a brief second he thought she looked even cuter then she always did. That worried look on her face made him want to help ease her thoughts and protect her. "Yeah, Yeah I mean DNA and everything now a days is like- Top of the line yeah? Way better then it used to be! I'm sure they'll have them caught in no time." He said with a reassuring smile. "But uh, if you need anything or see any thing out of the ordinary or funky you let me know." He told her, taking another bite of the braid. "I'm just across the street, and until they catch whoever did this, I want to feel safe. So if you don't I got no issue showing you how to check your radiator fluid or changing a tire." There was that lopsided grin of his then. He didn't even think about his offer. Not really, but Ryan looked out for his friends, and he wanted Corinne to know there would be someone there if she needed him.
Post by Corinne Foster on Aug 26, 2020 22:31:50 GMT -5
Corinne blinked, bewildered for just a moment as he said something about DNA testing. Why did that--oh. Right. That was what normal police officers used to solve crimes. She'd been thinking a bit more about how an owl shifter would have good night vision and tracking skills, and wondering if the police had a witch they could contact to identify any spells that might have been used. That wasn't her forte, obviously, but she was pretty sure that Lauren or Selene could pull off something like that. Maybe starting with regular police work was a good idea, though. But this was Xander's Cross, after all, and she doubted it was that simple.
Wait....was he saying he wanted her to feel safe? She didn't think checking the radiator or tires on the 'mystery machine' had anything to do with being safe from a murderer, but the sentiment was awfully sweet. For the first time since they'd started talking, Corinne's smile wasn't dampened by embarrassment or nerves--she genuinely beamed at him. How positively adorable that he would offer. She didn't exactly mean to be a helpless woman, but to be fair, she genuinely didn't know how to check a radiator, or even that it used fluid in the first place.
"I'll keep that in mind, thanks," she answered, and her heart gave a little squeeze as she looked at that lopsided grin head-on. "Same to you, though. I might not be good with cars and things, but if you ever just need someone to talk to, or a home-cooked meal, or to borrow a grandma, I've got you covered."
Post by Ryan Hildago on Aug 30, 2020 13:36:02 GMT -5
Ryan's own smile just widened at seeing the one Corinne gave him. It was...different then the usual ones she gave him. More sincere, and genuine. She certainly had a nice smile. He'd always known that, but this one just solidified it even more. He chuckled then at the possibility of borrowing a grandma. "I'll keep that in mind." He told her. finishing off the bagel twist. "Seriously though, anything at all I'm just across the street." He hooked his thumb behind him to Harv's. "I'd hate for anything to happen to ya Cinnamon." He told her as he grew serious. That smile of his dropping off to one of mild concern. The woman had welcomed him in without a second thought, and that had meant a great deal to Ryan. He even considered her a friend even if they didn't talk outside this bakery. She was too sweet and good for the world for anything to happen to her, and Ryan liked to look out for his friends.
"And not just because I'm a fan of your baking." He added that smile quickly coming back before it softened. He glanced up at the clock on the wall, seeing the time. Knowing he shouldn't linger too long now that his breakfast was over, but he found it difficult to leave some mornings. Just a little bit looooonger.
He reached up and ran a hand through his hair then, brushing it to the side. "For everyone's sake, I hope they catch whoever did this soon." He sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. "And until then, I'll be keeping a closer watch on our place okay? Not to freak ya out or be creepy or anything, but-" He grinned sheepishly. "Some habits are hard to break after you leave the service." He admitted. He'd been a pilot, but that didn't mean he wasn't always watching his six too. "It'd make me feel better until they catch whoever it is."
Post by Corinne Foster on Sept 3, 2020 18:32:56 GMT -5
Corinne's eyes widened as he became more serious. She'd meant what she said, honestly, if he ever needed her she'd be there for him in a heartbeat (and not just because he was constantly interrupting her heartbeat, either). Her smile softened, and she nudged his arm with hers gently.
"It better not be just for the baking! I like our morning chats," she scolded, although there wasn't any force behind it.
Watching him run his hand through his hair was mild self-torture, but she couldn't look away. She was almost glad he was talking about the murder afterward, so she could focus a little better and not melt like butter. Oh, nope. There he went again, saying he wanted to look out for her. She shook her head when he suggested it might be weird or creepy to her.
"Nope, doesn't bother me a bit. I appreciate it, honestly. I take care of the place, and I don't think anyone would get in uninvited as easily as you might think. But it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes. I'm just glad you think I'm worth protecting." She grinned. But if he was protecting her, she wanted to do something for him, too. Maybe she could make one of Great Nana Maybelle's famous protection jars and get him to bury it by the front door of his place. It might be pushing things a little, though, since things like that were seen as superstitious junk by the average human. "If you um...if you aren't too weirded out by it, I could make a protection charm for your shop, too. Family tradition."
That was an understatement. Great Nana Maybelle may have been the one to teach this particular recipe to Nana, but she knew the tradition had been in the family for generations. The base recipe was probably older than this country if she had to guess. Old Italian witches didn't mess around, either--the jar called for broken glass, needles, the hottest peppers you could find, and salt mixed with vinegar to make an even harsher acid. It was no simple good luck charm--this spell meant business. Anyone who tried to enter the premises with negative intent would have heat, acid, and cuts turned back on them in equal measure.
"You totally don't have to, of course, it's just an old wives tale kind of thing..."
Post by Ryan Hildago on Oct 11, 2020 23:39:18 GMT -5
Ryan's eyes crinkled as he grinned chuckling softly at her sold. "Course, course. I like our morning chats too." He winked at her then. Listening to her talk and he folded his arms across his chest, adjusting himself as he stood in front of the counter, he stopped leaning against it and instead stood with his feet planted and apart a bit. He tilted his head to the side and that grin quickly turned into a frown. His brows furrowing slightly. "Why wouldn't you be worth protecting?" He asked. He didn't understand how she couldn't be worth protecting. A woman as sweet and caring as her? Ryan didn't know Corinne as much as he would have liked, but he liked to think they were friends. Friends looked out for one another, and in his experience...they protected each other too.
She was grinning though, like she didn't think herself worth it. Her words had indicated as much and it didn't set well with him at the moment. She was offering a protective charm to him then, something that had his eyebrows arching. "Family tradition huh?" He asked curiously. His crooked smile appearing again. He liked hearing about family traditions. Doctor Carson was another one that liked to hear about family traditions as the two bonded over the fact they were both in the foster care system. The only difference...Ryan had been adopted. Blake's mom had put him in willingly from what he told him, making him unadoptable.
"My mom loves those things, I don't mind it at all. She's got that Central American superstition gene like you wouldn't believe." He told her. Aaaah yes, mama Hildago and her "spirits." Now that was a strict Spanish Catholic woman who liked to keep her ghost stories under her rosary. "Bring it over later if you have time. Maybe I can return the favor and have something sweet for you." He told her. It was the least he could do if they were going to be watching each others backs so to speak. Besides....He wanted to hear more about why she didn't think she was worth protecting...
Post by Corinne Foster on Oct 12, 2020 20:00:48 GMT -5
Corinne assumed the “why wouldn’t you be worth protecting” comment was rhetorical. It had to be, right? She was nobody to him, just the girl across the street, the bakery owner. It was like knowing the name of your doctor, or remembering that the lady down the street had a cat. You got to know some things about people, but it didn’t mean you’d be willing to jump into danger for them. Wanting to protect something meant that you cared about it. So him wanting to protect her...that meant something.
But, of course, she was distracted again by that crooked smile. She needed some kind of immunity to that, but it never ceased to make her heart skip. She grinned back when he mentioned that his mom was ‘superstitious’ too. Good! Then she really could make sure his place was safe too. He might not know it, of course, but she wasn’t quite as soft and helpless as she seemed. It was just more that she didn’t ever feel like she was emotionally capable of hurting others, not that she wasn’t magically powerful enough. This protection jar was gonna pack a serious punch because she was going to pour her whole heart into it, whether he really believed in it or not. Intruders beware, Corinne was on a mission.
“I will! I might have to run to the store for some habanero, or something hotter if they have it… Hm. I’ll have to check Great Nana’s instructions. Oh. And do you have a shovel? I can borrow one from Nana’s shed. We need to bury it by your door and–wait.” She had been rambling and listing things on her hands, already planning what glass she would smash to get the broken pieces she needed, when she actually heard what he’d said.
“You–I–You don’t have to do anything for me!” she protested, waving her hands rapidly as if warding off his kindness. “I’m not doing it so that you owe me, I’m doing it because I want to.”
She was too used to that kind of currency–owing favors and attention and kisses and more, never being able to meet the expectation… she didn’t want Ryan to feel indebted to her that way. Never.