Eli Tupua

It took him nearly two weeks to muster up the courage to return to the bakery, the magic envelope as the redhead had called it practically mocking him from where it hung proudly on his refrigerator, Peyton feigning a scowl every time he dared to pass. And each time his hand lingered, as if that were going to be the moment he decided to give in, though per fleeting courage he always ended up reclining, talking himself out of such a silly idea before moving on with his day. Though for some reason that particular morning, he’d decided that this was the day, envelope clutched in begrudging hand as he made his way into the building. However the moment the bell gave a light jingle announcing his presence, Peyton suddenly knew that he had made a mistake. Without a word, he placed it before the other. 

“—– I don’t want whatever’s inside,” He told the other bluntly after a long, drawn out moment, gaze never leaving the counter. Why he had decided to return if that were the case— Well, even that was beyond him. Though, there he was, just as stubborn as always as he waited for the redhead to react. 

Eli didn’t see the brunette come in after that. Almost every day, Eli would wonder if the boy was going to come back. After a week, it seemed doubtful and after two? He practically gave up hope. Ironically, the other showed up as soon as he stopped looking. The door jingled the way it always did, catching the young baker’s attention for only a second. Usually, he would smile and get back to work, but this particular customer had truly caught his attention. The second he walked in the door, Eli remembered him. It was stupid, and he would never dare tell the other, but seeing as he still didn’t know his name, Eli had been calling him Cookie. Just an easy way to tell the odd introduction story without stumbling over a lack of name every other sentence. “Welcome back.”

“Next time?” Peyton scoffed harshly, a snort following, as if to completely discredit what the other had suggested. As if it were the most unbelievable idea to have ever existed. “You say that as if I didn’t just stop in on chance,” a lie, “— As if anyone would go out of their way to actually bother coming into a place like this,” another lie, “Truly, you’d be doing yourself a favor by just tossing them all away to begin with.” A final lie. Coffee burning in the palm of his hand, Peyton grit his teeth. If he were being honest with himself, he’d recognize that he wasn’t being entirely fair towards the other… if this had been anyone though, most likely he would’ve never even bothered with words let alone entire sentences. However, there was something about this particular boy— something that brought out the worst in him. Or perhaps, the best, depending on how you wanted to look at the situation. And even if he didn’t walk in intending to shit all over the other’s day — once he got started, he couldn’t seem to stop. With that, Peyton took the other in, his rapidly reducing smile, the light in his eyes seeming to flicker out…. fuck. “—– I’ll take one,” He found himself muttering before he even had a chance to register the words leaving his lips, sure that his own shocked expression was enough to not question his erratic behavior as he then awkwardly cleared his throat. “But, to go. And I’m paying for it.”

Eli was about to nod, about to mention the next time the boy comes in or next time they see one another and then it goes to shit. It goes to shit so quickly that the red head almost isn’t prepared for it. He isn’t used to someone coming in and just going off on him. In fact, Eli isn’t used to people being aggressive with him at all. He’s not a fighter, couldn’t be even if he tried (and god knows he had tried, the bonfire was his first and last attempt). So when the brunette starts jabbing him with comments it’s like little needles going into his back. This place, this food, all things that he loved... were being treated like garbage. If these were the best things in his life then what good was he? The taller boy’s heart sunk a bit in his chest, trying not to show the other how saddened he was by the words being said. It was only one stranger, right? One bad egg that couldn’t see how wonderful this little bakery was. He didn’t matter. That’s what Eli kept trying to convince himself, but at the end of the day? Eli cared for only two things: everyone in the world and what they thought of him. Having that sort of weight on your back could really bring him down--- which was why he broke out into a bright smile when the conversation seemed to flip on his head. “Yeah?” He questioned, putting the cookie into a little to go box. Sure, he felt bad that the other was going to buy it after he had offered it to him, but hey, not everyone enjoyed a discount. So if this would make them both happy, Eli was far from disagreeing. “I know you said you don’t want to come back, but if you do... Uhm. Here’s a magic envelope! We give it to everyone who comes in this week. If you bring it in next time then we can open in together and you win whatever is inside. Like, a free pastry or a coffee or fifty percent off or a hat with our logo. It’s fun, but not mandatory so. I’ll just leave it on your box and if you want it, you can take it.” And even after all that, he found a way to smile warmly at the other.  Although, he is too afraid to ask the boy’s name. “Have a nice day.”

Gaze settling on the cookie before him, Peyton suddenly became conflicted. Why this – stranger – of all people was offering him free baked goods was beyond him, even if he did look like the sort to preform random acts of kindness simply for the hell of it. People like that probably got off on it, an idea that Peyton truly had never understood. And while it would’ve been welcome to anyone other than himself, he was sure, Peyton didn’t appreciate charity; surely he could afford the damn thing, but he hadn’t asked for one, so why exactly should he receive one regardless? People like the redhead before him were truly baffling. And besides … even if the boy was startling handsome, grin bright enough to melt even the coldest of hearts — unfortunately, Peyton was not the type to be easily swayed. “Just the coffee,” He repeated flatly once more despite the offer, gaze remaining unimpressed, swiftly ignoring the small lurch his heart determinedly gave inside his chest. “Seeing as I didn’t ask for a cookie, however delicious they might be. – Obviously I obtain all five of my senses, and you can smell the damn things baking from down the block.” With that, he allowed his gaze to linger for a moment longer. “—— And for the record, anyone that feeds into the emoji franchise evidently doesn’t have half a brain to realize that despite what main stream media might tell you, nobody enjoys them.”

Eli had definitely experienced grumpy customers before, but he could usually get them to smile by the time they walked out the door. This boy, however, didn’t seem like he was going to budge anytime soon. Never in his two years of working for a bakery did someone reject a free pastry. It was almost like being rejected for a date, at least it was in Eli’s head. Thanks to being so insecure, the red head didn’t take rejection well. He did hide it well, though, a bright smile always stuck in place as though afraid of letting it go. “I know you didn’t ask. I just figured you might like one... We throw them out if we don’t sell all of them and I hate to see them go to waste you know? I’m more of a croissant guy but sometimes I’ll eat one on my break just so that it doesn’t end up in the garbage pail.” Eli explained, definitely saying more than the other boy probably cared about. Nonetheless, he continued to ramble with a soft smile, even laughing at the harsh commentary on emojis. Sure, they were an unnecessary little add on but they made texting a bit more fun. Plus, if someone wanted to type something out it was nice to know exactly what they were feeling. Eli personally liked the little monkey ones, which is probably why he put them on so many of the sugar cookies. No design wasn’t nearly as fun as a monkey covering his eyes. Obviously, that wasn’t what the other boy thought, though, so Eli made his reply more simple.  “And, I enjoy them quite a bit actually. I’ll put the cookie back, maybe next time you’ll try one.”

“i don’t swim.” voice is dull and monotone, as she’s officially lost all of her interest in him. “who are you again? i need to know so i can call you the biggest party pooper of the century.”

at his greeting she couldn’t help but laugh lightly, “ well howdy there yourself. “ she grinned, happy to see a familiar face in the crowd, it did make her feel a little less strange about being there. “ you too, it’s hard to spot anyone in this crowd, now i have to ask. did you happen to bring a couple of those groundbreaking cupcakes with you? “ she asked with a smile, mostly joking but if he did bring some she wasn’t gonna decline it.

noah was standing alone on the edge of the beach, watching astrid as she walked away. she had gone to get them both non-alcoholic drinks, so he was stuck lurking by himself. he glanced around at the crowds of people, his hands shoved into the front pockets of his jeans. his shoulders were hunched forward in an attempt to hide make himself less visible to the plethora of vying eyes. even his shirt was still on, not wanting to catch even more attention with the tattoos that were drawn on his chest. people were already staring. already whispering and shooting him dirty looks. he pulled his phone out, glancing at the time. he’d only been here for thirty minutes and he was already antsy to get out of there. of course his mission to blend in went all to shit when he heard the man behind him. he turned around, unimpressed eyes landing on eli. he briefly remembered him from around the building. he glanced around, but nobody else was around them. “you’re not seriously talking to me, are you?” he pulled his eyebrows together. the boy was taller than him, but as noah looked him over, it was clear who was more intimidating. “you’ve been drinking, so i’m going to give you a free pass. use it to walk away and pretend like you didn’t just say that to me.”

Eli had always been overprotective of those he cared about. Family, friends, kids, animals, they all fell into the category of needing protection. That meant Astrid too. Keeping her safe was important but he couldn’t help the gut feeling that made him realize-- he wanted her happy too. This guy, Noah. He didn’t know him, he sure as hell didn’t trust him, but so far? Astrid was fine, she was happy. Who was he to decide what she could and couldn’t have, who she couldn’t be with? Sure, when he first got his blackmail task, he thought it could have been worse. Hell, he was almost happy to have an excuse for this, but as he got closer and closer, it felt wrong. “I am.” He said, voice a bit softer. Fuck. His secret wasn’t something that could get out, not after so many years. It would be a huge deal. First, his friends would hear about it getting out then the papers, his family, his father--- This wasn’t something he was ready for. Brushing a hand nervously through his hair, the red head tried to figure out what the right choice was. His brain said one thing but his heart said another. He felt like he was the main character in some shitty movie where the audience is yelling to do one thing and they somehow still make the wrong decision. “Stay away from her.” Wrong choice. 

      she’s pleasantly enjoying a smore, melted bits of marshmallow stringing between her fingertips and sticking to the corners of her mouth. it’s a moment of solace. noah had something to do for a moment, so she was taking a moment to eat and to hydrate, and to mentally prepare herself for possibly having to swim later. it was ridiculous, but this smore was a big deal for her - she’d picked up the vegan smores from whole foods for this occasion in particular, and she’d just swallowed a bite when someone squeezed her sides, calling her name out. fight for flight instincts kicked in and she yanked the hands off of her form, dropping her smore in the sand in the process as she let out a true scream. chest heaving, she’d remember that she wasn’t in her brother’s house, and he wasn’t around to hurt her anymore. she’d turn around, a deep set pout set on her features. “well, eli, i was enjoying a smore.. but you killed that.” she’s not as upset as she seems, but she’s still pretty upset.

“Bi, actually,” August replied easily, giving his friend a bright grin in return to his teasing as he proceeded to down the rest of what was left in his solo cup, the burn of vodka unpleasant against his throat as he grimaced despite himself. “I really only just got here, though—- ” He went onto say then. “But obviously my first priority was acquiring anything alcoholic, so…” With that, he trailed off. “Do you think anyone has jello shots around here? Because if that’s the case, we’re doing ten of them at least.” He didn’t necessarily feel the need to be thanked; Eli was his guy, after all. And despite the short time they had known one another, he’d already figured the other out well enough to know that he wasn’t one to be boastful. “Food could be good, too. ‘m kind of starved, dude.” 

The two of them couldn’t be more different, and yet, Eli already considered August to be his best friend in Port St. Lucie. From day one they clicked and since then, the boys had only grown closer. In such a big town, it was nice knowing someone had his back. Even if it was just a little protection from drunk idiots and flirty strangers. “Auggie, the bi superhero and Eli, his pan sidekick.” He mused fondly, taking a sip of his drink. Getting knockout drunk wasn’t exactly Eli’s plan, but it seemed like it fit fairly well in August’s. “I think I saw some floating around before--- pretty sure they were gonna do body shots, though.” A small scoff escaped his lips to hide the laugh. Just the image of them doing body shots was ridiculous. Or maybe it was just ridiculous for Eli, after all, August always seemed to be the more adventurous type. “Food, on the other hand, I can definitely help with. Some people brought snacks, the guys are grilling hot dogs and someone brought brownies. Although, I might stay away from those because I’m not sure what’s in them.”

@elitupua

After searching for his roommate for what felt like practically the entirety of the evening, at least since upon his arrival, beginning to become doubtful that he would ever find the redhead amongst the sea of increasingly drunken people, August finally spotted Eli from across the beach as he let out a sigh of relief, the vodka in his system not seeming to make up for the lack of fun he was having as he crossed the sand to reach the other. Though upon approaching, what he had once perceived to be Eli seeming to make a hook up, the man standing before him obviously interested as he swayed closer, it wasn’t until August saw the clear denial in his friend’s posture that he realized the advancements were unwanted. And — well, that just wouldn’t do. “El—” He called happily as he made his way up, making sure to grin at the boy as he easily allowed his arm to fall securely around his shoulders, pulling him closer in a clear ‘we’re together’ stance as he then leaned in to smack a brief kiss to the boy’s cheek. “I’ve been lookin’ all over for you. I was starting to wonder where you’d gotten off to…” With that, he finally allowed his gaze to travel to the clearly irritated man before them. “Sorry, man,” He told him flatly. “He’s with me tonight.”

Sometimes, he didn’t know how to say no. The bonfire was burning bright, everyone seemed to be having fun. Hell, even Eli had gotten a bit tipsy. Unfortunately, the excitement seemed to fade away when one guy just didn’t get the hint. Un-admittedly, Eli didn’t realize the flirting until about seven minutes into the conversation. The red head was so unaware of infatuations or flirting that it quite literally flew over his head. Maybe that was a symptom of his insecurities but--- Once it finally hit, he felt himself get flustered. At first, it was sweet. Hearing someone call him attractive or funny or anything really was nice to hear. Then it got uncomfortable. The other refused to leave him alone and Eli just didn’t know how to let him down any other way than saying “No, thank you.” over and over again. It seemed like a blink of an eye before August was there. An arm wrapped around his shoulders, a confident look in his eyes. Leave it to August to save the day and still wind up the coolest person at this damn party. A wave of relief washed over Eli’s face, but he couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his lips. “Gayyyyy.” He whispered in a sing-songy tune, obviously teasing the other so he could avoid saying thank you and gushing over how embarrassing the whole ordeal was. “Where have you been anyways?”

eyebrows raise at the male in front of her, and she quickly shakes her head. “no fucking way. i actually want to remember this party instead of passing out on the fucking beach. i know you could do it though. come on. what about twenty bucks and i’ll flash you, if you do do it?”

renee didn’t drink, not much at least, contrary to most of the other people around her age. to be honest she was mostly here to enjoy the bonfire and eat a shit ton of s’mores hopefully with good company, considering she didn’t have anything against drunk people, they were fun to be around as long as they weren’t rude. approaching the event she couldn’t help but smile, surprisingly many people had shown up already and most of them seemed to be in a good mood so that made renee happy and relieved that she’d decided to pull herself out of bed, also she’d promised roza she’d come, but she didn’t know where she was right now so instead she went and grabbed a soda like the child she was. looking to her right she spotted a familiar person and sidestepped towards them “ hey stranger, fancy seeing you here. “ 

renee had not expected to see the kitchen looking like a bomb had been dropped. having only lived in the building for about a month she’d rarely ever seen anyone use the public kitchen, but at least it was used for something, and from the looks of it something useful. “ oh, don’t be sorry, i actually just came here to steal some dish soap. “ she chuckled. at the words red velvet and cookie, renee quirked a brow at him clearly interested. “ how could i possibly say no to that? “ she replied, walking up to the counter eyeing the chaos in front of her. “ i didn’t think it was possible to make this much mess of a kitchen, i’m quite impressed. “