𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫.

black molasses , black berry the masses . and we're just sittin' , coolin' around . . .

[almedaarchives]

❝  . . . just sitting here fooling around .  we just sitting here cooling around . we just sitting here , high coming down . . .  ❞

۪ * — #𝐀𝐋𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐀𝐒  . penned by kayla . she / her . twenty1+ . est — * ۪

𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔 . 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 . 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 . 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 . 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 . 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔 . 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈 . 𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 .

drafts : too many. starters : 00. queue : 00.

[candiedarchives]

for     @almedas     ,     continued     from     here     !

malika    feels    the    weight    of    the    moment    settle    over    her    like    something    sacred    ,    something    she’s    spent    a    lifetime    hoping    for    but    never    daring    to    dream    of    this    vividly    .    the    ring    sits    perfectly    on    her    finger    ,    a    promise    made    tangible    ,    a    future    solidified    .    she    marvels    at    it    for    just    a    second    before    kion    is    pulling    her    in    ,    and    god    ,    she    never    wants    to    be    anywhere    else    but    right    here    ,    wrapped    in    him    .    a    breathless    laugh    escapes    her    between    kisses    ,    giddy    and    full    of    something    she    can’t    contain    .    ❛     ——    the    happiest    man    on    the    planet    ,    huh    ?     ❜    she    teases    ,    though    her    voice    is    soft    ,    drenched    in    warmth    ,    ❛     ——    baby    ,    i’m    the    lucky    one    .         ❜    she    presses    her    forehead    against    his    ,    fingers    curling    into    the    fabric    of    his    shirt    like    she’s    trying    to    pull    him    impossibly    closer    .    ❛     ——    you’re    it    for    me    ,    ki    ,     ❜    she    whispers    ,    words    slipping    out    like    a    secret    ,    something    she’s    known    forever    ,    ❛     ——    my    best    friend    ,    my    love    ,    my    forever    .     ❜    she    tilts    her    head    back    slightly    ,    gazing    up    at    him    ,  a    teasing    glint    in    her    eyes    ,    ❛     ——    so    husband    -    to    be    ,     ❜    she    grins    ,    fingers    brushing    over    his    jaw    ,    ❛     ——    are    we    celebrating    ,    or    are    you    just    planning    on    standing    here    staring    at    me    all    night    ?     ❜

[almedaarchives]

" i had this planned for weeks , down to the second . . . " he admits , laughing softly under his breath , shaking his head to himself . " and now that we're here , i can't remember a single detail of it . all i know is that you said yes . " his forehead stays pressed against hers , breath mingling in the small space between them . his hands slide to her waist , fingers splaying like he wants as much of her against him as possible , grounding himself in the familiar warmth of her . my best friend . my love . my forever . a sentiment shared but still cracks open his chest entirely . he exhales a breath like he's been holding it . somewhat in disbelief that she would want the rest of their lives together . but he's grateful . since malika entered his life , she's the only thing that makes sense . " my forever , " he repeats , quiet , almost reverent . he tips down to kiss her again , slower this time . and when he finally pulls back , there's a hint of amusement in his eyes . " staring at you all night sounds like a pretty good plan to me , " he teases with a laugh . " but don't worry , we're celebrating . whatever the future mrs. wants . " he takes her hand - the one with the ring catching light , and threads his fingers through hers like he's claiming every part of this night , of her , for good .

[candiedarchives]

a    hand    flies    to    his    chest    ,    staggering    back    as    if  she’d    struck    him    .    ❛     ——    forget    my    existence    ?    valeria    ,    you    wound    me    .     ❜    his    lips    twitch    into    a    smirk    ,    eyes    twinkling    with    unbothered    delight    .    ❛     ——    you    really    think    i’m    that    forgettable    ?    that’s    cute    .    almost    as    cute    as    the    way    you    always    hang    onto    my    every    word    .     ❜    he    leans    in    just    slightly    ,    lowering    his    voice    like    it’s    a    secret    meant    just    for    her    ,    ❛     ——    don’t    worry    cariño    .    i’ll    haunt    you    long    after    this    project    is    over    .     ❜

❛     ——    jesus    christ    ,     ❜    he    scrubs    a    hand    down    his    face    ,    exhaling    sharply    before    shooting    samir    a    deadpan    look    .    ❛     ——    can    you    go    one    second    without    flirting    like    it’s    your    full    -    time    job    ?     ❜    he    doesn’t    wait    for    a    response    ,    already    turning    his    attention    back    to    valeria    .    ❛     ——    format    depends    on    the    topic    ,    and    since    you’re    so    determined    to    not    fall    victim    to    samir’s    undeniable    charm    —     ❜    a    pointed    look    at    his    best    friend    before    continuing    ,    ❛     ——    how    about    we    tackle    prosecutorial    misconduct    ?    or    wrongful    convictions    ?    something    relevant    ,    since    we    all    know    samir’s    probably    getting    locked    up    for    harassment    if    he    keeps    this    up    .     ❜

[almedaarchives]

disgust manifests across hardened features . a kind of disdain usually reserved for gum on the bottom of her shoe . a string of insults threaten to leap from her tongue but she doesn't give into the temptation . at least not yet . " call me that again and i'll castrate you . " eyes flick over samir once , unimpressed , before pinching into a squint . then she looks away as the conversation already bores her , unable to mask the scoff that escapes . " — cabrón . "

her attention shifts to titus , relieved to have someone in the group capable of meeting her expectations . despite herself , the corners of her mouth almost twitches . " wrongful convictions is a good option . it's meatier , more sources to pull from , and we can finish this project on time instead of babysitting — " a sharp glance thrown at samir . " — your friend . " she taps her pen against her notebook once , decisive . " i'll draft an outline tonight and we can go from there . " without hesitation , she sits on the edge of the desk , legs crossed as she stares down at him . then she extends a hand , open palm facing up . her gaze expectant . " hand me your phone . i'm only trusting you with my number . "

[candiedarchives]

for     @almedas     ,     continued     from     here     !

dahlia    exhales    softly    ,    the    weight    of    his    words    pressing    against    something    tender    inside    her    .    she    tilts    her    head    into    his    palm    ,    letting    the    warmth    of    his    touch    ground    her    ,    something    steady    in    a    world    that’s    always    felt    fleeting    .    but    he    still    doesn’t    get    it    .    still    thinks    more    means    something    —    means    anything    .    her    fingers    curl    around    his    wrist    ,    holding    him    like    she’s    afraid    he’ll    pull    away    ,    ❛     ——    zane    ,     ❜    she    whispers    ,    shaking    her    head    slightly    ,    a    small    knowing    smile    tugging    at    her    lips    ,    ❛     ——    you    already    have    .     ❜    she    rises    onto    her    toes    ,    pressing    a    kiss    to    his    jaw    ,    soft    and    deliberate    .    ❛     ——    baby    ,    i    don’t    need    what    they    have    ,     ❜    she    whispers    against    his    skin    ,    ❛     ——    i    need    you    .     ❜

[almedaarchives]

a thumb brushes along her cheek , reverent — a reminder that she is here , choosing him . a notion that zane will never quite understand . but a hint of a smile reaches his mouth . silently , he concedes , waving a white flag high in the air . her touch allows his hands to settle as if finally picking courage over doubt . stares at her for a moment , gaze flickering over her face . admiring the beauty that people write about , the kind that belongs in rooms he's never been invited to . " i need you too , baby . more than anything . " his eyes soften at her words , hand sliding from her cheek to the side of her neck . " dahlia , you'll always have me , " he whispers , and there's no hesitation in his voice . grip firmer now as he pulls her in for a kiss . a real one this time . it's slow , unhurried , tender like he's trying not to break something he doesn't deserve to hold .

[candiedarchives]

for     @almedas     ,     continued     from     here     !

isobel    exhales    shakily    ,    his    touch    anchoring    her    even    as    his    words    attempt    to    push    her    away    .    for    your    own    good    .    she’s    heard    it    before    ,    felt    it    in    every    moment    he’s    tried    to    keep    her    at    arm’s    length    .    but    she    doesn’t    want    distance    .    she    doesn’t    want    him    to    decide    for    her    ,    to    carve    space    between    them    like    it’s    something    noble    .    she    tilts    her    head    into    his    touch    ,    letting    her    eyes    trace    the    tension    in    his    features    ,    the    war    he’s    waging    with    himself    .    ❛     ——    knox    ,     ❜    she    whispers    ,    voice    barely    above    a    breath    .    ❛     ——    i    don’t    care    what    anyone    else    sees    when    they    look    at    you    .    i    know    you    .     ❜    her    thumb    lingers    at    his    cheek    ,    soft    ,    steady    ,    ❛     ——    and    i    love    you    .    not    in    spite    of    who    you    are    ,    because    of    it    .     ❜    she    offers    a    small    ,    almost    wistful    smile    ,    like    the    answer    has    always    been    simple    .    ❛     ——    i    was    never    waiting    for    you    to    change    ,    knox    .     ❜    her    voice    dips    lower    ,    warm    and    certain    ,    ❛     ——    i    was    just    waiting    for    you    to    believe    me    .     ❜      

[almedaarchives]

there was a certain stillness in the air between them , and for him , uncertainty , on how one girl could have this much of a pull on him . he tried to push her away , be the asshole everyone wants him to be . " isobel — " tilts his head at her touch as if he was silently begging her to listen to him . body still betrays him as he slowly inches closer , gravitating towards her like always . her words hit somewhere deep and buried and dangerous . for a second , he almost pulls away , using the same damn armor he's worn for his entire life . but her touch keeps him steady , like she's holding him in place . a sound that resembles a laugh is huffed out , but there's no humor in it . there's a hint of nerves , fear , surrender . he loves her . of course he does . but if he lets himself have this , he'll never be able to go . and when things go awry , because he's a fucking magnet for it , he'll be right back where he started . his fingers curl at her sides , as if to keep her here for good . " i don't give a shit about what they say . what i care about is you . and loving you isn't as scary as the idea of losing you . and i don't trust myself to not ruin it . "

[candiedarchives]

tripp    swallows    hard    ,    throat    tight    with    everything    he’s    been    too    much    of    a    coward    to    say    before    .    he    doesn’t    look    away    this    time    ,    doesn’t    scoff    ,    doesn’t    throw    up    his    hands    and    act    like    this    isn’t    terrifying    —    because    it    is    .    it    always    has    been    .    ❛     ——    you    think    i    don’t    see    you    ?     ❜    his    voice    is    quiet    ,    raw    ,    but    steady    ,    ❛     ——    i    see    you    ,    yasmin    .    i    always    have    .     ❜    his    breath    hitches    ,    but    he    doesn’t    pull    back    .    ❛     ——    so    ,    if    you’re    choosing    me    ,    then    let    me    fucking    prove    i’m    worth    it    .     ❜

[almedaarchives]

for a second , yasmin searches his face for any cracks in resolve . there's a fear in her eyes — fear of another almost , worry of him slipping through her fingers , scared of being alone . " and i see you . " she echoes him , voice layered with some affection and some frustration too . because she always has . " you were always worth it , tripp . even if you don't believe it . so much so that i'm terrified of losing you . " but there's hope now that he finally meets her halfway . " then prove it . not by pushing me away when it gets hard or scary or uncomfortable , " she says softly but firmly . " you prove it by staying , by choosing me too . "

[candiedarchives]

for     @almedas     ,     continued     from     here     !

angelo    watches    her    ,    the    way    her    breath    stutters    and    her    hands    tremble    as    she    wipes    away    the    tears    she    doesn’t    want    him    to    see    .    and    god    ,    he    hates    this    —    hates    that    his    love    had    ever    become    something    she    had    to    grieve    .    his    jaw    clenches    ,    fingers    curling    at    his    sides    ,    useless    in    the    face    of    something    he    can’t    fix    .    because    what    is    there    to    say    ?    that    he’s    sorry    ?    that    he    regrets    it    ?    she    knows    that    already    .    she    has    to    .    ❛     ——    i    wanted    to    ,     ❜    he    says    finally    ,    voice    quieter    now    ,    like    anything    louder    might    shatter    the  fragile    moment    between    them    .    ❛     ——    i    wanted    to    fight    for    you    so    badly    ,    trinity    .    but    i    convinced    myself    that    letting    you    go    was    the    best    thing    i    could    do    for    you    .     ❜    his    laugh    is    bitter    ,    barely    even    that    ,    ❛     ——    turns    out    ,    all    i    did    was    hurt    us    both    .     ❜    the    admission    sits    heavy    in    the    air    ,    between    them    the    weight    of    everything    left    unsaid    .    he    exhales    sharply    ,    gaze    dipping    to    the    ground    before    finding    her    again    ,    drinking    her    in    like    she’s    something    he’ll    never    be    allowed    to    touch    again    .    ❛     ——    i    never    stopped    wanting    you    ,     ❜    he    admits    ,    ❛     ——    even    when    i    tried    .     ❜

[almedaarchives]

her lips part briefly , but nothing comes out . just a shaky breath as her blurry gaze finally lands on him again . all those months spent hating him for making that choice , thinking she was the only one left broken . but staring at him now , identifying the guilt written across his face , the heaviness in his posture , trinity realizes she was never grieving alone . the truth finds a home deep in her chest , aching and familiar , like pressing against a bruise that hadn't fully healed yet . for a second , she can't breath around it , can't speak around the pain of knowing they both suffered for a choice neither of them truly wanted . " you know the worst part ? i couldn't help but wonder if i were different , maybe you would've stayed . " then she tried so hard to hate him for leaving , but it only made her miss him more . " angelo . . . " his name leaves her lips softly , trembling at the edges . emotion caught underneath each word . " you were never something i needed saving from . " more tears fall free before she can stop it . eyes still heavy with hurt and love in equal measure . but she doesn't look away this time . instead , she takes a small step closer , enough to feel the gravity of him , enough that the gap between them suddenly feels unbearable . " then show me , " she whispers . " fight for me , for us now . "

[candiedarchives]

ezra    exhales    a    quiet    chuckle    ,    shaking    his    head    like    he    can’t    quite    believe    her    .    or    maybe    just    this    moment    .    ❛     ——    ditch    the    party    ?     ❜    he    echoes    ,    letting    the    words    hang    between    them    ,    weighing    them    against    the    reality    of    the    night    .    the    music    hums    in    the    background    ,    the    chatter    of    people    he’ll    never    bother    to    remember    buzzing    like    static    around    them    .    but    it’s    all    faded    ,    softened    to    a    murmur    beneath    the    clarity    of    her    gaze    .    she’s    looking    at    him    like    she    already    knows    he’ll    say    yes    .    and    maybe    that's    what    makes    him    hesitate    .    nova    is    warmth    ,    a    language    he’s    never    been    fluent    in    ,    a    feeling    he’s    only    ever    studied    from    a    distance    .    she    carries    light    like    it    belongs    to    her    ,    and    ezra    isn’t    fully    convinced    it    doesn’t    .    he    watches    her    for    a    second    longer    than    he    should    ,    trying    to    commit    this    moment    to    memory    —    the    tilt    of    her    head    ,    the    anticipation    sparking    in    her    gaze    ,    the    unspoken    promise    in    the    way    she    leans    towards    him    .    and    then    he    exhales    —    light    ,    easy    ,    surrender    .    ❛     ——    and    here    i    was    ,    thinking    i’d    get    to    bask    in    my    first    night    as    one    of    the    cool   kids    ,     ❜    he    clicks    his    tongue    ,    before    finally    setting    his    glass    down    ,    ❛     ——    but    since    you’re    so    desperate    to    get    me    alone    .    .    .     ❜    his    lips    curve    ,    teasing    ,    but    it    doesn’t    quite    hide    the    the    truth    buried    beneath    it    —    that    he    wants    to  go    with    her    .    ezra    has    spent    his    life    bracing    for    the    cold    ,    learning    not    to    miss    what    he’s    never    had    .    but    nova    is    sunlight    in    bitter    winter    —    rare    ,    golden    ,    impossible    not    to    reach    for    .    and    so    ,    against    his    every    instinct    —    he    stands    .    ❛     ——    lead    the    way    ,    california    .    let’s    see    where    this    night    takes    us    .     ❜

[almedaarchives]

nova laughs softly , the sound warm and bright like sunlight skipping across water . " is that too much excitement for one night ? " perhaps its the drink humming gently in her veins , her natural wonder , or it's just him that makes the whole room suddenly feel a little lighter . he's all sharp edges wrapped in quiet charm , but she recognizes the hesitation . and unlike ezra , curiosity moves the girl before hesitation ever has the chance to catch up . it always has . adventure lives in nova the way tides live in the ocean — constant , restless , chasing whatever glimmers beyond the horizon . and for reasons she can't quite explain , she trusts this very specific moment . " no pressure . you're more than welcome to stay and be cool , and brooding , and mysterious . " her smile curves , sweet and unhurried , as a hint of warmth appears on her cheeks . she watches him carefully , waiting for the polite refusal , the practiced smile , the perfectly worded exit that keeps everything safely surface level . but when he stands instead , her expression lights up , unable to hide the little spark of victory that flickers across her face . a reaction that's entirely her . she slides off the barstool in one fluid motion , landing lightly on her feet . the party continues around them , muffled , irrelevant , already receding . she starts toward the door without waiting long , fingers brushing briefly against his sleeve as she passes — a fleeting touch to make sure he's following . " come on , new york . " the nickname slips out easily , like it belongs there . " try to keep up , " she teases , glancing back at him over her shoulder .

[candiedarchives]

❛     ——    myles    .    .    .     ❜    it’s    barely    a    sound    ,    barely    a    breath    ,    her    throat    closing    around    his    name    like    it    might    choke    her    .    her    fingers    curl    into    her    sleeves    ,    nails    pressing    half    -    moons    into    fabric    ,    into    skin    ,    into    anything    that    will    keep    her    from    reaching    for    him    the    way    she    wants    to    .    the    way    she    always    has    .    ❛     ——    you    can’t    say    that    ,     ❜    it’s    wrecked    ,    trembling    ,    a    whisper    teetering    on    the    edge    of    a    sob    .    her    body    betrays    her    ,    stepping    forward    even    as    her    even    as    her    mind    screams    for    her    to    run    away    .    but    where    would    she    go    that    he    wouldn’t    already    be    ?    where    in    the    world    does    she    exist    without    him    ?    ❛     ——   please    ,     ❜    she    begs    ,    though    she    doesn’t    know    what    for    .    for    him    to    take    it    back    ,    maybe    .    for    him    to    lie    to    her    ,    just    this    once    .    for    the    world    to    rewind    to    five    minutes    ago    ,    five    months    ago    ,    five    years    ago    —    when    she    could    still    pretend    they    weren’t    standing    on    the    edge    of    this    .    but    he    doesn’t    take    it    back    .    he    just    stands  there    ,    watching    her    crumble    ,    watching    her    do    nothing    but    lose    .    ❛     ——    you’re    my    best    friend    ,     ❜    she    gasps    ,    and    it    feels    pathetic    now    ,    trying    to    clutch    at    something    that’s    already    turned    to    dust    between    her    fingers    .    it’s    not    a    plea    anymore    .    it’s    a    confession    .    a    last    -    ditch    prayer    to    a    god    who    has    never    once    answered    her    .    because    if    they    were    just    friends    ,    this    wouldn’t    feel    like    dying    .    and    god    ,    it    does    .

she’s    close    now    ,    barely    any    space    between    them    ,    close    enough    to    feel    the    warmth    of    him    ,    the    heat    of    his    body    searing    through    her    thin    layer    of    resolve    .    her    breathing    is    unsteady    ,    shallow    ,    everything    inside    her    fighting    the    gravity    pulling    her    toward    him    .    her    gaze    drops    —    to    his    lips    ,    to    the    space    where    her    life    ends    and    another    could    begin    .    she    could    kiss    him    .    she    wants    to    kiss    him    .    but    if    she    does    ,    she’ll    never    stop    .    her    breath    hitches    ,    and    for    one    unbearable    ,    endless    second    ,    she    sways    forward    .    and  then    —    she    catches    herself    .    a    sharp    inhale    .    a    step    back    .    a    clean    break    .    or    at    least    ,    the    illusion    of    one    .

[almedaarchives]

myles doesn't move . although every part of him aches to . his hands are fists in his pockets , clenched and trembling , but it's the only thing stopping him from reaching out to her . if he does , it's over . every careful thing built to keep him intact will shatter ; ignores all instincts that tell him to fold , to fall at her feet and plead with the gods for one more moment where they can pretend things are normal , like they weren't guaranteed to end up like this — a slow , cruel undoing . " don't . " it comes out harsh , voice ruined with a rasp . " c'mon , don't make this harder than it already is . " if this is truly the end , he wants to remember all of it — the way she says his name , the shake in her voice , the devastation in her brown eyes , the testament that should've stood the test of time . even if it's his fault . the stiff air wraps around his neck like a thick , tight rope . feels like he’s coming apart at the seams , emotion pouring out , guilt weighing him down every second he spends in her presence . " i don't know how to just be your best friend anymore . "

he exhales deeply . no sight of the composure he arrived with . the confession doesn't feel like a relief , more like freefalling off of a cliff . it's like a bomb waiting to detonate . his heart races when she steps closer , and he can't help but wonder why the universe is torturing him . he wants to lunge forward and kiss her . his fingers twitch with the urge to reach out once again , to wipe the tears from her cheeks . but he just waits . the ways he always waits for her , in every room , in every reality before she ultimately pulls away . and he's reminded that being near drew is its own sadistic kind of punishment . " it doesn't matter anyway . nothing i say is going to change anything . you want me to pretend as if everything's normal ? that's not going to make me love you any less . i can't stand here and lie to your face if that's what it takes to keep you in my life . "  makes  myles feel  like  shit  for  even  saying it aloud ,   how  badly  he  wants  to  say  fuck  it  and  keep  her  no  matter what . even though she was never his to begin with .

[candiedarchives]

for     @almedas     ,     continued     from     here     !

bonnie    hums    ,    letting    the    words    settle    in    her    chest    like    something    warm    ,    something    safe    .    her    fingers    tighten    around    nala’s    just    a    little    ,    as    if    to    anchor    herself    in    the    moment    ,    to    make    sure    it’s    real    .    she    leans    in    ,    nose    brushing    against    nala’s    cheek    before    pressing    a    lingering    kiss    just    below    her    ear    ,    voice    dropping    to    something    playful    ,    something    only    for    them    .    ❛     ——    forever’s    a    long    time    ,     ❜     she    muses    ,    though    there’s    no    doubt    in    her    tone    ,    no    hesitation    in    the    way    she    speaks    .     ❛     ——    guess    we    should    make    it    official    then    ,    huh    ?     ❜    she    pulls    back    just    enough    to    meet    the    femme’s    gaze    ,    searching    for    even    the    smallest    flicker    of    resistance    .    but    all    she    sees    is    the    same    thing    she’s    always    found    in    brown    optics    —    something    bonnie    could    spend    a    lifetime    getting    lost    in    .    corners    of    her    mouth    quirk    up    ,    but    there’s    no    teasing    in    the    next    words    ,    no    hesitation    ,    just    bonnie    speaking    the    truth    as    it    settles    on    her    tongue    .    ❛     ——    let’s    get    married    ,     ❜    she    says    ,    simple    ,    plain    ,    easy    ,    like    it’s    the    most    natural    thing    in    the    world    .    and    to    her    ,    it    is    .    ❛     ——    no    big    fuss    ,    no    waiting    —    just    you    ,    me    ,    and    forever    .     ❜

[almedaarchives]

" not long enough , " she counters , finding solace in her touch . a simple gift remnant of their beginnings . a thumb brushes against bonnie's knuckles , silently grounding herself before the next three words nearly steal her breath ; they've been building forever in pieces — in late night conversations , in the way they reach for each other without thinking , in every almost that refused to stay unfinished . she gazes back at the femme , as if committing the moment to memory . she has searched these eyes before , but there's no question in them . no doubt . just an unspoken certainty between the two . it doesn't feel sudden or reckless . it feels like they've finally come back to one another . " — let's get married then , " she says softly with a quiet fondness behind her smile . because the answer is almost as easy as loving her . leaning in , she closes the gap between them with a kiss that feels too tender for someone who usually keeps her heart locked up so tight . when she pulls back , it's only far enough to rest their foreheads together . " i'd love to do forever with you . "

[candiedarchives]

for     @almedas     ,     continued     from     here     !

khalil    nods    before    he    even    realizes    he’s    doing    it    ,    ❛     ——    yeah    ,     ❜    but    his    fingers    twitch    where    they    rest    against    his    thigh    ,    and    his    jaw    tenses    for    a    split    second    before    he    forces    it    to    relax    .    he    should    stop    there    ,    should    leave    it    at    yes    ,    at    something    final    .    but    kendall’s    looking    at    him    like    she    always    has    —    like    she    knows    him    ,    like    she    sees    straight    through    every    neatly    crafted    answer    ,    every    lie    he’s    tried    to    tell    himself    .    in    response    he    shrugs    ,    eyes    flickering    somewhere    past    her    ,    ❛     ——    it’s    just    .    .    .    different    now    ,    you    know    ?     ❜    he    laughs    half    -    heartedly    ,    one    that    barely    reaches    his    chest    ,    ❛     ——    .    .    .    but    different    doesn’t    mean    bad    .     ❜    the    words    sit    between    them    ,    flimsy    and    unconvincing    .    ❛     ——    what    about    you    ?     ❜    he    finally    meets    her    gaze    ,    something    unreadable    flickering    behind    his    eyes    ,    ❛     ——    are    you    happy    ?    ❜

[almedaarchives]

of course kendall recognizes the twitch in his fingers , the tension in his jaw the way she always does . she notices everything , but she doesn't say the quiet part out loud . " then that's all that matters . " instead , her lips curve into a small , practiced smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes . " different , " she repeats slowly as though the words feel fragile . a subtle flicker of envy crosses her face before its buried . " like you said , we're not in high school anymore . people change . you've changed . so if it's different now , that's a good sign . " she offers a quick nod , lingering gaze dropping to her hands . but when the question is returned , it catches kendall off guard . she pauses to force her smile to widen a fraction . " — yeah , i am . i'm in a good place . " it almost sounds convincing like she's not grieving something , someone that was never hers to begin with .

[candiedarchives]

for     @almedas     ,     continued     from     here     !

beau    watches    her    ,    can    pinpoint    the    exact    moment    everything    clicks    into    place    .    the    way    her    breath    shudders    ,    the    way    her    fingers    twitch    like    she    wants    to    reach    for    something    —    him    ,    maybe    or    just    the    version    of    him    she    thought    was    real    .    he    should    be    enjoying    this    .    he    should    be    .    instead    ,    there’s    a    weight   in    his    chest    that    won’t    settle    ,    a    tightness    in    his    throat    he    refuses    to    name    .    his    smirks    stays    sharp    and    cruel    ,    but    it    doesn’t    quite    reach    his    eyes    .    he    finally    speaks    ,    his    voice    smooth    ,    almost    bored    ,    but    there’s    something    behind    it    —    something    thick    ,    something    heavy    ,    something    dangerous    .    ❛     ——    that’s     cute     ,     hazel     .     really    ,     ❜     he     lets     out     a     low     exhale     ,     tongue     clicking     against     his     teeth     like     he     almost     feels     bad     for     her     .     almost     .     ❛     ——    but     let’s     not     pretend     like     you     didn’t     like     looking     the     other     way     .     that     you     didn’t     choose     to     ignore     the     parts     of     me     that     didn’t     add     up    .     ❜    

a     slow     step     forward     ,     measured     ,     deliberate     .     his     presence     presses     against     her     like     a     hand     at     her     throat     .     ❛     ——    you     knew   ,     deep     down     .     maybe     not     the     details     ,     but     something     .     and     you     let     me     stay     anyway    .     ❜     his     jaw     ticks     as     he     shakes     his     head     ,     voice     quieter     now     ,     but     no     less     sharp     .     ❛     ——    tell     me     ,     sweetheart    .     ❜     gaze     locks     onto     hers     ,     ❛     ——    do     you     hate     me     because     i     lied     ?     or     because     you     let     yourself     believe     it     ?     ❜     his     fingers     twitch     at     his     sides     ,     aching     to     grab     her     ,     to     hold     her     ,     to     keep     her     exactly     where     she     is     .     but     he     doesn’t     .     because     if     he     touches     her     now     ,     he     won’t     be     able     to     stop     .     instead     ,     he     exhales     ,     a     slow     ,     calculated     thing     ,     and     steps     back     just     slightly     ,     expression     unreadable     .

❛     ——    you     can     walk     hazel    .     ❜     he     murmurs     ,     voice     deceptively     soft     ,     ❛     ——    but     we     both     know     you’re     not     leaving     me     behind    .     ❜

[almedaarchives]

thick , suffocating , and unrelenting silence fills between them . hazel's chest rises and falls slowly , unevenly , as she finally realizes danger wears a different face —  a familiar one . and she still can't quite separate the monster from the man she fell for . she can still see him beneath the smirk , the cruelty . then her gaze shifts , no longer soft and forgiving ; heart thunders in her ears as fingers curl into her palms , nails biting crescent moons into skin . a part of her knew , another part of her was in denial , another part too in love to care . his words coil around her throat , tight and deliberate , like his presence . and that makes her even more furious because there's truth to it .

as beau steps closer , the room seems to shrink with him . instinctually , she leans in , like feelings haven't caught up with reality yet . a humorless laugh escapes her that is brittle , splintering around the edges . " you want to stand here and psychoanalyze me ? " a breath catches in her throat , but that doesn't stop her ; eyes stiffen , glassy but defiant . the femme lifts her chin even though hands start to tremble at her sides . " you don't know me like you think you do , sweetheart . " but he does know her —  all the messy , paranoid , damaged parts . she hates him . she hates herself for trusting him . and more importantly , she hates that her heart's still breaking instead of hardening . she swallows thickly before finally saying , " no , i hate you 'cause you're insane and a fucking coward . " a flicker of something colder slips under her ribs — fear . suddenly , it overpowers her anger . when she moves , it's abrupt . a sharp step back that turns into two , then three until the distance feels like oxygen flooding her lungs . her body makes a decision before her mind could , desperate for the exit .

[candiedarchives]

xavier    exhales    sharply    ,    stripping    the    moment    of    its    weight    ,    ❛     ——    dense    ?    no    ,    zo    .    i    just    know    how    to    take    a    win    when    i    see    one    .     ❜    his    gaze    drags    over    her    ,    a    blade    sharpened    just    for    this    ,    cutting    clean    through    whatever    softness    still    lingers    between    them    .    ❛     ——    you    were    a    game    .    a    good    one    .    kept    me    entertained    longer    than    i    expected    .     ❜    he    steps    in    ,    heat    radiating    off    him    l    a    dying    star    ,    pulling    everything    in    before    it    collapses    .    ❛     ——    but    don’t    act    like    i    forced    you    into    this    .    you    wanted    it    .    you    wanted    me    .    you    made    it    too    fucking    easy    .     ❜    his    lips    curl    ,    something    jagged    ,    something    cruel    ,    because    if    he    doesn’t    gut    her    first    ,    she’ll    be    the    one    to    do    it    ,    ❛     ——    the    bet    was    worth    it    .    you    ?    not    so    much    .     ❜   

[almedaarchives]

zoelie sees through it . she sees his facade , how desperate he is to prove something . her eyes narrow slightly , jaw clenched in anger when focusing on his condescending grin . her entire frame tenses , buzzing with disbelief , as he continues to goad her . and it makes her stomach turn . a hollow laugh spills from her lips . " you're more of a loser than i thought . " hearing this face to face doesn't lessen the blow , doesn't make her feel any less shitty for giving him any of her time . her hand flies before she can register the motion . an open palm finds his cheek . it strikes across his face , brutal and vicious and satisfying . her palm stings but a sense of triumph swells within her . " — fuck you , xavier !  don't act like i'm just some girl that's fucking obsessed with you . "

[candiedarchives]

for     @almedas     ,     continued     from     here     !

❛     ——    it’s    funny    how    you    always    remember    ,    and    we’ve    both    done    it    a    hundred    times    before    ,    it’s    funny    how    i    still    forgot    .    it    would    be    a    hundred    times    easier    if    we    were    young    again    .     ❜

[almedaarchives]

he's quiet for a moment . a quiet he's known for . he exhales slowly , like he's been holding onto something for longer than one simple conversation , longer than tonight . " i never forgot a single thing about you . " it's the truth , stripped of all the academic armor . he finally looks at her , no deflection , no footnote . then he makes a sound - low . almost a laugh but not quite . " i keep thinking about that . we would've done this back then without a care in the world . "

[candiedarchives]

adonis    doesn’t    flinch    ,    doesn’t    look    at    the    body    ,    doesn’t    look    at    the    blood    soaking    into    the    ground    ,    claiming    its    place    like    it    always    belonged    .    his    focus    stays    on    her    —    simone    ,    trembling    ,    unraveling    ,    still    gripping    at    the    edges    of    the    life    she    thought    she    had    .   ❛     ——    hey    ,     ❜    he    steps    closer    ,    hands    finding    her    wrists    ,    tethering    her    to    something    solid    ,    ❛     ——    look    at    me    .     ❜    her    pulse    thrums    beneath    his    fingers    ,    a    trapped    bird    beating    against    its    cage    .    he    remembers    it    slower    ,    remembers    it    softer    ,    remembers    it    pressed    against    his    own    years    ago    .    ❛     ——    you’re    not    thinking    straight    ,     ❜    he    whispers    ,    shifting    her    so    the    wreckage    is    behind    her    ,    as    if    turning    her    away    from    it    could    erase    it    altogether    .    ❛     ——    breathe    ,    simone    .    i    told    you    i’d    handle    it    .    that    hasn’t    changed    .     ❜    his    thumb    skims    along    her    wrist    ,    a    fleeting    touch    ,    before    he    lets    go    .    rolls    his    shoulders    like    shaking    off    the    weight    of    a    routine    task    ,    maybe    that’s    all    this    should    be    ,    maybe    that’s    all    this    is    .    ❛     ——    but    we    can’t    have    you    falling    apart    on    me    just    yet    ,     ❜    he    exhales    ,    finally    casing    a    glance    at    the    body    before    his    gaze    tracks    back    —    down    to    her    lips    ,    then    back    up    ,    something    unreadable    flickering    behind    his    eyes    .    something    that    looks    a    lot    like    devotion    .    ❛     ——    you    gonna    be    okay    ,    or    do    i    have    to    carry    you    out    of    here    too    ?     ❜

[almedaarchives]

she hears him , feels him — the gravity of his presence — but eyes betray her . because there lies her husband . not just the body on the ground , the blood , the ruin — but the memory of him , coming undone frame by frame . her stomach turns in knots ; grief , sharp and humiliating , settling beneath her ribs . simone swallows thickly , chest tight and eyes glassy , as he turns her away from the damage . she blinks once , twice , bringing the world into focus . then she forces herself to look at adonis and it hurts in entirely different way . " i'm sorry , " she breathes . not sure if she's talking to him , her late husband , or herself . " i know you will . i just . . . i need a second . " even after all this time , he still keeps her steady like an anchor . it feels familiar — back when the world was smaller , when danger wore a different face , when he was just adonis . she exhales shakily , finally noting brief touch that vanishes too soon . she shifts her weight , as if to pause for balance , for nothing at all . " i'm fine . " an automatic response — a reflex polished and perfected . the words snag on delivery but don't falter , at least not completely . and neither does she . clearing her throat , her lips press together firmly , jaw tightening as resolve fills in the cracks . " i'm not falling apart here , " she adds , almost defiant . " i can walk . "

[almedaarchives]

to those who remembered my bday, ily 💜

[almedaarchives]

hi guys. i lowkey miss writing and having a distraction from real life. the plan is to finish all (if not most) replies and continue on a fresh blog. im not sure when that timeline will be but if you’re still interested in writing with me somehow, please like this post.

and thanks to everyone who reached out.