life goes on.

what if we rewrite the stars? say you were made to be mine. nothing could keep us apart, you'd be the one i was meant to find. it's up to you, and it's up to me; no one can say what we get to be. so why don't we rewrite the stars? maybe the world can be ours tonight.

[debrenner]

💛 슙국

[benjamies]

agiparker‌:

“totally understandable and i’m glad you didn’t fail,” he chuckled. “oh god no, i will eat vegan things not because i am vegan but sometimes it’s good, but yeah no i’m green but like not that green? like, i recycle, but if i had to drink soda i just wouldn’t drink coke. i’m more of a dr. pepper type of guy or fanta or back home there’s this hispanic soda, materva, and that’s basically crack to me. but i only drink it sometimes because well, it gets me hyper.” parker had tried going vegetarian once, but he barely lasted a week, his wallet taking a huge hit, trying to shop at whole foods, but he wasn’t about to mention that to benji. “huh. i will be honest, i never thought of that- i learned all i know from nicolas cage and the declaration of independence. but yeah heat’s how they did it in the movie. and how i did it the few times i tried it out. i put it in the oven.” parker tried his best to hide the hurt he felt at hearing that about angel, his grip on benji’s hand lightening up. he truly felt like he had a connection with angel, everything felt natural with her and she seemed to really enjoy his company, she seemed perfect for him. “oh. yeah. angel. she was charming, really pretty too. ah, yeah she did say she had some issues with her journalism degree, but i definitely think she was surprised we got on so well so quickly, i was too. maybe after this is all over i’ll see her again though. i’m sure we’d be good friends, regardless. but yeah, definitely a pity.” parker was a bit confused about benji’s lack of words on atticus, “hey, atticus is cool too, i feel comfortable with him. things like that are hard to find so quick.”

“well, the original formula of coke had some kind of crack in it, so i guess we’re pretty similar after all. dr pepper?” benji made a ‘tsk’ sound, “i guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree. i am interested in that hispanic soda, though, can’t say i’ve even seen it before.” benjamin mentally winced. that was probably a little too much to unload on the poor boy all at one go. it didn’t affect him much— if he had a problem with angel being here for the cash he’d be a hypocrite— but parker was different, and benji had to keep reminding himself as much. he could feel parker distancing himself, and immediately scrambled to take his words back. well, not take his words back exactly, but smooth it over a little at least. “did she leave you her number or something? you guys could reconnect after the show. even if you don’t, it sounds like you’ll have someone to lean on regardless, so it should be fine, yeah?” benji gave parker a reassuring smile, hopefully burying the can of worms he probably shouldn’t have opened for now.

“if it’s so hard to find then i guess we should be considering ourselves lucky,” benji nudged parker’s side playfully. a truce, kind of, if parker would take it. he led them to sit on a bench overlooking the sand, sea, and currently orange sky. it was excruciatingly bright in the way evening sun usually was, reminding benji of the boy seated next to him. no matter how bright or beautiful it was, you couldn’t look at it directly if you tried. “Alright then, sweep me off my feet with your photography skills. How does one take the perfect sunset picture?”

[benjamies]

agiparker‌:

“oh god, benji, no. there’s so many things wrong with that. and while i think it could’ve worked, coke is still would stain it too dark, unless you waited days, and coke’s also not good for you!” he nudged him with his shoulder, “fun fact, the right way to stain paper to give it that old look, is actually lemon juice,”parker grinned happy to share his knowledge despite, having gotten it from one of the national treasure movies. “yeah exactly! neat, right? ah, well, i think you may be talking to the wrong people because i personally believe i was having some really good intelligent conversations about rom-com’s and their worth and influence on the film industry. but maybe that’s just more interesting than intelligent.” parker easily let benji lead the way, figuring it was easier, he intertwined their fingers. “pretty good! i don’t know if caught’s the right word but swayed? yeah, yeah i’ve been swayed. we went on a date and i was really looking forward to our second but, she had some complications and had to leave the show. but i guess it just means we weren’t meant to be even. but i did get to go on a date with atticus and i could see myself really warming up to him. so you know, plus, well, there’s a lot of potential here. i’m not tied down just yet. gotta feel butterflies first you know?” parker weighed out the options, and while part of him was still attached to angel, he knew realistically it was time to move on and drop it. she wasn’t it for him, but that’s okay because it meant someone else was.

“well, i wasn’t about to redo the whole scrapbook overnight, was i?” benji laughed. “also, don’t tell me you’re the kind of guy who only eats organic stuff and is trying to go vegan... i respect that life but it’s definitely not me,” benji made a face. “oh, wait, seriously? i was always taught to use black tea and a paint brush. it makes sense, though, acid, lignin... probably an oxidation reaction... you’d need heat though. maybe if you left it out in the sun for a day.” being a vet nurse meant that benji had gone through quite a few chemistry and biology classes and never quite threw away the knowledge he picked up. benji focused his attention on parker, interested (suspiciously more so) in knowing how parker spent his last week, especially when he was one of the few that secured two dates. “you’ve been swayed?” benji raised an eyebrow. by two people, separately, at the same time? was what was going through his mind, but he figured he and parker weren’t exactly close enough for him to come out of left field on him like that just yet. “interesting word choice. girl... date... second date... left the show...” benji squinted, putting the clues together in his mind. “ah. angel. she was a funny one. mostly in it for the money, but she was rather charming and definitely wasn’t afraid to use that to her advantage. atticus?” benji looked away, doing his best to hide his mild distaste for parker’s other suitor. choose your words carefully, benjamin. benji was so far into his thoughts that he completely missed the tiny opening parker had given him at the end of his sentence; probably for the best— his fragile heart wouldn’t have been able to handle that whiplash right now. “atticus... pity that angel left, huh.”

[benjamies]

agiparker‌:

“personally i can’t agree as we both know i was having a whole crisis.” parker hit his shoulder with his, playfully, “well, check back in a few minutes and we’ll see, yeah?” parker was a bit shocked to hear that coming from benji, most people thought it was lame of parker to be so invested in scrapbooking, “i tend to run out of phone storage very quick and with scrapbooks, i can pick out the right memories, ones i’d want to remember years from now. plus something about holding onto it like that, it just adds a whole ‘nother level of importance.” parker lifted up the camera, slightly, “well, then, i’ll have you know, i’m a master with zoom. i even have a zoom lens back at the villa. i just figured this day could use a wide though. Ah! ISO is kinda neat, it’s really for light sensitivity, it’s basically a gradient, so it really depends on what you’re taking an image of, so like a sky is a perfect way to tell with ISO because it’s so clear and easy to tell the changes,” parker pointed the camera at the sky, in attempt to show benji what he meant, changing the iso back and forth, “so like the lower the ISO the less grain-y it is when it’s really light out, but should it be really dark, it brightens up completely.” parker grinned at benji, “the sunset’s perfect. i’d love to watch it with you.”

“here’s the thing, though,” benji laughed, recalling a fond memory from middle school, “the last time i was asked to make a scrapbook i may or may not have accidentally dropped a bottle of coke on it the day before submission. you should have seen the way i had to convince my class i stained it on purpose to create the effect of my scrapbook holding all my old and cherished memories...” at that part, benji clasped his hands together dramatically without letting go of parker’s, sandwiching his hand between his own. “it was a mess. i can’t draw either, so i’m just glad i didn’t flat out fail.” leaning in closer so that he could look at the tiny screen of the camera, benjamin nodded in understanding. “ooh, like when you tap on the screen and then scroll up or down to adjust the lighting on your phone, right? i never knew that was the ISO. cool! i’m finally learning something new here. word of caution: never participate in a reality tv show if you’re looking for intellectual conversation.” benji mirrored parker’s grin and pulled parker’s hand gently, moving them in the direction of the beach. “so, how’s the week been treating you? any suitors caught that little heart of yours yet?”

[financialdifficulties]

closed starter for @benjamies.

scrunching his nose at the plate of splinantero in front of him, nico had to turn away to gag. this was way too exotic for his tastes, but the prideful part of him refused to turn down a measly-ass challenge from benji. who cares about it being a spleen and mutton sausage? reaching out with a fork, nico cut through the meat, “oh my god,” he muttered to himself, “this is horrible.” he wasn’t backing out now. with a shaking hand, he brings the fork to his lips, eyes shutting as he took a bite of the splinantero. slowly, he chewed, a mixture of emotions flitting through his features - it wasn’t bad, it tasted great, actually. “this - huh,” he squinted. “it’s good.” he said finally, pushing the plate towards benji. “try it.”

[benjamies]

benjamin couldn’t help but chuckle at nico’s clear disgust. “man, you are seriously a wimp if you’re having a crisis over spleen and mutton sausage.” shrugging, he picked up the fork and put a piece of the sausage easily into his mouth. “i dunno if you expected me to freak out, but i was eating pig intestines at eight years old. this is nothing. that being said, this is better than i expected. alright then,” benjamin put his chin in his palm, “your turn. give me a dare.” he paused for a second, and then added a condition, “but keep it PG.”

[benjamies]

elliottmccre‌:

pleasantly surprised, elliott only hesitated for a nanosecond before taking the bag with a grateful smile. “yeah, i like ‘em, actually - thanks, mate. you sure you’re givin’ me this?” their little trip to the bistro had been spontaneous, and elliott hadn’t really expected to get something in return. he peered inside the paper bag, beaming. “totally not judging your taste, but - really? you don’t like strawberry doughnuts?” 

“yeah, of course! what else would i do with it, eat it?” benjamin scrunched his nose in disgust. he laughed at elliot’s tone. “if that tone didn’t sound judgemental, i don’t know what would,” he teased, though frankly he didn’t mind it very much. “i like my desserts, like, 100% sweet and maybe a bit salty only. i genuinely do not understand the PB&J hype.”

[benjamies]

atticuskeyes‌:

Atticus had been oblivious to the growing tension between Benji and himself. From their previous interactions it had seemed that they may become good friends in the house. When his acquaintance spoke his heart sunk into his stomach; it felt like he was back in his horrendous high school. Despite being sweet and soft-spoken most times, Atti could be surprisingly spiteful when he felt criticized. He had an incredulous expression as he replied, “Uh… oh, okay?” Atticus couldn’t tell if Benjamin was being serious or not; he couldn’t think of any reason why they would fall out. He didn’t know what to say so an awkward silence hung in the air momentarily, mumbling a, “Sorry too? I guess?”

benjamin gave atticus a partly confused, partly irritated look. “the hell are you sorry for? unless you did something.” he squinted his eyes. part of benjamin felt bad, which was why he even brought it up in the first place. if atticus had done something and benjamin just forgot then at least there’d be some kind of reason. this felt like some kind of stare down— one that benjamin knew very well wasn’t going to go anywhere. for someone who had probably just started a fight that was going to be all over national tv in a few months’ time, though, he was pretty calm, looking over at atticus with an almost bored expression, all while in the back of his mind wondering if that would tick the guy off even more.

[benjamies]

agiparker‌:

“great.” parker chuckled, “oh geez, please, last time you joked about that i swear i was about to faint. just thinking about it gets my heart racing a bit.” he put his hand to his chest. “but uh, no i’m not, not really at least, it’s just a hobby, i like putting books together of things i’ve done… i scrapbook, basically. though they’re not super fancy with like decorations or anything, just you know, simple calligraphy, simple captions.” he twirled his camera in his hands. his eyebrows raised, a smile easily drew it’s way to his lips, “i’d be glad to. though my knowledge isn’t pro or anything, just maybe a above average-ish? like i know what an ISO is. and i don’t always use automatic. so hopefully that’s impressive to you.” he joked. he tugged his hand, “come on, let’s try and find some place cinematic for you to take your first photo.”

benjamin scrunched up his nose and shoulders in a cheeky grin. “now that, that was hilarious.” maybe it was habit, maybe some sort of excuse tradition now; benji put his fingers to parker’s wrist and felt his pulse. “don’t be dramatic, your pulse is normal.” benji tilted his head in interest. “that’s really, really cool. i don’t have the patience to scrapbook, and by the time i even remember to pull my phone out for a picture the moment’s usually over.” he watched parker twirling the camera in his hands, and smiled to himself at his expert ease. “don’t worry, i think if you can zoom in and out on that camera i’ll already be impressed alright. i’ve heard of the ISO thing, but what is it actually? also, can you tell that the only camera i use is the in-built one on my iphone?” it was only when parker started tugging his hand that benji realised they’d somehow ended up all linked hands and shoulders brushing naturally. he would never admit it aloud, but the thought of how easy this was made benji a little giddy. “the sun is setting in a few minutes; can we go watch? i’m sure we’d get good pictures there, right?”

[benjamies]

closed starter for @atticuskeyes

benjamin honestly had no clue what about atticus rubbed him the wrong way, which was strange. rarely did he find himself being this unreasonable about his emotions but, hey, this was reality tv. who knows what they put in the water. he knew atticus was just minding his business, seriously, but for some god-forbidden reason, benjamin still opened his mouth. “something about you rubs me the wrong way. i’m not sure what it is, but i figured i’d apologise in advance just in case i say something really out of left field over the next few weeks.”

[benjamies]

lionheqrted‌:

dylan’s never exactly been one for cheesy romances, and had she been back home, even just the idea of going on an over-the-top, cliché date might have sent her running for the hills. right now she’s pretty calm as she looks over the suggestions that the producers had for their date. in fact, she might even go so far as to saying she’s at least a little bit excited. there’s almost no chance of the half-drunk scheme she and benji cooked up on their first night there working—since the entire interaction had been caught on tape—but it’s the thought that counts, really.

‘ i think, ’ she says, pausing for dramatic effect as she grins at him, ‘ i’m ready to be swept off my feet. ’ plucking the piece of paper from his hand, she crushes it before tossing it into her waste basket. before she’d gotten into writing in high school, everyone who knew her had been sure that she’d join the drama club, what with her penchant for theatrics. that sense of drama serves her well now, her hand slipping easily into benji’s as she tugs him out of the mansion and into the waiting vehicle—thank you, producers—without grabbing anything else.

‘ if we’re already going shopping, we might as well get some new swimwear while we’re at it, don’t you think ? ’ she stops, deliberately letting her gaze drop first to his broad shoulders, then his chest, then very briefly further down before flicking back up to his face once more. the impressed glint in her eyes is genuine, but dylan has to bite down on the inside of her lip to keep from breaking the mood she’s trying to set by bursting into laughter. ‘ it’d be nice to get a little preview… give me something to look forward to after dinner. ’

to say dylan’s move surprised benjamin could even be an understatement. he gaped for a few seconds, only snapping out of it because dylan was dragging him along with her into the waiting van outside the resort. “dude! do you have no respect for the suggestions?” truthfully, benji didn’t think it was a bad idea at all to toss the suggestions out of the window, but still. courtesy and all that.

“new swimwear sounds cool, though i must admit i don’t swim much at home. may end up a little useless after the show ends. unless it’s on the show’s budget...” benji raised his eyebrows and offered a look that said ‘this had better be on the show’s budget’, “then we should definitely get everything we need.” benji paused to open the car door for dylan. “after you.”

now, it wasn’t to say that benji didn’t know he faired pretty okay in the looks department, but to say that he found himself handsome would kind of be pushing it. so, when dylan checked him out and made a comment like that... benji blinked owlishly at her as a tiny wave of— of nervousness? dread? worry?— washed over him. once he got over his initial shock, he smoothed over the slightly awkward moment the only way he knew how: by bursting into fits of laughter. “oh my god. that escalated quickly. also, i make no promises about what happens after dinner. i’ll have to be really, and i mean really charmed to smash on the first date.”

[benjamies]

agiparker‌:

parker was heading out the villa, he didn’t really have plans for the day but he’d yet to pull out his camera, and while he was no grand photographer, he had a soft spot for collecting memories, plus it was really nice out, not too hot, with a nice breeze, it seemed like the perfect timing. though it seemed like that wasn’t the only thing, seeing benji out of the corner of his eye, he’d hope he’d also have perfect company. he couldn’t help but smile, unable to really forget their first encounter, parker was glad to have run into the other, hoping to spend more time with him. he shook his head, “not at all. i was actually just gonna go for a walk, maybe take some pictures, was wondering if you’d join me?”

“oh... i’d love that,” benji nodded with a smile, nudging the both of them out of the resort. “didn’t know you were a photographer though. actually, scratch that, i don’t know anything about you other than the fact that heartbreak is a theme in your life and you may get ten divorces,” he teased, his usual playful grin adorning his features again since his nervousness dissipated. it was strange, how parker had both the effect of giving him date card jitters and calming him down at the same time. “will you teach me how to take pictures? i’ve tried but i never understand when people talk about viewfinders and stuff like that.” or maybe he did, but he never thought about actually trying to learn photography. if parker would teach, him, though, he’d be more than happy to learn.

[benjamies]

closed starter for @angelfm

“i have officially found the best thing in mykonos. it’s the cats. there’re so many of them!” benjamin heard a squeak that he immediately registered as a kitten’s behind him and reached out to break off a small piece of cheese from the platter on the table nearby. “watch.” holding the cheese out on his palm, he made a little chirping sound. “come here! aww you’re so cute, look at you!” the kitten obediently walked towards him, interested in the snacks in his hand. benji took the chance to pick the distracted little kitten up, being careful not to scare it. “you’re such a good girl!” he grinned, turning to angel. “wanna pet her?”

[benjamies]

closed starter for @elliottmccre

“elliot!” benjamin picked up his pace to catch up with elliot, holding a paper bag in his hands. “i went to buy a doughnut from the café but as i was going out i realised it had strawberry jam filling,” he pouted, handing the paper bag over. “do you happen to like strawberry doughnuts? don’t worry, i haven’t touched it at all. you can take it as payment for bonfire night.”

[benjamies]

closed starter for @agiparker

from the corner of his eye, benjamin noticed the silhouette of a familiar brunet passing by. unwittingly, a small smile snuck up on benji’s lips. he’d heard about the date cards, about the people fawning over him, and he’d be lying if he said he was surprised. how could you not like someone like that? coward, a small voice whispered in his mind, you just didn’t ask him out because you were afraid of getting rejected. benji took a deep breath to shake off that thought— he didn’t have the energy to defend himself. a spark of confidence made him straighten up, and he got off the chair he’d been hogging for the last hour, making his way towards parker quietly. he was going to tap the boy on the shoulder, but must have hesitated a second too long, because he had already caught parker’s attention, leaving him standing there awkwardly, pointer finger in the air. “oh, um, hi! sorry, was i interrupting?” gosh, since when do you trip over a one-word sentence?

[benjamies]

why have you chosen to ask dylan out, of all people?

this is one hundred percent PJ’s fault. if he hadn’t called me a coward, i wouldn’t have had to give out my card at all.

[benjamies]

Any regrets so far?

surprisingly, no! but stay tuned, because there’s no way i’ll get out of this without embarrassing myself utterly.

[benjamies]

agipj‌:

“i don’t think i did, joining this show was kinda of an impulse-” wobbling back, arms out trying to grip onto something. pj couldn’t help but feel instant dread, honestly should’ve having seen that coming. resurfacing, he brushed his orange hair out of his face, and swam to the edge, “-that was totally my fault, i definitely asked for that but, so did you-” pj lifted him self up, grabbing onto benji’s arm and pulling him in. 

benjamin considered running away while he could, knowing full well he was about to get pulled into the pool, but what was the fun in that? he let himself get yanked in with a laugh, then peeled off his wet shirt and tossed it to the edge of the pool. “yeah, okay, i deserved that too. also, why is it so cold?” he shivered, jumping around to try and warm up. “it’s the middle of summer, and yet.”