𓏲 * ( Hunter Schafer, trans female, she/her, ) ⸺ pictures of COLLINS PEYTON APSLEY have been showing up all over my feed, and considering the last time they were #trending, it was due to falling on the Versace runway at Paris Fashion Week — i'm not likely to unfollow anytime soon. with their signature look of (subtly designer) tennis shoes, black leggings, crop top, oversized bomber jacket, and messy blonde hair , i'm not surprised to hear that they are considered part of the NOUVEAU RICHES. after 26 years, they've managed to garner a reputation for being more effervescent than flighty, but their critics say that they're more insecure than creative when they aren't too busy focusing on their hand drawn portraits of the people in her life ; huge amount of of unused yarn they claim they will learn to knit with soon ; and endless stream of dumb jokes . when they aren't occupied with their work as a model/artist and Key’s creative director, they've been sighted scouring vintage shops for interesting rings. reputation.com has taken to calling them MONA LISA in order to avoid a lawsuit ( again ).
BIOGRAPHY:
Tw: gender dysphoria, bullying
Born to Hunter and Payton Apsley, Collins had was most people would see as the all American upbringing. Coming from a family who were comfortable financially she went to a good kindergarten, grade school, and high school. Except internally Collins always felt that was something that set herself apart from the boys at her all boy school, and it was a conflict that she was conscious of rooted inside her from a young age. Collins’s grades at school were never amazing but she managed to get through without any major issues - happily coasting in the middle of her classes average. It was enough to keep teachers off her back but still have time to socialise with her friends. She wasn’t overly popular but again she had a good number of friends, basically Collins was distinctly average for most of her childhood. Getting along fairly well with her little brother Tanner it wasn’t until Collins was about eleven she did what her parents considered ‘rocking the boat’.
The uncomfortable way she felt about herself when she looked in the mirror, to put it nicely, that set her aside from the other people she hung around with was only growing stronger. Two years of intense therapy later she was placed on hormone blockers, starting the long road to becoming who she knew she really was. Thus Collins became more than just a phase her parents had crudely assumed their child would grow out of. The road wasn’t easy, fraught with some thoughtlessly horrible bullying from classmates the blonde decided that instead of resisting the label of ‘different’ she would embrace it. It became a defence to be the weird kid because beating others to the punch was a way to stem the insults thrown in her direction, it really took the wind out their sails when it rolled off her like water off a ducks back. At least outwardly.
When Collins was eighteen she finally managed to get to the stage where she was approved for top surgery, something she never thought she’d get to see become a reality. What she had hoped to be a euphoric time in her life was brutally hard, the recovery not straight forward in her particular case, and for about three months she battled a series of infections before being medically considered healed. Ask her today though and she’ll tell you it was worth every second. As was the recovery when she completed her aesthetic transition with bottom surgery at the age of twenty. Thankfully something that came with less complications despite being a far more invasive procedure. From then on she started to morph into the girl she’d always wanted to be with even more confidence, doing what she called ‘letting her freak flag fly’. Her humour became more prominent, any filter she’d had left over what she said dissipating completely, the desire to have fun growing tenfold.
She was scouted when she was only nineteen to model and saw that she could use that platform to do more than just sell clothing, she could also spread awareness. Although over time the name of the brand became more important than what she could say with her choices simply because she needed to pay the bills - especially since her passion had been art for a long time, dreams of being a full time artist, but it was hardly something that paid well. At least not back then, when she was about twenty three the girl sold a painting to a well known dealer and that coupled with her public profile from modelling made her entire profile rocket almost overnight. Meeting Mickey McKey took her in just another step on her creative journey for….various reasons she keeps close to her chest, but after about a year of consistently crossing paths she was employed as his Creative Director which was huge for Collins in so many different ways. To be trusted to that level was alien to her and provided a level of validation she would never be able to thank him enough for.
Bubbly, sweet, eccentric, a little bit of a mess and kind of scatty, Collins isn’t into material things per say but of course she does love fashion. Like thrifting and stuff. Not labels or what is coming down the runway in Paris ironically considering she herself often comes down said runways, but the moth eaten coat that is in a dumpster on its way to the dump until she yanks it out to patch up in her free time. People find her a little weird sometimes, but she doesn’t care too much, always felt like the odd one out anyway so now it’s just part of her MO. Does she have a ring hoarding issue? Yes, a little bit. She especially loves to find really different ones from all kinds of countries and time periods.
Another little oddity she is being the kind girl that makes the most random like diaries full of drawings, writing, ticket stubs, random addresses, photos she’s taken of weirds tuff, handwritten notes from friends - anything she gets her hand on. If Collins is walking behind you in the street and you drop your shopping list the chances are she scooped it up to stick into a diary, making up a story based on the items on there about who you are as a person.
As for her loyalty? Well if you have her protection she’d willingly go into battle for you, but if you don’t? Well…you might want to work on your cardio because chances are you’ll need to run, and run fast. After all Collins Apsley enjoyed keeping fit herself so most mornings you could find her jogging to clear her head. She’s the life of the party when she wants to be, and a sloth the rest of the time, it’s truly a tale of two halves when it come to the confusing blonde. She sure knows how to have a good time though, so if you’re down to explore the unexpected with someone who considers boundaries a mere suggestion - you’ve come to the right place.
"I most certainly hope so. Hopefully it be a lot less likely to have to bare people hitting on you when I say out loud I'd remove several of their fingers. An ear. Maybe even a pinky toe." The sound of his voices raises as he actually does say it loud enough for the whole bar to him. Ignoring the looks shot their way as he smiles and laughs. "How poetic is that?" Lightheartedly, he teases his lover back. "What's eternal love without a little noble violence. And well aged cheese." Blushing a bit, his nose crinkles with the smile. Large hands placed firmly on her waist and the small of her back, bringing her impossibly closer. At this point the musician had all but forgotten there were other people in the room with them. This being the first time they got to be themselves together in a room full of them.
When her teeth meet his skin, there's no helping the slight fear that arises this might be a dream. Like all the others he's had of how this moment would go. Cutting the last bit of red tape between them that seemed like a torturous prison. The hand on the small of her back ventures dangerously lower, wanting to feel the warmth of her skin just beneath the fabric of the skirt she's wearing. But he's at least aware enough to consider they're still in public, even though as she goes on he finds it harder and harder to care. "The first time we were together I realized I had been praying wrong this whole time. You know by now I don't believe in god in sentient terms. Like some great big being in the cosmos casting judgement on already chosen fates. But I've never heard someone say "oh god" as much as you have...or do, when you're gracious enough to allow me to explore. And ravish. And worship. We pray to a different god. Mine is somewhere in you. And I'm addicted to the way you call out to yours when when I'm worshipping." That, he practically purrs into her ear. Softer this time because it's just for her. "I'm sorry, Sunflower. That I ever kept you a secret. Even if I thought it was protecting you. A love like yours deserves all the sunlight to bloom." He's glad they're so close in the ambient lighting of the decadently adorned room so he can take in the features that he's memorized by now a million times over and still somehow never gets sick of it. Of her. "That is to say, whenever you exist is the time." This time, his hand slips just below the hem of the daringly short fabric of her skirt, fingers traveling just slightly against the outside of her thigh to tease.
"It is the perfect fit. Just like you're the perfect distraction." Deep hazel eyes meeting those that reminded him of mountain lakes, much more calming and mesmerizing than the way the ocean churns. The way she's touching him almost makes it even easier to focus on her. His wandering hands slow and exploratory by comparison. Sometimes he imagined the goosebumps that formed along her skin as some sort of brail he's constantly trying to perfect understanding. "Ya know, I try so hard not to let all this go to my head. But it's almost impossible when the person with the biggest most mesmerizing heart in the room is practically proposing to you in the middle of a multi-million dollar party." Meeting her lips, he kisses her just as deeply. "Despite your protests, I am still the luckiest weirdo in the room."
“No one is going to be hitting on me, you give me too much credit, I think you might be biased.” Collins giggled, putting her hand over his mouth carefully as his voice raises, shushing him softly even as people turned to look at them. “Very poetic but maybe you should keep it to yourself for now incase you get accused of threatening people.” In an attempt to help him keep quiet she leant forwards to kiss him a couple of times, rubbing her nose against his gently. A frisson of excitement always rippling through her body when he pulled her this close. She loved the felt of his hand against her back like the most protective force in the world because she knew while she was there with him that nothing could hurt her. No one could hurt her.
No idea what was going on in his head as her teeth grazed against his neck she smiled against his skin as his hand moved down further, biting him again for good measure. A flick of her tongue across where she had just nicked his skin before pulling away. The buzz of the room around them not breaking her out of her daze until she let her eyes flicker open again. Her expression felt fluffy as she let her gaze just dwell on each of his features even in the middle of a room bustling with other people who were probably far more worthy of his undivided attention. A deep red blush at the mention of her chosen exclamation when they were in bed together made the blonde want to drag him away from the party so they could go back there once more instead, yet he’d managed to phrase it in such a romantic way while it was in equal parts so utterly filthy it was testament to why she’d fallen in love with him so quickly. Keys was an enigma - she had never met a single human being like him before and Collins knew she never would again. “I call out only because I don’t have the ability to keep it inside, otherwise I would just…explode. Somehow I have to buy time so I can feel you against me as much as possible for as long as by body will allow. I wish it was forever.” The floor didn’t need to be underneath her feet because she was literally floating as his words travelled through her with the smoothness of how his music did every time so got the privilege to listen to it. His hand on her leg, rising higher, her breath becoming ragged as her rational that they had to behave in front of all these people and her want to pretend they were hold alone battled in her head for dominance until she decided to just give in and allow him to take the lead. Just whispering “Don’t start something you can’t finish baby…” in a rasping voice.
At least the ring was a small thing that caused a distraction between the two of them to keep things decent, for a split second at least. Until his lips pressed against hers once more and Collins had no more resolve to give over to keeping her hands off him. Moving one to the hair that curled at the nape of his neck the other to his waistband as she pulled on it subtly knowing no one else would be able to see thanks to their closeness. “Practically?” She teased, smiling as she kissed him back between her sentences, fingers still playing with his hair. “No, I’m the luckiest weirdo in the room. You on the other hand are the hottest and most talented man in the room.”
"I...no i know but I ... okay sorry. No sorry, i didn't mean to say sorry again. I'm going to just....stop talking." Collins pretended to zip her lips closed, looking at the floor for a second, feeling but but not wanting to say sorry again. It was just...automatic when she felt like she'd in some way upset or annoyed someone. Wasn't that natural? Maybe not...she did say it a lot. @lovsfool
Fireworks going on off in his chest is the best way he could describe what it felt like seeing her smile. Hearing her laugh. It was always accompanied by the explosion of his favorite colors in his head. "You know, every time you smile I think I gain a new superpower. Even if I don't know it yet. I can see so many things up here." Tapping his own forehead, he blushes a little at the confession. Collins is the only one he's shown how his brain works. Because somehow she just seemed to get it, or at least understand enough for him to be comfortable trying to explain himself in abstracts. It was the most he could manage sometimes. What made him such a savvy artist was always a double edge sword. "You're like a kaleidoscope with the most gorgeous stained glass windows. I'll always be more enamored with the sunlight spilling through all your watercolors. Even if there's models in the room wearing nothing but their undies." Leaning in closer, he whispers directly into her ear. "But you forget you're a model. There's no need for wandering eyes when I know I've got you to look forward too." Smirk plays on his features even though he's being totally truthful. Collins being the only person he could be completely honest with. "If this place is haunted, we're just gonna have to give the ghosts a proper show. There's no way they don't love the sounds coming out of you, but not more than me. I'd fight a fuckin entity for you. Level the whole building, in fact." Hand ventures from her waist, shamelessly low, giving her butt a playful squeeze as he blushes himself, chuckling into her ear.
It's hard not to feel like the grinch. His heart feeling like it's growing ten times its size with every word she speaks. The way she looks at him. When she kisses him and he knows what she means because he can feel it. Something that he dreamed about his whole life and never thought possible. Being loved unconditionally. Somehow the woman in front of him managed to make him the safest he'd ever been from the moment they met. The ease of their candor growing into something so much greater it terrified him at first. Now they were in a room full of people operating as if they were the only ones in it thanks to the bond they shared. For him, a party like this most often meant stepping outside of himself and pretending to be someone almost foreign to himself. Keys hated the feeling of being a commodity, but knew it was something he had to accept to hold his position and help people like he's always imagined. The pressure was constant, but Collins always felt like coming up for air when constantly drowning. "It's pretty fitting. I'm the stars while you're the moon. I like the idea of burning by the thousands even after I've died out, just to give you light. The kind that everyone can see. No mistakes about how full of magic you are. Holding you up while people make wishes on your grace. Your beauty." Finally, he puts the ring on, smiling ear to ear as he does so before using the same finger to place gently over her heart. "Here is my home, and all I've got is to be grateful you'd have me." Placing several adoring kisses on her lips, he chuckles. "Needless to say, if you were actually a siren, I'd be so fucked right now." @collinsapsleyrp
“Do you think anyone who overhears us thinks we’re gross and cheesy? I love it though. It’s like no matter what comes into my head even if it’s like verbal melted gouda I’m not worried about saying it out loud because I know you’ll understand me.” Leaning forward she presses a couple of loving kisses against his lips, cupping his cheeks with her hands in the process just because keeping him close like this was her favourite thing. And to be able to do it while they were out in public now instead of keeping ‘professional’ around him unless they were in the privacy of one of their homes? It was intoxicating. Giving her this heady rush she hoped would never fade away. “You should write songs, you’re so amazing with words, everything you says is like a poem.” Her tone was teasing but in an entirely loving way, peppering a couple of kisses along the corner of his mouth and across his jawline unable to keep her hands or lips off him. His whisper in her ear made the blonde giggle as she felt his hands slide down onto her ass, taking a fraction of a step closer to him so her body was pressed against his, grinning openly. “You love the sounds coming out of me do you? Any particular ones or is it just in general?” She murmurs with her hand on the back of his neck, swaying their bodies slightly to the humming rhythm of the music but hardly enough for it to even be visible to those that were not the two of them. “Even if the place isn’t haunted I’d be more than happy to give you a private show of some of those noises. You just name the time.” Pressing her face into his neck as she gave the skin there a kiss, opening her mouth enough to bite down on the soft flesh there delicately. Humming under her breath as she did so.
Honestly, Collins had spent almost all the free time she’d had in Paris trying to find the perfect ring for him in this context and the fact he was pleased with what she’d come up with made her so happy it was almost selfish. Like the gift had been for her because she knew if he’d appreciated it then it would make her whole night, no, her whole week. Their kiss deepens rapidly as her hands move down his body, fingers moving across his back, one hand coming around to his chest, not shy in the way she was literally feeling him up in a room full of people but if the truth be told when they kissed everyone else melted away so easily the blonde entirely forgot they were there. “No, I don’t ever want you dying out. You’re the stars because your beauty will burn for millions of years even after you’re gone, people will still look at you like you’re the most magical thing in the whole dark world that surrounds us.” Giggling as he pressed a couple of kisses to her lips she put her hand over his on her chest, resting her forehead against his. “Maybe, but I would be the siren that only called you close because she wanted to make sure you got all the amazing things you deserved, not because I would ever want to cause you any distraction.” Wrapping her hand around his she lifted it up so she could press a kiss to where the ring wrapped around his finger, gazing at it for a couple of seconds before doing the same thing a couple more times. “It’s the perfect fit, see…I knew the second I saw it that it was made for you. And now it is exactly whre it belongs, just like me, with you.”
"Did she eat cake? Gosh I hope so, can you imagine a life without cake?" Collins replied with a fluttering giggle before realising that wasn't the question that she'd been asked and she'd totally answered on alcohol infused autopilot. "Ah! you said did she say it - my bad, i need to tune my brain in again. I think she did say it? Oh no wait, it was a mistranslation wasn't it?" She was talking a mile a minute as her hands moved around to illustrate each word, punctuate her sentences. "Have you tried this cake though? Because it's really good..."
"I would say you've got the market cornered on legs. Spent enough time kissing the length of them to consider myself an expert." He teases, already anticipating the blush that'll creep its way to her cheeks at the comment. Briefly, he presses his forehead to hers, laughing as she suggests even more drinks. "It is a party, and I'm looking forward to getting into a little trouble at least." He pulls back just enough to raise his hand, pinching his fingers together when he says "a little". "Since you're here I'm fairly certain I don't have to worry about ending up in jail this time." Making fun of himself again, he chuckles before quirking an eyebrow. "First night as my girlfriend in public and you're already encouraging me to look at other women in their undies." Making a tsk'ing sound, he shakes his head pretending to be disappointed before giving her waist a playful squeeze and leaning over to kiss her neck. "Although seeing people have arrived half naked is probably going to be the least surprising thing going on tonight. The air feels funny and the walls are buzzing. There's something about this place..." Trailing off, his eyes scan the room again, goosebumps forming on his arms. "We gotta do some exploring later. It feels haunted." Eyes widen when they return to the beautiful woman on his arm. "So we either find a ghost or drunk people banging where they're not supposed to be. Sounds like an adventure either way. And no, I'm no way opposed to be part of the latter. Just throwing that out there." He playfully tickles his fingers up her side, grinning mischievously as they find a space at the bar.
His smile only grows as soon as she starts talking so excitedly about the gift. Leaning in closer to make sure he doesn't miss a word over the sound of the party, she has his full attention even in the most crowded of rooms. When she hands him the bag, fingers toy with the fabric for a few moments as he smiles, actually nervous to take it out for some reason. But eventually he undoes the tie and turns the ring out onto the palm of his hand. He doesn't have his glasses on so he brings the ring up close to his eyes, delicately turning it in his fingers so he can take in how intricately detailed it is despite being such a small thing. Chest swells as his heart races a little faster at just the sheer emotion of the gesture. How much thought and effort she put into it. One of the countless reasons he adored her was because he was more than certain she had the biggest heart out of anyone he'd ever met. For her to be sharing even a small piece of it with him still felt unbelievable most of the time. "It's gorgeous. Perfect. Just like you. I love you...so much." Stepping forward to close the space between them, he places a hand on her cheek, thumb rubbing along the mole he likes to kiss there. Keys kisses her again, taking his time to express how grateful he was by pouring it into gesture. His forehead is still gently pressed against hers when they part. "What's it say? On the inside?" The question comes out in a whisper as if they're sharing a secret. @collinsapsleyrp
“You’ve certainly done your research that’s for sure.” And then the blush arrived instantly, her face falling into his shoulder as she let out a small giggle needing to hide from the heat that moved up her neck into her cheeks. Mind thrown back to many nights, and days, they’d spent together just so he could make sure to be as well versed as humanly possible in the intricacies of her legs. “Just a little trouble, just a tiny bit, a tad?” Leaning forward to press her lips against his impossibly close fingers quickly as she laughs yet again. The blonde had a sneaking suspicion that would be something she’d be doing a lot of tonight. She did it a lot anytime she was stood next to him, or laying next to him, sitting next to him…if Keys was there then Collins would be beaming for some reason or another. Even tears mostly derived from joy when she was with him. He was so easy to love even when he was being his deliciously goofy self, her stomach fluttering with butterflies as his lips connected with her neck causing goosebumps to run down her spine. “When they look like that, I would be delulu to think you wouldn’t look at them, I’m jealous of how they look like they just stepped off a runway. Then again they don’t get to go home with you because they’re not your official girlfriend so maybe I should pity them.” Her eyes follow the movement of his gaze as he starts looking around the room, looking back and forth. The mention of ghosts setting her heart rate spiking once more - her YouTube history filled with various videos of people hunting for exactly that, now if they could just combine both things mentioned it would be far and beyond Collins’ ideal night. “I was going to say, if we don’t find anyone we might just have to fix the problem ourselves. Even if we do find them they might be able to give us some good ideas of places we can go…though I have a couple of my own I can fill you in on later. Don’t count yourself out of getting into trouble just because I’m here…”
Her back against the bar as she excitedly explains the gift she’d bought him, spent hours of her free time in Paris scouring the dusty vintage shops and antique hole in the walls to find the exact right iteration of the gift so it fit Keys. Not just anyone, it had to be derivative of him which well…maybe she was biased but this one fit just the bill. Watching the golden glint of the ring as it hits his palm, laughing softly under her breath the way he pulls it up to his eyes, allowing the moment for him to properly take a look so she didn’t disturb. Maybe this was a terrible place for her to be giving a gift like this that required so much explanation but even the notion of dragging him off to a quieter corner of the party would in her opinion take too long, she needed to give it to him right this second. Sometimes patience wasn’t the girl’s strongest suit. “I love you too…” she whispered likely too quiet to be heard over the din of everyone talking but he’d know what she was saying. On the off chance he didn’t the way she kissed him back would convey it without a shadow of a doubt, back arching so she could press her torso against his her finger hooked into the belt of his trousers - though intended perfectly innocently to just keep him close to her for an extra couple of seconds. “Many are the stars I see but in my eye no star like thee.” She murmured with her lips close to his ear to be sure no word slipped under the radar, peppering a few kisses to the soft skin just below on his neck. “None of the stars I see dancing in front of me ever come close to measuring up to the ones I see when I look at you. Like when we first made eye contact - it was like a glitter gun went off in front of me. So much sparkle.”
"I dunno. You got all the legs so I think your job is safe. For now." Laughing, he gives her hand a little squeeze and watches as she looks around the room. Something he wasn't too keen on doing himself just yet. The buzz of being surrounded by people and trying to readjust to the flashes of light swimming around the corners of his vision thanks to the cameras. It was easy to end up overwhelmed at these things, as good as he was at hiding it, but with her by his side, he actually felt a lot safer than usual. Just meeting her eyes felt like coming up for air and when she suggests they get a drink first thing, he thanks her with his own, agreeing at lightening speed. "Need. Need a drink." Finally, dark hazel eyes scan the room and there's an explosion of color in his head, the droning of voices bouncing back and forth between ambience and noise the way it hits his ears. "More than likely two..." A deep breath as he meets her gaze again. "Honestly, Collins, I can't imagine anything better than you in that dress so I already feel bad for the gift. I've the honor of being here with the most beautiful person in the room. It's never gonna live up." Grinning, an arm slides around her waist as they make their way over to the bar. "But I'm pretty excited to finally see what it is you've been hiding. If you had to keep a secret any longer it seems like you might have exploded. Little bits of Collins I'd have to put back together piece by piece." @collinsapsleyrp
“You think I have the legs? God you’re perfection.” Squeezing his hand back without a second of hesitation, it was instinctive at this point as a comfort for herself just as much as it was for him. Collins knew she wasn’t going to let go of it anytime soon because she could tell just by looking at the man he was feeling a little overwhelmed. It was her mission to make him relax enough to enjoy the evening because otherwise there was no point in them being there, if they didn’t have fun then she’d rather be doing something that did put a smile on his face instead. That beautiful smile she strove to pull from him every single day. Letting out a soft laugh as he so easily agreed on the drink front she pressed a couple of kisses to his jawline as he looked around the room, hands playing with the hair at the nape of his neck fondly. “Or three…or four…it’s a party after all.” His arm around her waist felt like it fit to perfection, how did he manage to do that? He touched her and it just felt correct when so many times in the past that small thing had felt so wrong under the hand of anyone else, like her body had been telling her ‘not yet’ until she finally came into contact with the man next to her right now. “Oh shush, have you taken a look around the room? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a collection of more beautiful people. There was a girl I saw a second ago in basically just her underwear and she just looked….like a woodland nymph. Honestly extraordinary. Like a Victoria secret model. Not a patch on you though.” As they arrived at the bar she could wait no longer - he was right if she waited even one more second the whole thing would burst from inside her chest. “So have you heard of a posy ring? It’s based on the French word 'poésy', to describe a motto or poem inscribed inside a ring. So while I was in Paris I went hunting in all the vintage shops I could find until…” She paused, unblocking the latch on her bag to pull out a small silver cloth bag that she passed over to him. “They were most popular between the 15th to 17th century so..perfect for this party right? So when I found this one I knew you had to have it…and I needed to be the one to give it to you. It's horribly corny but...i'm horribnly corny so..."
The second Collins walked into the room in all her magnetic perfection, Keys forgot all about how much he hated dressing up. In fact he'd taken to pretending every event he had to attend was merely a halloween party. It was fitting since he felt nothing like himself in fancy dress. Like some sort of awkward avatar of himself. At least this party presented an opportunity to be in actual costume, which made picking an outfit a little more barrable. What he was most excited about though, was finally getting to be with his girlfriend in public. The opportunity to show everyone just how much he loved her with no inhibition. There was no taking his eyes off her, or loosening the affectionate grip he had on her hand as the butterflies swarmed when they finally exited their vehicle and made their way down the red carpet for the first time together. Somehow far less nervous than he thought he'd be. It felt like a relief, in fact, once they were inside, he was almost giddy. Pulling her in for a soft affectionate kiss he beams into. "You're probably real sick of me telling you you're perfect but I for sure have at least fifty thousand more of those in me so if you wanna pretend it's the first time I said it every time, I'm totally okay with that."
Truth was Collins wasn’t out of place wearing something a little more off the wall, she’d been down the runway in some seriously weird clothing, nor was the flashing of lightbulbs from the cameras alien to her, but that didn’t stop the blonde from gripping Keys hand as if her life depended on it. Wanting more than anything to make sure she put her best foot forward for his sake because their reputation rode on this but also his business one which to her was critical. Especially since she’d watched him pour sweat, blood, and tears into it over the last couple of yeas all off his own back. Glancing over to him every so often she couldn’t suppress the smile that graced her lips. Eyes flicking across his outfit, wanting to reach forward and kiss him even while they were still outside, but she satiated herself by instead reaching out to straighten his necklace with a loving glance before moving smoothly to pose again. Then they were inside away from the cameras allowing the couple to breath a little easier. “Never sick of anything you say. You did amazing out there, you’re coming for my modelling contracts.” Hands smoothing over his shoulders around to the back of his neck, another soft kiss before pulling away to finally look around. “I think we both deserve a drink, don’t you? Then I need to give you the present I got for you in Paris just to top off the authenticity of your outfit.” The blonde giggled, bouncing on the balls of her feet knowing full well what she had tucked into her clutch bag.
Did Collins mean to look at Bambi with total horror? No, but that was the reaction the comment elicited. She couldn’t disagree more. “No! I mean…you can of course have your own opinion I would never take that away from you but…each garden is different because every flower is unique. Not just different types but each different flower within each type.” Reaching over to the blue flower on the girls strap tentatively, not wanting to overstep ever. “Bluebells, roses…is that a crocus as well? Honestly you look utterly exquisite. You’re a flower yourself.”
When her fingers hit his scalp, if he could whine like a puppy getting scratched just right behind the ears he would. "Good thing I love you too much to have you suffer through terrible hygeine. But it's nice to know if we met while I was unhoused, I might have had a chance." After laughing at himself, he reaches up, tucking her hair behind her ears as he presses kisses to the tip of her nose while she speaks. Her laugh is infectious. It makes the entire room feel light and he can't help but chuckle softly along himself. "That's you. Somehow blessed to kiss my very own vogue worthy gazelle over it. I don't know the sound they make but pretend I just did it. For emphasis. And yes, I saved every photo of you that came across my feed to my phone." Nodding matter of factly, he hums and smiles. "But I'm always proud of you, Collins. Swear you're gonna figure out how to set the world right one day. I'll just be the doofus bard holding your hand while you do."
Eyes go wide when she says there's a present waiting, although he's in no rush to move either. Instead pulling her closer before hooking his hands behind her back. "I s'pose I got it in me to be patient enough given this is the best gift I could have ever hoped for right here." He gives her waist a little squeeze. "More like uuuhh, ya know, bullshitted my way through the thing pretending I knew what I was doing." Shrugging, he laughs. "Between that, composing this movie, a few festivals here and there, the grammy news, and this party we have to go to, it's been kinda hectic. Feels like I got those little soot sprites you like so much bouncing around between my ears." Leaning forward, he kisses her again, heart already beginning to race at the question he's been waiting for her to get back so he could ask properly to her face. "Speaking of the party. I was thinking... We could go together. But I mean like....together." Brow furrows a little as he licks his lips nervously. "A..As a couple." It would be their first time out together as such, having kept the (mostly obvious) relationship lowkey since it started. Keys knew all too well the cruelty that came hand in hand with the praise once you've found yourself in the spotlight and there was nothing in the world he'd become more protective of than the beautiful woman in his lap. What they had felt sacred in a way. Inviting scrutiny or any attacks upon her because of his own nonsense was the last thing he wanted, but the time spent apart solidifies the thought that's been looming for a while now. "Vogue gazelle and her doofus bard could make their big debut." @collinsapsleyrp
“I can’t think of a situation where you wouldn’t have a chance, you could crawl out of a sewer pipe and I’d still lose my breath just being around you. It wouldn’t be suffering, trust me.” The small whimper he gave at the feeling of her fingers made her heart flutter as she ducked do press her lips against his again in a languishing kiss, fingers trailing under his chin as she did so. God it was good to be home, well kind of home, yes this was Keys house but really it was more the company that was home. She could be on the moon but as long as she was sat in his lap then Collins would be happy, god it was beyond disgusting how quickly she’d fallen for him. The man who was technically her boss, no not technically, literally her own boss but for some reason the voices screaming in her head that this would all end terribly could be silenced just by the sensation of his fingers dancing across her waist. “Vogue worthy gazelle? I like that much better than the other things they call me. But I don’t like doofus bard even a tiny bit. I think a better way of describing you would be a symphonic tangle of magical perfection. A musically gifted Quokka, or a Rolling Stone worthy Quokka if we’re going to stick with the descriptive theme.” Rubbing her nose against his temple before leaning back against the arm behind her while still keeping him close, arm outstretched so her hand could remain on the back of his neck.
“The best gift? Well, you’ve set the bar high, but I think you’re going to like this other one too. It’s for you for the party because I figured there is nothing better than something entirely authentic to make an outfit really go off with a pop.” At the casual mention of the soot sprites they started dancing in the air right in front of her eyes, the smudges her thumb and fingers would make when she was sketching affixed with human like features making them a quirky delight that always made her giggle. “You’re always so hard on yourself you know, I’ve seen you in those meetings you have a serious skill, the company wouldn’t be what it was if it wasn’t for you. You’re far more business savvy than you are willing to admit, like a prodigy Steve Jobs but with a much cuter smile and less black turtlenecks.” Melting into the kiss as their lips connected her eyes had fluttered closed only to snap back open as his tone became a little more serious, nervous tick obvious as his tongue swiped his bottom lip, Collins knew what that meant. Still she could understand because she felt the same level of nervousness in relation to the two of them actually presenting their couple status to the world, mainly she was worried about what judgments it might bring onto him because of her. Not a second thought had entered her brain about any kind of negative repercussion on herself, because as long as he was happy she was willing to shoulder whatever was needed. They’d been keeping their relationship ‘secret’ for a while so the chance to hold his hand in public or dance openly with Keys…seemed almost too good to be true. “You sure you’re ready for that? I mean…you know how critical your reputation is just as well as I do. The whole business is built around you, Micky - I’d never want you to put that in the firing line just because you feel like…I don’t know you ought to because of me. If I need to keep this secret for the rest of my life I’m happy to do that as long as I get to be with you….somehow.” Her blue eyes searching his.
Just the sound of her voice make the colors constantly swimming in his head shift and swirl. Hers was always gold and purple with something dazzling swimming between. Like someone had thrown glitter into water color. "You're so shiny." Voice is soft, almost melodic still dripping with sleep, knowing she'd get what he was talking about. She was the only person who ever really did. It was still a wonder to him how she suffered through his esoteric ramblings sometimes. Having to piece words and thoughts together like some sort of a puzzle that often left him feeling like he was stuck speaking in riddles and code. Most people end up frustrated with him when that happens, but somehow, she hadn't once. Somehow she brilliant and patient enough to work her way through his secret language, forming one of their own in the process. When he'd realized one day how easy it was with her, a sort of reckoning went on in his head. He's not really sure how she was able to do the impossible and make him feel human when she was around, but it wasn't something he questioned anymore.
Not that he had the space for it in his head when swimming around all her colors. "Oh yeah? The morning breath and bedhead do make a pretty sexy combination, but only if you say so." Grinning, he continues to speak softly, meeting her lips between every other word before finally kissing her properly. As greedy as he wanted to be with her after being gone so long, it's slow, maybe a little dirtier than he was going for in the way that it deepens but he can't help savoring her. There's still little room between them when he finally pulls back, continuing to riddle her face and neck with kisses as adjusts his grip on her waist, carrying her into the living room and over to the couch. "Little surprised though now that you're a fancy world traveler. I was kinda scared you might meet some beautiful french boy to whisk you away with baguettes or whatever they use to lore beautiful women into their clutches. Besides the accents, I guess." Carefully he sits with her, situating her in his lap. "How was it. Tell me all about your adventures." As if they hadn't been on the phone everyday since she'd gone. @collinsapsleyrp
Had anyone else said that to the blonde she’d have countered it immediately, telling them she was in fact sweaty from the plane, not shiny, but she knew that Keys’ meant it in an entirely different way. When he spoke there was meaning behind the words that transcended their dictionary definition like he was speaking a different language that was just for her. It made her feel even more connected to him. Maybe that was why she’d instantly felt something special spark between the two of them, their first ever conversation was the first time she can remember not following up her whimsical ranting with ‘I mean that probably makes no sense but…’ because she just felt like he got her. They got each other. It was refreshing in a way that physically relaxed her entire body. “No morning breath, and your hair looks perfect to me. I just want to run my fingers through it.” And she did just that, hands going into his hair needing the tactile sensation of it because the way it had a life of its own was so endearing. Just like he was in every way. “You could never brush your teeth or hair ever again and you’d still be the most handsome person I’ve ever seen.” Collins whispered, meaning every last word.
Her legs were still wrapped around his waist as he deepened the kiss, no problem in returning it with enthusiasm, the tiredness from the hideously long plane ride melting into the background as she let herself feel every single thing he made bubble up in her. So wrapped up in it her breath comes out in a snatching gasp when they finally split apart, not realising she’d not bothered doing that for maybe a little too long in her eagerness to be as close to him as possible. “Why would I want a beautiful French boy when I have a beautiful American boy right here at home who blows them out of the water every time? None of them even …” she waved her hand in front of her eyes eccentrically, shaking her head. “…crossed my line of vision. I doubt I even passed theirs either. I was too busy checking my phone incase you’d texted.” Collins giggled, settling happily into his lap as they sat so she could keep her hands resting against his cheeks her thumb grazing across his bottom lip as her eyes skipped across the features she’d missed so much. “You’d be so proud of me. I didn’t fall over, not a single time, I was like a…graceful deer…” Well, on the runway at least, she’d fallen plenty in her own time, mostly up the stairs - she had a particular talent for that. “Oh oh oh and I brought you back a present!! But you have to wait until later because I’m not getting it right now, I’m too comfy. How was the meeting with the graphic team go last week?” As if she hadn’t asked him on FaceTime not ten minutes after he’d walked out of it. “Let me guess, you smashed it.” @urmasterkey
The smell of coffee was odd since he'd only just woken up after another restless night. Sleeping was never something he could get a handle on and often times, he was most comfortable on the floor or the couch. At least when he was alone, which hadn't been that often when Collins was around. The only time he reached the ultimate comfort in a bed was in her arms. He's not sure whether he's hallucinating or dreaming once he's downstairs and ambling sleepily into the kitchen rubbing his eyes. Mop of hair standing every which way. It's not until he sees a familiar figure sitting on top of the counter. It makes his heart race immediately. She'd been gone for two weeks now on a business trip and he'd been diligently counting down the days until she'd return. He had a whole surprise planned and everything so he was sure she wasn't due until the weekend. "Am I still sleeping?" Turning his head and glancing back in the direction of his bedroom, he frowns and wonders if he went back if he'd actually see himself laying there.
It's not like he hasn't had this exact dream every night since she stepped foot out of his car into the airport. But as he makes his way closer, reaching out for her purely on instinct, the need to do so from very nearly the moment they met, his fingers brush along the soft flesh of her arm and there's a sudden change in demeanor. Now he's wide awake, drowsy smile growing ear to ear when he gets close enough, wrapping her up in his arms, lifting her from the counter and holding her tight. Burying his nose in the hair falling over her neck and shoulders, he takes a deep breath, feeling every bit of tension he'd been holding onto for weeks leave as he exhales all the comfort and love that is Collins. "Don't answer that, actually. I could be dead right now for all I care so long as you're here." Keys mumbles into her neck before pulling back just enough to get a good look at her face before peppering her freckles with kisses.
As soon as Collins landed from London she had made a point to go straight to Key’s apartment, grateful to have a key in this moment because it allowed her to orchestrate a proper surprise. The man was under the assumption she wasn’t back until the next week which was exactly how she’d wanted it to be - even going as far as to send him a good morning text ‘from the UK’ before taking off, aka buying the plane wifi so she could keep up the rouse. Even the concept of giving him this little surprise was making her so giddy she was practically bouncing with each step she took towards him. The stealth with which she entered the house was miraculous, she was so clumsy she had been given the nickname of ‘trippy toes’ (a play on twinkle toes, god people thought they were so funny) within the modelling industry because of her…past klutzy moments. No one mention that Versace runway for gods sake. Even the thought made her incredibly pale complexion flush with bright red like she’d been tipped upside down for a prolonged length of time.
Carefully starting to make coffee she was humming to herself under her breath absentmindedly until it occurred to her any extra noise was risky, glancing towards the direction of the bedroom with a worried look in her eyes, holding her breath for a second but no, she was safe. In fact it wasn’t until almost half an hour later when she was sat on the counter doing her best to contain herself that the cutest sleepy man appeared in the doorway. Instantly Collins heart swelled with adoration, hand gripping the side of the work surface she was sat on to stop her from running over to him to jump into his arms. Instead letting him make his way over, wake up slowly, take in the surprise as she beamed so wide her face was in danger of splitting in two. The touch of his fingers just on her arm made the hair stand on end as goosebumps rippled across her entire body, pressing a kiss to the side of his head as he buried his face in her neck, taking a deep breath of the combined smell of his sheets and shampoo that clung to his hair. “Don’t say that…I’d care, but you’re not asleep or dead, you’ve just been tricked.” The blonde giggled at the sensation of his lips across her face, ducking so she could catch his lips in her own for a swift peck. “I’ve missed you so much…” She whispered, her nose brushing against his as she moved away from his lips only enough to be able to speak. “You look so adorable when you wake up, my mornings haven’t been the same while I’ve been away.” @urmasterkey
“ How late is it, anyways? ” She wasn’t sure how long she had been hanging on the sidelines of this club, her friends she had come with had vanished into the crowd ages ago and she was latching onto the first friendly face she saw. “ Either I need another drink or to call it a night at this point – I’m falling asleep over here. ”
Collins eyes maintained their movement scanning the club silently as she watched Key’s interacting with someone, trying to place them in a professional manner. Were they an agent? Something in her intuition was telling her it was but she needed to be closer to be sure. “Hmm? Oh, it’s um…” Tapping her phone screen so the bright light hit her in the face abruptly. “One fifteen. I think maybe one more drink is in order, come on, we deserve to have some fun.” She grinned, hand slipping down to grab hold of Maggie’s hand so she could pull her towards the bar. @glimmcr
