rise up

The tight knot in his guts tightened at the same time as relief washed over him when Sofia rejected his idea of running away. "You're right... I... I'd probably wither away without my family..." His siblings, as vibrant and judgmental as they can be are one of the very reasons why he survived the way he did. He squeezed her hand gently, as if affirming his place beside her, pressing another light kiss on her temple. "That... I did..." he chuckled almost remorsefully. His cheeks had heated up at the sheer embarrassment of that moment. By the time Ezra managed to lift his gaze up to her, he was sure his cheeks had reddened like a child being caught stealing from the kitchen. "I'm.. never suave with the ladies..." Everyone around him was sure that his brother had taken all of the charm and suaveness with him instead. "I'm that awkward big guy who stumble with my words and..."

Ezra sighed noisily. It wasn't exactly fear of rejection per se. It was the fact that each time he had actually found someone attractive, his god damn brother was around too. And Ethan would swoop in just like a vulture — Sofia was the perfect example. "You have nothing to be sorry for." Ezra pulled her closer, nuzzling her nose as she giggled. He loved causing that, hearing her laugh was one of the things he look forward to every day. "I think we need to be tactical about it though..." he pondered out loud, pulling back to look at her again reverently. "First, cancel the wedding, get as much deposits as you can. Announcement to everyone why you're doing it... I can help with any part of that..." Another sigh. "Us being together in public can wait. I don't want anyone blaming you for any of this."

#renegadetulisrp #c: sofia #( Sofia x Ezra )#opp: Ezra Callaghan

He didn't need to agree for her to know she was right, but it didn't stop the small smile at his acknowledgement of it. Wither seemed a lot but, he was right. "I don't think they'd manage without you either." The Callaghan siblings were intimidating initially but had a relationship that would make anyone jealous. They loved and teased each other in a way that only proved how close they were. She couldn't be the one to take that way. Not from him or his siblings. If anything, she would take the criticism with her head bowed. It was well deserved anyway, no matter how terrible Ethan had been to her, sleeping with Ezra, though it was far from payback, wasn't going to be easily accepted. She shook her head, pushing that worry for another moment. He was adorable, really. And so, so guilty. Sofia couldn't help shaking her head as he explained. "Did you think I would only be interested in you at that time if you were suave?" Although the suaveness was charming, Ethan had been clear to show his interest her. She playfully tsked, leaning against him. "I didn't know I came across as that shallow. A frown quickly took place as he began to insult himself. "No, Ezra. You are sweet and thoughtful. Don't talk about yourself like that."

Well he might have meant it but it wasn't entirely true was it. She snuggled into him more, "if I had noticed sooner, we wouldn't be in such a weird situation." And for that, she was sorry. She couldn't blame him for switching gears but she really had hoped she had longer to sit in the peace of just the two of them. Outside thoughts only ruined that. She pouted as he pulled away, taking a moment to not be distracted about how hot the sight of him taking control at the moment was. "I can start cancelling once those businesses open. I think they'll understand." Her fiance did cheat on her, though she was also... doing the same now? It wasn't the exact same but it was uncomfortable to dwell on. "I don't mind if I don't get as much money back. Sorting every thing comes first." She didn't really want to restrain from being together in public but it was better for both of them in the long run. She also didn't want to cause trouble for Ezra. "I mean, they would probably be right. In blaming me." It was best to be realistic. Especially if anyone found out the truth before they could clear things up. "I could probably use your help calling some of my vendors."

"I don't understand you." He was too good for her. Too big of a green flag, too kind-hearted in a world filled with evil and toxicity. And Nadine was now convinced that he was sent to cross her path to tempt her to the other side — a side where chaos takes a step back and ceased to exist. "Even after all I have done is to wound you, make you feel smaller than you are..." His unwarranted apology only probed her hardened resolve to softened. Nadine had to bite her tongue for wanting to say that there was no need for it. She was the one who owed him an apology. Yet she remained silent, dark gaze glued to the floor where he was standing. All Nadine could hear now was her breathing through her tight chest.

The emotion and space Elias held for her was... unyielding, unfaltering despite the venom slathered dagger she was holding over his heart. Her brows furrowed just a smidge as she considered his words... his promise. She let out an audible scoff. It struck a chord with her — Nadine had never experienced something or anyone like Elias. His confession confused her even further, shifting her entire belief system into a disequilibrium. For you. It's easy. "It shouldn't be." Her words didn't come out as a sharp elastic snap as she had intended. Instead her voice was hushed, as if she feared that saying it out loud or the way she had intended it to be would shatter them both. "Stop choosing me, Elias." Her tone was still quiet. Now it was her turn to plead with him. "Stop pleading with me." Because if you persist, I might just cave.

#c: elias #opp: Nadine Sanchez #( Elias x Nadine )#renegadetulis

Elias gave her a wry smile. He truly couldn't say he understood himself either. When it came to Nadine there were things he did that just made... little sense. He loved her more than she loved him, that was sure, but he needed her as much if not more than she needed him. Whether Nadine knew it or not. She had influenced his life in a way he wasn't ready to let go. "My parents told me that love isn't straight forward or easy. I don't... I can't explain why you're saying what you are, Nay but if you... if you don't mean it then. If you're only saying it to protect yourself, I can — I couldn't live with myself if I didn't fight for you." Even if it embarrassed himself in the process. At least she knew she was in the wrong partially.

His gaze remained on her. He couldn't determine whether her silence was finding more words to shut him out or whether she was coming to terms with... he honestly wasn't sure anymore. She couldn't or wouldn't even look at him. He flinched at her words, taking a small unintended step back. His foundation not as strong as he initially thought. She was right. He shouldn't stand there taking every insult she could hurl his way, but nothing else seemed... right. His tongue ran over teeth, before settling thickly in his mouth. "I'm not sure how to. How to stop choosing you. How to stop looking for you. How to stop thinking about you or caring for you." Her presence haunted him in ways that felt like an obsession. Maybe were an obsession. It would make sense. "All to say, I can't stop choosing you. I wanted to choose you until the day I die, Nadine Sanchez." it wasn't a proposal but it might as well been a promise.

fauville

your guys ocs are so famous to me. i'm obsessed with them. they make me happy. i want to marry them. i would kill and die for them.

#Factsssssss #❤️❤️❤️

@evcrlasting sent “You were looking for me?” & "When did the way you say my name start sounding like that?" (Flo x Matthias)

I'm always looking for you. "Like what?" He was playing dumb, of course. Matthias knew very well the slip up he'd allowed, the way her name had started rolling out the same way it did before, when she was truly and irrevocably his. "I was just wondering if you need me to wait up until you lock the place. I can walk you home, make sure you've gotten home safe. My evening is free and I don't mind waiting." Plus, he was trying to keep himself sober and sadly, selfishly, that was the only way he wouldn't reach for the bottle.

#c: florencia #wintcrstcrfall #opp: Matthias Dellow #( Flo x Matthias )

Maybe it's a sign she needs to go back to her therapist. Her ears filtered with something causing her to hear a tone that clearly wasn't there. Her own desires, maybe. Her tongue pokes the side of her cheek, thick with words she couldn't say. "Maybe - Nevermind. It's nothing." It's something she'll tuck away later. Though she shouldn't. They're just friends, exes who had confessed their love for each other both before and after their break up. For the betterment of both of them, she shouldn't hold onto anything he said. Or she thought he said. At his words, her face lights up. Not bothering to hide her pleasure. "That would be lovely." More than that, his timing is absolutely perfect. "In a minute though, I need a very honest opinion. I wanted to add a new dessert to my menu for the season but I can't fairly judge it myself. Will you try it? Please."

send a 🌞 to the people who brighten up your day, just by seeing them on your dash

Sending this to me after torturing me is wild 😩 but ILYYYY ❤️

#my friends on here are bullys yall!#wintcrstcrfall

@evcrlasting sent “Are we pretending that didn’t just happen?” & "Say it’s not just me feeling this." for Scarlett and Khaled

"That depends. Do you want me to pretend?" It was strange to hear her own voice and know that the words were truthful, devoid of teasing or sarcasm as they usually were. But she wanted to prove something here, to show that she could be serious when needed; especially then. And what more serious moment than this, right there? "Because it's not just you feeling this."

#c: khaled #opp: scarlett lancaster #wintcrstcrfall #( Khaled x Scarlett )#idkkkk man

Everything about her was a trap. A well-lit, advertised, bright trap. Yet at some point he has walked straight into it. He wasn't completely sure if it was by his own will or not. It no longer mattered. "It's better if you do." Better for her, for him — for his job. Oh, her dad was going to kill him. "But I don't want you to pretend. To forget it happened." Khaled should've stepped away, should take his hands off her. Yet his voice remained low and his gaze stayed on her. He couldn't tell if this was another of her games. Teasing to make him feel uncomfortable but even if just for the moment, he had already slipped. Like putty in her hands. He took a sharp breath, resting his chin on her head. "If you're playing with me, Scarlett that's fine. Just... just make it clear. If this is another one of your games..."

@evcrlasting sent "i don't blame them, of course, but you're mine" & "if you trust me, you have nothing to worry about" for Marcella and Javier

"Trust, as we've established, is something to be won rather than given freely. At least in my world." And the memory of their arguing was still fresh in her mind, tender like a bruise that refused to heal. "And if calling me yours is your way of trying again, I'll have to disagree." It took a lot out of her not to drop the smile on her lips, the strain visible in the corners of her eyes and the small tell tale move of her fingers, tapping against the polished bar. "Are you going to leave me no option but to cause a scene?"

#I had to go read old ones just to make sure AND UGH STUPID KIDS #wintcrstcrfall #( Javier x Marcella )#c: javier #opp: Marcella Santos

"Are you saying I've lost all your trust?" If anyone asked, they were simply figuring things out. Though he doubted Marcella told that same line. She seemed to put a more definitive stop to their... well, Javier wasn't completely sure what to call it. All he knew was no matter how complicated they were, she was always his. She had even promised to forever be a thorn in his side one. And damn did she really play that thorn well. "Shortcake please. You've always been mine." He chuckled, taking a glance at the retreating men. The audacity of them to try and take what was his. This wasn't the place he wanted to make a scene, it was the last thing he was trying to cause. She just... refused to listen to him. "So what? Make a scene. I'm not going anywhere, Marcella."

pcpulr-deactivated20260521

"you should know that i am the worst at timing." nothing but facts. hell , he wasn't the best at being the person vera needed him to be until now. it was true when people said you didn't know what you had until it was gone. in this case : it was vera. however instead of pining back for her and wanting her back, he took the time to work on himself and be the person she wanted him to be. it was a lot of work but he knew it would be worth it. her words made his heart flutter. " i never stopped loving you either ,v." his voice was soft. the man fell silent as he held onto the other. " i want you take me back because you want to not because im asking. but, v, this time will different i promise you. take a risk on me this time around."

#c: vera #opp: damon thomas #( vera x damon )#pcpulr

now wasn't that the truth. just when they were in the perfect swing of friendship, damon and his trash timing just had to ruin in. but it was worth it. he was worth it. she tsked softly, not really chastising him. "i'll keep that in mind." his confession wrapped around her heart, a place she had promised herself she would never give him again. yet before she even knew it, damon had wormed his way back in. maybe she had let him, but it seemed like there was no changing it now. it wasn't just words. he had proved himself to be different already. at first she had thought it was a well-played act but if this was an act, it was one she would gladly fall for. even if it hurt her again. "i believe you." but at the end of the day, trust was hard to completely hand over. "what if we take this risk and just crash and burn worse than the first time? i don't know if i can handle that. i can't lose you again, damon. i'm not that strong."

"Hey, considering the level of both of our lucks, I'd say the chances of danger finding exactly our room is quite high." He was mainly teasing. There was no reason to put fearful thoughts into her mind right now, but Jere couldn't practically stop himself before getting serious once more. Being friends for so long with someone had the power to give you this type of freedom of speech. As he began putting in line his belongings - ever meticulous about it - the man considered her words. Food didn't sound bad but it was relevantly early to think about dinner - something their group would also confirm. So, definitely something else before that. "Maybe food can wait for an hour or two until its more dark outside. But if you want snacks before that - I can provide." He'd made the mental note to pack her favorites, just in case. There was no chance in the world that they wouldn't be put to good use. "What about exploring the path to that lake we talked about? So it's easier to find tomorrow. Unless you're afraid of bears and wolves, that is..."

#( vera x jeremiah )#opp: jeremiah dawson #c: vera #wintcrstcrfall

He was quite obviously messing with her but it almost felt like a premonition and she sure as hell didn't need that kind of trouble coming their way. She had just bailed him out a couple days ago and this was how he repaid her? Vera shook her head, blowing out a breath. "If anything happens to our room, I'm going to kick you, Jere." It wouldn't. Danger wouldn't find her room. Even if she was now a little more alert than she had been all day. So much for a relaxing trip. Her ears perked at the sound of snacks. Before she could even process, she had moved over to peek into his bag. He knew her so well, so well that this was clearly spoiling her but she didn't care. "Don't tell me you brought my popcorn." Her threat to kick him irrelevant now. Her hand waved him off, a small grin on her face. "Why? I just have to outrun you if they come." Of course if it were to happen, she would never leave him behind but there was no harm in jokes. "Sounds like a plan. Plus we can see just how far it is and how big it is."

pcpulr-deactivated20260521

" okay first of all , i followed that macaroni box to a t! it's not my fault it came out dry or whatever." it wasn't that she couldn't cook, it's that she didn't have the patience nor the capacity to. the cooking gods were never on her side. if possible, she could burn water. she shook her head before moving over to the coffee maker and started to make them a pot. it was a mindless task, didnt have to think twice about it. it was like she lived at his home, even if things still hadn't changed in his kitchen. it's like she never left. " but you still ate it so what does that say about you ?" she grinned at him before letting out a soft laugh.

#pcpulr #c: leo #opp: madelyn serrano #( Leo x Madelyn )#i'm so so sorry for how late this was #we can drop it or idk #+

it was quite literally her fault it came out dry. he propped a brow, trying to find words that didn't insult her or the fact that she had tried to kill him with box macaroni before. he had never met a worse cook than her and that said quite a lot. leo let out a scoff, turning to fetch eggs, bacon and some spices. though his back isn't to her for too long. she just fits. fits into his kitchen, his life. it's uncomfortable but also right. "i'm more surprised you haven't ruined my coffee maker, but i guess that's different." he teases, before moving to the stove. he shrugs lightly, focusing on the breaking and whisking the eggs. "it says i'm willing to poison myself just to please you." a simple but quiet admission. one that wavers too close to their just sex agreement. "pretty sure i choked on those dry ass noodles," he speaks, trying to lighten the mood.

sweetfridays

♡ AJA NAOMI KING the hollywood reporter

#visuals ♛ zahra schuman #So her husbands remember she’s #THATGIRL #And if I were to tag her husbands last names who could judge me 🤭#Well maybe she’s judging me but like what does she know

hiromi & ella drunk:

[ TXT ] : ur name is so pretty

Ella: oh you pretty bby hiro Ella: i llvvveeee ylyuuuu Ella: ya knw wt i mennn

[ TXT ] : tell me something u never told anyone

Ella: wrong person? Ella: that's weirdly deep Ella: for someone i met like 2 months ago?

[ TXT ] : ur face. god. ur FACE

Ella: Oh God. Ella: where are you? Ella: I'll pick you up.

[ TXT ] : thinking abt u. thinking abt ur hands

Ella: wanna tell me Ella: what you're thinking about my hands doing

@okaymuse

#okaymused #cryinnng i don't know which account to tag LOL #( Ella x Hiromi )#[ ship: hiromi x ella ]#slowly working throughhh but i'm separating them

56456546gfgf-deactivated2021111

Laura Harrier for Vogue Magazine, UK // June, 2021

#wow my innocent babes looks unreal #to be tagged #visuals ♛ jasmine ellis

"Good then. If you're not worried, I'm not worried. We're good." If the moment was any other and they weren't in the middle of a possible arguing after hours on the road, Jeremiah probably would've cracked some type of joke about their rich vocabilary but since the moment called for something else, he kept his mouth shut. A smart move. "I'm glad you trust me." He added more quietly, more to himself rather aimed at Vera hearing it. At her sudden energized reaction, though, he stepped aside, brows furrowing. There were a lot of things he could've corrected - or added - to her sentences about what the next couple of days would entail, but, once again, he did the smart thing of shutting up. That wasn't the time now that he considered it a win that she'd agreed to share the room with him and not play the heroine and take one for the team. "Absolutely! This will be the best time ever. So much relaxing will be done, I can't even begin to imagine what we'd do with all that time." He stepped aside and watching as she placed her bag on one side of the bed. A small, crooked smile pulled at his lips. "It's yours. I would've offered it to you anyways. That way if any danger comes in, you'll be safe on the other side." Then, he picked up his own stuff and made a show of seemingly unpacking. "What's the first on your list of things to do?"

#( vera x jeremiah )#opp: jeremiah dawson #c: vera #wintcrstcrfall #in hindsight.... i've been later in my replies

"Was there anything for you to worry about?" Vera shook her head, a small smile on the corner of her lips. If they said good anymore someone might start thinking they were good. Or that they weren't actually good which was far from true in her opinion. There were worse people to share a bed or room with. Shrugging she propped up a brow. She wanted to question. Should ask, why he expected anything other than her to trust him. It's kind of the base of their friendship. Trust between them. At least she hopes Jer had even as much trust in her as she had in him. Shaking her head, Vera moved on. Mentally. Physically. She nods eagerly at his words. Though if she's honest, she actually couldn't imagine what they were going to do with all this free time. It sounded nice and easy in the planning stages but now that it was actually happening, much different. Vera hummed, she needed to take more vacations. "Danger? We have a few rooms before us. I think we would have some time to both get safe." She'd prefer no danger their way and anything resembling a bear or wild life to stay far away from her. Vera sat on the bed, turning slightly towards him. First thing. "Food. Maybe. I haven't considered much after that. What's your plan? Maybe I'll hop on it with you." As if she would give him much of a choice.

"It's not my job to make you process things, Elias." Her words were sharp, still veiled with poison. She knew what she had said would sent him reeling, make him second-guess himself and ended up conceding to what she was insinuating. Nadine did feel stifled in their relationship. It was safe, calm and no chaos. Unfortunately, she was too used to chaos, drama and toxicity. The jarring absence of them all when she decided to give Elias a chance was too glaring... Too glaring till she was the one seeking out trouble. "This is the thing about you," she snapped. "I have to spell things out explicitly every god damn second. It's like you can't even read social cues for yourself. It's tiring."

She knew the longer she stood there with Elias speaking, Nadine would relent and in the end malleable to his presence. She was running out of words. She was running out of audacity truly. The brunette blinked at his resolve, her insides scrambling to make a decision — flight or... stay. Guilt surprisingly made an appearance, making small nips at her insides. "Maybe...." She held her tongue. Nadine turned away slightly to put on the cardigan she had hooked in the changing room. It gave her some time to think. She plonked herself down on the couch in the middle of the room, before looking up at him. A small, tiny twinge in the secret recesses of her heart ached for him. Now that she was in this whirlwind of a passive aggressive romance, Elias' pleading eyes reminded her how she doesn't have to. But she was in too deep. A lump had formed in her throat but her steely gaze didn't falter. "Elias. I need you to think about what you're doing right now." Her voice was steady, trembling slightly at the edge of her last words. "I need you to actually look at yourself. You're begging someone's fiancée to leave him. You're pleading with someone's wife-to-be."

#c: elias #opp: Nadine Sanchez #( Elias x Nadine )#renegadetulis

"I'm not asking you to do that." He was a grown man. Sure he had his shortcomings but he didn't need to be walked through emotions. At least he hadn't thought so until she continued to speak. Her words sent him stepping back, reeling. His heart crushing in on itself. The woman he loves couldn't even tell him how much he was lacking in their relationship. All this time he thought he was a good man. A great boyfriend. Thought they were happy. "I'm sorry," his voice soft as he focused on the floor in front of her. If he looked at her longer, saw the disgust on her face, Elias wasn't sure he wouldn't burst into tears. He could only imagine how much worse his tears would make the situation. It would definitely prove her point.

He should leave. His words had fell on revealing ears. There was clearly nothing he could say to get her back even more so, he shouldn't ask for her back. Elias had known they were different from the start. They were both very different from each other's previous partners. Navigating that had been a lot from the start but they had gotten into the rhythm of their relationship. Maybe he should've known that they were too different for a future. He had never been one to give up but Elias had to admit, he had to consider giving up. He detected pity in her voice, or hope. It might have been all in his head but it was enough to make him look up again. He followed her movements across the room. Waiting for her to speak felt like his legs turned to concrete. Too much of him depended on what she said next. It wasn't as heart breaking as he thought she would be. Did Nadine realize she was still holding his heart in her hands? He sighed, giving an easy shrug. "I would embarrass myself a million times over just to prove how much I love you, Nadine. Pleading with you. For you. It's easy."

"You're worried about my Lola?" he scoffed, letting out a loud guffaw without any restrain as he poured more of the drink in her cup. "Oh she can hold herself all right. She's feisty despite the age. Don't let her petite frame coupled with soft wrinkles fool you. On a good day, she could wallop me with a slipper." Matthew shot Nessa a look as if to say, If you know, you know and nodded mockingly serious. Matthew popped in another bite of the cobbler and had to rein in his moan when the flavours hit just right on his palate. He struggled to swallow and chuckled. "She blindsided me. If I knew I was on a blind date, I wouldn't be wearing an old t-shirt and faded jeans," he pointed out at his laidback outfit.

He was unaware that he'd be leaning closer to Nessa, listening to her speak about his Lola and charming her socks off whilst catching her sweet perfume. "You definitely did," Matthew confirmed, nodding while beaming. "She's a difficult hard person to please especially when it comes to food." His eyes widened dramatically, the mischievous glint still present in his dark hues. "Even my mom's signature adobo hasn't impressed her. And it's been more than 30 years since she married into the family," Matthew chuckled, clutching his chest and downright felt bad for his own mother. "Wait, you bought her favour with a recipe that's not yours? Where did you get it?" He had to ask, curiosity drenched in every syllable of his.