[kaceyrps]

MAIA REFICCO in ONE FAST MOVE

[angelsdvsts]

the silence coming from him was loud; never had she expect to make him completely speechless. curious gaze falls across his, hues squint ever so slightly; head tilting to the side, trying to get a read on him. wondering if, just maybe -- that thin line between love and hate was something to describe their relationship. easier to mask that same energy he gave her her entire life. though, she must admit; it would explain all the lingering thoughts she had of him before her eyes drifted to sleep each night. "aw, don't worry about it. . i know your hair is your best feature," it wasn't though, everything about him was perfect; unsure what pushed her to do so, but she's running her hands through his soft fluffy hair; then as if realization struck she tugs back. there was double tone in his words, she's quick to pick it up. . how he rapidly corrects himself makes her nibble on her bottom lip to fight a grin. "and when i overpower you in your dreams and win, just like reality then what?" swift change of topics entertained her, nodding her head as she slips off the chair, motioning for him to follow through her household. "i baked some cream puffs earlier, but if you would like an actual meal i could make basil chicken and some rice? my mom's special recipe."

[gracland]

time stands still when her words penetrate, sinking into his system, and he's sure he must be hearing things. that's the only logical explanation for it. she wasn't fooling him, nope. this must be a classic case of sarcasm, or maybe a tactic to manipulate him into falling for her only for her to break his heart. he doesn't think she'd have the guts to pull off something so cruel, but what the heck did he know? "doubtful. literally no one says i have good hair... why are you straight up lying to me right now, nal?" arms fold over his chest, one brow raised as cam shoots her a questioning look. his skepticism is showing, clear as day. and who can fault him for that, what with their history? the never-ending competition between them that spanned over a decade (taking years off his life, no doubt). the way they tried one-upping each other at every turn, whether it was a pop quiz or extra credit. it seems ludicrous to him now as he reflects upon it in his mind, but at the time? fuck, they would've flat-out murdered each other to get the better grade. he clears his throat, shaking his head out of his revelry, locking back into their banter once more. "let's not manifest you appearing in my dreams, please. i might as well succumb to death by your bare hands, just so i can wake up." he's being a drama queen, he realizes that, but she brings that side out of him more than most. goddamn it, why do cream puffs sound so yummy to his ears right now? his stomach lurches at the visual that crops up in his mind. but nalani cooking dinner for him is another offer he doesn't have the heart to turn down - if only to see her doing something for him. why does that soften him up a tad? snap out of it, cam, for fuck's sake, he mentally scolds himself before saying aloud, "yeah, whatever works. i'll take a cream puff while you're whipping up the chicken and rice." his composure and tone is nonchalant, cool as a cucumber. no way he's gonna let her think he likes her, even for a nanosecond.

[sabrinasource]

SABRINA CARPENTER via Instagram — July 16, 2025

[gracland]

… and what if i came back and did a reply or two tonight 😗

[zanephillips]

JOSH HEUSTON Dangerous Animals (2025)

[paradoxeds-deactivated20260302]

for @gracland .ᐟ.ᐟ

❛  if  you  care  about  someone,  you  should  tell  them.  ❜  lucy  says  in  a  supportive,  optimistic  way.  ❛  there  is  no  point  in  keeping  those  kinds  of  things  to  yourself,  and  i  mean—you  never  know  until  you  try,  right?  ❜

[gracland]

"that's way easier said than done," kieran debates. especially when the things he wants to get off his chest are about the girl right in front of him. "if you had feelings for someone, how would you go about telling them?"

[paradoxeds-deactivated20260302]

for @gracland .ᐟ.ᐟ

bennett  takes  a  puff  of  the  cigarette  held  between  his  fingers,  shoulders  resting  on  the  table  in  front  of  him.  ❛  does  he  know  you're  here?  ❜

[gracland]

deep brown eyes roll to the back of her head, nonchalant as she retorts, "and? i'm a big girl, what he knows or doesn't know has nothing to do with this conversation." she makes it a point to lean back in her chair, looking as though she has all the time in the world with no one waiting for her at home.

[paradoxeds-deactivated20260302]

for @gracland .ᐟ.ᐟ

❛  oh  my  god,  you  barely  acknowledged  me  once  tonight.  ❜  she's  annoyed,  clearly,  a  frustrated  look  painted  on  her  face.  ❛  are  you  embarrassed  of  me?  i  know  this  whole  thing  is  supposed  to  be  a  secret  but,  like,  am  i  that  humiliating  to  be  seen  with?  ❜

[gracland]

brows stitch together, perplexed by her words and attitude. "keeping us a secret was your idea, and now i'm not paying enough attention to you?" he didn't mean to spite her, but here's hoping that his reply jogs her memory. jude's the worst at hiding his feelings, but he's been really making an effort for her sake tonight. "i'm not a mind-reader, imogen, and i'm done playing games. what do you truly want: for me to play the part of your boyfriend, or ignore you like you asked before we walked into the party?"

[dramaism]

Belly, which one of us is a better kisser, me or him?

[gracland]

@angelsdvsts / cameron + nalani

[paradoxeds-deactivated20260302]

for @gracland .ᐟ.ᐟ

❛  it's  nice  to  see  you,  it  really  is.  ❜  a  genuine  smile  found  its  way  onto  his  face,  taking  a  step  back  after  embracing  the  other.  ❛  i'm  glad  things  can  be  normal  between  us.  i  thought  after—well,  whatever,  i'm  just  glad  you  decided  to  come.  ❜

[gracland]

there is truly nothing in the world bea despises more than being in an awkward situation — but here she is, practically engulfed in it. they dated for over a year, but neither had the guts to tell their families about the breakup, so now, they're stuck at a cousin's wedding as each other's dates. "not like i could turn down an invite when my name's on it..." her voice drifts, palm smoothing over her dress. "it's just one day, right? as long as they don't expect any pda, i think we can pull this off."

[angelsdvsts]

there was mixed emotions when it came to the other; but deep down her blood didn't hate him, how could she when he was the one person that pushed her to be better. . . surely, she did it to beat him time and time; but in a way their competitiveness shaped who she was. "maybe the act is me hating you, ever thought of that?" brows shot up in question, throwing him in for a loop while lips threatens to tilt upwards. "that's ridiculous, you might wake up bald. . . but i would never drown you, you're kinda morbid. . . oh my god, do you dream about murdering me?" gasps falls from her lips, amusement twinkling in her gaze. "i didn't tell him that you were lying! i just asked where you were and thought it was suspicious how you didn't turn your project in when you've been bragging about how much better yours was compared to mine." lifting her shoulders into an innocent shrug.

[gracland]

for once, her words cause confusion to bubble within him, silencing the male for the first time all night. maybe the act is me hating you ... cam had never even considered that idea, but it rings more truth than he cares to face. because perhaps he's the one who's been pretending to loathe her, when she consumes his headspace — a little too much for his own liking. he's pushed away the mere possibility of caring about her more than anything as a academic nemesis. would rather die than have positive emotions toward her ( or is it just him in major self-denial? has he been blind to his own feelings this whole time? ). "...remind me to never fall asleep around you. don't even joke about giving me a buzzcut, for christ's sake. that's my worst nightmare." he can't stop the laugh that spills, eyeing her with mischief. "i haven't before you put the idea in my head. i might just dream about y- it tonight, though." fuck, he almost said he'd dream about her tonight. anything else she says falls on deaf ears, his heart racing as he changes the subject. "anyway, are you going to feed me or no?"

[angelsdvsts]

one of her best studying hacks was the use of food as a reward, figuring that she tortured him enough with their studying and they weren't going to get anywhere with his constant complaints. "why do you see the evil in me? i'm trying to help you not fail and feed you and you think i'm going to make fun of you? technically, you're not giving up -- you're taking a break." and she sure as hell needed one as well. "oh, please give me one example because i could list like ten right now from the top of my head," she's quick to fire back -- holding those puppy dog eyes before finally cracking a grin at the look scattered across his features; it was priceless. sweet sounds of her giggles fills the space between then, "seems like you're always at a losing battle with me."

[gracland]

suspicion crosses his features, sure that the niceness she's exhibiting must be some sort of prank she's pulling on him. there's no way this is genuine - he's not gonna be lured in. "mhm, when is this act coming to an end? you would starve me the first chance you get. if we were stuck on an island together, you'd probably try to drown me in my sleep. i'm so not falling for this." a scoff falls from his lips, raking a hand through his bangs as he gives her a sideways glance. "oh, yeah? what about when i asked mr. foley for an extension on our chem project last semester because i was sick, and you told him i was lying? i had to hand it in half-finished. that was the first time all year i hadn't gotten an a!" you could practically see the fumes coming from his nostrils. not even her puppy eyes soften him up.

[angelsdvsts]

sweet giggles rolls from her lips when he rolls her eyes at her, finding it absolutely amusing how easily she could get under his skin. "well if your brain is malfunctioning then why don't we take a break? i could go for a snack, that's as much sympathy that you'll get from me.. after all how do you expect sympathy when you little make my life a living hell?" surely, it was entertaining, but she'd never tell him that.. she enjoys the competitive side he tugs out of her -- feeling like he was the reason she always pushed herself to be the best, to beat him. "right.. so you're not looking at me like this?" was quick to turn the tables on him, mocking those puppy dog eyes with her big brown hues.

[gracland]

a snack does sound pretty damn good to him. considering how detail-oriented she is in the studying department, cameron wouldn't be surprised if she's just as accomplished in snacking as well. "is this a trick question? you gonna make fun of me for giving up so easily for a snack?" his brows are raised, arms folding across his broad chest in a reserved stance. "if anyone enjoys making someone's life a living hell, it's you." a little humph follows before she mimics his puppy eyes mockingly, his jaw nearly falling to the floor at the sheer audacity. clearing his throat, he shakes his head profusely, sputtering, "i plead the fifth." joke's on him for thinking they'd get any work done when their rivalry always takes priority.

[angelsdvsts]

somersaults easily arises at the pit of her stomach; heart felt as if it was about to beat out of her chest. sylvie been on a fair share of dates, yet nothing truly compares to him. . . this moment that she's been waiting for, to no longer have to shield the desire to tug him in for a kiss whenever she pleased. "you just like the dress because my boobs are out," she playfully teases, except she put on the dress knowing it hugged her figure perfectly. leaning into his warmth, his scent engulfs her; digits squeezing hers bringing her back to reality, "stop! you're full of compliments, i don't think my cheeks could take it." and just on cue, her cheeks had pinkish undertones growing. "dust it off just for our first date? fuck, i'm one lucky girl." lips curves upwards, butterflies fluttering hearing him call her his. digits squeezes his once again to ensure this was real, that he was truly hers. "do i get a hint on what you have planned for us?" both of her hands came clashing to cling into his, like magnets; pulling herself closer towards his side.

[gracland]

there's no subduing the pure joy swimming through his veins, a permanent smile fixed upon his lips — it's probably been there since she agreed to try this again, and it's never going away. a hand swipes through his hair, teeth sinking into his lower lip as he drops his gaze to her slightly exposed cleavage. "can you blame me? you're drop dead stunning." especially when he knows exactly what's hidden beneath the dress. but he's saving that thought for later, after dinner. she deserves the perfect date from start to finish and he's not about to let his carnal appetite get in the way of that. "that sounds like a dare for me to keep you blushing all night." kissing her flushed cheek, he curls an arm around her slender waist, pulling her close. "no hints, babe. you'll find out in a minute." he had booked out her favorite restaurant, wanting to ensure their privacy but also to decorate the place to the tens. "ready?"

[jellycentral]

[angelsdvsts]

wasn't entirely sure what type of game she was trying to play with him, seemingly felt as if she always had a flirty demeanor with him once his icy hues melted a bit with having her around, suddenly she's pulling back? being a reasoning voice? that was the thing with time -- it changes people, their dynamic over the years shifts ever so slightly; they were much closer. at first, robert truly believed that she would last a week with him before they're off finding a new assistant for him. he was hot-headed, ill tempered, and didn't really like people much. eyes draws over towards her features, tilting her chin upwards so she'd meet his gaze. "you think it's the alcohol talkin? isn't this what you want?" maybe he read the situation wrong and her flirtiness was just part of her personality. cerulean blue hues searches her features for answers, trying to read her mind. "who says that things between us needs to be ruined? matter in fact, it might just heightened our relationship," he was crossing a dangerous line, he was aware of it -- but hazy mind and soft blue eyes made him weak. "think we both deserve a night to truly do what we both want. . . put aside our titles and just focus on us."

[gracland]

she can feel her levelheadedness slip away from her, little by little, the longer she stays in robert's orbit. that's the power he has over her. she's been secretly hoping, yearning for the possibility of them from the moment she stepped into his office for an interview. but that's all it had ever been in her mind — a wishful thought, a stupid crush. it can't go farther than that. but now that he's hovering above her, the tips of his fingers cupping her chin, and their blue eyes intensely locked, she's wavering. itching to close the gap and finally know what it would feel like to kiss him. "i- i'm not drunk. i'm fully aware of what we're doing. and maybe it won't ruin things, but it'll definitely... make working for you different." awkward, for one thing. and if he only sees her as a one-time fuck, something to get out of his system, then what? she's not about to quit a job she loves, but neither can she stand the thought of seeing him with other women — not after this. "just one last question." her breath catches, chest rising and falling as gemma asks in a whisper, "did you ever think about me before tonight? did you ever want me before now?"

[luckydime]

closed starter for @gracland because they liked this post ( still accepting! ). ★ plot: plot linked in source, except she's the artist.

"mhm, no, tell me more," alice smirked, enjoying the fresh take that the clear newcomer had, even if they were currently ripping into her artwork unaware. part of her enjoyed the entertainment and would typically be torn to pieces knowing someone felt this way, but she also knew that they weren't super important in the art world ( at least, she didn't know their name, so how could they be? ), so their tasteless opinion wasn't going to be what made alice hang her coat up at the end of the day. now, if it was someone like cajsa von zeipel, she'd care a lot more, but this was pure entertainment. "i've only overheard people grovelling all night as if they know what all of this means anyway, so it's nice to hear an original take."

[gracland]

she had never been one to fake interest just to fit in, especially not in pretentious galleries where everyone was trying so very hard to say so very little. so when the stranger next to her asked what she thought of the piece in front of them, she made it a point to answer honestly ( maybe too much so ). "it looks like something a toddler made," she shrugged, suppressing a grin, completely unaware that the artist in question was standing beside her. their laughter had been genuine, which only egged her on, and now here she was, twenty minutes and one horrifying realization later, holding a paper cup of lukewarm coffee across from the person she accidentally roasted into the ground. "i'm not usually that brutal," abigail continued, offering an apologetic look, "in my defense, how was i supposed to know you were the creator behind it?"