[hrmonies]

𝗱𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱. / tar, twenty5, hehim.

archived blog.

[sm0kesh0ws]

𝐖𝐇𝐎: emmett, wyatt, & milo callahan @hrmonies @stupidiots

By the time Emmett reached the tennis courts, the morning dew had long since burned off beneath the sun; an unseasonably warm day for November, which meant a perfect day for Emmett to practice. His duffel landed on one of the benches with a dull thud before he unzipped it, pulling out three rackets instead of one. He leaned them carefully against the fence, bouncing a fresh tennis ball against the concrete as he glanced toward the path leading from campus.

They were late. Not late late, but late enough to annoy him. Emmett checked his watch out of habit, though he already knew the time. He kept bouncing and catching the ball until two familiar figures came into view; he didn't wave. "Took you long enough." He said, finally looking up. Emmett reached and picked up his assigned racket, ready to get started despite his brothers only being there for less than sixty seconds.

"I say we do best out of three. And before you ask," his gaze drifted to Milo. "No, trying to distract me midserve does not count as a strategy." He stepped backward, closer to the turf. "So, which one of you wants to lose first?"

[stupidiots]

the  walk  from  campus  had  taken  longer  than  usual,  the  stop  for  drinks  adding  a  few  minutes  to  a  pace  already  set  by  milo’s  injured  foot.  as  the  courts  came  into  view,  wyatt  caught  emmett  glancing  at  his  watch  and  quickened  his  pace  over  the  last  stretch,  careful  not  to  pull  too  far  ahead  of  milo  or  tip  the  cardboard  drink  carrier  in  his  hand.  once they reached the bench, he passed emmett his drink before setting the carrier down beside the duffel, his and milo’s cups still inside.  “  we  made  pretty  good  time,  all  things  considered.  ”

wyatt  picked  up  one  of  the  rackets  resting  against  the  fence  as  emmett  proposed  the  match,  not  especially  bothered  by  who  won  but  quietly  amused  by  how  certain  his  brother  already  sounded.  he’d  always  found  it  faintly  admirable  how  seriously  emmett  took  things,  even  a  casual  game  between  the  three  of  them;  unfortunately,  the  same  competitive  instinct  had  never  quite  found  its  way  into  him.  the  warning  aimed  at  milo  earned  a  quiet  huff  of  laughter.  “  not  even  giving  the  injured  one  a  handicap?  ”  wyatt stepped onto the court and stopped near the baseline, rolling the racket once between his palms before looking  over  at  their  brother.  “  you  actually  playing,  mi,  or  are  you  sitting  this  one  out  and  keeping  score?  ” @hrmonies

[hrmonies]

♩ . . . tardiness had typically been a trait that milo had adopted in classes he hadn’t particularly favored, allowing his mind and body to wander elsewhere rather than his intended direction. the same feelings applied to activities organised by emmett, whilst it had been intended for fun for the younger two, emmett had clearly thought otherwise. milo could only assume emmett had wanted to play against novices rather than his usual advanced teammates. harsh, to say the least. but again, emmett was led by tough love and his words were an example of that.

a scoff is earned, shooting a glance up toward emmett as he limps toward the bench. “ don’t blame us for the people in front of us having bizarre coffee orders. ” smile sits on the corner of his lips, gaze drifting toward the lone racket by the fence, bound to sit there until emmett packed it away. he'd find an excuse, let himself play umpire and watch as emmett ultimately leaves wyatt with a forty love to emmett’s advantage. why embarrass himself when his pace was determined by the strength of shooting pains in his leg. “ yeah, i’m gonna have to sit this one out. pain meds haven’t kicked in and… well, you said it yourself, em… it took us long enough. ” there’s a tinge of mockery, head rocking as he quotes the eldest. “ chair umpire callahan is here and ready! ”

he settles down beneath duffles, slight groan as he extends across for his cup, nestling it between his thighs. it’s a cool sensation. harsh, but cool. much like his thoughts on emmett. hand blindly digs into his pocket, retrieving his phone and pulling up his notes app. “ so… best of three, yeah? wyatt to serve? ” free hand gestures toward the ball in possession, finger motioning over to wyatt. “ can’t have em aceing his way through the match, i wanna see a rally! make me feel like tashi duncan, minus all the— you know what i mean. ” wafting his hand to clear the thought, attention returning to his phone as he sets up his notes. a small hum, gaze shifting upward. “ okay, ready? wyatt to serve, play! ”

[hrmonies]

📲 sydney!

contact name.

the husband!

contact photo.

contact ringtone.

the oogum boogum song, it just encapsulates how sydney makes him feel.

last message (un)sent.

need a refill on my prescription!!!!! doctor said 3 rounds and being big spooned is needed STAT!!!!!!!!!

preference of calls, texts or facetime.

a lot of the time they text since most of their time is spent together. milo will facetime throughout the day, more recently with the injury and when he requires help and is showing the reasoning. however, a lot of their mobile interactions are through text and it typically discusses plans when they next see each other (within the hour). milo will, and does, always find an excuse to speak to sydney though. codependent until the world's end.

reply frequency.

INSTANT. especially at the moment since he's never without his phone. plus, he needs to silence the oogum boogum song when in lectures.

[hrmonies]

📲 (sonny + gabe) 😛

contact name.

gabe ( !!! )

contact photo.

he hopes to change this to a photo of gabe soon. or even better, a photo of them!

contact ringtone.

default, it's not personal. he usually has his ringer off.

last message (un)sent.

hey 😄 im working tonight if u wanna come help and hang out???

preference of calls, texts or facetime.

this is a fresh connection so sonny probably sticks to texting gabe, unless it is extremely urgent. this will build to facetime calls whenever he wants to pester (and compliment) gabe, then calls rather than mass spam text messages. the worst man you know is currently finding a reason to facetime him.

reply frequency.

unless asleep, INSTANT. he worries that if he doesn't, gabe will lose interest whether that be true or not.

[gleewiki]

cheers to the freakin' weekend! for this week's sleepover meme weekend, we are bringing back honesty hours! please make sure to reblog this post and open your inbox if you'd like to receive questions, which can range from anything silly goofy, FMKs, this or thats, invasive personal matters, as long as they're in-character! the only requirement here is that these questions are answered honestly, duh! please note: the answer to these questions should be considered private, unless the writer specifically notes that they're public knowledge! think of it as mostly for the community to get to know muse's headspace unless stated otherwise!

[hrmonies]

leave your message after the tone … BEEP!

send a 📲 with muse names * to see:

→      contact    name. →      contact    photo. →      contact    ringtone. →      last    message    (un)sent. →      preference    of    texts,    calls    or    facetime. →      frequency    of    replies.

* if a multimuse, specify muses on both ends.

[oflos3rs]

   gabe's  face  did  something  small  and  uncertain  the  moment  sonny's  fingers  brushed  one  of  the  tentacles  .  "  thanks  .  i  don't  think  anybody's  ever  called  it  their  favorite  before  .  "  a quiet laugh escaped  .  then  came  the  compliment  .  his  brain  seemed  determined  to  search  for  an  appropriate  response  while  simultaneously  rejecting  every  possibility  it  produced  .  "  that's  ...  really  nice  of  you  to  say  .  "  compliments  always  felt  like  somebody  describing  a  person  he'd  never  met  .  "  but , i  think  you  might've  accidentally  projected  onto  the  squid  a  little  ⸻  he  does  most  of  the  heavy  lifting  .  "  his  eyes  dropped  briefly  to  the  hand  on his shoulder before  lifting  back  toward  sonny  .  "  i  think  you  do  that  too  .  "  the  observation  left  him  before  he  could  decide  whether  it  should  .  his  brow  pinched  immediately  afterward  .  "  making  people  wonder  what's  going  on  up  here  .  "  he  gestured  vaguely  toward  sonny's  head  .

   when  sonny  explained  his  game  plan  ,  gabe's  eyebrows  lifted  just  slightly  .  "  swarmed  ?  "  he  echoed  it  so  earnestly  it  almost  sounded  scientific  .  "  oh  ...  you  meant  flirted  with  ⸻  i  thought  you  meant  ...  literally  .  like  a  crowd  forming  around  you  .  "  a  quiet  huff  of  laughter  escaped  through  his  nose  .  "  for  what  it's  worth  ⸻  i  don't  think  going  home  alone  is  the  same  thing  as  failing  .  sometimes  i  think  people  spend  entire  nights  surrounded  by  other  people  and  still  leave  lonelier  than  they  arrived  .  "  he  frowned  thoughtfully  .  "  although  ...  i  guess  that's  probably  not  very  encouraging  .  "  then , gabe's  eyes  lifted  automatically  .  and  immediately  realized  they'd  made  a  terrible  mistake  .  because  now  he  was  looking  directly  at  sonny  .  which  ,  ordinarily  ,  wouldn't  have  been  remarkable  .  people  generally  looked  at  the  person  they  were  speaking  to  .  it  was  one  of  those  invisible  social  rules  he'd  learned  through  repetition  rather  than  instinct  .

   except  now  he'd  been  asked  to  evaluate  him  .  did  he  keep  looking  ?  looking  felt  rude  .  looking  away  also  felt  rude  .  his  gaze  darted  downward  for  exactly  half  a  second  before  his  brain  supplied  the  deeply  unhelpful  realization  that  looking  at  someone's  shirt  after  they'd  just  asked  whether  they  should  remove  it  somehow  felt  even  worse  .  abort  .  his  eyes  skipped  toward  the  nearest  window  .  then  the  floor  .  then  ,  guiltily  ,  back  to  sonny's  face  .  "  i  ...  don't  know  if  i'm  the  right  demographic  .  "  another  pause  .  "  i  don't  usually  ⸻  evaluate  people  .  "  almost  immediately  ,  he  winced  .  "  no  ⸻  i  mean  i  notice  people  .  i  just  don't  …  rank  them  ?  against  shirts  ?  "  he  could  practically  hear  himself  becoming  less  coherent  .  "  i  think  ⸻  "  this  time  ,  he  made  himself  look  back  at  sonny  .  really  look  .  his  expression  softened  almost  without  him  noticing  .

   "  i  don't  think  the  shirt's  really  what  people  are  looking  at  .  you're  ...  easy  to  look  at  .  "  he  blinked  .  "  not  ⸻  not look  at like that  .  "  his  face  scrunched  faintly  .  "  that's  not  what  i  meant  ⸻  not  that  you’re  not  ...  "  heat  climbed  steadily  up  the  back  of  his  neck  .  "  i  meant  ...  you  stand  out  .  not  because  of  ...  "  another  vague  motion  toward  sonny's  torso  .  "  shirt  variables  .  "  shirt  variables  .  great  .  excellent  .  "  i  noticed  you  before  you  came  over  here  .  "  the  sentence  escaped  before  he  had  the  chance  to  stop  it  .  his breath held in his chest  ever  so  slightly  .  "  not  in  a  ⸻  "  he  exhaled  quietly  through  his  nose  .  "  i  don't  think  i'm  making  this  better  .  "

[hrmonies]

♩ . . . sonny's   brows   pull   in   at   the   motion   toward   his   head,   having   been   blissfully   ignorant   to   the   thought   of   how   others   perceived   the   internal   workings   of   his   mind.   had   he   done   that?   make   people   wonder.   he'd   always   assumed   that   most   took   it   at   surface   level   when   he   displayed   himself   as   he'd   assumed   people   had   wanted   him.          “   really?   do   you   wonder   what's   going   on   up   here?   ”           hand   remains   settled,   eyes   gesturing   up   with   a   slight   chin   tilt.    something   to   think   about,   he   guesses.    maybe   the   performative   nature   was   the   only   thing   that   came   across.   mind   isn't   plagued   with   doubt   for   too   long,   exhaling   a   laugh   at   the   literalist   thinking.   he   doesn't   interject,   pulling   a   face   of   deep   thought   through   slow,   mindful   nodding.   lips   part,   breathing   a   syllable   before   biting   it   into   a   hum.         “   well,   i   don't   feel   lonely   right   now...   for   what   it's   worth.   ”          free   hand   flat   out   with   a   reassured   look.          “   even   if   i   don't   go   home   with   anyone,   i'd   like   to   think   this,   ”         finger    gesturing   between   their   shared   space,         “   was   worth   it.   y'know,   just   showing   up   for   this.   ”         lips   pull   into   a   tight   smile,   a   look   of   innocence   twinkling   in   dark   irises   as   he   held   gabe's,   somewhat   worried,   gaze.

the   evaluation   probably   had   not   been   the   wisest   of   moves,   given   how   gabe   struggled   to   hold   focus   when   asked.   sonny   hadn't   minded   the   way   that   eyes   shifted   everywhere   but   his   face...   until   they   did.   the   backtracking   and   forgiving   tone   is   endearing,   smile   not   once   faltering   from   his   lips   all   whilst   keeping   his   sights   focused   on   gabe.   suddenly,   no   one   else   in   the   room   mattered.   it   was   honest,   the   way   gabe   conveyed   his   reasoning.   unlike   most,   bound   to   give   it   to   him   straight   and   insult   him.          “   i   guess   i   should've   phrased   it   better.   would   you   be   alright   with   me   removing   the   shirt?   it's   just...   really   uncomfortable   and   the   squelching   is   starting   to   overwhelm   me.   ”          slight   grimace,    shifting   hand   from   shoulder,    which   had   been   sitting   there   for   an   uncomfortable   amount   of   time.   as   it   falls,   the   faint   sound   of   the   shirt's   dampness   can   be   heard,   causing   sonny's   face   to   scrunch.          “   see?   not   nice.   ”    and   a   face   that   can   only   be   described   as   defeated.   and,   if   he   hadn't   known   any   better,   there   had   been   a   subtlety   of   interest   in   gabe's   words,   causing   all   disgust   and   tension   to   ease.         “   if   it   helps,   i   noticed   you   too.   not   because   of   the   squid.   it   was   your   face.   i   recognised   your   face.   ”    hands   roll   as   he   explains,   lips   pursing   as   if   forming   a   thought.       “   i   just   don't   know   where   from...   it's   just   that   you   have   a   memorable   face.   ”

eyes   squint,   lips   slowly   pulling   to   the   side   before   expanding   wide   in   realisation.        “  campus   radio!   ”        fingers   click,   finger   pointed   in   close   proximity.        “   that's   where   i   know   you   from.   i   kept   meaning   to   ask   who   the   cute   guy   was.   ”       and   it's   intentional,   not   even   attempting   to   bite   back   the   smug   grin   that   toys   on   his   lips.          “   so,   i   came   over   here...    to   find   out   who   you,   the   cute   guy,   was...    or   is.   current   tense,   right?   ”          a   slight   break   in   contact   as   he   thinks,   returning   back   to   gabe   for   the   confirmation.        “   whatever.   point   is,   could   i   get   to   know   the   guy   behind   the   squid?   y'know,   get   to   know   him   without   the   squid   doing   the   so—called   heavy   lifting.   ”    fingers   brushing   over   a   tentacle   before   resting   palm   flat   and   brushing   its   way   upward   until   it   settles   on   shoulder.         “   because,   as   cool   as   the   squid   is,   it   isn't   who   i'm   here   to   learn   about...   ” gaze flickers between gabe's and his lips, inching in closer toward them until there was little space left between. “   and maybe... neither of us will have to go home feeling lonely...   ”

[rawtalents]

  🏒           ˚           ﹕ㅤㅤ      for someone always with a plan, always prepared, sydney didn't really know fuckshit how to be in a relationship. his romance with clementine had been great for what it was at the time, but it was also a lesson learned   ──────   that affection, no matter how mutual, wouldn't be enough if he didn't have the time to nurture their connection, if he let himself be spread too thin, and have nothing left to give for the one that truly mattered. and although he'd realized now that maybe it simply wasn't meant to be for them, sydney wished he could go back in time, just to do it right with clementine, just to give her the love she deserved, so then maybe he could've been more well-prepared for this. for milo. never been more scared in his life to lose him after the recent incident, to spend such important times of his life without him, maybe even more scared than he was with his own near-death experience all those years ago. so there was no better time than tonight to lay it all out on the table. to talk about it, like he promised milo. but first, a light laugh bubbled up at how apologetic his best friend looked, so sydney shook his head to reassure him that he'd done nothing wrong.  “  no, we didn't. but i kind of just have a few of your presents in my phone.  ”  he said, trying to get it out of the way so they could focus on more important matters : though the way sydney looked at milo now could already be mistaken for worship, and he hadn't even kissed him as many times as he wanted.  “  i didn't know which show you'd like more so i got us tickets for hadestown, wicked, the outsiders. and of course, little shop of horrors for winter break.  ”   then, as gently as he could, sydney's hand slid from milo's curls to his face, cupping his jaw, thumb softly caressing his cheekbone. and his gaze watched him closely, for any discomfort or pain with his current injury, then searched for hesitation but only saw that solace in his features, ever-present whenever they were together.  “  i don't think it's selfish, miles. not really. i mean i love everyone out there, but you're my person.  ”  sydney moved closer, closer, closer, leaning in to begin a trail of slow kisses up milo's face, purposely missing his lips every time just to make him want it more.  “  happy birthday.  ”  he whispered, lips brushing gently along his cheek, a centimeter away from milo's mouth.  “  kiss me and i'm yours.  ”  

[hrmonies]

♩ . . . to be seen is to be loved, and being seen by syd was all the love milo could ever need. sydney saw the imperfections and molded each one by hand until they were sheer perfection, even though he’d forever deny milo of ever being short of perfection. even after all this time, milo had never felt need to shift from the pedestal he had been placed on, not when sydney sat beside him on the pedestal milo had placed him on. milo hadn’t needed a past experience to know that the man beside him was the one that he’d spend the rest of his life with, sydney was bound to his orbit ‘til the world’s end. all destinations led to the one man who never made him feel less than and made life feel simple. with his life being led with a full heart and unwavering optimism, it hadn't been hard for sydney to magnify and let milo radiate all his best qualities.

however, when milo found himself beneath the painfully clinical lighting, it wasn’t himself that he had been worried about. it was sydney. it was the thought of days ahead with lonesome dinners, words left unsaid and the relaxation following an overwhelmed schedule with no one to relieve him of that stress. and even now, sydney refused to make him feel like a burden for his injury, despite clashing with his tight—run schedule. sydney deserved the stars, and one day milo would find a way to make that possible. so, laying there, eyes filled with adoration and a lingering fear, he contemplated on how to do so. especially given just how prepared sydney had been, milo should’ve known to come with something. his lips part, falling short on words as they continue to pour from sydney’s. even then, he struggles to find the right ones. he tries, stumbling over each syllable that attempts to spill. in the end, it's an amalgamation of excited noises all whilst pearled whites show their stark contrast against his stained skin. he’d known that sydney was the type to be this thoughtful, it didn’t come as a surprise. it was moreso the fact that he proceeded to drop a bunch of buzz words that built visibly in milo’s excitement.

then comes the shift in contact, quick to ease his features into something softer. something more admirable than commonly displayed when milo found sydney’s gaze. it felt like a sin to look elsewhere, but he does, letting his gaze drop to where his hand sat as thumb grazed over his skin. the look that returns to the blond is innocent, pupils dilated to extremity. love in it’s purest form. “ you’re my person too, syd. always have been… ” the words are faint, yet forever honest, somehow growing in truth as distance is lost between them. the kisses run cold over his skin, earning a content hum as eyes fall shut. “ happy birthday… ” and a happy birthday it was indeed. sydney’s following words are cut short as milo finds his lips without hesitation, hands immediately drawing up to either cheek and holding like his life depended on it. he was almost certain his life had depended on it.

adrenaline courses through him, suddenly absentminded about his injury as weight shifts and seymour is graced by the weight of a six two monstrous plant. and much like audrey ii, he was definitely being fed. his kisses are hungry, chasing the other’s lips whilst paint transfers over his skin, almost as if he were marking his territory. “ you mean it? … like we’re official now? … finally? ” pulling back between kisses, breathlessly bombarding him with questions. “ i really love you, syd. like really, really fucking like you. ” eyes dart over his features, panted breaths breaking through his grin. “ i think you win best birthday present… ” broken by a weak laugh, “ i’d look lazy trying to give you a boyfriend now. ” smile shown deeper through his eyes, returning his weight atop sydney with a final peck to his lips… for now. sydney fennewick, the gift—giving supreme continues his reign.

[sm0kesh0ws]

August's head snapped up immediately at the nickname Sonny had given him. Finally. Someone with culture. He pointed right back at Sonny with the neck of the bottle like they were two Spidermen recognizing one another across the multiverse. He pushed himself off the wall, weaving through a couple of people until he closed the distance between them. "Lookin' great, Darcy," he said as his gaze swept over Sonny's costume with considerably more enthusiasm than most had probably given him. "Do you own any other costumes?"

It was pointed out in any way. August had to silently respect it, at the least. Sonny knew what he liked, and that was apparently Pride & Prejudice. "Oh, the other one? I'm just flying solo tonight." Then, August clocked Sonny's shirt, still damp enough to catch in the light. "Dude, are you actually wet?" He reached out, poking an experimental finger at Sonny's sleeve before pulling back. "Holy shit."

[hrmonies]

♩ . . . in all honesty, sonny could easily go on a tangent about fight club and the history behind it. however, he was here to be the ideal man, not a typical one. sorry, august. hand raises cup to his lips, taking a swig as he curtseys, head bowing down as cup lowers. “ why thank you, mr. durden. ” eyes creased from an overly amused grin, blindly setting empty solo cup aside, eyes following as it tumbles amidst the crowd, quick to retrieve and play off. hardly smooth, hand raking through damp curls and relieving a hum. “ well, yeah. sorta. just sticking to my strengths, y'know? people still dig it after all these years. ” said with little conviction, eyes darting around whilst smile fades from lips. realistically, it hadn't worked since freshman year. he'd known that the moment he stood damp in his dormitory, staring in the mirror with a defeated posture. alas, it remains his default choice after all these years. “ by choice? or, ...? ” quirking a brow, head leaning either way with a dropped lower lip. then, the sudden attempt of unintentionally shaming august is flipped entirely on him. yes, he was actually wet. which, visually, was a major understatement. he was drenched, quite literally a walking safety hazard. “ yeah, man. it's like the most talked about moment in pride and prejudice. nothing hotter than a man trudging out’ta lake. is it not doing it for you? ” faux innocence, big doe eyes batting intensely at august. if no one else would fall for it, hopefully the cow to his oat would... right? “ be honest. would you make out with a soaking wet mr. darcy? ”

[hcngover]

"…milo?" the younger male's costume stops him in his tracks. hazel eyes sweep over the oversized leaves, the carefully crafted details referencing the one and only… "audrey ii. and here i thought you would arrive dressed as some sort of athlete. perhaps a hockey player. another hockey player." but no, julian is genuinely impressed by his choice. "this is inspired. this is what i've been trying to explain to your captain. other captain. i mean carter cortez, who had the audacity to show up at a halloween party in a simple suit." such an insult, but julian gives milo an approving nod for understanding the assignment. "i sincerely doubt half the people in this room understand what you're dressed as. they're probably thinking you're just... a plant, when in reality you're dressed as one of musical theatre's finest antagonists. bravo." almost as quickly as the compliment had arrived, julian's expression suddenly shifts into something more thoughtful. "although, this compliment comes with conditions," he pauses, lifting a finger. "because if you're still angry with me for referring to the blonde…" he stops himself. "for referring to sydney as milo's love interest instead of saying his actual name, or if you still intend on dramatically abandoning the new directions over the matter…" julian sighs theatrically, folding his arms acorss his chest. "then i'm afraid i'll have to retract everything i just said." @hrmonies

[hrmonies]

♩ . . . a celebration consisting of your own birthday, others, halloween and a wrap party should usually be met with an overjoyed attitude. however, for milo, it had been an evening of wishes, condolences and apologies (on his behalf as he manoeuvres through the crowd). so, to save embarrassment, he'd sought out residency by the refreshments. an evening now defined by how long he could force an alarmingly wide grin. and, to contrary belief, he's relieved to see julian following the aftermath. a familiar face. a small comfort. “ phantom! hey. come on, you know i've grown to be more than that... literally. ” a genuine smile, hand sweeping over his torso draped in vines and ivy. “ you don't know carter's costume? he's charlie! you know, from charlie's angels. ” it feels helpless, attempting to defend someone julian couldn't care less about, albeit, he tries. he could, however, internally agree that the costume bordered lazy. “ s’funny you say that, someone thought i was the piranha plant from mario... not even the right color scheme. ” and whilst he speaks with amusement, he can tell julian would not see it the same, bound to retaliate with offence.

then, sudden shift in tone is matched, slowly shifting into his headpiece. here we go... a hand wafts, trilling his lips. “ come on, i'm over that. we're good, julian. plus, i'd rather not get into an argument while i'm currently restricted in my movement speed. ” head lolls against his shoulder, gaze trailing over to the table beside him, flicking back up to julian. “ d’you want some punch? got many varieties. i'm on the spike—free hawaiian punch, i recommend it! ”

[rawtalents]

  🏒           ˚           ﹕ㅤㅤ      if only the night could stretch out forever then he would've done this earlier, but they both had their responsibilities to the old friends who were here for them, to the new friends they'd been getting to know for the last month or so. but once the opportunity of a brief lull arose, there was no indecision in drifting away from the festivities, away from the drunken singing voices and murmurs of happy birthdays   ──────   rolling milo into an unoccupied room, then carrying him to the bed, almost like a night carrying a fair maiden to safety. maybe they should've had picked more fitting costumes, but sydney would never complain about any of milo's choices. just happy to be part of it at all. just happy to be seen by someone so sincere.  the locked door muffled the chaos of the world outside, and they'd just have to deal with how milo's body paint might cling to the sheets later, because there were more important matters at hand.  “  d'you want your first birthday present now or should we save it for later ?  ”  sydney asked, lying on his side, gaze fully transfixed on his best friend, a hand reaching out to play with the curls of milo's hair. forever drawn to that ceaseless warmth milo provided him, like a mayfly to starlight.  “  or we could just lie here. that's good enough for me, too.  ”  and there was a lightness to his every word, enjoying the proximity, enjoying being alone with each other after being surrounded by so many people.  “  everything's good when you're here.  ”   @hrmonies

[hrmonies]

♩ . . . parties    were    never    disapproved    by    milo,    always    basking    in    the    element    of    socialisation.    however,    when    limited    in    capability    and    sober,    whilst    everyone    else    thrives    in    inebriation    and    free    movement,    milo    finds    himself    feeling    like    the    liability.    not    again.    it    had    been    an    evening    of    birthday    wishes    and    condolences    on    his    injury    and    dying    prospects.    it    was    an    attack    on    his    character,    all    through    his    own    actions    and    repercussions,    even    if    no    one    could    have    predicted    there    being    a    faulty    stage    light.    sydney’s   sudden    emergence    is    welcomed    with    glee,    green    digits    blindly    finding    his    hand    resting    on    the    handle,    offering    a    light    squeeze.          “   boy,    am    i    glad    to    see    you.     finally    someone    who    won’t    make    me    feel    like    a    moron.   ”     second    half    muttered,    shame    caught    up    in    his    words.    then    syd    has    him    in    his    hold,     making    him    look    like    the    prettiest    bride    in    the    world.    like    fiona,    if    you    will. “   wait…    did    we    agree    to    do    presents    here?   ”          panic    washes    over    his    features,    paleness    concealed    beneath    his    current    green    tint.          “   shit,    syd.    i    didn’t    bring    any    of    your    gifts    with    me.   ”         brown    eyes    study    the    soft    expression    on    sydney’s    face,    apologetic    smile    creeping    upon    his    lips.        “   i    mean    i’m    happy    to    call    this    our    first    present    if    you    are…    it’s    always    good    enough    for    me.   ”        lolling    his    head    against    the    blond’s    hand,   exhaling    a    soft    hum    as    eyes    fall    shut    briefly.        “   as    much    as    i    love    being    out    there    with    everyone,    i    really    do    prefer    this,   ”     finger    motioning    between    them,        “    everything    is    better    with    just    you.   ”       he    lets    his    body    gravitate    toward    sydney,    not    second    guessing    a    single    movement.    caution    wasn’t    required,    proximity    bound    to    be    broken    between    the    pair.    like    always.        “   our    birthdays    felt    better    when    it    was    just    us    to    celebrate…    is    that    selfish    to    say?    because,    man,    i    really    miss    just    celebrating    you.    well,    us.    but    you…    because    you    deserve    to    be    celebrated    all    year    round.   ”

[oflos3rs]

   the  words  landed  somewhere  awkwardly  inside  his  chest  .  you  shouldn't  have  to  apologize  for  taking  up  space  .  he  wasn't  entirely  sure  what  to  do  with  a  sentence  like  that  .  it  settled  somewhere  quiet  inside  him  ,  unfamiliar  enough  that  he  almost  wanted  to  hand  it  back  .  his  first  instinct  was  to  disagree  ,  then  apologize  for  disagreeing  ,  then  apologize  for  apologizing  .  instead  ,  he  only  gave  the  smallest  nod  .  his  thumb  wandered  absentmindedly  over  one  of  the  squid's  crooked  seams  .  "  ...  thanks  .  "  the  words  left  him  softer  than  he'd  intended  .  sincere  enough  that  they  immediately  became  embarrassing  . his  attention  drifted  where  sonny's  had  ,  following  the  movement  of  costumes  weaving  through  the  apartment  .  angel  wings  brushed  against  vampire  capes  .  devils  laughed  with  pirates  .  every  person  seemed  to  occupy  their  own  little  orbit  without  ever  colliding  .  somehow  ,  everyone  else  looked  like  they'd  been  given  directions  .  his  own  peripheral  vision  caught  one  of  the  stuffed  tentacles  bobbing  as  he  shifted  .  right  .  the  squid  .  a  quiet  breath  escaped  through  his  nose  that  almost  qualified  as  a  laugh  .

   "  honestly  ?  there  isn't  a  very  good  story  .  "  fingers  pinched  absentmindedly  at  one  of  the  dangling  limbs  .  "  i  think  i  just  ⸻  overestimated  how  funny  it'd  be  .  i  saw  it  online  at  like  one  -  thirty  in  the  morning  and  convinced  myself  showing  up  as  a  squid  would  be  ...  statistically  unexpected  .  "  a  beat  .  "  i  don't  actually  know  why  i  thought  that  was  enough  of  a  reason  .  "  another  pause  settled  between  them  ,  though  this  one  didn't  feel  particularly  uncomfortable  .  gabe's  eyes  wandered  back  toward  sonny  almost  absentmindedly  .  and  stayed  there  .  there  was  something  he  couldn't  quite  place  . not  anything  obvious  .  nothing  that  suggested  sonny  was  uncomfortable  or  putting  anything  on  .  if  anything  ,  he  seemed  easy  to  talk  to  .  warm  .  the  kind  of  person  that  could  probably  hold  a  conversation  with  anyone  in  the  room  .  but  every  few  seconds  his  attention  slipped  back  into  the  crowd  ,  as  though  he  was  checking  on  something  only  he  could  see  .  like  he  was  measuring  distances  nobody  else  noticed  .  gabe  found  himself  watching  a  second  too  long  .  his  head  tilted  slightly  before  he  realized  he'd  been  staring  .

   his  eyes  followed  sonny's  line  of  sight  out  across  the  room  before  settling  back  on  him  again  .  "  anyway  ...  i  guess  if  somebody  asks  why  you're  dressed  as  a  squid  ,  technically  the  costume  already  worked  .  it's  ...  conversational  .  "  he  hesitated  .  "  which  felt  easier  than  trying  to  be  interesting  myself  .  "  the  sentence  left  him  before  he  could  stop  it  .  he  blinked  once  .  "  that  sounded  sadder  out  loud  .  "  another  awkward  scratch  at  the  back  of  his  neck  .  "  i  don't  actually  think  i'm  that  tragic  .  probably  like  ...  six  out  of  ten  .  six  -  and  -  a  -  half  if  i'm  tired  .  " a  tiny  smile  tugged  at  one  corner  of  his  mouth  before  his  attention  returned  to  sonny  .  "  what's  the  game  plan  ?  "  genuine  curiosity  settled  into  his  voice  .  "  because  everybody  else  looks  like  they  already  know  where  they're  supposed  to  be  .  i  keep  wondering  if  there  was  some  kind  of  orientation  packet  they  forgot  to  give  me  .  "  another  small  pause  .  "  if  you've  got  a  strategy  ,  i'd  kind  of  like  to  hear  it  .  even  if  it  doesn't  work  .  i  think  unsuccessful  strategies  are  usually  more  interesting  anyway  .  "

[hrmonies]

♩ . . . limbs hang awkwardly, uncertain where to place themselves, finding deep discomfort against the soaked fabric. same issue, different year. he'd never learn. a small hum slips past, eyes trailing from crowd to gabe, running over his stature and finding the crowd once more. this time, a pleasant smile settled on his brims without struggle. there was a fondness found within gabe. the initial awkwardness seems to dispel within moments of conversation, the silence allowing for thought rather than tension. that hadn't been the case with all conversations prior, having sonny stood there as if he'd insulted another's bloodline. “ i wouldn't say you're the first, nor last, to show up in a squid costume. ” smile pulls deeper, forcing out his dimples. “ but, definitely unexpected. ‘specially somewhere like here. ” then lips pull to the side, hand rising to tease at a tentacle, wiggling it between pointer and thumb. “ i don't know, i think it's fun. might even be one of my favorites of the night. ” eyes sit set on the limb between digits, releasing it before smoothing it amongst the others, shifting his sights back up on gabe. his amusement seemed decided, unable to be swiped by the proceedings of their conversation. a beat. humming with glee, returning to the ongoings of their surroundings. perhaps, the corner was the place for him. if he could avoid the tension and standoffish attitudes from failed flirtatious comments over here, he'd happily claim his spot. while smile holds warmth, eyes show something sadder. he scans, falls short, and returns. which  felt   easier  than   trying   to   be  interesting  myself... stings. “ you're interesting. you chose a squid costume. that automatically makes you interesting, makes me wonder what else is going up on there. ” furrowed brows motion toward gabe, corner of his lower lip tugged harshly between his teeth. the look is resemblance of anger, rather than his concern and confusion. gabe was undoubtedly the most interesting guy in the room. “ you gotta give yourself more credit, man. you're not tragic at all... and definitely more than a six and a half. ” hand settles for shoulder, offering a reassuring squeeze. sonny might not have had the best judgement of his own being but, that didn't disregard the potential and existence of others.

he exhales at the thought of his game plan, breathing out a laugh. “ you're about to find out why i'm the tragic one, ” nose wrinkling. “ i just had a game plan to come in all sexy and be swarmed... ” a beat, laugh following. “ so now, i need to figure out how i can turn it all around. otherwise, i might end up going home alone, with a developing cold. ” a sigh, one final glance to the crowd before turning his attention fully to gabe. “ do i just get rid of the shirt? be honest. is it doing me any favors. ” spoken with innocence, doe eyes set up on gabe.

[oflos3rs]

𝚂𝙴𝚃𝚃𝙸𝙽𝙶  𝚃𝙷𝙴  𝚂𝙲𝙴𝙽𝙴:   HALLOBIRTHWRAP PARTY TIME!!!

𝙿𝙰𝚁𝚃𝙽𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙽𝙶  𝚆𝙸𝚃𝙷:   [ 2 / 5 ]

   the  costume  had  seemed  like  a  better  idea  in  theory  .  there  had  been  a  brief  ,  merciful  window  somewhere  between  ordering  it  online  and  putting  it  on  where  it  had  existed  only  as  an  idea  ⸻  something  funny  ,  something  detached  enough  from  himself  that  he  could  hide  inside  of  it  .  people  liked  costumes  .  costumes  gave  strangers  permission  to  look  at  one  another  .  costumes  started  conversations  without  demanding  that  anybody  have  anything  meaningful  to  say  .  that  had  been  the  hope  .  the  reality  was  considerably  warmer  .  the  hood  kept  slipping  over  one  eye  .  one  of  the  stuffed  tentacles  kept  brushing  against  his  elbow  whenever  he  moved  .  every  step  produced  the  faint  ,  humiliating  rustle  of  cheap  polyester  ,  as  though  his  own  nervous  system  had  finally  become  audible  .  the  room  breathed  around  him  . laughter  ricocheted  against  the  ceiling  .  voices  tumbling  together  until  they  became  something  warm  and  indistinguishable  ,  like  listening  to  rain  from  inside  a  house  .

   music  pulsed  beneath  it  all  ,  steady  enough  that  it  reached  his  ribs  before  it  reached  his  ears  .  gabe  had  always  liked  observing  crowds  more  than  participating  in  them  .  they  behaved  like  ecosystems  .  self  -  sustaining  .  people  orbiting  people  .  laughter  finding  laughter  .  extroverts  collecting  strangers  the  way  burrs  collected  fabric  .  conversations  dividing  themselves  ,  merging  again  ,  growing  branches  before  he  ever  found  somewhere  to  stand  .  he  wondered  ,  not  for  the  first  time  ,  whether  everybody  else  had  received  instructions  for  existing  that  he'd  somehow  missed  .  he'd  shown  up  .  that  counted  for  something  .  it  had  to  .  his  fingers  worried  absentmindedly  at  one  of  the  squid's  crappily  sewn  -  on  tentacles  ,  smoothing  the  fabric  flat  before  immediately  wrinkling  it  again  .  a  pointless  cycle  .  comforting  precisely  because  it  accomplished  nothing  .

   someone  drifted  close  enough  to  interrupt  the  careful  geometry  he'd  established  between  himself  and  the  nearest  wall  .  gabe's  head  lifted  almost  immediately  .  "  oh  ⸻  hi  .  "  the  word  escaped  a  little  too  quickly  ,  as  though  he'd  been  waiting  for  permission  to  use  it  .  his  eyes  darted  toward  them  ,  then  somewhere  over  their  shoulder  ,  then  back  again  .  "  i  wasn't  standing  here  because  i  wanted  to  leave  .  "  a  beat  .  "  that's  ...  probably  what  it  looked  like  .  "  he  glanced  down  at  one  of  the  dangling  tentacles  ,  pinching  it  between  two  fingers  .  "  i  just  needed  somewhere  the  squid  would  fit  .  "  another  pause  .  "  sorry  .  "  the  apology  arrived  out  of  habit  ,  carrying  all  the  unnecessary  weight  of  someone  apologizing  for  occupying  measurable  space  .  he  looked  back  up  ,  offering  the  smallest  ,  most  uncertain  smile  .  "  i  can  move  ,  if  i'm  in  your  squid's  way  .    no  ⸻  fuck  .  um  ,  i  meant  …  "  there’s  a  shake  of  his  head  ,  an  internal  huff  of  breath  at  his  own  fucking  stupidity  .  "  if  the  squid’s  in  your  way  .  "  much  better  .

[hrmonies]

♩ . . . everything was a performance, at least to sonny it was. there had not been a single moment where he hadn't been putting on an act since he arrived to the party, cheeks aching with forced smiles, bound to incite crow's feet further down the line. his entire being had become so lost in who he should be, that he had slowly lost sight on who he wanted to be. it was only him who cared so much, anyway. everyone felt so, effortlessly, themselves and then there was sonny, so deep in his act of the performative male. it was never an oscar—winning performance; everyone could see behind the mask. a lost boy without secure guidance, steered off the path from a life that left him secure in himself. whatever, the night was still young! his luck could change at any given moment. but first, he had to gauge why the squid in the corner looked like it had just received bad news. had he just been told that they would be frying him next?

lips quiver as they try to find a reasonable emotion, eyes dancing over the cheap limbs that hang from his being as he finds reasonable proximity. “ i... wasn't judging. ” with a look that bordered amusement and confusion, whether it be from the costume or words, it was unknown. “ shouldn't have to apologize for taking up space, dude. take us much as you need. ” and features ease, settling for sincerity, radiating warmth as gaze finds gabe's. “ i mean, i'm sure people would be much more forgiving over a tentacle than a soaked sleeve. ” lips pull into a corner, cheek held loose between his teeth as hand motions over his damp torso, laugh exhaling through nostrils. where gabe seemed to exude his lack of confidence, sonny's bubbled within, slowly cooling as mind diverted from his own diffidence. “ i just came over here to scope out the room, need to revise my game plan. ” spoken with tones of frustration, he shifted his weight to slip beside the squid, arms folded over chest before quickly dropping to his side with a grimace. too damp, gross. his sights flicker over all the partygoers, mixed emotions that never seem to drop below content. “ i like the squid, very cool. what's the story behind that? ” voice raised over the pounding bass that echoes throughout the penthouse, leaning in toward gabe. eyes return to the other, momentarily, quick to bring their focus back to those around them, analyzing each angel wing and devil horn that passed his line of sight. perhaps, simple was better. or, rather, simpler to explain than why you chose to stand beneath your showerhead to depict the looks of an 18th century yearner. yeah, much easier.

[hrmonies]

♩ . . . the crowd continues to buzz with excitement over costumes and performances, sonny sat aside with solo cup held loosely in both hands, the occasional smile thrown to each person that enters his proximity, only to be met with an eye roll. does no one care for the ultimate yearner! was being written by a woman no longer the key to someone's heart? whatever. then, he sees... a figment of his imagination? well, not his, but, canonically a figment of imagination. “ durden? ” he points toward august, cup still in hand, half smile pulling on his lips. finally, a costume he was familiar with. what was up with all these theatrical costumes! “ you having a good time? where's your other... real half? ” grin only grows, becoming coyish. his free hand runs through damp curls, smoothing over his damper shirt, deeply regretting not rinsing it out prior. he'd be leaving a trail all night at this rate... but, hey! anything to get himself some attention.

scenario: sonny down on his luck bc no one appreciates his repeated costume... / @dazednconfuseds, closed.

[hrmonies]

𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗪𝗥𝗔𝗣 , the milo callahan edition.

for the hallowbirthwrap party, milo has arrived as audrey ii from the little shop of horrors! even when reliant on crutches and his trusty wheelchair (decorated as a plant pot), milo refuses to miss an opportunity to celebrate. however, due to injury, he will be doing his godawful audrey ii impression where he asks partygoers to ‘come on and give him a drink’. DO NOT GIVE HIM ALCOHOL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! and if you've seen seymour, tell him to circle back STAT before he starts screaming for him to ‘feed him’... whatever the hell he means by that.

[hrmonies]

𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗪𝗥𝗔𝗣 , the sonny orsini edition.

for the hallowbirthwrap party, sonny has arrived as mr. darcy from jane austen's pride and prejudice. not a single gasp, he's done it for his entire academic run. the only concerning factor of his costume is that he arrives even more drenched than a year prior. GET THE MOP! p.s. try and quiz him on pride and prejudice, he's studied it... well, the cliffnotes.

[urmumsfan]

i am dumber & smarter than u think. do not estimate me