goner.

phoenix alexander, 21. somebody catch my breath.

[yeahthatsmypapi]

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

“I don’t know, there’s just something about you being a mega nerd that I just can’t resist.” Mariela teased her boyfriend, before placing a kiss to his cheek. While summer had once meant freedom for Phoenix and herself, adulthood had proven that summer was in fact going to be one of their busiest seasons but they were both adapting to their new schedules along with putting time aside for them. “You think the universe will be able to service without that megamind of yours long enough for us to enjoy lunch?” ( @phoenixalexanders​ ) 

Phoenix lifted his pen from the paper he was working on, already smirking by the time his eyes met hers. “Hey, me being a mega nerd will be making us the big bucks one day. That’s probably what you can’t resist.” If there was one thing Phoenix had learned from their time apart, it was that he needed to show how much he cared in real life, not just in hindsight. So he didn’t even resist the urge to lean forward and press a kiss against her cheek, completely ignoring how public their surroundings were. “But yeah, sorry. I’ve just got a deadline with my supervisor today and- you know what? Not important.”

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

“Yes, that exactly.” Mariela let her boyfriend know with a nod of her head. “Now, who said that?” She asked him, raising her eyebrow to match his own. “For all you know, I was well on my way to bringing you this drink.” Mariela told him, a sly smirk on her lips before taking a small sip from one of the cocktails in her hands. “He said something a la that, but for some odd reason… it just sounds so much better coming from you.” Mariela held out the second drink towards Phoenix. “His treat.”

“I think I’d actually prefer to get my own.” Phoenix frowned at the drink out of principle, although deep down he appreciated the opportunity to save a few bucks. “Probably because I mean it. Feels good having you by my side again at events like this.” He smiled as his arm moved around her waist, pulling her in as he took the drink with his other. “I might even consider letting you drag me out on to the dance floor this time around.”

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

“Don’t mind if I doooo—” Mariela spoke to herself, as she picked up the two drinks placed in front of her. One, gotten by herself. The other, brought for her by some sucker who thought that it’d instantly make her attracted to him. But she instantly found her path back to her table blocked. “What? Don’t look at me like that. It’s Spring Break and I’m allowed to have two drinks in my hands.”

“What, this?” He raised his brows as he pointed to his expression. “This isn’t judgement. It’s annoyance that neither one of those are for me.” Phoenix looked past her to the guy who had bought her a drink, seething on the inside and crossing his fingers that it didn’t show too much on the outside. “You look beautiful. But I’m sure the guy at the bar already told you that.” 

[phoenixalexanders]

"And once again, I’m keeping up with the tradition of only coming here to see you. Seriously, I think this is like the third time I’ve been in here.” Phoenix looked around for a moment, pretending to judgmental before he eventually smiled, pulling her in for a long hug. He wouldn’t admit it, but he missed her, and after all of these years of being friends he knew how important her birthday was to her. Of course he had to make an appearance. “I got you flowers, but I figured you’d be obliterated by now and forget to take them home later. Apparently my theory was correct.” @celeste-mayermendoza​

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

“You say that… as if you haven’t already been doing that for us.” Mariela let Phoenix know, with a bright grin before laughing. What? That’d been far too easy a set up to not go for it. “Well, from what I’ve gathered, technically, neither are they.” She pointed back at the screens. “At least we’re broke but we’re together.” She let him know, her hand cupping one side of his face. “Thank you, thank you. I was kind of sick of the ballerina bun-leggings look, could you believe?” She joked. “Me? Uhm, that’s a good question.” Mariela twisted her lips, pondering on her response. “I just want to have a good fucking year. That’s all I truly want. I want to look back at this year and say that I was happy with you by my side.”

“I think you were sick of that look as soon as you got to Rosewood.” He chuckled, remembering how much she used to despise wearing the same ballet look as all the other dancers. He respected how different she was to the rest, and how she knew it too. “Not bad. You just gotta make sure you stick to it. No pushing me away when things go to shit.” He pretended to scold her, although he hardly needed to anymore. They were both on the same page with how they were going to move on from the past, and he didn’t feel the need to seriously question it. “I want to earn more money than I did this year, but that’s my resolution every year. Spend more time with you, with Jess, with everyone I guess. And I know you’ll kill me for saying this, but I wouldn’t mind reconnecting with Nixon too. I kind of miss him, as fucked up as that is.” 

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

The grin painted across her features very much matched that of Phoenix’s in that moment. She was just happy to bee there, with him. That’s exactly what she’d wanted out of the night, this. “I quite frankly, don’t give a shit.” Mariela let him know, as her arms found themselves drapping around his neck. “You know, even with the craziness happening behind us,” Mariela told him, her eyes tracing over his features. “I don’t feel bad in saying that I think this is going to be our year.” Mariela said with a nod. She was prepared for this to be a year of change, in all aspects of her life. 

“That’s fine. I can be embarrassed for the both of us.” Although he didn’t show it, the feeling was defintely mutual. The fact that they had spent Christmas together and had been pretty much inseparable ever since solidified the fact that things were finally starting to fall back into place. For once, he felt optimistic, about them and about life in general. “Yeah. I mean, we’re not going into it with a cash prize, but still. Things could be worse. You look beautiful, by the way.” He looked her up and down with his eyes, maintaining the closeness despite how much he normally hated PDA. Whatever, it was new years and he loved her. “While we’re being gross and cliche, you got any resolutions?”

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

While Mariela could gather there was chaos happening all around them, something about Panic apparently. That was neither here nor there for her, given she’d already lived her life in a whirlwind of chaos for the last two years of her life. Tonight, she wouldn’t be throwing herself into that because, tonight— tonight represented a restart. And she knew exactly who she wanted by her side for that restart. So she found him, Phoenix Alexander and pulled him in for a kiss. “Happy New Years.” ( @phoenixalexanders​ )

Phoenix had been watching the screens, keeping an eye on Kit and trying to ignore the pang of jealousy he felt towards all of the people still participating. Anything stupid that allowed for a lot of money had his name written all over it, but quite frankly, he hadn’t been in the right place to continue. Thankfully Mariela served as the perfect distraction, taking his mind off of everything as soon as her lips found his. “This very cliche of you.” He grinned in between kisses, gripping on to her hips gently and kissing her over and over again so she didn’t have much time to scold him for it. “Happy New Years to you too.”

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

Mariela found herself smiling brightly as he elaborated on what his plans were for them. The fact that he wanted them to spend the holidays together only cemented what she’d already known to be true, Phoenix was the one for her. “I think it’ll definitely be nice.” She told him with a nod of her head. “Yeah, no one really talks about how shitty it could be if your family isn’t the textbook Hallmark one.” Mariela said, a soft sigh leaving her. “I definitely think we do.” Mariela tilted her head, at the sight of Phoenix looking away from her. He was such a dork, sometimes. “You know, I think we’re at the point in our relationship where you can say that to me and not feel like I’m going to tease you about it.” Mariela pointed out, biting down on her lower lip as her smile found itself back on her features. “And by the way, nothing makes me happier than being around you too.” She told him, as she made her way towards him. Her hands finding themselves on his shoulders, squeezing lightly. “So, you and me… Christmas. Let’s do it.”

“Yeah, well. I figured spending the day with people you actually like is probably a good place to start. I just hope you don’t lose your shit after spending a full twenty four hours with me. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” He stood up to his chair and made his way over to her, the satisfied smile on his face letting her know just how happy he was that she had said yes. “Says the girl who teases me about everything. If we were in elementary school, I’d think you have a crush on me or something.” He gently grabbed her arms and draped them over his shoulders before placing his hands on either side of her waist. “Maybe we can see Jess and Dulcie at some point too. Oh, and Emory. I couldn’t forget about them if I tried. But I feel like we could use some time for ourselves, so you’ll have to forgive me for keeping you all to myself for once.”

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

“I mean, you could but I’m very happy that we’re no longer doing that.” Mariela told Phoenix, as that was very much something he would have done in their earlier years. Plus, that grin working at his lips let her know that he was truly fighting off the urge to revert to that. “Yeah, we both know how it is.” She said with a sigh, as her home life was a bit of a disaster at the moment. Actually, no, that was an understatement. It was a complete disaster. “Hopefully doing whatever it is you’re about to invite me to do.”

"Me too.” His mouth stayed open for a moment longer, but he quickly shut it, not wanting to ruin the sweet moment with a sarcastic comment. At this point, it felt like he couldn’t afford to. “I was just hoping we could spend it together. Set up a tree in Jessie and I’s place, open presents, cook a meal... I don’t know, it could be nice.” He shrugged. “I was thinking about Christmas and how depressing it always is, but I think we deserve better this year. And nothing makes me happier than being around you, so.” He looked away, feeling embarrassed by honest he was being. “At the very least, I’d just like to see you at some point in the day. If that’s okay with you.” 

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

Mariela had quite the interesting couple of months, but even with everything spiraling out of control in her personal life— her career had been thriving. And that had provided her with the out she’d needed from everything Rosewood. But with being zero focused on her goals, it hadn’t allowed her much time to be with those she cared for. Or in Phoenix’s case, loved. But the universe worked in mysterious ways, because as she finished rehearsing a number— she found herself in the company of the one and only, Phoenix. “Yeah, that’s me.” Mariela nodded, making no attempt to hide the smile on her face in that moment. “Nah, you’re good.” She told him, gesturing over to where he could take a seat. “Did you really? Do you want to let me in on what that motive is or you’re gonna wait until after the show?”

“Well, I can’t exactly leave you hanging. It’ll distract you from the routine.” Phoenix grinned, the same grin he used whenever he got the slightest reaction out of her. He made his way over to the seat and relaxed into it, folding his arms across his chest and stretching out his legs. “I know it’s early, but with how you and I both are with our families right now... I just wanted to ask what you’re doing for the holidays.” 

[phoenixalexanders]

Phoenix had been all over the place trying to find Mariela, so frazzled to the point where he had somehow forgotten about the place she was most likely to be: the dance studio. He knew which room she liked the most (when it was free), and immediately headed there, waiting outside the door until she the song she was dancing to had finished. Still, it didn’t stop him from peeping through the glass, smiling softly to himself as he watched her. Once it was over, he knocked before entering, giving her a round of applause before he wrapped both arms around her. “If it isn’t the superstar herself.” He could have gone on forever about how amazing she was, but he bit his tongue, unsure if it was okay to express or not. “You mind if I watch you for a bit? I mean, I defintely came here with an ulterior motive, but still. I really like watching you dance.” @themarielaalves​

[yeahthatsmypapi]

[phoenixalexanders]

wyattsaugis​:

“Whoa, whoa! Sorry, man I didn’t mean to sneak up on you!” Wyatt held his hands up innocently. He noticed the spill and sucked in a quick breath. “Yeah, I’ll get you another coffee but you might want to save that text book before you can’t read it anymore.” He patted his pockets as though he’d magically be the kind of guy who carried napkins around with him but he came up short. “Is everything okay? You’re pretty jumpy for someone just studying in the middle of the day.”

"And yet you did a decent job of doing it anyway. Nice, Wyatt.” Phoenix rolled his eyes, but otherwise let it go. Wyatt was always innocent enough and to be honest, the pair had gotten to know each other enough for Phoenix to not be as combative with him anymore. “It’s fine. I stole this textbook so this is probably my karma for that anyways. And I was up all night doing more of this, so I guess I’m just tired. What about you? What are you up to?” 

[phoenixalexanders]

jessicamadani​:

“Sorry. Would you have preferred I shouted your name out from across the room?” She asked with blatant sarcasm as she made her way around the table so they were facing each other to hopefully take some of his edge off. She knew the plan they had set into motion might have some affect on him after everything he had been through, which was exactly why she had hesitated bringing him in on it in the first place, if she hadn’t been so desperate she wouldn’t have dragged him back into this mess. For that she did feel guilty and knew she owed him a lot. “Fine. That’s fair. But is a coffee really gonna help you with all….this?” She gestured to him. “If you want out you can say so, you know. I’m not gonna get mad.”

“Are those my only choices?” Phoenix quickly fixed up the books in front of him, barely paying her any mind. Over time he had gotten over the urge to roll her eyes at her, instead choosing to be placid above all else. “Probably. Coffee helps with everything, Jess.” He shrugged, maintaining his casual demeanour. “Cute. But I don’t think I’ve ever worried about making you mad and I’m not about to start now. I’m jumpy because I’m tired, not because I think some big mafia guys are going to come out of the shadows and beat my ass again. Seriously, it’s fine.” 

[phoenixalexanders]

kitcruz​:

“Jesus man, somethin’ happen while I was gone?,” Kit half-whistled as he saw the way Phoenix’s hand’s shot up. “Woulda seen me comin’ if you’d pull your head outta your ass, too. And that book.” Grabbing a couple of nearby napkins, he helped Phoenix clean up some of the coffee he’d spilled. 

“Obviously. You were gone for what felt like a fucking decade, dude. Even without the studying I wouldn’t have time to explain it all to you.” She shook his head, chuckling. Despite everything, Phoenix could never find it in him to be annoyed with Kit. It was known fact that the guy was flaky, and half of the reason their friendship worked was because Phoenix accepted that about him. “I could probably give you bullet points though. You just have to swear not to tell anyone. Seriously.”

[phoenixalexanders]

themarielaalves​:

“I didn’t mean to—” Mariela said, having just regained her composure as she’d almost dropped the food that she’d served for him. Given the school year was coming to a close, that came with a whole lot of finals. Finals that Phoenix, being the overachieving genius he was, was trying to ace and well, he needed to eat. “I just brought you some breakfast.” She said, a small smile on her features. “I thought that maybe that would be enough to get you away from the books for a second.” Mariela teased, as she placed the plate in front of him. “I think another coffee is the last thing you need.”

“You didn’t need to do that, but thanks. I guess you do kind of owe me one.” Phoenix winked, unable to control himself when it came to joking about something that was completely unfunny. “It’s not. You are, though. Take a seat.” Phoenix gestured to the seat opposite of him, suddenly feeling a strange rush of excitement now that Mariela was around. It had been a while since he had last felt that way, and it was almost like they were back to their early days of dating all over again. “What’s going on? You okay?”