BORN TO RUN

[psychedelicsunflwr]

PHOENIX KING "Cause tramps like us, baby, we were born to run."

For as long as she can remember, Phoenix King (Riley Keough) has lived a life of instability. As an army brat, she followed her father from base to base, never knowing where she was going to live or how much time she had left. But while she had learned to live without expectations, losing her father had never been in the cards. Forced to grow up far too young, Phoenix sacrificed the majority of her time and happiness to care for her younger sister. It isn't until she receives an offer she can't refuse that Phoenix finds herself on a tour bus to California with a dollar and a dream, hoping to live a life all her own.

BIOGRAPHY | SKELETON | PINTEREST | WANTED CONNECTIONS

BASIC STATS:

Full Name: Phoenix Ophelia King Age: 30 Birthday: February 18, 1943 Gender: Female Pronouns: She/Her Sexuality: Bisexual Zodiac: Aquarius Place of Birth: Phoenix, Arizona Neighborhood: Willowdale (Flamingo Trailer Park) Occupation: Waitress at Ruby's Diner, Cashier at Grooves Records

[poohsources]

🐝  *  ―  𝑪𝑶𝑪𝑲𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑳 𝑸𝑼𝑰𝒁. ( send one or multiple of these to learn a little more about my muse(s). )

[ mai tai ]  if they could have any superpower in the world, what would they choose? [ white russian ]  what would they do if they won the lottery? [ grasshopper ]  what / who would they dress up as for halloween? [ tequila sunrise ]  how would they spend their perfect day? [ californication ]  what do they think is their greatest achievement in life? [ caipirinha ]  if they could change one thing about themself, what would it be? [ painkiller ]  what is their greatest regret? [ moscow mule ]  if they could travel through time, where would they go? [ dry martini ]  what is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to them? [ tom collins ]  which living person would they most want to meet? [ greyhound ]  if they could have a dinner with just one person ( dead or alive ) who would they choose? [ planter's punch ]  how long does it take to befriend them? [ sangria ]  do they have any special routines they follow every single day? if yes, which? [ whiskey sour ]  what is the biggest lie they ever told someone? [ zombie ] do they believe in life after death? [ margarita ]  what are their biggest pet peeves? [ mojito ]  what is one goal they are working towards? [ appletini ]  who do they consider the most important person in their life? why? [ cosmopolitan ]  what is their happiest memory ever? [ gin tonic ]  who influenced them the most? [ bloody mary ]  what would they do if they only had one week left to live? [ manhattan ]  where would they like to travel the most? [ old fashioned ]  what would their adult self tell their kid self if they could go back in time? [ blue lagoon ]  how do they typically react when faced with something they fear? [ sidecar ]  what type of person are they most likely drawn to? [ negroni ]  what is one piece of advice they would give others? [ hurricane ]  which song describes them the most? why? [ sex on the beach ]  what do they consider red flags in a relationship? [ mimosa ]  which incident shaped them the most? [ long island iced tea ]  if they had the chance to redo their life, what would they do differently the second time around? [ mint julep ]  which was their dream job as a kid? [ singapore sling ]  how do they react to disappointments? [ alexander ]  what would they do with one million dollars / euros / pounds / whatever currency they use? [ screwdriver ]  which habit do they wish they could get rid of? [ gin fizz ]  do they consider a glass half-full or half-empty? [ aperol spritz ]  which is one thing they still think about a lot? [ piña colada ]  how do they show affection? [ swimming pool ]  what is the most important lesson they've learned in recent years? [ b52 ]  how would they describe themselves in as few words as possible? [ daiquiri ]  do they believe in true love? why or why not?

[dilaradcmir]

"Who knew this job thing would be so difficult, huh?" Dilara was often blissfuly unaware of the effect of her words on others, so blaze about life that she often forgot to consider the circumstances of others or that.. everyone had a different journey than she. She was learning, slowly, to be considerate of others around her. "I know right? I am brave." Delusional, perhaps, too. But she was proud of herself, however far she'd come. "You know, that isn't a bad idea." The brunette wasn't going to mention her run in with one of the owner's of the boutiques in town. I mean, seriously, selling fake Prada?! "We'll see what happens. I do know one thing, I am really loving working at Ruby's. You all seem like, I don't know.. family here."

[psychedelicsunflwr]

Rather surprised by the other woman's comment, Phoenix paused to take a long drag from her cigarette. Dilara did have a point. Even when she often complained about the hours, or annoying customers, it was safe to say that the staff had her back. Especially Benny, who had quickly become one of her closest friends in town. "I guess you're right. We kind of are. Not that I have all that much to compare it too.. I'm not used to having people look out for me. But I like it here. It's hard to imagine leaving, even if I complain a lot of the time. It took me a while to completely adjust, but once you do, I'm sure you'll feel even more at home."

[mariposaortiz]

"To be fair, I think a lot of the Hollywood crowd do that. Typecasting and all that shit. Sometimes I think I watch the same movie like four times over." The smalltalk came easy as Mariposa collected up the last of the glass from the floor, straightening to a stand to dump the shards into the nearest trashcan. "Maybe my third job will be a movie critic." She rolled her eyes a little at herself, reaching a hand out for the broom so she could click the dustpan into place and tuck it away. "First job is housekeeper and yeah, second job is bartender at the Mint. Housekeeping just doesn't pay what it used to, apparently. Or maybe it does. Fuck if I know."

[psychedelicsunflwr]

The woman had a point. There was a lot of typecasting in Hollywood, and only a handful of lucky actors and actresses were deemed lucky enough to play a variety of roles. With a chuckle of amusement, the redhead handed the broom off to her counterpart as she spoke. "Well, with three jobs like that, it seems as though you're more well-rounded that half the actors in Hollywood. Maybe you'll want to add that to the resume while you're at it. Now what do you say? Want a drink? I think you've earned it."

As an authentically-dressed cocktail waitress passed them, Phoenix reached out to grab two champagne flutes from her tray before holding one out for her new friend. "Cheers."

[hopefms]

with. @psychedelicsunflwr where: ruby's diner

don't befriend fucking groupies, hope harris, is what her agent had said once upon a time. tim's eyes had been trained on her, not in any other band member, and the implication was clear. the boys could have their fun inviting screaming girls backstage, but hope's bleeding heart was a threat. well tim, look where all that good advice lended her, with no band, no friends and actively befriending a groupie. though perhaps it was unfair to call phoenix that. she was a fan of the band, sure, and they invited her to tag along on their bus until california, but she was also a spark of potential. a maybe perhaps hopefully friend.

"the coffee here kind of sucks." she said cheerfully, settling down two cups on their table - one for phoenix and one for herself. "l.a. has all of these cool hippie places with live music and poetry and shit, you know... but i guess their coffee isn't any better."

[psychedelicsunflwr]

If you had told her she would be sitting across from Hope Harris at a diner in California just one year ago, Phoenix probably would have laughed in your face. The woman's dreams had always been far bigger than her expectations. Even if she had enough personality to convince others that she would one day achieve every one of her goals.

As she slid into the booth across from her friend, Phoenix reached for the ceramic mug that housed Stillwater's 'finest' cup of burnt coffee and raised it to her lips. "Guess I've gotten kinda used to it. It's free when I'm working and well.. as long as it gives me a boost of caffeine, I'm not picky. Do you miss it? LA, I mean. Not the coffee."

[nourfk]

Embarrassed, Nour shakes her head in a hurried effort to explain herself. "Oh... I might've eaten there once, but I've definitely seen you at Grooves. I love it there. I go there monthly, I'm sure... but yeah, I guess I just remember because you've got a unique look, and people like you tend to be memorable..." she rambles, quickly realizing her words were not making the best first impression. The woman before her was... well... good-looking, and that sort of effect always caused Nour's thought process to run off course. Not to mention her clumsy fall, which she was still reeling from. She wanted to tell her she had a good memory, but it seemed like such a dishonest cop-out. Still, she couldn't help but tack onto her ramblings. "—Sorry, I mean... I just meant that I've got a good memory and remember things about people... sometimes." Did I say that already?

[psychedelicsunflwr]

Surprised by the woman's rather bold and brazen statement, Phoenix could feel her eyes instinctively widen as the compliment left her lips. Truthfully, it was nice to know that she had made such an impression. After spending so many years thinking she'd never amount to anything, here she was living in her dream state, being someone who hadn't managed to fade into the background in a town full of somebodies and nobodies.

"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about, but I'm flattered nonetheless. My name's Phoenix. I've lived in Stillwater a little less than a year now. Are you from around here?"

[inkedesires]

Nellie could see that Phoenix was laying it on thick, really leaning in to the animosity between their characters, as a result of the storyline they were both playing part in. She knew from her assignment card that her character was not the murderer, but she'd also have to come up with a reasoning.

"Um, well.. Is it so wrong to try to be prepared for a future business deal? There's no harm in gathering information," she finally landed on, resisting the urge to smile.

[psychedelicsunflwr]

Truthfully, the blonde had been far more prepared than Phoenix had originally predicted. And while it may have been an obvious answer, it was rather hard to rebuttal. "Maybe not. But who decides to bring up such business at a party? And is there anyone who can confirm your whereabouts during the time the May– I mean, Lord Reginald, was murdered?" Nellie had never responded well to her testiness, and Phoenix knew that even in an instance as unserious as this one, the woman would fight tooth and nail to prove her wrong.

[dee-voss]

It kinda did, didn't it? Dee had to nod, dimples drawing in as he tried to picture Elly and him as a drive-in feature; hell of a story. But, then again, everybody in any sorta love worth being in probably thought the same. He was just lucky enough to be one of them, and, man - Dee was feeling that, what with how the homecoming had gone. Luckier than ever. "Born and raised, yeah. Both of us." So Phoenix was new. Alright. Just in town for the festival, or what?

He was gonna ask, before the loudspeaker crackled. "Well, shit." Dee kept his cup as the rest started flying, sighing into his Jack and coke. A riot - that'd mess up those evening plans of theirs, for sure. "There's gotta be some kinda backup, yeah? Like - it's a music festival. Open the mic up. Every other fucker here wants to be the next..." what'd they been called, again? Split something. Whatever. "... Zeppelin." Dee settled on. See? He wasn't so outta touch.

[ivrykeys-deactivated20250923]

He saw Phoenix before anyone else — all red hair and energy radiating out into the room. That was the nature of a fuckin' crush, he supposed. So, of course, he was all smiles and dimples and teeth, and... she was with someone? In all his time getting to know Phoenix, as they did this slow descent into friendship, it never occurred to him that she'd be seeing someone. It just seemed so out of character for everything they'd spoken about. Maybe it was new.

While he was working his mind around this little factoid, Nick realized it was better to be caught making his way over to his friend than it was staring across the room at her, so he started to follow through: one foot in front of the other, while the news of the cancellation of the upcoming act rippled through the crowd, producing waves of raucous disappointment.

He came to a stop just in time to hear a muttered comment about opening up the mic, and figured there was no better way to launch himself into the conversation than: "Yeah, you're right. Get on up there, Phoe." Alongside a classic Nick Park grin, of course.

[psychedelicsunflwr]

Phoenix had barely been given a chance to process Dee's words before the conversation was interrupted by another familiar voice. As she turned to face the dark-haired gentleman, the woman was already shaking her head, long red locks swaying along with her look of disapproval. "Be serious now, Nicky. If anyone should go up there it's you. People love seeing you play at The Mint. If anyone can handle this kind of crowd, it's you."

Glancing back in the direction of her new friend, Phoenix realized that there was at least a small chance that the two men hadn't previously met. And while she didn't know much about proper etiquette, the woman was quick to realize that it would be impolite not to properly introduce them. "Dee, this is my good friend, Nicky. Nicky, this is my new friend, Dee."

[bellstrum]

Surprised by her curtsey, Benny jumped to bow in a similar fashion— awkwardly. His tall body bends over just a bit, nodding his head. He feels his cheeks begin to flush out of embarrassment, clearing his throat in order to dismiss the feeling. "Oh well, you know...." he looks down, tugging on the bands lightly. "...how... groundkeepers... do..." he says, brows knitting together, well aware he wasn't making any sense. "The chick at the Rabbit Hole helped me out. Said something about how I needed to grab one before they were sold out." He looks around then, noting just how many others sported the same look. "And she was right, clearly."

Noting the passing of two champagne glasses nearing them, Benny moves to grab them off the tray. "You can drink on the job, right?" he grins, holding it out for her to take. With his now free hand, Benny brushes his hair back, turning to face the crowd. "I didn't expect this many people to show up— I didn't expect me to show up," he chuckles, taking a sip from his glass.

[psychedelicsunflwr]

As Phoenix glanced around the room, it didn't take long for the woman to notice just how many men were dressed in a similar fashion. And while The Rabbit Hole was always a popular spot for cool vintage finds, the redhead was sure they hadn't sold this many pairs of suspenders in all the years they'd been open. With a small nod of acknowledgement, Phoenix released a loud and bubbly laugh. "I'm sure they've received a ton of business over these past few weeks. They've probably gotten rid of so many things they never thought would sell."

Taking the drink from his hand, Phoenix followed his gaze around the room, taking note of the way the manor buzzed with life. "I don't know, can I? Might have to apply the same rules to my shifts at Ruby's." As she took her first sip of champagne, Phoenix raised the flute to her lips, smile broadening as her friend spoke. "I'm surprised too. But in a good way. I don't know why you'd turn down free food and an open bar."

[dilaradcmir]

The relief she felt when Phoenix held out her lighter was unparalleled. She needed a breather from everything that was going on, and a good chat with someone who potentially wouldn't completely understand where she was coming from, but would be a good listening ear. She had feelings, after all. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, I've worked two jobs before. I once had two modelling jobs booked and forced the first company to reschedule 'cause your girl was not going to give Vogue up!" If only she had the mind to consider the feelings of others, and the way she was coming across. "I know right? It's a freakin' nightmare, Phoe.. when I tell you I almost passed out just looking at the first room they had me clean. We're talking stains.. stains of all kinds and body fluids galore. I mean, it was a freakin' buffet of every disgusting thing you could imagine. —I almost DIED."

[psychedelicsunflwr]

Although she hoped that the experience would humble her co-worker, Phoenix could admit that even she wouldn't have been able to stomach the sights Dilara had experienced on the job. They were ones that would make anyone think twice about needing the money, let alone staying anywhere outside of their own homes.

"Honestly, you're braver than I would be. You may need the money, but there isn't anywhere else you could work outside of the diner? What about one of the stores in the mall? You do know clothing after all.." It was hard to believe she was talking to someone who was once in an issue of Vogue. Though it made it even harder for Phoenix to believe that the same woman had braved a stranger's bodily fluids.

[noahleveson]

It sure didn’t seem like it was necessary to pry further if the person they were waiting on had just ended up being apparently late, which was why she had been standing for a decent duration of time in the driveway of his home. And when hearing the mention that she did actually live in the area, Noah figured it may have been why he seemed to recognize her. “Oh, ok. I think I’ve seen you around before. You..work at Ruby’s right? You seemed a little familiar and I am there a lot.” Noah shrugged. “Thanks for the sympathy, but sounds like you’ve been having fun at it. I work at the Birch Bay Lodge, which is always especially fun when these weekend are all over..” 

[psychedelicsunflwr]

Phoenix couldn't quite decide if it was a good thing that the man recognized her. While on one hand, it was something that they could laugh off as a funny coincidence, she didn't exactly like the idea of him knowing where she worked or having the opportunity to tell her co-workers that she'd been camped out in front of his house. With a hesitant nod, the redhead forced a smile onto her lips. "Unfortunately. Not that they don't treat me well, but... It isn't exactly a dream job, as I'm sure you realize." As laughter floated out from between her lips, Phoenix took another glance toward the road. "You guys must be swamped right now. I'm sure it's great for business, even if things are painfully busy."

[mariposaortiz]

"I think I just went full-ass into the housekeeper thing and started cleaning, like I was at work. For the record, don't let me do that again." Mari reached out a hand for the dust pan, carefully crouched (and was thankful that the dress she'd chosen was definitely a little longer than one she ordinarily would've gone for) and held it in place. "No more cleaning in my free time." Well, free time away from home. Felt like she was always fuckin' cleaning up after her siblings at home, and she just might scream the next time she tripped over a shoe. "Look at us, playing the part without even trying." At least this was a mess she'd made herself, even if it was the direct result of taking her part a little too literally. "And on that note, I barely remember my own character's name and definitely don't remember yours."

[psychedelicsunflwr]

Although it was certainly easy for her to laugh off the coincidence of it all, Phoenix refrained from telling the woman that she likely wouldn't have volunteered so willingly had it not been for her assigned role. Especially when she could have been partying with the other guests or working on solving the mystery in order to claim her prize.

"Phoe– I mean, Josephine. Dammit. That's never going to get easier, is it? I don't know how all of these Hollywood actors and actresses do it. I think I'd just end up playing myself in every film." With a small chuckle, the redhead continued to sweep the small shards of glass into the dustpan. "You work at The Mint right? I mean... when you're not busy cleaning the mansion as a housekeeper, obviously."

[bellstrum]

Benny looked down when Phoenix corrected him, raising his brows. He was convinced himself, nodding with a small grin to see her wrapping up her interaction with him so smoothly. He wonders if she even really needed him, ultimately happy to be participating anyway. When Don questions him, he twists his brows, looking down at Phoenix for a moment as he studies her. He hums, out of character. Benny wasn't a hummer— he grumbled. "Don't know, Don. I'm lucky, I guess," he says with ease, bringing the arm she held out of her grasp and around her for a half embrace. "Now give us some privacy and grab a seat before I kick you out for loitering," he waves the spatula with his other hand, rubbing her shoulders.

[psychedelicsunflwr]

It was almost difficult to stop herself from snickering as Benny spoke. While Phoenix had certainly been grateful for his assistance in scaring away her least favorite customer, there was also something rather entertaining about seeing the man in such a state. For as long as she'd known him, Benny hadn't been involved in any relationships or even so much as brought a girl around the diner.

As soon as Don had wandered off to his table, Phoenix felt her body relax as she turned to gaze up at her friend with curiosity. "Tell me, have you ever been in love? ... I mean, besides with me, of course," she snickered, playfully.

[nourfk]

"Oh goodness," Nour exhales, looking up with red cheeks. "Thanks—" She takes her hand, grabbing it tightly as she returns to her feet. She takes a second to scowl at the gravel beneath her heels, shaking her head with knitted brows. "I couldn't be more embarrassed." Once she was able to get a good standing, Nour finally met eyes with the hand that held her, tilting her head in familiarity. "Do you work at Rubys?" she grins. "Sorry if that's out of the blue— I don't see hair like yours that often."

[psychedelicsunflwr]

While she could certainly empathize with the other woman, Phoenix knew that she would have died of embarrassment had the same thing happened to her. There was nothing like causing a scene in front of others. The brunette's only saving grace was that it had happened before entering the home.

"I, uh. Yeah, I do." Raking her fingers through her hair, Phoenix found herself smiling shyly. While she hadn't been expecting the question, nor the comment, it was nice to know she'd made an impression on somebody unexpected. "I'm there most days. When I'm not working at Grooves."

[inkedesires]

CLOSED starter for @psychedelicsunflwr, 10:30 PM, during the Murder Mystery Party at Merill Branch Manor.

Really, it was just Nellie's luck to be forced to enact her part, in collaboration with someone who didn't much care for her. ( Not that the list of people who fit that criteria was a short one. ) She'd joined the party, at the encouragement of her coworkers. She thinks they wanted her to meet someone, so she'd have other ways to spend her time besides obsessing over work. And even though Nellie had insisted she'd already met all of Stillwater twice over, she'd been coerced into going. Turned out her 'friends' thought it a good idea to sign her up for the murder mystery party — so it was a good thing she'd shown up at all.

And now that it was time to play her part.

"Wait," she said, "Before you judge me, I know what this looks like. But I can explain."

And, even though she was playing a role, the words felt... real. Especially given present company.

[psychedelicsunflwr]

While Phoenix hadn't been thrilled to find herself face-to-face with one of her least favorite people in Stillwater, she was rather content to be the one calling said person out for her possible participation in the murder of Sir Reginald Thornton's murder.

As she dangled the list in Nellie's face, the redhead wore a rather smug grin. Though she certainly wasn't playing the role of a sweet and innocent college student to the best of her abilities, Phoenix wanted to believe that Josephine would have acted similarly, had she come across such incriminating evidence. "Go on, plead your case. But I'm not sure there's any excuse for creating such a list. It means you've got something to hide, one way or another."

[dilaradcmir]

« ☆ CLOSED starter for @psychedelicsunflwr »

STATUS: closed LOCATION: just outside ruby's DATE/TIME: an afternoon in september

"Got a light, sugar?" Fiddling with the cigarette between her lips, Dila pondered on the realisation that she didn't know why or when she'd suddenly taken up smoking. Truth be told, she couldn't even afford it, but the packet she'd had, she'd been holding onto for a good several weeks, only lighting up when it felt absolutely necessary. And after her first shift at the Lodge that morning, she most certainly needed it. How on earth was she going to juggle two jobs and cleaning up the most disgusting rooms.. she didn't know how she'd survive, but somehow, she had. The alley behind Ruby's had become welcome ground knowing she could escape there, if only for a little while. But, she was still getting used to the idea of sitting on the pavement nearby a whole row of garbage bins. She'd always look at her spot to sit with absolute disdain, ensuring there was nothing there to ruin her uniform. "I don't know how I'm going to do this whole double job thing.."

[psychedelicsunflwr]

After being classed as the 'new girl' for the first few months of working at Ruby's, Phoenix had been rather happy when Dilara joined the team and quickly took on the title. While she knew just how difficult it could be adjusting to a new town or city, she knew that her new co-worker had also been adjusting to a massive lifestyle change – one that she had never been able to relate to.

Holding out her lighter, Phoenix turned toward the brunette, her own cigarette still pressed between the brims of her plush pink lips until the moment she spoke. "As someone who's been working two jobs from the moment they were first employable, it's hard to relate because I've never known differently. But it certainly isn't easy on your mind or body, no matter what. And housekeeping? Sounds awful."

[mariposaortiz]

open! @swstarters It was annoyingly ironic that she spent most nights cleaning up after patrons of the Mint (who did not tip well enough for the mess that could sometimes be left behind) and now here she found herself, cleaning up after grown-ass adults in her free time. Sure, she wasn't required to actually clean, but playing up the housekeeper bit had her playing pretend, and...well, that led to actually cleaing up the glasses that had been left behind on tables. Truth be told, Mari wasn't even sure if those had been left behind by party-goers or had eben left there on purpose to set the scene. Nevertheless, Mari had cleaned them away (and was grumbling to herself that she would not actually clean anymore, this was supposed to be fun) and the last glass she'd collected managed to slip from her grasp, crashing to the floor with glass shards scattering across the floor. Mari sighed to herself. One last mess, considering she made this one herself. "...I guess I'm a pretty shit housekeeper if I don't even know where to find a broom, huh?"

[psychedelicsunflwr]

Though she'd been assigned the role of a maid, Phoenix had managed not to lift a single finger since entering the home. Unlike her counterpart, who really seemed to be stepping into character, she was happy to stand by and people watch until the clues fell into her lap.

That is until she heard a loud crash and turned to see Mariposa floundering to pick up the pieces. At the mention of a broom, Phoenix thought fast, remembering where she'd spotted one tucked away inside the pantry upon touring the home.

Rushing into the kitchen, she pulled it out from behind the door before returning to Mari's side to help her clean up. As a waitress, she'd definitely dropped a dish or two in her time. Though there was probably a lot less pressure at Ruby's than a historic mansion. "Here, let me help you with that. Would you rather sweep or hold the dust pan?"