i see you lookin' @ MY P-I-C !

semi-selective independent rp blog penned by mochi / 26 / she/her ( ｡ᵘ ᵕ ᵘ ｡) random starters are always welcome otherwise mssg for plots n things 👀👀

[nicholasscratch]

#me applying for jobs

[silkchvffon]

IT'S TRUE — SHE COULDN'T. she hasn't been able to despite no lack of attention from other boys in college. noah's been tucked away like some distant dream, an unlikely possibility and a fading memory — now that he's in front of her, real as can be, connie's mind is melting. « uhm, elena's on my team, » she argues, even if she's not certain whether that's even the truth anymore, « so access goes both ways. » though there's no doubt in her mind that the pictures of her are a million times worse.

she visibly perks up at the mention of ice skating, eyes gleaming as she regards the families and couples gliding together. it would've been a tempting offer from anyone, but it feels extra sweet coming from noah. the little girl with the big fat crush is slowly coming back to the surface and connie can feel her cheeks grow warm and red and hopes she can blame it on the winter cold. she hums thoughtfully for a second, holding noah's gaze. « a bit too good to be true, since you're asking. say in the unlikely event of you beating me ... what's in it for you ? » she asks, one brow arching in suspicion.

[ramodolivo]

elena’s so on connie's side, it's actually pathetic to say they're even blood related when that's so easily the case. “ well, elena's never been the smartest. “ despite her very much being so, especially compared to him. if anyone's the golden child it's not noah. “ and come to think of it, i don't think a bad picture of me even exists, so… “ his voice so genuine, a soft grin lighting up his lips so angelically. not that he thinks a truly bad picture of connie exists either, but he can't say that now, not when they're talking leverage.

he can't remember when he started smiling, but noah feels like he can't stop, watching her gaze towards the ice with the festive lights causing her to glow. he's glad he spotted her at the festival, that she accepted his little excursion. it's a shame this will probably be their only time together while he's back home. the thought's replaced by his laughter, her suspicion rightly placed as his eyes drift to the ground momentarily as he shrugs.  “ nothing. ” he shrugs again.  “ you'd have to live with knowing i won so that's victory enough. “ noah adds confidently. “ and you'd have to go back to work a huge loser, like… adding anything else would just be cruel. “

[silkchvffon]

IT'S A BAD IDEA. A HORRIBLE ONE, REALLY, but it's the only one briar has. granted, she shouldn't have made up an imaginary partner just to shut her parents up in the first place, but telling them the truth is out of the question. they think she's pathetic enough as is. « you wouldn't even have to do anything, okay ? just let me hold your hand once or twice. that's it, i promise, » she continues reassuringly. « if you really hate it i'll make a scene and send you on the next flight home. »

[ramodolivo]

the thing with oli is… well, he's not really the boyfriend type, not for any particular reason aside from being single his entire life. sure, he had a wife in 2nd grade, one he still talks to occasionally ( they never actually divorced, so… ) some three-day romances in high-school, hookups in college and whatever else, but he's never actually been involved with someone seriously. not that he would be doing that with briar but… won't her family just see right through it ? god. that'd be more awkward than the fake dating; holding hands seems fine compared. he takes a contemplative sip of his milkshake. “ so what kind of food are we talking about ? “ he asks in lieu of his acceptance, licking his lips from the milkshake. “ i’d be missing out on my mom's world famous cookie cake, so… y’know, there's some things to live up to. ” 

[silkchvffon]

continued from here —— @ramodolivo.

HE DOESN'T MIND BEING TUCKED AWAY — for now. truth be told there's something exciting about it, the fact ( he hopes, anyway ) that beverly would like to keep him for herself. the thrill of not knowing exactly where he has her is equal parts frustrating as it is fun. still, emir has played games numerous times before and he's finding himself tiring of it — he wants to settle down, have a woman on his arm he can bring to tiresome events and share a bottle of wine with on the couch after. he thinks voicing this will drive bev away though, so emir says nothing at all.

« i have this gnawing feeling that i'll always be just yours, » he mumbles mostly to himself, lips curving into a knowing smile. they're headed downtown, crowded streets making emir slow down — it's the perfect place to be just another anonymous couple in a sea of strangers. he pulls into an empty parking spot and shoots beverly a glance, eyebrows raising in anticipation, flirtatious smirk apparent on his visage. « oh ? well, what dessert are you craving ? »

[ramodolivo]

" gnawing ? " eyes squint to examine him like she's not quite heard what he said, daring him to repeat it. her head tilts in attempt to decide if she should be insulted just for the fun of it or be incredibly turned on that he knows her so well, that he's not exactly complaining to the point of being all hers. she likes it that way, certain if he lost interest or anyone else showed interest in him that she'd simply combust, cause a war with her outrage and tear down the world. beverly isn't quite sure whether hiding him helps prevent that outcome or feeds it, she just knows she'll eventually run out of time either way.

once they're parked up, she unbuckles her belt, eyes on the crowd for a moment as she takes out her earrings to put in the glove compartment. they're far too expensive, worried someone will hold her at gunpoint or something. still, she loves the places he takes her to, everything feels otherworldly when really it's just normal and she's the one out of place. she's so used to michelin upon michelin restaurants, private dinners and exclusive events, scheduling and perfecting her every move. it's a different kind of air but she's breathing it in willingly, allowing it to consume her completely. her eyes don't leave his despite the temptation to drift to his lips, to that contagious, consuming smirk. there's an urge to have those lips on hers, and for a moment she fights it, a pause in her thoughts before she's adjusting herself from her seat, hands reaching out to the nape of his neck to pull him as close to her as she can. before she knows it, she's sat in his lap, knees either side of his thighs as her lips invite him in. beverly kisses him like she's starved for it, apologetic and hoping to make up for her mistake of being unable to do this before, for every time she's dodged his lips or told him no when she wanted the opposite. in the midst of it all, she softens, fingers lingering against his jaw as she reluctantly releases his lips. " something sweet, " as sweet as her current saccharine speech that whispers against his mouth, innocent enough on the surface while her thoughts are void of anything of the sort. she fixes his hair, gaze drifting over his features as she does. " only if you have room for it, of course. "

[silkchvffon]

HE GRINS AT HER COMMENT — of course he's a liar, but if it's making her laugh he always will be. « now now, i'm still your boss, » kace reminds her, but he hasn't been in a long time, if ever. the only reason he got a chef in the first place is because he nearly gave his nutritionist a heart attack when he told her what his diet looked like. he's not complaining now though — for several reasons, really.

« or you could guide me through it. it'll be like a live action remake of ratatouille, » kace grins at the implication cleo would be the rat. eyes roll at the dramatics, but for just a second the thought of hawaii seems almost inviting. at least if she'd like it. « doc told me i could do with some rest. the slopes will still be there in a few days, » he shrugs, even if he already aches to go back out there. cleo preoccupies kace's mind a bit more though. « hot chocolate ? i promise i can make it without burning down the kitchen. it'll even taste good, how's that ? »

[ramodolivo]

she scoffs. " my boss who put me in grave danger... oh, i know exactly who you are—and so shall my lawyer. " she punctuates each of her words, finger pointing directly at him with a swirl, being dramatic as ever mixed in with some new-found lethargy thanks to her little accident. she's not sure if her head's stopped spinning or if she's just gotten used to it by now, used to everything being a little bit out of focus while he's glistening in high definition.

cleo pulls a face, the implication absolutely crystal clear just like her offense. " i mean, i'll guide you through it but if you start to call me remy then i will be pulling your hair. " she counters with a brow lifted, her smirk telling him all too well that she's not joking in the slightest. " okay. but only if me being incapacitated has nothing to do with it and you're just being responsible by actually listening to your doctor. " her eyes stay on him, examining his features for any tell, any kind of sign he's staying away for her. she'd think he'd be stupid to when he'd have so much more fun out there instead of trapped in the chalet with her. " i guess you'd have to be insanely dumb to mess up hot chocolate... " she mulls it over, though why she's being so difficult about it is a mystery to her. " fine. but i want it all, cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings... this better be the best damn hot chocolate i've ever had. "

[silkchvffon]

HE'S TENSE AND DOING HIS BEST TO HIDE IT. he's probably failing, he knows that, knows she'll likely see right through him — his social persona has always been paper thin. then again, when comparing oneself to beverly he supposes most people would be. he wants to tell her that he rarely gets out, could only really show her the way to his work and back, but that's probably no way to make friends. « maybe i could, » he replies instead, smiling carefully. « i'll make you a drink. hopefully your expectations are as low to that as everything else, » he jokes. if college taught beck anything it's how to mix a drink. he leads them into the kitchen. « how long have you been living here for ? »

[ramodolivo]

" my hangout spot seems to be the library so... anything a bit livelier, maybe ? might be good. " she adds with a sheepish smile, not sure if she's successfully selling herself as someone very cool or worth getting to know. " oh, the lowest when it comes to drinks. it all does the same thing, so. " alara chimes, a soft laugh leaving her lips as she flips her hand dismissively. she never understood the whole top-shelf liquor thing when five-dollar wine is good enough for her. then again, she is a major lightweight. shuffling into the kitchen, her eyes scan around again. weird how a place so similar to hers can be so different. " just a few weeks really... i think it'll be two months, um... not this thursday but next. yeah. " she nods, trying to remember the date but it seems about right. " i thought it was finally time to leave home, you know ? but now i kind of miss it... like, my mom cooking for me all the time. i almost burnt the place down the other day. "

[silkchvffon]

IT'S ALWAYS HARD, COMING HOME — in ways connie can't begin to explain. she can't walk an inch in these streets without being flooded by vivid memories, most of which leave her with a hollow longing. nostalgia, she supposes, but to her who's always felt everything a tad stronger than those around her it's almost crippling. she doesn't understand how people simply walk around here as if it's not simultaneously the best and worst place in the world.

still, it's only when she sees sam that she begins to wonder if she should've come home at all. things between them had been brief, and they'd never discussed the specifics — and for a while that had been enough for connie to bury the guilt for leaving the way she had. but she'd known all along it was cowardice that drove her away. the mere thought of the scrutiny she'd have to endure from her mother if she ever found out ... it makes her want to cry. and she will not cry in front of sam. « well, he must be happy to have you home, » she attempts a smile, guilt still like a ghost hovering behind her. « oh, it's not so bad. if i behave i might even get to taste one, » she jokes, shrugging slightly. « how, uh — how are you ? how have you been ? »

[ramodolivo]

" yeah, i think he just needed a break from liam. " the brother she can no longer spot in the crowd, or any of his friends... would starving him have been better than losing him ? tough to know. sam hates how connie's joke twists her lips into a small smirk, the smallest kind since she won't allow it to grow into much else. she wonders how she looks to the other. if she's filled with any of the same curiosity, rage, or disappointment in the way sam has been for a while now. her question has her holding her gaze on the other.

how is she…? huh. she almost wants a more specific question just so that she can't answer with something to try and share the sting, something backhanded or loaded with venom, hidden meanings with each syllable to hopefully drag connie down to her depths. she doesn't want her to know just how burnt out sam's been, how low she made her feel mixed with the disappointment of the big city. she quickly swallows down that destructive instinct, the need to look better dominating the want to prove a point and say fuck you. a smile comes to her lips. “ good. yeah, really good. we've had loads of gigs so, it's been really busy, but in a good way. it's good. ” did she say good too much ? give away that they actually haven’t hit it off as well as she thought they could by now ? she’d like to blame someone else for it, maybe matty on drums… he’s never been the same since he broke his wrist breaking into the station to steal his own file. fucking moron.  " what about you ? what have you been up to ? "

[elektra616-ar]

simona tabasco in luna park

[silkchvffon]

CONSIDERATION IS GOOD. consideration is not no. briar can work with consideration. « mmm, it's your favorite. since you're mine, » she muses, tone uncharacteristically sweet. « oh, i'd be so annoying, » she agrees with an enthusiastic nod — whatever it takes to sway him. « come on. my family's a good time, i promise. it'll be very chill. all you have to do is act like you enjoy my company, which shouldn't be too hard. » she grins, leaning back in her seat.

[ramodolivo]

a chuckle leaves his lips, suddenly aware of the gravity of the situation by her words. " wow, okay... you're really desperate, huh ? " he's pretty sure he's been no one's favourite. ever. especially not briar's. it's times like these that oli wishes he was more selfish, that he could drain her for all he can instead of being so easy to give in, ready to nod his little head and accept her terms like the stupid, loyal friend he is. " what, so... like, they think we're dating or something ? pretend... " he sighs, shaking his head. " you wanna pretend we're together ? " oli looks at her, a sense of seriousness on his features. he swears this kind of shit never ends well. " i don't know, briar. "

[silkchvffon]

HER FIRST THOUGHT WHEN SHE SEES HIM should be whether his sister came with him. but even if she were here it's been years since connie and elena actually hung out, college and work having kept them apart and only the occasional like on each other's instagram posts revealing a connection at all. she's not so sure her former best friend's presence would encourage the same butterflies she's battling in her stomach now, looking at noah. it feels forbidden, but it also feels good.

connie's aware, suddenly, of what she must look like in his eyes: frizzy strands of hair poking out of her ponytail, her dad's enormous jacket wrapped over her own. and he's eyeing her, charming as the devil with his hazel eyes and boyish smile. it's like being back in elena's house on a friday night, connie scuffling from the bathroom to the bedroom in just her pjs and running into noah and not knowing what the hell to do. she's not completely clueless anymore, but noah has also, impossibly, gotten even more attractive and she finds she still has no idea what to do.

connie rolls her eyes at his comment, eyes squinting slightly as she regards him. « i'm sorry, what's your name again ? » she tilts her head to the side, regarding him closely. at his suggestion she takes a moment to consider, even when all she wants to do is leap over the counter separating them. « i doubt that, » she teases, but shuffles out of her father's jacket and unties the greasy apron she's tied around her waist. « umma, i'm taking my break ! » she calls to her mom crouched over a pot of boiling oil. as soon as connie's dismissed with a simple wave she exits the stand and falls into step beside noah. « okay, local legend. my time is precious. whatchu got ? »

[ramodolivo]

" like you could forget me, " noah says with such an easy confidence. meanwhile, eyes are so anxious to explore her, needing to catch himself every time they hope to drift too close to her lips. his pulse picks up with the thrill of wondering just what exactly he is to her. he doesn't even know what she is to him, forever placing her as elena's friend because anything more, anything connected to him just felt... uncertain. false, in a way. like anything more was a thought exclusive only to him, that he's made up some scenario that doesn't exist between them. yet, together like this, he's sure it's not imaginary. he can feel the thumping in his chest, the swirling of his stomach, he knows that's real. " —and you really should be nicer to someone who has access to so many embarrassing pictures of you. " his brow will raise, grin on his lips as something of a challenge maybe— far less than an actual warning or threat— it's not like he'd actually do anything with them besides teasing her with their mere existence. he just wants to see her react.

his hand raises as something of a greeting to her mom, not even sure she'd remember him without elena or one of his parents by his side but hoping to be polite considering he's stealing her daughter away. he thinks she smiles back... though any doubt that it was imaginary dissipates once connie's moving next to him, his focus back on her completely. he's not sure what it is but he's certain she's got some kind of glow to her, like a warmth radiating and begging him close. he'll tell himself it's nothing more than the festive lights in order to stop himself staring, to hold back the desire to be near enough to feel her. he focusses his gaze toward the ice rink, only glancing at connie when it's natural, or when he knows for certain she's not paying attention to where his gaze lies. " how about... if you can beat me around the rink, i'll come back and finish your shift. how's that sound ? "

[silkchvffon]

GRAY NODS EVEN THOUGH HE'S DOESN'T AGREE much at all. he can't remember the last time he had any christmas spirit, can't recall a time he needed it. looking around in their apartment now he comes to the realization that this may be the first year he'll feel anything remotely close to it. at fran's comment he has to smile, tilting his head as he regards her. gray has no real interest in her friends, can only imagine how awkward it would be to start bringing her friend over, but he's still a man with eyes and they ( including fran ) are a good – looking group. « thanks for the vote of confidence, franny. appreciate it, » he chuckles. « be honest, you don't think i'm good enough for any of them. »

[ramodolivo]

her nose scrunches in soft, silent protest at his choice of nickname but she's smiling anyway. " you know i got you. " and it's mostly true, she'd try her best to keep him out of harm's way if she had any say in it. she has to laugh at his conclusion, palms lifting in surrender. she feels like she's gonna lose this no matter what she says, even if it's all harmless and unserious. " i didn't say that. " another laugh, trying to get the right words out. " well, actually, you are a bit of a grinch and no, none of them deserve that, so... " fran's teeth dig into her bottom lip gently, shrugging as smiles. " for real though, they're not good enough for you. " maybe she shouldn't say that about her friends but it's true, and she doubts gray is going to run off and spill her words to them so who cares.

[silkchvffon]

THE SHOCK SUBSIDES QUICKLY — he's learned to expect the unexpected with fran. that doesn't mean saint has to like that she's here. he knows this crowd, has been on the delivering and receiving end of quite a few bruisings here, knows there's very little ethical going on in the masses. it's not a good place to be unless you're in a car — and even then it's dangerous in an entirely different way. « i would've won if it wasn't for you, » he replies defensively, refuses to be ridiculed both by her and in front of her. his pride is much too fragile for it, especially when confused gazes are already watching them curiously. « you can't be here, fran. » and yet she is.

[ramodolivo]

" aw, that's sweet. though i guess we'll never know now. " in truth, he did look good out there. only an error could've cost him the win and apparently she's that mistake this time. " no ? " there's forced disbelief dripping from her tone, brows knitting in the confusion before her head tilts, looking around for it to make sense. it's only then does she realise the people watching, locking eyes with a few. " that's weird, 'cause i am here. " her gaze returns to his, holding her stare as she'll lean in close so she's looking up at him more directly, eyes dark. "—and last i checked, you can't tell me what to do. " fran reminds him, her voice just loud enough for him to hear before she returns some space between them; not all of it, closer than they were when they began this... whatever it is.

[dailyflicks]

EMILY IN PARIS Season 3 (2022)

[silkchvffon]

HE'S BUSY UNWRAPPING HIMSELF FROM THE TINSEL, cursing lightly but unmaliciously. once he emerges victorious gray takes a moment to take it all in. it's not ... exactly what he would've gone for, but if fran is happy so is he. « you're not done ? » he asks incredulously, joining her on the couch. « it does look good. it's ... definitely festive. » he nods approvingly, as if his opinion actually matters. « so, your girls, huh ? » gray perks up, mostly as a joke, but he is just a man after all. « is your red – headed friend coming ? »

[ramodolivo]

" mostly done, mostly... probably. " honestly, she's just one woman, if she sees something cute in the store she's going to get it. it'll fit somewhere. " aw, thanks. it's only once a year, you gotta go all out. " that's her ruling anyways, the same as birthdays and halloween and literally anything she can get away with decorating for a bit. her gaze drags itself away from the decor and back to gray, light grin on her lips. obviously all her girls are fit as fuck, and though she'd never vocalise it, she thinks she's the least attractive of the group purely because of how hot the others are. it's no surprise gray would be piping up about one of them. " yeah, but i'd be careful with her, gray... i don't know if you're ready for that. " fran warns, small smirk in thought of it. plus, she's totally exaggerating.

[silkchvffon]

OPEN TO: w/m/nb ( mutuals and non – mutuals welcome ). PLOT: briar is trying to convince your muse to celebrate christmas with her and her family since she may or may not have told her parents she's bringing someone home this year. CONNECTION: roommate ╱ friend ╱ ex. MUSE: briar maynard, 23, pro gamer & streamer.

SHE SLIDES THE MILKSHAKE ACROSS the table as an attempted bribe. « please ? pretty pretty please, » she begs yet again. « i'll owe you one. i'll owe you twenty. pleeease. »

[ramodolivo]

" i'm still making up my mind, " oli's acting like it's the hardest decision ever, like going to hers for the holidays would ruin them for him. there's not really much he's got against it, just not sure if he should be intruding someone else's christmas, even if he'd be technically invited " but this is definitely helping me think." he nods, gladly accepting the bribe as the straw slots between his lips, slurping with satisfaction. " mm, yeah, you would. " which means more bribes, hopefully, or many soon-to-come i-owe-you gifts. " i also just know you'd be so annoying if i don't go... so... " he sighs, weighing up his options.

[femalestunning]

MEGAN SURI for Wonderland Magazine Spring 2023

[ramodolivo]

@silkchvffon/continued from.

she figures he must be close with his sister in order to live with her, she doesn't think she could live with her brother but she'll pry into that when she feels like she knows him enough. " oooh, a year's not so long. " long enough to settle, find your favourite spots and what to do. she thinks he'd be a good person to introduce her to some places, maybe even be something of a guide. she's not explored nearly as much as she wants to. " maybe you could show me around, " she puts out casually. there's an embarrassing instinct to check her watch, certain they've not even reached the afternoon yet, but... when in france ? or, a semi-stranger's apartment. “ i mean… i'll never turn down a free drink. ” shoulders lift, sorta hoping he'll make the decision for her. “ no, it's okay. this was like, super unplanned too, so… i don't even think i have tea or, like, anything at mine so… this is like a ten out of ten experience.  “ she nods, hoping her sweet talk is preventing him actually feeling bad.