carpe diem.

[starsuffered]

legacyfms​:

Grace could feel her stomach jump just being near the puzzle box.  She had her own theories why she pulled the hide and seek card that night, why the box chose to put her through hell and back, but the box itself still gave her the creeps with all the memories it brought back for her.  “It better because…”  Grace trailed off, taking a long sip of her drink to try to not show just how nervous she was around the box.  Around Daniel, truthfully.  “I sure as hell can’t go through something like that again.”

A frown pulled on Grace’s lips when Daniel started to dismiss what happened that night.  “You were a kid, it’s fucked up that you had to be there.”  After her wedding night Grace was only left with her imagination at what kind of other rituals the family did every other time.  And it made her so angry thinking about what the children of that family had to be exposed to at such a young age.  The anger started to boil up in her or maybe it was the mere mention of Alex that was starting to make her angry, but either way Grace couldn’t hold back a scoff.  “Oh yeah he’s such a good guy.  In fact the second you were gone he turned on me and handed me over to the rest of them.  Even personally trying to drive a knife through my heart.” She said with a roll of her eyes, words clearly dripping with sarcasm.  “All I know is that there was one person and one person only that helped me that night and it sure wasn’t the man I married earlier that day.”

grace’s discomfort was evident, and it wasn’t difficult for daniel to guess why. the puzzle box felt heavy in his hands, and he would be lying if he said it didn’t make him feel uncomfortable to be around. with the card back inside of the puzzle box, he placed it down on his desk and grabbed the glass he’d poured for himself. after taking a long swig, he wiped at his mouth with the back of his sleeve and sighed. “if we had to do it all over again, i’d still do what i did.” he hoped it brought her at least a little comfort to know that. not that he ever thought it would, but if the ritual was ever summoned again, he wouldn’t do anything differently. grace was everything that he wasn’t ; she was kind, innocent, and brave. she deserved to live far more than anyone else in his family, and if that meant sacrificing himself to end the contract with le bail, so be it.

his mouth tasted bitter as memories from his childhood began stirring in his mind. daniel had a hard time feeling sorry for himself given all that he had done in his life, but grace was right. he’d seen in his nephew that night what kind of affect it all had on the children. “i was unlucky enough to be born into it,” he said with a shrug. “we were doomed from the beginning.” daniel perked up at the mention of alex, though his interest was quickly replaced with disgust when grace told him the truth. he didn’t want to believe it at first, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. “what?” was all he could muster, his voice soft. “he tried — he tried to kill you?”

[starsuffered]

lvment​:

“huh? what’s that supposed to mean?“ flash cocks his head, gaze narrowing into slits as he tries to gauge if harry is still teasing. he’s so focused on his friend’s face that he catches a flicker of something. he’s not sure what it is – but he knows it doesn’t suit harry. from all the years flash’s known him, harry’s always been easy confidence and suave assurance. for a moment there he swears harry looked almost vulnerable, but just as flash opens his mouth to comment on it harry is back to teasing and the moment dissipates. flash isn’t sure how to bring it back up in conversation without seeming nosy so he quiets.

the flirting is more familiar ground. flash dives into it, trying to shake his nerves. “yeah? you think i’m cute?” he’s still flushed, but his voice steadies when he hums, “and, damn. wow. THE harry osborn – all dressed up and smelling nice.” he drums his fingers on harry’s chest, right over his heart. “all for me? dreams do come true.”

then reaching up with his right hand he pinches harry’s earlobe. “but i’m sure you didn’t pretty up just to stay home. so are we staying in horny jail or are we going out?”

"hm? oh, nothing.” he knows better than to open that can of worms. sooner or later, he and flash would have to have an actual conversation about their memories, but not yet. harry is used to being the one in control  –  the person with all the answers, and now he’s so . . . well, the opposite. he’s all too eager to change the topic when they return to their innocent flirting. “of course i think you’re cute. i wouldn’t hook up with someone who isn’t cute.” his usual smug look returns as he reaches a hand out to cup one of flash’s cheeks. “and how about me? am i cute?” he’s joking, sort of.

horny jail is an appropriate phrase for whatever they’re doing. “you never answered my question.” he pulls his phone out of his back pocket and starts composing a text message. “but i’ve gone ahead and decided on the picnic. i’ll let the caterer know.” once the message is sent, he slides his phone back into his pocket and motions toward the limousine that's just pulled up for them. “shall we?”

[starsuffered]

rhapsodiq​:

his eyes are glued to the costume for a moment, a wide smile on his face. it’s always fascinating to see neil transform- even if he isn’t in character right then. remus pulls his friend tight, arms wrapping around him, one hand holding the book wrapped in parchment paper. “it’s so good to see you too — i can’t wait to see what you guys are getting up to.” he is very much excited to see the play, knows it will be a great one like every single one they have staged.

“yes please! have you gotten around to decorating it?” he asks, letting his friend lead them to the dressing room. behinds the scenes of theatre production is always a whole new world for him, no matter how many times he has visited neil during rehearsals. it’s even busier when it’s the last few days to the first day of the play, people buzzing everywhere, techs, actors, make-up artists, all in a rush. 

“i also have a gift for you!” once they are inside, he exclaims, holding out the plain looking gift in his hands. it has got a bow out of string at the front, but other than that, it gives no clue of the pretty book inside. “hope you like it —” truth be told, the moment he had seen the reprinted version of the play, in such a gorgeous edition, he knew he had to get it for neil. it’s baby blue with gold foil on its sides, and he truly hopes his friend will like it.

it didn’t take long into their friendship for neil to realize that remus was someone he could count on. during a time as stressful as tech week, especially a tech week plagued with unpredictable extreme weather, it meant a lot to know that someone was looking out for him. remus’s support was something neil truly appreciated, and he showed his appreciation by always making sure to reserve a seat on the front row of each opening night. "this one’s gonna be good, for sure. i get to recite virgil in one scene!”

the dressing room isn’t anything exciting, but neil’s proud of the work he’s done to cozy it up. “it’s not much, but the run is six weeks long, so i have time to add some personality to it.” there’s a poster on the wall that you can’t miss when you enter, and neil nods toward it. “think it’s too cheesy?” he asks, voice genuine. it reads carpe diem! in big bolded font. “i’ve sort of always lived by that motto, so it felt fitting.”

the last thing he’s expecting is for remus to surprise him with a present. “a gift? c’mon, remus, you really didn’t have to.” though his excitement betrays him as he immediately unwraps the present. it’s gorgeous, and definitely the prettiest script he’s ever seen. “wow! this is . . . i can’t even think of the words to thank you. i love it.” he gives his friend a quick hug and looks down at the book in his hand to admire it. “geez, you know me so well.”

[starsuffered]

lvment​:

o p e n

l o c a t i o n : central park

“okay. so i was supposed to be upping the word count on my new book but –“

off to the side and partially hidden behind a shrubbery – james had been incognito until he raised his voice to be heard. now that he’s got your attention his mouth quirks up, friendly and warming his face, voice impish as he admits, “you were distracting. i ended up writing a blurb about you? wanna hear it?”

they’re sitting on a bench on their lunch break when a voice comes out of nowhere and makes them jump. rey had chosen a spot in the middle of nowhere for a reason : to avoid having to encounter anyone else. this man, however, piques rey’s interest once he explains himself. “you wrote about me?” brow arches as they toss a half-eaten sandwich back into a brown paper bag and turn to face the man. “it better not be bad,” they say with a hint of a smile on their lips.

[starsuffered]

legacyfms​:

If Grace was going to be honest with herself she was kind of relieved that it started getting bad once she was with Daniel.  She knew there were worse places to be stuck in and maybe hunkering down together would let them learn how to be normal again.  Because in truth she liked Daniel, and after slowly putting together everything she knew she liked him more than Alex - but that didn’t mean her relationship with Alex wasn’t looming over both of their heads.  Grace made his way towards his voice and put her hands on his shoulders to greet him and see what he was looking at.  “That thing gave me a weird vibe even before I knew what it all meant.  You don’t think it still works like that anymore do you?”  Grace knew it probably didn’t but no one could blame her for being a bit hesitant.  She put down her card in exchange for the glass in front of her.  “Yeah I just woke up one day to it being in my purse.  Like someone put it there.”  She shook her head and took a long sip, hoping to calm her nerves.  But hearing Daniel’s voice like that, it made her put the glass down and want to comfort him.  “I think I heard about that night.  Obviously not in full detail but you were protecting Alex then right?  I’m sorry you had to see that at such a young age.  No one deserves that but especially you.”

daniel wasn’t quite sure how to behave around grace. she was his sister-in-law at the end of the day, but it was obvious that there was something more between them. still, he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he got with his brother’s wife. despite his negligence to tell grace the true nature of marrying into the le domas family, alex did love grace, and daniel wanted to respect that. alex, his best friend, the one le domas who wasn’t a complete screw up. ever since realizing he had somehow been brought back to life, daniel rarely mentioned his brother by name; despite this, he was sort of always there, lingering in the back of their minds. when grace’s hands came to rest on his shoulders, daniel avoided eye contact at all cost, instead peering down at the box in his hands and forcing himself to focus on the reason they even met up in the first place. “i don’t think so. i guess whatever deal my ancestor made was broken when we, you know. failed.” strangely enough, and despite all of their flaws, daniel actually missed his family. it was ironic – before that fateful night, daniel didn’t think he could feel any more alone; whatever was currently happening to him had proved him wrong. 

the sudden change in the atmosphere was nearly suffocating. he’d never spoken about that night with anyone, instead turning to alcohol in order to avoid dealing with his feelings, but that obviously wasn’t working too well. “i’d do anything to protect him.” he had always put alex first and he always would. “we were kids. i didn’t realize what i was doing when i . . .” he trailed off, waving his hand in the air in a dismissive fashion. “look, i’m not this good guy you’re convinced that i am, grace. that’s alex. he’s the good guy."

[obihoekenobi]

Force Lightning : Also known as Sith Lightning, was a power that Force users could conjure through the dark side of the Force.

[userscully]

DEAD POETS SOCIETY 1989 | dir. Peter Weir

[starsuffered]

mutantism​:

starter for @starsuffered​ for harry !

“hey, harry.” there was still an air of awkwardness that surrounded peter when around harry, the associations with his father twisted in his chest every time they made eye contact but he pushed passed – he knew it had nothing to do with harry, nothing to do with norman really, considering. peter mentally shook himself out and forced a smile. “figured i should check up on you, see if you needed anything?” a light shrug made his coat swish between his words and his eyes widened for a moment before he shrugged his backpack off of his shoulders.

“i almost forgot – “ he started, rooting through the bag he’d just placed on the floor, only looking back up at harry once he’d produced the textbook. “i needed to give this back to you, this is perfect studying weather, right?”

harry wasn’t exactly sure what to do about his relationship  –  or lack thereof  –  with peter. he hated how awkward any interaction between them was, but he couldn’t just make peter remember that they were best friends. he wasn’t even certain that this peter was the same peter he’d known since he was a kid. still, he was pleasantly surprised when the other showed up unannounced and offered help. the unpredictable weather was the least of harry’s worries, but he was glad to see his friend. “hey, pete.” he said it without thinking and winced upon realizing that the nickname might weird peter out a little ; he was a near stranger to the other, after all. he ran a few fingers through his hair and instinctively changed the topic. “that’s nice of you, but i’m alright.” if he ever needed anything, he’d simply swipe his thumb across his phone screen and order it. perks of being a billionaire, he supposed.

he’d completely forgotten about the textbook until peter pulled it out of his bag. harry reached out and took it from him, a slightly skeptical look on his face as he studied the other’s expression. “yeah, i guess it is. this weather has been a real bummer. i’ve just been holing up in my penthouse.” not that he’d gotten any studying done in the meantime. “uh  –  thanks for bringing my book. how have you been?” 

[starsuffered]

lvment​:

when harry gets like this? flash feels like he’s on his dad’s yacht, on rough waters and seasick – unstable footing, a little uneasy in his stomach, not sure how to swallow down all this openly offered affection from someone who’s usually as emotionally constipated as he is. “harold and eugene? gross. what were our dads thinking? we sound like word war II relics.”

the graze of harry’s fingers on his scalp to tuck his hair behind an ear is the last straw. red flushes up the back of flash’s neck, catching in his cheeks, before settling on the tips of his ears as he instinctively bites out, “i’m always cute.” he’s not quite sure if harry’s fucking with him so decides to fuck back. flash reaches out and unhooks the top button of harry’s white shirt. “so you’re all dressed fancy for me?”

there’s a moment when harry considers asking flash about his father. he doesn’t know the extent of their relationship, but from past conversations he’s begun to notice that their relationship might be just as complicated as his relationship with his own father is. he ultimately pockets the idea, instead shooting flash a rueful look. “maybe we are world war II relics.” nothing in this city makes sense anymore  –  he doubts it’s even his new york city that he’s in. everything is similar but different at the same time. his own best friend doesn’t remember who he is, but at least flash does. “i think it’s kinda cute, though. harold and eugene.”

he must’ve crossed some unspoken line when he made the first physical contact. flash visibly reacts to his touch, and harry is amused by the sight of the other’s flushed cheeks. “’m not gonna disagree with you on that one.” it felt nice to flirt so openly with the other. the game they played was an entertaining one, but harry was beginning to crave more. when flash unbuttons the top of his shirt, harry’s expression grows more serious. “what if i am?” he steps forward, closing the distance between them until they’re inches apart. “you should feel honored  –  i even put on my favorite cologne for you.”

[starsuffered]

legacyfms​:

closed starter for @starsuffered​ - Daniel

Grace was already on her way over to Daniel’s when she received the message about the weather report.  It didn’t take long for the snow to start piling down around her.  She let herself in like she had done hundreds of times before.  “Daniel?”  She called out before dropping her purse and her keys in a chair.  “It’s really coming down bad out there.”  She pulled out the card she found, the one that was deciding her fate that night.  “I figured if we were taking a look at the puzzle box we might as well look at this too.”

        daniel was toying with the puzzle box at his desk when the weather report notification chimed on his phone. while it was sure to be a major inconvenience for everyone, daniel was a little selfishly relieved. grace was usually busy with work, and being snowed in at his apartment was about the best excuse he could think of to spend more time with her. with all the craziness going on in the world, he was always relieved to see her. even if she did remind him of alex. as if on cue, grace entered the house and called out to him. “in here!” he shouted back, two glasses of bourbon already poured out and waiting on the desk in front of him. “you know, my dad was the one who always handled the box, so this is the first time i’ve actually held it.” somehow, it didn’t seem as powerful anymore. le bail had been satisfied with the death of the le domas family, so now all that remained was a plain old puzzle box. still, it felt strange in his hands. turning to look at grace as she offered him the card, daniel’s eyes widened in surprise. “you found the card? i’ll be damned.” he took it from her and opened the box, then slid the card inside, just how it had been placed when grace pulled it on her wedding night. “i only knew one other person who pulled this card before you. my uncle charles.” he sounded quieter than usual when he said it.

[phuwins]

BRIGHT VACHIRAWIT

photographed by Thanupol Theparak, 2022

[uncawanwo]

something inside me… has always been there.

[seojeong]

doyeonnie ❤️

[starsuffered]

lvment​:

“shut up.“ flash snips. there’s no venom in it, but his next words prickle with annoyance. “and, c’mon. don’t call me eugene.”

harry knows he hates that name. probably trying to get a rise out of him like usual, but flash can’t help going for the bait. it’s been their dynamic the entire time they’ve been friends – harry knowing just how to get under his skin to rile flash up then just as easily talking him down. it sucks being perceived … but flash has long accepted that he’s willing to forgive harry anything. he’s got so few real connections as it is.

“a picnic?“ he gives harry a quick once over. “in that? you look like you’re headed for the MET, not central park.”

the other’s reaction is exactly was harry was going for, and he can’t hold back the chuckle that escapes him. “if it makes you feel any better, you can call me harold. you’re not the only one with a grandpa name, you know. and besides, maybe i like eugene.” he’s smiling, and it’s a genuine smile; as much as harry enjoys the games they play, he also just genuinely enjoys flash’s company. his little crush was incredibly flattering, though harry would never admit it.

he runs a few fingers through his hair and gives a gentle shrug. “i mean, we could also go to the MET, but i was thinking of something a little more private.” hand reaches out to push a few loose strands of blond hair behind flash’s ears. “you look cute, by the way.” there’s a short pause as harry looks down at his own attire and then back up at flash. “my bad, i was under the impression that we were going on a date.” he’s pushing it, he knows he is, but he can’t help himself. it’s just too easy.

[starsuffered]

rhapsodiq​:

AKIRA & HARRY ( @starsuffered​ )

one hand holding onto a bag of chinese takeout, akira’s eyes sweep over harry’s favorite spots in the park of their campus. aiming away from the crowded freshmen, he is pretty sure the other boy is somewhere around here. he could call — but he knows the other had classes today and has time off now- so he decides not to, confident in his abilities to find his best friend.

after trying the first spot- much to his delight, he does find him. harry is far away, yet the silhouette of his back is familiar, sitting at a spot away from the students too excited about a new semester. it doesn’t take akira long to make it next to him, and he approaches him behind with a grin on his face.

once he quietly makes it to the back of the bench harry’s sitting on, he dangles the bag of food in front of his face, poking him with his other hand. “har har- let me guess… you missed lunch didn’t you?” 

he gently drops the bag onto the book his friend has on his lap, and moves around the bench so he can sit next to him. once he does, he pulls his legs under him, torso facing the other. “luckily for you — i got us both chinese.”

        it had been a busy day of classes, and harry didn’t feel like returning to his penthouse quite yet. he walked around campus for a little while before deciding on spending some time at the nearby park. the crowds of students in the park were celebrating something about a homecoming parade, so he took a seat on a bench as far away as possible from the excitement. reaching inside his bag, he pulled out a book and soon got sucked into his reading.

        a poke on the shoulder and the sudden sight of food makes him jump, but he soon realizes it’s just his best friend being.. well, his best friend. harry’s glad to see akira and playfully elbows the other in his side. “it’s kind of hard to have lunch when you have no breaks in between classes,” he says as he shoves his earbuds and phone back inside his bag. “did you remember to ask for extra duck sauce this time?” although he doesn’t wait for a response before tearing into the bag on his lap. “man, i’m starving. you’re a lifesaver, kiki.”

[starsuffered]

rhapsodiq​:

REMUS & NEIL ( @starsuffered​​ )

it’s late at night as remus walks to the theatre neil works at. he just got off from work, and he knows it’s usually around this time that they are done with rehearsal. it’s nothing urgent that couldn’t wait — but after a quick text that said it’s okay for him to visit, he finds himself really looking forward to it.

not only he has missed his friend but he also wants wish him good luck for his next play, as well as give him the present he has under his arm. it’s a small book, wrapped in brown paper, and remus is glad that it is not a rainy day. 

and while he could have taken the commute, it’s not too long of a walk, the city buzzing as ever, which seems like a better option than a smelly subway car. it doesn’t take him long to make it to the theatre building, and he pauses in front of it before walking in. 

since there is no play showing today, it’s almost eerily quiet, especially because remus knows how it is when it’s crowded, booming with life. the security by the door somewhat recognizes him and after he explains that he is here to see the actor, he is let inside. he is quick to climb the stairs to the backstage, and peeks inside to see if the rehearsal is over.

it doesn’t take him long to spot neil donned in his costume, and he quickly makes his way towards his friend. “neil! you look so good!”

        it was officially tech week and neil was beginning to feel the toll is was taking on his body and mind. the show opens next week, which means there’s little to no time for anything other than rehearsing, eating, and sleeping. they love what they’re doing more than anything in the world, but it was an incredibly stressful time. 

        one notification on his phone was all it took for neil to perk up. he was standing in his dressing room, which was adorned with polaroid pictures of his family and friends. since he’s playing one of the leads, he’s given the privilege of his own room, which is somewhat of a relief. after reading the incoming text on his phone, he lets one of the crew members know that he has a guest coming, and they quickly inform the security.

        it’s not long before he’s notified that his visitor has arrived, and neil steps outside of his dressing room donned in nineteenth-century school boy attire. he lets out a laugh when remus comments on his appearance and pulls his friend in for a hug. “you don’t look too bad yourself! it’s great to see you, remus. you have to come see my dressing room!” 

[starsuffered]

lvment​:

@starsuffered​ / harry

flash texts – [ you home? ]

thumb swipes another message – [ i’m outside let me in ]

his hair’s freshly washed, the roots dyed and he’s dressed in new clothes – some acid wash jeans and a band t-shirt he’s maybe heard one song from. the flight jacket’s vintage, leather scuffed at the elbows and fuck, he’s trying too hard. harry’s gonna notice and fucking tease.

but out of all his friends? harry’s the hardest to impress. harry’s the one he wants to impress. so it’s washed and dyed hair, new clothes, and a nervous rocking back and forth on his heels.

the symbiote under his skin ripples up his spine in little slimy pops, up each knob of bone like it does when he’s nervous. the thing is mindless. it doesn’t rattle in his head like venom did, but it’s there. and he inhales through his nose, exhales through his mouth until it settles back under his skin.

flash raises his voice. “i know you’re home, osborne!”

pm : [ hold on i’m blow drying my hair ]

truth be told, harry just likes to make flash wait. he takes his time changing into a pair of nice dress pants and a button-down shirt. when he sees the notification announcing flash’s arrival, he smiles to himself in anticipation and heads to the door. it’s always fun whenever the pair hang out together, and harry thoroughly enjoys flash’s obvious interest in him.

the door swings open, and harry’s smile widens. “well, if it isn’t my favorite fake blond!” they say, clapping a hand on flash’s shoulder. taking a moment to observe the other’s appearance, harry’s eyebrow raises in approval. “hello, eugene. would you rather hit the bar or have a picnic in central park? i’m torn.’”