Cordelia Grimshaw

29 Years old. Greenhouse worker. Cyprus Cove. Westside. Single. [ Part of Cyprus cove roleplay ]

[sweetcordeliagrim]

" Ooooh, the ceiling is a great idea, who doesn't like plants floating above your head? I have so many in the ceiling at home, it makes it fun and playful," Cordelia beamed at Noel's words. She got behind the register and put in the numbers for the plans. " Do you need any pots for them? We got a few pretty ones that you can hang up from the ceiling," she suggested. "Right? I find it fascinating that there are so many plant families, and then all the plant types inside those families.... We are really lucky to just have our pick of plants in whatever purpose we need it for. Imagine if there were only one plant on earth, how weird would that be?" She said, giggling a bit at the thought. She could honestly babble on forever about plant facts. She loved telling people all kinds of facts and information about plants, but it wasn't often that the information was wanted. Cordelia also beamed at the fact that Noel approved of her taste in plants; it was always a nice feeling when someone agreed with her on something. " Right, they are just so pretty!!"

[downxbyxaxcove]

Noel smiled softly and gave a small nod. “The ceiling is the perfect place. Especially if you have really, really tall ceilings…” They had pretty average ceiling heights, but even then they figured they could work with the ceiling. The suggestion of pots, Noel quickly nodded. “Yes, please! I need some hanging planters and maybe some wall planters… Even if I get them home and decide I don’t have enough plants for all the planters, I can come back and get more plants…”

“I couldn’t imagine having a world with just one specific plant. It wouldn’t be as colorful…” They couldn’t imagine a world without plants. They smiled brightly as they listened to Cordelia talk. It was nice to hear someone else obsessing over something that they also obsessed over. Often they felt like they were annoying because all they wanted to talk about was plants, or music, or any number of topics that they would obsess over for weeks at a time.

[sweetcordeliagrim]

"Yes, that's exactly right. Ceilings are perfect for plants both because you are using space that mostly won't be used aaand, you're making the ceiling pretty," She said, now beaming with excitement as she started visualizing a big ceiling filled with all sorts of wonderful plants. She started getting the planters for them as they expressed they needed it and nodded as they talked. " Oh no, that would be so sad, just like if all humans were the same...oh my god, can you imagine if there was only one animal species? The world would be so dull and dysfunctional... no, we need variety, all the plants, all the people, all the animals...we need colours in our lives." Cordelia spoke passionately, just blurting up the first thing that came to mind. She always did that, but it was nice doing i with someone who actually seemed to enjoy the talking.

[downxbyxaxcove]

“Only sometimes…” Cole said with a small smile, laughing a bit as she teased him. He took his coffee cup and tucked it in the corner of his chair, behind his back. He then reached down to grab the wheels, pushing them forward. “I think I could use some protection from my pride…” he laughed, making his way toward an empty table. "Is this table okay with you?" he asked, smiling brightly as he settled up against the table. He took his coffee out from behind him, placing it on the table.

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Codelia followed Cole's lead and then stopped to look at the table, acting as if she was really thinking it through when in fact she was just staring at the plant in the window. She stared at the white and red begonia and smiled to herself, remembering selling that exact plant a month ago and was happy to see it seemed to be thriving. " Yes, this table is great," she said and sat down happily as she gave her full attention back to Cole. Then she realised she actually didn't have anything to drink or eat, she'd completely forgotten to order herself anything in the midst of the coffee chaos before, but instead of doing anything about it she just sat and smiled at Cole; she didn't need anything really, just his company.

[whimsicallywitches]

She laughed a bit looking at the attendant who didn't seem to care either way which made sense. Probably working a double on minimum wage. "Oh I haven't had a good night's sleep in the past week or so." she said shaking her head. "I'm just kind of existing on coffee and a dream at this point." she told her.

"Don't I know that life." she said with a laugh. "Where are you working now." She asked. "Oh I co-own the dance studio. It's in that old building a couple blocks over that was like a revolving door of closing businesses...ours will not be one of them. Knock on wood." she joked knocking on her own head not seeing anything made of actual wood around.

"So I know I can get better. My boyfriend actually owns Wake Up Coffee but right before recitals I feel like he's going to think I'm using him or I'm coming to often if I show up every minute I need coffee." she said laughing. "So I try to make do with this. It's much better in the morning when they just kind of have to remake it every 10 minutes."

[sweetcordeliagrim]

"Coffee and a dream? You're not a poet, are you? That sounded dreamingly poetic," she beamed, getting half excited at the thought as she loved to read poems in her free time. But as River continued and explained she co-owned a studio, her excitement turned into admiration. In fact, she found it very impressive that she owned and ran something of her own. " Wow, that is really impressive," she let out in a way that could make people question if she was speaking to River, herself or jus the air. And as River turned the question back on herself, she smiled shyly, as she wasn't much to talk about, even if it was just to describe her career. " Oh I work at Roots Nursery on the Westside" She explained " I raise plants for a living" She chcukled a little awkwardly as she said it. When River mentioned who her boyfriend was, Cordelia became a little wide-eyed, but not in surprise, but as if in realization that she actually knew who he was. "Oh, so you're dating Arjun from Wake Up Coffee? That's swell," She said, as if she had the need to comment on it and say how great she found it, even though she knew she wasnðt required to place an opinion on it."He came into the Nursery the other day, baught a bunch of plants. You'll keep an eye on the plants for me will ya? see if he takes good care of them?" She asked, only half joking, but giving a playful wink while at it.

[illustratedxillusions]

Marco chuckled softly when she said he’d gotten her attention. “That was the idea. Now remember these are all in testing mode. I want honest opinions.” He gave her a look, trying to show her how serious he was and not burst into laughter. He smiled though as he moved to show her the different options. “Okay, first we have a chili lime grilled shrimp, then we have blackened snapper sliders and then we have a crab empanada.” He motioned the food. “Pick your poison. What will be your first choice?”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia stared at her options deep in thought, trying to decide which one to try first." Mmm, you're not making this easy on me, Marco," She said as her eyes kept switching from one sample to the other. "But I'm feeling adventurous, and the crab empanada is kind of screaming at me, so I think I'll try that," she said, finally making up her mind.

[illustratedxillusions]

Arjun smiled as he followed after her. There was something calming about watching someone move through a space they understood so completely. “Resident plant enabler,” he repeated, amused. “That sounds like a job title I’d trust immediately.” When she mentioned the dirt mark helping the plants recognize her, he laughed softly again, warmer this time. “Honestly, that tracks. I think my espresso machine would unionize if I came in looking too polished. Some places expect a little evidence you’ve been working.” He laughed softly. “To be fair,” he said, “quietly thriving in spite of me is kind of the entire aesthetic of the café.”

He crouched a little beside her to look at the plant she turned toward him, studying the curling vines thoughtfully. “I think trailing,” he decided after a moment. “The shop gets a lot of harbor light, especially in the mornings. And people tend to camp out by the windows for hours pretending to work on novels or avoiding emails.” He nodded. “I want it to feel like somewhere you can come to breathe for a minute.”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia’s smile softened at that, something quieter settling into her expression as she leaned back onto her heels. “That’s a dangerous thing to say to someone who talks to plants for a living,” she warned lightly. “Now I’m emotionally invested in your café having the perfect atmosphere.” She stood again, carefully lifting one of the trailing plants from the shelf and cradling it against her chest while she walked a little farther down the aisle.

“I like that, though,” she admitted after a second. “A place people go to hide for a bit. Or breathe. Those are usually the places that end up mattering most.” Her fingers brushed absentmindedly over one of the vines as she glanced toward him again. “And trailing plants help with that. They make a space feel softer. Less…” She gestured vaguely around them. “Functional.”

She stopped beside another display, comparing the plants with exaggerated seriousness before holding up a second option for him to inspect. “Okay, so this one thrives on neglect and occasional affection, which feels promising for your situation,” she teased. “And this one—” she lifted the first plant slightly, “—is dramatic. Not difficult, just theatrical. It’ll start drooping the second it wants water like it’s personally dying to make sure everyone notices.” Her mouth twitched with amusement. “Honestly, customers might relate to that one more.”

Then, a little more curious, she tilted her head at him. “Wake Up Coffee, huh? Is it one of those tiny cozy places where everyone knows each other’s orders, or the kind where people sit mysteriously in corners pretending they’re in a movie?”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia laughed softly, clearly delighted by Bowdie’s enthusiasm. “Oh, if you add ice cream, then you absolutely have to get the apple pie. Warm pie and cold vanilla ice cream is basically a life-changing experience.” She leaned slightly against the counter as she spoke, smiling easily now. “Though fair warning ..... you’ll probably end up coming back for the others once you try one.”

At the introduction, her smile brightened further. “Bowdie is such a cute name,” she said warmly. “And welcome to town officially, then. You picked a good place to start your adventures.”

She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before gesturing vaguely around the diner. “Honestly, if you’re taking recommendations, the pie is mandatory, the milkshakes are dangerous because they’re addictive, and if you ever see the cinnamon rolls out early in the morning? Grab one immediately before the regulars get to them.”

[downxbyxaxcove]

Bowdie hummed softly at the thought of warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream. “It’s the best way to eat apple pie if I’m being honest…” she laughed. She smiled brightly, shrugging her shoulders. “There is nothing wrong with becoming a regular. I’ll come in every day, order the same meal, and then just change the pie until I’ve tried them all.”

“Aw, thanks… I’m really excited to see what this town has to offer. Honestly, so far I’ve liked everything I’ve seen. I’m considering sticking around for a while which is kind of a miracle for me. I’m a bit of a nomad… roaming wherever the breeze takes me.” She laughed. She didn’t know if she was ready for settling down, but this was a good place to be. She could travel to nearby towns if she needed extra work.

“Pie is mandatory. Milkshakes are dangerously addictive, and cinnamon rolls are a must if I get here early enough. Thanks for the Crossroads Cafe survival manual. I appreciate it!”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

"Exactly," Cordelia said happily as Bowdie seemed to get it. " That's what I'm working on, I've tried almost all of them," she informed her proudly.

"So, kind of like pollen. " Travelling around with the wind and the bees, and sometimes they land in the right place and can set roots... maybe you'll set roots here," she said with a wide smile." And if you do, you should come to Roots Nursery." I work there, I could get you good deals on pretty and inspiring flowers," She suggested. She laughed when Bowdie playfully thanked her for the Crossroads cafe manual, which was a funny way to word it, something she was amused by and grateful for. " You're very welcome, Bowdie, anytime."

[downxbyxaxcove]

Tarragon smiled and turned in a circle. “Thank you so much for your forgiveness, dearest plants…” he announced in a dramatic and playful fashion. He then turned completely back to Cordelia again. He followed her toward the table, watching as her fingers ran over clusters of blooms. He took a deep breath. They were all so beautiful.

“I love orchids, but they aren’t altar material, I don’t think. And roses… also lovely, but roses, I’m sure would thrive better outside. Although, that does pose the idea that I should do some outdoor landscaping.” He pointed toward some white lilies. “I think the lilies would be the best for the altar.” He gave a satisfied nod, but then seemed to pause and think for a moment longer. “But I think you’ve sold me. I will take some orchids and roses too. Time to freshen up the outdoors as well.”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia laughed at the theatrics when he thanked the plants for their forgiveness; she found him wonderfully amusing. As he replied to her suggestions, she listened attentively and took mental notes of his words. She didn't really know much about what suited an altar, so hearing his thoughts on it was very helpful for her, just in case she needed to replace more flowers at an altar some other time. It took Cordelia by surprise when Tarragon said he'd take roses and orchids as well, but she lightened up at the announcement. It always made her feel proud when she was able to spark more interest in the flowers she was tending to. Having a customer come in for one type and ending up buying three was a huge achievement in her mind, and she couldn't help but smile widely. "Oh that's lovely, you won't regret it, I can assure you of that. " She told him happily before helping him carry the plants to the register. She used a calculator to find the price of the flowers and then announced the price to him with that wide smile on her face still.

[illustratedxillusions]

Weston looked up when he heard Cordelia’s voice, chuckling softly to himself. “And that’s what I get for not looking before I speak. Though, you know, you’re always welcome to put some plants aside to bring home later.” He smirked, giving her a wink. He stood up straight, stretching out his back. “These figs have really been punishing me lately. I’m not willing to give up just yet but I might have to tag you in soon.” He admitted, shaking his head before looking over at her. “Did you have a good night?”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia looked at him whimsically, her smile widening as he offered her more plants if she wanted. "Oh, you know how to tug at my heartstrings Weston," She said cheerfully."I've had my eye on this ostrich fern for a while now, so I might take you up on that offer. " She said and rubbed her hands playfully when Weston said he might have to tag her in soon." Ready when you are, boss...." She said nodding," Luckily I had a good night so I'm fresh fresh and ready to take on the figs whenever you decide you've had enough punishment for the day."

[downxbyxaxcove]

Noel almost blushed when Cordelia agreed that one of each would be good. It would be cohesive, but not boring. It was nice to hear, because they were slightly frightened of overwhelming their house with the same plants. "I'm sure I can make room. My ceiling is not completely covered yet... I can hang them from the ceiling." They said, sounding very determined as they carried their plants toward the register.

They leaned against it, watching Cordelia as she tried to determine her favorite plant. "600 plant families..." They loved facts that included numbers and stats. "Wall crawling plants are a very, very good way to decorate. They don't get in the way, but they grow so beautifully..." They gave a small nod. "Clematis is pretty, get a little color instead of just all green."

[sweetcordeliagrim]

" Ooooh, the ceiling is a great idea, who doesn't like plants floating above your head? I have so many in the ceiling at home, it makes it fun and playful," Cordelia beamed at Noel's words. She got behind the register and put in the numbers for the plans. " Do you need any pots for them? We got a few pretty ones that you can hang up from the ceiling," she suggested. "Right? I find it fascinating that there are so many plant families, and then all the plant types inside those families.... We are really lucky to just have our pick of plants in whatever purpose we need it for. Imagine if there were only one plant on earth, how weird would that be?" She said, giggling a bit at the thought. She could honestly babble on forever about plant facts. She loved telling people all kinds of facts and information about plants, but it wasn't often that the information was wanted. Cordelia also beamed at the fact that Noel approved of her taste in plants; it was always a nice feeling when someone agreed with her on something. " Right, they are just so pretty!!"

[downxbyxaxcove]

"Oh, yeah, you do not want to be Harper level stubborn... It's bad for the health sometimes..." Cole teased a bit. Although, it wasn't really a joke. Often times the Harpers had little self preservation. It was why his lungs had been so messed up lately, because God forbid he actually admit to needing a surgery. He took a deep breath, reaching out to take the new coffee from the barista when she offered it to him. "Thank you..." he said in a soft voice before turning his attention back to Cordelia. "Do you want to join me? I might actually sit at a table for a while if there is someone to sit with me."

[sweetcordeliagrim]

"Only sometimes?" Cordelia shot jokingly. She watched him take the coffee from the barista again and smiled brightly as nothing got spilled this time around. As he asked her to join him, that smile did not flinch; it only brightened if anything. Cordelia always welcomed it when someone wanted to spend time with her, as she was pretty good at isolating herself at home with her mother. " Sure, I'll sit with you, make sure that pride doesn't harm you again," She said, paying attention to him to see if he could carry the coffee and move his wheelchair okay on his own.

[scftmelodys]

Nora smiled a little at that. There was something about the way Cordelia said forgiving that felt less like a plant description and more like a kindness. “I think forgiving is exactly the level I’m qualified for right now,” she admitted softly. She stepped a little closer to the bench where the herbs were gathered, her attention moving slowly across them. Basil she recognized immediately. Rosemary too, though she reached out and rubbed one needle gently between her fingers before lifting her hand to catch the scent, as if confirming it. "I used to keep a little windowsill garden,” she said after a moment. “Nothing very ambitious. Parsley. Basil. One extremely stubborn thyme plant that somehow survived. I cook a lot so its nice having fresh herbs." She glanced back toward Cordelia again, a little more at ease now than when she’d come in. “I’m staying out on the island right now,” she added, almost apologetically. “And I thought maybe… taking care of something living there might make it feel a little more like mine while I’m there.”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia’s expression softened as she listened, her arms loosely folded against the edge of the bench while Nora spoke about the little windowsill garden. “Honestly? The fact that the thyme survived already makes you more qualified than half the people who walk in here,” she said lightly, a small smile tugging at her mouth. “Thyme can be weirdly dramatic for something so tiny.”

She watched the way Nora handled the rosemary carefully, like she was reacquainting herself with something familiar, and something in Cordelia’s expression gentled further at the mention of the island. “I don’t think that’s strange at all,” she said quietly. “Places feel less temporary when something depends on you being there. Even if it’s just remembering to water basil every few days.”

Reaching past Nora carefully, she picked up a smaller herb pot from the table nearby and held it out slightly toward her. “This one’s mint,” she explained. “Basically impossible to kill, smells good, grows fast enough to make you feel accomplished.” Her smile turned teasing again, softer this time. “And if you do somehow manage to destroy it, I’ll personally pretend to be shocked.”

She tilted her head a little. “What kind of things do you cook?” She then wondered curiously.

[whimsicallywitches]

River was exhausted. She'd been trying to seem less like some kind of stalker. Even though she was dating Arjun she still tried to keep some kind of chill and not bother him at all hours. But gas station coffee was only so good and only did so much. She was trying to figure out the perfect ratio of cream sugar and coffee to get her through the next hour of choreographing when she heard a voice she recognized and put on a smile.

"Cordelia. Christ it has." she said. "What have you been up to. How are you. Please distract me from this tragically terrible coffee that has clearly been on the burner for more that 30 minutes." she jokingly said

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia laughed as she glanced down at the sad excuse for coffee in River’s hands, immediately making a face of sympathy. “Oh, that’s not coffee anymore, that’s basically burnt bean soup.” She leaned against the counter beside her, eyes warm with amusement. “You look like you’re fighting for your life over here.”

At the question, she hummed softly. “Honestly? Same old chaos. Working too much, sleeping too little, making questionable life choices for the plot.” Her grin widened a little. “So, thriving, basically.”

She nudged River lightly with her shoulder. “What about you? Besides apparently torturing yourself with gas station caffeine. You look exhausted.”

Then, with sudden seriousness, Cordelia pointed toward the coffee pot. “Also, I need you to know I would rather lick the sidewalk outside than drink whatever’s left in there. "

[fallonrossi]

Fallon let out a bright laugh at Cordelia’s dramatic ghost comment, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She gently pulled Cordelia to her side by the elbow, tucking her close in a warm, affectionate way. “Oh no you don’t, miss ghost,” she teased, holding the cigarette up between her fingers and waving it just out of Cordelia’s easy reach. “You’re not getting it back that fast.” She grinned, tilting her head as she kept the cigarette playfully hostage for a few seconds longer, her voice light and bubbly. “Come on, beg a little. Or at least say ‘pretty please’ first.”

After a moment, she finally softened and offered it closer, though she still held onto it herself, dangling it teasingly in front of Cordelia. “Here… but only because I like you.” She added with a soft wink, still keeping Cordelia pulled comfortably against her side. “I thought you were trying to cut back?”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia let herself be tugged closer with a laugh, bumping lightly against Fallon’s side as she reached half-heartedly for the cigarette. “This is cruel and unusual treatment, actually,” she informed her dramatically, though the grin pulling at her mouth ruined any attempt at seriousness.

At the demand to beg, she narrowed her eyes playfully up at her. “Absolutely not. I have dignity.” A beat passed before she added, far less convincingly, “...Some dignity.”

Still, she leaned in a little closer, lowering her voice into an exaggeratedly sweet tone. “Pretty please, oh merciful cigarette thief?”

The second Fallon finally offered it back, Cordelia’s smile softened into something warmer at the wink, her shoulder staying comfortably pressed against hers. “See, this is why I keep you around. Your generous spirit.” She took a drag before exhaling slowly, already looking a little too content for someone supposedly cutting back.

At the reminder, she groaned quietly and tipped her head back. “I am trying,” she defended with a laugh. “But then you go and look all pretty while holding my nicotine hostage and suddenly recovery gets very difficult.”

[downxbyxaxcove]

Bowdie smiled softly. “It was an adorable little dance. I support when food is so good, you react to it.” She gave a tiny laugh, finding her little blush cute. She gave a small nod. “I will definitely have to get a piece of pie… but it’s going to be hard to decide which one. All the options seem so good.” She would have taken one of each, but her ice box in her van wasn’t too big and it was an actual cooler with ice so it wasn’t good for storing just anything.

At the recommendation of the apple, Bowdie nodded. “I think I will do that. With maybe a scoop of ice cream…” She smiled brightly. “It’s so nice to meet you, Cordelia… I’m Bowdie. Just recently came to town. Trying all the new things… so I accept all the recommendations.”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia laughed softly, clearly delighted by Bowdie’s enthusiasm. “Oh, if you add ice cream, then you absolutely have to get the apple pie. Warm pie and cold vanilla ice cream is basically a life-changing experience.” She leaned slightly against the counter as she spoke, smiling easily now. “Though fair warning ..... you’ll probably end up coming back for the others once you try one.”

At the introduction, her smile brightened further. “Bowdie is such a cute name,” she said warmly. “And welcome to town officially, then. You picked a good place to start your adventures.”

She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before gesturing vaguely around the diner. “Honestly, if you’re taking recommendations, the pie is mandatory, the milkshakes are dangerous because they’re addictive, and if you ever see the cinnamon rolls out early in the morning? Grab one immediately before the regulars get to them.”

[downxbyxaxcove]

Tarragon frowned and bowed his head solemnly. “I know… It is a terrible thing. I confess my mistakes and I am here trying to make up for it. I vow to be better. Never clean around it, always move it and then return it to its original place.” Tarragon placed his hand on his heart, looking as if he were making a sacred vow. He then chuckled a bit as she promised they would handle it.

“Oh, I’m so glad that you specialize in that. I could use all the help I could receive.” He smirked, tucking his hands in his pocket to follow behind her deeper into the greenhouse. “The arrangement was in a round golden pot, not too large, but just enough to add some color to the altar. I would prefer something white, but am open to options.”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia let out a soft laugh at his dramatic vow, glancing back at him over her shoulder as she carefully brushed past hanging vines and shelves overflowing with greenery. “A very noble promise. I think the plants will forgive you this time.”

She listened as he described the arrangement, her expression thoughtful. “White flowers for an altar arrangement… that narrows it down beautifully, actually.” She slowed near one of the tables, lightly running her fingers over a cluster of blooms. “We could do something soft and elegant—white lilies, orchids, maybe roses if you want something more classic. Though lilies tend to feel the most ceremonial.”

[cypresscove-media]

It's Honesty Wednesday! Participating in this is completely optional. Please remember that it does NOT count toward your activity. If you are participating, please reblog this! Tag with #cypresscove.honesty.

EVERYDAY LIFE / DOMESTIC

📋 : how organized is your muse?

✅ : what do they pretend to have together that they don't?

🕰️ : what time do they naturally wake up when no one needs them?

☕ : what's their morning ritual, and what happens when it's disrupted?

🧺 : how often do they do laundry?

🪞 : do they look at themselves in mirrors, or avoid them? why?

🍽️ : do they eat to survive, for pleasure, or as comfort?

🏠 : what part of their living space reflects them the most?

🌱 : do they keep plants, and are those plants alive?

🧼 : what's something they're weirdly particular about being clean?

📺 : what do they put on when they don't want to think?

SOCIALIZATION / CONNECTION

🗣️ : are they better one-on-one, or in groups?

📱 : do they text back immediately, or let messages rot?

🫥 : how often do they pretend to be fine to keep the peace?

🎭 : how different are they with strangers versus people they trust?

🤝 : do they make friends easily, or accidentally?

🧠 : what do they assume people think about them?

🌘 : how hard is it to really know them?

🎉 : do they enjoy social events, or endure them?

🪑 : are they the type to leave early without saying goodbye?

INTROSPECT / INTERNAL LANDSCAPE

🕵️‍♀️ : how often does your muse think about death?

🧩 : what part of themselves do they not understand yet?

🫀 : what emotion scares them the most?

👣 : do they believe they deserve good things?

🧱 : what walls are they aware of building? which ones are they not aware of?

🕳️ : what do they spiral about at night?

📉 : what's their most common self-criticism?

💀 : do they trust their own memories?

🌊 : what emotion do they drown in when they're alone?

PERSONAL / DEEP / TRAUMA-ADJACENT

🩸 : what wound shaped them the most, even if they won't admit it?

🔥 : what moment do they replay when they're ashamed?

🧷 : who failed them first?

🕯️ : what do they grieve that no one else sees as a loss?

🪤 : what pattern do they keep falling back into?

🧨 : what pushes them past the point of restraint?

🧬 : what did they inherit emotionally from their caregivers?

🕶 : what lie do they tell themselves to survive?

🩹 : what actually helps them heal, even if it's unhealthy?

HABITS / VICES / COPING

🚬 : what vice do they justify the most?

🍺 : do they drink to socialize, numb, or celebrate?

💊 : what's their relationship with substances, past or present?

🏃 : do they move their body to feel alive or to punish it?

🛏️ : how do they sleep when things are bad?

🎧 : what kind of music gets them through the worst days?

🖊️ : do they write things down or let thoughts rot in their head?

☔️ : do they intellectualize pain instead of feeling it?

🕳️ : what habit would unravel them if taken away?

SEXUALITY / INTIMACY

🫠 : is it easy for them to get turned on, or do they need emotional safety first?

💞 : do they separate sex and feelings, or blur them dangerously?

🛑 : what's an immediate turn-off for them?

🔥 : do they crave intensity or stability?

🤲 : do they like being in control, or giving it up?

🪶 : are they gentle with people they desire?

🍒 : how do they feel about their own body during intimacy?

🎱 : what do they need to feel wanted?

🔒 : do they guard intimacy, or give it too freely?

💔 : have they ever used sex to avoid something?

MORALITY / CHOICES

⚖️ : what line will they never cross?

🩶 : what line have they already crossed and justified? or regret?

🧭 : do they believe they're a good person?

🔪 : what would they do if survival demanded cruelty?

🪙 : what do they value more, loyalty or truth?

🚪 : who would they abandon if forced to choose?

🕊️ : do they believe in forgiveness? for themselves? in others?

🧨 : what would make them snap permanently?

📜 : what promise do they regret making?

🪦 : what hill would they die on?

[scftmelodys]

Nora hesitated just inside the doorway after the bell announced her, one hand still curled loosely around the strap of her bag like she might decide at any moment she’d wandered into the wrong place and ought to retreat politely back out into the sunshine. The greenhouse air smelled like soil and green things. Her attention caught on Cordelia mid-conversation with the seedlings, and she stepped a little farther in, careful where she placed her shoes between trays and watering cans. She paused beside a hanging cluster of ivy, brushing one fingertip lightly along a leaf. Her nerves were still there, quiet but persistent, the way they had been since she’d started venturing farther from Colm’s house and the safe rhythm of the island. This felt like a manageable first expedition. Plants didn’t ask many questions. “I’m actually hoping to negotiate with a few of them myself,” she admitted, glancing back toward Cordelia with a small, almost sheepish smile. “Nothing too ambitious. Just an herb garden. Maybe some hanging baskets if they promise not to hold a grudge when I inevitably overwater them.”

[sweetcordeliagrim]

Cordelia’s smile softened at that, something quietly approving in the way she looked Nora over, not in a judging way, just… attentive. Like she was already placing her somewhere gentle in her mental catalogue of people. “Negotiation is a good strategy,” she said, stepping a little closer, brushing her hands off again out of habit. “Though I should warn you, most of them are terrible at compromise.” Her gaze followed Nora’s hand to the ivy, and she reached up to lightly lift one of the trailing vines between her fingers. “This one, for example,” she added, voice easy and low, “will absolutely forgive you for overwatering… but it might start taking over your entire space as repayment.”

There was a flicker of playfulness there before she let the vine fall back into place. “But herbs are a good place to start,” Cordelia continued, shifting her attention back to Nora. “They’re a little dramatic, but they bounce back fast. Basil, mint… rosemary if you’re feeling brave. And hanging baskets, those just like a bit of consistency. Water, light, and someone who checks in now and then.” She paused, studying Nora for just a second longer, like she was picking up on that quiet nervous energy—but instead of pointing it out, she softened her tone just slightly. “I can help you pick ones that won’t hold a grudge,” she offered, tilting her head. “We have a few that are… very forgiving.”