ignite thine words

her BLESSED mouth is a THOUSAND promises words trade SILENCES for a touch making breath like HEAVENLY mist on necks to catch, LIKE FIRE, and fall from throats

[wisteria1x1]

unsoundintuiitions​:

“I intend to,” her voice comes out light as she reaches out for another chip. It’s hardly the best breakfast she could get for herself, but considering most of the morning bad been taken up by previously mentioned breaking-up scenarios, it’ll have to do. Sarai shrugs, licking her fingers clean for a moment as she thinks it over. There’s some lingering sadness, sure, but she’s far from devastated. Which probably speaks to the integrity of the relationship that had existed there, or maybe the fact that she wasn’t as invested as she’d once thought. Anna’s words ring loud in her mind as her eyes flit up to Jason again. Tension builds in her shoulders. “It just… wasn’t working, I guess. For her, anyway. And she wants to really focus on school this semester, so if it’s not an all-in kind of deal…” A shrug pulls at her shoulders again. “I’m not, like, thrilled or anything, but I’ve definitely had worse breakups.” 

-

      “Hey, still. That sucks. I’m sorry,” Jason watches as her shoulders seem to tighten, lifting higher than where they usually sit. “She seemed cool. But you know what?” He waits for her to look at him to smile and dole some sour cream over the curve of her nose. “You’re even cooler. And I know you’ll find someone who will be ready to be all-in. It’s Anna’s loss.” It’s not the first time he’s given this speech. Or, well, at least some version of it. And he’d hate to admit it, but maybe there is a small, desperate part of Jason that dreads never saying it again. 

It’s not that he wants Serai to be miserable. No. That’s the last thing he wants. 

“So, not to be that guy...” He starts, wondering how to approach the topic while also reaching for some nachos of his own. “But does that mean you won’t have a partner for the beer pong-a-thon tomorrow night?” He’s already texting his buddy to cancel. “Because Matt found someone else to play with. I am officially partner-less.” And... sent. Now it’s not a lie. “Could be like old times. You and me against the world.” 

[unsoundintuiitions]

for: jason farin ( @wisteria1x1​ ) from: sarai van assen 

“Oh, are those nachos?” Sarai doesn’t wait for a response as she settles into the chair across from him, dropping her bag onto the floor next to her feet. She doesn’t wait for him to offer, either, instead reaching out and plucking a cheesy chip from the stack on Jason’s plate, cupping her hand under it to avoid loosing any queso to the tabletop. There’s a pause as she indulges, taking her time enjoying the stolen food before continuing. Pink tongue darts out over her lower lip to catch any strays. “Also, are you free Saturday? I’m very suddenly out of a date for the brand party.” A beat as she glances up at him, smile fond as she clarifies. “Anna and I just broke up.” 

[wisteria1x1]

      Jason’s brow –– which had previously furrowed after reading through what could really only be described as a strangely threatening email from his sociology professor –– eases as Sarai slips into the seat opposite him. He frowns playfully as she reaches for his bowl, but pushes the rest of the tray over to her. “Help yourself, you little food thief.” He’s finishing typing back a confident but casually bemused response when he stills and glances up at her. “You did?” Jason’s eyes soften, tracing over Sarai’s features for hints of distress or sadness. “What happened? You wanna talk about it?” 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

I shouldn’t have come here, she said.

He should’ve let her leave. But old habits died hard and he, who had never turned Maeve away before, wasn’t going to start now. Not today. 

“Hey… hey,” Aaron grabbed her arm. They’re on the porch. It’s dark but the stars and the porch lights provide them with warm brightness, shining in her hair. The deck was cluttered with toys he hadn’t had the time to clean up before work. “This is still your house,” he said firmly. They’d caught each other at the right time. He’d just pulled up into the driveway and she’d been waiting on the porch, likely debating whether or not she should knock. 

There was the realization that even now, after everything, they could go to each other. She could show up at his door and he’d still crumble at the sight of her eyes. Some things never changed. “You can come in. See the kids. They’re probably getting ready for bed.” He found a small smile to offer her, but with it he tucked his hands into his pockets. “You should come in.”

@wisteria1x1​

         Maeve ran a hand anxiously through her hair, and shot him a smile. She didn’t mean to do it, that under-the-eyelashes thing her sister had talked up and down about all throughout high-school, but old habits died hard. Behind him, the house is warm with light. Her heart clenches painfully at how close it all is. With the sun having set, darkening sky made everything but the house feel so lonely. Or maybe that was just her. She thought for a moment about going in, seeing the kids, tucking them in, reading them a story. She thought about the bottle of wine, they’d hid under a loose floorboard a year after getting married for ‘a special occasion’. She wondered if Aaron had already had it. If getting separated counted for a special occasion. Maeve decided she didn’t want to know. 

“ That’s okay, ” she said, subdued. “ I don’t want to confuse them if I come in. I was actually... just waiting for you. I guess I forgot you sometimes work late on Thursdays. ” She had, in her bag, the divorce papers. But giving them to him just felt so... final. Instead, Maeve leaned against the porch railing. “ The kids told me you’re seeing someone. ” They’d said more, but she’d wanted to hear it from him. A small part of her was curious, in a stomach-turning way –– fascinated, like a kid at an aquarium, with a hand pressed up against the glass, watching from a distance. 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

He washed his towel over his face when he walked in from his previous session. He wore a stoic expression, throwing his duffel down and tossing the towel on top of it. As he unscrewed his water bottle, he nodded in her direction. “Good,” Logan commented. “You don’t need that shit.” His eyes flitted up and down, taking note of her before speaking. “You’re a dancer,” he noted. He took a seat on an exercise ball, his eyes pasted on her. “Let’s talk. Tell me what I need to know.”

----

          She flew around, feeling more than embarrassed to have been caught by the trainer. In fact, her surprise was so high, it took a handful of moments for her to even process his words, and even longer, to process appearance. This had to be Logan Bradford. Jeez, he was good-looking. A little more masculine and buff than her usual type, though –– Autumn tended to appreciate androgyny in her partners. She liked guys who were... pretty. Still, she could objectively appreciate the traditional handsomeness of this dude. Well, she could, if he wasn’t grilling her right now. 

“ Um. Okay. ” She openly made a face, strolling over to where he sat, still a fair distance away. Force of habit had her holding her hands before her, the way she did in front of her ballet instructors. “ I’ve been dancing since I was eight years old. I work out four times a week. I eat healthy.” She raised her chin, as if to make a point. “ And I have my own trainer and way of doing things. No offense, but I kind of doubt you’ll want to do anything else with me. I’m pretty on top of stuff. ”

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

“Of course I had to wait for you,” Sam said, his tone echoing his sentiments of believing her statement was ridiculous. He always waited. Waiting, he wanted to say, was him reeling it in. He ached to sit next to her, to hold her hand in his while her body fought against itself. But that was comfort designated for a boyfriend, which he was absolutely not. 

He studied her face, wondering if he should push it. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how big of a lie is that?” 

His sister would kill him if she found out he’d considered dropping Afterthought. She’d walked in the door, their newest addition, and he’d considered it right then and there. Nope, can’t handle any more artists, we’re full, jam packed, can’t put more pressure on the team. It had been a thought that had run through his head quickly, for a split second, before he shook it off and shook her hand instead. Every now and then, it would show its face again, but it was easier to shake it off every time. Vena didn’t need anyone to take care of her, she’d made it abundantly clear – to the point where Carter Reinhart, bleeding heart, even knew to give her time alone after every show. But that didn’t mean he didn’t want to be a part of it when she was hurting. 

He grins. “Great. As usual. You don’t need me to tell you that. You always know when it’s a good show.” He pauses. “Carter and Atlas are on the bus. You hungry?” 

----

       “ Not a huge one, ” she said, flashing him a foxlike smile. The false lashes dotted in glitter her makeup artist had applied grazed against her cheek. Vera couldn’t wait to get back on the bus and delight in taking them off. There was something so satisfying in the act, quickly followed up by how quickly she usually discarded her bra next. She thought of her bed then and there, the cozy nook that sometimes felt stifling, but right now seemed so welcoming. Still, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, keeping her eyes on Sam’s face and knew she was going to be walking around lash-eyed and bra’d up for at least another hour. 

“ Starving! I’d kill for a burger right now. ” She sighed. With her heart, she had to be cautious with what she ate. Healthy, all the time. It was so rare for her to indulge. She’d had rebellious moments in the past and learned how perilous it was for her to mess with her health. Since, she’d picked up other ways to be a rebel. Just not with her heart. Literally speaking, she thought, still eyeing Sam. 

On the way out of the venue, she waved goodnight to the roadies. In the process, she’d sidled up close to Sam. “ Hey, I’ve got a question for you. ” She quirked a brow up at him. “ What do you do when we perform? Do you ever get bored? Do you put in airpods and listen to something else? Taylor Swift, maybe? Are you a Taylor Swift guy, Sam? I bet you totally are. ” 

[wisteria1x1]

         “ So –– I don’t think I’ve ever asked you this. What got you into acting? I mean, I think we talked a bit about it, but I don’t think I ever heard your first, ‘oh, I like doing this I think I’m going to keep doing it’ story. Did you ever want to do anything else? ” Anastasia says this while sitting criss-cross apple-sauce in one of Liana’s hoodies that she’d managed to steal without her noticing. An open board sits between her and Keaton, both of them armed with pens and cards –– playing Clue together, so that Ana could eventually make him watch the film version –– her favorite movie as a child –– with context. She had the slightest feeling that the bugger was beating her too. 

“ So? C’mon, out with it. Everyone’s got that story. I want to hear yours. ” 

@hcneyorchids​

[wisteria1x1]

@nekoreplies: 

        Just as Riley had his routine, Sidney had hers. Five in the morning: wake up to go on a five mile run. Six to seven in the morning: she’d get ready for track practice, and then the rest of the day was a variation of classes and whatever else was heavily encouraged by her parents. However, this particular morning she’d not only sprained her ankle, but skinned up her knee so bad that she felt like she had the leg of a mummy underneath her sweats. The throw was equally as unexpected as her catch, and there’s a small smile as she plops down beside him. 

“ Destroy me? God, you wish, ” she snorts, head leaning back against the seat with a small sigh. She was supposed to study, and train a little more, but she also knew that she left herself little to no time to do … literally anything, ever. Which is why she was so new and inexperienced at this whole … romance boy thing. Though, it was a relief that for whatever reason, Riley didn’t expect her to be someone she wasn’t. Dainty, gentle and soft just wasn’t Sidney, and it was nice not to have to pretend for him to like her. 

        “ We both know that I am entirely capable of eating more than probably anything, ever. My metabolism doesn’t come to play, ” she’s gently raking her hands through his hair now, completely distracted from the little incident with her leg. “ But if it makes you feel better, I’ll let you have it — this time. ”

----

        “ I kind of do. I wish I had your metabolism. I have an appetite and the metabolism of a rock. Look at me, I’m starting to get pudgy. ” He pinched an inch of skin off his stomach and gave a shrug. “ I hope you like me with a dad bod, ‘cause you’re definitely the looker in this relationship babe. I am simply the charm. ” He grinned, and in less than a second, was disarmed completely by Sidney’s hands in his hair. He swallowed at the sudden urge to butt his head against her like a cat and start purring contentedly. 

“ I appreciate that, ” he said, far too softly. A moment, and he was clearing his throat, moving her hands away and into his lap where he absentmindedly massaged the fingers. “ There’s something else. I uh–- I have this dumb academic contest thing soon. It’s not a big deal but, if you’re free, I’d like it if you were there. Would be kinda nice to know you were there. But hey, if you’re busy that day, I get it. ” 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

“What’s that?” Fallon asked, leaning forward with his hands tucked into his pockets. He had the right, he felt, to be a little more obnoxious than usual. The dinner had put them on equal footing. She’d think he wouldn’t notice, but he saw the light of delight in Tally’s eyes as she sat across his mother wide eyed, he saw the foreign softness in her eyes as she took part in their banter as if she’d been a part of their lives forever. It was softness for him. She could deny it all she wanted, but their fleeting eye contact in the midst of bellied laughs was impossible to mistake. 

“I invited you because of this,” he called, gesturing at her face in circles, taking a step toward her, meeting her in the middle. He’d never seen her like this before; she’d never let him. But as he took another step towards her, he knew whatever he’d meant to say by that would scare her off faster than a cat caught in the headlights. Instead, he said: “Because now you owe me.” 

Fallon smiled at her question, moving his head and looking away from her expectant gaze. He shook his head. “It’s my turn, Jackson. I gave you dinner with your favorite author. It’s my turn to call the shots. Ask me again in an hour.”

----

        Tally, being the notorious people person that she was (catch the sarcasm?), was a great judge of character and intent, and as Fallon gestured at her face, she cast a long roll of her eyes and nodded. “ I should have figured. But whatever –– what you did was kinda cool, so I’ll let it slide. I guess I do owe you. ” That same familiar weight of the books pressed into her side now as she lifted the back to her shoulder. There wasn’t much now that Fallon could say or do that could bring her down. She couldn’t bring herself to mind his presence, not when the last hour had been spent in small laughter and a not-so-acerbic round of back and forth ribbing. It had been different. It had been nice. 

“ I will, ” she promised, turning her eyes away. The walk back to her apartment was not a long one, only about fifteen minutes on foot and the night wasn’t too bad, especially with the long, black sweater dress she’d worn over sheer tights. The street lights were warm, and the grassy lawns around them were misty with a light coating of the rain that had fallen earlier. “ Well, are we just going to walk in silence then? Because I’m fine with that, but I’m a little surprised you are. ” 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

Fleur’s eyes lifted, scanning Scarlet’s proximity with satisfaction. She’d won, as far as she was concerned. The anger Scarlet refused to echo in her voice was all too visible to Fleur. Perks of knowing a girl better than she knew herself, she thought. It was the reaction she’d been hunting for. 

Lifting herself off of the chair, she gently pushed against the arms Scarlet had cornered her with.  If they were doing this, they were doing it eye to eye. “You say all that,” she repeats, frowning with a look of pity. “And yet you pathetically followed him to Canada. Be careful. If he doesn’t file for a restraining order, his girlfriend might. Maybe it’s time you take a fucking hint?” She sighs, pushing back Scarlet’s hair. Her hand rests softly on her neck. “I’m just here to look out for you. Because I love you. You’re my best friend. It’s hard to see you like this.” 

----

     It was hard to explain or justify her friendship with Fleur as anything other than symbiotic –– it was like drinking to get drunk; a buzz, a high –– mutually assured destruction. In many ways so similar and yet so different from the codependency of Scarlet and Luca. For one, Luca made Scarlet better –– Fleur only brought her down –– whether emotionally, or to her level –– either way, she brought her down. But at the end of the day, regardless of the bullshit, regardless of how she’d tried to fuck Luca, regardless of her fake-as-plastic persona, Fleur was her oldest friend outside of Luca. She could be the absolute worst ( which, considering Scarlet, was a feat ), but Scarlet was nothing if not loyal to her friends... small as the group was. 

Even smaller now that Luca had shut the doors on her. “ Maybe I followed you, not him, ” she said, if only to watch Fleur stumble. “ If it’s so hard, Fleur, why don’t you stop shoving the fucking knife in. I’m over Luca. I’m just here to work. Got it? ” 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

“Law school,” Liana nodded, biting down on a fry. “She wants to do, like, celebrity law? I don’t really know what it means, but Elena’s the smart one. Always has been.” She rambled on about her sister, almost blissfully unaware of Ana’s obvious internal turmoil. She never picked up on things like that. 

She paused mid-bite when Ana turned the conversation around on its heel. Her eyebrows furrowed together. She was missing something. She knew she was. “I’m sure you don’t,” she quickly offered before guiltily pausing. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what we’re talking about. Fill me in, I’m ready.”  

----

       It took a second to remember that the world did not revolve around her drama with Luca and his former flame –– a second that came as pure relief. And knowing that there was at least one person who, either out of ignorance or choice, wasn’t buying into what the tabloids were all saying... Without knowing it, Liana, humble and innocent as she was, had done more to reassure her than any magazine article or advice column ever would. Anastasia smiled, appetite starting, slowly, to return. 

“ It’s fine. Just... everyone keeps looking at me like they pity me lately. I think it has to do with Scarlet Love coming here. It’s like a ticking time bomb...” She grabbed a piece of garlic bread and nearly moaned at the slightly salty, buttery taste. “ Have you met her yet? People say she can be really mean to cast and crew. ” But they also could not seem to stop raving about her acting talents; how Oscar-worthy she was, how she was the youngest child-star to win an Emmy in the last decade. It was all a little... much. 

“ Luca never talks about her. To me, at least. ”

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

Moving on was never easy. Moving on from Scarlet Love was a version of impossible Luca couldn’t escape if he wanted to. Reddit threads would conspire about their relationship twenty years in the future, regardless of potential spouses and children with other people. The tabloids would never forget their childhood romance, off and on, their dramatics pulling in money from every corner of Hollywood. Social media would likely never cease to tag the two of them in fan edits that might one day shift from painful to annoying. If there wasn’t so much profit that came from their toxic pattern, their constant heartbreak, Luca wondered if their parents would have put a stop to it years ago. He wondered if he would’ve cared about their valid hypothetical concern.

Probably not. There was no Luca McCoy without Scarlet Love. 

Anastasia McCoullough came like a breath of fresh air. Their banter flowed with ease, a smile everlasting on his lips that he didn’t have to tug up himself, and it had taken almost no thought on his part when she’d subsequently asked him out. Her confidence was enthralling, even in a room chock full of confident women. 

It was probably a good thing Liana Dalton was their final decision for the part of Cameron Morgan. 

Luca tipped his baseball cap down, the smile poking out on the corners of his lips visible only to Ana. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d genuinely laughed this much. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt normal. He’d never experienced the shelter of a private relationship – this wasn’t that. It was just a date. But he surprised himself with how open he already was to the thought. 

“What? No. Coconut’s a must,” he says, piling on two spoon fulls into his own cup. “I think if you want to eat candy, just eat candy. Doesn’t belong on froyo. Two good things doesn’t equal a third good thing.” 

----

             “ What? Oh, no way! ” She wrinkled her nose like she was about to give him major shit for his topping choices –– but grinned instead, scooping a small portion of hers into her mouth before she attempted to say something teasing and fudged it completely. “ I beg to differ, ” she said after swallowing, and setting her fro-yo on the table for a moment, her hands beginning to weigh two separate, invisible things. “ Think about peanuts, and now think about chocolate... delicious! Or salt... and caramel... amazing! ” And, if she was being absolutely honest, and absolutely cheesy, she might have looked at them both, and rested her case right there and then. But this was a casual date and she knew how to keep her mouth firmly shut. Such was not always the case growing up, but she’d finessed it into an art by now. 

“ Of course, and no offense here, some of you Americans have a tendency to take it just a little too far –– I’m of the mind that bacon and chocolate should be kept far, far away from each other. But I do admire the creativity. For my cousin’s birthday, her mum –– my aunt –– bought her a birthday cake... vanilla... on vanilla... with white sprinkles. It was... not great.” She laughs, pulling the picture out on her phone to show him and leaning into him in the process. He smelled clean and rich, like the best parts of Los Angelos, like sunshine. She could almost feel the warmth that had soaked into his black t-shirt. 

Sitting back, she sets down her phone immediately. She felt odd using it during dates, even though it was widely regarded as an alright thing to do. She preferred to focus her attention wholly on the people around her. And if she was being honest, Anastasia didn’t have much to look at except a few texts from her assistant on set. “ I’m sure this is a boring question to ask, but have you ever been to London? I think I remember you promoting a movie there a few backs which... ah, I have to admit I did not end up watching. Sorry? ” 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

“Let me guess,” Luca rolled his eyes at his brother. “You saw the headlines. You could’ve called.” He didn’t want to talk about Ana. Talking about Ana, to Gabe especially, meant talking about how great it is that he finally broke shit off with Scar. But mostly, there was security in having something for himself, in having Ana for himself in a way he’d never had anything for himself. “Let’s talk about you instead. How’s work? Bet you have a fun story.” @wisteria1x1​

----

       “ I live half an hour away, asshole, don’t worry about it. Plus I haven’t seen you in a while.” It was true, Gabe had seen the headlines, thrown his phone onto the seat of his car and fist punched the air. A grown man in many ways, reverting to a smug teenager. But now, in front of his twin, he tries to restrain the pure fucking glee that had overcome him when he’d seen it confirmed: Luca and Ana Mc-whatever-the-fuck-her-ridiculous-last-name was, kissing. Holding hands. Acting like a normal fucking couple. 

“ I do. Tons of crazy shit. But you’re not getting anything out of me until you spill.” He sounded like a fucking girl, but it was fine. “C’mon... you know you want to tell me about her, lil bro.” 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

A satisfied and rather smug smile settled onto Fleur’s lips, but it was the challenging ice reflected in her eyes that engaged in their silent battle. “Oh, but weren’t you?” Her eyebrow lifted, matching the defiant height of Scars before she shifted her expression into a few innocent blinks. Truth be told, she had felt real, unfiltered human emotion every time Scarlet had decided she was her own worst enemy. Once upon a time. With every reported unfollow had come a brewing fight or bouts of passive aggressiveness. Every time, she lost another token of her already limited empathy for her. Yet every time they engaged, she felt a fire set her skin aflame, an excitement that made her feel alive. “Anyway, what would I know. Luca didn’t tell me everything. It didn’t feel right asking him to talk about it when what he really needed was comfort, you know? I’m just thrilled you’re alright.” 

She wouldn’t glance at the hand Scarlet had taken hostage. Scar could dig her well manicured nails into her skin and Fleur still wouldn’t dare to give in, wouldn’t shift her eyes from the girls threatening gaze. They were playing a dangerous game, she intended to win. “Hm,” she hummed, her head falling into a slight tilt. “Absolutely. It takes a really strong woman to infiltrate the lives of the people that already moved on from her. It’s amazing, really. Putting yourself first like that. I’m sure we can all learn a thing or two from that strength.” 

----

      “ You know, Fleur, you say all that and yet you’re still here. In my hotel room, on my couch, drinking my fucking water. ” Scarlet then stands, and walks over to the large window, currently with the heavy drapes drawn. She pulls them open, enough to view the street –– and the lack of reporters. Over her shoulder, she casts a look of triumph. “ Now if you’re not here because I invited you –– which I didn’t, of course, because unlike what you think... I don’t infiltrate the lives of anyone who doesn’t want me there –– and you’re not here for the headline grab... ” 

She wanders over, feet cloaked in socks that silence her steps on the rich varnished wood floor. Scarlet leans down, hands on either side of Fleur on the couch. Her voice is dove-soft, and belies nothing of the fury churning in her gut.  “ Why the fuck are you here? ”

[wisteria1x1]

       “ So your sister is still in school? That’s uh... very impressive... ” 

Ana reached over to the center table, picking at the bowl of fries between them. She’d ordered a small spread –– explaining to Liana she wasn’t sure what she’d like –– and now that it was before her, felt too nervous to eat. On set, she’d made a few friends, but with the upcoming arrival of Scarlet Love next week, and the way Luca had seemed to clam up in anticipation, it was safe to say some nerves had broken free. It also didn’t help to see all the headlines circulating about the two when, as far as Anastasia knew, they hadn’t talked in over two months. 

“ Do you think I have something to be worried about? ” The subject change was whiplash quick. “ Sorry I just –– I can’t pretend it’s not all I’m thinking about... ” 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

“Oh, great.” Her words came out in a sharp chirp, one Fleur left designated for very specific people. “So you saw my tweets then? You were trending worldwide. Hashtag PrayForScarletLove. I mean, you must’ve. Look at you now. Brand spanking new.” She was such a good friend. If only Scarlet deserved an ounce of that friendship. 

Her eyes narrowed the slightest bit, but she left it at a simple nod. Scarlet Love could never be a different person. She was the same bitch she’d always been; Fleur hadn’t needed to see her to see that. “Of course! If I don’t, who will? That’s what best friends are for, babe. I am so proud of you. That takes a really big person.” She flashes another smile. “You’re better off anyway. Trust me. All men are pigs. It’s totally the right move to swear them off, especially given how fragile you are right now.” 

----

        Oh, she’d seen the tweets. And laughed for about three minutes, before having a raging fit. And now Scarlet posed an eyebrow high above her shimmery lids and six hundred dollar lash extensions. “ It was very... sweet. Granted, it’s not like I was dying–– but sweet. ” Already she can’t wait until Fleur leaves, though a small part of her has lit up at this: the back and forth, the sparring with words and looks, and minuscule gestures. It’s good to have an opponent worthy of her. 

“ And it takes a really special woman to be happy for another woman’s success. ” It’s then that she takes Fleur’s skinny bird hands into her own and clasps them ––– tight. “ That’s really good advice. I’m just going to focus on myself right now. It’s just the right journey for me, you know? Not everyone can do it, but–– that’s just how fucking strong I am. ” 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:

“So,” Fleur cut in to their awkward silence, a smile as fake as every comment she left under Scarlet’s pictures tugging on her lips. “I didn’t realize you were taking the part.” Sympathy touched her eyes. It was probably sad, she thought, to realize the entire world was moving on without you. She couldn’t relate. “How are you doing? I can’t imagine it’s easy seeing, you know, Luca’s chemistry with Liana.” Sighing, she takes a small sip of her sparkling water. “I’m here for you. Did they let you use Twitter in rehab?” @wisteria1x1​

----

       Fleur Cabot was full of shit. So much shit that Scar’s nose wrinkled when she heard who was waiting for her in the hotel lounge. Still, she allowed for her to come up. She’d thought... just for a second, it might be Luca. Well, it didn’t matter. She’d be seeing him on set a week from now. 

Scarlet plastered on a smile, but didn’t let the ice in her gaze cool one bit. “ Sometimes, ” she said, disregarding Fleur’s earlier comment. She’d gotten her nails done on the flight to Canada, and they sparkled, a deep, almost-black red. She tapped them against the glass table once, twice. “ And if you’re wondering if I know that Luca is dating someone else –– yes. And I’m fine with it. I’m a different person now. You understand. ” 

[wisteria1x1]

hcneyorchids​:.

Liana glanced at his hand, a smile immediately playing on her lips. He had a thing about him. It was the best way she could think to describe it – a thing. Her nerves were already floating past her, satisfied with the stop they’d made in her gut. “Theo,” she repeated, as if locking it away in a vault to remember for their next interaction. She was already looking forward to it. Was that weird? That was kind of weird, she insisted. Elena would call her hopeless. 

But he had a thing about him. She always did this. She hadn’t even introduced herself and she’d already come up with excuses to see him. Why her twin sister kept popping into her head, rolling her eyes, she didn’t know. But she knew that she hated it. 

“Liana,” she returned, extending her arm out to shake the hand he’d probably held out for a little too long. She took another bite of the cookie; it gave her something to do. “So, are you?” She lifts her eyebrow. “Pretending?”

----

       Hollywood had a way of finding these girls: these uncut gems, as he’d heard the casting director at this studio say way too often. But there was nothing uncut about Liana Dalton, Theo decided. She was rough around the edges, in the way anyone who wasn’t A-list royalty was, but he didn’t think that was a bad thing. She was new; a breath of fresh, clean air. She certainly was nothing like the hot mess that Scarlet Love was –– everyone in the industry knew it. Child star went off the rails all the time; tragic, though nothing new. But Love was something else in terms of how shitty she could be to those around her. Her temper was known to bring grown men to tears. She was half the reason nobody with grit ever stuck through a job like this. And considering who was playing Liana’s love interest on this show... he sure fucking hoped she had some. Grit, that is. 

“ Of course! Let me tell you something you’re not going to hear from these guys ever: confidence is all you need in Hollywood. Act like you know what you’re doing and people will believe you. ” He’d learned that lesson fast –– in this industry you needed to show reliability, because otherwise? You could be replaced... and quickly. “ They ask me all the time where things should go and I just go with my gut most of the time. It usually works out. ” He grabs a cookie of his own and clinks it against her own. “ You always wanted to act? ”