Theres Something Endearing About How Serious She Takes Cleaning Like Its An Art Form. To Him It's Just

there’s something endearing about how serious she takes cleaning — like it’s an art form. to him it's just another thing that needs to be done. he almost wishes it was a fun task for him, but it's simply not. " you're telling me all this time i've been using fancy products and all i really needed was some vinegar and citrus fruit ? " he sinks back, impressed look upon his face. " usually i would say there's no need, but i'm sensing this is fun for you. so if you want to, i could absolutely pay you to clean my countertops. " it somehow sounds like some weird inuendo, but he means it quite literally.

cleaning and being tidy certainly was time consuimg. and laila took it very seriously. especially because of the fact that she liked for her apartment and things to be done a certain way. taking the time to do things correctly was something she took great pride in. " are you saying that you need help cleaning your countertops? because i could do it. " she leans in close to be able to share the secret with him. " this isn't top secret at all. all it is, is vinegar and lemon juice. and let me tell you! it works absolute wonders!"

nova watches him for a moment, eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she considers his words. letting go isn't exactly in her wheelhouse. the idea of messing up for fun ? that's about as foreign to her as swimming itself. but dax has a way of talking that makes it all sound so simple, so easy, like none of it could possibly go wrong. besides, she supposed the act of trying alone would be a subtle f-you to her mother, something she finds rather exhilarating at this point in her life. soft smirk soon edges into the corner of her mouth. " do you always talk so poetically ? i'm starting to think you should reconsider your career path, you know. life-coaching may be your real calling, " she teases, tries to distract from the hint of tenseness that lingers in her shoulders. " but okay, i'll bite. but you won't see my laughing off any mistakes because i don't plan on making any. " nova steps closer to the water’s edge, her posture straight and sure, perfected act of confidence so strong even she barely notices the nervousness that lingers beneath. but it's there, like a small wave in her tummy. " so, what's the first step ? " she questions, toe dipping into the water. it feels nice. not too warm, not too cold. just right. with a quiet sigh, she moves further, stops and turns to face him when the water reaches her knees. " is this the part where i flop back, learn how to float ? "

he  leaned  back  against  the  weathered  wooden  railing ,    the  late  afternoon  sun  casting  a  warm  glow  over  the  water .     his  drawl  rolled  easily  off  his  tongue  as  he  replied ,     “     well ,     sugar ,     it  ain't  just  about  breathin'  and  strength .     it’s  about  lettin’  go  a  little ,     too .     i  promise ,     messin’  up  is  part  of  the  fun     —     like  findin’  a  hidden  treasure  in  a  pile  of  old  junk .    ”     he  could  see  the  playful  smirk  tugging  at  her  lips ,     that  competitive  spark  flickering  in  her  eyes  like  a  flame  eager  to  ignite .     “     and  who  said  i  didn’t  think  you  could  do  it ?     ”     he  continued ,     tilting  his  head  with  a  teasing  grin .    “     i’m  just  tryin’  to  keep  you  from  overthinkin’  every  little  splash  you  make .     the  water’s  meant  to  be  playful ,     not  a  battlefield .     ”     he  stepped  closer ,     his  voice  lowering  to  a  more  earnest  tone ,    “     how  ‘bout  this ?    you  humor  me ,     and  i’ll  make  sure  we  keep  it  fun .     i’ll  guide  you  through  it ,     and  you  can  show  me  how  fiercely  you  can  kick  and  glide .     if  you  mess  up ?     well ,     we’ll  just  laugh  it  off .     life’s  too  short  to  drown  in  perfection .     ”    his  eyes  sparkled  with  mischief  and  warmth ,     inviting  her  to  dive  into  a  new  experience .    “    so ,     whaddaya  say ?     let’s  see  what  kinda  magic  happens  when  you  let  loose  a  little .    ”

" the one and only, " he mockingly chimes, as if he's talking about some old friend. and in a way, it feels like he is. insomnia has been a looming shadow for so long it feels like his longest companion. one he never really invites in, yet it always shows up. like some kind of clingy ex who can't take a hint. kai watches her work, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest, slouched posture, tired eyes trailing the movements of her hands as she gathers the herbs. it’s kind of impressive, the way she seems to know exactly what he needs with little explanation. " sooner ? ah, come on, where's the fun in that ? relief doesn't feel as good if you don't suffer first, " he responds, typical sardonic humour paired with a half-smile. he notes the soft expression, and it almost threatens to lower his defences, but he isn't so sure how to fully do that anymore. then she mentions talking and he almost laughs. kai isn't known for talking, not about the deep shit anyway. that comes out in his music, in lyrics often so easy to dissect no one ever really does. a talent of his, apparently. to be so obvious it's not obvious at all. " yeah, talking . . . not exactly something i'm known for, is it ? " chuckle is low, huffed out as he reaches to take hold of her concoction. doesn't voice how much he's going to be relying on it. if it brings him even one night of decent sleep, it'll be worth this small moment of vulnerability. " thanks, " adds, genuine curve of his lips as he slips the item into his pocket. " how much ? " card is already being pulled out, gaze diverting slightly. he takes not of how dark it seems to be outside now. " you heading home now ? i can walk you, if you want. 'm already heading that way. " he can mask with sarcasm, a cool exterior. but behind it all there is still some semblance of a good guy. just a lost one.

she  pauses  once  she  reaches  the  cash  register ,      a  knowing  look  crossing  her  face  as  she  listens  to  him .     the  shop  smells  of  lavender  and  sage ,     the  air  calm  in  contrast  to  the  tension  she  senses  radiating  off  him .     she  straightens ,     giving  him  a  warm  but  slightly  concerned  smile  as  he  admits  his  struggle .     "     insomnia ,     huh ?     "     she  echoes  softly,     wiping  her  hands  on  a  cloth  before  walking  the  isles  quickly  and  grabbing  just  what  she  needed  to  help  him  and  putting  them  in  the  basket  she  picked  up  along  the  way .     “     you  know ,     you  really  should've  come  to  me  sooner ,     ”     she  teases  lightly ,     but  there’s  no  real  reproach  behind  her  words .     she  studies  him ,     her  eyes  sharper  than  her  usual  playful  self ,     catching  the  fatigue  etched  into  his  features .

with  a  hum ,     she  heads  behind  the  counter ,     starting  to  pull  out  jars  of  dried  herbs  and  tinctures  from  the  basket .     "     lucky  for  you ,     i  do  have  something  for  that .     no  smoking  required .     "     her  hands  move  swiftly,     mixing  a  blend  of  valerian  root ,     passionflower ,     and  chamomile ,     setting  it  down  on  the  counter  in  front  of  him .     “     this  should  help  you  get  some  decent  sleep  without  knocking  you  out  too  hard .     ”     she  glances  back  up  at  him,     her  expression  softening  as  she  adds ,     "     but  maybe...     you  should  talk  to  someone  about  whatever’s  keeping  you  up .     "     her  tone  is  gentle,     giving  him  the  space  to  deflect  if  he  needs  to .     "     but  for  now,     this  will  help .     take  it  with  some  tea  before  bed ,     and  if  it  doesn’t  work ,     i’ll  come  up  with  something  else .     i  promise  you’re  not  fucked  ,     not  with  me  around .     "     she  offers  a  small ,     reassuring  smile .

her smile is bright as celeste's words sink in, subtle squeeze of her hand making her heart overly happy. in life, girlfriends were everything. and as much as she craved a love to rival all the greats, having a solid group of friends was equally as important to her. platonic love something to be equally as celebrated. " you're not, that's the point. when it's the right one will never feel like you're settling. they'll be like — like your best friend, with extra benefits. " noa sinks back as letty does, drinking up all the information she's been given. " endearing awkward can be cute, i agree. and time usually helps shift that. and suggesting a picnic date ? i like it. shows imitative. " she's about to continue when something is uttered into the universe that has her letting out an excited gasp, eyes alight. in a blink, she's imagining all of the outfit potentials vividly, like her mind stores them away for the right occasion. " you really know how to speak my love language,” she jokes, nodding eagerly. “ first dates with potential deserve a new outfit. and imagine, if it really goes somewhere you have that memory forever. you’ll have the best outfit sunset beach has ever seen. ” a happy sigh is followed by another sip of wine. “ am i fully up-to-date in the world of celeste james, or do you have more to tell me ? i know you must have more than one guy knocking on your door begging for a chance. ”

"honestly, noa, i don't know what i would do without you," her smile softens, hand reaching out to hold the other's for a second. she gives noa's hand a small squeeze, bringing her own back to wipe away an imaginary tear. "when i have girls that talk me up like you, how am i ever supposed to settle ?" celeste was more than thankful for the group of friends she'd found in recent years. they had been largely responsible for the shift in her priorities, reminding her of her worth and giving her a new zest for life. she can't help the grin that spreads across her features at noa's excitement, practically bouncing in her seat. she's leaning back into the sofa, hands covering her face as the wine buzz enhances her coyness. it all felt too good to be true, and she couldn't help but cling on to a bit of reservation. "that's exactly what i was thinking. and who am i to fault a guy for being a little awkward at first ? it was cute, endearing even." she's smiling at the memory, stifling a giggle as she pours herself another glass. "yeah, we're going to the beach for a picnic. his idea, by the way." a devious smile appears on her, an idea brewing that she knew noa couldn't deny. "that means you have to help me shop for a new outfit. i've already worn everything i have, and i will not be outfit repeating for this !"

                spirits. now that has his attention. ace shakes his head, leans forward to rest his chin in the palm of his hand. " nope. never had it. the soaked in spirits part almost makes it sound appealing, but it's cake, so i'm i'm gonna assume it's in no way gonna get me buzzed. therefore, it's kinda pointless. " he keeps listening, look of pure disgust crossing his features when elena reminds him of morning runners. ace is active, fit in his own right, mostly due to the fact that he takes his dog on long walks multiple times a day. but running ? before the crack of dawn ? well, that sounds like pure hell. " someone should really look into these people. i can't be sure, but there's at least a solid 88.8% chance that they may be alien lifeform. " he's deadass serious too, blinks as he tries to imagine getting out of bed before the sun had even decided to wake up. " oh yeah, of course. the question is, are you ? " his hopeful gaze meets theirs, slight hold of his breath in anticipation.

                there’s  a  pause  in  their  chewing,  looking  towards  ace  with  a  slightly  narrowed  and  confused  gaze.  “  —  you’ve  never  had  fruit  cake  ?  ”  the  question  lingers  momentarily.  “  the  cake  …  with  candied  fruits  and  nuts  …  soaked  in  spirits  ?  ”  a  de  luca  staple  after  their  father  became  obsessed  with  it  during  a  high  profile  case  that  took  place  in  the  united  kingdom.  “  you  don’t  have  to  have  raisins  in  it  …  i  don’t  think.  i’ve  never  had  raisins  in  mine  but  my  siblings  also  hate  the  dried  taste  of  them.  ”  shoulders  shrug  before  taking  a  sip  of  the  warm  coffee  still  sitting  in  her  mug.  “  i’m  sure  some  people  do,  i  mean  those  that  have  adult  jobs  or  those  that  go  running  before  the  sun  comes  up  …  apparently  they  exist.  ”  another  shrug  of  the  shoulders.  “  so  you’re  a  cold  pizza  fan  ?  ”  a  beat,  gaze  staring  at  him  intensely  as  they  wait  for  the  answer.

ace snorts, follows leon out the door. " look, man, i'll give it to you, okay ? salt makes a lot of food better. add some pepper in there too. but you could make me avocado a hundred different ways and i guarantee you i still wouldn't like it. it's like mushrooms, devil food, keep them far away from me, " there's a moment of pause, quiet contemplation before he adds, " unless they're the kind that could get me high, then i'd make an exception. i beg to differ on the instant food thing, though. leftovers in the morning brings me i special kind of joy i couldn't put into words if i tried. "

leon laughs at ace's response. "some people don't like the texture. but you gotta put salt on it though. otherwise it's kind of shit." he will always defend avocado. it's one of life's simple pleasures. avocado toast and coffee, that's his idea of a perfect breakfast. "not to sound whiny, but food is never as good as when it's instantly served. kitchen to plates, no extra transportation in between." is this how leon acts when he's high with other people? pushy and stubborn? he shakes that thought off and goes out the door.