She Knows It's True, Almost Feels Bad Questioning It At All. He Has No Reason To Lie To Her, Isn't The

she knows it's true, almost feels bad questioning it at all. he has no reason to lie to her, isn't the type to make empty reassurances. but sometimes she needs it. not often, not always with words, but sometimes. over the years there'd been a lot of growth within her, a lot of hiding behind a perfectly curated confident disguise. but beneath the surface was still a girl who'd spent so many years of her life being told that if she didn't almost destroy herself trying to be the best, she could easily be replaced. it's why she doesn't know half efforts, doesn't know how to partake in something without leaving a tiny little piece of her soul in it. and maybe that's the reason she feels so vastly incomplete. but he looks at her and it's like he sees her, really truly sees her. nova thinks he might just be the only person who ever has. how do you not cling to that ? " they won't get the chance to, " she insists, as if it's known fact. if he's forced to retire first she isn't sure what it'll mean for her, but it certainly won't be paired dancing. " i don't trust anyone else, " and she doesn't just mean in the world of ballet, but that she keeps to herself, " i only trust you. " he full names her and her smile grows, soft laughter sounded. but it threatens to catch in her throat when he leans in close, and she couldn't tare her gaze away even if she wanted to. " oh, you're full naming me now ? it must be serious, " she teases, and she dares for a moment to leans in further, let her forehead press against his for a few fleeting moments. it's supposed to be a playful move, but she feels betrayed by the way her heart rattles in her chest like a bird trapped in a cage, desperate to be set free. but again, it's pushed down. forces herself to keep her eyes on his despite the split second temptation to glance down to his lips. " i believe you, and i promise i'll never doubt you again. " with the words out, she pulls back. not too much but enough to ease some of the tension that she's convinced is only felt by her. " and what version of you do i get then if not the beast ? " there's a brief pause. " because you're stuck with me long past then. "

apollo rolls his eyes as nova seems to dismiss his comment. he knows her well enough to know she struggles with her confidence and the relationships she builds, but he'd hope that by now, she'd know him well enough to know he doesn't say things he doesn't mean. one thing apollo was really good at was KEEPING HIS MOUTH SHUT, so the idea that he'd lie, even to make her feel better, was almost insulting. he waves it off with his hand. "don't start that-- when have i ever told you something i didn't fully believe? in fact, some have called me too honest." perhaps he had enough arrogance for the two of them, because the next words to leave his lips are: "oh, i know. god bless the man who tries to take my spot next to you on stage." it's not even his fault. this many years in, he's seen nova attempt to dance with different partners, and it's never worked out. whether she'd like to admit it or not, she clearly found it EASIER to be with him as well.

"novella campbell," he starts, leaning in so their foreheads are mere inches apart. he makes sure he's looking into her eyes before speaking. "my life is EASIER because you are in it, and you'd really be pulling the rug out from under me if you left it." at the end of the day, nova was the only person outside of his family who really knew what was going on within his family. apollo didn't even want it that way, but when his mother came to surprise him at a performance, there was no avoiding the subject. nova had recognized her immediately for who she was-- song na-ri, esteemed dancer of her time and not the mother of apollo fairbanks. just the look on nova's face when she'd connected the dots was etched into apollo's memory. he felt he had no choice but to come clean. now, he can't imagine nova leaving his life. he had been open with her, and she had made it easy. she listened, she seemed to understand, and she didn't judge. why test the universe by admitting it again when he'd already hit the jackpot of responses? "you hear me? this beast is yours until his retirement."

" okay, and what's your point ? surely you can pick up on peoples auras, you know, their vibe ? i know i don't radiate any kind if ill intent. i'm as positive as they come. " if there's one thing about noa, it's that she'll somehow manage to find an argument to everything. a talent, some might say. " you chakra could use some clearing, honestly. maybe you should look into that. it could give you a clearer perspective. " her eyes roll, and it's not subtle. " don't get all scientific on me, i'm fully aware that your heart is the organ that keeps you alive, but come on, do you really think that's the only reason we're given one ? people literally die of heartbreak. that's the power of the human heart and how deeply it can feel for another person. " she smiles again, like she knows something no one else does. and she doesn't, either, not really. " so your missing a few talents, big deal. i'll tell you one major thing you both have in common, and that's how utterly uncompromising you are. "

"just a reminder-- i don't really know you, so how am i meant to know what your intentions are?" he's deflecting, trying to make it a noa problem instead of an apollo problem. he's been paired off numerous times since he was eleven, whether it be with dance partners or girlfriends, but they all had a ninety-nine percent fail rate. besides, he's not really interested in sharing his life story with NOA BRAUNSTEIN of all people. the girl who couldn't seem to leave things alone. let her catch wind of his history and he fears he'd never hear the end of it. "and you know what? my heart does just what i need it to do. pump blood around my body and keep me alive." he couldn't ask for much more than that. "i believe my mother was going for the whole MUSIC AND DANCE aspect of him more than anything else." perhaps love could be his weakness, if he believed he'd ever felt it. "not really good at archery or poetry, so, him and i don't really have that much in common."

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!"

" we should go thrifting one day, " noa chimes, bright smile. because of course she planned another shopping trip whilst already on one. " you don't feel as guilty if you buy a lot because it always costs way less, and honestly i've found some amazing pieces. i've narrowed down all the best spots. the earlier the better too, first come first find and all. " she wasn't above reused fashion, often that's where she found the best vintage pieces. talk of sweatpants has her nodding. it's rare of her to be seen in them, but that doesn't mean she doesn't own any. she does. too many, if anything. naturally. " can i make a confession ? " tone lowers and she leans in, as if it's some big secret. " one of my favourite things to wear are my juicy couture tracksuits. if i'm lounging at home not in my pj's ? that's what i'm wearing. and i know some people find them tacky now, but i love them. they make me feel like i'm transported back to the early 2000's watching the simple life on my couch. " iconic if you ask her. smile grows, always happy to hear that life is going well for someone. of course, she loves to hear about peoples romantic lives, but if she's aware of one thing it's that a career and good friends are just as important, and alyssa sound blessed in both aspects. " trust me, the right one will come along. i know it. the worlds just waiting for the right time to send them in. or who knows, maybe they're already here and you just haven't realized it yet. " the brunette ponders the returned question for a moment before shrugging, slight shake of her head. " nope. i mean, i've had some date offers, but you know when you just . . . know it's not it ? " eyes light up when she spots a pair of winter boots, excited gasp as she reaches out to inspect them. " oh my god, are those the knitted atomic boots ? i need. do you have them in any other colours ? "

alyssa could take it too far sometimes when she went shopping. there were plenty of times when she left stores with bags upon bags of clothes and accessories that was barely needed. but did she go ahead and do it anyway? of course. it was alyssa they were talking about here. and it was easy enough to get what it was that she needed; especially now that she worked in fashion. " yeah... not the greatest of ideas i've had. it's just needed. especially when you know you need something and you can't exactly put it back on the rack. i've learned not to do as much impulse shopping as i used to. " it used to be bad but overtime she felt as though she had gotten just a tad bit better with it.

" my favorite thing is expressing myself through fashion. do i want to just wear my sweats most of the time and nothing else? i think everyone does. but that's mostly when i don't have to go to work and can just spend the day asleep in my apartment. " the blonde smiles as the brunette links her arms with her own. " oh yes! well, life is pretty good. i have a job that i love and friends that keep me busy. but as for anyone special in it right now? no, i can't really say that there is but i'm holding out hope that maybe there will be someone one of these days. and you? anyone you've got your eyes set on these days? "

he's quick to feign insult, hand coming up to his chest as though wounded. but the smile on his face that refuses to shift betrays the act. " low-grade, huh ? and here i was thinking i had a fallback career once i get too old to compete. guess i'd better find a new hobby fast. do my vocals fair any better than my comedy ? " no, the answer is most definitely not. but it had never stopped him from belting out songs in the car with her beside him, or getting up on stage at karaoke night to preform what likely to everyone else, was a cheesy duet. to them, it was fun. sometimes he thinks the most fun he's ever had was the time he spent with celeste. truly the most relaxed version of himself, the result of growing so comfortable with someone you didn't see the need to be anything other than yourself. when the food is passed to him, he looks down and smiles. comfort felt instantly. " i didn't clear my schedule for the food, " he states, glancing up, " this is just a bonus. " he begins to eat, enjoying every mouthful. " i'll take you out, " nods, tries to conceal the way he wants to beam. though he still fully plans to cook for her another time too. effort made should be reciprocated. he lifts his plate and without much thought, makes his way to her. and again, he doesn't think as he leans down to press a kiss to her cheek, an act he'd done a hundred times before, though granted then she was his girlfriend. " thank you, " he reiterates, wants her to know he's grateful she took the time. when he pulls back, he clears his throat. sudden realization that perhaps he shouldn't have done that. but friends could kiss their friends on the cheek, right ? he moves past her, cleans off his plate. isn't long before he's coming back behind her, careful now to leave a small distance as he attempts to read her. " movie ? we both know we'll talk through it anyway. may as well be comfy doing it. "

celeste lingers in the moment between her question and his answer, heat beat hitching in anticipation. it was normal to want your friends to miss you, wasn't it ? she assured herself that it was, smile growing at his 'always,' chest warming as she chose to ignore all of their previous implications of the word. "exactly," she hums in agreeance, "if it weren't for me you'd never have a chance at being a low grade comedian !" laughter had always been the basis of their friendship, something letty cherished deeply. if there was ever a time she needed to unwind, forget herself, and have a laugh, she knew she could always turn to kyro ( even if most of his offerings were corny dad jokes ). there wasn't a world where celeste could imagine herself giving that aspect up, her comfort personified. "no need to thank me," she waves him off, "i have to cook a feast, otherwise what would you be clearing your busy, busy schedule for ?" the meal she's made is simple enough, beef bulgogi with brown rice, and cabbage leaves on the side. she takes her time divvying up the portions, being sure to give kyro less rice and more beef. her brow arches, pushing his plate across the counter to him. "in the spirit of being fair," she's smirking, not backing away from his presence and noting the ways he's finding time to spend with her. "i guess you could cook me dinner. unless you were offering to take me out ?" she hears how it sounds right away, diverting herself by picking at her food. "you know i'll never say no to a free meal," cleaning it up, she nods beyond the kitchen. "couch, or table ? we feeling movie or chatty tonight ?"

* . #306 gifs of maude apatow in various interviews can be found by joining my discord server, or sending me a message off anon. maude is white (irish, finnish, scottish german, & ashkenazi jewish) and was born in 1997, so cast accordingly. please like and reblog if you found these useful.

tw:  flashing lights, shaky camera

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