Astralfms - Tumblr Posts

“ don’t go giving me any big ideas celeste, i don’t have time to move. i only just perfected my closet which means i need to stay put for at least six months. ” though wouldn’t it be nice to have all the close friends within the same complex ? perhaps a one day. “ no, ” she’s quick to insist. understands where the other is coming from but she has such big expectations of how love is supposed to be it’s often difficult look past. “ i mean, don’t get me wrong, i love a good project, but . . . well i know he’s not my soulmate, because if he was i would find it endearing instead of absolutely horrifying, you know ? it’s less about the sandal-sock combo and more about how it made me feel. ” logic, apparently. most likely why she’s no closer to settling down. “ but enough about me, what about you ? fill me in on everything. i need to know all about the happenings in celeste james’ life. ”

"if we were neighbors it would make our lives so much easier," she mused, cozying into the couch and throwing a fuzzy blanket over her lap. "then, we could just alternate days and i would be able to just show up at your door when you don't text me back." because that was totally normal and made sense ( to celeste ). immersing herself in noa's story, she began picking at the snacks, nodding here and there as she listened. "i see the problem," the disgust was written all over her face. socks and sandals were practically a death sentence to celeste, let alone on a man. "but i mean, so what he's a little bit of a fixer upper ? aren't the best one's ?"

" i mean, think of it this way, i get more excited to see you than most because i know when we do get together, we get to spill every little life detail that's happened in between. " gossip, basically. no matter how she tries to spin it, noa braunstein is obsessed with a good story. the brunette nods, casually sipping her wine— much needed after a long week. " i know what you mean. but the problem with guys like that is, once you fix them up they suddenly think they can do better. like, hello ? no one likes an ego trip. they act like they're all that and completely forget you were the one who upgraded them in the first place. and by the time they realize you were the best thing to ever happen to them, it's too late. the damage is done. besides, true love is accepting someone for who they are, flaws and all. unfortunately for him, socks with sandals ? not a flaw i can look past. " noa sees the smirk forming and instantly gives celeste her full attention before she even speaks. when she finally does, noa squeals with excitement, practically leaping forward to grab her friend's arm " what do you mean it's no big deal ? it's so a big deal. tell me everything. "

"i'm pretty sure time is relative, or whatever it is they say," she would've said anything to get noa to agree with her, even if she wasn't entirely sure what she was talking about. of course, celeste didn't actually expect her to move, she just had a penchant for being right. "i can't argue with a girl's closet though, so as painful as it is to say, you have me beat on this one." her hand covered her heart, face dropping into a pout as she tucked her legs under her. she was making valid points, which only solidified celeste's theory that there must be something wrong with her. where noa was disgusted, she would've been endeared, planning the project in lengthy detail and attempting to execute it promptly. "no i get it, i really do, i guess i just think there's something hot about a man that needs you, y'know ? but i'm acutely aware that i need help, so maybe don't take my advice on this one ?" a grape popped into her mouth as she thought of everything that had happened to her this week, smirk growing and scooting herself closer. "well, i did meet a guy and get his number. but it's no big deal, i swear !"

it's the only time you'll witness him be fully quiet, deeply engrossed in what he's doing. art truly his saving grace over the years, an outlet for his thoughts, emotions. it's been nice to find a friend with a similar interest. it's comfortable here with ronnie. her words filter in and he blinks, eyes feeling a little fuzzy. " i don't know if it's the hunger that's making me feel a little light-headed, or the fact i've been holding in a pee for at least the last hour, " he muses, and when he finally glances across at her, he's nodding. " yeah, yep . . . a break feels very necessary. you wanna order some food ? i'm so hungry even the paints starting to look edible. "

@dreamerfms // ronnie's loft

splatters of paint covered her hands, the apron around ronnie's waist giving little refuge from the canvas in front of her. the break in concentration reminded her of ace's presence in the room, head shooting up to make sure he hadn't left. "how's it goin over there ?" she called out, hoping the distraction would be welcome. long nights were common for these two, enabling each other to work until their hands couldn't take it any longer. "maybe we should take a break. i almost forgot i was a person for a second there."

an amused grin takes shape, forever a look of adoration whenever he looks at his siblings. “ is that so ? shall we call dad, let him know that he got it wrong ? that you are the true prodigy. ” he nods, brow raising in challenge as he takes off his gloves, tosses them to the side of the ring. “ go on then,” kyro softly encourages, raising his hands up, palms open, “ give it your best shot. show me how it’s really done. ”

@dreamerfms // shorefit gym

"your right hook is lacking," she laughs, lowering the pads and tapping his arm with one. it had been a while since ronnie had gotten into the gym with kyro, not exactly finding it her idea of a great time. she did, however, cherish any and all time she got to spend with her older brother. if that meant she had to spend the afternoon in a sweaty gym, so be it. "i think i could've thrown a better one than that last one. wanna test it out, no gloves ?"

in life, there's people that linger for only a short time, that are only meant to be a moment in time. then there's people who stay, who mean something even when time and distance changes things. for kyro, that's celeste. there will never be a time he thinks of her as just his ex-girlfriends. she's his friend, a constant. someone he'll forever make an effort to keep in his life in any way he can. so when there was an offer of dinner, there was no way he was turning it down. she opens the door and she's smiling and he barley has a minute to process as she ushers him inside. a wide grin soon tugs at his lips, eyes crinkled with softness. " smells amazing in here, " he states cheerfully. it feels familiar too. creates a warmth he can't find when he's on the road. " i got you these, " turns to hold out a bunch of flowers towards her, because there's always flowers. " i can't take any credit for how good they look, that was all winnie. " a moment passes, and finally he gets a proper look at her. takes it all in. kyro doesn't tend to get shaky breath, but in that split-second, he does. wants to tell her she looks beautiful, but he doesn't want to make it weird. yet, his next question still has the potential to. " did you miss me ? "

@dreamerfms // letty's loft

making dinner for kyro had once been no big deal, just another sunday night for the pair. now, letty bumbled around her kitchen, tasting everything twice, and then three times to make sure it was just right. though time had passed, his favorites were still at the forefront of her mind, preparing each dish the way she knew he liked them. it was just a catch up with a good friend, that's what she told herself. the rap at the door has her head snapping up, the dish on the stove turned to the lowest heat setting as she smoothed out her outfit and walked toward the door. with a deep breath, she pulled it open, smile wide and welcoming as she ushered him in. "hi ! you're just in time, dinner is almost ready."

" you should just be beautiful, perfect you. the right person is out there, and i would literally die and come back from the dead before i let you settle. but yes, maybe we let men better themselves because they want to be better, not because we want them to be. " a waste of time and energy, as she's come to witness over the years. she gives her friend a look that says just trust me, and maybe it is silly to base something off a choice of footwear, but she full of intuition— or so she likes to think. it could just be an excuse, because maybe the matchmaker herself isn't so sure what she wants when it comes to love. " okay, solo dates, love that for you. " she's quiet, with difficulty, stops herself from butting in and just takes it in, basks in her friends experience. her heart swells at the thought, glint of happiness for the other reflected in her eyes. even if it was an encounter that didn't lead to forever, what a magical encounter to have. " wow, " noa breathes out once celeste finishes, but being reserved last all of two seconds before she's beaming. " that literally sounds like a scene out of a ron-com, you know, back when rom-coms were actually good. but oh my god, letty, that sounds . . . epic. definitely not delusional ! sometimes the universe has to take matters into it's own hands, put two people exactly where they're supposed to be. are you seeing him again ? "

"i think that might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me," a fake tear is wiped away, hand over heart. the more noa explained her reasoning, the more celeste began to realize where she'd gone wrong. she couldn't count on one hand the amount of men she'd replicated the exact scenario with, much to her own regret. "okay, okay, i see your point," she laughs, hands thrown up in surrender. "what i'm getting from this is that i should stop trying to be caulk-over-it celeste." she had a tendency of giving her relationships the landlord special, and socks and sandals could easily be painted over. "i just think it's kind of hilarious how you came to that conclusion from socks and sandals alone, but that's why you're the match maker and not me !" with another sip of her wine, celeste can't help but share the excitement. she scoots an inch closer, clapping her hands together as she prepares herself for the tell all. "well, i went out and none of the girls wanted to come with, so i went by myself, obviously. i ended up trying out the cheesiest pick up line i could think of, and it actually worked ? and then we danced for a little, talked some more, and he walked me home. the part that's actually wild to me is that we got to my building and found out we're neighbors ? is that some kind of a sign or am i just delusional ?"

" ow, ronnie ! " ace exclaims dramatically as the paintbrush hits his leg, far too lightly to warrant any reaction at all. " i mean, that's a guess. could be less, could be more. time feels distorted. " with a sigh, he follows suit and stands to his feet— they somehow no longer feel connected to his body, but the more he moves the more that changes. " surprise me, " he insists, hurrying now that his legs are no longer numb, " i'll eat anything as long as there are very little greens in there. " isn't longer before he disappears, only to reappear moments later with a relieved smile on his face. " what did you go for ? "

the confession from ace has a dry paintbrush flinging from ronnie's side of the room to his, counting on her aim to knock him in the leg. "a whole hour ?!" she's laughing despite her disapproval, standing to give her limbs a much needed stretch. "it's almost like you want a uti or something." her phone is pulled out, uber eats screen glowing like a beacon. "and a stomach bug apparently. but, not to worry, your saving grace is here. what are we ordering ?"

he pretends to ponder, to humour her. “ hmm, let me think . . . maybe livin’ on a prayer, because something tells me you’d need one. ” kyro tries to hold back a laugh, but it still threatens to slip out. however, he still makes a point of exaggerating her strength when he fist meets the palm of her hand. “ unless you have any better options ? ” uses hands to encourage her to keep the hits coming, knows sometimes it just takes a little practise.

"i'm so glad you're finally starting to catch on," her pads are tossed to the side in the same manner as his, fists lifting as she circles him in the ring. "what do you think my walk in song should be ?" she questions, throwing her best version of a right hook to his left palm. "for when i make my debut as the next big boxer of the lee family."

kyro watches her intently as she arranges the flowers, a soft laugh escaping when she mentions writing a thank you note. it's one of the many things he finds so endearing about her— a small gesture that not many would think of, but that speaks volumes about her caring heart. when he thinks back on it now, there was never any chance of him not falling for her when he did. celeste james had a way of stealing hearts, and his had never stood a chance. even now, as just friends, there's a tug on his chest as he watches her move around the kitchen. some might say the warmth feels a lot like coming home. a thought he's no longer sure he's allowed to have. " did i miss you ? " tone teases, fingers coming up to tap against his chin, " let's see . . . " a moment passes, but his eyes give it all away long before his mouth does. " of course i did. i always do. " how could he not ? " i mean, who else will laugh at my jokes ? " kyro is quick to add, clears his throat to try and elevate some of the tension, but it's there. it's bright, thick. unwavering. his smile grows at her thanks, and he nods in response before quirking a brow. " you're thanking me for flowers when you've basically cooked me up a feast ? i think i should be thanking you. " he leans into her orbit just a little, such a natural pull. " but you know this means i have to return the favour, right ? it's only fair. "

"i'm glad you think so." beaming, eyes focused on the bouquet held in front of her. it's beautiful, bringing a warm feeling to her. if there was one thing celeste had always appreciated about kyro, it was his thoughtfulness. the way every day, even the ones that weren't important, came with a little bit extra. she's thankful for their relationship, glad that they'd been able to maintain it over the years. "i'm gonna have to write her a personal thank you note." she's reaching under her sink for a new vase as she muses over his next question, giving an audible hmmm. it's loaded, and she was sure he knew it, but the simple answer was, "yes." she came up with the vase, filling it with water and arranging the flowers inside. her eyes soften as she looks over at him, head tilted as she gives him a once over. just to make sure everything is where it's meant to be. "did you miss me ?" it had been a while since they'd had the same day free on their schedules, both dedicated to their careers. hers had always been more lenient than his, the editing she had meant to do tonight put off for tomorrow. "there is a right answer, by the way. oh ! and thank you," she gestures toward the vase, moving to turn off the stove. "for the flowers."

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 !"

he's pleased with the choice, smile evidence of such. belly practically rumbling at the thought. " wings are in my top three foods, ronnie. pizza, wings, and hoagies. and buffalo wings dipped into ranch ? no way i'm swapping that for some measly extra fries. " though he does also love fries. food in general, really. “ i’ve been here for hours and i don’t think we’ve actually caught up with one another yet. what’s new ? ”

very little greens was an easy enough request, ronnie scrolling through the app as she threw herself into one of the lounge chairs in the center of the room. wings had no greens, so, she decided that would do as she ordered two combos and tossed her phone onto the center table. her feet are being brought up to rest on it as he walks in, head nodding in greeting. "wings and fries," she has a triumphant smile, "i hope you like buffalo. if not, i'll gladly take them off of your hands. maybe you can have some of my fries as collateral."

kyro snorts, holds back his laughter. " pulp, huh ? " a brow shoots up, and he can't help the urge to be exactly what he's supposed to be, and that's an annoying older brother. he'll support his siblings all day long, believe in them fully, but that in no way means he's above teasing them. " that's big talk for someone who's punch feels like air. are you actually planning on using your muscles anytime soon ? " with those words he moves his hands in a extra slow-motion swing, no intention of any real impact. instead he grins as he presses his fingertip to her forehead, give a slight nudge. " come on, get mad. and rotate your hips, " he insists, slight demonstrates before putting his palms back up, ready for her next punch, " then maybe you'll hit with some real power. "

she can't help but hum the tune as she repositions herself, shaking off the laughter and putting on her game face. she's determined to throw a better one this time, bouncing on her feet and putting in a little more umph into her next swing. "you're the one that needs a prayer, big brother," she follows it up with another hit, stopping to shake her hand out. even she doesn't believe it as the next words fall from her lips, "your hands are gonna be pulp when i'm finished with you !"

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 ?"

kyro: hey you :)

kyro: and your first thought was your low-grade comedian friend ? i’m so flattered

kyro: i could be very tempted to take it off your hands if it means in-person delivery

sms 📩 kyro lee ( @dreamerfms )

celeste: hey :p celeste: i got a pr package and they added some mens stuff in here celeste: what are the chances you wanna take it off my hands??

noa: oh my god ronnie!!!

noa: a masterpiece 👗👌

noa: forget tens, twelves across the board

sms 📩 noa braunstein ( @dreamerfms )

ronnie: i may have just done my best thrift flip yet ronnie: [video] ronnie: are we giving me my tens or whattttt

kyro: cologne ? you’re really trying to scent me a message, huh? 😏 kyro: oh, i don't doubt it. if you ever need a pa, let me know. i'm looking at future career options kyro: in the meantime, i'l willing to fight for a spot in your schedule. i've been told i'm pretty good at that ... kyro: who currently has your breakfast window tomorrow morning ? 🤔

letty: 🤭 letty: you have to start your career off somewhere right ? what better place to start than a nice cologne letty [ unsent ]: i'm sure the crowd will go wild when they find out your ex gave it to you 🫣 letty: depends when you're trying to schedule this delivery for i'm pretty booked out.... hot commodity over here....

noa: you're too good to me, ronnie 🫶 noa: but i fear i couldn't pull it off as well as you noa: do you have any plans on where to wear it ?

ronnie: i promise to let you borrow it sometimes ronnie: it didn't even take that long ronnie: and i only nicked my thumb like... four times

noa: well noa: i'm giving you the official title of flipping queen ♔ noa: i'm going to need photo's when you're done ! i want to see the masterpiece in action

ronnie: oh please ronnie: you know you'd walk laps around me in it ronnie: not at all sometimes i just get bored and like to flip shit i have laying around ronnie: i have these two hoodies right now i'm gonna cut them in half and splice 'em together

kyro: that joke was odor-able, which seems fitting since it came from you 😊 kyro: what can i say, i'm a man of many talents. how far off from a million are you now ? kyro: all of your bets ? that's a pretty big deal, may as well tell anyone else in the running to give up now 🤷🏻‍♂️ kyro: if i pick up the parcel, what are the chances of me getting you up and out of the door before sunrise ? kyro: breakfast and coffee provided, of course !

letty: well if you musk know... 🤭 letty: quite the range you have there, ky, pa by day comedian by night... the day i hit one million followers i'll let u know about that job ok ? letty: i think that would be unfair to your opponents, we all know my bets are on you 🙂‍↕️ letty: currently reserved for my sleep but it's an easy swap letty: esp if that means this delivery comes with breakfast ??

kai takes the joint from julian’s fingers, his eyes lazily tracing the horizon before bringing it to his lips. he inhales deeply, holding the smoke in his lungs longer than he probably should, before exhaling in a slow stream. he hums, eyes squinting at the view ahead likes he's trying to solve some kind of math problem — and he's neve been vey good with numbers. it's breath-taking, really. the kind of scene that makes you wonder what else is out there. " maybe it's bob ross, " he teases, not intending to pause, but somehow it happens. he takes another slow drag, the smoke clouding around him, blurring his outline before he's passing the joint back to the other. " dude's probably so bored up there he's resorted to painting our scenery. " he's quick to glance at the other with a half-lidded gaze, snort of laughter following. " or maybe we're both just really fucking high. " that option seems far more feasible.

@dreamerfms // sunset villa beach

sat on the sand, elbows resting on his knees, a neatly rolled joint was held lightly between julian's index and middle finger, taking a long drag before holding it out to the boy next to him. there's a comfortable silence, enjoying the cool evening air and the view of the sun setting on the horizon. it's picturesque, the way the sky blends with the water and the two mirror each other. "i know that people paint pictures based off real life or whatever," he muses, never being good at 'silence' anyway. "but this literally looks like someone painted it. or am i just high ?"