Loversfms - Tumblr Posts

she hadn't noticed she was frowning, but when the familiar face comes into view it turns into a smile. a little of her stress elevating it's weight from her shoulders. " long time no see, " she teases in return, pretending to glance down at the watch on her wrist, " it's been about, what, four hours ? so much to catch up on. " for someone who wasn't sure if dance was truly what her heart desired, she most certainly couldn't stop herself from being here. in some strange way, dancing was now her comfort. something she's able to lose herself in for hours on end. and she's good at it too — exceptionally so. just like him. " well, i did hear that they're doing swan lake this year. and i know, i know it's a little overdone, but it's still one of my all-time favourites. " and perhaps one of the most challenging, especially considering the lead role of odette would also require her to take on the role of odile too. " but it all depends on who may or may not put themselves forward for siegfried. " nova gives him a look, her lower lip subtly pouting, hopeful and just a little pleading. it’s a look he’s probably seen a thousand times by now, but she can’t help it. there’s no one she trusts more— professionally or personally.

LOCATION: seaglass dance academy STATUS: closed / nova campbell @dreamerfms

the first dance class back after the summer always seemed to be a silly one for the kids. some may find it surprising, but apollo had a great deal of patience for young kids. after pretty much raising his three younger sisters, he realized kids are just about the only people he did have patience for. so innocent, just doing what they were told. plus, he'd be lying if he didn't think it was a little sweet hearing a bunch of tiny voices shout MR. APOLLO !! every time he entered the studio. he bids his students farewell as he gathers his things. once he's walked out the studio he almost collides with nova. "oh hey," he begins, looking her over. "didn't expect you to be here," apollo jokes. they both practically lived at whatever studio was nearby when it wasn't the summer time. "don't tell me you've already got your eyes on roles for this season?"

he shifts uneasily on his feet, isn’t quite sure what he’s in store for here though he is happy to be spending time with her despite appearances. but that little voice in the back of his mind is causing havoc, whispers fears and what-ifs that make him squirm. in his more rational moments, he laughs off the worry, convinces himself there’s no way someone as amazing as teddy could actually have any romantic interest in him of all people. it's a relief, or so he tells himself. though he can't seem to shake off the sinking feeling it creates in the pit of his stomach. “ yeah, ” ace nods, subtly clearing his throat. there's a weak attempt at being enthusiastic, but his heart is pounding in his chest and despite the way he wills it to slow down, it does not. " totally ready. it's just, uh, surprises tend to make me a little on edge. one time in high school i fell victim to a ' surprise ' and it actually ended with me being stuffed into a locker, which, you know . . . not fun, and kinda of a long story and nothing to do with this, or us, so . . . i'll save that for another time, i guess. " he's rambling so much, it takes him a moment to notice that something has been placed on his head. stops for a second, brows crinkled, smile growing. there's no need for worry, is there ? it's her. theodora. theo. teddy. she's a comfort, not a fear. " i'm ready, " he assures now, calmer tone.

LOCATION: sunshine bakery ( after hours ) STATUS: closed / ace auelua @dreamerfms

in all their years of friendship, teddy had never let ace go past the front counter at sunshine. she'd baked plenty of time in her own kitchen and even in his, but something about the ovens here just... felt different. however, when rhodes asked her to make an i'm sorry cake for his friend, it felt like the perfect opportunity to introduce ace to the sunshine workstation. so, she's hoping when she sent the I THINK WE SHOULD TAKE OUR FRIENDSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL text, it's met with excitement and eagerness. yet, he seems to feel tense. the fact that he's blindfolded doesn't seem to add to his excitement. teddy ties her hair back in a low bun and places a hairnet on her head before grabbing one and placing it on ace's. she smiles to herself at just how silly he looks, but it feels unfair to keep all that joy to herself. "okay, are you ready for the big reveal?"

" oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, " words are flying from her mouth in a melodramatic manner before she's even let herself into her brothers apartment, far too often acting as though she has any right to come and go as and when she pleases. shopping bags are dropped onto the sofa before she's sinking into the spot beside them, bottom lip jutted out like it has been for the last half hour. " you'll never believe what just happened to me. i was practically attacked ! " noa takes a deep breath before correcting her posture, sitting up a little taller. " so, i was at this boutique, ready for some serious retail therapy, you know ? planning to refresh my fall wardrobe. and then i spotted it— the perfect fall sweater. i’m talking about holy grail level here. absolutely unmatched. anyway, " she continues on, and the more she goes, the more her hands are moving, giving more visual than is necessary. " i go to grab it, and then in she comes. little miss wouldn't know how to accessorize if her life depended on it. she yanks it, ronen. right out of my grip. so roughly i break a nail. i mean, look ! " raises her hand, now one nail shorter than the rest. " i only got my mani-pedi done on monday. what a waste. "

closed ft. @loversfms

ace blinks as the blindfold is removed, eyes widening at the sight of the kitchen setup before him. he isn't a baker. truthfully, any attempt he makes at cooking even for himself ends in disaster. yet there's a bubble of excitement, and part of him practically melts at the idea of being let into her professional space. " wait, you're actually trusting me around sharp objects and potentially open flames ? " it feels like an accident waiting to happen but when he turns and actually looks at her, worry seems to melt away. nervous laugh spilling out when his first though is about how cute she looks in her apron and hairnet, and he's cursing himself internally. " i, uh, y-yeah. yeah, i know him. kinda. not overly well or anything. more so in passing. " takes him a moment to find composure, but eventually he does . . . even if it's only a small strand of it. " what'd he do ? " he questions, nosy, nose slightly scrunched. " well, yeah. that's true. you're the best baker i know, and i know at least . . . well, actually i only know you. but i've tasted a lot of cakes. yours are the best, hands down. " smile grows wider, and with it his confidence does too. he was totally capable of not messing this up, right ? " alright boss, " he adds with a playful tone, hands rubbing together, " where do you want me ? "

a combination of both numerous years spent being ace's friend and the ability to go off on her own tangents mean she doesn't even notice when ace goes on one of his. "well, if it makes you feel better, i probably couldn't shove you into a locker, even if i really wanted to. but, luckily for you, you haven't made me mad today, so i'd have no reason to want to." clearly teddy was not the most sensitive to others experiences-- people either found it endearing, how she couldn't read a conversation, or they didn't. it hadn't scared ace away yet, so perhaps he was just as used to her as she was him.

teddy unties the blindfold, revealing her work station. ingredients, mixing bowls, and cake pans all laid before them. she hops in front of him and thrusts her arms in the direction of the station, as if presenting it to him. "surprise !" it's not like ace had ever expressed an interest of working in the back, but it felt like she was sharing an important piece of her life with him. "you get to make me help an I'M SORRY cake ! figured we could strengthen our friendship by trying to help patch up rhodes'. do you know rhodes? apparently he royally fucked up with his friend and thinks cake can cure all. and, if i'm making it, i think it can."

" wrong ? " there's a subtle scrunch of her nose, a look of confusion. " why would anything have to be wrong ? i like to think of it more of prevention therapy, you know ? like i'm shopping to keep myself from falling into any potential crisis. " it's worked well for her so far in life, though there are probably other factors to that. " and your complete lack of actual concern isn't going unnoticed, by the way. you have no idea how crazy some of these fashion girls can get. " noa rolls her eyes, gracefully flopping back against the cushion, careful to keep her curls intact. " oh no, i don't want sympathy. i want everyone to know not to mess with me. just because i look cute and don't behave like a brute doesn't mean i don't know how to get what i want. " crazy, she says. yet she's most definitely more so. reaches into one of the bags and pulls it out, the sweater of her dreams. carefully unfolding it to hold it up in proud presentation. " isn't she beautiful ? the outfit combinations are endless. " yet she'll wear it once, most likely. " oh, i also picked a few things up for you and rhodes. as a thank you, you can wear them on the separate dates i'll be setting up for you. "

ronen doesn't even flinch anymore at the sound of noa's voice coming out of nowhere. sometimes she's really entering his apartment, and sometimes he's simply haunted by the thought of her. twenty-seven years did give you time to get used to a person and their antics, though, especially if they were only one room over for more than half of your life. "some serious retail therapy, hm? dare i ask what went wrong in the wonderful world of noa this week?" ronen was well aware that their lives were far from difficult, and what was a brother meant to do if not poke fun at his sister's dramatics?

"wow, she really did all that? she sounds like a real piece of work... kind of like someone i know," he teases. "it does look like you're missing part of your finger, though," he admits as he inspects her hand from afar. "could just tell peoople you got into a horrible accident until you get the nail fixed? then at least people would feel bad for you."

" oh, please, apollo— as if ! " she's almost insulted he thinks she'd be so obvious about it, as if she hadn't perfected her sleuthing skills at a young age. flicks perfectly curled locks behind her shoulder, subtle roll of her eyes. " if i was stalking you, you wouldn't know about it. besides, i actually have a life. " how ironic that she says such a thing as she's trying to snoop at what he's buying. " i simply spotted you across the way, thought i'd come and say hi, see if today might just be the day i get you to open yourself up to love and let me set you up on a few dates. " he's handsome, has good posture. two things she won't admit to him out loud, but she knows there'd be many of her clients eager to be set up on a date with him.

LOCATION: seaglass heights farmers market STATUS: closed / noa braunstein @dreamerfms

call it a sixth sense-- performer's intuition, if you will. apollo can always tell when someone is looking his way for more than a glance, even while he's in the process of buying fresh green juice. he hands cash over to the owner of the stall and turns around before making the other aware he's noticed them. "stalking me, braunstein? what, did you slip an airtag in my pocket or something?"

" see, this is the reason i shouldn't be trusted in any kitchen at all. not even my own. " he's a notoriously bad cook. while some children with neglectful parents managed to fend for themselves that way, ace had always just throw together sloppy sandwiches, or ordered takeout when there was a smidge of extra cash. adulthood hasn't changed much there. he still cannot make a decent meal, nor even a half-decent one. but nervousness goes out the window when she mentions her apron, gaze softening when he moves to place it around his frame. heart warms when he glances down to see her name in print. " wait, i have be you for the night ? 'cause i gotta tell you, teddy, i don't know how to be perfect, " words come out light, then he realizes what he just said and clams up again. moves to distract himself, and potentially her too. narrowed eyes reading off the list and he's nodding as if he has any kind of clue. but he does something, thinks it's right. scoops flour into the measuring cup and empties it into the bowl, prouder than he should be. ace listens intently as she speaks, takes in the drama and tries to make sense of it. " okay, so rhodes went to the party with his friend and ditched him for a chick ? " he's about to potentially try and find some reason in it, when she continues. words leave him confused, but also in a way he gets it fully. can't imagine her making out with any of his friends either. in fact, he's almost certain he wouldn't like that at all. " okay, well that's a lie because if i know anything it's that i cannot flirt, and i never attempt it, so . . . ha, " he smiles proudly, though it may be somewhat of a lie because there's most definitely been times he's flirted with teddy. albeit pretty terribly. " but you have yourself a deal, lee. i won't make-out with your friends if you don't make-out with mine. shake on it ? " flour-covered hand is extended out towards her, stupid smile on his face.

"okay, well, there really shouldn't be open flame. and, the fact that you think there might be actually does have me a little worried... but still, we'll persist !" it was too late to turn back now. "i have an apron for you too ! it's actually my personal one, but i wore just a generic one so you could have mine," she tells him, pulling down a baby blue apron with flowers embroidered above her name ( THEODORA in all caps ). "i loosened it a little bit, so it should fit you just fine." with that, she places it around his neck and moves to his back to tie it. "well, now you really look like you belong ! you could be me for a day," she jokes.

teddy can't help but chuckle as ace inquires what her friend has done that warrants an i'm sorry cake. she begins moving what she has laid out, pushing cake pans out of the way and focusing on ingredients and mixing bowls. she pushes a mixing bowl and all the dry ingredients to her left, offering him an array of measuring cups. "you can start with the dry ingredients if you'd like. i've written measurements down on this whiteboard right here if you need to reference it," she points to the wall to their left. "as for what rhodes did," she begins, cracking a couple eggs into the bowl in front of her. "basically, he told his best friend he was going to get them more beer and then disappeared to make out with emma," she says, reaching for the oil. "was gone for over an hour. and, as much as i don't like the other guy, i can't blame him. i'd be pretty pissed off too. so, take this as a warning, i guess. you already ditched me at the party for ages to go flirt with strangers, but don't go making out with people. ESPECIALLY not my friends."

nova shrugs, elegance found in even a simple gesture. sometimes she isn't sure she even knows how to relax. " well, if i stay on top of it, i guess i don't have to worry about that. " dance was perhaps the biggest blessing in her life, and also a curse. never something she had much choice in, yet over the years it's become the one thing she can get completely and utterly lost in. when she's here, focused, driven, with apollo or dancing on her own, she's able to block all of the other thoughts out— at least for a little while. so though often she questions if it's truly what she wants to do with her life, there's no version of her that seems able to give it up. it's burned into her soul in a way. part of her integral makeup. " okay mr. humble, " she teases in return to his joke. maybe he doesn't see it, but she does. many people looking at him in awe, likely hoping for a chance to be in his orbit. " i think there's a few people in this town who wouldn't mind you being their leading man, but when it comes to the stage, you're all mine. " his next set of words fill her with a sense of relief. isn't sure she'd be able to work the same with anyone else. the idea is enough to fill her with dread. while they'd fallen into sync pretty quickly after a rocky start, the trust she had in him had strengthened by the year. it's not something she feels could be replicated. " well, if they do doubt us, we'll just have to prove them wrong. " and she's confident they will. because when they're out there, they're untouchable.

"how behind could you possible be?" if apollo and nova were honest with themselves, they were paying a hell of a lot for a storage locker-- which was pretty much what their apartment was. most of their time spent was here at the studio, either together or apart. it's what made their relationship so easy. they were so in tune and so alike where it mattered.

"it's a crowd pleaser-- a classic for a reason," he says as he meets her eyes. he knows this look all too well. he'd seen it just about twice a year for many years now. "you might be the only person in this town who wants me to be the leading man in anything," he jokes. not that he had many people who cared about what he had going on. besides, he also had rhodes who was sure to show up every night if apollo had the lead role. "you're a shoo-in for odette, though. so, i guess i don't really have a choice, do i?" it almost felt unnatural to be dancing with anyone else these days. not that many people wanted to be paired with apollo. he remembers his and nova's introduction all too well. YOU TWO ARE NOTORIOUSLY DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH, SO WE'VE PAIRED YOU TOGETHER. their month of fighting turned into years of cohesion. "let's hope everyone is as confident in us as we are."

“ oh, no, you don’t have a friendly face whatsoever. great bone structure, sure, but inviting ? not so much. luckily for you, i don’t intimate easily. but really, it wouldn’t hurt to smile more. or once— ever ! ” once again she’s talking quickly, animated, ignoring his first statement. eyes roll instantaneously as she adjusts her stance, exasperated sigh escaping perfectly painted lips. “ well, for starters, i haven’t seen you with anyone since charlotte, except for nova but she’s your roommate and if that was going to happen it likely would have by now. which is good for me because i also plan on getting her to sign up. but back to you. yes, you probably could get a date easily if you actually tried, but i’m just, like . . . way better at it. and honestly, men often can’t be trusted to make good decisions. that’s just fact. ”

"yeah, you're not exactly making me feel better as you boast about how much better you could stalk me..." he places the bottles in his bag. "you know, you're the only person i've ever met who seems to think i have a FRIENDLY FACE." he'd tried to let this girl down subtly what felt like a hundred different ways, and yet, she always found her way back to him. "and i ask you again... what makes you think that i can't get a date on my own?" probably the fact that he, well, you know... wouldn't. but he liked to think it was his own personal choice. his relationships had all been with dancers ( the exception being charlotte ) and they all ended poorly. apollo didn't see the point in making empty promises to others. he would provide what he could, and often times, it wasn't enough.

" maybe, " ace answers honestly, because he can't make any promises he won't mess it up. " i’m kind of known for that, teds. it’s my thing. i’ve made a lot of people regret a lot of things. " his words are light-hearted, spoken with a teasing tone and accompanied by a casual shrug. a grin spreads across his face, and for a brief moment he considers making a joke about his parents— but he quickly decides against it. he’s not sure teddy would let it go over her head like others did, and now isn’t the time to open up about things like that. not when they have something important to focus on. " i pay plenty of attention, " ace assures her, keeping his eyes fixed on the ingredients in front of him. he’s not sure he trusts himself to look at her just yet. lately, he’s becoming too aware of what his heart is trying to tell him, things his mind is desperately trying to ignore. like how pretty she is, or how no one has ever made him laugh as much as she does. " but you’re the only person who can be you, teds. you’re one of a kind. " scrunches his nose, deep in though. " but if someone bought you a cake that you didn’t make, wouldn’t you be mad they went to someone else ? i can’t get my cakes anywhere else now. it feels like bakery cheating. " he laughs, a real laugh this time. he finds it hard to believe anyone would describe him as confident. sure, he can fake it when he needs to, but deep down insecurity runs rampant. " i’m not confident, especially not when it comes to stuff like that. " somehow, though, he still manages to attract attention from time to time. which is fine when it’s just for the night, but the idea of someone actually falling for him ? that terrifies him almost as much as the thought of him falling for someone. though it appears it may already be happening. his breath catches in his throat when she takes his hand, his gaze lingering a moment too long. when she asks who his friends are, only one word escapes his mouth, " you. "

"to be fair, between the two of us, i most definitely have been the kitchen dweller... and yet here i've brought you, against my better judgment. are you going to make me regret this?" time with ace was never time wasted, even if it did currently seem like they could go up in flames at any moment. literally. and that potential doesn't stop her from letting out a laugh as he compliments her. "what, just being in my orbit for years hasn't taught you a thing or two by now? i'm really starting to think you don't pay attention..."

"you know, i'm not too sure if they came to the party together. i think maybe they just ran into each other? it would be extra fucked up if they went together though... do you think both would warrant a cake? no one has ever bought ME an apology cake... although, i guess i would probably be the worst person. i judge every cake that i eat." never too harshly-- it was cake after all. hard to mess that up. "well, i just simply don't believe you. you come in here, so confident with your one-liners. no way you don't go repeating those all around town. anybody besides me stupid enough to fall for them yet?" teddy looks over to his hand, another chuckle escaping her lips. "i've made a real big mistake i think... how are you already covered in flour?" still, she sticks her hand out and grabs his. "who are your friends again? like, ones you'd be really mad about? just so i can be extra cautious," she jokes, giving his hand a light squeeze before dropping it.

“ maybe, ” nova responds with a soft shrug of her shoulders, “ but you know how it is. take your eye of the ball for a second and there’s someone else there, ready to try and take your place. ” as of right now her competitiveness and strive are still too strong to allow that. besides, aside from some online classes it’s not like she has much else going on. often too consumed by dance it doesn’t give much time for anything else. friends are hard to make, difficult to keep. and while she’s gained a few in their time here, sometimes it still feels like no one understands her. no one except him. apollo. the person who saved her in more ways than he could possibly realize. the easier option, he says. knows it's a joke and yet her smile threatens to falter. focuses hard to keep it in place, an art she's perfected. deep down she knows it shouldn't bother her, tries not to pay too much attention to the potential reason why it does. he's her roommate, her dance partner, one of the only true people she has in her life. feelings are out of the question, a bad idea . . . right ? " oh so you're saying this deal we've got going on is purely convivence for you, because you have no other options ? " she gently teases, slight raise of perfectly sculpted brow. her gaze softens suddenly, often confused by the way he'll sometimes say something that creates a warmth in her chest. " yeah, but you have to admit, " she begins, small step closer, " proving people wrong is one hell of a satisfying feeling. kind of like when i proved you wrong, because i know you didn't think i'd last a week dancing with you. now here we are, and you can't live without me. " there's a proud smile as she reaches out without much though ( something so unlike her, except with him ) and lightly presses finger to his chest.

"i think you're far more ahead than just on top of it," he comments. he doesn't see nova as a glass ceiling breaker, he sees her as the glass ceiling. one that, frankly, is unreachable for anyone else. he'd been dancing for almost three decades, and no dance partner he'd ever had compared to nova. they were all agreeable, willing to let apollo take over, and in awe of his talent. which, was great for his ego, but didn't make him better. and, as a professional dancer, that's what one strived for. his first rehearsal was full of arguments with nova, and they covered all of ten seconds of a dance in the span of an hour. she was challenging and annoying, but deep down, it was what he needed in a partner.

"that's what they call me," he chuckles. being humble was for insecure people, which he very much was not. at least, not when it came to his ability on the dancefloor. "honestly, i think you're the only one who wants me on or off the stage these days. which, is totally fine with me. way easier that way," he says, oblivious to how it could be taken. "you know, you're very much a kill them with kindness type. before you, if a company doubted me, i would simply move on..." there were many dance companies, but only one apollo fairbanks. "i guess everyone can thank you for making me nicer."

noa shrugs her shoulders slightly, knowing smile still fixed in place, " something like that. but i do care, that's why i'm here. to ensure you don't end up lonely and miserable. " eyes narrow a moment later, trying to gauge his reaction as best she could, though he was more difficult to read than most. " okay, well, i'm still going to ask her because i don't take any mans word when it comes to other women. i mean, she's gorgeous, and i have a lot of highly successful people on my books. one of them could be her perfect match for all you know. " hands come onto her hips, slightly look of irritation now. she's come across many people hesitant to try out matchmaking, but he was by far the most challenging person to convince. " qualified ? it's called having a gift. i get results. you're just like— like the grinch of love, or something. but even he grew his heart in the end. and mark my words, fairbanks. you will too. "

apollo nods as she speaks, happy to know he doesn't actually give off friendly vibes. something only a troubled person could be happy about. "oh, so you know i don't want to talk about it, you just don't seem to care?" this actually isn't the first time someone has told him to smile. it was his teachers favorite thing to remind him. you're a handsome kid, but you'd be much more approachable if you smiled. he'd do what he was told, and it'd be believable, but it was always forced. "okay, well, i'm going to turn you down for nova. no way she'd be into that shit." he brushes off if that was going to happen it likely would have by now and ignores the feeling in his stomach at the idea of nova going on dates set up by noa braunstein. "way better at it? and what makes you so qualified?" although, he couldn't say she was completely wrong. he did make the wrong choice and FREQUENTLY.

" honestly, ronen, i don't really care what it is as long as i'm well dressed, " she begins, soft shrug of shoulders. " i have the closet of dreams, and that makes me so happy i could actually cry. " and she has before, with zero shame. " sure, i'm in one piece, but that doesn't take away from the fact that someone got into my space like that. it's like someone jumping on stage while you're doing your thing, you know ? i'd be furious on your behalf. " he continues and she scoffs, would throw something at him if the item currently in her hands wasn't so valuable to her. " people with real taste, something you so clearly lack. sometimes i wonder how we're even twins. " the mention of their father strikes a small nerve, but she holds it back. their parents weren't always a fun conversation topic. always felt best to avoid it where possible. " just because i like buying clothes and spending money doesn't mean i don't live in the real world. last time i checked, i wasn't in a simulation. " as the topic turns to his closet, her mind begins to swim. already she's envisioning his fall looks, though she's certain he won't wear them as she plans. still, it won't stop her from buying the items regardless. " well, sounds to me like you're in need of a clear out. it's good to mix things up every now and again, the same old gets boring fast. " as she folds the sweater away and places it back in the bag like it's her most prized possession, she glances across at him with a curious stare. " so, do you have any life updates for me ? any girls on the scene i should know about ? because you haven't been on a date in a while. it's almost the holidays, which means it's the perfect time to get out there. "

"you may call it prevention therapy, i'll call it economy building." his sister had always been a big spender-- she'd never needed an excuse. however, he shouldn't judge too harshly. he could be a pretty big spender himself. he told himself it was different, though. a grand romantic gesture versus a new pair of shoes... just didn't seem even in his eyes. "well, you're standing here in front of me... in one piece. talking about spending money. you seem pretty normal to me, so... not too sure what i should be worried about? unless someone has trained a robot to be EXACTLY like you... that'd be kinda sick, actually." although, if anyone had enough knowledge on noa to program a robot, it would be ronen. "and who said you looked cute? just so i can recommend them a good eye doctor. and hey, the real world is different. not everyone is going to make it as easy for you as dad did."

ronen can't help but laugh as she holds up the sweater, making it clear she had been the victorious one. "you didn't want sympathy, but you wanted me to be concerned... all that for you to have the sweater on your person? no way anyone could've programmed a robot this good. also, i think i've got enough clothes. like, i'm pretty sure my closet might burst."

kai smirks, leaning back on the swing, hands loosely wrapped around the chains. “ guess i felt like being unpredictable for once, ” he responds, voice laced with a familiar mix of sarcasm and indifference. " gotta keep you on your toes. " kai kicks the ground beneath, causing the swing to sway lazily. the façade drops for a moment, reflection of concern behind his gaze as he glances winnie's way. " so, what's up ? did something happen, or did you just miss me for my charming personality ? "

LOCATION: coral cove park STATUS: closed / kai finnegan @dreamerfms

she knows the second kai reacts to her SOS with a thumbs up, they're due to meet in the park after midnight. usually she's the first one there, but to her surprise, kai is already waiting at the swing set for her. she plops herself down on the swing next to his and offers a small smile. "you switched things up on me," she teases. "usually it's me waiting on you."

ace can't fathom it, the idea of anyone regretting letting her speak freely. one of his favourite things about her is hearing all of her unfiltered thoughts. it's refreshing, endearing. thinks he could listen to her talk all day long without interrupting once, and that's rare for ace. whenever he's having a bad day, the sound of her voice easily makes it better. the sad part is he doesn't know how to accurately voice that, how to tell her. how to open himself up to vulnerability. the last decade of his life had been spent trying to shield himself, learning to hide it all with a joke, smile long enough that the worries behind his stare went unnoticed. he laughs, and it's deep. " well, there's no need to thank me. you make the best cakes i've ever tasted. there's not competition. " thought sparks, head tilting slightly. " you should totally make that a thing though— welcome home cheater cakes. think of the amount of faces that'd be smooshed into them. " " no, you can ! and you should. your reflection is pretty, of course you should kiss it. " cringes hard at his words, forever awkward. never quite knowing what to say, though sometimes he'll magically say the right thing. cheeks are pink, all too telling. he wills the moment to pass. when it does, ace watches her take control, and honestly he thinks it's for the best. but her earlier words have his mind racing, and he feels guilty. why ? he's not sure. but it almost feels like he's lying to the person he cares for most. " i do, though, you know . . . have insecurities. i just got good at masking it with really bad jokes, " he shrugs, cracks a half-smile. he should stop there, and while his brain tells him to, his mouth keeps going. " but i'm insecure about a lot of things, like how my hair just doesn’t do the thing, you know ? " he rubs the back of his neck, glancing away as if suddenly very interested in the wall. " or how i trip over nothing at least once a day. which is fine, except for the fact that it's not even, like, graceful tripping. it's more like watching a baby deer learn how to walk, but somehow worse. and, i, uh, struggle with the idea of letting anyone all the way in because i have this crippling fear that i'll never be good enough. " which increases around her, because he's met someone he wishes he felt good enough for. and it's in no way her fault that he doesn't, it's his past.

"not sure if it makes you feel any better, but people have regretted things with me, too. mostly letting me speak without interruption, but, the sentiment is the same." she looks over to meet his gaze, only to notice he's not actually looking at her. which, given what he's saying about PAYING ATTENTION, is pretty ironic. if this were anybody else, she'd wonder if he was saying that just to satisfy the fishing instinct within her. but she was teddy, and he was ace. he'd always been honest with her, even if he couldn't make eye contact with her. at least, that's how she always felt. but, at the end of the day, he was a master poker player. she just had to remind herself that actions always reflected intentions, and there was nothing there to hint that their friendship was a fake one.

"and i'm glad you think so, because i definitely would consider it bakery cheating... so, thanks for saving me the effort it would take to make a WELCOME HOME, CHEATER sign." she reaches over and collects the dry ingredients from him, mixing them with her bowl. on the off chance this experiment totally went south, she would just stay late to make rhodes a proper cake. "well, you hide it well. i've never sensed insecurity coming from you." but perhaps her confidence was too overbearing for her to notice-- or just enough for the both of them. and comments about how she is the main friend in his life definitely didn't help with her ego. "well, shit. i can't kiss my mirror anymore? what an unfair wrench you've thrown at me."

kai tilts his head, smirk still in place but his gaze softens. there's something about winnie that feels safe to kai, and that's no common thing for him. he's spent the last decade keeping most people at a far distance, so to have someone who feels like a friend despite the fact they only ever seem to meet in the dead of the night, is a big deal. despite his sarcasm and the way he tries to act like he hates the whole world, there's a genuine care for her. " blew your world up ? no. no, i don't believe we've gotten to that part yet. " there's a teasing edge to his voice before he lets out a chuckle, momentarily directs his gaze to the gravel beneath his feet. " the good news though ? i don't have anyone to tell your secrets to even if i wanted to, " he reassures, with of course the exception of his sister meave, though even then he's never been one to blab about other peoples lives, " so if you wanna unload, i’m here. no judgment, no shitty advice you didn’t ask for, just . . . whatever you need. "

a chuckle escapes her lips as the other speaks. "the latter, obviously. am i really that easy to read?" winnie found it very hard to be open with others. spending so much of your life hiding who you were made one terrified that the secret could slip out at any moment. any moment of honesty and vulnerability was an opportunity to ruin a perfectly good image. but, she remembers the time kai stumbled upon her here at this very park. everything just kind of fell into place. she was new to town and very overwhelmed with... well, LIFE. a listening ear from a stranger somehow brought her back to earth. "well, you're definitely keeping me on my toes," she tells him. she's stalling, despite the fact that she called him here. explaining ronnie was something winnie had never expected to do, but here they were. "have i ever told you about the time i blew my own world up?"

it's nice to hear, that someone thinks she's irreplicable in a sense, even if it is ( in her mind, at least ) only when it comes to dance. growing up it had never mattered how many awards she won, how man lead spots she landed, how many people she outdanced. nothing was ever good enough for her mother, and her father never said much of anything at all. simply nodded his head in agreement to everything his wife said, paying no real attention. she doesn't quite know what to say, feels a swell of emotion in her throat, always so quick to swallow it back down. " well, you have to say that— " he doesn't, and she knows fine well he doesn't— " but thank you. i know no one could ever take yours. " because it would never be the same, and she would never trust another dancer to handle her body the way he does. to move with her so in the way he seems to do so effortlessly. nova doesn't believe in fate, because to believe in it would prove the world to be rather cruel considering the fate of their pasts, but one thing that almost convinces her it could exist, is the way it feels like they were born to dance together. light laughter echoes, head shaking as she listens. " only you could try and make something better and somehow make it worse, " nova responds, but there's a softens to her tone, teasing weaved between. " no girl wants to hear that, trust me. even if it is friendship based. convenient implies it would also be easy to drop me if i no longer was easy to be around. " he grabs her hand, and she finds it rather silly how her breath seems to hitch in her throat, how overly aware she is of the fact he still hasn't let it go. they'd held hands at least a hundred times on stage, during practise, so why does it feel so different now ? nova blinks, does her best to keep her gaze on him, takes her a beat longer than it usually would to response. " no, " is her honest answer, and she shakes her head again, tender smile as her gaze softens. " and i don't want to tame the dancing beast, " tone playfully mimics, " i like it exactly as it is. " and she wouldn't be here, this version of her, without him.

"trust me, i don't think anyone is capable of taking your place." he doesn't find anyone to be comparable. maybe he's biased ( he's definitely biased ) but there's no one in nova's league. and, should any company or choreographer disagree, it's them with the issue. he thinks the world of nova, likely because he thinks the world of himself and she's the only one with the ability to keep up. plus, thinking of nova and her abilities distracts from the fact that he's only a few years from retirement. there's always teaching and choreographing to fall back on, but the thought of being done with all of this... it's dizzying.

apollo has become a creature of habit. wake up, train, dance, come home, go to sleep, do it all over again. he despised dance growing up, and still has complicated feelings about it to this day. still, how do you just walk away from something you've spent thirty years perfecting? he was a few years older than nova, so she still had that going for her. perhaps that's why he continued to push her. so, he'd still have a dog in the fight even after he was out of the game.

"you've seem to have taken offense to my use of the word EASY," he replies with a shake of his head. despite growing up surrounded by girls and women both at home, at school, and at dance, apollo was very bad at understanding them. "what's wrong with something easy and convenient?" nothing in apollo's life had ever been easy or convenient, so finding something that was both was a breath of fresh air. "trust me, i had plenty of other options. if anything, you're the only one brave enough to stick around." he grabs her hand off his chest, slowly bringing their hands down in between them, but hasn't let go. "and, yeah, maybe i didn't think you'd make it-- but that wasn't you, that was my history. but i'm glad you feel accomplished. do you feel like you've tamed the dancing beast?"

noa scoffs lightly, her hand flicking through the air as if ushering the thought away. sure, he'd make a great addition in that sense, but deep down she truly believes most people deserve and are capable of love, and so she simply cannot help herself. " hmm, so what are you implying here, that my only desire is to make money and that i don't actually care about my clients ? because that's pretty much an insult to my entire existence. i've been setting people up since i was like, eleven. " insult is long forgotten when she earns a laugh, even if she isn't sure it comes from amusement. but his words sadden her, just a little. " that's because unlike the tin man, you already have one. even if you try to hide it. i mean, i'm assuming you're named after apollo, the greek god of light ? do you happen to know what his one weakness was ? " she asks, taking a step closer with a proud smile. " one word, four letters. l-o-v-e. " and sure, history would have it that most of his affairs ended in disaster, but she's, like, totally sure it'll be different for him.

"something tells me i'm JUST A NUMBER to you... like, you don't want me, you want another success story... and if that's what you're after, i'm definitely the worst person for the job." he hopes warning her that he's a lost cause will get her to finally take the hint. it's just about all he can do without explicitly telling her to piss off, which he knows is a bad move. one, he'd never speak to a woman that way. never has, and never will. two, palmview seemed to be working out for him. the last thing he needed was an enemy. especially one that was this well connected. "okay, well don't say i didn't try to save you some time." there's a slight irritation when noa refers to him as just any man, but he chooses to ignore it. it's easier for him to stay silent on the topic of nova. "the grinch of love?" a laugh escapes his lips as he looks at the other. it was just the last thing he was expecting her to say. "well, braunstein, good luck with that. unlike THE TIN MAN, i'm not actively searching for a heart."

" twice ? damn, winnie, you might even have me beat there. " she jokes about killing him and he can't help the smirk that flickers. he leans in, voice low, and with a familiar sardonic humour that not many could handle says, " eh, you'd be doing me a favour. " but as she continues, he stays quiet, let's her talk. isn't quite sure what he's expecting. then it comes and he smiles and it isn't teasing or sarcastic or anything in-between. it's genuine, soft, so unlike him some might never believe it. " that's cool, " he responds, and in a weird way he feels . . . proud of her ? knows all too well how coming out can feel. " we're a pretty decent club. i mean, there's the occasional asshole, myself included, but overall it's not too bad. " grin grows briefly, then fades. a moment of quiet before he asks, “ how long have you been out for ? ”

"well, luckily for you, i've actually done that TWICE. there's so much for you to learn about me," she jokes, pushing herself back on the swing. there was comfort in kai and the park-- the need to be young and innocent again. it seemed kai needed that just as much as she did. "well, that is good news. otherwise, i'd have to kill you." a funny statement, coming from winnie of all people. the girl couldn't even kill a spider. "i guess an ear for now. maybe advice if you think i'm stupid or whatever. which, would be a very valid response." something she wouldn't have agreed with back when everything was fresh. "so, i'm..." the word gets caught in her throat. she's been out for three years, but hasn't really talked about it. at least not verbally. it's almost as hard to say it to kai as it was to say it to her parents. "bisexual," she finally gets out. "but, that's new. well, not NEW, but, like, new, i guess... it took a long time for me to be okay with saying that."

he glances at the three pieces presented with a puzzled expression. " uh . . . well, three looks most like the hand whisk i have, so . . . three ? " not that he's ever used said hand whisk. truly, he's not quite sure why he has it. confusion soon turns into a smile, eyes vibrant as he watches her take his small idea and turn it into a full-blown vision. she's amazing, he thinks to himself, is almost certain his face says it too. in all his life, he’s never met anyone like her— someone so willing to embrace his quirks and match them with her own. sometimes it’s like they exist in their own little universe, where the world fades away, and it’s just them, laughing and enjoying each others company. he wishes he'd met her sooner, long before circumstance had made him so overprotective of his own heart. " yeah, " he nods, feels breathless. " i can totally help you set up an instagram for that. but anything i do won't make it viral, that'll be all you. " because she commands attention all on her own, such a breath of fresh air and honesty he can't imagine anyone wouldn't feel drawn to her. he doesn't say much at her next set of words, only a slightly awkward, " the real thing is even better. " if he was to say what was fully on his mind, he'd tell her she's the most beautiful person he's ever seen, inside and out. radiates something he can't pinpoint, but that often has him dreaming of her when she's not even there. there's part of him that's afraid to admit to himself what it all means, because once he does he won't be able to switch it off. ace meets teddy's gaze, caught off guard by the way she forces him to look at her. he can’t help but feel a warm flutter in his chest, one that spread quickly even as his thoughts swirl with anxiety. the moment stretches out, and all he can think about is how her hands on his cheeks feel like a jolt of electricity. suddenly he's all too aware of the close proximity between them, swallows down hard as he attempts to focus on her words instead of the strong pull he feels towards her. " i don't know how to describe the thing, it's just the thing, you know ? " probably not, because how does that even make sense. " no matter what i put in there, it still looks the same. so much so i don't think even a haircut could change it. " but he appreciates the offer. lonely, it's a word he knows well. in fact, he's certain if he didn't have his grandfather growing up that feeling may have swallowed him whole. " i mean, yeah, maybe sometimes. but i've felt a lot lonelier staying around people who were supposed to care and didn't. like my . . . " he pauses, feels like he might explode as he battles against the part of him that wants to keep it all in, but he fights to get it out, " my mom. " he used to think his dad leaving when he was a young boy was what broke his heart, but really he thinks it might have been his mother staying. both felt like forms of abandonment in their own right.

she pulls her mixer closer to her, offering three attachments to ace. "okay, pop quiz-- which one is used for cakes? one, two, or three?" her brows raise as she watches ace, waiting for him to make a selection. while he's deciding, she takes it upon herself to resume their previous conversation. "you know, you may actually be onto something... i can see the vision now. your man is cheating, and you want to just... disappear. you pack all your shit, leave your spare key on the counter next to a masterpiece. well, a cake masterpiece. in the shape of whatever you desire... a broken heart... a knife... and on top it says welcome home cheater. it's like a scene from a movie! i think you're right. maybe that should be my specialty. is this my push to make an instagram for my cakes? do you know how to make things go viral? could you do that for me?"

there's no stopping the laugh that erupts from her as ace encourages her to... kiss her reflection. "well, it's good to know you think my REFLECTION is pretty. we can only hope the real thing is as well," she teases, patting his chest lightly. maybe it's mean, but there's a part of her that finds joy in watching him stumble over his words. not because he's struggling, but because she finds it endearing. finds him endearing. it's hard not to when he's standing in front of her laying all of his flaws out on the table. he never tried to be TOO COOL for her. teddy wouldn't have gotten along with him if he had. she knew she was weird and quirky, and she was proud of it. she'd collected a group of real and genuine friends, and ace was obviously part of that. someone who met her on her level, who really understood her. which is why, when he starts telling her his insecurities, she finds herself confused.

ace isn't looking at her, and that's probably purposeful, but she brings her hands to his cheeks and forces him to look at her. well, really, it's so she can get a better look at his hair. "what 'thing'? i like what your hair does," she assures him. "but, if you really want something different, i have a history of giving haircuts. you can ask my cousin miles." haircuts that only got her into trouble with their family. "okay, that's not really true. i mean, i did give him haircuts, but when i was, like, four. BUT, i do know a lot of beauty and style people. so, if you really wanted to change your hair i'm sure we could. just let me know. and as for tripping-- you've just gotta pick your feet up, baby. or take an acting class to learn how to fall more gracefully. whichever is easier for you." his final admission stops her for a second. the normal lighthearted air between them disappearing as the conversation takes a serious turn. "that one, well, i can't fix that. i can find you some affirmations that could help, though. you'll feel silly doing them at first. ronnie used to always make fun of me, but i don't know any different. but it does help, i think. or i'm just actually the coolest person to ever exist," she says with a light shrug. she'd never had confidence problems, and perhaps the affirmations really did help. "that sounds really lonely, if i'm being honest."