Nova \ Miles. - Tumblr Posts

nova smiles softly, eyes scanning the spread in front of her, clearly impressed. “ i have to say, this is really impressive. did someone teach you to cook like this, or is it just another natural given talent ? ” the question is asked with a playful tone. as she reaches for the beansprouts, nova takes in a slow breath, grounding herself in the moment, aware of the faint hum of nerves that still linger in the background when food is involved. but instead of avoidance, she lets herself appreciate the colours and textures— the effort miles put into preparing the meal. " honest reviews only, " she hums, pretending to think it over. nova is a sweet girl for the most part, but she can be critical. sometimes overly so. doesn't shy away from pointing out where things could be improved. however here she finds no faults. " it's a little annoying that i don't have a single criticism. it really is just that good. remind me to never get into a cook-off with you, i don't lose well. "

𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆, open starter location: coral cove, apt. 4a / time: 6 p.m. context: after university, miles stayed in california to pursue baseball professionally. it's been around two (2) months since his return to palmview.

“ thanks for making the time, it's been a minute since i've really been able to cook something homemade.  ”  while he missed his family's cooking, miles was sure he mastered all the comfort foods he could remember from his childhood. being away from home for so long was difficult and being away from everyone he knew growing up was harder.  “ here, have some more of this.   ”  he stirs a spoon to mix the egg with the tofu soup.  “ hope you're hungry—and i take all reviews. ”  he raises a hand over his heart and dips his head in a small bow. between them, there's a spread of sides that included beansprouts and fishcakes amongst other smaller plates.

" ha ha, " she teases in return, " maybe i just know good food when i taste it, ever thought about that ? " she nods along, listening intently. likes how effortless his company feels. while part of her is always wearing somewhat of a mask except for in the comfort of her own home, she feels mostly herself. " i like the added crunch, " she adds, in reference to the beansprouts, understands what he means about the texture. " it's a nice addition. " she watches as he adjusts food in her bowl, and at his next words she lets out a laugh. " hmm, except for the fact i would win both. i meant it when i said i don't like to lose. i think you might underestimate just how competitive i can be, " she states, glances up at him with a playfully challenging stare, brow raising. it's no lie. failure is a feeling she detests, sends her into frenzy for longer than it should. " no competitions, no. show season is coming up, though. it's swan lake. i'll be auditioning. " is fairly certain she'll land the lead, usually does. " apollo is my good luck charm, " words come out without thought, in no way meaning to sound rude. " or, well, i like to think of myself as his. " her laugh is somewhat nervous, shakes her head. " sorry, that came out wrong. it's just . . . we've been dancing together for years, so . . . but outside support is always welcome. and greatly appreciated. as for cooking, i'll never say no to this. "

“ oh really? not a single bad thing to say? are you sure i'm feeding the right person? you must really have missed me.  ”  he's more impressed with nova than himself. a smug smile finds a way to his lips and he does his best to conceal it by pressing his lips into a thin line.  “ i usually use the beansprouts to help cool down the soup. texture's fun too, especially cause it almost tastes like nothing.   ”  miles uses the opposite ends of his own chopsticks to help push the vegetable under the tofu in nova's bowl.  “ if we had a cook off, we'll also have to have a dance off. then the score would be even. i only win when you do.  ”  another triumph grin before his eyes widen slightly. “ speaking of—did i miss any competitions? i've been so busy.  ”  this time, there's an apologetic look. “ i'll just cook for us for the rest of our lives if i missed any... i'm basically your lucky charm. what would you do without me?  ” 

nova’s gaze softens at his sheepish smile, a hint of empathy flickering in her eyes. often times things come out of her mouth in ways she doesn’t intend, years spent not quite knowing how to navigate connections with people, especially not friendships. until a certain age, all she knew was competition, comparison. this all still feels new to her. “ the auditions are closed, but you can definitely come to opening night, if you want, ” she responds, her voice gentle, quick to offer an encouraging smile in attempt to lighten things. when he shows her the email, her heart sinks for him. nova is never quite sure if ballet is what she would have chosen to do if things had been different, but it was her thing and without it ? well, she dreads to think. can't fathom how it must feel for him to essentially be told he can't compete until further notice. " wow, that . . . i'm sorry, miles. that must be a lot to come to terms with. " nova pauses briefly, another spoonful of soup. " have you been yet— to a therapy session ? "

mostly herself is good enough. miles can sense that there's an unspoken comfort. it's a feeling they share. most times, around nova, it feels like all of his edges are softened. but that's mostly because she shows up with a sense of grit that is beyond his own. “ dope. can i come to the audition or is it more private?  ”  while her words initially make him feel like he striked a nerve, she's quick to reassure him.  “ of course, never meant to overstep.  i guess for me, luck hasn't really been on my side. but it's also my own fault...  ”  a sheepish smile appears. his right hand reaches for his phone. there's an official email from his coach. “ i'll be around for another minute. a good while.  ”  miles doesn't mean to sound disappointed but the way his brows furrow fail to support his forced smile. nova understands him in the sense that they're both competitive. they have things they're great at and things they do to support their livelihood. miles however, always finds that his temper is his greatest flaw.  “ no games for me until i do like... 'x' amount of therapy. they're put me on a hiatus but the internal paperwork called it a suspension. so... i'll be here and i'll be able to show up for anything.  ” 

nova lets out a soft chuckle, smile warm as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. it's nice that he's so interested. she appreciates it. friendships are still a new thing for her to navigate, but since being in palmview, a number of people have made it feel a little easier. miles very much included. " miles, i haven't even had an audition yet. once things are actually in motion, i'll get tickets for you. don't worry, i'll secure you a good spot. " with a content belly, her spoon is discarded into her bowl, full attention on him now. she feels flattered, really, that he feels able to share such a thing with her. wishes she knew the right thing to say, something helpful. tries her best anyway. " well, showing up and saying nothing is still a step in the right direction. you can't be expected to just . . . let it all out, right away. it takes time to get comfortable talking to someone like that. " flicker of empathy behind her gaze, and if she was bigger on physical touch, maybe she'd reach out and squeeze his hand. but she isn't. " you're not raining on any parades here, " she insists, nodding when he suggests they take a walk. " yeah, that'd be nice. it's a good day for it, and maybe some fresh air will clear that head of yours. "

“ i'll be there, i promise. do you know where? and where the best seats would be..? ”  leave it to miles to bombard nova with his questions. always safe than sorry, he drums his fingers along the edge of the table.  “ making your way up, i see. i'd like to be there for all the wins.   ”  he wasn't sure what to expect but he knew the email would change the current mood. it's information received and passed, regardless. “ i'm really working on it. i went to a session and didn't say much. i'm sure they passed on the notes to my general care doctor. it kind of sucks to be there a lot. ”  there's an attempt to search for the words to describe what he was feeling. nothing really comes to mind, just that he wishes he could've brought back better news. maybe he could have if he had a bit more self-control. but that was a longstanding issues and at the very least, loved ones knew that he wasn't aggressive until provoked. “ raining on parades could be my new hobby, ” he jests. “ i'm alright though. looking at this as a reset. and some practice with media training. ”  ... “ would you want to go for a walk after this? ”