celia-baker

[celia-baker]

💘 …someone my muse has a crush on.

"ever since I was little, I have been unbelievably attracted to freddie mercury. like, him and bowie for 'under pressure'? I was a changed woman. his voice? serenade me until I'm dead. him in drag in the 'break free' music video? my pansexual awakening."

"which made the thing that happened with julian on halloween a whole new flavor of fucked up."

@julianxpark

[celia-baker]

who: closed starter for @claytonjeong where: outside of aurora bay hospital

every trip to the doctor felt like some sort of deranged covert mission. it's not that she was ashamed of being chronically ill, it was more that she wanted to keep it under wraps as much as possible. years of examples had shown that people looked at you differently when they knew you were sick. treated you differently too. and sure, maybe she was overreacting with the large sunglasses resting on her face (though those served a double purpose as to hide the clear sleep deprivation that had left her with a smattering of veins in her eyes) and some old hoodie her brother had accidentally gotten mixed up with her stuff after christmas. but she wanted to avoid any recognition if she could.

and it was a good thought while it lasted.

dark brown eyes connected with a figure she knew all too well. clayton. celia mentally struck herself for forgetting that he was a nurse. it would be just her luck to have one of the flings she had be a goddamned nurse. everything screamed inside her to run as fast as she could to her car but she knew it was too late. his gaze was already on her. "hey!" her voice chipper, yet with a tinge of force pushing it through. "you working today?"

[celia-baker]

💋 …someone my muse used to date.

"the only person I've ever dated was my high school boyfriend: jamie. really sweet guy, liked all the same games and music I did, took me out to applebee's almost every other weekend (the other weekends we'd try to hunt for the actual best pizza slice in the city), and treated me like an actual human being with feelings which is quite rare for a high school boyfriend. you can't really ask for a better person to be your first real relationship and to take your v card, right?"

I kind of feel guilty breaking things off with him when I came to california, even if an opposite-coast relationship especially when you're in college sounds like literal hell on earth. I'll always think back on our time fondly. last I heard, he was engaged to his college girlfriend and works as an accountant for an indie game company which you know, good on him."

[celia-baker]

Is your muse good or bad at learning new things?

"it really depends on what I'm trying to learn. like when I switched my major to costuming, I don't think I've ever had something come so easily to me. my fingers kind of went on autopilot. but when I tried to learn any other language than english (and a bit of latin)? I sounded like I had a mouth full of marbles and could never make sense of it."

[celia-baker]

👿

👿 …someone my muse used to like, but doesn’t anymore.

"myself is too cliche of an answer, right?"

"I mean, like most millennials/gen z-ers, a ton of our childhood celebrity heroes have turned out to be the absolute scum of the earth so honestly take your pick. thankfully, I've picked out a pretty good crew in my personal life."

[celia-baker]

the teasing warranted a roll of her dark eyes, equally dark curls bouncing as she shook her head. "listen, if I don't laugh, I'll cry at the almost one hundred hours I lost of my life." she admitted, though with a tone of hyperbole. at least it was something tangible to leave behind.

"yeah, if we were living in the 1920s, maybe it would be." her eyes wandered back over to him. "but in the 2020s? I think some people might stare."

nerves seemed to buzz through every inch of her, but she was determined to push through them. it was maverick; this didn't have to be some scary moment. in fact, it'd be better if there wasn't this big red sign of 'date' put around it in her mind. it was just them, plus something extra. once she got her mind into that line of thinking, the weight of anxiousness seemed to slowly lift. her hand lightly squeezes his, a wordless moment of reassurance.

" good thinking." gold fingernails carefully take the strawberry from him, her teeth biting into it while her free hand moves to catch any of the fallen shards. "sounds great. grab one for yourself too." her words were coated in a light tease as she noticed him forgetting himself. "I'll grab you a strawberry for when you're back."

Only eighty.

It’s said as if it’s no big feat, and Maverick rolls his eyes playfully at her. “Yeah, okay. Always sooo modest.” Celia only ever was. Maverick, too, considering how he suddenly feels a bashfulness when the compliment is returned. There's a reason he aimed to work anywhere that didn't put him in front of the camera.

( If it could be helped as he's aware when he was abroad with Bradley Banner, he definitely could be seen in a few pap photos. )

"Oh, the Charleston! That qualifies as tearing it up, if you ask me." Though, Maverick isn't sure what the 'Charleston' is, he is going to try and get Celia to demonstrate so he can find out without asking.

She totes him along with ease, and Maverick lights up. He might still have nerves going, but at least Celia helps calm him enough. Though the dance part of the whole thing, he awkward tries to get into it. He tries to look for Astrid, then maybe Atticus or Angel, as if by making eye contact he can channel some telepathic encouragement from either, but as it seems, he's on his own now.

Mav makes do, careful to not step on either of Celia's toes, but that does cause him to jostle a couple of other folks on the dance floor. At least the buffet table is a beacon of sanctuary, and he receives the ever pleasant news that the strawberries are dipped in dark chocolate.

He plucks one by the stem and holds it up to Celia. "Here you go, time to refuel before we get back out there. Did you want any champagne? I'll go grab you one."

@celia-baker

[celia-baker]

long flows of graphite sketch across the ivory page as celia began to sketch her latest design. as if a cruel joke by the world, the next show had a director who was very adamant the costumes be as historically accurate to the period as possible. so that's how she found herself, headphones strapped to her head, with her supplies slayed out on a library table with multiple reference books hoarded like a dragon might guard gold.

the feeling of another person barreling into her whips her attention from the little bubble she'd made to the culprit, features softening when she notices who they belong to. "yeah, celia." she reassured while slipping off her headphones. "you're totally fine! honestly, happens to me all the time. but you know, I work with needles and pins so I should get better about that." she soon began collecting the pencils scattered across the floor.

dark brown eyes glance up at him, making sure to only exude a friendly aura so as not to make him feel bad. "I'm doing well! currently working on a new project, so busy as all hell. how about you? how are things at the station?"

Who: @celia-baker Where: Library

There's a stack of books in his hand that he needs to look over for a new guest coming into the late show. Or rather, a new potential guest. There always seemed to be someone who could used a spotlight or someone new to talk about. It always meant scouring sources and making sure he wasn't a complete moron when it came to talking about things. Despite all of that, he still managed to consistently sound like an idiot.

Speaking of being an idiot, of course he didn't look where he's going and he managed to put his leg and hip right into another person's bath. "Oh! Shi-...My bad." It's a narrow miss from toppling over himself and Tobias is quick to turn to the other. "Oh! Hey. Celia, right? It's Tobias from Pirate. How are you- I'm sorry, again. That's so bad of me."

[celia-baker]

with machine-like precision, celia continued to look over the clothes and placed them into different piles. donations were everything. it took a laughable amount of fabric to keep this place going and every production seemed to require a different period wardrobe. "donation day is like our christmas." she reassured, though her attention still firmly on the task in front of her. a blessing in disguise, it seemed as if she had noticed him checking her out, she would have most likely turned ruddy-cheeked.

a soft laugh passed through her lips at the mention of a list. she knew the pain of a type a parent all too well. "she did, actually. like a day ago."

celia offered her usual warm smile as they exchanged pleasantries. "nice to meet you as well." her eyes still danced around his (admittedly attractive) frame. "please, let her know we'll take just about anything here. even if it's something we can't use, I usually make it into something we can." the focus soon shifted to the dress form behind her: a menagerie of plastic and glitter formed into a ballgown.

Jackson immediately felt better that this woman knew that he was coming. Sometimes his mom would send him off only for someone to not know what to do with him. Those days were over. "It's no problem. Helps empty out whats left in our storage." He said as he mindlessly checked her out while she looked over the clothing.

Cute. Guess the place was crawling with pretty women he thought.

"If there's something missing, just let me know. I'm sure my mom sent an itemized list." It would be a pain to go through everything but he was sure he grabbed everything. She had sent the list to him so if something didn't match, that would be his moms doing.

He reached out her for hand to shake, his grasp gentle, "Celia." He said with a smile as he slowly let go of her hand. "Yeah, Jackson I am." He confirmed.

"It's nice to meet you." He didn't know what to do in exchanges like this, but he knew how to handle it best, "If you ever need anything else that deals with this," he points towards the clothes, "let me know. My mom has a lot, so I'm sure we'll see each other often." @celia-baker

[celia-baker]

this seemed to be a regular position for her: having her moment in the night where she went outside interrupted by someone else. but how could she mind? she was hurting for conversation. no matter how much she adored the costume shop, she'd be the first to admit how lonely it could get. dark eyes followed the trails of smoke as they poured out of his nose, the embarrassment beginning to set in. "no, you're good." she reassured, fingers trailing through her hair as she composed herself. "just you either move like a damn prius or the music really is that loud."

her hands found their way back down to the railing and mindlessly began tapping on the metal, soft plinks bled into the atmosphere. "'m celia, by the way." her named offered softly yet sweetly. "celia baker."

Machines turned off, ink wiped away, the weekend had finally started for him. Not normally a partier and yet somehow he found himself in the middle of a nightclub, dancing, laughing, and sipping on the single drink he started with. A habit of practicing sobriety, the appeal of drinking and being fucked up for the sake of it lost it's shine years ago. Still, after a long client list that he managed to make a dent in and the holiday stress looming over, it was nice to go out with friends and let loose a bit.

While the fun was still raging on inside, the music echoing off the walls had started to become a bit much, the one habit he couldn't kick chiding at him from the back of his mind so he stepped outside. Lighter in one hand, cigarette to his lips with the other, he takes a long drag, wood creaking under his weight as he walks over to the railing to look out at the ocean.

His new company must not have heard him, his hands go up in defense, blowing out smoke from his nose. "Just out for a smoke." He chuckles, moving so the wind wouldn't blow it back in her face. "Sorry to scare ya."

[celia-baker]

one good thing about being as drunk as she was was that it hid her face lighting up red like a stoplight at his tease under an already existing veil of blush. "now I know you're drunk." she quipped back, finding her place overlooking the balcony.

celia's forearms rested on the railing as she continued to take in the view. "good. because, again, I think I'd have to take away your title of a photographer if you didn't" her eyes darted over her shoulder to give him a sly little smirk.

it was a perfect night: the absence of clouds leaving only spatterings of stars to populate the pitch-black sky. the liquor made her mind feel a little like she was underwater which only added to the dream-like quality of everything. these were the little things that made her happy she pushed herself. this view, this whole night would have never happened if she hadn't ignored the exhaustion that rested deep in her bones. she'd gladly pay for it tenfold in the morning to experience this.

and she couldn't end the night before having at least some time with vince.

the feeling of his eyes on her only deepened the blush on her cheeks. "thank you. but you're only saying that because I complimented you." she joked. words escape her when he calls her beautiful, a sophomoric feeling of butterflies adding to her already fuzzy thoughts.

celia slipped her hand in his without pause, her own bout of liquid courage coming through. "it's a little disheveled." she admitted, looking down at her dress. the fabric rested with a few more wrinkles than she would have liked. "did a whole reveal at midnight and didn't think through the logistics of actually getting this dress back to normal afterward." despite her complaints, she did a little spin, one that ended with her face to face with vince. this wasn't a new position for them, but something about the closeness made her heart beat so fast it was all she could hear.

she should have been having this moment with maverick, if anything. but the guilt refused to stick right now. in fact, few thoughts seemed to stick other than what was happening in this moment.

"I missed you tonight."

He's uncertain how long he has been standing here by the glass railing, watching the waves crash against the shoreline and the lights twinkle above. However, he knows that enough time has passed for the streets below to clear out and for the strangers in the towering building to begin their departures with others they had only known for the night—and perhaps more, if they were as fortunate as he was.

The ocean's song was starting to grow louder again, at least if you could muster the willpower to tune out whatever top 100 Billboard song the DJ inside had turned into a terrible remix. But a new sound began to emerge—the clicking of heels against the stone floor. A gentle hum escapes his lips as he doesn’t need to turn around to recognize the presence beside him; her voice is one he has become familiar with over the past few months. It wasn’t something he had anticipated, but something he had begun to find comfort in. He finally turns to face her, a grin spreading across his lips as he takes her in unapologetically, free from the worry of a disapproving glare from her date. After all, she had a date tonight, didn’t she? The man who had been by her side for most of the evening, the reason he had held back from any contact, as well as grappling with the mixed emotions that arose from seeing them together.

"Which view?" he asks playfully, the whiskey he’s been sipping throughout the night providing him with a bit of liquid courage. "Because if you’re referring to that," he says, gesturing toward the stunning scenery, "you’re about twenty minutes too late," he adds, glancing down at where a non-existent watch would rest.

He feels a tinge of pink rise in his cheeks at her compliment. "Thank you; I can say the same about you," he replies, his blue eyes once again taking her in. "You look beautiful," he adds, extending a hand. "Come on, I know you want to do a little twirl to show it all off."

@celia-baker

[celia-baker]

🕯️ - jethro

"one of my oldest and dearest friends. he's been through hell and back, but somehow manages to keep it all together. I admire his strength so fucking much. jett truly is a person that deserves the world. he may not always show it, but his heart is bigger than the ocean. he also gives top-tier hugs. the kind of hugs that can make everything seem okay no matter the reality of the situation. I cherish him."

[celia-baker]

🕯️ + mack!

"I hope he realizes how much I care for him. like, sure, we used to hook up and shit but the platonic love I have for that guy is crazy. his personality and aura are like a glass of cold water on a hot day. just a genuinely good human. also I'm starting to think he has a thing for perpetually frazzled brunettes so..."

[celia-baker]

when she realized who was next to her as she went to the bar to grab another glass of champagne, celia would have rather a crack formed in the floor beneath her and the earth would swallow her up whole. a hot flash of embarrassment with an aftertaste to guilt rose in her face as she tried to play her nerves off as nonchalantly as she could. the last thing she wanted to (or could do) was cave in to the impulse to flee.

"hey." her voice kept in her usual cordial and chipper tone. though, his opposite tone cut through her like a knife. "thanks. so do you. the rings are a nice touch." she offered her compliment as almost a verbal peace offering.

"yeah, totally!" the loss of words wasn't helping in the slightest. "are you?" dark eyes darted around as if to find the key to save this floundering conversation. "want a drink? on me."

who: @celia-baker where: nye ball, seascape hotel

Julian swore that the universe was out to get him. He'd spotted Ceila and Maverick when they were on the dance floor and it took him by surprise. After the inital shock had worn off, it was shortly replaced with confusion and followed by bitterness. He'd been trying to ignore them, dancing amongst the crowd but his glance kept sweeping their way, trying to uncover if this was something serious or not. Parked at the bar, he felt a presence beside him.

"Oh, hey—" Julian greeted Ceila, something unsavory in his tone. "You look nice. Having a good time?"

[celia-baker]

the invitation was unexpected, to say the least. after she had drunkenly stumbled into some sort of admission of feelings on at the halloween bash (many things happened at halloween bash that shouldn't have) there was a part of her that worried she had tarnished their relationship, platonic or not, forever. so this was a welcomed surprise. it had been a while since she had been on any kind of 'formal' date and what a better night for it?

celia smiled, a soft laugh passing her painted lips. "all because I'm wearing this little old thing?" she feigned a nonchalant attitude. "it's nothing. it only took....eighty hours of work? yeah, eighty sounds right. but glad to hear that that work paid off." her shoulder lightly nudged him. "though, I think you'd need to join that picture because you'd make it look one hundred times better."

the nerves were palpable between the both of them. but they were the good kind of nerves. the buzzing feeling of excitement for the uncertainty of the night or even their whole dynamic. they were on the precipice for possibilities and it all began with the first step that was tonight. a perfectly apt way to start a new year, that's for sure.

"I don't know if what I do on the dance floor would be qualified as 'tearing it up'." she admitted with another light laugh. "my experience kind of starts and stops with the musical theatre kid basics, you know: jazz square, charleston, all that." a small pang of disappointment shot through her thinking about her past passion. the one that had been torn away from her.

her hand found his, interlacing her fingers as she pulled him towards the dance floor.

"come on. you'll have to show me your moves too. plus, we can dance towards the buffet table and grab some of those chocolate covered strawberries." she playfully wiggled her eyebrows. "and that's on multitasking."

CLOSED STARTER for @celia-baker

Maverick fidgets, but it isn't nervous energy. Honestly, he can't pinpoint what it is. He just is busy trying to make sure he doesn't stray too far to give off the impression of not wanting to be by Celia's side all because he doesn't usually stay in one place.

The date thing, he wasn't certain about it, but after what Celia said to him at Sharky's Halloween party, he toyed with the idea of going on some sort of actual date. He subsequently sought out Astrid for advice and a pep talk, because oh he's doing this, and it's the possible start of more than friends.

"So, you should totally go stay next to that backdrop and I'll get a bunch of pictures of you being the best dressed person here." He's already run through so many compliments, trying to hype her up, that trying to reel it in might be an option too far gone. "Or we can hit up the food to see what they have out."

He does try to not suggest champagne or the bar too soon, not wanting to give off the wrong impression by accidentally giving her too many drinks too early in the night.

"Or, if you want, we can go dance. I can so see you tearing up the dance floor."

[celia-baker]

who: closed starter for @vincentquinn where: seascape; New Years Ball when: after midnight; towards the end of the night

the night had been a whirlwind; drinks, dancing, laughing. it almost felt like a dream with the swirls of fabric and unfamiliar faces. the excitement was enough to make her head spin. or maybe that was the extra glass of champagne. or that her heels were so uncomfortable, she was sure her feet would be the size of bread loaves tomorrow. or the fact that she was still running on fumes. whatever the case may be, celia found herself where she usually ended up hours into partying: outside with the night air hitting her flushed cheeks. however, seascape undoubtedly created one of the most beautiful backdrops for her usual alley-confined moment of reprieve. the balcony opened up to an almost 'renaissance oil painting'-like view of the ocean, starlight dancing on the soft waves created by the wind. it was the kind of view she wanted to live in, one to bottle up and selfishly keep for herself.

but it soon became a mirror of another night when she noticed another figure out on the balcony. though this time, she was the one entering the hideout he created and not the other way around.

"I'm surprised you're not obsessively taking pictures of this view. maybe even a little offended." her voice suggested nothing but a playful tease as she stepped towards him.

they had come a long way from that first night. the initial awkwardness fell by the wayside and revealed a true friendship, one she didn't know how she ever lived without. sure, there was an air of uncertainty of what the relationship would consist of cloaked around their meetings (most hookups tended to live in that air for a while before those boundaries came) but she was more than happy to just focus on the ease that had come with their conversations and the moments they spent together.

berry-tinted lips curled into her usual full-cheeked, drunken smile. "you look great, by the way. haven't had a chance to tell you that yet."

[celia-baker]

bony fingers white-knuckled the champagne glass, almost a mirror of her and the coffee cup. only this time, the grip wasn't a cry for caffeine. it was more to center herself. the long night, no break lifestyle had been catching up with her for some time however the holiday season had made it much less ignorable. she was determined to not have this ruin her night, however. so, she had excused herself from the group of people she had found herself chatting with to take a moment out in the foyer.

a light chuckle passed wine-colored lips as a familiar figure joined her. "yup, set the perfect trap." she teased. "knew if I hung out in the least populated place, you'd show up eventually." celia patted the spot next to her, an invitation to join. "sounds good. I'll even take ten. these heels are killing me."

dark brown eyes glanced over at him. "how's your night going? too people-y for you?" another tease followed by a warm smile.

who: @celia-baker where: seascape

"You caught me," Jett chuckled as he stepped out into the foyer. The ball was chaos and he'd been stuck talking to some girl who had been obsessed with his tv show. Finally he'd managed to escape for a breath of fresh air. He sat himself down on one of the seats. "I just need a five minute break, alright then we can do some shots."

[celia-baker]

Celia Baker || 2025 New Years Ball

"of course it needs a reveal! it's an event, right?"

@aurorabayaesthetic