gracecromwell

[gracecromwell]

🩸 (blood) - Is your oc squeamish? Are they disturbed by the sight of blood? Have they ever been in a situation where they had to overcome being squeamish?

"God I can't stand the sight of blood...I think the one time I actually looked when I was donating blood and I thought 'hey I can look at this and be alright...right?' and my dumb ass looked at the needle to see the blood and I totally fainted. Had the nurses and everything freaking about me and ever since then I never donated again. It's a bit tricky when I'm getting a tattoo...I legit have to force myself to look away until they're finished."

[gracecromwell]

Gracie: Say less, I'm in Gracie: As long as there is alcohol

zarina 📲 open. ( @aurorabaystarter )

zarina : 🌾👀🌾 zarina : galentine's brunch ? zarina : 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[gracecromwell]

Gracie smiles, grateful for Presley’s offer, but there's a touch of hesitation in her expression. She takes a moment to think, then shrugs lightly, her tone thoughtful but warm.

"Thanks, Presley, that's really sweet of you. I mean, the idea of having someone back me up sounds tempting, but honestly... I think I need to prove I can do it on my own first. Getting a loan or having someone invest in me would feel like skipping steps, you know?" She pauses, her eyes lighting up a little as she leans in, lowering her voice just slightly. "But having connections—that I’m not too proud to take advantage of. A meeting with your mom? Now that could be helpful."

She chuckles softly, the offer still hanging in the air. "I'll take you up on that, though. Maybe down the line, I’ll need something bigger... but for now, I’m just trying to keep my head above water and not drown in all the paperwork."

"It's hard to start a business on your own," Presley agrees with a nod of her head.

Not that she would know herself -- but she admired people that had enough drive and direction to build something for themselves out of nothing.

"Do you need someone to invest? Or give you a loan? Maybe I could set you up for a meeting with my mom."

@gracecromwell

[gracecromwell]

Gracie's grin was playful as she met Lexie’s sharp gaze, her hand still hovering over the last piece of cheesecake. "Oh, you saw it first, huh?" she said, her voice oozing sweetness. "Well, in that case, I guess it’s only fair to let the queen of dessert have her crown."

She slowly pulled her hand back, but not without a little dramatic flair. "But," Gracie added, her tone turning a little more mischievous, "I don’t know... I’m feeling a little generous today. Maybe you can have it—if you can convince me." She raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the playful standoff.

"You could charm me with your most convincing argument... or, y'know, maybe we could just call it a draw and split it down the middle?" She tilted her head, watching Lexie, knowing full well the tension between them was all in good fun.

open starter for @aurorabaystarter where: maybe a party? or even like a stall at the markets?

Lexie’s eyes narrowed as her hand hovered over the last piece of caramel-drizzled cheesecake on the table. Just as her fingers brushed the edge of the plate, another hand darted in from the side. She looked up sharply to see a someone else.

“Uh, excuse me,” Lexie said, her tone dripping with polite venom. “I saw it first.”

[gracecromwell]

Gracie couldn't help herself whenever she seen someone scribbling in what looked like a sketchbook, curiosity got the best of her and found herself looking over the pages to see that those pages matched hers as well. She snapped out of staring a little too long to realize that the other was motioning for her to take the extra seat as she waited for her coffee and lemon square. "Oh sorry, I wasn't totally staring at your ideas..." She said as she took a seat and added, "Are you a designer?"

closed - @gracecromwell

where - driftwood

Even if Iris was on a little...hiatus, from her job back in New York, it didn't mean she'd lost her desire to create. She still went everywhere with her sketchbook, ideas always tumbling through her head--like now. She'd snagged herself one of the tables in the crowded cafe, sipping on her latte as she shaded out a dress design, little notes scribbled along the edges of fabric and color ideas when she felt a shadow come over her. "You can totally take the extra chair! I'm going to be heading out soon anyways."

[gracecromwell]

She let out a little laugh, her eyes sparkling as she tapped the edge of her book. “And honestly, I’m with you on the ‘someone for everyone’ thing. Like, sure, maybe we don’t all need a romantic soulmate, but the friends we collect along the way? Those are the people who really keep things interesting.” Gracie’s voice softened a bit, like she was sharing a little secret. “The right friends are the best kind of love. And, honestly? That’s more than enough.”

"Absolutely law," she echoed, her smile growing. “Couldn’t agree more. Honestly, the world would be a way better place if we all lived by that. More friends, less stress.” She leaned in a little, her expression mischievous. “You know, I might even go as far as to say, friendship is better than any romance novel. At least it’s not full of unrealistic expectations and crazy plot twists.” Gracie winked. “But that’s just me.”

Oriana smiled, knowing that she could have found red flags in any relationship with anyone. She thought that flaws were part of people and relationships—romantic and platonic. Oriana know that she liked analyzing characters in books and pointing out their flaws. She was scared to commit to someone, but that wasn't the worst thing. "Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. I have enough confidence. That's not the problem at all," she gave Gracie a small smile.

A laugh escaped her lips. She truly believed there was someone for everyone. Maybe a person didn't have a romantic relationship, but they had friends. That was important enough. Oriana mock toasted with the book in her hand. "It is absolutely law." Oriana couldn't help the grin on her face.

[gracecromwell]

😒

😒 …someone my muse hates.

"I don't think I hate anyone really...I tend to find that hating someone takes a lot of energy so why waste that energy when I can use it to create brilliant fashion pieces?"

[gracecromwell]

Gracie laughed, the sound light and easy as she glanced over at Peyton. “Oh, you’ll have to make me laugh? Bold of you to assume I don’t already have a whole catalog of jokes ready to counter whatever you’ve got.” She grinned, clearly enjoying the playful challenge.

As he started to skate, she followed effortlessly, the familiar rhythm coming back to her like second nature. “You talk a big game, Peyton,” she teased, skating alongside him. “But let’s not forget who spent a whole summer doing laps around the rink while someone—” she cast him a sideways look, raising an eyebrow, “—was still trying to figure out how to stop without crashing into the wall.” She laughed again, skating ahead a little before turning to face him, gliding backward with ease. “Burgers, huh? Fine, but only if you can keep up. Loser buys fries.” Gracie winked before turning back around, picking up the pace just enough to make him work for it.

Peyton liked the sound of that too. It did sound better. He couldn't help but feel a bit of guilt though since the two had fallen together once upon a time only to fall out. "I guess I'll have to make you laugh then." He said with a smirk because it was game time.

Peyton followed in suit. Yeah, it definitely had been awhile. He took in a deep shaky breath as he straightened up. "Yeah, yeah, we'll see who really remembers how to skate." He said as he started to glide. He needed to get the hang of keeping his knees slightly bent whenever he switched sides. "If I win, we're definitely getting burgers." @gracecromwell

[gracecromwell]

Gracie grinned, leaning back on her hands and tilting her head to look at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I know I’m cute," she said, her tone light but confident. "And you don’t seem too mad about it, so I must be doing something right."

She nudged his knee with hers, the playful gesture punctuating her words. "Besides, slacking off with a sandwich and doodles sounds like the perfect setup for a masterpiece. You’re just living the tortured artist dream." Gracie let the silence hang for a moment, her gaze flickering to his notebook. "So, what’s the bribe getting me? A song? Or just a front-row seat to the sandwich-eating spectacle?"

Cole let out a long sigh, trying to hide the smile tugging at his lips. Gracie was like this constant, unpredictable energy in his life, and he didn’t mind it—not as much as he’d like to admit. “Productive?” he repeated, glancing at his half-hearted doodles. “That’s a stretch, but sure, let’s go with masterpiece in progress. At least it sounds better than ‘slacking off with a sandwich and some doodles.’”

When she plopped down beside him, he felt that familiar warmth flicker in his chest. He was pretty sure it was more than just annoyance or amusement that kept him from rolling his eyes at her. “Bribing the guitarist, huh?” he said, the teasing edge in his voice betraying how much he liked her. “You’re really pulling out all the stops today.” He shot her a sideways glance, not trying to hide his smile this time. “You think you’re cute, don’t you?” @gracecromwell

[gracecromwell]

Her eyes sparkled with a hint of teasing as she leaned forward slightly. “And honestly, I get it—sometimes you don’t notice people looking because you’re too caught up in your own head. But, if I had even half your charm and effortless elegance, I’d be strutting around like I owned the place.”

Gracie’s grin widened, and she waved a hand as if brushing off her own words. “And don’t even get me started on gorgeous people needing attention. You know the rules—it’s a public service to hype up the stunning ones. Keeps the universe in balance or something.” She raised the book in hand in a mock toast. “Here’s to fashion, flawed humans, and giving credit where it’s due.”

Oriana loved a good period film. She loved not thinking about her own time for a bit and going back to a different one, even if there were problems back then. She enjoyed the fashion and hairstyles. Fashion evolved like it was a living creature. While certain things came back in style, there were some things that didn't make sense. She absolutely loved learning about the changes to fashion over the years. "Exactly! You can pretend all you want, but I know men like you Nick. I see right through you." Oriana nodded. She loved that book for that reason. "Love a good flawed human."

She laughed, knowing that was true. "I've never been the one to notice when people are looking at me." It wasn't confidence, merely she knew they were looking. "But of course I'm going to flatter you. Someone as gorgeous as you should be getting all sorts of attention."

[gracecromwell]

Gracie appeared from behind the tree, her hands clasped behind her back and a grin that was equal parts sweet and suspicious. “Oh, nothing,” she said, her voice light, but her expression gave her away.

She tilted her head, pretending to study him as she leaned on the edge of the bench. “Just thought I’d check if you were being productive, or if you were slacking off with a sandwich and some doodles.” She nodded toward the sketchbook under his arm, her grin widening. “Which one is it today, Cole? Masterpiece in progress or...whatever the opposite of that is?”

Without waiting for a reply, she plopped down on the bench beside him and added, “And, for the record, I might’ve bribed the guitarist to play your least favorite song next. Just because I can.”

who: @gracecromwell where: town square

Here’s a revised version with Cole on his lunch break from the library:

The clocktower in the town square chimed noon just as Cole stepped out of the library, a paper bag in one hand and his sketchbook tucked under his arm. The square bustled with life kids chasing each other around the fountain, street vendors shouting about their specials, and the faint sound of a guitarist strumming on the corner.

He found his usual spot on a bench under the shade of an old oak tree, unwrapped his sandwich. He hadn’t even taken a bite when Gracie’s voice broke through the hum of the square. His head whipped around, his tone cheeky as if she were up to something mischievous. "What are you up to?"

[gracecromwell]

Gracie couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head as she adjusted her skates. “I like the sound of that—falling together sounds way less embarrassing than falling alone.” She flashed him a playful grin, her confidence already starting to build as she stood, her knees a little wobbly but steady enough to keep her balance. “And as for the bet, you’re on. But don’t say I didn’t warn you, I’ve got pretty good balance when I’m not laughing too hard.”

She rolled her shoulders, getting ready to move. “And hey, the food part? I’m always up for the reward. But if I win, we’re going straight for the greasy, comfort food. No fancy stuff—just the kind of food you can eat without worrying about your skates.” She winked, then pushed off a little, trying to glide just enough to prove she wasn’t as clumsy as she felt. “Now, let’s see who’s really gonna be the one eating their words… or their fries.”

"No, it wouldn't." Peyton felt a little joy that he wasn't the only one who had last skated that last time. It made him feel much more comfortable although he was praying that he didn't fall and break something. Or worse... slice something off. "Might as well just fall together then." He said playfully as he finishing tying his laces.

He could definitely do some food after, and maybe this was a good way to bond again. He was nervous even if he was hiding it. Despite how good their relationship was - it had it's faults.

"We could even bet. Whoever falls the least chooses where to eat or something." He said this as he carefully stood up on the skates, feeling awkward once he was up because now he had to actually move his feet. "Up to you." @gracecromwell

[gracecromwell]

Gracie raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying the innocent act. “Oh, you definitely would do something like that,” she replied with a teasing smirk. “But I’m sure you’d play it off like you’re some sort of angel who’s completely above it all, right?” She gave him an exaggerated once-over, clearly amused by his attempt at looking nonchalant.

As Dallas collected his coffee and snagged the armchair, Gracie followed suit, dropping into the seat across from him. She sipped her own drink, settling into the conversation with an easy smile. “You know, I can see the appeal of a steady office job. The predictability would be nice. Maybe it’s just the chaos-loving side of me, but I think I’d lose my mind after a while. Still, it’s gotta be comforting knowing exactly what you’re walking into each day.”

She paused for a moment, her eyes flicking to the window as she thought it over. “Maybe that’s what I need. Something with less uncertainty and more routine. Or maybe I just need a vacation from all the unpredictable stuff in my life.” She grinned. “Guess it depends on the day, huh?”

"Would I do something like that?" Dallas questions like he was some sort of innocent party who would never dare take or be amused by such a picture.

( He was. )

Before he could hear Grace's verdict on that, he hears his name being called -- a quick turnaround on an order was another reason he kept his bog standard -- and he steps forward to collect it.

He's quick to snatch a comfortable set of armchairs near the window, shaking his head at a man with a Macbook who lost out on the one he took by seconds. His coffee is cradled in hand after a sip as he waits for her to join him with her own before he continues their conversation.

"Do you ever think there's some merit to it? Boring office jobs, I mean. I know I'd hate it day to day but the set days off and knowing what your schedule'll look like from one end of the month to the next must be nice."

@gracecromwell

[gracecromwell]

Gracie chuckled, shaking her head with a playful roll of her eyes. “Ah, a fellow admirer of The Great Gatsby—but yeah, they were all pretty messed up, weren’t they? Even Nick was tangled up in that mess, pretending to be above it all while still getting caught up in the drama.” She grinned, clearly enjoying the conversation. “But hey, that’s what makes the book so good, right? All that flawed humanity.”

She raised an eyebrow as Oriana continued, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. “Flattery will get you everywhere, you know,” Gracie teased, her voice light. “But honestly, it’s all about confidence. If you’ve got that, then yeah, heads will turn no matter what.”

"He was an idiot. That's kind of the point. Everyone in that book was a fool for some reason of another, even Nick. At least that's the way I always saw it." Oriana had always loved that book. The imagery was some of the best. If she'd worked on the movie, she had so many ideas on how she'd style the character's hairstyles. "I'm sure you can easily make that happy. Someone as pretty as you has to make heads turn in whatever room you walk into."

[gracecromwell]

"I mean money would be great, but I just want to make beautiful clothes for people who look in the mirror thinking 'wow...is that me' type of feeling. Money would just be an added bonus."

"You wouldn't be a horrible person, but I definitely wouldn't call you selfless," Presley teases, flipping through her notecards thoughtfully for the next potential question.

"Do you mean money, or...?"

@gracecromwell

[gracecromwell]

✺- Something your muse finds pretty

"A gorgeous smile, that's always the one thing I find pretty on someone is their smile. But if we're talking about anything else....I do enjoy lace...gives that coquette vibes."

[gracecromwell]

🕯️ - cole

"He became such a thorn on my side, wherever I go there he is, no matter what I'm doing he's right there. His company isn't bad and I know there's more to him that he doesn't share but I feel like if I get close enough, if I allow myself to get close enough, I think I can find myself liking him more than a friend." @colexwalters

send me 🕯️to hear my character's inner thoughts about your character.