#⋡☆《queue》—once in a blue moon

[cosmicdreamt]

Blind Date Starter || @aegror

Yet another obnoxiously tall man has entered her life and Neff isn't sure if her immediate reaction wants to be a sigh or an exclamation of slight aggression - not towards him, but of the situation. And speaking of such...she gets the feeling this guy didn't actually come with the intention of aiming for a relationship.

Honestly, maybe that's better for her in the end. It'll be one less concern about her 'dates' intentions.

"Hi! I'm Neff. Full disclosure I am awkward as hell and have no idea exactly how to go about this so.....yeah. Uhhh....I guess why don't we have a seat so we can get to know each other better?"

[cosmicdreamt]

With the way he's said Sanguine's talked about it, she can only laugh about how intense of a slow burn Emil's story would probably be. Mayhaps a whole trilogy about how they met, how they got closer, how they got to where they are now - so close yet so far in saying the things that were yet to be said. He's right - it's both sweet to think about and very very frustrating.

'How would you feel about meeting Dorian?'

"Huh? What? Me? Really?"

Clearly the question was a shock to her, and the questions came out more as just expressions rather than actual questions.

"....you know. I was gonna say I'll meet him if you meet, Alaire..."

"...but on second thought I think you're better off not dealing with his bullshit. That said, I'd be more than happy to if you trust me enough to meet him."

❝I feel that's probably pretty accurate. Romance always ends up that way. Either swept along in a whirlwind of sweet gestures and romantic notions, sugared words, or you're screamin' at the pages hopin' they'll get it together. Mine would probably be a mixture of both.❞

Their will they won't they was rather sweet, romance of the "old times", but then came along the whole pining aspect. And that? That could be some of the most frustrating things to read. You know in the end it'll all turn out alright, but this was life not a book, would it really turn out alright? He was starting to want to find out more and more...

❝How would you feel about meeting Dorian? Maybe then you could tell me if I'm a fool or if I just need to say something.❞

[cosmicdreamt]

"I'm gonna be honest with you, I didn't think I was doing anything that would have gotten the attention of anyone like this."

But at the same time she could understand. Her situation wasn't unheard of, but it definitely wasn't a usual or conventional occurrence. Promoting some born and raised a mortal to the status of a deity was both one of the most infuriating yet smartest things Origa had ever decided to do.

And mayhaps if anyone had the experience to handle the job it was Neff.

"Are you sure you'd want me to join? I mean sure we seem to want the same thing but....but I want and how I am as a person are stiff different things. There's a lot that comes into play when you factor that. If you want to humor me and try to convince me if you really want me, feel free. I don't mind being called on for help in the meantime, just know if there's something I don't like about it I won't be afraid to say 'no'. " // @hriobzagelthewanderer || semi-plotted starter

[cosmicdreamt]

"I just don't understand why it's so hard for people to just not be assholes."

Neff presses her palms to her eyes as she lays sprawled on Bella's floor. It's been a day - no - a week, and it seems like she's finally reached the last straw.

"Like I wanna know who open the cursed tomb. Who upset the ancestors? Why have people lately been so damn selfish and unbearable? Between people at the job and people on the street there's just been way too many thinking they're entitled to me, my time, and my services. I am one person they don't even know and I'm expected to just cater to them? Like what's up with that? Is it because I'm young? Is it because I'm a woman? Like I wanna know what's going through their minds so I can crush their brains and tell them they're stupid."

semi-plotted starter // @pluviacuratio

[cosmicdreamt]

"If I were I doubt you'd have stuck around this long. So which am I, really? Am I interesting or am I boring you to death? Maybe I'd be the first to make it happen."

She's aware. Aware of the proximity of their claws, how easy it would be to crush her skull and end her entire existence in the blink of an eye. Yet at the same time she's aware that, for some reason, there's a higher chance they won't than they will.

That's what confuses her the most.

The threats are by no means empty, that much she knows, but it's almost like they chicken out at the last second. Like threatening to throw out a toy, realizing you still enjoy it enough to keep around, and then never actually disposing of it in the end.

"You are a being of chaos, one that clearly isn't easy to amuse. You stay where you know you can be entertained, where something catches your interest. So what is it about me, a mortal-born deity, that causes a being like yourself to recoil when you're not the one in control? What is it that's keeping you from indulging me with something that should be so simple to say unless it were something you don't want me to know."

The fear is still there in her body - coursing through her veins and pushing the whispers of untold horrors she has to try so desperately to ignore because of their influence through her brain and her heart.

"It's not that you simply don't want to tell me how you feel. You're hiding it from it. I mean something to you, though what exactly it is I mean is up for debate." // @chaoscrawls [[ from here ]]

[cosmicdreamt]

"Usually we stop when we're full - though more times than not we end up eating too much since we consume quicker than our body can tell us we've had enough. Sometimes we also just have a habit to continuously eat....but those are topics best saved for another day. It's something I'm....let's say it's a little personal to me. It's not something I can't talk about, just not something I want to right now."

She didn't want to talk about her unhealthy relationship with food. She wanted to keep it light, to be able to enjoy the food with him as he learned what he enjoyed, too. It was clear he definitely enjoyed the cheesy garlic bread, which made her smile.

He's handed more water to refresh the palette while she goes through her list of things she can have him try, deciding toast with different toppings would be the theme since they'd all go rather well...though she also wonders if she really has to worry about him getting a tummy ache or not.

The next toast was a little more simple, butter with fruit jam just made to look a little more pretty with swirls.

"This is something I like to have for breakfast sometimes. You'll find it a little more sweet than the last one and it won't give you that same nose tickle. See if you like this one, too."

Her praise has him practically lighting up, his eyes widening and that sweet smile gracing his lips once more. By the end of their meeting she would have him well and truly wrapped around her finger. Even now, he hangs on each of her words with reverence. She may of well been speaking scripture as opposed to talking about garlic bread and cheese.

He quite readily allows her to swap the drink for the delightful snack. Its smell tickles his nose and he cant stop himself from leaning in and taking a deeper whiff. Then just like that he takes a bite. This time, as instructed, he's a lot more restrained. Not only is the mouthful smaller, the force is reduced considerably. It's not perfect, as the clack of teeth can be still heard but its much less jarring this time.

Quietly he savours the mouthful, ruminating on the taste. The munching starts slow, before speeding up and it seems clear that he quite likes it. "Oh!! Oh, this is quite delightful!" He confirms, mouth still full and it's not too long till he's swallowing and repeating the steps again. "It tastes very fresh and it tickles my nose but in a good way. It also makes me want to keep eating more the moment my mouth empties. Is that normal? Is that a normal thing for humans? When do they know to stop?"

[cosmicdreamt]

Blind Date Starter || @neomadivine feat. Orlain

Neff usually isn't one for things like this, but mayhaps she's more so agreeable to getting to know a stranger (first) than she is to hooking up with one off the bat.

If there's a chance of time being wasted better for it to be with no regrets.

Though maybe she should start coming with a disclaimer.

"Hey." Is all she really says at first when her date comes into view. "I'm Neff. Uh.....so long as we're still somewhere public I don't mind what we do soooo.....what're you in the mood for? Food? A walk? Karaoke?"

[cosmicdreamt]

It's hard finding time for things you love when you've become a business owner. There was so much extra time, effort, and work that went into it that took up whatever free moments she had to do art. She actually had to close her commissions and just keep the shop open just so she could still be able to manage both the café and her side business.

But for the first time she was able to find a moment to hold an art show again. She wouldn't have any new pieces, unfortunately, but she had enough older pieces that she was still extremely content with she could happily put on display for others to see.

To her surprise, however, was the fact a very obnoxiously tall man made his way into her assigned room - her eyes widening as she tries to keep her composure.

"Welcome~" Comes the professional voice before she steps close enough to him, keeping her smile but asking through nearly gritted teeth " What on earth are you doing here, Dante?"

She's not mad, she just knows how he can be. // @killerhubby

[cosmicdreamt]

Blind Date Starter || @amalanexus feat. Cassian

"Well now would you look at that."

The universe truly did work in mysterious ways.

"When I took a chance on this I never expected someone I'm familiar with to show up. That'll at least make this a bit easier to get through since I won't have the initial awkwardness of knowing I essentially agreed to try to get to know a stranger as an introvert."

Doesn't mean she won't end up running her mouth out of anxiousness however.

[cosmicdreamt]

He says he didn't realize just how much her words would mean to him, yet hearing him say he was glad he gave her a chance made her almost want to burst into tears. She has to blink rapidly to keep herself composes, glad that she could take a moment to look down and pretend she had an itchy eye to aid it.

She's even more thankful when the food arrives and she can focus on that instead of how deep the conversation had gotten, trying to sneakily sniffle the last of the remnants away before clapping her hands together gently at what was presented before them.

"Oh wow this is a lot! I'll definitely be taking the rest of this to go. These are gonna be the best leftovers I've ever eaten in my whole life."

She does, however, take a sip of her drink first. Doing a silly little smack of her lips and humming in content. Yeaaahhhh that was some good stuff. She'll have to keep in mind the flavors of this to try and recreate it herself to the best of her ability. Then she tries out a bite of each of what's on her plate and she honestly cannot believe there actually existed a place that gave you food this good and gave you this much of it.

"Oh these people are insane." She comments. "But like....in the best way. Like okay, obviously people with money don't care about the portions if they're willing to spend that much to begin with, but like paying a lot for the world's smallest piece of meat on a plate five times the size of it makes no sense to me. And obviously they're making money anyway but like....this here? This is the practice that makes the most sense. You give big portions of good food and it makes people wanna come back, even if it was a pretty penny, because then it all just seemed worth it."

She was way too concerned about her funds to be able to come to a place like this any type of regularly. Even once a month seemed like it would wound her wallet in a way that would take multiple months to recover, but everything was good enough to make her even consider wanting to return at some point to have more. Maybe just for special occasions where she can actually pay for herself, since she'd feel awful if Fran offered to pay for her every time.

"Oh my gosh if this is their savory foods what are their desserts like??" It's said in a playfully aggressive whisper. She's baffled.

Couldn’t help but scoff lightly at her words though he was aware she meant well. He knew well enough he shouldn’t be ashamed but it was still hard to accept, wasn’t easy to admit. Still his expression remained with a smile despite the light scoff, knowing she meant well and did appreciate what was said. The biggest fear he had was judgement and it helped that she didn’t view him as anything lesser because of what he did.

“Thank you.. that actually means a lot to me.. I didn’t think it would but appreciate it.” It was different to hear it, it didn’t matter what he did, wasn’t seen as though he were the scum of the earth for it. She continued to surprise him, or perhaps his views on others and people in general was cynical.

“I had a shitty day and you were persistent but.. not in a way after that pissed me off more.” Goes quiet in thought for a minute. “Most go about in a manner that isn’t welcoming and.. you weren’t like that. I’m making no sense.. You know boundary and I think that helped a lot with where we are now. I was able to look past it because you allowed it and I’m glad you did.. I’m glad I gave you that chance. Still wrapping my head around everything else with you, I mean what you do and are capable of but.. You’re you and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

He wanted to move on from the topic that felt too focused on him. Focus on her. He heard her, listened and took in what was said but such things to him were just words. Empty words.

“Yes celebrate the little things that bring joy. Even if its, I don’t know a rainy day or a full grand moon. Hell I love chocolate.. too much.. The small things are worth it. I think helps with the bull shittery of the world a bit.” Some things did for him anyway, try to look forward to the good things like food, or type of weather, starry sky, moon filled sky.

As Neff continued with the conversation, his smile faltered at her words, left with some confusion. Did he still have hope or was he just going through the motions and existing until something inevitability ended him. That was depressing, was that really what he thought or was that hope still there? Staring at Neff conflicted he wasn’t sure how to respond to her. No matter how dark a situation may seem, you can still have hope recognizing that’s all it is. Was that what he had, or did that at some point vanish?

Amidst his thoughts and staring, trying to find the words to respond with, the waiter had arrived with their food. Apologizing for the long delay as the dishes were placed before the two. Once the waiter had left, the smile returned on the blond’s face, disregarding the internal conflict he had seconds ago.

“Finally! See look, shit ton of food and big ass steak! Yours looks just as hearty. This place does not skimp out.”

[cosmicdreamt]

The alarm bells started going off a bit too late, but thankfully still early enough that she was able to dodge the attack in question. The added bonus was the way he fell forward, and while she didn't want to hurt him in any way she knew better than to take any chances.

She keeps him pinned down and holds his arms by the wrists - maybe even tighter than she originally intended. It was clear she was mad. If there was one that that truly upset her...it was her kindness being taken advantage of.

"Start talking."

It's a command laced with raw emotion. It wasn't loud and booming, it was low and trembling, but firm.

"It's clear you weren't lying to me about the nightmares...but you better start explaining what the fuck that was."

// @bclasaeg moved from [ x ]

[cosmicdreamt]

"This is the second time now I've found you in a questionable state....but at least last time you were conscious."

She knows he probably had questions as soon as he walked out of the guest bedroom from her home. The only way from said room led out to the open kitchen-dining-living room where Neff sat criss-cross on the couch with her laptop in her lap and mug of coffee in one of her hands.

A sip is taken, mug placed on the coaster on the table in front of her, and laptop placed next to it. He's given her full attention now with her elbows rested atop her knees.

"How're you feeling?"

// @mannequinentity starter call

[cosmicdreamt]

🎲 platonic kisses... ??? please.........

Pick a Kiss Any Kiss ( Accepting ) || @squidsavior 8. A platonic kiss

"I don't have much of a preference between froyo or ice cream. Whichever place you think will have the best flavors is where we can go."

Honestly all Neff wanted was to shove her face with something sweet and tasty. She was thankful Naomi was willing to join her since Neff was someone that just....liked having company no matter how simple the task. It was kinda funny having her friend laying on her lap while Naomi looked through her phone to check out the obnoxiously large variety of shops. Every so often Neff would lean over to check the screen being shown to her and give an opinion on the menu.

And of course no hangout with this is complete unless they're having a good laugh at some of these specialty names because who could ever forget the Schweddy Balls incident? One particular good laugh had Neff struggling to keep her legs from knocking her poor friend off her lap, choosing instead to lean back over and kiss her friend atop her head.

How could she not? Being in good company always had her appreciating the fact that she could, that someone chose her to spend their time with and make memories like this with.

She was glad to have her in her life.

[the-mang0tree]

damn that's one of the best megatrons i've ever drawn i think LMAO

[cosmicdreamt]

🎲 (Cassian!)

Pick a Kiss Any Kiss ( Accepting ) || @amalanexus feat. Cassian 25. A kiss that's an accident

Neff loves the beach.

She loves the sound of the waves, the way the sun sets, the way the moon reflects - she loves how calming it feels and how small it makes her feel. Most people find that intimidating, even scary, but it help Neff remember that life is what you make of it. There are bigger things out there than her little problems and it makes it easier to get through life to think about it like that.

What she doesn't love...is when there's too much wind and she forgets to tie up her hair. The sudden gust breaks the serenity of the moment, feeling the locks not only wrap around her own face - but feeling them hit against the company that had brought her in the first place.

Even under her own startled yelp she could hear his laugh - glad that at lease one of them was amused by this situation. What she didn't expect was for her forehead to bump against his lips when she went to turn her head to push said hair out of the way. He was trying to help her tame the beast, but instead the guy keeps getting beat up by various part of her.

And though the kiss was accidental...she'd be lying if she said it didn't feel nice.

"Geeze. Sorry about that." She's flustered as she finds a stray hair tie in her bag to pull the mass up into a bun. "Hopefully I won't Bayonetta your face for the rest of the day."

[cosmicdreamt]

[ orlain - madman's executioner verse ] 28. a kiss in parting

"I'm sorry, luv... don't take it personally. I truly did care."

Pick a Kiss Any Kiss ( Accepting ) || @stellarhistoria feat. Orlain

"....you're leaving me?"

Her voice is so small, a pained whisper in the wind. How? How did he expect her to believe those words? He cared? Bullshit. If he did this wouldn't be happening right now.

It's the worst case scenario she feared the most.

She was being left behind. Again. Abandoned. Again. Will she be forgotten, too? Will she never end up seeing him again because she wasn't worth enough to stick around? Did she not do enough for him?

Would she ever be enough for anything? For anyone?

There's a familiar ache that swells in her chest. Anger. Disappointment. Despair. The rawness of her throat as the searing hot tears begin to form in her eyes.

Please don't leave. Don't go. Don't leave me here. I'll miss you. What will I do without you? How am I supposed to just let you go like this?

The kiss didn't make her feel any better. She wanted to cling to him, to find some way, any way, to get him to stay. Was it her desperation or her heart that leaned into him in that moment? Maybe it was both. But it didn't really matter, did it? If anything the pain doubled - if only because she couldn't find it within her to hate him. As much as muscle memory wanted to take over - to scream, to point fingers, to say things she didn't truly mean...she cared about him far too much.

His decision was already made. You can't push away someone that's already gone.