#( hypnotized by the flame atop her own head; she gets lost in a haze of happy birthday : interactions )

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It was always nice to be remembered and greeted like an old friend no matter how much time had passed since they’d last met. Terence mirrored Candice’s motion of raising arms in greeting—less like an air hug than a gesture to say, Look at us! After all these years! Who’d have guessed? “Hey, better late than never.” He laughed. “Just don’t be a stranger now that you know where to find me.” They continued to catch up, and Candice indeed didn’t let herself become a stranger but continued to come in as a regular customer following that. When Terence saw her at the Halloween masquerade, he called out with the same level of excitement they’d gotten in the habit of greeting each other with, arms thrown out. “Candice! Save a dance for me?” he asked. ( @terencemills )

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To say that Candice began visiting Terence at the coffee shop since discovering it was an understatement. She visited nearly every single week, and most often than not she did so whenever it was near closing time. And not so she can be a bother to him—though the first few times she had done so, the girl did feel apologetic because once she had came in right when he started cleaning and had interrupted him—but rather because Candice noticed that not too many people came in when it was later. Meaning more time for her to talk to Terence while he wasn’t so busy. It was nice, and she was really happy to have gotten to know him again. Plus, it like never hurt getting the chance to see his cute face whenever she did. 

Speaking of getting to see his cute face, when Candice spotted him at the masquerade ball, just like when she saw him again for the first time inside the coffee shop, her face light up when her eyes landed on him. A giggle then escaped her lips, the girl delightfully hugging him in return when he threw his arms around her before giving him a squeeze. Oh how super huggable Terence was! “We can totally dance now!” Candice replied, peaking up at him as she didn’t want to let go of him just yet. “That is, if you don’t have a date to get back to or something! But like, even if you did, they won’t mind if I steal you for a few minutes, would they?” 

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With a small nod, Candice continued to stare at Glade with big and wide concerned eyes. Her worries may be an unnecessary one, but being surrounded by the Sugar Rush Crew was all that she knew. Whether the rest truly valued her as a friend or not, the candle loving girl adored and cherished every single one of them— yes, that included Randy too despite now realizing the true extent of how toxic his relationship with Tiff was. But even so, it was like she had said, if their entire crew does end up splitting apart now that her bestie wasn’t with her ex anymore, obviously Candice was going to pick Tiff over Randy. She didn’t even have to think about it! But at the same time, the older girl didn’t like the thought of being apart from her other friends if any of them were to decide to pick Randy’s side. Like Glade— he was much too adorable and precious for her to see only some of the times because he rephrased it— Dad got him in the divorce. “We can do that?” Candice questioned, surprised by Glade’s answer. She hadn’t considered hanging out with both of them, but separately she guessed. Yet, just as that thought came to mind, she frowned once more. “Oh, I don’t think I can do that. I don’t think Tiff would like it if I hung out with Randy, and I can’t betray her like that even if I tried!” 

“You mean does Dad get me in the divorce?” Glade rephrased her question with a humorous twist, trying to get a laugh or at least a reluctant smile out of Candice. She was way too worried about something that wasn’t in their control. As far as he was concerned at this moment, Randy and Tiffany’s break-up was none of their business—it was a turn of events that would inevitably shake up their friend group, but whether that meant that there would be a permanent split right down the middle or just a tension that would fade with time, they didn’t yet know. All they could do was roll with the punches and figure it out as it came, but stressing about it wasn’t going to change anything. He genuinely wasn’t even too concerned with picking sides between Tiff and Randy, seeing how they both seemed to want to keep things on the down-low for the sake of their reputations and the Sugar Rush crew’s careers. “I’m gonna keep hanging out with both of them,” he answered with an unaffected shrug. “Even if they don’t want to get together with everyone at the same time, that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t still hang out. Don't think about it too much, kid.”

[wry-and-erring-stimmer]

🧁 Candlehead💥

Candlehead is a riot who's able to laugh at herself—even when she's the butt of the joke. Hypnotized by the flame atop her own head, she gets lost in a haze of Happy Birthdays. Sugar Rush and its daily races wouldn't be complete without Candlehead, but she's a few scoops short of a sundae.

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tag dump 

 ( hypnotized by the flame atop her own head; she gets lost in a haze of happy birthday : interactions ) ( candlehead is a riot who's able to laugh at herself ~ even when she's the butt of the joke : visage ) ( sugar rush and its daily races wouldn't be complete without candlehead : musings ) ( but she's a few scoops short of a sundae : answered )

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Coming to a stop at a coffee shop she has never been to before, Candice wasn’t expecting to come across an old but familiar face behind the counter as she walked through the doors. But as she was greeted with a bright smile, her eyes instantly lit up at the sight of him— having not seen Terence since high school, and yet the second her gaze landed on that cute face of his, his name was instantly remembered by her. “Terence!” Candice called out, a clear display that she recognized him too as she made her way towards the counter with a bright smile of her own. “Oh my gosh, Hi! It really has been a long time, hasn’t it?” She asked, arms out as she almost reached over to pull the guy in for a hug when she stopped herself besides the counter instead. “I’ve been amazing— been doing amazing, and you? I didn’t know you worked here? But like, then again, I’ve never been in here before but if I knew you would be here, I totally would’ve came in way sooner.”

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    The island was far from tiny, but sometimes it really felt like a small world. Maybe part of that was the fact that everyone who lived here couldn’t leave anymore, but it was still a fun moment to see an old familiar face around. He recognized Candice immediately despite not having seen her in years (naturally, it was too soon for high school reunions—but he never forgot a face.) “Long time, no see,” he commented with a bright smile as she came up to the counter. Luckily, it wasn’t busy, so he could spend a while making small talk without any other customers getting cranky waiting in line. “How’ve you been?”

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This entire situation was so confusing for Candice. Before tonight, she hadn’t even realized that Tiffany and Randy were having relationship issues, at least nothing more than usual. Like sure, she has seen her bestie disagree with something Randy was doing, and obviously the couple has butt heads on more than one occasion, but she’s never seen them get to a point where it was breakup worthy. Even when Randy is caught flirting with someone else, Candice always assumed that it was all harmless and that Tiffany for the most part didn’t pay mind to it because she knew he was devoted to her no matter what. Everyone thought Randy was devoted to Tiffany. They were literally the golden couple among the racers! To the point where Candice found herself jealous at times over how long her bestie has been with her boyfriend. Partly because a part of her wanted to find someone who she can be with for as long as the two of them has, but also because since they’ve been dating for so many years, that meant Candice couldn’t get what she wanted. Couldn’t get who she wanted. So, it was not only strange for her to hear that the two were actually breaking up, but also hearing that Tiffany has already found someone else new. Or she guessed, not so new?

She now couldn’t help but wonder how come Tiffany never told her about any of this until now? As her number one bestie among the racers, the two of them would usually tell each other everything. Like everything, everything— there was hardly a secret left untold between them, be it good or bad, and though Candice may have loose lips at times, she would never dare to expose any of her besties secrets to anyone. But as the brunette decided to start from the beginning and explain that there was a time a few years back where she and Randy had actually gone on break and that was when she met Dewey, Candice’s found herself frowning. Was she that blinded to have seen her best friend struggling to the point where Tiffany had to go and find someone else for help? She wished she remembered what she had been doing at the time the two were on break as maybe that could explain why she hadn’t been told then. Candice would’ve kept their break a secret if that had been what Tiffany wanted. “We all would’ve understood if you guys had told us you two were taking a break. Especially if that is what you two needed.” She ended up saying, her tone still confused but soft. “Or you could’ve at least told me about it. I would’ve understood, and wouldn’t have asked questions if you didn’t want me too…..Not even if you told me you met someone new while on break. Like, I want you to be happy and if that’s not with Randy, I wouldn’t have judged.”

Tiffany couldn’t have gotten more lucky in the best friend department than having Candice by her side, so naturally sweet and gentle that she could impose on her night like this and not receive even the smallest complaint or impatient eye roll in return. Tiff didn’t think she would even be so kind if she had to take care of a sad mess like herself, but here she was wrapped up in Candice’s bed and given the chance to vent her woes and drama. She felt guilty, now, that she hadn’t told her best friend about Dewey sooner. Maybe if she’d let herself talk to someone about all of it sooner—her slowly suffocating relationship with Randy, the life that Dewey breathed back into her—things wouldn’t have gotten to this point. Maybe she could have broken up with Randy before Halloween and avoided this shit show. She was still more relieved than guilty, even after kissing Dewey, but her lower lip wobbled as she held back from bursting into tears again just from the overwhelming emotion of finally speaking about everything.

“Randy and I haven’t gone on a date since, like…” That day with the beach picnic. He woke up and decided to be sweet and spontaneous, surprising her by coming up with a new idea. They had spent time together since then, of course, but nothing she would consider a date. Dates required effort and intention, and that seemed like something Randy was generally allergic to except on the rare occasions he decided he cared enough to try. Whatever; it didn’t matter now. Tiffany had to explain to Candice how Dewey had managed to step in and be a better boyfriend to her than her actual one had been lately. “Okay, let me start at the beginning,” she sighed. “Randy and I took a break a few years ago, because we weren’t sure if we wanted to stay together. We just needed…some time to think. That’s when I met Dewey. But Ran and I got back together, so I stopped talking to him after a couple weeks. But he texted me again last April, and we’ve been hanging out and—” She took a deep breath. “I just didn’t wanna tell anybody, because nobody knew Randy and I had ever taken a break, like, how would I explain that?”

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Her own demeanor peaked up when his pout turned into a smile, Candice once again falling into Randy’s attention seeking schemes, as she would much rather see him smiling instead of pouting. If only she knew that there was way more to come, and that Randy’s need for attention from her wasn’t just because he was momentarily deprived of not being paid attention to, but rather because there was so much more brewing among them. Among Tiffany and Randy. Oh, how she’s been so out of the loop to all the drama and how not so lovey-dovey her two best friends had been with each other. Instead, Candice continued to smile at him and shrugged. “Sure, I could totally go for a drink!” She then gasped. “I’ve heard the punch’s really tasty! Have you tired any of it yet?” 

Randy's pout turned into a smile as Candice easily swayed to his attention; it worked so easily every time. All the racers knew well enough that Randy always needed someone to be giving him attention at all times, otherwise he was left to his own devices and bad decision making skills quickly followed. This was likely the calm before the storm of the night — since Randy had lived a day in the life of Dewey, he'd been avoiding rocking the boat with Tiffany, instead playing the good boyfriend part, but they'd been standing on thin ice for quite some time now. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be long before it finally cracked underneath them. He shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, you really don't have to do that." No point when Tiffany was more interested in other people instead. At least Candice was still loyal. "Sure, thanks. Want a drink?"

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“Shh, there’s nothing for you to be sorry about.” Candice reassured her best friend, merely squeezing Tiffany’s hand in comfort as the pair waited for their ride to arrive. Tiffany should know by now that she would drop everything in a pinch if it means being there for her. That includes suddenly leaving a possible once in a lifetime event like this Halloween Ball, regardless if it seemed like the night wasn’t anywhere over— if her best friend wanted to leave, than the two of them will leave. Their Lift arrived soon after that, Candice not once looking back at the hotel and all the fun festivities going on around them. Instead, her focus was on Tiffany and Tiffany alone, still concerned over everything that had conspired but also hoping that now with the two of them heading back to her home, she would be able to cheer her best friend up. As her friend rested her head against her shoulder, the ravenette reaffirmed that thought— she will cheer her up.

The car ride had been quiet, but Candice didn’t mind it as much as she was content with having her best friend so close until they finally arrived to her home. There, she made sure they wash up—the latter taking the time to whip away her besties makeup so she could look fresh and beautiful like Tiffany always is— and put on the more comfiest pajamas she owned. And once they had all their comfort snacks set and ready, Candice pulled her best friend into her bed with her, wrapping her sheets around the other as she patiently waited for whenever the girl was ready to speak up. And once Tiffany did speak, the first words that came out of her mouth was how she and Randy were breaking up. Her eyes blinked with momentary shock, yet after recalling the way Randy had stomped off, the news didn’t sound as surprising. Candice didn’t say anything, keeping quiet as her best friend continued on, explaining the reason behind their fight and how Randy was caught flirting with someone else (not unusual, she thought) before he turned the tables back on Tiffany. The name ‘Dewey’ once again had her a bit confused, but then she remembered that must have been the guy who ran after her friend. It was not until Tiff mentioned her kissing Dewey was when Candice finally spoke. “You kissed him?” She repeated, shocked yet awe. “Wait— you’ve been hanging out with him? So that’s why I haven’t been seeing you as much lately.” Candice pouted, yet she didn’t look offended. “I thought you and Randy were going on so many dates but guess I was totally wrong….” 

The fact that Candice was wiping away her tears was further proof to Tiffany just how little Randy actually cared. Both Dewey and Candice were sympathetic, concerned with her feelings, wanting to stop her crying with the gentlest touches because they didn’t like to see her upset; meanwhile, Randy had accused her of faking and told her to stop causing a scene in public. From a romantic or platonic perspective, someone who genuinely loved her would treat her better than that. It only made another wave of tears roll down her cheeks, which Candice took care of before grabbing her hand to take her home. “Sorry for making you leave early,” she mumbled as they waited for a ride outside the hotel. This was a rare event to miss, Halloween only coming once a year, so it was further testament to how good a friend Candice was to leave with her without even a second of hesitation.

The car ride was quiet, Tiff resting her head on her best friend’s shoulder and slowly stemming the flow of tears, but once they were finally at Candice’s house, washed up from the ball and pajama'd with comfort snacks in hand, she was ready to start explaining herself. “Randy and I had a major fight. We’re gonna break up. Don’t tell anyone yet—we might need some time before everyone knows.” She took a deep breath, the first huge piece of news to unpack out in the open now, but there were still so many details left to share to paint the full picture, and she didn’t imagine it would get easier from there. “So, like, he was flirting with this random woman, and I confronted him, but he turned it around on me ‘cause I’ve been hanging out with Dewey, and he wouldn’t believe that I’m not cheating. When he was the one I just fucking caught flirting with a stranger? But then I…I did. I went and kissed Dewey.” Saying it aloud made her feel suddenly ten times lighter. It was strangely freeing to admit. “And I don’t care! I’m breaking up with him anyway! I’m so done with him. It feels so good to say that.”

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As soon as Glade asked her “Whatsamatter?” that was all that’s needed before Candice decided to let her feelings out. “I’m worried!” She claimed, pouting even more now. “Now that Tiff and Randy aren’t together anymore, what do you think will happen to us? Are we all like still going to be able to hang out and game like we usually do? Or, or— does this mean we’ll have to take sides between the two? Obviously, I’m going to pick Tiff’s because she’s my bestie and I won’t abandon her, but what about those who pick Randy’s?” Candice fired questioned after question, taking a pause so she can pop one of the green colored skittles into her mouth. She really was worried over the new state of their group, the awkwardness becoming more apparent since the events of the ball taking place, but also the tension now that the breakup between Tiff and Randy was official, and her bestie having a new boyfriend. “You’re going to pick Randy’s side, aren’t you? You two are really close so it makes sense if you are.” 

Glade’s eyes widened at the bag of orange Skittles his friend produced. He hadn’t expected her to have already pre-picked them out on the off-chance of running into him, but he wasn’t complaining, taking the bag out of her hand and happily popping a few of the candies into his mouth. He watched Candice continue to pout without going off to the bathroom like she’d said was her plan, knowing she was waiting for him to be a good friend in return and ask her what was up. He smiled before finally asking, “Whatsamatter?” For being older than him, Glade thought it was pretty cute Candice still acted so childish sometimes; it was like he wasn’t the only baby in the friend group.

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“Here,” Mindlessly, she stretched out her hand, and there on her palm inside a cute ziplock bag with kittens plastered all around it, was a pile of already picked out orange colored skittles. She hadn’t even expected to run into Glade, he happened to have been the first one who found her when Candice made such an exaggerated claim, but she always made sure to pick out the orange skittles and save them for whenever she did see him. Handing the bag over, she began to pout, still very much feeling “mentally unwell” as she claimed to be. And clearly, instead of her making her way to the bathroom like she claimed, Candice once again looked back at her younger friend with that pout on her face, looked all sad as if she was waiting or hoping for Glade to ask her what’s wrong.

@ccndlehced said: "I am mentally unwell. I'm gonna go eat skittles on the toilet." - Candice

“I would ask if you want company, but, uh…” For obvious reasons, that was off the table. Glade tried in vain to hide his amusement at his friend’s apparent anguish, knowing her overreaction was mostly played up, but that she could be really sensitive sometimes. He wasn't going to directly make fun of her "mentally unwell" status even if he thought she was just being dramatic for comedic effect. “Just don’t forget to leave some orange ones for me!���

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While she was extremely confused by this entire situation and has no idea what was happening between two of her closes friends or what this current fight between them means, one thing Candice knew for sure was that Tiffany needed her right now. It didn’t matter if she had very little context of everything, all it took was for her to take one look at her best friends face and noticing how upset she was—to the point where mascara had been running down Tiff’s cheeks—for Candice to know that this was going to be a long night for them. One in which will be filled with a lot more tears, hopefully some explanations so she could comfort her bestie even better, at least two batches of cookies they’ll both no doubt will be baking, and the largest tub of strawberry ice cream they can find and stuff their faces with. Yeah, it was going to be a sleepover exclusively just for the two of them, and Tiff wouldn’t have to leave on the following day if she didn’t want to either.

“Life would be a lot less brighter if I didn’t have you around, I can tell you that.” Candice commented, rubbing her thumbs against her best friends cheeks so she could rub some of the mascara away. If it weren’t for how dramatic the moment currently was, she nearly would’ve laughed at how Tiffany looked, always looking a little wild whenever she had mascara running and yet still looking as gorgeous as she always does. “Let’s get out of here.” She added, whipping away a few extra tears before dropping one of her hands down and grasping onto Tiffiany’s. Was it a little sad that she was leaving the ball sooner than she wanted to? A little, yeah, but Candice would drop anything when it came to her best friend, including leaving a ball she had been enjoying with a guy whom she wanted to get to know even more. But her best friend always takes priority to her. Always. With that, the pair made their way out the ball, Candice calling texting for a Lift to pick them up with her free hand, and once one stopped in front of the hotel, she waited for her friend to get inside first before informing the driver where to go. And just like that, they were heading to Candice's home.

After fighting with Randy, running right into Dewey’s arms and doing something she couldn’t—and honestly didn’t want to—take back, Tiffany knew she had to make a quick escape. She had just cheated, kissing Dewey and then basically putting a bookmark in that as she knew she had to break up with her boyfriend before she could take her relationship with Dewey any further. No, she had to break up with Randy regardless of whether she and Dewey got together afterwards; it was just that he had been the one to make her realize it. But she just couldn’t mentally or emotionally deal with doing that right now, not tonight, not after the fight they’d already had, so she didn’t want to run into Randy again. She didn’t even want to go home to the house they shared together knowing that he’d be going home to the same place unless he decided to crash with one of the boys to avoid her, just like she intended to do with Candice.

Candice, thank god for her, who offered a sleepover at her place without question. Candice, whose hug brought fresh tears to Tiffany’s eyes as she squeezed back, because she couldn’t stop crying even when being offered comfort. Candice, who didn’t know exactly what was going on yet, but would drop anything to take care of her best friend, even a party she herself had been enjoying until drama struck. Tiffany had so much to debrief her on, they might be up all night unpacking it—and baking it into several batches of cookies, brownies and cupcakes if her current stress level was anything to go by. “What would I do without you?” she asked pathetically as she finally pulled away from the other girl’s embrace, never so grateful for what she had in her most loyal friend as when she was at her lowest and Candice was there to hold her together.