#oldastime

[waveofstars]

@oldastime | liked for a starter, based on this post

There was a time when social gatherings were fun—when he actually enjoyed being in a crowd. That time had long passed. Now, as he stood in the middle of the party, surrounded by chatter and clinking glasses, all he could think about was how little he wanted to be there. The older he got, the less patience he had for forced small talk and shallow interactions.

With a quiet grumble, he shoved his hands deep into his pockets. “I don’t wanna talk to anybody else. I don’t like anybody else.” It wasn’t dramatics—it was just the truth. The only person he gave a damn about was the one he’d come with.

[tyliocellier]

Continued from here. @oldastime

"Precisely", Tylio agreed emphatically, even going so far as to make a hand gesture to underline just how much he agreed with the fact that his purpose in life ought not to be defined by having or not having a family of his own. What was so damn appealing about it, anyway? He'd seen the way his parents operated. They had kids, but barely spent any time with them because they were too busy working and yet they were still asking their sons to send them money years later. It was like they had children and then didn't know what to do with them. He wasn't going to be like that. He'd decided that, that was his choice, it wasn't because he simply didn't know how to form a bond with a woman strong enough to have children with her. "I have family", he clarified. "They just don't live here. My parents, my mother recently fell ill and had to stop working. So I'm sending a bit more back home." He wasn't sure why he was telling her this, perhaps he just wanted her to know that there was still a good reason for him to be working hard. He wasn't just money hungry or trying to get rich- well, that too, but the money wasn't for him. "Actually, if you're done asking questions, I would like to ask one. I was wondering whether you know of any freelance jobs. It can be something simple, really, a cleaner job...whatever it is."

[twistedthings]

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If he had the capability of it, Michael would have forgotten the killer and just stayed in the moment, this one. He was so gentle and so close to Willa that it would only take a shift and he could have brought his lips to meet hers, gods, he wanted to do it so bad. His heart raced from the thought, though, that was likely the fact that was settling deep within his bones. Willa was going with him. She meant so much to him that even processing the fact had Mikey grasping desperately at whatever means he could find to get her out of this, there were so many unknown factors and while he was perfectly fine putting his own life on the line doing this reckless thing meant something different now. Catching this killer didn't seem nearly as important as keeping Willa safe and alive.

It wasn't the possibility of her death that stilled Michael, that held him in that gentle, vulnerable moment with his hand against her cheek like the single most important thing in the world to him. And she was just that. Even in their silent and calm acceptance of the inevitable, the impossible future that they would face together. It was her that kept him still, that desire to hold her close until this all passed over, until someone else found the bastard that had killed Chandler. But Mikey knew the chance wouldn't present itself again, it would only be him that could do this, well, him and Willa. They were a team and although he wanted nothing more than to plan something that would keep her safe and leave her behind Michael knew that betrayal and any effort that mirrored such a circumstance would not be honest.

He just nodded, reluctantly letting his hand drop from the warmth of Willa's face, the touch of her lips lingering pleasantly against his skin and for a long moment as she pulled away and moved to ready herself to leave, her lips against his wrist was the only thing Michael could think about. Slowly, he swallowed, centered himself, and focused. He did have a plan but originally it hadn't included Willa. With a soft sigh the man raked his fingers through his hair while he thought, processed and recalculated his method of attack. Mikey didn't always go with the legal and proper way of catching people, though he was an ametuer sleuth and wanted to aspire to be more than that one day, this killer had taken more from him and come far too close to someone he cared deeply for that he hadn't really any plans other than going where he knew the guys hideout to be and confront the monster. Reckless and reliant on something he'd kept from Willa. His powers, the abilities that made him better than the police and other detectives trying to find the killer.

"Well, uh, I know where his hide out or whatever is... at least," he paused, his hand perched atop his head to hold back the dark waves from falling into his eyes as he scanned them over Willa thoughtfully, thinking of more than just her, formulating a plan that would keep them both safe. He sighed, annoyed at the extra steps they'd have to take and knowing all the credit would be taken by the police no doubt but if it meant this guy got caught and Willa was safe then Mikey was prepared to do whatever he had to. "-- I know the general area, I can't be sure the old house is still there," he said, features turning into something more curious and astute. "You know that old mansion out past the edge of town? It's been lost to the woods for a while and everyone swears it's haunted and not even standing anymore? I think he's there, or at least that's where he's taking his victims to kill them." He noted with a nod that made it aware he believed his theories wholeheartedly. "We go out there and if he's there, we trap him, call the cops, get them to come out and investigate the place for a reported fire or something..."

The gentle touch of his warm hand against her slender cheek sent a soothing sensation rippling through her entire body. Her doe-like eyes met his, and a profound sense of comfort washed over her in that fleeting moment of contact. It was a brief respite from the turmoil surrounding them, a tiny spark of hope that perhaps they could weather the storm together and emerge unscathed.

Amid their vulnerability, she clung to this fleeting connection like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty. Maybe it was wishful thinking, and perhaps the world around them was still fraught with challenges, but in that moment, she found solace in his presence. It was a silent understanding. She knew that they would stand by each other's side, no matter what lay ahead, and that together, they might just be alright.

"Thank you, Mikey," she murmured, her voice laced with appreciation and a deep understanding of the effort it took for him to let her into his world. The significance of this act of trust, allowing her to accompany him, resonated deeply within her, supporting her own journey of healing. With tenderness, she pressed a soft kiss against his wrist before reluctantly releasing his hand and stepping away. The connection between them left a warmth that lingered in the air.

As she stepped toward her closet, her footsteps quiet on the floor, she turned to face him with renewed determination. "So," she began, her tone filled with curiosity and anticipation, "what's your plan? Where do we head first?" The soft rustle of clothing signified her readiness as she tied her shoes and zipped her windbreaker.

@twistedthings

[geropuna]

Super late upload, day went by much faster than I anticipated! #fairyfaeweek day 3! I chose #hag because everyone needs to draw a super old, potion brewing, all knowing, absolutely insane but totally chill, forest lady that owns not 2 but 2 little animal familiars! #forest #witch #oldastime #copics #magic #mushrooms #frog #animals #drawing #art https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eSc2TpR5E/?igshid=1ewo3f4d97hlz

[palmbeachvintage]

I’ve been spending time at home contemplating the universe and the meaning of life. Answers are complex and fleeting. #oldastime #lifeasweknowit #theuniverse #lightenup #loveandpeace #wearestardust #palmbeachvintage #antiquerowwpb https://www.instagram.com/p/CEo8l2_phl0/?igshid=posqqxw3ffak

[fairyhillcrafts]

Autumn walked in and laughed at me hopeful, wearing my sandals .... I watered the garden and the heavens opened - my plants were happy ... my toes slightly less.. the rain was cold / but I did stand in the door way watching the thunder down .. feeling super duper alive ... rain storms do that to me / I find them really life affirming- well without weather / water we would nt even be here, the strength of Mother Nature - what happens when you think you might have her tamed... she turns your umbrella inside out and fills your wellies... just so you know who's boss! Summer days with blue skies that go on forever make me feel immortal - autumn thunderstorms make me feel new and that the world is so old and wise and we are just specks walking around on the surface !! I love the weather ( please see what I say when it's rained for weeks and the chickens are living in the kitchen with me 😂) But that's an idea .. but don't tell darren!! Sssshhh!! #weather #autumn #seasons #life #lifeaffirming #oldastime #newbegining #chickenlady #chickensindoors #eggs #livealifelessordinary #fairyhillcrafts #thegoddesstribe

[summerswildling]

The Australian bush. I wish you could see the detail in this photo properly. Looks amazing on my big screen.. #nature #oldastime . . . . . #instaphoto #canon #photooftheday #focus #moment #capture #photography #photographylover #justgoshoot #canonaustralia #visualdiary #stylediary #ig_daily #instamoments #ig_myshot #instadaily #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #australia #aussiesofinstagram #australianbush #tree #sunlight #greenery #australianlife #southcoast #shoalhavenriver

[mysunshine1202]

#💯#oldastime#treatothersasuwanttobetreated#daily#lifelessons#bewise

Be the one ⚡

[stephaniepick]

Sometimes you need a Japanese Sword ⚔️ or two #swords #japanese #katana #oldastime (at Sky Lofts Los Angeles)

[waveofstars]

There were many instances Connor would prove that he was a good person, but more often than not, he kept that part to himself. He knew he should’ve been a better friend in that moment, but he couldn’t help himself. It was in his nature - like that damn Scorpion & Frog fable. He’d always be the scorpion ruining things for the both of them. 

Jealousy was not an emotion he wore well, and that blatantly obvious right then and there. All Connor should’ve cared about was whether she was truly happy or not. Why couldn’t he just do that? “Yeah, but do you want to be closer to him?” It was a question he didn’t necessarily want to hear the answer to (unless it was in his favor, of course). 

But before any disappointment could come seeping in, she turned the attention away from her and back to the task at hand. Connor turned and looked at the different overpriced costumes and sighed to himself. The thought of having to dress up as anything and going to a party of Steven’s was suddenly ruining his once obsessive appetite for preparing for Halloween. All the costumes looked pathetic, but mostly because he knew that’s what he’d look like in them… pathetic.

 Ah, there came the sadness that lingered behind jealousy. Why was he even comparing himself to Steven, anyway? Connor brushed his hand against a few options and blew out another breath. “Alright, fine. Costumes… Do you have anything planned yet? Probably doing some couple costume with him, right?”

Her frustration and self-doubt were evident as she dropped her head back against her forearms, her chunky sneakers skidding lightly against the floor in a restless manner. She had expected a more empathetic and thoughtful response from Connor. (Lord knows why) Instead, he seemed to be merely reiterating what she already knew, leaving her feeling somewhat deflated. "I should have kept this to myself," she muttered, her voice tinged with disappointment.

In a moment of self-reflection, she attempted to counsel her own thoughts. "Maybe I'm just overthinking. Obviously, he wants me closer to him." She was trying to convince herself that her concerns about Connor being a valid reason to stay back were unfounded. He was, after all, just a good friend, her best friend. Nothing more, right?

She scratched her head, contemplating her thoughts. "I'm asking you to spend it with me," she stated firmly, making her intentions clear. "Not Steven. You're my guest, and I really want to see you there." She edged a little closer to him, their elbows softly bumping against each other. "Maybe—I'll accept a maybe," she sighed, giving a hint of compromise. "But if you switch up on me and say no days before the event, I'm breaking into your place, sedating you, and tying you up at the party." She may have displayed a joking tone, but there was a hint she might be serious. It was Elliot, after all.

"I've decided I'm done talking about my life for now. Let's get back to the task at hand: costumes," she declared, gently pushing away from the clothing rack and scanning the array of costume options in the store.

Her words carried a sense of finality, as if she had temporarily closed the door on discussing her personal concerns.

[summerswildling]

The Australian bush. I wish you could see the detail in this photo properly. Looks amazing on my big screen.. #nature #oldastime . . . . . #instaphoto #canon #photooftheday #focus #moment #capture #photography #photographylover #justgoshoot #canonaustralia #visualdiary #stylediary #ig_daily #instamoments #ig_myshot #instadaily #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #australia #aussiesofinstagram #australianbush #tree #sunlight #greenery #australianlife #southcoast #shoalhavenriver

[waveofstars]

It was, surprisingly, enjoyable to see her in her element. The room gravitated to her and he didn’t blame them one bit. Hell, he practically orbited her for years now. Still, Connor would never admit such a thing and instead remind her how agonizing this night was for him, even if it wasn’t completely. He was a perpetual complainer. 

He did his best to deflect any conversation directed at him to Elliot. There was only one person in that room he’d like attention from, and no, it wasn’t the older woman who eyed him like he was prey that night. 

“You have some weird and horny coworkers,” he mumbled to her at one point in the night, voice low and near her ear with a chuckle. 

When the night came to an end, he helped clean and was doing his best to not complain about being there so long. He was more of a fan of the classic Irish Goodbye, where he exited parties without anyone noticing. But, for Elliot, he’d stay behind.

Tossing a piece of garbage into her bag before she tied it, he did his best to not show a look of relief when she asked if she could stay. He was hoping that would happen, because even though he stood by her side that night, it felt like they had no time for themselves. Instead of jumping up and down with joy, he simply shrugged nonchalantly and nodded. “Yeah, of course. You about ready? Or do you feel like scrubbing some floors while you’re at it, Cinderella?”

And here she thought he was actually going to say something nice. Her green eyes ( with so much power) rolled harshly into the back of her head, narrowing them like daggers; with feigned offense, she put on a pouty-lipped face. "Mmm, it Can't be helped," she defends, stiffening her shoulders towards her ears. "It's my act of service," because talking too much for someone who didn't like it as much seemed like a fair trade; with closed eyes, she shook her head softly, really driving the point home. "And!-and, you need a lot of it. Thank you." Upon opening her eyes, her gaze fell onto his hand. One subtle brush of her hair should seem so weightless, yet it weighed so heavy on her mind; the look on his face, how he watched her. She felt seen, and somehow, it comforted, embarrassed, and flustered her all at the same time.

With fickle eyes, she avoided eye contact. Whatever he was doing or whatever that even was, she needed a moment to breathe some kind of composure back into her small frame. "You— should," she spoke softly. "You should definitely do that. I wholeheartedly support those actions." Smiling, her cheeks grew bigger as she spluttered, raising her fingers to his face as if wiping away his stare. "Please!— Oh my God."

"Well, don't you two look cozy in the middle of the room."

It was just the beginning of what was to come as work friends gravitated towards Elliot. She'd mingle for hours, dismissing the awkward questions regarding their relationship and whether or not he was in one. Apparently, the personal quest to find out more about Elliot's life started much sooner than her typical clock in time. She'd have to figure out something to thank Connor with later. He definitely deserved it after tonight.

With the guest list narrowing, Elliot decided to stay behind and clear up some of the mess. With a trash bag in hand, she deftly tied the knot, her fingers working quickly to secure the contents. Leaning casually against the cool surface of the kitchen counter, she looked at Connor. "Can I stay with you tonight? I'm positive I won't make it back to my place alive." Well, she could have, but she also didn't feel like it.

[twistedthings]

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Tension coiled his muscles as if he were ready to spring into action at any moment. Mikey had been on edge for so fucking long it was a wonder he wasn't collapsing where he stood, instead he shifted anxiously on his feet in front of Willa. He didn't want her coming with him. End of story. Because Michael couldn't control what happened to Willa if she went out there with him, he'd do absolutely everything to protect and keep her safe. She was the single most important person in his life and that had never changed, even through the tragedy that had been the death of Chandler. He'd wanted nothing more than to be as important to Willa as Chandler had but when the man had been killed Michael didn't let his pettiness and hurt stop him from being there for her. He'd held her up when everything around her was crumbling to the ground, he'd held them both up all while trying the bastard who'd killed Chandler. 

Sure, Michael never had really liked the guy and that was mostly because of his own feelings for Willa and how she loved Chandler and not Mikey in the same way. But to know the man suffered and was killed so horribly by the same killer Michael was after even now, it did make Michael feel terrible he'd dragged the sorry fucker into this even if it was just by association. He knew that he had an ace up his sleeve but that didn't mean he could ensure Willa's safety and that weighed more on his shoulders than anything else. Already he was prepared to do what he had to in order to keep her alive but it seemed that they were on the same page about that; if she died, he died and if he died, she would follow. It wasn't what he wanted but the fact was solidified in his chest, the only evidence he was alive now was the pounding of his heart.

When she finally opened her eyes and met his gaze it was all Mikey could do just to hold his ground and not give into her, then she pulled her hands from his after restraining against his efforts in taking them only to slip her arms around his waist and bury her face in his chest where he was sure she could hear the betrayal of his stuttering heart. His own arms closed around her in return rather quickly, far too eager to embrace her as closely as he fucking could, gods, Mikey never wanted to let her go and the thought that he eventually had to almost made him groan. Mikey knew she still blamed herself and that the guilt would be too much for her to deal with if he died, hell, he felt the same fucking way about her and it was a deep inhale of her scent as he rested his cheek atop her head for a moment before she pulled away and he was faced with the worst decision of his life.

Did he tell her that he loved her now? In this vulnerable moment as she pulled away from him and every inch of his being ached for her as she did so, only for Willa to take his hand and place it over her heart. His brow did furrow and his head tilted, a small noise escaping his lungs in a sorrow filled and almost strangled sound that touched his gaze as he moved his free hand up to cup Willa's cheek and frown at her. "Fuck, Willa," he said softly, nearly as softly as she had spoken, his heart racing so hard in his chest it fucking hurt. "-- okay, you can come with me but you're not fucking dying, I won't let it happen." He promised, to her and to himself. If it meant the killer got away, Mikey would do whatever it took to keep Willa alive, even if that meant he had to lie to her, make her hate him-- he would do it because fuck, he loved her so much it hurt every goddamn second he didn't tell her.

It was Chandler's remains that provoked this response. Having to identify the unidentifiable. It made her sick to her stomach. Hell, she was stuck in the stalls puking for half the fucking day she was there. At her request, he'd gone to the gas station to pick up a few snacks. That night, he wouldn't return home, and from that moment on, she'd blame herself. If she hadn't asked for anything, he'd still be living; he'd have his life. She was so stupid to have him go out while a maniac ran loose. She was an idiot because, deep down, she didn't take it seriously. She assumed it would never hit close to home. And now she had to deal with the consequences of her actions.

She would protest all night if it kept him close to her. She would lose sleep, even fight back the urge to drop from deprivation to share the same air as him, feel the same warmth that radiated onto her. Maybe he was so sure of himself that her worries weren't valid enough. Whatever it was, she knew that nothing he could do or say would keep her from his side. She stubbornly held up her strength to keep him from pushing her arms down, her eyes tightening and her fingernails squeezing into the palms of her hands. ". . . Everybody dies, Mikey."

As she makes that statement, her eyes open, and she stares at him. Studying his features, memorizing his face and the details that make up the man she knew. Finally, she released her strength, allowing him to take her hands into his. Just his presence alone brought weakness to her unmoveable frame. It's why she avoided his gaze; she knew she'd give in. She dropped her head back, letting it rest against the door. "Okay." She didn't fight his words, not because she believed them, but because it was easier. Blaming herself was easier.

Her head rose slowly, and she slipped her fingers from his and wrapped her arms around his waist. She buried herself into his frame, closing her eyes momentarily. "M & M?" she spoke softly, almost too quietly. This was her silent declaration. If he died, she died. And as he lived, she did. There were no in-betweens, and maybe he didn't understand that. " If you die," she starts, lifting her head from his chest to look at him, to show her sincerity. She grabbed his hand, pulling away from him to place it across her chest, "— I die. So take me with you."

[waveofstars]

If he had any sense, he would've told her he couldn't come tonight. If it had been anyone else, that is exactly what he would've said. He wasn't quite willing to admit it, but Elliot was his kryptonite in that way. He was at her beck and call. It was equal parts heartwarming as it was pathetic.

Connor felt the corner of his lips twist in response. He was fighting that smile, too busy scowling and brooding like he always did. It didn't take long until he gave in and smiled down at her. "I think we both know you talk enough for the both of us," he teased.

Absentmindedly, Connor reached out and brushed a piece of her hair that fell out of place. His smile softened as he took in the sight of her. He already knew that whole room would likely want to talk to her - how could they not when she looked like that?

"Fine. I'll suffer through it. Maybe I'll just Jasper stare at everyone and scare the shit out of them to get us out early." Connor then did his best impression with a dead facial expression and intense widened eyes.

Sandwiched between a crowded room and fake plants, Elliot parked her chunky heeled feet between Connor's. She stared at him, struggling to keep a straight face. Social gatherings took most of her energy after the fact; she was expected to meet and mingle and do all sorts of exhausting things with people the majority of her co-workers were closer to than herself. And maybe it was easier because she dragged Conner along. She'd admit it here or there, but he did make things a lot easier for her sometimes.

Controlling whether to show her teeth or bite her tongue was an internal battle. She didn't want to put him in an uncomfortable position, but who else would suffer in a corner with her later? Besides, watching Connor visibly fight his dissatisfaction with a social life was far more entertaining than not. Her head bobs, she huffs a short breath and she settles on a grin (technically, it always ends in a grin) and slides her hands into his pockets slightly cocking her head.

"Alright, grumbly old man. I promise I won't force you out into the big loud world anymore—after tonight," and she meant it, unless there just happened to be something else that came up that involved her presence and a plus one, then, well, tough luck. "Luckily for you, my co-workers only throw these shindigs to be nosy about everyone's social lives outside of work. So, they'll either stare everyone down like Jasper in Twilight or get real personal with me on my next shift. So, I guess, leave the talking to me."