#she wears comfortable walking/running shoes it breaks the outfit but lmao at least she can walk

[pinayelf]

got the idea from @malabadspice to make amihan on this dollmaker!

amihan's style in a modern worldstate (wayhaven and aus) is very 70s inspired (for dresses and formalwear, it's more 50s inspired with silhouettes)

so I decided to make her in this! they don't really give you this outfit style option in twc but this is how she dresses

[amphtaminedreams]

The Women of Euphoria and Personal Style: Lookbook no.8

Hi to anyone reading,

I hope you’re well considering everything going on! It feels weird to want to talk about fashion or TV shows or red carpets or whatever when 90% of my Google searches are COVID-19 related but there you go. It’s all about trying to power through as normal (minus the social interaction) and pretend the world isn’t ending, right? Queue nervous laughter.

And as if things aren't shitty enough, production of season 2 of Euphoria has been postponed until further notice. 

Okay, in the grand scheme of things, having to wait a bit longer for a TV show isn’t catastrophic but it does just about sum up the transition from 2019 to 2020 thus far that after HBO redeemed itself by broadcasting Euphoria in the summer following an ending to Game of Thrones that has made the whole series unrewatchable, the glimmer of hope in me reignited by the prospect of series 2 this year has been quickly dashed. 2021, I’m rooting for you, because it doesn’t seem like things are getting better any time soon, and in all seriousness, I think everyone needs a break from the collective suffering of the last few months.

For me (and undoubtedly for many others if the hundreds of makeup looks and styling videos are anything to go by), Euphoria’s effect on the world of fashion and beauty is unprecedented. I really can’t recall a TV show in living memory that has had as much of an impact on the way young people dress. I mean, this might partially be because the style of the characters already kind of caters to and draws from the target audience but also, aside from Blair Waldorf did anybody really give THAT much of a fuck about what anybody in Gossip Girl wore?

The draw of the styling on Euphoria is that it has something for everyone. The style of each of the main girls, Rue, Kat, Maddy, Jules and Cassie, all of whom I’ve attempted (emphasis on attempted!) to base (emphasis on base!) outfits around, is varied and distinctive but still so current and realistic at the same time. It’s also consistent; even if you don’t own the specific pieces worn by any of them, similar shapes and details reoccur enough in different looks throughout the series that it’s not hard to create an outfit which matches your favourite character’s overall vibe without buying anything new. That’s kinda what I have attempted to do here and without further ado, I’m gonna get on with it! First up:

Jules (Played by Hunter Schafer)

When it comes to whose style is the most experimental, Jules is the obvious answer. A lot of her outfits are what I imagine a cartoonist in the near-distant future will envision their cool girl protagonist wearing. Whilst her ensembles are generally whimsical and girly for the most part, there’s usually a few slightly punk-ish finishing touches thrown in there too be it through chunky shoes or bold makeup or that incredible mesh trench coat she wears in the series finale with the trans symbol on the back which, honestly, deserves a moment of silence. 

There are definitely nods to current fashion trends sprinkled throughout her wardrobe too. I'm not going to lie, despite someone at work seemingly thinking it was an insult to tell me I look like someone who does (I still don’t know but this person has a Rick and Morty keyring so I don’t give it too much weight), I’ve never watched any anime. BUT, that being said, given the abundance of anime screenshots posted by all these aesthetic oriented Instagram and Tumblr moodboard accounts, I have a vague idea of what some of the more iconic characters look like and a lot of Jules’ looks seem to be very much modelled after or at least inspired by them. In a way, I see a lot of her looks as a blend between modern “e-girl”, Y2K skater chick (yes, I’m thinking early Avril Lavigne), and 2013 Tumblr “hipster” a la 2014 Joanna Kutcha and Charlie Barker, and though on paper that sounds like a nightmare combination, it works. I know-if that sentence were a Depop description I would’ve just gained 30 followers.

When it comes to my own interpretation of Jules’ style, it’s definitely something I like to channel when I’m putting together a proper OUTFIT outfit. Meaning an outfit I actually put effort into and thus will most likely want to get a good photo in, lol. The way her character dresses is almost quite Christopher Kane in that it’s fresh and unusual but still understated enough that I wouldn’t walk into a room wearing any of these feeling like I’m doing a Rick Owens runway.

I’m not TOO far out of my comfort zone but still at the same time, I’d be trying something new and maybe a little bit more zany than I'm used to. As for noting where any of these pieces are from, only a few have been bought in the last 6 months, but from left to right clockwise I have marked out those that have in case they’re still available (though be wary of the fact that it seems a lot of online clothes stores are still forcing warehouse employees to work in close confines at the moment and so perhaps aren’t operating the most ethically):

LOOK 1

Corset-Jaded London

Shoes-TK Maxx

LOOK 2

Dress-Motel Rocks

Boots-Koi Vegan Footwear

LOOK 3

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 4

Dress-Jaded London

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 5

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 6

Mesh Top-Depop

Hair Clips-Urban Outfitters

Kat (Played by Barbie Ferreira) 

Eurgh, Kat. 

I LOVE THIS BITCH.

If I had to choose my favourite character in the show, it would be a very close toss-up between her and Rue, and though I think Rue might just about nab the top spot for her relatability factor, Kat is the girl I want to be or wish that I had been when I was at school. I mean, there’s definitely an argument to be made in that a lot of what she’s doing with her cam work could be seen as a means of validation (Sam Levinson has basically said everyone on the show has some kind of an unhealthy coping mechanism and I would guess due to the circumstances in which her cam girl career was borne and the fact she’s underage, this would be hers) but I do think in other ways we really see Kat reclaim her power and recognise herself for the smart, capable, gorgeous woman that she is. Honestly, the definition of divine feminine energy, and I would completely let Barbie Ferreira/basically Kat if she was also actually 23 dominate me.

Plus! Her! Style! Is! The! Bomb! Definitely the easiest character to base looks around because if I’m totally honest Kat’s energy is pretty much just what I want to emulate in every day life. 

It’s either pieces that are typically feminine, cutesy, and even slightly preppy at times drenched in everything grunge OR vice versa where you have something semi-gothic and then add a colourful, more playful touch in there that harks back to the beginning of the series before Kat had began to explore her identity and sexuality and dressed slightly more Forever 21.

I’d say, not yet with my whole chest, that on a good day the outfits I put together when making an effort aren’t too far off something Kat would wear, minus the more overtly BDSM touches; if wearing a ring choker in London is enough to get me a creepy comment from a gross middle aged shopkeeper (because I apparently forfeited my right not to be perved on when I decided to buy a bottle of Oasis summer fruits), then you can only imagine the kind of looks wearing a full-on harness would get in my conservative OAP dominated hometown. Not the most doable right now, especially considering the only time I get out is to work and to go for a run. The chafing I could deal with but the horrified glares of pensioners whose M&S prawn mayo sandwiches I’ve ruined by simply being in their eyesight not so much.

LOOK 1-

Corset-Urban Outfitters

LOOK 2-

Bodysuit-Depop

Skirt-Zara

Harness-Ebay

LOOK 3-

Co-ord-Depop

Lace-up Corset-Missguided

LOOK 4-

Dress-Vintage

LOOK 5-

Belt-Ebay

LOOK 6-

Coat-Topshop

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 7-

Fishnet Top-Ebay

Skirt-Urban Outfitters

Maddy (Played by Alexa Demie)

Not gonna lie, I was kind of scared to do Maddy. I’m scared to be posting this, lol! Alexa Demie has played this character for a single season and she’s already one of the most iconic women to grace our screens in years. This is a huge undertaking and I don’t have the bank balance or the body confidence (lmao) to raid IAmGia. 

And this is where I want to stress: THESE ARE NOT OUTFIT RECREATIONS. THESE ARE INSPIRED BY. I HAVE ADDED ELEMENTS OF MY OWN STYLE INTO THEM. PLEASE DON’T DRAG ME. I KNOW, I’M NOT ALEXA DEMIE. I WOULD NEVER ASSUME TO BE ALEXA DEMIE. I’M NOT ABOUT TO TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN LIKE THAT. So now we’ve got that out the way (wipes bead of sweat off forehead), let’s continue. 

Everything about Maddy Perez is extra. She has very much been established as a centre of attention character, and her outfits are a key part of that. They’re daring, they’re hyper-feminine, and they are always glamorous. We’re told that she competed in beauty pageants when she was younger and it’s clear that level of excess and coordination and glitz and all-round-boujeeness wormed its way into her DNA during that time. Even the “depression” outfit she wears to school following Nate becoming violent at the fair is costume-like, a 2019 Bratz doll Off-White street style collaboration.

Do you know how HARD I had to try to be HOT!? For these photos. Alexa Demie is one of those blessed women who doesn’t have to try at all, and that translates into the character completely. At any given moment, Maddy could add or remove one item or clothing and be let straight into the VIP section of a club, and that, honestly, is inspiring to us all in these dark times. 

One thing I tried to keep in mind is that she always looks polished and coordinated, I.E the kind of look I would prepare for a night out is something Maddy would wear on an average day. Co-ords and delicate prints seem to be more subtle wardrobe staples along with mesh and PVC and glitter and feathers and fur and basically anything that toes the line between expensive looking and tacky. Yes, I am aware we may toe different sides of that line but please let me stay delusional and believe that’s not the case for 5 minutes. Much appreciated xoxo

LOOK 1-

Bodysuit-Jaded London

LOOK 2-

Bralette-Depop

LOOK 3-

Co-ord Suit-Boohoo

Bodysuit-Boohoo

LOOK 4-

Dress-Motel Rocks

Shoes-Schuh

LOOK 5-

Bodysuit-Zaful

Trousers-Depop

Coat-Topshop

LOOK 6-

Dress-Zaful

Belt-Zaful

LOOK 7-

Top-Jaded London

Hair Clips-H&M

Rue (Played by Zendaya Coleman)

I have a complicated relationship with Rue as a character. When I started season 1 of Euphoria, I was like “Oh my god, this girl is the worst. Jesus, she’s so negative and draining and willingly self-destructive and-”

Then, oh my god is this what it’s like to live with me!?

I will say, to my own credit, that I don’t think I've ever been quite as hard to deal with as Rue (a lot less smashing stuff up and a lot more moping), and to HER credit, by the end of the season we come to realise she’s been through a fucking lot and so it makes sense, but wow. I don’t think I have ever seen a teen show handle drug abuse and mental illness in such a brutal way. It’s quite a talent to be able to show a character cause so much pain to those closest to them and yet do so through a sympathetic lens. And issues aside, whether it’s her occasional social awkwardness or her relationship with her family or watching bloody Love Island (still quite surreal to see Zendaya Coleman witnessing the Amy/Curtis drama unfold), Rue is just my favourite character to follow. 

Her style, though. AH. The thing is, I can hardly drag it, because it’s pretty much what I wear when I’m moping about the house-or just any time I can get away with it to be honest-to a T. I want to stay true to character, but that being said, creating a “Seth Rogen”-esque outfit that’s worth posting on here is difficult. So, with the same kind of artistic license that had me wearing berets whilst cosplaying Maddy Perez, here is the best I could do:

I know, I know, it’s probably too much colour and jewellery for Rue but this is as toned down as I could do and I tried to stick with the key silhouettes we see from her throughout the season; I mean, I can’t see her wearing leopard print but the structure of the coat in outfit 1 is very similar to the one seen in Shook Ones pt.II. I think the bottom line when it comes to her character is keeping things effortless and not overly-feminine; you want to mix street style, athleisure and your dad’s wardrobe favourites like your life depends on it. Plus messy hair and smudged makeup, both of which I’ve already got down according to the completely inappropriate number of customers who’ve asked if I'm tired at work so thanks for that guys, and glitter tears. Lots and lots of glitter tears.

OUTFIT 1-

Dungarees-Vintage

OUTFIT 2-

Trousers-Depop

Cardigan-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 5-

Beanie-Depop

OUTFIT 6-

Shirt-Boohoo Man

Sports Bra-TK Maxx

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Shirt-Jaded London

Cassie (Played by Sydney Sweeney)

Style-wise, Cassie is a hard one. When putting outfits for her character together, I found myself gravitating towards a direction that’s probably a bit too bohemian for her character, under the guidance of loose terms like “girl-next-door”, “floaty”, “delicate”, you get the idea. She definitely feels the least fully-realised in terms of all the main girls and I think it’s fair to say she’s probably got a bit of self-discovery to do. Most of her storylines in the season are dictated by her relationships to other people: McKay, Maddy, Lexie, her parents and so on. 

Nevertheless, I tried to stick to the airier, more traditionally “pretty” pieces whilst still channelling the confidence and ease with which Cassie pulls them off. Sydney Sweeney has the most incredible figure and I feel like whilst the clothes the on-set stylists put her in flatter that and don’t hide anything, they’re still the focus. It doesn’t feel like there’s anything more inherently sexual about her character than any of the other main female characters despite the way the men within the narrative view her, and I think it’s a testament to the the wardrobe department that to me she still gives off big modern Disney princess energy and a certain innocence even whilst we hear her being continuously sexualised by her male peers. 

If anything, Cassie probably dresses the most like an actual teenage girl, and her style, whilst less distinctive than the other girls, still does a good job of capturing the youth and romanticism of her character. 

The colour palette of her wardrobe tends to be quite neutral, with a couple of pastels thrown in there, and if there are any details, they’re usually quite dainty. Similarly, Cassie is probably the least experimental when it comes to her makeup; we don’t really see her wearing the bold eyeshadows or liners or gems like the other girls at any point.

OUTFIT 1-

Bodysuit-Motel Rocks

Hair Clips-Bershka

OUTFIT 2-

Dress-Jaded London

OUTFIT 3-

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 4-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Hairband-H&M

`OUTFIT 5-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Jeans-Zaful

Headband-Primark

OUTFIT 6-

Top-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Dress-Urban Outfitters

Hair Clips-Boohoo

SO, I guess that’s it for my Euphoria lookbook! As always, let me know what you think (nicely pls, my ego is fragile lol) and I’d love to hear your opinions on the show too! I really haven’t got this excited over a new TV show in ages and I just think that it does everything so excellently-from the writing to the cinematography to the soundtrack, you can tell each element is so carefully and purposefully constructed. It immerses you into the dramatic highs and lows of being a teenager in a way I haven’t seen since UK Skins and I never thought I’d watch a show which held a candle to that. 

In terms of what I’m doing next, I’ve got a very delayed fashion week masterpost in the works as well as something to fill the Met Gala shaped hole in our lives, which I hope to get up over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, if you read to the end, THANK YOU! And I hope you’re staying safe and AT HOME where possible. I know this self-isolation feels never-ending and if I’m honest, it is having a hugely negative effect on my mental health, but NHS staff are doing their very best with the shitty recourses they have and whilst it seems that our government have thrown workers under the bus once again, we can all do our bit to combat that by slowing the spread of the virus. Also thank you to anybody who’s out working now in such a scary and uncertain time! I work at a grocery store and can say from experience that the best way to show this thanks is just through kindness and following employee’s instructions without giving them grief for it. Everyone’s scared right now and the best we can do is pull together and look out for each other, as difficult as that might seem at times.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble, and like I said, stay safe! Thanks once again if you read til the end or even if you’re just here for the photos. Appreciate it more than you know either way!

Lauren x

[7-wonders]

Blame It On My Youth

Summary: You’ve seen enough of Michael’s world to last you three lifetimes. Now, it’s time to show him some of your world.

Word Count: 4907

A/N: Did that sound a bit like the Little Mermaid? Yes. Do I care? No. Hope you guys enjoy, feedback is always appreciated and, if you feel so inclined, I would love if you reblogged, liked, and commented.

Read Mad Love (part one) HERE | Read Totally F***ed (part two) HERE | Read The Isle of Flightless Birds (part three) HERE | Read A Hard Day’s Night (part four) HERE | Read Pour One Out (part five) HERE | Read Where Angels Fear to Tread (part six) HERE | Read Naked & Afraid (part seven) HERE | Read Ironically Alive (part eight) HERE

Out of all of the fantasy books that you read as a child, none was more frustrating than Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland. It was a fine book, filled with whimsy and adventure, all things that a child can devour like candy, but one particular passage captured your attention and warranted your problem-solving abilities for an entire week after you first finished the book. The famous question of “why is a raven like a writing desk?,” posed by the Mad Hatter to young Alice at their tea party, drove you nearly as mad as a Hatter in trying to solve it. It’s not as if there was an answer; the protagonist, herself, declared that “I think you might do something better with the time than wasting it in asking riddles that have no answers,” but you were determined to be the first to solve this unsolvable riddle. Obviously, you didn’t solve the riddle, and the answer still eludes you to this day. You haven’t thought about that old riddle for quite some time, but your current predicament, and the amount of time spent thinking about it, gives you an odd sense of deja vu and reminds you of Lewis Carroll’s question with no answer.

It’s been two weeks since your trip to the Murder House, and your mind has spun with hundreds of questions that seem to have no answer. Michael, of course, hasn’t been any help at all. The man seems to be a walking paradox; when you don’t need him, he’s impossible to get rid of, and on the rare occasion that you do need him, he can’t be reached. You’ve been able to talk to him, your weekend visits to his mansion forcing you to make some conversation, but Michael has diverted every question you’ve shot at him. He doesn’t get mad that you’re constantly coming up with questions that, to you, have no answers, which only confuses you even more. Although you shouldn’t be pushing your luck after his show of mercy at his childhood home, you feel that you’re entitled to some answers.

Michael, the infuriating, confounding, caring husband that he is, has patiently reminded you time and time again that your finals are more important than any questions you may have. You hate it when he’s right, especially when he pulls out the contract and points out that it was you who made it a point to refuse dropping out of school. Your questions, he tells you, can be answered after you’ve finished the semester and gotten the grades you know you’re capable of. If you’re being honest, at this point you would take a year of being trapped in the Murder House over a week of finals (“Your dramatics truly never get old,” Michael commented dryly when you complained to him during a study break on Sunday). Finals week, you’ve decided, is certainly the work of Michael’s father.

Regardless of your opinions on the week of tests that largely decide your grades, the feelings of joy and relief that flood through you upon walking out of the classroom in which your last final of the semester was held. You have a high enough grade in the class to be able to keep your ‘A’ even if you flunk and, if you were brave, you would have just completely skipped the final. Worst-case scenarios, however, prevented you from doing so and made sure that you actually studied for this test. No matter how you did on the tests, you walk across campus feeling like you’re floating on air. No more school for an entire summer! The bliss that accompanies a last day of school does not, thankfully, fade with age.

Part of you wants to literally put the school in your rearview mirror and stay at least a mile away for three months straight, but you’re also a good person who promised to meet her friends for lunch and isn’t about to back out of a commitment. College dining halls, contrary to popular belief, are not nearly as clique-y as high school lunch rooms. Although there’s a few tables that everyone knows the athletes sit at, the rest of the tables are up for grabs. This can make things difficult when you’re one of the last to an already-packed dining hall and you have to awkwardly stand in the middle of the room while you search for your ‘group.’ Having friends like yours makes this move a lot easier, waving at you to get your attention once they notice that you’re looking around for them.

“You had finals today, right? How’d they go?” Kate and Brennan sit across from you, a bowl of cucumbers sitting between them. You grab at one when you take your own seat, deciding a water-based vegetable is better than nothing.

“They went okay, especially considering they were my last finals,” you reply, glancing around the table to catalogue who is and isn’t here. It’s the usual crew, but you take note of a new face. Shooting Kate a glance, she quickly picks up on your question.

“Oh yeah, you two haven’t met before! (Y/N), this is Mallory. She’s in my Russian Lit class, her other friends have already left for the summer so I invited her to come sit with us today.”

Mallory’s beautiful, her large doe-like eyes and golden leaf headband nestled in her brown locks giving her the appearance of some sort of angel. She’s wearing a black dress that’s cinched with a belt that matches the headband, her outfit looking like it costs as much as a couple of textbooks.

“Hi, I’m (Y/N),” you smile warmly, Mallory returning your smile and waving at you.

“It’s really nice to meet you, (Y/N),” she says.

“Why haven’t I seen you around campus before?” Although it’s a large and populated college, you’re sure that you would have remembered seeing someone as unique as Mallory.

“Oh, we must just run in different circles.” The buzzing of your phone draws your attention from the conversation, sending Mallory an apologetic look before checking the notification.

“How did your tests go?” You can’t help the smile when you see Michael’s message, thumbs flying across the keyboard to type a reply.

“I think they went really well, thanks!” 

Barely thirty seconds pass before Michael’s responded, and you stifle a laugh at the mental image of Michael sitting at his desk and just waiting for you to check your texts. 

“You should call me when you get a chance, maybe we can go out and celebrate?” After the Murder House escapade, you had become a lot more lenient with your “two phone calls a week” rule. Sometimes it’s actually you that calls him first, much to the shock and surprise of both of you. 

“Wow, our second date? Amazing, maybe we can even go steady after this lmao,” you can’t help the sarcasm, especially not when the opportunity is right there.

“-and--(Y/N),” Kate whines, drawing your attention back to the people in front of you.

“I was listening!” You unconvincingly insist.

“Really? What was I talking about, then?”

“Um...Brennan?”

“No, but nice try. I was talking about the end-of-year party at Colin and Noel’s.” Colin and Noel are two best friends who live together and, at least once a month, throw the type of parties that are the stuff of legends. The first, and only, time you went to one, Noel got so drunk that he body slammed himself onto the pong table, somebody tried to crowd surf, and multiple people ended up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. 

That was on a regular Saturday in January.

“I don’t know, Kate, I’m still trying to recover from Thirsty Thursday at the Stadium House.”

“That was almost a month ago.”

“That’s the point,” you say jokingly. “But really though, I don’t like crazy parties, and I’d rather not deal with the cops.”

“They’ve scaled their parties back so much since the last time you came to one! No hospital visits related to events at their house, even!”

“Really?” You can’t help but be skeptical at her claim. 

“Really. Listen, you don’t even have to stay for long, but I’d really like to hang with you one last time before I go back home for the summer.” Kate smiles when you sigh, knowing she has you. A good chunk of your friends are all going off to the far corners of the country for the break, and this will probably be the last time that you’re all together for three months. 

“Alright, let me talk with, uhh--yeah, I should be able to swing by for a bit,” your friends don’t know about Michael yet, and you’d prefer to keep it that way.

“Yay!” Kate squeals, drumming her hands on the table in excitement. 

“I should get going.”

“I’ll see you tonight though, right?”

“...Right.”

“Are you going to the parking lot? I’ll walk with you if you are,” Mallory says, a twinge of guilt running through you at the realization that you practically forgot about the poor girl.

It’s impossible for you to say no, and you find yourself walking side by side with Mallory towards the parking lot. It’s a bit of an awkward silence, as it usually is when two people who don’t really know each other are left alone.

“Seriously though, how have we not met before? Are you a freshman?” You ask.

“No, but this is my first semester here. I transferred from a school in New Orleans.”

“Oh, I love New Orleans! I went there for a week last year, it was amazing.”

“Yeah, I, uh,” Mallory looks down towards her heeled shoes, nodding, “I miss it a lot.” Your heart aches at the sudden look of homesickness on your new friend’s(?) face, causing you to lay a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Well, at least the school year’s over and you can go home now.”

“Actually, I think I’m sticking around for the summer. My aunt thinks it’s good for me to get out of New Orleans and out of my comfort zone. My best friend Coco’s letting me stay with her.” Mallory’s phone starts to ring, and she laughs when she looks at the caller ID. “Speak of the devil; it’s my aunt.”

“I’ll see you at the party tonight?” Mallory nods. 

“See you tonight, (Y/N).” Mallory watches you continue towards the parking lot, only answering her phone when you’ve rounded the corner. “Hey, Cordelia...Yeah, it’s her alright.”

////////////////////////////

Michael, as per usual, is in his office when you arrive at his home. Even though he has no logical way of knowing that you’ve arrived, the opening of his office door before your hand even makes contact with the knob gives you the sneaking suspicion that his Antichrist powers give him an advantage. You stroll in, Michael looking a little too nonchalant as he reads through some papers on his desk.

“Some serious Cooperative business?” You ask, falling into a chair on the other side of his desk. 

“You could say that,” he looks up at you, smiling. “How was your last day of the semester?”

“It was fine, finals were fine, it’s all fine, fine, fine.” You spin yourself in the chair, head falling back as you watch the blur of the ceiling above you.

“That’s a mood.” Stopping suddenly, you look at Michael in surprise before laughing loudly.

“Look at you, catching up on your slang!”

“Figured I’d try and actually learn what you were talking about.”

“Speaking of ‘moods,’ I might have something that would help to raise both of ours.” Michael raises an eyebrow, urging you to continue. “Some...friends of a friend are throwing a huge party tonight for the end of the year. Would you wanna go? I know you had talked about celebrating, but maybe we could celebrate this way?”

“You want me to go to a...college party? The same type of party that you drunk-called me from and where I had to get you from?”

Your face heats up at the reminder. “I’m not even going to be drinking at this party, I learned my lesson last time. Look, I know that you didn’t have the most normal upbringing, so maybe this could be your chance to experience some of the things you missed out on. You can’t tell me that you’re perfectly fine with going from a child to running your father’s army and planning the apocalypse practically overnight.”

Michael’s thinking about what you’ve said, which you’re not sure is good or bad yet. You know that you’ve made some good points, and he knows that you’ll go to the party even if he doesn’t. Maybe this is a question with no answer, like so many that you’ve encountered lately. Michael and parties don’t seem like they’d mix, and it’s impossible for you to read his mind like you can read his.

“Will I be out of place there?”

“Michael, there’s going to be so many people there that nobody will even look at you twice.” A lie; Michael’s far too beautiful for just one look.

“What time?” You aren’t even aware that you were holding your breath until he sighs and looks at you again.

“Really?” Michael nods. “Uh, probably nine or ten?”

“Is there not a set time for these parties?”

“Not really, just whenever people show up.” You stand up, smiling widely at Michael’s sudden apprehension and choosing to leave before he can change his mind. “I’ll leave you to your work!”

The good thing about being at the home of your Antichrist husband is that your wardrobe is limitless. A red satin top and a pair of black jeans (tightened with a Gucci belt, because how are you not going to take advantage of that?) is dressy, yet casual enough to be worn at a college party. When you trek down the stairs at a quarter to nine on a quest to scrounge around the kitchen for a quick meal, you’re not at all surprised to see Michael standing at one of the counters.

“You haven’t gotten dressed yet?” You ask, hopping up on the counter next to him and tearing apart a bread roll before popping a bite in your mouth.

“I figured I could just wear this to the party.” Michael’s expression sours when you laugh.

“I’m sorry, I promise I didn’t mean to laugh! It’s just--if you don’t want to attract a bunch of attention, then I wouldn’t suggest wearing a cloak, a suit, and a pair of red bottoms.” He looks down at his outfit, as if suddenly realizing how overdressed he is.

“But...I don’t know what else to wear?”

“C’mon, I’m sure we can find something in your closet for you to wear.” Michael hesitates when you grab his hand, obviously unsure of what to do next. “Kind of need you to lead the way, since I’m assuming your closet is in your bedroom that I’ve never been to before.”

“Right! Let’s go.”

The uncertainty that you feel at the threshold of Michael’s bedroom holds you back like a tether. It’s not as if anything unscrupulous is going to be happening, but the idea of invading the sanctity of your husband’s private bedroom is a little jarring. Peeking into the room, you’re reminded of a conversation you had with Michael during your first weekend here.

“Does every room look like this?” An unspoken question dangles in the air: does your room look like this? Michael grins widely, but it’s devoid of any of the emotions that a regular smile would accompany. It’s the smile of the devil. 

“Guess you’ll have to find out for yourself, won’t you?” He chuckles at the withering glare you give him, loping back towards the door and resting a hand on the silver handle. 

“So, every room does look the same,” you comment with a smirk, finally getting over your sudden fear and following Michael into his room.

“I had to have a little mystery surrounding me.” Michael smiles. “Are you going to help me or not?”

////////////////////////////

“Everybody here is in khaki shorts and printed shirts,” Michael hisses in your ear. Your hand grips Michael’s firm bicep, and you give it a teasing squeeze.

“Yeah, and you look a thousand times better than them. You always do.” Cars were already inconspicuously-but-not-really parked up and down the block, and you have to maneuver through at least fifty people just in the entryway and the living room. “College guys don’t really have a sense of style.”

“So I won’t lose you to one of these ‘boys,’ then?” Michael’s style, in your opinion, is timeless. You managed to work with his formal wardrobe, finding a white t-shirt and pairing it with an unbuttoned black shirt. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows (although that part may be totally self-serving), and his black jeans are cuffed into a pair of boots. He still looks more formal than everyone else, but it’s way better than him showing up in a goddamned cloak.

“You never even had me in the first place,” you chuckle, shooting Michael a playful wink. “C’mon, let’s see if we can find any of my friends around here.”

There’s coolers set up in the kitchen to keep the different cans and bottles cool, as well as an array of liquor on the kitchen island. Michael looks like a fish out of water, standing around awkwardly while you start peeking into the coolers.

“I thought you said you weren’t drinking,” Michael comments.

“I’m not, I’m just trying to find some soda or water.”

“(Y/N)!” You turn around, smiling when you see Noel standing before you.

“Hey, bud.” Noel, one of two party throwers of legend, is a shorter guy who makes up for his lack of height with his absolute insane stockpile of never ending energy. His black hair is always carefully gelled and combed into place, and he dresses like a middle-aged rich dad who’s going boating for the weekend.

“Who’s your friend? If he’s a part of Sig Tau, he needs to get outta here before Colin sees him, because Colin still has a huge problem with--”

“No, don’t worry, he doesn’t go to our school.” Noel nods, drumming his hands on the table and picking up a bottle of tequila.

“In that case, can I get you two some shots?”

“I don’t know, Noel, I wasn’t really planning on drinking tonight.”

“C’mon, (Y/N), one shot’s not gonna get you fucked up. I’ve seen you drink before, you’re barely even gonna get buzzed.” He winks, already knowing that you’re going to say yes when you sigh.

“Two shots, then.”

Noel expertly pours two shots, sliding them your way with a friendly “enjoy” before leaving to continue his hosting rounds.

“What’s Sig Tau? Is that some sort of a cult?” Michael asks once Noel’s gone.

“It’s a fraternity, so close.” You slide a shot to Michael and pick up your own, downing it with a grimace. Michael just stares apprehensively at the clear liquid in the shot glass. “Are you not going to drink that?”

“What is it? It looked like you were drinking gasoline.”

“It’s tequila, which is kind of the same thing.”

“If I die, I’m holding you responsible.” Michael throws his own shot back, coughing and hacking as you cheer. “Satan, that was terrible. Why do people drink that?”

“I dunno,” you shrug, grabbing two bottles of water from a cooler and tossing one to Michael, “quick little buzz, palate cleanser, there’s a million different reasons.”

Michael grabs your hand and pulls you out of the way when a girl, clearly already drunk, nearly bumps into you on her search for another drink. She mumbles an apology, choosing to take the whole bottle of Jack Daniels with her instead of pouring it into one of the hundreds of red Solo cups stacked on the counter. His blue eyes meet yours and you both chuckle, silently agreeing to move out of the cramped kitchen and somewhere with less people. While the living room’s not any better, you do manage to run into Kate and Mallory.

“You made it!” Kate exclaims, pulling you from Michael to hug you. Her eyes are wide while also managing to droop at the same time, and you can almost guarantee that she’s crossed. 

“I told you I would be here,” you say, giggling when Kate affectionately boops your nose. Mallory’s standing awkwardly to the side, eyes flickering between you and Michael. Kate also seems to pick up on her friend’s sudden change in demeanor, and smirks when she notices the man trailing behind you.

“And just who is this, (Y/N)?”

“Oh, this is my--uh, my friend Michael.” ‘Friend’ seems like a good term to settle on; you can’t explain your true relationship, Michael is not your boyfriend, and ‘acquaintance’ would be weird to say. Kate wiggles her eyebrows at you, sticking her hand out for Michael to take.

“Helloooo, (Y/N)’s friend Michael.”

“So, do you two have the same classes?” Mallory asks politely.

“No, Michael isn’t in college. He...well, he does--”

“I work for my father,” Michael interjects, smiling down at you. “I’m learning the ropes before I take over for him.” It’s technically not a lie, and you’re impressed until you remember that this must be one of his Antichrist powers. Mallory nods, but you can see a hint of something--doubt, or maybe suspicion?--in her eyes. Kate gasps before anymore words can be exchanged, grabbing yours and Mallory’s hands excitedly.

“I love this song! Dance with me, please!” You don’t really have a choice, the small woman amazingly strong when she wants to be. You look back at Michael apologetically, but he just smiles and gestures for you to go with. 

The familiar bass that underlays all hip-hop songs thumps loudly through you, acting as some sort of an electric charge. Where you had once been bored and ready to quietly slip out of the front door, you’re now controlled by the beat of the song. The congregation of partiers who have also decided to dance grows larger with each passing second, enveloping your trio in the middle. While the dancing isn’t so much dancing as it is bouncing in time with the rhythm, it’s carefree in a way that you didn’t know you needed until now. Mallory takes your hands, both of you laughing as she spins you in a circle.

Michael leans against the wall, head tilted as he watches the dancing college students. More specifically, he intently watches you dancing with your friends. He’s intrigued, the corner of his mouth tilting up in a smile as you move in a way he’s never seen you move before. While you’re more relaxed around him now, you’re still so reserved in your mannerisms. Here, Michael sees a glimpse of who you once were before he dragged you into his life. You smile widely, singing the lyrics at the top of your lungs along with everyone else in the group of dancers. Your hair flows freely around your face, and he finds himself enraptured by the movement.

Would things have been different between you two if Michael wasn’t the Antichrist? Maybe, in another life, or another universe, you both would have attended the same college. The image pops into his head like it’s burned there; Michael sitting next to you on the first day of some nameless class, becoming friends with you first. Slowly but surely, your bond would only deepen, and from friends would spring lovers. Michael shakes his head imperceptibly: a fantasy. He can’t dwell on these silly theoretical questions that have no answers. It’s a fruitless pursuit, and nothing good will come out of fixating on the ‘what if’s.’

Michael jumps in surprise when you’re suddenly in front of him, being too wrapped up in his thoughts to notice the song ending and you making your way back over to him. You laugh, obviously delighted at finally catching him off guard. 

“I let you startle me that time,” he jokingly argues.

“Uh-huh, if that’s what makes this crushing defeat easier for you. Anyways, do you wanna get out of here? Kate and Mallory are the only ones I really came here to see, and if we’re not going to drink there’s not really any reason to be here.”

“I’m ready to go home if you are.”

“Actually, I might have a little detour for us…” you trail off, smiling conspiratorially.

“Oh?” Michael’s not sure if he should be excited or nervous for idea of yours, something that you easily pick up on. 

“I promise you’ll enjoy it.”

Twenty minutes later, you’re sitting on opposite sides of a booth in a small diner that you frequent with friends during the school year. A basket of french fries sits in the middle of the table, two tall glasses that are already beading with condensation standing guard next to the food. Amidst the fluorescent lighting, scratchy country music, loud ceiling fans, and run-down booths, you’re struck by how out of place Michael seems here, in your world.

He had stuck out like a sore thumb at the party, his uncomfortable posture and expensive clothing practically screaming that he did not belong in that small house. Here, in a restaurant with patrons ranging from a young family to an elderly couple, a middle-aged businessman to a homeless woman, he looks like some far-away traveler who landed in the wrong town. He’s a Renaissance piece of artwork, something far too beautiful and celestial for the eyes of these mere humans who couldn’t begin to comprehend the masterpiece that is Michael Langdon.

“Just what are we doing here?” Michael asks after the waitress, an older busty woman with red hair straight from the box, sets your order down and leaves. 

“We’re enjoying a late-night snack,” you say simply, grabbing at a fry and savoring the first bite into the just-fried food.

“A late-night snack consisting of french fries and--are these milkshakes?” Michael picks up one of the glasses, investigating its contents. 

“Uh, yeah? Have you never had a milkshake before?”

“(Y/N), my grandmother hid me away and refused to let me out of the house. Of course I’ve never had a milkshake before.” Your face falls, proving that you’re still not good at hiding your emotions like Michael is. Pushing the other glass towards him, you lace your fingers together and place them under your chin. 

“I’m honored that I get to be a part of your first milkshake experience, then. There’s vanilla and chocolate; try them both, and then you can have whichever one you like best.”

Michael looks uneasily between the two glasses, as if trying to decipher if one is poisoned. “Which one do you prefer?”

“I like them both,” you shrug. 

Finally, he takes a cautious sip of the chocolate. You’re mildly disappointed when he doesn’t have any sort of reaction, silently cataloguing his opinions on the flavor before taking a less-cautious drink of the vanilla. Without any fanfare, he pushes the chocolate back towards your waiting hands.

“They’re both good, you’re right, but I like this one better.” You smile, sliding the glass towards you and sipping the shake that he’s rejected.

“Um, Michael…” you trail, not sure how to phrase what you’ve been thinking of for the past week.

“Yes?”

“Would--is the offer to move in with you still on the table?” Michael smirks widely, and you rush to explain yourself. “It’s just that my rent is going up next month and it’s not worth it at this point, and your place is closer to campus. Plus, my cat likes you better than she likes me.”

You’re not sure why you’re nervous, since he’s obviously going to say yes to your request. You living with him was one of the only things he desperately wanted during the contract negotiations. When you think about it, you just don’t want him to get the wrong idea. It seems as if you’ve finally reached a comfortable relationship with Michael, a place where you tolerate him and could even see him as one of your friends. But an actual romantic relationship is so far down the list of things that you and Michael are, and you don’t want him to think that you’re finally going to be the loving wife that Satan wanted you to be. For lack of better wording, there’s no way in hell that will happen.

“Only because I like your cat better than you, and I wouldn’t want her to go homeless.” Your mouth drops and you laugh, picking up a fry and throwing it at Michael who, of course, deftly catches it in his mouth.

“You jerk!”

“You said it first, not me!”

“Fine,” you sit back against the booth and cross your arms over your chest, trying to keep your best poker face on, “but you should know that we’re a package deal.”

“Hmm, I suppose I can cope with that.”

“Do we have a deal, then?” Yet again, you’re struck by the irony of making a deal with the Devil (well, the Devil’s son, but close enough). Michael picks up his glass and waits for you to do the same, clinking your milkshakes together in agreement. 

“We, my dear, have a deal.”

////////////////////////////

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[bbbarneswrites]

High-Heeled Heaven

Read Chapter Five: Valentino Rockstud Pumps 

Sebastian Stan x Reader

Summary: In which Sebastian can’t help but appreciate his girl’s high-heels shoes. Genre: Romance/fluff Warnings: Swearings 1,808 words

Notes: Inspired by Hell in High Heels by Jewelgirl04, I decided to write a little series of drabbles so we can be trash about how Seb likes high-heels. I’m not even sorry. Each chapter will be inspired by a different pair of shoes that I wish I could actually afford, lmao. The link down there provides a better look to the shoes if you want and in the middle of the fic there’s a link for the full outfit. Heads up for our cutest new ‘character’ in this chapter too. And Sebastian’s moustache...lmao. Enjoy! <3

Chapter Six: Gianvito Rossi Plexi Pumps

Past the end of the year holidays and its shenanigans, January starts with a busy schedule for both you and Sebastian.

By the first week of the month, he’s off to Atlanta to film his new movie while you find yourself busy with a few events to attend in New York and a festival in Utah to promote your lastest movie, that has been actually moving a lot faster than the production team anticipated.

All in all, you don’t have much time to worry about anything else than interview schedules, photoshoots, flight times and public appearences during that month.

But February just happens to be a little different once you get a little break before your own press tour starts. New York is still ranging with its moody weather and there’s a few days in which you can’t help but be painfully aware of Sebastian’s absence, despite the new companion he got for you as a Christmas gift.

Little Jack is the most adorable Border Collie puppy you’ve ever seen and most definitely the best gift you’ve gotten during your entire life. He’s absolutely the best cuddle partner for lazy days and his presence makes your apartment feel less gloomy when you’re on your own.

Though that doesn’t mean you’re not missing Sebastian.

Within less than a week for your boyfriend’s homecoming, the New York Fashion Week is on again and you’re soon with another list of shows and parties to choose from.

So once Friday rolls around and the third day of the Fashion Week starts, your fairly small apartment is crowded with the presence of your hair stylist and make-up artist, all expertly getting you ready in less than two hours.

Even with the city’s frigid temperatures, you’re gifted with a beautiful black and white two-piece outfit matched with a knee-length black wool coat. It kinda makes you feel badass so you don’t complain much about it as you slip into the said clothes with Lia’s help, taking extra care with your hair and make-up as she helps you to adjust the last details.

Now that all you need are your shoes and jewelry, you walk run over to your bedroom to grab  them just in time to catch Sebastian’s FaceTime call on your phone.

With a instant smile growing on your lips, you pick up the phone and sit on your bed, Jack fumbling around your feet as you accept the call. As soon as Sebastian’s face fill up the device’s screen, you can’t help but hold back a laugh at his very particular predicament.

Something that he notices right away with your poor hiding skills.

“You know, if I didn’t know you any better I’d be offended.” He says right off the bat, a feigned angry frown deep between his eyebrows as he notices your struggle to keep yourself serious. “Fucking unbelievable.”

At his indignant muttered words, you immediately give in to your urges and let out a laugh, your chest flaring with low-key affection as you note that he’s holding back a smile of his own while keeping up his angry front.

“I know I should be sorry but I’m not really.” You shoot him a half smile, trying to look as guilty as you can though you know he’s not buying just by the way he’s shaking his head. “You look so funny, I can’t help it.”

To your defense, he really does look kinda funny. Seeing your usually fashionable and very sharp boyfriend sporting classic 90s outfits – that included hideous turtlenecks and dad jeans – with a thin moustache and no sideburns at all wasn’t something that you thought you’d ever experience. And yet, there you are.

“Yeah, story of my life.” Seb rolls his eyes and lets out a chuckle, getting past the playful moment once he smiles tenderly at you, phone shaking as he moves on his hotel bed. “How’s things over there? Where’s the dog?”

With a roll of eyes of your own, you turn to the front camera and focus on Jack playing with his toys by your feet, letting out a laugh as soon he starts speaking and doing cooing noises that the puppy immediately perks up with.

“As you can see, things are good and Jack is right here making me company.” You reply playfully in the background, turning the camera back to you again just in time to smile mischievously at him. “Sooo, how are things over there? Are you staying away from elementary schools?”

“Ha-ha, you’re so funny.” Sebastian glares at you through the phone screen, looking unimpressed by the proud and amused grin on your lips. “Charles already made that joke so you’re a little late on that one.”

“Don’t be like that.” You pout in feigned disappointment, chanelling your best puppy face when he simply hums in reply. “If it makes you feel better I really, really miss you today.”

Almost as if you’d said magic words, Sebastian’s face instantly light up and you swear you can spot a discrete shade of red covering his clean shaved cheeks, though you don’t mention a word about it despite the affection bubbling up in your chest.

It’s always cute when he’s caught off-guard, his sweet and shy self slipping every now and then through his usual charming front even though the bastard can compose himself pretty quickly.

“Yeah? Just today?” Sebastian smiles smugly for a brief moment until you glare at him, a honest laugh escaping from his lips that soon melts into an almost dreamy sigh. “You look so beautiful. I kinda feel bad that you have to deal with this now.”

“Thanks, babe. That’s the perks of going to a fashion show for free, I guess.” You shrug sheepishly, hoping that your flushed cheeks aren’t visible through the phone screen as you laugh. “And don’t worry about that, two hours ago I was wearing my pajamas onesie so you’re good.”

“Let me see you then.” He says abruptly, his lips growing in a smirk when he sees your slightly disgruntled expression at his sudden request. “Come on. You laughed at my moustache just now, can you let me see you for a second?”

Despite being used to his beaming personality and occasional flirty demeanor, you still can’t help but feel slightly timid whenever it sets on him to tease you like this. Even though Sebastian can be a little awkward and quiet at times, he knows he’s handsome and most definitely knows the effect he has on most people once he’s comfortable enough.

One of these people just happens to be you.

And just by the way he’s smiling through the camera with that ridiculous moustache of his (that makes him look funny but still not ugly, much to your despair), it seems like he knows he got his way on this one.

So his smile just widens as you groan and get up from your spot by the edge of the bed, the phone’s image shuffling as you walk towards the big mirror covering up one of your walls. When you flip the camera to the front side again and frame it on your reflection, you dare to give him a cheeky smile before pulling out a pose.

“There you go, mom.” You tease with a short laugh, turning to your sides a few times in a playful way to show him the full outfit. “Happy now?”

Sebastian lets out a content hum as he runs a hand through his jaw, eyes squinted and lips pursed into a smirk you know too well.

“That’s one look, I’ll tell you.” He boasts with a cocky smile, his eyes set on your frame in a way that almost makes you feel as if he’s right there watching you. “I gotta ask though. You’re going barefoot or...?”

The question comes as no surprise but your reaction is immediate. Once your laugh fills up the room, Sebastian is all the way over in Georgia smiling like the biggest show-off on Earth, low-key eager for whatever is coming next.

“Christ, you’re like a predator or something.” You shake your head in mocked disapproval, knowing that the action won’t put him off due the clear amusement still laced to your voice as you continue. “Of course not moustache man, I got new shoes just for this and they’re awesome.”

Before he can even ask, you walk over to where the box is set and makes a show of opening it as best as you can one-handed, still filming the whole thing with your front camera just to spite him. Even though he doesn’t see it, you completely fail at holding back a smile when he lets out a low, almost amazed ‘wow’ as the shoes come into the view.

Finally setting them on the floor, you slowly step into the heels and frame the image on your legs, unpretentiously walking back to the mirror to frame the camera on your reflection once again.

“God, I miss you so much.” Sebastian sighs tiredly, his eyes looking kind and tender despite the serious tone of his voice as he tilts his head to rest against the bed’s headboard. “Can’t wait to be home with you and the dog.”

His words warm up your chest right away and you bite back your lower lip to hide one of your giddy smiles, the camera now set back to your face.

“We miss you too.” You reply softly, giving in to a smile when Jack walks past you to walk into your closet. “Jack’s been out of his mind without your runners around to chew off, believe me.”

Seb laughs but doesn’t go further than that as Lia’s call from the living room interrupts the moment, warning that your Uber is just a few minutes away and asking if, for the love of God, you’re ready to go after all this time. As you glance apologetic at Sebastian, all he does is offer a cute laugh and a shake of head.

Well, at least you’ve put your shoes on. Jewelry is the least of your concerns right now. Or it’s supposed to be.

“Hey, knock them dead for me.” He says with a serious expression though his tone of voice is light and sounding as teasing as ever, his tongue running over his lower lip before he finishes. “I’ll be home in no time.”

“I will, handsome.” You smile knowingly at him, throwing a wink before gesturing around your mouth with a pleading face. “And please, take that thing off your face before you get into the plane, okay?”

Sebastian laughs, lower lip caught between his teeth and suddenly you can’t wait for the next six days to be just over.

“If you don’t forget to save these shoes for me.”

Just a few more days. 

[hockeyytrash]

Alaska - Chapter Seventeen

-2850 words-

"Alright, captain, what's the game plan for today?" I ask Steph as I saunter into our room's sun-filled kitchen. Steph smiles and pours two cups of freshly brewed coffee, sliding one down the counter to me.

"Actually, we don't have anything planned yet. We could walk around the Santa Monica pier, go boating, do another beach day... there are so many options! What do you feel like doing?" she asks, rattling off countless ideas. I think each one over in my head, calculating the logistics of each, a habit I've formed.

As much as I like the beach, I would prefer doing something else like the pier or boating. Boating would be fun, but that would mean being stuck in a very small space with everyone including Auston. I would really love to avoid all awkward interactions with him if possible, so maybe we should go boating another day. The pier, however, sounds like a great idea.

"What about the pier? I've heard there's a bunch of fun stuff there," I suggest. Steph's lips tug up into a grin as I take a sip of my coffee. She nods her head to something behind me. I turn around and see a rough looking Carly tip-toeing through the front door.

"Hey, Carl," I say, causing her to head to snap up in surprise, "how's Willy?"

"Damn it, guys! You're never up this early!" she exclaims, throwing her arms up in defeat and plopping down next to me.

"Carly, it's 11:30 and we're on vacation. Of course, we're going to be up," Steph says, laughing. Carly rolls her eyes, combing her fingers through her tangled brown hair.

"Anyway," she starts, glaring at the two of us, "what are we doing today?"

"What about the Santa Monica pier?" I ask her, gulping down the rest of my bitter coffee. Carly smiles and nods repeatedly.

"Yes!!! I've always wanted to go there!!" she shouts next to my ear, causing me to wince. She looks at me apologetically for a split second before freaking out once again.

"So I'm correct in assuming you want to go?" I ask her sarcastically. She nods frantically anyway, springing to her feet before pacing back and forth across the hardwood floor. The brunette then begins rambling to herself about what she's going to where and all of the things she wants to do at the pier.

"Carly," I say, trying to get her attention. She must not have heard me because she continues to mumble incoherent words under her breath.

"Carly," Steph says, aiding me in the fight for Carly's attention but to no avail.

"Carly!" I yell, finally catching her attention. She whips her head to the side, a bewildered look on her face.

"What?!" she yells back, clearly annoyed that we interrupted her giddy trance. Her hands rest on her hips as a scowl replaces the smile on her face.

"Please go shower, then start getting ready," I say, pointing towards the bathroom across the hall. She sighs but reluctantly follows my outstretched hand, shutting the bathroom door once she's inside.

"She's so weird," Steph says, laughing. I join her, thinking back to Carly's various reactions. She really was a bit odd... in a good way. Steph's chuckles turn to huffs of annoyance as she scans the table for something.

"Do you have your phone? I don't know where I put mine," she asks, frowning. I hold up my phone and she smiles.

"Yeah, why?" I ask, unlocking the device with my fingerprint.

"Will you text everyone and tell them today's plans? We should leave at 12:30," she explains. I roll my eyes and begin typing the message. Steph grins and throws me a side hug as she makes her way back to her room.

"You're the best!" she calls down the hallway. I shake my head with a smile and continue composing the text.

Group Chat: LA Babes & Their Inferior Male Companions Alaska, Carly, Steph, Mitch, Auston, William, Nazem, Morgan, Matt, Sydney, Connor C, & Lexi

we're going to the Santa Monica Pier today! meet in the parking lot no later than 12:30 or else I hope you packed good walking shoes

Mitch: harsh

Naz: I need at least an hour and seventeen minutes to get ready

guess that's one less nuisance I have to deal with

Matt: what's up with the name of this group??

Morgan: "inferior male companions" what's that supposed to mean?

it means that all you guys are our inferior male companions

Naz: I don't have a lady companion

Morgan: same

Auston: same

Carly: ^good one

Mitch: shut up Matts

Auston: shut up Marns

that was cute

Auston: I'm cute

I'm cuter

Auston: we're cute together

Carly: I'm leaving, I can't handle this

Lexi: ^

Naz: ^^ all this sexual tension between u two is giving me anxiety

Morgan: ^^^

Matt: ^^^^

Syd: ^^^^^

it was a joke, chill people

Mitch: "it was a joke" AHAHHAHAHAH

Steph: ahahhahahahah good one Lask

Matt: lmao

Syd: lollllll

didn't know I was that funny...

Carly: don't worry, you're not

...is it warm out

Mitch: I'm gonna pretend you didn't just ask that

Naz: no it's 27 and windy like Toronto

thanks! I'll be sure to bundle up then

After I send my last sarcastic text, I fling open my closet doors, intimidated by all the choices. I rummage through the unorganized piles of fabric, searching for something that will be comfortable to walk around in all day.  This eliminates all jeans, skirts, and dresses, leaving me with shorts and leggings.

Opting to embrace the warm LA weather, I fish out a pair of comfy patterned shorts and a plain halter style crop top. I quickly change out of my pajamas and pull on the fresh outfit, surprised by how comfortable it is.

Instead of listening to the stereotypes that surround Californian weather, I slide open the balcony door and step outside. And thank God I did so. A cool breeze nips at my exposed shoulders, causing a small shiver to rattle down my spine.

I retreat back inside the confines of my warm temporary bedroom and return to the closet. This time, I search for the jean jacket I brought with me. Luckily, it is large and easy to find. Smiling in satisfaction, I slip on the denim and roll up the sleeves a bit.

Makeup doesn't take too long because of how simple and light I made it, and my hair didn't take long either. All I do is brush it out and throw a hair tie on my wrist in case I decide to put hair up later.

For once, I'm the one waiting for Steph and Carly. When they emerge from their rooms a few minutes later, they are equally surprised that they don't have to hurry me out the door. I shoot them a toothy smile and skip out the door, the pair right behind me. We make small talk about each other's outfits as the elevator carries us down to the lobby.

A short walk puts us in the parking lot where we find everyone except Naz and Morgan (Steph told me they were coming later) there early. They must have taken my threat seriously. All the girls had on shorts and tank tops, fully equipped for the California sun while all the guys wore hats and t-shirts.

"Carly, Mitch, Willy, and I are taking the Rover!" Steph announces, skipping over to the SUV.

"Syd, Lexi, Connor, and I will take the Jeep!" Matt shouts, grabbing Syd's arm as he jogs over to the parked Jeep. I hold up my arms in protest when I realize that it's just Auston and me left. Fucking fabulous!

Auston stands there with a less than impressed expression on his face as he makes the same realization. I frown, ready to boycott this trip, but the sound of car engines fading away leaves me no choice but to suffer through.

I glance around the parking lot, scanning for the remaining rentals. My eyes pass by Naz's car quickly, knowing very well that he would be pissed, and settle on the shiny, convertible BMW we took last night. A smile threatens to appear on my face as I spot Auston's keys sticking out of his pocket.

As casual as possible, I take a step closer to him and rest my hands at my sides before delicately snatching the keys and running over to the car.

"What the hell?!" Auston says noticing what I had done too late; I was already settled in the drivers' seat when he comes storming over. He pauses, swinging open the car door and looking at me expectantly.

"Can I help you?" I ask sweetly, acting as though I had done nothing wrong.

"Yeah, you can scootch on over to the passengers' seat," he says, mimicking my tone while motioning from me to the other side of the car. I tilt my head to the side and place a finger over my lips, pretending to think about it.

"No can do, Matthews. Now I suggest you either get in," I explain, turning the key in the ignition, "or turn around and wait for a cab."

He rolls his eyes and stays in his statue-like position with his muscular arms crossed over his t-shirt clad chest. I continue to stare at him, waiting for him to break. My patience quickly wears thin, so I lay on the horn for a good five seconds, causing him to turn and check if there's anyone else in the parking lot that may see our little power struggle.

"What the hell was that for?!" he shouts after I take my hand off the horn. I can't help but laugh at the serious expression he holds on his face. It's like all of a sudden he's incapable of having fun.

"Oh, did you think I was kidding? Get in or go call a cab," I say gesturing to the passengers' seat and then the front of the hotel. Auston rolls his eyes but reluctantly walks around the front of the car and gets in the passenger's seat. A smile of satisfaction creeps onto my face as I back first out of the parking spot then the parking lot itself.

"Do you even know where we're going?" he asks, holding his head in his hand, causing his hat to come loose for a second.

"Yep, I looked up the directions before we left," I explain, tapping my head to show that I memorized them. He shakes his head and smiles a little bit before facing forward once again. I shrug my shoulders before turning on the radio which immediately begins blaring the 2k pop satellite station. I must not have changed it or turned it down after last night.

I recognize the song as Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado and begin singing along, thankful that the loud volume tuned out my off-key voice. The light ahead turns green, causing me to accelerate, moving to the lane with the Santa Monica sign. I continue yelling along to the music until Auston abruptly turns off the radio. I shoot him a glare before pressing the button again. However, he promptly turns it off again.

"Ever heard of the term 'sing along?'" I ask him, groaning and staring out at the road ahead to try and compensate for the lack of Nelly Furtado. Auston does the same, continuing to rain on my parade with his grumpiness.

Thankfully, the drive isn't too long and parking is a breeze. Steph texted me a few minutes ago, saying to meet the rest of them at the entrance. Sure enough, the whole group is gathered in a jumbled crowd when we make it to the entrance.

"How'd it go?" Carly asks, wiggling her eyebrows when I reach her side. I roll my eyes and start following Mitch, the designated leader.

"It was fine," I say truthfully. A little more conversation and a lot less awkward silence would have been nice, but at least there weren't any completely awkward moments. Auston's behavior is a bit odd, though. Usually, he's making snarky comments and fairly sexual innuendos, but so far all he's done is grumble and groan about everything.

My thoughts continue to circle Auston as we follow Mitch through the crowds of people on the pier. I sneak a few glances at Auston every once in a while out of curiosity, only to find him either on his phone or staring off with a distant look on his face. What the hell is wrong with him?

Steph seems to notice my concern and pulls me away from the group which had stopped for funnel cake. She drags me to a different food stand, staring at me with a curious expression covering her features.

"Alaska, he's fine. He gets like this all the time. I know it's not pleasant, but don't expect much out of him. Right now all he's good for is a scowl and the occasional half-assed smirk," she says, her bright blue eyes bore into mine. I blink a few times, trying to form words of protest, but I know it's no use. She obviously notices that I'm concerned about how weird Auston is acting, so it's no use denying it.

"I don't really care about it. It's just weird, that's all," I say simply, not wanting to stay on the topic for much longer.

"I know there's more to this, and I won't let it go, but for now, we need to have some fun! That was the whole point of this trip, you know," she says, breaking out into a huge grin. I feel a similar grin spread onto my face as the mood lightens.

"Agreed. They got any rides around here?" I ask, looking at the skyline for any signs of rollercoasters. Steph nods, joining me in skimming the perimeter for rides. My eyes graze a few basic rollercoasters and bumper cars, but the big shining Ferris wheel demands my attention.

"What about that?" I ask her, pointing to the giant circle anchored a bit further down the pier. She nods excitedly, pulling me back over to the now nourished group of Leafs. Everyone looks at Steph after she clears her throat and points to the Ferris wheel.

"Who's up for some Ferris wheeling?" she calls out, putting her arms in the air for added effect. Most of them nod and smile at the idea of doing something other than following Mitch aimlessly while stuffing their face with fair food.

"Vamonos!" she says, skipping towards the front of the group with me right beside her. Together, we successfully lead the way to the Ferris wheel.

The line isn't too bad and we get on in less than ten minutes. Mitch, Steph, and I get in the first car, waving to everyone else as the wheel starts turning. Mitch tries multiple times to rock the gondola, but Steph scolds him each time with a light smack on the shoulder.

I laugh at the happy couple's interactions, feeling slightly awkward intruding on their Ferris wheel ride, so I look out over the whole pier. Bunches of people, now small specks, swirl on the ground below while the warm Santa Monica breeze blows through the open gondola.

"Picture time, lovey!" Steph says, pulling me closer to her. I laugh and nod, handing my phone to Mitch who jokingly acts like he's going to drop it. Little does he know, I would push him off the ride if he did so.

Steph and I try to pose and smile normally, but it just wasn't meant to be. Instead, we end up laughing at everything even though nothing funny was said. The sound of my phone's camera shutter mixes with the sound of the ocean and typical fair music, forming a surreal feeling.

Mitch hands me back my phone just as the ride comes to a stop and we're instructed to get off. The three of us rally near the exit to wait for everyone else. I take this opportunity to post one of the pictures to Instagram.

I take this opportunity to post one of the pictures to Instagram

@alaskamay: happy to report we did not push Mitch over the side

Tagged: @stephlachancee & @marner_93

Location: Santa Monica Pier

2,217 likes | 43 comments

@marner_93: never riding with you two again smh

@alaskamay: @marner_93 same here

@stephlachancee: @marner_93 love u

@carlyyvalentine: gosh darn my bestie is hot

@alaskamay: @carlyyvalentine oh stop

@43kadri: thought we were riding together :(

@alaskamay: @43kadri awe who did you have to go with?

@43kadri: @alaskamay Mo and Matts ;)

@alaskamay: @43kadri sorry you had to go with grumpy

@austonmatthews: I'm not grumpy

@alaskamay: @austonmatthews then why haven't you smiled this whole day

@austonmatthews: @alaskamay nothing to smile about

@alaskamay: @austonmatthews what about me, your awesome, musically inclined chauffeur

@austonmatthews: @alaskamay like I said, nothing to smile about

@alaskamay: @austonmatthews: alrighty then

@mattymarts17: @austonmatthews you suck at flirting, you know

@marner_93: ^I'll show you the way, young one