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We’re all we have left. We ought to be able to stick together against everything. If we don’t have each other, we don’t have anything.
THE OUTSIDERS 1983 | dir. Francis Ford Coppola
If Maddy finds out, she’s gonna spend the rest of her life trying to kill me. I know. But she’ll actually kill you.
reading alone in your room at sunset with your windows open while the wind caresses your skin is probably the closest thing we have to a cure for the human condition
what is your dream profession?
child of a rich person who doesn’t have to do anything
starletwrites:
“don’t tempt me, li!” she responds with a cheeky once-over, doing one final spin in front of the mirror and pushing her boobs up to imagine a little extra va va voom. “it’s been forever since i’ve gone out out, if you can believe it” her entire time in italy she went to one nightclub, and her experiences behind the bar at this new upscale lounge she works at do not count, mostly because she’s forced to stand there in the most dreadfully boring black dress and oftentimes spends her evening deciphering whether the clientele is just being friendly, or trying to invite her to a threesome on the yacht (more common than one might think).
“i was weird for a while about who kept her–” apparently the post partum separation anxiety they tell you about extends both ways. “but now that she has my mom and her dad and welll…i have you, we gotta do something fun and crazy like we used to. enjoy these precious moments before you’re somebody’s wifeyyy” her voice is sugary sweet, with a lilt of amusement as she goes to start the oven. and there’s a smile that sneaks on her lips as she watches the two of them interact. no one ever warned her of what it’d be like to see two people you love most in the world start to love each other too, but she feels like her heart could burst right out of her chest. “bigger everyday, now since she’s babbling jake thinks he can get her to pronounce the names of power tools” she announces with a playful roll of her eyes. it’s way more endearing than she lets on. “well push comes to shove there’ll be plenty of leftovers” she informs fondly, always ends up making more than she needs, blames the italians and their insane portions and being the ones that taught her that dinner was supposed to be an experience. “you gotta catch me up on everything else though, how’s wedding planning? oooh, and when’s the next runway show for your line–i need front row seats!” it shows in her speech, how immensely proud of lia she is for being such a little girl boss, it’d be just as easy to sit around and capitalize off her wealthy fiancé. honestly, she couldn’t blame her if she did, knows from experience that holding onto a man like that can feel like a job of its own. but one thing about their pair, since they were young girls, independent by both nature and design, they know how to get it on their own. and by any means necessary.
“You deserve a good night out, I think we both do, and I can make sure it’s better than some passes towards you about a yacht,” she teased, having heard one or two stories from Toris days behind the bar. Something she had been thinking about, wanting her cousin to make a little extra cash for Veronica. Lia knew Tori loved her freedom, and what she was experiencing, but Lia wanted to bring her a little closer. Having spent so far apart, it was a way for her to spend more time with Tori if she were to maybe offer a position in her company.
“I hear that a lot from moms, and I hear it’s good to keep them close. They’re used to be bundled and wrapped all the time in the womb,” Lia spoke, smiling softly at her niece. And flashes of a little toddler running in and out of frame popped in her head. She could’ve had that, already had a cousin for V, but she choose a different path. And never had she regretted it more than finally getting to meet her niece. “Trust me, I need a day outside of this whole atmosphere, recharge in a way only we know how,” her signature mischievous smile on her face, “you’ll learn soon enough V, I’m the aunt that’s gonna keep you out of trouble,” she spoke softly, already knowing she’d had her back in any situation. “I’m excited to see all this fancy food you’re cooking up, I can only imagine the skills and flavors you’ve picked up,” making her way into the kitchen, placing V in the high chair she had purchased before Tori got back to the states. “Perfect fit, see I know how to plan ahead, and yet everyone doubted me,” Grabbing the bottle that Tori brought, and moving over to the large glass cabinet above the counter. Filled with all sorts of different cocktail glasses for when her and Declan hosted at their place. “I still need your help in the wedding planning, but we’ve got the venue and the date. I set an appointment for dress shopping this weekend, I was hoping you’d come, with V or not.” Bringing Tori glass to her and placing it on the counter, jumping up onto the island to take a seat. “The show is coming along amazing, we need one more model, but we are booked and ready to go in a months time. I can’t believe it’s my third show already, time is fickle. But I guess marrying rich has its benefits in terms of business,” faking a cheers and taking a sip of her drink. Thankful that she had started her business before getting into her relationship. It seemed near impossible to get into something in this world if you marry into it, expected to be almost a perfect housewife and never step out of line. And yet it was still everything she dreamed of since she was a kid.
starletwrites:
“yeah, you next….she needs a cousin–” tori declares as she trails lia to the elevator. thinks back to when they were little girls and had it all planned out, they’d time their pregnancies perfectly and birth two little miniature versions of themselves to do life side by side, like they have. funny when you’re a kid and think the universe works however you want it to. then you get older and come to realize almost nothing goes to plan.
“liaaaa–” she chimes the minute she arrives at the top floor and realizes she wasn’t kidding about the dozen or so bags full of goodies for them both, “you didn’t have to! …but i’m so glad you did” carefully, she places the bassinet down beside her to sift through the selections, never one to turn down a new addition to her wardrobe, especially from the most stylish person she knows. she finds one that she absolutely must try on now, strips out of her current ensemble on the fly to slide the sleek new dress onto her frame. “what do we think?” she does a full spin for the other to see before padding over to the mirror to get a look for herself. pulling her abundance of curls to the top of her head, she admires the neckline, and loves it so much she just might keep it on for the rest of the day. their girlish giggles must’ve been too much commotion, because she sees her baby start to open her eyes. “there she is” tori grins, taking veronica out of her carrier. “ “did you say hi to auntie lia? she bought you so many cute little outfits” she coos, bouncing her on her hip as she grows more awake. she’s already bigger since their final facetime call before she boarded the plane, close to 7 months and doing more by the day. “you wanna hold her?” tori offers, holding her out for lia to take. “i’m gonna make all of us dinner, couldn’t decide between lemon chicken and quesadillas so i said why not both!” she beams, excited for the collective family time. “there’s enough for your fancy fiancé if he’ll be joining us anytime soon”
“As exciting as that would be, you’ll have to talk to the fiancé about that one. All work and a small amount of play,” thinking about their conversations, always playing home with their baby dolls and having cousins who were practically sisters. Growing up she was lucky to have Tori, and she always wanted to have a little girl to experience the same bond she was able to have her life. Unfortunately the universe was a fickle thing, and rarely let plans stay the way they started.
“What kind of cousin would I be if I didn’t?” She teased, watching the way Toris face lit up as she approached the bags. A soft smile appearing on Lias face, some of the items being from her own collection or friends that she had gathered over the years. But most of them being random finds she found at various stores, and couldn’t help but grab for her. “I think you look amazing and we should get a babysitter ASAP if you know what I mean,” winking with a small laugh, “I may even have a nice necklace you could pair with it, make a whole ensemble tonight,” Her gaze finally pulling from Tori as she heard a few little noises from the floor, watching Tori maneuver her out of the bassinet and balancing her perfectly on her hip. “You’re gonna be the prettiest little girl in the world, maybe even have a great affinity for wood shop like moze from neds declassified,” she teased for a moment, making grabby hands towards her and taking her from Toris arms. “I still can’t believe how big she is, it seems like yesterday I was getting a call from the hospital and a new baby was on the other end,” bouncing Veronica on her hip, spinning around every so often with a large smile, “That honestly sounds amazing and I’m thrilled for a home cooked meal, he’s currently at a meeting I believe. And I never know how long those are gonna last, but perhaps he will slip in and visit,”
starletwrites:
“your inability to adhere to the three drink limit i imposed says otherwise” he mutters snarkily, diverting his gaze to the picturesque view below. he can dish it but very much cannot take the way she looks at him after. growing up he’d always been the golden child, leaving it to his twin to pull some heinous stunt to evoke his parent’s ire and make anything he did seem like mere child’s play in comparison. it’s made him increasingly resistant to criticism over the years. however, his ability to pass judgement holds strong. while fiona has seemingly opened herself up to the world beyond michelin stars and valets he only sinks further into it. becoming more and more like his parents by the day. lia was supposed to be his redemption. a girl, completely unlike the one’s he’d spent his life around. she didn’t grow up in seersucker skirts, with nannies, and a trust fund she’ll blow through by the time she’s 30. and he thought that’s part of what he loved about her.
“i’m not asking you to be perfect, just mindful. regardless of how far you’ve come or how well you carry yourself people take one small thing and run with it. i’m just looking out for you, sweetheart” the term of endearment he uses whenever he’s trying to reason with her. and perhaps the rationale behind his request isn’t completely unselfish, but he does know how vicious the big shots can be, doesn’t want to see her fall victim to the ruthless rumor mill.
it’s growing more apparent to him that this is an issue that won’t be solved in just one night (if ever). and the secondhand smoke, usually something that doesn’t bother him in the slightest, keeps wafting past his nostrils, aggravating him further. so he gets to his feet, signaling a retreat. “a friend of mine that was at the table tonight mentioned to me that she’d want to have you dress her for an event she has coming up…i’ll put you in contact with her tomorrow.” his tone is semi-detached as he leans against the railing, eyes cast on the toronto skyline. and maybe it’s the scotch on the brain that triggers the absentminded revelation that he was in the company of more than just his colleagues tonight, but he breezes past that minor detail, feeling the makings of a migraine beginning to thrum against his skull. “i’m going to bed, are you coming?”
“I think you forgot I’m not a little thing who drinks wine coolers for fun at the parties. I never have been, but I’m also aware of myself and what I’m doing Declan,” their lives were similar in many ways, Lia having relished in the finer things in life for most of her life. But she fell back down the ladder even faster than her parents climbed it. She discovered the darker side of life, sneaking out at 1am to go hang out with the drug dealers and teen alcoholics. Signing up for websites to make money for herself in less then safe ways, all while spiraling inside her own head. But Declan was different, raised entirely surrounded by the upper class and never straying from their values and morals. Lia had always wanted to be a part of it, to never have to worry about things, but as time went on she was questioning more and more.
“Are you looking out for me or yourself? I can handle what’s been thrown my ways, lord knows more than one rumor has flown around about me. No matter what tier of life you are on people are gonna do whatever they can to bring you down and make you look worse than them, and it’s how you handle yourself and the people closest to you having your back when push comes to shove,” she knows he has her best interest at heart, but she also doesn’t like to be protected and coddled. Lia would always rather handle her own problems, no matter how big or small, and deal with the consequences afterwards. But she appreciated his attempts none the less, but she was finally getting fed up with everything.
Heaving a sigh before she took an inhale of her blunt, her gaze taking in the skyline around her. And trying to focus on something besides her annoyance towards the male in front of her. Everything about the night finally coming to a head, and her mouth working faster than her brain as he spoke. “I thought it was just you and your colleagues? You know a couple of the guys?” Rolling her eyes, tapping the ash off the top and watching it fall apart in the glass ashtray on the table. “Send it to my assistant I have to be in the office at 5, which means I probably should take you up on that offer,” Taking a final drag of her blunt and putting it out, “this isn’t over however,”
It had been far to long since Lia had seen her cousin, all the random calls or Snapchat’s, and the Skype calls for important events. Never really was the same, but she was more than grateful for the interactions they’d had. The baby shower partly Lias doing, knowing at the end of the day Tori would appreciate it. And little V will love to hear the stories of the night. But keeping her secrets on the other hand, during family events, or run ins with those in the past were becoming more difficult as her cousin, but Lia would be damned if she wasn’t called some form of Aunt, got cuter. And the closer she got to them walking into the room and seeing them, the more a smile spread across Lias face.
The same look of shock that took over Toris face was the one that appeared on everyone’s. And sometimes Lia fell to the same status, shocked by the world she had brought herself into but ever so grateful. Everything about her life now was different, but all she wanted was her cousin by her side again. And finally her eyes were overtake by sheer happiness, her gaze taking in every ounce of Tori. From the same curly raven hair bouncing as she walked, the almost childlike grin atop her face, all the way to the bassinet sat in her hand. Effortlessly staying still as she walked, the actual amount of time shed done the same thing becoming present to Lia. “Tori!” She squealed, wrapping her around Toris frame tightly. A childlike innocence falling over the two as they just took each other in, a year and a half apart but nothing felt different. They were same girls that would sneak out at midnight to meet in the park with the group, or go on random road trips during the summer of high school. “I missed you so much,” and the one thing that had changed was finally brought to the for front, her eyes training down to the child in the bassinet. “She’s precious, and I’m excited to spoil you both,” glancing back up to meet Toris gaze, “Well who am I to deny Sangria? Come on, let’s get out of the lobby,” taking the grocery bag from Toris other hand and heading over to the elevator, “I’ll be honest, there may be one, or two,or twenty, shopping bags up their for you two,” shrugging lightly, “I couldnt help myself,”
@indiestars-rp
of all of her post-italy rendezvous (her parents, her unsuspecting baby daddy, his parents), this one felt easy. perhaps because lia was one of three people she did her best to keep in contact with from the other side of the world. one of two actual attendees at the skype baby shower she didn’t even really want to have. or maybe she just knows that her cousin will accept her in whatever form she shows up in–skinny, fat, rich, poor, or even x2.
she lifts a brow at the sheer amount of marble in the lobby of the address she sent. when lia said her new beaux was loaded she was expecting a few fancy cars and evidence of a private education. what she steps into instead are the trappings of pure generational opulence. the luxury of it all has little time to settle on her though, because then she sees her, standing there in the flesh, looking just a little older than the last time, almost a year and a half ago if you could believe it. she figures she looks a little different as well, carrying a sleeping veronica by the handle of her bassinet in one hand and a grocery bag in the other. her smile is one thing she’ll never outgrow, the way it’s slightly impish and stretches halfway across her face when she squeals “lia!” and throws her free arm around her. suddenly they’re little girls again, the ones that would beg their parents to allow the other to stay the night so they could stay up til’ 2 watching movies they weren’t supposed to, who’d spend their summers joined at the hip, telling boys at the mall that they’re twins and watching them believe it. “i missed you” she says in earnest, holding her there for a minute before her attention turns to the baby. “she’ll wake up for you in a second, but til’ then i brought sangria!”
starletwrites:
“amelia” leaves his lips in a haughty sigh as she click clacks toward their outdoor area and declan runs two fingers over his eyelids in pure exhaustion. he wrestles with himself for a moment, whether it’s worth the fight so close to bedtime, before following her out. plunks down at her adjacent on one of the outdoor wicker chairs that came with the place. “you know how I feel about your drinking habits, especially in my establishments—“ the scotch in his glass prevents him from mincing words. she could drain back to back blue amalfis at their local olive garden if she so chose, but in front of his peers and colleagues the expectation was that she remained prim and proper as they come. like she too had been force fed twenty six years worth of lessons in table manners and general etiquette. “how does it look if my fiancé, the woman I’m supposed to be starting a life with, is downing cocktails at the bar like it’s going out of style!”
he knows he’s partially to blame, more than aware that she was equally troubled as she was beautiful before he ever picked out a clear cut diamond to glimmer prettily from her left hand. but he can assume that she didn’t walk into this relationship blind to the kind of man he was either—one from a rigid upbringing, inebriated on power and control, with ultimate awareness of how important keeping up appearances is to maintaining the veneer of perfection that’s been passed down from generation to generation like an antique necklace or a house in the hamptons.
“i know you don’t care what people think but that attitude doesn’t get you very far in this world. it just doesn’t. how many people do you think are gonna want to work with a designer with an alcohol pr—“ his tone softens as he settles on dark irises, had always found brown eyes boring until he discovered so much hidden depth behind hers. a sigh leaves his lips, so exasperated it sounds like it’s been building up for a lifetime, a clear surrender of sorts. because he’s not out to hurt her, only to make her understand. “I’m not asking you to be this perfect lady, and host society brunches and wear skirts down to your ankles. …I just want you to be aware of your actions when you’re in public, of how they’ll reflect on both of us…it’s time to grow up amelia, and start considering our future together”
Lia set herself up, grinding her weed and getting her wrap ready to roll. Wanting nothing more than to face a blunt and go to bed, ready for a new adventure the day held. Everything was stressing her out now, a much different feeling than she had started her night with. Turning to face Declan as he came on the balcony, listening to his words as she rolled her blunt. “It looks like I’m a 25 year old girl spending her time at a bar, waiting by myself for my fiancé who happens to own the bar. I understand you’re busy, and youre working, but I can’t be expected to act a specific way when you yourself are out doing the same thing but your with colleagues so it’s different right?”
Amelia knew what being in a relationship with Declan meant, that she had to be the most upstanding citizen she could possibly be. Keeping her words proper, no cuss words, no slang, full sentences that make sense to everyone. She took more business classes, to learn the language Declan and his colleagues used, having wanted to try and be more involved in the conversations and not sound out of place. Lia had put more time and effort in becoming a different version of herself for the people Declan surrounded himself with, and yet he continued pointing out more things she needed to work on. Time and time again, she had to continue to change.
She pauses her movements, and glances up at him as he continues his words, “First of all Declan, I don’t have a drinking problem. I wake up and go about my life, 9/10 times I don’t drink during the day. I enjoy alcohol, but it takes a lot more than a couple drinks or shots to get me intoxicated. I’m well aware of my own tolerance and how to pace myself after my history. I’ve done more than enough damage in my past life to drink myself into a coma anymore,” having spent a six month stint in and out of the hospital more times than she cared to count before she was of legal drinking age probably wasn’t the best history for the new Coyne heiress. But then again, they neednt know all her business, but Declan did. Amelia understood he was worried, and just wanted to protect her of sorts. But she had been independent far to long to have a father looking over her shoulder and monitoring her intake. “I’ll never be this perfect little princess they hope for me to be, I’ve never been that kind of girl even when I had to hold up my own standards in my family. I’m not gonna pretend to be someone just because people will get upset from something, I’ve done a lot of changing and a lot of pretending with people you’ve brought me around. But if I’m stuck in a bar, you told me to meet you at, and you don’t show up for hours and hours on end, then I’m not gonna sit there sipping water for five hours when I can have a couple drinks. Then drink a couple glasses of water, and then some more alcohol. I’m not an idiot, nor sloppy, never have been. Just an idiot at times,”
@izzyindie
STEVEN HYDE & JACKIE BURKHART in THAT ’70s SHOW ── season 5, episode 2.
starletwrites:
he sighs at mention of mrs. coyne’s ever-growing guest list. “she just wants to make sure the right people are in attendance, and i don’t wholly disagree–” given his parent’s long spanning diplomatic careers, their colleagues included everyone from fortune 500 ceos to an ethiopian prince. and even his wedding day could be seen as an opportunity to rub shoulders with the upper crusts of society, expand his real-estate investments beyond toronto. still, he doesn’t expect her to roll over and submit to lara’s micromanaging, at least not with out a fight. “just let her take control of the seating chart amelia, there’ll still be plenty of room for all of your college chums and the girls from the salon” he glances over at her, sensing her immediate displeasure with the whole ordeal. “besides” he pouts a little, imitating her sour expression, “the more guests we have, the more gifts there are for you..” fiona’s wedding last summer resulted in enough blue tiffany’s boxes to fill the entire living room of their vacation home in tahoe. he expects to top it.
rubbing the pad of his thumb over the space between her ring and her knuckle, he pretends to think, “perhaps something with longer sleeves, mother was hoping you’ll keep it modest for mimsy’s sake…” a smile breaks on his features before she can tell him where his mother can go, “i’m kidding. get the best thing in the store. whatever you like, i’ll love.” he imagines that most girls dream about this moment, when they see the dress, and the music swells, and the heaven’s open up when they can practically see themselves wearing it down the aisle. most of them then go on to settle for whatever dress appeals to their budget. he likes the fact that he can get her whatever she wants, can’t decipher whether it’s pride or power he feels when he’s able to fulfill her every materialistic desire.
they arrive at the biltmore, valets opening both doors and welcoming them back with hospitable smiles. he grins tight-lipped at their doorman and waits just until he gets in the elevator to loosen his tie just slightly. “have you eaten?” declan inquires, glancing at himself in the gold reflective paneling until he hears the ding. he steps into their luxurious suite, makes a beeline for the bar where he pours himself a short glass of something brown. “you should order something from the kitchen, perhaps to soak up some of those cocktails you sampled” she can usually hold her liquor, but he still keeps close contact with the bar managers to make sure they don’t serve her more than three in one sitting. kind of contradictory, considering this is his fourth of the night but he calls it a reward for a job well done.
“The right people should be who I want there,” Rolling her eyes and a harsh sigh from her lips, she understood his parents role in the world. Diplomats knew everyone of power and wanted to be as friendly as they could to all sides of things. But Lia wasn’t raised that way, her parents helping people even if they knew they weren’t good people. She learned to invite once, or help out once, and then it was over. Nothing more nothing less, but every-time there was a new Coyne family event they had to pull all the stops. No matter how big or monumental the occasion, and just after a few years Lia was done with it all. Wanting her wedding day to be perfect for her, and not the matriarch of the Coyne family. “I would hope there’d be enough room considering it’s **my** wedding, she had one of her own. She took over Fionas, this is mine. No matter the amount of gifts I can get, I don’t like it Dec,” a small pout now centered on her face, and ultimately knowing she had no choice in the matter even if she put up a fuss.
“Maybe she can keep it modest and not show up,” she spoke under her breath, the annoyance evident in whatever way she conducted herself. Every part of her felt hot, like a heat wave only she could feel. Every bit of her wanting to yell about everything she had been feeling with Declan never making time anymore, and his mother trying to take over a wedding he wasn’t even there to learn about. “I’ll wear lingerie and call it a day,” knowing he could afford whatever and whoever she wanted, it was a blessing but also a curse. She didn’t want to be perceived as the gold digging fiancé, even if he always allowed her what her heart desires. It still felt like she had to be cautious when looking at price tags, like it would bounce her account at any second. Even if she knew it wouldn’t.
Following him absentmindedly through the doors, sending small waves and smiles at the workers. She enjoyed talking to them, making sure they had what they needed to make their lives easier. If someone needed a day off and wasn’t given it, Lia made damn sure they got that day off. Even if no one else knew or figured out what she was doing, it was contentment for her to help them. “I had some salmon and vegetables after I realized we were no longer going out to eat,” she spoke, making her way to her little study quickly and finding her box of smoking supplies. “It was quite delicious but the drinks were much more delectable. Just a pity I had to self serve because I couldn’t get them to look at me after a couple,” the clicking of her heels signifying she was heading to the balcony.
Shameless meme: 9 characters “I’m gonna teach you self-defense. Milkovich style.” (2/9)
ladies meme: 8 friendships · fiona gallagher & veronica fisher (shameless) “You’re Fiona Gallagher. You can do anything you set your mind to. You got your GED. You’ve been raising a family of six since you were fifteen years old. You’re a rockstar.”
You know it. I see the way you look at me and I know, you know. As hard as you’ve tried to stamp it out and ignore it, I have tried harder! I have tried harder than you to be quiet and to forget it and to not bother my family with my problems. But I can’t try anymore because it hurts. I don’t want to be going through this but I am. DAWSON’S CREEK: 2x15 - “… That is the question.”
Zendaya Answers Personality Revealing Questions | Proust Questionnaire