pyx3l

[pyx3l]

🐝  *  ―  𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐃 𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝟎𝟐𝟖: 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌. ( so, um, i literally only got inspired to make a new template because i'm obsessing over a new fandom and thinking about returning to rping because of it. and well, i mostly make templates whenever i may or may not use them in the future myself. anyway, the preview can be found here. it's a multimuse template with a navigation page, a rules page, a muse directory with multiple sections for different kind of muses, and a mains and exclusives page. due to the number of elements used, this template requires at least a pro lite account. if you want to upgrade, feel free to use my referral code KB4W13V3 because it helps me out. )

―  HOW TO USE

please don’t claim this as your own, and don’t delete the credit.  you can change it’s size or color but it should stay where it is.

of course, you can edit all the colors, sizes, fonts, etc. however you like.

to get this template please click here.  it’s on a pay-what-you-want basis, so it is possible to get it for free if you set the amount to 0. ( if you’d like to leave a little tip, i'd very much appreciate it, though. )

actual image sizes don't matter since carrd scales them to fit but you can see examples of the image sizes i’ve used in the demo to get an idea for the dimensions.  or just try your own and play around with the settings to get the desired outcome.

if you have any questions about how to edit it, just send me a message, and i'll try to explain it to you.

[pyx3l]

[pyx3l]

| i. A Fleeting Sense.

“𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎𝑠 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑑, 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑜𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒.”

Michael Emilio Aldene & Whitley Clarke Reeves.

01 . Encounter One

When two lonely people meet, they cling to one another for dear life. 

Michael Emilio Aldene, a 29-year-old fashion editor, is notorious for his critical and unswerving reviews. He believes fashion is an extension of his soul and emotions. An artist who cannot invoke authenticity has no place in couture. His magazine spreads could make or break an entire brand. His approval was one of the few that mattered. Despite his high-end disposition, Michael wasn’t always so refined. This was a raunchy bar for such a high-end person. 

What was the Michael Aldene doing at such a trashy place as this?  

He leaned into the counter and waved a delicate hand at the bartender. As he made his way toward Michael, he smiled and pushed his drink toward him, silently asking for a refill. Something was entrancing, maybe the way he held himself, or perhaps the way he stood out from the room. He watched as the mixologist got to work fervently on his drink, with the relaxation in his posture, Michael could tell he enjoyed his job. Head in hand, and fingers twirling in the man's hair. It was obvious the boredom had struck.

After this drink, Michael figured he would wrap the night up and mark it as unproductive. 

"Double it and put that on my tab," a deep voice stated as he neared Michael, sitting in the once-empty barstool beside him. “I’ll take some as well.” 

Michael's head shot over, and cocked to the side as he scanned who'd be paying for his tab tonight. It was a pleasant surprise to find a tall, well-built man in a suit, dressed just as nicely as himself. That watch on his wrist was screaming money, too. A grin pulled at the corner of Michael’s lips. It wasn’t often he was approached in scenes like this. When they did, they couldn’t keep up with his standards and were sure to remind him of his snobbish attitude. So this piece of work was a pleasant surprise. Michael always had something for an older man in a suit. Especially the way this man in particular looked. Long dark hair slicked back, a few strands falling loosely to drape over his face. A nose so sittable, Michael couldn’t stand it. Eyes so calm and charming, he could dream forever. And somehow, those brown and black glasses were the cherry on top. He was a bit attracted. No, that was a lie; he was extremely attracted to this stranger. 

Finally, the clink of Michael's refill hitting the bar knocked him out of the trance. With a small flinch, Michael came back to see the man with a generous smile on his face. "Are you gonna keep staring, or are we gonna say hi?" The stranger teased, and Michael could feel his face going red. His hand, which was once holding his head, was now covering his face as he looked away. 

He tensed up, being called out for just staring. Wrapping his fingers around the shot glass, Michael side-eyed the figure next to him and downed the shot before turning his head to observe him again. “Thank you, err-” 

"Whitley," the man introduced himself with a nod, and called for a drink. 

Whitley Clarke Reeves, a wealthy, simple man. Michael knew nothing about him yet, but he was well-known across town. There were no rings on his fingers, and that entailed a mighty fine opportunity. Whatever Whitley wanted from Michael, he could have it, right then and there if he wanted it. Michael was simple; when it came to an attractive man, he was ready to feast. There was nothing wrong with indulging yourself in things such as romance or erotica, but something about it made it hard for the man to breathe. He needed to get his mind out of the gutter. 

Michael smiled cheek to cheek and scratched his head nervously, clenching his empty shot glass. He felt so warm inside, and butterflies were dying to burst from his stomach. "Mia," the boy lied, and leaned into the company. It wasn’t a full lie, at least. He had given the man a nickname, for privacy’s sake. Michael didn’t need a scandal before he got the chance to see him naked. He licked his lips, 

Tonight just got less boring. 

“So, Whitely, what brings you here tonight?” 

“I’m a regular, I suppose,” 

“Right,” he laughed. “It’s hard to believe that.''

“Heh. It’s nostalgia. Reminds me of Italy.” Whitley responded, finger training the rim of his empty shot glass.

The bartender breezed by, dropping four fresh shots of their choice before removing the previous glasses. Whitley’s bottle of whiskey was left as requested. He pulled his shot glass in and pushed the tequila shots toward Michael with a soft grin. His aged features were god-awfully enticing. Every wrinkle and every gray hair only made Michael curious about what he had been through. Even if it was age, he loved stories from strangers. Whitley was a silver fox and it made Michael hot and bothered. It had been a long time since Michael had felt butterflies in his stomach. If he remembered correctly, it had been well over a decade. With his job and personal leisure, he had no time. Nor could he truly relate or feel comfortable. 

“Oh?” Mia cooed with intrigue. “That would explain the accent.” 

A deep laugh escaped Whitley’s stomach. “I attended a private boarding school in Italy for ten years. I didn’t pick up the accent until high school, surprisingly. My family moved here for a better life.” 

“Well, looks like we share something in common. My mom is from the Dominican Republic. She moved here after she met my dad at one of his international charity events.” 

Whitley chuckled wholeheartedly, lifting his shot. “Cheers to that.” 

Michael lifted his glass to Whitley’s, the glasses clasping together as liquid splashed about before the two threw them back and cleared their first round. Michael had a soda on hand to sip after his shots, since he didn’t appreciate the taste of liquor. He just enjoyed the fuzzy feeling that occurred throughout his body. Whitley, on the other hand, was drinking whiskey like water. What were the odds that a well-kept man would be an alcoholic? Hell, Michael couldn’t say much. If that was his vice, so be it. It was far better than other options. 

Truth be told, Michael wasn’t just drunk. He was high off his ass. The man’s vice was a needle, and it always had been. Drinking was just a way to keep himself out of the house. In bars like these, no one recognized him. No one would shame such a classy figure for falling into ruin. His addiction wasn’t new, nor was it erratic. After well more than a decade, he’d learnt to manage himself. There was a balance between work and his ‘peace.’ Michael had to have a stable income to support his needs, after all. There was no other way to maintain a habit without having the necessary funding. Sure, his job wasn’t all that, but hell, if the internet didn’t love hot gossip. 

“Do you like gay bars?” Mia asked shamelessly, anticipating a response of disappointment. 

Whitley took a breath, and his eyebrows furrowed in thought as if he were trying to recall something. He scratched at his chin and, after a while, looked down at Michael with a surprised expression.

“I can’t say that I have been to one– but I certainly run that way.”

Michael grinned. “I’d hope so,” he said. “There’s one across the block from here, but it’s more of a club. I think tonight is leather night.”

Whitley couldn’t help but chuckle a bit at the man’s knowledge about the club. He leaned in, but only briefly, to push his shot glass forward. “Let’s go there. I have all night. If you want to, that is.” 

Michael’s breath was taken away in an instant, and from here forward, this man would haunt his thoughts. The smell of fine whiskey, soft cologne, and dry-cleaned linen lingered the closer he got. Something about it made him look even better. He smiled with excitement at Whitley before he grabbed the shot glass. Michael was quick to chase it with his soda and watched as Whitley took back the whiskey as if it were water. He tapped the bar to signal the server and handed a sleek silver card to close out his tab, along with Michael’s. He didn’t ask, and Michael didn’t think it was worth trying to fight it. Plus, he couldn’t lie and say it didn’t feel good to be treated. 

They hurried out of the bar to make their way to the Dollhouse, which Michael was sure to talk about on the way there. It was a promiscuous queer club that Michael had bartended his way through college for. It made more sense now why he knew immediately what day it was, given their schedule hadn’t changed in almost a decade. Michael left no detail out, from coworkers to raunchy customers he dealt with regularly. Normally, it wasn’t his first suggestion for a gay bar. Hell, it wasn’t a bar at all. The Dollhouse was a club, and it wasn’t one for your average person. Michael was almost worried he was going to send Whitley into a warzone. But they couldn’t keep their hands off each other once they got there. Between them and all the leather, the aura of the club was as humid as ever.  Sweat poured off all the members like it was their liquor. There was no shame, and it seemed Whitley was enjoying it more than anyone in that room. Their lips were numb from drunk kisses that lingered between sexually tense dancing. Michael was a tease, but Whitley wasn’t impatient or quick to make any move. 

That was when Michael had the “best” mistake. Calling it an idea made him sound less irrational. 

At some point, they had wound up in the men’s bathroom. If Michael hadn’t thought of something better than sex, he might have just gone through with it. However, he felt something different, and a part of him wanted to go about things another way. Perhaps this time, he would. 

“I want to show you something,” he said, pulling away from Whitley’s lips and dragging him out of the bathroom stall, who was still stunned and processing what was happening. 

“Where are we going now?” He asked as Michael held tightly to his hand, leading him out of the club and back onto the dark sidewalks. 

“You’ll see!” Michael giggled, turning back to Whitley with the biggest smile in the world. It would become a core memory that would stick with Whitley. Michael just looked so beautiful in that moment, under the moonlight, and soaked in sweat. He seemed so excited to get to wherever they were going, so Whitley silently followed along, just happy to be there. For once, he felt alive. That was worth more than anything at a time like this. 

Michael, the dumbass in question, had brought Whitley to the rooftop of his apartment complex. It was a shitty office building that had been converted to fit a few apartments. The quality of the entire building wasn’t great, and the price was something you couldn’t beat, nor was the view. You could see the lake, the bridge, and the city lights from every corner. Both the clubs they had traveled to were starting to die down, and the dark sky was beginning to light up. Michael’s smile never died down, nor did he let go of Whitley’s hand. They stood on the roof of the apartment building watching morning make its way across California. There weren’t many words said as the sun made its way above the buildings, but none were truly needed. Even if Michael didn’t remember it in the morning, for now, he cherished the fact that Whitley didn’t even care about watching the sun rise. He had just watched Michael’s expressions the entire time. There was something about this man that was going to drive him crazy. 

“As much as I’d love to spend forever with you, Mia, I have to be in the office at seven,” Whitley finally whispered, almost disappointed that they had to return to ordinary lives after such an experience. “Could I see you again?” 

“I can give you my number and you can call me anytime. Let’s catch the bus, it runs in thirty minutes and you’ll still have an hour or two. Sorry for keeping you up all night,” he giggled, beginning to make their way down the building. 

Even though he had brought Whitley here, he wasn’t exactly happy about it now that he was coming off the drugs. A man of Whitley’s status would not want to be caught dead near Michael if he knew what he was. Michael was fully aware of that. Most people steered clear of him once they found out about his habits. He was unreliable and reclusive when he wasn’t the life of the party. 

“No-no. If every night is like this with you, Mia, I’m happy to accompany you. Is it sad that it was probably the most comfortable I’ve ever been in my life?” He asked, laughing as if to take away from the pain. It was clear he had much to think about now. 

“Not at all. Sometimes people blossom at different stages. That’s just how it works,” Mia said, sitting down under the bus stop. “I’m glad you felt comfortable. I was worried such a strong introduction would intimidate you. It’s not always like that.” 

Whitley took place right beside Michael, even throwing an arm around him and closing the gap in space. Without a second thought, Michael’s head rested on Whitley’s shoulder. They were both exhausted and yet driven with adrenaline and lust; they had partied until daybreak together. Two smiles on their faces wouldn't have been forgotten if they had been seen. Two fingers encased themselves in Michael’s hair, losing themselves in the coils and following their shape. Whitley was quiet, more often than not. Michael liked that. It wasn’t often someone just wanted to listen, even if he didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t very talkative either, ironically. Maybe it was the presence. 

Michael’s eyes felt so heavy, he could hardly stand it. The bus would be here soon, there’s no way he’d sleep through that noise. Closing them for a while wouldn’t be the end of the world. 

writer's notes

well, I've gone off and done it again! This is the start/continuation of a fleeting sense, the unprogressive love story of Michael Aldene. Michael is a self-insert that I've loved and cherished for almost a decade now. he's by far the easiest character to write for me, although the genre isnt my specialty. please enjoy the story that's been cooped up in my head for years, and be gentle. posting writing publicly is scary!!! but i love sharing my thoughts.

06/08/2025, 1:04pm ~ pyx <3

[pyx3l]

what im bout to post is almost 2500 words of writing... is there a max limit to this thing??

[pyx3l]

Pyx's OC Master List

wip!!! please excuse the faulty functions, soon the names will jump to their tags so you can find posts revolving around them once I post them! Now, my list of original characters is quite... long. So for the sake of saving you and myself some time, I have organized them based on their respective universes. Characters in the same list exist in the same world!

Modern

Michael Aldene

Whitley Reeves

Delaine Sexton

Cidney Werner

Valerie Regan

Em-Pulse

Porscha Wilheim "TONIC"

Modern Fantasy

Bartholomew

Sadin St. Delacour

Science Fiction

STAR

Otto

Nos

Bubble Gum

Fila Blau "FLEA"

Tale of Vilor

Raj

Urva

Orion

Kinsei Ori

Mother Dmitri, Her Majesty

Sefla

Eridia

Yue

Haila

Kreetin

The One

The Jester

[pyx3l]

Dialogue Responses

"I hate you."

"That's ok."

"Aww, love you too."

"Welcome to the club."

"Well, you're not special."

"Wow, that makes me sad."

"Happens to the best of us."

"And you're not the first one."

"That won't change anything."

"Great, I hate myself too sometimes."

"That's a strong emotion you feel for me."

All the Dialogue Responses can be found here.

If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! 🥰

[pyx3l]

🐝  *  ―  𝑫𝑰𝑭𝑭𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑵𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 𝑻𝑶 𝑲𝑰𝑺𝑺 𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑶𝑵𝑬.

[ peck ] a quick, light kiss on the partner's lips or cheek [ french ] a deep, passionate kiss with the use of tongue [ forehead ] a gentle kiss on the partner's forehead, conveying care and affection [ spiderman ] an upside-down kiss, just like in the movie [ mistletoe ] a playful or romantic kiss under a mistletoe [ hand ] a chivalrous kiss on the back of the partner's hand [ lingering ] a long, slow kiss filled with emotion and desire [ neck ] a kiss or gentle sucking on the partner's neck [ nape ] a kiss placed at the nape of the partner's neck [ teasing ] a light brushing of lips against a partner's skin without fully kissing [ earlobe ] a light nibble on the partner's earlobe [ tango dip ] a kiss shared while one partner is dipped backward [ celebration ] a joyful and exuberant kiss to celebrate an achievement or milestone [ stolen ] a quick, stealthy, and impromptu kiss snatched in secret [ bite ] a playful kiss that involves some light biting [ goodbye ] a heartfelt kiss when parting, showing affection and fondness [ rain ] a romantic kiss in the rain [ scars ] a gentle kiss on the partner's scar(s) [ injury ] a careful kiss on a partner's wound to make it all better [ wedding ] a romantic kiss shared during a wedding ceremony [ comfort ] a tender kiss to provide comfort or reassurance [ sunset ] a kiss shared during sunset, often romantic and serene [ butterfly ] a light fluttering of eyelashes against the partner's skin [ seductive ] a deep, slow, and deliberately intense kiss filled with passion and desire [ shoulder ] a tender kiss on the partner's shoulder [ knuckles ] a kiss on each individual knuckle of the partner [ slow motion ] a kiss in slow motion, accentuating every moment and sensation [ reunion ] a longing kiss shared after being apart for a while [ passionate ] an intense and fiery kiss, expressing raw desire and strong emotion [ underwater ] a kiss shared while submerged in water [ wrist ] a tender kiss on the inside of the partner's wrist [ wake up ] a loving kiss to wake the partner up [ apology ] a kiss offered as a way to apologize or make amends [ hummingbird ] a series of light, rapid, and fluttery kisses on a small area [ trail ] a trail of kisses along the partner's jawline or collarbone [ blowing ] a kiss in the air and send of the gesture towards the partner [ surprise ] a sudden kiss to catch the partner off guard [ hickey ] a kiss that's supposed to leave a mark on the partner's skin [ single lip ] a sucking or nibbling of one of the partner's lips [ nose ] an affectionate gesture where partners rub their noses together

[pyx3l]

🐝  *  ―  𝑵𝑶𝑵-𝑽𝑬𝑹𝑩𝑨𝑳 𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑺𝑻 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑺. (  some triggering content ahead. add " + " to reverse the action.  )

[ wipe ] sender wipes away receiver's tears [ hurt ] sender hurts receiver with words [ lonely ] sender finds receiver alone in a dark room [ wounded ] sender patches up receiver's wounds [ crying ] sender finds receiver crying [ help ] sender runs to receiver when they scream for help [ nightmare ] sender wakes receiver up from a nightmare [ dying breath ] sender talks to receiver before dying [ hold on ] sender pulls receiver into their arms [ anger ] sender takes their anger out on receiver [ argue ] sender gets into a heated argument with receiver [ scared ] sender scares receiver [ sick ] sender cares for receiver while they are sick [ palm ] sender places a hand on receiver to stop them from doing something [ fight ] sender gets into a physical fight with receiver [ comfort ] sender tries to comfort receiver [ blood ] sender notices that receiver is bleeding [ collapse ] sender collapses into receiver's arms [ pressure ] sender puts pressure on receiver's wound [ slap ] sender slaps receiver in the face [ panic ] sender helps receiver through a panic attack [ lie ] sender catches receiver in a lie [ sobs ] sender sobs uncontrollably while receiver holds them [ hiding ] sender finds out that receiver has hidden an injury from them [ death ] sender just died, receiver finds out [ chin up ] sender lifts receiver's chin to stop them from hiding their tears [ fears ] sender talks to receiver about their fears [ scream ] sender screams at receiver [ coping ] sender teaches receiver some coping mechanisms [ loss ] sender is there for receiver after they've lost someone important to them [ needs ] sender asks receiver what they need [ bullet ] sender takes a bullet for receiver [ bruises ] sender finds bruises of unknown origin on receiver [ rainfall ] sender finds receiver out alone in the rain [ hospital ] sender wakes up in a hospital bed and finds receiver sitting by their bedside [ intrude ] sender walks in on receiver treating their wounds [ calming ] sender tries to calm down receiver [ inspection ] sender holds receiver's face while inspecting an injury they got [ rescue ] sender carries receiver to safety [ clean ] sender cleans blood off of receiver's body

[pyx3l]

show, don't tell:

anticipation - bouncing legs - darting eyes - breathing deeply - useless / mindless tasks - eyes on the clock - checking and re-checking

frustration - grumbling - heavy footsteps - hot flush - narrowed eyes - pointing fingers - pacing / stomping

sadness - eyes filling up with tears - blinking quickly - hiccuped breaths - face turned away - red / burning cheeks - short sentences with gulps

happiness - smiling / cheeks hurting - animated - chest hurts from laughing - rapid movements - eye contact - quick speaking

boredom - complaining - sighing - grumbling - pacing - leg bouncing - picking at nails

fear - quick heartbeat - shaking / clammy hands - pinching self - tuck away - closing eyes - clenched hands

disappointment - no eye contact - hard swallow - clenched hands - tears, occasionally - mhm-hmm

tiredness - spacing out - eyes closing - nodding head absently - long sighs - no eye contact - grim smile

confidence - prolonged eye contact - appreciates instead of apologizing - active listening - shoulders back - micro reactions

[pyx3l]

50 WORDS TO USE INSTEAD OF “SAID”

Do you ever find yourself over-using the word “said” in your writing? Try using these words/phrases instead:

stated

commented

declared

spoke

responded

voiced

noted

uttered

iterated

explained

remarked

acknowledged

mentioned

announced

shouted

expressed

articulated

exclaimed

proclaimed

whispered

babbled

observed

deadpanned

joked

hinted

informed

coaxed

offered

cried

affirmed

vocalized

laughed

ordered

suggested

admitted

verbalized

indicated

confirmed

apologized

muttered

proposed

chatted

lied

rambled

talked

pointed out

blurted out

chimed in

brought up

wondered aloud

(NOTE: Keep in mind that all of these words have slightly different meanings and are associated with different emotions/scenarios.)

[pyx3l]

001: " Scream! "

introducing. . . , " Scream! ", a google doc character template inspired from the Scream movies! The doc holds three separate pages holding the basic information needed for character sheets.

( !!! ) make sure to credit me! in order to do that, keep my @ at the top of the first page!

HOW TO USE ! ◞ . . . most of the quotes are made in drawings. if you can't see the text, make a square, right click, go to order and click back. make sure delete the shape after ! ◞ . . . I would advise to use the same pictures, but the connections with the gas mask can be replaced. ◞ . . . it is best if you don't move anything around as it might mess up if you want to use the document as it is. Though everything in the gray box on the right of the second page can be changed to add even more info there if the server needs it. ◞ . . . If you have any questions, please ask! ◞ . . . download here

[pyx3l]

🐝  *  ―  𝑨𝑷𝑶𝑳𝑶𝑮𝑰𝑬𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑭𝑶𝑹𝑮𝑰𝑽𝑬𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑺 𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺.

❛  i'm sorry for everything i said.  ❜ ❛  i just made a stupid mistake, okay?  ❜ ❛  will you ever be able to forgive me?  ❜ ❛  i already said i'm sorry!  ❜ ❛  how many more times do you need me to apologize?  ❜ ❛  it's gonna take a lot more for me to be able to trust you again.  ❜ ❛  you can't just come in here and say sorry like it was no big deal!  ❜ ❛  i accept your apology.  ❜ ❛  i'm not the person you need to apologize to.  ❜ ❛  you don't need to apologize, i understand.  ❜ ❛  everyone makes mistakes sometimes. it's human.  ❜ ❛  don't you dare tell me you're sorry!  ❜ ❛  are you really sorry or are you just pretending?  ❜ ❛  i don't believe your apology.  ❜ ❛  do you really think a simple apology is gonna make everything okay again?  ❜ ❛  ii never meant to hurt you.  ❜ ❛  can't we just forget this whole thing and move on?  ❜ ❛  what more do you want me to say?  ❜ ❛  i'm sorry i didn't listen to you sooner.  ❜ ❛  you were right, and i'm sorry i ever doubted you.  ❜ ❛  let's just forgive and forget.  ❜ ❛  i don't think i'll ever be able to forgive you for what you've done.  ❜ ❛  someday i'll surely forgive you ... but that day is not today.  ❜ ❛  let's just forget all about it and pretend it never happened.  ❜ ❛  what else am i supposed to do or say for you to believe me?  ❜ ❛  why can't you just say you're sorry?  ❜ ❛  i'm still waiting for that apology ...  ❜ ❛  that wasn't so difficult now, was it?  ❜ ❛  i'm begging you, please forgive me.  ❜ ❛  i promise you i'll never make the same mistake again.  ❜ ❛  that was the worst apology i've ever heard.  ❜ ❛  really? that's all you have to say for yourself?  ❜ ❛  you already broke your word once, who's to say you won't do it again?  ❜ ❛  will you just apologize already?  ❜ ❛  i don't need an apology from you.  ❜ ❛  i didn't mean what i said ... i'm sorry.  ❜ ❛  you need to be honest with me.  ❜ ❛  there's nothing to apologize for.  ❜ ❛  i've already forgiven you, you idiot.  ❜ ❛  i know you probably won't believe me, but i truly am sorry.  ❜

[pyx3l]

| i. A Fleeting Sense.

“𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑎𝑠 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑑, 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑜𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑒.”

Michael Emilio Aldene & Whitley Clarke Reeves.

A long night had pursued the two men, as they’d hopped from bar to bar, restaurant after restaurant, even opting for a coffee somewhere along the way. All in good fun, showing each other the little places they’d found and enjoyed. The night was ending, and Whitley seemed to be hinting he wanted to walk Michael home. That in itself was a problem. Allowing him into his apartment would be allowing him into his life, to see his secret. Michael wasn’t well off, as fancy-lived as his aura, his taste in fashion persuaded. 

It was a dumpy studio in the slums, the cheapest that Michael could work with. He’d managed to make it look nice, sure, but that part of the city was swallowed in bad reputation. Mostly for drugs and thieves, there were hostiles and the like that found refuge in this corner. Michael was no better, his residence would only prove that further. Since he was alone, he never minded to clean up, and he couldn’t allow himself to admit his addiction to Whitley. Not yet, anyway. Michael wasn’t sure if Whitley was just a fleeting moment, or if he was here to stay. 

“Let’s stop here for a sec,” Michael said, stopping in his tracks. He gave a click glance to Whitley, and pressed over to the railing of the bridge they were crossing. 

His heart was racing, he didn’t want to go any further, he couldn’t make himself. Michael fidgeting with his hands in his coat pocket, pulling out his pack of cigarettes. Passing one to Whitley who’s artisan figure leaned over the guard rail, and pressing one in between his own lips. Whitley was quick to be of service, and pressed his notable zippo lighter he’d always kept in the chest pocket of his blazers. Politely he lit Michael’s first and shortly after his own. For a while it was just quiet, but they seemed to have found solace in that. Michael was thinking of how to break the silence and evade taking Whitley home. As much as he needed to, he didn’t really want to. He was actually beginning to like Whitley, in more ways than he could have imagined. 

It felt like he had been staring at the shifting water of the river below them forever now, most of his cigarette burnt up, but he took a few more hits before throwing it into the water and turning to face Whitley. He eyed him slowly before narrowing them, and exhaling the last bit of smoke. 

“What’s your angle?” Michael asked finally. 

“My angle? I don’t have an angle,” Whitley dragged on the remaining cigarette slowly and turned his head toward Michael. He gave a faint smile. Both his arms were propped up on the rail, using the free one to push his glasses up delicately. 

Michael’s face went plain, flicking the cigarette from Whitley’s hand and grabbing it so they’d face each other body to body. He looked up at him, and made clear that he was to be taken seriously. 

“What do you want from me? You’ve been dragging me around this city for weeks, I woke up in your apartment on the first night. You pretend like nothing happened, and,” Michael stopped, letting go of the man's arm. 

Finally his gaze broke away and he looked down and scratched at his neck nervously. Whitley’s index finger trailed the jawline of Michael’s face before stopping at his chin and lifting his head up. After the eye contact was reassured once more, both his hands pressed carefully but tightly on both Michael’s arms. 

“I want nothing more than to know you. Do you not remember the first night?” Whitley pouted as he noted the expression he was leaving on the other person's face. It came to realization, Michael *didn’t* know what happened. 

“I didn’t sleep with you,” he said softly. “After you showed me the rooftop of that place to watch the sun rise, we stopped to catch a bus. I wasn’t going to take you home, but you fell asleep at the bench and I didn’t know your address,” Whitley explained, and wanted to explain more. But he had stopped himself, worried that Michael might not believe him. “I didn’t want to leave you on the bench. It gets cold at night. And you have a pretty snore,” Whitley made light, and moved his hand to palm the side of Michael’s face lovingly. 

He watched as the man leaned into the touch, before pushing back and frowning. Michael didn’t know what to think, how to feel, he just needed space. Whitley’s hand clinged onto Michael’s wrist delicately, as an attempt to keep in distance. 

“Mia, if what you’re wanting is for me to confess my feelings, tell me. I like you, but I don’t want to rush that,” Whitley commented one last time, pulling his hand back as Michael threw his hand into his hair and shook his head. 

“I don’t know, Whitley. You don’t know me, I don’t know you. I need to think, please.” Michael whined, and shifted in stance. It was killing him. Whitley didn’t even know his real name, and Michael was just embracing the façade. 

“I want to know you,” he said softly, watching as his company began to leave. Whitley knew not to pursue, he’d give the man his time to think. If Michael wanted what Whitley was offering, they had already exchanged numbers, and Michael knew the spots he frequented. 

Writer's Notes:

(be nice this is my first time publicly posting my own writing when not roleplaying.) Michael is like one of my first ever ocs... so being able to share some writing I've had racked in my brain for him for 7+ years so exciting. I hope u guys enjoy sad gay shit as much as i do. 2/21/2023, 5:10am ~ Pyx <3

[pyx3l]

a court of thorns and roses by sarah j. maas

[pyx3l]

[pyx3l]

"I must be good for something"

Something to Believe In - Young the Giant

Sinners - Barns Courtney

The Cult of Dionysus - The Orion Experience

Siren - Kailee Morgue

Everybody Loves Me - One Republic

No Roots - Alice Merton

We Don't Believe What's On TV - Twenty One Pilots

Reaper Man - Mother Mother

Mama - My Chemical Romance

Sky Full of Song - Florence + The Machine

[pyx3l]

i bleed, and i ache