dxncingonmyown

[dxncingonmyown]

OPEN: Day 24, Evening, The Kitchen

"What the fuck has the last few days been?” Maddox asks out loud, to anyone that deigns to join his sanctuary in the kitchen. It seems like one of the few places where theatrics wouldn’t follow. “I can’t even keep up.” Of course, it might have more to do with his preoccupied nature. Far too busy practicing his tongue twisters to keep up with the latest and greatest. Oh well, time to come back up to form. “It was a mind blank, alright?” He defends, before it can come up. Everyone saw him pick the wrong girl during the challenge. “Both Jenny and Mimi are superb in bed.”

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graftisms​:

location :   day 24 / evening / fire pit / post-fight

featuring :   open

“ SO ARE WE JUST GOING TO NOT TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGE ANYMORE ? ”   since all parties of the fight have stormed off into their own corners, callie hopes it’s a little more light-hearted now to mention it.   “ because i thought it was actually pretty funny, most of it. how big do you think maddox’s pussy hall of fame is ? ”

-

"It’s an elite list. Like headliners at Coachella, or who wins the new King’s pudding competition.” Maddox answers, matter-of-fact and shameless. He’s laid low for the last few days, happy to put his tricks to use and let the new bombshells take the piss. But he’s back, sharp tongue and all. “Mate, I think you’re just jealous you aren’t on the hall of fame. Come on, you can admit it. I promise we’ll still be mates.”

[dxncingonmyown]

BEACH HUT: Day 21

the past few days have been pretty crazy. is there anything that really surprised you?

“I should say getting two lap dances in less than a week... But that’s most weeks for me.” He leans back, flashing that fuck-me-fuck-boy smile.

do you know who you want to pick in the recoupling/who you hope will pick you?

“I’ve got my list, but I’m checking it twice - Santa’s not the only one on the look out for who’s naughty.” At this point, he’s sure the producers realize he treats these confessionals as a joke - and a space for his dry humor and zingers. But they’re prying for an answer, so he gives them one. “Mimi and Jenny have my attention, and I’m sure I’ve got theirs. Can’t say the same for Naomi - but I’ll shoot my shot for as long as it takes to watch Canada Goose over there to go home.”

what conversations do you need to have before tonight?

"The Powerpuff girls are at the top of the list. Maybe I’ll get lucky with some sugar, spice, and everything nice.” Maddox’s in it for the sound bites, and the undoubtedly humorous YouTube compilation. “Nah, but for real. Maybe one of my mates, like Seb or Callie. Get some perspective on who else the girls are seriously grafting.”

which islanders do you think are in danger of being sent home?

“Mimi’s putting on her best stiff upper lip, but it’s obvious Jenny’s first pick has her wigged.” Maddox cants his head, a what-a-shame expression on his face. “And I can’t say I blame her. I think Jenny’s getting more sweetness from me than the maple syrup express over there.”

which person would devastate you the most if they left tonight? is there islander that you want to leave/wouldn’t mind if they were gone?

“I don’t need to tell you who I want to go home.” Maddox scoffs, crossing one leg over his knee. “But it would be a shame to see Mimi head home. We’ve definitely... Connected.” He winks at the camera, because if you know, you know. “And then, there’s Seb. Nice enough chap, but his shit disturbing might not do him any favors if Liam gets picked first. It would be a shame to lose my first friend in the villa.”

who do you think has the most solid connection?

“Naomi and Josh.” A pause, then a long laugh that has him curling over the chair.

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graftisms​:

“ MIMI AND I WERE TOGETHER FOR A DAY, ”   josh reminds him,   “ and i probably still care more about her than you do. but i won’t interfere in your relationships, because unlike some people, i have better things to do. i’m sure mimi will find someone new in a few days, anyway. that seems to be her thing. ”   and in this case, joshua will cheer her on with whatever new idiot comes in here and she sets her sights on. as long as it’s not maddox. josh shoots maddox a look made of ice.   “ we’re not on a break, we’re just exploring other relationships. and yeah, it is because of jenny, but naomi and i have talked about this. we’re on the same page. that’s what honesty is. ”   all the talk of honesty is starting to make him dizzy even just walking on the treadmill, but josh refuses to show that maddox that any part of him is wavering at his words. the comment about the recoupling does make him laugh though.   “ you think that, maybe, ”   josh remarks,   “ but i’ll be just fine at the re-coupling, thank you very much. i’ll be sure to dry my tears when you’re finally sent packing. ”   the next public vote, however, is another story.

-

"Says the bloke that came onto me not once, but twice, about my relationships.” Maddox answers with a derisive scoff, rolling his eyes at the hypocrisy of Josh’s holier-than-thou attitude. He clenches his jaw, annoyed at the thought. Maddox wasn’t in a place to demand loyalty from Mimi, but the notion of being permanently passed up? It was too much for his tender, English ego. “Right. And she took your honesty real well, I take it.” He has to laugh. What was the point of honesty if it fucked up your prospects anyways? Regardless, he’s grown tired of this back-and-forth. It’s clear they poison is out in the open, and there’s no love lost between them. But now, what’s said is said, and he’ll relish taking this outside barbed words and into the next recoupling. “Sure, mate. Whatever gets you to sleep at night.” He pauses, glancing at Josh’s treadmill, and makes a decisive tug at the red safety tag - letting the treadmill come to an abrupt stop. “See ya around.”

[dxncingonmyown]

typeonpaper​:

          when he says things like that, her whole body tightens, pulse thrumming in her ears with the kind of want that words can’t name.  “ right now ? in front of everyone ? ”  mimi asks, lower lip pouting out with that teasing look in her eye that he’s surely grown used to by now.  “ that’s so hot. ”  she’s struck once again with the urge to sack off the spanish omelette all together and have maddox for breakfast instead. for a moment, they’re both flustered, breath shallow and pupils strung out, and while she’s put out when he moves to the countertop  (  bratty is perhaps a more accurate term )  at least it gives her the space to think about anything other than the better uses his hands could be put to than chopping veg. swallowing thickly, mimi returns her attention to the food, cracks her eggs into the pan, avoiding any shell, patting her own back in an acknowledgement of her victory. 

          mimi’s sifting the first of his potatoes into the pan when his question lands, and it ripples up her spine like a lightning strike.  “ yeah.  pick me. ”  it’s stated as if it’s the obvious, and while outside the villa she might physically cringe at saying something so outwardly beggy, in here it’s basically a prerequisite to getting what you want. the fact that he’s even asking has her gut twisting with alarm bells, but then he says those magic words — am i the top of your list as well — and her face lights up like a christmas tree. cringe.  “ as well ? does that mean i’m the top of your list ? ”  she tries not to seem too thrilled. watching this back, she’ll surely be sickened by how much power over her she’s giving him right now.  “ you’re the top of my list, maddox,” she responds, diplomatically, stirring the pan before returning her attention to him, fingers pulling at the drawstring of his trunks to tug him closer.  “ i don’t think you need to worry about that. ”  but it isn’t the only variable in their situation. being each other’s first choice isn’t always enough.  “ we do need to talk about jenny, though…”  she starts, pulse quickening in her throat, and while she wishes they could breeze through the ease of their sexual chemistry without consequence, decisions are being made that could affect her place in the villa. her fingers tuck over the top of maddox’s waistband to trail the backs of her knuckles against his abdomen, hoping to soften the blow of what could be quite an uncomfortable conversation.  “ do you think jenny will pick you ? ”  she needs answers, but at the same time she’s careful not come across as clingy, god forgive.  “ and more importantly, do you want her to ?”

-

Pick me. Bold and brash and terrifyingly honest. It’s on brand for Mimi, or at least the Mimi he’s come to know during the last few days. Although he expects her to be frank, he doesn’t expect the school girl simpering energy that radiates from her. Not unlike a Disney Princess, her eyes are a twinkle and a girlish smile takes up her whole face. Was it a result of wanting to be picked first, or the natural afterglow of their ravenous fucking? He can’t imagine it’s because of some personal likeness - Mimi barely knows his last name. Nonetheless, he smiles back, warm and ego fluffed by her adoring eyes. Well, he could get used to this.

“You’re the top of my list.” Maddox confirms, two plates in hand from the cupboard and set beside the pan. It was an easy decision to come to, one made without Mimi’s signature pout or Jenny’s peach-perfect tits around to distract him. He and Mimi got on, in bed and outside of it. As it stood, she was the one to beat. He comes closer, the heat of her body radiating against his. At the very least, he’s got this part of the recoupling sorted. But she makes a good point, and Maddox can already see the gears turning in her head. Determined to do things different from the Prince Prick of all Pricks, he faces her question head on.

“I think I’d make Jenny’s list. But then again, so would you.” He says, charm laced to soften the unvarnished truth. “I’d enjoy getting to know her. I won’t deny that.” Maddox places a hand on Mimi’s shoulder, thumb resting along the pulse of her neck. “But if we’re ranking my priorities, you already know where you stand.” Chewing on the corner of his lip, he pivots. It’s his turn to ask the question.

“And what about Rhys? Are things truly done, or are we just bidding time till the finale?”

[dxncingonmyown]

graftisms​:

SO THEY’RE DOING THIS THEN, josh thinks, as soon as maddox stops his treadmill. josh follows suit, eyebrows raise expectantly in his direction. at least he takes satisfaction in not cracking first, although that’s all he can really celebrate. maddox’s words are a blow to his ego—not all of them, because the idea of a banker being better than a trainer makes his eyes nearly roll out of his head. but there’s some truth to it, too ;   he’s aware that maddox is his only real competition in the villa, chasing the same girls and somehow coming off likable enough for naomi and mimi to not see him as the prick he is. for a second josh wonders if the public likes maddox better than him. but what really cuts is that for a second, josh thinks about how naomi’s celebrity father would probably rather meet a guy like maddox dating his daughter instead of josh. josh isn’t exactly canadian white trash, from an upper middle class family that never taught him anything less than being comfortable, but maddox is british and apparently rich  ( he’s made it very clear )  and, let’s be real, even josh can see that he’s hot. 

the thought about naomi’s dad is quickly pushed out of his head, along with the reminder that josh doesn’t even like meeting parents. neither does naomi, which she’s made crystal clear.   “ jesus, and i’ve been told my ego is bad, ”   his eyes roll, starting up his treadmill again so he can continue walking. he’s trying to keep his anger and resentment inside him, even if his right hand at his side is curled into a fist.   “ first of all, it was a joke, but fine, we can ignore the fact that you’re trying to get with every girl that’s showed interest in me. second of all, you don’t shit about me, so don’t act like you do. maybe i like shagging girls after a night out, but that’s tame compared to some of the shit you probably do. if you’re so successful, why the fuck are you here ?  tired of snorting coke off the bathroom floor ? ”   or off some chick’s body part, he’d guess, but he’s not giving maddox anymore satisfaction in him saying something misogynistic.   “ maybe you’re hot shit, but i give it one week before the girls here start realizing that you’re just here to fuck around. at least naomi and i have an honest relationship. what, are you going to string mimi along for the recoupling until the next girl comes along ? ”   because no part of him believes that maddox and mimi are genuine. 

-

He isn’t particularly proud of fighting in the weeds with Josh, of all people. Sebastien might fancy an all out fight, but Maddox prefers to win on the scoreboard - and watch Josh as he does it. And for a long moment there, he revels in the power of it all. The same rush that comes with cutting a better deal than another investment banker, or one-upping a mate from boarding school. It’s only when Josh pinpoints a version of the truth, that his expression falters. It’s a vice, one that he’s put behind him after years on the bender. “Sure, let’s call that the long and short of it.” Maddox answers briefly, careful not to spend too much time on that comment to satisfy Josh. Instead, he pivots, focusing in on the only other real argument in his arsenal. His “healthy relationship.”

“Nah, mate. That was your game with Mimi. I don’t care much for repeating your fuck ups.” Helpful as it was to watch what not to do, he doesn’t think Josh deserves to hear that. “And better an honest bloke, than your hypocritical arse. You don’t think I can guess that part of your break has to do with making eyes at Jenny? How’s that for an honest relationship?” Maddox chuckles, rolling his eyes. “Honestly, though. Does it matter? We both know one of us is going home next coupling - and it isn’t going to be me.”

[dxncingonmyown]

blondcs​:

“oh yeah?” she purrs, rolling onto her side to face him, head propped up on one hand, the other pressed close to her body (for maximum cleavage.) “how would you know?” her eyes are locked on his, catching them dip from her face down to her body, a smirk already tugging at the corners of freshly-glossed lips. fucking finally. josh is always holding himself back, caught up with naomi, sure, but arguably more concerned with public perception to act on the desire that she’s positive is there. maddox, on the other hand, is single and shameless, a bit of jenny herself. “no, no, of course. just your school mates. you definitely don’t sound anything like a posh twat,” she condescends, voice slipping into her best london impression. it’s a decent imitation, though not nearly as sexy as his voice, deep and smooth as velvet leading her mind to wondering if he moans with an accent too. she strategically adjusts her bikini top then, tugging and fluffing as she draws her bottom lip between her teeth before returning his gaze far too innocently to be believable. “i would never break a heart and tell. what kind of girl do you think i am? ”   

-

Frankly, he’s forgotten what double-entendre they’re dancing around. How could he keep up when Jenny’s peach-perfect tits were one shuffle away from full display? It’s the sort of visceral experience that would be better off-camera and without the politics of the show itself. But they’re on display, and too much alike to not engage with this dance at some point. It’s just a matter of when, and Maddox relaxes back onto the recliner. “That’s quite good, love. There may be a Brit in you after all.” That Brit being Maddox, but he keeps the lewd commentary until the sun’s down - at least for now. “This is almost a good a show as last night’s. A little tame for you, though?” He negs her, smirking haughtily down at her cleavage. Jenny knew she had his attention, but he wasn’t going to come off as some desperate fuck. “The kind of girl that can make these devoted heads turn. Someone like me.” And he sees that, in how alike they are. Though Jenny appears to have more success in turning Josh, than he does with Naomi.

[dxncingonmyown]

typeonpaper​:

          eyes narrowed, she lets her gaze roll over him with suspicion.  “ throw out the list ? ”  mimi responds, sceptical yet amused.  “ and stake all my chips on you ? ”  she can see them now at the blackjack table ;  mimi in an evening gown, elbow length gloves and a cigarette holder taut between her lips (  mexican breakfast at tiffany’s ), maddox in a suit and tie, maroon velvet, cufflinks that cost more than her monthly rent, a smoking cigar wobbling in his mouth as he declares himself all in. in another life, perhaps that would be where they met, though mimi was only ever the shot girl when she worked the casino circuit, filling up the drinks to loosen the pockets. their closeness isn’t foreign, but his words prompt a quicken in her blood, a sinking of her teeth into her lower lip. still, her response is coy, feigning innocence in the hope that he’ll enlighten her.  “ flipping pancakes ? ”  she asks, curling a lock of hair around her finger, dark eyes tempting him to show her. he decides ( wisely ) to redirect her attention to breakfast, which is probably for the best. she’s already set a pan on fire in week one, ignoring the stove in favour of kissing luke.  their time in here is limited, but not so limited as to warrant accidental arson.  “ okay, so…” moving  back in front of the stove, her hand snaps around maddox’s waistband to pull him up behind her.  “ i’m making it the spanish style because it’s more filling. kinda like a cross between an omelette and a frittata, so there’s still egg, but potato’s also pretty major. hence—” she gestures to the stack of peeled potatoes on the chopping board.  sliding the pan back onto the heat, mimi drizzles in the oil and it licks at the heat with a sizzle. “ the potatoes need slicing, the eggs need cracking, the tunes need queueing, so pick a task, hot stuff. ”  

-

"You could make worse bets.” A self-deprecating edge to his voice, but he knows it’s true. He’s watched enough of the show, witnessed enough around that goddamn fire pit, and listened to enough commentary to get the gist of Mimi’s options. With Luke out of the way, that leaves the will-they-won’t-they Rhys or dull-as-dishwater Josh. And barring an erotic but unlikely coupling with Naomi or Jenny, that leaves him as the best of bets. But logic isn’t the way to winning. This was Love Island, after all. And Maddox is confident enough to think he’s got the charms to level things to his favor.

“Oh, I’ll flip something else on this counter alright.” He says, tongue heavy in his mouth at the visual. Her fuck me eyes were like hooks to the soul, and he can feel himself sinking deeper into desire. Turning back to the task at hand, he lets out a hot breath, shaking off the heat. With a thorough nod, Maddox picks the potatoes. It’s probably the only task he’s actually capable of, thanks to the lovely nanny that forced him through basics of kitchen prep. He’s halfway through the work when he clears his throat, less sex in his eyes and more strategy. “Any tips for my first recoupling?” Maddox sparks the conversation, leaning against the counter. “Seems like it’s gonna be a tricky one.” And because subtlety can’t be helped, he asks her straight on; “Am I the top of your list for the recoupling as well?”

[dxncingonmyown]

graftisms​:

HIS SKIN CRAWLS AT THE FAMILIARITY maddox speaks of naomi, though to his credit, he doesn’t let it show. josh went into the conversation knowing that’s exactly the reaction maddox would want out of him, so he’s determined to not let it show.   “ yeah, i’m not too worried about what’s gonna happen, ”   he lies.   “ things move so quickly here, or so they say. ”   so he’s tired of hearing. eyebrows raise at how he talks about mimi, and josh feels a surge of protectiveness over her, too. maybe he just doesn’t want to see maddox with anyone. at least, nobody he cares about.   “ are you guys on the same page about that ? ”   he asks.   “ i’m assuming you’re gonna talk to jenny too, since you seem to have a thing for my seconds. ”   it’s said as a joke, but josh hopes it stings a little.

-

There’s an ease to the way Josh talks, that is either genuine or full of shit. And though Maddox is convinced it’s the latter, the former is much more dangerous. A level-headed Josh might present some very real competition. Maddox may have turned the girls heads, but they locked onto him first. But that concern is gone when Josh talks about his seconds. Look who’s under who’s skin now. Maddox presses stop on the treadmill, coming to a stop to look at Josh head on. “Or maybe the girls just know a better option when they see one.” No point footing around the confrontation. “I mean, come on mate,” Maddox laughs condescendingly. “You’re a trainer. I’m a banker. You’re Supreme. I’m Gucci. Some girls might shag you after club night, but believe me, they inevitably end up with guys like me.” Rich, educated, posh, and a bit of a prick. “Especially when you do yourself no favors and call them your seconds.”

[dxncingonmyown]

LUCIEN LAVISCOUNT Netflix — Justin Wu (2021)

[dxncingonmyown]

typeonpaper​:

        “ you’re always the first on my list.”  mimi turns her body towards him, deciding to give him something to work with — you give men an inch and they’ll take a mile. playing hard to get is fun, but in a place like this, it’s dangerous. doing it this way around, the sex first and then the getting to know you, isn’t something mimi’s used to. usually, she needs to know a guy’s blood type, natal chart and mother’s maiden name before she lets him see her naked, but maybe it’s better to get the sex part out the way, establish the physical connection’s there before trying for something more. otherwise, you can pin all your hopes on someone just to find out they’re shit in bed, and she’s certainly established that’s not the case with maddox. even looking at him makes her kind of hot. “ whipping up a chorizo and spinach omelette, just a lil’ somethin’ somethin’—”   she says, sliding the pan off the heat for a second  ( she’s made that mistake before )  before crossing to loop her arms around maddox’s waist. “ and i’d be offended if you didn’t. ”   her hand roams over his chest, mimi smiling up at him. “ wanna be my sous chef ?  bet you’d love to let me boss you about. ” 

-

"Maybe one day you can toss out the list entirely.” It’s neither a promise or a concrete commitment. God knows he wasn’t going to follow in Josh Vargas’ mediocre footsteps and pretend to be loyal, just to realize it was a crock of shit. But Mimi throws him a line, and Maddox offers the only thing a half-decent man can in this show - hope. Maddox rests easy, certain comfort in having her arms around his waist. After those heated sessions, moves like these feel easier. Less of the immediate tension that comes with thinking of when, not if, he would get a girl naked. Maybe there’s a genius to fucking first, talking second. “All the best breakfasts are hot and shared.” And indulged in naked and in bed. His hands rest over her soft arms, an indulgent roll of the eyes. “That would be a nice change of pace from me bossing you around, huh? Though I can probably find better use for that spatula than flipping eggs.” Innuendo dances in his eyes, and he’s already got the mental image of Mimi naked in the kitchen to muck around with. But he pops his lips, deciding to relent (for now) and focus on talking. “Right,” he presses a playful knuckle gently on her jaw. “Show me how it’s done.”

[dxncingonmyown]

blondcs​:

“damn, all that from a lap dance? imagine what else i’m capable of.” her eyes slink over to his, a cheeky wag of her eyebrows over an easy smile that dissolves into a laugh. “i asked you first,” comes her immediate retort, though she relents just as fast. “yeah, no it was such a fun night. i love that everyone kind of let loose. like, we’re young, we’re hot. why the fuck not.” she shrugs irreverently, not quite trusting herself to think back over the festivities without giving something away in her expression. not that there’s any face she could pull that would immediately evoke ‘i made out with josh for a sec,’ but she’s cautious anyway. “no way you just said ‘in a tizzy’ like, genuinely. there’s no way.” 

-

"Oh, I do. You’re already a fan favorite.” He licks his lips, intrigue written in the irises of his eyes. Not since Mimi has a girl shown as much sexual openness, and it’s the exact experience Maddox wanted from the show itself. “It was fun disturbing this lovey-dovey shit.” Maddox relents, unvarnished honesty paving the way into their conversation. Jenny was a bombshell, just like him. One that’s already caused a rupture in the complacency of things. Who else could he talk to about these things? Sebastien? “I came here for nights like that, not all the tears and drama after.” He stares at Jenny, eyes darting between her lips and her curves. In many ways, he came here for girls like her. “What?” He laughs. “My school mates talked like posh twats.” As did he, but he at least did it with style. “So no broken hearts?” He asks again, this time with a mischievous furrow of the brow. “You can tell me, and I’ll dish about the few I left along the way.”

[dxncingonmyown]

graftisms​:

THERE IT IS. josh was fucking waiting for it—the comment about naomi. as if he hadn’t seen them talking earlier in the day. he feels a wave of victory wash over him. josh doesn’t doubt for a second that maddox is genuine, but at least they both have that in common.   “ yeah, i mean… i’m sure naomi told you everything, ”   he says, grimacing a little.   “ i think some distance between us might be good. she’s a great girl, but we’ve been together here since the beginning. it’s only a matter of time before we were going to be tested. ”   talking to maddox about naomi brings him back to conversations with his friends about the many girl’s he dated. it’s usually easy to leave emotion out of it, because there usually isn’t any. him and naomi are another story, especially maddox’s part in all of it, but he’s not going to let maddox thinks he’s rattled by him.   “ how are things with you and mimi going ? ”   he looks over at him.   “ have you been sleeping together outside since luke’s gone ? ”   maddox sure has a way to jump in a man’s grave, while the dirt is still warm.

-

"Its been tough on her.” Maddox answers obtusely, as if he’s privy to every emotion and whim of Josh’s not-girl. Truth is, he’s only ever been a catalyst for their back-and-forth. Some copy-and-paste hottie road block in what would otherwise be some cute RomCom. Except this was a reality show, not a fucking Hallmark movie. A real competitor had a real shot, so long as they were willing to play - and he was game. Admittedly, the ease in which Josh rolls it off his back annoys him. What happened to the love sick fool? In came the fuck boy that the pilot promised, and suddenly Maddox feels a rush of competition through his bloodstream. “I suppose that’s the consequence of laying down your chips before you’re ready to call.” An allegory for Josh being quick to monopolize, only to wander. The poker reference is just a happy accident. Maybe he’ll propose that for the next game night. “She’s a good time. Unpredictable and yet surprisingly sensitive.” He answers after careful thought, balancing being a gentleman and not sound like some whipped tool - he wasn’t Josh, after all. He could explore his options without causing some uproar in the villa. “But it’s been a one night thing for now. Lots of options to explore, and no use in locking something down just to muck it up later on.”

[dxncingonmyown]

graftisms​:

HANDS RAISE IN DEFENSE, moving to hop on the treadmill next to his.   “ i’m just here to work out, ”   he says, though it’s a lie and they both know it. he only allows a brief silence between them before adding,   “ and maybe i wanted to clear the air about last night. a cease fire, ”   josh adds.   “ i know we haven’t gotten off on the best foot, but i really don’t have anything against you. it just wasn’t fun seeing you and naomi, obviously. ”   he pauses, wondering if maddox knows about his conversation with naomi earlier. everything he’s saying is complete bullshit—he very much has something against maddox, thank you very much—but josh is tired of feeling like he has enemies here. if naomi wasn’t in the equation, maybe they could’ve gotten along. maybe they still can… to an extent.

-

Working out? Is that what Josh calls his pitiful rep to set ratio? For a professional trainer, he may as well be some Instagram fitness influencer. And right, maybe it’s harsh - but Josh has managed to pick at every one of his nerves since getting here. “Oh yeah?” Maddox asks, keeping purposefully quiet as he listens to the point of all this. “I appreciate that, mate.” He answers diplomatically, as if he’s actually mulling any sort of cease fire. Not when Josh was already losing, and scrambling for an offense. “Shame to hear about you and Naomi.” He adds after a beat. “You holding up alright mate? Must be rough.” He bites back a smirk, feigning concern.

[dxncingonmyown]

The Gym, Day 20, Evening with @graftisms​

Not this fucker again, Maddox mutters just under his breath. One leg pounding after the other on the treadmill, moving in synchronicity. What he wouldn’t give to be on the beach instead. Enough running distance to get away from Josh, and that look on his face between self-aggrandizing and a wounded lion with a prick in his paw. Then again, his lips curve into a smirk, what did he have to dread? He was all but winning, when stacked up against Josh. His lock of Naomi was precocious at best, Mimi’s head turns any which way but his, and Jenny would undoubtedly eat his vanilla ass alive. Maddox catches Josh’s eye from the window, and speaks up first. “Don’t tell me we’re doing this again?” These pissing contests were getting old, even for Maddox.

[dxncingonmyown]

heatwayve​:

– “FINE,” SHE SAYS WITH A SIDEWAYS GLANCE, smile slightly betraying her. “ and thank you – for being so cool about how it went down. it had nothing to do with you, josh and i were just having a … weird night. ” there’s a slight grimace, but no point in denying that fact – everyone either knows it or they will know it within the next few hours. “ yes, it would be shitty of you, ” naomi acknowledges, expression open-mouthed but completely amused at how blunt he is about it. she meets his eyes dead-on, pressing her lips together in a smile as she leans in : “ though now you’ve got to say why. ” eyebrows arch indicatively. truthfully, naomi’s not really interested in getting involved with someone that both mimi and jenny seem to be into – but he’s the one guy in the villa that seems to piss josh off the most, which has made him much more attractive than before. she’s vindictive, she can’t help it. “ i’m sure you enjoyed that, ” she comments with a tiny smirk. maddox is really ready to share all of his red flags unprompted, huh ? naomi finds him so funny. “ yeah, her and rhys seem to have some serious unfinished business. the kind of exes that should not be in this close proximity all the time – i wouldn’t want to be anywhere near it either. ” 

-

"First time for everything... On the telly, anyways.” Sure, he’s been privy to the occasional drunken revenge kiss at the pub, or at the club. But it’s the first time he’s had it play out for all the world to see. He furrows his brow, almost surprised by the question. Either her time with Josh has influenced her IQ to drop, or their little romance was so blinding she’d forgotten the whole nature of the show. “Well, there’s the obvious selfish answer - I thought we’d get on since day one, and you being open means I get a shot.” No point in playing coy. “And then there’s the whole rarity of this opportunity. How many times are you gonna be on island where you get a chance to explore all your options?” Of course, Naomi could claim it was ‘true love’ and debunk both. But if that were the truth, she and Josh wouldn’t be exploring other options, would they? He runs his hand along his knee, thinking on her words. Unfinished business is always a mess, and the one folly of hers is that her sort-of-ex is the Prince Prick of all Pricks. “Do you think of yourself and Josh in the same way? Exes in close proximity, with unfinished business?”

[dxncingonmyown]

typeonpaper​:

        for a moment, her eyes snap across at him, trying to figure out if he’s joking.  “ i’m always up early, ” mimi responds, as if it’s common knowledge. lie-ins aren’t really her thing. ambition and lethargy don’t exactly go hand-in-hand. “ i’ve got grafting to do, ” she adds, making light of the scenario — but it serves a double purpose. she still doesn’t know what maddox wants from this. should she be grafting other people ?  is he ?     “ uh… i’m not really a cereal gal…”  mimi hesitates, feeling like a bitch for turning down the offer of some bog standard bran flakes, but then again, she’s not in the business of changing herself for a man.  “ i like a fancy breakfast, truth be told. granola with fresh fruit, french crepes, smoked salmon on toast…”  she’s already started work on a chorizo and spinach omlette. flashing him a smirk, she adds, “ bet you’ve got staff to make your breakfast. ”  fucking posh boy.  it’d be so much easier to hate his privilege if he was ugly.

-

There’s a half-apologetic smirk that comes across his face. They’ve had their fun, but little in the way of conversation about morning habits or Christmas traditions. A reality that seems top of mind for Mimi this morning, her cheek about grafting prompting a thoughtful glance. “Am I first on today’s list?” Maddox answers with equal lightness. This isn’t his first rodeo balancing a want for more, with a need for time. “Neither am I.” He admits, glancing pitifully down at his cereal. It comes as no surprise - Mimi always struck him as a woman who enjoyed finer things. “And is that what you’re making?” Truly, he’s clueless - all he sees are eggs, and eggs can be about anything. “Nah,” he waves off, leaning against the counter as she worked. “My assistant just has my breakfast waiting at the office.” It’s mocking his own privilege, because anything else is insufferable. “Any chance I can endear myself into some of that?”