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[gcld-rushes]

               ・ ✦ ・ 𝐆𝐂𝐋𝐃-𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 / * ( closed starter )

𝐅𝐎𝐑: @jcdedmemories

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: March 25

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: Prospect Park, Brooklyn ( 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐈 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍)

The vibrant hues of Holi painted Prospect Park in a kaleidoscope of colors as families and friends gathered to celebrate the joyous festival. Colson, immersed in the lively atmosphere, couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the festivities, he could smell the food from nearby stalls calling his name- he loved a good samosa. Children darted around, their faces adorned with splashes of vibrant hues, their laughter echoing through the park, and continued douse each other with brightly colored powders known as gulal. Music filled the air, adding to the festive ambiance and encouraging attendees to dance and revel in the joyous atmosphere

Spotting a stranger nearby, Colson couldn't resist striking up a conversation, "Isn't it breathtaking?" he remarked, gesturing towards the kaleidoscope of colors enveloping the park. "Are you planning to head to Club 51 later for the Holi party?" he inquired, his voice laced with anticipation. "I know I shouldn't- class and all, but it's nice to think about."

[gcld-rushes]

                  ・ ✦ ・ 𝐆𝐂𝐋𝐃-𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 / * ( closed starter )

𝐅𝐎𝐑: @somethingexquisite

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: March 31

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens ( 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐆𝐆 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓)

Taking in the bustling scene unfolding around him, Onyx found himself enchanted by the lively atmosphere of families and children eagerly preparing for the egg hunt. There were so many baskets in children's hands, and even more eggs lain on the ground. He couldn't help but marvel at the palpable excitement emanating from the youngsters, their eyes alight with anticipation as they eagerly awaited the commencement of the hunt.

Drawing closer to a nearby parent, he felt compelled to remark on the contagious enthusiasm of the children. "It's been quite some time since I've partaken in an Easter egg hunt," he confessed with a soft chuckle, his voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness– definitely an event coordinated by his father. Onyx's mother had a propensity pointing out where Christian holidays borrowed from Paganism, which henceforth muddled his opinions on the matters. "But seeing them so excited is oddly refreshing."

[gcld-rushes]

                  ・ ✦ ・ 𝐆𝐂𝐋𝐃-𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 / * ( closed starter )

𝐅𝐎𝐑: @amanda-henderson

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: March 19

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: Bronx River, the Bronx ( 𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 )

As the initial beams of spring sunlight wove their way across the Bronx River, Colson found himself immersed up to his knees in its waters, actively participating as a volunteer for the annual spring cleaning event orchestrated by the Bronx River Association. Protecting his ankles from the cold seep of water were well-worn boots, poised for donation to the local Goodwill. Equipped with tools for collecting trash and sturdy gloves, he navigated through the tranquil flow, meticulously combing the riverbed for any refuse tarnishing its innate splendor.

Amidst the chaos of discarded plastic bottles and wrappers, a glimmer of metal snagged Colson's attention—an enigmatic discovery concealed among the river rocks. Enthralled by curiosity, he bent down and retrieved the object, scrutinizing it with keen interest. Turning to a nearby fellow volunteer, he showcased the find—a weathered pocket watch, its intricate mechanisms seemingly suspended in time. "Hey, take a look at this," Colson exclaimed, signaling for the other person to approach. "Any guesses how old this might be?" he inquired, a glint of fascination illuminating his gaze.

[gcld-rushes]

                  ・ ✦ ・ 𝐆𝐂𝐋𝐃-𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 / * ( closed starter )

𝐅𝐎𝐑: @caddel

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: March 16

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: Midtown Manhattan ( 𝐒𝐭. 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤'𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 )

The streets bustled with eager spectators, their anticipation palpable as they adorned themselves with vibrant splashes of green, honoring Irish heritage in full regalia. Amidst this spirited throng, Colson found himself enveloped, the resonant melodies of Irish tunes serenading the air while clusters of celebrants spontaneously erupted into song and dance. The mingling scents of traditional Irish cuisine and freshly poured pints of verdant beer infused the atmosphere with an intoxicating allure, heightening the festive ambiance.

Catching sight of a stranger nearby, Colson felt compelled to engage, drawn by the shared enthusiasm for the parade. "Quite the turnout this year," he remarked with a congenial nod, gesturing towards the lively procession parading down the bustling streets. "Decided to join in the festivities, this year. Though I'm facing a dilemma myself— which of these green beers do you think tastes the best?"

[gcld-rushes]

Colson stood a few paces back in the line, patiently awaiting his turn at the supermarket checkout. Under his arm rested the quick TV Dinners destined for his microwave, while he multitasked, addressing a couple of work emails on his phone. Signing them off in his usual quirky and unserious manner - "Sent from iPhone" - he continued his vigil, unrushed and composed.

His observant eye caught sight of the young woman ahead of him, her demeanor betraying a hint of fluster as she nervously toyed with the hem of her hoodie. Despite his own engagement, Colson remained attuned to the world around him, recognizing the telltale signs of stress and uncertainty etched onto her features. As she engaged with the cashier, a subtle empathy tugged at Colson's heartstrings, recognizing the weight of responsibility she bore and the challenges of navigating unfamiliar terrain.

When she reluctantly began to remove items from her purchase, Colson felt a surge of compassion. "Hold on," he interjected gently, refusing to let her relinquish necessities. "Those are essential; we can't do without them." With a warm smile, he stepped forward, addressing the cashier with quiet determination. "Please, allow me to cover the cost of these," he requested, gesturing towards the set-aside items. His expression conveyed not just empathy but a shared understanding and support, offering a lifeline of assistance in a moment of need. "Or perhaps there's a coupon we can utilize?" he suggested, seeking to alleviate the financial burden without hesitation.

where: any grocery store status: open @bhqextras [ 0 / 4 ]

—life hasn’t been easy lately; the only good thing that has happened to her in the last couple of weeks is that she found a job relatively easily after arriving in New York, as well as a somewhat decent apartment in a quiet neighborhood somewhere in Queens. it is nothing like she is used to; nothing is anymore, but it was the best decision she could make for herself and her two-year old. she is currently waiting for her turn at a supermarket line, and thankfully there is a person or two behind her because something is telling her she got distracted responding to her daughter’s queries and forgot to add up her things to make sure she had enough for everything. nervously fiddling with the hem of her hoodie, she shushed the toddler, gently, as the cashier started ringing up her stuff. had she not left everything overnight to move to New York, her husband would be paying for everything and she wouldn’t have to worry herself now. in the past few weeks she had been forced to do things she was scared of doing on her own, always depended on him for everything.

when the cashier told her the total sum, Leia ran a hand over her face. damn it. she knew it, she knew she had messed up. “I am sorry,” she said to the person behind her, taking in a quiet breath —how humiliating. she had recently paid rent and electricity, she was short on money, and frankly was struggling to make ends meet. had things been different, she wouldn’t have to be in this position now, but she made her choice. “can you please take these out?” she sheepishly told the cashier, pushing the pack of diapers towards her; she would have to save up her tips and come back for these in a couple of days.

[gcld-rushes]

Navigating through the maze of tables, Onyx spotted Abi engrossed in her phone, a common sight in the digital age. As an influencer himself, he understood both the allure and the dangers of social media, recognizing its potential for both connection and isolation. "Doom scrolling? Oh no…" he remarked with a sympathetic shake of his head, pulling up a chair beside her.

Leaning in slightly, he peered over Abigail's shoulder, curiosity piqued. "Anything interesting, Abi?" he inquired, the soft glow of her screen casting a faint illumination on his features. Despite the allure of the digital world, Onyx remained grounded in the present moment, content to wait with Abi until the other owners of the table arrived.

Puzzles | Open @bhqextras

She had arrived there early to secure a table for her friends. She knew the three of them would be running late and she was the only one who could fairly get there on time. So Abigail ordered herself a drink and waited at the table for her friends to join her. She was scrolling through her phone on Tiktok when someone walked up to her. She looked up at them and smiled, "Hey, there."

[gcld-rushes]

                ・ ✦ ・ 𝐆𝐂𝐋𝐃-𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 / * ( closed starter )

𝐅𝐎𝐑: @cuzimmortal

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: March 14

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: The Diner, The Bronx ( 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐈 𝐃𝐀𝐘 )

The buzz around Pi Day had reached even the quaint Diner in Manhattan. For a brief, quirky celebration, all pies were priced at $3.14, a nod to the mathematical constant. Onyx, ever curious, had dared to inquire about the connection between pies and mathematical constants, only to be met with the threat of a spatula from the owner. The encounter had left him with a mix of amusement and a newfound respect for the proprietor's dedication to their eccentric pricing strategy.

As he enjoyed his discounted slice of pie, Onyx couldn't help but notice a newcomer entering the diner. A sly grin curved his lips as he decided to share a piece of advice, born from his recent spatula-induced wisdom. "Hey, newcomer, a word of caution," he began, a playful glint in his chartreuse eyes. "Don't try discussing math with the owner. I asked about the pi thing earlier, and let's just say, I've never heard of that being used as a murder weapon before." He chuckled, taking another bite of his pie, the lighthearted atmosphere of the diner adding a touch of humor to the warning.

[gcld-rushes]

                ・ ✦ ・ 𝐆𝐂𝐋𝐃-𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 / * ( closed starter )

𝐅𝐎𝐑: @sweetnxthngs

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: March 6

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: Freshly Churned, Staten Island ( 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐒 )

Colson hadn't been one to frequently venture into Staten Island, but when the allure of unique and free ice cream flavors called, even the boroughs became less formidable. The news of Freshly Churned unveiling special editions for National Oreo Cookie Day and National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day was the magnetic force pulling him across the water.

He approached the counter with a lighthearted grin, ready to savor the unique flavors and perhaps discover a new favorite. The unfamiliar setting didn't seem to faze him; instead, he seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the delightful prospect of celebrating these quirky national days with frozen delights. Turning to another Free Scoop-goer he asks, "So, this is pretty genius isn't it? Offer free scoops and then you sell even more ice cream than you give out."

[gcld-rushes]

                  ・ ✦ ・ 𝐆𝐂𝐋𝐃-𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 / * ( closed starter )

𝐅𝐎𝐑: @bjorkn

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: March 3

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: The Corner Pub, Brooklyn ( 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍'𝐒 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐀 )

When it came to women's history, he knew he could be an asset for the niche parts of science trivia - he loved to talk about microbiologist Dr. Elara Jensen, a woman whose groundbreaking work had often been overshadowed by more well-known figures. He adored Rosalind Franklin renowned for her work in X-ray diffraction and the discovery of the DNA double helix structure. Even Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, was a rock star in his eyes.

The air buzzed with anticipation, and the cozy atmosphere of the pub provided the perfect backdrop for an evening dedicated to honoring the unsung heroines who had shaped the course of history. The stage was set for a night of celebration, education, and camaraderie as the trivia questions unfolded, revealing the inspiring tales of resilient women who had left an indelible mark on the world. He turns to his partner with a grin on his face, "You ready to win?"

[gcld-rushes]

A genuine smile graces Onyx's lips in response to Dahey's reassuring words about gazing at the sky—an uncomplicated yet effective means of alleviating any potential concerns the stranger might harbor, whether in comfort or discomfort. He receives the words with an open friendliness, finding no offense in them, though he remains true to his nature, not one to engage in light banter or casual small talk. "True," he snickers to himself, acknowledging the simplicity and accuracy of the observation.

The eye roll prompted by the mention of Gemini introduces a personal touch, piquing Onyx's curiosity. "Not a fan of the zodiac?" He wonders about the story behind Dahey's reaction, sensing that there might be deeper sentiments tied to the mention of the twin constellation. Geminis, by their nature, often exhibit a tendency to turn a deaf ear to the celestial influences shaping their personalities.

As Dahey shifts the conversation toward Orion and its distinctive belt, Onyx's eyes trace the invisible lines connecting stars. The mention of three stars in a row garners a nod from him. "Yeah, I suppose I can..." He squints, directing his gaze to the spot he believes to be the celestial formation.

Offering an obvious, albeit snarky, response was a great metric for how long Dahey would stay in this conversation. Their kind of people would enjoy it or at least roll with it. Others would find themselves offended and Dahey would know this wasn't their crowd. This stranger furthered it and Dahey knew they'd be okay. "Don't worry, you've got an expert here to help now." To point out the obvious was the implied part of the joke though Dahey was too happy to have that be a true statement.

"I don't think you can, mate. You're looking at the sky so you're doing alright." This time the joke was meant to reassure. Perhaps the other was overthinking but they could be doing worse.

Dahey rolled their eyes when Gemini was what the other wanted to spot. Not for the constellation or being asked to find it but because Dahey was a twin and that came with a lot of feelings. "It's not the easiest but it's doable. Do you know how to find Orion? Or the belt of Orion at least? Three stars in a row..." Dahey trailed off a little as they tried to find something they recognized and could go off of.

[gcld-rushes]

In the midst of the conversation, Colson Kim assumed an attentive posture. The subtle lines etched on his forehead softened as he absorbed the nuances of the conversation, and a faint, understanding smile played on his lips. "Trying is half the battle, they say," he replied, his tone holding a mix of empathy and encouragement. "Success can be elusive, but the effort itself holds its own merit." Colson's words attempted to imbue a certain wisdom, hinting at a journey. "If it means anything, and it probably doesn't since we've just met, but I'm proud of your efforts."

"The grass is never greener." There was nothing that Oliver could agree with more. He may have grown up with it, but he knew how good things weren't most of the time. It was a fairytale that people enjoyed looking in on, wishing that they had, no real understanding of how things actually were. It was difficult to explain to others, but he tried and would keep on trying. He wanted it known that living that way wasn't always perfect and, in fact, it very rarely was. "You're right, that's kind of what I've been trying to do for a long time," he chuckled. "No idea if I'm succeeding, but at least I'm trying, right?" It seemed the ice skating was forgotten about now and that was something that Oli was extremely grateful for.

[gcld-rushes]

"Indeed," he responded with a nod, the weariness of navigating the snow-laden Manhattan streets evident in his demeanor. A sympathetic smile graced his features. "The storm did quite a number on the power lines," Colson continued, casually flicking away a few lingering snowflakes from his coat. "Some areas are grappling with outages," he remarked with a wry chuckle, his tone carrying a touch of resigned amusement as they both navigated the less-than-ideal conditions together. "Is it stupid of me to say, I'm braving it?" He wrinkles his nose at himself.

"You would think I'd be used to having been here all of my life, but apparently not." Perhaps the brief couple of years living in London had caused them to forget a lot, maybe it had given them a false sense of security of sorts, so used to this kind of weather clearing up pretty rapidly. Not that this happened in New York all that often, but certainly more frequently than it did in London. A shake of their head followed, and then they laughed. "You heading back home or are you braving it out here?" they queried.

[gcld-rushes]

Colson's response unfolded with a tight grin, and a tiny heat under his cheeks. Dahey had him there. "I guess...," he mused, feigning a solemn nod. "I mean I've been known to turn a soiree into a symposium, you know." He lies through his teeth- having missed a couple of invitations, or rather, never receiving them in the first place from other professors' dinner parties. He indeed wasn't fun at parties."I can be a crowd-pleaser when I want to be. It's all about the subtle charm."

Dahey's sarcasm, delivered with a flair for the dramatic, was met with a pained expression from Colson. "Indeed, it's a heavy burden to carry, the lack of Nobel laureates in comparison to other institutions," he replied, his tone echoing the theatrics. "Right, because movies are more important than say... cancer research." He rolls his eyes. "Hard to compete when the scientists over at Max Plank are directly developing medications, such as Herceptin and Sutent to benefit cancer patients worldwide." He shrugs, "But you know, computer science is cool too."

Dahey continued with the bored confusion as the wikipedia page was read off. Shaking their head, it didn't ring any bells. Of course, it did. This was a place they wanted to work at, they deserved to work at, but that wasn't fun. Dahey would argue the color of a stop sign whilst standing under one. "You must be fun at parties." Was all they offered in return. Trying hard not to enjoy their own words.

"Shame no one of importance has come from that embarrassingly ordinary school. Stephen Hawking and Alan Turing never did anything worth talking about, studying, or making movies about. Might as well be talking about Manhattan Community College." As Dahey acted like they were let down by this realization, the sarcasm was as hidden as the smile on their face. They lived for this sort of stuff and could stand here all day in this ridiculous battle.

[gcld-rushes]

He responded with a sagacious nod. "Some might argue that the bitterness of cup of coffee possesses a certain acquired taste, but in my view, those individuals might be slightly eccentric." Taking a sip from his mug, he savored the robust flavor accompanying each mouthful. Cradling the steaming cup in his hands, he allowed the warmth to permeate the ceramic and seep into his fingertips, prioritizing the beverage hot over cold. "Let's not even broach the topic of iced coffee. Ice cubes diluting the drink further? A resounding no from me."

Meeting her gaze as she turned toward him, he acknowledged the recognition. Teaching at the university brought both highs and lows, yet Colson, the seasoned educator, nurtured a sincere fondness for certain students. He admired the quiet yet intelligent ones, held in high regard the biochemists, and relished the challenge presented by sharp minds. Recognizing that not all students could be reached, especially those disinterested in learning, he reserved his wisdom for those genuinely intrigued by the subject matter. He championed his fellow biology nerds where he could, and remembers faces easily. "Your memory serves you well," Colson remarked with a subtle smile. "Colson Kim, indeed. I do recall Biostatistics. How's the new semester treating you?"

the corners of her mouth twitch upwards when she hears someone agreeing with her, but her face doesn't quite form a smile. it's not very often that logan voices her opinion in public and most of the time she feels like hers is probably unpopular, so it's nice to hear someone shares her view. "coffee with cream." she returns, pointing to the drink in her hand, which she just picked up. "i mean sure, it's kinda bitter, but isn't that the whole point? if i wanted something sweet i'd get an energy drink or something."

she turns to the person who acknowledged her and realizes that she recognizes them, she's seen them on campus before. "and you're...don't tell me." her eyebrows pinch together as she thinks for a second, trying to recall who they are from her memory. the lightbulb moment of her remembering is clearly written across her face, a pleased expression spanning across her features. "colson. colson kim. i had you for biostatistics last semester."

[gcld-rushes]

The corners of Onyx's lips twitch upward, mirroring the warmth in his chartreuse eyes. "Columnist girl suits you," he remarks with a soft chuckle, finding a certain charm in the moniker. As she further delves into the details of her work, Onyx's intrigue deepens, appreciating her commitment to tackling substantial issues in the city, steering clear of the superficial and often sensationalized gossip. ".Gossip," he begins, his voice carrying a measured tone, "it's like a noisy stream that never dries up, always flowing, sometimes murky, rarely revealing the depth beneath the surface." His chartreuse eyes reflect a blend of introspection and a touch of weariness. "I've always found it fascinating how people weave narratives around others, often without a shred of truth," he continues, a hint of skepticism coloring his words. "It's a distraction, a distortion of reality that can be both intoxicating and destructive. I try to stay away from it. "

Her admission of this being her first time in garners a celebratory grin, "Well, welcome to the realm of coffee and pie," he says, gesturing subtly to the bustling little cafe. "I tend to sneak off in the corners of the quiet places too, but as you can see, chaos follows me around."

"That's me," she laughed. "Columnist girl." She grinned a little bit, finding herself rather fond of the nickname. There were definitely worse things that she could be called, after all. "I have a webpage," she said with a nod, smiling lightly at him. "But, I also submit to the papers. That being said, the webpage I know I can get my work on. I'll get contracts here and there with papers that keep me going, but I like having a little control as well. I like to tackle real issues around the city, business, marketing, things of that nature. I try and steer away from the gossip stuff. If I do touch that sort of thing, I try to remain unbiased, but even I'm human."

She watched Onyx curiously, her head cocking to one side. "I don't know" she admitted. "This is my first time stopping in here." She bit her lip a little bit. "Usually, I tend to go for the more quiet areas, but this time? I guess I was supposed to make a new acquaintance today."

[gcld-rushes]

The playfulness in her voice doesn't escape Onyx's notice as it gracefully permeates the park's ambiance. In response, a chuckle escapes Onyx, the repetition of the word "pointless" lingering on his tongue, accompanied by a deliberate nod from his head. The resonance of that term brings to mind the countless fishing trips he had grown to resent – activities deemed by him as purposeless, tedious, and, quite frankly, inhumane. "Quiet," he teases with a subtle playfulness, half-mocking, "The stars may hear you. I can't imagine they'll take a liking to that pointless comment."

Her candid admission about her limited knowledge of constellations and stars strikes a chord with Onyx. Despite his deep appreciation for the cosmic spectacle above, he lacks expertise in celestial navigation. "I find myself in the same boat," he confesses with a genial smile. "My solace lies in the sheer beauty of it. There's a comfort in being beneath the stars, wouldn't you agree?" As he speaks, the soft glow of the celestial bodies reflects in his chartreuse eyes, creating a shared moment of silent admiration between Onyx and the stranger in the park.

—stargazing was not something Honey always found the time for, however, even when she could make the time she would choose a different past-time, like going out, dancing and clubbing. leap day celebrations and particularly this organized event had drew her attention; perhaps, she would also be able to get some nice shots for her platforms, but also showcase to her vast audience that she was interested in such activities, but also reveal a more romantic side of her personality. that is not to say that Lavere was not particularly romantic; she would be for the right person.

wandering amongst the people who were either taking turns looking through the telescopes provided or were setting up their own, she sought a tad more solitude, making her way further in the park. it appeared that another shared the same idea, but they had come prepared for the event, unlike her. she laughed a little at the comment, her gaze drifting to the night sky at the question that followed. “you mean it is pointless?” her tone quite with a hint of a playfulness. “honestly, your guess is as good as mine,” her brown eyes focused on the person with a small, gentle smile gracing her lips. “I just think constellations and stars are pretty, I know nothing more about it.” she revealed with a faint shrug of her slender shoulders.

[gcld-rushes]

A nuanced flicker of gratitude and apprehension plays out in the depths of Onyx's chartreuse irises, rendering them a shade darker than their usual intensity. The subtle yet deliberate way he adjusts his beanie speaks volumes about the layers he counter intuitively wraps around himself for protection. Daria's offer of support elicits a small yet authentic smile, signifying the appreciation he holds for the creation of a safe space where vulnerability can unfold. "I wouldn't mind," he grapples with his words, the internal struggle evident. "I just mean, I wouldn't mind spending time with you even after dark." He shakes his head at himself for the way the words sound coming from his set of tortured lips. A self-conscious chuckle follows, a moment of gentle self-deprecation. "I mean—let's focus on sketches."

At the unveiling of her artwork, Onyx delves into the details. Symbolism weaves through each stroke, and he recognizes the thoughtful nods to various facets of his identity. The Sagittarius constellation symbolizes his zodiac sign, the Knight of Cups materializes in vibrant watercolors, representing the tarot card that holds profound significance for him, and the planetary alignments glimmer across brightest star in the sky. His fingers drum lightly on the counter, too, an acknowledgment of the complex emotions stirred within and a mirror to her light tapping. "These are great, actually," he remarks, his voice carrying a quiet intensity. The illustrations seem to lay bare the multifaceted layers of his being. It's not often that he's understood and seen for who he is.

There's a fleeting wonder if there's a telepathic link, once severed by the sands of time, that is gradually reweaving itself into a tangible connection. Her designs align perfectly with what he had envisioned, and while the how remains uncertain, he's resolute in his desire to have each piece tattooed on some part of him. The choice proves challenging, but he points decisively to the sketch depicting planets gracefully orbiting the sun. Mesmerizing and vibrant, the piece exudes a delicate beauty through each soft, blended watercolor stroke. The dreamlike quality of the artwork, where colors seamlessly blend, captivates him, and he expresses his admiration. "This one. This is it. It's beautiful."

"the appointment's about you. however much you can handle, we'll do." automatic, how daria seeks to provide comfort to him. clear in his motions that he struggles with his nervosa, the balance sought through what he wears in the beanie. disguising one's self results in not being perceived. daria attempts to walk through the world with her focus on perception. others perceive regardless; it might as well be what she wants. or, to the best of her abilities. right now — she wants to be present with onyx. another reason upon the myriad of reasons for allowing the appointment to be scheduled at close, practically. "but if you need a good kick, i can provide that."

from the small shelf behind the counter, daria plucks the sketches they made based upon their last conversation with onyx. the inking had been less about its seriousness & more about the testing of an unseen boundary: daria had felt this movement as if she still believed in such things. the fact that he had even shown up at all would not be something she forgot. magnetism, sparking between the distance, however small, driving them to be closer & hope that this also reassured him. ( why was she so full of self-doubts. ) "anyways. you could never waste my time, no matter how much of it you took. i just know neither of us wanna be in here when it gets dark." and perhaps it is bold, to take away from the subtle sketches daria spreads in front of him. "here."

the artwork scatters like stars. upon one of the pages, are actual stars. not minimalist but black-work, & the second page, more water-colours, consisting of symbols that construct onyx's sign & favourite of his tarot card decks. everything, planetary, some kind of metaphor for the orbiting daria notices. ( the years had passed so darkly since they last saw one another. when she glimpsed him, recognised the worried lines now etched on his forehead, it was as though the dawn broke. ) "since you told me about star-gazing, i went for that theme all over. but i didn't wanna pigeon-hole it." there is a sudden twitch in their fingers. needing to drum them. awaiting his approval. the trust was already established, but there are many layers. daria reckons with needing them all. "these can all fit on your forearm like you wanted. or we can combine them. you tell me." another firm reassurance. "whatever you need from me, i'll do."