Signe glanced over the man’s bracelet and bit back a smile, offering her own half-finished bracelet over to him. “Honestly? I still think you’re doing better than me,” she said with a soft laugh. She watched him, the way he carefully worked through the knot in her thread. “Thanks,” she murmured, not just for the assistance but for the encouraging words. “I think I needed that reminder.” The truth was, she had been taking the task a little too seriously. It came second nature to her to approach each task as if it were life or death. She exerted the effort because the bracelets felt like an apology for the time she hadn’t been able to spend with her friends lately. There had been a lot of trying, but not a lot of succeeding. Signe often expected perfection when no one else demanded it of her. “At the end of the day, it is the thought that counts. Although, I can’t say my ego hasn’t taken a hit for being out done by a bunch of string.”
"I don't know how much help I'll be," Isaiah wasn't faring much better, clearly having learned nothing from the jewelry making class the community put on not too long ago, "but I can certainly try." He gently set aside the mess of a friendship bracelet he was attempting to put together to lend the other a hand. "I was thinking the same thing about the one I was working on, but I think I'll still end up finishing it." He commented as he worked on untangling the string for the other. "Then again, I don't expect my friends to actually wear these, so a few imperfections on my end aren't going to be the end of the world." He figured whatever friendship bracelets he gave away by the end of the night would simply be silly little trinkets his friends could store away somewhere, just a soft reminder that they were on his mind even when busy schedules kept them from hanging out as much as he'd like. "And if they do end up wearing them, then I'd assume they likely care more about the thought behind them rather than how they end up looking." His words were a gentle recommendation to not take the activity too seriously.
Lia's boots scuffed against the boardwalk, wind undoing what little effort she'd put into her bun. She caught sight of Dax with that ever-present smirk and couldn't help the eye roll that came with it. "Well, well, well," she said, stopping in front of him, "if it isn't the human embodiment of a moody mixtape." The dark haired girl sank down on the bench beside him, one leg tucked underneath her and smirked at him. "Trouble's such a dramatic word, y'know? I prefer to think of it as light chaos," she shrugged. "Simple things like oversharing with a barista and spending 80 bucks on vintage strings that I absolutely didn't need." Lia tilted her head toward him, giving him a once-over. "What about you? Deeply judging tourists to pass the time, again?"
location : sunset villa beach. status : open . ( @palmviewstarters )
he leaned back against the peeling wooden bench, the salty breeze of palmview ruffling his hair as he glanced around the bustling boardwalk. his tattooed fingers idly drummed against the edge of the bench, rhythm in sync with the distant crash of waves. the sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the surf shops and beachside vendors, their neon signs flickering to life as dusk settled in. he pulled a blunt from his pocket, tapping it thoughtfully against his palm before lighting it up, the tip flaring bright in the growing twilight. inhaling deeply, he closed his eyes, letting the familiar burn settle in his chest. he hadn’t relaxed in a minute — time had a funny way of slipping past in this town, days bleeding into each other with the rhythm of tides.
he exhaled, smoke curling up toward the sky as footsteps approached, scattering seagulls nearby. he cracked one eye open, a smirk curling his lips. " well, look what the tide dragged in. " he drawled, flicking ash to the pavement. his gaze lingered, curiosity sparking in his eyes as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees. " so, what kinda trouble you get yourself into today? "
“It’s such a comfort food for me,” Signe began, reaching for a cream filled bun. She lifted the bun’s lid and dipped it into the mountain of paste underneath and took a bite. She paused mid-bite as the flavors hit her tongue, her eyebrows raising. She hadn’t expected it to taste so spot-on. With a grin, Signe dipped her finger into the almond paste and gave it a quick taste. “Okay, this,” she pointed at the half-eaten bun. “This is dangerous.” He flushed at her compliment, and Signe smiled to herself. “Well, the effort is appreciated, trouble or no,” she countered. She shifted to sit sideways, her legs curled underneath her. “I also noticed time moved particularly slow this afternoon.” Signe met his gaze, a knowing twinkle in her eyes. Charlie leaned back, one arm propped under his head, and a self-assured glint in his eyes that screamed he just knew how it made him look. Her pulse skipped a beat as he turned his full attention on her. It was more than just the effortless flirtation that seemed to flow out of him, but the warmth behind his gaze – like he genuinely wanted to know more. Her gaze dropped, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket as she tried to keep her expression from betraying how flustered she was. “You did kind of monologue last time,” she teased, glancing at Charlie from underneath her eyelashes. Her eyebrows rose, her eyes blinking rapidly at his words. “Date number three, huh?” Her tone was light, and full of teasing. “Bold of you to assume you’re making it past the first one.” Signe nudged him lightly with her knee, her expression a dead giveaway that she liked the confidence. Normally, she wasn’t the kind of girl who divulged much of anything beyond the curated image she wanted to put out, but the way Charlie looked at her made her want to open up. “I’m an only child,” she began. “My mom’s Chinese-Swedish, and my dad’s Danish-Swedish. They are sickeningly perfect together and so in love. They had me super young, but they’ve given me absolutely everything.” Signe paused as she thought about how much her parents had sacrificed for her, especially in those early years of their marriage. “They’re also both brilliant – Mamma is an art history professor, and Pappa is an orthopedic surgeon. I actually credit my mom for getting me into fashion, whether or not she realized what was happening in the moment. I used to go with her to museums all the time and there was this one exhibit on medieval fashion in Europe and–” She smiled, shaking her head as she refocused her attention on Charlie. “I was a goner from then. It was my dirty little secret for so long – until college applications were around the corner and I just blurted out that I wanted to do fashion design.” Signe chuckled at the memory, and shrugged her shoulders at him as if to say ‘the rest is history.’
The way Signe’s face lit up at the mention of semla had Charlie’s heart damn near stumbling over itself. All the time he’d spent stressing over the food and double-checking the setup felt instantly worth it. “I had no idea it was your favorite,” he admitted, eyes crinkling with his smile, “but I’m chuffed I landed on the right one.” Her laugh, the soft and delighted kind, made his pulse quicken, and his grin grew a little sheepish. “I know, I keep sayin’ it… but I mean it. Wouldn’t sit right with me to keep it to myself.”
When she complimented the setup, he waved his hand, bashful, his own cheeks flushing pink beneath the praise. “Oh, it weren’t any trouble, promise... Honestly, it helped. Gave me somethin’ to focus on while I was waitin’.” His gaze dropped for a second, then lifted back to hers, a hint of vulnerability tucked into his smile. “Felt like time weren't movin' fast enough.”
Charlie shifted, leaning back on his elbow, stretching out onto his side as he propped his head against his hand, more relaxed now that the ice was broken. He watched her with open admiration, the glow of the setting sun casting soft gold across her features. “You know,” he continued, voice dipping into something playful but sincere, “last time we were out, I did most of the talkin’.. Told you my story, spilled me guts…” His eyes softened as they held hers. “But I don’t really know much about you yet. Feels like I’m overdue.”
Charlie’s smile turned curious, a little more inviting. “So… tell me. Fashion, family, the whole beginner’s guide to Signe. I wanna know what makes you you. What lights you up the way cookin’ does for me.” His fingers absentmindedly toyed with the corner of the blanket, though his focus stayed locked on her. There was no rush behind the words, just an easy kind of patience, the look of someone who truly wanted to listen. “Unless…” He tilted his head slightly, teasing, “you’re secretly a woman of mystery and I’m not meant to know these things until date number three?” The smirk that tugged at his mouth was soft, good-natured, but the way his eyes stayed steady on her, the way he leaned in just a touch closer, was anything but casual.
[ Hours later after the date ] SIGNE: oh my god 😳 SIGNE: Were you creeping on me?? SIGNE: I... /maybe/ ... had a date. 👀 It was all very sudden honestly SIGNE: His name is Charlie
Adriana: UMMM HELLO?!? Adriana: Excuse me, Miss Ma'am! Adriana: Are we just out here having the CUTEST little picnic date like it's straight out of a rom-com?!??! Adriana: Here I am all by my lonesome, dancing away to some frankly painful karaoke singers when I spot what couldn't POSSIBLY be my best friend out living her best life 😳 I nearly dropped my malibu sunrise! Adriana: Absolutely unacceptable that I wasn't briefed prior to this. I expect a full report on my desk PRONTO, Missy. Adriana: But well done 😘
⇢ 🌸 STATUS ﹕ closed. ⇢ 🌸 TAGGING ﹕signe + adriana (@anchorsfm!!) ⇢ 🌸 LOCATION ﹕ ocean breeze wine bar
Signe sat across the table from Adriana, her hand wrapped around a sweating glass of sangria. "Okay," she said, stretching out the word like it was a secret she'd been holding on to. Which to be fair, she kind of was. She'd managed to go all day without spilling her guts to her best friend about the events of the previous night. Her lips curled into a smile that was almost smug but with just enough dreamy softness to give her away. "Before you ask--yes, invited him over, and yes he stayed the night," Signe paused for dramatic effect as she bit down on her lip, her eyes sparkling. "And neither of us had a restful night, but... it was perfect, Adri." Signe sighed and took a sip of her drink, sneaking a glance at her friend with a look that said, please don't judge me and just squeal with me all at once. "So, how much trouble am I in?"
“…Then I’ll stretch, maybe sketch, take a climb… sew a dress!”
Signe grinned as she watched Bella work her magic on the bracelet, finally forcing the knot into submission and untangling it. She let out a soft, impressed laugh and shook her head. "I feel like that has to be a resume-worthy skill, right?" She offered the girl a playful, half-smile before reaching out to accept the bracelet. "Well, I am pretty well-known for my unwavering moral support," she teased, playing along. "It was obviously my standing here and doing absolutely nothing that got us through that whole ordeal." Signe turned the bracelet over in her hands, smoothing it out now that it was untangled. "There was a second there I thought we might have to sacrifice it to the jewelry gods," she glanced back at Bella, lifting an amused eyebrow. "But no, you pulled through. My hero!" Signe giggled and gently bumped her shoulder against Bella's. "No, but seriously. Thank you. I was going to toss it into the ocean and then I'd probably be fined for littering."
bella wasn't really one that liked to give up on anything so she was one that would continue with something until she ended up getting it. and that's exactly what she had been trying her best to do with this bracelet until the knot had finally began to be undone. " there we go! " she responded as if it was one of her greatest accomplishments that she could've ever made. wasn't sure how since it really was proving to be difficult. and quite stubborn and knotted up. " see it was your faith in me that let me do it. " she laughed jokingly before handing the bracelet back over to signe so that she could begin on what she was planning on doing. " maybe it was going to be but i am not one to give up easily. or that easily. maybe that was a slight lie since i almost did but we don't have to talk about that. " she'd respond playfully.
She offered him a secret smile, one that highlighted just how much she enjoyed their little back and forth, like they were the only two who understood the true meaning behind their words. A pleased flush was on her cheeks when his lips brushed against them, the blush something that was becoming a semi-permanent trait in his presence. “Oh, you can’t stop thinking about me?” Her hand came up to his chest, her fingers trailing along the frankly disrespectful display of bare skin before lifting her gaze to his. “For the record, I mildly enjoy your company the most when you’re making declarations like that.” With that stupid pretty mouth was the part she left unsaid. A beat passed and then she added, softer. “But you’re right. I like having you around… like who I am around you.” Her hand traced up his collarbone and then she brushed her thumb along the edge of his jaw. “I don’t care who you used to be, Charlie. I care about who you choose to be now. I know we pretty much just met, but this version of you? He’s a good man,” Signe leaned in, kissing the corner of his mouth with quiet intention. “And from the little I know, even back then, you had this heart underneath it all. Even if you were to slip, you’d find your way back.” She looked into his eyes, making sure he saw how much she believed the words she was saying. She smiled and reached into the pocket of her dress, pulling out her phone. “Come on, let’s take a selfie. I want to remember our first date,” she said, whirling around and leaning back into him. She snapped a few photos quickly, trying to catch him off-guard in a few before he posed with her. Signe giggled, glancing at the photos on her phone. She looked over her shoulder and smirked, mischief sparking in her eyes. “Want to take a really unhinged one?”
Charlie arched a brow, the cocky edge to his grin settling in as he stepped closer, just enough for her to feel his presence. He raised his eyebrows, leveling his eyes to hers, "You only mildly enjoy my company under very specific circumstances… got it," he said, drawing the words out with playful mock offense. He tilted his head, eyes glittering with teasing challenge as he slowly licked his lips, then dipped his head. "I think," he murmured low near her ear, "you’re tryin’ to keep me around more than you’re lettin’ on." He didn’t move far after that, gaze softening slightly as he leaned back just enough to meet her eyes.
"I get what you mean. Maybe that’s what I am too.. I’ve always chased connection, maybe attention, if we’re bein’ honest. I just liked bein’ around people. Didn’t matter who, really." He paused. "I might feel a bit different now, though... Can’t stop thinkin’ about you." His lips brushed just barely against her cheek, gentle and intentional.
His voice dipped again, quieter this time, the smile faltering only slightly. "My mum never expected much from me.. she just wanted me happy. It was everyone else. Coaches, mates, teachers… my father.. they saw potential and pushed it hard. I was good, so it made sense." He shrugged, the motion small but rigid at the edges. "And then it was.. well I had to change plans. Just like that." His injury may have been nearly a decade prior, but it hadn't hurt him any less.
Charlie’s eyes dropped for a moment, thumb brushing lightly along her arm aimlessly, grounding himself as much as her. "I think what scares me most is slippin’ back into who I used to be.. The kid with a mile hight wall, always deflectin’ with a joke.. Or worse, turnin’ into the men I was raised around." He looked down at her, thoughtfully, "I don't wanna be the man I was.. I really like what I have now, and I don't intend on screwin' this up." He looked back up at her then, the smile returning, smaller but more real. "And I’m not gonna, Signe. Not with you. I'm not goin' anywhere and I mean that. You're not gonna scare me away."
“A million thank-yous, knot whisperer!” Signe grinned, carefully accepting the untangled bracelet back. A startled laugh escaped her as the woman teased her. “Sixty years? So generous of you.” The woman suggested they work together and Signe smiled brightly at the offer. “Yeah? Okay! But only if we can agree that mine are going to be wonky in a charming way.” Signe settled in a little closer, rearranging her bracelet making materials before you and nodding. “All right, teach me your ways, sensei!”
“more than a million, i would bet," the small smile is engraved onto her features now, untangling the last of the knot and handing it over to signe with a proud glint in her eyes. “yet, is the operative word here,” she points, brows raising. “you still have at least sixty years to practice.” she's feeling more friendly than normal, an idea striking her. “first lesson, we make friendship bracelets right now ?”
SIGNE: Omg!! You're so embarrassing sometimes! SIGNE: I meant there aren't really any juicy details -- it was our first date! SIGNE: But pay me the hot cheetos random and I'll tell you all there is to know (:
Adriana: If “averting my eyes” means aggressively zooming in on my phone to confirm it was you two… then yes, absolutely, my eyes were definitely averted 👀
Adriana: Hot Cheetos are ALL YOURS if I get the full rundown. No holding back! I want the juicy details. The last cute romance I witnessed was literally in a tv show.
Adriana: Hot Cheetos and hot men!! I’m so happy for you, babe 😭🥰
She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t fight the affectionate smile. “That’s really not the most encouraging thought, Pappa. You gotta at least try and make it hard for the identity,” Signe scolded, a kernel of truth and concern in her teasing words. “I miss you guys too,” she said, slowing their steps just a little to give herself time to find the right words. “But, you’re not losing me, right? I’m just a few minutes and a phone call away.” Signe let out a soft laugh. She loved both her parents with equal fervor, but she’d always been a daddy’s girl. Seeing her dad all torn up about her moving out was harder than she thought it would be. She squeezed his side and nodded. “Of course you two can come for diner. Only fair, considering all the years you guys fed me.” Her nose wrinkled playfully. “But you’re not allowed to criticize my cooking, even if it’s awful. I’m still learning. Deal?”
søren laughed aloud. “anyone that knows me could guess my pin ! ”. and he was right — it was signe’s date of birth, and he hadn’t forgotten it once since he changed it. whether she was home or not, whether they were together or apart, signe was always at the forefront of his mind. she had been for the last twenty - five years, and he couldn’t see that changing any time soon. maybe he was living in the past. maybe he was stuck in a time where things were rose - tinted, where she tugged him by his pant leg and asked him to play. half of søren ached to have those moments back, but the other half adored what signe had become so ferociously that he wouldn’t trade it for the world. in a sense, him and sigrid had built their very own best friend from building blocks. every second spent together was precious. which was why being in separate homes stung quite so badly. “it is weird,” søren agreed as they walked, twisting his lips to one side as if his mouth had been strung up in ribbons. “and we miss you. but seeing you fly the nest and create your own life is all we ever wanted. just don’t forget about us oldies when you’re big and famous, okay ? ” he knew that signe saw what she wanted and reached out with both hands to grab it. she got that from her mother. “you know, if it’s not cramping your style too much, we’d love to come over for dinner.”
resoluxe \ˈre-zə-ˌluks\ 1. the quality of resolving a challenge or decision with sophistication, elegance, and luxury.
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