because i'm a mirrorball.

Wolgang Novogratz as Nick in Feel The Beat

           it was the first day of autumn and you could feel it in chicago once the sun went down … not that aurora was going to complain about pulling from her pile of sweaters. and it just meant that she was going to have an even better time blading around the city, which she was thrilled to finally have someone to get out there with her. she knew rollerblading was a bit of a niche hobby at the hotel, but luckily for her @carsonstcne​ was just as eager to strap on a pair of skates. so as they sat on one of the grand benches outside of the malnati, she turned her head to meet the boy’s visage as she tucked a few locks of hair behind her ear. “so you’re sure you’ve got time for this? i don’t want to, like, take up too much time in your schedule.” rory knew he was a busy boy, and she was always conscious of others’ time, but the excitement was still written all over her face. “i’ve got some pretty cool spots i can show you …”

           the autumnal season was upon them, causing the city to cool off some. it was perfect for carson. tourists were snapping pictures, people were rushing in and out of the malnati, and carson found himself sitting next to the one and only rory banks. when she offered to rollerblade around the city with him, he couldn't turn her down. carson always loved to rollerblade, and it reminded him of being on the ice. a small smile emerged on carson’s lips as he looked over at the other’s face, hands finishing lacing up his skates. “always have time for friends,” carson nodded, the dimple in his cheek becoming more prominent as his smile widened. the boy could see a thoughtful expression on rory’s face, noticing that she didn’t want to take too much of his time, but he’d always make time for someone like rory. leaning back against the bench, carson looked across the city and then back towards rory, an eyebrow perched up against his forehead. “oh yeah? i’m excited to see some of your spots.”

Wolfgang Novogratz for Avenue Twenty-Four Magazine (September 2019)

      *! moira was no stranger to unhealthy habits. she usually ate like a small child, drank too much every single weekend and occasionally indulged in a drug of her choice. she’d been on a bit of a binge all weekend and it was just starting to catch up to her. she looks in the closest reflective surface and huffed, reapplying her lip gloss. “just realized i’ve been up for like, 26 hours. i know i should probably be concerned but i feel like a bit of a badass. maybe i’ll break my personal record.” she switches her attention to the person next to her. “do i look like i haven’t slept in 26 hours? if so, i might reconsider. dark circles can be hidden but bags cannot.”

long nights were nothing foreign to carson; he could probably pick their victims out of a crowd. the shakier pairs of hands, the half moon circles under lackluster eyes. he never judged those who were swept up in sleepless nights. he, himself, was too busy being victimized one. “you have a personal record for not sleeping?” he asked, hands combing through his brown locks before rubbing his eyes for some relief. if he were being honest, he shouldn’t have been up at this time of hour considering it was day three of not being able to catch more than twenty minutes here and there. the playoffs were finally back, meaning his sleeping schedule was pretty much fucked. practices were non-stop and team meetings were almost daily, leaving him with no room for a social life unless he allowed himself to stay up a little longer than usual. “is this a trick question?” he laughed, but then his brows furrowed in confusion as he thought about his answer. “i mean, you look good for getting barely any sleep. no under bags from what i can see.”

Wolfgang Novogratz in The Last Summer (2019)