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a-synthetic-apparition·:

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let your girlfriend use your camera, they said. no seriously do it– she’s better than i am. book her at @dvhliam·.  💕😉

@dvhliam

with his girl at his side, malachi sat with a permanent smile plastered on his face. the past weeks had been a mixture of good and bad. but the good over-weighed the bad completely. because the good was sitting under his arm. the good came in the form of a beautiful brunette by the name of dahlia murphy. 

malachi was getting tired of what was flashing up on the tv screen so he decided to entertain both him and dahlia. reaching with his other hand, he softly cupped her chin and took her attention off of the movie they were watching. smiling softly, he leaned down to capture her lips in a lingering kiss. he loved kissing her. he loved her. he loved everything about each moment they shared.

The couple weeks Dahlia took overworking herself to the point of exhaustion seemed to be catching up to her. She was tired beyond belief, but at least she was happy. More than that, she was completely overjoyed thanks to Malachi. It was like everything was right for once and her mind was finally emptied of past worries. The only bad thing about it was she felt so calm and comfortable with her head resting on his shoulder, her hand caressing his, that she was falling asleep every other minute throughout what they were watching.

Treys eyes lit up as she started to speak. He was honestly shocked at how he did not recognized her from malachis many times describing her. “oh my goodness, hey!” Trey smiled and walked out from behind the counter to give her a huge hug. “so good to finally meet you, Chi speaks SO highly of you” he said with a huge smirk. “what brings you in?” he asked with a huge smile. 

He was glad she recognized him, he was hard to miss and besides other musicians in town, he did stand out. Trey looked at the records in his hand “oh thank God you have good taste” he said with a smile. “would have to have some serious words with Malachi if you were in here buying Pink Floyd and or something else cliched” he laughed

It amused her to watch him come to the conclusion and, as much as she denied caring before, she was glad he did know about her. It did a good job of pulling a genuine smile out of her. She wasn’t expecting the hug whatsoever but she didn’t mind it, only because of who he was. Had he been anyone else, Dahlia wouldn’t have had it. But she wrapped her arms around him, chuckling gently as she pat his back a couple times. “It’s good to meet you, too. Though I didn’t think I’d ever meet you on my own.” Dahlia doesn’t usually get nervous, but she had always thought that if she ever were to meet any friend or family of Malachi’s she would be nervous as hell. That wasn’t the case with Trey. Maybe it was his friendly aura or the fact that she already heard so much about him.

“Well, I thought my collection of grandmother music was lacking.” Dahlia nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she shuffled through the records in her hands. A combination of Frankie Valli, Talking Heads and The Mamas & The Papas so far. She couldn’t stifle the chuckle that now slipped out at the mention of Pink Floyd. “Uh, maybe you should still plan to have some serious words with him then because I believe Pink Floyd holds a spot in his heart.” Dahlia raised a brow at Trey, hugging the records she chose. “I will, however, bask in the glory of hearing someone say I have good taste. Don’t hear it too often when I’m blasting Paul Anka all the time.”

the blonde stood up straight as they stopped. she took that time to crack her back and stretch a little bit. “fuck, i know. i think i could probably take the scrunchie out of my hair and wring it out.. which is disgusting.” the blonde laughed. “we chose the wrong weekend to go hiking. i’m one hundred percent with you. i’ll walk into the water too. holy shit.. could you imagine being out here and like a mirage of water appears. id be so pissed.” 

Dahlia didn’t think she would have a day where she wasn’t excited about hiking but today was definitely it. “Fuck it, even if it is only a mirage...we can give in to the madness and pretend it is water and not dirt or bushes.” With a heavy huff, she came to a stop with her hands on her hips. “Thankfully we’re not too far from the actual body of water.” She knew her way around the trails and paths, they had just chosen the more scenic route, aka the longest fucking way possible.

that kind of love that’s “i was scared until i found you.” that kind of love that’s worth it to try romance again. the “fuck i’ll try cheesy if it just makes you smile” love, the roses and love notes and wine bottles. the twinkle light love, the “let’s go on this romantic date only to spend the whole thing being silly” love, the dancing badly to slow songs love, the “i don’t know how you make me laugh so much but seriously stop it i’m trying to drive” love. the “i trust you love,” calling late at night because a secret just welled up in my throat love, the first person i talk to so i can figure out this decision is you kind of love. the “i was hurt before and had given up but then i found you” love, the incredulous in-awe love, the wonder love, the are you actually real or am i dreaming you love. the “i didn’t believe in soulmates before you” love. that kinda love.

     Hiking was one of the things Dahlia loved doing most. Being outdoors appreciating mother nature respectfully. Every time she was sent overseas for work, she’d find a way to squeeze in a time for hiking or exploring nature. It was important in her life. But holy shit Georgia was so hot, it was hard for her to focus on the beauty without complaining. “God, I feel like I’m about to go blind from the amount of sweat dripping into my eyes.” She stopped, turning her body toward where Elodie was, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “How could one state be so unbearably hot and humid? It’s not even technically summer yet...if I find any body of water, don’t be surprised if I just walk into it with my clothes and shoes on.”

he spun around on his toes, happier now than he had been in weeks. grabbing her by her waist he stopped singing. he kissed her softly, he kissed her hard, he kissed her like he meant it. that was his girlfriend. it seemed so cheesy to say, because it made him feel like he was still in grade school. here he was kissing the woman that he loved and he couldn’t get enough of her. running his fingers through her hair as talking heads rang through the speakers. it was heaven. it was perfect. 

pulling away from the kiss, he looked her in her eyes and simply grinned. “ i know we’ve already covered it. but i wanna hear you say it, ” he begun, the smile still plastered on his lips. “ will you be my girl? like for real for real. i just want to hear you tell me you want to be my girlfriend. ” he loved her voice, just like he loved her. he loved every bit of her and it was crazy because he’d never felt this way before. he couldn’t believe himself. he really couldn’t. he’d never been this dedicated before. 

“ i just fucking love you dahlia. like more than i have ever loved a bird before, ” he said, a smile still glued onto his lips. “ i just want to get on top of the roof of this fucking apartment complex and scream at the top of my lungs about just how much you mean to me. ” after the song ended, his normal music came on. it was music that dahlia probably didn’t know, but he was ready to teach her all about the good shit. he was ready to put her under his wing. he was ready to have a plus one on all of his photography gigs. he wanted her by his side. he wanted to share his world with her.

Malachi and Dahlia were two different people. They both had separate interests, different taste in music, hobbies, professions-- there was so much that was different about them. Not in a million years would she expect to fall so deeply for someone like Malachi, but at the same time...it makes complete sense because he is such an amazing individual. Everything about him was exactly what she needed in her life. She loved him entirely from a pretty early point but it took her a while to finally accept it and it was the one thing she was one hundred percent sure of. It was Malachi.

Her fingers also found their way up to his hair, gently tangling them in as she leaned into his lips. It was lame to say she had butterflies but she did. They were close, very close. They have been for a while and she considered him her best friend. It was so crazy to say that he was finally so much more than that. “I do.” Dahlia’s face slightly scrunching while a soft laugh escaped her as she realized it sounded more like they were getting married, but she was quick to continue with the same cheesy smile she’s had on. “I want to be your girlfriend, Malachi.” Her eyes boring into his. She couldn’t resist admiring him at this very moment, as she always did. Her heart was full. She brought a hand down to caress his cheek softly with her thumb.

“Absolutely intolerable, milady,” he averred with another dramatic shake of his head. Mateo never found himself taking the whole dating thing too seriously nowadays. Once upon a time, he would’ve tried his damndest to convince the girl to consider the napkin. His belief in love withered over the years but having fun and messing around held some promise. Grabbing a fresh glass, he busied himself with making her drink, a small smile plastered to his face. “Mateo,” he answered, sliding the drink her way. “Should I cut you off ? “

“That, Mateo, would be about the most offensive act you could do to a lady.” Brows raised, she took a long of her drink before speaking up again. “More so than anyone making me open my own door or not being courted.” Dahlia chuckled silently, her gaze settling on the alcohol in her clear glass. “Honestly, I think this should be the last one. Though it’s been a while since I’ve actually gotten drunk. Afraid I’m immune to it’s effects at this point. Would that be considered a problem?” She questioned with an amused expression.

          “I’ll save that idea for when you’re down in the dumps and need a pick-me-up. It would be better if you get those fake bricks that kids used to play with way back in the nineties that you can stack up and then topple over without any risk of injury or anything. They were made out of cardboard or something. Imagine building a wall of those my height and then me barreling through them, quote spoken outloud and theatrics aplenty. The thought in your head might be better than the real thing so, just save that idea. Maybe one day I’ll do it. I dunno. But even if I don’t at least you have a humorous thought to dwell on, huh?” Bryce asked, taking another few sips of the bourbon before setting it back down on the island. Now finally going about loading his glass with ice cubes from the ice tray he’d taken out of the freezer and placed on the island.

          “Alcohol scolding hot? No, no way. Nu uh. Not something I could ever foresee myself doing or enjoying. Those shots they light on fire are intimidating enough. Especially the ones that have a different color flame for each. As for a Christmas gift? Nope, no need to get me a gift for Christmas. That holiday is many, many months away. Not even a blip on my radar. The ideal gift for Christmas would be one of those Planter’s three-tin variety pack of mixed nuts and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. It’s totally a ‘dad’ gift idea but, my father definitely rubbed off on my in more than one way over the years. I find myself becoming more like him month in and month out so, it’s only a matter of time before I hypothetically become his clone” he joked. “What on the menu in my case? That depends. Are you referencing food or alcoholic beverages? Because I can do both”.

  “If you’re doing it, you need to commit. Real bricks. Or at least an actual wooden wall of a home. If I’m sad enough, you can even use my own home. I just need to see it happen.” Dahlia glanced at him with a small smile, lips parting as a silent chuckle exited. Of course she didn’t expect him to actually do it, ever. It was still an entertaining thought regardless. “Yeah, maybe it’s a better imagined situation. Although I can only hope once Halloween rolls around, I can somehow convince you to dress up like him. And don’t tell me no- because you never know how convincing I can become.”

those three words coming from her lips was the most melodic sound he’d ever heard. she was so wonderful. she was so beautiful. she was his. she was finally his and he could jump for joy. but instead he’d settle with kissing her. so smiling at her, his eyes still irritated from crying earlier today, but that didn’t matter now. he was embracing her. embracing the woman he loved. he grabbed both of her cheeks and held her close as she spoke. “ it’s okay, honestly. i’m gonna admit that it upset me, but its okay now becuase everything is better now. no more crying. ” he said, wiping away her tears.

whenever she said those words again, he could feel his heart flutter. she loved him. he loved her. they loved each other. they were together. he wanted to hold her in his arms forever and ever. kissing her lips once again he simply grinned and said, “ i love you too. more than you could even imagine. ” and that was true. he never even felt this way about sam. it was only dahlia. only her. 

the music was still playing in the background, and cage the elephant rang through their ears. and malachi had a bright idea. breaking their embrace, pressing a kiss to her forehead before doing so– he walked his way over to his phone and changed the song. he wanted to do it. he wanted to dance in his kitchen to talking heads. he wanted to brighten the situation. he wanted to have fun with his girl.

“ i can’t seem to face up to the facts i’m tense and nervous and I can’t relax ” malachi sung along as psycho killer came through his bluetooth speakers. grabbing her by the waist he began to dance. it wasn’t a slow dance. it was sporadic and energetic. “ i can’t sleep, ‘cause my bed’s on fire. don’t touch me, I’m a real live wire ” he sung louder as he danced with her. and then without warning he kissed her once more and then said, “ c’mon sing ! you know the lyrics! ” and with that he belted at the top of his lungs, a grin playing at his lips, “ psycho killer, qu'est-ce que c'est? ”   

Dahlia didn’t even want to say it out loud. She was his girlfriend. He was her boyfriend. What if she jinxes it? This is what she’d wanted. What he’d wanted. They were finally going to be happy together. It’s terrifying. It’s so frightening to open yourself up to someone and allow them that possibility of completely shattering you. Something that Dahlia had already done...but she wasn’t going to hurt him again. It didn’t even really, truly click in her mind when everything was still so clouded. Part of her didn’t think she’d get this far. Him allowing her back into his life, maybe...but his feelings remaining the same even after what happened? “How did I get so lucky?” She pondered aloud as Malachi sweetly wiped her tears. This was a leap of faith, and she was so glad it worked out.

It wasn’t the first time they kissed. It wasn’t the second, or third-- not even just for the time she’s been here but now, knowing that they were together, his kisses felt different. They’ve always held meaning but now they were just so much more special. There’s always been love there between the both of them but it was so much more now. Dahlia would never tire of hearing him say he loves her. She can’t get enough of it. She can’t get enough of him as her gaze followed him, closing the door to his apartment behind him as she slowly took a couple steps forward. Adoring him entirely. 

Trey had spent most of the morning trying to figure out what record to put on. He had not been able to figure out what mood he had been in all day. The idea of going on tour again excited him but it made him nervous. Trey had spent so much time on his solo project but he was worried that it would flop. He finally settled on a smiths album and went back to the back room to finish up writing some orders for new vinyls he wanted to bring into the shop. He heard the small bell above the door ring as he set the needle down. “IM BACK HERE, HOLLER IF YOU NEED ANYTHING” he yelled out from the back room. 

As Trey finished writing out his order and closing up his laptop he walked out to the front room. He looked over the records in his store. It was almost like his personal collection. He was proud of all of the now antiquated form of music, they way he felt music was its most personal and interactive with the audience. He saw the beautiful brunette and smiled, as she approached him he could see the confusion on her face. “uh.. yeah, yeah I am” he said with a warm smile, offering a tattooed hand out to her “Im afraid I dont know your name, if we’ve met before, I am so sorry, I am not the best with names.” he confessed with his other hand going behind his neck to rub gently.  

If anything, Dahlia was just glad she didn’t look like a wanker approaching the wrong person. Now she only assumed she looked strange approaching the right person when he had no clue who she was. She didn’t think he would regardless and it didn’t bother her at all. “Don’t worry, your memory isn’t failing you.” She smiled, taking his hand in hers and providing a gently yet firm handshake. “We’ve never met before, but honestly I feel like I know you from how much Malachi speaks about you. I’m Dahlia, I’m close with Malachi.” 

She didn’t want this to be a weird interaction and hoped it wasn’t coming off that way as much as she was questioning it in her head. This wasn’t something she usually did but Malachi brought out a different side to her. Trey makes him happy, so why shouldn’t she have introduced herself? She would have felt rude had she entered and left the shop pretending like she didn’t know him at all. 

          “The Kool-Aid man, huh? That’s one way of putting it. Halfass tempted to just say something stupid like ‘Oh Yeah!’ and pretend to bust down a wall right now or something, just for theatrics sake. Though I don’t think I have it in me seeing as all I want to do right now is just listen to music, drink and relax for the rest of the evening. I’m already wearing some comfortable clothing and if I get too hot wearing this hoodie, I’ll just take it off and replace it with an undershirt or something”. Saying this as a precautionary heads up of sorts, Bryce didn’t want to just walk around shirtless and lead Dahlia to assuming there was a motive behind it. If anything, it would only be done to get comfortable and that was it. Should Dahlia not be all that comfortable with him roaming around shirtless? That was fine too. 

          He’d just throw on an undershirt and still be comfortable with how thin the fabric was. But based on how cool, crisp and relaxed the air circulating throughout the apartment was? That wasn’t an issue he’d have to deal with for now. Nevertheless, Bryce watched as Dahlia poured him a glass mid-way and after having taken hold of the glass, Bryce rose it up and tilted it on the form of a ‘cheers’. Stepping back to rest the back of his rear end against the edge of the kitchen counter behind him and take a much sought after sip of the bourbon. Only mildly making a sound resounding from his throat in regards to the burn of the alcohol as it went down. But all-in-all, nodding his head in approval of the drink and raising the glass up again to eye-level to observe the golden hue of the liquid. “This.. this is good. I like this. I approve of this. Needs ice to keep it chilled since I’m not a fan of room temperature alcohol, but still. This is fantastic. Great choice”.

  “Please do. I need to have that real life image of you saved in my memories to think about if I’m ever feeling down.” There was a permanent lift on the right side of Dahlia’s lips ever since she walked into his home. She could already feel her cheek beginning to feel sore but it was okay. No complaints from her about that when she was having a good time. “Reasons why I just showed up in basically my pajamas. I had already assumed it was going to be as relaxed as it can be...it always is. Sometimes I wonder if we should venture out and go do something else but I feel like we’d be complaining the entire time. Even though that in itself is entertainment enough for me.” Dahlia had shown up as comfortably as she could. Fitting when this was all they were planning on doing tonight. Talking and drinking would surely take up most of their time so showing up in long sleeves and cotton shorts would do the trick.

🌸- what is your favorite flower?

“Red roses. Pretty basic but classic is usually best. Although– I don’t enjoy flowers that aren’t potted or where they belong outdoors. No use in killing a plant for aesthetic.”

🍯- describe your favorite smell

“Coffee. Dark roast filling the air. It’s intoxicating. Also the smell after it’s rained. That one is probably top favorite, actually.”

🌧️- favorite thing to do on rainy days?

“Staying inside my home. Either taking naps throughout the day, catching up on my reading or watching as many movies as I can watch. Just relaxing, really.”

💅🏻- do you like being spoiled?

“Who doesn’t? Well, I don’t really. Not spoiled with material items. Spoiled with moments, deep conversations, special outings...anything with thought behind it which makes it become a precious memory. God, I’ve turned into a bloody melt.”

💒- which show would you want to live in?

“Friends. I just love the dynamic between the group. I’ve never had that many close friends and it seems so lovely and entertaining. That’s just a wish that I wouldn’t really want to come true though. I personally enjoy my own company more but it’s cute to think about.”

❄️- what is your favorite season?

“Between fall and winter. I thrive once the weather gets colder.”

💌- diary or journal?

“I never understood the difference. They’re both essentially the same thing. Journal just makes it sound less mushy, I guess, which is ridiculous to me. One sounding more feminine than the other-- at least that’s what I assume most would think. But I can’t choose just because I don’t write. I keep everything in my head. Very healthy.”

💋- kissing in the dark or kissing in the rain?

“Kissing in the rain is quite cheesy– although I must admit the part of me that’s a complete sucker for cute shit is wanting to choose it only because of that scene in The Notebook. Just don’t use that against me. Let’s just say kissing in the dark.”

🍼- what is your favorite memory?

“Assuming this means from when I was a child, I suppose sneaking away from strict foster parents with a couple of my favorite foster siblings would be some of my most cherished memories.”

🍂- what’s your middle name?

“I don’t have one. At least, I don’t think I have one.”