wish upon a starfish

isco knew what she meant, he’d seen everything that went down between her and connor, who was still around and with someone else. it’s easy to tell that eden isn’t having the best of fun while stuck in the house. honestly, if it were him, isco would have decided not to come. “do you need to kick someone’s ass? because i will, trust me.” he jokes lightly, though he means it. he hates to think how sad she is because of a guy that didn’t seem to care in the least bit. “she’s amazing. ramona flowers is in this movie too, right? i used to have the biggest crush on that actress because of sky high.”

A loud giggle escaped Eden at Isco’s offer, and she nudged him playfully. As much as she wanted to take her burly friend up on it, she also didn’t want to see any more suffering come to someone she at one time cared so much about. “Oh, I know you would. My money’s on you in any rumble—  even with a kangaroo.” Eden laughed at her own quip shrugging lightly as she averted her gaze towards the ceiling. “It’s just weird, like we haven’t even said two words to one another since we’ve been here. It’s kind of like we don’t even exist to one another anymore.” The brunette shifted against the couch cushions, cheeks flushing in girlish glee at the mention of yet another legendary actress. Isco certainly had impeccable taste. “Oh my gosh! No way? I totally tried to dye my hair blue like hers in Scott Pilgrim. Let’s just say, I should have left it to the professionals.”

“ i’ve done my fair share of catching people when they fall, “ apollo teased, with a drunken wink. he held onto eden for a few more seconds as they both gathered composure before finally letting go, his hand dropping to his side. he took a few swigs from the bottle that he’d taken from eden’s hands and nodded slightly when she spoke. he was still a little wobbly on his feet, so he stepped back and took a seat on one of the pool chairs. “ i think you would’ve made a bomb ass mermaid, ed. “

“Wow, a regular knight in shinning amor, huh. But who catches the knight when he falls?” Eden posed, the tequila daring her to ask. She made herself comfortable in the pool chair closest Apollo, but not before snagging the bottle back from him. A soft and wistful grin adorned her cheeks from behind the tequila allowing the alcohol burn her insides as she peered over at him. “I think I’ve made a grave mistake then,” She giggled, eyes narrowing towards the water. “But no time like the present, right?”

A SOFT GRIN FORMS ON isabella’s lips at the enthusiasm of the brunette as she nods along to her statement; thrifting, boutiques and everything in between have always been a source of enlightenment for the newcomer of the cast, however it’s typically increased tenfold whenever she has the opportunity to explore BEYOND north carolina — and given the simple and relaxed, cute and crisp aesthetic that she has often associated with australia being at arm’s reach, it’s no wonder that she’s as sold on it as eden. isa can’t help but to chuckle at the other’s comment, “ and i’m sure tons of guys would agree. ” and she assumes she will as well by the time they hit the dressing rooms. “ that we DO, ” she states while her free hand sweeps across the array of fabric beside them, enthralled brown eyes taking a peek before fixing themselves upon eden’s form again, “ any suggestions ? since you’ve got a bit of a head start over me. ”

“They better.” Eden giggled, tucking away her tiny denim skirt securely in her arms, her smile widening in sheer amusement as she jumped at the chance to help style her gorgeous friend. “Thought you’d never ask,” Eden teased dramatically, draping a hand over her heart for good measure. She then studied the rack of skirts, holding them up and out towards Isa before settling a few suitable choices: denim, leather, even a camo option. Perhaps something a little funky was just the ticket for this Australian adventure. “These will look stunning on you.” Her cerulean irises sparkled wide, proud of herself as she handed over her selections one by one. With that, Eden then helped herself to a crop top and another skirt as she nodded towards the fitting rooms. “Let’s try these on!”

apollo watched eden as she took a long pull from the bottle and raised his eyebrows at her comment, actively preparing himself to be amazed, as she put it. his jaw dropped slightly as eden moved into position, but he quickly jumped up to catch her as she stumbled back towards where the pool chairs sat. there wasn’t much he knew about eden, so seeing her hold herself with such poise in what he just assumed was a ballet position was surprising. after she took another drink, apollo took the bottle back for one more swig of his own, his hand still resting on eden’s – for who’s balance, he wasn’t quiet sure in the moment, considering he was pretty off balance himself. “ i definitely cannot handle that, holy shit, “ he replied with a hearty chuckle of his own, his words so obviously slurring together because of the alcohol in his system. “ how the fuck do you learn how to do that shit? “

Eden was all giggles as she quite literally stumbled into a drunken Apollo’s arms, merely the product of a short lived ballet career. Her family couldn’t actually afford classes so curious little Eden would help out around the studio in exchange for lessons. It was more a way to keep her busy while Noah was working and her mother was off doing god knows what, but even so she had managed to hold on to a move or two. “Didn’t think so. But nice catch though, slick.” Eden mused, hand still attached to Apollo’s as she began to straighten herself up and relinquish the tequila. At his question, a wary smile resurfaced against her crimson lips, and she shrugged it off. “Took ballet classes as a kid.” The brunette replied, shaking her head and rolling her eyes at the naive little girl she once was. “It was either that or become a mermaid.”

“honestly, i’m a firm believer that living in this house makes us all so restless. like, i’m serious, the vibes here? there’s a select group of people that i can talk to for longer than two minutes without feeling off.” isco didn’t mean he disliked them or anything, it was just the fact that most of them just spent most of their time arguing and the way that isco saw things these days was that he needed to enjoy what little he had every single chance that he could. “why you not sleeping. what’s up?” he doubted she would tell him, but it was important for him to ask. “i want all of them to kick my ass, honestly.” he joked lightly right before he started the movie for them.

“I’m glad I’m not the only one.” Eden shook her head in complete agreement, loose tendrils of chestnut curls gently falling from the messy bun plopped on the crown of her head framing her face. She certainly appreciated Isco’s concern especially since her brother hadn’t yet made it to Australia. It was nice to know there was someone in this house looking out for her. “Just a lot on my mind I guess. Ever since last season, you know.” Eden shrugged, brushing it off as no big deal before nudging her buddy at his joke. “Honestly, same. Margot Robbie could do whatever he wants with me.” With a giggle, she settled into the couch cushions and made herself comfortable snuggling into Isco slightly as her eyes flickered towards the TV. 

apollo, a bit surprised, raised an eyebrow at eden. with a shrug, he took one more long swig from the bottle of tequila, not even really tasting the liquor anymore ( which he couldn’t really decide if it was a good or bad thing that he couldn’t ) and passed it over to the brunette. him and eden had always been friendly towards one another, but he also knew that she was close with mia so it was quite shocking to him that eden wasn’t yelling at him right now for everything he had done in the past few months. “ okay, come on, show me how to make this more challenging. i’d love to learn a new drunk party trick, “ he mused, grinning at her as he stumbled away from the edge of the pool and plopped – or really, fell – onto a pool chair.

Eden grabbed hold of the bottle, relief flooding her, not only because she too could use a swig— or seven— but despite her friendships she thought it best that it was out of Apollo’s hands even if for just a short while. Donning a Cheshire cat grin, Eden brought the tequila to her lips and took a long savory pull allowing it to warm her insides and adorn her cheeks a lovely shade of pale pink. “Prepare to be amazed,” The brunette warned as she crept over to the edge of the pool and extended her arms out for balance, bottle still in hand. Slowly, Eden began to pull a pointed toe up to her opposite knee before dipping her upper body forward, holding her leg out behind her in an arabesque position. Her support leg lifted up and onto tiptoe worthy of the short lived gymnastics and ballet classes her mother could never afford. Eden managed to hold the position for a beat before her balance betrayed her, and she stumbled back onto the concrete towards Apollo. “Think you could handle something like that?” She giggled before rewarding herself with another swig of tequila.

isco had definitely noticed the way that eden behaved now. they’d been friends before the show, he considered her one of those friends that he could talk to for hours and not get bored, but this new eden was still sort of unexpected for him. he wasn’t really sure of what to expect from her but he didn’t mind the change; it was just..puzzling. he didn’t think that she ever needed to change. “awesome. i got the movie ready. you’re not gonna fall asleep on me, right? ‘cause naomi always does. no matter what movie i put on, i swear.”

With a hip pressed against the doorframe, Eden tossed back a kernel of popcorn in anticipation of movie confirmation. She didn’t have to wait long and soon padded over towards the couch. “Trust me, that won’t be a problem.” The brunette mused as she made herself comfortable upon the cushions. Up until recently, sleep was a luxury Eden had trouble affording, unable to rid her mind of the media comments and criticism. “I think I’d have to give you some sort of prize if you could get me to sleep for more than like 20 minutes though.” Eden teased as she extended the popcorn bowl towards Isco and offered him a smile. “Alright. Let’s get this bad boy going. I want to see Harley Quinn kick some ass.”

✘ open starter

apollo had lost count of the shots he had downed since coming out to the pool. granted, he’d been sober for all of an hour or two the entire time they’d been in sydney, so everything he was consuming right now didn’t seem monumental in any way, but he knew that it was just his way of coping with everything that’s happened since being in the house. it was late, so he didn’t expect anyone to slide open the door to the back deck and he paid no mind to the person who had come out. instead, he walked toe to toe along the edge of the pool, trying his best to keep his balance while taking swigs from the bottle of tequila in his hand. after a few stumbles, he finally got the feeling someone was watching him so he looked up, still continuing to attempt to balance along the side of the pool. “ coming out here to watch me fall into the pool? because that is not happening. i have killer balance, even after like – 20 or so shots, “ he mused, shooting a finger gun at the person watching him with a chuckle.

Eden tried to sleep it off. Tried to ignore the ever growing pang in her chest that she couldn’t seem to shake since setting foot in Australia. It didn’t matter what she took or drank, or the facade she painted on that same gnawing still remained. Having had enough of staring at her bedroom ceiling, she opted to get some fresh air sliding the door to back deck wide open. It was then she spotted Apollo flirting with the edge of the pool, bottle in hand and quite frankly looking rather rough. Despite her loyalties that would always remain with Mia, a little piece of her heart sank at the sight of him in such a state. “Oh never—” Eden mused, sarcasm dripping from her lips. She wrapped the folds of a borrowed sweater tighter around her waist as she padded over towards the far side pool, her sea green irises widening at the bottle of tequila Apollo was holding. It seemed the saying was in fact true: misery does love company. “Actually, looks like you could use more of a challenge. Give it here, and let me show you how it’s done.”

“you are ruthless.” isco snickered as he began to make his way to the kitchen, after all they couldn’t watch a movie without popcorn, that just wasn’t how it worked. but he stopped as soon as she spoke up, earning a laugh from him. “okay, i’ll take care of finding the movie and you can get us some popcorn then?”

“Why, thank you.” A smile prickled in satisfaction on Eden’s paint stained lips. Ruthless wasn’t typically a word used to describe her, but it was refreshing none the less and exactly the new kind of image she was trying to portray, even if it meant compromising her more innocent and curious nature. For a moment, she stared down at the remotes shaking away the urge to figure it out on her own before peering up and agreeing. “You got it dude.” Eden brought two fingers to her temple and saluted Isco like a soldier to a general then sauntered off into the kitchen where she prepared the popcorn. The minutes slipped away quickly, and soon she returned, large serving bowl in hand. “How’s it going in here?”

HAVING GLAZED OVER SEASONS PAST to know exactly what she was getting into, isabella was sure that eden — like a good portion of the house, as far as she could tell — was stuck on her own negative experiences and feelings while readjusting to the process of making a reality show. and it’s for that reason that she feels a TAD guilty for not extending the offer to a couple of the other girls, however having some alone time with a friend she only sees every so often is a NECESSITY. rose-tinted lips don an agreeable grin at the confirmation, “ you’re definitely not wrong, ” followed by a light chuckle, “ it’s hard to find the right shade and the right style though. ” thank god that australia’s changed that for the picky fashionista. a giggle escapes isa as she’s whisked over to where eden was just moments prior, clutching her potential purchases by the hooks of their hangers; deep brown eyes take in the array she’ll soon skim through just as the other woman flaunts her find in a much appreciated, exaggerated manner. “ just a little SHORTER than what i’d go for, personally, ” she muses, “ but your legs would look great in it — and i like the wash of it; you’re totally showing me how it looks on later. ”

Eden had one mission and one mission only this season: to reinvent herself. And nothing said new season, new you quite like a new look, especially one that was was much shorter and tighter than the oversized sweaters and cutoffs she was used to. Thank god she at least had Isa around to keep her in check. “So true. The Australian fashion seems to in our favor though!” Eden giggled as she removed the denim skirt from her hips and draped the material over her forearm to try on later. She wasn’t particularly concerned with the length of the skirt, more the fit and that it looked good enough to make all the Aussies turn their heads. “The length is what I like most about it.” Eden waggled her eyebrows, her sea green irises trailing towards the other skirt options as she did so. After a moment, the brunette  turned to Isa giving her friend her complete and undivided attention. “Now, we need to find you one that will go with that gorgeous top.”

“ohhhh, i’m gonna start taking it personally if you keep it up.” isco stuck his tongue out at her teasingly, leaning down just enough for her to slip her arm around his shoulders since the height difference was pretty crazy, as usual. “i was hoping you’d pick. maybe that new harley quinn movie? i haven’t watched it yet and i heard it’s pretty sick despite the reviews.”

“Maybe you should.” Eden smiled narrowing her eyes into playful slits as she sauntered along arm and arm with Isco until the the living room came into view. “Yes! Let’s do it. She’s such a badass.” The brunette nodded in agreement, unhooking herself from Isco to grab the remote controls. Thank god the house was fully stocked with all different streaming services. The only problem was that Eden had no idea how to work them; growing up she was lucky she even had a TV. “Uhh, I’m pretty sure if you put me in charge of setting this up, I’m going to break it.” Eden peered down at the remotes and brought her shoulders up to her reddening cheeks, a girlish laugh bubbling in her chest.

Lana looked at the other and her eyes widened a bit, Eden defiantly had more energy than Lana ever has. Sitting in the chair she handed it to her friend, laughing at her answer, “Yeah, I’m happy to be here I guess… Just feeling it out and all” she shrugged. Lana didn’t want to be here if we were being honest, she didn’t want to be on a tv show, but better than the alternative. “What’s new?” she asked.

Eden nodded along with Lana as smoke spiraled into her lungs bringing her a sense of renewed clarity. “Totally. It takes a lot of getting used to. I don’t think I’m even used to it to be honest.” The brunette shrugged as she handed her friend back the lit. She pulled her legs onto the chair and up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them with a casual shrug. “Nothing, really. Just another day of laying by the pool and margaritas.” A small grin began to tug at the corners of her painted lips. “Bet we could find a way to stir up some trouble, though.”

Mia shakes her head with a laugh, thinking about exactly how much that would piss her ex-boyfriend off. He always did have a jealous streak, only growing stronger with the more success and attention the band got. “You know what, Finnegan, you’re onto something. I always knew you were the smart one.” It might have been the alcohol talking, but she was finally starting to feel happy with her decision to come to the house, if only to spend time some quality time with her friend. “I- am working on new music. But I’m thinking about selling it.” 

“Well—  I did have one of the highest GPAs back in high school.” Eden casually pressed her backside against the kitchen countertop, shaking her head and laughing at that curious and naive teenager she once was not so long ago. “AH-mazing, Mi. Imagine someone like Ariana singing one of your songs ugh.” Eden cooed before finishing up the last of her margarita. She giggled at the slurping sounds that resounded from her glass than added, “And if you ever need anyone to run ideas by I’m your girl.”

“I really do,” Mia laughed, “I went through Jimmy’s phone and took any important contact numbers down before we broke up.” Her thought process had been connecting with other musicians on a professional level, but either way, the number was still there. She threw the idea of dialing the number around in her head for a moment, sipping her drink thoughtfully as she did so. On one hand, it could be potentially entertaining. On the other, she already had a pretty wrecked reputation to try and repair. “I can’t,” she said finally, an apologetic smile on her lips, “At least not right now. Give me a few weeks to come up with a good enough song to pitch, and we’ll see what I can do.” 

Eden hung onto Mia’s every word, pressing her chin to her palm as she rest it casually on the kitchen counter and leaned in towards the blonde. “Yes, girl! I mean what better way to say eff you than get back at him with a super hot world famous boy bander,” Eden swooned at her own suggestion, flushed cheeks revealing just how tipsy the petite brunette was starting to become. “Fine. Fine. But when you do call him, you need to make sure I’m around.” She pressed her lips to straw and sipped at her margarita nearing the end of the generous pour. “Oh a song to pitch, huh? Tell me you are working on new music.”

RETAIL THERAPY AT ITS FINEST, she could waste away the day wrestling with the indulgent facet of herself while still getting plenty of cardio in — it’s a workout in itself to visit numerous stores and carry your weight in clothes. thus, isa finds herself straying ever so slightly from eden as her EAGLE eye leads her wherever it pleases, yet only realizes this when turning to her with the issue currently plaguing her. she can’t help the small grin that blossoms as the brunette makes her way over and offers her opinion; it results in her giving both shirts a final once-over before holding the lavender one out a LITTLE farther for the both of them to observe. “ you think so ? i mean, i HAVE been lacking in purple tones in my wardrobe. ” she can’t help but to bite her glossy, rose lip at the prospect of gaining attention among some locals, but she’s quick to roll her eyes all the same. “ maybe so, ” isabella hums as she slowly places the blue blouse back on the rack, gathering the rest of her finds while she’s at it, “ but i can say the same about you and those skirts — speaking of which, you’ve GOT to show me them and maybe help me find one too. ”

This was absolutely what Eden needed, some good old fashion girl time ruffling through racks of skirts, jeans, tops, anything and everything that would help get her mind off the house and more importantly the drama from last season. She studied the lavender top one last time before nodding firmly at Isa, completely satisfied with her suggestion.“I know so. You can never have too much purple, especially this time of year,” Eden declared, confidence illuminating her features.  A smile then sparkled on her rose colored cheeks, and she grabbed Isa’s hand waving her over towards the skirts. “Oh my god, yes. Just over here. This is the one I was looking at before,” Eden held up her choice before bringing it down to her hips. She made a show of modeling the teeny denim skirt in question keeping it pressed to her waist as she strutted down one of the aisles like it were runway in Milan. Striking a pose, the brunette giggled and raised a playful brow as she twirled around with the skirt, “What do you think?”