𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 / CLOSER .

Tink: uhhh well it's a bit cheesy but it's like a friendship bracelet

Tink: with like beads and shit

Tink: ever make one of those??? it's with my best friend from home so its really important to me

Cornelius: oh gotcha!

Cornelius: i've never made those but those are like, friendship bracelets yeah?

No, she hadn’t stalked him. It wasn’t considered stalking when you typed someone’s name into Google once and found out said someone was a national fencing champion, or when the person came up on the news as ‘youngest fencing champion’ or something. Zarina wasn’t sure which had been the case, but she definitely hadn’t stalked him. It was just convenient that she’d come across this information somehow. “Not really. I just found out somehow, don’t remember how. You’re not that big a part of my life,” she laughed sincerely, especially because of his next comment. “I figured. Would seem a bit silly if you didn’t.” She shrugged. “I’ve been fencing for half my life, but not competitively. I mean, I did local competitions, was the best in Barcelona, but never signed up for anything national.” She walked over to the side of the gym and grabbed her weapon of choice. It was an obvious choice, considering her background. “Sabre, but I can use a foil if I have to. The epee was too heavy for me when I first tried it.”

Cornelius chuckled, shrugging. “Wouldn’t expect to be. I wish I was that self-important,” he joked. But really, every time someone mentioned him making the news, it made him cringe. It was a bit embarrassing, considered how much his own mother celebrated his accomplishments, going all out on social media; but he wasn’t going to complain. It was always a good thing to be recognized for your accomplishments. He nodded as she spoke, giving her a little clap when she finished. “Best in Barcelona, huh? That’s still big. We’d be on the same level of skill.” It wasn’t often that he got to meet fellow champions outside of fencing season, and the excitement was starting to build up. He grinned. “Excellent. I use that too. Should we warm up first, or do you just wanna get into it?”

His responses eases the woman – maybe she shouldn’t be so hesitant and tense. Although her mind was telling her this, these things didn’t come so easily to Diana. Her experiences told a completely other story than her ability to rationalize – she was a walking, internal tug-of-war between her emotions and mentality. At least, when it came to certain things that was the case. “Of course not.” Diana tries to joke, but it’s hard and the laughter she tries to force out doesn’t quite cooperate as much as the woman would like. The sip she takes following her words helps. “My date was quite nice, surprisingly enough.” A genuine smile appears on Diana’s face as she remembers the good time she spent with Ariel. “I was partnered with one of my friends, so it was a good time with her.” Sipping again, the act ends and everyone claps. The brunettes turns back toward the boy. “Astra’s events are a good break from things, though it’s hard to step away from my work.” This time the joke comes out better, though Diana isn’t sure if that’s due to the alcohol or not.

Cornelius doesn’t like it when he makes people visibly uncomfortable, so when he sees it, he tries his utmost best to make sure they’re soothed quickly. And when Diana relaxes, so can he. He doesn’t try to rush into easing her, he knows that can backfire very quickly if he isn’t careful. He nods as she begins to speak about her date, taking a long sip of his water. “Oh, well that’s good, then! It’d be sad to hear if things didn’t work out, or if you got paired with someone you didn’t like.” He was lucky enough that his date with Jack went fairly well, despite the other boy’s initial warning that he was a terrible singer. “Oh?” he asks, setting his water down. “What do you do for a living?” If he can guess, it’s probably something in business — she looks like someone who’d be good at that type of thing. “I mean, that’s pretty normal, yeah? It’s a good thing Astra allows people to keep doing what’s important to them while they fulfill your dreams.”

Tink: well i have barely anyone so some help would be nice. thanks.

Tink: the last time i had it was like.... yesterday? I think?

Cornelius: sure, let me help out.

By any means, Thomas O’Malley really wanted to try everything that was on the menu in Sacrimento, but he knew that he also had to remain realistic in his dreams. He can do a whole heap of new stuff and lose sight of what he came here to do in the first place; making music. But… one or two new things… to try…. doesn’t hurt, right? “Been thinkin’ of takin’ swimmin’ lessons,” he was very honest about that part; he simply never learned how to swim and it wasn’t something he was scared of saying, rather scared of trying. Then fancing was a walk in the park. “Still gotta see ‘bout the other stuff. Fencin’ is definitely new.” And the musician offered a smile, taking the gear as Cornelius talked. “Been in the States for ‘bout fifteen years maybe, so my accent’s kinda the same.” He said. “Sounds like you’re kind of a pleasant mix; not really Londoner, not really Scotsman either.” Thomas rose his shoulders in a shrug. “Not that it matters here, right? Now, can you show me how I put this on?”

"I reckon swimming’s a great thing to learn,” Cornelius agreed. “It could get you out of sticky situations. Life skills and all that.” He’d considered taking up competitive swimming as a child, but fencing just had a stronger pull. He smiles, shrugging. “If it helps, I used to think of it as sword fighting, but not as dangerous. Took me a little while before I said the proper word. It got me so many stares.” He chuckled at the memory, how the other kids used to glare at him for using the wrong terms. But with determination and hard work, he got better — at least, that’s what he hoped. “What else are you planning to do, if you don’t mind me asking?” He let out a low whistle. “Fifteen years, wow. And you’ve stuck in California, or have you been around?” Cornelius chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, I guess. Little bit of an in-betweener. But hey, right — just clip on the chest guard, then the slip on the plastron. The arm protector thing.”

There wasn’t anyone else in the gym, and it was probably better that way. Zarina didn’t need an audience for this part of their awkward conversation, which was all up to her. It was strange for her to feel like this, out of place and insecure for the first time in actual years, but she was going to power through it for the sake of bettering herself. That was the only reason she seemed to do anything these days - unless it came to her friends, then she’d be willing to put anything on the line altogether. When he entered and asked his question, some of the tension was lifted from her shoulders as she let out a laugh. “What, I thought you were supposed to be the national champion here, can’t even recognize a mask?” Not a great way to start, so she fixed herself. “Yeah. I was wondering… if you’d be willing to train me - train with me.”

National champion. Well, that never failed to surprise him. Cornelius raised an eyebrow at her, a short breath leaving his lips. “Ah, so you did your research on me. I don’t know whether to be flattered or concerned.” It wasn’t something he’d gone around telling people, not when he was trying to keep a low profile, but that was easier said than done when you could Google Cornelius Seelie and fencing and have his face, bright and smiling, with a gold medal right next to it. “Of course I recognize it, I just didn’t know you took up fencing. But yeah, sure, why not? It’d be nice to have someone to spar with.” Weighing the weapon in his hands, he glanced at her, running a hand through his hair. “What do you use? Please don’t tell me epee, I'm not as trained in that as the other two.”

Tink: listen.. you gotta help me

Tink: I lost my favorite bracelet of all time and I NEED it

Tink: this is so important

Tink: does astra have a like.. lost and found or anything??? this is dire i'll do ANYTHING

Cornelius: uhhhh...

Cornelius: i'm probably not the best person to ask js.

Cornelius: maybe the front desk knows?

Oh, God. She was already starting to regret this decision, wasn’t she? Diana couldn’t stop herself from rolling her eyes at the boy’s words – what time were they supposed to be done again? “I don’t drink much alcohol. This is what I like.” She tries to laugh, but there isn’t much that comes out. As hard as it is, the woman is trying her best not to hold an unnecessary bias against this guy. But that was terribly difficult when all the men you’d had relationships with went and hurt you. For the brunette at least, those types of things weren’t something she let go of easily and tended to place onto other people (like, all the time). “I ordered you some water. But you can get something else that you’d prefer too when the waitress comes back.” It’s feeling tense to the woman, but luckily a duet begins to perform, drawing her attention away for a moment. “So,” Diana starts to say, almost needing to fill the uncomfortable silence. “Did you enjoy the gala after the mass of people surrounding the DJ eventually petered out?”

Cornelius raises his hands up in surrender, a teasing scoff leaving his lips. “Hey, hey, nothing against you, promise. I just thought it was interesting — most people usually go for coffee.” Then again, he doesn’t usually frequent the fancier cafes, more focused on getting the one cup of coffee that’ll wake him up instead of whatever fancy cheeses were on the specials board. He slides into the seat across her, nodding. “Thanks. I think water should be alright for now. I wouldn’t want to get carded.” There’s a smirk on his face as he speaks, but it fades as his eyes flit to the pair singing on stage. He chuckles. “Yeah. It got a lot more manageable once I figured out what song I wanted to request. After that, it was... alright.” Truth be told he doesn’t remember much from the gala, but what he does remember is the Valentine’s date, so he hops on that. “So, uh, how about you? How was your winter gala and your date from last month?”

@seeliecrowned

She didn’t remember how she found out that Cornelius was a fencer. She might have seen his face on the news, or Googled him, or he could have just told her, but Zarina had only recently figured out that he was a national champion. It had been in the back of her mind for ages - challenging him, making him train with her so she’d become better, but she knew she’d lose if she outright told him to fight her. They’d trained together, regular exercise, but this was the first time they were together in the city gym, much bigger than Astra’s and not clogged with equipment. And for the first time in years, she was at a loss for words. No idea what to say, how to ask him to teach her. It would show weakness if she asked. “Hey,” she simply said, fiddling with her mask.

Cornelius couldn’t remember the last time he’d sparred with someone outside of the fencing club. Then again, he’d never really bothered to ask anyone if they’d taken an interest in fencing. He’d worked out with some of his friends at Astra, sure, but he didn’t think any of them saw him fence. He’d only mentioned it in passing, maybe even talked about it when asked; but no actual demonstration. When he entered Astra, he had to be pulled out of the competition circuit. He kind of missed it — he was itching for some form of it again. He decided to go to the city gym again to practice somewhere a little less crowded, practicing his lunges and parries when a figure approached him. “Hey, Zarina,” he said, surprise on his face. “That a fencing mask in your hands?”

His smile stretched a little further upon hearing the other’s accent now as well; at least Thomas knows he’s not the only one not from around here. Astra really had all nationalities and he loves every minute of it. “Yeah. Astranaut,” he nodded then chuckled at the name, still thinking it’s witty. But that would mean the other was one as well. “I intend to, just wanna try the stuff I hadn’t been able to in my life, but did want to try.” Hearing those famous names doing the same thing as he was about to do sure sparked some excitement within him now; a smile indicating that now.

“Thanks! That’s so kind. I always get to hear I’m too old to do fencin’ or any kinda sport for that matter.” It kind of sounded sad when he put it that way, doesn’t he? In any case, he hasn’t had money when he was younger to try this, but now he has. He tagged along to the supplies, gazing around to see the other people fencing and he became impressed. “Dublin. Lovely city, but I couldn’t stay. What about you?”

Cornelius nodded, grinning. “Yeah, I’d say that’s fair. I mean, this place is all about making dreams come true, right? What things were you thinking of?” He couldn’t help but be a little curious, but he wasn’t going to take it against the man if he didn’t want to divulge — he was a stranger, after all. He shook his head. “Nah. If you can move around, you can still do fencing, that’s what my coach back home said. Plus, it’s good exercise.”

At the mention of Dublin, he raised his eyebrows amusedly. “Ah, gotcha. I’ve yet to go to Ireland, but I hear it’s lovely.” He gestured to himself. “Glasgow, but I grew up in London. Can’t tell you how many times people have been shocked by the accent that comes out of my mouth. Mine’s much more subdued. You should hear my Dad.” He handed him a chest guard that seemed to be his size, and a mask. “I always get amused seeing fellow Brits around. How long have you been here for?”

@seeliecrowned

New Year’s Eve seemed like an eternity ago, but it was one of Diana’s resolutions to work on some potential friendships, and she was the most ambitious person in her life, so of course these goals were going to get completed. They always did, even if she had to spend countless nights without sleep to get them done. That was the woman’s typical M.O. – work, work, work and never stop until you finish whatever task you may be working on. There were no exceptions; maybe sometimes for a bathroom break, a snack, or a glass of water, but not much else cut it for Diana. When she decided to contact the guy that she’d met at the gala a few months ago, this wasn’t how she was thinking about completing this goal when creating her list of resolutions, but he hadn’t seemed too terrible for a young guy… hopefully he didn’t change her mind. Even her offer was off for her: karaoke night that a local cafe was hosting. She wasn’t sure if he’d agree and meet her there, there the brunette sat with a simple glass of red wine. Waiting. Hoping this wasn’t a disaster about to happen.

Cornelius wasn’t really one for New Year’s resolutions — he’d found that there wasn’t really a point in doing something you were going to forget in two months’ time. He’d been an eager of fan of them when he was younger, but as life got in the way of little dreams and goals, he’d decided not to make them any longer. He could respect anyone that actually fulfilled them, though. It had been strange for him to accept an invite from Diana, especially considering how he wasn’t sure exactly why she’d invited him. But really, who was he to say no to karaoke and food? Those were two of his favorite things. As he stepped into the cafe, he let the smell of coffee fill his nose, neck tilted up so he could see if he could find her. Once he did, Cornelius stepped towards her, the corners of his lips already turned up in a smirk. “Wow, wine at a cafe,” he teased. “How very classy of you.”

Now that Thomas O’Malley was no longer homeless and he was aided financially he decided to try all the things in the world that he had always wanted to do, kind of like doing a bucketlist. And what best way to start locally? Sacrimento had a lot to offer and choosing was overwhelming, looking at all the different websites. So, instead of relying on the internet, he decided to go look for clubs and coming togethers that looked fun. That’s how he had halted once or twice before the fencing club; hesitant but excited. Then, he settled to finally enter. In total honesty, he did not know what to expect, but he liked throwing himself into new things, preferably blindly. And he’d never been able to do fencing, for he simply hadn’t had the money to do so. 

“Err,” the Irish really popped out on that pensive uttering. “I guess so,” Thomas smiled, but he was hesitant. “I’ve never done it before. Can I still get in, on an old age like mine?”

Blame it on the current training session to make him breathless when he answered. When Cornelius detected a hint of Irish in the man’s accent, the grin on his lips pulled the tiniest bit wider. “Yeah, why not, mate?” he replied, doubling down on his own Scottish accent. “It’s never too late to get into a sport. You can always give it a shot, see if you like it.” He tilted his head slightly at him. “You’re from Astra too, yeah? Let me take you on as my guest for the day.” He nodded towards the front desk, and made a motion for the man to follow him. “From what I remember, Will Smith, David Beckham, and Tom Cruise all tried fencing together, so, yeah, nothing to worry about age-wise. You look pretty great.”

Giving him a thumbs up, Cornelius led him to the equipment rental. “So, what part of Ireland are you from? Or are you based somewhere else?”

seeing the grin on their face made it almost impossible to stop the grin that grew on their features. “ah i do! just don’t make me too fat with all this food.” they grinned, shaking their head. “alright that sounds like a great plan. i can’t wait to try the pizza.” mitch looked over at corn with a smile, before turning and starting to make their way to their dorm, already picturing the perfect pair of shoes. “oh gosh, a cotillion. it’ll be better than that i’m sure. honestly, i don’t really dance, i just move with the music. i’m not sure it counts.” they beamed. 

placing a hand on his chest, cornelius gasped dramatically. “you know i’d never do such a thing. i’ll help you burn it off, if that ever happens.” he shuddered a little as he thought about the cotillion more, shaking his head. “god, it was terrible. felt like it was never going to end. and hey, dancing in time with the music totally counts!” he exclaimed. “isn’t that the basic principle of dancing, anyways? as long as you’re not pulling a sprinkler on the dance floor and knocking someone’s eye out, i think you should be alright. or doing the hotline bling dance.”

It was rare that someone came to visit the fencing club without actually being a member — Cornelius found that most people went to the gym, dropping off their kids if they ever took interest in the sport. He could remember the first time he stepped inside, ready to learn how to sword fight. Of course, he learned that sword fighting and fencing were different things eventually, but he was completely fascinated by it to quit. He couldn’t let that passion die even when he joined Astra, so he sought the best club in Sacramento and continued training there. Fencing was literally his life, he couldn’t imagine living without it.

He’d just finished a quick sparring round with his coach when he saw a familiar face entering the club. He’d seen the man around the Compound before, but they’d never really crossed paths. Until now. Taking off his mask, he stepped towards him, grinning. “Hey there! You here to fence?”

once they heard the hyung they knew there was something that corn wanted. not in a bad way, but they knew how corn loved to play around before he asked for something. seeing the smile on their face, they knew whatever it was they wouldn’t be able to resist. pulling their phone out of their pocket, they chuckled silently, shaking their head. “that better be a good dinner you’re offering.” they joked, before typing again. “of course i’ll come with you. i’ll need to switch shoes, maybe platforms, then we can go, yeah?” they smiled. they had never really taken dance lessons, but new experiences are always great, they were keen; and with a friend like corn by their side they were ready for anything. 

@seeliecrowned

cornelius liked to think he had some kind of charm to him, the kind that could get him anything he wanted if he just asked. he didn’t like using it too often, but could he really help it? he looked at mitch with a wide smirk, standing back up straight. “of course, you gotta trust me on this kind of thing,” he told them, crossing his arms. “if you’re interested, there is a lovely italian place that makes excellent spaghetti and meatballs, and a solid neapolitan pizza. you’ll love it, promise.” he nodded, gesturing for them to lead the way back. “sure, no problem. i think it’d be quite fun, you know? i was invited a really awkward cotillion when i was twelve, but i don’t think i remember anything from that.”

🛁 give my muse a bath

“Mate, you did not tell me you were heavy as fuck,” Cornelius groaned, sitting Terence on the toilet seat cover so he could pull off the boy’s clothes. He stank of alcohol, and Cornelius wasn’t going to have the smell of it permeate throughout his dorm if he could help it. He’d taken extra care to fix his friend’s clothes as he ran the bath for him, lightly tapping on his cheek to make sure he stayed awake. “This should help sober you up a bit.” Once the tub was filled, he guided Terence inside, easing him in gently. “Don’t slosh around, yeah?”

🛑 stop my muse from doing something reckless

Whatever Tink had in mind, Cornelius knew it couldn’t be anything but bad news. He’d seen that look in his friends’ eyes before and even his own; the effect of one too many drinks in his system and the drunken desire to change things up. He hesitated, trying to approach her as calmly as he could. But whatever she was up to, the paint cans at her feet couldn’t mean anything good. “Oi,” he called out to her, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Whatever it is you’re thinking of doing, Bells — I wouldn’t if I were you.”