* // homebound.

idk what you’re referring to but probably

Joli Poli | Barcelona Fashion Week 2025

attention is back on her when she begins to slow down their walk, scoff emitting his lips upon the other's sudden words. ' what? — why are you sorry? of course i was gonna walk you home. you think i wouldn't walk you home? ' a little offence is taken at the thought, he's always made sure she's safe — even when he really should've kept his nose out. ' wait, what? ' miles questions, stopping their walk completely so he can turn to look her in the eyes. natalia always has a way of catching him completely off-guard. ' what act? ' smirk suddenly tugs at the corners of his lips as he so boldly admits he wasn't putting on an act in there, it was all his own doing — happily so. ' i wanna spend time with you too, nat. otherwise i'd have left ages ago. ' doesn't see the point in lying anymore, especially when it seems like she's beginning to get nervous about the entire deal. ' if that's what you want then i'm happy to oblige, i just— i don't want you to feel obligated to offer it just 'cause it's been a while... i'd also not mind going about this all the proper way. ' feels sheepish himself all of a sudden, hands fidgeting at her waist. ' like going out on a proper date, y'know ... just for example. '

dark brows raised slightly as she listened, though it wasn't until he actually took hold of her waist that the words actually sunk in. "i know, i know you would've, i just ... i don't know." of course he would have walked her home, she knew that, she knew him, but still a part of her wanted to reassure him that it wasn't necessary. but ... to him, everything in the bar wasn't an act. none of it was an act. her eyes lingered on his face, that trademark smirk of his, as if speaking from his heart of such a truth was all too easy. she didn't know whether to feel frustrated, envious of such openness, or relieved. but then he asked her on a proper date, and the emotion swelled into a warmth completely unfamiliar to her. an innocent sort of relief, as if she had been anticipating his offer in a small part of her heart. "i'm not offering it just to offer it," she quickly reassured him, hand absently finding the side of his arm and skimming over the fabric of his sleeve. didn't dare move from where his hands anchored her, a smile blooming upon her cheeks. "-- if, and i say if, since i'm still not sure if that was a question, that was an offer ... " she began slowly, teasingly, "... i'd be happy to go on a date with you. if that was what was being offered." now a hint of mischief glimmered in her eyes, head canting back to peer up at him. "how does that sound?"

can't help the amused little chuckle that vibrates in his chest to the way her lips part in slight shock, sheepish little smile on her lips now. miles feels like he's hanging onto every little word she says, every little motion — what is gonna happen next? he's not sure either of them know the answer to that question. though when she suddenly speaks again, it sounds more like she's backing off ... like she's tired of this little game their playing. how disappointing. ' you think? ' he's leaning into her touch though, heart practically missing a beat when warm lips press against his cheek. tongue pokes out to wet dry lips, feeling a little sheepish himself at her words. is it an invitation? a challenge ? who knows at this point. ' good to know. ' miles simply states for now, doesn't want to push the boat out unless he's certain how it'll be reciprocated. smirk tugs at edges once again to her words, low chuckle emitting his lips — spent enough time with anita to know ( very little ) spanish. ' guapo, huh? well, since you asked so nicely, ' turns to face the currently crowd of friends. ' i think this ones had a little too much to drink so i'm gonna get her home, it was nice to meet you all. ' gracefully exits, leading natalia out with the arm still around her waist.

miles always seemed to thrive when it came to charming people-- he seemed to have a way with getting people to laugh, to soften up a little. the air was never ... heavy around him. at least, he always seemed to manage that with her. it was easy for him to say goodbye, and her friends were already snared in his trap of charm, so she was able to slip away without their demand for answers. even as they began to walk down the street, his arm remained woven around the curve of her waist, fingers grazing against the swell of her hip. she did nothing to dissuade him of this, though at some point she did begin to slow to a stop in their walk back home. '-- you know, i forgot to ask if you were actually okay with walking me home, i'm sorry.' a sheepish chuckle slipped, hand gently finding his free hand to get his attention. there was a pause, not certain if she should say anything more. be honest for once, talia. ' ... um. i know we're already halfway there anyways, but if it means anything, i'd like for you to come home with me. not just because of the whole act, though.' dark brows furrow slightly, not sure if that was overstepping. '-- because i want to spend time with you.' maybe it was her sobering up, her nervous rambling, the way her mind began to muddle.

Dead Poets Society (1989) dir. Peter Weir

with hands on her frame, part of him is hoping to feel her squirm against his touch — a little disappointed it doesn't seem like he's affected her this much. lips part in slight shock to her words, low chuckle erupting from his chest. ' uh oh, should i be scared? ' he taunts, breath hitching in the back of his throat when she turns in his arms to face him, smile very clearly on display because he really continues to underestimate the femme. head cants down to look upon her visage, low hum vibrating in the back of his throat due to how nice all of this feels. ' oh, definitely. the main thing i think they're thinking is how much of a dirty girl you really are. ' feigns a gasp, almost as if he's clutching at invisible pearls just to pretend she's saying some outrageous things back to him before arms come to wrap around her neck now as he leans in. ' do you ... do you wanna really sell it? ' eyes drop to look at her lips before returning his gaze to her own, features softening as he looks at her — heart now beginning to really race even if he tries to stay nonchalant.

a dirty girl? can't believe what she's just heard, and the way her eyes widen, lips parting but struggling to murmur something in reply reveal her bashfulness. he must be satisfied with himself, she can't help but think to herself, the squint of her eyes and annoyed little scoff softened by the sheepish little smile that began to bloom on her lips. he's lucky that he's cute, that's all she had to say on that. ' well ...' she trailed off, eyes lingering on his face as it hovered so close to hers, feeling the weight of his arms on her shoulders. noted how his eyes flickered down her face, lingering on her lips almost, and they both knew what would come next. at least, if they were acting this out. but she felt like it'd be cruel to do that if it was just an act. maybe to herself, most likely to him ( he could deny it all he wanted, but she knew he had a softer heart than what he claimed ). '-- i'm pretty sure they're sold, miles,' she pointed out gently enough, fingers lightly running up and down his back. leaned up to him, lips planting a tender kiss to the apple of his cheek. ' 'n besides. i don't want you to kiss me because you have to sell an act. i'd like it to be because you actually want to.' now she'd pull back a little, a knowing smile cast over freckled cheeks as she peered up to him. ' i don't think we need to keep up the act. take me home, guapo. please?'

CHICAGO FIRE 11.04 — The Center of the Universe

"Does it?" An open question, not too accepting of the usual answer as he had grown all too familiar with it. Yet it never stopped his determination, never seized the image of her along his side on the quest of helping humanity out with their own undoing. "Even if one day they have weakened you beyond repair?" This wasn't all for her, as much as Gaia had cut the heart from his chest and now owned it as her own, his selfishness would always be there although with her there his eyes were also always cast toward her own being. As strong as the earth, as fragile as it too. Fingers tightened against her, pushed her closer even as his lips curled in a match to her slight mischief, a way of easing the situation even as he brought up such worries for her. "I don't see you enough with how busy I am, is it wrong to imagine you there with me even if just to brush the crimson stains from my cheek?" Knuckled caressed over her own cheekbone, a trace of her beautiful appearance before he leaned in to press lips tenderly to her forehead. It was more than love, more than the need to possess. The kami adored her like he had never adored another. To love someone other than himself this intensely felt as though for once control had been taken from his hands by fate. "I am also certain you would make for a respectable opponent in battle, this wonderful body drenched in blood..." Now he was swaying away from the topic just enough to justify his gaze falling along her form.

his hands beckoned her closer, so she would easily press her cheek to his shoulder, sighing contentedly as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "-- oh, that's not wrong at all, my love," she cooed, cheek turning to plant a lingering kiss to the calluses of his palm. "only i should be touching you like this, anyways." his lips, ghosting over her forehead, brought her pause-- she knew such gentle touches were a privilege only she could treasure the way it required. "if it is required of me, i may lead the charge, even. could you imagine, me, drenched in the blood of those who wronged me?" an incredulous puff of laughter slipped, soft and yet tinged with a hint of bittersweet mirth. "i suppose, perhaps, i have grown negligent. there are natural consequences that must come." truly, a mother through and through.