#+ amber spilling that tea and that friendship beginning

[cruzmerida]

fic: with friends like these

Revs Appreciation Week, December 28th; "Friendship" / Courage / Hope

//(SKIDS IN AT 11:30PM) HELLO YES this is part of @fl-revs-appreciation 's revolutionaries appreciation event! and god i just want to preface this with the fact that i am INSANELY PRO-REVOLUTIONARY i just couldnt resist the opportunity to put "friendship" in big fat scare quotes.

maude is an import from @caseybanning's personal timeline of events, and i hope i've done her justice working her into cruz's story as well. she is just one stinker among the revolutionary movement.//

Cruz hears a knock at the door. It is a knuckles on metal, reverberant, cold, unforgiving. They think of a wooden door that doesnt stick right, the muffled sound of fortune below them, and feel so powerfully homesick they get queasy all over again. Cruz draws the scratchy covers over their head, and they don't answer. 

The knock comes again. 

They again don't answer, but Maude has the keys, and before long light is spilling into their cramped cabin, onto the bunk that only fits to the ankles if they don't curl up, into the mildewed odd-angled corners and the room bucks and spins around them just from having light enough to see by. It doesn't help that their new captain goes around lighting up the gas-lamps, throwing every detail into stark relief. It's horrible. Cruz glares out from beneath the covers at Maude, who has set a tray of tea on the table. It clatters about with the rocking of the tramp steamer, never still.

"Honestly, Merida, one would think you were laid up with fever, and not bloody zeesickness," Maude says in an exasperated huff, tossing the blanket off of her nauseous comrade and foisting a mug of tea into their hands. Cruz continues glaring, now with tea. It is served sugarless and milkless, and as Cruz nurses it, it is powerfully bitter and tinged with catmint. The effect is altogether unpleasant, and it shows on their face, apparently, to which Maude sighs again. "Go on, drink up. It'll settle your stomach, you enormous fussbudget."

Cruz stares down at it. Takes another, bitter sip. They still haven't spoken. Maude helps herself to the bolted-down chair by the berth and starts on her own tea. It's across the room, but in the cramped quarters that hardly means much. She is so close if Cruz were to rise from the bunk there was barely enough room to stand nose-to-nose.

"Fussbudget," Cruz repeats. "I just had to leave my entire life behind with no notice, and you are calling me a fussbudget." 

Maude blinks at them, looks incensed for a moment, but she takes a breath, measures herself, and her expression softens. At least, they think it does. Cruz's vision has adjusted to the dark, but even still, they cannot much judge the expression in the wan light. It turns her eyes into hollow pits, her hair a frizzed and amber halo around her head. A long moment passes between them, during which Maude takes another hearty, conspicuously loud drink of tea, as if trying to convince Cruz it tastes good.

"We all have to leave it all behind, one way or another," she says, eventually. She has the look of someone who's finally resolved to say something that had been hidden, and launches into it, eyes glinting in the dark. "We all do. But what could be done? The poets flirt with death but never look it in the eye. And your friends have such strong senses of justice -- I envy them. But they'd think you'd been lying about it this whole time."

The words hit like knives. Cruz's teacup clinks as their hands begin to shake. Maude carries on speaking.

"Your reputation would upend in an instant, Merida, and I respect you for wanting their last memories of you to be good ones. The man you were trying to be." 

The porcelain handle snaps between their fingers. The cup itself is spared, its contents continuing to sway and taunt Cruz, dark and bitter as the peligin depths that surround the boat. Never still. Always in motion. Always somewhere between equilibrium and the tilt required to allow the ship to capsize, to allow the liquid of the cup to spill over into the saucer. Maude reaches across the gap between them and claps a hand on their broad shoulder. "I'm glad you could give them that, Merida, I really am. But I know the man you are, beneath all that, and I haven't left you yet."

Cruz's gut twists. They take a heavy breath, which Maude seems to have taken as bracing, because she gives them an encouraging slap on the shoulder and stands. "You're needed on decks. We've coral on the hull, and we need every pair of strong hands to dislodge it before we go any farther."

"Thank you for the tea," Cruz mumbles, automatically. They think Maude smiles.

"Don't mention it. What are friends for?"

She leaves the tray with the tea on the table, heading up above decks. Boots on the metal stairs follow her out, and Cruz can hear as well the rhythmic tapping on the hull that they'd assumed was some manner of creature.

Cruz stares at cup in their hand, releasing their grip on the handle and allowing the pieces to clink into the porcelain saucer. Regrettably, it is working, but the pit in their guts hasn't faded with the nausea.

[captainbucky-yt]

“Don’t You Remember”

— Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett (AU)

Chapter 10: a gentle distraction [ ao3 ]

[ previous ] [ next ] [ masterpost ]

Chapter Summary: Benedict tends to Sophie whilst she is resting. Richard struggles to approve of their friendship.

Content Warning: Implied menstruation and period-typical (regency) taboo.

Taglist: @trenko-heart​ (let me know if you want to be added)

Exert:

Her hands folded in her lap and Benedict took that as a sign for him to come in. He held up the tray a little further as he said, “I didn’t know if you’d want some tea? I brought biscuits as well.”

Sophie took a second to actually look at what he was holding as he came closer with steady steps. True to his word, there was a teacup a little too full with the amber liquid settled atop a saucer, and a plate piled with biscuits enough for the both of them. And for a moment, the aches weighing own her body felt light, and she was being warmed with the thought of how sweet this gesture was.

Her eyes regarded him brightly. “Thank you.”

Benedict hummed, intent on not spilling any of the tea more than he already was doing. Brewing it had not come very naturally to him, and pouring it even less so. He had a red line across his right palm which was still throbbing because he had forgotten to use a towel when lifting the kettle from the stove.

He set the tray down next to her on her night stand and as Ben bent forwards, a stay curl of hair shifted and fell towards his eyes. Sophie wanted to put it back in its place— he were close enough that she could try. But instead she watched the concentrating bite of his lip as he fussed over placing the tray just right.

“How are you feeling?” He then asked softly. “Your father didn’t say what was the matter.”

Benedict watched the tips of Sophie's ears— followed by her neck— begin to turn a bright red while she looked away from him. The question hadn’t been too intrusive in his opinion. But in her silence he had an urgent recollection that Sophie is of the female sex… and that he’d been here for some weeks now.

[pillow-anime-talk]

genshin month ; nineteenth day.

synopsis: Amber on drums, Xiangling on bass, Xinyan on electric guitar and you as a vocalist... You four were definitely the best band in the whole Teyvat!

# tags: scenario; friendship; instrumental band!au; singer!reader & pyro!reader; fluff; sfw

includes: female reader ft. amber, xiangling & xinyan {genshin impact}

author’s note: aaaaah, because of this scenario i would also like to be in the band!

Before every – even the smallest – concert (or rehearsal), your band had a tiny tradition. I mean, it was a little conversation where all four of you recalled yours previous performances and tried to share any mistakes you shouldn’t repeat this time. The order of your short speeches was always the same, but of course, from time to time one of you might have cut in on another girl’s monologue to add something important, but this time, however, everything was going its normal pace and sequence:

“... Hey, do you remember our last concert on this stage? The audience in Mondstadt is always so loud and lively! Let’s not forget to be the same and show them our most joyful songs!” As a drummer, Amber loved to remind everyone (especially herself) that playing live is about having fun and genuine energy. “I’m in favor of adding a few solo performances on yours guitars and my drums between our normal songs!” The twenty-year-old liked being the center of attention, so at Mondstadt concerts, she was always eager to perform a solo or two, and of course you could never say ‘No’ to her.

After all, there was only one such good drummer in whole Teyvat, and that was your best friend.

“Ahh, girls! Girls! Don’t forget to take breaks every now and then and talk with our fans. Everyone always loves it, right?” The second that spoke was Xiangling, who was holding the neck of the guitar with one hand. 

The blue-haired bassist was the youngest of you, but that didn’t mean her understanding of music was worse than yours.

To be honest, Xiangling was by far the most passionate to learn new songs and guitar chords, and she always motivated whole band with new ideas or warm words. And while the fact was that she was only fourteen, she sometimes seemed more serious to music than the other three of you together.

“Yeah! It’s true! But remember to have a good time too!” Xinyan raised her free hand, showing the peace sign, which made the rest of you chuckle, nodding your heads. “This is probably the perfect time to show new songs and talk about what happened while we creating them. People will surely be curious about it and everyone appreciate our honesty and willingness to share it all.” As always, dark-haired was ready to spill the tea about all of you, including herself.

Xinyan was a big talker who enjoyed to joke with fans and gossip about the other girls in the band. And naturally it was okay, because such moments always brought people together; not only you four, but above all, your precious listeners.

“... Also, girls, remember that your health is the most important thing and when any of you feel worse you should tell me about it right away and rest at backstage, okay?” As the leader and originator of ‘Pyro Girls!’ you had to be responsible not only for the vocal, but above all for the well-being of the rest of the group and for communication between everyone. There was definitely no one better in this role than you. “Remember that every concert is for the fans, but your health is yours only so don’t forget about it during the show. Plus, bring a water with you... Now, let’s just have fun as always! This is our night!” You grinned broadly, your left hand clenched on the red microphone, and you pulled your other hand down. Your meaningful gaze fell on each of your female friends. “On three...” You started softly, and each member agreed.

“One...” Brown-haired started and her golden eyes flashed in the light of the spotlights, making your hearts beat faster.

“Two...!” The bassist counted as well, and the sweet blush on her cheeks added charm not only to her, but also to the bass, which was covered with a rose shade.

“And three!” Xinyan shouted, and you all raised your hands, shouting ‘Let’s do our best and good luck everyone!’. 

The little ritual was completed and you as leader only glanced out of the corner of your eye at the man standing next to the speakers; he showed you a thumbs up after a quick second. At this sign, all four of you ran from behind the scenes, immediately meeting the cheers of many fans – adult men, beautiful women, teenagers, even young children and elders.

You waved at them with enormous happiness on your pretty face, and after a short while a electric guitar sound echoed between the gray city walls. The bass and drums played a moment later.

“Welcome to the concert! Let’s have a good evening, guys!” A bright smile on your mouth caused another long applause and countless whistles, and as soon as your melodic voice joined the instruments, the concert could officially begin.

previous day ; diluc, kaeya and ayaka ♡ next day ; mona

[azozzoni]

I must hate myself for posting when no one reads but. Based off this giftset ‘cause I can. - Another VDS christmas fic.

*

Glittering lights shone against the backdrop of the main square, the scent of pine, mulled wine, and imminent snow in the air as Jens stood at the entrance of the Christmas market. In theory, it wasn’t any different from any other Christmas market Jens had visited in his life. But in reality, it was nowhere near the same.

Stalls selling everything from candles to tea to sweets and jewelry spread out before him, drawing customers like moths to a flame. Cheery Christmas songs permeated the chatter of the crowd through loudspeakers placed throughout the market and still, Jens didn’t move.

He could only stand there and think, cold hands in his pockets, wishing he’d thought to bring a hat or gloves. Wishing that he’d thought almost at all before jumping on the bus to Utrecht.

It wasn’t necessarily that he hadn’t thought. He’d been thinking about this for months. Not the Christmas market or the seemingly endless bus ride over or the impossibly happy couples milling all around him. But the way his heart jumped into his throat when he caught sight of Lucas weaving his way through the crowd.

Lucas hadn’t changed, was Jens’ first thought. Not that he had really expected him to in the few months since Jens had last seen him. Maybe his hair was a little longer, a little darker, but otherwise, he looked almost exactly the same as that last day he had come to the skatepark to say goodbye.

It was a day Jens remembered vividly, even if nothing significant had happened. There had been some slapping of shoulders on Moyo’s part, a heartfelt hug from Robbe, and an awkward embrace Jens sort of wished he could redo on his part.

It was almost as awkward as the text Jens had sent Lucas earlier, saying he would be in Utrecht later. He hadn’t even asked if Lucas was busy, relieved when Lucas had replied excitedly and told him to come to the market.

Now that he was here, watching Lucas draw closer, he couldn’t help wonder what the fuck he was doing.

Before he could go over the events that had led him to this exact spot, to jumping on the first bus he found to Utrecht without much of a second thought, Lucas was there, standing in front of him, a smile on his face, and Jens’ heart was seizing in his chest, all fluttery nerves and anxiety he hadn’t expected somehow.

“Hey,” Lucas said, softly, and it was all Jens could do to swallow down the lump rising in his throat.

“Hi,” he breathed, the word appearing in a cloud of breath in the icy night air.

Jens had had many months to imagine this particular moment—and not a single one had involved him acting like an idiot as they stood there, the Christmas market busy behind Lucas, the cold street behind Jens, as if they stood on the brink of something magical.

“It’s been a while,” he said finally, and Lucas only smiled.

It had been almost five months, Jens realized, since Lucas had told him he was moving back to Utrecht to live with his mom. They hadn’t even gotten the whole summer to hang out. Lucas had only moved to Antwerp in the spring, shown up at school one day in March, been sat next to Jens in English class and whispered the answer to the teacher’s question under his breath when Jens blanked.

That had been the beginning of a beautiful friendship, as Moyo might have mockingly called it once or twice. It had definitely been the beginning of something Jens hadn’t expected.

As he hesitated, he felt it again—the way his stomach churned like a ship at sea, a clench as Lucas’ smile quirked, gentle.

“Do you want to get out of here?” he said finally, hopeful. He hadn’t really had a plan, a thought about what he might say when faced with Lucas. He’d just known that he needed to see Lucas.

Lucas’ smile widened as he nodded. “Yeah, sure, I—”

“Luc!” Another voice interrupted him before Jens’ hopes could grow too big, a guy in a puffy white coat lumbering through the crowd to grab onto Lucas’ arm. “I need mulled wine!”

Lucas’ glance at Jens was apologetic, partially amused as he dislodged the guy from his arm. Jens wasn’t really listening to what the guy said next, some other name, a complaint about not being drunk enough.

“I’ll be right back,” Lucas said as the guy dragged him off, and Jens couldn’t complain.

He needed that minute, he thought as Lucas disappeared into the crowd. He needed that minute to get himself together. It might have been a whim coming here, but it felt as if he’d meant to do it for a while. It wasn’t just a particularly depressing day between Robbe talking nonstop about the Christmas party he and Sander were planning, Aaron and Amber always making out everywhere. Even Moyo seemed lovestruck by Noor, of all people. How had Jens become the odd one out?

Even though Lucas had moved away months ago, Jens hadn’t forgotten him. The others, they’d mentioned him once or twice, but Jens felt as if he thought about Lucas at least once a day. He was sure the others didn’t. And it had taken him a long time to figure out why.

Huddled in his jacket, Jens shook his head, glancing around at the different booths. They all seemed so cheery, brightly-lit and emanating warmth that spilled onto the people wandering between them.

“Sorry.” Lucas appeared again, slightly out of breath, as if maybe he’d hurried back. “I pawned Jayden off on someone else.”

“It’s cool.” Jens shrugged, just glad Lucas had come back. Not that he’d thought he wouldn’t.

“You want to get a drink or a waffle or something?” Lucas asked after a second, and maybe he was a little nervous too.

“I’m good,” Jens said, and Lucas nodded. There was an awkward pause for a second as Jens wished he’d come with a plan. “Maybe we could just wander around.”

“Okay,” Lucas agreed, falling into step with Jens.

It hadn’t been this awkward before, when they’d hung out practically every day in Antwerp. Their friendship had felt so easy then, as if they’d known each other forever. They’d texted since Lucas had left, maybe once or twice a week, but nowhere near as often as before.

As they passed a stand selling hot cider, Jens glanced over at Lucas, and Lucas caught his eye with a smile.

“So how are the guys?” Lucas asked after a minute, and Jens jerked his shoulders.

“The same, mostly. Moyo’s in love with Noor but she kind of hates him.”

Lucas laughed, face lighting up, and Jens had forgotten what that felt like—a punch to the gut, the sudden onset of something churning deep inside him. It had taken him far too long to figure out what that meant, and now it was even worse.

“How’s your mom?” he asked to distract himself from the way his heart thrummed in his chest. “Last time we talked, you said she was doing better.”

Lucas nodded, hands in his pockets, elbow bumping into Jens’ as they squeezed past people crowded around a booth.

“I think we finally found medication that works. And she’s going to therapy a couple times a week. She’s back to working like normal. It’s good.” He nodded again, watching Jens.

“And I guess being home doesn’t suck?”

Lucas laughed, ducking his head. “It’s nice to be back. I did miss my friends, even if they’re assholes half the time.” He glanced at Jens, pausing. “Although I don’t think I ever told you how grateful I was that you guys let me into your group so easily.”

It hadn’t been that hard to convince anyone, Jens thought. Lucas had been cool from the minute they’d met, laid-back and easy going at least on the surface.

“Nah,” he said easily, wandering with Lucas through the different stalls, not really paying attention to what they were selling. “I think they liked you better than me.”

“That’s not true,” Lucas protested, grinning, and Jens shrugged. “How’s Sander doing?”

“He’s good,” Jens said, though he wished they weren’t talking about other people. He hadn’t really come here to catch Lucas up on what was going on in Antwerp. Lucas could easily find out on his own, but the small talk was easier than forming the words that had been swirling in Jens’ brain for months, ever since Lucas left.

He hadn’t clocked it back when Lucas had first moved to Antwerp. He hadn’t even really noticed the weird way his stomach would get all jittery and anxious whenever Lucas smiled at him until months into knowing him. He’d only ever gotten those feelings with girls, and really, only with Jana.

He’d thought it might go away when Lucas left, that they’d become those friends who liked each other’s posts on Instagram and nothing else. But the texting hadn’t stopped, and the feelings deep inside Jens had clawed their way to the surface after many sleepless nights, some stealth searching for gay porn in the dead of night, some stalking of Lucas’ Insta.

They paused as they reached a small ice skating rink in the center of the market, and Jens leaned against the barrier, watching kids and their parents sliding around on the ice. He hadn’t come here just to wander around a market with Lucas.

But he couldn’t figure out how to say what he was thinking, what he’d been thinking ever since he’d left school today and gone straight to the bus station.

“So,” Lucas said after a minute, watching Jens instead of the skaters. “You just felt like coming all the way to Utrecht to see a Christmas market?”

“Why else?” Jens joked, but he took a breath as he turned to Lucas. “Can we get out of here? It’s a little crowded.”

Lucas looked surprised at the request, but he nodded. “Sure. We can get out of here.”

As they left the market, Jens following Lucas into the considerably darker streets without the cheer of the booths and lights, he let out a breath.

“Is everything okay?” Lucas asked as they walked, side by side on the narrow sidewalk. He sounded concerned, eyebrows furrowed when Jens glanced over. “It’s not your parents?”

“No,” Jens said easily, shaking his head. “I mean, they’re still fighting, but it’s what they do.” He could only hope the divorce would go through soon and they would all be able to move on.

Lucas nodded, but he didn’t seem convinced that everything was fine. The road they were following curved around a corner along a canal, street lights reflecting off the water, the windows on the buildings hung with wreaths and a few twinkly lights.

Jens was surprised when Lucas stepped off the sidewalk, over to the edge of the canal, a small patch of grass beyond the row of bicycles. He followed, settling down next to Lucas, shivering at the wind coming off the water.

“I missed you,” Lucas said after a minute, so quiet Jens almost didn’t hear.

“You did?” His heart jumped in his chest, too hopeful.

In all the months Jens had known Lucas in Antwerp, Lucas had never shown any interest in the girls who flirted with him, girls who tried to dance with him at parties, always choosing to hang out with Jens and the guys instead. Jens hadn’t thought too much of it at first—Lucas had been the new kid after all. He could have been shy. But Lucas wasn’t shy, not like that. It hadn’t been until after that Jens had wondered if there was a different reason Lucas didn’t flirt with any of the girls.

“As much as anyone can miss a jerk,” Lucas said, half a joke, knocking Jens’ shoulder, and Jens let out a breath.

“Thanks,” he said, rolling his eyes.

Through the darkness, Lucas gazed at him for a minute, and Jens had to look away.

Now that he was here, sitting next to Lucas, their knees knocking into each other, so close yet so far, Jens thought it had just been a fit of Christmas spirit madness that had brought him here. What was he expecting to happen? But if he didn’t do it now, would he ever?

“Jens,” Lucas said slowly, licking his lips, eyebrows furrowed, “Are you sure—”

It was definitely Christmas madness that seized Jens as he leaned over and kissed Lucas. It was a quick kiss, barely a peck, just long enough that he felt Lucas inhale sharply. He was back in his spot before Lucas could even blink, mouth hanging open slightly—surprised or angry or confused, Jens didn’t know.

“What,” Lucas said after a breathless second in which Jens could swear time stood still. “What was that?”

“I thought you’d know what a kiss was,” Jens joked before he could stop himself, grimacing to himself. What was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he be serious for once? Lucas was going to think he was just being stupid.

For a moment, Lucas didn’t reply, hands in his lap, staring at Jens and the way Jens stared at the water in turn.

He’d fucked it up, was his only thought as he stared unseeingly at the ripples in the icy water. He should have done it differently, maybe said something before he acted like a complete idiot and kissed him. It hadn’t been at all like he’d imagined—too quick, too nerve-wracking, too afraid Lucas might shove him away, into the water maybe.

Lucas’ hands on his neck, turning his face, brought him back to reality. Lucas was going to hit him, or at least tell him he had it all wrong.

But that wasn’t what happened at all with Lucas’ cold fingers wrapped around the back of his neck, a slight pressure pulling Jens to him.

This was the kiss Jens had imagined as their noses brushed together, a second before their lips did. Lucas’ lips were warm where Jens was sure his were cold, soft and lingering, almost hesitant as Lucas opened his mouth, let Jens deepen the kiss.

His hands slid to Lucas’ back, down his soft, black coat, tight around his waist as he felt Lucas inhale, press into him, chasing the slide of his lips.

Jens didn’t know how long they stayed like that, but it could have been forever. He would have been happy to stay like that forever with Lucas’ tongue against his, warm, heated breath between them, lips tingling, a smile here and there that made Jens’ heart do stupid little flip-flops in his chest every time. Lucas wanted this. Lucas wanted this. And so did Jens.

“I think my fingers are frozen,” Jens muttered as he slid down Lucas’ jaw, and Lucas laughed, quiet, pulling Jens into a hug instead.

His arms twined around Jens’ neck, secure, as if he wasn’t going anywhere, and Jens smiled at the kiss Lucas brushed to his cheek. He tightened his own grip as well, even if he could barely move his fingers. Even if his toes were numb, his cheeks red, more from Lucas’ kisses than the cold.

“I did miss you,” Lucas said again, whispered in Jens’ ear. “I thought about you all the time.”

Jens couldn’t help smiling, burying his face in Lucas’ neck as he took a deep breath, calm coming over him. “I didn’t know what to say, so…”

“You thought you’d just show up at Christmas and kiss me?” Lucas asked, pulling back finally to grin at Jens.

“It worked,” Jens pointed out, and Lucas nodded slowly.

“It did.”

Jens’ chest swelled as Lucas kissed him again, playful, gentle.

Lucas sighed as he moved back, hand falling from Jens’ neck finally, and Jens couldn’t help reaching for it.

“Your hands are cold,” Lucas said, sounding surprised, and Jens laughed.

“Well, I didn’t bring gloves.”

“Didn’t really think this through, did you?” Lucas asked, cheeky, and Jens shoved him playfully. All the nerves from before were gone, replaced with a simmering tingle of happiness filling his whole body.

“Fuck you. I came to see you. I wasn’t really thinking about anything else.”

Even in the dark, he could see the blush on Lucas’ cheeks at his words, the way he ducked his head as though embarrassed.

“Are you going back on the last train?” he asked instead, and Jens sighed. Another thing he hadn’t really considered.

“I guess so,” he said after a second, and Lucas was quiet for a minute.

Jens hadn’t really had a plan for what to do next. He hadn’t had a plan for what to do first, in all honesty. But now that they’d made it this far, now that he knew Lucas liked him to, whatever came next would just be gravy.

“You could stay at my place,” Lucas said finally, glancing up at Jens. “My mom won’t mind.”

“Really?”

Lucas nodded, warming Jens’ fingers in his. “And tomorrow’s Saturday. You could meet the guys.”

Jens hesitated. “Do they know you’re…” He certainly hadn’t told anyone about these feelings he’d been having for Lucas.

“I told them when I came back,” Lucas admitted, smiling slightly. “After I met this guy I couldn’t stop thinking about.”

“It better have been me,” Jens said, pretending to be offended when Lucas rolled his eyes.

“No, it was Sander,” he said, laughing when Jens shoved him, but Lucas didn’t let him, pulling him in for a kiss. Jens could forgive him if everything ended like this, with his heart fluttering, Lucas’ lips pressed to his. Lucas smiled as he broke away. “So can you stay?”

“I’ll tell my mom I’m staying at Robbe’s,” he murmured, anchoring his hands in Lucas’ jacket as Lucas grinned.

“Sounds like a plan.”

It did sound like a very good plan, Jens had to agree as he pulled Lucas back to his lips and kissed the smile right off it. A very good plan indeed.

[notfairestwriting]

today i bring you ray lore

aka, how he met idia, and his motivation to have that “assistant” role uvu

1.4k words ish, beware of portrayal of shitty mom

“You haven’t gotten a haircut yet. The carriage should be getting here anytime this week, and you’re going to Night Raven like this?”

Having just left his room that morning, Ray shrinks before he even truly steps into the black tile floor of the kitchen -- His mother’s contralto fills the room that looked so vacant, lacking in any true decoration, as she looks up from the newspaper.

“It doesn’t look that bad.” He mutters. Gray eyes too similar to his glare at him through her glasses.

“It’s unprofessional for a man to have long hair like this, and not do anything with it.” She sighs. “It’s too short to be tied up properly, but too long to be kept neat. You can’t expect to get an internship looking like this.”

“I’m just a first year…”

Head shaking, she sighs once more. “It doesn’t matter. What if any corporations go there to scout? You already stand out enough with that eyepatch.”

Ray’s lips press into a thin line, turning his back to get a cup and a teabag from the cupboard. She looks back down onto the newspaper, no good morning, as usual, and he watches hot water spill out of the kettle she left on the counter into the white cup.

She’s not supposed to be here, or at least he thought so. Ray wishes she had a good reason for it, but judging by the sharp remark being the very first thing he heard, maybe her morning meeting was just cancelled.

Mrs. Máire is an intimidating woman who looks too much like her son.

The intimidation is a subjective one. She isn’t tall or particularly strong looking -- The Máire lineage being one of gathered health issues, a handful of which had been passed to Ray -- but there’s something on her light, silvery gray eyes, framed by the metallic rectangles of her glasses, that just made one painfully aware that they were being judged. Her long, pure white hair always done up pristinely, wavy locks around a slender, surprisingly youthful face, she’d rarely be seen out of her workwear, all black like a lady in mourning. She looked more like a ghost than a woman, and Ray supposes that had been passed down to him too.

He feels awkward, standing in his baggy sweater, hair in disarray. Even though it’s a weekend, even though he lived in that house.

The tea is ready, but it doesn’t warm his hands much. He sits by the table in tense silence, nursing the cup as he watches the bag carefully, the way it sank into the water.

“Have you heard about that Shroud boy?”

About to lift the cup to his lips, Ray sets it down again instead. It’s rare for her to make any conversation at all--

“That Shroud?” He asks. There’s a pause as she flips through the paper.

“Which other would it be?” She asks, and sets the paper down too. The name, Shroud, hangs heavily in the air. Ray doesn’t reply. “They haven’t appeared in public for a while, but the boy is going to Night Raven too. He’s apparently in your year.”

He stays quiet, and takes a sip of tea.

“You’ll have to work an internship in your fourth year.” She states, like she hadn’t done that a billion times before. “The Shroud family could use a good lawyer. If you get in that boy’s favor, you can make something out of yourself. It’s an opportunity.”

Setting cup down slowly, like he was in any risk of handling it too roughly at all, Ray continues to stare at the table’s white surface.

“I guess it is.” He mutters. The uncertainty in his voice doesn’t seem to faze her, and she checks her wristwatch.

“Get a haircut today. I’ll leave money on the counter, I need to leave for my meeting now.” She gets up, the small heels of her shoe clacking quietly against the floor as she begins to leave. “Don’t forget to talk to that boy. You know you won’t be a kid forever.”

No goodbye, either. In the cold house, Ray leeches off the warmth of his steadily emptying teacup, not even near to being enough to cure the freezing feeling that seemed to stick to him.

. . .

He stands in the corner of the room, blue flaming hair glowing even though most of Ignihyde was that color, shrinking into himself--

Ray has books and a folder in hands, just coming back with a conversation with staff regarding his extracurriculars. He’d signed up for the Science Club -- That should be fine, he knew how to work his way around potions decently, it’s a death he’d rather subject himself to than something like Track and Field.

The thought of a sports-focused club gives him chills. He doesn’t need to use String to know that would entail running straight into trees and fainting in the summer heat. If he wanted to give off any good impression at all, he couldn’t put himself through that.

Shroud taps away at his phone anxiously and Ray tries to figure out how to talk to him, staring. String tugs at his energy a bit miserably, he can’t quite find the moment he’d walk up to him yet, he’d take that long to do it, apparently.

But he doesn’t want to be harsh on himself for that. When was it the last time he spoke to a classmate? He’d spent all of middle school gladly fading into the background, so much that he’d been hoping he’d get into Ignihyde when he read up on the dorms online, before getting there.

Making friends isn’t something he does, or has ever felt the necessity to do. People wouldn’t… understand his condition, he never expected them to. The flower that Prunella boy gave him sat on his nighstand nicely now, but, that wasn’t exactly friendship. There’s a gap between that and friendliness, he’s sure.

...he shouldn’t be. It’s not like he’d know.

His finger pulls and releases the strap of his eyepatch until he can see himself walking up to Shroud and saying anything. He sees a displeased, anxious face, suspicious who are you stuttered after amber eyes look up from the phone. Well, that’s not surprising either.

Ray wonders what draws the line between friendship and networking, and that’s something he doesn’t understand at all either. At least he’d come to know the latter, soon enough…

The small heels of his loafers -- The nicest one he could get, without his mother poking any holes into the pricey purchase -- clack quietly against the floor as he makes his way to Shroud.

“Excuse me.” He speaks up, and the blue-haired boy jumps. Ray gives him a bit of a stare, sizing him up in a way.

They’re not that different looking, are they? Maybe the blue lips set them apart. But Shroud wasn’t strong, wasn’t too tall.

“W-What do you want?” He stutters out the question. Rude, Ray narrows his eye at him, but he lets it go.

“I wanted to introduce myself.” He pushes out the line like he’d been reading a script. “I’m Ray Máire. Since we’re in the same year, we may have to work together in the near future, so do feel free to rely on me.”

Ray bows his head slightly. He’s a bit out of breath when he’s done talking. He can’t tell if it’s because he’s unused to it, or he just spoke too fast.

“...right.” Shroud mutters. “Uh. It’s Idia.”

“Shroud, yes. I know you.” He nods. “I’m from the Isle too.”

His expression twists further, an extra dose of displeasure trickling.

“Um. Sure.” He says, again in that muttery voice. “I-I’m busy now, so…”

Ah. So he really is rude, isn’t he? He supposes it’s to be expected too. Shroud was from a rich family, he probably wasn’t used to being around… all those different people.

“Of course. I’ll leave you to it.”

He steps away. For some reason, he tastes something bitter on his tongue, like that had gone poorly.

Or maybe he just didn’t want to do it at all.

But, well, does it even matter, what he wants to do?

[womenofcolor15]

Lauren & Cameron Are Still Proving Why They’re The ‘Love Is Blind’ MVPs + Here’s What Went Down At The Reunion

Lauren Speed and Cameron Hamilton are still on the promo trail proving why they’re still the MVPs of “Love Is Blind." Flicks of the happily married couple, deets on their new project, plus everything that went down during the "Love Is Blind" reunion inside…

Everyone’s favorite couple from “Love Is Blind” is still out in these streets being #CoupleGoals.

Lauren Speed and Cameron Hamilton quickly became fan favorites on Netflix’s first dating series, “Love Is Blind.” The show was actually filmed in 2018 and that’s when Lauren and Cameron tied the knot. As you can see, they’re still going strong a year and a half later and proving they’re the real “Love Is Blind” MVPs.

The couple was spotted out in the Big Apple all loved up and cutesy before hitting the daytime talk show scene.

Aren't they cute.

The Hamiltons sat down to chop it up about married life and blending their families on "Today with Hoda & Jenna." They shared when they knew each other was "the one" and what the "Love Is Blind" reunion was like.

Check it:

  Today, Lauren and Cameron appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" with their co-stars:

Earlier this week, they appeared on BRAVO's "Watch What Happens Live" to spill tea:

We previously told you the Hamiltons were gearing up to launch a YouTube channel and it just went live recently:

        View this post on Instagram

                  *BLOOPERS* Hey Family Our YouTube channel is officially live! Although the shows over... our story is just beginning. We are so excited to continue our journey with you Hangin' with the Hamiltons will follow Cam and I through day-to-day adventures - our highs, lows, and everything in between. We talk relationship date ideas, recipes for dinner at home, travel , blending families, and raising a rascal of a dog Everything is fair game. Click the link in my bio to Subscribe and tune into Hanging with the Hamilton to see the adventure continue .

A post shared by Lauren Speed (@need4lspeed) on Mar 7, 2020 at 11:47am PST

  The name of their YouTube series is "Hangin' With The Hamiltons" and they say they'll take fans with them on their marriage journey following the Netflix series. Peep their first episode below:

A few days ago (SPOILER ALERT if you haven't watched yet)...

        View this post on Instagram

                  It’s a Love is Blind family reunion!

A post shared by Love is Blind (@loveisblindnetflix) on Mar 6, 2020 at 1:20pm PST

  The couples aren’t in the pods anymore and things got REAL…fast during the “Love Is Blind” reunion show.

Along with Lauren & Cameron, co-stars Amber Pike and Matt Barnett (known as Barnett on the show) also tied the knot. However, there was drama leading up to the alter. Jessica Batten had the most cringeworthy storyline as she was seen throwing herself on Barnett in Mexico AFTER they both were engaged to someone else. She was super flirty with Barnett and kept asking him if he was SURE he picked the right woman.

On the show, Jessica tried to convince Amber that they were cool, but in all actuality, Jessica was after Amber’s man �� which Amber wasn’t fully aware of during filming. However, after watching the series, Amber saw how Jessica was doing THE MOST, so she didn’t waste any time to CHECK her during the reunion show.

"You're so fake, coming to my face like we were cool,” Amber said to Jessica. “You were engaged to another man that you were leading on. I think you are a very disingenuous person and I hope, seeing this, you do grow from it, because this is not what the world needs, women who go behind people's back like that."

Where’s the lie? Peep the fiery clip below:

  Watch the first clip from Thursday's Love Is Blind Reunion as Amber tells Jessica what she really thought about those conversations with Barnett pic.twitter.com/JSl3PFdsHV

— Netflix US (@netflix) March 3, 2020

  Honestly, she deserved every bit of this.

Jessica offered up an apology to both Amber and Barnett for her actions. She blamed her actions on having a history of going after men that are not available. She also apologized to her ex-fiancé Mark Cuevas. Jessica decided at the wedding NOT to marry him. Peep her apology below:

        View this post on Instagram

                  This moment in emojis:

A post shared by Love is Blind (@loveisblindnetflix) on Mar 9, 2020 at 3:18pm PDT

On the show, Barnett got caught up in a love triangle between three women, but he ultimately chose Amber as his wife. During his time in the pods, he did casually tell Jessica he would propose to her and that's where things got messy because Jessica went back and told Amber what he said. At the reunion, he said he threw out the "I want to marry you" statement to gauge how the ladies would respond, however, he didn't actually mean he was going to propose and he regrets Jessica took it that way.

After the show aired, Amber and Barnett were on the brink of divorce. Amber admitted that they're both really stubborn and headstrong individuals, so they've hit some rough patches in their marriage. At one point, it got so bad, Amber sought out a divorce lawyer because they didn't meet each other's expectations of marriage.

"There was one point where we almost broke up because we had such expectations out of what we wanted out of a husband and wife," Amber explained. "We knew we were married and we knew we were in love, but also we were still learning each other."

She also revealed one of their main issues was the fact that she wasn't working and had to be "financially dependent" on Barnett.

        View this post on Instagram

                  We’re so happy they’re making it work!

A post shared by Love is Blind (@loveisblindnetflix) on Mar 9, 2020 at 10:58am PDT

Giannina Gibelli and Damian Powers didn't get married on the show after Damian called it off at the wedding. BUT, they've since reconciled. Gigi admitted it hurt like hell when Damian said he didn't want to get married at the alter, but said it was the best decision for them. Peep the clip above.

Carlton Morton faced his ex-fiancee Diamond on the reunion show, following their explosive fight in Mexico after Carlton revealed he was a bisexual man. The fight went viral and started several conversations and hashtags on the Internet. Both Carlton and Diamond admitted they have been receiving death threats on social media. Diamond said she's hurt that people would attack her so viciously when her goal that day was to get more understanding.

By the end of their segment, Carlton got down on one knee and offered Diamond the engagement he originally gave to her as a symbol of their friendship. Huh? (You'll recall, he threw it in the pool during their argument in Mexico, so he had to go back and get it). Diamond accepted and said they both can move on as friends. She's better than us. Peep the clip above.

By the way, Diamond said she's currently working on her PhD in Optometry. She graduated from Hampton University with a degree in biology.

In happier news, Lauren and Cameron revealed they now have a fur baby named Spark, which is symbolic of the "spark" that kicked off their relationship in the pods. So, what about kids? Lauren said they'll have kids "one day" with Cameron chiming in, "Hopefully soon."

Lauren said she was super nervous to introduce Cameron to her father as her fiance, especially since she had never introduced any of her boyfriends to him. Papa Speed and Cameron are doing good and are building their father-in-law/son-in-law relationship. The Hamiltons said they spent their first Thanksgiving with both of their families last year and it was incredible.

"It was just like WOW. It was such a beautiful moment," Lauren said.

You can watch the full reunion episode below:

Nice!

Photos: Splash

[Read More ...] source http://theybf.com/2020/03/10/lauren-cameron-are-still-proving-why-they%E2%80%99re-the-%E2%80%98love-is-blind%E2%80%99-mvps-here%E2%80%99s-what-went-do