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lilmisshellfireswritingblog · 3 months ago

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Lavender Haze Chapter 1: Anarchy in the UK

A/N: Hello and welcome to the first chapter! I hope you enjoyed the prologue (I mean if you're here, you likely did). Anyway, this isn't beta read or proofread. This is just for fun and my procrastination from doing my grad school work. As always, this blog is 18+ only. Word Count: 7.9ishk....It was 16 pages on docs... Warnings: 18+ only, enemies to lovers trope, close proximity, friends scheming, eventual smut, Much Ado About Nothing, use of Y/N, reader insert, she/her pronouns for reader Chapter 1: Anarchy in the UK Synopsis: Reader leaves for London for her cousin's wedding, Dustin and Suzie scheme, and someone from the reader's past returns.

SIX MONTHS LATER

The hum of fluorescent lights overhead and the soft rustling of travel brochures fill the air as you step into the airport terminal. You clutch the wedding invitation in hand, the edges slightly worn from handling, the elegant gold lettering on the cream-colored paper showed a sharp contrast to the utilitarian surroundings.

The air smells faintly of stale coffee and the distant whirr of vending machines and buzzing of neon lights. The walls are lined with large, laminated posters advertising far-off destinations in cheerful fonts, but your mind is fixed on London, England — specifically the wedding of Dustin and Suzie, which has become a beacon of joy and anticipation. As you approach the check-in counter, the sounds of muffled announcements echo through the cavernous space, and you realize that in just a few hours, you'll be across the ocean, heading toward a new chapter in the lives of two people you hold dear.

You check in with ease, muttering a quick thank you to the attendant before starting your journey down the LAX’s vast labyrinths of terminals and gates. With your boarding pass in hand, you wander toward the gate, a slight bounce to your step as you escape the rush of the check-in counter. The gate is quiet now with only a handful of early birds settled in for the long wait. You find an empty seat near the window, the soft hum of overhead ventilation mixing with the faint chatter of fellow travelers.

Settling in, you pull a well-worn magazine from your bag—a glossy travel issue from a few months ago, its pages crinkling at the edges as you flip through articles on London’s hidden gems and tips for surviving long-haul flights. You adjust your walkman, pop in your favorite mixtape, and press play. The soft click of the cassette starting up is followed by the familiar crackle of the first song, an instant wave of nostalgia sweeping over you as the first notes of the track fill your ears. You lean back in your chair, one leg crossed over the other, eyes half-closed as you drift in the music and the pages of your magazine, the world outside the terminal window fading into a blur of airport tarmac and distant planes.

Time seems to stretch, and for a moment, the noise of the world falls away — just you, the rhythm of your music, and the thought of London waiting at the end of this journey. The quiet tap of your foot to the beat and the occasional rustling of your magazine are the only sounds, until the overhead announcement breaks the calm, signaling that boarding is about to begin.

You hand your boarding pass to the agent, who scans it with mechanical efficiency, then gestures for you to move toward the jetway. Your eyes scan the cabin as you enter the plane, relieved to see that the seat next to yours—an aisle seat by the window—remains empty, all through boarding too. You settle in with a deep sigh of relief, knowing you'll have a few hours of peace before the inevitable chaos of London and the wedding week. You stow your bag in the overhead compartment and adjust the seat belt around your waist, a soft hum of contentment rising as you nestle into your seat, slipping your headphones back on and starting another song on your cassette player.

The steady pulse of the plane fills your ears as passengers shuffle past, finding their own seats. The overhead announcements are drowned out by the rush of activity, but you can still catch the tail end of the call: "Final boarding for Flight 348 to London. Please make your way to the gate immediately." It’s a soothing, routine moment—until you hear the unmistakable sound of hurried footsteps approaching, and a voice calling out in a half-panic, “Wait! Wait for me!”

Your heart sinks as you turn your head. There, running awkwardly down the aisle with his oversized bag flopping to one side and a wild look in his eyes, is Eddie. Of course. Eddie. The last person you’d ever want to sit next to. You barely manage to mask the irritation creeping across your face as he barrels past rows of seats, scanning the numbers, his hand outstretched toward your aisle seat. He’s panting, cheeks flushed, and there’s that obnoxious grin of his as he makes eye contact with you—like the fact that he’s invading your space is some sort of joke.

"Well, fancy meeting you here," Eddie says, his voice dripping with that smug, self-assured tone you can never quite shake off. "Looks like this seat's mine, huh?" He practically drops into the seat next to you without waiting for an invitation, his bag thudding heavily against the armrest, leaving you no choice but to shift uncomfortably to make room.

“Hi Eddie,” you mumble, waving a hand haphazardly. “I guess it’s yours.”

“What? Your fiance didn't come?” He mocks, sliding his carry on underneath the seat in front of him. “Or did you leave for London unannounced?”

You should have known he would be coming to the wedding. Suzie did mention that Dustin had made him his Best Man during her bridal shower when she had asked you to be her Maid of Honor. Maybe you should have prepared yourself better, but nothing could have prepared yourself for a transatlantic flight sitting directly next to him.

And spending an entire week together in London.

“He didn’t come because I called things off.” You say simply, pulling a book from your bag before shoving it back under the seat. “We weren’t right for each other.”

Not long before the trip, you had ended your engagement with Billy and dropped out of law school, forgoing your internship. Your life was seemingly a mess. No school. No job. No engagement. You had none of it and while you felt free, you felt lost.

You didn’t know what you wanted to do in your life. Maybe London could help you figure that out.

“Oh. I - well, good for you?” Eddie didn’t know if calling off your engagement was a good or bad thing for you so, he left it as a question. He couldn’t find anything witty to say about that.

The flight attendants close the cabin doors, and you can hear the final, automated announcement: "We are now preparing for takeoff. Please ensure your seatbelt is fastened and all carry-on items are properly stowed." But the noise in your head is louder—the dread of having Eddie beside you for the entire flight, the rest of your peaceful journey shattered in an instant. You force a smile, but it feels as fake as his disingenuous charm. With a deep breath, you settle in, knowing it’s going to be a long, long flight.

HOUR 3

The plane hums steadily through the night sky, the soft vibration beneath your feet a constant reminder that you’re crossing the ocean. You’ve managed to ignore Eddie for a while, your headphones on, book open, your mind elsewhere, but the dull thud of his knee against yours—a little too close for comfort—pulls you out of your bubble. He’s not talking yet, but you can feel his eyes on you, the way people sometimes stare, hoping for a reaction and when he finally speaks, you almost wish he hadn’t.

"So, Billy, huh? You really called it off," he says, his voice low enough to sound casual but with that sharp edge that cuts through the hum of the plane. It’s not a question; it’s an observation laced with something you can't quite place—like a mix of curiosity and judgment, a little too pointed for a conversation that wasn’t invited. “You really ended it for real this time? It’s not just a break?”

You glance at him, resisting the urge to snap at him. Eddie leans back in his seat, tapping a finger on the armrest, as if he’s just casually passing the time. His tone, though, betrays his attempt to feign indifference, and you immediately tense. His eyes glanced over to the ring finger of your left hand, noticing the lack of the engagement ring you wore only six months prior when he last saw you.

It feels like a weight suddenly pressing on your chest, but you fight the lump in your throat.

"Yeah," you reply, keeping it short, hoping that’ll be the end of it.

Eddie, though, doesn’t take the hint. "Must be tough, huh? After everything…." His words are laced with a touch of something you can’t tell if it’s pity or schadenfreude, but it’s uncomfortable all the same. You brace yourself, feeling that flush of anger creeping up your neck, but there's something in his voice, a softness that wasn’t there before, that makes you hesitate.

You shift in your seat, trying to find a polite way to end this. "It wasn’t… like that, exactly," you mutter, focusing on the view outside your window, the blanket of stars now spread across the sky.

But Eddie’s not done. “I get it,” he says, his voice lower now, almost thoughtful, but with that unsettling edge of rudeness still there, like he doesn’t know how to stop prodding. "I mean, relationships, right? They can go from everything to nothing in a heartbeat. Or they can just fizzle out. And you’re left thinking, Why didn’t I see it sooner?”

You know he was alluding to your prompt exit after spending the night at his apartment and how he just viewed you as nothing. You knew it deep down that this wasn’t about Billy or your engagement at all. This was about you and Eddie.

His words hang in the air for a long moment, and you're unsure if he's trying to sympathize or just trying to make you squirm. Eddie leans forward slightly, his eyes searching yours, a kind of half-apology playing out in his gaze. It’s a strange, fleeting moment, but you almost catch the flicker of something close to empathy there—before he ruins it.

"You must be glad to be getting away from all that. A wedding in London... kind of a perfect escape, huh?" He shifts in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the emotional territory he's ventured into, but he doesn’t pull back.

You nod stiffly, your hands folding in your lap. "Yeah, I suppose," you answer quietly, the words tasting bittersweet. "It’s not what I expected but it’s a fresh start, kind of a bookmark to where I am in life and where I’m not."

Eddie sits back, finally, and for a moment there’s a silence that’s just loud enough to be awkward. He gives a small, half-hearted shrug as if he knows he’s overstepped, then mutters, "Well, everyone needs a fresh start. Especially after that kind of mess."

And just like that, the empathy vanishes, replaced by the familiar sneer that you’ve come to loathe.

You turn your attention back to the window, trying to shake the unease in your stomach. The rest of the flight stretches on, the tension between you and Eddie hanging heavy in the cramped cabin. It’s a strange, uncomfortable dynamic—part judgment, part unwanted camaraderie, and it makes the miles to London feel like they’re stretching on forever.

HOUR 5

It starts small—just a little comment during meal service, a careless remark, but it’s enough to set things off. Eddie, leaning back in his seat with his hands behind his head like he's settling into his personal throne, taps the armrest between you with his fingers. You barely notice at first, too lost in your own thoughts, but then he mutters, "I still don’t get why anyone would choose tea over coffee, you know?"

You glance at him, frowning slightly. "What?" you ask, thinking you might’ve heard him wrong.

"Tea," Eddie repeats, his voice dripping with that condescending tone again, "I mean, seriously, what’s the appeal? It’s just hot, bland water with a leaf in it. Why would anyone choose that over coffee?”

You stare at him, dumbfounded. This is where he wants to take the conversation? Of all the things in the world, he’s bringing up tea versus coffee?

But then you remember where you first met Eddie and your interaction with him. You had ordered tea that day and he had bought it for you, pretending to be your husband. His comments now made complete sense.

"It’s not about waking up," you reply, a little incredulous. "It’s about comfort. Tea’s soothing. It’s calm. You don't need a jolt of caffeine to feel good." You feel your voice rise a little, the absurdity of the argument making you defensive. “Besides, not everyone needs to feel like their brain is on fire every time they drink something.”

Eddie scoffs. "Well, it’s not like tea is doing anything for you except making you fall asleep faster." He gestures like he's trying to make a grand point, though it only makes you roll your eyes. "And honestly, you can’t even get it right half the time. Too hot, too cold, weak, strong, whatever. At least coffee works."

You feel the annoyance bubble up in your chest. "You don’t even know how to make a proper cup of tea," you snap, irritated that he’s dismissing something you actually enjoy. "You just throw a bag in hot water and call it good. You have no appreciation for it. You probably think chai is just fancy spiced milk."

Eddie's face goes mock-serious. "Are you really going to lecture me about tea right now? Like, are we actually having this conversation?" He leans forward again, locking eyes with you, a mischievous smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Honestly, you’re the one getting worked up over a beverage. You need a hobby, or something."

“You’re literally the one who made the first comment, Eddie. This is incredibly stupid. To think this is all a grudge because you bought me a cup of tea all those months ago. You’re really going to hold a grudge on tea?”

You can feel your face heating up, but it’s not just from embarrassment. It’s from the ridiculousness of the situation—the way Eddie is so casually dismissive about something that feels so trivial, yet somehow so personal to you. You cross your arms, biting back a laugh at how ridiculous this is. But it only seems to egg him on.

"Look," Eddie continues, almost too smug for his own good, "I get it. Tea’s a ‘thing.’ But coffee is the thing. It’s a culture, it’s an experience. You know, things with substance, not just hot leaf juice."

You shake your head, now feeling a bit silly for being drawn into it. "You’re unbelievable," you mutter, throwing a glance out the window just to escape the conversation for a second.

Eddie leans back with a smirk, clearly enjoying the way he’s ruffled your feathers. "Well, hey, I can’t help it if I have taste."

Your jaw clenches as you open your mouth to respond, but the flight attendants begin making their rounds again, offering drinks. And for a moment, you realize that the argument, though petty, has somehow managed to distract you from everything else—Billy, the awkwardness, the gnawing frustration of being stuck next to Eddie for hours on end and him seemingly just finding entertainment from annoying you.

The stewardess pauses by your seat, offering you a drink, and you glance at Eddie, who’s still smirking at you, clearly proud of himself. You take a deep breath, reminding yourself it’s just a stupid argument. A dumb, pointless, small thing—but somehow, in this cramped, turbulent space, it feels like the most important thing in the world.

"Tea," you say, to no one in particular, as you place your drink order. "I’ll take the tea. No sugar. No milk."

Eddie rolls his eyes dramatically. "Of course you will."

The stewardess, a cheerful woman with a kind smile and a no-nonsense air about her, smiles softly as she hands you the tea she effortlessly prepared. Her eyes flickered between you and Eddie, who’s still wearing that smug, amused expression after your little "tea vs. coffee" debacle. She glances back at the both of you with a soft chuckle, her tone light and warm.

"So, I see we’ve got a newlywed couple here," she says, her voice almost like a comforting murmur. "First lover's spat already? Happens to the best of us, you know. Cramped quarters will do that to even the best of us." She grins at you both as if it’s all part of some adorable little story.

The words hit you like a slap in the face. Your stomach tightens, and your cheeks flare with heat. Newlywed couple? You force a smile—teeth gritted. Eddie, of course, doesn’t miss a beat. He leans forward, suddenly playing the part with ease, his voice dripping with theatrical charm.

"Oh, yeah," he says, all too casually, giving you a playful side-eye. "First big argument on our honeymoon." He winks at the stewardess, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "But you know, we’ll get over it. It’s all part of the ride, right?"

The stewardess giggles, her smile widening. “Ah, young love. So sweet,” she says, as if this is all some innocent joke. “Well, I hope it doesn’t ruin your trip, sweetheart,” she adds, turning her attention back to you for a second longer than you'd like, eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’ll just put you down for a romantic glass of wine to ease things over."

You sit there, completely frozen, the rage bubbling up like a pot about to boil over. Romantic? Eddie’s playing along like this is all some stupid farce, and the thought of him leaning into it, making light of your personal space and your frustration, twists something deep inside of you. This is the moment where everything—every last shred of patience—snaps.

“Excuse me,” you interject sharply, suddenly too aware of the weight of Eddie’s smirk next to you. “We are not a couple.” The words come out clipped and too loud, and the stewardess’s face shifts, a moment of confusion crossing her features. You push forward, as if you can physically distance yourself from the very idea of Eddie. “And I’m definitely not on a honeymoon with him.”

Eddie, for the first time, falters. He’s clearly caught off guard, his grin dropping for a fraction of a second, but then that trademark smugness returns. His eyes glint with mischief. “Whoa, hey,” he says, leaning back in his seat with his hands raised as if in mock surrender. “She’s just kidding. You know, a little fun on the flight. Can’t blame a couple for trying to help spice things up.”

The stewardess is now visibly awkward, trying to regain her composure, but it’s too late. The damage is done. The entire cabin seems to hold its breath for a moment, as if waiting for something to break. You can feel your face burning with embarrassment and fury. You can’t believe Eddie is playing this part, and the more he tries to make it sound like harmless fun, the more you want to snap at him.

“Listen,” you say through gritted teeth, your hands clenched tightly in your lap. “I’m just going to stick with my tea,” you bite out, your voice colder now, eyes narrowing.

The stewardess, now a little flustered and clearly not sure how to navigate the awkwardness, nods quickly, offering a sheepish smile before she retreats down the aisle, likely trying to avoid the awkward energy you've just created.

But Eddie, damn him, isn’t done. "You know," he says casually, shifting to lean in a bit closer to you, as if he’s completely oblivious to how much he's irritating you, "If it makes you feel better, we can still make up in London. I’m sure the city’s full of romantic spots." He laughs softly, that teasing edge back in his voice. "I mean, we’re going to a wedding, after all."

You clench your fists, trying not to say something you'd regret, the heat of embarrassment still lingering in your chest. You don’t even want to entertain him anymore, but Eddie, as always, doesn’t give you the option.

"Alright," he says, grinning wide now. "I’ll let you have your space but you know, that’s not the worst idea—London? We should totally go out, the two of us. Just the two of us.” His grin widens, and the worst part is, you know he’s doing it to get under your skin, playing into this whole ridiculous scenario he’s crafted in his mind.

You can’t even respond for a minute, completely caught off guard. The thought of him pretending to be part of your life like that, of him forcing his way into your head like this, makes your blood boil. You stare ahead, shoulders stiff with frustration, and the seconds drag on in a tense silence until the stewardess returns with your tea. She hands it to you with a nervous smile, and you take it, grateful for the distraction, but nothing seems to shake the odd, lingering bitterness that Eddie’s managed to infect everything with.

“I wouldn’t even go out with you if you were the last man on this planet, Eddie.” You spat, sipping your tea, hoping he gets the hint that you just want to be left alone. “We just have to get along for Dustin and Suzie. Besides, I thought I was nothing to you.”

This was supposed to be a peaceful flight to London. Now it feels like a slow, insufferable game of one-upmanship, with Eddie gleefully playing the villain and you stuck in the middle, trying not to explode.

As the plane continues its journey, you can’t help but wonder just how long you’ll have to endure this forced “comedy” of his, before it finally stops.

-------

The plane’s descent is gradual, the city lights of London beginning to twinkle below like a field of stars. You’re thankful the flight is over, but the prospect of what awaits off the plane brings an entirely new set of anxieties. As the plane touches down and the cabin lights flicker on, you hear the familiar chorus of seatbelt signs being clicked off and passengers stretching, gathering their things. You manage to stand, gathering your bag from the overhead compartment exchanging a few uncomfortable glances with Eddie, who’s now leaning back in his seat with that infuriating, too-casual grin on his face.

“You know,” Eddie says as the line at the gate starts moving, his voice almost cheerful again, “I’m actually starting to think we’re like a couple now. I mean, we’ve had the ‘first fight,’ and now we’re going to be the Best Man and Maid of Honor at Dustin’s wedding. It’s practically destiny.” He winks at you like it’s some kind of joke.

You don’t dignify his words with a response. The only thing you want is to get through customs, grab your luggage, and get away from Eddie, but the chaos of a busy airport only makes that more difficult.

Finally, you clear customs and head toward the exit. The hum of excitement from all the passengers fills the air, everyone gathering near the baggage claim area, talking about their travels, snapping photos, and exchanging excited greetings. You scan the crowd, finally spotting Dustin and Suzie standing near the front, waving at you.

You smile at the sight of them—Dustin’s easy grin and Suzie’s wide, radiant smile are enough to wash away most of your irritation. Despite the awkwardness of the flight, you feel a flutter of relief at finally being here and you hurry toward them.

“Hey!” Dustin greets you warmly, pulling you into a hug. Suzie follows suit, wrapping her arms around you in a tight embrace. The sight of them together is like a balm to your nerves—everything about this feels so right. They’re glowing with excitement for their wedding and the days ahead, and for a moment, it’s easy to forget about everything else.

“There’s my favorite cousin!” Suzie says, holding you at arm’s length and taking a good look at you. “You look great! How was the flight? No disasters, I hope?”

You smile, shaking your head. “It was… fine. Uneventful,” you lie, not about to get into the details of your flight companion just yet.

Dustin, as usual, is grinning from ear to ear, clearly in his element. “Well, you’re here now, that’s what matters! We’re so glad you could make it. Everything’s been a little chaotic with all the guests arriving, but it’s going to be amazing. We’ve got a lot of fun things planned this week!”

You nod, your excitement building again now that you’re here. But then, as you start to follow them toward the exit, Dustin’s expression shifts, and you can see the hesitation in his eyes as he glances at the two of you—Eddie still hanging nearby, looking like he’s trying to seem as unbothered as possible.

“Uh, so,” Dustin begins, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “We’ve got a little… situation with the hotel rooms.” He clears his throat. “It turns out we didn’t quite account for everyone when we booked. There are some constraints with the space, so… some of the rooms had to be reallocated.”

You frown, already sensing where this is going.

“What do you mean by that, Dustin?” You adjust the bag on your shoulder, casting a few gazes

Dustin’s gaze flickers nervously between you and Eddie before he continues, “And with a few last-minute changes, it looks like... well, you and Eddie are going to need to share a room.”

For a moment, your brain doesn’t quite process the words. “Wait, what?” you ask, blinking in disbelief. “You mean, together?”

Dustin nods, looking sheepish. “Yeah, I know it’s not ideal, but we really couldn’t get another room. Everything’s booked solid for the wedding. You and Eddie will just have to make do. It’s only for a couple of nights, and it’s... well, it’s just temporary. You’ll be fine, right?”

The words hit you like a cold slap to the face. You and Eddie? In the same hotel room? You feel your chest tighten, your stomach doing flips, and you turn to look at Eddie. He’s wearing that too pleased expression again, like this is some kind of twisted little joke he’s getting off on.

"Oh, this is going to be great," Eddie says, his voice so overly chipper you can almost hear the sarcasm dripping from it as he approaches the group. "I mean, what could possibly go wrong? It’s just two adults who just so happen to hate each other, alone in a room. What’s the worst that could happen?" He chuckles, clearly trying to make light of the situation.

You feel your pulse race with a combination of rage and disbelief. You want to scream, to tell Dustin no way in hell would you share a room with Eddie—of all people—but you know it’s not his fault. They did what they could with the limited space, and it's just one night, right? You try to remind yourself that this is all for Dustin and Suzie, and they’re already dealing with enough stress. You can handle this, even if it feels like an impossible request.

But then, of course, Eddie’s next comment isn’t helping. "I’m just saying, it’s kind of poetic, right? I mean, a wedding, and here we are, forced to share a room. Maybe we should start a tradition, huh?"

Your teeth grind together, and you force yourself to take a deep breath, the tension in your chest threatening to break loose. "This is not funny," you mutter through clenched teeth.

Dustin, clearly sensing the awkwardness, quickly tries to smooth things over. "Hey, hey, no need to stress! I know it’s not ideal, but it’s just for a week and it’s for Suzie and I. Think of it like a... bonding experience? Besides, London’s a beautiful city. You’ll both be so busy with the wedding stuff, you won’t even have time to think about it. You’d only be there to sleep"

You stare at Dustin, then at Eddie, who’s still grinning like this is all some ridiculous prank he’s pulling on you. You want to say something sharp, to make him understand how uncomfortable this is—but you just nod, knowing there’s no other option.

"Yeah, sure. A bonding experience," you mutter, already dreading the next week of this forced closeness. You try to remind yourself that it’s just for a week, that the wedding is the focus, but you can’t help the sharp knot of tension that’s already building in your stomach.

As you pile into the car, heading toward the hotel, you feel every second stretch out before you, knowing full well that this is going to be a full on migraine of a trip.

The car ride to the hotel is a blur of muffled chatter and the hum of the engine. You’re still trying to wrap your mind around the fact that you’re about to share a hotel room with Eddie for the entire week. The whole idea feels surreal—like a nightmare you’re waiting to wake up from.

Dustin and Suzie chatter excitedly in the back seat about the wedding plans, about the guests they’re excited to see, about everything going perfectly but all you can hear is the steady thrum of your own heartbeat and the tick-tick-tick of your brain reeling. You steal a glance at Eddie sitting next to you and you can almost feel the smug energy radiating off him, like he's already mentally preparing for the next round of “jokes” he’ll try to get away with.

When the car pulls into the hotel’s narrow driveway, the low hum of the city outside feels strangely distant, almost muffled. It’s not until you’re standing at the check-in counter, trying to force a smile while you’re mentally drafting all the ways you might strangle Eddie in his sleep, that it really sinks in: You’re stuck with him. For an entire week. With no reprieve.

You try not to glare at him as the clerk hands you both your room keys. You’ve been bracing yourself for this moment, but it hits like a punch to the gut.

"Here you go," the hotel clerk says, handing each of you a key card with a polite smile. "You’ll be in Room 204, just down the hall on your left. Enjoy your stay."

“Thanks,” Suzie says, giving you a quick, apologetic smile. “I know it’s not ideal, but—"

“It’s fine, Suzie,” you force out through clenched teeth. “Really.” You wave it off, trying to mask your frustration. Suzie looks like she’s about to offer some comfort, but you can’t bring yourself to let her fuss over you. Not when the real problem is still standing right next to you.

“See you guys at dinner!” Dustin calls over her shoulder as he and Suzie head off toward the elevators to return to their room down the hall.

You and Eddie stand there for a moment, the weight of the awkwardness between you hanging thick in the air. You avoid looking at him as you head toward the hallway but Eddie can’t leave well enough alone.

"Well, this is gonna be fun," he says, his voice dripping with too much sarcasm to be anything but a deliberate jab.

You roll your eyes and quicken your pace, but Eddie easily matches your stride. "You know, I’ve stayed in worse places," he continues, his tone light, almost carefree, as if he’s genuinely trying to make the situation seem less horrific. "This place looks... quaint. I bet it’s got charm."

You grunt, resisting the urge to snap something rude. You’re beyond sarcasm at this point. When you reach Room 204, Eddie reaches for the door, fumbling with the keycard like he’s trying to make a point. “You wanna do the honors?” he says, his face a perfect mask of innocence.

You roll your eyes and swipe the card yourself. The door clicks open with a soft sound, and as you push it open, your stomach twists.

The room is small, nothing particularly luxurious about it—standard hotel fare. A double bed sits against one wall, a small desk by the window, and a bathroom tucked away in the corner. There’s a single chair, a tiny TV on a dresser, and a faint smell of bleach still lingering in the air. The single bed, of course, stares back at you with the same quiet challenge that Eddie’s presence brings. It might as well have a neon sign above it that says “YOU’RE GOING TO HATE THIS.”

You try to take a deep breath, but Eddie steps in behind you, making himself at home as he casually tosses his bag onto the bed nearest the window.

“Well,” he says, looking around and letting out a long, exaggerated sigh, “this place is charming... like I said. So, what do you think? You wanna take the bed or the chair?”

You spin around to face him, frustration making your voice sharper than you intended. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Eddie grins like he’s enjoying the very sight of your discomfort. “Hey, it’s a double bed, right? Just slightly smaller than a queen size - guess we’ll have to get cozy.”

You stare at him, mouth open, not sure if you’re supposed to laugh or punch him in the face. "This isn’t ideal…That isn’t ideal,” you finally manage to say, your voice dripping with barely contained irritation. “But clearly you’ve already made yourself at home.”

He shrugs and flops back onto the bed like he’s lying down for a Sunday nap, grinning wide. “Well, you didn’t seem to have any objections when they handed us the keys. You could’ve spoken up earlier when Dustin gave us the news.” He pats the bed beside him. “But it’s fine, really. I’m cool with it. I’m a great roommate.”

You throw your bag onto the desk and stand there, trying to breathe through your nose, but the air feels too thick. You take a deep breath. You’re here for the wedding. You’re here for Dustin and Suzie. You can survive this. However, the very idea of sharing a bed with Eddie, even if it’s just for one week, makes your skin crawl.

Instead of answering, you turn to the window, trying to ignore the heavy weight of his presence behind you. “Fine,” you mutter under your breath. "We’ll just... deal with it. We’re going to have to make a pillow wall though."

But Eddie’s voice cuts through the silence again, too light, too cheerful. "We’ll make it work, right? I mean, it’s just a week. We’ll probably be so busy with wedding stuff, we won’t even have time to think about it."

You noticed how Eddie repeated Dustin’s exact words from the airport. You give him a nod before starting to unpack.

"Right. Just a week." You turn back around to face him, hoping your exasperation isn’t showing too clearly. “Just…don’t be a bed hog.”

Eddie is already sprawled out, hands behind his head, looking far too comfortable for someone who’s clearly just ruined your entire sense of personal space and your trip to London. You try to calm yourself down. You can do this. You’re just here for Dustin and Suzie’s wedding. You’re not here for Eddie’s games.

But as you continue to unpack your things in silence, you can’t help but wonder if this week might end up being the longest one of your life.

After unpacking and getting ready for the first dinner of the festivities, you sit down on the edge of the bed, trying to put some space between yourself and Eddie—who’s still sprawled out across the other half, clearly settling in for the long haul—you can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. The whole situation feels like it’s spiraling into one big, awkward mess, and all you can think about is how badly you want to escape it. You try to focus on the fact that you’re in London, here for a wedding, and you can’t let this stupid room arrangement ruin everything.

This was for your cousin, after all.

There’s that feeling, gnawing at the back of your mind. It’s too perfect, too convenient. Eddie's here. He’s always here. And for some reason, you can’t stop wondering if this—this weird, uncomfortable situation—isn’t just a random mistake. Nothing is coincidental.

First the flight. Now this?

Eddie isn’t making things any easier. He’s lounging on the bed, flipping through TV channels with an exaggerated, over-the-top disinterest, occasionally glancing over at you with a look that’s part smug, part playful.

“I gotta admit, I didn’t think this would be the way we’d end up in a room together,” he says, flipping the remote with a sigh. “But I guess life’s funny like that, huh?”

You shoot him a glare, the frustration bubbling up again. “Yeah, funny,” you mutter under your breath, but he doesn’t seem to notice—or he doesn’t care.

He stretches out, looking entirely at ease in the tiny, cramped space that should have felt like a disaster but instead, he somehow makes it feel… normal—like he belongs there. You can’t even figure out how to deal with that, or how much it’s irritating you. You shift awkwardly on the bed, feeling every inch of your personal space being invaded.

It’s then that the door opens with a soft creak, without a knock and Dustin and Suzie walk in, both looking way too pleased with themselves. You raise an eyebrow as you glance up at them.

“We just thought we’d check in, see how everything’s going," Dustin says, his grin far too wide, the kind of grin someone wears when they’ve just orchestrated something deliberate.

You’re about to respond with a polite, "It’s fine," when Suzie suddenly glances over at you and Eddie, then back at Dustin with a look that’s half conspiratorial, half completely over-the-top sweet.

“So,” she says brightly, her tone a little too casual. “Everything going okay with the room situation? You two, uh, getting along okay?”

You blink, not sure if she’s joking or not. You glance at Eddie, whose brow furrows just slightly, clearly picking up on the weird vibe. He shifts in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the way she’s asking. "Uh, yeah, we’re good,” he replies, though there’s a trace of suspicion in his voice. “Just... you know, making the best of it. It’s fine.”

Suzie just keeps on smiling and it’s a little too bright for comfort. “Good, good. We were just so worried you might be... you know, uncomfortable. You are both so busy, what with the wedding and everything. We didn’t want you to feel... cramped or anything.”

Dustin clears his throat. “Yeah, and hey, if you two need anything, just let us know, okay? We’re here for you.”

You exchange a glance with Eddie, but this time, it’s more bewilderment than irritation. The whole thing feels... off. You want to say something, to ask what’s going on, but before you can, Eddie speaks up with a low chuckle, though you can hear the slight edge of uncertainty in his voice.

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I definitely wasn’t expecting this when I came all the way to London. The whole ’rooming with a woman who ghosted me’ thing isn’t exactly on my bucket list, you know?" He flashes Suzie and Dustin a wry grin. “But hey, what do I know? I’m just here for the two of you.”

Dustin’s grin gets a little wider, if possible. “Yeah, we get it, man. You’re both so busy, with the wedding and all. So, really, enjoy the downtime together. Make the most of it. It’ll be nice, just the two of you after all the festivities…. Being here alone.” Dustin continues to grin, grabbing Suzie’s hand as he turns toward the door. “See you guys at dinner!”

There’s something about the way he says “alone” that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and suddenly it hits you like a bucket of cold water. This isn’t an accident. This wasn’t some weird hotel room mix-up or scheduling error. No. Dustin and Suzie have done this on purpose.

You stay silent as the couple leave, watching them closely and curiously. You swore you heard Suzie’s giggle down the hall. Quickly, you close the door and lock it, returning to sit next to Eddie in silence, just for a moment.

They did this shit on purpose. Dustin and Suzie set you and Eddie up—and you don’t know whether to laugh, scream, or throw something at the wall.

“They did this on purpose, you know.” You say, refusing to look over at Eddie. You nervously pick at your nails silently pleading he also caught onto Dustin and Suzie’s scheme. “You had to pick up on that, right?”

“Dustin has never been the most subtle guy.” Eddie laughed, running a hand over his face as he continued to lay on the bed. “I picked up on it, sweetheart.”

There’s silence between the two of you. A silence so thick you could choke.

Eddie, ever the unpredictable one, breaks the silence with a casual chuckle. "Well, I have to admit, this is almost impressive. I didn’t think Dustin had it in him." His eyes glint with amusement, the kind that always seems to follow your frustration like a shadow.

You shoot him a sharp look, still processing everything, but there’s something in his expression that makes you pause. He’s not upset about this. He’s… enjoying it. Suddenly, a realization clicks in your mind. You can’t tell if it’s panic or pure frustration, but you know what’s coming next.

Eddie knows you and you know him. You both realize, at the same moment, that there’s no escaping the trap. It’s not like you can tell Dustin and Suzie the truth—they’re already too invested. And you certainly can’t go around making a scene. You’d have to lie low, play nice for the wedding and get through this uncomfortable, forced proximity.

You cross your arms over your chest, standing tall in the face of his amused gaze. "Okay. Fine," you say, voice low but firm. "We’re stuck together for the week but for the sake of Dustin and Suzie’s wedding, I think it’s best if we just… play along so they focus on their wedding and not us." You hate the words as they leave your mouth, but it’s the only sensible thing to do.

Eddie raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. He doesn’t seem to be fighting the idea, which only makes you more suspicious. “Play along, huh?” he repeats, leaning back into the bed as if he’s settling in for a long conversation. “You mean, like, pretend we’re head over heels for each other for their wedding?”

You throw your hands up in mock exasperation. "I mean, what else do you want me to call it? We pretend we’re into each other, act like we’re happy, and get through the wedding without anyone suspecting we can’t stand each other. Then we never have to see each other again."

Eddie smirks, clearly weighing the idea. He lets out a soft laugh, almost like he’s trying to stifle his enjoyment. “Fake dating, huh? Yeah, I can see that. It’ll be like a rom-com, only with more sighing and eye rolling.” He eyes you up and down, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Alright. I’m in. This should be fun.”

You narrow your eyes, not quite ready to let him get the upper hand. “You better not mess this up, Eddie. I’m not in the mood for your jokes or your... whatever this is.” You gesture vaguely at him, already regretting the entire idea of having to spend more time in close proximity to him than absolutely necessary.

He raises both hands in mock surrender. “Whoa, whoa. I’m a professional. You’d be surprised how good I am at this,” he says with an exaggerated wink. “And don’t worry. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

You stare at him, suspicious, but you don’t have a better option. The whole “fake dating” thing might actually be the lesser evil. At least this way, you don’t have to worry about awkward explanations to Dustin and Suzie about how you really feel about each other. You just have to get through the wedding weekend, put on a show, and keep the peace.

You sigh, rubbing your temples. "Alright. Fine. But you better not ruin it. We’re not going to be all lovey-dovey, okay? We’re just... two people who are pretending. Got it?"

Eddie grins like a kid on Christmas morning. “Got it. You’re not going to catch me making googly eyes at you or anything. We’ll just act like we’re having the time of our lives together. What’s the worst that could happen?”

You glare at him, your nerves already fried from the thought of what’s to come. "I don’t know, Eddie. Maybe you’ll actually start believing it,” you say, your voice tinged with sarcasm.

Eddie laughs, flopping back on the bed. “Oh, believe me, I don’t want to get any ideas since you’re a flight risk,” he says, his voice dripping with mock sweetness. "I’m all about the performance here. Strictly professional. I’ll be the best fake boyfriend you’ve ever had.”

You turn to face the mirror by the desk, staring at your reflection for a moment. You really thought you’d come to London to celebrate a wedding, maybe enjoy some time away from the madness. Instead, you’re stuck with Eddie, playing pretend for the sake of two people who have no idea that you’re not just friends anymore.

And yet, a strange, nervous energy flickers beneath your skin. You tell yourself it’s just the tension of the situation—that’s what it is. You’re not actually… curious about what it would be like to have Eddie’s arm around you again or what it would feel like to pretend to be in a relationship with him. You can’t be. That’s ridiculous. He said you were nothing to him. That couldn’t have changed.

Still, as you glance over at him, still lying on the bed with that carefree smirk on his face as you begin to get ready for dinner. You can’t help but wonder if this week might turn into something completely unexpected - more likely a cruel joke than a fresh start but, you’d take a little bit of excitement over the mess you had created for yourself back home.

“Alright. We’re really doing this” you say, swallowing any remnants of doubt. “Let’s do this, then. Let’s pretend to be the perfect couple.”

Eddie’s grin widens, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’re on, babe.”

#Eddie munson x reader #Eddie munson #reader x Eddie munson #joesph quinn #Joseph quinn x reader #reader insert #x reader #stranger things fan fiction #stranger things #fanfiction #fanfic writing #Eddie x reader

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a-french-coconut · 7 months ago

Text

Leeluke

Camp is… well it’s a lot of things.

It’s great, the safest place of earth, perhaps maybe Olympus but they’re not allowed there- once again a proof that gods don’t care about them and why should they take it, why let them use them as pawns in their cruel games- excepts for specials occasions, for demigods like him, Annabeth, Lee. It’s great to settle in one place after years of moving around in the country. It’s great to sleep without one eye open, without tensing at every noise in the darkness, hands rapidly reaching for a weapon. It’s great to fit in, to find people like him.

Luke is truly happy when he sees Annabeth hanging out with the Stolls, when she rants about architecture and mathematics to her older sister, Helena, who listens to her with a wide smile, entertaining her more than Luke himself never could. He’s even happier to spend lazy afternoons in the strawberry fields with his wonderful boyfriend, Lee, or teaming up with him to destroy Castor and Pollux at volley ball.

Those are nice aspects of Camp Half-Blood, the ones Luke wouldn’t trade for anything (“is that so ?” croons his voice, echoing in his mind. He doesn’t listen.)

Then, well no place is without faults. Since Kylie left for college one month ago, Luke has officially taken up the mantle of head counsellor of Cabin 11. Which is a very good thing because bless his sister’s soul but she had nothing of a leader. Weak-willed, soft, easily swayed by whines, unwilling to stand her ground for hot water privileges and careless about cabin inspection. She might have been a good thief, an excellent one even, but it’s all she inherited from their father, Hermes. Not an ounce of manipulation in her, not a speck of stubbornness. The cabin was a mess when he arrived three years ago, and while it’s still is, there’s now a semblance of order in the anarchy. Thanks to him, of course. (“You could do so much better than rotting here, for ungrateful gods” he hums. “so much potential, wasted.”)

It’s him that’s been making sure that scraped at least a two, bribing whoever was doing the inspection with smuggled goods, promises of alliances at Capture the Flag or simply a good old threat.

It’s Luke that greeted the new campers, flashing them a smile and stealing some essentials from the camp shop as a welcome gift. Make sure everybody ate, showered and got back safe and sound at night ? Luke, frantically counting every head, every 25 campers living under Cabin 11’s roof. Place to sleep ? Him again, laying sleeping bags on the floor’s most clean patches, because all of them do not fit in the 14 beds of the cabin.

Coordinating with Lee, to make sure none of his campers die from a food allergic reaction ? Still him, noting down with care Chris’ incapacity to eat raspberries or Joelle’s distaste towards chocolate.

All in all, he is familiar with his new duties when Kylie pats him on the shoulder, wishing him good luck before dashing out of Camp, the Grey’s taxi waiting for her. He doesn’t expect things to change much, apart from attending counsellors’ meetings. And now that he’s part of the group, maybe he can convince Chiron to let him extend the cabin. He doesn’t understand why Kylie didn’t ask the old trainer, surely he would accept. (“So much misplaced faith.” The titan laughs, lurking in his thoughts. “How much time before you understand ? They don’t care about your kind, demigod.”)

----------------------

“No ?” He repeats, incredulity lacing his voice, as he watches Chiron sighs tiredly after he denied his request. “Chiron, with summer coming, there’s bound to be new demigods and the cabin is already so crowded we can hardly breath !”

“My dear boy, I’m afraid there is nothing we can do about that, except wait for the gods to claim their children.” The centaur patiently says, with a monotone voice, as he spewed out for the hundredth time the same speech. “The other gods would not take kindly such a change, they might see it as demonstration of superiority from your father.”

He’s gotta be kidding. Right ? Gods cannot be that shallow, they can’t be so vain as to be bothered by that. (“they don’t deserve to rule this world, let us fix that.” He whispers and Luke might think he’s right.) “Chiron, there’s 25 kids in the cabin right now. Five, including myself and Chris because it’s obvious he’s my brother, are Hermes’ kids. The other twenties are either unclaimed or children from minor gods, like Ethan and Alabaster. Some of the unclaimed have been here for months. Samantha can grow plants, Martin can shapeshitft, it’s clear who their parents are.”

“What’s your point Luke ?” Theo, counsellor of Ares, speaks up. “Just deal with it, like Kylie used to.”

“Kylie didn’t do shit.” He hisses at the boy who scowls. “And my point is that either the gods claim their kids or I’m doing something about it, whether they like it or not.”

“You can’t go against the gods like that, Luke.” Brianna frowns, picking nervously her nails while looking at the roof. “They aren’t going to like it.”

“Then what ?” He snaps at the daughter of Aphrodite who recoils and refuse to meet his gaze. “What do I do Brianna ? Nothing ? I let my siblings sleep on the floor ? I let the cabin goes to absolute shit ? Mhhh ? What do you suggest ? What do you all suggest ?” He scans his crowd, all six counselors and Chiron. He can’t believe them, cannot believe the leniency , the lack of upsetting in front of their situation.

Why don’t they care ? Why are they happy with being stuck here, afraid of saying the wrong things, afraid of getting cursed because they hurt the pride of those gods ? (“And don’t you want to fix that ? I can help you overthrown them. I can bring you justice.”)

It’s Chiron that answers him. “Mr. Castellan, you must understand that the issues you are addressing cannot be solved. Not by the way you are proposing. I’m afraid you have to find another solution.”

The underlying warning is clear. He can’t go against the gods (“Oh, you can.” The titan whispers.). Is this why Kylie didn’t do anything ? Did she try like him and got the same answer ? If so, he can understand why she quit. No that he’ll do the same, by the gods no. He’s done letting them dictate his life, dictate Halcyon Green and Thalia’s life.

(“Tell me your plan.”)

He flashes Chiron a thin smile. “Will do, Chiron. Now if all of you don’t mind, I gotta go. Biggest cabin to run and all that stuff.” He dashes out of the room before they can stop him.

----------------------

A war between gods.

A full blow-out conflict that will inevitably bring demigods into the fight. (“There are always casualties in grand changes like this.” ) He doesn’t want his friends to get hurt. (“I can make sure they will be safe.”)

He needs to think about it. (“When you realize I am the best choice, call upon me. I will be there, waiting.”)

Luke’s not naive. If there is any chance those he cares about come out unscathed of the war looming on the horizon, if he accepts the titan’s offer, they must be on his side. And there’s the catch, he’s not sure they’ll follow him.

Annabeth won’t, she’s too obsessed with the idea of pleasing her mother and sees Chiron as a paternal figure.

In his cabin… He can convince the unclaimed, the minor gods’ children and some, if not all of his siblings.

“Hey.” A voice, Lee’s, says behind him, and soon enough, his boyfriend’s head in on his lap. “Hannah told me about the meeting.”

Luke scoffs, looking down to meet Lee’s face. “I can’t wait for you to be counselor after summer. At least someone there is going to fucking care except me.”

Lee frowns and Luke is once again hit by how little he looks like a son of Apollo. Brown curly hair instead of blond, green forest eyes instead of blue, Lee Fletcher takes everything after his mother. That’s until you see him with a bow, shooting five to six arrows at the same time. “Nobody even tried to help you ? Really ? That sucks.” His boyfriend grins at him. “Don’t worry, next fall I’ll back you up.”

Luke laughs and leans down to give him a quick kiss. “Thanks Sunshine but I’m afraid the two of us aren’t going to change things around here. We need, I don’t know, something more radical.”

“Radical ?” Lee raises his eyebrow, tilting his head with an amused smile. “It’s not like we can riot against the gods, Luke.”

“Why not though ? How else can we make them understand ?”

“Luke, my love.” Lee replies with worry. “It would get people hurt, our friends and siblings hurt. I’m all for making changes but I’m drawing a line at getting those I love hurt.” Lee cups his face, fingers dancing softly on his skin. “I’ll die before letting all of you close to danger.” He kisses him slightly, his lips have a sweet taste of strawberry, probably because Apollo had strawberry picking earlier in the morning. Not that Luke is complaining. “So drop the idea of rebellion or whatever, okay ?” Lee says when he pulls back. “It’s no good.”

“Everything you want Sunshine, I’ll do it.” Luke relents, mindlessly playing with his boyfriend’s curls. “Anything for you.”

Maybe with Lee on counselors meeting, it will be enough to do something. There’s no need to provoke a war. Summer is going to be tough but as soon as Hannah leaves in September, Lee will help him.

----------------------

As predicted, summer kicks his ass. Ten more kids came back, increasing the numbers to 35 campers, in a cabin meant to house 15 at best.

When finally, the forest turns a lovely shade of orange and red, when the summer kids leave, with some of the year rounders going with them, testing their luck in the real world because this one doesn’t care about them, Luke is more than ready to harass the other counsellors until they agree to help him.

And yet, despite Lee backing him up, despite it being clear that they are living in terrible conditions in Cabin 11, despite all the talk about how they are one big family that should be united, not one counsellor sway on his side.

Victor from Demeter shrugs when he comes to him, Katie Gardner peeking curiously from behind the cabin’s door, and doesn’t have the will to change things. “We’re good with what we have Luke, maybe you should try that point of view.” He says, more interested in the flowers on his garden than in what Luke has to say.

Theo from Ares stands his ground, stating that those are Luke’s problems and he should find a way to deal with alone. Behind him, Clarisse La Rue scowls and sharpens her spear, and Luke has a feeling that Theo won’t be counsellor very longer. Good, that guy can die for all he cares.

Annabeth supports him of course, but she’s eleven and the others don’t take her seriously. Never mind that she’s been there four years, that’s she’s more skilled than any of them, she’s a child and that is all they see.

Simon from Hephaestus and Brianna aren’t keen on doing something against the will of the gods, and both of them are leaving next year. “Sorry, Luke, but I ain’t going to be here next year so…” Simon shrugs unapologetically.

And Chiron explains with the same patience and same infuriating tone that it’s not possible to do what Luke wants to do.

Fine. Fine.

He tried the nice way.

“Hey Silena ?” He calls the daughter of Aphrodite. “You have a minute ? I want to talk to you about something. Meet me at the stables in ten minutes. I’m bringing some of my campers.”

(“You were right, I’m ready to do your plan. There’s no other way.”)

----------------------

The following summer, Percy Jackson stumbles across the borders of Camp Half-Blood and by the end of August, Luke poisons him and leaves Camp.

When Silena tells him that Lee locked himself up for two weeks in his cabin after he learnt about his actions, his heart breaks and doubt seeps his way into his heart. (“He chose his side, Castellan. He’s the enemy now.”Kronos whispers in his mind. “There is no love to hold for a foe.”)

A fog clouds his brain, blurring all but the fact that Lee chose to stand against him.

“Just make sure you stay in his good books Silena.” He tells her, ignoring the shock on her face. “It’s all we need from him.”

----------------------

There’s nothing worse than hosting a titan.

Nothing worse than seeing your body slay demigods, while you are locked away, a spectator to the actions of Kronos.

He’s in New York City, standing on a bridge. He’s watching demigods fighting on the other side and by the gods, they are losing.

A hellhound appears out of the shadows, dragging a corpse with him. It’s a boy, an archer with orange t-shirt.

Blond, blood-stained hair, blue eyes looking into the void as the monster eats his flesh. Oh gods, oh by Hermes, please don’t let it- He winces as a supersonic whistle echoes on the river.

It’s the Apollo Cabin standing on the other side of the bridge, getting slaughtered by the titan army.

Lee’s there. Lee must be there.

“I’ll die before letting all of you close to danger.”

There’s no way Lee left his siblings to fight without him. He has to stop Kronos, he cannot let him cross the bridge.

(“Your efforts are useless Castellan.” Kronos taunts him. “You cannot stop me.”)

Thanks the gods, Percy Jackson can, standing his ground against the titan lord, allowing the Apollo Cabin, Lee, to retreat to safety.

“Percy ! The bridge !” A boy yells from the cables supporting the bridge. “Use your powers !”

He knows him, Michael Yew. Why is doing that ? There’s no way he can get back on the ground if Percy breaks the bridge. There’s no way Lee would allow him…

“I’ll die before letting all of you close to danger.”

When Percy breaks the bridge, it isn’t Kronos’ scream of frustration that echoes, but Luke’s scream of grief and pain when he realizes that Lee is dead, and he has now idea how and when.

He’s granted Elysium. While he isn’t sure to deserve it, he won’t question the judges’ choice.

It’s beautiful but vast, how is he going to find Lee in this-

“What the fuck are you doing here ?” Someone hisses and when he turns back to see who, he faces Michael Yew snarling at him. “You don’t deserve to be here.”

“The judges deemed it otherwise, Yew.” He replies and the son of Apollo scowls, clearly not agreeing with that decision. “Look, Michael, I’m sorry about-“

“Save your breath because I won’t ever forgive you.” Michael cuts him off, still glaring at him.

“Okay, fair enough.” He concedes. “Can you just tell me-“

“You wanna know about Lee, don’t you ?” Michael guesses, and rightfully so. “He would not have wanted to see you anyway.”

“How did he die ? And when ?” He asks, not picking up on Michael’s formulation. “Please, I- I just need to know if it was quick.”

Selfishly, he wishes Lee died in some mortal accidents, like a car crash.

“Last summer, battle of the labyrinth, head caved in by a giant.” Michael says curtly. “Dead because of your stupid war, like a lot of us.”

“I need to tell him sorry. Can you-“

“He’s not here anymore.” Michael interrupts him. “Castor ? Remember him ? He also died at the labyrinth by the way. Anyways, I searched for Lee too when I arrived down here and he told me he had chosen rebirth.”

Luke’s heart falls like a stone. “He’s gone ?” He chokes up, because if Lee is gone, then he died thinking Luke didn’t love him anymore. He died viewing as- what did Lee think of him after his betrayal ? A monster for hurting his family ? Lee was always big on family. Yeah, Lee thought he was a monster.

“Whose fault is that ?” Michael grumbles, shooting him a glare.

“Lethe ? Where is it ?” He asks the son of Apollo.

“Leaving so soon ?” Michael tilts his head, just like Lee did, and Luke can’t take it. “Yeah, not like I’m welcome here.”

“You’re right about that.” The other boy snorts, pointing a direction with his head. “Go that way, you’ll find the river.”

Luke nods, smiling in spite of himself at Michael’s advice, “try not to fuck up that life !”, before heading towards where the other boy directed him.

Who knows ? Maybe he can make it to the Isle of the Blessed, like he told Annabeth.

Plus, there’s still a chance to meet Lee in another life. In a nice, mortal life where they can live old and happy.

Granted, the odds aren’t in his favor but he’s sure he can make something out of it. He’s pretty good at getting things his way.

He cups the white water from the river in his hands and brings it to his mouth.

----------------------

There are nicer ways to meet someone than bumping into them and spilling their beverage on their clothes. In the bright aspect, you can be sure you got their attention !

“Dude, really ?” The guy whines, looking mournfully at his stained sweatshirt. “Mondays really suck.”

“Sorry.” Oliver winces. “Please, let me buy you coffee to make it up.”

“Eh.” The guy checks his watch before shrugging and giving him an easy smile. It suits very well Oliver thinks. “I guess I can be late for once, the office won’t mind. Who do I got to thank for this ?”

“I’m Oliver.”

“Nice to meet you Oliver, I’m Nathan.” Nathan smiles again, seemingly not that bothered by his ruined attire.

“I’m calling you Sunshine.” He blurts out and why did he do that ? Call a complete stranger Sunshine ? No matter that the name just fits, that it rolled out of his mouth naturally, he can’t say that. “Because, hum, you’re way too happy for a Monday morning and for getting late to work.”

“But I get to meet you, Oliver.” Nathan grins, his brown eyes- with specks of forest green in it if you look closely- sparkle. “It makes up for it, I think.”

“Come on.” Nathan nudges him playfully, gesturing towards the coffee shop. “Tell me more about you while you so generously buy me coffee.”

This was supposed to be a sad ending... but I hate sad endings so it evolved into a happy ending lol. Wanted to write Leeluke because I've seen a lot of it and I really like the pair <3

#percy jackon and the olympians #pjo #percy jackson #camp half blood #luke castellan #lee fletcher #leeluke #micheal yew #luke castellan x lee fletcher

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