#i was thinking something with purple since rhys' is orange but i have no idea

[hoodiedeer]

i think ive only showed like one pic of them so far so heres a bunch of old doodles with my dragon sona!! also ft @phooeyducks and @dragon-buns

[maybeimamuppet]

it's me and you

hello friends. happy Wednesday. welcome to the work that inspired 'Tuesday minus five'.

tw for alcohol and a scene that might be triggering to those who struggle with disordered eating.

otherwise, please enjoy.

-

“Jayjay!” Cady calls loudly, leaping onto her fiancée from above. Janis yelps and catches her.

“Jesus Christ, Peanut, don’t do that,” she breathes once Cady is safely on the bed next to her. “What is it?”

Cady rolls on top of her and hovers over her on her elbows. “We have a wedding to plan.”

Janis grins a little at the reminder. “That we do. I’m guessing you want to do it now?”

“Uhhuh,” Cady nods happily. “Well, not all of it. But I want to start now.”

“Okay,” Janis says, rubbing over the backs of Cady’s arms. “You gonna let me up?”

Cady groans like it’s a terrible inconvenience and flops to the side, but takes Janis’ hand when she reaches out to help her up and follows her to the living room.

They sit on the ground around the coffee table, and Cady pulls her laptop and a notebook seemingly out of thin air.

“How do we even start with this?” Janis asks. They’re not planning on anything crazy, just their families and close friends, but they still have no idea how to approach planning it.

“I don’t know,” Cady shrugs. “I guess we should probably pick, like, a date for it?”

“Yeah, that makes sense,” Janis says. “You wanted spring.”

“Yeah,” Cady says. “Is April too cold?”

“I don’t think so. It gets pretty warm by the end of it,” Janis hums.

“And it should be easy to remember,” Cady says, tapping the end of her pen against her notebook. “What about April thirtieth? That’s as close to the end as we can get, and a round number.”

“Works for me,” Janis says. “So far, we’re nailing it.”

Cady laughs at that, writing the date in large letters on the first line. “You’re cute. Okay, um… location?”

That’s a bit more tricky. They want an outdoor wedding, but where?

“I don’t know,” Janis says anxiously. “All I can think of is the woods again.”

“That wouldn’t be terrible,” Cady hums thoughtfully. “It’s an important place to us, and it’s beautiful. And we wouldn’t have to pay very much, either. We’d have to get everyone to Illinois, but that’s doable.”

“Yeah, we could do that,” Janis says. “Are you sure, though? You don’t want somewhere more fancy?”

“As long as it’s not Las Vegas and I’m married to you by the end of that day, I couldn’t care less where it happens,” Cady says contently, adding their newest bit of information to the notebook. Janis grins affectionately as she nibbles on the end of the pen once it’s written down. “Okay, what now… um… color scheme?”

“Do you have anything in mind?” Janis asks. She’s not terribly fussed about this.

“Yeah. Do you?” Cady asks back. Janis nods. “Same time?” Another nod. “Okay, three, two, one.”

“Yellow,” Janis says.

“Purple,” Cady says at the same time. They both smile when they hear that the other picked their favorite color. “Our first disagreement. Okay, hmm.”

“Compromise color?” Janis suggests.

“Okay,” Cady giggles. “What do you get if you mix yellow and purple?”

“Brown,” Janis says quietly after a beat. Cady scrunches her nose. “Yeah, um… what about green? That’s yellow and blue, that’s pretty close.”

“Green might be nice, but if we’re getting married in the woods everything would blend in,” Cady says. They both think on it more, and suddenly her eyes light up. “What about rainbow? This technically is a gay wedding, and then we could have every color. Everyone could pick which one they want to be. And it would make the flowers a lot easier.”

Janis smiles at her. “That does sound beautiful. I like it.”

“Good!” Cady chirps. “Look at us, communicating.”

Janis laughs and inches herself closer. “What now?”

“We should probably invite people,” Cady realizes. “Okay, who do you want as bridesmaids and… brides…men?”

“I don’t know, I think we’re going to be picking from the same group,” Janis says. “Damian, Aaron, Julie, and the Plastics?” Cady nods. “We could just… share them, I guess.”

“Do you want Damian as your best man? I’ll let you have him,” Cady says, writing down everyone’s names.

“Yes please,” Janis responds. “Who do you want as yours?”

Cady goes quiet. “Would it be dumb to pick Rhys? I know he can’t… be there, but…”

“But you love him, he’s your brother,” Janis finishes. “That’s not dumb at all, baby. We’ll do something special.”

Cady grins at her thankfully. “We’ll do something for your dad, too. What about maids of honor?”

“Juliana,” Janis says. “Mine’s pretty easy.”

“Yeah,” Cady chuckles. “Oh, I don’t want to pick between the Plastics, that’s mean.”

“You don’t have to, necessarily,” Janis says. “You could have all of them, or none of them, if you want. This wedding is already very untraditional, I don’t think anyone would be surprised if we fiddled with that part too.”

“That’s true,” Cady says thoughtfully. “All of them, then. If they want, I’ll let them choose.”

“Good plan,” Janis says. “This is easier than I thought.”

“Don’t say that, you’ll jinx us,” Cady chuckles, looking up how to book the venue and finding caterers. “I have a job I think you should handle alone, too.”

“Oh, Christ,” Janis says anxiously. “What is it?”

“The cake,” Cady says with a cheeky wink. “I trust your judgement. You’ve always liked it more than me, I think you should handle that.”

“Oh,” Janis says in relief. “Yeah, I can do that. But that means you have to handle the flowers, I’m terrible with those.”

“I can do flowers,” Cady agrees with a chuckle.

“Um…” Janis says before she trails off. Cady looks at her and raises an eyebrow. “What are we going to wear?”

“I don’t know. What do you want to wear?” Cady says, pulling up a website for inspiration.

“I want to wear a dress,” Janis says shyly. “But I also kind of… don’t.”

“Me too,” Cady hums. “We could each get a dress and then a… not-dress. Wear one to the ceremony and the other to the reception.”

Janis nods. It’ll be expensive, but they have a pretty solid budget. “That’s a good plan. Do you know Gretchen’s schedule for the next while?”

“I think she said she’s stepping back from the spring scene this year, so she might have a bit more time. I would love to wear her stuff if we can,” Cady hums. “I’ll ask her.”

“Make her let us pay her full price,” Janis insists.

“Of course,” Cady agrees. “We’ve done pretty good, today. I love you.”

“I love you more,” Janis says.

“We’re never gonna get to the end of this,” Cady chuckles. “I love you most. Speaking of, where should we go on our honeymoon? If we don’t go too crazy with the ceremony, we should have a good budget.”

Janis has actually planned out this bit. “I was thinking… Kenya?”

“Are you serious?” Cady asks excitedly. Janis can see her hands shaking. “We’re gonna go to Africa?”

“I don’t see why not,” Janis shrugs, trying to hide her own excitement and joy. “I’ve wanted to go since we met. See your animals, where you’re from. Why not now?”

Cady rockets into her with a squeal, knocking her back onto the rug. Janis wraps her arms around Cady’s back and holds her close against her, laughing at the ticklish sensation of Cady kissing her neck and cheeks over and over and over.

Eventually Cady does calm down, but makes no effort to leave Janis’ embrace. Her face is still tucked into her neck and Janis’ cheek is squished against her curls.

“I love you, Jayjay,” Cady murmurs, muffled against the column of Janis’ neck.

“I love you too, Caddy,” Janis responds, holding her tighter. “I can’t wait to marry you.” She feels a smile against her.

————-

In February, they decide it’s probably time to take everyone shopping for their wedding attire. Gretchen had agreed to designing and making their dresses and outfits, but the bridesmaids and men still need things to wear.

The Plastics all agreed to be Cady’s maids of honor, and all decided to take on different responsibilities. Gretchen’s main one is obviously to focus on designing and sewing. Regina would be handling things on the day of the wedding, and Karen is throwing Cady’s bachelorette party. Cady is a little nervous about that.

Juliana visits for Cady’s birthday, so they decide to take everyone out while she’s in town with them.

“So what color scheme have you guys picked?” Gretchen asks as their crew enters a bridal shop.

Cady and Janis lock eyes with a small grin. “All of them. We picked rainbow.”

“Aww, gay,” Damian coos.

“All of you get to pick your own color,” Cady chuckles.

“That’s a really good idea,” Regina says. “Can I be red?”

“I want orange!” Karen adds.

“Can I be yellow?” Gretchen asks shyly.

“I’ll be blue, I guess,” Aaron says.

“Dibs on purple,” Damian calls.

“Then I guess I’m green,” Julie shrugs. “That was easy.”

Janis and Cady nod confidently and lead them into the store. Aaron and Damian go first since they both get suits, which are a bit easier. Damian’s is a vibrant grape shade of purple, which suits him remarkably well. Aaron picks a sapphire one with a similar style to Damian’s. Both will be tailored to a perfect fit for them before the wedding, so their work is done.

The Plastics go next, heading to different areas of the shop to find dresses in their respective colors. Each of them come back with no fewer than five to try on. Janis slumps down slightly in her seat, realizing this is going to take a while longer than she had anticipated.

Regina eventually settles on a ruby dress with a slit up the skirt and a slight v-neck on the tight bodice. Karen’s tangerine colored dress is similar, but hers has sleeves that loop around her upper arms instead of the spaghetti strap style that Regina chose. Gretchen has a harder time deciding between her options, and eventually gives it up to a group vote. The winner is a beautiful dandelion yellow one, with a higher neckline and only one sleeve.

Juliana is the last one to venture off, and she also returns with several options. After about the tenth, they’re all starting to look rather similar to everyone. Janis goes back to the dressing room with her sister to help weed out some options. Once they’ve sorted it down to three, it’s much easier to handle.

Julie tries on all three no fewer than twice each, before eventually, finally, landing on an emerald green dress with off the shoulder sleeves. It actually looks rather similar to Cady’s dress from their senior prom, just green and with a much less poofy skirt.

“Yay,” Damian cheers happily when they’re all outfitted. Cady insists on getting a picture of all of them together in their ill-fitting outfits for the first time.

“Lookin’ good, guys!” Janis calls from behind her fiancée. “Gay as hell.” She adds under her breath. Cady flicks her gently in retaliation.

“Yes, you are,” she murmurs. “They look good, don’t be mean.”

“I wasn’t! They’re literally a rainbow, that’s gay,” Janis insists. “That’s the whole point!”

Cady kisses her to shut her up, a tactic that always works. “We have to go feed them now, come on. Pick a restaurant.”

“Sushi,” Janis says instantly. Not a restaurant, but something Cady can work with.

“Fine, only because it’s a special day,” Cady agrees. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Janis says. “This was a good idea.”

“Thanks,” Cady chuckles. “They do look good together like that.”

“You’d make a good artist,” Janis suggests. Cady chuckles in disbelief. “No, you would! You just need practice, you clearly already have an eye for colors.”

“I have a good teacher,” Cady says, tipping herself back into Janis’ embrace. “Now come on, we really do have to go.”

————-

The time continues to fly by, and it’s March before they know it. They’ve already heard back from all their family and friends, so they know who’s coming. The florists and the caterers have all been booked, along with the venues. They have Kevin G. as the DJ for the reception, which both Cady and Janis are slightly nervous about. Decorations have been purchased, and Juliana agreed to be the officiate and marry them.

All that’s left is the cake. Janis’ big job. She ordered a large sample box from a bakery nearby, since they’re back home for Julie’s birthday. Damian and Aaron came too, so they get to help.

Cady’s left every little detail up to Janis. The flavor, how it’s decorated, the size. Frankly, she’s put a remarkable amount of trust in her fiancée.

There’s a bit of conflict in the fact that Janis and Cady don’t have the same taste in sweets. Janis prefers chocolatey things, while Cady usually goes for fruity things. Janis got a sample of every flavor the bakery offers.

“Fucking hell, Jan,” is the first thing out of Damian’s mouth when he opens his front door, finding Janis with a box of cake bigger than she is. Juliana has to hold the other end so she doesn’t drop it. It doesn’t even fit on the dining room table, so they rest it on the floor in the living room and sit in a circle around it. Janis feels like they’re about to perform some strange ritual together.

She opens the box of wonders. “Okay, so over here is all the chocolate stuff. Devil’s food, death by chocolate, I think this one might actually just be a brownie. And then this is vanilla cakes, so, like, white and yellow and stuff. And then fruit. Lemon, strawberry, raspberry, I forget what this one is. And then I got carrot cake for fun.”

“In what world is carrot cake fun?” Julie asks. “I swear there’s no way we’re related.”

“Rabbits think it’s fun,” Janis retaliates. “Here’s your forks. Dig in.”

They start strong, but the cake quickly loses its charm. Once you’ve tasted nine different kinds of chocolate cake alone, it’s not quite the same.

Julie is the first to tap out, quickly followed by Aaron. They both lie on the floor in a sugar coma. Janis and Damian are determined to continue.

“I think,” Damian says after a long moment. “That this was a mistake.”

“We definitely should’ve split them up,” Janis agrees, but takes another bite. “This one is… it would be good, under normal circumstances.”

Damian is the next to go, putting his fork down in defeat and collapsing onto the ground. Janis presses on. The fruit flavors provide a nice sort of respite, and she thinks that Cady would really like the lemon.

Janis doesn’t quite make it to the carrot cake. She knows her limits, so she admits defeat and rests herself down with the rest of the group. She pulls out her phone and texts a picture of all of them to Cady.

Cady’s job for the day is to try on her outfits with Gretchen, so it takes a few minutes for a response to come through. Janis gives an involuntary groan when she remembers Cady’s contact name.

caddycakes: Oh no, lovey D: What did you guys do?

jayjay: a terrible thing

jayjay: caddy

jayjay: i have consumed entire worlds and i regret everything

caddycakes: Poor things. Why did you do them all in one?

jayjay: an alarming display of hubris

caddycakes: Ah, of course. Drink water and have protein, it’ll help the stomachache. I’ll be there soon to take care of you

jayjay: ur gonna take care of me even tho i did this to myself ??

caddycakes: Darling, we’re getting married in a month and you’re the most impulsive, clumsy person I’ve ever known. If I refused to take care of you when you’re hurt or sick just because you did it to yourself we’d both be in for a world of misery

jayjay: i love you

caddycakes: I love you too, dearest. Hang in there 📷

Janis clicks her phone off and gives herself a few minutes to recover. She’s dreading the idea of putting anything else into her body at the moment, but Cady is right. Water will help make them feel better.

After about ten minutes she manages to peel herself up from the ground and head into the kitchen. Janis still knows her way around, so she grabs four glasses and fills them with ice water for her friends.

They barely react to her return, so she carefully rests a cup in each of their hands and keeps the last for herself. Carefully, they sip at the cold liquid until their stomachs stop aching quite so much, and they can move to the couch to continue the food coma there.

“I’m getting married. I’m an adult,” Janis mumbles eventually. “What the fuck have I done? I’m nowhere near responsible enough. Look at us.”

“Caddy’s responsible enough for both of you, it’s fine,” Damian replies deliriously. Juliana and Aaron grunt in agreement.

-

Cady enters after another short while, letting herself in with the key she still has. “Oh no, guys. What did Jay do to you?”

“That death by chocolate stuff was literal,” Aaron complains.

“Poor things. Oh good, you have water. That’ll help a little,” Cady says. She kisses Janis on the forehead gently. “I brought antacid tabs and some nuts. They have a fair bit of protein and they’re salty, that’ll help too.”

“An angel among idiots,” Damian says thankfully, popping a few tabs and taking a handful of the offered snack. “Thank you.”

“Of course. Did you guys pick a flavor or just eat yourselves to death?” Cady giggles, handing the treatments to the rest of them as well.

“The lemon was good,” Janis murmurs.

“I didn’t make it that far,” Aaron says. “But the… the fudge one was the best that I tasted.”

“I liked the white one too,” Julie says.

“Well, that’s something, I guess,” Cady chuckles. “I hope you’ve learned something.”

“Yeah, never let Janis talk you into a dessert tasting,” Damian says. Cady laughs and runs a hand through Janis’ hair gently.

“She meant well. You just need to plan better, love,” she hums. “Can you move yet? We should get you home.”

Janis nods and pulls herself up, then helps Julie. Cady leaves another few of the tablets and the rest of the snacks for Damian and Aaron, then grabs the cake box and follows the sisters to the car.

Cady also drives them home, dropping Julie off at their house but keeping Janis for herself. Janis pouts sadly once she’s in comfy clothes and nestled in bed to recover from the day.

“Caddy?” She asks quietly after a moment.

“Hmm?” Cady hums from above her, stroking through Janis’ hair.

“Are you sure you want to marry me? I’m… I’m such an idiot, sometimes. Why do you want to be stuck with this?” Janis asks sadly.

“Whoa, darling,” Cady hushes. “What? Of course I want to marry you. Of course I’m sure. I love you.”

“But why? Look at me,” Janis whines. “You said it yourself, I’m too impulsive.”

“No, mpenzi, shh for a second,” Cady says gently. “I love you because I choose to. I fell in love with you back in high school because you’re you. And now, every day, I choose to continue. I choose to love you. I love your passion, and your heart, and your mind. I love the things you create and the way you tick. And I love how impulsive you are, even though sometimes I get frustrated. You keep things interesting. And I love you for that.”

“But do you really want to deal with me forever?”

“Where is this coming from, my love?” Cady asks in concern, gently pulling her closer and kissing her forehead. “I’m not dealing with you. I’m loving you. I’m not trying to say I’m never going to get upset with you for being impulsive, just like you know you won’t always be okay with me being so set in my ways. We’re different people, we work differently. We have different minds. But we match pretty well, right?”

Janis nods and cuddles closer, but doesn’t say anything.

“I love you exactly as you are, wild decisions and all. We’ll work through stuff as it comes, but don’t think for a second that I’m ever going to stop loving you. I love the impulsivity because it’s part of you, and I love you,” Cady concludes. “And I hope you’re feeling better, because I’ve already used up a good chunk of my vows here and I still need material for the real ones.”

Janis chuckles into her chest and nods. “I’m better. I love you too. Even though you can be a stick in the mud sometimes.”

“I never understood that phrase,” Cady mumbles. “Like, if the stick is in the way of you having fun in the mud then just… pick it up and put it somewhere else.”

“I don’t think that’s what it means,” Janis chuckles. “But that is a good way to think of it. Does this mean I can pick you up and drag you out to do fun stuff?”

“You can always pick me up,” Cady chuckles, braiding little strands of Janis’ hair together. “And yes, you can sometimes make me do fun things. But I can also be the stick and stop you if you want to do something dangerous or dumb.”

“My ideas are always good,” Janis says defensively.

“Darling, you had the equivalent of about three whole cakes in one afternoon and dragged our friends down with you, sometimes your ideas aren’t great,” Cady says gently.

“Exactly. It was a great idea in theory to get it all out of the way, but it wasn’t good in practice,” Janis says.

“You should be a lawyer, you’re very good at arguing,” Cady says lovingly.

“No way, I’m done with school, thank you very much,” Janis replies.

“You’re a teacher.”

“Shhh. Quiet time.”

“Okay,” Cady giggles, kissing her forehead and drifting off for a nap alongside her fiancée.

————-

The week before the big day, both of their bachelorette parties are thrown. Cady goes off with the Plastics, while Janis gets to spend the night with Damian and Aaron.

Karen is throwing Cady’s, and she’s a little worried that her friend is going to do something crazy. She’s pleasantly surprised to find it’s just the four of them, a lot of alcohol and food, and what looks to be a spa night.

“Aww, Karen! This looks so fun, thank you!” Cady says excitedly.

“You’re welcome! Bride emoji, balloon emoji. I wanted to do something bigger, but I don’t think you would’ve liked that. So, we get to do face masks and watch movies!” Karen says.

“Yeah, this is perfect. I love it,” Cady says.

-

Janis shows up to Damian and Aaron’s apartment, slightly nervous about what she’ll find. Damian lets her in, and she’s pleasantly surprised to find a painting set up and a fair bit of food and booze.

“Aww, Dame,” Janis says happily. “This is great! What are we doing?”

“Getting fucked up and painting stuff,” Damian replies. Aaron comes out from the kitchen with a tray of even more snacks. “And eating. And then maybe we’ll watch movies, I don’t know yet.”

Janis hugs him tightly. “This is perfect.”

“I know,” Damian jokes. “Let’s get going, you’ll have to teach us your painting extraordinaire ways.”

“I’ll try,” Janis chuckles.

————-

Cady is squished in between Gretchen and Karen on their small couch, soaking her feet in a fancy foot bath and watching Legally Blonde. Suddenly, her phone starts ringing with a Facetime call.

“Damian? What’s up?” She asks confusedly when his face pops into view.

“Um… Janis is kind of… drunk,” he says anxiously. “And crying. Can you talk to her?”

“Oh no,” Cady pouts. “Of course I’ll talk to her, where is she?” The camera flips to show Janis curled up on the ground, weeping into her knees while Aaron awkwardly tries to comfort her. Cady dries her feet off and heads into the bathroom for a bit more privacy. “Poor thing, what happened?”

“Jan, it’s Caddy,” Damian says gently, offering her the phone. “Tell her what happened.”

Janis sobs a couple times before bursting out with a very slurred sentence. “Was-was tryin’ to paint you,” she says miserably. “B-but m’ hand wouldn’ workin’. ‘N then I for-forgot what you look-look like! ‘M gonna be a terrible wife!”

“No, darling, no,” Cady says. “Love, you’re drunk. That’s why your hand wasn’t working. And it’s okay that you forgot what I look like. Again, you’re drunk, and faces are hard to memorize. It doesn’t mean you don’t love me, it’s okay.”

“You-you’re not mad?” Janis asks shyly. Her bottom lip is still jutted out sadly, but she’s not crying quite so hard anymore.

“Of course I’m not mad,” Cady says. “I think it’s so sweet that you were even trying to paint me from memory. How much have you had to drink, mpendwa?”

“Um… six.” Janis says, which explains very little.

“Six?” Damian exclaims in shock from off camera. “Jan, that was vodka, you did six shots? Jesus Christ, no wonder you’re so drunk!”

“‘M not drunk,” Janis insists. “Th’ room’s just spinny.”

“Because you’re drunk, Janis,” Aaron explains. “Let me go get you some water.”

“‘M not drunk!” Janis says again. “Was just little cups. Little baby drinks. Why ‘m I on the floor?”

“Jellybean, those were shots, and you did a lot,” Cady says. “Do what Damian and Aaron tell you to, okay? They’ll help you feel better.”

“Not th’ boss ‘f me,” Janis pouts. Cady tries to hold back a laugh. Janis is cute when she’s drunk, but Cady is glad she doesn’t have to encounter it too often.

“They are for tonight, then I’ll help with your hangover tomorrow,” Cady says. “Behave, or no cuddles.”

“No cuddles?” Janis asks in shock, and her lower lip starts trembling again. Cady mutes herself for a second to give an exasperated sigh.

“Less cuddles. I’ll cuddle you a little bit. But if you listen and actually do what they tell you to, you’ll get more cuddles,” she says. It’s all in the phrasing.

“Oh. Mmkay,” Janis says, suddenly sounding much happier. Cady sighs in relief when she sees her chug down the water. “Caddy, I miss you.”

“I miss you too, Bluejay. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Cady says. “Keep drinking water.”

Janis suddenly sits upright and stares at the screen for a second. “Caddy, I can see you.”

“I know,” Cady chuckles. “I can see you too.”

“No, I can see you! Stay,” Janis says. “Can paint you now.”

“Jellybean, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Cady says gently. “You should be resting. Why don’t you watch a movie with Damian and Aaron?”

Janis pouts. “But you’re not here. How ‘m I s’posed to watch movie with no Caddy?”

Cady grins at her. “I love you. Why don’t you take tonight to watch all your favorite scary movies? I’m sure we’ll be able to watch some other happy ones together tomorrow.”

“Mmkay,” Janis whines. “You’re so pretty.”

“Thank you, darling,” Cady chuckles. “You’re very pretty too. Go get comfy.”

Janis picks herself up from the ground and heads to the couch, cuddling in with a blanket. Damian sits next to her, and Aaron sits on his other side.

“There. Keep hydrated, mpendwa. I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you,” Cady says. Janis pouts when she says goodbye.

“I love you, Caddy,” she says. “G’night.”

Cady blows her kisses and hangs up before heading back to her friends.

“Everything good?” Regina asks, looking up from her phone.

“Janis got drunk and started crying because she couldn’t remember what I look like,” Cady sighs. “Give me something, I need a drink too.”

Gretchen helpfully pours her a shot of their favorite bubblegum schnapps, and Cady downs it like it’s nothing.

“Thank you. Now I really do need this spa, thanks Karen,” Cady says, settling back into her spot.

-

Janis comes stumbling into their apartment around noon the next day. Cady woke up with a slight hangover, but was right as rain after a few painkillers and some water. Janis doesn’t seem to be faring quite as well.

“Hey, love,” Cady says quietly as Janis takes her sunglasses off. Janis still winces at the volume. “Poor thing. Did you take anything?”

Janis shakes her head. “Did I call you yesterday?”

“Damian did for you, you were pretty upset,” Cady replies as she grabs some more medicine to help Janis’ hangover. “And drunk, so I’m not surprised you don’t remember.”

“I have no idea what happened, I remember trying to paint… you, I think, and then I have a vague memory of watching The Shining, and then I woke up with a hangover,” Janis mumbles, swallowing the pills and downing the water.

“You said you did six shots of vodka, but I don’t know if you had anything else,” Cady chuckles gently. “But yes, you did try to paint me. And I don’t think it went particularly well.”

“I’m not surprised. I haven’t been that drunk since… ever,” Janis says. She refills her own water cup and heads to lie on their small couch, kissing Cady on her way. Cady follows and lifts Janis’ feet onto her lap.

“Why did you drink so much?” Cady asks quietly. “Is everything okay?”

“I’m not planning on doing it again, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Janis jokes. Cady gives her a look. “I know. I don’t know why I did it.”

“You still want to do this?” Cady asks. Janis snaps her head up to look at her.

“What? The wedding?” She asks. Cady nods with a hint of sadness. “Baby, of course. I’ve been looking forward to it for, like, a year. Minimum. We’re gonna be wives next week, I’m so excited.”

“Are you sure?” Cady asks. “I’ve been thinking about… me, I guess. Are you sure you want me, forever? You don’t want someone more… like you? Brave and fun and cool?”

“What? Peanut,” Janis pouts, hauling herself upright with a great deal of effort and pulling her fiancée into a cuddle. “Of course I want you. I want you as long as you’ll have me. I don’t need another me, I need you. I love you. I love your random bits of knowledge that I’ll never understand and that you’re always so worried whenever I get another stupid idea.”

“But I’m so… plain. You dye your hair wacky colors and then cut it off and paint all your clothes yourself and make art and do… cool stuff. I do calculus for fun and go to bed by ten,” Cady says. “I’m so boring.”

Janis lies back down to cuddle Cady on top of her. “You’re not boring, Butterfly. You could never be boring. You’re from Africa, for crying out loud. You tell the best stories, and you help me understand things that don’t make sense. I wouldn’t have gotten through high school or college without you. And I need someone to balance me out, you know? Keep me on a leash when I get some crazy dangerous idea. I love you as you are. You’re perfect.”

Cady nuzzles into her neck. “I love you.”

“I love you too, baby. It’s like you said after the Cake Incident. We’re different people, we work differently. But we work together. We work because we balance each other out,” Janis says. “I need my Caddy.”

“I need my Jayjay,” Cady says, propping herself back up and leaning down to kiss her. Janis rests a hand on the back of her head to keep her close for a long moment. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Man, you took up a lot of my vows, too,” Janis says with a chuckle. “Now you have to cuddle me for the rest of the day, I’m sick.”

“You’re hungover,” Cady retaliates.

“Same difference. You said you’d take care of me,” Janis pouts.

“Always,” Cady whispers.

————-

They fly home to Illinois the next day, both feeling much better. They’ve decided to spend the rest of the week apart, to make their wedding that much more special. Neither of them is particularly looking forward to their separation, but they know it’ll be worth it.

Their friends and family follow them to Illinois over the next few days while Cady and Janis run around town making sure everything is in order. The venue is perfect, Janis managed to get the cake in order, and everything else was handled months in advance. Julie gives them both a practice version of her speech, which they love. For a barely-seventeen year old, Juliana is an excellent writer.

-

Janis lies awake in her childhood bedroom the night before their big day. She feels almost the way she did the night before an exciting school trip as a child. But better.

She flips onto her other side and looks at the glowing green numbers on her clock. One in the morning. What to do? She’s already not used to sleeping without Cady by her side, and now with the added excitement that comes with tomorrow, Janis may never sleep again.

She only has to think for about two minutes before she makes her decision, rolling out of bed and tugging on some shoes before sneaking out her front door.

Janis zones out a bit on her way to Cady’s house, snapping back to attention when she almost walks past it. She grins to herself as she starts climbing up the same tree she used to climb to get to her girl’s window in high school.

She’s surprised to find Cady already there, sitting on the desk chair she’s pulled over and peering out the window. Cady jumps a little but grins widely as Janis’ face suddenly pops up on the other side.

“I was hoping you would come,” she whispers as she pulls the window open to haul Janis in.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Janis asks once she’s safely inside, closing the window quietly behind her. Cady shakes her head. “I couldn’t either.”

Cady reaches for her, so Janis comes to pull her in for a kiss. They still try to hold back a little bit, to keep something special for tomorrow, but neither can resist the taste and feeling of their love.

They jump apart when a massive crack of thunder booms outside. Cady peeks around Janis to find rain slamming against her window. She grins to herself and takes Janis’ hand, hauling them towards the door.

“Where are we going?” Janis asks in confusion. Cady isn’t a big fan of storms, maybe she’s taking them to hide. Instead, Cady tiptoes them to the back door and slides it open, running into the backyard in her pajamas and bare feet. “Peanut, what are you doing?!”

Cady spins around with her arms far out to her sides like the opening to The Sound of Music, the rain soaking her to the bone. She reaches for Janis, who toes off her shoes and tentatively goes to join her fiancée.

“You’re insane,” Janis says when she reaches her. “What are we doing?”

“Dance with me,” Cady says, reaching for her. Janis comes to her embrace confusedly, holding onto Cady’s waist while she grabs Janis’ neck. They’re only illuminated by the distant streetlights and occasional flash of lightning, and waltzing to the music of the thunder.

Janis thinks she understands after a while. They’re both totally soaked, their clothes dripping and hair clinging to their shoulders. But as she’s held close to her love and staring into her eyes, she feels warmer and safer than she ever has before.

“I love you,” Janis murmurs against Cady’s lips, kissing her tenderly as the raindrops mingle on their cheeks.

“I love you too,” Cady says back. “I can’t wait to marry you.”

Janis smiles against her and scoops her up. Cady squeals in surprise and clings to her tightly as Janis spins them around a few times. Janis tips her face up to see her, and Cady presses their foreheads together to stare into her eyes.

They stay like that for a while, lost in each other while the weather roars around them. After a while, Janis pipes up. “What if it rains tomorrow?”

“Then we’ll dance in it again,” Cady says. “We’ll still be married. We’ll still be with everyone we love. It’ll still be a good day.”

Janis wonders how she found someone so perfect. Little does she know, Cady is wondering the same. They lean in for another kiss at the same time. Janis rests Cady on her feet again and cups her face, while her fiancée holds her waist and inches closer.

“We should-should go in,” Cady says around chattering teeth after a long moment of bliss. “It’s cold out here.”

Janis picks her back up and carries her towards the door. “I’ll keep you warm.”

“You always do,” Cady whispers contently.

She fetches them some towels and clean pajamas and puts their old ones in the dryer. Janis follows her into bed, curling around her in their familiar way. Cady cuddles in close and inhales her comforting scent, this time getting hints of the rain they were just in.

They both drift off with a smile when they remember that this is their new forever, and their last night as just fiancées.

-

Janis wakes up early and sneaks back to her own house, but gets instantly busted by Julie when she comes down for breakfast.

“How was she?” Julie asks.

“What?” Janis asks with mock confusion. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Those aren’t your pajamas, and you definitely didn’t have them on last night. How is Cady?” Juliana insists.

“She’s fine,” Janis says meekly. “You should be a detective.”

“She’s, like, half your size. I don’t have to be a detective to see those pajamas clearly aren’t yours,” Julie says with a chuckle. “Come eat, stupid, it’s your big day.”

“Julie,” their mother chides as she comes down the stairs to join them for breakfast. “How was Cady, baby girl?”

“You too?” Janis asks.

“You’re not exactly sneaky, honey,” their mom chuckles. “I heard you leave. There’s only one place you would’ve gone. Nice pajamas, by the way.”

Janis groans and smacks her head on the table.

————-

Cady starts pacing once Regina finishes her hair and makeup. She looks killer, she has to admit, but the nerves are starting to set in.

“Cades, chill. Talk to me, what’s going on?” Regina says cooly, helping fix a stray curl of Gretchen’s.

“What if… what if she lied? Or she gets up there and realizes she doesn’t want me after all?” Cady says anxiously, drumming her hands against her crossed arms.

“Cady, have you seen the way she looks at you? The way you are together?” Gretchen asks gently. “She’s still head over heels for you.”

“But… but what if-“ Cady tries, this time getting cut off by Karen.

“Cady, listen for a second,” Karen says, remarkably soothingly. Cady calms enough that she stops pacing for a second. “If this wasn’t happening. If you weren’t getting married today, would you have any doubt that Janis loves you, like, a lot? If this was just another day together for you. Would you be this scared?”

“No,” Cady admits.

“It’s just because this is, like, a symbol of permanence or whatever,” Karen shrugs. “You love each other, but this is still kind of a big adjustment for you. It’s okay that you are, but you shouldn’t be scared.”

Cady blinks as she tries to process the words of wisdom from Karen. “I-yeah, okay. Thanks, Karen.”

“You’re welcome! Now come get dressed,” Karen insists happily, brandishing Cady’s outfit for the ceremony.

Cady takes it happily and pulls it on.

—————

Janis is also panicking in another room a little ways away. Damian is chasing her around with his makeup brushes, trying to finish his masterpiece.

“Janjan, at least stop moving,” he begs.

“There’s no point to the makeup because… there’s… I don’t even know! I can’t do it,” Janis says anxiously.

Damian collapses onto the chair formerly occupied by Janis for a break. “Why?”

“What?”

“Why?” Damian repeats. “Why do you think you can’t do it?”

“Because… because she deserves better,” Janis says. “Someone better.”

“But what does she want?” Damian asks. They’ve had this conversation several times since Cady and Janis got together. “Jan. What does Caddy want?”

“Me,” Janis whispers after a beat. “But-“

“Ah! Ah-ah-ah.” Damian interrupts. “What do you want most for Caddy?”

“For her to be happy,” Janis says immediately.

“And who makes her happy?” Damian prompts.

“Me,” Janis admits with a pout.

“Exactly. You are what she deserves. You are her ‘better’. You’re her best, because you both deserve happiness, and that’s what you give each other,” Damian says quietly. “Today is just supposed to celebrate your love. Now sit your ass down so I can make you pretty.”

Janis pouts harder, but does sit back down in her seat and let Damian finish his work.

————-

An hour later, it’s finally time. Damian heads down first, scattering flower petals down the cloth they’re using for an aisle. Everyone chuckles as he does it in his typically dramatic fashion, adding a personal flair to every handful tossed.

He comes back and grabs Aaron, and they head down together, followed by Julie and Gretchen, and then Karen and Regina. Julie runs back down as well, walking Janis down the aisle along with their mom.

Janis grins slightly as she passes the front row and sees the framed photo of her dad next to another framed picture of Cady’s brother, side by side in the empty seats. There’s a rainbow sash draped over each picture frame, to include them both in the ceremony as they should’ve been.

Janis kisses her mom on the cheek as she stands at the altar, and grins at Julie as she heads behind it to prepare. She’s adjusting her white blazer when the music suddenly kicks off again, and she looks down to see Cady coming down the aisle with her parents.

They’re leaving the dresses for the reception since Gretchen had practically begged them to. The dresses took much more time to design and construct, so she wanted them to get as much wear out of them as possible.

But Cady looks absolutely stunning in her tight white pants and top, complete with a cape that accentuates her shoulders. There’s a positively radiant smile on her face as she makes her way to Janis. Cady hugs her parents tightly as they reach the end of the aisle, before coming to stand in front of her fiancée. They join hands instinctively, giving each other little squeezes.

They’re absolutely lost in each other as Julie begins, staring into each other’s eyes and barely hearing the words being spoken and reactions from the crowd. They also miss the prompt to begin their vows. Cady jumps in surprise when Gretchen pokes her in the back and hands over the ring.

Cady takes the ring with her shaky hands and rests it on the tip of Janis’ finger so she doesn’t drop it, pulling some note cards out of her pocket with her other hand. She clears her throat quickly and begins her vows.

“Janis,” Cady says, squeezing Janis’ hands. “My darling, my Bluejay, my love. When you found me in the bathroom all those years ago, I could’ve never imagined that we’d be here today. But I couldn’t be happier that we are.”

Janis squeezes her back and tries to resist the urge to kiss her before they’re allowed to. Cady takes a deep breath as the tears start flowing and continues.

“One of the last big speeches I made was our junior year Spring Fling. That was… a big day for both of us, but anyway. In that speech, I equated our entire graduating class to stars. I stand by it, but I’ve realized something since then. If everyone is a star, then you are my North Star. You’re the one that shines the brightest, and the one I can always count on to be there. But most importantly, you are the star that guides me home. I just have to follow you, and I’m right where I need to be. You are my home. I promise to love you, always. I promise to help you shine when you feel like you can’t, and to guide you home when you feel lost. We’ll be each other’s brightest star. I love you, more than all the stars in the sky.”

Janis sniffles a few times as Cady slides the rest of the ring on and repeats after Julie, processing the most beautiful words she’s ever heard. It’s her turn then, which she’s violently reminded of when Damian jabs her in the back. She straightens abruptly and pulls out her own cards. Janis re-wrote her vows this morning and quite literally ran them by Damian for a proofread, so she’s desperately hoping they’re suitable.

“Cady,” Janis begins. “That’s the first and last time I’m ever going to pronounce your name correctly, so I hope you enjoyed it.”

Cady chuckles thickly around her tears and squeezes her hands. Janis takes a deep breath and continues, trying to keep the shake from her voice.

“I want to take this time to thank you. For loving me even when I eat too much cake, or get drunk and call you in tears because I can’t work out how to paint you. I want to thank you for being my sunshine. For teaching me how to dance in the rain, and for showing me how good it can be. For showing me what it means to be loved, and letting me know how to love you in return. You light up even my stormiest days, by just being there to weather them out with me. You are the only sunshine I’ll ever need, and I promise to return the favor. I can’t promise I’ll be able to help you through everything we’ll ever go through, but I can promise to love you through everything. I promise to be the light when you feel you can’t show yours, and to help you dance in the rain when the clouds won’t part. I love you more than anything under the sun.”

Cady lets out a choked sob as she finishes, and they both quickly fumble through getting her wedding ring on. Julie coaches them through the other vows and ‘I do’s’ and then says the magic words.

“By the power vested in me by an online class I took in ten minutes, I now pronounce you wives. You can kiss,” Julie says, mumbling an “If you must.” Under her breath afterwards.

Cady practically lunges for her, grabbing Janis’ face and pulling her into the most important kiss they’ll ever share. They both pour all the emotions they’re feeling into it, but break apart after just a few seconds to keep things chaste for their families. Janis smiles wider than she ever has before and rests their foreheads together.

“Hi wife,” she whispers contently, glad to finally be rid of the dreaded fiancée title. Cady grins back at her and wraps her arms around her neck.

“Hi wife,” she says back. “We gotta go.”

Janis is snapped back to reality at that, remembering they’re not alone. She grabs Cady’s hand and leads them back down the aisle, together this time. Once they reach the end of it, Cady leaps into her arms. Janis catches her and spins them around joyfully.

“Janis, you’re my wife,” Cady whispers once the dizzying sensation fades.

“And you’re my wife,” Janis says back. “You look so beautiful.”

“So do you,” Cady says. “I can’t wait to see your dress.”

“Then let’s go,” Janis murmurs, kissing her gently and carrying her wife away.

————-

Their moms each help them put their dresses on, since they take just a bit of wiggling. Cady’s is short sleeved, with a tight bodice and a poofy skirt. The top layer is lace, with rainbow flowers around her neckline that fade out into the white around her waist. She feels like a princess.

Janis’ has long lace sleeves, and the whole thing is more uniform. Her skirt is flowy more than poofy, and her rainbow gradient goes the opposite way. She looks like she’s been walking through rainbow flower petals that gradually fade into the white of her dress as you look up. She feels like a fairy.

They decide to do a ‘first look’ now, in their dresses and technically officially married. Each of them hides behind a tree and pops out when Regina, their photographer yet again, gives them the cue.

Cady gasps when she sees her wife and reaches for her eagerly. Janis shuffles over and lets Cady pull her in.

“You’re so beautiful,” Cady murmurs. “Look at you, my love. How did I get so lucky?”

Janis blushes violently and leans down to kiss her. “You look incredible. And you got your swishy skirt.”

“I know, lookit!” Cady says happily, taking a step back and shaking her hips to show off the excellent swish. Janis chuckles lovingly and snatches her back in.

“You’re adorable. Should we go?” Janis asks, kissing Cady’s nose. She distantly registers a flash from the camera.

“Do we have to?” Cady whines quietly. “Can’t I just be alone with my wife?”

Janis grins. “Later. Don’t you want to see if the cake was worth it?”

Cady perks up a little bit at that. “Oh, yeah! Okay, yeah, let’s go.”

————-

Kevin announces their arrival at the reception, which is happening in exactly the same place at the ceremony but with a new massive tent put up to keep away bugs. Surprisingly, Kevin is doing an excellent job. They gave him the rule of ‘no original material’ which has kept them mostly safe. He’s honestly not a bad DJ.

Janis and Cady enter hand in hand to the cheers of their friends and family and head to the floor for their first dance. They chose Tale as Old as Time from Beauty and the Beast, the first song they ever danced to together as a couple way back in high school.

They sway gently around and stare into each other’s eyes. Janis notices Cady whispering things under her breath as they move.

“What are you saying?” She murmurs gently against Cady’s lips.

“I love you,” Cady whispers back. “In all the languages I know. And the ones I don’t.”

Janis smiles at her. “I love you so much. In all the languages I speak.”

“All two?” Cady chuckles. Janis nods.

“And the rest that I don’t. I love you more than any language could say,” Janis murmurs.

“Stop trying to be cuter than me, it’s working too well,” Cady whines. Janis chuckles.

“I’m not trying to, it’s just happening,” she whispers. Cady rolls her eyes but presses in for another kiss. The song comes to an end and they begrudgingly break apart for their parent dances. Janis dances with her mom and sister while Cady dances with her parents. Janis looks almost longingly at the photos of her dad and Rhys. She and Cady wish their whole families could’ve been present, but they’ve definitely felt them around all day.

After the dances it’s time for cake, Janis’ other big reveal. Cady looks very impressed with what she managed to put together. Even after The Incident, Janis went with three tiers. Lemon on the bottom, chocolate fudge cake in the middle, and white on the top. Janis refused to allow fondant anywhere near it, so the cake is covered in white buttercream and has a rainbow of frosting flowers spiraling up the sides diagonally.

Cady pouts when they have to cut into its beauty. They carefully cut out a piece and grab the forks, feeding each other the first bite. They both independently decide to try to smear the first one on each other’s face, but both laugh and actually taste it with the second.

Cady tenderly wipes some stray frosting off of Janis’ cheek and pulls her in for yet another kiss as the party goes on around them. “Today was perfect.”

Janis nods in agreement, kissing her back gently. “It was. I love you, wifey.”

“I love you too, wifey,” Cady giggles. “So much.”

They chat lightly with their guests for a while as everyone dances and celebrates, until Janis notices Cady slip out of the tent alone. Obviously Janis follows.

It’s sprinkling lightly, just barely a drizzle. Cady stands in the center of the clearing and looks up to the sky. Janis gently comes up to hug her from behind so she doesn’t startle her wife.

“Whatcha doing?” She murmurs, kissing up and down Cady’s neck gently. Cady gives a happy shudder and leans back into her.

“Checking for that,” Cady replies, pointing to the sky. Janis is confused until she looks up and sees a rainbow stretching across the sky. “And I needed a minute.”

“There’s two,” Janis realizes after looking for a second. “Look above it.”

“How fitting,” Cady breathes happily, observing the faint second rainbow just barely visible. “Thanks, nature.”

Janis chuckles and kisses her cheek. Cady turns around to face her, resting her head against Janis’ shoulder and starting to dance.

“I said we’d dance in the rain again, now we have to,” she whispers. Janis sways them back and forth as gently as she can, knowing Gretchen would have to be restrained from homicide if they got the dresses muddy. “Your vows were so beautiful.”

“So were yours, did you not see me crying?” Janis giggles. “I wrote mine this morning.”

“Really?” Cady asks, pulling back to see her. “I thought you said you already had them.”

“I did, I wrote them again. After last night in the storm,” Janis says lowly. “Everything just fell into place.”

“It did. I love you,” Cady murmurs. Janis bends down to kiss her.

“I love you too,” she says when they pull back for a second. They lean in again, before Damian throws the door to the tent open to look for them.

“Stop being cute and romantic in private, it’s time for speeches,” he insists. “And watch the dresses, princesses.”

“Okay, okay,” Cady chuckles, letting him haul them both back to their loved ones.

Regina actually goes first, giving a beautiful speech about their journey together and the things they’ve all been through, with a good smattering of jokes peppered throughout. Julie goes next and tells a story of a time when she and Janis were much younger and Janis used to sleepwalk. Julie had, evidently, woken up one night to find her sister wandering around her room and occasionally staring at her. Janis flushes in embarrassment, and then groans when she realizes that Damian is up next.

He goes on for a while, but he’s such an entertaining storyteller that nobody minds. Damian first tells the story of the time Janis accidentally broke his nose in middle school with one punch, which makes Cady look at her with raised eyebrows. Janis knows she’s going to have to tell her more of the story later. Then, Damian moves on to the story of how they rescued Cady and forcibly led her to join their little duo and become the perfect gay-fecta.

He closes with, “I’ve said for years that I’m too gay to function, so I’d never thought I’d love two women so much. Caddy, Janjan, congratulations. And remember the intervention.”

The ending is a little ominous, but Cady and Janis both laugh and clap for him as he steps away from the microphone.

-

The reception continues well into the night, and it’s nearly four in the morning by the time they help each other out of their dresses and fall into bed. Cady cuddles into her wife and stares at the rings adorning their intertwined hands.

Janis relaxes against her and nuzzles in, both of them sighing contently as they have their first married snuggle.

Until Janis suddenly sits bolt upright with wide eyes, startling Cady. “What’s the matter?”

“I’m Josh,” Janis says. “My initials.”

Cady is confused, but then she thinks of Janis’ initials. Janis Olivia Sarkisian-Heron does in fact spell Josh. Cady bursts out laughing as Janis cuddles into her with a whine.

“My poor sweet wife,” Cady giggles hysterically. “You agreed to the name.”

“I didn’t think! I didn’t know it would make me a Josh,” Janis moans.

“Do you want to change it?” Cady says, stroking through Janis’ dark hair and twisting little bits together. Janis shakes her head.

“I can live with it,” Janis sighs. “I like it. It’s our name.”

“I like it too. I’m Cady Jane Sarkisian-Heron now,” Cady replies.

“And someday soon you’ll be Doctor Cady Jane Heron and I get to be your trophy wife,” Janis says happily. Cady bursts into laughter again.

“Wouldn’t I be Doctor Sarkisian-Heron?” She asks once she calms down a bit.

“If you really want to, but I am absolutely not going through all the schooling to get a PhD in math,” Janis says. “The Sarkisian part of you has nothing to do with it. I’m just here for moral support.”

“That’s a good point,” Cady admits. “We should sleep, we have a flight tomorrow.”

“To Africaaaaaaa,” Janis replies, stretching the end as long as she can. Cady giggles and cuddles her closer.

“You’re a goof. I love you,” she whispers, tipping them onto their sides and resting her forehead against her wife’s. Janis pouts at the lack of kisses, so Cady peppers a few on her lips until she’s satisfied.

“I love you too,” Janis murmurs back. “Goodnight wife.”

“Goodnight Josh.”

“Hey!”

-

hope you enjoyed!

request status is still the same, but I am making progress and hope to have them re-opened soon.

thanks for reading!

lots of love,

ezzy

[your-high-lady]

Realisation

Summary: This story is about Feyre. She has a couple of small dreams she wants to achieve but turns out it isn’t as easy as she imagined it would. Trust me, the story is better than the summary. Modern AU. Feysand.

Chapter 1  Chapter 2   Chapter 3   Chapter 4  Chapter 5   Chapter 6 Chapter 7

Chapter 8  Chapter 9   Chapter 10   Chapter 11  Chapter 12  Chapter 13  Chapter 14  Chapter 15  Chapter 16

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Sarah J Mass.

Chapter 17: Love Is So Beautiful

Feyre's POV

Two weeks had passed since my sisters left for Dunedin. Rhys and I were driving home, finished with the errands we'd been running.

"So, Feyre," I looked up at him, surprised to hear a tremor of nervousness in his voice.

I frowned. "Yes?"

"I have a question."

"I figured," I said, wryly.

He gave me a shy, amused smile. "I was just wondering…did you want to come over for the weekend?"

My eyebrows raised. "Like, stay the night at your house?"

"Well, I was thinking the whole weekend, but if you only want to stay one night, that's fine, too." He said, glancing between the road and me. I just stared at him.

I'd been over plenty of times for studying or just hanging out, but I'd never stayed. Had never had the courage to. Until now. After months of just being smitten over Rhys and enjoying all my time with him and his friends, I felt confident that I was safe at his house.

But he was asking me to stay the night. Alone. In his house. The idea and was appealing and daunting at the same time. I hadn't ever imagined staying over at his house, but now the idea seemed so perfect.

"Where would I sleep?" I couldn't think anything better to stay.

"I would like to sleep together in my bed, but if you're not comfortable I could move into the lounge?" He said, and I couldn't help but love him a little more at that moment. He was always thinking about me.

When I didn't speak for a minute, just stared at him lips parted, he quietly said, "Feyre?"

I blinked. Took a deep breath. "I want to sleep in the same bed as you."

His head jerked around, eyes wide. "Really?" He asked, clearly astonished at my answer. I nodded. He smiled, wild and carefree, his perfectly white teeth shining. "Okay. You'll need clothes to sleep in and clothes for the next day. Obviously." His voice was animated. I was glad to see that a simple yes to sleep in his bed with him could make him so happy. If just sleeping together made him so happy, how happy would other things make him…? And then he suddenly said, breaking me out of my thoughts, "Oh and you'll also need something fancy. I have a thing planned for you." A cheeky smile was on his face. My eyes narrowed, wondering what this thing could be. "I don't suppose you'll tell me why?" He shook his head, grinning. The disappointment at his response was quickly replaced with love. If keeping this secret made him so happy, I wouldn't take it away from him. I would do everything in my power to keep that smile on his face. "How fancy?" I asked.

He smirked. "Date-night fancy."

A couple of days later, I found myself loading my bags into Rhys's. It was a beautiful Saturday morning and I made sure to shout a bye to Mor before hopping into his car. As we drove, he said, "So, I was planning to first drop off all your bags at my house before maybe hanging out around Shoreline Lake Park. Get lunch there, maybe for a walk on one the tracks?"

I nodded. "That's fine with me." Anything was fine if I could do it with him.

An hour later, I found myself having brunch in a cafe, looking out to the sea. Rhys sat across from me, and I was picking on a blueberry muffin which I had ordered to eat while I waited for the actual food. We talked the whole time until suddenly he went silent. I was cleaning up the last dregs of my muffins, trying to get every little bit, and as I looked up at him, I happened to have my index finger between my lips. He smirked, eyebrows lifting slightly and I yanked my finger out, blushing slightly. "What?" I snapped at him, embarrassed and wiping my hands with a napkin.

"Nothing, nothing." He said, chuckling. "You're just…" His pupils widened the smallest bit. "You're cute." My eyes narrowed. "I want to lick you. All of you." He finished. I just stared at him, biting my lip to stop myself from gaping and squeezing my legs a little. The cocky twist of his lips told me he noticed. Damn.

Thankfully our food arrived them, effectively shutting down any further comments.

The rest of the day went much like that. Rhys continued to tease me and I was able to get in a few jabs back at him too, making me very proud of myself. Around four in the evening, we headed back to his home in Palo Alto. Even now, after I'd already seen it latest five times, it stunned me.

His one-story home had a grand total of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a lounge area and a "gaming" room, as he liked to call it. On the outside it had light brown bricks, a small staircase leading up to the front door, a brown garage door darker than the bricks and a grey roof. The front lawn was pretty, small shrubs lining around the edges, and it always seemed to be at its peek condition. I didn't know if he tended to it himself or someone did it for him. Inside was a small corridor lit by mini LED lights and an antique-looking round mirror hanging on the wall at the end. The first time here, he'd told me the mirror belonged to his mother, one her few prized possessions. He'd kept it there, not to remind himself of her death but the joy he often used to see in her face when she was looking at it, remembering her own parents.

A single door on the right led to the garage, and the left side opened up into the lounge area where all the guests sat. On the right was the kitchen and the dining table in front of it.

Another corridor at the back of the kitchen led into the bedrooms, bathrooms and the second lounge area which Rhys used to play x-box, watch tv and just hang out with his friends. The interior of his house also had the brown themes going on with white rolled into it.

I loved it. The first time I'd walked in, it had instantly felt like home. Warm and safe.

Today, we played some x-box, which he had taught me how to play the second time I came around, card games like Go Fish, Snap and Uno and then watched a Marvel movie. Around seven, I told Rhys I was going to take a shower and then unexpectedly, he told me to change into the fancy dress I'd brought with me, and not to come out into the kitchen until he told me I could. "Why though?" I questioned his strange instructions, but he just replied with, "It's time for your surprise."

In the bathroom, I quickly washed myself and my hair. While changing into my dress, I started smelling coffee coming through the door. It was a nice smell if a little strong. On my way out of the shower, I noticed the end of the corridor leading into the kitchen area looked like it was glowing red and orange as if the sun was setting right here in Rhys's house. I called out to him, taking a couple of unsure steps. "Wait! Stay where you are, don't move and close your eyes." He shouted back. I frowned but obliged, curious despite myself about where this was going.

A few seconds later, I heard him gasp and instinctively opened my eyes. There he was, standing at the end of the corridor, mouth slightly open in a silent gasp, eyes wide. When he kept staring at me, I nervously ran my hands up and down my dress, and said, "Do I look alright?"

I'd been groaning as I rummaged around my closet, occasionally throwing a piece of clothing over my shoulder. I was having difficulty finding something I was sure Rhys would like. It didn't take long for Mor to come in. "What are you groa—" She'd stopped, eyes wide open as she stood at the threshold, and looked at my room. It had gotten quite messy, what with all the clothing strewn around the room. I told her what I was looking for and she immediately dragged me to her own cupboard and found me a dress.

It was that dress I was wearing now. It was blue and white. The neck was deep, the straps coming to criss-cross across my back. Two slits ran up my legs up to just above my knees and there were another two cut-outs above my hips.

Mor had had to threaten to strangle me to get me to pack that into my bag.

I had eventually relented because I really did find the dress pretty and something told me Rhys would like it too.

And it seemed I was right.

Rhys was still staring at me so I said, "Rhys?" He blinked rapidly before bringing his eyes back up to mine. He stammered, "Fey-Feyre. You-you look very beautiful."

I smiled a little shyly, "Thanks." He shook his head like he was clearing his head, and approached me.

"Close your eyes." I did. "And don't open them." I nodded once. Flinching slightly when I felt an arm wrap itself around my waist and a warm calloused hand cover my eyes, he led me out to the kitchen. The smell of coffee got stronger and when I turned around the corner, he moved his hand down but kept his arm around my waist. I kept my eyes closed. It felt like I was looking straight at the sun with my eyes closed. It's so bright! I thought. And then he whispered in my ear to open my eyes.

My first reaction was an involuntary gasp. I couldn't help it. The blinds were closed, lights off. Everywhere candles of all shapes and sizes were lit. On the tables, couch armrests, beside the vases, next to a lamp, on the dining table, on the ground in the edges and around corners. Everywhere. Coming from the two biggest ones was the scent of coffee.

The dinner table was set for two: fancy plates, cutlery, glasses, all the jazz there. Small portions of different dishes were laid out. I noticed they were all my favourites: croissants, butter chicken, cheese pizza and my most beloved, cheeseburgers. In a large jug, he had some grape punch if the dark purple colour was any indication. I loved all these foods and especially the punch and burgers, but half of them, I'd never even told Rhys I liked them. So stupidly, all I said was, "How do you know I love butter chicken? Croissants? Never once have I told you that."

Though I couldn't see him, I knew he was smirking, eyebrows raised. "No thank you's, when did you do this, how did you do this? Straight up. How do I know you like butter chicken and croissants?" I blushed but said nothing. He sighed. "I asked your sisters. I've wanted to do something like this for a while now. Just didn't know when." My heart stuttered.

Two weeks. For two weeks, he had been planning this.

Two weeks.

"Why?" I whispered.

"Feyre?" He said.

"Why? Why did you do this?" I said in a louder, more clear voice.

He was silent for a couple of seconds before coming to stand in front of me. I slowly raised my chin and looked into his eyes. He smiled. "Why not? I love you." My heart stuttered. He'd never said that before. "I love you so much." He chuckled lightly, eyes wide as if he couldn't believe his won words." Sometimes I feel like I'll die from just how much I love you. I love you so much, it hurts. It's the least I could do." He looked down. I put my hands on his cheeks, cupping them, and kissed him.

"Thank you," I said, pulling away and leaning my forehead against his. "I want you to know…" I paused, hesitating a little. "I want you to know that I love you." His lower lip trembled and a tear trickled down his cheek. I wiped it away with gentle fingers as I said, "I want you to know that I am broken and healing, but every piece of my heart belongs to you. And I am honoured—honoured to be by your side." I wrapped a hand around his neck and brought his lips to mine. His hands came up to rest on my waist and we lost ourselves in each other for a few minutes before he pulled away and gasped, "Dinner's getting cold."

That night, I was the bathroom, getting ready for bed. I looked into the mirror and saw someone so different from who I'd been in January. It was like we were two different people. Then, my face had been gaunt and dark. My eyes were drawn and dark circles were prominent on my face. My lips curved downwards. I hadn't smiled in forever. I couldn't remember the last time I'd laughed. And now, it looked like my eyes were practically glowing. Everything was glowing. My eyes, my skin. Even the way I talked had changed since then. Before it had been boring, bland. Now, it was like I was basking in starlight. My voice sounded lilting and soft. My lips seemed to permanently turn upwards. The dark circles were no longer there. All the pimples and blemishes had disappeared.

But no, they hadn't. There was an acne scar right there, just peeking through my hairline and another one on my nostril. They were all there. And yet, I was beautiful. I felt beautiful. I knew I was beautiful and I owned it. In the mirror, I watched as a smile light up my face. I was beautiful and nobody could tell me anything different.

AN: Love yourself, guys.

[skiasurveys]

405.

Do you feel comfortable wearing tube tops? - Honestly  with the right outfit. But I prefer crop tops, since I am short waisted they usually only show a little bit of my belly lol

Has something someone said today annoyed you? Yeah my co worker lol

Do you like listening to new music, or just sticking to your favorites? I always like new music 

Did you ever feel that there was something you couldn’t tell anyone? - Yes there are a few things

Do you tend to gossip, even if you don’t mean it to cause harm? sometimes. sometimes im just trying to vent or rant.

When was the last time you were bitten by a bug? Omg, i domnt know tbh

Have you ever gotten your hair permed? Nah

Do you have a pair of sunglasses that are worth over $200? Yup, 500, but i got them on a discount cus my mom works for an eye doctor. I would never spend that much hahah unless i was super rich

Would you ever go on a trip to Europe? Yes. I want to

Are you brave when it comes to trying new foods? Nope.

When was the last time you saw your significant other? Right now. We live together.

Is there a friend that you can always go to for advice? Yes, usually sasha.

If you see a piano, are you tempted to go over and play a little something? Lol, no. 

Is there someone you know who bakes amazing sweets? Jennifer hahah

Are you ashamed of your singing voice? I guess? I just cant hit the notes lol

Has anyone teased you with the “K-I-S-S-I-N-G” song? when i was a kid

Have you ever had a dream where you could understand a foreign language? Nope..lol

What time is it where you are? 8:45 PM

Do you have anything important to do tomorrow? Just work tomorrow 

Have you ever owned a beanbag chair? no i want one though.

If you own a laptop, do you have a case for it? Yes and I have a backpack thats meant for caring around electronics

What was the last movie you purchased on DVD? No idea, I dont buy DVDs anymore

Are you a fan of retro things? Yaaas.

Do you do your own laundry? Yeah, lol I hate it.

Have you ever used pastels? They’re fun 

Is there a song you’re listening to at the moment? Nah, I hardly listen to music when I do surveys tbh

Have you ever been in possession of a hundred dollar bill? Yes haha

Is there one food you cannot give up, even though you know it’s unhealthy? Mcnuggets

Will you bother having a party for your next birthday? Idk. This year I didnt do one, so who knows.

If you’re with someone right now, do you think it will last? I hope it does.

What was the last movie that was unable to capture your interest? IDk. 

Have you heard of the Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers? No.

Do you have something to do, that you would rather not do? my job

Are you, in any way, feeling hopeless right now? Kinda

Is there someone you just need to call and talk to? Maybe not call.. 

Are you one of those people who can eat anything and not gain a pound? -Kind of? My eating habits are bad but i dont rly gain but i dont lose weight hgahaha

Are your nails painted at the moment? I wish :(

Is there a song you’ve been listening to lately on repeat? Not rly.

Do you know who you’re planning to ask to your grad prom? I graduated 5 years ago haha

When was the last time you went shopping? a while ago.

Is there anyone who did something absolutely hilarious today? - Nope.

Are you having one of those days where you feel unattractive? Not today 

Do you like hotdogs? sometimes i get these weird stages where i just love hot dogs for some reason lol

Do you ever get bored of your music collection and get new songs? Yeah sometimes I just need something new.

Have you ever bought a designer purse? Yes, Guess.

What’s the limit on how much you would pay for a shirt?

Depends on the shirt tbh.

Would you ever like to see the Walk of Fame? One day.

Have you been in any sort of physical pain today? a little.

Who were the last people you hung out with? My boyfriend

Has someone ever called you “obnoxious”? of course

Most commonly, do you obey rules, or break them? I obey, always hahaha

Do you like making funny faces in pictures? I usually like to take a good one and a funny pic

Is there something you look back on and go “I can’t believe I did that”? Yep

Are you good at offering advice? I feel like I am

When was the last time you had to resort to a map? not a physical one but google maps lol

Your significant other: have you told them you love them lately? Last night I did.

What was the last thing to confuse you? just work stuff

How many different colors have you dyed your hair? Dark brown, blonde streaks ( cringe), redish, red orange brown ombre (fire ombre), blonde, purple tips

Do you know someone who always spells “bored” like “board”? hahahaha yes.

Are you wearing make up right now? yes, that reminds me to clean it off lol

Is there a phrase that you use a lot? "you know”

Are you old enough to vote? yes

Do you have a favorite pair of earrings? I dont have my ears pierced. 

Are you a fan of Keira Knightley? Not a fan tbh but I dont dislike her? 

Have you ever resorted to alcohol to make you feel better? hahahah yes

Are you aware of the significance of the date April 14th, 1912?Titanic...?

Do you ever just lay back and watch the stars?

I do when its warm

Lately have you had much time to relax? nah

Did anything important/changing happen to you in March 2019? Not really in march.

Have you ever felt like a “new person”? yes.

Do you own any expensive jewelry? my rings 

Has there been someone in your life that just wouldn’t leave you alone? Yes, but i got rid of them hahaha

Do you hate to use public bathrooms? Usually but if i have to go, i go.

Would you consider yourself to be loyal? almost too much

Do you find most remixes of songs to be good or bad? depends on the song! some dont need it, some make them cool and unique.

[doom-dreaming]

Hidden Away

Rhys confesses something to Sasha in the Atlas terraforming facility.

Read it on Ao3 here!

******

Rhys didn’t know how to describe it. It seemed silent, but at the same time, it...wasn’t. Leaves rustled. Trees creaked. Insects droned. Sure, it was probably the most gorgeous place he’d seen on Pandora so far, but something about it still made his skin crawl. “This is...uh…”

Sasha smirked. “Romantic?”

“Well, I guess it could be…” Rhys ducked under a low branch. “If it weren’t for the hissing.” He tipped a thumb toward a group of the floating plant-creatures, watching as they drifted serenely overhead. “It’s...a little creepy.”

Sasha shrugged. “Compared to the rest of the wildlife on Pandora…”

Rhys grumbled a reluctant agreement to her unspoken implication. At least these things hadn’t tried to kill them on sight. Regardless, he didn’t really want to be in this facility any longer than he had to be. “Kinda hard to see the tower from down here…”

“We’ll find it. We weren’t too far off when that catwalk collapsed.” She elbowed him in the ribs as they pushed through a curtain of huge leaves. “And you were totally scared, Mister I-Could-Jump-A-Million-Times-Further-Than-That.”

Rhys scoffed, but didn’t bother denying it. They walked on in comfortable silence for a few moments. Well, calling it comfortable silence was maybe a bit of a stretch, since every movement in the leaves around them set Rhys’ nerves on edge. And again, it wasn’t really silence, with all the jungle noises— “So...you think you could get back together with August?” Maybe not the best topic, but he was desperate for conversation. “If that’s even something you’re interested in at all, of course.”

“I...don’t know,” Sasha admitted with a sigh.

“He seemed kind of...disrespectful. And not just during the entire Gortys...core...fiasco, either—which I actually totally understand why he would be then, I mean, that whole thing was craaaazy—”

“He tries to act tough,” Sasha cut in. “But...once you get to know him…” Rhys glanced down at her just in time to see a slight smile tug at the corners of her lips. “He can actually be pretty sweet.”

She didn’t elaborate and Rhys chewed his lip. He hated to press the subject, but hearing nothing besides bugs, leaves, hissing plants, and his own footsteps only made him think about the potential danger they were in. Dreamy, glowing jungle or not, this was still an Atlas facility, and given his track record at the previous two Atlas facilities...he’d barely make it out of this one alive. If at all. At least Vaughn was with Loader Bot and Fiona could (hopefully) rely on Athena if things got too dicey—

“While we’re on the subject though, why don’t we talk about you?”

“Wh—uh, huh?” He looked down at Sasha, not at all comforted when he was met with narrowed eyes and a cunning smirk. “Wh—wha—haha, uh, what is there to talk about...about me…?”

She gave an exaggerated sigh and rolled her eyes. “I’m not blind, Rhys.”

“I...know that…” He had a feeling he knew where this was going.

“And I’m not stupid, either.”

Yeah, it was going there. “I…officially ha-have nooo idea what you’re talking about, a-anymore,” he lied, hating how nervous he sounded. Fiona makes it look so easy… He swallowed maybe a little too loudly when he felt his face heating up at the thought of the con artist.

“That blush says you know exactly what I’m talking about.” Sasha stopped walking and crossed her arms over her chest. “So go ahead and tell me why I catch you staring at my sister practically every time I look at you.”

“I...uh...ha, I don’t stare, okay? I…” He drew in a deep breath. He could do this. He could say it. Sasha wouldn’t shoot him. They needed to hack the security system and she couldn’t do it without him, so he was safe...right? “Fine, I...think she’s...really beautiful. There, I said it. Happy?”

Sasha’s eyes narrowed to slits as she studied his (uncomfortably warm) face. “That’s it?”

“Wha...what do you mean?”

“You like the way she looks,” Sasha clarified, voice hard.

Rhys immediately realized his mistake. “No, no! Well, yes—she’s...God, she’s gorgeous, but that’s not the only thing! She...she’s smart! A-and funny—sometimes—and I like how she rolls her eyes and pretends not to care but actually smiles when she thinks I’m not looking—oh, and when she asks for my opinion on things, that’s nice—”

Sasha waved dismissively. “Okay, okay… Don’t...choke on your tongue.” She let her arms drop to her sides and continued down the path.

Rhys fell into step beside her, wringing his hands. “Is it...okay with you? I mean...if I were to, I don’t know, like...ask her...out, or...something? I haven’t really known either of you for very long, but...surviving death with someone tends to make you think about—”

“Rhys, just...stop, for a second. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I...do that a lot.”

“It’s fine with me if you want to…” she looked down and picked at her nail polish, “...date Fiona, I guess, but I’m just gonna tell you right now… I don’t know if she feels the same way.”

“I...kinda picked up on that, actually.” He sighed and scuffed at the dirt. “Which is why I wanted to make sure it was okay with you so I could...ask what kinds of things she likes. So I’d...have a better chance.”

At that, Sasha turned. “You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?”

He didn’t immediately reply. Was he serious about this? It sure felt like it. Ever since he’d met Fiona, he’d had this strange sense of...a loss of control. Which, honestly, was kind of troubling. He’d always had a plan—or...he’d always thought he had a plan—but then along came this crazy Pandoran woman with a hat and a sleeve pistol and a silver tongue and he just...lost it. Poof. Gone. Every clever one-liner he managed to think of didn’t have the same effect on her that it would have had on some tight-skirted secretary back on Helios. In fact, more often than not, he found himself tripping over his words, stuttering and blabbering and generally looking like an idiot. And she would just patiently raise that eyebrow—the one with the weirdly cute scar through it—and wait for him to finish whatever it was he was trying to say. He tried to hate the way she insulted him, but it always felt more like teasing than anything else; there was rarely any actual venom in the words. He could fake animosity well enough around the others; keep up the charade of reluctant partner-in-crime, but when they were alone… He’d never felt anything like this before, so...that had to mean—

“Rhys? Hello? Ugh, God, you...you really mean it, don’t you?” Sasha tossed her hands in the air and kept walking. “Go figure, you come down from your fancy moonbase and pretend to go on and on about “filthy Pandoran criminals,” when actually—”

“I think I love her, Sasha,” he murmured, still caught in his thoughts.

“See? That’s what I’m talking about. How would you even know what love feels like, Hyperion boy? I bet you’ve never loved anyone besides yourself and maybe your parents. It’s just because we’re “dangerous” down here, right? You want to be able to brag to all your buddies about how you’ve got a “bad girl” and how you’re so smooth that even—whoa.”

She stopped so suddenly that Rhys almost walked straight into her. “What’s gooooh...wow.” A clearing had opened up in front of them, and dozens of the glowing balloon-plants floated through the treetops. “That’s…”

Sasha took a few hesitant steps out into the glade, turning around, taking everything in. “This is incredible,” she breathed. “Oh, come look at these!” She was bent down beside a small tree, inspecting a patch of purple flowers growing on the trunk. “You know...after a while, you just sort of feel like you’ve seen everything; like you can’t be surprised by anything anymore…” She reached out to touch one of the flowers. “Something so delicate...hidden away…”

Nothing she was saying was incorrect, and he honestly wanted to bring a small handful (or an entire basket) back to Fiona, but he also had a sneaking suspicion that maybe the flowers would be better off left undisturbed. There had been a small carnivorous plant of some kind back in that initial “living area” after all... “Maybe...we should just let it be.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, however, Sasha grinned and plucked one anyway, holding it out to him. “Give it to Fiona.”

The blush that had been slowly subsiding over the past few minutes suddenly rushed back into his cheeks with nearly painful intensity. “You’re sure? Is this even her thing? I mean...would she like it? And weren’t you just complaining about how—”

She waved him off with a short laugh. “Yes, she’ll love it. Trust me. Just stick it behind her ear or something.”

Rhys accepted the flower hesitantly. “You’re absolutely sure you’re okay with me and her...being together? If it...even happens…”

Sasha put her hands on her hips and cocked an eyebrow. “Would I be telling you to give her a flower if I wasn’t okay with it?”

“I don’t know, I mean, the whole thing could be another con,” he muttered, only half-joking. “Maybe she hates flowers. Maybe she’s allergic to them and—”

“Would you just keep the flower and walk so we can find this secur—pfff—” A splatter of orange liquid covered her face before she could finish the sentence.

Rhys looked down at the flower, then back up at Sasha’s pollen-splashed face, laughing softly. “You deserved that.”

“Yes I did.”

Rhys tucked the flower into his vest pocket and turned back in the direction of the tower. He paused mid-step, however. Something wasn’t right. That leaky-gas-pipe noise had gotten louder. And...somehow more aggressive. “Uh...Sasha?”

“Yeah, yeah, I hear it.”

He backed toward her, glancing around the glade. The bluish-white glow provided by the docile floating plants had turned into a harsh red and about sixteen of them were propelling themselves slowly toward he and Sasha. “This is why we can’t have anything nice.” He pointed toward the angrily-hissing plants. “I told you we should have just left it alone… Red means bad, right...?”

******

Fiona hadn’t expected to see Rhys leaning on her sister’s shoulder, barely conscious, when the door slid open to reveal the two of them.

Vaughn took a step closer. “What happened?”

“Oh, um, Rhys just took a spill,” Sasha explained, half walking, half dragging Rhys through the door. “He’s...he’s totally fine.”

Fiona chewed the inside of her cheek, watching Rhys’ head roll limply from side to side, and accidentally bit down a little too hard when Sasha dumped him roughly against a stack of crates.

“Jussst...take spill,” he slurred. “...fine.”

Fiona kept her eyes on him for a moment longer. “You sure about that? He...might have a concussion.” As her gaze slid back to Sasha, she caught a glimpse of purple sticking out of the pocket of his vest and couldn’t keep herself from doing a double-take.

“Nah, he’ll be okay,” was the dismissive reply. “He’s got a thick skull. But we learned something about Cassius…”

Her sister’s words faded out as she stared at the scrap of purple. It was a flower. A glowing flower. A crushed glowing flower. Where had he…? She blinked a few times, then glanced back at Sasha. She didn’t have a flower on her, at least not that Fiona could see… Had she given it to him? Had��he planned to give it to her? Fiona couldn’t help the little spike of jealousy that pierced through her chest at the thought. Sure, Sasha was her sister and her best friend and she wanted her to be happy and Rhys was a decent guy (even if he was Hyperion) but she didn’t think she’d been imagining all the—

Athena’s enraged screams snapped her out of her daze and she snatched the flower from Rhys’ vest before turning to see what all the commotion was about. Athena had her sword at Cassius’ throat, snarling, while Vaughn, Gortys, and Sasha just watched in horror. Fiona spared one last look back at Rhys. She didn’t really know where this jealousy had come from, and didn’t even know if her juvenile reasoning was justified, but as she started across the room toward her sister, she dropped the flower, not feeling any guilt whatsoever when the heel of her boot mashed it into a weakly-glowing paste on the concrete.

[bazypitchandsimonsnow]

Part of Your World

Chapter 2: a birthday to remember

Rating: T

Genre: Fluff/Angst

Word count: 2011

Chapter 2/11 (All chapters)

Summary: It's Prince Basilton's birthday, and he's prepared to hate every second of it.

Read on AO3

AN: I just did my psych exam today at 9am and am currently studying for my history exam tomorrow at 8am (hahahahaha kill me). So one down, four to go. Posting this brightens my day though. Anyway, enjoy this chapter!

Tagging peeps (sorry I forgot. My brain is not functioning, exams have fried it): @ughthatsprettygay @alive-alive-alive

———————————————-

Baz hated parties, he always had. So how Dev and Niall convinced him to have this one was beyond him. Maybe it was because it was on a boat. Didn’t matter, he regretted it. He watched as everyone laughed and drank like the sailors they were, while he was focused on his violin, apparently his only true friend at the moment.

“Ugh Baz,” Dev groaned as he leaned on the rail next to him. “Can’t you play something less depressing?”

“No,” he replied curtly.

“This is your birthday party. You’re supposed to having fun!”

“This is not my idea of fun.”

“It’s everyone else’s.”

“Everyone else is an idiot.”

Dev rolled his eyes over dramatically. Of course that was when Niall decided to flop down on his other side, now mostly empty beer stein in hand.

“Is he still being a stiff, Dev?” He called over, words more than slightly slurred.

Baz glared over his violin at him. “I’m right here, arsehole.”

Niall smiled drunkenly “So you are, Mr. Grumpy Pants.”

“Thank you for the wonderfully creative nickname.”

“Well it’s accurate,” Dev said with a shrug. “You’ve been in an even worse mood since you came back from that trip to meet the Princess of Glauerhaven. Was she really that awful?”

“Or,” Niall dragged out the two letter word with all the diction and enunciation of a drunk man. “Did she have the audacity to even try to speak to the great Prince Basilton and you insulted her?”

Baz took a long pause to glare menacingly at his friend and cousin. They looked back with smug smiles. He finally put his violin down, hunching his shoulders in.

“I hate you both,” he growled as he stomped off to another end of the ship far away from them.

Of course Dev and Niall didn’t really understand. Baz hadn’t told them the real reason for his sour demeanor. There hadn’t been anything particularly wrong with the Princess of Glauerhaven, really. Except the whole “princess” part. Baz had already told his father about who he was and the kind of person he wanted to be with. But Malcolm Grimm told him those feelings were irrelevant to his marriage.

It wasn’t that Baz’s “preferences” were a forbidden or hated thing in their kingdom of Watford. It was that Malcolm wanted his eldest son to “continue the Pitch royal line.” Like his family name was the only important thing about him. His father wasn’t even technically a Pitch, just the widower of the late queen. Maybe he thought he was honouring Natasha’s memory by making sure her bloodline continued through their only son. Even at the sacrifice of said son’s happiness.

Baz leaned over the edge of the boat and breathed in the salty sea air. He felt better out here. Away from his father and all the expectations he put on Baz. He leaned over the edge, looking at the dark choppy waves below.

“Don’t lean too far out, your highness!” Gareth shouted where he was adjusting a rope up the mast. “You could fall in. And if you don’t drown, the merfolk will get ya!”

Baz raised an eyebrow. “You really believe those old sailor tales?”

“Well I’m a sailor aren’t I?”

“Touché.” He leaned a little farther, gazing over the thundering waves. “You really think there are people with fishtails and magic living down there?”

Gareth hopped down and stood next to him. He shoved his hands in his pockets, his pelvis pushed forward (for some reason he really liked that position). “To be honest? Yeah. My good friend Rhys saw a merman once. He was big and gruff, with a thick green tail and a massive gold pitchfork. And when he spotted Rhys, my smart friend wheeled away like his life depended it.”

“Are you sure your friend wasn’t drunk at the time?”

He shrugged up to his ears. “I don’t think so.”

Baz made a “pfft” noise, blowing hair out of his eyes. “I’ll be sure to do the same as him if I ever see a ‘merfolk’”

Gareth looked at him deadpan. Which was an expression Baz could easily return. (It was practically his default.) He wasn’t one for stupid childhood fairy tales, and right now was no exception.

“Hey Baz get over here!” Niall shouted. “Come see your birthday present!”

Baz rolled his eyes but still went. He was somewhat curious, which he’d probably regret later.

The crew and the partygoers, Dev and Niall included, stood around a large object draped in a purple cloth. An obnoxious red bow held the fabric in place. The looming thing had been there the whole party and it filled Baz with anticipatory dread.

Baz crossed his arms. “Do I even want to know?”

“Certainly!” Dev said. “You’re going to love it.”

“Why don’t I believe you?”

Niall grabbed the bow. “We present to you, you!” He yanked it hard.

The curtain fell down, and Baz’s heart seized. It was horrific. In front of him was a giant white marble statue of a young man, standing triumphant with one leg up a giant seal with a large “B”. He was dressed a puffy sleeved shirt and tight pants and a long cape, long sword in hand. The other hand was pressed against his in a fist. It was bad enough that the statue merely existed. But it was worse that Baz’s face was carved on it.

“My god,” he muttered.

“Happy birthday!” Niall said with a shit eating grin.

Baz rubbed his eyes up and down in exasperation. “You are quite literally the worst.”

“Oh don’t be such a downer, Basil. It’s amazing.”

“I can’t believe you actually spent money to have that made.”

“Lighten up!” A crew member hollered. Baz fixed him with a steely grey glare, which the man immediately shied away from. “I-If you want, your highness.”

Baz scoffed, about to throw another barbed word at his so called friends. But the loud thunder interrupted him. Everyone looked up with shock and horror.

“Oh no,” the first mate whispered.

Another roar ripped through the air, followed by a crack of lightning hitting the water less than a mile away. It was like the sky opened up above the ship in an instant, suddenly drenching them in torrential rain.

“Everyone to their stations!” The captain shouted.

The crew rushed into high gear. They pulled ropes and adjusted rutters. Baz helped as well. He may be the prince but he wasn’t useless. The pounding water blurred his vision, and the rocking sea sent him stumbling him back and forth. Standing his ground was becoming difficult. Lightning once again streaked across the grey clouds. It pierced the sail and set it aflame, spreading quickly through the fabric and to the mast. Fiery wood came crashing down on their heads.

“Abandon ship!” The captain’s voice was barely audible over the storm, but everyone knew what to do.

They released dinghies that crashed into the water. People jumped overboard and scrambled to them. Baz was about to dive off himself, until he heard a voice.

“Help!” Gareth shouted. “I’m stuck!”

Baz whipped around. The sailor’s leg was pinned under a flaming beam. Baz didn’t think twice. He rushed to his aid.

“Baz what are you doing?!” Niall shouted from a distance.

He lifted the wooden beam up with a heave and threw it to the side. With an arm around Gareth’s neck, he hoisted him to his feet. The man was limping slightly but could still move.

“Go!” Baz yelled.

Gareth nodded, then limp-ran to dive overboard. From the corner of his vision, Baz saw the fire crawling towards a chest. The chest filled with fireworks.

“Shit,” he whispered.

He ran as fast as his feet could carry him. Just as he jumped, the world exploded around him in a deafening boom and blinding light, hurtling him forward far too fast. Baz hit the ocean with a painful thwack.

Water filled Baz’s ears. Everything became muffled. His vision was hazy at best. The only slightly distinct thing he could see was a flash of shiny blue race above him. And he swore he felt two arms snake around his torso.

But then everything went black.

———————————————-

Simon didn’t know how long he’d laying on the sand, the grains scratching against his skin and scales, just staring down at him. This human, apparently called a prince, couldn’t be any older than Simon himself. Yet he had risked his own life saving another’s. The other humans had called him Baz. It was such a strange, beautiful name. It fit him perfectly.

Baz was alive. Unconscious and still shivering slightly, but alive. It was an absolute miracle, considering Simon had dragged him through the freezing water for hours. Maybe Simon’s strange, uncontrollable magic had protected Baz. (For once it was useful.) He’d pulled the human to the nearest shore. Along the way he’d picked up Baz’s peculiar device, which laid at his side on the beach. Simon couldn’t have let such an amazing thing be washed away.

The sun was rising now, fiery reds and oranges illuminating Baz’s every gorgeous feature. His soaked black was splayed out, a stark contrast to the blindingly white sand. Simon lightly ran a finger down his jaw then cupped his soft cheek. His skin was cold but thankfully warming up.

“Simon!” Penny hissed from in the water, having finally found him after searching all this time. “Simon, we should to go! What if someone spots you?”

“Just, a little longer alright?” He said to her, before turning back to Baz. He pushed some raven hair away from Baz’s face. His voice dropped to a whisper. “Father says you’re all horrible monsters, but how could he think someone like you is a monster? I-I mean, you make beautiful music, and you nearly died saving that man’s life. I don’t think you’re a monster. I think you’re just...a boy.”

“Si, we have to go!”

He barely heard Penelope though. All he paid attention to was Baz’s soft breathing, escaping from his slightly open mouth, and his steady pulse. With every beat, Simon was reassured that Baz had survived. Simon cupped Baz’s jaw and lowered his mouth closer to his ear.

“You’re incredible, Baz,” he said quietly. “I hope you know that.”

Simon pulled back and his breath hitched. Baz’s eyes were slightly open, a half moon of a grey iris under heavy lids.

“Wha...who...?” The human rasped out.

Shit.

“Baz?! Baz are you there?” The other human’s voice wasn’t that far away.

Simon scrambled off the sand and dove into the water. Penny followed close behind.

———————————————-

Baz sat up with a groan. He hurt all over. Probably because he’d been catapulted off that bloody ship. He looked around at his surroundings. A beach, like the one near his family castle. Wait, no, it was his beach, with it’s bright white sand and jagged cliffs. His eyes widened. On his left was his violin, also wet but intact. How did it get here? How did he get here?

Everything was blurry after the explosion, but there were pieces. Faint shades of blue and bronze, the feeling of arms gripping his waist. And one thing was very clear in his mind. A man’s voice right next to his ear.

You’re incredible, Baz. I hope you know that.

“Baz! Guys he’s over here!” Dev jumped down the rocks and ran towards Baz. “Thank god you’re alive!”

Baz held his head. “Someone saved me. A-A man. He said things...his voice...”

Dev kneeled next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I think you must’ve bashed your head against a rock, cuz. C’mon let’s get you home.”

He helped Baz get back on his shaky feet, taking his violin in the other hand. The rest of the crew grinned at and cheered for him from the rocks.

Baz looked back one last time though. And he swore he saw a flash of bronze and blue out of the corner of his eye.

———————————————-

Ah, and so it (sorta) begins. See you all next week :D

[shipwrexked]

Gentle Grower of Things Part 1

Ok everyone here it is the poly amorous story of Elaine, Azriel, and Lucien, because REASONS!!

Part 1 of a three part story:

The Illyrian Steppes

Azriel set down gently in a clearing holding Elaine close and firmly. The young girl was still not used to flying and Az remembered well the fear of it. He took that into consideration as he placed her on her feet and then moved back to give her space and to inspect the clearing they had all landed in. Cassian was flying Lucien and he didn’t doubt his brother would be less than considerate of the young lordling. Az didn’t have any particular feelings toward Lucien and didn’t necessarily dislike him but he didn’t fully trust him either. Elaine was the sister of his High Lady and therefore her safety and comfort took precedence over anything else on this trip.If Az was being honest with himself, and he always sought to be brutally honest with himself, he would admit that he didn’t like the idea of Elaine and Lucien being mates. He couldn’t say why this bothered him so much except that he felt a kinship toward Elaine a protectiveness and tenderness that he didn’t feel toward Feyre, Amren or even Mor. Like she was indeed the trembling fawn the Book had named her. Skittish and wary, gentle and kind. Perhaps that is why he felt this way toward her. He hoped to figure it out while the three of them were out here in the woods.

“Oh” sighed Elaine looking up into the treetops her mouth open and her eyes shining bright. “Would you look at that?! It’s amazing Azriel an entire house built right into the trees! Is that where we’ll be staying?”

“It is lady. As beautiful as the Illyrian Steppes are it’s not safe to be out at night on the ground hence why the house is built into the treetops.” Azriel answered her. He did not however inform her that he had built this particular house himself one summer while Rhys was trapped under the mountain. Az liked to build things, to feel the tools in his hands and smell the fresh cut lumber. It quieted his mind and soothed something ragged in his soul. It was a way for him to concentrate and work out problems and puzzles. He had begun this particular tree house a month after learning of Rhy’s demise and he had begun it as a way to think away from the others, to formulate plans and to rage at the injustice of Rhys’s imprisonment. He had decided to bring Elaine to this house because it had brought solace and healing to him at time when he needed it and he hoped it would do the same for Elaine.

“I do wish you’d simply call me Elaine, Azriel as I’m not sure I even am a lady anymore.” Elaine hadn’t given much thought to her changed circumstances since the King of Hyburn had turned her High Fae. It was disconcerting to realize that she was “other” now and who she was before was simply gone. She had such hopes and dreams then of marrying Lord Graysen and being a good wife and mother to him and their future children. Then the Cauldron had happened and for weeks and weeks she’d been trapped inside her own mind. Unable to tell the difference between reality and whatever that grey misty place was where she saw such awful and terrible things. The only way she was able to stay sane was to constantly remind herself that she was to be married, that she wanted to go home, these simple truths repeated over and over again to help anchor her in the now. It was Azriel that had figured out where she was, trapped in her own mind and in that gray hazy place. The winged shadowsinger who was not afraid of shadows and that despite his signs of brutality and abuse was as gentle and kind as one of her flowers. A friend, her first among her new kind and she did not want to be called ‘Lady’ she wanted him to call her Elaine.

There was a loud thump behind Az and Elaine and Elaine could hear Lucien’s heart pounding. She tamped down the smile at her mate’s fear of flying but one look at Az and she knew the laughter was in her eyes.

Lucien hated flying, no hate was not strong enough a word, he loathed flying. He was fairly certain that Azriel and Cassian both used flying as a way to torture him for all the many times he’d bad mouth the Illyrians and their High Lord. Feyre swore she would take him flying as soon as she mastered her wings, just to show him that flying was wonderful but he wasn’t sure he was willing to wait that long to be proven wrong. Dusting his leathers off he turned just in time to see the laughter dancing in his mates eyes, and just like, the discomfort, the fear was worth it. He’d let Cassian drop him from the tallest tree if meant seeing that light in Elaine’s eyes again. For too long they had been empty, sad, vacant. Lucien had hope that this plan of his and Azriel’s would put those shadows and that sadness away. Maybe not all the way away but at least enough for her natural optimism and joy to shine again.

“Are you ready for two weeks in the forest Elaine?” Lucien asked with that crooked smile.

“I’m ready to explore this new world I’ve heard Feyre talk about so much” Elaine smiled slightly at Lucien.

“Almost time to leave the forest floor you two”. Azriel said as he continued to watch the landscape all around.

Thick woods punctuated by narrow streams. Yes the Illyrian Steppes were beautiful but Az knew that that beauty masked danger at night. Dusk fell quickly and by the time that Az had marked the long shadows and impenetrable murk growing between the trees, dark orange and purple streaked the sky. Tonight Cassian would stay with the three of them up in the tree house but he would be gone by dawn back to Velaris and Nesta.

Az flew Elaine up to the tree house and left Lucien to climb up the long way. He wasn’t being intentionally cruel but he knew he’d need to get the fire going so they would have a hot dinner. Az also wanted to be sure that Elaine was given the best room in the house that he’d built. Az had built this room thinking of Mor. The windows faced east to catch the morning sun and he’d had the finest glassmakers in Velaris make the stained glass windows for this room. Windows that depicted flowers in riotous abandon. He knew when the sun began to rise tomorrow morning those windows would turn this room into a jewel box. It would be like waking inside of a beautiful glass garden. He wondered now if perhaps he’d always known on some level that he’d be bringing Elaine to this place and perhaps it was a room he’d subconsciously built for her and not Mor. Embarrassed by his wayward thoughts Az turned to Elaine and said a bit gruffly “Breakfast is early here, perhaps around six thirty, if that suits you la-Elaine”.

Elaine walked into the room that would be hers and gasped in wonder and delight. Of all the fine houses she’d seen and all the fine places in Prythian she’d been to this room, with it’s beautiful stained glass windows, and warm almost glowing wood walls and floors, the beautiful bed that almost appeared as if it grew from the tree itself with its leafy canopy and green comforter was by far and away the most beautiful. She knew right away this room had been lovingly built and furnished for a woman who was loved. Elaine shed her cloak and bonnet and walked around the room stroking the wooden walls, admiring the glas windows, running her fingers over the cool satin of the comforter before turning to Azriel and finding him staring at her.

“What is it Az?” Elaine asked a bit concerned.

“Do you like the room?” Azriel asked her

“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, I feel like a fairy queen in this room” Elaine laughed at the irony of it all and she peeked at Az who was smiling back at her.

“I’m glad you like it, this will be your room while we are here. If you want to be alone or undisturbed simply close the door. The bathing pool is through that door to the left and the armoire to hang your things is over there”.

It was a good thing Azriel had stayed to point those things out to her as turning where he pointed it wasn’t exactly obvious where these things were so cleverly had the builder built them into the makeup of the home.

At dinner later that evening Lucien asked Elaine the one question she hardly wanted to think about let alone talk about.

“Elaine have you given any thought to your future here in Prythian?” Lucien asked her.

“I don’t know what I can do, or what I’m good at, I don’t know if I can do anything here in Prythian.” Elaine said “I’m not afraid of working, but I am afraid of being trapped.”

“Trapped?” Lucien and Az echoed each other at the same time.

Elaine had not meant to give voice to her fears of the mating bond but now that it was out she felt she would be cruel to not to elaborate. Lucien did not seem like a bad male and maybe if she spoke of her fears of this mating bond of how she was afraid of it trapping her, giving her no choice but to accept him, maybe he would understand and be patient with her.

“Yes I’m afraid of being trapped, trapped by the...trapped by the mating bond. I don’t mean to make myself sound ungrateful for the gift that the cauldron has given me in you as a mate Lucien. It’s only that I was used to being one thing and now I find that I’m something completely else. Having my life at the whim of another’s would be almost unbearable to me”. Elaine glanced up from her dinner in time to see the pain and hurt in Lucien’s eyes. He thought she didn’t want him but that wasn’t it at all. She simply did not know what she wanted. She didn’t know who she was anymore. She hoped to find out while they were here.

“Is not marriage like this? Strictures and bindings that can become pleasurable?” Azriel asked.

“Are you comparing love to imprisonment Azriel?” Cassian piped in. Indeed it was as if Lucien, Az and Elaine had forgotten he was there at all.

Something stirred in Azriel’s eyes “For some perhaps” he reached across the low table between him and Elaine and grasped her wrist. His fingertips were surprisingly smooth for a warrior but the feeling of them against the thin skin of her wrist left her agitated somehow, as if he’d trailed warm coals across her wrist instead of fingers.

“Here,” Az said hoarsely “I have your wrist captured in my hand. You cannot move it unless I let you, you cannot touch it unless I let you. Complete confinement. But….” Az made light circles on Elaine’s wrist, swirls and eddies around her soft flesh, skipping lightly over the pale blue veins and the delicate tendons, drifting slowly from the palm of her hand to the edge of her sleeve. Az slowly unbuttoned the buttons on her dress sleeve and sliding it up past her elbow watching as goosebumps rose on her arms, on her neck, even on her breasts under the thin wool of her dress. It felt so close to being undressed, to being exposed that Elaine’s breath backed up in her lungs.

Az’s fingers continued their work all while he stared intently at Elaine. “And how does this constraint feel now, Elaine? If I allowed you to withdraw your wrist now, would you?”

“No,” Elaine said, her breathing coming faster. “I would not.”

Azriel bent low, as if to study her wrist, except his mouth was so close to her skin, and then Elaine was aware of her pulse pounding, of her lips parting, and of the flush that was spreading on her face. Lucien cleared his throat snapping Elaine back to the present. She tugged at her wrist but Az didn’t let it go at first. She tugged again and Az merely lifted an eyebrow and at the third tug of her wrist he finally let it drop. Relief and disappointment thrummed through Elaine in equal measure.

“Aren’t you hungry Elaine?” Az asked her.

Strangely she wasn’t, she felt too agitated to eat.

“I am not.”

“You should go to bed then, six thirty comes early in the forest” Az said with a wink at her.

Elaine unconsciously touched her wrist “Goodnight gentleman” she said.

[dragonbagel]

i’ll be there for you - rhysha

A scav gang infiltrates Atlas in search of a siren-- a siren that happens to be Rhys. Turning himself in has "bad idea" written all over it, but when the lives of his friends are put at risk, he finds he has no other choice.

-*takes place after "show me why you're strong"*-

Rhys and Sasha were in the middle of pulling off each other’s clothes during a heated make-out session in Rhys’ room at Atlas headquarters when the emergency alarm went off.

Sasha groaned, letting her hands fall back into her lap from where they’d been in the middle of undoing Rhys’ belt buckle. “Seriously?”

Rhys looked similarly annoyed, especially because he’d almost gotten Sasha’s bra off. “I swear to god, these assholes can’t handle themselves for five freaking minutes.”

He frowned, and Sasha looked on with a prideful smirk at the way his lips were slightly swollen from their frantic kissing. They hadn’t seen each other in weeks, and their reunion (which had been one of the happiest surprises Rhys had ever received) had quickly divulged into desperate passion; spending far too many lonely nights sending less than professional photos and texts just wasn’t the same as the real thing, leaving both of them more than a bit pent up.

“You should probably go check it out, mister CEO,” Sasha said regrettably.

“Can’t we just have five more minutes?” Rhys pouted, gaze still trained on Sasha’s chest.

She chuckled as she kissed him again before reaching to readjust her bra and slip her shirt back on. “Don’t worry; when we get back here, I’ll more than make up for lost time.”

The sexy glint in her eyes had Rhys scrambling to fix his clothing into something somewhat presentable, desperate to return to what would no doubt involve a blowjob and mind-blowing sex as soon as possible. His pants felt way too tight, and he flushed as Sasha laughed.

“What?” he said, focusing way too intently on the shoes he was putting on. “You already know you’re like, super hot, and it kind of, um, does its own thing.”

He gestured to his crotch, for the first time a bit annoyed at just how well the surgery had worked. But with the way the alarms were still annoyingly blaring, he didn’t really have any choice other than investigating with a hopefully not super obvious boner.

Sasha just rolled her eyes, sliding on her boots with far more grace than Rhys. “Come on, let’s turn these stupid alarms off before I get a headache.”

Rhys nodded, opening the door and holding it open for Sasha before locking it with his ECHOeye. They made their way up from the underground level to the main facility, Sasha cringing as Rhys paused with a sharp intake of breath at the sight before them. The laboratory looked like a goliath had raged through it, tables overturned and prototypes strewn across the floor. Rhys sunk to his knees at the broken pieces of the gun he’d been dedicating nearly every waking hour to (when he wasn’t stuck dealing with business aspects that Vaughn and Yvette weren’t qualified for).

“Shit,” he said, his crestfallen expression compelling Sasha to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. “They- they destroyed it.”

He hadn’t realized his tattoos had started to glow from the rush of emotions he was feeling until Sasha quietly pointed it out, and he tried to focus his energy on cooling them down rather than thinking about the ruins his company was in.

“Rhys, there you are!”

He glanced up at Yvette’s voice, his friend and colleague glaring at him. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere! We need you to turn the damn alarm off and--”

She paused when she noticed the corroded remains of the work that had practically consumed him for the past few months. “Shit, Rhys, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize.”

“It’s fine,” Rhys said gruffly, turning away from what felt like his murdered child and pushing himself up to stand. His ECHOeye glowed yellow for a few moments, and the alarm soon subsided.

“Finally,” Yvette said with a sigh, folding her arms across her orange business jacket. “Vaughn’s waiting for you in your office.”

Rhys nodded, following her as Sasha trailed behind him. “So what set off the alarm?”

Yvette shrugged. “We’re not totally sure yet. It seems like some sort of sabotage attempt.”

Rhys’ shoulders went rigid at her words, and he forced himself to keep his tattoos in check; there was no way he was about to have that whole “I’m a siren” conversation now, least of all with his emotionally-challenged friend.

Vaughn was waiting for them when they entered the office, fiddling with his glasses as he leaned against the edge of Rhys’ desk. “Thank god you’re okay, bro.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Rhys tried to smile, but he was pretty sure it came off as more of a grimace.

“I think someone broke into the HQ,” Vaughn said, readjusting his glasses as he placed them back onto his face. “Looks like they hacked our systems.”

“Who?” Rhys asked, rounding the corner of the desk and turning on his computer.

“I don’t know,” Vaughn admitted. “I tried to track them, but they blocked all the signals.”

Rhys grit his teeth; his company was under attack, and it seemed like there was nothing he could do about it. After all the time he’d spent trying to rebuild it-- could it really end like this?

His earlier question of the enemy’s identity was soon answered as a gunshot rang out and the door to his office was flung open by a hard kick. Everyone in the room took a step backwards at the sudden noise, their eyes immediately drawn to the heavily armed assailant in front of them. The woman grinned, revealing a few golden teeth from beneath the scarred gash running diagonally across the purple skin of her face. It reminded Rhys of Jack’s scar, and he shuddered involuntarily.

“Which one of you fuckers is in charge?”

Her voice was rough, like she’d been chain-smoking since birth. She didn’t look much older than Rhys, but her blood-stained military-grade outfit was far more intimidating than Rhys’ knockoff designer suit. Nobody responded, the air heavy with tension.

“One of y’all best answer me, or my people will open fire on all your fancy lil’ worker bees downstairs.”

The practiced way with which she handled her pistol and the hardened look on her face made it clear she’d follow through with her threat, and Rhys started forward before before Sasha stopped him with a well-aimed kick to his shin. He hissed in pain, turning and fixing her with a “what the hell” look. The way she shook her head was nearly imperceptible, but her message rang loud and clear: she wanted him to stay hidden.

The problem was, the message of the invading woman, whoever the hell she was, was much louder and clearer.

“It’s me,” he said, stepping out from behind the desk. “I’m in charge.”

The woman pursed her lips, as if she didn’t quite believe him. “What’s a scrawny thing like you doin’ with a company like this? Tryin’ to act like a big boy?”

Rhys huffed. “I’m perfectly qualified for this position. Now, tell me what you want with me before I call security on you.”

The woman’s expression was the epitome of patronizing. “Don’t try actin’ tough, honey. It’s not a good look on you.”

“Don’t call me that,” Rhys growled, clenching his flesh hand into a fist. “And you’d better answer me; what. Do. You. Want?”

“Didn’t your mama ever teach you manners?” She sneered at him. “You’re supposed to say ‘please,’ sweetheart.”

When Rhys just continued to glare at her, she finally threw up her hands in defeat to gratify him with an answer. “Fine,” she said, scowling. “I’ll be honest: I don’t really care about your shitty company. I just want your secret weapon.”

Rhys raised his brow, not following. “Excuse me?”

“Don’t play dumb,” she replied. “We know you’ve got a siren locked up here somewhere.”

Rhys froze before realizing he should probably maintain his composure. “What? We don’t have a siren!”

The woman’s body language made it clear she didn’t believe him in the slightest. “Don’t bullshit me.”

“I’m not bullshitting you!” Rhys spluttered.

The woman took a step closer to him, the proximity of her pistol causing him to flinch. “Don’t play games with me, boy. We Darksiders may be a lot of things, but we ain’t stupid.”

“Darksiders?” Rhys asked nervously. He’d heard horror stories about that scav gang, and he knew they were definitely bad news.

“You heard me,” she said, placing the hand not holding the gun on her hip. “I���m Colonel Lara Anthony, second-in-command. And if you don't start talkin’, I’m gonna shoot your friends dead.”

Rhys glanced over his shoulder to see Vaughn’s face frozen in fear, Yvette looking just as terrified but trying to mask it in a glower. Sasha had a strange look on her face, although he soon was forced to turn back to face Lara as she gripped his cheeks with her hand.

“Last chance to answer me.”

Rhys shook his head, trying to get her hand off of him; it was difficult, what with her iron grip and the way she was nearly as tall as him. “I told you, there’s no siren here!”

“Fine,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “Guess we’ll have to find ‘em ourselves.” She clicked on the communication device strapped to her shoulder.  “Boys, start lookin’ through the girls downstairs. Kill anyone that gets in your way.”

“No, wait, please don’t--”

Rhys didn’t have a chance to finish his sentence before a bullet whizzed past him, aimed directly towards Lara’s head. He hadn’t even noticed Sasha pulling out a gun, and his heart filled with pride at just how smart she was.

Then he realized that the bullet hadn’t hit, instead bouncing off of the shield clipped to Lara’s hip.

“Get down!” he shouted as he ducked for cover, narrowly avoiding the shot fired from the pistol just inches from his face.

When he came to the conclusion that he should be dead at such a close range, that the bullet wasn’t meant for him, it was too late; the bullet had already lodged itself in Sasha’s shoulder.

“Fuck!” she shouted, her other hand clutching at the red stain starting to blossom underneath her shirt.

“Sasha!” Rhys yelled, unsure of whether he was more scared or furious.

“I gave you your chance,” Lara hissed, clicking another bullet into the chamber and reaching to slide an SMG out of her other thigh holster.

Rhys felt stuck in place, unable to move even as Lara’s next words, ordered over her shoulder to the soldiers standing behind her, washed over him: “Take out these fuckers. We don’t need 'em no more.”

“No, stop, stop, I’ll pay you, I’ll give you anything, I’ll--” Rhys’ mouth went dry, unable to choke any more words out as he heard the unmistakable sound of gunshots.

Then everything went white. Rhys scrunched his eyes shut at the flux of energy coursing through his veins and burning through him. When he opened them again, he froze at the realization of what he’d done.

He’d phaselocked.

The bullets previously barreling towards him and his friends were suspended in the cloud of energy before him, just as still as everyone around him. His tattoos were glowing so bright that they shone from beneath his various layers, and he knew his wings must be visible at his back. Both Lara and Yvette had taken a step back in shock, while Vaughn and Sasha looked more mournful than anything.

“I don’t believe it,” Lara breathed, her surprise morphing into a hungry grin.

Rhys felt his energy dwindling, the combination of his emotional instincts to protect those he loved and the residual power boost from eridium exposure in the vault still not enough to keep up with such an expenditure without actual, physical eridium in his system. Rhys fell to his knees in exhaustion as the suspension portal he’d created disappeared, the bullets clattering onto the floor. The light of his tattoos continued to pulse, but Rhys felt completely drained.

“Leave them alone,” he said, well aware that his voice sounded as tired as he felt. “You can have me, just leave them alone.”

“Rhys, stop,” Sasha hissed, still trying to staunch the blood flowing from the wound.

“Rhys, huh?” Lara mused, squishing his face between his fingers once again. Her nails, which were a shade of violet slightly darker than the rest of her body, dug into his skin, and Rhys bit his lip to keep from whimpering. “Weird name.”

Rhys laughed bitterly, trying to maintain his confident facade. “If I had a nickel for every time someone said that to me, I’d be paying my way off this planet in no time.”

The way that Lara’s face split into a grin made Rhys feel nauseous, and he probably would’ve puked if he had the energy to do so; he was having trouble forcing his mouth to form words at that point, nearly on the brink of passing out.

“Don’t worry, kid,” she said, her face way too close to Rhys’ for comfort. “We’ll be leaving this shithole soon.”

Rhys barely had time to register the metallic collar being removed from Lara’s pocket, still trying to comprehend her words through fog in his brain, before the device was slipped around his neck, locking in place with a click. It pressed against Rhys’ windpipe, and he had to make a conscious effort to get more air into his lungs.

“You shouldn’t exist, you know,” Lara mused, her nails dragging down Rhys’ jaw and neck before tearing open the top few buttons of his shirt. The silence in the room aside from the heavy breathing allowed Rhys to hear every echoing bounce of the pieces of plastic as they skidded across the floor. Rhys felt goosebumps rise on his skin as Lara traced the swirling pattern beneath his collarbones, the aggressiveness a stark contrast to Sasha’s gentle, wandering touch.

“Don’t touch him!” Sasha snarled, trying to stalk forwards to pry the woman off of Rhys before the shotgun pointed towards her by one of Lara’s underlings stopped her in her tracks. She knew Rhys was too weak to protect her if a shell started to hurtle her way, and the weird collar around his neck seemed to exhaust him even further.

Rhys looked guiltily towards her before a yank on the collar forced him to turn around.

“What are you, siren boy?” Lara hissed, pulling up on the collar and forcing Rhys to his feet.

The pressure on his neck made it practically impossible for him to speak, and even if he could respond, he had no idea what the hell he’d say. That he was some freak of nature? That he’d tried to change everything about himself but failed?

“Let’s go!” she barked to her lackies before tugging Rhys after her. “I need some time to get to know our new friend.”

“What about the others?” one Darksider asked, jerking a thumb towards Rhys’ friends.

“Leave ‘em,” Lara replied. “We got what we came for.”

“No, wait!” Vaughn shouted, having finally found his voice. “You can’t take him!”

Lara cocked a brow, reached with her free hand to aim the pistol at her hip at Vaughn. “What was that, Shorty?”

“Don’t,” Rhys rasped, voice quiet and strained. “It’s okay. Just- just take care of her.”

He wasn’t quite sure if he was referring to his company or his girlfriend, but the looks on both Vaughn and Sasha’s faces showed they both got the message.

“I’m sorry,” he said, stumbling after Lara as she began to drag him away.

Lara muttered something about finding the nearest Fast Travel station, and before Rhys’ friends could even react, the Darksiders had left the office, the unoiled door squeaking shut behind them.

The three exchanged worried glances as the truth of what had just happened sunk in: a gang of scavengers had threatened to kill off the entire Atlas base in search of a siren. A siren that happened to be Rhys, who’d given himself up to save his friends. And now he was gone, taken off-planet to who knows where.

“What do we do?” Vaughn said, sniffling as he realized he was crying; he really did love his bro.

Sasha shook her head, apparently too emotional to even answer him.

Surprisingly, it was Yvette who finally responded. “We’re taking Sasha to the medic. And then, we’re getting Rhys back.”

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