#n: magnolia

[myscentarchive]

Musk Therapy - INITIO

Extrait de Parfum - 0.7 ml (wand)

Notes- Bergamot, Mandarin, White Magnolia, Cassis, White Sandalwood, White Musk, Rose Musk

Gender: Unisex Experience the power of scent therapy. Natural white sandalwood blended with an overdose of white and pink musk creates an ultra-addictive milky and velvety accord. The white magnolia activates the pleasure receptor while the cassis stimulates the energy, releasing a supplement of eroticism. MUSK THERAPY, a magical mood enhancer, paves the way to relaxation and a state of well-being. Finally, a delightful alternative to artificial paradises and their illicit substances.

[initialchains]

would you? | luke castellan.

pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader

summary: luke slowly starts to lose himself but that won’t stop you from reminding him of what truly matters.

wc: 2.6k

warnings: some manipulating and gaslighting if you squint and probably spoilers for the first book but they’re not explicitly mentioned.

a/n: HAPPY HOLIDAYS !! here’s luke as a gift <33 i’ve never written for luke before but he’s my favorite pjo character bc hes such an interesting and complex character aghh. sorry if this isnt as fluffy as you would all want, i promise i’m working on some real luke fluff.

The rays of the rising sun made the lake look far more beautiful than it always does. Sure, you were used to the warm tones that always engulfed Camp Half-Blood and it’s not like the weather ever really changed, at least not unless the gods willed it to, but the colors of the sun reflecting on the lake, the low hum of the wood nymphs singing, and the distant sounds of laughter coming from campers playing volleyball were strangely comforting. 

Well, as comforting as it can be when you’re trying to find some quiet in the neverending fight that was the demigod life. It gets tiring, it always does. The fighting, the studying, the adoration of gods who didn’t even bother to give their children a sign of them caring. It was all so exhausting. 

But there was peace in this small moment. You were sat in front of the lake, your legs crossed as you closed your eyes, trying to enjoy the tranquility of it all. The calm moment didn’t dare to stop your hand from finding a home in the clay beads of your camp necklace and twirling them around, a seemingly normal act to anyone who saw you, that actually was a sign of you being aware of your surroundings, a small sign of the fear you carried around, a fear that had you always prepared to draw your sword in any given moment. Not ever fully in peace. Not unless Luke was there. 

“So you decided to start your morning without me? Ouch,” You turned your head at the sound of your boyfriend’s voice, “A knock on my cabin’s door would’ve been enough, you know?”.

“Yeah? And risk waking the million campers that sleep in there? No, thank you. I would like to stay alive for a few more years, please.” You replied with a small smile, looking up to meet Luke’s eyes, his scar being more prominent in the morning, a red color adorning the edges of it.  

He snorted a laugh and rolled his eyes before taking a seat next to you. He was silent for a moment until he muttered softly, “This is a nice view.”

“Oh, definitely. The lake always looks beautiful when the sun hits it the right way. I need to give the Apollo cabin their congratulations and some flowers for having a talented father.” You answered, your hand moving away from your necklace to hold Luke’s.

“Of course, you make my pick-up line about the gods. Can you give me a win over here? I’m trying my best.” He said with a smirk before pressing a kiss to the back of your hand. It was a strange sort of thing he always did, even before you two started dating, he’d always find an excuse to hold your hand and give it a quick kiss. 

“I wasn’t going to let you get away with using a corny pick-up line on me, Castellan. At least be original with it.” A giggle escaped your lips, “Also, everything is about the gods, I thought you’d be used to it by this point.”

His face fell for a fleeting second, but he was quick to mask it with a small smile. “Right, everything always is about the gods.” Luke’s eyes moved away from your face, nervously glancing at the lake after his statement. 

You frowned when you heard the tone he used, he sounded almost.. bitter? You couldn’t even explain it. Luke had been acting weird ever since the camp came back from their annual visit to Mount Olympus on the winter solstice. At first, you thought it had something to do with Hermes being a total dick and ignoring him the entire night, not even bothering to give his son a pat on the back or a nod. But you’ve known Luke long enough to know he was past caring about what his father did, he was indifferent to what Hermes did–to what any of the gods did. 

The two of you were silent, sitting side by side in front of the lake in deep thought. He was thinking about gods know what, and you were busy trying to understand what was going on inside his mind. You decided to break the silence first, “You okay?”.

“I’m fine, baby. Don’t worry about it.” 

He was quick to answer. It was almost as if he had rehearsed it and had it scripted beforehand. It was almost as if someone else had told him what to answer. As if he was under someone else's guidance. Under someone else's control. 

“Are you sure? Because it feels like you’re.. I don't know, keeping something from me?” 

“I’m not keeping anything from you. I’m not keeping a single thing.”

“Right. Sorry for asking.”

Luke closed his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. He ran a hand through his hair and took some deep breaths, his chest moving up and down in a nonexistent rhythm, it was urgent and angry. He took a few more breaths, trying to calm himself before finally meeting your eyes again. 

“I’ve told you countless times to never apologize to me if you haven’t done anything wrong,” He reminded you of the conversation you’ve had millions of times, “Don’t ever apologize to me if you haven’t physically hurt me or something, alright? You’re fine. We’re fine.” 

He continued, “I’d trust you with my life given the chance. I’m not keeping anything from you, angel. You have to trust me.” 

“I do.” 

You didn’t see your boyfriend at all the following days. He always brushed you off by being busy with training or helping Annabeth plan for this week’s capture the flag. You weren’t the only one to notice his slight change of temper and personality, some campers from the Hermes cabin noticed it too. 

He kept pushing harder on his siblings, always insisting on them doing better. He was more violent than usual during capture the flag, not thinking about it twice before proving why he is the most talented swordsman in the last 300 years.

There was also this one time he volunteered to spar with a new camper.. it didn’t go well. He kept doing new maneuvers and techniques most campers didn’t even recognize, refusing to go easy on the poor thirteen year old girl. When you asked him about it, confused at the way he went too hard on the newbie, he answered with a dry “Where’s the glory in that? She needs to be prepared for what’s about to come.” It sounded as if he knew some kind of danger was approaching. As if it was a matter of life and death for the camper to learn how to fight against him.

You decided it was enough when you saw him skipping his daily chat with Annabeth, deciding he would rather sit by himself on the steps of the Big House for a little while. 

The walk from your cabin to the Big House was filled with self-doubt and twirling the beads of your necklace, you were nervous to face your boyfriend, which was stupid because he was the last person you’d ever expect to feel nervous with. When you arrived to the steps of the Big House and saw him sitting there, your mind went completely blank. 

You sat next to him and asked the first thing that came to your mind, “Would you rather fight 3000 ant-sized chimeras or a chimera-sized ant?”. 

An amused laugh bubbled up from Luke’s chest before he turned his head to face you, a smile taking over his handsome face. “I’ll take the 3000 chimeras, no doubt.” 

You smiled back at him, ready to ask him the question you spent the last thirty minutes planning, but before you could open your mouth he said, “Would you rather not be able to consume ambrosia and nectar for the rest of your life or.. see Mr. D without a shirt?”

You threw your head back with laughter, your face going red thanks to the lack of air in your lungs due to the laughs coming out of you, “I’d rather bleed to death without ambrosia than see Mr. D with a shirt.”

“Ditto.”

You decided to indulge in this back-and-forth game, after all, you hadn’t been able to have a real conversation with your boyfriend in days... you’ll take what you can get, “Would you rather not be able to leave camp ever again or turn against the gods?” 

“It would be boring to spend the rest of my life capturing a flag and growing strawberries… so I guess my answer is pretty obvious.” He answered while fidgeting with his fingers.

“You’d choose to turn against the gods?”

“Yup.”

“Huh, I guess capture the flag would be pretty hard when you’re pushing 90.”

Luke was silent, running his eyes through your face before asking, “Would you?”

“Would I what?”

He took a deep breath before replying, “Turn against the gods.”

You were silent for a few seconds, biting your lip and staring into Luke’s eyes, wondering if there was a right answer to this metaphorical question. You decided to give him an answer he’d like but also an answer you meant, “I’d go wherever you go. It doesn’t matter if it is a farm in the middle of nowhere or to the pits of Tartarus. If you’re there... count me in.” 

Luke cleared his throat and a serious look took over his face, “Sure, but if the time to make a choice came… would you go against them?”.

His persistence to try and get you to answer his question was making you nervous. The more he asked you about it, the more it looked like he was genuinely considering it. 

A nervous laugh escaped your lips as you nervously played with one of the beads on your camp necklace. He took notice of it. Of course he did, he knew more about you than anyone, probably even more than you know yourself. 

Luke stayed silent at that, a somber look taking over his features, you could tell there was a turmoil happening inside his head. It was almost as if he wanted to let you in on a secret, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

“I... um. Well, I don’t think that’s happening anytime soon—at least not in our lifetime. But like I said, I’d go wherever you go, to Tartarus and back.” 

That brought a smile to Luke’s face, he looked into your eyes, probably looking for signs of you lying but finding none, and took your hand away from your necklace, lacing your fingers with his and pressing a kiss to the back of your hand. “To Tartarus and back, baby.” 

He brought your hands down before leaning in to kiss you on the lips. There was a sense of necessity to feel your lips against his, he kissed you like the feeling of your lips was his only shot at salvation. He raised his hand to cup your cheek and deepen the kiss, craving the heat he only got whenever he kissed you.

You stopped him before he could take the kiss any further, “Luke, we’re in the middle of camp. There are children around us, if you want to make out at least take me to our spot behind the stables. Holy shit.”

Luke took a second to steady his breathing, “Sorry, angel. I’ll make sure to keep your suggestion in mind for later, though.”

“Shut the hell up, Castellan.”

The two of you spent the rest of your day being busy working on your own stuff. Luke was still sparring with some campers who were brave enough to go against him, and you were hanging out with the Dionysus cabin while they helped grow more strawberries. 

 You found Chris sitting in the amphitheater and asked him if he had seen your boyfriend, he replied with an annoyed, “He’s probably in bed or something, I don’t know.” You decided to not ask Chris if he was okay and walked straight to the Hermes cabin.

A knock on the wooden door was enough to wake your boyfriend up, you were aware of it when you heard a muffled, “Come in”. You found Luke sitting on his bed, his sword in hand while he sharpened it.

So he wasn’t asleep at all, you thought.

“Careful with the sharp part of the blade.” He looked up from his sword when he heard your melodic voice, your words snapping him out of the trance he was in.

“Oh, hi.” Luke put the sword down next to his bunk and moved to lie down, leaving a space next to him for you to join him. He hummed when you laid down next to him, giving a kiss to his shoulder blade and wrapping your arms around his torso. 

He turned to face you, pressing his lips to your forehead with a soft sigh. His eyes closed at the sensation while his hands traveled to your back, looking for ways to hold you closer. His features relaxing when he finally touched your skin. 

You couldn’t keep this weird tension going on between you two, so you decided to bite first, “Do you want to talk about it?”

Once again, he replied in an almost scripted and mechanical way, “Talk about what?”

“The winter solstice visit, you’ve been acting.. different ever since we came back to camp.” 

Luke stiffened next to you, it made your heart drop. You’ve been dating him for a year now, and he had never been this cold—this uncomfortable around you. 

“I just... I think things are about to change.” He replied in a low murmur, his eyes closing again when you brought your hand up to caress his face, softly tracing his scar with your thumb in a delicate and loving way. Luke let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding when he felt your fingers on his skin.

A smirk made its way to your face, “Change? yeah, in your dreams, Castellan. Campers will keep arriving and only 5 percent of them will get claimed, and the others will get thrown into your cabin.. like things always are and always will be. That’s not changing anytime soon.” 

Luke’s hand traced up and down your back in a soothing manner, “Yeah, maybe they won’t. Forget I even said that.” 

“Just because they won’t change, it doesn’t mean we have to accept it, you know?”Luke's eyes snapped up from your hands to meet your gaze, his brows furrowed in confusion. 

“I’m sorry?”

“We’re all on the same team here. Sure, the gods will never claim most of the campers and we will all probably die before we’re old enough to have children of our own... but is that really all that matters? We have each other. We don’t need them as long as we have the people we love with us.”

Luke tilted his head to the right to press a kiss to the palm of your hand that was caressing his cheek, “I don’t need the gods as long as I have you.” 

“Good to know we’re on the same page, Castellan.”

The two of you went out for a small walk by the lake and sat together in the dining pavilion at night. Your small conversation probably made Luke feel better because he was quick to go back to being himself, he kept greeting every camper he saw and holding your hand, not forgetting to kiss the back of it whenever he had the chance. 

Maybe it was you reassuring him about the love you had for him or maybe it was him being aware of you being willing to drop the gods at any time just to be with him, but he was completely normal during the following days, weeks, and months.

You were sure of it when you saw him walking around with the new arrival five months later, Luke seemed so excited to be showing him around. You greeted the new camper with a small smile when he introduced himself with a “Hi, I’m Percy Jackson.”

[buffetlicious]

Recommended by her colleague, sis bought limited edition Magnolia Banana Low Fat Flavoured Milk (946ml) from NTUC. Combines the tasty goodness of low fat milk with the fun flavour of Banana! Free Minions Tote Bag with the purchase of 2 x 946ml cartons of the milk. There are six designs to choose from while stocks last.

Selected images from Magnolia and Giant Singapore.

[cherryroselock22]

doodle dump!

[dunmomee]

Coffee and Classicals

Summary: You give Levi Ackerman a proposition: You’ll read one of his soul-crushing, emotionally devastating book recommendations—if he agrees to be at your mercy for an entire month. a/n: This chapter was partly inspired by Kaoruko from The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity—I just love her quiet chaos and elegance. I seriously can’t wait for the anime in July, it’s going to be everything!! Hope you all enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it ♡ Part one | Part two | Part three | Part four| Part five

Part three: Okay, I'll Listen to Your Filth

You spotted Levi from across the room, deep in conversation with a blond man whose presence radiated quiet authority. Levi’s lips moved, sharp and precise, though you couldn’t make out the words. Behind him, the window let in streams of late-afternoon sunlight that painted soft gold across the classroom floor.

Some students were still lingering—blank notebooks, half-closed books, idle chatter—but most were packing up, trickling out of the room in lazy waves. Class had clearly just ended. You stood by the door, heart thrumming, the moment catching in your throat.

You braced yourself.

“JUST LEVIIIIII!”

The word tore out of you at full volume. Every head turned.

Levi’s froze mid-sentence, his eyes snapping toward the doorway. You watched the exact second his soul detached from his body. His entire expression twisted—embarrassment, disbelief, pure horror.

The blond man raised a brow. Levi looked like he was debating whether to disintegrate on the spot.

The room quieted, a sea of eyes flicking between you and him.

You smiled, completely unbothered.

You walked up to them, slipping into the little space between their conversation like it was yours by right.

“Hi, I’m Y/N L/N,” you said, offering your hand to the blond man.

He looked between you and Levi with quiet curiosity before taking your hand in a firm shake. “Erwin Smith.”

Before you could say anything else, Levi cut in, his tone already bristling.

“Oi. How the hell did you find me, brat?”

You pulled out the chair across from him like you belonged there and sat without waiting for an invitation. “Turns out, it’s a small world,” you said, resting your chin in your hand. “I have this friend, Hange, who—surprise—knows you. I may or may not have mentioned an asshole barista who tried to get me to read books that make me want to gouge my eyes out.”

Erwin laughed, deep and amused. “I like this one.”

Levi grit his teeth like he was physically holding back a retort.

And right on cue, chaos entered. Hange barreled into the classroom with an armful of books threatening to fall, a cup of coffee somehow balancing in the other, their lab coat half on, half off, and glasses slightly crooked. Their ponytail looked like it had survived a hurricane.

“It had to be you, Four Eyes,” Levi muttered bitterly.

“So rude of you, shorty,” Hange shot back without missing a beat, giving Erwin a one-armed hug. “Small campus. Big chaos.”

You watched as Erwin gently took some of Hange’s things from her arms, fixing her hair like it was something he did often. The way his fingers moved—careful, familiar—made you pause.

Then Levi’s voice snapped you back to reality. “Hey, Red. What do you want from me?”

“Rude,” you said, adjusting your posture, feigning offense. “It’s Y/N.”

“I like Red better.”

You shrugged. “Touché.” You leaned forward slightly. “I have a proposition.”

Levi narrowed his eyes. “What is it?”

“Come with me, and you’ll find out.”

He sighed, already half-annoyed. “I have—”

“He has absolutely nothing to do,” Hange cut in. “He’s going home to read Emily Dickinson and pretend she’s the only one who understands him.”

“Hange,” Erwin chided gently.

“You know it’s true,” Hange grinned. “Someone has to help him.”

You laughed. “Come on, meanie. Just trust me for an hour.”

Levi sighed like the weight of the world had just been placed on his shoulders. “Fine.”

He stood, muttering under his breath, and you grabbed your bag, giving a little wave to Erwin and Hange as you followed him out the door.

Levi found himself standing in a patisserie surrounded by desserts and pastries.

The faint smell of fresh baked goods curled around him like a welcoming embrace.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned the place—chic décor, soft lighting, and far too many options. He looked… mildly threatened.

The menu was written in elegant script above the counter. You leaned in, eyes shining.

“I’ll take the pistachio tart, strawberry shortcake, two lemon madeleines, that chocolate thing with the gold dust—yes, that one—and the biggest milkshake you’ve got,” you told the cashier with a grin.

Levi blinked. “You planning to feed a small country?”

You turned to him, grinning. “Nope. Just a girl trying not to burn out.”

He stepped up reluctantly. “Black tea.”

The barista, cheery and sunlit, offered him a smile. “We only sell iced tea, sorry!”

Levi froze like someone had slapped him with a wet sock. “That’s not tea. That’s betrayal in a cup.”

You laughed, biting your knuckle to keep it quiet. “Live a little, Levi.”

He sighed like it physically pained him. “Fine. One iced… betrayal. And a croissant.”

When you sat down, you watched as Levi picked apart the croissant like it had personally wronged him. The iced tea sat untouched beside him, sweating slowly in its plastic cup like it knew it was unwelcome.

He finally took a sip—hesitant, suspicious—then immediately winced.

“It tastes like regret,” he muttered. “Like someone brewed disappointment and poured it over ice.”

You were already halfway through your milkshake, grinning behind the straw. “You always this dramatic about drinks?”

“Only when they insult centuries of tradition,” he replied bitterly, giving the iced tea another withering glance.

You chuckled.

“You always lure people into bakeries with cryptic invitations?” he asked.

“Only the ones who insult my reading habits,” you replied sweetly. “Welcome to my Wednesday evening ritual,”

“You really come here every week?” he asked, watching you curiously.

You nodded. “Strict routines keep me sane. School’s intense. Math doesn’t leave much room for softness, so I make sure to find it myself.” You stirred your straw around slowly. “It’s how I don’t lose the parts of me that feel like me.”

Levi didn’t say anything at first. Then, softer: “That’s not stupid.”

You smiled.

“High praise, coming from you.” You said cutting into the tart.

He looked out the window. “So what’s this proposition of yours?”

You leaned in slowly, serious. “It’s… important.”

Levi squinted. “If this ends with you asking me to join a cult, I’m out.”

“Tempting. But no.”

You grinned. “If I actually read one of your tragic, soul-wrecking book recommendations—and I mean really read it—you have to do whatever I say. For a whole month.”

Levi blinked. “What.”

“Nothing life-threatening,” you added quickly. “Just… live a little. Try things. Like iced tea.”

Levi gave you a long stare. “I hate how persuasive you are.”

“I learned from the very best!”

He looked at you like you were made of glitter and chaos. Then, reluctantly:

“Fine. But only because you need to build some intellectual capacity.”

You smirked. “Charming.”

“I need to drop by my place to grab a book. It’s just behind the café.”

Before you both left, he watched you buy an extra slice of cake to take home. He didn’t say anything, but the way his eyes narrowed slightly told you he had thoughts.

Later that evening, the café was already glowing with soft gold and deep shadows when you returned. Levi had gone to get the book, so you ducked inside to wait, idly browsing through the romance section.

You barely got through the first paragraph of something vaguely tragic when the back door creaked open and Levi’s voice rang out:

“Still gravitating toward filth, I see.”

You snapped the book shut, caught red-handed.

From behind the counter, the boy with Farlan on his name tag grinned. “Well, well, well. Who’s the girl Levi brought home?”

You turned to see a mischievous smile and a pair of curious eyes. A girl with wild auburn hair and more energy than sense appeared beside him, nudging his side.

“You’re cute!” she beamed. “Didn’t think Levi spoke to anyone he wasn’t contractually obligated to tolerate.”

“Oi. Shut up, brats,” Levi grumbled.

You couldn’t help but laugh as Farlan and Isabel bombarded you with questions. Did you like books? What was your type? Was Levi nice to you? Were you emotionally prepared for his taste in literature?

Levi groaned and tugged your sleeve. “Ignore them. They’re not paid to be nosy.”

He guided you out, the warm air hitting your face like a soft exhale compared to the café’s chill. Once you were outside, he handed you a different book than the ones he’d shown before.

“Since you like romance,” he said flatly. “Try this.”

You glanced at the cover. No shirtless vampires. No glowing runes. No accidental babies from the fae realm. Just a woman in a black dress and a title that felt... heavy.

Anna Karenina.

“Tolstoy?” you blinked. "

“It’s about longing,” he said. “Infidelity. Social expectations. Misery.”

“Sounds hot.”

He narrowed his eyes.

“It’s not. It’s honest. People fall in love for the wrong reasons. And suffer for it. You’ll hate every character by the end. Especially the ones you sympathize with.”

You raised a brow. “You’re not really selling it.”

“Good,” he said. “It’s not meant to be sold. It’s meant to sit with you and rot a little.”

You sighed. “Why can’t it just be a book about senseless sex and dominance?”

Levi rolled his eyes.

“Fine,” you said, holding the book a little closer. “I’ll try it. But I want your number.”

You offered your phone.

Levi paused, fingers brushing yours as he took it.

“I only use iMessage,” he said quietly. “Don’t call or FaceTime me.”

You smiled. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Through the café glass, you could practically feel Farlan and Isabel’s eyes burning a hole through the back of his head.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll see you Sunday, Red.”

You flashed a grin. “You bet.”

Levi watched you walk into the fading sunlight, a flicker of something unreadable on his face.

Part one| Part two

@samoankpoper21 thank you so much for your love and support—it truly means the world to me!💕💗💞

[abiatackerman]

Through miracle, to you

Event: @levievent Levi Month 24!

💜Day 3: Isekai💜

Canon universe! Thug Levi X Aristocrat Reader! No Regrets Levi!

🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻🪻

The cold breeze of the night brushes against your skin, making you shiver as you wrap the blanket coat around you more tightly. Each step you take is unsteady, your tears falling uncontrollably down your cheeks, blurring your vision.

It has been a day since you last ate, and the hunger gnaws at you, making your head spin. The world around you seems to tilt, and you feel as if you might faint at any moment.

What is the point of grieving for someone who is already gone? The thought haunts you, echoing in the emptiness left by their absence. A sob escapes your lips without knowing.

You had  no one in this world, without her. You grew up in an orphanage and you had no family, no friends, no loved ones...

Until you met her.

Your best friend, your blessing. You both met in the orphanage, grew up there and struggled hard to establish a new life. And after a lot of hard work, both of you had succeeded and you both were happy....

Until she died... Leaving you alone in this cruel world. Now you have no one who you can call close.... You're totally alone in this cruel world.

Your eyes well up with tears, blurring your vision as you walk out of the cemetery. Suddenly, you stumble and lose your balance. Your head hits the ground with a sharp impact, pain shooting through you as you groan and slip into unconsciousness.

...............................

"She's gonna open her eyes!"

You hear an excited female voice and you slowly open your eyes. A red haired-green eyed girl, who is hovering over you, smiles widely.

"Hello pretty sister.... How are you feeling?"

You blink and can't help but smile at her friendly words.

"Fine but... Where am I?"

You answer her with a weak voice. Before she can say anything you hear a hoarsely male voice, forcing you notice their presence.

"Your clothes say clearly you don't belong in this shitty place. Then why were you laying in the backyard of our cottage? That's a filthy place."

You follow the voice and see a man sitting on a chair with a knife in his hand. He's handsome but... He's short?

"Hey Levi! Don't be harsh. Hello, I'm Furlan Church. This is Isabel and Levi. May I know who you are?"

You look at the guy who's sitting beside Levi, as the guy addressed. You smile at him and nod.

"I'm... F/N L/N. And where am I currently?"

You ask as the red haired girl sits on the bed beside you.

"You're in the underground. But don't worry, you're safe. Levi bro's the strongest here and no one dares to mess with him."

She says proudly as you sit up slowly. You absent-mindedly curl your hair around your finger and as you notice your strands, you gasp.

What the fuck? It's not your hair! You had dark brown straight hair but the hair you have now is light brown and wavy. You furrow your eyebrows.

"What happened?"

Isabel asks worriedly and you look at her dumbfoundedly.

"My hair.... It's not mine..."

"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."

You ignoring Levi's insult and keep inspecting your hair. Isabel hands you a small mirror and you take a look at yourself. You blink with disbelief.

Who's the girl? It's not you! You had dark brown eyes, but now it's hazel! You look so far prettier than you used to!

What does it mean? You're not even dreaming....  What the heck?

You look at your hands, your clothes.... They're not the ones you were wearing at the cemetery. It looks more like a gown, which 1800's aristocrat ladies used to wear. You stand up with shock, abruptly.

If it's not your body then...

"Hey stop!"

You don't listen to Furlan's words and open the window. You peek outside and get completely confused when you look up and see no sun or stars up in the sky.

Or should you say... There's no sky at all?

"Where am I? Where's the sky"

You ask mumbling as Isabel pulls you backwards and closes the window.

"Just as I told you, in the underground. It's a city under capital mitras. You must've heard of it, right."

Isabel asks worriedly and you shake your head.

"No."

You say blankly.

"How can she? Look at her dress, she's definitely a rich bastard's spoiled brat. It's just a normal thing for her not to know."

Levi says bitterly and you bite your lower lips. Isabel and Furlan remain silent too.

It's clear on their faces that they hate rich people. Why? You don't know. Also you notice that they are not giving you the same sympathetic gaze anymore.

"Hey I... Um... Can't remember anything."

You mumble and Levi looks at you questioningly.

"The name I told you guys... It was maybe wrong... I can't remember anything."

You say hopelessly and look down at the wooden floor and grip your gown nervously...

You're panicked, scared, confused and...

"Tch, I'll just go to that shitty town to find out your identity then... Your dress tells that you belong to a rich family so I guess it won't be hard."

You look at Levi with tear soaked eyes and nod.

"Tha.. Thank you."

You mumble and wipe your tears as a sob escapes your lips. Isabel's face softens again as she notices your vulnerable state, so she hugs you immediately.

"You don't know Levi bro, he's the best... He'll obviously return you to your family.... Until then we'll take care of you."

Isabel says and your eyes tears up again. She's behaving just like your best friend. Chill, friendly and warm. You hug her tightly, breaking into tears. You hear Levi clicking his tongue.

"What a pain in the ass!"

...................

"You sure you don't want my help? I know your ego is too big and that's ok but think about Furlan and Isabel. I can easily make all the arrangements so you guys can live up here."

You say calmly, leaning on the wall of the garden as Levi sips his tea. He looks at you over his cup and shakes his head.

"Why not? You guys helped me a lot! Let me help you in return!"

You say angrily while Levi places the cup down and looks at you blankly.

"All I did was come up here. I immediately found a poster with your sketch on it which was telling you were missing. And then I just brought you here.... That's it."

You bite your lower lip in frustration.

It's true, it seems that you're a daughter of a retired commander of the military police brigade. Even though your father has retired, he still has enough influence to control some stupid royals. So some people were trying to kidnap you to blackmail your dad.

According to Levi's words, there was probably some misunderstanding between the kidnappers so they ended up fighting with each other. You took the chance and ran away and somehow ended up in Levi's backyard and that's it.

But Levi doesn't know that your soul is from another world, after a lot of thinking you have come up to a conclusion.

The real owner of this body you, both were tired, fainted and hit you heads. So maybe,  your souls accidentally switched with each other? Who knows? But this is the only conclusion you could come up with.

"Have your memories returned?"

Levi's voice pulls you out of your thoughts and you smile.

"Yeah... You can say my family really cares about me. I told them about you three, and dad is willing to help you. He also wants bear Isabel's study expenses and everything you guys would need."

Which is true. You have a family now, parents, a big brother and a little sister. They all love you so much, no, love the girl in who's body you are now. She seems to have a lot of friends too. They're all being too sweet to you and all of these are new to you.

But the feelings are sensual, in a good way so you're not complaining.....

"Then make sure to tell your father that when we'll come up here, he can repay us by providing Isabel's study expenses"

Levi's voice pulls you out of your thoughts again and you smile. You walk towards him and sit beside him with a big smile on your face.

"I'm glad you agreed."

You grip one of his hand and squeeze him to provide comfort. You can feel him tensing under your touch and you smile friendly.

"You know, you guys could have just taken my dad's help instead of doing whatever the hell you're planning. Knowing you, it'll be something risky."

Levi keeps looking at your hand which is still gripping his and sighs.

"We've done a lot of works like this also the survey corps will follow us no matter where we go. It'll be just a mess if we involve you here. Furlan and I have figured everything out so there's nothing to worry about."

Levi says and stands up, pulling away from your touch making you sigh.

"I'll leave now."

He says and you stand up too.

"Ok, I'll walk you to the main gate."

You and Levi keep walking silently for some times then you speak up.

"I can't wait, you know? I'll make sure that three of you will be able to stay here, in this mansion, with me. I miss Isabel so much. She's gonna be my best friend. And you? Probably my bodyguard."

You says and laugh as Levi makes an annoyed expression.

"Keep dreaming, brat."

He says as you two reach the main gate of the mansion. You suddenly hug him, making him freeze.

"Make sure you all stay safe, ok?"

You squeeze him.

"I'll wait for you all!"

You release the hug and find out that his cheeks are slightly pink. You blush too.

"Yeah whatever."

Levi's says and walks out of the mansion like nothing happened. You smile looking at Levi with dreamy eyes.

You never thought something this amazing would happen to you. Yes, you've come into another world but you've gotten a lot of things you never had. Love, friends, family... And Levi....

You chuckle.

It seems like getting isekaied isn't as bad as you thought.

[gallery-of-writing]

Imagine running into Levi on the roof

Note: This is part of a longer fic I'm working on, and what you need to know before reading this is that the MC has a best friend named Eliza. Hope you enjoy this little snippet!

On a cold autumn night, I find myself tossing and turning for hours under the covers of my squeaky bed at the Scout’s headquarters. After I grow tired of staring at the cobwebs on the ceiling as sleep eludes me completely, I end up putting my green cape with the Wings of Freedom on top of my nightgown, and climb to the top floor as silently as I can. The cool air outside feels almost welcoming compared to the dusty rooms inside, and I have to pull my cloak tighter around my body before stepping onto the southern wall. To my surprise, I am not the only one out here.

“Hey there,” I smile sweetly at Levi, who is currently sitting on top of the parapet with his unreadable expression. My voice startles him out of his thoughts, but he relaxes a little when he realizes it’s just me.

“Hey.”

As I walk over to him and casually lean on the cold stones, he turns his head towards the starry sky above us. The light from the moon nicely illuminates his side profile, and a few seconds pass until I realize that I accidentally stared at him for too long. As if feeling my gaze on him, Levi turns to me with a questioning look.

“Can’t sleep?” I ask him almost sheepishly, trying to act normal after he caught me staring.

“No,” he says courtly. “What about you?”

“It seems like I pissed off Lady Sleep, so now she won’t take me.”

“Lady Sleep?”

Levi lets out a small chuckle at my joke, and sends a sideways smirk at me. My heartbeat immediately picks up its pace at the glorious sight. If I wasn’t so flustered, I would tease him back, but instead I frantically fight against the warmth that’s threatening to engulf me, flushing my cheeks to an embarrassing color.

“Well, yeah…” I say as I pull my cape closer to my body, bringing up the front to cover my cheeks in a pointless attempt to hide from him.

“Are you cold?” Levi asks with the tiniest hint of worry in his voice.

“A little.”

Technically it’s not a lie, since my nightgown is almost useless against the cold air, but a tiny hint of guilt still spreads in my chest.

I glance down at the thin shirt Levi is wearing. “Aren’t you?”

“No.”

For a second neither of us says anything. Levi looks like he’s contemplating something, and I realize what he’s thinking about when he scoots closer to me on the wall and puts his arm tentatively around me. The sudden warmth coming from him makes my entire body tingle and this time I can’t do anything against all the blood rushing to my face. To hide my blush, I lower my head to his shoulder, feeling his body freeze after my gesture. It takes a few seconds, but Levi finally relaxes into the hug and ends up resting his own head on top of mine. A small smile sneaks onto my face as I nestle into his warmth further, listening to his steady heartbeat. My own heart happily falls into rhythm, and a warm sense of peace washes over me.

Our quiet moment is cut short by the door opening with a loud bang, and Levi jumps away from me in an instant. Whether from the unexpected intrusion or from the sudden coldness where his arm was a moment ago, my heart jumps into my throat as I glare at the two people standing in the doorway.

“There you two are!” Isabel shouts as if she’s trying to wake up everyone inside HQ. “(y/n), I woke up and saw your bed empty! And Furlan here—”

She points her finger behind her, towards the yawning figure of Furlan. His ruffled blonde hair makes him look like a cat roused from its deepest slumber.

“He told me big bro’s missing too!” Isabel continues her story as she jumps up to sit on the parapet next to me. Furlan sluggishly walks over to Levi’s other side, casually leaning on the stones with one elbow. “So we went looking for you guys! Watcha doing up here?”

“Uh…” I mumble as I try to come up with an answer for her, but all I can think about is how comfortable it felt to be held by Levi. Luckily his brain has not turned into mush like mine.

“You know I don’t sleep well, Isabel. (y/n) just found me up here.”

“Yeah,” I smile sheepishly at her, “I couldn’t sleep either!”

Seemingly content with our explanation, Isabel turns to me with a playful spark in her eyes. “Do you like looking at the stars too, (y/n)?”

“Yeah, I… It’s my favorite thing to do, actually.”

“Did you hear that, Levi?” Isabel waves excitedly as she leans forward to catch a glimpse of him. “Maybe you two could go on a date stargazing!”

It takes every ounce of my willpower to not become a flustered mess. A part of me wants to run away and tuck myself under the covers of my bed for the rest of eternity, while a slightly less emotional part desperately wants to look at Levi’s expression right now. Instead of doing either of those things, I stare ahead into the distance, my cheeks flaming and my skin tingling from being too aware of his presence beside me.

“You should see your faces right now!” Isabel loughs loudly.

The playfulness in her voice encourages me to steal a glance at the boys. Furlan has a cheeky grin plastered on his face, while Levi glares at the ground with a faint blush covering his face. Maybe his mind is also replaying the hug we shared a moment ago?

Would something have happened if they hadn't interrupted us?

“Hey Furlan!” Isabel calls out to her next victim with a mischievous grin. “Where are you gonna take Eliza on a date?”

The smile from his face fades away in an instant. He buries his blushing face into his hands, but we’ve already seen it. Levi turns to him with a knowing smirk and punches him playfully in the shoulder.

“Yeah, Furlan, when will you grow a pair and ask her out?”

“I dunno, leave me alone!” He protests with a muffled voice, and I can’t help but chuckle at their antics.

A few moments pass in a comfortable silence, and eventually Furlan lowers his hands, letting out a deep sigh.

“(y/n),” he turns to me tentatively, his words barely understandable through his sudden stuttering, “do you know… I mean you’re her best friend an’ all that… D’you think she’d like to… to go out with me?”

My heart aches for poor Furlan. Maybe if he met Eliza about a year ago, when she didn’t have a crush on Erwin yet…

“Well,” I begin slowly and my heart almost breaks at the hopeful sparkle in his eyes. “I… I think you’d be a cute couple. I’ll see what I can do.”

“Really? Thanks a lot!” He fistbumps that air triumphantly as if I guaranteed him a date already. Which I don’t think I can get, but maybe I can persuade Eliza to forget her very inappropriate crush on our section commander, and quite older friend. We’ll see.

My breath is knocked out of my lungs as Isabel excitedly hugs me from the side, and at the same time, Levi locks eyes with me. His gaze is the softest I’ve ever seen, a small smile tugs at the corner of his lips and starlight reflects in his rich blue eyes like little sparks. Maybe it’s a good thing that he doesn’t smile often, because if he did, I would not be able to function properly as long as he is around me.

[frenchfry99]

🌺 I'm back with flower besties! :] 🌼

Couple of doodles below the cut

What if they all are a lil silly friendgroup,,, having tea and frolicking in the field n stuff,,,

THEY'RE JUST CHILL LIL GUYS TOGETHER I LOVE THEM SMMMM <3

Minnie and Timothy by @thelone-copper and Buddy by @dxkjf !! Their designs are so fun to draw gah!!! :D

Bonus mini Magnolia and mini Buddy!!

Plants were 'Lia's special interest since they were a lil kid so she'd be so happy to meet kid Buddy because "moo?? a talking flower?? Must befriend!!" (Would treat him nicely obv!!)

[aiscapades]

m5 as items from the antique store!

kuras — shorthand guide + magnolia pages

vere — a rather suspicious book...

mhin — hanging swan sign

leander — green & gold glass

ais — book about birds!

[magnoliahwrites]

Lean On Me (Don’t Knock Me Over)

or: harry is a touring musician and you're here to interview him

feat: childhood friendship, flashbacks, friends to enemies to lovers,mention of panic attack/anxiety/puking

note: this is part one of a three-shot. Side note: I made up names for harry’s band, it’s an up and coming pop punk band so there’s that

Much like most things in life, when the paper slid through your desk, you immediately shoved it under the outgoing mail box.

anything that causes you stress immediately went there, a future problem for yourself.

It wasn't until the night before the show, when your manager turned best friend, Cindy sat in front of you tapping her new manicure on the desk in front of you that you even remembered it.

"I just don't see the big deal," she huffs, stopping the tapping of her nails long enough to push her blonde hair out of her eyes, "like, you two were kids. He probably doesn't even remember you. And besides, I have three people lined up who would literally kill you for this chance."

You groan, resisting the urge to fling your body on the floor and ahve a full body temper tantrum.

Instead, you act like an adult and throw a mini fit, throwing your head back and shoving the papers away from you.

"he'll remember me." you groan, rubbing your temples, "It was a small town."

"Good," Cindy shrugs, "Make him regret it, or whatever."

she pauses, and her voice drops, some of the hard that radiates off of her melts away for a second.

"I don't see what the big deal is still," she says quietly, "What happened?"

You remember the first time you heard him on the radio.

Driving down a crowded street in Cindy's car (the kind you could never even think of affording) the sun roof down, your hand out the window as the radio blasts, the sun beating down on your hand.

"This is 93.9 playing the hottest hits of the summer! To begin, we have a new single from Kennedy Curse, sure to get stuck in your head. They're new to the scene, but singer-"

Cindy all but squeals, leans forward to turn the dial on the radio up louder, "I love this band. l've been trying to get an interview with them for weeks.”

You snort as you drum your thumbs on the steering wheel, "Can't imagine it would be hard to get an interview with them-"

"Shh!" She hushes you, leans forward and turns the volume up until the car shakes under you.

"Chipped paint, Carol's gonna turn into dust-"

it was a reflex, a knee jerk reaction, something you couldn't stop. before you even knew what you were doing, you were leaning forward in your seat, slamming your hand against the volume button, immediately a silence falls over the two of you.

Cindy knows you've mentioned in passing an ex boyfriend, a singer, but haven't really elaborated on it. Now, it seems like you don't need to.

"So you'll do it?"

Cindy is all but squirming in her seat as she brings you back to the current.

The sigh is all the confirmation Cindy knows, letting out an ear piercing squeal again, "You won't regret it, i promise!"

She gets up to make her an escape, mentions something about transportation-

"I'll do it, but there has to be rules in place-" You're rubbing your temples, a headache already on the horizon, but Cindy isn't listening, long gone as she stops everyone in the hallway to mention the interview with the Kennedy Curse.

Backstage, harry fixes his hair in a broken mirror.

Something about ten years of bad luck, but he rations that's the problem for the person who broke it, not him-

A stage hand, over worked and underpaid, sticks his head backstage: "harry, Ten minutes.

Someone's here to see you-"

And the show is on.

The smirk finds his way to the corner of his lips, and it's game on. the harry who had a panic attack in the back room five minutes ago is long gone, definitely didn't puke into the garbage can earlier because of the nerves. Instead, it's now replaced by the harry he wants everyone to see; confident, cocky, bold-

"Fans already-"

And he rounds the corner and almost hits you with the door.

he speaks first. A reflex, like he's been searching for the name for months or years, waiitng for it to fall onto his lips again-

he speaks before he can stop himself, before he can hate himself for it he speaks before he can stop himself, before he can hate himself for it.

"Birdie."

The low whistle follows, some bird card be always associated with the nickname, for you always singing with him-even if you insisted you were bad.

it falls flat, feels wrong.

Not the cute nickname it was before, when you two would lie in the shared two sized mattress, harry’s feet falling off the edge of the bed, the sheets thrown over both of your heads for security;

“Birdie," he'd say, his voice low, eyelids heavy. even half asleep, the whistle followed, "I promise, to keep your side of the bed warm, always."

Under the sheets was vows between the two of you, the sillier the better, most of the time, but the hushed voices always told the truth.

Instead, you spoke back, his fingers over your lips, calloused from the non stop practicing, the yanking the garage door open at all hours of the night to practice: "I could find you in a crowd."

He laughs; it's lazy and low, like you both have all the time in the world, and he opens his mouth to say something about his height, but it lays heavy in the air as he kisses the crown of your head:

"And i'll always find you, Birdie."

Seeing him is jarring, to say the least.

The last visit was less than good, yelling and tears (from both of you) things said in the heat of the moment that keeps you both up and tossing and turning-

"It's just my normal name now, thanks." You say quickly, hoping it's dark enough backstage that he can't see the red spread across your face.

"Right," he nods, smirks as he leans against the wall, crosses his arms over his chest, "Well, birdie, I gotta say, you got a lot of nerve to wanna hear me sing after you tossed us into the gutter."

You snort, "Still the victim. i see nothings changed."

"Hilarious," he laughs without humor, takes a step toward you, eyes narrowed, that stupid fucking smirk still pulls at the side of his lips, "I see you're still following me around, hm?"

"God, I can't say I missed this. You're still an insufferable asshole-"

"An asshole you paid to see. So tell me, birdie, which of my songs do you like, hm? Still-"

You want to smack the smirk off his face. You dig your fingernails into your palm into you're sure they're going to bleed, leaving little half crescent moons in the middle of your palms, the same ones he use to study, trace over and commit to memory, kiss them better.

In some sick way, you were hoping you'd see each other and he'd apologize, come home-

"I'm just here for the interview," You shake the VIP lanyard around your neck in his face, "And then you never have to see me again."

His eyes dart to the lanyard and back to you, and for a second, he looks almost lost, like something hangs in the air that he wants to say-

"You have five minutes."

You snort, take the pencil from behind your ear,

"I'll make it two. We won't act like these are some deep songs of yours or anything-"

A local nobody band is opening, the drums are heavy and loud backstage, and the ponding begins the second you open your mouth, like it's planned.

harry leans in closer, grabs you by your elbow,

"Let's make a deal, birdie."

You act like you don't hear the low whistle fall out after the nickname.

"Listen-"

he cuts you off, "You listen to us and i'll do the interview, no bitching, after the show. we can go to the bus-"

the look you throw him is irritated and he huffs, holds his hands in the air, "Fine. I'll take you to a fuckin' restraaunt. I'll be on my best behavior, i'll have your manager eating out of your hand after this interview. Scouts honor."

He makes a show of crossing over his heart, holds his hand open in the air.

The smirk never leaves his face, even when your eyes narrow as he sets his hand between you two.

"Deal, birdie?"

You don't speak, eyes narrowed, but your hand slides into his like it never left.

It feels like you're making a deal with the devil.

[myscentarchive]

Queen of Silk - Creed

Eau de Parfum - 1.7 ml (atomizer)

Notes- TOP: Osmanthus, Magnolia, Saffron MIDDLE: Tuberose, Passion Fruit, Agarwood, Javanese Patchouli BASE: Vanilla from Madagascar, Incense, Myrrh, Ambroxan, Chinese Cedarwood, Musk

Gender: Feminine Queen of Silk emerges as a captivating new fragrance for women from The House of Creed embodying the opulent luster and ethereal softness of silk, a precious fabric treasured since time immemorial for its beauty and delicate touch. This spellbinding Eau de Parfum gently embraces the skin, leaving an enchanted trail in the air that shimmers with luminous energy. Transporting you to the distant lands through which this ancient treasure once journeyed, Queen of Silk weaves together sublime Chinese osmanthus, decadent tuberose and ethereal Javanese patchouli. These heady notes dance over complex cedar, agarwood and smolderingly soft Madagascan vanilla in a lingering, sensual testament to timeless refinement.

[initialchains]

teenage dirtbag, baby! | luke castellan

pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader

summary: there is nothing more exhausting than being known as the picture perfect daughter of aphrodite… luckily, camp half-blood’s resident teenage dirtbag luke castellan can’t relate at all. fake dating him to piss off your siblings and mother could never go wrong, right? (based on 18 by anarbor)

wc: 6.5k

warnings: smoking, mentions of drinking, mentions of drugs, mentions of sex, implied sexual content, drew tanaka being a bitch, and kinda ooc luke bcs hes meant to be well … a teenage dirtbag.

a/n: its still valentine’s day for me sooo happy valentines 💌💗 !! in mexico valentine’s day is also known as the day of friendship so this one is dedicated to my favorite people ever: @emiliehornby @love-that-we-were-in and @kestisvrse <3 !! hope you enjoy it mwah !!

The sounds of campers laughing and gossiping in the dining pavilion are drowned out by your siblings and their annoyingly loud whispers about the allegedly cute (you’d beg to differ) son of Ares who joined camp less than twelve hours ago. Sure, he seemed like a nice guy even though he's a child of the god of war, but you were certain the only reason they kept bringing him up was because they wanted to set you up with him.

“And his arms, oh my gods! Have you seen them?” one of your brothers chimed in, trying to get you to agree with him, but all you could come up with was a hum and a polite smile. 

It pissed you off a bit, the knowledge of you never being able to go against your siblings' wishes.. the fear of disappointing them and your mother being all-consuming and blinding you with fear.

There were times you’d think about it if you’re being honest. Times where you would let yourself dream of doing something so stupidly reckless for once. Something that would stop your siblings from walking all over you and treating you like their personal lapdog. 

Not only was it tiring but it was also humiliating to a certain point. You were older than most of them and you were pretty sure you were the only one that took being a demigod seriously, even taking your time to strategize for Capture The Flag with Clarisse, and yet… you rejected Chiron when he asked you to be a counselor and told him to ask Silena instead. 

And you loved your family—you really did, but it was getting exhausting. Always having to be perfect was draining you and you were afraid of the kind of person you’d become if you allowed this to keep going. 

“He totally wants to ask you out,” Silena’s voice snapped you out of the daze you were trapped in. You turned your head to the right, facing your half-sister with a small frown on your face.

“You really think so?” you replied, trying your best to sound excited. 

“Oh, I know so,” she answered before going on a whole rant about how cute you’d look with the newly claimed son of Ares. A son of Ares—that you badly wanted to remind her—had only been in camp for less than twelve hours and you knew nothing about. 

You stayed in the dining pavilion with your siblings until you found the strength to tell them you were tired and wanted to go to sleep (an incredibly blatant lie but it didn’t look like they cared) and stood up, brushing the dust off your jeans.

“Wait, I’ll go with you!” Silena said with a smile, standing up and moving closer to you. 

“You don’t have to. You can stay with them if you want to, really—“ you were cut off by your half-sister with an exasperated sigh.

“I want to go with you. Plus, I can walk back here once I drop you off at the cabin,” she stated with a playful roll of her eyes.

The two of you walked back to the Aphrodite cabin in a comfortable silence. You liked being with Silena, she was a few years younger than you but she carried herself with so much grace and love it was hard to feel uncomfortable or weird whenever you hung out with her.

You kept your gaze on the sky, noticing that the moon was out by now. “Hey,” Silena whispered, trying to get your attention.

“You okay?” you answered. Your mind was practically hardwired to always look after your siblings, so your brain was unwillingly making you think of the worst-case scenario.

“What? Yeah, I am okay,” Silena was quick to reassure you, “I just wanted to talk to you about—“

“I swear to all the gods, Silena. If this is about that camper..” you replied with a small sigh. The two of you stopped walking when you reached your cabin, deciding to continue the conversation outside.

“He’s not that bad! He is a nice guy and the two of you would look really cute together,” she insisted.

“You don’t even know him.”

“Ugh, fine. Good thing is there are other cute campers we can introduce you to. I met one of Charlie’s brothers a few weeks ago and I think he’d—“

“I can’t do this tonight,” you replied in an exhausted tone.

“Wow, okay. No need to be mean about it,” Silena muttered.

“I’m sorry?”

“I’ve been trying to help you find a boyfriend for months now and you always shut me down. It was fine at first but now you’re just being mean,” she explained.

“Mean? Silena, you said it yourself. I’ve always shut you down because I’m not interested in getting one.”

“Whatever,” she replied bitterly before turning around and walking back to the dining pavilion, leaving you alone outside of your cabin. 

You stared at her back as she walked away, going through the last few minutes over and over in your head. Were you being mean? All you did was stick up for yourself. You didn’t understand why you were feeling bad for standing up against your siblings just for once.

A snort made you realize you weren’t alone. You turned your head towards the noise just to be met with.. oh.

Luke Castellan was leaning against the side of your cabin, carefully hidden under the darkness of the night and the shadows of the trees, he had a cigarette in his right hand and an obnoxious smirk adorning his even more obnoxious face. 

“Hope you enjoyed the show, Castellan.”

Luke raised his hands as if he had been caught and blew the smoke away, “I’m on your side, she was being a fucking bitch.”

“Don’t call her that, she’s just a kid.”

Luke raised a brow before taking another drag of his cigarette, “Do not call your sister a bitch after seeing her.. be a bitch to you?” he shook his head. “Oh, princess, you need to work on getting rid of that altruism.”

“Do you even know what that word means?” you snapped, not being in the mood to indulge in whatever it was he wanted to talk about.

“Why? You want to teach me?” He said with a smirk.

“Don’t even start with your annoying stuff, Castellan,” you muttered, running a hand down your face, clearly overwhelmed with everything that had happened. 

“Because you know you won’t want me to stop?” he pressed, but after a moment of silence his smirk fell and a frown took over his features. 

“Uh.. you want to...” he trailed off and cleared his throat, “you want to talk about it or something?” 

You squinted at him before eventually letting out a sigh and walking over to Luke, standing next to him with your back pressed against the wooden walls of your cabin. Luke extended his arm away from you to keep the smoke far from your face. 

“So, um... Silena wants to set me up with that new camper,” you started.

“Fuck. The Ares one?” Luke interrupted.

“Castellan.”

“Right, sorry. Please continue, princess.”

You decided to ignore the insufferable pet name he gave you and continued, “The thing is I do want a boyfriend, just not… him.”

Luke hummed before bringing the cigarette to his lips again and inhaling the smoke in, he kept his mouth closed as he thought of something decent to say before slightly tilting his head away from you and blowing out the smoke upwards. 

“Alright, and have you tried telling her to stop?” he cut himself off and shook his head. “Nope that was shitty advice, have you tried maybe describing your type or whatever it is you Aphrodite people say to describe the people you’re attracted to.” 

“My type?” you replied, almost offended by the statement.

“Yeah?” Luke answered as if it was the most obvious thing to do, “Just describe the type of guys you’re into and I’m sure that cult of yours you like to call siblings will be happy to help…” he trailed off when he noticed your gaze set on his right hand and your bottom lip in between your teeth as he flicked the cigarette, causing the ashes to fall into the ground. 

He looked up from his hand and burst out into laughter, shaking his head before whispering an amused fuck. 

“Oh?” Luke said with a bright smile and raised brows, “You find this attractive, angel?” 

“That thing is going to kill you,” you explained, “I’m not attracted to people that like to slowly kill themselves.” 

“Fucking bummer. I wanted to see you take a drag, that would’ve been really hot,” he said, his smile not wavering. “Next thing you’re going to tell me is that you don’t drink, right?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Look at you, being such a good girl,” Luke teased before throwing the rest of his cigarette to the ground and stepping on it. 

“Also, that thing you said about Silena being just a kid was really fucking stupid. She’s almost the same age as Annabeth and she doesn’t act like an asshole, I’m pretty sure your sweet little sister is just a bitch.” 

Annabeth. You forgot that even though Luke is an annoyance most of the time and prefers to stick to himself.. he still has a soft spot for the twelve year old daughter of Athena. It was kind of endearing. 

“Annabeth is a daughter of Athena, you can’t expect her to act—“

“You didn’t act like Silena when you were fourteen. You need to stop giving her excuses and allow yourself to get mad at her.” 

“I’d rather have my siblings get mad at me and just stop perceiving me as this perfect and weak person, maybe once that happens they’ll stop trying to mess with my life,” you explained, your gaze set towards the ground. 

Luke was about to open his mouth and try to come up with a funny one-liner to make you feel better, but he didn’t get to because you were quick to look up at him with a gasp and wide eyes.

“The fuck? Are you okay?” 

“I need you.”

“Shit, angel. Most girls say that after a few dates but I’m not against the idea,” he said with an amused look in his eyes. 

“Ew, no. I mean, I need to date you—fake date you.”

“I’m uh... not for sale?” Luke answered, clearly confused by the plan you were trying to explain.

“No, Castellan. Listen to me. My siblings despise you, I’m sure they’d set my bed on fire as a way of cleansing my soul from you if they find out we’re dating.”

Luke’s eyes got bright and his smile widened (if that was even possible), “Set your bed on fire? And what would we do in your bed for them to feel disgusted by its existence?”

“You’re disgusting. Anyway, if we fake date I’ll get to stop being perceived as their perfect sister and you’ll have bragging rights for dating an Aphrodite kid,” you said, moving your hands as you spoke. 

“I’m pretty sure Drew started the rumors about me having lice and smuggling coke into camp, are you sure you want to fake date me of all people?” Luke asked carefully, trying to make you think about what was at stake. He didn’t give a shit about staining his already nonexistent reputation, but he couldn’t have you ruin yours. 

“I am so sure, Castellan,” you reassured him. 

“You know, for a good girl I’m extremely surprised you never say please.”

“Please, Castellan. Could you please be my fake boyfriend so I can finally stop being seen as my siblings' personal toy?” you said with a fake smile while bringing your hands together as an exaggerated way of begging Luke to say yes. 

“You’re so cute when you beg. But you need to prove to me you’re serious about this fake dating thing. Meet me tomorrow at the bonfire, no bullshit.” 

꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱

You had been on edge the entire day. Silena seemed to be past the argument, which made you feel better to an extent, but that didn’t seem to shake the uneasy feeling that settled in your gut because throughout the day you could feel someone staring at you. You could feel Luke staring at you.  

You were walking past the sword fighting arena with Katie Gardner from the Demeter Cabin the first time it happened. The feeling of a pair of eyes completely set on you. You turned your head to the right just to be met with Luke’s exhausted figure, he was sweating and panting, but that didn’t stop him from running his eyes up and down your figure and smiling at you. 

To say Katie was disgusted would be an understatement. A “Castellan is a dick, you should stay away from him,” was enough to stop you from staring at him and turning your head back to Katie. She went on to explain how Luke was a “real shitty person” and only hooked up with her as a way of getting her to grow weed in the back of the stables. 

It happened around eight times in the last two hours (not that you were counting) and it only got worse when the moon came up and everyone was making their way to the bonfire. You were walking next to Michael Yew when you felt a hand on your lower back. 

Luke’s hand on your lower back, to be exact. He left it there as he walked past you, only turning his head back to say “It’s adorable to see you together, are you two a couple?” 

You had to hold yourself back from strangling him when you heard his irritating laugh after he saw Michael’s reaction to his statement. Michael tried his best to be polite and tell him he was wrong, that there was nothing going on between the two of you. 

But his reply only seemed to fuel Luke’s actions even more because all he did was answer with a cocky “Oh, I know. Our princess here is only into... what was it? People that like to slowly kill themselves with cigarettes?” before walking away.

You were going to kill him.

Michael left your side as soon as you arrived, moving to sit with his siblings from the Apollo Cabin… leaving you with two choices: sitting with your siblings or sitting next to Luke (who for some reason always sat alone and spent the entire time listening to the music coming from the MP3 player he somehow managed to get into camp). 

So this is what Luke meant, you thought. This was the only way you could prove to him and everyone that you were serious about dating him—fake dating him—but it's not like they would ever know the truth.

You dragged your feet as you walked towards Luke, clearly having second thoughts about your plan, but there was no turning back now. You tried to ignore the confused look Drew was giving you and the gasps you could hear coming from your siblings. 

“I’m pretty sure Drew started the rumors about me having lice and smuggling coke into camp, are you sure you want to fake date me of all people?” You weren't so sure anymore but that didn’t stop you from taking a seat next to Luke Castellan, who took one of his earphones off and looked at you with a smile. 

“Happy now? I just proved how serious I am about this,” you whispered to him, trying your best to not let anyone hear you.

Luke nodded before saying, “You could’ve done better, but I’ll take it.”

“Done better? I just sat next to you in front of the entire camp, isn’t this good enough for you?” you asked, indignation evident in your tone. 

“Promise not to beat me up?” Luke said before pulling your arm and manhandling your body so you were on top of him, sitting on his lap. He placed his hands on your hips and looked up at you with stars in his eyes.

“Wow, Castellan. How scandalous, I’m sitting on your lap,” you deadpanned. 

He chuckled, bringing you closer to him and pressing his lips against yours. Luke’s hands felt like fire against your skin, all you could feel was a heat taking all over your body as he continued to kiss you, only pulling away to catch his breath before bringing you in for another one, this time he kissed you deeper and faster. 

Luke dragged you closer to him by pressing your hips against his and all you could do was melt into him and the feeling of his lips against yours. In the distance, you could hear gasps and people gagging, and you were pretty sure the campers from the Ares Cabin were cheering and whistling, but all your thoughts were on Luke Castellan and how good of a kisser he is.

You pulled away first this time, trying to steady your breathing as you looked into his eyes. He licked his lips before whispering “We should go.”

Your eyes widened as soon as he said that, the implications of what the sentence meant making you feel nervous. Luke was quick to reassure you, “If we leave, your siblings will be even more outraged. We don’t have to do anything, but they’ll think we are doing…some stuff. Just come to the woods with me for a little while.” 

You nodded and grabbed his hand as he guided you through the woods. You could hear Silena calling out your name and warning you about the consequences of your actions, but her voice was drowned out by the loud cheers coming from Clarisse.

Once the two of you were far enough from the rest of the campers, Luke let go of your hand and sat down by the lake, nodding his head as a way of asking you to join him.

You sat in silence for a few minutes until Luke spoke first. “How long do you think we should keep this thing up?”

“Valentina and Drew will want us to be over by tonight,” you said with a smile, a laugh escaping your lips. You didn’t notice how Luke’s eyes got brighter when he heard your laugh or how the melody that came out of your lips went straight through his heart and made him feel more alive.

“But I think a week should be enough. We can say we’ve been secretly dating for like... five months? That way it won’t be weird if we break up in a week,” you explained while your fingers played with your camp necklace. 

Luke nodded before going silent again, staring at the lake with a look you couldn’t quite comprehend. Your gaze was set on him, your eyes traveling from his toned arms, all the way to the scar that sat right below his right eye. 

“I know it’s awful, I can feel you staring at it,” he murmured. You could physically feel your heart sinking when he said it. You cleared your throat, “No, I… I think it’s beautiful. I think you’re—” Luke turned his head to face you, an inquisitive look in his eyes. “I think you’re really brave, Luke.” 

“Beautiful?” Luke asked, confusion written all over his face. “You should hear what your siblings say about it, then. I’m sure your opinion would change in a second.” 

“Being an Aphrodite kid means you see beauty everywhere,” you explained, “And I think your scar must be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” Luke stared at you with an unreadable expression, making your heart almost beat out of your chest. 

“Are you flirting with me, angel?”

“Of course, you’d ruin the moment. Screw you, man.” You rolled your eyes. 

Luke threw his head back in a fit of laughter, it made you want to strangle him… again. “Did you just say screw you? Gods, princess, saying fuck won’t kill you.” 

“I don’t like to curse, thank you for pointing it out, Castellan,” you said, playfully shoving him, making him fake a gasp. 

“You went from trying to seduce me to trying to kill me, you’re so interesting, angel,” he said before letting out a sigh. “It, uh… It was really hard at first, getting used to the scar.”

“Having people call it all sorts of names, and looking at me with nothing but pity in their eyes was not easy to get used to. But after some time you just… stop caring. I mean, I’m not that big of an asshole to hold a grudge over a fucking scar, it even looks sick. But yeah, when it gets hard again all I can do is snort a line and move on.

“The coke smuggling was real?” you gasped, only focusing on the last sentence he said. Luke tried to keep a straight face but his facade fell the moment he noticed your wide eyes. Luke Castellan has the type of laugh that makes everything get fuzzy and makes you feel lightheaded, and all you wanted to do was to come up with bad jokes just for the sole reason of hearing him do it again. 

“Fuck, you really believe anything, huh?”

“Shut up, Castellan. I’ll literally stab you and let you slowly bleed to death,” you threatened, standing up from your place next to him. Luke followed you as you walked back to the cabins.

“You do know I’m the best swordsman in the last 300 years, right? Do you even know how to wield a sword?” he asked, matching your pace and walking next to you. 

“Low blow, just because I don’t like to indulge in violence it doesn’t mean I don’t know how to wield a sword,” you retorted. 

Luke snorted a laugh, “You don’t know, do you?”

“No, I don’t. Will you shut up now?”

“I only will if you accept to let me teach you how to fight tomorrow,” Luke said with a tilt to his head. He didn’t even give you a chance to answer because he walked away from you while saying a loud “Meet me tomorrow morning in the sword fighting arena.” 

꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱

You were sure you were seconds away from passing out. It's been around two hours of sparring with Luke and your arms and legs were about to give out. The sun was starting to come out, which meant this torture was nearly over. At least that’s what Luke promised. “We’ll stop as soon as the other campers wake up, that way you won’t have to be embarrassed if they see your… skills.”

The two of you circled each other, your swords were raised and Luke’s blade was pointing straight at you. Luke took a second to study your stance before lunging forward, his sword meeting yours as you quickly blocked his attack. “Not too bad, huh?” Luke teased before trying to get another hit, his moves becoming more calculated the longer you kept blocking his advances. Proving he wasn’t called the best swordsman at camp for nothing. 

With a disarming maneuver you weren’t aware of, Luke was quick to throw your sword to the ground and have you stumbling back, not being able to regain your footing. Luke gave you a smirk when your body hit the ground with a small thud, “That was easy,” he said, “We should do this more often.” 

“Nope, this is a one-time thing, Castellan,” Luke rolled his eyes before bringing the blade of his sword closer to you, reaching for your chin with a glint in his eyes. The blade met your chin and Luke lifted it, making you meet his gaze as he slowly made you stand up by raising his sword even higher. 

The two of you stood still, staring intently into each other’s eyes until you heard it—the sound of the Ares Cabin making their way to the arena. Luke let out a surprised shit, dropped his sword to the ground, and walked closer to you, cupping your jaw with his right hand and kissing you. 

Your lips met in a hurried collision, causing the same fire from yesterday to set in your stomach. Your hands moved to Luke’s hair, softly pulling it as the kiss got heated. You knew this was fake, you knew this kiss meant nothing to him… but you didn’t want him to stop. “Holy fuck, are you two always sucking each other’s faces?” Clarisse’s voice cut through the moment, causing you to pull away from Luke, unable to meet his gaze. 

“Yeah, that’s what being in a relationship entails. I don’t think you’d know much about it, La Rue,” Luke breathes out.

“Don’t you have weed to sell or a cheap bottle of vodka to down, Castellan?” 

“Aw, you know me so well,” Luke answered before picking up both of your swords and grabbing your hand, walking away from the arena. 

The following days were (and you hated to admit it) filled with the most fun you’ve ever had. Luke would come up with some insane idea for a fake date and it would always end with one of you lying about seeing a camper or hearing Silena’s voice as an excuse to make out with each other. 

There was this one time the two of you were having a picnic by the strawberry fields and the day ended with the two of you hiding in the empty forge while making out, running your hands over each other’s bodies, and doing the normal stuff fake couples always do… it all happened because Luke swore he heard Valentina’s voice near the fields. (You were sure Valentina had been on the stables that entire day because she had cleaning duty, but why wouldn’t you play along with something you also wanted to do?)  

It was Sunday–the last day of your fake relationship–when Silena finally found the guts to talk to you about Luke. You even felt slightly bad for the girl because she was so nervous when she sat next to you in the dining pavilion. 

“I..um... I just wanted to say I’m sorry,” she began, “Well, there are lots of things for me to apologize for, but I think it’s pretty obvious what the main problem is.” 

“The way I’ve been treating you is not okay and I’m really ashamed of it. You shouldn’t have to feel pressured to be the person we want you to be, I used to see you as someone who couldn’t do things on her own and always needed someone to push her and help her handle everything… and now I see I was wrong,” Silena explained, running a hand through her hair. 

“It’s fine, Silena. I don’t mind.”

“Well, I do. You’re strong and more than capable of doing things on your own, and you don’t need me to try and help you or fix you.” She took a deep breath. “I didn't know you were dating Luke, and to be honest I didn’t even know he was your type. He is so… weird and I never would’ve guessed you were dating. I mean, Drew told me he does cocaine and—”

“He doesn’t,” you interrupted.

Silena raised a brow before continuing, “Anyway, I’m sorry if I ever made you feel bad for just... existing. And you always look so happy after hanging out with Luke, I truly hope the two of you stay together for a long time.” 

You didn’t even know how to explain the situation so you just blurted out “I broke up with him.” 

Silena looked shocked for a few seconds before letting out a deep breath, “Oh, thank the gods. Just because we trust you it doesn’t mean we trust him,” she spat the him with so much disgust it made you feel sick. “You deserve so much better.” 

꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱

This is probably the first time you have ever felt ill at the thought of seeing Luke. Sure, you used to be annoyed by his presence before the whole fake dating situation even started, but at least you were a strange type of friends back then. Not really close but also not complete strangers. There were times you’d catch him hiding his secret stash of weed behind the stables and didn’t tell anyone, and he’d always pay you back by lying to Chiron about you practicing your sword skills with him. (You had only used a sword once and it was years ago when you were still a new camper, you had no idea why Chiron would ever believe him.)

Luke was sitting in his usual spot by the lake, a cigarette in his hand. It had become a tradition for the two of you to always meet up by the lake before curfew to talk about your day and practice your kissing so it wouldn’t look fake. 

“Hey,” you said, taking a seat next to him. Luke threw his cigarette to the ground, stepped on it, and almost instinctively wrapped an arm around your waist, kissing your temple. “Blink-182?” you asked, nodding at the MP3 he had on his lap. 

“The Smashing Pumpkins,” Luke answered, taking his earphones off. “Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness is one of the best albums ever made.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I’ll take your word for it,” you said. Luke smiled and poked your side. 

“So, there’s something I need to talk to you about,” you began, but Luke held up his hand as a way to get you to stop.

“Can I say something first?” he asked, looking shy for probably the first time since the day you met him. 

You nodded and let him take the lead of the conversation. “Alright, so… I’m kind of shit with words so I’m sorry if this doesn’t make any sense but this past week has probably been the best week of my life. And I’m not even fucking around, I don’t have many friends–apart from Annabeth, and getting to be with you is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

“Being your friend is the greatest gift the gods have ever given me, and sometimes I feel like I don’t even deserve it. I’m a mess of a person, and you’re well… you’re you,” Luke stared deeply into your eyes, “And I just wanted to let you know that—”

Luke didn’t get to finish his sentence because this time it was you who cut him off with a kiss. You could taste the cigarette on his lips as he brought you closer to him, running a hand down your back and deepening the kiss before pulling away and moving to kiss your neck. 

Luke began to trail kisses down your throat and only stopped to whisper a low “Look at you, what would Aphrodite say? I’m sure she’d be proud.”

Aphrodite.

You pushed him away the moment you remembered your mother. “Silena apologized. We can stop pretending now.”

Luke was silent and just stared at you, his fingers moving to fidget with the wire of his earphones. “Oh, right,” he cleared his throat. “It’s Sunday, I forgot.”

You knew he didn’t.

“Yup, so we can go back to normal now,” you said, looking away from his eyes because you knew it would only take one look into them for you to kiss him again.

“Good,” Luke stood up, not daring to even shoot you a glance, and walked away. Leaving you alone by the lake with the lingering smell of his cheap stolen cologne mixed with the cigarette he was smoking. 

It didn’t help that you were welcomed into your cabin with hugs and your siblings congratulating you for breaking up with the son of Hermes. Sure, you weren’t the perfect sister anymore because you dated Luke Friendless-Freak Castellan, but knowing they liked you just because you were with him and then broke his heart made you want to set the cabin on fire. 

The main rule of the Aphrodite Cabin was something your siblings were extremely proud of, but the thought of its existence made you want to storm into Mount Olympus by yourself and yell at your mother for putting all these useless ideas into their heads. 

For a child of Aphrodite to prove themselves, they must make someone fall in love with them and then break that someone's heart. 

Is it possible for the rule to backfire? For the child of Aphrodite to accidentally fall in love with someone and then break their own heart because of it? You didn’t even know if that was an option, but you were sure that’s exactly what you were going through right now. 

It was hard for you to go to sleep that night because your mind kept replaying the past week on a loop. Your conversation with Luke by your cabin. The night of the bonfire. The conversation by the lake about his scar. Sparring with him. Going on a million fake dates. The night on the forge. Your last conversation with him. 

“Look at you, what would Aphrodite say? I’m sure she’d be proud.” 

꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱

You could feel Luke staring at you. Again. 

You were helping Annabeth strategize for Capture The Flag, because she had the brilliant idea to have the Athena cabin team up with Hermes and Aphrodite. You didn’t know much about fighting and spent most of the time sitting with your sisters during the game, but that didn’t mean you didn’t enjoy helping them come up with new plans. 

Once the three of you were done, Annabeth excused herself with an awkward “I think Malcolm wanted me to help him go through some maps. You two have fun… chatting!” and left as fast as she could, leaving you alone with Luke. 

You watched her leave the amphitheater and turned around to face Luke, “I can see why you like her. She’s so much like you.”

“Yeah, she’s like my little sister.”

The silence was so uncomfortable you almost broke down crying. You nodded and turned around, not being strong enough to face him, and walked away. You could hear him behind you, following you.

“Can we talk?” he pleaded.

You were about to open your mouth when Drew’s voice made you turn your head. “Gods, Castellan. It’s so embarrassing to still be hung up on your ex.” 

Luke sighed, “Hello to you too, Tanaka.” 

“Can you leave her alone? She doesn’t want to talk to you,” Drew said through a fake smile. 

“Oh, really? Did she tell you that?” Luke answered, tilting his head as he spoke and making eye contact with you. Wordlessly begging you to please talk to him. 

You stayed silent and looked away from him. Luke let out an incredulous laugh before nodding his head. “Good to know you’re back to being their little pet.” 

Drew rolled her eyes and walked away, shoving Luke as she walked past him. “So? You’re just not going to say anything?” Luke said. 

“What do you want me to say, Castellan?” 

“Tell me that last week didn’t mean anything to you,” Luke answered, his voice trembling. 

“Why do you care? I thought I was nothing but Drew’s little pet,” you replied, trying your best to not look weak in front of him.

Luke ran a hand through his hair and stepped closer to you, “I’m sure you’re thinking the exact same thing about yourself.” 

You hated that he was right.

The truth made your blood boil. “I don’t want any of your shit,” Luke let out a genuine laugh this time, a mocking look in his eyes. “Oh, so now she can curse?” 

You hated him for seeing the real you. You hated him for knowing the truth. You hated yourself for loving him.

“Fuck you, Castellan,” Luke hummed before stepping even closer to you and placing a hand on your waist, leaning to whisper in your ear. “I’m sure you’d love to do that again, right?” Luke’s smell was taking all over your senses and making your knees go weak. He continued, “Because even if we do it in the darkness of the Forge… it is still two friends fake dating because your mother might be watching.” 

You found the strength to press your hands against his chest and push him away, “Don’t talk to me ever again.” 

You spent the rest of the day with your siblings and friends, too afraid to leave their side because you didn’t trust yourself. Because you knew that if you were left alone for a second—you’d run straight to him. 

You sat next to Silena in the dining pavilion. Helped Katie and the Dyonisus cabin grow more strawberries by keeping them company. Walked with Michael to the bonfire, and stayed with Drew throughout the entire singalong. 

As always, Luke was sitting by himself, his MP3 player in his hand and his eyes were set on you. 

You walked back to your cabin when the singalong was over and helped your siblings get ready for bed. You were about to go to sleep when Valentina whispered your name, saying she had something for you.

“We found it last night under your bed, Drew wanted to give it to the harpies but I managed to take it away from her,” a frown made its way to your face.”What do you mean?”

“We found this,” She pulled out a badly wrapped gift from under her pillows. You were confused until she told you to open it.

 It was a bright pink MP3 player. 

“Oh,” you whispered, your hands shook as you stared at it. “I’ve got to—”

“It’s okay,” Valentina whispered. “He’s probably by the lake.”

You gave your half-sister a hug before running out of your cabin, and making your way to the lake. You could see Luke’s silhouette in the distance, and the sight only made you run faster.

You took a moment to catch your breath before saying, “The Smashing Pumpkins?”

Luke turned around at the sound of your voice. “Blink-182” he answered with a small smirk.

“Uh, of course,” you said as you walked closer to him. “Alright, listen. You were right.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“Oh, fuck off,” you continued with a smile. “So, it turns out I may or may not be in love with this certain guy, and he may or may not be my type or whatever it is my siblings say.”

Luke took a step closer to you. “There’s a chance this guy thinks I’m going through a phase and only fake dated him to piss off my siblings and mother but the truth is… I don’t even care about them whenever I’m with him.” 

His hand moved to caress your cheek, “That’s cute and all but how does this guy know you truly mean that?” 

“I’m not going to make out with him at the bonfire, so I guess all he needs to do is believe me,” you whispered, your eyes moving from Luke’s eyes to his lips.

Luke smiled before answering, “Believe you? That’s alright with me,” and pressing his lips to yours.

Luke was right. Aphrodite would be proud. 

[buffetlicious]

Magnolia had recently launched a new limited edition Salted Caramel Low Fat Milk so naturally we bought a carton to taste. It’s now available at NTUC for S$3.63, but you can get two for S$6.55 till 1 July 2024. Pouring myself a cup, the colour is off white or a very light shade of eggshell white if you asked me. Considering it tasted sweet, I am amazed that it got a Nutri-Grade B. The savouriness from the salted caramel isn’t as pronounced, coming in as an aftertaste with the unmissable warm and rich caramel filling the mouth.

[rwby-encrusted-blog]

Penny asks " now that i am meat person i have to ask. Why is everyone hot?

Ruby: Do you mean, like, warm?

Penny: Oh, no, I understand why everyone feels warm. I was using the Common Term for Physically Attractive.

Ruby: Could you give some more details?

Penny: ... When I am around the others, especially our group, I cannot help but sometimes become distracted by their physiques - Yours included.

Penny: You are very 'cute.' You have a soft, round face and small, round lips. Watching them move as you speak is mezmerizing.

Penny: Weiss is entrancing. The softness of her skin, and the generally hardened look on her face reminds of Winter, but in a way I cannot describe the difference of.

Penny: Blake has what many have referred with the portmanteau 'The BellaBooty' which I believe is in reference to it's large, round, and supple shape.

Penny: Yang has many visible muscles in her arms and back. watching her lift heavy things is nice.

Penny: Jaune is broad chested, and also quite strong. And when he becomes sweaty - I cannot take my eyes off of the perspiration as it trails down his body.

Penny: Ren is very lithe, something I have not seen in many men, with pouty lips and a soft countenance. It is enticing in it's uniqueness.

Penny: Nora is what I believe to be called "A Bombshell." Given her strength, personality, choice of weapon, and the rather ... Noticeable body.

Penny: Is that enough?

Ruby: *Blushing* Uhm, Y-yes Penny ... Uh, that's called 'Sexual attraction' and the fact you feel it towards everyone could mean you fit under a few labels, but we can discuss it later if you'd like, I- Uh, I need to think about what you told me for a bit.

Penny: Oh! That makes sense! I will engage in independent study of Sexuality, and allow you to dwell on what my response!

[dunmomee]

Coffee and Classicals

Summary: You crash Levi’s week yet again—blessing him with the worst takes imaginable and your first utterly unhinged request. a/n: This chapter’s a bit longer than usual. I hope you enjoy the extra read! <<Previous | Next>>

Part four: Ramen with Rain

You stood by the door of Levi’s lecture hall, heart pounding against your ribs, palm slick with sweat, lips pressed into a tight line. You were nervously twisting the lace hem of your blouse.

Your tote bag slouched on your shoulder as you checked your watch for the fifth time. According to Hange, the class should’ve ended twenty minutes ago. Why did you ever trust that chaos gremlin of a physics major?

With a sigh, you began rummaging through your bag to find your phone—then you caught a whiff of him. That familiar scent—fresh cologne laced with sandalwood—crashed into your senses, throwing you back to the first time he made your coffee. The first time he unknowingly imprinted on your heart.

Levi was walking by, brows furrowed like something had pissed him off. Erwin was beside him, calm as ever.

“Just Levi,” you called softly.

Both men turned. Levi’s expression was unreadable, but Erwin’s lips curled into a teasing smile.

“You stalking me now, Red?” Levi asked flatly.

“Looks like you’ve got company,” Erwin said, nudging Levi with his elbow before turning to you. “I better find Hange before she turns the physics lab into a war zone.”

“Oi, I’m not done with you!” Levi snapped, but Erwin was already strolling off without a care.

Levi looked back at you. His face stayed neutral, but something in his eyes had softened.

“We have to go somewhere,” you said, voice gentle.

His body stiffened. He shifted his bag higher on his shoulder. “I have to help at the café. Those little shits mess everything up when I’m not there.”

“Hange said you don’t work the café on weekdays.”

“Tch. That blind bat better start running.”

You smiled and slipped your fingers around his wrist, tugging him with you. His arm tensed under your touch—and your heart skipped wildly.

Levi once again found himself watching you. The warm yellow lights of the ramen shop reflected off the glossy wooden counter, and the scent of soy and sesame clung to the air.

This was the second time this week you had dragged him somewhere. He wasn’t sure how you did it.

You looked… different. Not drastically, but enough to make him notice. Your jeans hugged your figure in a way he hadn’t expected, and your blouse dipped slightly at the neckline—just enough to catch his attention before he forced his gaze away. Your hair was tied back today, neat and practical, unlike the other days when it framed your face in soft waves. And your lips—was that lipstick?

The older woman taking your order smiled a little too fondly, and Levi realized you were clearly a regular here.

She turned to him, and suddenly your eyes were on him too. He froze. Was it the lighting, or did your eyes look a little different today? Contacts maybe?

He snapped his gaze to the older woman and mumbled his order.

“Friday ritual, I guess,” he said once you both settled at the table.

“You finally know me so well,” you teased, your smile relaxed and easy.

His features softened—just a little—and you thought your heart might burst.

The food arrived, steaming and fragrant. You practically beamed, while Levi reached for the small cup beside his bowl and took a sip.

He paused, then took another, slower sip.

“This is like perfection brewed in a cup,” he murmured, almost to himself.

You chuckled, picking up your chopsticks. “Right? It’s not fancy or anything, but it hits every time.”

He didn’t say anything at first, just gave a small nod and stared into the cup like it held the secrets of the universe.

“I had such a long week,” you said between slurps. “I always look forward to ramen nights.”

“You never get tired of the same thing?”

You shook your head. “I’ve had this routine since freshman year. It keeps me alive.”

There was a soft glint in your eyes, and something in his gaze flickered.

“Erwin mentioned you’re top of your class.”

You nodded. “Tight schedule. Overachieving family and an overworked daughter.”

He looked at you for a moment longer, then shifted slightly in his seat. “Makes sense why you read filth.”

“You bring it up every time?”

“Yes,” he said simply. “Until I free you from its shackles.”

“Wow. That’s... so sweet.” Sarcasm dripped from your tongue.

He shrugged and sipped again. “Don’t get used to it.”

You rolled your eyes.

“So I started Anna Karenina, and Vronsky?” You sighed, voice full of that dramatic flair you only reserved for literary men who disappointed you. “He’s so... predictable. Like every man in every smut novel ever. Rich, hot, emotionally stunted, zero survival instincts.”

Levi didn’t look up. “He’s a construct. A reflection of imperialist rot. Not a book boyfriend.”

You perked up. “Exactly! That’s what makes him the perfect book boyfriend. The kind you hate, but then cry over because he dies or cheats or does something irredeemably stupid. Which he totally will. I’m calling it now.”

Levi finally raised an eyebrow. That was the equivalent of a full-body tantrum for him. “It’s Tolstoy. Not... whoever wrote Midnight Lovers in Prague.”

You gasped. “That book was Pulitzer-worthy in its own way!”

“It had a plot twist involving a haunted corset.”

“And love,” you shot back, smug.

He sighed. “You’re incorrigible.”

You leaned forward. “But admit it, Levi. Vronsky has ‘I’m only good for five chapters before I ruin your life’ energy.”

He almost smiled. “You’re definitely wrong.”

You both paid for your meal and walked in comfortable silence, arms almost touching, until you reached the café. The last rays of sunlight danced against your skin, warm and soft.

“Let me walk you home,” he said, voice low. His arm brushed yours as he ran a hand through his hair.

You felt the heat blooming in your belly. You turned away.

“I… I have to run some errands,” you lied, your voice quiet. “Thank you for today.”

You didn’t look back. Didn’t see him watching as you faded into the distance.

Farlan cleared his throat from the café entrance. “Wanna come in? Or you gonna stand there and stare into oblivion?”

“Shut up,” Levi muttered, brushing past him.

—————

02:11 AM Red: “She knew he was there by the joy and fear that overwhelmed her heart.” ...unfortunately relatable 🙄

He stared at the message longer than he meant to. Read it once. Then again. Then a third time.

He typed a full sentence. Deleted it.

Typed another. Deleted that too.

Finally, he settled on:

02:19 AM Levi: Textbook sentiment.

You’d been watching the typing bubble blink on and off for minutes. When his message finally came through, short and dry, you still found yourself grinning from ear to ear.

—————

Sunday evening rolled in soft and slow. You were curled into your usual corner of the book café, the scent of roasted beans wrapping around you like a blanket. Levi was at the counter, silent and focused, his apron snug around his waist, sleeves rolled just enough to hint at toned forearms.

You’d made it halfway through your book when the last customer left. Levi flipped the sign to Closed and walked over, placing a fresh cup of coffee in front of you before sliding into the seat across the table.

He glanced at you once, lingering slightly. You were wearing cherry lipstick and pink glasses to match your sundress.

“Thanks,” you said, blowing on the coffee before taking a sip.

A pause settled between you.

“Do you think Anna’s actually in love?” you asked, tilting your head. “Or is it just lust dressed up in crisis?”

Levi didn’t answer right away. “She wants freedom,” he said finally. “And she thinks love is the only way to get it.”

You frowned. “That’s… kinda sad.”

“It is.”

You nudged his foot under the table. “You ever loved someone like that?”

His gaze dropped. Silence stretched.

“No,” he said. “I don’t fall in love like that.”

“How do you fall in love, then?” you asked, softer now.

He looked at you, really looked. The café had gone dim, the espresso machine humming faintly in the background.

“Slowly,” he said. “And intense.”

You blinked, fingers curled around your cup. “That’s... kind of sweet.”

“Not everything needs to be fireworks and heartbreak.”

“Sometimes fireworks are fun,” you muttered.

“So is stability,” he replied.

You pouted. “That’s such a boring answer.”

He smirked, barely. “That’s why I study literature. You read for chaos.”

“I read for feelings,” you argued, dragging your finger along the rim of your cup. “And spicy scenes.”

He let out a quiet chuckle. And maybe—just maybe—his foot stayed where it touched yours under the table.

“Smut makes me feel things, okay? Tolstoy just makes me feel tired.”

He looked as if you’d insulted his ancestors. “You seriously think that bulky, one-dimensional CEO has more depth than Anna?”

“That hot CEO makes me feel seen.”

He let out a dramatic sigh. “And I thought we were making progress.”

You laughed at the wounded look on his face.

A rumble of thunder cut through the moment. You fished around in your bag for your umbrella.

Levi took that as his cue, clearing your table before finding you by the door, eyes locked on the stormy sky.

“I’ll walk you home.”

“I was just gonna dash for it. No umbrella.”

“I insist.”

You straightened up, heart stuttering. He locked the door and joined you. Close enough that you felt his warmth even in the chilly wind. When the rain came pouring down, you grabbed his hand and ran.

By the time you got home, you were both soaked through. Levi hesitated at the doorway until you handed him a towel and gestured him in.

Your apartment was warm, small, and tidy—books scattered over your table, notebooks flipped open. Clearly, you’d been studying before heading out. You disappeared for a moment and returned with a towel and a navy blue University of Paradis sweater.

Levi was peeling off his shirt when you walked in. Chiseled abs. Wet hair. Broad shoulders. You paused. Just a second too long.

“Oi. I’m gonna freeze to death if you keep staring.” He stared at the sweater in your arm. “An old boyfriend’s?”

You threw the sweater at him. “It was my brother’s. He was valedictorian five years ago. I keep it as a reminder of who I want to become.”

Levi held up the Hello Kitty shorts you’d offered next. “Seriously?”

“They’re clean,” you shrugged.

He shot you a look and settled into your desk chair, towel still around his neck. Your black cat was glaring at him from the shelf, tail flicking in disapproval.

You headed into the kitchen, prepping tea. Levi wandered toward your little bookshelf. His fingers paused on a glossy cover—a shirtless man and a woman in a compromising position.

“I thought all you did was study,” he called out. “And you’ve got this filth here?”

You peeked over. “You’re nosy.”

He put the book back and wandered into the kitchen just as you dropped tea bags into cups.

“It’s definitely going to be an abomination.”

“You’re so judgmental. You’d rather catch a cold?”

He shrugged, leaning against the doorframe.

You turned to face him. “Lean over.”

The words left before you could stop them.

Levi stilled. His expression didn’t change, but something sparked in his eyes. “You’re serious?”

“You promised to do whatever I wanted,” you said, voice quieter now. “I always wondered what it’d feel like.”

“You mean those not-so-carefully written books?” he asked, stepping closer. “I’m not tall enough to lean over.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You agreed to my little proposition.”

He leaned in, one hand braced on the doorframe, the other at his side.

Your back hit the wall. Your glasses had been off since you got home, and you could see every detail of him—his eyes, the curve of his mouth, the tension in his jaw.

His face was so close, your heart slammed against your ribs. It felt like he could see straight through you.

And then… the kettle screamed.

He stepped back without a word, moving to shut it off.

Leaving you breathless in the silence he left behind.

<<Previous | Next>>

[itsgrimeytime]

Magnolia in May (Part One) || Rick Grimes (TWD) x Greene!f!reader Regency AU

AVAILABLE ON AO3

Song Inspiration (in honor of Speak Now Taylor's Version): Enchanted by Taylor Swift

Summary: Your town was small, not the smallest you knew, but anyone of high fortune was the gossip of the week. Predictably, Richard Grimes was a thing of whispers -rumors of a search for marriage among the grassy hills. You weren't one to buy into town gossip, but something about him... just seemed a little too intriguing.

TWS: mentioned infidelity, abandoning children, and rumors.

[[ A/N: Is a Southern accent accurate for this time period? No, no it is not. Do I care? No, no I do not. Pride and Prejudice vibes. You are the sister of Maggie and Beth, and the daughter of Hershel. For plot purposes, I've decided you're the oldest. I was twirling my hair and giggling at this soooooo... And yes it is a quote from The Princess and the Frog. Anyway, thanks for reading!! ]]

"Oh, please," Maggie laughed, "-a rich man? Here? Never."

You added in a shushed voice, as it was late in the night, "Last man I saw around here was Mr. Knightley, and I'd surely say he's much too old for my taste."

The giggles filled the candle-gleamed room, it was coated in a special shade of orange -almost like a sunset. You thought it'd be a nice painting were you to ever find the motivation to paint.

The rumor that had been spilled in the quiet of the night was a man with a vast fortune on the hunt for a wife -nothing was known about him. Just that he was rich and wife hunting was enough for some people. Most people.

"I heard he's quite handsome," Beth whispered -across the room in her single bed, while you and Maggie shared the double.

You quipped, "I supposed someone imaginary might be so."

The pillow that went flying across the room only allowed more giggles to surmise in the dim room -an aura of pure joy.

Beth, who was now smiling but still wished to be taken seriously, "I'm serious! Cassandra a few towns over said she saw him in his carriage."

"I'm not so sure you should be looking in carriages, Beth," Maggie retorted -laughter on the tip of her tongue.

"You two are despicable," hissed across the space, as yet another pillow flew toward the bed.

It was such a far-off idea, really. A visitor? Here? Really? Alexandria was a far too quiet town for anyone to even travel to. Everyone knew everyone and so a visitor would only be talked about rather than be approached; eyes across the road, everyone would be waiting for a mistake. For something to spread.

"If there is such a man," you spoke, leaning back against the bed after the giggles were silent and the candles extinguished, "-I'd say he's rather brave for it."

You woke up that morning to the birds chirping -bright and sing-songy. It was like an alarm to you, pleasant noises against the cold of the morning and you thought just for a second... Maybe you could sleep in just a few more moments.

"Girls! We must be up and ready," her voice echoed up the stairs -pointed and sort of squeaky, "-I have some grand news!"

Naturally, your Headmistress had halted those plans -always eager to instill proper behavior. It was her job, after all. Your father had hired her, shortly after your mother had passed -a sickness not even your father could fix. It was a difficult decision, but with three young daughters and no mother, you never really blamed him. In order to excel, you needed to be married, and to be married, you needed to be proper.

"If I could, I'd hold the house on my own. But, I'm getting older and I'm not what I used to be."

Your father was much looser on restrictions, and you and your sisters would've never gotten this far with your Headmistress Elisa, tragically. She was quite the bore.

Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, you pulled yourself up -beautiful birds washed out by Ms. Elisa's fussing. Quickly brushing your hair back into something more presentable, you shook and woke both of your sisters, whispering that you'd stall until she came looking.

"Headmistress, Father-" you spoke, adjusting your dress (the one you'd hardly worn because it was terribly out of fashion) and stepping out into the open, "-good morning."

Your father was at the table, head flickering between a file laid at his fingertips -a patient, you assumed. He often took cases home that irked him or needed more thought than what he could do at the clinic. Drastically careful with the personal details, you really only learned of medical issues instead of the faces behind them. Your father was adamant in never went farther.

"Good morning, darling," Elisa smiled, a little frustration in the pull of her lips -probably at the noticeable lack at your sides, "-good to know someone listens to me."

And then she paused, eyes racking along the dress you'd chosen in a split second -as you knew she would.

"Oh, no no no-" she echoed, tsking as she pinched the fabric in her hands -eyes analyzing the fabric, "-this won't do, Dr. Greene, we need much better dresses for the girls-"

"Headmistress, I'm sure I could find something more fitting, I foolishly assumed this was just breakfast-"

"Better dresses?" he questioned, file laid closed by his hands, "Whatever for?"

That was when your sisters had joined, hair not perfect but much better than you thought it would be on the time limit. Their dresses were much the same, evidence of a lack of current fashion trends -you flinched at the Headmistress's gaze settling on it.

"Well, now that everyone is present," she spoke, tone clipped and posture impossibly straight, "-Alexandria is expecting rather prolific company."

Father straightened then, attentive to the prospect, "And who may this be? Would I know them?"

"You must-" her voice was almost dreamy at the prospect of such a lavish living, "-the man's rather well-known in Atlanta, rather, the family is. Rhee, darling."

Your father paused seeming to take in the information -like he was trying to remember if he'd known the name, or maybe specifically the person.

"But-" your Headmistress grinned, the most excited you'd ever seen her, "-there’s even more! The younger man of the Rhee name, he's close friends with the man who owns the large estate only a few miles off of here."

"It's safe to assume they'll both be around, then?" Beth asked with the shyness that reflected her age -she was rather doe-eyed.

It had always caused you to worry, your youngest sister out in the world. She was capable, really, just a smidgen naive, and such a beautiful girl can't afford to be naive.

Before the headmistress could answer, Father seemed to add some things together -the furrow on his brow prominent, "Wait, the man who owns the estate? You mean the one off the road around the Henleys?"

"The one with the lavish fountains, yes," Elisa answered, a bit disinterested in this turn of conversation.

"I know Mr. Grimes," he stated -a sort of empathy deeply seeded into his tone, "-and knowing him makes me certain he is not looking for a mistress. Not after the first one."

You pursed your brow, a bit confused by the wording, "Is the man a widow?"

Your father faltered, a bit of uncertainty flattening upon his lips, "Well, not quite, dear. He lost his wife, yes, but not the way you think."

"If you count 'running off with a soldier' losing her, you mean."

Father's face stiffened, "Miss Elisa, it's rather disrespectful to speak of a man's life that way."

"Just the truth, Hershel," she leaned in to you three -whispering the rest, "-I heard it was the man's own best friend."

"If you must know, I'd much rather tell you correctly. Mr. Grimes is a man I rightly respect," your father sighed, a bit of defeat on his tongue but you honestly couldn't say you weren't interested, "-She did run off with a soldier, General Walsh -I believe. And it was Mr. Grimes most trusted companion, a friend from youth from what I understand. Left him and the children about 2 years ago."

Maggie, who'd been silent until now, asked, "Children?"

"Yes," your father added, a little forlorn, "-he's to raise them himself. I find I empathize him."

"More reason for him to be on the look," your Headmistress tsked, "-who wouldn't want a maternal figure for their children? It'd be truly shameful."

You bit your tongue at the implication, heavy stares at your father, "I'm sure he has their best interests at heart, Headmistress. It's not right to assume a man's honor just on rumor alone."

"Not right, indeed," Father agreed, turning back to his file so slightly, "-if he is looking for a mistress, as you say he is, he'd be a wonderful suitor for you girls. So, I'm not very opposed."

And then the Headmistress was off again, fiddling with each sister's hair and pulling out old fabric for ribbons (she asked for new ones, and was met with the conundrum of dress or ribbons). She'd especially fussed over you, being the oldest of the group -she wished to have you married first. "The longer you wait, the harder it'll be, trust me, deary."

Needless to say, you were quite joyous that Headmistress had still sent you on your weekly visit to the shops.

It had intially started much like how this morning had -a wish for anyone to ask for your hand or even begin courting you. After that ended (only because any man in a ten mile radius was either not rich, happily married, or much too old), she'd requested you simply because you were the most trained.

Maggie was in a bit of a rebel streak, Headmistress surely feared any time she left the house without supervisor, and Beth? Well, she was rather well-composed but still naive. The first -and last- time she had gone, she'd spent much more than you'd probably spend in a month. Local men had swindled her and she hadn't even noticed.

You were a middle ground, already having your rebellious streak and fully knowing how to stand your ground.

That morning the market was busier than you expected, as you navigated through the stalls each one only smelling better. Your first stop was always fruit, as the better stock would always be taken early you urged to get the best... reasonably.

The man who ran the stall was kind, had a wonderful smile and always remembered your name, you found you always remembered his : Mr. Elliotts.

He was old, and seemed to only really have the fruits to his name -he was rather fond of talking and had told you a lot. You knew much about the man, and dreaded the day he'd close up shop -you'd miss him if he did.

"Hello, miss," his voice was big and grand, tone ever-so-happy to see you, "-I've got quite the selection for you today. All your favorites."

"After my heart, Mr. Elliotts?"

He laughed, a jolly sort of laugh you would've expected Saint Nick to have when you were young, "Funny, don't let your father hear that one, eh? I've got all types of berries for you, specially grown."

"Oh, thank you," you said, grateful.

Mr. Elliotts was not a clean man, you knew that much, his facial hair was overgrown, and his face was always dusted in a healthy spatter of dirt. It had always just seemed more natural to you, than the other cleaner stalls decorating the square. You knew very well you were often the only customer of his, just because he looked like he'd gotten the fruits himself.

"No problem," he grinned -big and toothy.

Once the conversation had settled, you'd ordered your berries with a sense of ease -merely pointing gently at the types just in case he couldn't hear you. You were comfortable with him and were rather fond of his presence. So even after packing away the fruit you'd bought into your basket, you still stayed near.

After the first few stories though, there was something odd.

On your arm, the basket rested -poised prettily, properly. It felt like a familiar weight at this point -used to the trips that you'd become rather excited about. But what wasn't was the slight tug on your dress -you'd barely noticed it, merely feeling like a gust of wind.

On instinct, though, your head turned to check it -eager to keep your dresses in good condition so your Headmistress wouldn't lose her head. And when you had, you'd met an unfamiliar face.

It was a little girl, her hand cinched on your dress and pulling on the fabric -intent on getting your attention. She was blond, a mess of curls gracing her head only alluding to what she had been up to earlier that day -you couldn't help but smile at her.

"Well, hello, little one," you hummed, crouching down to her side and looking around for anyone that had been looking for her, "-where are your parents?"

The little girl didn't speak, as you thought she might know a few, only leveling with your basket -brown eyes heavily focused on the fruit within. You pursed your lips, watching her as her little tiny hand extended toward you -open and shutting her fingers in a grabbing gesture.

You smiled, still flickering in the crowd for anyone with that familiar worry, "You want one?"

Still crouching down, you fished into your basket -grabbing one that she could hold and gently placing it in her palm. Her grin was a little toothy, as she with ease ate the blueberry -dribbles of the vivid blue making a mess along her mouth.

And then, a voice with an unfamiliar accent spoke about the crowd, "Judith? Where are ya? Have you seen a little toddler 'bout yay big little pink dress, blonde curls-"

Without so much as an extra thought, you gently grabbed her clean hand -keeping her close to your side. Your eyes wandered to match the voice of the man, guiding Judith back to her home. The market was a little too busy to go just on noise-

And then, you saw him.

A tall man with pushed-back brunette curls that were elegantly brushed behind his ears, and a pinch of worry in his eyebrows. He was currently turned to an older lady -crouched slightly to speak to her appropriately. You could see the brush of stubble across his jaw, and a hint of bright blue eyes.

You spared a thought, he's quite pretty. Before pushing it away, and trying to gather his attention, "Sir? Hello, excuse me-"

The man spun to your attention, blue eyes settled intently on you -a bit in shock. You immediately realized he was quite finely dressed for such an occasion, a neatly pressed white shirt and brown vest -a sort of detailed satin. Sleeves elegantly rolled up from the heat, he still looked starchly overdressed -you brushed at your dress insecurely. He seemed to start to say something-

"Dada," the girl, Judith, squealed -escaping your hand to run to him.

The man stalled for a second, eyes still set on you -before seeming to shake his head back into shape. He crouched down to match her enthusiasm, arms open wide and grinning, "Jude, thank god."

Pulling the girl to his chest, he stood. Eyes uncertainly settling on you, but still with an expert air of gratefulness, "Thank you so much, you really don't know what you've done for me, Miss uh-"

"Greene," you answered, unused to such affection displayed by a father -you found it rather charming, "-Ms. Greene. And really there's no need, I'm glad to help. She's a sweetheart."

"No, no, really-" he spoke, still a little uncertain, "-Is there anything at all I could do for ya? You have no idea-" And then he paused, looking towards his daughter with a peculiar eye (the smudge of blue still prominent on her lips) and then your basket.

"Oh, right, sorry-" you apologized, straightening the basket on your arm with a sort of nervous fidget, "-I just bought them from a stall, Mr. Elliotts, she seemed to want one. I apologize if I overstepped-"

"Could I buy ya more?"

You stalled, "I... what?"

He paused, thinking over his own words, "Well, she ate one and I'd like to thank you-"

"Sir, she only ate one," you answered -smiling at the odd idea he'd explained, "-trust me, it won't be missed."

"I insist," he carefully spoke, Judith bouncing gently in his arms a passive sort of affection you found rather endearing.

You opened your mouth, rather unused to such forward generosity -especially for something so simple as what you had done, "Well, it wouldn't-"

And then, as if the world had heard the offer (and hated you), the church bell rang -a sort of melodic noise that brushed over the center. You usually enjoyed it, keen on the tone that settled over your skin, but this time, you didn't.

"Oh, is that the bell?!" you stopped yourself, frantically looking up at the swinging golden symbol, "-I'm so sorry, I'm going to be late for breakfast. Perhaps next time?"

"'Course," he responded -the low rasp of his voice sounded quite melodic itself, you noted, "-'til I see you again. Enjoy your breakfast."

"Right, yes-" you shook yourself out of your stupor, and you think you heard him laugh, "-you and Judith enjoy your day as well, okay?"

"We will," he said -a semblance of a grin brushing across his face, you turned a bit crimson at it. All perfectly white teeth and dashing charm, "-Goodbye, Ms. Greene."

That was the last you heard, as you hurried across the courtyard -not very eager to listen to your Headmistress screech about timeliness and its importance to a proper woman. You'd imagine she'd nearly die if she could see you running through the courtyard now, actually.

You thought, just for a spare second, it might be worth it.