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your-high-lady · 5 years ago

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

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17

Disclaimer: All credits go to Sarah J Mass

Chapter 18: He's back

December 2019

More months passed as Rhys and I did better than ever. Everyone knew we were together and I loved that. Just that day we'd been talking about moving in together. I couldn't think of anything more thrilling than that. Rhys had started opening up to me lately, though he never told me exactly what had caused him to become so closed off, so guarded. I never pushed. It had taken so much from me to tell him about Tamlin.

Tamlin. I had managed to get him out my head. Until this month. Every other day, I'd imagine him around a corner or in a crowd, but when I looked back, he was gone. I felt like I was being followed, watched at, but when I glanced around, no one was there. It was making me paranoid. Frightened. Each time, I told myself I was just picturing him. He couldn't possibly be here, in California. He was in Auckland, far away from me. But then why did I keep seeing him?

Kicking the thoughts out of my head, I didn't let any of that come between Rhys and I. The only thing I could do was be with him and make sure he knew I was always there for him. That he could come to me whenever he wanted and talk to me about anything.

—

We were at the movies that day. It was late, around 8 or 9 in the evening. The nights were colder now and it got dark quickly. I had three layers on underneath my thick coat. Just as we reached the doors of the cinema, he said, "I'm gonna go to the bathroom. Meet you outside." His hand slipped out of mine as he walked back towards the bathroom and I smiled at his back before heading out of the building. Outside the only sources of light were the bright street lamps and the full moon. A sharp breeze was blowing. I could feel it on my face like pins and needles and my nose was going numb. It was tolerable for the first couple minutes, but then I started breathing into my hands and putting them against my cheeks in an attempt to warm them up. Then I heard someone call my name from behind me.

My mind went blank at the voice.

Memories went through my head. Kisses, hugs, smiles, dates. Everything and more.

His name echoed in my head, with words like 'run' and 'danger' also running through my head. It would sort of look like this if the words were physical.

Tamlin danger run run run not safe Tamlin danger run danger not safe not safe not safe run run Tamlin Tamlin Tamlin.

I watched as the words skimmed from left to right, over and over. I knew I was in danger; I knew Tamlin could hurt me any second, that I wasn't safe. But I just couldn't run, no matter how much I wished too. My limbs were frozen, unwilling to move. "Hello, Feyre." He said, smiling wickedly and coming to stand in front of me.

I shivered, not from the cold, and squeezed out the words, "Hello, Tamlin."

"How are you?" He asked as if we were still friends, as if I hadn't left him because he'd let me get raped. But those words brought me out of my trance. I was able to move all of sudden because I was angry. I was angry at him for putting me through all that heartbreak, angry at myself for freezing, angry at the law that hadn't thought it necessary to put this man behind bars. But no more. I refused to be weak, unable to fight for myself. And so before he could realise what was happening, I kneed him in his groin. "Fuming, you fucking asshole!" I said as he fell to his knees, groaning. I kicked him in the stomach, causing him to go farther down. And then I just kept going and going and going. I vented out everything, and it. Felt. Glorious. "I'm angry about what you did to me. I'm pissed!" I said as I kept kicking him here, punching there. "I'm angry at myself for letting you put me in that position. Do you know what he did to me? He fucking raped me. Do you what that is? Sex. He forced it on me. And you let it happen. You fucking let it happen, and I will never ever forgive you for that. I will not let you put me through something like that ever again. I will not be weak again. You'll never have me." I said laughing, half with hysterics and half with adrenaline, and finally stopped my assault on the son of a bitch. I had started attracting an audience, but I just shot them all of them a wide smile, probably looking like a crazy woman who needed a trip to the mental asylum. I didn't care. Tamlin was at my feet. I hadn't let him scare me and I was proud of myself for that.

It was then that I noticed Rhys, walking towards me. He stopped dead about five metres away from me, but he wasn't looking at me. Instead, he was staring at Tamlin who was groaning in pain, blood dripping from various parts of his face where I had punched him many times. Looking back at Rhys, I noticed how pale his face had gone. I'd never seen his face so immobile. It worried me. I kicked Tamlin again, making sure he wasn't getting up anytime soon and walked over to him. Bringing my hand up to his cheek, I said, "Rhys?" His eyes stayed glazed for several seconds, before he finally blinked a couple of times, and brought his eyes to look into mine. I swallowed, once again struck by just how beautiful his violet and silver-flecked eyes were, despite the tears brimming in them. Drops of tears started falling from his eyes and I moved to wipe them away with my thumb. He swallowed, and it looked as if he had to put in a lot of effort to force the words out, but he finally did it. "Tamlin killed them. My family." His shoulders shook with tears and then he was full out sobbing. He fell to his knees and I went with him. I didn't pressurise him into telling me anything else. I knew he would when he was ready. So I did what I could. For several minutes we sat there on the pavement, my arms wrapped around Rhys, rubbing up and down his back, as he cried. He'd held himself so strong and so closed off from the rest of the world, and now it was coming all out. I was so damn curious to know exactly what Tamlin had done, and I knew whatever he'd done was bad, really bad, but I held my tongue. And then several more seconds later, I watched as his sobs finally subsided and he reached into a pocket to get his phone out, and I listened to his side of the conversation. "Hello? Officer Wu? It's Rhys…Yes, it's Tamlin. He's sort lying unconscious in front of us…Um, my girlfriend beat him up?… We're in Palo Alto, at the cinemas… Yes, that one…okay, thank you." He hung up, turning to me. "The police is coming. I'll tell you the rest later." His eyes still had a haunted look but they were definitely more aware now. I nodded giving him a close-lipped smile, and we settled in, waiting for the police to arrive. They arrived in less than ten minutes and soon we were watching as the officers handcuffed a near unconscious Tamlin and lugged him into the car. An Asian officer—I'm assuming the Officer Wu Rhys had been on the phone with—came to talk to us. I gave him a summary of what had happened, which in turn caused him to warn me against assaulting people for no reason, but thankfully he let me off with just that and a knowing glance at Rhys. Soon after that, the police were off, taking Tamlin with them.

We both let out a huff of breath in relief once the car was out of sight before turning back to walk towards our car. Rhys was silent the whole drive back home, but finally, just as I put my hand on the handle to open the car door, he grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me into a kiss. It was frantic and rushed and passionate. He pulled me over the console and I settled in, straddling his hips. His mouth moved down to lick my jaw, to nibble on my earlobe, to suck on my throat. His hand slipped underneath my shirt, and he moved his arm to wrap around my back, pulling me even closer. We were both panting, not wanting to let the other go, but eventually, we broke apart with a gasp and tried to get our breath back. He leaned his forehead against mine and we breathed in each other's scents. We were finally breathing normally when he spoke. "I'm sorry, Feyre." I immediately opened my mouth to object, shaking my head, but he stopped me with a thumb to my lips. "No. I need to apologise. I'm sorry for what he did back there. He must've seen me hanging out with you, and was trying to get back at me by hurting you. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." I stared at him in astonishment, confused by his words.

"What do you mean, get back at you through me? He knows me from high school."

"What! What are you talking about?" He jerked back, looking straight into my eyes.

"I mean that he was in my high school. He was the person…my boyfriend." He stared at me, his face showing only shock. And slowly, I watched as that shock turned into anger. He started cursing loudly at Tamlin's name, and I told him to stop but he wouldn't listen, so I kissed him. That shut him up. "And why would Tamlin want to get back at you? What happened between you two?" I reminded him of my original question. I heard his breath catch, and he looked down. Lifting his chin with my finger, I saw his eyes had started watering again. Blinking the tears away, he said in low voice, his head going back down, "I guess I have to tell you now." It sounded as if he were talking to himself. He sighed and looked up at me. "Come on, let's go inside. I'll tell you there." As we walked up to the front door, I shyly asked him, "Would you stay tonight?" He smiled at me, though the corners of his eyes didn't lift, before nodding. I smiled widely, happy that he was staying despite everything that had happened tonight, and gave him a peck on the cheek, before hurrying up to the door and unlocking it. Mor, I knew, was already sleeping in her bedroom, so we were careful to stay quiet. "Why don't we get ready for bed first, and then I tell you how I know Tamlin the Tool?" He said and I smiled at the nickname before nodding.

Fifteen minutes later, I found myself lying in Rhys's muscled arms, my cheek on his warm chest. He was wearing a plain, worn-out t-shirt and sweatpants, which he had left here the last time he was over. His hand was hooked around my back, and I felt it as he took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever was to come. Placing my hand over his heart, I could feel it racing. I moved to kiss his neck, wanting to calm him. I settled down again and I knew he was smiling as he kissed my hair, taking in my scent. And then he told me.

"It happened in the winter break, a couple of years ago. There were three of us. Tamlin, Amarantha and—what's wrong?" He said lifting my chin, a small frown on his face. I'd jerked at the name 'Amarantha'.

"Amarantha was one of my teacher's names. Amarantha Smith." I told him, my voice sounding strangely dead. He pressed his lips together in disdain, nostrils flaring. "Let me guess. Red hair, black eyes, slutty nature?" I nodded. "Guess they stuck together." He said, shaking his head in disgust. I sighed, realising Tamlin and Miss Smith had been together the whole time. It just made so much sense. Rhys carried on after a few seconds of silence. "Anyways. Amarantha was my girlfriend." My nose scrunched up involuntarily. Rhys noticed. "Hey, it wasn't my fault. I was stupid and young. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. I thought I loved her. And maybe I did at that point, but obviously, she didn't. All she cared about was the money." That last part was to himself, his voice shaking with anger. He shook his head. "You'll see what I mean, later on in the story." He sighed. "Tamlin was her "brother" and my best friend. Or at least, that's what they led me to believe. And I did. We did everything together, us three." He paused, obviously regretting the time he had spent with the two. "I'd known them for about two years, before that night. They were staying over at my house, nothing new. They'd stayed over plenty of times, and of course, not once at theirs. When I questioned them about it they shut me up with their lies and excuses. Their father was a drunk addict, the house was under renovation, no food. All lies. And I, of course, believed them." I could hear the anger rising in his voice.

I said, "Hey, it wasn't your fault. You didn't know. And they must've been great at lying. It's what they do. They lie and lie and lie, but that doesn't mean it's your fault that you didn't realise. None of this is your fault, you hear me?" He stared at me, and then just carried on, clearly not agreeing with any of what I'd just said. I huffed, frowning, but let him continue. "I'm not gonna stretch it out. Tamlin was sleeping next door and Amarantha beside me. A gunshot woke me up, followed by a scream. I run out of my bedroom, barely processing Amarantha's absence. And then there she was. Amarantha, wearing her silk, purple nightgown," Tears poured down his face but his voice remained steady. "A gun held high in her hand pointed straight at my loving mother. I watched as she fell right down in the threshold of her bedroom with a thud." He was silent for a few seconds, sniffling and gulping as he tried to stop the tears from escaping. "The bitch must've panicked or something because when she saw me and it was clear that she'd shot my mother right in front of my eyes, making me a witness, she shot me too." His hands lifted his shirt and I looked down to find a round scar. The bullet wound. I looked back up as he pulled his shirt back down. "I collapsed from the pain, and soon I was out of it from blood loss. The next time I opened my eyes, I found myself in a hospital. It was two days after that night. Officer Wu, one of the many who were a part of the investigation that happened afterwards, told me what had happened. Tamlin and Amarantha were criminals with long records. He had raped my sister and killed her afterwards, while Amarantha stole all of Mum's jewellery and the money we had saved up from the safe. A neighbour had called the police at the sound of the gunshots but by the time the police got there, both of them were gone. My mum and sister who had meant everything to me were dead and I was following closely behind. But they found me in time. Got me to the hospital. And no matter how hard the police tried, they couldn't find Tamlin and Amarantha. It was like they had disappeared off the face of Earth." He paused, swallowing hard. "Until now."

"My father was often away for his job and when he came home to find his wife and only daughter dead… He died soon after. From grief, I suppose. Mum and he had always been crazy in love and he had been sick for some time at that point, anyways. It only took a month and then he was gone too, leaving me completely alone." He paused again, swallowing as he got his emotions in check. "That winter break, I stayed in that wretched house, just staring at the tv or the stain of blood in my sister's bedroom or the spot where my mother had fallen. I only left the house once in about three weeks to get some groceries. I talked to no one. I isolated myself from the world." He paused. "A week before I was supposed to start college, I heard a knock on the door. I ignored it at first, but when they didn't go away, I opened it. It was Mor. I hadn't seen her in months and then all of sudden there she was, in front of me, hugging me. She brought me out my isolation a little but still, I didn't talk to anyone at college. Mor was still in high school. She wasn't there with me to force me to socialise. Halfway through the year, Cassian came up to me. We became the type of friends who always fought. And then Azriel came. He was constantly alone in college, and one day Cassian and I decided to talk to him. After that, we just clicked. I started thinking them of as brothers, as…family. I was scared though. I had already lost one family. I didn't want to lose another. I talked to Mor about it. She had already met them by then and helped me get rid of the fear. And then Amren came into the picture—she and Mor were friends from high school and before long, we were the Inner Circle, as we like to call ourselves. I had a family again." He looked down at me, tears brimming in his eyes. "I had a family." He repeated, his voice cracking. I just wrapped my arms his neck and kissed him.

I said, "You have a family, and they love you very much. Don't be scared. They love you. They won't ever leave. I swear on my life. They will never ever leave you." I kissed him again, slightly longer this time. Things were getting heated, but then suddenly he pulled away, a nervous look in his eyes. "Feyre, you know how I said the Inner Circle are my family, right?" I nodded, confused. "Well, since you and I love each other, you're a part of that family. You know that, don't you?" I looked at him for a few seconds before nodding, a light smile on my face. He smiled back at me and kissed me, flipping me onto my back.

Deepening the kiss, I wrapped my legs around his hips, pulling him closer to me. His hand on my hip, he groaned, bringing his lips to my neck, my ears, temples. He kissed every part of my face, and I groaned in desperation. I could feel every pore on my face burning as his lips passed over my face. And then he moved on and the fire was replaced with ice-cold air. I needed to feel him, to touch him. I wanted him. My hand drifted underneath his shirt and he groaned, pulling back far enough that I could easily pull the t-shirt of him. Now naked in front of me, I could see his chest rising and falling in great big gasps. Slowly I brought a hand to touch his chest, breathing deeply. He was pure muscle, hard and rippled. I felt one of Rhys's hands squeeze my hips and looked back at him. "I want to see you," He said softly, hesitantly. I nodded. My hands went to the rim of my shirt and he stopped me, getting there first. As he slowly pulled my shirt off me, he whispered in my ear, "I want to be the one to do it. Let me do this, for you, for myself. Let me—" His voice cracked—"let me touch you."

I cupped his cheek and met his gaze. "I love you, Rhys. I will for as long as I live. I want this. I want you." A ravenous hunger had started building in his eyes and I watched as my words set him on fire. He kissed me on the lips, softly whispering, "I love you too, Feyre." And then he unleashed the beast in himself.

We were a tangle of limbs, kisses, groans, moans and sweet, whispered nothings as I marked him down his back, his arms, as he devoured me.

Moaning, our clothes came completely off and he, with heart-breaking gentleness sheathed himself inside me. Once I was accustomed to him, he thrusted with that same gentleness and I came trembling and sobbing as we kissed. He kept moving and I screamed his name, as I came once more, his roar of pleasure mixing with mine.

—

We fell asleep in each others arm, my head nestled in his arm, his other arm wrapped around my waist. I could feel his hot breath on my ear and his soft snoring. I woke in the middle of the night, overheating from his warmth and gently unwrapped his arm from around me. Once I'd found a comfortable spot again, I let myself look at Rhys's resting face. Not a single wrinkle or blemish marked his face. He was mine and I was his. Looking at him in that moment, I knew where ever he was—that would be my home.

AN: Hello. My story's come to an end, did you know? It's the end and I find it so surreal to think of how far Feyre has come since the beginning of her story. I hope her actions in my story have motivated you to keep going, to never stop no matter how hard things can get sometimes. I've always had high expectations from myself and they more often than not take a huge toll on me mentally and physically. But still, I keep going. Because if I don't, there's no point in living. That's the way I think, at least. You may have different views but I think anyone and everyone could use a little push in their life. I hope my story was that little push for you. I hope Feyre motivated you to keep going because to keep going means you'll eventually find that little or big thing you started your journey for and the happiness I'm sure you'll feel at the end...that happiness is worth all the trials and turmoils life will throw at you. It's worth it. Trust me, I know. You just have to keep going to find it.

Also, I do have a little more planned. It's really sweet and I would tell you what it is, but I want to keep it a surprise. It's not necessary to read the rest of the chapters but I think you'll want to if you've already stuck with me so far. I'll upload them all on the same day, as soon as I've edited them. Thank you so much for reading until the end. I appreciate it and you more than you could ever imagine.

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darling-cas · 7 years ago

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Whatever It Takes: Chapter 2

ACOTAR Figure Skating AU

Summary: Nesta firmly believes that if you want something, you have to work your ass off for it. And she wants a National title attached to her name. But when her coach decides that a change in discipline is what Nesta needs, she’s far from impressed. Now, instead of training as a ladies single skater, she has to switch gears and skate as a pairs skater. And her partner? Someone she can’t stand. Non other then cocky, flirtatious, former Men’s skater Cassian. Edited by: @ilikebigbooks-and-icannotlie

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Azriel stood just a few feet away from boards waiting, watching.

He watched everything. He kept his eyes on the players around him, skating up and down the ice at top speed. He kept his eyes on the puck, watching as it was passed from player to player.

He watched everything, taking it all in. No one paid much attention to him. They were all too concerned about the puck and trying to get it in the net.

But that’s how it always was.

They called him the Shadowsinger - no one ever knew where he was or when he was going to show up. Even if they knew to keep a look out for him, if someone looked away for just a moment, he was there, sneaking up behind them. His blades seemed to not even make a sound, as if he appeared out of the shadows themselves.

Azriel hadn’t been too sure about the nickname at first. But after a while, he’d grown accustomed to it. He played off of it. He took the name and made it a part of him.

So he stood back. He let the other players do what they needed to do. They passed the punk between them, slapping it across the icy surface. They took shots on the net only to have the goalie deflect them. There was yelling - from between the players and the coach - mixed in with the sound of blades plowing up snow.

Throughout the chaos, Azriel simply stood in the shadows. Waiting. Watching.

Then, there it was. Drakon managed to get the puck. He was positioned by their goalie’s net, the opposing team closing in on him. There wasn’t more than a nod of his head as Drakon met Azriel’s gaze.

And Azriel moved.

He skated across the ice as Drakon shot the punk towards him. The other players were confused for a moment. Their eyes followed the punk, which crashed across Azriel’s waiting stick.

Azriel didn’t stick around to see the look of understanding and determination cross his teammates faces.

He took off down the ice, a trail of players coming after him. But he payed them no attention. He was too busy feeling the wind on his face. His legs burned as his blades carried him down the ice. He pushed and pushed, not slowing down for one moment. Not as the net came into view. Not as the other players started to crowd around him. Not as he took the shot. It was only when the punk flew past the goalie and hit the back of the net that Azriel came to a stop.

There were cheers and groans all around him. A few players close by him slapped him on the back as the coach blew his whistle.

“I’m so fucking glad we’re on the same team, man,” Drakon said, coming up to Azriel as the whole team made their way towards the boards.

“I know.” Azriel wiped some sweat off his brow before giving Drakon a sly smile. “I’d hate to have to beat your ass every time we played a game against each other.”

Drakon sent him a playful glare, a curse about to slip past his lips. But Coach cut him off before he could speak it.

“Good practice boys,” Coach said. His arms were crossed tightly in front of him as the whole Velaris University hockey team stood before him. “We still have a week until the first game of the year, so here’s what I want us to work on.”

Azriel stood there, quietly listening as Coach spent a few moments talking strategy, pointing out a number of things he wanted the team to work on before finally dismissing them for the night.

“Coach has no reason to worry,” Drakon said, standing next to Azriel as they waited to pile off the ice. “With the Shadowsinger on our team, those prissy Royals won’t know what hit them.”

“I don’t know,” Azriel said. “Their goalie is pretty good from what I hear.”

“Someone whose nickname is ‘The Prince’ stands no chance against us.” Drakon clasped Azirel on the back before stepping off the ice, causing Azriel to laugh.

But the sound died in his throat when he saw who was standing there. And he suddenly couldn't breathe.

Her hair was half pulled back, a few golden-brown waves framing her heart-shaped face.Those stunning, rich, brown eyes where looking down at her phone as she typed away. She was dressed in a simple pair of brown boots, black pants, and a tan jacket. But to Azriel, there was nothing more beautiful in the world.

“Dude.”

Azriel’s head snapped to his right, only to find Drakon giving him a knowing look. A look which Azirel returned with a glare. He pulled off his helmet, his damp dark hair sticking to his forehead before swallowing and making his way over to the beauty standing there.

“Hey.”

Elain’s head snapped up. Those doe-like eyes met his and a breathtaking smile appeared on her soft face.

“Hey.” She dropped her phone in her pocket, nodding towards the ice. “I saw your last play. It was good.”

“Just good, huh?” Azirel couldn't help himself. The words left his month before he could think about them. The smug, teasing smile appeared on his lips without a second thought. “Think you can do better?”

A musical laugh left Elain’s lips, causing Azirel’s stomach to flip, as she rolled her eyes. “We’ve been over this before, Az. Figure skaters can skate circles around you hockey players.”

“Probably,” he shrugged. “That doesn’t mean you can do the plays better though.”

“Shall we test that theory?” The teasing sparkle shinning in Elain’s eyes made Azriel laugh.

He couldn't help it. The teasing, the laughter, the smiles, it was all easy with Elain. It always was. Ever since they had met in high school and were paired together for a Biology project. She wasn’t like the others outside of his inner circle of friends. She didn’t look at him like everyone else did. As the shy boy who ran away from his abusive family. She looked at him as he was. As just Azriel. And they’ve been best friends ever since.

“So, should I take all this talk about figure skating as your way of saying you’re going back this year?”

The moment the words left his mouth, Azriel regretted them.

Elain’s face fell. The smile that once graced her lips disappeared. Her eyes lost their sparkle as she stuffed her hands in her pockets.

“I don’t know yet,” she admitted quietly. “I’m still-”

“There you are.”

Azriel looked over Elain’s shoulder, only to find Lucien walking towards them. His hockey bag was thrown over his shoulder, fire-red hair pulled back in a pony tail and swinging behind him.

Mid-step, Lucien paused. Just for a beat, just long enough for his eyes to shift from Elain to Azriel and back again. Just long enough for a hint of caution and uncertainty to take hold on his face.

His eyes shifted back to Elain. Though his features softened as he walked towards her, Azriel still see the caution and fickleness lingering just under the surface.

“Hey,” Lucien smiled softly

He came up to them, wrapping an arm around Elain’s shoulder and pulling her in for a kiss.

Azriel looked away, taking in a deep breath through his nose as growing frustration threatened to creep through his veins.

“I told you that you could go wait in the car,” Lucien smiled at Elian when they pulled apart.

“I know.” Elain’s own smile didn’t reach her eyes as she turned to Azriel. “But I ended up talking to Az.”

Lucien’s eyes snapped towards the man in question. His smile became more strained as he nodded - a nod that Azirel returned.

“Hey man.” Lucien cleared his throat. “That last play you did was pretty good.”

Unlike with Elain, Azriel simple replied with a quick “Thanks, man.”

The tension grew around them, no one really knowing what to say. Lucien and Azirel may have skated on the same team, but that didn’t mean they hung out a great deal off the ice. In fact, Azirel would rather not deal with Lucien at all. Not after how Lucien’s best friend Tamlin had treated Feyre, someone who was like a sister to Azriel at that point. But also mostly because-

“Anyways,” Lucien cleared his throat once more, turning to face Elain. “We should get going.”

“Right.” Elain nodded before giving Azriel the smallest, loving smile. “I’ll talk to you later Az, okay?”

Azriel gave Elain his own small smile, ignoring the dark look that passed over Lucien’s face. “Sounds good.”

“See you at practice tomorrow.” Lucien’s words were a bit colder than they were before as Azriel nodded a goodbye.

He didn’t move though, not as he watched Elain and Lucien walk away, Lucien’s arm still draped over her shoulders.

And Azriel hated himself. Hated himself for the anger he let creep in. Hated that said anger was directed at Lucien. Hated that it was directed at Lucien because he had his arm around Elain. Because he got to hold her, love her, kiss her.

But he hated himself the most for allowing it to happen. Hated himself for falling in love with his best friend, again. For loving another man’s girlfriend.

With a deep sigh, Azriel marched off towards the locker room, cursing himself as he went. Someone up there clearly had it out for him. Someone up there was looking down at him, laughing. He wondered what he did to deserve it. Because lord knows he didn’t ask for any of it. It just happened. He couldn't help it.

Somehow, he had fallen in love with Elain Archeron.

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“She still hasn’t come back?”

Cassian shook his head as he took a sip of his water. He leaned back against the boards, looking out at the ice before him. The freshly cleaned surface glistened. The sound of only one pair of blades drifted to his ears. Blades that belonged to Feyre as she skated up and down the ice, skating through her warm ups.

“Nope,” Cassian said, taking another sip from his water bottle. “And it’s been three days. Coach Carver isn’t too impressed.”

A deep chuckle escaped Rhys’ lips. He leaned against the boards next to Cassian, dark hair swept to one side.

“No. I wouldn’t say he is.”

Cassian shot Rhys a sly grin before turning back to the ice. He watched as Feyre weaved up the ice, knees bent, causing the edges of her blades to cut deep into the ice. She caught their gazes on her from across the rink, and flashed them a grin and wink before flipping backwards.

Skating in the pairs time slot was much different from his original singles time slot. For one, Cassian got to sleep in, which was a big plus. But also, there was so much more room. With just the three of them on the ice the past few days, Cassian had more room to skate and practice then he’d had in years.

Practice. What he was doing wasn’t exactly practice. The past three days, Coach Carver had been teaching Cassian all he could about pairs skating. But given the fact that they were missing the pair, practices had become pretty useless.

“Coach Carver seems convinced she’ll be back,” Cassian said after a moment.

Rhys looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “And what do you think?”

What did he think? Cassian wasn’t 100% sure. He never was when it came to Nesta. He was normally good at getting a read on people, knowing what their next move would be. But with Nesta… Gods damn him. He could never get a read on that woman.

It honestly didn’t even surprise him one bit when she walked off a few days ago. It was a shock - Nesta Archeron walking out of practice! Who would think it? - but not a surprise. It was actually a pretty tame reaction, compared to what Cassian thought would happen when she found out they would be skating partners.

“I don’t know what to think,” Cassian answered honestly. “God only knows with that woman.”

Rhys hummed in agreement as Feyre skated up to them.

“Talking about my sister again?” She kicked her leg up on the boards, stretching out her muscles. But there was no hardness, no bitterness in her voice as she spoke. It was a general question.

“Any clue when she’ll be back?” Cassian asked.

When not if. Because it would take a hell of a lot more than just a discipline change to keep Nesta Archeron away from the ice.

But Feyre simply shook her head, switching her legs so she was facing away from them.

“No clue,” she called over her shoulder. “I doubt she’d tell me anyway.”

“So this is how we become National Champions, is it?”

Cassian glanced past Feyre. Rhys chuckled as Coach Suriel skated towards them, a coffee cup gripped in one hand. He was dressed head to two in black, making his already pale skin look corpse-like. His too-thin lips were pulled back in a teasing smile. Light green eyes - so light that from far away they appeared white - sparkled. His limbs were long and thin, head hairless, nose so small, the nostrils looked almost like slits. If you looked at Coach Suriel, you definitely didn’t think Olympic Champion.

But he was. He was the best of the best. Even though for years he had been in retirement, not coaching or even skating. Then, he found Feyre and Rhys. Both had just lost their skating partners. He saw something in them - or so he said - and took them under his wing. He forced them to work together even though they hated each other at the time. And now, they were the best Pairs team in the entire country.

“We just stand around chatting and National titles fall into our hands, do they?” Coach Suriel came to a stop in front of the threesome.

“If only it was that easy, Coach.” Rhys smiled as he wrapped his arm around Feyre’s shoulder, who was now standing upright.

“Yes, if only.” Coach took a sip of his coffee. “It would have saved me so much trouble last year, dealing with you two always being at each other's throats. Now say goodbye to Mr. Guerrero. We need to get to work. And I’m sure he does too.”

Rhys and Feyre said their goodbyes, making promises to meet up after practice to get something to eat. As they skated up the ice, Cassian turned only to find Coach Carver stepping onto the ice himself. Cassian grabbed his water bottle and took in a deep breath before skating to the end of the ice to meet him. Skating towards another useless-

He came to a complete stop, standing just a few feet away from Coach Carver.

Because there, stepping onto the ice, dressed in all black with her hair slicked back in its ever-present ponytail, was Nesta Archeron. He was shocked and confused as to why she was there. As to what had happened to get her to finally come back. But most of all, he was captured. Because she looked just as haunting and stunning as every other time Cassian set his eyes on her.

For the moment he met Nesta Archeron back when they were young and just starting out as skaters, she had taken over his mind. Whenever she was around, it was hard for Cassian to keep his eyes off of her. She was enchanting. She was a challenge, a worthy opponent if you will. He’d never had much trouble when it came to girls. But Nesta… Nesta was different. A tense breath of fresh air. An animal ready to strike if he poked her enough, pushed her buttons just right.

And damn him. Because no matter what, he couldn’t stop pushing those buttons. He couldn't stay away. Even if he’d wanted to.

Cassian mentally punched himself, yelling at himself to cut it out as he skated over to Coach Carver.

“Coach won't train me unless I’m skating with you,” Nesta said as a way of greeting, just as Cassian came to a stop next to her and Coach. Her arms were crossed over her chest, eyes hard. “And I need to place at Nationals this year. So, looks like I’m fucking stuck with you.”

The words cut a lot deeper than Cassian wanted to admit. To himself or to anyone else. But he put a smug smile on his face, eyes swimming with amusement as he watched Nesta narrow her eyes at him even more. An electric charge ran through him, a pull in the pit of his stomach.

“Good morning to you too, Nes.”

He knew she hated that nickname, but he couldn't help himself. He was sure that if it were possible, steam would have been coming out of her ears. He just couldn't help it. Pushing her buttons was just so much fun.

“I don’t want you two ripping each other apart before we even start,” Coach Carver spoke up from where he stood, just behind the boards. When Cassian looked, he swore he saw amusement shining in his eyes.

“Ms. Archeron.” Coach Carver turned his gaze to Nesta. “Remember. You’re on probation. For a very long time. I don’t tolerate my skaters throwing hissy fits and leaving the ice. So count your blessings that you’re even back, and if I were you, I’d watch that tongue of yours very carefully.”

There was a beat of silence. Cassian watched as Nesta clenched her jaw. Her eyes were like ice, brows pinched. After a moment, she gave one tight nod.

Coach Carver and Nesta continued to stare at eachother for a moment, having a silent conversation. Cassian could only guess that whatever they talked about before they stepped onto the ice really affected Nesta. Because she kept her mouth shut.

“Okay then.” Coach Carver placed his hands in his pockets, looking between both his skaters. “Seeing as you two already know each other, I see no point in wasting any more time. Go line up on the blue line.”

The sternness in Coach Carver’s voice had them both moving without question. Nesta turned with a flip of her hair, skating towards the blue line with Cassian trailing after her, more than happy to get away from Coach Carver - Cassian always felt the slightest bit of fear when he was around that man.

As they both came to a stop, side by side, Cassian could see Rhys and Feyre working on a new lift. They smiled and laughed as Feyre fell into Rhys’s arms, Coach Suriel shaking his head before telling them to go again.

They made it look so easy. The lifts, the jumps, the spins. The way they moved together, and told a story on the ice. The connection between them was as timeless as the night sky. A part of Cassian could only hope it would be that easy between him and Nesta.

The more rational part of him knew that would never going to happen.

“Okay.” Coach Carver skated up to them in full training mode. “Stand in Kilian hold.”

“Why?” Nesta raised a sharp eyebrow in question.

Cassian couldn't help but agree with her.

But Coach Carver just gave her a sharp sideways glance, lips pursed. It was clear that his patience was running very thin with her.

“Here.” Cassian reached out and took her left hand in his, pulling it across his body. Mainly to stop the fight that was sure to break out between the Coach and Nesta if they kept it up.

He felt Nesta tense up at his touch. Even more so when he brought his right arm around her to place his hand on her hip. She actually took the smallest step away from him. Cassian tried not to feel the sharp ping of hurt in his heart as she did so. But after a beat, when Nesta closed her eyes and took a breath through her nose, she placed her right hand on top of the one he had resting on her hip.

“Now what?” Cassian glanced up at Coach Carver, hyper-aware of the woman he was holding onto.

“I assume you both remember the Dutch Waltz.” Coach Carver’s voice was flat, almost bored.

Cassian couldn't help but blink in surprise. He heard Nesta mumble “You have got to be fucking kidding me,” next to him.

“You want us to skate the Dutch Waltz?” Cassian questioned. “The first dance you learn when you enter skating?”

“Correct, Mr. Guerrero.”

“It’s a dance for ten year olds.” Nesta’s voice was tight as she tried to stop herself from snapping.

“Then you both should find this very easy.”

“Why?” Cassian couldn't help but ask.

Coach Carver looked him up and down, staring intensely. Cassian didn’t think he’d ever get used to that look as fear shot through his body. Even if they were similar to the only kinds of looks his former coach - Coach Enalius - gave him.

Then, Carver’s gaze moved to Nesta. Then back and forth between the two. After a moment, Cassian wasn’t sure if he was even going to answer the question. If maybe he was just going to walk away.

“Why?” Coach Carver tilted his head, dark hair falling across his forehead. “Because you’ve never skated together before. You've never skated with anyone before. Did you honestly think I’d let you two, of all people, start throwing up lifts or doing side by side spins? With my luck, one of you would end up slitting the other’s throat with your blade. On purpose.”

For a moment, Cassian wanted to argue back. To say that wasn’t true. But he couldn't. Even Nesta stayed quiet at his side. Because they both knew that everything Coach Carver was saying was far from a lie.

“So we’re going to start off with the basics,” he continued. “And to get you both used to skating together-”

“We have to skate the Dutch Waltz.” There was venom in her voice as Nesta spoke through her clenched teeth.

“You catch on quick, Ms. Archeron.” Coach Carver nodded as he started to make his way towards the boards. He stepped up to the CD player they kept on the ice, which was hooked up to the rink speakers. “When the music begins, you can start.”

Cassian’s jaw locked. Once again, he was glad it was only Rhys and Feyre on the ice. Even though he knew Rhys would never let him live it down, doing such an easy dance at his skating level - it was embarrassing. Especially when he glanced towards the other end of the ice again, only to find Rhys lifting Feyre over his head.

Nesta’s body was tense against his. She was as far away from him as she could possibly be while still holding onto one another. Her gaze was fixed straight ahead, jaw clenched shut as the music started to play.

It was a jolly little tune, something a child would enjoy skating to. That thought clearly did little to make Cassian feel better.

He tried not to pay attention to Rhys and Feyre’s questioning stares. Or to the woman holding his hand. Or the fact that said hand was burning against her hip. Instead, he swallowed his pride. He counted out the beats to the music. Then, along with Nesta, they stepped forward with their left feet.

The dance was wrong from the start.

The steps were right. The hand positions were correct. But they were so stiff, so tense as they did such simple steps together, it all felt wrong.

They made it just one full time around the ice when Coach Carver stopped the music.

“Again,” was the only word out of his month.

“What was wrong with that?” Nesta spun around so fast, her hair almost slapped Cassian in the face. It was as if all the anger and tension she was holding in finally got the best of her. “We didn’t miss one single simple step!”

“No,” Coach Carver agreed, speaking slowly, as if he were talking to a five-year-old, “But you may as well have been skating with mannequins. Do you honestly think you’ll be able to pull off any pair moves if you’re both as stiff as boards?”

Nesta drew in a sharp breath, eyes closed. “This is so fucking pointless.”

“Perhaps, Ms. Archeron,” Coach Carver’s voice was as sharp as a knife. “But we will continue to do this dance until I say you can stop. I don’t care if it takes an hour or a week. So I suggest you get a move on.”

As much as Cassian didn’t like the idea of skating the dance, he knew Coach Carver meant every word. Therefore, before Nesta could say something to truly get her in trouble, he stepped forward.

“Come on, Nesta.” He reached forward and grabbed her upper arm, only to have her pull it out of his grasp.

“Don’t touch me,” she snapped at him, grey eyes swirling with a building storm.

At her tone, Cassian couldn't help but narrow his own eyes at her, blood racing through his veins.

“We’re skating partners now.” His voice was low as he spoke. “So not touching you is going to be pretty damn hard to do.”

The tension between them was so thick that Cassian could almost see it. But he kept his gaze locked with hers. He wanted her to know he wasn’t going to take it, being walked all over and snapped at. It wasn’t the Nesta Archeron show anymore. She wasn’t alone anymore. No, it was the two of them from then on. She was going to have to learn to accept that.

After the longest moment, Nesta took the smallest glide backwards, eyes made of ice.

She didn’t say anything, however. She didn’t say sorry or yell back at him. She simply skated back towards the blue line. Standing there, waiting with her head held high.

Taking in a long deep breath, Cassian glanced at Coach Carver once more before making his way over to Nesta, only one thought running through his mind:

This woman is going to be the death of me.

——————–

Note: The Dutch Waltz is one of the first figure skating dances you learn in Canada. It’s part of the Skate Canada program. Therefore I’m not 100% sure if it’s the same in the States or anywhere else in the world. So I’m sorry if this little bit of the story is incorrect to some people.

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a-court-of-daydreamers · 7 years ago

Text

Don’t Give Up (ACOTAR AU): Chapter 1

Acotar AU Fic based in highschool. Probably will be multi-POV to make it more interesting.

SUmmary: With Uni approaching quickly, the final year is upon us. And of course this does not come without drama, romances and lots and lots of alcohol.

Let me know what you think, this is my first Fanfic :)

* I am from England so this is set in the English schools, during A-levels which is the next step up before we go to university/college, so this is 17-18. If any terms come up that I might need to explain, I doubt this will occur but still, I will explain them.

“Feyre, you don’t look too good, are you ok?” Andromache’s eyes are wide with worry. Her hazel eyes pass over my skin, and I shy against her gaze.

“Yeah I’m ok, just feeling a little queazy” I scrape my hair into a ponytail and scan the cafeteria. The noise is bubbling through me, pounding my eardrums, I turn to my friend.

“Did you hear what I just said?”

“Yeah of course I did, I was just looking for someone.” I push my fork through the now cold beans and soggy chips on my plate.

“Looking for Tamlin you mean?” She snorts and looks to that certain person she always looks for.

“You should just talk to her you know, she won’t bite” I discard my fork and push my plate away in resignation. The food is barely edible hot, let alone when it’s cold.

“But she's so amazing and I’m me. She wouldn't want to talk to me and besides that is basically friendship goals look at them. Mor is beautiful and talented and head girl, her cousin, Rhysand, is tall dark and handsome, the definition of a heartthrob. He is also annoyingly smart and accompanies his cousin as head boy. Then you have by far the most muscular human beings I have ever seen, Azriel and Cassian. And finally the cherry on the dream team cake, you have Amren. Who can single handedly scare anyone in this town and send them sprinting in any direction but hers. It’s something about her eyes I think. So in response in to your question Feyre, my dear friend, they are the most intimidating group ever.” Andromache sighs and takes a bite out of her apple, I smile as the juice runs down her chin.

“Come on now Andromache, do you have no manners? Here have napkin” A deep voice rumbles from behind me. My friend goes bright red and quickly wipes the juice off of her chin. I turn round to defend her, the words rising up my throat are caught and pushed right back down. Tamlin is smirking, obviously enjoying my friends discomfort. I elbow him in the stomach.

“Tam was that necessary?” My tone is clipped as I turn back to the table. Andromache’s eyes are fixed on the table, I reach across the table and squeeze her hand. An irritated huff behind me reminds me of the presence of my boyfriend. I continue to ignore.

“Andy, you do have manners, don't listen to the insufferable arsehole behind me.” Andromache’s eyes sparkle as they find mine but find the table extremely interesting as a large hand grips my shoulder.

“Can we talk in private for a minute babe” His tone is curt. He is mad, I just embarrassed him in front of my friend. I stand and his hand tightens its grip, like he thinks I’ll make a run for it. Cute. I throw a sympathetic glance over my shoulder to Andy who is left at the table on her own.

Tamlin shuts the door to a desolate classroom. He pushes me against the wall. Hard. My head hits the wall with a dull thud. “Feyre. I don’t like your attitude. I didn't even say anything mean, have you taken something today to make you act like a complete bitch?” He growls out the words and shoves me against the wall again.

“I..I am sorry Tam, I shouldn't have said what I said.” I look at my feet as Tamlin’s hands press bruising marks into my forearms.

“That’s what I thought, you're coming to mine tonight, I’ll pick you up at five" He presses a rough kiss to my lips before storming out the classroom. I grasp the table and hold myself up while my legs are shaking. Blood bangs against my head and it takes everything I have to remain conscious. Breathing in deeply I walk out of the classroom, doing everything I can to convince myself Tamlin loves me and that he acted rationally because I was the one that angered him. But there is always that little nagging voice.

“Feyre! Where have you been! You weren't in chemistry or German. What happened?” Andromache jogs to catch up to me, her hair is falling out of her go to sleek ponytail and she looks quite frazzled.

“I.. I dont know, I just lost track of time I guess” I pull my jumper sleeves down, hiding the purple marks adorning my arms.

“Oh don’t mess with me, you never miss lessons. I covered for you by the way” Andy looks at me intensely, her soft eyes again hold worry. I look away and stop at the gate to my house.

“We can’t study tonight, I’m seeing Tam” My house looms over me and I can see Nesta’s face look through the curtains before disappearing into the kitchen. I turn to my best friend. Her slender face is painted with disappointment.

“Yeah ok, I was hoping we could go see a movie instead but don't worry about it, I’ll text you later Fey” She quickly turns and walks across the street to her own house. I wait until she has shut the door before entering my own.

“Hi Nesta, Hi Elain” I shout to the sisters who won't reply. I get a stiff grunt from Nesta who is shut in Elains room. Typical. The dynamic between the three of us has never been the same since mom died. Our dad works all the time so we rarely see him and he has his own city apartment to avoid the commute to work, just when groceries get delivered every week we know he hasn't forgotten us, but he doesn't even do that, all he does is pay for it, I place the order. Thanks Dad.

I flop down onto my bed which is adorned with stars, a deep midnight blue fabric holds the night stars on my bed. The mattress groans with my weight as I flick off my converse. I would like to say today has been different but it really hasn’t. The seconds tick by with a deafening thud as they make their way round my clock hung on my wall. One second, two seconds, three seconds, four seconds, five seconds. As I stare at my ceiling, I listen. Just listen to the noises in our house. Nesta grumbling, Elain giggling. And my clock ticking. The doorbell cuts through the rhythmic silence. The door opens.

“FEYRE. TAMLIN IS HERE!” Nesta shouts to me as she walks up the stairs to her destination of Elains room. So much for sisterly confrontation. I force myself up and out of bed before slipping my feet into my worn converse. Tamlin is waiting. Must not keep him waiting. He is leaning against the doorframe looking at a childhood picture of myself and my sisters. He looks like the old Tamlin, that I loved. The carefree and beautiful boy, who would shower me with kisses, not bruises. The boy that would tell me I’m beautiful and perfect, not fat and I should go on a diet. The boy that I was in love with, not the boy I was scared of. Memories are painful. And no matter how hard I tell myself he is still in there, I never believe it. That Tamlin is gone. And I mourn him. I stand on the bottom step just watching him, savouring those few precious moments.And watch to boy disappear when he opens his mouth.

“Lets go” His voice is rough, like sandpaper as he turns and walks out of my door and gets in his car. I follow in a wordless walk and let the soft leather engulf me as I sit in his car.

He remains a deathly quiet for the whole ride, no matter the silence breaker question I ask, the response is a grunt. I give up on conversation as we pull up on his drive. No cars. We will be alone. My heart fights against my chest, wanting to break free and relieve me of my misery. I can feel his anger pooling off of him is scalding waves. He opens his front door for me before slamming it behind himself. I flinch and await the inevitable.

“Feyre, you really are a bitch sometimes. Like what in the world was lunch about. I told you, that you were not allowed to sit in there. Let alone with her.” His back is turned and the muscles taught.

“Andromache is my friend Tam, and I didn't have lunch today” Words barely escape my lips in a foreign voice. He turns to me. Looks me up and down. And laughs.

“I don’t think you really need lunch, look at you. Come on Fey, the star player on the football team can’t be seen with some fat ugly lump of a girl. You have to be joking me” Laughter leaves his mouth in rich patronising jolts. He stalks towards me and pin me up against the wall, both arms either side of my shoulders. I don't think I'm breathing as he starts to unbuckle my belt.

“No Tam, I don't want to” I push his hand away from my belt buckle.

“Do you think I give a shit about what you want? You're my girlfriend and I will tell you what to do” He grabs hold of my wrist and twists it. Hard. I whimper. Cold and vicious eyes capture mine. His hand connects with my cheekbone with a terrifying force, it throws my head to the side. He resume on my belt and forces rough unkind kisses up my neck. Closing my eyes, I wish I was at the movies with Andy or anywhere but here. Tamlin pushes my jeans down along with my underwear. Faintly I hear the sound of him unzipping his own jeans, Tears roll down my face scalding my skin, the atmosphere around me becomes thick and choking and the sounds dissipate into nothing. I feel nothing, I am nothing, I feel disgusting. Tamlin pounds inside me with excruciating force before finding his release and resting his forehead on my shoulder. He zips himself up before doing the same for me.

“Say something feyre” Hel ooks at me with uninterested eyes, the statement catches me off guard, so off guard I find words leaving my mouth before I can stop them. I watch his face twist into white hot rage and as his fist connects with my face.

“Fine I was about done with you anyway you little whore. If you don't want to be with me, find someone better, I dare you” He stalks off upstairs, slamming doors so hard the wood groans and leaving me sobbing in his hallway.

I managed to get a taxi back to my house, something as mundane as getting a taxi felt so bizarre. After what had just happened. I stumbled up the stairs, my whole body aching and protesting at the slightest movement. I fall onto my bed and sobbed until I couldn't cry anymore.

“Feyre, get up you are late for school”.

“I’m ill, so I'm not going in today” My voice is muffled by the duvet. Footsteps recede and my door slams. And there I am, totally alone, again. The silence is welcomed as I lie in my clothes from yesterday and avoid the population of the world. I don't think I could manage seeing anyone today, a nauseous feeling in my stomach builds up to my throat. I taste the bile stinging my tongue before I leap out of bed and sprint to my bathroom. Only just making it to the toilet bowl, I deposit the contents of my stomach into the porcelain bowl before flushing, changing into my pyjamas and falling into a restless sleep again. “Whoever is poking me, please go and fine something else to do with your time” I grumble to the owner of the finger jabbing my side incessantly.

“I will if you tell me what’s going on with you Fey, you're acting really strange” Andromache has been sat on my bed for the past twenty minutes in silence. Probably thinking through what she was going to say right down to the last word. She was like that, methodical and ordered, whereas I am wild and unruly, or was. I know what her reaction will be when she sees, it was the same as mine when I saw my face. Which is why I am putting it off for as long as possible. But Andromache is a tough one and refuses to leave me alone.

“Fine you want to know what is wrong, this is what is wrong”. I sit up and face her. Scarlet bruises mark my left cheekbone and right eye, so much I look like an overripe avocado. Bruises pepper up my arms and sit on my neck. Ugly and unforgiving. Her eyes widen considerably as she puts the pieces of the puzzle together and figures out what has been going on. Deep down I think she knew what was happening but didn't want to accept the fact that her best friend was being assaulted by the boy who was supposed to love her. Andromache is precious and needs to be protected, which is why I kept it from her. Or maybe I was ashamed of myself. For being a coward.

“Fey..” Her hand reaches out and then drops in the space between us.

“Don’t, I don't want to talk about it, we are over anyway. I somehow told him it was over after what happened and he saw red and the rest is history” Looking down at my bloodied and bruised knuckles, I wait for her reply. Her next words were cautious, like she knew the answer but wanted me to deny her beliefs. “What happened?”.

“I think you know what happened” I mumble, I cross my arms over my chest and look out the window. Despite my mood, the sun is out and the birds are singing. How ironic. Andromache launches herself onto me and collects me in a bone crushing hug. I hear her sniffle in my ear and know she is crying, slowly I prise my arms from my stomach and wrap them around my friend. And I too cry. And cry. And cry. Until I have no tears left.

“You can press charges, you should press charges, what he has done is illegal. You said no.”

“I know but I don't want too” The cotton of her blue shirt is wet from my tears and a fruity aroma comes through my nose. “Are you wearing perfume? You never wear perfume!” I pull back and look at my friend closely. She is the same Andromache, but different. The same shoulder length auburn hair, the same freckles dotted on her nose and cheeks. She’s wearing makeup. Not much but noticeable to me, a lick of mascara and a hint of pink lipstick. “Why are you wearing make up Andy?” My eyes narrow, making her fidget. She hasn't told me something.

“Ugh well when Tamlin took you off last lunch, funny thing is Mor came and sat down. Like she sat down next to me. I was so dumbstruck the she was speaking to me of all people. But she was so funny and genuinely wanted to talk to me. So we were talking and we talked about you as well. And we ended up exchanging numbers and have been texting since and I wanted to tell you yesterday on the walk home but you didn't meet me in our usual spot and then you bailed on me and then Mor texted me saying do you want to go for dinner? So we did and had an amazing time. I also sat with her and her friends because you were ill. They all asked about you and they were so funny”. Her cheeks are flushed and her chest movements are rapid. I smile softly.

“Is that all?” I tease. She smiles shyly. “Oh you kissed didn't you!” I jump up and clap. I pull Andy into a hug as my laughter bubbles out of me. “Did you kiss a girl and like it?” I smirk.

“Alright Katy Perry pipe down. Yeah it was nice, she's invited me to sit with them again tomorrow, but only if you want to of course” Andy looks at me and her gaze is so pleading and worried i’ll say no, I laugh.

“Of course, I don't mind silly”.

“By the way I am always here for when you want to talk about what happened” An instance is all that is needed to shatter the light hearted mood and turn it into a serious one. I nod and swallow the unshed tears pushing at the back of my eyes.

“Andromache, it’s nice to see you again, I see you brought a friend” Mor chirps as my friend slides into the chair next to her.

“This is Feyre, I told you about her yesterday, she was ill” Andy retrieves her apple from bag and bites into it.

“OH you're Tamlin’s girlfriend right?” Mor smiles at me, a smile that makes your insides go all warm. I understand why Andy is infatuated with her.

“Um ex. But yeah thats me” I sit next to Andy while Mor struggles with words. My face has been covered in so much foundation to cover the intensity of the bruises, you could scrap it off with a spoon it’s so thick. It makes me feel uncomfortable. Scanning Mor’s face quickly she hasn't noticed the slight blue tinge to my skin despite the mountains of layers of foundation upon my face.

“Sorry about that, I haven't heard the news yet, I have been quite busy, I’m sure the others won’t be so rude when they get here, I just have a big mouth with no filter, like sometimes I wonder how I still have friends” More laughs and sends her blonde curled hair bouncing. Her eyes meet Andy’s and sparkle. I turn away from their private moment and am greeted with a massive figure.

“Hi I’m Cassian, You must be Feyre. We’ve heard a lot about you” Cassian smirks down at me before sitting in the chair next to me.

“All good I hope” Nervous chuckles escape from me as I stab the lettuce in my plastic lunchbox.

“Oh of course” Cassians eyes crinkle as his smile reaches his eyes. “That’s Azriel by the way” He points behind him to a slightly slimmer built boy but no less muscular. How long has he been there? I didn't even notice him sit down. Azriel tilts his head towards me with a small smile. “So Feyre, where were you yesterday? Stealing sweets from babies or kicking puppies?” Cassian’s smile is mischievous. I laugh.

“Well you know I am partial to kicking puppies when I am bunking off school but when I’m ill I do prefer to steal sweets from babies because it has more benefits”

“I like you Feyre, you're funny” Cassian bellows laughter and even the stoic Azriel cracks a smile.

“Carfeul Cass, you’ll catch flies”

“Oh dear Amren, You always grace my life with your kind words” A sarcastic smile is thrown in the small girls direction. Amren responds by putting her middle finger up at Cassain. He mocks hurt at this gesture.

“Feyre, I’m Amren, sadly you had the misfortune of meeting this Neanderthal and his quiet companion who keeps much better company. And of course our ever talkative Morrigan”. Her silver eyes watch me intensely before turning to greet Mor and Andromache, clearly bored of the conversation. OK…..

“Ah there you are, I’ve been looking forward to meeting the famous Feyre” A rich voice purrs from behind me.

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