#the entire song is just !!! luke energy!!!

[my5hiningstars]

.

[wlntrsldler]

poisoned mercury | now you got me

ix. now you got me by inhaler

series masterlist | previous | next

the happy little bubble you and luke made for yourselves inevitably bursted a few days after you made it official– though if you asked luke, you rejected his advances, which always earned an eye roll from you followed by a long kiss to his lips that had him silent for the next five minutes. you knew he was milking the hell out of you saying no to his question until he let you listen to the song, but you were his and he was yours regardless of the title. 

you stared at yourself in the mirror, blushing as you ran your fingers down the marks on your neck. you added a turtleneck under your chb shirt, not having enough energy to cover up the marks on your neck with makeup, and you definitely didn’t have the energy to explain to people how you got them. thankfully, the weather cooperated with you today. it was unusually cold for the summer, a slight breeze entering your room from your opened window. as you continued to get ready for the day, your phone buzzed with a text from your dad. 

‘hey kid, can you come to my office real quick?’

you hadn’t spoken to your dad in weeks, not since he stormed out of the cabin after finding out what started the fight with your teammate. this was the longest you’d gone without speaking to him. you texted a thumbs up and made your way out of your room. 

luke was sitting on the coffee table in the middle of everyone, looking at you with wondering eyes, “where are you going?” 

“my dad wants to talk.” 

“do you want me to come with you?” luke got up from where he sat. you told him last night that you’d been avoiding your dad as much as possible, and he did the same with you. as much as you guys butted heads, luke knew that it was taking a toll on you. you shared that you were scared about what would become of your relationship with your dad. luke, being as close to his mom as you were with your dad, understood. he knew what it was like to feel like your biggest supporter was giving up on you. it wasn’t a feeling he’d wish on his worst enemy, and definitely not a feeling he’d ever wish on you. 

“no, it’s fine,” you clenched your jaw, shaking your head. 

luke’s shoulders slumped over as he stuttered in his actions to sit back down, “oh, okay–uh, let me know if you need anything.” 

you nodded and waved a small goodbye before exiting the cabin. your heart was pounding the entire time you made your way to your dad’s office. a lot of things had been weighing on you this summer– your probation, a possible dent on your record, your estrangement from your parents, luke– and it was a lot to handle. camp half blood was supposed to keep you away from the problems that existed in your day-to-day life, but it seemed to follow you. 

you entered your dad’s office to see him typing away on his laptop. his eyebrows raised when you walked in, motioning for you to shut the door. he closed his laptop and placed it in one of the drawers of his desk. he took a deep breath, “hey, kid.” 

“hi, dad,” you replied, suddenly feeling like a little kid again. you sat on the usual chair in front of his desk and leaned back, “what’s up?” 

“i, uh,” he cleared his throat, “i just wanted to say i’m sorry for how we left things. i shouldn’t have stormed out like that. i was just angry. but not at you, at myself for making you feel like you had to fight these battles for me.” 

he leaned across his desk to hold your hands, “you’re my kid, y’know. my job is to protect you, not the other way around. so i apologize if i ever made you feel like you had to come to my defense.” 

“and i’m sorry for being mia the last few weeks,” he chuckled, squeezing your hands, “i’ve been in contact with my lawyers and they’re working on making sure the charges against you don’t stick so i’ve been pretty busy with that.” 

“you think it’ll get sorted out?” you asked. 

“yeah, don’t worry about it. it’s finishing up and i think you might even be able to play this season,” your dad smiled. “but i have to deal with a pr crisis right now that sprung up on me this morning.” 

your shoulders relaxed at your dad’s words. at least your probation was getting sorted out. that was one less thing to worry about. you tugged on the sleeves of your turtleneck as you got comfortable on your chair, “what’s the pr crisis?” 

he sighed, pulling out his laptop, “something with the band.” 

you hoped your dad didn’t notice the slight widening of your eyes. because you hadn’t been talking to your dad, he didn’t know about the recent developments between you and luke. you two didn’t show much pda outside of the cabin, scared that one of the campers would break their nda and post a picture of the two of you. neither of you were ready to tell the world about you two yet. it’s too soon. you didn’t even have the “what’s going to happen to us after summer?” conversation yet. 

“what happened?” 

“some pap pictures leaked. it’s of this new actress in hollywood and a guy leaving her hotel room. the press is reporting that the guy is luke. it looks a lot like him and you know the media– they run any story that’ll get them clicks even if it’s not fully fact-checked as long as they add the word ‘allegedly’ to the article,” he rolled his eyes, turning his computer to face you. “nobody knows where the pictures came from, so we don’t know if it’s actually luke or not, but i’ve been on the phone with may and their team all morning trying to do damage control. she’s telling the guys about the pictures right now.” 

at first glance, your heart dropped to your stomach. the guy did look an awful lot like luke. the rational part of you knew that this was probably taken before the two of you met because you’ve seen him every day since and he was practically imprisoned at chb all summer, but then you thought of your impromptu trip to achilles’ arcade and it made you want to throw up. if luke could sneak away with you like that, it would’ve been easy for him to do the same when he was alone. 

were the nights he didn’t spend in your bed because he was “writing” just an excuse to sneak off to meet up with the girl in the picture? she was gorgeous, after all. blonde, tall, the perfect new hollywood star. they’d make such a great power couple. the two rising stars in their respective industries, the perfect pair. 

the boy’s face, who may or may not be luke, was covered by his hood, but you can clearly see that he was kissing the girl deeply, with his hand placed on the curve of her back. the next picture was them with their fingers laced together as she led him into the hotel, giggling at something he said. the guy had a similar build as luke and dressed the same way as he did when he was having a lazy day– sweatpants, hoodie, and converses. 

bile made its way up your throat as you continued to scroll through the pictures. you looked at the time stamp of the photos and closed your eyes, wincing, when you saw that they were taken two days ago. luke didn’t sleep in your room two days ago, nor was he in the cabin. he showed up the next day saying that he was in the studio, trying to finish up the song so you would officially accept being his girlfriend. 

you squinted at a close-up picture of the pair, zoning in on the guy's hand. you breathed out a sigh of relief, fingers immediately clutching the ring that rested on your index finger. you turned the laptop back to your dad, “that’s not luke.” 

his eyebrows shot up, looking between you and his laptop screen, “how do you know?” 

“look at his rings,” you pointed at the bands around the guy’s fingers, “luke doesn’t wear a ring on his ring finger anymore. and look, the guy has a ring there and it’s gold.” 

“how are you so sure? what if he just decided to wear it that day?” 

“trust me,” you waved off, “he’s particular about his jewelry. he stopped wearing one on his ring finger a while ago. and luke doesn’t wear gold jewelry.” 

your dad narrowed his eyes at you suspiciously, shutting his laptop, “i didn’t realize you were that close to luke that you had his accessories memorized.” 

“ah– well,” you cleared your throat, looking down at your feet. you felt caught. “s’your fault, really. you made us live together.” 

“is there something you need to tell me, kid?” 

you got up from your seat, quickly making your way to the door, “geez, dad, i didn’t realize the time! i promised clar that i’d help her with camp duties, so i gotta go. thanks for all your help on the probation and permanent record thing. you’re the best!” 

you didn’t bother to turn around to see your dad’s reaction to your excuse. you knew that he could see right through you. 

you dad called from behind you, his joking tone camouflaged by his “dad” voice, “tell castellan that if he does anything wrong, i’ll kill him and his career!” 

“love you!” 

your dad shook his head, biting back the smile on his face, “love you too, kid.” 

as you were rushing back to your cabin, you ran smack dab into luke who was frantic, worry evident on his features. his eyes widened when he saw you and he placed his hands on your shoulders, steadying you so you didn’t fall at the impact. 

“five star,” he sighed out, out of breath, “i don’t know if mr. d told you but those pictures aren’t me, i swear!” 

you had two options– you could one, tell him that you knew it wasn’t him and put him out of his misery or two, you could pretend to not believe him and make him sweat. luke looked like he was about to get on his knees and beg you to believe him. you wouldn’t be surprised if he made a powerpoint presentation listing the reasons why it wasn’t him in those pictures. 

you pursed your lips, “i saw the pictures luke.” 

“and they weren’t me!” he said, exasperated. his eyebrows knitted in anxiety, as he chewed on the nail of his thumb, “you gotta believe me, babe. i don’t know who that guy is but i can promise you it’s not me.” 

you tried not to swoon at the pet name that left his lips. “how do i know that? you weren’t home the night those pictures were taken.” 

“i know it looks bad, but look,” he ran a hand through his curls. “i finished the song the boys wrote and you can go listen to it right now, but then that night, i got caught up with a song idea about you and i stayed up all night to write it. you can listen to the demo right now if you want. you can listen to all the demos you want if that gets you to believe me. i think the recordings have timestamps too, so you’ll see i was in there all nigh–”

“down, pretty boy,” you couldn’t keep it up any longer. luke looked like he was two seconds away from bursting into tears and as much as you wanted to hear him yap, you didn’t have it in your heart to drag it on. you chuckled, wrapping your arms around his neck. you pressed a soft kiss to his lips and he instantly relaxed at the feeling. 

your lips moved in sync as his hands found your waist, pressing you closer to him. his tongue licked your bottom lip, asking for permission, which you gladly granted. it was the sound of clarisse and chris inside the cabin, tapping against the windows that pulled you and luke apart. you both turned to look at your friends who all had shit-eating grins on their faces. 

travis and connor were behind the couple, shaking their heads, “get a fucking room, you heathens.” 

luke flipped them off and pressed a softer, more innocent kiss on your lips before you spoke. “i knew it wasn’t you. just wanted to see you sweat a little bit.” 

“that was mean,” he pouted, but he couldn’t fight off the smile on his face. he always seemed to smile after he kissed you. it made you want to kiss him again, starting a never-ending chain of kisses that would surely lead the two of you to be unproductive for the rest of the day. “i was so scared, five star, you have no idea. the fucker looked so much like me.” 

you laughed, playing with the curls on the nape of his neck, “trust me, i know. my heart dropped to my ass when i first saw them, but i knew it wasn’t you.” 

“how’d you know?” 

“the rings,” you flushed, thinking about how crazy you must sound knowing these small details about him.

“shit, five star,” he whistled, surprised. there was a warmth in his chest that spread throughout the rest of his body at the idea of you paying attention to these things about him. “nothing can get past you, huh? i didn’t even notice that.”

“yeah, at least you know not to sneak around behind me because i’ll find out,” you teased, lacing your fingers together as you slowly made your way up the steps of the cabin. luke stood in his spot, pulling on your hand to get you to to turn around. you walked over to him, confused, “what’s up?” 

“y’know i wouldn’t think of doing that, right?” he asked, voice suddenly serious. “i would never do that to you.” 

your eyes softened as a wistful look appeared on your face. you kissed his cheeks, relishing in the feeling of luke wrapping his arms around your torso in a tight hug. you pressed your face into the crook of his neck, placing a feather-light kiss on his jugular, “yeah, yeah.” 

“‘m serious,” he pulled away, holding your face in his hands. he was staring at you intently, making sure that you were hearing his words. you never gave him an indication that you didn’t trust him, but luke knew that it was better to tell you these things straight up if he wanted to have a real relationship with you. he knew it takes a toll on the people he dates (not that he’s had any relationships like what he has with you) to see these bullshit stories online. if he was in your position, he knew the reassurance would help. luke placed a kiss on your forehead, “i wouldn’t do anything to mess this up if i can help it, five star.”

you let out a forced laugh, awkwardly shifting in his grasp, “yeah, given that my dad controls your contract, i know you wouldn’t.” 

luke frowned, “not because of that.” 

“uh huh,” you said, feeling too vulnerable right now. you didn’t know how to handle this situation, so you coped with humor, “he likes you so don’t worry, your contract extension is practically in the bag.” 

“y/n.” 

you tensed at luke’s use of your real name. he never called you by your name. he always called you by the nickname he gave you when he first met you. five star. you knew luke wasn’t in the mood to joke around. “luke, it’s fine.” 

“i don’t want to pick a fight,” he sighed, playing with the hem of your shirt, “but i just need to hear you say that you believe me when i say that. i wouldn’t cheat on you or do anything to make you feel like i ever would.” 

your voice shook as you spoke, “what if you’re just saying that because it’s still summer and we see each other every day? what’s gonna happen when i’m back in school and you’re out in the world traveling and living your rockstar life?” 

luke’s heart broke at your words. did you really think that he would forget about all of this once september rolled around? as if you didn’t consume his thoughts every day since he met you, as if he didn’t count down the minutes until he got to see you again when he was forced to be away from you because he had things to do, as if he didn’t have a sinking feeling in his stomach when you weren’t next to him. he was starting to think you didn’t understand just how deeply he felt about you even when you assured him that you did understand. 

“i’m not gonna lie, long distance is gonna be hard,” he said, “but we can figure it out. i know it.” 

“i never knew you were such an optimist, castellan.” 

luke laughed at that. if only you knew how many times he psyched himself out of making a move on you because of his own pessimism. it only changed recently, when he finally decided to say fuck it and go for it. “for you? always. i’d be stupid not to be. you’re a good thing, five star.” 

luke fucking castellan. you pressed your head into his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat against your face. he gave you a tight squeeze, placing a kiss on the crown of your head. he loved having you like this, all soft and cuddly with him like you didn’t want to let him go. he should be scared at how quickly he was falling for you, how attached he already felt. 

you kissed his lips again, pulling away with a smile, “so babe huh?” 

“babe, baby, sweetheart,” he mumbled, leaning over to kiss you again. “anythin’ you want.”

[atlabeth]

wake up, sunshine

knight!luke masterlist

based on this ask

pairing: knight!luke castellan x princess!reader

summary: you and luke repair some things at your kingdom's annual flower festival.

a/n: have some fluff after i destroyed their relationship in the last fic! also this is based off of the scene from rapunzel because how could it not be <3 title from the all time low song bc it is soooo them "somebody loves you for yourself" <3 they're everything

wc: 2.5k

warning(s): once again luke is kinda angsty but this is much fluffier than usual! princess is nice again, they have a couple sweet moments <3

we’ve been focusing on a lot of rough times between luke and the princess but things aren’t all bad for them!! even though she’s trying to ignore him and being forced to court a prince she isn’t interested in at all and war is imminent, war has not struck YET 

which means that things are still pretty great lol. and things are going to get a little better 

Aurelda’s flower festival always happens at the peak of spring, when all of the flowers (especially the ones only found in your kingdom) bloom, and it is full of revelry and merriment 

You’ve gone every year since you were old enough to walk, and though things have been a bit bleak for you, you’re actually excited about it! that boring prince has gone back home so you don’t have to spend the entire festival entertaining him. 

For the first time in a while, you actually get to focus on yourself and having fun. and you plan to do just that 

Of course, things are still weird between you and Luke — you know it’s your own fault, and you know that’s how it has to be, but you still hate it — but you can’t stop thinking about his words from that night as your lady’s maid helps you get ready for the festival. 

You may not care about what you want, but I do. And my loyalty is to you, princess. Not to your parents. And certainly no prince. 

Your heart twists painfully but you hide any emotion. The last thing you need is your maids spreading rumors. They already gossip about how close you and Luke are. You don’t need any star-crossed lovers narratives going on when your friendship is being put through the wringer of your own accord. 

You’re wearing a more casual outfit than usual—though your parents usually want you adorned in gowns and over the top dresses, you insisted on a simpler dress that cut off around your ankles for the ease of movement. It has plenty of embroidered flowers, of course. 

You planned to participate in every festival activity, no matter what your parents said. You deserved to have some fun after being so serious for the past month. 

You’re stuck in meetings the entire day before the festival, so you’re brimming with unspent energy the second you step out of the palace. Your leg bounces up and down the entire carriage ride, and you talk at (not to) your parents the whole time. 

You’re excited, okay? And you deserve to be. things have been rough lately, and with the prince’s presence, woefully boring. You can’t wait to get back in the middle of your kingdom and see your people. You love your subjects, and you always love when you get to meet and talk to them in person. 

Luke, on the other hand, is slightly stressed. 

As this is his inaugural year as your knight, it is a season of firsts for him, and every first comes with unhealthy amounts of stress. 

His first ball with you, his first time in another kingdom with you, his first festival with you, his first time being at odds with you. 

Luke honestly doesn’t know how you feel about him right now. You’ve put an impressive amount of distance between you and him, and you rarely talk to him outside of necessity, but he sees your lingering glances in his direction. He notices when you don’t rebuke his attempts at friendly conversation.

Luke meant every word that he said. He knows you, and he knows you don’t want this—you at least don’t want to leave him in the dark like this. So he isn’t going to let you go that easily. 

Your avoidance of him may be a good thing, though, because at least it means you don’t see his reaction when you leave your room wearing your festival dress. 

Luke has always thought of you as the most beautiful girl he knows, and that hasn’t changed with time. 

You always stun in your ballgowns and any Aureldan finery, but there’s just something about you wearing such a simplistic dress, heightened by embroidered flowers, that makes him weak in the knees. 

Maybe it’s because Luke has imagined a life away from all of this so many times. You’re not a princess, and he’s not a knight, but you’re devoted to each other the same—you just don’t have any royal strings attached. 

Apart from being a knight, Luke has never really cared where his future took him, as long as it was with you. He knows he would give up all of this and more if it meant he could share a simple life with you. 

Thankfully, he’s composed himself by the time you look at him, though he can’t push away all the lingering thoughts. 

“Are you attending the festival today, Sir Castellan?” you ask.

He hates it when you call him that, but he nods. “Of course. You’re going out into the kingdom—you need security.”

“It is a festival,” you drawl. “Nothing will happen.”

“It is still necessary,” he says. “You can think of me as your knightly escort.”

That actually gets a bit of a laugh out of you, and he suppresses a smile. “My escort. How improper of you.”

“Today is meant to be a day of festivities,” Luke says. “Impropriety may be allowed just this once.” 

Your smile remains as you start to walk together, and Luke knows he could live off of its warmth alone. 

And when you finally reach your destination, your smile gets even bigger.

It’s been far too long since you’ve gotten to be in the midst of your kingdom, surrounded by all your people. This is the part of your position that you love—you just wish your parents trusted you with it more. 

Your parents are busy with their image—they’re speaking later today, you’re sure, and right now they’re discussing things with some kind of village leader—which gives you the perfect opportunity to slip away. 

Luke is right behind you, of course, but it’s always been hard to keep up with you. You’ve grown very skilled at weaving your way through crowds, but thankfully Luke has grown very skilled at keeping an eye on you. 

By the time he catches up to you, though, it’s too late. 

“Princess—” Luke calls in protest, but you’re already off to greet a group of children calling your name. 

You know exactly how to stress him out, running off like that without him immediately behind you, but he can’t find any anger inside of him.

Luke hasn’t forgotten your words. He doesn’t know how he could. 

But in this moment, it’s so easy to see why he can’t just do his duty and let you go. 

The way you crouch down to be on their level, how you listen so intently to everything they say, your dazzling smile. 

Yes, one could say it’s your duty to be kind to your people, but for many royals, that’s not true. You’ve always cared about the people of Aurelda, ever since you were young—that may have been one of the few things that hasn’t changed as you’ve grown. Luke has always admired that about you. 

In this moment, you’re not the crown princess. You’re just you. And it’s hard for anyone not to love you. 

…It’s hard for him not to love you. 

yeah. 

this is the moment that luke realizes he loves you. like loves you loves you. 

And it doesn’t come as much of a shock to him. Luke has always loved you, one way or another. He’s just now understanding the kind of love he holds for you now. 

wants to spend the rest of his life with you, would throw himself onto a sword for you, would do absolutely anything for you type loves you. 

If anything, it brings some form of relief. 

He loves you. You don’t love him, and you’re going to marry a prince someday. Maybe within the year. 

It’s as simple as that. 

except it isn’t, obviously 

because you love him too!! you just don’t know it yet!! and you don’t really want to marry the prince your parents are pushing at you, you just don’t see any other way. 

But it’s not like Luke knows that. he may be the youngest person to ever become part of the kingsguard but he is ~ insecure ~ and he cannot imagine anyone liking him like that, especially you!!! 

Luke comes back into himself when you bound back over to him, and he notices the flower crown balancing precariously on your head. 

You have the biggest grin on your face, and though the gowns you wear at balls and fancier events are great, you’re nothing less than stunning in your simple dress. You’re slightly out of breath and your skin is luminescent with the glow of exertion. He can’t help but smile.  

Have you always been this beautiful? He’s pretty sure you have, but he doesn’t know how he didn’t realize it sooner. 

Luke has loved you for a while, he thinks. Maybe he always has—maybe that’s what the warm feeling he gets in his chest when he looks at you is. Maybe that’s what made his heart clench every time a prince danced with you at that ball. 

Maybe his love for you has always been what’s pushed him forward. 

“Luke,” you said, and once again, you snapped him out of his thoughts. You were absolutely beaming at him, and you wore a flower crown on your head. “Are you there?” 

Luke, he realized. Not Sir Castellan, for what felt like the first time in weeks. 

“I’m always here,” he said. “I’ve got superior training, princess.” 

“Of course,” you said with mock austerity, nodding sagely. “I could never forget.” 

You held up another flower crown, one similar to yours, and your smile grew. “The kids made another one, too. They said it was for my grumpy looking knight.” 

Luke scoffed, but there was no edge to it. “I’m not grumpy. Merely cautious.” 

“Oh, yes,” you said dryly. “I’m sure those kids had devious plans, Luke.” 

That got the slightest of smiles out of him, and it spurned warmth in your chest. “It’s my—” 

“It’s your job to watch me,” you finished. “I know. Just teasing you.” 

“And I welcome it,” he said. “It’s nice to see you like this, princess.” 

“Talking to my people and actually making a difference?” you guessed. 

“Happy,” he corrected. 

“Yes, well…” you trailed off, glancing away for a moment as you shrugged. “I’ve been busy.” 

“And for once, you don’t look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.” Luke’s eyes drifted to the flower crown sitting on your head, and his smile grew. “It suits you.” 

“Carelessness or flower crowns?” you asked wryly. 

“Flower crowns.” Luke crossed his arms. “You’re far from careless, princess.”

You rolled your eyes 

“You’ve got to stop talking down on yourself like that,” he said. “Like nothing you say or do matters. Because it does. It may not feel like it, but you’re doing valuable work.” 

“Oh, yes,” you said breezily. “I’m sure sitting in meetings that don’t matter and looking pretty as I stand in the background during my father’s speeches is valuable work.” 

“That’s not what I mean.” Luke gestured at the crowd of people around, specifically pointing at the group of kids that you’d entertained. “You fight for them every day, even if you don’t realize it. You care about these people, princess, which is already more than half of the people in that castle do for them. Why else would they adore you?” 

You bit your lip and glanced away. It was hard to take Luke’s words to heart when you truly felt like you were doing nothing—when it felt like the only thing you could possibly be good for was a marriage. 

But you did argue with your parents near every chance you got on matters of support and aid for your people. It was the least you could do, especially when you knew you would never really have to deal with consequences. 

(There was a reason most of your father’s advisors had to suppress groans every time you would sit in on a meeting. You took pride in your ability to annoy.) 

“Let’s call a truce, okay?”

You frowned. Now it was Luke bringing you out of your thoughts. “A truce?”

“I don’t want you to keep avoiding me, and I don’t think you’re really enjoying it either.” Luke met your gaze. “We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember, princess. Don’t let boring princes come between that.”

You glanced away. “Luke…” 

“I know,” he said with a sigh. “I know your duty, and I know mine. But seeing you today, so carefree and happy—it’s worth more than a million gold pieces to me.” 

You’d been dancing around this topic since the night you pushed him away. It just hurt too much to talk about, and you felt like you didn’t have a right to be hurt—not when you were the one that did it. 

You loved Luke—he’d been your best friend for as long as you could remember. But you would be lying if you said you didn’t hate the time you’ve been spending apart. 

“We’re both getting older, I know. And we both have responsibilities we’re going to take on. God, someday, you’re going to be queen.” Luke huffed a laugh, though his eyes never wavered from you. “But that doesn’t mean that we can’t get through it together. Just like we’ve gotten through everything else together.” 

Luke held out his hand. “So? Truce?” 

You stared at his hand for a moment, unable to meet his eyes. You knew exactly what you wanted to say but you felt like you couldn’t. 

Because dammit, your days felt so dull. You always wanted to talk about your day and how boring your lessons were or the bullshit your father’s advisors have been discussing in meetings, and Luke was always the person you wanted to talk to about it all. He always has been. 

And you pushed him away. 

Before you could doubt yourself, you ignored his hand entirely and pulled him into a tight hug. Luke wrapped his arms around you immediately, holding you close. 

“I’m sorry for avoiding you,” you whispered. God, how you’d missed his embrace—you never felt safer than when you were in his arms. “And I’m sorry for being so stupid.” 

“You have nothing to be sorry for, princess,” he murmured. “And you’re certainly not stupid. Don’t even think that way.” 

You let out a breathy laugh as you pulled away, smiling softly at Luke. “I’m stupid to ever think I could really stay away from you.” 

and for the rest of the festival, you and luke are practically inseparable<3 not just because he’s your guard but because you’re best friends. 

You’re not going to let anything change that going forward. any prince that wants to marry you is just going to have to deal with that. 

(you even get him to wear that flower crown.)

(and though he tries to hide it, he kind of loves it.) 

(mostly because he loves you<3) 

[brainddeadd]

Two: Halloween Night – The Hockey Team Gala

You fidgeted nervously in front of the mirror, smoothing the fabric of your satin dress. It hugged your frame in a way that made you feel unrecognizable—in the best way possible. A delicate, glittering mask sat on the dresser next to your friend, who grinned like she’d just won the lottery.

“You look amazing,” she said, spinning you toward the mirror. “I swear, no one will know it’s you. Even your mystery guy won’t.”

You tried not to roll your eyes, but your nerves wouldn’t settle. What am I even doing here? You weren’t the type to attend glamorous parties or mingle with athletes. The thought of possibly meeting LostinBlue sent your heart into overdrive. What if he doesn’t like what he sees? What if he’s nothing like I imagined?

Still, a tiny spark of hope kept you going. The mask gave you courage—this was your night to be someone else, just for a few hours.

“Ready?” your friend asked, handing you the mask.

You took a deep breath. “As I’ll ever be.”

Luke Hughes at the Gala

Luke tugged at the collar of his suit, feeling out of place in the sea of sparkling gowns and sharp tuxedos. The music thrummed through the venue, but he wasn’t here for the party—or even for his teammates, who were already deep into their second round of drinks.

He was here for her.

His eyes scanned the room, hoping to spot someone who might match the energy of the girl he’d spent weeks talking to online. Someone thoughtful, funny, and real. He adjusted the simple black mask on his face, praying it didn’t make him look as ridiculous as he felt.

“Chill out, man,” Mark said, clapping him on the back. “It’s just a party.”

Luke gave a half-smile. It’s more than that, he thought, not daring to say it aloud.

Then, he saw you.

You stood near the dance floor, fiddling with the edge of your mask, looking a little lost but entirely breathtaking. The soft lights caught the shimmer of your dress, casting you in a glow that made it hard to look away. Luke’s heart skipped a beat.

He didn’t know your name, didn’t even know if you were her. But something in his gut told him you were worth finding out.

A Dance Beneath the Stars

You glanced around the room, already planning your escape route. Maybe you could slip out early, hit the 24-hour diner, and call it a night. But before you could make a move, someone stepped into your path—a tall figure in a black suit and matching mask.

“Hey,” he said, his voice low and familiar.

Your heart stuttered. No way. There was something about him—his eyes, his presence. It was Luke Hughes.

“Hey,” you whispered, hoping your voice didn’t betray how nervous you were.

“Care to dance?” he asked, offering his hand.

You hesitated for a split second before slipping your hand into his. His grip was warm and steady, grounding you as he led you to the dance floor. The music slowed, and the two of you moved in sync, as if you’d done this a hundred times before.

“You seem familiar,” Luke murmured, his gaze locked on yours.

Your heart raced. “Do I?”

“Yeah.” His lips curved into a half-smile. “I can’t tell if it’s the mask or if I’ve met you before.”

You let out a soft laugh, feeling lighter than you had in weeks. “Maybe I’m just good at blending in.”

Luke shook his head. “No. You don’t blend in.”

The way he said it—like you were someone worth noticing—made your chest ache in the best way.

The Midnight Escape

The song ended, but neither of you moved, caught in the quiet spell of the moment.

“So,” Luke said, shifting closer, “are you going to tell me your name?”

Before you could answer, your phone buzzed in your clutch—your shift manager, reminding you that you were covering for someone tonight.

You cursed under your breath. “I have to go.”

Luke’s brow furrowed. “Wait—what? Already?”

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, pulling away.

Luke followed you toward the exit, his expression tense with frustration and something else—disappointment, maybe. “Will I see you again?”

You hesitated at the door, turning back to face him one last time. “If it’s meant to be,” you whispered, “you’ll find me.”

And with that, you disappeared into the night, leaving Luke standing under the glittering chandeliers, clutching nothing but the memory of your touch—and the lingering scent of your perfume.

The Next Morning – Luke’s Search

Luke sat at the edge of his bed, turning the charm bracelet you’d accidentally left behind over in his hands. It was simple but beautiful—delicate sunflowers etched into the tiny gold links.

He knew, without a doubt, that you were Sunflower. But how was he supposed to find you now?

“Earth to Luke.” His teammate nudged him from across the room. “You coming to practice, or what?”

“In a minute,” Luke mumbled, opening the chat app on his phone.

LostinBlue: Hey. I think I found you.

He stared at the screen, willing the message to bring you back. But hours passed, and you never replied.

You, at Work

Back at the café, you tried to focus on steaming milk and taking orders, but your mind was stuck on Luke—on the way he held you close, the way he looked at you like you were the only person in the room.

You glanced at your phone, heart sinking when you saw the unread message from LostinBlue. You wanted to reply, but the fear gnawed at you—what if you weren’t what he expected?

What if you were just a disappointment?

The door jingled, and you forced yourself to look up. Your breath caught in your throat.

It was Luke.

And this time, he wasn’t just ordering coffee. He was looking right at you.

[babysfirstfic]

live now, think later

luke hughes x fem!reader

word count: 1.7k

summary: Luke desperately needs to blow off some steam. In a dingy bar, he finds just what he's looking for...

warnings: Brief allusions to sex, but nothing major. Yet. (18+)

a/n: This is my first ever fic! I would love to hear feedback if you have any. I plan for this to be chapter 1 of 3 (but we'll see what happens)! Shoutout to this Tate McRae song for directly inspiring the title and for subconsciously inspiring the plot.

There were few NHL rookies who had more eyes trained on them than Luke Hughes. Between the constant media attention he received from a young age and the pressure that came with his last name, Luke had always had a complicated relationship with his celebrity.

Don’t get it twisted, Luke was super grateful for all the advantages that came with having two all stars for brothers, and there was a part of him that enjoyed leaning into his status. 

On the ice, he welcomed the attention. He loved the chance to put on a show for the fans, reveling in the opportunities to make game-changing plays. Hockey was his craft; the minute he laced up his skates he was an artist, an author, a showman. A single goal could cause an entire stadium to rise to their feet, and the power he felt in those moments was indescribable.

Off the ice, though, it was a different story.

Luke prided himself on his maturity and his charm, his ability to keep his cool even while being peppered with questions and surrounded by cameras. He had years to perfect the art of the interview, expertly dodging personal inquiries and even cracking the occasional smile to make it seem like he didn’t absolutely despise answering the same inane questions over and over again. 

But one could only keep up appearances for so long. He found it exhausting to have to perform all the time. Though he understood it was a sacrifice he’d have to make now that he was living out his dreams, that didn’t make it any easier. 

After several months in the league, he craved a chance to be something other than “Luke Hughes, the hockey player”. He desperately needed to let loose and to make use of the other sides of his personality, the spicier sides, the sides that the cameras would never get to see. 

It was time for this Devil to earn his horns. 

Within the first few months of being in New Jersey, Luke quickly learned which bars would bend the rules for him. In his desperation to fit in with any teammate who didn’t share his DNA, he was willing to do pretty much anything to get in, buying fake IDs, signing jerseys, you name it. He felt it showed his teammates just how committed he was to building their relationships, on and off the ice. 

But tonight, his team couldn’t have been further from his mind. This time, he’d come alone. 

Luke had never had the time or energy for dating, but he thrived on quick hook ups and meaningless sex. No obligation for vulnerability or commitment, just fun. After the whirlwind that had been last year, he needed some fun, and tonight, he was willing to work for it. 

His bar of choice was dingy, a typical dive bar, complete with sticky floors and disgruntled employees, but the low key lighting and loud music allowed for the perfect cover. Luke felt a sense of safety in his anonymity, a feeling which was becoming increasingly rare. 

Waiting in a booth on the edge of the dimly lit room, he scanned the crowd, searching for a glimpse of excitement, someone to steal the blood from his brain and force it elsewhere. 

Suddenly, something, no someone caught his eye. It was you. 

In a glittery backless top with a loose, low cut and black pants that you filled out in all the right places, you were shaking your stuff on the dance floor. Your whole body bounced with every movement. Like a beacon in the night, the strobe lights illuminated your entirety, sending colourful fractals bouncing off in every direction. You were practically demanding Luke’s attention, and you didn’t even have to try. 

You had sensed his eyes on you immediately and couldn’t help but to return his gaze. He looked young but strangely sure of himself, carrying the recognizable swagger of a man who’s used to breaking the rules and getting away with it. Luke would call it confidence, but if you asked his brothers, they’d call it his raging youngest sibling syndrome. 

You were undeniably intrigued. Adding more hip movement to your dancing, you hoped that it would encourage him to join. This certainly was not your first rodeo. 

It worked. Slowly, he stood up from his booth and made his way onto the dance floor. You sensed a shift in his energy, like this was something out of the ordinary for him. “Nice to know he has a weakness,” you mused to yourself, just now noticing the flutter in your heart as he inched closer. 

Luke hated dancing, but something about you drew him in, like a ship of sailors drawn by the voices of sirens. Though he hoped he might meet a different fate; he hoped you might give him a happy ending. 

Eventually, he reached your spot on the dance floor. 

“Hey,” he spoke into your ear, leaning in close so that you could hear him above the music. You felt his breath tickle your neck, sending chills down your back and deep inside. 

“Hi,” you responded, keeping your cool in spite of the tides coming in beneath you. You didn’t know him, had never seen him before, yet everything within you yearned to be close to him, craved to feel his hand against your skin, begged to know him in every sense of the word. “Sheesh girl, you need to get out more,” you thought, smiling briefly to yourself.

Without wasting any time, you grabbed his hand and placed it on the small of your back, finally experiencing the brief release of skin-on-skin. You looked up at him, attempting to decipher the look on his face. He reciprocated your gaze, flashing his crooked smile, practically threatening to melt you right then and there. 

Seeing his smile mirrored on your face, he moved his other hand to match the first, pulling you in close. You nodded to express your approval and quickly fell back into your original rhythm, grinding and swaying your hips to the music. Sticking your hands in his back pockets, you led him through the motions, slowly undulating your bodies to the beat. 

Your eyes scanned up and down as you let yourself take him in. There was something about this boy; he completely captivated you. With his arms around you, you felt safe. He lacked the aggression and forcefulness you had unfortunately come to expect from situations such as these. He was clearly strong, but you caught him out of his comfort zone, so he was letting you take the lead, a role you took on gladly. 

After a couple minutes of finding the right rhythm, your bodies became one. The world melted away. Luke leaned in and began gently kissing your neck, stopping only to briefly nibble your ear. As your pelvises moved up and down to the beat, you began to feel the friction of something rising just below his belt. You responded in kind, sensing a growing heat and swelling between your legs. Neither of you had done this in a while and it was showing, your bodies overly excitable. But you didn’t mind; you were both getting exactly what you wanted. 

“I live a couple blocks from here,” you shouted above the crowd, doing everything in your power not to let out the moan that was threatening to escape your lips. “Maybe we could finish our dance there”. 

Knowing full well he couldn’t wait that long, Luke made a different suggestion. “There’s a hotel across the street. I have a room. Care to join me?” 

In the haze of the crowd and the music and the night, you found yourself moving off the dance floor, out of the bar, into the open air of Newark. 

Your entire body was pounding, throbbing with energy and excitement. Your hand was clasped in his, and only then, as you were making your way through the hotel lobby and down the hallway to the room, did you realize you didn’t even know his name. More importantly, you realized you didn’t care. In fact, it was better this way. No possibility of getting attached or contacting each other afterwards. A true one night stand. 

As you reached the room, Luke spun you around to face him, your back firmly placed against the door. “Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked, leaning close, finally allowing you to get a good look at his face in the light.  

Your gaze trailed down from his curls to his lips, before resting on his eyes. You noticed a slight sparkle in them, a glint, an invitation. This was your chance. “I’ve never been more sure,” you responded.

Lunging forward instinctively, you reached up, taking hold of his hair and guiding his lips towards yours. Your touch was confident, verging on forceful, a byproduct of the pent up energy that needed an outlet and had finally found one. 

Maybe you were a little too forceful. As your bodies collided, they also made contact with the door, sending a loud noise vibrating through the hallway. You briefly paused your moment of passion to laugh, your foreheads still touching, neither of you daring to fully pull away. 

“Someone’s a little eager,” Luke spoke against your lips, chuckling slightly before re-initiating the kiss. 

Just as it had in the bar, the world melted away, making you forget just how publicly you were displaying your affection. 

But you were both being reckless, and Luke knew it. He had been warned about pulling something like this, about bringing negative attention to himself or to the team. He was new and still needed to prove himself. Above all that, he had a squeaky clean reputation to uphold. He was trained to be tight-lipped to the media so that the focus was on his playing, not his personal life. Stunts like this could jeopardize everything he’d worked for, everything his parents sacrificed for. But god, you were making him forget all of that. There wasn’t a single thought in Luke’s mind that didn’t have to do with getting you out of your clothes and under his tongue...

[hischierswhore]

FOR THE BETTER | chapter 2

✰ warnings: mentions of alcohol, drunk jack hughes

�� nat’s note: i’m back once again! thank u all for the love you have showed chapter 1, it’s truly appreciated.

✰ additional note: there are 2 insta posts that align with this chapter! click on the masterlist link below to view them 🤍

✰ masterlist

february 24th 

“Sing that verse again” Julian said. He was one of the producers on your upcoming album, and you were currently recording the first single. 

“Break my heart & I swear I’m movin on, with your, favorite athlete!” You sang, trying to sound as melodic as possible. 

“Perfect!” Julian said as he removed his headphones and headed into the booth to go over some things with you. Jack, Luke & Quinn were all sitting on the couch nearby, watching you record the song. 

When you stepped back into the room with the boys, you wanted to know their thoughts. 

“Sooo do you guys like it?” You asked, afraid of what your brothers would say.

“I really like the chorus. Super vibey, you know?” Luke got up and started dancing a little before Quinn yanked him back down. 

“It’s got a good message. So far it’s my favorite” Jack said, to which you replied “It’s the only song I’ve recorded, Jack”

“Okay well it’s insanely good, Y/n/n. We’re very proud of you” Quinn smiled from his seat. 

“Thanks guys. Also don’t feel like you’re being held hostage in here. Feel free to go out and do your own thing. I’ll be fine” You gave the boys a light grin and each their own hug as they decided to head to the rink to get some practice in. 

Later on that evening, after spending the entire day at the studio planning out concepts for a music video, you went back to the apartment you shared with your brothers. Quinn was leaving in the morning, as he had to go back to Vancouver. 

Yes, the breakup sucked and you wished you hadn’t gone through it at all, but you were doing a lot better than you thought you’d be. Spending most of your free-time writing new songs or recording melodies that pop into your head at random points throughout the day. 

Your brothers were always concerned for you, seeing as this was your first true heartbreak, but you were handling it better than they thought. You seemed happier, which your brothers all missed because you were always so full of energy. 

Just as you were writing in your room, someone had knocked on your door, presumably Jack letting you know that dinner was ready. You placed your journal down and made your way to open the door. Jack stood there, admiring the doorframe as he waited for you. 

“First, dinner’s almost ready. Secondly, there’s a gala next month that all the players must attend. They said we could each bring a plus one, and I know you haven’t really been out in a while since you’ve been writing so if you want to come with me & Luke, you’re more than welcome to” Jack smiled at you, truly hoping you’d say yes because he hated seeing you locked up in your room and avoiding social interaction. 

You’d lived in New Jersey for a while now, but you never made the effort to meet your brothers’ teammates. It would be a nice change of scenery. 

“Why not, sounds nice” You smiled as you accepted Jack’s invitation. 

“As long as it’s not within the next week because I’ll be filming the new music video”

“No no it’s not. I think it’s like the 16th or something”

“Okay great. I’ll free my schedule”

march 16th

After much assistance from your stylist, you decided to wear a black sheer Givenchy dress. It adorned your features perfectly, and you felt like the most stunning woman in the world. 

Due to your brothers being actual players on the team, they were required to walk the red carpet. You were just behind them, not wanting to overstep any boundaries. Afterall, it was your first time meeting the team so naturally you wanted to set a good first impression. You took some solo pictures and made your way into the venue.

As you followed your brothers so they could introduce you to everyone, one man in particular caught your eye from across the room. He had a white dress shirt on, his suit jacket discarded somewhere in the room. He made eye contact with you over his glass of wine before directing his attention back to the man infront of him. 

Your mind stayed on the mystery man all night, eyes scanning the room every now and then in hopes of making eye contact once more but unfortunately, he’d disappeared from your line of sight. Turning your attention back to Luke and his teammate Dawson, trying to actually make friends with a few of these guys. 

Just when you were about to head to the restroom, you felt an arm sling around your shoulders. You turned to find Jack, who appeared to be a tad bit drunk, with 2 men following right behind him. 

“Y/n, this is Jesper & Nico. Nico & Jesper, this is Y/n” Your brother slurred. Jesper reached out and you shook his hand. Jesper was extremely sweet and easy to talk to. When you looked over at the other name, your heart dropped. It was the man you’d made eye contact with earlier. 

“Pleasure to meet you” He said, his voice nearly making you fall to your knees. The damn accent literally made you weak in the knees for a moment. You were lost in his eyes for a moment, taking in all his features before being pulled back into reality.

You noticed his hand was out, just as Jesper’s was, for you to shake. Your face flushed bright pink the moment your hands made contact. You looked to the ground in attempt to hide your blush at the simple action. You smiled at the man before excusing yourself, desperately needing to go the the restroom to get yourself together. 

The second you were behind closed doors, you braced yourself on the sink, holding onto it for support. This felt completely different from what you’d felt in the past. You had butterflies in the pit of your stomach from the second you walked in. 

This couldn’t be happening, at least not now. You’d spent the past month and a half putting up walls, making it extremely difficult for you to trust anyone, and Nico waltzes into your life and makes them crumble within seconds. 

You didn’t want a relationship right now, but Nico made that extremely difficult. All with just a single look. 

taglist: @lovelynikol16 @dancerbailey3 @ashloveshockey

[amoreva]

If possible, could you write (reader x luke castellan) inspired by the song The way I loved you by Taylor?

FIRST LOVE

—– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–

pairing: past luke castellan x reader, apollo’s son x reader

summary: you loved your boyfriend, truly, you do. but you can’t help but remember the way you loved Luke. your first love always hurts the most.

warnings: angst, leading on, regret, post tlt

a/n: i don’t listen to taylor swift that much so i hope i did this justice! and yes, i took inspiration from fleabag for the luke and reader scene

—– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–

You grabbed your tote bag, filled with items essential for a picnic in the strawberry field. Hiking up your long white skirt, you travel down the steps of your cabin to be met with a smile worth a thousand suns.

“Ready?” Sam asked. He took the tote bag from your grasp to carry it.

“Mhm.” You hummed, paired with a smile.

Sam grasped your hand gently as you walk through camp to the strawberry fields. A mandatory picnic, according to you, after training day after day after day.

Sam had this look on his face. His eyes twinkled in admiration and love. Scarred hand against yours. You found the scar on the palm and back of his hand quite interesting. “How was your morning?” He asked politely.

”Tiring. You would not believe my half-siblings. They—” You went off on a tangent. You always did. Sam seemed to hang on to your every word.

You met Sam at one of the many bonfires the Camp had at the end of the day. The fire was burning a bright purple, climbing over 10 feet. It reflected the joyous energy of the campers.

It had been a month since Percy completed his quest, since Luke left camp.

Sam sat next to you, thinking his jokes and subtle timid charm would win you over. And it did. You found it quite cute.

Sam was perfect in every way. He’d walk you from your cabin (or anywhere for that matter) to the dining hall. He made a bracelet for you with your favorite colors after indirectly learning your favorite colors. He says everything you need to hear. It’s like he was created to be the perfect boyfriend.

But it doesn’t entirely distract you from your past relationship with Luke Castellan.

Albeit messy, your time with Luke was exhilarating. Luke and you would fight and scream about your problems. It wasn’t perfect nor all sunshine and rainbows most of the time, but Luke and you made sure to let the other know you loved them.

No matter the circumstances or the many silent treatments.

Because you can’t have a healthy relationship without problems, right?

You were clueless on the love department. Luke was your first boyfriend and you hardly felt experienced enough now that you were with Sam.

(“Hey, what was that?” Luke asked, concerned. The water shimmering like they were diamonds. Campers from Hermes and various other cabins were swimming. The counselors were the life guards, switching duties in shifts. Currently it was you and Luke.

“What?” You responded, dazed. Slowly, you turn your head to look at Luke.

You were in your head. Luke knew that. “Where’s you just go?” He knew it too well that he pushed and pushed for answers causing and argument. He just wants to help.

You faded from the living world again, stuck in your head. Yet, water splashed on your leg snapped you out. “What?”

“You just went somewhere.” Luke stated firmly and placed a hand on your shoulder. You cursed yourself in your head. Luke was able to read you well, too well.

“I went no where.” You denied.

“You can tell me anything, y’know.” Luke reassured.

“I know.” Your attention was back on the swimming campers. Luke’s hands fell on top of yours.

“So tell me, what’s bothering you.”

“Nothing.”

“Something.”

“Nothing”

“Something.”

“It’s nothing, for fucks sake, Castellan”

“It’s better to get it off your chest, babe.”

“Just—just, drop it. I went no where. Nothing is bothering me.” You felt your temper rise. The back and forth irritating you. This was how it always ended. His concern caused your irritation which eventually ended in either of you walking away to blow off steam. Only to make it up later.)

“And you would not believe it! Kayla and Will had to kick so many campers out because they whined about small cuts. It was all to see our new half-sister!” Sam gestured with his words with you.

“Mhm.” You smiled and nod your head, hoping he didn’t notice you zoning out.

Sam just stares at you, admiration in his eyes. Thankfully, he didn’t notice you zoning out. He just smiles and squeezes your hand. Your heart stung with guilt. Reminiscing about the past when your future was right beside you.

The two of you spent the last hour on a hill overlooking the strawberry fields. The sun was high in the sky, but it wasn’t overbearing nor did it make you sweaty and gross.

You can practically hear Luke’s laugh fading, as if he was right next to you. What was it that Silena and Drew said?

That you could never get over your first love. That they are hard to forget because they the past lover leaves a searing feeling in your mind. That they are your first love.

Yeah, that sounds about right.

And it’s not like you were using Sam to get over Luke, no. You loved Sam, truly, but you were still wrung up over Luke. Sam was everything you could ask for in a guy, but Luke—Luke was the first. He was perfect to you in his own way.

Sure, there were arguments and silent treatments and pettiness, but Luke and you never broke up, it wasn’t a toxic relationship. Not at all.

The conch for lunch blew throughout camp. You wondered what was conjured up in the camp kitchen today. Sam and you packed the blanket back into the bag (he carried the tote bag, no matter how girly it may be).

Hand in hand, you and Sam travel through the strawberry fields to the pavilion for lunch. A comfortable silence stirring between the two of you.

You look up at Sam and move to kiss his cheek. A gesture of reassurance for him and yourself, one to remind you that you loved him along with Luke.

The way you loved is difficult. The way you loved is unpredictable. You know though, you know for certain that no matter how many loves you have, Luke is your first.

Damn him for betraying Camp, for siding with Kronos. Damn your first love for cursing your heart with memories upon memories of him.

—– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–

[websterss]

THOSE EYES  — LUKE PATTERSON

REQUEST: Hi!! So I've seen your account recently and I really would like you to write jatp luke Patterson x reader, when the Reader is always so goofy and childish. So they are sick like they have a very bad fever, and they are very weak and Luke takes care of them, and maybe sings a lullaby to help them sleep by singing to them and rocking them please. 

WARNING(S): um cussing mostly, and fluff

WORD COUNT: 985

PAIRING: Luke Patterson x fem!Reader    

A/N: Hope you enjoy it! ♡ Feedback is always welcomed!

MASTERLIST

“Y/n, I know you’re in there!” Rapid thuds against your window can be heard. The loudness that vibrates through the window shook through your body. You pull the duvet over your head to hopefully muffle the sounds of your annoying friend.

“Come on, let me in!”

“Goaway.” You muffle yelled. Though to your annoyance, it simply slipped your mind that Luke has the ability to poof in and out of places. Perks of being a ghost. “No. I wanna be at peace!” You whine as you sense his presence before you.

“Hello to you too, sunshine.”

“Goaway.” Your voice muffled under your blanket.

“Can’t do that. Julie specifically told me to come and help you around the house since she’s at school.”

“Why!” You kick out the duvet off you. Moving around frantically, part tantrum. “I don’t need a ghost. I need a goddamn miracle-“ You stop feeling clogged up air in your chest causing you to cough. “God I hate being sick.”

“Do you need anything?” Luke walked over, pressing the back of his hand against your warm tempered forehead. “No fever.”

“I just wanna sleep honestly.” You sigh heavily. Turning your head to meet his eyes. “I have this massive migraine that I’ve been trying to cure with ibuprofen for the last couple days, but I stopped because I’m scared of growing an addiction.” You muster a grin, finding the bit hilarious. “Then there’s my congested nose, trying to breathe has been a bitch. I keep waking up in the middle of the night in coughing fits because my lungs can’t get any air.”

“You gotta tell your lungs to work man!”

“I’m trying!” You laugh, heaving a slight bit then feeling the urge to cough again. “This sucks. I don’t even know how I got sick. It’s like all my energy just got drained right out of me. It’s ruined my whole week.” You let your arms fall in defeat by your sides. “I’m sorry, Luke. I know I said I’d be there for the band’s rehearsals but— I barely have the energy to get out of bed these days.” A faint smile paints your face.

“Hey, don’t sweat it okay. Rehearsals will still be there for you to watch after you get better alright? Besides, we can always record what you’ve missed.” Luke sat on the edge next to you. His comfort dissolves the aches and pain that run through your entire system. The mere thought of knowing someone wanting to look after you, gave you hope for a full recovery sooner rather than later. “Though you’re not missing much honestly.”

“Only my social life.” You dismissed passively. “Can’t believe I’m stuck here and you guys are making music. Unfair.”

“Well, if it makes you feel better-” He pointed at your side, activating your flight or fight response. You laughed moving away from his hands, never one to enjoy being tickled. “We’re not really having much luck with coming up with new songs.”

“Now that I found it hard to believe.”

“No seriously, it’s like we ran out of inspiration.”

“Oh come on! You guys seriously haven’t written anything while I’ve been at home sick?”

Luke shrugged. “We’re all missing our muse…” He reached forward to boop you on the nose.

“Please, I’m no muse.” You half heartedly laugh.

“Maybe not the guys, but definitely mine.” He nodded surely.

“Well then, I’m honored.” You reach forward and take a hold of his hand. Twiddling with his fingers. Intertwining and untwining your hand with his. “Any chance I can hear something?” You batted your eyes playfully. A pout full on display. “Would you sing for a poor sick girl?” You force a cough out of your mouth. “A sneak peek of what’s to come?”

“You sure know how to persuade a guy.” Luke smirked.

“What can I say–“ You cough again. “I’m pretty convincing.” Your eyes crinkle, a sleepy haze falls over your tired form.

“Alright sleepy head, I’ll give you something.” He brought his hand up to lightly brush away some flyaway hairs from your eyes. His touch softly lingering. Soothing the slight ache that didn’t want to go away.

“What’s it–“ You yawn big. “called?”

“Well, Julie, the guys, and I haven’t really settled on a name yet, but I think we’re inching closer with Those Eyes.”

“It sounds nice…” You adjust yourself into the bed. Bring the covers up to your chest. The thing about having the flu was that you had the tendency to get shivers here and there, other times hot spells causing you to kick off the covers. A continuous back and forth situation. Right now you were just simply feeling cold. 

“It does. It’s a little slower than any of our other songs, but I think it’ll be a nice touch to the album.”

“Let’s hear it, rockstar.” You hummed. Placing your hands flat over your covered stomach.

“Give me a second.” Luke scoffed humorously. He began making a rhythmic beat on his jean clad thigh, head slowly bobbing as he tried to find his pitch. He took a deep breath and began singing.

“Cause all of the small…things that you do…are what remind me why I fell for you...” His smile grew seeing you start to slip into a deep slumber. Your breathing evening out and becoming slower. He leaned forward, letting his hands caress the side of your cheek gently. His heart fluttering as you subconsciously leaned into his touch. “and when we're apart, and I'm missing you. I close my eyes and all I see is you...and the small things you do.” He leaned back and watched you sleep. His favorite pastime, knowing you were getting rest, and at peace in the comfort of your bedroom. “Sweet dreams, peaches.” Then he was gone in a poof. Silence filling the space, and your sleep unbothered.

[darcytaylor]

Honestly, I hope the best for Luke and what you said - surrounding himself with the right people. While it’s easy to sit with popcorn as an audience member watching it all unfold, you can’t help but feel sorry, when you see one half of a committed pair (committed to their project ie Bridgerton) for several months just skyrocket and the other … not.

Nics got the Kardashians (as much as most dislike them, they’re still crazy famous) digging in to her DMs, Salma Hayek posting pictures with her, just generic words going viral and becoming a song that she’s dedicating profits to different lbgtq charities, and all sorts of wonderful things.

And you want Luke to be able to embrace some of it but he’s seemingly trying to just distance himself entirely. He’s not the type, but I would’ve loved to have seen a post dedicated to at least Johnny and Rege (I can see why he doesn’t do Nic at the moment, gf issues and people will say it’s 100% PR and all sorts of ugly words) talking about how nice it was to be the lead of Bridgerton, and how he looks forward to the next chapter. Some gratitude, some humility, seemingly loving his time and cherishing it. The opportunities he got through Bridgerton - traveling the world, doing fan events, working with all sorts of amazing designers - I’m sure that was a once in a lifetime experience for him.

You see Nics love constantly, and she’s just bursting with good energy and good humor.

I don’t know, this is just a rant but I’m just sad. I want Luke to do better in his professional life! And I wish I could see some of it so far, but it just seems like he doesn’t care.

Luke has really made some weird decisions with his career and in his personal life. While Nicola has been working her ass off and we are able to see her reap the benefits of that.

I think Nicola having to really work herself up from the bottom, being a woman in a very male dominated industry (and an industry that really caters to men), has made her work extra hard and not take anything for granted.

I'm very proud of what Nicola has been able to accomplish and she deserves it!

Luke still has time to turn his mistakes and set backs around. We just have to wait and see if he truly wants that. Or if he is willing to make the sacrifices to do that.

We should all just really appreciate Nicola's dedication to her craft and follow her along on her journey.

As for Luke we can all just hope for the best, that's kind of the only thing we can do at the moment.

[wlwanakin]

what are some of the songs you associate with anakin?

GIGGLES LIKE A MANIAC there are so many…there are So Many…i have an ENTIRE playlist that’s just mitski songs i associate with him. due to that many of these songs will be mitski lol but i am putting a cap on the amount of mitski i allow myself!! anyway i cannot explain all of these eloquently but here’s off the top of my head

mama by my chemical romance - u saw the post. i made the post. The Post. like duh. DUH!! duh

heartilation by ajj - makes me think of that thing in one of the novels where he’s like I BURN LIKE A SUN ON THE INSIDE and also all his rots paranoia

geyser by mitski - if i had to pick just one off my beloved mitski playlist it’s geyser. everything he feels is just So Big that’s like his whole deal

cop car by mitski - okay if i had to pick two off the playlist

stay soft by mitski - okay if i had to pick three off the playlist

sleep by my chemical romance - “sometimes i see flames and sometimes i see people that i love dying” YOU KNOW WHO ELSE—

moderation by florence + the machine - DOES HE LOOK MODERATE TO YOU. DOES HE

the boy who could fly by pierce the veil - yanno? it’s just the energy. I’LL BE THE BRIGHTEST SOMEDAY

abbey by mitski - The Playlist

i wanna be your dog 2 by ajj - if i don’t dogmotif anakin skywalker and anidala i die to death

killer by phoebe bridgers - yanno…feels self explanatory

i never told you what i do for a living by my chemical romance - just listen to it while thinking about darth vader. life-changing experience

creep by radiohead - lol. lmao even

arsonist’s lullaby by hozier - another one that feels like. duh

speaking of hozier, like half of unreal unearth. i honestly need to comb through it to add to my anidala playlist shdhfg

charon by keaton henson - makes me think abt vader and luke

also some of the songs i associate with him make no sense. i think he’d really like piss and vinegar by against me! and i think of him every time i hear girl anachronism somewhere bc he’s a woman and also unwell in the head. one time i thought about him while listening to strangers by ethel cain and i started sobbing hysterically

[supercutszns]

idk why but every time i read rotten to the touch and now bitter to the taste, luke always reminds me of movement by hozier. idek if the lyrics fit him bc i'm not entirely sure what the song is abt or if it even applies to the heathen and luke buttt i just thought i'd share in case it makes any sense to you

omg a hozier song i haven’t added to their playlist yet…hold awn. this song is so them. it like,,,, sounds like them?? instrumentally?? i forgot how great this song was and the lyrics too

AGAIN this song is so from luke’s perspective oh my gahddd. heathen literally puts no effort into anything ever but she has such a strong personality that she’s a force to be reckoned with even when standing completely still u know he’s into that.

second line in reference to how he almost admires heathen’s blatant rage and it reminds him how angry HE is for better or for worse lol. and last line is their weird friends/enemies/lovers/with benefits thing they have going on but luke knows she matters to him

ATLAS MENTION‼️ this line basically saying that heathen isn’t showy or putting on a farce, she’s so effortless it’s like she holds up the world even when she’s sleeping <3 her idgaf energy is really just that powerful to him idk

“something so flawed and free” well……yes! definitely flawed that’s for sure! but there is something freeing abt the other person embracing your worst qualities (bc that’s why you’re attracted to them in the first place LMAO)

heathen quite literally is the oddest sight to come out at night possible. like that’s her. she’s a little freak that lurks around at night

thank u anon and thank u hozier for furthering the luke castellan deranged lover agenda🙏🙏 HE GETS IT!!

[happinessismusic]

"xxx The tempo would change a little bit by the time the man of the hour took the stage, but when he did, everybody knew why Shelton’s name was biggest on the marquee.

With a set that spanned the better part of an hour and 45 minutes, Shelton settled into a pocket that felt as comfy as your favorite barstool. With the brooding intro of “Come Back as a Country Boy” from 2021’s “Body Language” (his most recent full length) he opted to build the energy rather than come out of the gate hot. It would take a few songs for things to really rev up, but Shelton was every bit of an entertainer as his television persona, a combination of no-nonsense country star turned comedic everyman.

Between interacting with the bar up front and his storytelling, Shelton tried to make an arena feel as intimate as can be at times. He would jest at a fan at the bar who didn’t dress up as much as his wife did for the show, before segueing into “Doing What She Likes.” Later, he would tell a story about supposedly FaceTiming with Luke Bryan over crowd interaction before asking the arena to sing along with “Gonna.” When he wasn’t playing around, he was sincerely thanking the fans for being able to come back to cities like Milwaukee year over year and be greeted with large crowds. Every bit of crowd work seemed to set up the next part of the show, a veteran move that felt organic in the moment.

Shelton also wasn’t afraid to explore the slower and lyrically heavier elements of his 20+ year career on Saturday, admitting that he was bringing back “The Baby,” a heartfelt song about a mother passing away, and breaking out love songs like “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” as well. A pseudo-duet with wife Gwen Stefani via video screen for “Nobody But You” also made for a special moment, and a subtle reminder that the husband-and-wife duo just released a single two weeks ago. While the pace would slow down at times, the set was designed in a way that never brought the crowd entirely out of it before bringing things back up again. “The Baby” would be the heaviest moment, but an immediate turning point, countered by the introductory drones of “Ol’ Red” that got the crowd up once again. From then on, it was a barrage of some of his biggest hits.

Though the night may have overall paced a little slower than expected, the closing string of his greatest hits seemed to be the most economical. Almost no time was wasted between “Hell Right,” “Sure Be Cool If You Did” and “Hillbilly Bone,” each warranting spirited singalongs from the crowd that made for a tidal wave of voices. The party was in full swing for closers “Boys ‘Round Here” and “God’s Country,” making you think that there genuinely might not be an encore after the lengthy main set. The house lights stayed down, though, and a version of “God Gave Me You” served as last call before it was bar time at Fiserv Forum. 

To the casual fan, it may be easy to forget that Blake Shelton has maintained a nearly two-and-a-half decade run at the top of modern country music. On Saturday night, though, he showed everyone the crossover entertainer that he had become, without being afraid to nod heavily back to his roots."

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2024: #23

23. POLAND Luna - "The Tower" 29th place

Decade Ranking: 85/153 [Above Luke Black, below Tvorchi]

POLITICS CLAIMS ITS FIRST VICTIM!!! ORACLE NATALIA WAS RIGHT!!

JK, I wish that were canon, but I cannot reverse-engineer our reality into a fiction where Serbia qualifies over Poland by a hair because they blanked them after Xi's visit hijacked the live broadcast.

Anyway, this section of the ranking is always chaotic and inconsistent. Bad songs with acts that made me lol, alongside kind of charming hopeless filler, alongside great songs with painfully bad lives.

Enter "The Tower". People been saying it's a bland, generic song and as is often the case in a democracy, the people are fucking WRONG!!!! Quirky indie wenches with brittle voices singing metaphorical build-me-up synthpop is MY safe zone and you won't make me leave it!

This came with the addition of Luna having the best warbled pronunciation since Maggie Burger ("BREAUXKEN BAWDEEZ SCAATERT FRUE MAHISTERRY" OB*SESSED*.) and being relatably bad at chess (same, girl.) I refused to believe Luna was birthed into this world. She emerged fully formed from a pod, (designed by the same crazy medical students that have now captured Slimane to use his live voice as ethical (for the patient) cancer therapy), created with the sole purpose of fitting the template of a Bubblecore Fave. Luna represents EXACTLY the sort of act I would love to overrate at my leisure.

Sadly... nope. It all kinda went the way of Roxen in Malmö. It was badly performed and badly mixed. I feel like a lot of Poles (I'd say "people" but do "Poles" count as such? Isn't selling your entire soul for the first bad banger a mandatory initiation for Eurofan Poles?) would just scapegoat Luna because THAT WITCH BEAT JUSTYNA, but I disagree. I sympathize with her and I think her team did her dirty. This Polish NQ was a group effort and Luna was only one cog in that machine. 🙂 Besides, Justyna deserved a break from the spotlight so she can enjoy her four remaining Christmases.

The capital mistake was to not recognize the level of performance maturity Luna had. She's fairly inexperienced and not the most powerful vocalist. She's also NOT a dancer. At the time of the contest she was at a level of "can hold a tune when standing still, on a good day."

So if she struggles to perform the act you've planned, somebody's got to step in and make it so she can perform it every time.

Simplify and practice it until she's able to do it.

and do not, for the love of Sennek, make her MOVE WHILE SINGING?!!

LET HER CONCENTRATE ON HER VOCALS, YOU SHITS.

WE ALL SAW HOW ROXEN MURDERIZED FOUR SONGS INTO AN EARLY GRAVE FOUR YEARS AGO AND THEN DIED THE FOLLOWING YEAR WITH AMNESIA UNDER AN ELABORATE CHOREO.

HOW HAVE SOME DELEGATIONS STILL NOT LEARNED THIS EASY, ESSENTIAL STAGING LESSON?!

IF YOUR PEFORMER CANNOT SING + MOVE, PICK ONE ("sing" unless she's Kaleen) AND STICK TO IT. FIND SOME OTHER WAY TO ADD IN MOMENTUM.

(lol sorry for the rant but i'm writing these late at night on whatever energy reserves I have left so I can to keep up with 1 update per day. Anger's all I have left. 😔)

It's not like the MV didn't offer an easy way into good Eurovision-friendly staging. Dear TVP, what exactly was wrong with this?

Just stick her in the middle of the cross on a podium, and drape finery around her until she resembles the titular tower. The song was about self-discovery and growth, and that would send the message across with minimal confusion.

But Poland went with what they went with and sigh. It was the opposite of Slovenia, really - it looked AMAZING but didn't really compensate from the fact that it sounded VERY BAD.

But if the staging looked that good, then why was it bad? Well, Poland had a concept, an idea and it could have worked, but it didn't.

Conceptually, this is good staging. The backdrops and floordrops were rad and the chess-themed styling worked gave it a beautiful and unique feel like we'd never seen before.

However, it came across as Poland making an attempt at directing the part of Europe that weren't on Xi Jinping's visit schedule away from their song, and this an erroneous display of disrespect. Visualize according to what the song needs in order to shine as a song. Don't obfuscate it with flourishes that don't synergize with it.

There were too many elements. You don't need three chess piece dancers, AND LED sorcery AND an elaborate choreography AND two giant rook props AND two fucking dress changes (one of which happened in wideshot because ofc it did).

The beauty of Art is knowing what elements you can keep and which you can (and should) take away. (does not apply to "minimalist art" which lands somewhere between "decoration" and "scam".) Simplify, rather than complicate. Don't thrown in all the ideas you have as a Hail Mary (notice that this route is often taken by desperate countries that are notoriously shit at Eurovision - Poland, Denmark, Malta, etc). Test out which elements work, and choose those that suit the artist the best.

Poland's failure is choosing excessive staging that pushed too hard for (1) a performer who was not ready to execute all the pieces (2) a really simple, fun basic synthpop song. It overwhelmed both Luna and "The Tower".

It was not Luna's fault. Not entirely. The Polish creative team had a series of lapses in judgement, and it ended up in a shock NQ that I didn't see coming until it actually happened. Even though I like the overal package (the song's really that good!) I didn't feel it was an undeserved elimination.

What killed Poland wasn't just inexperience, politics or overambition.

It was foremost a lack of confidence in their own product.

THE RANKING

[junoscrybeofshadows]

Disclaimer: Flashing Lights/Images and Sound warning! To skip the Thunder/Lighting Crack skip ahead five seconds from beginning of video. That's roughly about to the 0:59 Second mark for us tumblr peeps!

ID: In an ALT Universe, Luke has lost to Leshy the Scrybe of Beast. His defeat resulting in him becoming a prized card in Leshy's collection. But perhaps his fate is not entirely sealed; as one Scrybe wishes to set the challenger free. Amused by her determination, Leshy is willing to let the man go free, provided she can triumph over the challenge he imposes?

The question is will she succeed? .....................................................................

So, ya'll remember when I made this drawing back in September 2023:

Well for a while I've been wanting to make an animatic based of the song that inspired this drawing! Only back in 2023 I was really burnt out from College. But now I recently had the energy to work on the animatic!

I plan on working to finish this by adding in all the other scrybes from the game as well as the Bone Lord and Woodcarver being introduced as the Gods in the song. But that may take a while lol! This is all just a fun little AU idea I came up with and will work on it when the mood strikes!

If your interested in the music check out Jay Herran's Epic the Musical. And his song "Gods Games" which inspired both the drawing and this animatic! which can be found here: Jay Herrans Epic Snippet: God Games

[writerownstory]

“May I have this dance, Princess?”

The whisper in her ear sends a shiver down her spine. She knows that voice anywhere. She refrains from whipping around to face him like she truly wants to, keeping her composure relaxed as she turns to meet his knowing smirk and the twinkle in his hazel eyes.

Luke knows she hates it when he calls her that—when anyone calls her that. But she’s still inclined to take his outstretched hand in her own, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.

Julie’s entire life, but more specifically her relationship with Luke is a choreographed dance — constantly toeing the line between loving him unashamedly when no one is looking and keeping up appearances like everyone expects.

To her father’s knowledge, that’s all her interactions with Luke were. Societal mandated niceties and mutual respect and nothing more. Because if it were to go any further, Julie is positive her father and the king of the tiny country both Luke and Julie have called home for most of their lives, would absolutely lose it and likely banish Luke from coming within 100 feet of the palace or Julie herself. Luke is the least suitable partner for the country’s future queen, according to her father. He’ll never be good enough.

Which is why the best they can do, is accept a dance or two from one another—or at least as many as they can without seeming suspicious—and the rest of their time together is spent behind closed doors, in between Julie’s various commitments as princess, all in hushed voices and hurried kisses or stolen glances from across the room.

But here, even in a random supply closet off the ballroom with Luke pressing soft kisses down her neck, Julie can live in this tiny bubble of bliss for the rest of her life. Where they write songs, and talk about their dreams that don’t involve laws and crowns and pleasing other people, and the only two people who matter are each other.

Yeah, that’s totally feasible. She’ll just… never go out on dates. Or let anyone publicly court her or get married. She’ll just spend the rest of her life dodging her father’s watchful gaze and anybody in the capital city with eyes, and her security detail, and she’ll pay off Carlos when he inevitably finds out what’s going on and—

Julie doesn’t realize the door is open until she hears a harsh voice shout, “¡Aléjate de la princesa!”

Before either of them can truly react, Luke is pulled away from her and manhandled into handcuffs like a common criminal.

“No, Luke! Let him go!!” she shouts, moving to follow him. Her demand goes unheard, as her security hustles Luke out into the hallway, only to shove him against the wall opposite the closet to search him.

“Stop it!” Julie rushes out of the closet, brushing past the guards reaching for her. “He wasn’t hurting me!!”

Luke winces as the guard holding him pulls him away from the wall just enough to shove him against it once more. Despite being rather physically fit himself, he doesn’t see a point in fighting against it. It’ll only make everything worse.

“You idiots, stop it! God, you’re hurting him!” Julie’s voice becomes more and more frantic and Luke can clock the the anger turning to panic in her tone. “Let him go!”

If she doesn’t calm down, she’ll have a full blown panic attack and Luke knows it, but what can he do with his hands cuffed behind his back and his chest pressed against the wall?

“¿Qué está pasando?” Another voice joins the mix. Crap.

“Papí, call them off, please. It’s a misunderstanding,” Julie says in Spanish, though Luke knows enough by now to translate. “He wasn’t hurting me, he would never.” She’s using all her energy to keep her voice from shaking, but if Ray knew her as well as he thought he did, he would hear it.

Without another word, the guards grab Luke, turning him face to face with King Raymond Molina who currently looks the least bit understanding. “Luke,” he says, taking in the sight of Luke in handcuffs. “I thought I told you to stay away from my daughter.”

With a glance at Julie who looks close to tears, but gives the tiniest nod, he looks back at his girlfriend’s father and says with every bit of truth in his being, “I’m sorry for disregarding orders, your highness. But I love your daughter. And by the grace of whatever higher being there is, she loves me too. As long as she’ll have me, I’ll be here. I won’t be sorry for that.”

“¿Qué está pasando? Julie?” A woman with hair and eyes mirroring Julie’s steps into the hallway, wrapping an arm around her daughter immediately. “Luke? Why are you in handcuffs?”

Luke opens his mouth to respond to the queen. “I—“

“He was attacking our daughter, Rose,” Ray tells her.

This sets Julie off again, all of her anger rushing to the surface. “He was not! Mamí, he wasn’t—“

“Shhh, mija, I know,” Rose gently calms her before turning to Luke once more. “Release him.”

“But Rose—“ Ray begins to protest.

“He loves her, Ray. That’s not a crime,” Rose says, glaring daggers at her husband before her expression hardens as she faces the guards once more. “Release him now.”

The guards quickly unlock the cuffs around his wrists, and Luke isn’t ashamed to rub the skin on his wrists.

If this were any other situation, Julie would’ve kept her composure until no one was around, but since she’s already lost her cool once tonight, she doesn’t care anymore. She throws herself into Luke’s chest.

Luke’s arms immediately wrap around her on instinct. “It’s okay, Jules. I’m okay. Just breathe.”

“I think it’s time for you to leave, Luke,” Ray speaks up after a beat.

“No!!” Julie shouts, her grip on Luke tightening. “I’ll never see you again,” she says into his chest. “He won’t allow it.”

“Hey,” he says, cradling her cheek in his hand to catch her attention. Her beautiful brown eyes shine up at him and it truly isn’t fair but if there’s one thing Luke doesn’t do, it’s make promises he can’t keep. “You won’t lose me. I promise.”

She takes hold of his wrist that’s pressed against her cheek, turning her head to give the softest kiss Luke’s ever received in his entire life. It threatens to turn his legs into mush. “Promise.”

Luke presses a kiss to her forehead as a silent goodbye and leaves the palace that night without a fight. He immediately heads back to the apartment he shares with Reggie and Alex to begin plotting his way around this. Because if it’s the last thing he does, he’ll be with Julie Molina.

~

Very sad to make Ray the bad guy but unfortunately someone has to be. Also my Spanish is very rusty so I may have relied on a translator. Pls don’t sue me. Part 2 here!

“¡Aléjate de la princesa!” = Step away from the princess

¿Qué está pasando? = What’s happening?

[zerolostwalks]

red columbine (anxiety) — “can you hold my hand? please?” for Alex and anyone because of course

Julie’s feet dragged beneath her, her pace gradually slowing the further they walked, and they were quickly losing light. The city silhouetted before them by the setting sun behind it, no longer shining green as it had that afternoon. Even Toto, usually full of boundless energy, had worn himself out and let Luke carry him. The small animal typically didn’t find the stiff metal of Luke’s arms all that comfortable. 

It was testament to how much they had traveled today. The breaks became shorter and shorter as the day wore on.  Everyone excitedly pushed on now that their goal was in sight. 

However, over the past hour or so they appeared to be getting no closer. It left Alex to wonder just how massive this Emerald CIty must be. 

“Julie?” Reggie hesitantly stepped in her path to force her to stop. She was far too nice to push him out of her way though she easily could. “We should stop for now.”

“But it’s right there.” She said through a stifled yawn–her words bleeding together slightly–gesturing around Reggie’s shoulders. “We’re so close. It's right there.”

“I know, Julie, I know. But you and Toto and Alex need to sleep. It won’t do you any good meeting the Wizard if you’re too tired to even properly speak."

She swayed on her feet, Reggie’s hands hovered by her shoulders ready to catch her if she fell. Or at least cushion her if Luke or Alex couldn’t get there quick enough to catch her themselves since Reggie’s strength was unfortunately unpredictably unreliable. The three of them patiently waited where they were until Julie finally nodded. 

Like clockwork they all moved starting work on the jobs they’d all fallen into when it came to making camp. Julie cleared out an area big enough for them, Luke went to get Firewood while Reggie looked for something Julie and Toto could eat. Alex helped out where he could. 

Soon enough they’d eaten and Julie had fallen asleep, head resting on Reggie’s lap. His eyes darted between her and more fearfully to the small fire Luke tended to. Early on Reggie had avoided getting this close to the fire entirely but risked it more and more the closer to the Emerald city they had gotten. Drawn in by Julie's stories and songs.

“You know,” Luke said, and the curious tone alone was enough to force Alex’s heavy eyes to stay open. “If we’d pushed, we probably still could have made it to the city and at least found somewhere for Julie to have a proper bed to sleep on."

It's a thought that had crossed Alex's mind earlier but he was too much of a coward to say anything about. More than a little–if perhaps rather guiltily–grateful to have what could end up being their last night together like this. It's not that he didn't want the Wizard's help or to keep his friends from getting the help they so desperately wanted either. But, there was no way things wouldn't change after tomorrow.

And what if the Wizard didn’t agree to meet with them after all. Could he handle that sort of disappointment? Could Julie?

"Oh, guess I hadn’t thought of that." Reggie softly said, pulling Alex out of his thoughts, before letting out a bitter laugh with his next words “Then again, how could I?”

Luke hummed thoughtfully, and Alex kept his mouth shut. Another thing he couldn’t be brave enough to call either of them out on. Maybe he simply had less brains and heart than he thought he had before meeting the two of them. 

All thoughts he could wrestle with another time. For now, he would try to focus on getting at least one last good night’s sleep without having to worry. Secure in the knowledge Reggie and Luke would keep an eye out for all of them. 

As always, Alex found himself waking up earlier than he would have liked. Even if he had been resting easier these past weeks traveling with Julie, Reggie, and Luke, his fears never truly quieted. However, unlike every other morning, Julie was already up sitting and facing the Emerald City as it slowly began to shine with the rising sun. The fire had been put out and Luke and Reggie were missing. Probably off fetching food and walking Toto who was also not to be seen.

The excitement of yesterday was replaced by a nervous uneasy energy. Julie ate her breakfast in a silence that not even Luke or Reggie dared to break. And when they finally started on their journey again, she hesitated to follow the Scarecrow and Tinman. 

“You all right?” Alex asked

“It’s all going to change.” She said, staring at the city in front of them. “I’ve been so focused on getting home I didn’t stop to think about what I might be leaving behind.”

Alex briefly blinked at her. He wasn’t used to anyone openly expressing their fears with him. Let alone their fears matching up so well with his. So he struggled trying to figure out how to comfort her, searching for the right thing to say or do. 

Thankfully, Julie was better adept at asking for help than he was. “Can you hold my hand? Please? I need some help being brave.” 

Of course, Julie was equally adept at completely shattering his worldview in entirely unexpected ways. Him? Help her be brave?

For her, he’d try. 

“Absolutely.” He said, extending out a paw. The two of them soon followed the others, facing the uncertainty of their future together.