evervinter

[evervinter]

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, they can read each other like books and feel what the other feels. It's like they have the twin vibes without even sharing a mother and Lin wouldn't change that. She's always wanted a sister and Cass is the best one she could ever ask for. In fact she didn't actually ask, God simply blessed her.

She looks to her friends face and smirks as she tries to act like there is nothing here that is worth looking forward to and she giggles. ❝ There is no such thing when it comes to thinking and knowing my best friend is smitten. ❞

As they walk she just keeps smiling, and then she's proven right when she calls the name of a boy and Lin looks out to see the blonde with wild hair, waving back to Cass. Between them Lin can almost see the sparks -- she's amused.

❝ Thinking too much, huh? ❞ she hums. ❝ Interesting ... that smile and those eyes tell me otherwise.❞ Happy for Cass certainly, but now she's got her 'investigator' look on her face.

After all, just because Cass likes him is he good enough for her?

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐗𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐘 through her nose, steadying the frantic beat of her heart as Lin latches onto her arm, that knowing smile already carving through her defenses. Of course she sees it. She always does. There’s no hiding from Lin▬▬not when they’ve grown up together, finishing each other’s sentences, reading each other’s moods before a single word is spoken. Still, Cassandra forces a smirk, tilting her head like none of this is a big deal. Like Lin hasn’t just hit a nerve. ❝ An’ what exactleeh do you zeenk you’ll figure out, hm ? ❞ she teases, bumping her hip lightly against Lin’s. Deflect, keep it light, don’t let her see. She swallows, her gaze darting toward the beach▬▬anywhere but Lin.Because she is hiding something, something reckless and exhilarating, something that doesn’t belong to the life she was born into. Something she’s never dared to do until she set foot in the Outer Banks. She tugs her arm free with a laugh, shaking her head. ❝ Pft, you zeenk too much, Lin. ❞ A grin, teasing, playful▬▬but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. She can’t fool Lin▬▬it’s a lost cause, an impossible task. She sighs, fighting the warmth creeping up her face. She isn’t blushing. Not really. Maybe. Merde. She steps forward, looping her arm through Lin’s this time, pulling her toward the music▬▬toward the very secret she’s been trying to keep. And there he is, standing right in the thick of it, handing out beers with that easy grin, laughing at something the other boy beside him says. And then, before she can stop herself, it slips.

❝ JJ ! ❞ His name leaves her lips a little too eagerly, a little too happy, her free hand lifting in an unthinking wave as she closes the distance between them.

[evervinter]

@wachtraeumen / @dasmirakel

[evervinter]

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 which as long as she's having fun -- even if sometimes it's without her. Lin is here to visit for awhile, parents in current debate of where they will move and lead their new lives in the land of opportunity. And when one says it's a debate, it's her parents using it as a romantic vacation to test out different states. Lin doesn't mind as she gets to spend time with her best friend in the whole world. To see what she's up too, and to see if she's getting into any trouble. And it seems trouble has found Cass without any of Lin's influence.

She's a little jealous about it, but also very proud of her best friend, and her sister.

And her excuse for how she got invited, Lin can't help but smile. ❝ An yes, the French persuasion.❞ a giggle follows as she hugs on her arm. ❝ Is that all ? ❞ trust if there is more to the story, this friend will always find out. She has her ways as well. And curiosity is tugging at her to get to know what the life is like here for her dear friend. And who has her blushing the way she is.

It has to be a boy, and it isn't the one she was seeing before. Cass wasn't blushing when she talked about him which admittedly Lin has wondered why. Topper is a good looking guy. But she doesn't know him personally and she knows looks can be deceiving.

❝I will figure it out, Cassandra, you know I will.❞

✎‿𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 @evervinter

"ʜᴏᴡ ᴅɪᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴀɴᴀɢᴇ ᴛᴏ ɢᴇᴛ ᴜꜱ ᴀɴ ɪɴᴠɪᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ?"

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒, her hand halfway to brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, and her cheeks heating up▬▬damn her fair skin▬▬and she forces herself to keep walking, hoping Lin doesn’t notice the flush crawling up her neck. ❝ I... uh, well, ❞ Cassandra stammers, her voice slipping into that soft lilt that makes her English sound a little too polished for the Outer Banks. ❝ I'm French and I 'ave my ways, you know that, ❞ she forces a laugh, too light, too practiced. ❝ We’ll go, we’ll ‘ave fun, and you’ll meet some really cool people. ❞ It’s not a lie, but it’s not the whole truth either. Guilt twists in her gut, but she pushes it down. Her mind races, scrambling to find something to say that won’t lead to more questions. Lin’s like a bloodhound when it comes to sniffing out her secrets, and Cassandra’s chest tightens at the thought of spilling this one too soon. JJ. Just thinking his name makes her heart do this ridiculous little flip, like it’s trying to betray her.

And Lin... Lin’s like a sister. She deserves to know, right? Cassandra hates keeping things from her. It feels wrong, like lying by omission. But how is she supposed to explain JJ▬▬this chaotic, sunburned boy who’s nothing like the polished, pre-approved Kook boys her grand-père expects her to date? Boys like Topper, who she dated just long enough to keep the peace, before breaking it off and leaving him in the rearview without a second thought. She swallows hard and flashes a quick smile, hoping it’s convincing, her eyes scanning the groups of people already gathered on the beach. The music is loud, thumping over the sound of the waves, and drinks are already being passed around. She doesn’t need to look twice to know exactly where it’s all coming from. If she can pull this off, Lin will meet JJ and the Pogues, and maybe, just maybe, it’ll all make sense. If it doesn’t blow up in her face first.

[evervinter]

@ladamereveuse

GOSSIP GIRL 4.08 ∙ Juliet Doesn't Live Here Anymore

[evervinter]

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, all she knows is that it's such a thoughtful gift with the attention to detail and how long it must have taken him to find it. The thoughts he must have had in getting it. Everything about it circles her head as she wraps her arms around him and falls into a deep kiss expressing her love for the ring and for him.

She never imagined she could love someone so much -- and then he came into her life. Their road was rocky, that much is true. But she stood firm on wanting to be with him come hell or high water. Life threw plenty of things at them but they managed to overcome all of it. And now here they are.

Her lungs burn and when they do it's when she eases up on the kiss to take a deep breath and smile at him. He speaks, she listens. Her heart all a flutter to every single thing he says about her and she feels the same. To imagine a life without him is not a life she wants to live at all. Matt brought something into it that she never had before and didn't know she needed until then.

And then he kneels and her breath catches again. He's asking her that very important question and she smiles, her cheeks going pink well to the tip of her nose. Nodding, tears in her hears.

❝ Yes! ❞ she replies. ❝ A thousand times, yes! ❞

Aislin will let him put the ring on her finger if he'd be so kind, and once it's on she's going to be hugging him again, won't even give him time to get up on his legs before her arms are around him as tight as possible - lips locked on his.

❝ I love you, Matthew Vaughn. ❞

𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓 ��𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚, every little movement of hers. The way her fingers brush over the festive paper, her head tilting just so when she finds the smaller box, her laugh when she teases him about box-ception▬▬it all ties him up inside, in the best way. She’s got that sparkle in her eyes again, reflecting the lights around them, and it damn near knocks the breath out of him. He doesn’t move, doesn’t speak, barely even breathes as he watches her. It’s like the whole room has gone quiet, the world shrinking down to just her, the box in her hands, and the look on her face. His chest tightens,. Everything hinges on this moment, and in a way, it really does. It’s not just about the ring or the words he’s about to say▬▬it’s about her, about them, and the life he’s been building in his mind with her at the center of it all. Then she opens the box, and her smile fades▬▬not because she’s upset, but because she’s stunned. He can see it in the way her breath catches, in the way her hand hovers just above the ring, too hesitant to touch it. His heart’s hammering so hard it feels like it might burst right out of his chest, each beat louder than the last, echoing in his ears. It’s that same feeling he hasn’t had since he was a teenager▬▬the kind of nervous, unsure energy that knots his stomach and makes his palms sweat. He feels like a kid standing on the edge of somethin’ huge, waiting to see if he’s about to fly or fall. And then she’s grabbing him, her hands clutching at his shoulders like she’s afraid to let him go, and before he can process it, her lips are on his. The kiss is fierce, full of passion and something deeper that steals the air right out of his lungs. It’s not gentle▬▬it’s intense. His knees go a little weak, his grip on her arms tightening instinctively as if she’s the only thing keeping him upright. For a second, everything else fades▬▬the nerves that had been gnawing at him, the weight of what he’s about to say▬▬it all disappears. All he knows, all he feels, is her. Her warmth, her fire, her love, wrapping around him and grounding him in the here and now.

❝ Aislin, ❞ he murmurs, her full name rolling off his tongue like it’s something sacred, something he’s held close for a long time. His voice is low, trembling, soft and unsteady. As he pulls back just enough to meet her gaze, his hand lingers on her arm, steadying her but also grounding himself, like he needs the contact to keep from losing his nerve. He shifts, one of his hands slipping down to take hers. ❝ I ain’t good at fancy speeches or big romantic gestures, but… I know what I feel. I know what you mean to me. You’re my home, my reason for everythin’, and I don’t ever wanna imagine a life without you. ❞ He kneels, ❝ So… will you marry me ? ❞ His thumb brushes over her knuckles, his heart in his throat as he waits, every ounce of him hoping for the word that’ll make this Christmas the best damn one of his life.

[evervinter]

𝐈𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫, and now she gets to spend it with a man she adores. She knows that his past has been riddled with hurt and pain but she hopes that she's managed to ease some of that. She can't take it away completely though Aislin knows, the young woman can at least be a shoulder to lean on when he needs it.

The lights on around her make her eyes sparkle all the more as she looks to the box he offers. A bite to her bottom lip as she opens it carefully. Her curiosity is peaked much like a kitten exploring. He gives her permission to open it and she does so. But of course trying to keep some decorum she does so carefully and cautiously rather than excited as one might in her position.

Opening the box she finds a smaller one and she tilts her head. ❝ Matthew Vaughn if you've box-ception'd me this Christmas...❞ she teases, laughing lightly as she sets the one box down and takes out the velvet box after her fingers brush along the festive paper. Her smile never drops from her lips, that is until she opens the box to see what is inside.

From a smile to a look of awe and she's taken aback. The ring inside is stunning -- absolutely gorgeous. Her breath is taken away as her hand comes up and goes to brush her fingers against the details but she stops as though it's so delicate it may break under her ghost of a touch.

❝ Matt ... this ... ❞ it's so beautiful she can't find the words. Her smile comes back and she can't take her eyes off of it. But then she does to look right at him. It's almost like she can hear the pounding of his heart in his chest so how does she reply?

She grabs him and kisses him deeply with an intense passion, of course!

𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔, his hand brushing against her arm like it’s second nature. No big moment set up for this▬▬just her, smiling like that, like he’s the only one who can make her this happy▬▬at least he hopes so. It’s enough to knock the air outta his lungs, enough to make his heart trip over itself in his chest. When she pulls away, that smile still lingering on her lips, all he can do is stare for a beat, trying to catch up. Her excitement’s obvious, even though she’s trying to play it cool. The way she rocks on her feet, like she’s a kid counting down the minutes until morning, fills him with this joy. For a long time, Christmas had been just another day on the calendar for Matt▬▬nothing special, nothing to get worked up about. The decorations and holiday cheer felt distant, like they belonged to someone else’s world, not his. Most years, it meant grabbing a six-pack, flipping through the channels until he landed on something half-decent to watch, and letting the day pass without much thought. No tree, no gifts, no reason to care. But now ? Now it’s her, with that glimmer in her eyes and the kind of warmth he’s never had a reason to believe in before. When she asks if she can open it, a slow grin tugs at the corners of his mouth, and he shifts on his feet, his hands disappearing into his pockets. ❝ Go ahead, ❞ he says, his voice low, carrying that rough edge it always does, but there’s something else there, too▬▬a hint of nerves, maybe, or the weight of the moment he knows is coming. He nods toward the box she’s already eyeing like it holds the world. And maybe it does.

Inside, she’ll find a smaller box, simple and square, the velvet dark against the festive paper. It’s just big enough to hold what’s inside▬▬a ring, simple yet timeless in its design. The band is smooth and polished, its understated elegance speaking more than any flashy piece ever could. At the center, a delicate cluster of small stones forms the shape of a snowflake, each facet catching the light in a soft, almost magical way. It’s not just pretty▬▬it’s thoughtful, every detail chosen with her in mind. The way the stones sparkle reminds him of the way her eyes light up when she looks at him, that quiet, breathtaking kind of brilliance that stays with him long after. He doesn’t say nothing, just watches, his heart hammering in a way he hopes she can’t hear.

[evervinter]

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫, though she'd never admit that she loves getting gifts and giving them just as much in this holiday season there is always that glimmer in her eyes as she looks to the box in his hands, and then back at him. She tries to keep her composure, but underneath it all Lin is just like a small child first thing on Christmas morning before dawn even touches the bottom of the window pane.

She tries to keep her smile at bay but it nearly reaches her eyes when he calls her his girl. She can hear that accent in them and she finds herself swayed and falling for it each and every time she hears it. She hasn't even opened it yet and she leans in and kisses him sweetly. No need for reason or even mistletoe hanging over head her lips are pressed to his in nothing but joy and happiness he alone brings her.

Slowly she pulls away and the smile remains.

❝ Do I get to open it now or shall I behave myself and wait for Christmas Day? ❞ she asks , still trying to not show her excitement even by rocking on her feet. Truth is she has something for him, too. it's wrapped gracefully underneath the tree she's already put up as she's always a little eager.

⊹ · ⸻ @evervinter ; answered dream letter :

“ʏᴏᴜ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ɢᴇᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ!” - ᴛᴏ ᴍᴀᴛᴛ

𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒘 𝒑𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔, his hands cradling the neatly wrapped box like it might slip through his fingers if he’s not careful. The glossy red paper catches the glow of the Christmas lights, the gold bow slightly crooked from where he tried▬▬really tried▬▬to get it just right. He blinks down at it, like he’s holding somethin’ that don’t belong to him, somethin’ too fragile, too perfect. Shifting his weight, his boots scuff against the floor, and his brow pulls tight as he looks up at Aislin. She matters▬▬more than he could ever explain, more than she probably realizes, and more than he knows how to say. So instead, he just stands there for a moment, box in hand, hoping she’ll see it for herself in the way his eyes don’t leave hers.

His fingers toy with the edge of the ribbon, the grin tuggin’ at the corners of his mouth betraying the gruffness in his tone. ❝ I'm supposed to just sit back and not get my girl somethin’ special ? ❞ Even with the New Jersey edge in his words, there’s a warmth in his eyes as he offers the gift, hoping like hell she’ll feel the spirit of the season he’s tryin’ so hard to share. For far too long, Christmas had been a season he sidestepped like a pothole in the road, a time of year that stung too much to face. After his father passed, the whole thing had gone gray, dulled by grief and the ache of an empty chair at the table. But with Aislin,▬▬he wants to believe that maybe, just maybe, he can find the magic again. That with her, he can rewrite what Christmas means, make it something full of color and warmth and belonging. For the first time in years, he wants to try. For her, for them.

[evervinter]

LACEMADE Wings of Losie Corset Dress if you want to support this blog consider donating to:ko-fi.com/fashionrunways

[evervinter]

𝑰𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝑳𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆'𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅, she would have thought the individual absolutely delusional. Even if they were a seer and could look into the future. There was no way that she and Cass could be at odds with one another but here they are face to face, staring each other down.

Not as friends, not anymore.

When she mentions her brother she can only imagine the pain that Cassandra felt losing him, her own loss would not compare to that of losing a sibling. But that isn't fair that Cass tries to dismiss any sort of emotions that Lin might be feeling. ❝ I lost him, too, Cass ! ❞ she shouts as ice forms on her fingertips, on her knuckles. ❝ And now I've lost you, too. Because you are so blinded by hate that you can't see that not everyone out there wants us dead.❞ and she holds on to that, she holds on to that hope that maybe with the help of those who stand by them they'll have a chance. But the more that they try to do some good and open eyes to the possibility of the good something bad happens and the masses turn.

❝ What you think is right is going to get more people killed and none of them, none of their lives are going to bring Enzo back ! What would he think if he saw you like this? ❞ maybe that in itself was a low blow, but she's bringing it up anyway in hopes that it does something to make Cassandra see that the path she's going down is nothing more than ruin.

❝ Innocents on both sides are dying, and what is that..? Means to an end ? ❞

✎‿𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 @evervinter

        "ɪ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴏᴋ ᴜᴘ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ, ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴡ? ɴᴏᴡ, ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ᴘᴀᴛʜᴇᴛɪᴄ." - ᴍᴀʀᴠᴇʟ ᴠᴇʀꜱᴇ

𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒 burn like acid, searing into Cassandra’s very being, igniting a spark of anger deep within her that she’s tried to keep buried since the day she turned her back on Xavier’s ideals. She knows she shouldn’t let herself feed off the emotions radiating from Aislin, knows how dangerous it is to let those feelings fuel her own, but she can’t help it. It’s easier to let the anger take hold, to let it burn away the pain, than to let her words cut any deeper▬▬to risk revealing that, deep down, she still cares. The fury that she’s tried so hard to suppress surges within her, feeding off the hurt and disappointment that Aislin unwittingly pours into her, hardening her heart against the sister she once knew. It’s unstoppable, the rage demanding to be acknowledged, refusing to be silenced any longer. Her fists clench at her sides, nails digging into her palms and when she speaks, it trembles with the force of her barely contained rage. ❝Pathetic?” she spits, the word tasting bitter on her tongue. ❝ You think I’m pathetic because I refused to keep pretending that we could live side by side with them ? After everything they’ve done ? After they took him from me ? ❞ She steps closer to Aislin, the distance between them shrinking, her anger crackling in the air like a live wire. ❝ You have no idea what it’s like, Lin. You’ve never felt what I felt when Lorenzo died—not like I do. And you want me to just forget ? To forgive ? To keep fighting for a world that would rather see us dead ? ❞

Beneath her mask, her dark eyes burn with unshed tears, not of sorrow, but of the flames that have long simmered within her▬▬forged in the crucible of her wrath, the embers of fury that have stoked her resolve since the moment she chose to walk the path with Erik. ❝ I’m done being the naïve little girl who thought we could change the world by holding hands and singing Kumbaya. Maybe you still believe in that fairy tale, but I don’t. Not anymore. I’d rather be pathetic and alive, fighting for what I know is right, than live in a delusion that’s only going to get us all killed. ❞

[evervinter]

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, even with ambition for what it is he desires there is a good man underneath it all. A man who simply wants to be free completely from the restraints that bind him back to his 'master'. Lin carefully cups his chin with her hand as she looks him in the eye with a soft smile.

❝ You know I'm on to something, Astarion. ❞ she replies, the tip of her thumb stroking gently against his bottom lip as she tilts her head like a very curious cat. ❝ I would never suggest you soften yourself before you achieve what it is you want. All I am suggesting is that whatever it is you hope to achieve , what it is you want from this that it doesn't kill what remains of the man within. I've seen a glimpse of him or two...❞ she drops her hand to his shoulder. ❝ I want to see you who are underneath this mask and armor you built around yourself. I understand why you keep it -- I'm no fool...❞

Carefully, her hand moves down his arm and she takes his hand. ❝ Trust is not easily given, but trust this...❞ With his hand in hers, fingers interlocked she brings his hand up and kisses it softly with the whisper of a promise. ❝ I'm by your side, come what may. ❞

⸻ ༺ @evervinter ; ❛ 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 ❜

𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒, a mirror of reservation and even astonishment, capture the moment as he raises his brows at her in disbelief. Is this truly what she perceives ? Goodness within him, still lingering amidst the shadows of his being ? A notion so foreign, it teeters on the edge of absurdity. Yet, here she stands, unwavering in her belief, seeing through the veil of his darkened heart, spotting flickers of light he presumed long extinguished. His instincts urge him to scoff, to dismiss her words as naive idealism. His life, painted in strokes of ambition and desire, marked by the unquenchable thirst for control and power, has never been a beacon for the virtuous. Yet, her presence, her steadfastness, defies his reality. Night after night, she approaches, offering herself, her vitality, to sustain him, to fortify his existence. Her actions, devoid of hesitation, challenge the very foundation of his self-perception.

In the silence that stretches between them, he does not voice the turmoil. Instead, he tilts his head, an almost imperceptible movement, attempting to decipher the unwavering sincerity that lights her gaze. She is an enigma, her heart a labyrinth of earnestness and compassion, paths he unexpectedly finds himself lost within. ❝ If that is what you believe I embody, ❞ he finally speaks, his voice a blend of caution and a yearning, ❝ then I shall strive not to disappoint. But make no mistake, my dear, ❞ his tone hardens, a gentle reminder, ❝ the extents to which I would go to achieve my desires remain boundless. ❞

[evervinter]

𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒚 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒈, she barely remembers anything of her past. Just a glimpse every now and again into something that makes little to no sense. Yet when she sits with Astarion she finds comfort in his company. Even if her past is riddled with bloodstains he doesn't seem to mind it. He knows what it's like ; he knows better than anyone else here.

Aislin lets out a heavy sigh as she turns to Cassandra, a look in her eyes.

❝ There is more to him, Cassandra...more than he lets on. Underneath that sharp veneer there is so much more heart under there. He's a good man, even if he doesn't believe himself to be. I can see it, there's just...❞ damage. Perhaps a lot like her own heart if she even has one. The crimson coated memories that come in short lived waves are any indication, the urges that come over her of wanting nothing more than to feel her hands wrapped around someone's throat, her hand digging into their chest while skin and blood lay underneath her nails...

Everyone else wouldn't get it, but Astarion...

❝ Thank you for looking out for me.❞ Lin says with a soft smile. ❝ I do appreciate it, because I care for you, too. But what if I am doomed to be lost ..? ❞

✎‿𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 @evervinter

"ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴏᴠᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴍʏ ʟɪꜰᴇꜱᴛʏʟᴇ, ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜ?"

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐀 𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇, her weary eyes tracing the edges of the campfire’s glow before finally settling on Aislin. It’s not disapproval, no, nothing like that. Cassandra’s never been one to flinch from the darker parts of a person, least of all Aislin. But Astarion... there’s a weight to it, a shadow hanging over her thoughts that she just can’t shake. ❝ It’s not that, ❞ She starts, her voice low, carrying that familiar warmth, though now wrapped in something heavier. ❝ You know I’ve never judged you for your choices, even when they’re as shadowy as the roads we walk. But when it comes to Astarion… ❞ She pauses, her brow knitting slightly. ❝ It’s not about what you do, it’s about where it’s leading. I can see you care for him, but sometimes… it feels like you’re teetering on a blade’s edge, and I’m not sure who’ll be left standing when it tips. ❞

Her voice softens, though the ache beneath it clings, stubborn and unyielding. ❝ I ‘ave lost Stephen. Twice. And I will be damned if I lose someone else I care about, especially you. ❞

[evervinter]

ONE TREE HILL 6x14 | “A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene”

[evervinter]

𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 often judging her relationship with Benedict. A friendship closer than it should be and yet it not it is not pronounced as love as other's might believe it to be. There is a mutual respect, a love for art, and a sense of humor that keeps them both sated in times of absolute boredom that comes in visions of balls or banquets. It it had not been for Benedict -- while Cassandra was off being wooed by Anthony -- she would have gone out of her mind waiting impatiently for Lorenzo to make up his mind about her.

Either her wants to be with her, or he does not. Mixed signals of ' you deserve better ' along with ' what I want I cannot have ' and other words of discouragement wrapped in pretty little laced bows that sometimes look hopeful, but within the box is nothing short of disappointment.

❝ But I would be a charming cat mother. ❞ she teases with a faint laugh on her tongue. ❝ And when the autumn seasons arrive, think of how I might terrify the children with my spooky house of familiars.❞ she rolls her eyes, but she smiles still.

❝ Perhaps you are right -- perhaps he may be unworthy of my affection, but the heart wants what it wants and mine stubbornly wants the man I've known for so long ... ❞ she sighs though there is some drama to her tone.

❝ Careful my friend, if anyone hears you speak such niceties to me, they'll assume our wedding will be next announced. They're already taking bets. ❞

𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒋𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒎, a way to lighten the weight of any conversation, and he appreciates her for it. Ah, what a pity that the man who holds her heart remains oblivious to her many virtues. He meets her jest with an amused smile, a twinkle in his eye, saying, ❝ Perhaps the world is ending, or perhaps we are simply growing wiser with age. Though, I must say, the latter seems far less likely. ❞ As she contemplates the advice he has given, her mention of suffering in silence and welcoming stray cats draws another chuckle from him. Yet, beneath his laughter, there is a seriousness in his gaze. ❝ Aislin, you must not resign yourself to such a fate, ❞ he says gently, yet firmly. ❝ You deserve clarity, even if it brings discomfort. ❞ His tone is earnest, reflecting his deep concern for her well-being.

Her words of envy bring a softer smile to his lips, tinged with a hint of melancholy. He values their connection deeply, cherishing the intellectual camaraderie and the delightful exchanges that brighten his days. It is a friendship he holds dear, one he cannot imagine being without, and he often finds himself silently hoping it will endure forever.

❝ I may not be preoccupied with finding a wife at present, but if I were, she might find herself in competition with you. Our conversations are a source of immense joy to me, Aislin, and I have no intention of allowing them to diminish. You are an extraordinary woman, one whose wit and charm are rare and precious gifts. Never doubt your own worth. And if Lorenzo is blind to your qualities, then, forgive my frankness, he is a fool unworthy of your affections. ❞

[evervinter]

[evervinter]

I know that it's gonna take some time I've got to admit that the thought has crossed my mind This might end up like it should And I'm gonna say what I need to say And hope to God that it don't scare you away Don't wanna be misunderstood But I'm starting to believe that this could be the start of something good

[evervinter]

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 as he attempts to justify his behavior, but odds are if she was not a lady of society she would enjoy the same things he does. Why not? Get a chance to sample and savor before settling in for the rest of her life ; and yet the only thing she clearly wants is the one thing she has been told she cannot have. Does that make her want it more, or is it simply her heart being stubborn and holding on to the possibilities of what could be ? And yet she may never know.

But his words speak truth and she frowns at it. A bit dramatic of course, but still. ❝ When you -- Benedict Bridgerton -- are a voice of reason, I have to wonder just how close we truly are to the end of the world. ❞ she laughs, giving her head a shake that allows her dainty curls to fall in front of her face.

❝ Perhaps you are right, perhaps I should ask him what I am to him ; if anything. Maybe then I could put to rest my feelings and move on -- find someone who wishes to be with me. Or, I suffer in silence and allow my home to be open to the stray cats of the city. Either is a possibility❞ she says with jest, even laughing lightly as she looks at him.

❝ I do envy the woman who eventually captures your attention and becomes your muse. I just hope she will allow us to continue our conversations because you're the only man I've found who can match wits with me and keep up. Well, you and Lorenzo...but it's not your affection I yearn for.❞

She grins at him. ❝ You must be so disappointed. ❞

𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒇𝒖𝒍 smirk is teasing at his lips. ❝ Perhaps. But I like to think I'm simply waiting for the right inspiration. After all, one should not rush the process of creation – be it art or life. ❞ He observes the alteration in her demeanor as the discourse turns to Lorenzo. The gentle smile that had adorned her lips becomes more resolute, and he feels a pang of empathy. Benedict sighs softly, his gaze turning contemplative as he considers how best to respond. ❝ Love is indeed a torment,❝ he agrees quietly, his voice gentle. ❝ But it is also a teacher. It shows us the depths of our own hearts, our capacity for longing and for hope.❞ He pauses, choosing his next words with care. ❝ I cannot pretend to know Lorenzo's heart, but I do know this: uncertainty is a cruel companion. If you could speak to him, if you could find some way to understand his true feelings, would it not be worth the risk ? ❞

Benedict's eyes meet hers, earnest. ❝ Sometimes, clarity can be a balm to the soul, even if the truth is not what we hoped for. At least then, you could begin to find peace, to move forward with your heart unburdened by the weight of the unknown. ❞ He reaches out, a gentle touch to her arm. ❝ You deserve to know, Aislin. You deserve to find your own happiness, in whatever form it may take. ❞

[evervinter]

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔 as the conversation turns to that of her dear friend and the interest she holds in his brother. Happiness for Cassandra is something she wants more than her own ; after all her own seems like it's never within reach. What she wants and what the world has to offer have declared itself two different entities. And it makes her heart hurt, and it makes it heavy like stone in her chest. Though she finds comfort in their banter which is why she finds herself laughing very lightly to his mention of his future bride - or lack there of.

❝ Mm, why do I feel like you mean you're still enjoying the samples life has to offer before you decide ? ❞ she teases, knowing very well the Bridgerton reputation when it comes to ladies. But then he mentions what situation Lorenzo might be in, and her soft smile seems to harden as she looks in front of them as they walk.

❝ It doesn't make any less painful, I assure you. ❞ she frowns. ❝ I cannot even begin to tell you what is worse...Thinking he holds no affection for me whatsoever while I find myself wanting only him, or thinking he may care and yet there is no possible future for us together. ❞ Love, what a torment.

❝ I just wish...❞ there is a long pause as she shakes her head. ❝ I knew for certain what he thought of me, of us. Would it make it better? Worse? I am uncertain, but then at least I would know. ❞

𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 at Aislin, a wry smile curling his lips as they continue their leisurely stroll along the bustling promenade. The sun casts a warm glow on their surroundings, but it is her words that add a spark of amusement to the moment ❝ Cynical ? Perhaps. But refreshingly honest, nonetheless, ❞ he replies with a chuckle, his tone light yet reflective. He knows well the source of her disillusionment, even if she does not voice it outright. Their friendship, built on mutual appreciation for art and witty repartee, allows him glimpses into her heart, though she remains guarded. He admires her resilience, the way she navigates her emotions with grace, even when her heart longs for someone unattainable. Benedict’s eyes follow the path of a courting couple, the laughter of the young lady ringing out like a melody in the afternoon air. As she mentions her friend’s fondness for his brother, his eyebrows raise. ❝Ah, love does have a way of surprising us, doesn't it ? Even when it concerns my dear brother. He struggled against it with all his might. But your friend must possess quite the charm to have captured his interest so deeply. ❞ He laughs lightly, a sound filled with genuine amusement. Anthony, the ever-dutiful, stoic elder brother, ensnared by Cupid’s arrow – it’s a notion that brings a certain levity to his heart.

Her question about his own romantic endeavors catches him off guard, though he masks it well. ❝ A bride ? ❞ He chuckles softly, ❝ I suppose one might think it high time for me to settle down. But I have yet to find a lady who stirs my heart in the way one ought for such a commitment. Besides, ❞ he adds, his smile turning a touch roguish, ❝ I have always believed in taking my time with matters of the heart. ❞ His gaze returns to her, searching her expression as if trying to decipher the thoughts behind those captivating eyes. ❝ But enough about my elusive bride-to-be. What of you, Aislin ? Have you ever considered that perhaps the one you long for might feel just as deeply, but is equally bound by circumstances beyond his control ? ❞ It is a bold question, one that treads dangerously close to the truth he suspects she hides. Yet, in their friendship, there is room for such honesty, and he hopes she knows his words come from a place of understanding and support.