#Cater x Mary-Ann | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sukarabia · 4 years

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Cater x Mary-Ann - Birthday Present

Disclaimer: a little something I wrote in a rush for Cater’s bday, but happy birthday bby and thank you so much for coming home so quickly <3 + sereia is Kirs’ OC, not mine ~

“.. Haaa... finally, this is over... ugh, that teacher just wouldn’t stop rambling, I couldn’t focus on my quest..” Idia sighed as he exited the classroom. “Can’t believe I got forced to attend... Well, time to go home, and-”

“Idiacchi!!!”

“... Huh?” Idia stopped in his track. “N-no... that can’t be...”

“Ah, I got so scared I wouldn’t make it in time ~” As he prepared to rush towards the exit, Idia felt a hand grasp his shoulder. N-Not again... he thought as he turned around.

“... Mary-Ann-shi, I am busy with something today, so I cannot help with the class content. If you-”

“You got it all wrong Idiacchi, I’m not here to ask for a cramming class- although...” Mary-Ann saw Idia’s disheartened face, and waved her hands. “I mean it!! I’m here to ask for another favour.”

“A favour...? This sucks... The quest ends in 10 hours, so I don’t have time to waste-”

“Please!!!” Mary-Ann bowed, clasping her hands together. “I promise I’ll login daily on any game you want to send you login bonuses ‘n stuff!!!” She looked up to see Idia’s expression. Perfect, she thought. He baited. “I’m here because I need your help with online shopping.”

Idia took a few seconds to process what his classmate had just told him. Online shopping...? Not that he cared, but Mary-Ann seemed like the type who’d spend her spare time browsing online for fashion items, or whatever stuff those extroverts do- why would she ask him of all people for help?

“... Mary-Ann-shi, I’m not sure why you’re even asking me... I doubt we shop for similar items, you know.”

“I’m not asking you for recommendations ~ but for websites. You see...” Mary-Ann’s shoulders suddenly dropped as she let out a sigh. “... It’s Catercchi’s birthday in a few day, and I’m really struggling finding stuff for him.”

“... Cater? Aah, why are you even asking me this... Aren’t you both the extrovert duo? Wouldn’t you know better than I do? You’re wasting my time here...”

“.. Well, that’s the thing. I should, but...” For a split second, Idia thought he saw a glimpse of sadness in his classmate’s eyes. What a weirdo... “.. But no matter how hard I think, I can’t think of anything- and we’ve been friends for 3 years now, I don’t wanna get him some impersonal gift, y’know! Would you happen to know any websites with a wide range of choice?”

“W-What? Ah, I do, but... Well, I’ll just send them to you by text.. Here you go.”

“... Mary-Ann-san, could you please stop sighing.”

“But Sereiacchi, I just can’t find anything ~”

“Regardless, we’re in a library, so would you please keep quiet.”

Sereia sighed as she closed her book. From what she understood, Mary-Ann was present browsing for Cater after pestering Idia about online shopping websites, but judging from her friend’s expression, it wasn’t going well. For the past hour, Mary-Ann kept sighing and mumbling about how none of this was what she was looking for.

“How come you’re so lost about this?”

“Huh?” Mary-Ann looked up from her phone, startled.

“I mean, Idia-san is right. You two do spend a lot of time together, after all. As friends, shouldn’t you know what to get him?”

“Well, that’s the thing...” Mary-Ann rested her chin on her hand, looking far into the distance with a pensive expression. “... Y’know, Sereiacchi, I think Catercchi and you are more similar than you’d think.”

“And why is that?”

“... Dunno. You guys might act a certain way but sometimes... I don’t know. Sometimes, it feels like you’re both rea~lly sad inside... or something? Ugh.” Mary-Ann suddenly banged her head on the table, startling Sereia. “I hate this... I’m not good at perceiving things, or understanding how people think... But I have this feeling that if I get Catercchi something he talked about, like this new popular jacket ~ or this trendy bracelet ~ it wouldn’t be what he truly wants...”

“... You’re more perceptive that you give yourself credit for, Mary-Ann-san.” Sereia whispered, closing her book.

“Huh? Did ya say anything?”

“... No, not at all. But if he told you that he wanted something, why don’t you get him that? It would avoid wasting your time browsing online when we have a test tomorrow.”

“... Aaah, that sucks, I completely forgot about the test tomorrow... ugh, what am I gonna do...”

Mary-Ann returned to her phone, browsing with a worried expression. What would he even want... She had asked Trey about it earlier, but her childhood friend just replied that instead of getting him a gift, they should cook him some of his favourite foods. Which she agreed with- but hearing Trey talk about that made the uneasy feeling inside her swell even bigger. For two years, she kept dragging Cater to her favourite bakery to try out the cakes together. She thought he liked them too, as he kept snapping pictures, and assumed that he would never finish them simply because he didn’t have much of an appetite. But when Trey told her that it was most probably because he just didn’t like sweets, she felt incredibly guilty about it. If only I was more perceptive like Trey... It might be dumb, but she really wanted to redeem herself with that gift- to prove to Cater, and to herself, that she could be considerate, too.

“.. Oya, Mary-Ann. What brings you here?”

“Liliacchi...”

“Oh? Why the long face?” Lilia’s eye widened at the sight of Mary-Ann walking into Diasomnia, eyes surrounded by very dark eyebags. “Did you not get much sleep because of today’s test?”

“Nah, wish I took my education that seriously to begin with.” She sighed as she plopped to the seat in front of Lilia.

“Then, is it perhaps some internal trouble at Heartslabyul?”

“... Well, you could say that, kinda. It’s about..”

“... Oh, I see. You’re worried about getting a gift that wouldn’t make Cater happy, yes?”

“Yeah, exactly.” Mary-Ann threw her head back, closing her eyes. “It’s like... He did tell me what he wanted, but... Kinda felt like he didn’t mean it, y’know? And, I don’t know...”

“.. Yes?”

“... I kinda feel like I haven’t done enough for him... As a friend? I’m not as dependable as Trey, neither am I as smart as Riddlecchi, but just this once...” Her voice trailed off as she opened her eye, glaring at the light above her. “... Just this once, I wanna do something for him, too.”

“... Oh-oh, it seems like there is a misunderstanding here.”

“Huh?” Mary-Ann jerked back into a seated position, looking at Lilia with a startled expression.

“The fact that you are worrying about this in the first place shows that you are dependable as a friend, doesn’t it? Not a lot of people would..” He gestured to the young girl’s eyebags with a chuckle. “... Obviously stay up all night just to find a gift. That, too, is your strength as a friend.”

“... Mmh, I suppose you’re right.” For the first time in a while, Mary-Ann felt a smile creep up to her lips. “But no matter the intention, it won’t do any good if I can’t find something in time...”

“I see. So you thought, coming here, that I would have a more precise idea about a present that would make him happy, correct?”

“Yeah, exactly. Dunno, you guys spend a lot of time together in music club, sooo...”

“.. Well, I am sorry to disappoint, but I don’t.” Mary-Ann sighed for the umpteenth time today. Why was this so hard... “... However, I may have advice for you.”

“Huh? Advice? Well, any kind of help is welcome, at this point...”

“Ahah, very well. I like your fighting spirit. Well then. You worry about not being dependable like Trey, or smart like Riddle- in short, you worry about taking things at face value, and not being perceptive enough, am I correct?” Mary-Ann nodded. “That, too, can be a strength in its own right. In your three years of friendship, has there been any time that made you realise that Cater might not be honest, despite you not being aware of things that easily?”

“Well... Yeah, you’re right, there were a handful of times like that.”

“Very well, then. Please think about those times as precious- because that means that what he had hidden was so painful that it shone through even to someone as oblivious as you. I assume you see where I am getting at? If there is anything that could have made those times less excruciating for him...”

“... Yeah, got it.” Mary-Ann got up, a confident expression on her face. “Thanks, Liliacchi. I think I finally have an idea!”

“Well, I’m glad to have been of help.” How troublesome these humans are... he thought as he smiled at her.

“Waaah, you guys prepared everything for me? Yay ~ I’m so happy, thank you everyone!”

“You’re welcome. Trey and Mary-Ann insisted that you have ramen instead of cake, which breaks the Queen of Hearts’ rule to only have cakes for birthdays, but I’ll let it slide just for this once.”

“Ahah, Riddle, as serious as ever...” Trey let out a small chuckle as he placed the ramen in front of Cater. “Cater, please dig in, it’s going to get cold.”

“Alright, I will ~ Huh? Mary-Ann-chan, what’s up? Whatcha looking all worried about?”

“A-Ah, nah, it’s nothing ~” Mar-Ann faked a smile, ushering Cater to eat. “Just, when you’re done, err... Could you come with me to the courtyard real quick?”

“Oh, sure, sure ~ Well then. Let me snap a pic... and... done! Happy bday to me ~”

“So, what did ya want? ~”

Cater and Mary-Ann strolled through the Heartslabyul gardens, as the blonde hid a small packet behind her back, nervously playing with her hair with her spare hand. Pretending not to notice, Cater marvelled about how the garden looked especially pretty during his birthday. They walked side by side for a while, with just Cater’s occasional interjections to occupy the suffocating silence. ... I gotta do this. Mary-Ann took a deep breath as she stopped in her tracks. Confused, Cater turned around, expecting her to say something.

“... What’s this, what’s this? Nee, Mary-Ann-chan, are you confessing to me? ~” Cater’s voice sounded confident, but there was just a falter of nervousness betraying his own state of mind. ... Did she notice?

“Don’t be stupid, Catercchi.” Thankfully for her friend, Mary-Ann was way too preoccupied by her own nervousness to realise what just happened. “... Well, y’know, it’s your birthday and all, so I thought I’d get you something, but...”

“... But?” Dusk was just setting as a gulf of wind brushed by Cater’s cheek.

“... Dunno, when you told me about what you wanted, it just... Kinda... Didn’t feel right?” Cater remained silent, waiting for her to continue. “... Like you were... forcing yourself to come up with something? Aah, this sucks, I can’t explain this properly...” Frustrated, Mary-Ann ran a hand through her hair. “... Well, my point is, sometimes, it feels like you’re... Not honest with yourself? And I had this impression that that jacket you asked for wouldn’t really make you happy, yknow... But I’m not like Trey or Riddlecchi, and I couldn’t come up with anything worthwhile because, I like, really suck at figuring people’s thoughts....”

She took a step closer to Cater, who just stood there in silence, surprised. He knew Mary-Ann was dense- in all senses of the term, so he was definitely not expecting her to notice that he had just said whatever as a present idea. Not knowing what to expect, he waited for his friend to continue.

“.... But I thought long and hard about something that would, you know, truly make you happy. And, I, uh... kinda came up with this... It definitely isn’t anything big, and it might not even mean anything to you, but....”

She handed a small red packet to Cater, slightly blushing as she adverted her eyes. Her hands were slightly trembling as he took the present from her hands. Slowly, he began unwrapping it- only to be met with a small silver keychain with a bright blue gem at the end of it. Confused, he looked up to meet her eyes. Not that it was ugly- quite the opposite actually, it was definitely his style, but..

“.. Ah! Maybe I should explain what it is... Ugh, sorry.” Mary-Ann sighed. “D’you remember, during the Stargazer festival? When Trey and I came to your room to ask for your wish, you wished to enjoy your school life and stuff, right?” Cater nodded. “Well, I kinda felt like... You were hiding your true wish, for some reason? And I’m definitely not perceptive enough to know why, so... I just thought I’d give you another chance at it.”

“Another... Chance?”

“Uh-uh. That keychain is a replica of a wishing star. It’s kinda not a magic stone, more like a good-luck charm, but...” She looked up to meet Cater’s eyes. The setting dusk made his emerald eyes stand out even more, as she nervously twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “.... I wondered if, maybe, this time, you could wish for what you truly wanted... without us knowing.”

Cater remained speechless for a few seconds that felt like an eternity to Mary-Ann. Ugh, I knew it, he doesn’t like it. Maybe I should have just asked Kalim-

All of a sudden, she felt Cater’s arms surrounding her, as he pulled her into a tight hug. She was used to his displays of affection, and it definitely wasn’t the first time they hugged, but for some reason, this time... It felt different. Not knowing how to react, Mary-Ann remained still, nervously waiting for Cater to say something.

“.... Thank you, Mary-Ann. I’ll treasure it.”

Mary-Ann smiled, humming a small “It’s nothing” as she returned her friend’s embrace. But while she rested her forehead on his shoulder, what she couldn’t see was her friend’s moist eyes, as he fought to hold back tears- and how red his cheeks were as his hands slightly trembled.

#Cater x Mary-Ann #twst yume

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ayuki-ikuya · 3 years

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Sweetly Terrifying

Twisted Wonderland x Identity V

Female Hunter Edition

Michiko

The Geisha

𝓥𝓲𝓵 𝓢𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓮𝓷𝓱𝓮𝓲𝓽

abSOLUTELY GORGEOUS

The TRUE JAPANESE AESTHETIC

Makeup is 100% going to be given to her for free

Won't question her occupation

Never met Michiko's prajna form (thank god)

Vil is Michiko's sponsor. Period. Change my mind.

Vil had even promised to the geisha that if he ever travels to her world, he will do everything he can to find her husband. Even if it means tainting his own hands.

Vil pities the young woman who died from her in-law father.

𝓡𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓗𝓾𝓷𝓽

AH! THE BELLE! SHE HAS ARRIVED

As the hunter of beauty, he 100% agrees with Vil on her beauty.

Enjoys her striking appearance.

Often seems to harass her (he's mostly curious about her so he stalks her)

Seen Michiko's prajna form.

His heart went "doki doki" when she shifted forms and was met with a fan to the face leaving him stunned on the ground while Michiko moves away from the scene.

Oh my god he is in love.

Never mind Vil, she's his number one now.

Legit tries to court her.

Is often whacked with her fan because she is still married despite being dead.

𝓔𝓹𝓮𝓵 𝓕𝓮𝓵��𝓲𝓮𝓻

Mommy? Sorry mommy? Sorry mommy?

He turned red on the spot.

BSHSVAJSHDHSBDVD SHE'S DEAD? NO, SHE'S MOMMY

Epel is just head over heels.

Often tries to show hints

But he's shy about it...

When he tries to show his manly side, it ends up failing because of Rook.

Ann

The "Disciple"

𝓜𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓾𝓼 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓪

Oh mighty seven...

He has never seen someone, an actual child of man, be THIS tall.

He almost mistaken Ann for a fae

NGL, he like tall women..

Pity she's a nun. Or is she..

Malleus wishes to wipe her tears away. Only to find out it continuously drips.

Malleus secretly wishes to court Ann.

Was met with a cross to the face

𝓛𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓪 𝓥𝓪𝓷𝓻𝓸𝓰𝓾𝓮

Ara ara? What's this?

He has seen dead humans in his lifetime. Both animated and non-animated bodies.

But never a dead body like this.

Was also met with a cross to the face.

He no mind tho

He just cackles in glee of a naive nun he can tease

𝓢𝓲𝓵𝓿𝓮𝓻

He no care

Just sleep

He sleeps almost anywhere

One time he slept outside, only to be found inside with a cat on his chest watching him

A little unnerving tbh

Received headpats and cookies

𝓢𝓮𝓫𝓮𝓴 𝓩𝓲𝓰𝓿𝓸𝓵𝓽

The tyke is mean as hell

Legit puts Ann on hit or hit instincts

Has received cross slammed on head multiple times

Hasn't learned to quiet down. Yet.

He low-key scared. He ain't a fan of horror.

Mary

The Bloody Queen

𝓡𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓵𝓮 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼

QUEEN? QUEEN.

Pls, he's like

Obsessed

A REAL LIFE QUEEN???? HSVSVSJS S AUTOGRAPH PLS

CUT PEOPLE'S HEAD OFF???? I am your slave now

He's a simp

Turns as red as his hair

𝓣𝓻𝓮𝔂 𝓒𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻

He has no opinion but is concerned for Riddle and Cater

Gives extra cakes tho

𝓒𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓓𝓲𝓪𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓭

MOMMY???? STEP ON ME QUEEN!

His simp-ness rivals Rook.

He legit made another account to dedicate it to Mary.

Has a million followers.

He basically became a prophet for her, spreading her beauty around.

𝓓𝓮𝓾𝓬𝓮 𝓢𝓹𝓪𝓭𝓮

HSHDVDJAVXBS PLS

OH MY GOD SHE'S SO PRETTY

He turns into a huge mess of a human

Legit wears his heart on his sleeve around Mary

Became slave number 2

𝓐𝓬𝓮 𝓣𝓻𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓵𝓪

He ain't having it.

Nope.

Nada

Zip.

Already had that short tyrant, now a lady tyrant? Hell no

He is VERY much against having Mary here.

HATERS GONNA HATE

Violetta

The Soul Weaver

𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓪 𝓚𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓪𝓻

This thing is a hunter?

The fuck?

Let's say he found out how Violetta is a capable hunter

Low-key is traumatized of spiders

Low-key respects Violetta

He tries to be neutral, but he does show favoritism towards her since he found out about her disability and past.

𝓡𝓾𝓰𝓰𝓲𝓮 𝓑𝓾𝓬𝓬𝓱𝓲

Huh?

That thing is human?

To say the least, Ruggie was at first terrified of Violetta's form.

Is she okay?

He gradually got used to her appearance until there was a mechanical problem and found Violetta's limbless form outside of the mechanical suit.

He also shows favoritism. And has high amounts of Respect Woman juice towards Violetta since he used to live in the slums and saw a lot of people without limbs.

𝓙𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓗𝓸𝔀𝓵

F e a r

He became a puppy.

He legit avoids violetta

Doesn't like being near her at all

Of course respects her, but is just scared of her appearance.

Grace

The Niad

𝓐𝔃𝓾𝓵 𝓐𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓻𝓸𝓽𝓽𝓸

Researching what race she is

"Hold up, wait a minute, something ain't right"

Mermaid??? Human??? Huh?????

Azul is just a baby trying to figure out what the hell Grace is

Has the tweels follow her around and clean up her mess

𝓙𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓮𝓬𝓱

oya oya

How can a pretty little thing be this dangerous?

Look at how dainty she is

He was proven to be wrong when he witnessed his brother fly off when he continued to step into the puddles Grace left behind.

Ends up being the one to clean up the puddles or carries her with a bag to help avoid making too much puddles when he's tired of cleaning up

𝓕𝓵𝓸𝔂𝓭𝓮 𝓛𝓮𝓮𝓬𝓱

Well he had fun

Whenever he's in charge, he doesn't bother cleaning up

Likes to watch people go flying when they stand in the puddles for too long

May or may not have been disappointed when people watched out for puddles whenever someone announced that he was in charge

Awwww let a man have his fuuuun

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x identity v #michiko #mary #violetta #ann #grace #the geisha #the disciple #the soul weaver #the bloody queen #the niad #identity v #pomefiore #diasonmia #octavinelle #savanaclaw

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lunarliza · 4 years

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Fake Boyfriend | Chapter 4: Kook Conventions

JJ x Kook!reader

series masterlist | prev. chapter| chapter one

my masterlist

You’re a Kook Princess who has everything you ever wanted... until your handsome Kook Prince dumps you for a hot new fling. To save your reputation, you bribe the one person he hates the most, JJ Maybank, to pretend to be your boyfriend for the summer. All’s fair in love and war. But where do you draw that line when you’re suddenly wishing your fake boyfriend is your real one?

note: slight mention of panic attack

If there was anything you learned about JJ that Friday, it was that he was the absolute worse at sticking to the plan.

For one, he spent so much time looking for the tennis courts, instead of following your clearly written out instructions, that he ended up being late altogether to pick you up. What was supposed to be a grand gesture turned into you sitting on the front steps, while the sun was near done setting, waiting for stupid JJ while everyone else had already left.

“What the hell took you so long?!” you scolded, slamming the truck door shut in annoyance once he finally showed up.

“This place is confusing as hell! I kept having to make loops. It is called Figure Eight for a reason,” he tried to justify, pulling out of the lot.

“JJ I texted you specific instructions on how to get here!” you groused, rubbing your temple, “Anyways, it’s fine, whatever. Let’s just hurry home so I can get ready. My house is just a little bit up that way.”

“Yeah, uh, about that,” JJ mentioned sheepishly, keeping his eyes on the road, “I kinda have to help Pope and Poppa Heyward with something right now. It will only take an hour tops! I’ll just meet you at the party after I’m done.”

You groaned loudly, face-palming yourself. “JJ what the hell! I told you specifically to cancel your plans tonight. It was supposed to be our debut!”

“I did! I just,” he scratched the back of his neck, “kinda broke one of their carts this afternoon, so I have to help them fix it for tomorrow. I think they’re catering your little brunch thingy.”

“How did you even break the cart to begin with?!”

He hid his face from your dagger-eyes and admitted in a low voice, “I, uh, tried to surf on it down a hill when they weren’t looking.”

You had to fight the urge to smack him upside the head, but you didn’t want to risk him veering off the road. Lucky bastard.

“Fine,” you grumbled, “Just make sure you’re on time to the party.” You then eyed his outfit up and down. Even in the little sunlight that emitted from outside, you could tell it was all dirty from his day activities. “And please change into something a little nicer,” you added, “These Kooks would run you to the ground with that on.”

JJ dropped you off at your house and sped away as you unlocked the door into a near empty house. Looks like it would just be you and Alfred for dinner.

Your parents were headed off to the mainland for some business convention. Thankfully, your presence was not needed which saved you an entire day of pretending to be a perfect obedient daughter. It was an exhausting act.

Most teens your age would kill for a night alone, but after countless nights sleeping isolated in a big empty house, it got old and depressing. Most of the time, you’d sleep over at Sarah’s for some kind of company. You were always welcomed at the Camerons’.

Greeting Alfred your usual hello at the foyer, you darted upstairs to wash off and get ready with the little time you had left. The aroma of filet mignon and freshly seasoned veggies filled the house air.

“Oh and Alfred,” you called out over the intricate metal banister, “It’ll just be me eating tonight, so just set the table for one please.”

“Miss Y/n, your friend is not coming?” he asked with hints of concern. You just shook your head with a sad smile. “No, he had to run last minute.”

Alfred gave you a curt nod, making way back into the kitchen while you dashed into the bathroom.

—————————————————

Instead of throwing JJ straight into the shark’s tank (even though, given his already poor track record, you strongly contemplated throwing him to literal sharks), you decided it was best to ease him into the whole boyfriend role.

You figured he’d be more in touch with his aura if you invited him to a Kook party first— which was exactly where you were, furiously texting him where on earth he was.

It was already ten o’clock. The party started hours ago, and he was nowhere to be found. An hour with Pope your ass!

Flopping onto the giant living room couch in Billy Irvine’s mansion, you frowned amongst the throng of drunk privileged kids. Around you, the Glossy Posse was gossiping with other Kooks about some of the summer newcomers while sleazy guys from out of town tried to grab their attention. It never worked.

“So y/n,” Chloe asked next to you on the couch, “I have some great news! It’s no secret that you need a date to the all the fundraiser events, and I might just have one for you! My cousin, Gerald, is coming into town next week, so I can totally set you guys up!”

She proceeded to show you pictures on her phone of a lanky tall guy with discolored hair and a creepy smile. You resorted to taking a gulp of your drink to hide your horrified expression. “Thanks, but, uh, no thanks. I actually have a date already,” you informed, typing away heatedly at your phone for JJ to arrive that instant or so help you.

“Ooh, who is it?” Ivy nosily chimed in at the mention of you finally having a date. From the couch over, you also saw Anne-Marie and Warren lean their heads closer to get the scoop.

Jeez, were people really that interested in your love life?

“It’s-”

Before you could reveal the name, a loud ‘ding’ went off from your phone followed by a text from JJ to alert you that he was out front. “Oh! He’s actually here right now,” you announced, hopping up from your seat to collect your very problematic date.

“You’re late, again!” you scolded to the blond standing all gloomy at the front of the stone curved driveway. He changed into a nicer grey long-sleeve with khaki shorts and his signature red snapback, much to your relief. It didn’t quite match with your intricate white romper, but it would do for the time being.

“The guard wouldn’t let me in the gate! I ended up having to sneak through one of the fences,” JJ explained. You rolled your eyes at his ridiculous excuse. “Then why didn’t you just call me to let you in?” you pointed out.

“It was more fun this way,” he peskily grinned, earning himself a smack on the arm. The guy was impossible. “Ow!” he whined, rubbing the spot. Ignoring his complaints, you seized his hand and led him inside. It was about time!

The foyer flashed with various-colored LED lights while thundering rap music echoed from basically every corner of the house. All around, eyes gawked at you stepping through the Victorian-style entryway with a Pogue of all people. It was like walking into a cave of bats.

“Anyways,” you began, disregarding all the probing eyes, “This is Billy Irvine’s place. It’s the nicest house on the Eight. His parents are out of town right now, so we’re celebrating the Glossy Posse’s birthdays.”

It alway was a coincidence to you how all three of them had birthdays on back-to-back days. Witchcraft, honestly.

“Those bitches?” JJ grimaced at the mention of his sworn female enemies, “Ew why? They hate the Pogues.”

“Just shut up and suck it up. Here,” you grabbed a glass from the champagne tower in the middle of the spacious room, “Have a drink to get your mind off it.”

“Champagne? What the hell is this, England?” he yelped, taking a swig. Rolling your eyes, you hoped the alcohol would alleviate his irritability for the night. Fortunately, the blaring music was enough to drown out his constant bickering.

“Now put your arm around me! It’s time to make our rounds,” you demanded. He obliged and you turned on your best lovestruck game-face, giving him the grand tour of the mansion.

Billy’s mom was also one of the important people of the Island Club, so you had been going over there ever since you were nine being that your moms were friends. Still, you were always amazed by the extravagance of their house. You could tell JJ was also in shock of it all too.

It looked like a castle with two grand marble staircases circling the front with a tall vintage Tiffany chandelier hanging over everything. The floors were the shiniest white marble even with hundreds of teenagers recklessly dancing and slipping all over it.

“Damn, so this is how the other side lives,” JJ commented, marveling at how the LED lights reflected off the diamonds on the chandelier.

He slid his hand down to your waist as you stood closer to his side, taking a whiff of his teakwood cologne. Deep down, it was nice to have someone to attend parties with you, even if it was fake and with JJ.

You took him up the right staircase where plastered kids— some you recognized from school, some just in town for the summer— stumbled up and down the stairs or sloppily made out while pinned to the side walls. Realistically, it didn’t seem that off-brand to JJ’s party scene.

“We’re only staying an hour right?” JJ reminded in your ear as you approached the open bar upstairs. Yes, the Irvine’s had a literal bar in their second level.

“Yes, grumpy!”

“Do you know if Sarah and John B are coming?” JJ continued to question. You settled on top of a retro bar stool as he leaned against the Irvine’s prized rustic bar.

“No,” you answered, “Sarah doesn’t come to these because Topper’s here. And she hates Kooks.”

“She’s the smarter one of you two!” JJ shouted among the loud music. You shook your head and whacked him again, but lightly this time. Seemed that would be you guy’s thing— hitting.

Even in their inebriated states, Kooks were still staring at you like you had grown a third arm. Which, honestly, was what being with JJ felt like half the time. From the corner of your eye, you caught a glimpse of the Glossy Posse and Warren making their way to you with either wide or curious eyes.

Oh boy.

“Y/n!” they exclaimed, shoving through the crowd. You matched their seemingly gleeful expressions, though you knew deep down they were judging you hard.

“You must be y/n’s date,” Ivy stated without much of a formal introduction.

“Aren’t you that Pogue from the Boneyard that always tries to hit on us?” Chloe brought up once she got a better look at JJ’s face. You snorted, but no one heard you.

You were slightly worried JJ would take their snarky comments the wrong way and lash back, but his cocky grin still laid proudly on his face as he held his hand out to your girl friends. “Name’s JJ. And yeah, I’m y/n’s new man.”

New man. Well, that was certainly a title. All of the Glossy Posse’s threaded eyebrows shot up at the word.

“Y/n,” Anne-Marie said in amazement, “You didn’t tell us you were dating again.”

“Yeah, well, I wanted to keep it kinda lowkey,” you lied, signaling JJ to put his arm around you again.

Expecting your friends to stick up their nose at him or give you guys condemnatory looks, you were surprised to find they were more stunned than snobby. Intrigued, you caught them eyeing JJ up and down as if he possessed some kind of magical charm.

From behind the group, you saw Warren trying to stick his hand out at JJ to introduce himself as the girls did kinda take center stage earlier, shielding him out. “Don’t believe we’ve met yet. I’m Warren, Warren Van Doren.”

JJ had to hold back a laugh at the sound of his rhyming name. So immature.

“Hey man, I’m JJ. Nice to meet you,” he greeted, shaking his hand, “Wait a sec, aren’t you that quarterback that got in that fight at regionals last year?”

Warren smiled sheepishly and looked away. “Yeah, that was me.”

You remembered that fight. The video of it actually went viral for like a week. Warren was a very nice guy, but pissed of, he was an animal. He pummeled the shit out of some of other players during that game. The topic of fighting seemed to bond the two boys as they unknowingly drifted away in their own conversation. Thank God, you were glad that at least one of the boys there would be friendly towards JJ.

“Wow, look what the cat dragged in,” Chloe announced, gesturing towards the stairway. All four of your heads turned to see Max and Anya parade up to the top step linked to one another.

That was the cue.

Furtively, you nudged at JJ’s side, interrupting his football conversation. You gave him an alerting look that said ‘look like you’re in love with me ASAP’ and he quickly enveloped his arm around you to pull you close.

Given the fact that you and JJ hardly knew each other, much less touched, it was a very ungraceful and awkward gesture. Even Warren shot you both a weird look. Either way, you figured it would be perfected after going at it a few times.

Just as the Hollywood couple sauntered in to the packed bar area, JJ dipped his face closer to yours. It was a nice touch to the act. He started whispering some stupid joke in your ear that you could hardly make out among the music and chatter, but you went along with it anyway, playfully slapping at his chest. He even placed his snapback on your head backwards. You almost yelled at him for ruining your hair, but for the sake of the show you were putting on, you pretended it was the cutest thing.

You tried not to look at Max as he passed, as you didn’t want to make things so obvious. But in the split second you did glance his way, his mouth flew agape. In that moment, you knew you had him right in the palm of your hand from twenty feet away. The evil laugh cackled inside your head while you raked your hands through JJ’s hair. It was surprisingly soft.

For the next few minutes, you could feel Max’s stare bore into you back as you leaned closer to JJ, kissing up his jawline and cheek.

“Damn, y/n, didn’t know you felt like this about me,” JJ teased.

“Shut up. I’m giving them a show,” you hissed with an infatuated smile to mask your threats.

“They’re gone now,” JJ noted lowly in your ear. You both detached like repelling magnets.

Fortunately, the posse and Warren dispersed among the crowd while you and JJ acted out your little PDA scene— it was probably from discomfort, if you were being honest. You did make sure not to hold anything back while you were draped all over JJ.

“Is that it?” JJ droned, back to his normal whiny self, “Am I done? Can we leave?”

Clicking your tongue, you shook your head, but with a grin this time. “Yes, you idiot, we can leave now.”

“Finally!”

JJ’s hand crept to your lower back as you both weaved through the mass of people to the exit. Before you could make it halfway down the staircase, however, you heard a rumbling behind you that stopped both your tracks. Warren’s six-four gigantic self was rummaging down the stairs, leaving booms in his wake.

“JJ! JJ!” he called out, grabbing hold of your fake boyfriend’s arm, “JJ dude, you gotta check out this new game system Billy has upstairs in the game room. You can play live Madden!”

“What?!” JJ’s eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas as Warren tugged you both back up the stairs with his giant football-player muscles.

“Dude it’s fucking sick! You gotta try it out,” Warren kept insisting. You knew JJ wouldn’t be able to resist. His eyes were practically glowing with excitement when he turned back to you as if to ask for some kind of approval.

“Okay, I’m just going to stay for one game,” he swore but you were a hundred-and-ten percent sure he’d be hooked and you could stay for much longer.

“Knock yourself out, Maybank,” you responded with a knowing smile, shooing him off to some depth of the Irvine’s enormous home. When he disappeared, you took the liberty to go search for your friends and finally enjoy the party for yourself.

As you predicted, one game turned into thirty real quick. It was well past midnight and JJ was still buried away somewhere doing who knows what. You didn’t mind. Warren was very responsible and you trusted him to take care of your date.

Plus, it gave you enough time to take rounds of various colored jello shots with Billy, dance on Mrs. Irvine’s countertops with the birthday girls, and devour the four-tiered tiramisu cake with fake-puking Barbie doll toppers that you helped pick out at the bakery.

When it got around one thirty, you grew a little concerned about JJ’s whereabouts so you sent him a quick text just to make sure he was okay and not shoving his head down a toilet. Your phone chimed back instantly—

Im jus fine y/n!!! One mor game! I almos beat War Ins Ass! Fuckin kwarter back!

Oh yeah, he was definitely gone. You texted your family’s driver to come by in about thirty minutes to make sure he’d get home safely. Then, you proceeded to dig in to your third slice of cake. Unlike the rest of your friends, you embraced the joy that was carbs— especially when you were drunk and there was chocolate involved.

JJ came downstairs a few minutes later and found where you were sitting on the couch surrounded by your circle of friends. Even amid the dark yet colorful beaming lights, his hair was still its usual sweaty mess with eyes a tad droopy, indicating just how drunk he was.

“Y/n! There’s my baby!”

He walked up and collapsed right onto your lap, tossing a dangly arm around you. You kept his snapback on for the entire night, assuming your hair was probably a bird’s nest underneath it. Everyone around seemed amused at the sight, and a few girls from school even began asking how you two started dating.

Maybe it wasn’t so bad after all.

Well, that was until your thigh circulation began ceasing due to JJ’s bony ass on it. You immediately demanded that you switch places with him, and he sloppily obliged. The throng around you giggled, intrigued by the new lovey-dovey couple. Secretly, you ate up the attention and knew JJ did too.

He was in the middle of telling everyone a dumb Boneyard party story when Max and Anya entered the living room premises. They looked like they were fixing to leave. Your date felt you tense a little in his lap and caught on to your sudden judder.

Boldly, JJ made direct eye contact with Max and threw him one of those ‘what’s up’ nods. Then, out of nowhere, in his completely trashed state, JJ cupped both of your cheeks and planted a very brazen kiss on your lips for everyone to see. Shutting your eyes, you heard a few whistles from the crowd around you, especially when he, very obviously, added his tongue to the mix.

JJ was a good kisser, you had to admit. It quite literally, took your breath away when he pulled back. Biting your lip, you mimicked his shit-eating grin while he pressed his perspiration-filled forehead on yours. It was a huge acne-hazard just waiting to happen. But, like the snapback, you didn’t care. It was the most thrilling thing you had done in months.

“Don’t look now, but Vega and his girl have their jaws dropped to the floor behind you,” he muttered in your ear. You giggled and held onto him closer, leaning your head on his chest.

It was probably be best fifteen hundred bucks you had ever spent.

—————————————————

The next morning was your mom’s weekly Saturday brunch. By default, you showed up an hour early to help greet the guests, frequently checking your watch and phone to see when JJ would arrive.

You had a tennis tournament earlier that morning, however, you didn’t even bother making your fake boyfriend go. After the events of last night, you knew he’d be too hungover in the morning and wouldn’t wake up in time for it. He was getting to be very predictable.

At t-minus five minutes until the brunch started, everyone had already made their way into the ballroom. That left just you waiting in the lobby area for your date. The look on your face was just about ready to kill JJ whenever he walked through the door. You also didn’t see Sarah and John B arrive either, so you assumed they would be a no-show yet again.

About a minute past noon, the blond sauntered past the doors wearing a black suit that looked two sizes to big for him with hideous shoulder pads. You presumed it was his dad’s old one. He also had on jet black sunglasses to mask the grogginess from the party, but it was pretty evident he looked and felt like shit.

“You’re late again!” you hissed through gritted teeth, snatching his hand like he was an uncontrollable child. Maybe you should invest in a leash and collar for him since he could never get his attendance right.

“What do you mean? You said noon,” he yawned, unfazed at your irritation.

“The brunch starts at noon!” you jeered, “That means you have to show up early!”

“Well you failed to mention those rules,” he tried to bicker back, but you flashed him one of your bitch-looks before he could go any further. That had him shriveling at the sight.

“Whatever, just hurry up and let’s get seated,” you ordered, leading him through the majestic looking double doors, “And take off those sunglasses!”

Much to your dismay, the doors made a very loud creaking noise when they opened. Just about everyone did a double-take to see you arrive late and with a woozy-looking boy shoving sunglasses in his suit pocket.

Eyes were glued on you while judgmental whispers filled the already tense air. There was a small churn in your stomach as you weaved through the round tables. Something was also gnawing at your brain, telling you that it was a terrible, terrible idea. You attempted to brush it aside, though, as you and JJ took your seats.

For some odd reason, the Glossy Posse didn’t show the same enthusiasm towards JJ like the did at the party. They were back to their pretentious ways— you figured it was probably just their hangover attitude.

On the other hand, Warren happily greeted JJ when he sat down, exchanging one of those typical ‘bro’ handshakes. They started chatting on about the previous night while you tried to make small talk with the girls. Unfortunately, they were still being short with you and were, very obviously, throwing looks at JJ, along with their dates.

Glancing to your parents’ table, they didn’t look like they cared too much about your situation, having just flown in from their trip. They were too engrossed in entertaining their friends to really pay you any mind. Sometimes you were grateful that they were oblivious to some things. When you look over at the Vegas, however, Mr. and Mrs. Vega both sent you a disapproving look. The other families followed.

You couldn’t help but feel like you were in over your head at that point. Was it a mistake bringing JJ to this event?

The servers came out and made their rounds at the tables, setting bowls of water in front of everyone.

“Thank God, I’m starving,” JJ piped, taking his dessert spoon to sip water from the finger bowl.

“JJ,” you yelled-whispered as guests continued to stare.

“What?” he chided back with an attitude, completely unaware of his surroundings.

“The water is for your fingers.”

His face shot up from the bowl and scanned the room at people dipping their fingers into their respective bowls. “Oh shit,” he sputtered as your entire table tried to hide their snorts.

When the food finally came out, it didn’t really get any better. Baked chicken was on the menu and, well, JJ was the only one in the room who didn’t use a fork and knife. Everyone stared at him incredulously as he used his hands to gobble up his plate. Though, the boy didn’t seem to notice any of the baffled eyes.

Attempting to shield your red face, you continued to take tiny bites from your food, hoping the next hour would go by fast.

You hoped too soon.

As soon as JJ was done eating, he let out a loud belt to where the tables around you could hear. Warren high-fived him. At least someone got a kick out of it. You, along with the rest of the guests, had nothing but revolt on your faces.

Once the plates were cleared, the servers brought out creme brûlée for dessert. You were grateful it was something semi-clean to eat. JJ seemed to get a knack out of all the food. He even leaned over to you with his mouth full and muttered, “This food is fantastic! My compliments to the chef.”

You half-smiled back in embarrassment and took a spoon-full of your dessert. Thankfully, your mom waltzed over when you were half-way through to ask for your help carrying in the posters and stands from the lobby that displayed all the charity and donation information.

Immediately, you rose and scattered out, away from all the the dense room.

At the front, you began picking up the easel stands to bring inside until you spotted the jet-black locks of the last person you wanted to run into that afternoon. You almost dropped the large items in your hands when he came up to you.

“So, I see you brought Maybank here. Looks like he’s really enjoying himself in there,” Max commented dryly beside you. Mrs. Vega must have asked him for a hand as well.

You winced at the oozing criticism in his voice. It was the first time you had spoken to him one-on-one since the breakup.

”Yeah, we’re, uh, kind of together now,” you mentioned, lugging a display. He grabbed the two remaining and rushed to keep up with you, following you back in.

Out of nowhere, he let out disbelieving laugh, “You can’t be serious, y/n, you and Maybank?”

Taken aback by his brashness, you stopped right before the ballroom doors, frowning. “Yeah,” you shot back sternly, “Why not? I get along with him fine.”

“Doesn’t look like it to me. The guy’s a total tool. I’ve told you that from the beginning. Trust me, I know.”

“Know what? What’s good for me?” you pressed, growing more and more exasperated at the sound of his deep and raspy voice.

It was sexy, no doubt, but just the things that were coming out of his mouth made you want to slap him silly. How dare he prance up to you in his gorgeous light blue Armani suit and tell you what’s good for you!

“I just know who you are, y/n,” he went on calmly, with not an ounce of anger present in his tone, “And JJ’s just not a good guy for you.”

You were seeping with outrage at that point. Hiking in a breath, you spoke with the speckles of tranquility you had left in you. “Well I appreciate your concern, though I hardly understand why you have any for me. But we broke up, Max. You completely lost the right to tell me any of that.”

With that, you furiously stomped into the brunch and set the displays at the front for your mom. Max looked dumbstruck as he trailed behind. But you didn’t care.

“Everything okay? Did something happen with Vega?” JJ asked when you got back to your seat. You remained silent. It was the only way to keep yourself from screaming.

It was all too much— the piercing stares, the messy eating, Max.

“I’m going to the bathroom,” you informed to JJ as he listened to another one of Warren’s football stories, “And then we’re leaving.”

Before he could respond, you were already racing to the bathroom as fast as your Jimmy Choo wedges could take you.

You needed air. And fast.

Bursting through the bathroom door, you heaved yourself into the biggest stall and flopped down on the toilet seat, taking in deep breaths to calm yourself. It didn’t help much. The room was still twirling like you were on the Graviton at a carnival. Too nauseous from it all, you didn’t even care that you were ruining your new white Valentino dress.

You just wanted to hurl inside the antique-decorated bathroom but couldn’t. It was miserable. But at least the bathroom was empty.

All the seeming success of last night crumbled away with every disapproving look or whisper of the guests. And then Max— that fucking asshole. Your head was thumping endlessly as you felt the stress knots crawl up your spine.

What were you thinking? Maybe you were in over your head. No one was believing it. Not for a second.

Even JJ was terrible at playing along. You should’ve known it was just wishful thinking. You knew you had to throw in the towel and told yourself you would call it off once you found some way to stop the hot tears that were streaming down your made-up cheeks.

As you felt your breathing start to normalize, you slowly lifted from the toilet seat and smoothened out your dress. When the bathroom door slammed open against the wall, you immediately fell back down, wanting to avoid any form of human interaction for the rest of your life.

Titters and snickers echoed the air as two girls stumbled in, mid-conversation. They didn’t seem to notice you in the stall at all. Thank God.

“Would you believe y/n? Bringing that dirty Pogue here? She’s gone insane!” A nasally voice spoke by the sinks.

You scrunched your nose, trying to catch a glimpse of their shoes from the opening underneath the stall. You nearly puked. Nameless brand heels? Unacceptable.

“I know! He’s so disgusting and that suit is just repulsive! Does she not have an ounce of embarrassment?” the other one added.

You didn’t recognize their voices, but assumed they probably went to your school by the way they knew you and JJ. A part of you wanted to charge out of the stall and drag their pitiful selves to the ground. But seeing as you were just recovering from a near panic attack, you didn’t have the energy. And they didn’t deserve your breath.

Nevertheless, they still went on.

“Ever since Vega dumped her for California girl, she’s completely gone off the rails. First the hair change and now she’s dating a Pogue like Sarah Cameron is. It’s so pathetic!”

“Seriously, train wreck of the year if you ask me.”

Train wreck? Pathetic? You’ll show them what pathetic is! Especially with those god-awful shoes. Do they have an ounce of embarrassment showing up here with that kind of atrocity?

You were seconds away from emerging from your ashes to put them in their place. But, lucky for them, they escaped before you could come out of confinement.

Huffing, you stormed out of the stall and towards the mirrors to fix yourself. God forbid you’d ever let anyone see you with smeared mascara!

Dabbing a wet cloth on your cheeks to soothe out the redness, you heard the creak of the door opening behind you and immediately tossed it into a bin. You pretended to fix your hair. Fortunately, the redness faded to a soft pink to look like blush.

Anya strolled in the bathroom behind you. Ugh, the cherry on top of the cake.

You faked a tight smile at her. She threw a cheery one at you, walking up the sink next to yours to toss up her bouncy, voluminous hair. “So, I thought you said that guy out there wasn’t you boyfriend,” she pointed out, not taking her eyes off her own reflection.

“Oh, psh, well you know,” you sputtered, not expecting the sudden inquisition, “One thing led to another that night at the Boneyard and it just kinda… happened.”

It was the first real conversation you had with her, and you wanted to hold your breath at the awkwardness. Anya nodded at your answer, puckering her lips slyly. “I just think it’s cute that you’re trying to make Max jealous.”

You almost did a double take. It was so subtle and smooth, her comment almost flew right over your head. “Excuse me?” you shot back, turning to the blonde-haired home-wrecker.

She didn’t even flinch a muscle at your snub expression, just continued to ogle at herself. It was menacing. Evil really did take form in Anya Carmichael.

“Oh, did I need to spell it out for you?” she blinked, “Y/n, you’ve been out of the picture. If you think showing up with that god-awful guy in his dad’s raggedy suit is gonna change Max’s mind about you, I assure you it won’t work.”

She crinkled her eyes in a hateful smile.

What was with people and their audacity that afternoon? Whatever was in their water, you were not about to have any of it. No one spoke to you like that.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you said blandly, wanting to get under her skin.

“Yes you do,” she snarled back, placing both hands on the sink in a threatening manner, “Look. Max and I are together now. You need to get that in your tiny pea-brain head. Do not play dumb with me. I see you looking over at him every five minutes. Get. Over. It.”

“Like I said,” you responded back in a fake-innocent tone just to push her buttons some more, “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Anya. I think all the hairspray is really getting to your head.”

Two can play that game.

She narrowed her almond eyes at you and straightened up proudly. Even though she was way taller than you in her six-inch heels, you still stood your ground, blinking up at her tauntingly. At least your swanky parents taught you that much.

She scoffed. “Give it up, seriously. Using that guy to try to get back at your ex is just pathetic. Max was right about you. You’re just a shallow virgin with a handbag.”

With that, she tossed her hair behind her shoulder and strutted out the door. Your blood was boiling, having half a mind to go out there and rip the bottled-blonde right off her head. You should’ve known it was all an act!

Fuming, you treaded back to the brunch table, your face doing a complete one-eighty once you stepped through the doors. A lady never showed her seething anger underneath.

JJ spotted you and promptly stood up, snatching your purse, and getting ready to leave.

“Sit,” you demanded, pushing him down by the shoulder so his ass plopped back firmly on the chair. The look of utter shock flashed on his face, but he just took it.

“I’m feeling better now. We’re staying,” you informed as if you were a commander at war. You glanced over at the Vegas’ table where Anya hung her arm proudly on Max’s bicep as he made some joke to his table. She threw over a glare at you. No one but you noticed.

You draped an arm on one of JJ’s ridiculously large shoulder pads, nuzzling your nose to his neck. He was still as confused as ever though, but still went along with it, digging his fork into your half-eaten dessert which he later finished.

If Anya wanted a war, you’ll give her one. May the best bitch win.

---------------------------------------

note: YES SHE WENT THERE! you kno i had to stir in anya- y/n drama!!!

pls message me to be tagged!

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tags: @2kayla64 @jewel25 @rudyypankow @rafecameron @ultranikilove @wicked-laugh @outerbankslut @agirlwholovescoffee @tovvaf @obxlife @ilovejjmaybank @celestialmaybank @erraaxh @poguecollins @jolomez @x-lulu @danicarosaline @teamnick @outerbankslut @sweetlysilent @5am-cigarette @n1ghtsh4d3-67 @duskangxl @hollandary @rudths @meaganjm @bluesiderudy @http-cherries @allycat449-blog @pink-meringues @mendesmaybank @lunaposey @natsiboo @primroswx @wtfkie @heyitsmeimdead @ilymarkchan @drewwbabyy-blog @kookkyra @mayybankz @ifilwtmfc @annedub

#outer banks fanfiction #outer banks imagine #outerbanks #Outer Banks #obx #obx fanfiction #obx imagine #jj obx #jj x reader #JJ Imagine #jj fanfiction #jj #jj maybank x y/n #jj maybank fanfiction #jj maybank x you #jj maybank imagine #jj maybank

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war-sword · 5 years

Text

what can i get you? (3)

part 3 | index | masterlist

draco x female reader [muggle AU, slightly aged-up]

summary: One handsome Draco Malfoy is the only boy you trust at your new job to tie your ties. words: 3,196 a/n: thanks y’all for supporting & enjoying this lil self-indulgent moment of mine! ♡ playlist: here taglist: @clockworkherondale @accio-rogers @mayorofzillyhoo @diademofdraco @drawlfoy @ladybuginthetardis @silversslytherin @lushlavenderskies @socontagiousimagines @acciodracoo @eltanin-malfoy @maceyisntcool @newhopenessie @hp-slaps

◈◈◈

On Saturday morning, you wake up to a horrible sensation at the back of your mouth. You get out of bed and chug a glass of water, but your throat still feels as dry as a piece of paper. You think about texting Gabrielle and asking for the day off, but remember how you need the money… that, and you’d been snapchatting Draco all week and knew he would be there tonight. It’s only just past nine, you can rest all day and save your energy for work later.

You nap on and off, nursing a glass of water and a couple bowls of hot cereal. You don’t feel bad otherwise, and by midday your throat is actually feeling a bit better. Around 4 you get ready for work, and decide you can walk. You’re lucky Gabrielle scheduled you so close to your flat, some fresh air will probably do you some good. The crisp fall air helps you feel refreshed, and you make your way around to the back door of the event space at exactly 4:30.

As you walk towards the kitchen to put your bag down, you see the catering truck pull into the alleyway. Even so, you’re not the first person there. Draco is sitting in the kitchen on his phone, eating a container of takeout.

“Hey, Y/N.” He looks up when you walk in. “I like your hair.”

Your fingers reach up to touch your meticulously mussed bun. “Thanks.”

He reacts immediately to your raspy voice. “You haven’t got the lurgy, have you?” He asks, giving you a wary look.

“Just a sore throat,” you assure him, boosting yourself up onto the counter. “Maybe allergies or something.”

Draco still looks skeptical, and you just roll your eyes. “I don’t have the lurgy, thanks. If I thought I was contagious, I wouldn’t be here to serve people food.”

“Good thing you’re not on kitchen,” he points out, closing his now empty container.

“C’mon, the truck just pulled up,” you say, sliding off the counter.

Draco follows you out to the back, where the truck is backed up to the loading dock. Everyone else starts to trickle in as you help Michael, Gabrielle’s husband who she owns the business with, unload. Racks of plastic covered food go to the kitchen, bins of dishware and glasses stay in the back room. Theo is there, and so are Astoria and her sister Daphne, but Pansy is nowhere to be seen. This will be your first time working without her, so you open your phone to send her a Snapchat as the boys grab the last few things off the truck. You snap a photo of you giving a thumbs down captioned “can’t believe we’re separated”.

Michael puts Theo and one other boy you haven’t worked with before in the kitchen with Draco, and sends the girls off to set the tables. The event space is an open industrial-looking room, with a dance floor and lots of tables draped in pale blue and yellow. Signs across the room say “LIA”, and at first you wonder if it’s an acronym for something.

“Do you know what kind of party this is?” You ask Astoria while you set out forks.

“I think a mitzvah,” she responds. “That’s Mary Anne, the event planner over there. We’ve worked lots of mitzvahs for her in the past.”

“Oh, cool.” You look around at the space in a new light. These people certainly are spending a lot of money of their daughter’s bat mitzvah.

You finish setting the tables and filling the glasses with water. There’s multiple food stations set up along one wall of the room for the adults, and the other for kids. You all join Michael in the back room for a quick meeting.

“We’re limited in buffet space, so around ten we’re going to flip the pasta station for dessert. The family is going to have a long horah, so that'll be our best chance to bus all the dishes and silverware before we set that out.” Michael explains. “We’ll set up bussing back here so we can load while the party is still happening. If you’re working the floor, go ahead and get changed.”

Astoria and Daphne grab their uniforms and disappear off towards the bathroom together. You think about following them out, but realize it’s only you and Draco in the back room now. Last weekend comes back into your mind. He’s in the other corner of the room, not even looking at you as he pulls on his own dress shirt. Fuck it.

You turn your back and strip your t-shirt off, slipping into the stiff fabric of your dress shirt. You do up the buttons on the front before turning around. Draco’s staring at you, now fully dressed. He’s got his arms crossed and is observing you with a smirk on his face while you button your cuffs.

“What?” You taunt.

He just beckons you over with a single finger.

You cross the room seemingly too fast and find yourself just inches away from his chest, looking up into his grey eyes. The slight blue tinge in them is set off by his sky-blue tie. Draco slips the silky strip of fabric from between the fingers in your outstretched hand, looping it around your neck and pulling you just slightly closer.

Oh.

You can feel his eyes on you as he does your tie, while you pretend not to notice and busy yourself with buttoning your cuffs again. He takes his time tightening it against your throat, the tips of his fingers brushing against your skin.

“Do you always forget this button on purpose?” He dips a finger into the collar of your shirt to fish out the button to fasten it. You look up at him as he concentrates.

“No,” you lie.

Draco finishes with your tie and takes a moment to study your face. His captivating eyes burn with something unsaid. “Let’s get out to the floor.”

Michael puts you behind a table on the side of the room, in charge of making overdressed twelve-year-olds Shirley Temples. Your coworkers mill among them, passing appetizers of miniature soft pretzels and mac ‘n cheese bites. It feels strange to be serving and treating such young children like adults, who are all across the room sipping real cocktails and having normal horderves. The nice thing about your standing station is that you can sip water to soothe your throat, and check your phone for messages from Pansy. After about two hours, Draco comes over to check on you.

“How are you feeling?”

You shrug, snatching the last pretzel off his tray. “It’s not any better, but I’m fine.”

“Wanna switch? We’re starting bussing, you can sit in the back and scrape plates if you want to sit down.”

You’d be fine to keep standing, but sitting and taking a break from the loud music does sound nice.

“Sure, thanks.”

You take his tray from him and head to the back. You sit on the tables that had been set up, and scrape plates into the giant trash can and put them into their designated bins. MIchael comes into the back and enlists you to help set out the desserts. You pass Theo, carrying a large tray of squash ravioli, as you head to the floor. “Don’t put it away just yet, I want some!”

“Gotcha,” he acknowledges, before toting it into the kitchen.

You help Michael and Astoria carefully arrange brownies and waffles covering in chocolate and sprinkles on sticks on what was once the pasta table. The children all gather at a safe distance, waiting for you to finish. As soon as the three of you step away, there is a slightly terrifying primary-schooler stampede.

Michael makes eye contact with you and looks disgusted. “I’m never having children.”

You and Astoria burst out laughing and you all head to the back. As promised, Theo has left the extra pasta out for you, and you pack your takeout container with ravioli and roasted vegetables. Michael finds a tray of waffles that didn’t make it out, and after swearing a little decides there’s no way he’s going back out there and lets you all eat them. Draco is still out on the floor, and you go out to relay the information of the waffles.

“We can switch again,” you say, but your tired voice doesn’t carry over the music.

He leans a little closer. “What?”

You repeat what you said before and add the part about the waffles. Your throat is killing you, and you make yourself a new cup of water. Draco looks at you sympathetically, and heads back to the kitchen.

At eleven, it’s time to break down. Guests are finally leaving, and you bring your leftover sodas and mixers from your station to the back along with your trash. Michael sends Astoria and Daphne to check the floor one last time while the rest of you change and pack the truck. They return with a few stray silverware pieces and the event planner trailing behind, who hands you each an envelope with forty extra euros in cash inside.

You pretend to busy yourself with putting your tips in your wallet, but in reality you’re just buying a few extra seconds so you can shamelessly watch Draco slip back into his jumper and ruffle his hair. It still doesn’t make sense to you that he can look so good under the unflattering fluorescent lights, and you’re too busy contemplating his hair to look away when he catches you staring.

Instead of a teasing quip, he asks, “Still not feeling any better?”

“Honestly? My throat feels like shit right now.”

He waves a hand in the direction of the door. “Come, lets go get tea.”

He’s already walking, and you have no choice but to follow. “Draco, you know I can just go home, I have tea in my own apartment.”

“Oh, come on now,” he says, turning around and walking backwards. “Where’s the fun in that? Let me buy you a tea.”

You roll your eyes, but then jog a few steps to catch up with him. “Would you mind dropping me off at my flat after? I walked here.”

“You walked to work? While sick?” He looks down at you, shocked.

“Uh, yes?”

“You are crazy.” He leads the way to a parking deck around the corner from the venue, and up the stairs to the level his car is parked at. Draco pulls out his keys and clicks the button on the fob and you see lights flash up ahead, but when you catch sight of the blue and white checkers you almost stop in your tracks. “...You do not drive a BMW. This is not you car.”

Draco pauses, hand on the driver’s side door. His face crumbles as he struggles to contain a massive grin, and he just bites his lip and gets in the car.

“No!” you yell as loudly as you’re able, heading for the passengers side and sticking your head into the car. “No! Draco, I thought you were a student! How the fuck can you have a car like this and work as a server for a catering company.”

The luxurious car lights up as he puts in the keys. “Um… that’s for me to know, and you to never know, how about that?”

“Bloody hell,” you mutter, slipping into the car. The leather seats are like butter beneath you.

I can’t believe this, he’s one of those rich boys. I have a crush on a rich boy. You shake your head in disbelief and buckle your seat belt. Post Malone starts to play over the speakers.

Draco does the thing where he puts his hand on your headrest as he turns to look out the rear window while backing up. How can boys make such normal things so hot? His eyes momentarily flick to you and he catches you watching him. You both let slip tiny smiles.

“Let’s go fast,” Draco says, putting the car into drive.

“What? Draco, we’re in a parking deck- AH!” You screech as he floors the car for a second and you speed down the aisle, and he laughs. He takes the turn down the ramp fast, too, and you grab onto the handle above the door. “DRACO STOP!” But you know your high-pitched screams are just encouraging him, his deep boyish laugh filling the car.

Once you’re on the road, you take in the lights of London as you drive, enjoying the cozy interior of Draco’s car and it’s wonderful sound system. It feels slightly wrong to pull into a curbside parking space outside Balans.

“Looks busy,” you muse, peering through the window.

“I’ll bring it back here. What do you want?”

“Green is fine.”

“Make sure no one steals my car, please,” he says as he opens the door and slips out.

You watch him go around the back of the car and make sure he’s inside the cafe before you cover your face with your hands and rest your head on the dashboard. You let out a long, close-mouthed screech. I. Cannot. Believe. This is happening. “The one time be decides to take me out I’m sick… BECAUSE I’m sick,” you say out loud to yourself. “Stupid fucking thoughtful, cute boys.”

Draco returns with your teas after a short while, and you relish the warmth radiating from the cardboard cup. “I had them put honey in it,” he says.

Your chest does that stupid thing where it feels like your lungs stop working. “Thank you. How much…” but you trail off when you catch sight of his calculating look.

“Y/N, a tea is like two quid. You don’t have to pay me back,” he says with a chuckle, taking the lid off his cup and blowing on his drink.

“Yeah, yeah, I realized that as I remembered we’re sitting in a series 5.”

Draco snorts into his cup. He sets it down for a moment in the cup holder and kicks off his shoes, turning in the seat so he can face you. “I know, it’s embarrassing,” he says, picking his tea up again.

You remove your shoes and mimic him, wiggling your toes in your socks. “Okay, seriously though. Now I need to know the reason you work at a bloody catering company.” You sip your tea, enjoying the relief it brings your sore throat. A sprinkle starts outside, dotting the glass of the car with water like glitter.

“My mum always told me everyone should have experience working in service,” he says. “Also, it’s stupid to go your entire student life without any work experience.”

You nod. “Okay, fair, fair.”

“Why are you working at a catering company?” He counters.

“Because I have a flat to pay rent for,” you snort. “And it pays better than working at a place like this.” You job your thumb behind you at Balans.

“Mmm, do you have flatmates?”

You shake your head no.

“Double edged blade,” he says, sipping his tea. “No help but at least you’re alone.”

“Yeah. And it’s better than living on campus.” You pretend to gag. “I did that first year, and never wanted to again.”

Draco wrinkles his nose in understanding. “I agree. Where do you study? I guess not too far, since your flat is nearby.”

“Bernel. You?”

“Kings College,” he answers. “Pansy, too. Did she tell you that?”

“No, actually. So do you know each other from school or work?”

“She’s a family friend, actually.” He says. “Theo had the job first. He told Pansy, Pansy told me. My ex used to work with us too, but he quit a while back.”

You can’t help but stiffen a little at the word ‘he’. Oh no. This boy could not be gay. You’d been so sure he’d been flirting with you all this time! All those moments, all you texting and talking on Snapchat...

Draco seemed to sense your sudden energy shift. “I’m bisexual,” he expands.

“Oh,” you breathe a sigh of relief.

“What were you thinking?”

“Nothing. Nothing bad! It’s just... good to know you like girls.”

“It is?” He cocks an eyebrow. “Why?”

“No reason.” You busy yourself with examining the stitching on the car seats, but you can feel his gaze burning into the side of your head. You look over, and he has the most disgusting smirk on his face.

Oh, he knows alright.

“Do you want to hang out?” He asks, leaning towards you. “Outside of work.”

“Then what are we doing right now?” You peek over the lip of your cup at him.

He pauses, then practically purrs, “I think I’d prefer it if you weren’t sick.”

A tingly sensation spreads throughout your body, this time not from the tea. You’d never wished to be well more in your entire life. “Well, believe me when I say I’ll let you know as soon as I’m lurgy-free.”

“Good.”

You and Draco talk until the rain is coming down hard, and Balans goes dark at midnight. He starts the engine again and follows your directions back to your flat. By then, your voice is starting to go, leaving you speaking a good two octaves lower than normal.

“Sorry, I keep making you talk,” Draco says as he pulls up across from your building.

You gather your bag from the floor and push your shoes back on. “And scream for my life.”

“Hey, but you have a sexy sick voice.”

You squeeze your eyes shut bite your lip to keep from making another involuntary screech. “See you later, Draco.”

“Get well soon.”

You close the door of his car and leap across the sidewalk under the awning of your door, when your heart skips a beat and sends you flying back to the passenger side. “DRACO!”

“What?” He looks at you slightly alarmed as you start to get soaked by the rain.

“I forgot to clock out!” You cry.

His face goes from blank back to alarmed. “Fuck, so did I!”

You can’t help but start laughing, and he shoos you towards your apartment again. “It’ll be fine, just text Gabrielle. Please go inside!”

Rain is rolling down your face and into your eyes. Instead of turning back around, your dive back inside the car. Your knees dig into the passenger seat and you lean across the center console, one of your hands making contact with the glass of the window behind Draco’s head. Because of the awkward angle, your foreheads collide a little more forcefully than you anticipated, but the feeling of his warm lips against yours is worth it. You pull away and relish the look of surprise on his face.

“Have fun being sick,” you say with a grin. You slide back out of the car and slam the door.

You run up the stairs into your flat and close the door, leaning back against it. Strands of wet hair are plastered all across your face, but you’ve never felt happier. Inside your pocket, your phone buzzes.

Draco Malfoy is typing…

Snapchat from Draco Malfoy

#draco x reader #draco malfoy imagine #draco malfoy x reader #draco malfoy #draco malfoy x you #hp fanfic #my writing

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renwritesstuff · 4 years

Text

first impressions

I submit to #MERWEEK2020, First Impressions. Samantha Traynor x FemShep

Sure the first time they spoke was on the Normandy SR-2, but that was not the first time they met.

October 22, 2183

“I thought you were allergic?”

“To free food and rubbing shoulders with the top brass?” A plump woman with a short bob of brown hair and blue eyes arched an eyebrow as she swept lipstick over thin lips.

“To bullshit,” Specialist Samantha Traynor clarified, her arms still crossed as she hunched in her desk chair.

Specialist Mary Dietrich gave an acknowledging shrug. “You’re not wrong, but free food does wonders for keeping my bullshit allergy at bay.” She made a theatrical sniffing noise.

Sam pressed harder, “You know the ANN vultures will be there. Probably Khalisah al-Jilani too, your archnemesis.” She took a loud slurp of cold tea from the mug on her desk, racking her brain for more reasons why they shouldn’t go out tonight. “Also Staff Lieutenant Jeong and the rest of the smug quartermasters who love rejecting our grant proposals. You know we would be done with the new defense suite if Jeong wasn’t besties with Bautista in applied physics, right?”

Sighing, Mary made flicking motions to smooth out wrinkles on the sleeves of her dress blues. “Well now I want to go just to kick Jeong in the balls.” The orange holo screen projected from her wrist that was acting as a mirror disappeared as she set a glare on her fellow R&D mate. “C’mon Sam. Contrary to your belief, this is actually one of the perks of working on Arcturus Station. First on the victory tour to celebrate the end of the Eden Prime War! Oo-rah!”

Oo-rah, Sam groaned inwardly and more than a little sarcastically. Her nose wrinkled with her silent scowl.

Mary must have seen the face Sam made, because she stood up, hands on hips. “Suck it up, newbie! I will pull rank on you if it’ll make you leave the damn lab.”

Samantha squawked in protest. “I leave the lab!”

Sometimes! To sleep!

Traynor.

Okay, I sleep on the couch most nights. To change?

...Traynor.

Well they shouldn’t make the laundry service so convenient then. To shower?

……Traynor.

Fine! L Wing has the best faucets! Not my fault the washroom is one door down! I am a slave to convenience, okay??? It keeps my mind researching and developing per my job title, doesn’t it??

“Sleeping and making tea don’t count,” Mary scoffed back. “Plus this is a big deal. Don’t you want to be able to tell your grandkids about meeting all the heroes who saved the Citadel and the Council?”

“...Do I have to?”

A laundry back was draped over Sam’s face, filling her vision with crinkling plastic. Mary patted her head through the bag. “Damn right, you do. Or you get to tell Lydia you made me late.”

Oh fuck. She had only met Mary’s wife Lydia half a dozen times in the 6 months since she started at R&D on Arcturus, but the woman made an impression. A stern, stoic Kodiak mechanic, Lydia had never cracked a smile once at any of the dozens of quips and small jokes Sam compulsively made. And Lydia had a voice like a drill sergeant that made Sam want to stand up straight before offering to do push ups please-and-thank-you-ma’am.

Pulling the bag off her face, Sam unzipped it to find her dress blues freshly laundered and folded crisply. She mumbled, “....I’ll be good.”

Arcturus Station was the pride and joy of the Alliance with a state of the art light rail to traverse the 5km diameter arms. At the center was a large convention hall that could hold 20,000 of the 45,000 population at one time. Surrounding departments had been cleared out to serve as food stations, coat checks and privacy areas to host the current set of guests.

Sucks to be them, Sam frowned in empathy as she waited with Mary in the biometric security line. I can’t imagine having to clean up and stash all the rubbish we have lying around just so some fancy-pants donor can hang their coat up. Reminds me of a grammar school open house.

The overwhelming number of people made it hard for her to carry on a conversation with her coworker. Mostly human, with a few asari in sleek dresses and tuxedoed turians sprinkled in made up the meandering line that started at the light rail station. Background noise consisted of a dull roar of voices that grew louder the closer the two women got to the convention hall proper with just the faintest bass beat of music.

As they finally crested the last stairwell, the site of the grand hall was truly breathtaking. Large blast windows revealed a swirling backdrop of the Arcturus Stream nebula. Even the Arcturus mass effect relay was visible, the blue element zero core at its center flickering like a star. A few moving pins of light appeared next to the relay, more ships arriving to join the fleets already at Arcturus Station.

Decorated in heavy Alliance blue and gold, there were holo posters posted at intervals around the circular hall. Dramatic vid portraits of human heroes (with occasional notable alien Council SpecTRes appearing in between, no doubt a nod to the Council guests present) animated silently, larger than life.

A red-headed woman appeared multiple times at different angles and wardrobes on the vids, clearly the focus of the event. In one image the woman was pictured with a straight backed salute wearing dress blues, another wielded a rifle in heavy armor, another was flanked by a group of men and women (human and alien alike).

Commander Annelise Shepard, First Human SpecTRe. Hero of the Citadel. Captain of the Normandy SR-1, the most advanced ship in the Alliance Navy.

The room was warm with all the bodies and Sam found herself clinging to Mary, who was busy texting Lydia to attempt to meet up somewhere on the crowded floor. The clamor of conversation barely dipped during a few speeches broadcast across the hall. Admiral David Anderson’s low bass voice welcomed the guests to the station and indicated there would be a meet-and-greet with the Heroes of the Citadel after cocktails.

Excited jabbering was all around them as people tried to catch glimpses of the headliner heroes. Sam was only somewhat familiar about the events from a few weeks ago, much of it still under top secret clearance. Just that all the recent geth activity triggered from the terrorist attack on Eden Prime culminated in the attack at the Citadel. A joint task force crew, helmed by the first human SpecTRe, was responsible for bringing the terrorist down and saving the Citadel and the Council at the cost of human lives.

It seems kind of far-fetched, doesn’t it, Traynor?

Like something I’d read in a story. Or play in a video game.

Ooo, I hope it has a character creator. And I can make the character super hot.

It took the better part of a half hour of crowd weaving to track down Lydia Dietrich, Mary’s wife. A tall woman with very short, slicked-back hair was nursing a beer while she chatted with a small group of fellow mechanics hunkered by the dessert table. While Lydia and Mary started a row of friendly bickering (“What took you so long?” “What took you so long?”), Sam wandered over to the desserts to seize an opening in the line.

Ooo, lemon curd tarts! Her fingertips drummed impatiently on her pant leg as she watched the pile of tarts diminish with each new tiny plate down the buffet line. Couples in front of and behind her were laughing and gossiping.

“Oh did you see the Commander? I saw Cameron snap a holo of her.”

“I thought she’d be taller.”

“Not sure why they felt the need to bring the quarian, too.”

“I mean, it was on the crew, right?”

She. She is on the crew. Even Sam knew that.

“Can’t believe General Williams’ granddaughter was there, too. I thought all that family knew how to do was surrender.”

“Maybe she and the quarian were a distraction for the real heroes to do the real work.”

Simpering laughter followed which made Samantha’s skin crawl.

“Not sure why they had to open this event to all the little minions at the station. We paid forty-five thousand credits a plate for this? While little desk-jockeys like miss-didn’t-even-do-her-hair over there can show up and eat our food?”

It took a glance backward for Sam to realize they were talking about her. She resisted the temptation to lift a self-conscious hand to her hair.

Poppycock, I know I look amazing. I always look amazing.

“I know, darling. Our tax dollars pay their salary. You’d think they’d have the courtesy to stand behind us in line. Like good help.”

Remaining silent, Sam continued the slow march to the dessert table. She did fire up her Omni-tool and do a quick scan while waiting, the extranet chugging a bit due to the density of guests. But she was satisfied with her results.

The long-awaited distance closed and Sam finally stood before a half-empty buffet table. The dextro desserts had been picked over, as had some of the hybrid mini-cakes and parfaits. It looked like everything was in the process of getting refreshed by the catering company. Several waitstaff with tall silver trays were making their way over from the back.

But all that mattered is that there were still three lemon curd tarts left. All of which ended up on Sam’s dainty white plate as she swept out of the line. She felt a tug on her sleeve.

An older human woman in a far too tight evening gown scowled back at her. “I beg your pardon! Where do you think you’re going? How dare you take the last tarts? Have you any idea how long we’ve been waiting?”

Sam shrugged. “I’d wager about five seconds less than you as I was ahead of you in the same line?”

The woman’s date, a balding, rat-faced gentleman in a shiny tuxedo stuck a finger in Sam’s face. “Such rudeness! We actually paid good money to be here, so we deserve priority.”

“Perhaps she’s with the catering company, darling,” the wife simpered back as though struck with a thought. “She’s certainly dressed like them.” Her saccharine-smile was betrayed by cold, smug brown eyes.

An excited commotion could be heard behind them in line, but Sam didn’t dare glance away.

Remember, Traynor. Fixed eye contact. Bullies look for weakness.

She smiled back. “I wouldn’t say you paid Good Money to be here, did you?” She took a bite of lemon tart, savoring the acerbic flavor accented by a light sugary texture.

“What do you mean?” The couple replied in unison matching their haughty glares.

“You really should have better security on your Omni-tool. I mean, any old desk-jockey could just waltz right in and see that your asari mistress scored you free tickets. An asari mistress in the quarian slave trade, no doubt. Tsk tsk.”

The glaring transitioned to sputtering, confusion from the husband and outrage from the wife.

“Oh don’t worry, I reported her to the authorities for tax evasion, too. I mean, how else will your tax dollars pay my salary, right? It's the only way I can afford to eat such delicious tarts.” And Samantha took another large satisfying bite before saluting with the pastry, turning on her heel, and walking proudly off to go find Mary and Lydia.

The couple stepped out of line to argue, hands gesturing wildly. They turned to leave when they walked straight into the source of the commotion: Commander Annelise Shepard flanked by Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams and Tali’Zorah nar Rayya. All 3 women stood, hands on hips, glaring back at the pair. The two fled the hall, pushing past other lines in a desperate bid to save their dignity.

Ash and Tali burst into laughter before spotting Garrus Vakarian waving them over to a photo op with the turian hierarchy. Shepard remained behind, watching the dark-haired lieutenant disappear into the crowd. Her eyes crinkled and she suppressed an airy laugh.

“What are you so happy about, Shepard?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re smiling.”

“Am I?” Commander Annelise Shepard tried for nonchalance as she helped herself to a fresh lemon curd tart. She sniffed the confection, intrigued. She had never seen anything like it, but she couldn’t wait to try it.

“You are. It’s been awhile.” The asari in a low-necked evening gown came up and wrapped a hand around Shepard’s elbow, careful of the sling that held her left arm hugged tight to her chest.

“Oh, uh, yea. There’s just been a lot on my mind lately.”

“Well, I’m grateful for whatever it was.”

“Me too, Liara. Me too.”

And for the rest of that night Shepard’s smile came a little easier.

#merweek2020 #june 1 #first impressions #shaynor #samantha traynor #femshep #better late than never?

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vm4vm0 · 4 years

Video

vimeo

MODESELEKTOR x TOMMY CASH - WHO from Konstantin Mazov on Vimeo.

Director: Chehad Abdallah Director of Photography: Konstantin Mazov Executive Producer: Sebastian von Gumpert Producer & 1st AD: Christopher Kane Junior Producer: Marie Zeller Set Manager: Louis Lorenzen Runner/Driver: Katharina Soltkahn 1. AC: Ashton Green 2. AC: Nicklas Stinner Cam Trainee: Vanessa Mihali DIT: Ferdinand Stöckel Gaffer: Richard Nitsche Electrician: Benedict Aufzug, Thomas Standtke Helping Hand: Wanja Hof Grip: Felix Sablotny Grip Assistant: Niso Collins Art Department: Eugenio Perazzo, Anne Lewald, Pieter Deuchert, Jakob Krause Styling: Marianka Benesch Styling Assistant: Lenki Behm SFX/Hair&Makeup Artist: Jasmin Arnold Hair & Makeup Artist: Julia Barde Animal Trainer: Marko Hafenberg Editor: Anselm Koneffke Color Grading: Erik van den Heuvel VFX: Elias Asisi Catering: Ingrid Gollan-Kane Casting: Marie Zeller Casting Agency: Facelent Cast: Tommy Cash as himself Jasna Fritzi Bauer, Jona Hansen, Julie Savery, Lukas Stöver, Marlene Pina Morkel Dancer: Julie Savery Extras: Niklas Tom Hübner, Burkhard Klimek, Stefan Klimek

Label & Client Monkeytown Music GmbH Managing Partner & Artist Management Modeselektor: Raymond Merkel Label Management & Artist Management Modeselektor: Marit Posch

Management Tommy Cash: Alex Troitsky & Marili Jõgi

Special thanks to: Brachmann, Charlie le Mindu, fomme, Lina Phyllis, Lou de Bètoly, Nightboutique, Richert Beil, Spatz Hutdesign Passau, The Store Berlin, Theaterkunst, Yulia Kjellsson

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elejah-wonderland · 6 years

Text

Love Hurts/3

Fanfiction

Part 3

Elijah Mikaelson x reader

ft. Klaroline

Story so far: Y/N got a letter from a lawyer from New Orleans that she had inherited a part of Mikaelson Estate. She will go there to find out what it was about, and meet two brothers Elijah and Klaus, who also part own the Estate. Why will love hurt?

a/n: thanks for reading and liking. I appreciate it very much. xoxo

tags @rissyrapp20 @dendrite-lover @goddessofthunder112 @elejahforever

@captainshurley

____

Y/N got completely enthralled in the preparations for the Grand Ball. Everything had to be perfect as if it was a once in a lifetime thing. Mary, as well as Elijah and Klaus could not believe what a force this young woman was.

Her presence changed everything. She truly was the sunshine that brightened their lives. The house for sure, was very much alive.

And even though there were occasions when the Mikaelson brothers would sit down for meals together, now it seemed to be a daily occurrence.

One day as Mary was dusting, she took a momemt in front of the photos of Esther and Dahlia.

"Oh, Ms Dahlia and Ms Esther- if you could only be here. Everything feels like it once was. Y/N has removed the black clouds - at least for a bit. The dark one is still hanging over us. Klaus is back in the theater. She has put a smile on Elijah's face again, too."

Y/N, who was passing by the Salon and having heard the last sentence, she walked in wondering who Mary was talking to.

"Hi"- she slipped.

"Hello"- Mary said a bit startled.

"I was- ahm- sorry if I scared you- I didn't want to - intrude."

"You didn't."- Mary said-"I - sometimes - talk to them. I feel like - I have always done it after Ms Esther died. Maybe you find it strange."

"No, Mary. It's not strange. My friend Bonnie, who lost her Grams, has always done it. She believes that her Grams looks after her like a Guardian angel, and whenever she had any problems, she would talk to her - just like you - holding her picture."

"Ms Dahlia had also often done it asking her sister for guidance- whenever there was trouble with the boys."- Mary said referring to Elijah and Klaus.

"They've been in quite a lot of trouble, haven't they?"

"Quite a lot."- Mary said-"but let's not talk about the bad"

"Let's not"- Elijah said as he now walked in the room.

"Hey"- Y/N said to him-"you are early"

"My appointment got cancelled"- Elijah said-"we can go to the Plantation house whenever you want."

"We can go now. I am ready. "- Y/N said chirpily.

"All right"- Elijah nodded a little. And so, both said bye to Mary and went.

Mary turned to the photo of Dahlia and Esther saying- "I have not seen Elijah so smitten in a very long time. Klaus seems to like her very much as well. I just hope she doesn't come between them."

____

In the theatre, in the French Quarter, Klaus sat down at the table set on the stage and started reading the play. A woman walked from the audience area greeting him. Klaus greeted her back asking who she was.

"Caroline Forbes"- the woman said-"the new producer."

"I thought, Lucian Castle is going to produce this play."

"Well, he bailed."- Caroline said.

"What is an off-Broadway chick doing here?"- Klaus continued knowing very well who Caroline Forbes was.

"I just wanted a change of scenery. Also my boyfriend is doing a show here- and well"- Caroline said-"ok- where are the others?"

"There will be here."

"Not so professional, are they?"- Caroline now said furrowing her eyebrows-"Well, that will soon change."

Klaus could see that there was no messing about with this woman. Soon as all the actors and the director were there, she showed them she meant business.

___________

At the Plantation house, Y/N was in full organizing mode going through every detail with the caterers, florist and decorators, she had made appointments with.

Elijah was also busy checking the grounds with Jackson, making sure that everything was perfectly done.

"Will you be able to do the work in two weeks?"- Elijah asked after he saw what needed to be done around the garden and the stables, as well as the two guest houses.

"We need to hire a few more people. Oliver has now his own construction business. And he knows how to work on these old houses. They will not charge us as much as the New Orleans constructors."- Jackson said.

"All right."- Elijah said-"make an appointment with him."

"You can meet him tonight. It's my birthday and we are having a little get together. You, Klaus and Y/N are invited."- Jackson said.

"Oh, happy birthday. I am sorry, I completely forgot."- Elijah said apolohetically to the grounds- keeper.

"Hey, don't worry. With everything that is going on even I messed up the days."

"What time? I will have Klaus bring Mary and Hope out. "

"Eight. I already spoke to Grams, but she says that she's got to stay in town because Hope has dancing lessons."- Jackson said.

"Mary looks after her like she is her own grandaughter."

"I know. She loves all of you like you are her extended family."- Jackson said.

"You would have been Hope's uncle if you Andrea - I am sorry, I didn't want to open all wounds."- Elijah now said, and seeing Jackson pained expression, felt he put his foot in it.

"Yeah - if - huh- Her sister dying devastate her.”

“She was her twin - it hurt like hell - I know that if anything happened to Klaus - I would be - the same”- Elijah now said- "You've not heard of her at all?"

"The last thing I've heard is that she is in Australia"- Jackson replied.

"You’re still in love her?!"- Elijah remarked.

"We were supposed to get married a couple of weeks after Hayley's due date."- Jackson reminded Elijah-"she is the love of my life."

"Yes, you two were so good together."- Elijah remembered.

Jackson made a little nod making a silent sigh.

Elijah felt bad evoking sadness in the man. He tapped him a little on the shoulder empathically and said-

"Let's grab a beer."

Jackson accepted and they went to the house.

There, in the kitchen, Y/N sat down with Jane-Anne Deveraux to sample different canapes and cakes.

Seeing the men come in she made a little wave at them- "Please, come and taste some of this. I don't want to make a choice on my own"

Jackson was reluctant, but Y/N urged him to sit down with her and the caterer while Elijah got the beer from the fridge, now asking Y/N if she wanted one.

"Thanks, but I've already tasted different champagne, so, I will stick to the champagne"- Y/N said showing the glass., adding- "I chose Couer de Cuvee. It was use the first time the Ball was held."

Y/N now passed a plate with the food to taste as he now sat down next to her. Jane- Anne passed another one to Jackson. Both men could not decide what was best, as everything was excellent. Finally, Y/N chose what will be served on the night.

Not long after Jane- Anne and Jackson went, leaving Y/N and Elijah to go through the list, to see what was left to be done. Y/N now, having found an old box with photos in Dahlia’s room, now asked the man to tell her about the Balls that were held there when they were kids.

“It was always - Grand. Aunt Dahlia was a magician, I would say. It was - big and busy - majestic”-Elijah now described the splendour and glamour of the event, their aunt in the center of it, like the queen.

"As came down the stairs and greet everyone welcoming them to the Ball, she would walk down where we would wait and she would take us both by the hand and we would walk to the center of the Ball room, where she would then make a small speech about the importance of family. When we became teenagers, we would take her by the arm and walk her to the podium. Then she would turn to the band and give them a sign to start the first dance. Since my uncle died long before we were born, she would open the dance with one of the workers on the Plantation. Each year it was someone different."

Y/N listened imagining how it was. And she already had ideas how to open the Ball.

"What live band are we going to ask to play? I went through the list, but none of them want to do it for the price we are able to give them."- she now asked.

" You better ask Klaus. Music is his department."- Elijah replied.

"Ok, so I will ask him."

Elijah looked at the clock and said-

"If we are going to Jackson's party, we should get changed."

Y/N looked at the clock herself now and jumped up- "OMG, is that the time?! Ok, I will have a quick shower."

"You don't need to rush."- Elijah said.

"Right."- Y/N said scampering away up the stairs to her room. Elijah, himself went to shower and change.

A little later, he knocked at her door and as she invited him in. He entered saying-

"Jane- Anne left a bottle of a very good old Bourbon. I say we take it as a gift"

Y/N looked at herself in the mirror checking up the dress. She turned to him saying that it was fine.

She then brushed her hair once again, refreshing the make up.

Elijah stood still for a milisecond looking at her nearly breathless-

Y/N turned her head smiling at him-

"I am ready."

Elijah composed himself quickly and said- "Ok, let's go."

Y/N picked her bag up and they left.

♡ In New Orleans

Caroline was very impressed with Klaus and his acting skills.

"Francesca said you will carry the play and I didn't believe it. How come you are an absolute unknown."

"Who says I am unknown?"- Klaus said-"you're really never been in New Orleans!"

"New York is my place."- Caroline said.

"You should get to know New Orleans. Maybe it will become your new place"- Klaus said flirtatiously-"we will all get together at Rousseau's later. You're welcome to join us.

"I keep work and social life separate."- Caroline said taking her bag ready to leave.

"Suit yourself"- Klaus said-"see you tomorrow" He then left as did she.

♡ Jackson Kenner's house

The party was in full swing as Y/N and Elijah arrived.

Everyone present knew Elijah and greeted him like he was a long lost friend. It had been a long while since he had seen everyone as he had spent the last five years in the city and came out very rarely to the Plantation house. Jackson introduced Y/N to everyone. They were dying to meet the mysterious woman who had inherited part of the Mikaelson properties. She was talk of the Bayou ever since the word was out that she iniated the Ball.

Jackson's cousin Josie now went to Y/N with millions of questions about the Ball, as well as her, wanting to know where she actually came from and what connections she had with the Mikaelsons.

Elijah now took the opportunity to speak to Oliver about the renovation work. And after striking the deal it was all about the food, the drink and dancing. Y/N danced her heart out.

Elijah, who was standing leant on the pillar of the porch could not take his eyes off of her. She was fire, burning bright, so alive, so different, extraordinary. Again the fuzzy feelings appeared inside of him and he gazed at her dreamily.

As Josie asked her friends to play the Cajun dance song, and everyone found a partner to dance, Y/N went to the steps of the porch and sat down,looking up at Elijah asking him why he didn't dance. He had no plausible answer.

“Haven’t dance in a very long time”- he just said.

Seeing that it was not so hard she now urged him to dance with her. He could not refuse her and they went to the dancing area and let themselves go with the music. For the first time in a very long time, he had fun. He now showed Y/N a completely different side to him.

♡ A little later as they got back to the Plantation house

"I had a great time"- Y/N said getting out of the car.

"Me, too"- Elijah said-"It was really good."

As they walked to the grand porch they laughed a bit about the prank Jackson's friends played on the man presenting his car painted in pink-

"The look on his face- OMG- he thought that it was for real"- Y/N said chuckling.

"Yeah, it was priceless."- Elijah agreed smiling.

As Elijah looked for the keys, Y/N, taking her shoe rubbed her foot saying-

"I don't remember when I danced that much. And I wore flats. It's good we are having formal dances at the Ball, because the shoes I got with the gown would kill me. And you- wow- I never thought you can dance like that."

"There are some things you never unlearn"- Elijah said unlocking the door. They walked in and stopped as they got in exchanging looks-

" Well, good night then."- Y/N said.

"Night"- Elijah mumbled not moving his stare.

Y/N, still feeling the residual rush of the party now moved to him and kissed him.

___

#Elijah Mikaelson #elijah mikaelson x reader #tvd fanfiction #Fanfiction

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damajority · 5 years

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DaMajority Fresh Article https://www.damajority.com/skinny-fabulous-x-machel-montano-x-iwer-george-present-conch-shell-visuals-music-video/

Skinny Fabulous x Machel Montano x Iwer George present "Conch Shell" Visuals | Music Video

Skinny Fabulous x Machel Montano x Iwer George present “Conch Shell” Visuals | Music Video

Official music video for Conch Shell by Skinny Fabulous x Machel Montano x Iwer George produced by Dadamanufakture.

💥MONK GEAR IS HERE!!!💥 👉🏽https://Shop.machelmontano.com👈🏽

Buy/Stream – https://smarturl.it/conchshell

Like, comment, and share to blow SOCA MUSIC up!

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1daMZwo

Directed by Machel Montano + Dori Pro Produced by Che Kothari + Lorraine O’Connor Edited by: Dori Pro

Melvern Issacs Boom town Stephon Nickelson Williams Audio: Kasi Foster Mervyn John Andre Cherry Keston Grant Gaffer: Selwyn Henry Wardrobe: Lori Antoinette, Blue Joy Cheewah, Jodi Williams MUA – Simplii Beautiful Hair: Elisha Forde, Hair by Fran, Sacha Yearwood

TALENT Monk Dancers: Achsah Henry, Tichelle Ferraz, Michelle “Bambai” Hloskova, Nandi Yard, Shaakir Griffith, Omari Anderson, Rene Arneaud, Andre Arneaud Children: Jadon Ribeiro, Sloane De Leon, Stephie Marie Shepard Dad: Daron Agard Conch Man: David Benjamin

Elle InfiniTT Dancers Conch Queen: Zulema Charles Monk Dancers: Children: Jadon Ribeiro, Sloane De Leon, Stephanie Marie Shepard Dad: Daron Agard HD Limers

Special Thanks Chaguaramas Development Authority Peter Sheppard Gasparee Caves CDA tour guides– Le-Ann Children’s parents: Daron Agard, Paige de Leon, Wendy Ribeiro James Bovell @ The Natural Experience International Caterers

SONG CREDITS: Title: Conch Shell Artist: Skinny Fabulous x Machel Montano x Iwer George Produced by: Dadamanufakture Conch Shell: David Benjamin Composers/Writers: Gamal “Skinny” Doyle, Machel Montano, Neil “Iwer” George, Krishna Clyde Lawrence Mixed & Mastered by: Keron “Scratchmaster” Hector Skinny Fabulous recorded by and at: Dadamanufakture, Dominica Machel Montano recorded by: Sean “Hey Choppi” Padmore at Monk Studio, Los Angeles, USA Iwer George recorded by: David “Kingston” Sheppard at Sheppard Pro Studio, Port of Spain, Trinidad Associate Producer – “International” Stephen Phillip Lyric video by Preciselee Films

Follow Skinny Fabulous: Twitter | https://twitter.com/SkinnyFabulous Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/skinnyfabulous Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/Skinny-Fabul… Soundcloud | https://soundcloud.com/skinnyfabulous

Follow Iwer George: Twitter | https://twitter.com/IwerGeorge Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iwergeorge/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/IwerGeorge/

#Iwer George #MACHEL MONTANO #music video #skinny fabulous

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ladystylestores · 4 years

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How Fashion Brands, Retailers Are Settling Into the Home – WWD

https://pmcwwd.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/dc_katrantzou_botanical-paradise_r_landscape.jpg?w=640&h=415&crop=1

LONDON — Fashion has always flirted with homeware, but COVID-19, an accelerator for many industry trends, has pushed the category to new heights.

Lockdown has forced some fashion diehards to swap their outfit-of-the-day photos for interior-of-the-day ones, filling their homes with fantastical tablescapes, Gucci pillows and Anissa Kermiche’s tongue-in-cheek Body Language vases.

“People used to only think about how to dress to impress, but they now need to dress their homes, which became accessible to many more virtual eyes. That has undeniably helped [build] our brand awareness on Instagram: Everyone was posting their favorite item and a community was born, without the need to run a marketing campaign,” said Anissa Kermiche, whose ceramics, shaped to resemble women’s body parts. have become one of Instagram’s latest sensations.

According to Isabelle Dubern-Mallevays, the former creative director of Dior Maison and cofounder of luxury design platform The Invisible Collection, this increased visibility on social media has translated into “more attention from the top management” for the category, which has always gone hand in hand with fashion. Paul Poiret designed his own furniture; Yves Saint Laurent and Hubert de Givenchy were avid collectors, and Christian Dior started a homeware department where his couture customers could pick gift items while waiting for their dresses to be finished.

Anissa Kermiche’s Body Language vases. Courtesy Photo

The difference was that, in the past, home collections were constrained by the physical limits of traditional retail stores — where they were usually treated as secondary and kept at the back. Now, they’re getting a bigger share of the spotlight.

As the consumer appetite for homeware collections grows, fashion brands and retailers have been pushing the category more than ever, and watching sales climb.

Matchesfashion.com, which launched a dedicated home category two years ago, saw its homeware sales go up 160 percent compared to last year, with a particular interest in tabletop collections, blankets, cushions, and silverware by The Wolseley Collection.

During lockdown, the retailer also amped up its home-focused content, spotlighting creatives who shared wish lists featuring as many interiors objects as they did Bottega Veneta sandals.

“We have always approached our homeware offer as an extension of our customer’s style. A customer with a purist style who wears The Row and Jil Sander might be enticed by an Anissa Kermiche vase or some Nathalee Paolinelli ceramic plates. We try and cater to that women’s full aesthetic and lifestyle,” said Chelsea Power, senior buyer at Matchesfashion.com.

She added that customers are equally interested in home objects by fashion labels they know, as well as lesser-known, design-specific names.

Matilda Goad at Matchesfashion.com. Courtesy Photo

Mary Katrantzou, who has a background in interiors and architecture, released a collaboration with The Rug Company earlier this year that had been in the works for two years. Despite a quiet launch, sales have been strong and the move allowed the brand to experiment with its prints and connect with the end-consumer in new ways.

“It was an incredible experience because you get to look at a 12-year archive of prints, see which prints you can utilize for someone’s home and blow them up at a completely different scale to what they were initially designed for. That liberates the print in a way and doesn’t confine it to a pattern,” said Katrantzou, who is now working on a second rug collection, as well as broadening the brand’s spectrum of interiors collaborations.

Having moved away from the traditional show schedule last year in favor of a destination show in her native Athens, Katrantzou has allowed herself more time to experiment with new partners and categories and sees interiors as having a big part in the process of refining a new vision for her label.

“It’s liberating, to be honest. When you slow down a bit, you can really think about what concept directly relates to the partnership you’re working on. Interiors can create the environment or the context in which you want your brand to exist in the future,” she added.

Mary Katrantzou x The Rug Company. Courtesy Photo

J.J. Martin, who was among the first to describe “plates as the new ‘It’ bag” and who sells ready-to-wear and homeware collections on Matchesfashion, experienced similar consumer sentiment on her label La Double J’s web site: “During the entire period [of lockdown], what worked most consistently was homeware. This was great validation for us as we launched this category three years ago. We just sold out, again, of our rainbow glasses, made with Salviati in Murano. So, yes, the category is accelerating,” said Martin.

Ditto for Martina Mondadori, who has been expanding her interiors and design-focused publication Cabana to include a homeware e-commerce platform that saw “an unbelievable surge in sales of tabletop in April.” According to Mondadori, people are simply looking for quick ways to make their surroundings look better — and a tablecloth can easily do the trick.

As for Kermiche, who started off as a jeweler and added ceramics to her offer later on purely out of her own interest in the category, there was a clear spike in interest during lockdown that “translated into a tremendous number of orders.”

Anissa Kermiche’s Body Language objects. Courtesy Photo

Given the growing relevance of the category in consumers’ lives, more brands are wanting in, and have been releasing their first home collections. French label Sézane introduced a home collection in May for the first time; Istanbul-based Mehry Mu created rattan and leather trays as demand for its signature bags featuring the same materials waned; days after lockdown, LoveShackFancy translated its romantic floral dresses into patchwork quilts that sold out instantly and had to be reordered, and Marni debuted an online Home Market selling resin and metal trays, stools, and wood baskets handmade by Colombian artisans.

With the fashion cycle on hold, canceled orders and the whole idea of seasonality in question, the slower-paced home category could prove an appealing new revenue stream for fashion labels struggling with shrinking sales.

Expanding into home “would also allow many designers to diversify their production and supply chains. The engagement is there from the consumer and the interest for decorating has been further piqued during lockdown, so it feels like a natural next step for so many of the brands which have a strong identity in terms of a print, logo or design,” said Ida Petersson, men’s and women’s buying director at Browns.

Helle Mardahl at Matchesfashion.com. Courtesy Photo

The London retailer started experimenting with the category last Christmas by way of art objects, candles, fragrance and crystals. Following positive response, it’s planning to launch a fully fledged home offer this fall featuring a mix of fashion brands from Versace, to Anissa Kermiche, She’s Lost Control and L’Objet, as well as lifestyle-specific brands such as Tekla.

“Anyone who visits us should feel that this new department is a natural extension of how they are already shopping with us and that our edit complements their taste in fashion,” added Petersson.

There will be launches aplenty in the coming months, as the general consensus is that the trend of nesting and ensuring that one’s interiors are Instagram-ready isn’t going anywhere.

“Through the crisis, most corporations have found — perhaps to their surprise — that remote working is very efficient, so it will be here to stay. With even top restaurants now offering a takeaway service, socializing at home will also become more prevalent than ever before, meaning a greater focus will still be given to people’s homes,” said Dubern-Mallevays.

Mary Katrantzou x Brigitta Spinocchia Freund limited-edition dinner set. Courtesy Photo

Kermiche is already plotting to expand her ceramics offer to a wider-size range and add tableware to the mix, while Matchesfashion.com will be launching a new tabletop collection by Ann Demeulemeester and Serax, as well as Campbell-Rey glassware.

New businesses are also emerging out of this newfound appreciation for dressing the home, namely tablescape rentals.

Later this month, ModusBPCM chief executive officer Julian Vogel and a group of partners will launch Maison Margaux, a luxury tableware hire company offering porcelain china, glassware, artistic placemats and cutlery sourced and commissioned from artisanal makers. Their plan is to cater for events large and small.

Sophie Elliott, who runs an independent fashion communications agency, will be launching a new site dubbed The Sette this month, where shoppers in the U.K. can choose to rent from seven different styles of tablescapes.

It will be a premium service — priced at 30 pounds a person — and will offer the buyer everything they could need for a dinner party, from table linens to cutlery, vases and candles. Elliott was convinced it was worth going ahead with the business, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, having seen the sustained demand for products of her interiors client The Edition 94, which has been far surpassing the demand for fashion.

“It’s a nice way to encourage people to come together more, be present and create memories around something that’s beautiful, as lockdown eases,” said Elliott. “People won’t have the same amount of money to spend and they’ll be investing more in experiences. It’s a different feeling when you buy something for the home, it feels less indulgent and it’s more likely to increase in value.”

Apart from a lucrative business opportunity, the home category offers designers the space to share more of themselves and their worlds with their customers.

J.J. Martin often found herself on Instagram Live during the period of lockdown and whether she was speaking to a makeup artist, a ceo or a wellness coach, the backdrop of her home ended up being the conversation starter.

“This is because the color and the print brings joy and illumination. This is my goal for the company,” said Martin, who has built a narrative of spirituality and self-care around her flair for bright patterns and the concept of investing in one’s personal space.

Now her label has turned into a platform where design and fashion talk are mixed in with conversations around meditation, Qi Gong and dealing with anxiety.

Alighieri candlesticks. Courtesy Photo

Alighieri’s Rosh Mahtani has also been translating her jewels into home objects, ranging from candlesticks to vases, as a means of sharing her love of ritual in new ways.

“I see putting on your Lion Necklace for courage as the same as lighting a candle to mark the end of a day. For me, everything we make is about searching for light in the midst of darkness,” said Mahtani, who’s seen interest rise in her home objects from younger clients, too. “This time has made younger generations realize what it means to stop, and reflect. We won’t be traveling as much, or going out to eat as often. I definitely think it will inspire people to invest more in their homes. We’re also taking more joy in the simple things: lighting a candle, burning a palo santo stick, laying the table just for yourself.”

It also comes down to an opportunity to simply be part of a customer’s life in a bigger way and fostering more committed relationships, outside fashion’s relentless pace: “Somebody’s home is something that they live with every day. It’s not like buying a dress or a shirt that you’ll just wear when you’re in the mood. More and more people will buy into pieces that feel special, that have meaning behind them and can be kept forever. You don’t change a rug every three months, it’s a commitment,” said Katrantzou. “A lot of the interiors objects in your home are just that: You don’t change them every three months, you wake up and go to bed with them, so there’s a significant commitment and that makes a purchase more meaningful. You really have to think about it, if it’s talking to you and if you love it. “

Alighieri’s sea shell dish. Courtesy Photo

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sukarabia · 4 years

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Vil x Mayu - Giri choco

Disclaimer: Mayu belongs to @itameii <3 I’m sorry this took so long, and I’m sorry that Vil is so horribly OOC, I truly... do not know how to write him T___T nevertheless, I hope you enjoy ~ <3

Vil Schoenheit doesn’t have problems.

No, that would be preposterous. When he does, he solves them- because that is just the kind of person The Vil Schoenheit is. After all, it is what has always been expected of him. He has strived for perfection ever since a young age: if something needs solving, he will take care of it. And he’ll do it with beauty, grace, and elegance.

But right now?

Right now, Vil Schoenheit has a problem.

“.... N-nee, Mary-Ann-chan... Hasn’t he been like that for way too long?”

“D-Did you piss him off, Catercchi? It’s my first time seeing him frown that much.... And he’s always going on about how you shouldn’t frown because it gives you wrinkles n’ stuff...”

Vil sat in a semi-empty classroom, elbows on the table, chin resting between his hands. Eyebrows furrowed, he was staring in the distance with such intensity that no-one dared to sit next to him, resulting in the entirety of class 3-C crawling to seats at the back of the classroom, fighting for empty spots.

But Vil paid no attention to the chaos. He massaged his temples, letting out a sigh. Today was Valentines’ day- a day he did not particularly care for. Sure, he did do some TV appearances in the past for the occasion- and he definitely does get his weight’s worth of chocolate every year, from fans and secret admirers alike: but he never understood why everyone made such a big deal out of it. He viewed Valentines day as a superficial celebration- as if you needed to wait for a specific day to celebrate the people you love. Yet here he was, staring at the giri choco lying on his desk.

“Eh ~ Of course not” Cater chirped, as he nervously sat on the row behind Vil’s seat. “But he’s been like that since the first period...”

“I-is that so....” Mary-Ann scooted closer to Cater as she nervously glanced at Vil’s back. “Did someone give him high calories chocolate or somethin’? Is that why he’s like... that?”

Vil’s eyebrow twitched as he overheard his classmates mentioning chocolate.

Yeah, that was the problem.

“- Senpai?”

“Hm?” Vil jolted, slightly taken by surprise. He had been receiving valentines chocolate all day from students he barely knew, so hearing a familiar voice surprised him. “Oh... it’s you. Well, potato, what do you want?”

“A-Ah, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt if you were doing something!” Mayu waved her hands, panicked. She tried to glance at what Vil was doing, but he abruptly zipped his bag as he turned around to look at her.

“It’s nothing. So, what did you want?”

“Ah, uhm, it’s... I mean...”

“... Do you think I have all day to spend listening to you stutter? You came here for something, didn’t you?”

Vil could swear his heartbeat was awfully loud as he tried his best to remain calm and collected. If Mayu came to look for him on this particular day, it could only mean one thing, didn’t it? A love confession. Truthfully, Vil was used to being confessed to almost everyday- he was a worldwide celebrity, after all. Wasn’t it only natural that someone as beautiful as him would be the object of desire?

But there was one thing he definitely wasn’t used to- it was being confessed to by someone who he is equally interested in. Which is why he crossed his arms as he stared at Mayu, trying to hide the trembling of his fingers.

“A-ah, yeah, I had something for you, Senpai...”

If this really was a confession- how should he react? Mayu was the overly emotional type, after all- so if he reacted too coldly, she would surely jump to conclusions. But, then again- he truly wasn’t of the affectionate type, either. Maybe something like “... I guess today is our first day, then.”? Or “... Ha, I see my beauty does not leave you indifferent, either. Well, I could say the same for you.” Yes, that sounded straight out of a drama. Perfect-

“I-I made those for you, so I hope you enjoy them!”

“... I see. Well if you made them for me, I guess I have no choice but to-” Vil froze as he saw the chocolates being handed to him. “... What are those?”

“Huh?” Mayu peered at his bewildered face. “W-what do you mean, Senpai? I made those chocolates last night...”

“.... No, I know these are chocolates.” Vil’s eyebrows twitched as he glared at the chocolates in front of him. “But are those...”

.... Giri chocolates.

She gave him giri chocolates.

Vil couldn’t believe it. Truly, he was flabbergasted. He thought he had been upfront about his interest towards her- his romantic interest. But instead of picking up on it, Mayu kept treating him as a friend: or rather, as a senpai she admires. How oblivious could she be, seriously? Just last week, he had hosted a tea party for her to celebrate her great exam results. He took a break from his ever-so-busy schedule in the middle of a week-end, and made sure to decorate Pomefiore’s lounge with the finest and trendiest decoration items: yet, in the middle of the tea party, Mayu had offered to invite Trey, Cater and Mary-Ann over, since “it’s a shame for such a pretty set-up to go unnoticed!!”.

If only that was the first time she did that, Vil wouldn’t have minded it that much- but whenever he would do something for her sake, she would obliviously make it about other people instead, killing the romantic vibe he tried oh so hard to set. Now, Vil does not doubt himself- no. He knows he works hard in everything he does, and that the perfection he attained is not by chance, but by his own efforts. And when Vil loves someone, he makes obvious- because he has no time for games. But in his entire life, he had never imagined that the person he would fall for would be that stupid.

Does she truly view him as a friend? Or is she just truly, painfully, excruciatingly oblivious? Vil sighed, shoulders slightly slouching. Such posture was unfit for the great Vil Schoenheit- but these feelings were new to him, and he had no idea how to process them.

Confessing first? It definitely isn’t something he ever thought he would have to do. Yet, as the giri choco lying in front of him seemed to laugh at him, it was the only answer Vil could come up with. He tapped his fingers against his cheek, as his aura darkened. Such thing was easier said than done. He was the one fawned on, not the one fawning on other people after all.

“-Ah, that’s right. Catercchi, did you talk to Mayucchi, in the end?”

Vil straightened his back as he tried not-so-discreetly to pay attention to Cater and Mary-Ann’s conversation.

“Aah, that... Yeah, I did, but no matter how many times I told her not to, she just wouldn’t listen, you know?”

“Ugh, I don’t get her.. She told me over text yesterday that it’d make her crush uncomfortable if she gave him honmei chocos, so she went for giri ones instead ~ Seriously... Why would she spend so much on fancy, honmei choco packages just to throw them away? That’s such a waste of money!!”

“E-Eh... Mary-Ann-chan, maybe it’s best not to talk about that.... Here...” Cater nervously whispered, as he noticed Vil’s tensed figure in front of him.

“Huh? Why? I mean, she definitely said there was a guy she liked!” Mary-Ann stretched her arms, letting out a yawn. “Though I dunno who the guy would be....”

“A... Ahah... Yeah... I don’t know... Either... Totally not...” Cater gulped, concerned about Vil’s darkening aura.

“Maybe someone from her dorm? You know, first year floormates type of crushes? I totally crushed on mine in first year!”

“Mary-Ann-chan, I don’t think we should talk about-”

“Or knowing Mayucchi, it might be some complete rando ~ like, you know, a totally unremarkable side character that’s average in every way?” Mary-Ann laughed, completely oblivious to the fact that Vil had now turned around and was giving her the death stare.

“Mary-Ann-chan.”

“Mh?” Mary-Ann turned to look at Cater, confused by her friend’s sudden change of tone.

“... Please stop talking. For our sake.”

It was the answer he needed. Now he was sure of it- Mayu’s lack of confidence is what had been hindering their progress from friends to lovers, and Vil was determined to fix that problem.

So here he was, making his way through Ignihyde with a determined gaze, his 13cm heels resounding throughout the room as he took assured steps. Which resulted, quite hilariously, in the entirety of Ignihyde students parting to make way from him, strangely reminiscent of Moises walking through the red sea. At this exact moment, Idia walked out of the lounge, lost in thoughts as he frowned at the sheet in his hand.

“W... Why is it like that... I’m sure I put all the right parameters, and-”

The dorm leader snapped out of his thoughts when he felt Vil’s gaze on him from the other side of the room. How could he not? Vil’s aura was even more intimidating than usual, as he quickly closed the distance that was separating them. Shivering, Idia looked around for an exit- with no success.

“Idia.”

“E-Eh? Me? Uh... W-What is it, Vil-shi... I’m kinda busy right now...”

“Do not worry, I didn’t come here for you. Where is Mayu’s room?”

“.... Uh? Where is... What?”

“I said, where is Mayu’s room.”

“Eh... Why are you asking me that...?” Caught off guard, Idia couldn’t help but stare at him with an incredulous look on his face.

“Because I have some business I need to talk to her about. So?”

“A-ah, that’s why... Well, I don’t know, but...” Idia whipped out his tablet and started furiously typing on it. “.. I can look in Ignihyde’s database. Ha... There you go. Room 102....”

“Thank you.” Waiting for no further explanation, Vil walked past Idia, heading straight for the stairs.

“- Yes? What is it?”

Mayu peered through the slight opening of the door, surprised to get a visitor right after classes.

“It’s me. May I come in?”

“S-Senpai????” Mayu closed the door as soon as their eyes met. Panicking and feeling her cheeks heating up, she began frantically scanning her room. She wasn’t the messy type, but she exactly the tidiest person out there, so a few clothes were hanging here and there on her chair and bed.

“P-Please wait a few minutes, I-I need to tidy up a bit!”

“No need to, I’m not coming for long.”

Without waiting for her answer, Vil opened the door, and walked in only to meet eyes with Mayu, who was trying to shove a few sweaters in her wardrobe.

“...Ahem.” Vil coughed, looking away, not wanting to make her even more uncomfortable. “Did I come at a wrong time?”

“O-Of course not!! I was just.... tidying up a bit...” Mayu trailed off, cheeks blazing red.

“I see. May I seat?” Vil gestured to her bed, and Mayu answered with a nod, avoiding his eyes.

“So, ummm... What did you want, Senpai?” Mayu sat on her desk chair, facing Vil. She tried to calm her racing heart, but the thought of THE Vil Schoenheit in her room made her hands tremble.

“... I had something for you.” Vil stood up, plopping his bag on the bed. Slowly, he zipped it open, and Mayu tried to peer behind his back.

“Something? For me?”

“Yes.” Taking the opportunity of his back facing her, Vil took a deep breath, making sure his expression was composed. As graceful as ever, he turned around, and handed her a small red packet. “There you go.”

“H-Huh? What is...”

“Chocolates. I had a shooting with this brand a while ago, and really liked their chocolates- they are low in fat and calories, but absolutely delicious. I thought you would enjoy them.”

“... Chocolates... For me? But...” Mayu’s cheeks reddened once again. “I-Is it for... V-Valentines? But, girls are supposed to give guys-”

“... What a stupid tradition. Why should guys not be allowed to give girls chocolates?” Vil sighed. “Anyway, please enjoy them.”

“A-Ah, of course, I will!!” Mayu jolted up to take them from Vil’s hand. “I-I will treasure them, thank you so much Senpai!!”

“You’re welcome.” Vil softly smiled- in her excitement, Mayu looked like a small animal as she was chirping about the chocolates. “.. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to. Happy Valentines Day, Mayu.”

“A-Ah, of course!!” Snapping out of a daze, Mayu walked Vil to the door, still grinning from ear to ear. “Thank you so much for the chocolates Senpai, and Happy Valentines Day to you too!”

“Thank you.” As Vil stepped out of the door, he turned around. “Ah. That’s right.”

“What is- Eek?!” Mayu let out a surprised scream as Vil stepped closer to her, hovering over her.

“Just so you know...” He bent forward until their faces were at the same level, and stared at her intensely. “... Those aren’t giri chocolates.” Seeing Mayu’s face become beetroot red, he gave her a smug grin and turned around.

“Well, then, see you tomorrow, potato.”

#vil x mayu #twst yume

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