#HELLO GEM IF YOU SEE THIS I LOVE YOUR CONTENT??? THE PROSPECT OF YOU KNOWING I EXIST IS TERRIFYING BUT THIS IS FINE OKAY

[geminitay-but-everywhere]

you can no longer escape the cottagecore for she is HERE

WHAT

[lydias--stiles]

my sweet romantic teenage nights

juke | high school + diner au | title: scenes from an italian restaurant // billy joel

Magenta’s Palace was an artefact from the glorious American Dream; a fluorescent gem wrapped in that 60s architecture and old-fashioned uniforms. It was also the hang-out spot of most LF Arts students, right in the heart of Los Feliz and on most kids’ path.  

Luke used to roll his eyes at the place, thinking it was corny and certainly not the place a punk-rocker like him would go… until he tasted their gnarly waffles. And burgers. And milkshakes. His love for good food trumped his desire for street cred and ended up like the rest of his peers: a regular at MP.

Alex and Reggie never had qualms with it. The former was rather happy Luke got over himself and Reggie was simply pleased to spend more time with his friends. It became tradition to eat there every Friday after school. Sometimes they stayed until the early hours of the night talking, sometimes it was to fuel up before a gig.

Settling in their booth (theirs - Luke has made sure to carve the underside of the table with their names), Luke sighed contently. “Boys, this gig is gonna be fire.”

“I still don’t know how you convinced the guys at Raven’s Nest,” Alex mused, glancing around for a waitress in a candycane-coloured uniform.

Reggie nodded gravely. “Yeah, they’re scary.”

“Used my charm,” he smirked. “Dialled it up like I always do.”

The blonde snorted. “Sure.”

Luke’s face crashed. “Fine. I used our fake’s when he didn’t believe we were eighteen.”

His friends grinned, Alex snapping his fingers. “There it is.”

The chipper Nora glided towards them, slaloming between tables with her notebook. Alex’ remark didn’t bother him, crossing his arms with a shrug. “Does it matter? I got us in. They’re gonna love us. Nay! They’re gonna eat this set up!”

“You better be right - hi, Nora - cause it’s a bar for bikers. Real ass bikers,” Alex replied, shooting Nora a smile.

“Hello, boys,” she greeted, her signature red hair tied in a messy bun. Reg used to have a crush on her when they first visited, until they realised she was twenty-three and in a committed relationship with a guy from USC studying medicine. Yeah, he had no shot. Luke had to console him by buying five chocolate shakes and blasting Elvis Presley in the car.

Despite this, Reggie still had a soft spot for her, smiling kindly at the waitress. “Our usual, please.”

The notebook got tucked in her apron with a bright nod. “Coming right up!”

As Nora swiftly returned behind the glossy bartop, parlaying the order to the kitchen, the entrance opened. The bell above chimed, three girls appearing beneath it.

Oh, shit.

When Luke enrolled into LF Arts as a green fourteen year old, he had planned to only focus on music and nothing else. He’d blaze through his classes and become the best in music and then, with his obsessive nature at a peak, would launch the band into the next stratosphere. That was the plan. Music, music, music. (And food from Magenta’s.)

Fourteen year old Luke wasn’t aware girls like Julie Molina existed though. That changed on the first day. She came to the front of the class, blew everyone away with a Taylor Swift cover and shot a toothy smile when she finished - like it was nothing. Like she didn’t have the voice of the century. (Like she wouldn’t mess with Luke’s plans of becoming the best, damn it!) Though his initial reaction was envy, he quickly realised it was rather a disgruntled crush than actual dismay.

She was cute. Still cute. After every summer break, he expected her to be less pretty so that his nerves could calm down for once. Nope. Julie Molina was pretty as hell.

He has never seen her here on Friday’s. Why now? Why now when they were mentally preparing themselves for a gig that could get them their asses kicked if they didn’t perform well? Luke needed to focus! Not think about where she’d sit and what she’d talk about and what she was going to eat.

His eyes tracked as Julie, Flynn and Kayla were in busy conversation, barely aware of their surroundings. Her head rolled back in a laugh at something Flynn said, eyes shut in glee. Luke flushed red, averting his gaze to the scratched up table. His friends were snickering, Alex muttering a ‘Jesus…’ under his breath.

Luke snapped his arm. “Stop being a dick.”

“Why don’t you just ask her out?”, Reggie pondered, absentmindedly making origami with the thin napkins.

“I think he needs to talk to her first to do that,” Alex teased before Luke could respond, earning another glare.

It wasn’t like he and Julie never spoke. They were seniors, they had multiple classes together and spent many hours cooped in the same music classroom. He was even part of her group project in junior year! They’ve talked! But it never lead to anything, his lingering stares falling for her oblivious profile, her never once looking back at him.

The connection Luke always craved hasn’t been there, though he always felt like they could have that. Musical spirits were alike, right? At least his crush wasn’t as hopeless as Reggie’s on Nora.

The girls chose a booth right next to theirs, Julie in his direct line of sight. Alex was buzzing in his seat from stifled laughter, visibly trying to not turn his head and address them. The guitarist felt like dying, not even the steaming plates of burgers set in front of them enough to lift his mood.

Luke leaned forward, voice a hiss. “I can talk to her. I just… haven’t felt the need to.”

Reggie patted his shoulder sympathetically. “It’s okay, buddy. You don’t have to lie to us.”

Frustration began simmering his skin, the scowl deepening. He wasn’t lying! Maybe a little! He’s been waiting for the right time to approach her, say and do the right thing to sweep her off her feet like the fucking rockstar he was. Had he been preparing his lines since he was fourteen? Also maybe. They were being revised.

Alex often told him he shouldn’t put Julie on a pedestal. That she was just a girl. It made him wonder if he was the only one that first day of high school that felt it. That awestruck whooping in his chest from seeing her curls dance around her almond eyes and hear how each lyric was laced with a passionate smile. Even at fourteen was he aware of how special that was. Julie wasn’t just a girl. She was the coolest girl he’s ever met and he didn’t even know her that well. He couldn’t imagine actually becoming friends with her, uncovering all facets of her personality and not get overwhelmed by her Julie-ness.

Huh. His crush went deeper than he thought. Yikes.

At the end of the day, Luke could admit that he was simply a teenage boy nervous to talk to a girl. ‘Nervous’ was like a curse word to him though, that admission a secret he’d take with him to the grave.

“Eh,” Alex quipped, egging him on. “Luke’s a terrible liar. He doesn’t have to tell us for us to know it’s true.”    

His hands slammed down on the table, words spouting from his lips. “Girls! Can we get your napkin dispenser?!”

Fucking fantastic, Luke.

All three perked up in surprise, Flynn twisting in her booth to curl her nose and tilt her head. “Why?”

“It’s empty,” he bluffed.

Kayla craned her neck and instantly caught Reggie’s handiwork scattered across the table. “No, it’s not.”

Julie sat next to her, blinking in confusion. “Why do you need our napkins?”

Her smooth voice directed right at him caused a thrill up his spine, a grin involuntarily tugging on his lips. “Cause Reggie needs them for his crafts.” Playing along, the bassist lifted a janky frog with a wink. “I’m very dedicated.”

She matched Luke’s smile, amused. It was the most interaction he has had with her in months, the utter euphoria of it all bursting at the seams. Propelled by her smile, he slid out the booth and into Alex’ side, throwing his arms over the seat right next to Flynn’s head. The girl remained deeply unimpressed by him, gaze flicking past his physique. Damn. If he ever wanted to get anywhere with Julie, he had to get in Flynn’s good grazes. Kayla seemed chill though.

“What’s with the frown, Felicity?”, he joked.

Kayla giggled at the mention of Flynn’s actual name, the girl in question rolling her eyes. “All I’m wondering is why you have to bother us about napkins, Lukas.”

“Flynn,” Julie shook her head with an exasperated grin, “maybe wait for your strawberry shake? I think you’re being hangry.”

Her friend loosened up, sinking back in her seat with a playful pout and mumbling a resigned ‘fine.’

Luke took that as his sign to continue. His gaze fell back on Julie, hoping he wouldn’t sound too eager. “You guys come here a lot? I haven’t seen you here on Friday’s.”

“Who’re you asking?”, Julie asked, looking between her and Kayla. Oh, man. Small talk really wasn’t his forte. He couldn’t charm himself out of this one with music jargon or fake IDs.

His smile turned stressed, flailing his hand around. “Uh, all of you.”

“Sure,” Flynn snorted.

Alex slapped a hand on his mouth at her retort, almost in pain of not laughing his ass off. The prize of ‘Worst Friends Ever’ went to Luke’s - for fuck’s sake, couldn’t the drummer at least try and help him out?!

“Just wanted to celebrate Kayla’s good mark on her new song,” Julie continued, wilfully ignoring the other’s behaviour. Slinging an arm around her friend, she shot her a bright smile. “Her bridge was amazing, right?”  

All three boys nodded fervently as Kayla ducked her head bashfully, murmuring a ‘thank you’ and then relieved from all the attention when Nora walked up to them. Luke’s body didn’t twist to sit normally again, too invested in finally speaking to them, finally having that contact, that he didn’t even care if he seemed like a weirdo. Julie and him! Conversing!

“Speaking of music,” he casually uttered when Nora was off again. His signature smirk crawled on his lips. “We’re playing a gig tonight.”

This peaked Flynn’s interest. Perhaps the prospect of food made her more amicable. “Where?”

“Raven’s Nest,” Reggie proudly proclaimed.

Kayla frowned, worried. “Isn’t that the bar with all the bikes outside?”

“Thank you!”, Alex exclaimed with a sigh. “It’s insane!”

“It’s not,” Luke bit back. If Sunset Curve wanted to make it big, they had to play big! Gigs like these would get them on the stages they dreamed of. Soon, it was goodbye, Raven’s Nest and hello, The Orpheum! “Real Californians go there to hear real fucking music.”

To his surprise, Julie hummed in agreement. “My dad says it used to be where the subculture kids hung out before MP got cool.”

“Yes!” His grin was huge now, overflowing with joy. This was enough adrenaline to get him through three gigs at once! His finger pressed into the cracked leather. “Exactly! And we’re gonna slay it. You should come watch!”

The latter blurted out without wanting to, his eyes growing wide in panic as Reggie and Alex stilled in their seats and Flynn peered up at him with laser-focus. Shit. Was he telling on himself? Did she pierce through the charisma that this was just a poor attempt at flirting? God, he really should’ve prepared his speech for impulsive moments like these.

Luke still needed to endure some growing pains before he got good at flirting.

Julie chuckled, a hint of red appearing on her cheekbones. It enthralled him. Was she embarrassed or flattered? “Uh,” she bit her lip, “I don’t know if I can get in. Don’t you have to be eighteen?”

He raised his brow. “C’mon, you don’t have a fake?” At those words, Alex dropped his head on the table with a thud. Luke had enough of his own shit too. ‘Mortified’ didn’t even come close to how he felt about his blabbering mouth.  

Levelling his challenged look, however, he realised he wasn’t lost quite yet. Julie’s eyes glittered with mischief. “I do, actually.”

Breath caught in his throat. Yup. Coolest fucking girl in the universe. Julie Molina had a killer voice and a fake ID and probably did a whole lot of other dope stuff he hadn’t found out yet.

“Julie,” Flynn but in. “It’s a biker bar.”

“Where our classmates are playing,” she argued. “I can always try.”

“You’ll die.”

“I think I’ll be fine. Like Luke said-” No. She could not say his name and expect him to keep his cool. His fingers gripped the conjoined couch tighter. “-everyone’s there for the music.”

A careful smile slowly grew on Kayla. “We can tell your dad you’re with us.”

Flynn gaped at her. “We-?! I- okay.” Lifting her hands in surrender, she added: “Fine, we’ll tell Ray you’re at the movies with us.”

Wait, was Julie turning down a movie night with her friends to see him play? Did that mean something? Has he been so focused on trying to find or create a ‘vibe’ that he forgot to actually look for signs of her own? Damn. Now he really couldn’t screw this set up. Sunset Curve was gonna play until their hands bled, hopefully impressing her just a little bit.

It was settled then. After both groups had eaten, Julie separated from hers and joined them on their trek to Raven’s Nest. She was mostly talking to Reggie behind Alex and Luke, animatedly recounting a story about Carlos nearly crashing his drone in her keyboard. Jitters began to tingle his skin, that building excitement right before a gig mixing with Julie’s presence. It felt like one of his dreams materialised out of thin air.

How many times has he dreamt about catching her eye in the crowd as he crooned love songs he never dared to write? Granted, those dreams were centered in a hazier setting, Raven’s Nest quite unromantic opposed to that, but he would take what he got.

(And after, they’d worm their way through the masses of people, meeting halfway, and she’d sling her arms around his neck and he’d pull her into a kiss and it’d be electric. She’d kiss like she sang. It was a recurring dream that left him in a good mood for hours.)

Without much hesitance, the bouncer let Julie in. Luke, unable to keep his giddiness at bay, squeezed her shoulder as a dazzling beam was glued to his cheeks. Julie got in! Julie was going to see him play!

Raven’s Nest was expectedly filled with bearded, burly men. It reeked of beer and strong liquor, raucous chatter spilling from ever corner. They all probably looked like babies in comparison to these dudes, but he supposed his unfaltering confidence made up for it. Luke would get his boys (and Julie) through this. The stage was already prepared for them, amps and mics set up, Alex’ drums waiting in Reggie’s van behind the establishment.

“I’ve seen you play before, you know,” Julie mumbled beside him.

His heart soared without trying, its rate going a mile a minute as his jaw fell slack. All his nerves intensified till a blush crept on his cheeks. “You- you have?”

Her curious eyes flitted from the people to him, sheepish. “Yeah. At Ecliptica. You guys were good.”

A clammy hand raked the ends of his hair. Holy fucking shit. “You sounded like you never heard us before.”

“I didn’t want to seem like a fangirl, or something.” A secretive smile formed on her lips as she leaned into his side. “You know how school is. Everyone trying to be the best, but then act super casual about it?” Her eyes sparked in the yellow lighting, too close for him to think straight. “I didn’t want it to inflate you guys’ egos.”

Luke sputtered out a disbelieving laugh. “You’re doing it right now, Julie.”

“Then you better kill it,” she teased, nodding at Alex and Reggie hauling the drums onstage from the back door. “I think that’s your cue.”

There were two things he thought of right as he ascended the stage.

One, Julie was fat better at this whole back and forth than he was.

Two, he had to direct at least one song to her from their thirty minute set. Just one. Just so that his feelings might come across. Where words ended, music bled from his soul instead.

And so, the band exploded into what they knew best: burning the fucking house down.

So we’re taking the long way home 'Cause I don’t wanna be wasting my time alone I wanna get lost and drive forever with you Talking 'bout nothing, yeah, whatever, baby So we’re taking the long way home tonight We're taking the long way home

The giggly teenagers ended back in the diner after the incredible gig, shouting from the adrenaline and jostling arms to get points across. Even Julie joined in, much to his delight, tucked between him and the wall as she had a heated debate with an excited Reggie - harmonies versus basslines. Lemonades filled in condensed glasses gave them sticky fingers, hers once pushing his chin away when he told a particularly dumb joke and leaving an imprint. Luke was on fucking cloud nine.    

Taking the upper hand in the debate, Julie sang a bit of one of their songs (“Let's seize the day, let's run away, don't let the colours fade to grey!”) with all the tricks in the book, silencing Reggie just like that. Alex high fived Julie, the bassist admitting she won this time. Deeply relishing the sound of her singing voice, Luke barely caught what she was saying after.

“This time?”, she laughed. “There’s another time?”

“Why not?” Reggie wiggled his brows, unsubtle as hell when he shot Luke a wink. “Diner Friendship Memories Still To Be Made!”

Alex blinked. “What?”

Her eyes tracked past the boys, the smile turning more timid. It settled on Luke, the boy unable and unwilling to look away. He wanted this night to never end. Clasping her lemonade, she nodded firmly, as if signing Reggie’s silly Friendship Contract.

“Yeah… why not.”

Magenta’s Palace became Luke favourite place in the entire world. Every Friday, Julie joined the boys at their booth, sometimes Kayla and Flynn too. Huddled in those red leather seats with mountains of fries, they shared the first slivers of newfound friendship. Luke has always been very cautious about who he let in his circle (Sunset Curve against The World), but six people in a booth felt cosy rather than suffocating. Like it was always to be like this.

Reggie found an equally enthusiastic jazz lover in Kayla. Alex confided with Flynn that he followed her playlists on Spotify and was obsessed with her DJ skills.  

Luke and Julie created their own bubble without trying to.

It was weird. Maybe Alex was right and Luke did put her on a pedestal for so long. Julie was genuinely chill and easy to talk to, probably turned off by him before cause he had been acting like a blubbering idiot. Simply being himself was, surprisingly, more than enough for her. It lit a fire inside of him. Snarky banter about music that challenged him to keep up, overt flirting from him that kept her blushing, sudden ideas about lyrics that threw either for a loop. He wouldn’t admit it at first, but she made him a better songwriter.

Who knew his best songs would be found on stained paper napkins?  

One Friday night, long past midnight, the group stood outside as they bid each other a good weekend. Bathed in the pink glow of the LED lights, Luke felt it in his gut. He had to tell her. These past weeks his feelings had only grown tenfold, this incessant buzz rippling every atom of his body whenever she was close. Whenever she smiled, talked, sang. Stealing his beanie, eating his fries, sharing AirPods. Luke loved it all.  

It was a lot more than a simple crush.  

After Julie hugged Alex, Luke grabbed her into a tight hug. She instantly responded, wrapping her arms around his waist and burrowing herself in his red hoodie. His infatuated smile was hidden by her curls, so fucking happy he’d been impulsive enough to ask for a dispenser that day.

“Hey, Julie,” he whispered.

She looked up, eyes alight with an emotion that left his shivering. “Yeah?”

“Uh…” A smile trembled on his lips, unsure whether he wanted to drown in the pretty brown of her irises or continue talking. Now or never. “You wanna get breakfast tomorrow? With me?”

He didn’t have to live in the fear for long, a smile stretching across her cheeks as she shyly nodded. It was the first time he’d ever seen her this flustered, their hold on each other securing with quiet glee. Had he not been so mesmerised, the awestruck Luke would run a mile from the adrenaline rush.  

“Yeah,” she grinned, nose scrunched. “Sounds fun.”

They found themselves in the same spot the next day, the taste of syrupy pancakes melting with his as he kissed her on the parking lot of Magenta’s Palace. Julie’s lips curled into a smile and Luke figured there was no better feeling in the world then that.

(Yeah, he could get used to this.)

Saturday’s mornings had never been sweeter.  

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

@blush-and-books @willexx @bluefirewrites @unsaid-emily @ourstarscollided

[buckyodinson]

Memories (Ezra x fem!Reader)

Request from anon: Hello friend, how about, Ezra at current age 40s, fondly remembering his relationships/hook ups of his younger days.

Word Count: 1.5k

A/N: This is my first piece for Ezra, let me know what you think! Hope you enjoy! :)

Ezra looks over at your sleeping form fondly. It had been a long day of searching for Aurelac, and you’d been back on your ship for all of five minutes before Ezra was all over you. The pent-up stress from the day’s work had meant you both found release quickly, and you fell asleep soon after. After laying with you for a while and not falling asleep, Ezra moved to sit in the pilot’s seat, admiring the Aurelac you’d managed to collect during the day.

He looked down at where his arm once was, sighing, remembering a time when he didn’t need someone’s help to do the simplest of tasks (having you help him wash his hair in the shower was always nice though, as it almost always led to sex). Prospecting was a lot more difficult now he was missing his dominant hand, because while he had the expertise, he needed your steely execution. He still tried every now and then to see if his left hand had gotten any more adept, but the majority of attempts would end in disaster. He knew it was stupid to keep trying, all he was doing was losing money for the pair of you, but you always encouraged him to give it a go, knowing how much it meant to him to be able to do his job well.

It didn’t bother you that most of the prospecting was down to you. Ezra trained you well and guided you through it all, and the majority of Aurelac was gathered successfully, though some days were harder than others. Sometimes, you just weren’t in the right head-space for work, and all it takes is a split second where you lose focus, and that’s a gem ruined. Ezra never loses his temper with you, but he sets a much more bruising pace when you’re in bed that night, leaving bruises littered across your skin.

Ezra looks over at you, bare with the bed-sheets only covering a fraction of your body, and he sees the faint marks on your right hip, where his fingers were dug in only about a half hour before. The soft rise and fall of your chest calms him immensely and he’s content to just sit and watch you as you sleep. As he does, he allows his mind to double back, and he thinks of all the other women he’s been with before he found you.

He remembers his first time vividly. It was back on his home planet, and he was about 19. It was awkward and rushed, and he wasn’t exactly sure what he was doing, but he tried his best. It was all over pretty quickly, and he couldn’t necessarily say he enjoyed it all that much, and was just thankful that he never saw the girl again. He’s sure even if he saw her now, he’d still turn bright red and hide his face, desperately hoping she wouldn’t remember him. He chuckled to himself at the thought.

He went a good few years only knowing the pleasure of his own hand, while he was first dabbling in prospecting. He didn’t have a lot of downtime, and even if he did, he was usually all by himself in his ship or in his camp, so he did what any man does when he needed some relief. Prospecting was a lonely career, and unless you were travelling and working with someone already, you rarely came across a friendly face.

Then towards the latter end of his 20s, he met a woman while on the green moon, who needed passage to Bakhroma, after her and her crewmate’s ship crashed and she was the only survivor. While Ezra was wary at first, he allowed her to join him when he left the moon, and during the time it took on the sling-back, they got close. There were no deeper feelings there, it was moreso a mutual agreement that they could both let off a little steam while they had the time. She was beautiful, Ezra couldn’t deny that, but he knew as soon as they reached the port she needed on Bakhroma, he’d never see her again.

So he made the most of it while she was around, having her any which way she’d say yes to (which was quite a lot), figuring he’d try as much as he could before he’d be left with only his hand for what would probably be another few years. He remembers bending her over and fucking her roughly over the control panel. He remembers sitting in the pilot’s seat while she was knelt in front of him, taking all he had to give her while his hand was fisted in her hair, whispering praises to her. He remembers finger-fucking her just before he dropped her off at the port, and the wink she gave as she hopped down the ladder, never to be seen again.

There had been a few other random hook-ups in the years following, whenever he made stops on planets for some well-deserved rest. After he lost his arm and made his way to Bakhroma with Cee, he couldn’t help but think he definitely wouldn’t have much luck with the ladies now. Cee eventually went her own way, deciding she never wanted to step foot on the green moon again, and Ezra was alone once more.

The first time he jacked off after losing his arm was an experience though. Now only having a left hand to use meant it felt at least a little different to normal. Still not as pleasurable as being buried deep inside a beautiful woman, but at least it didn’t feel as much as a chore as it had began to before. But he soon got used to his left hand, and it too became a bore.

He decided moping about on Bakhroma wasn’t doing him any good, so he was going back to the moon. Only, with his arm predicament, it meant he needed a new partner. It didn’t take him long to find you. You were a novice prospector, waiting for someone to agree to take you along to the green moon with them. Most people passed on you, because you were inexperienced, but Ezra didn’t really have much of a choice. Plus, he thought you were pretty attractive, so at least if you weren’t great at prospecting, he could still enjoy looking at you.

After having you around for a while, and building a close partnership with you, teaching you everything he knew, he asked if you’d want to stick around with him permanently. You immediately agreed, finding Ezra very charming. You had fallen for Ezra in the time you’d spent with him, and you could tell that he thought you were attractive. You weren’t sure if he was a relationship kinda guy, but you could tell by the way he looked at you sometimes that he was undressing you with his eyes. He had been pretty shocked one night on the ship when you bluntly asked him whether he wanted to fuck you or not. For the first time in his life, he spluttered, and his usual refined way of talking came crashing down, and he simply nodded.

That first time with you was magical. Even though you’d asked whether he wanted to fuck you, it was far from that. It was slow and sensual, and you were gentle with him. Something he’d never really gone in for before, but now he’d had it, he loved it. You were so different to all the other women. Sure, you liked it rough, and you’d let him have his way with you if he wanted, but the way you would caress his skin, and run your fingers through his hair softly made his heart stop. The way you would lovingly pay attention to what was left of his right arm, kissing his shoulder lightly and ghosting your lips over the edge of the limb would push him over the edge.

You were doing just that when he told you he loved you the first time. You were on top of him, moving your hips at a tortuous pace, and stroking his hair as you slowly kissed your way down his neck to his shoulder, until you reached the end of his arm, whispering sweet things as you traveled, and he suddenly choked out “God, I love you…” you immediately whipped your head up to look at him. Panic flashed across his features, and he really thought he’d blown it, but you tilted your head slightly and smiled as you made your way back to his face, and whispered against his lips that you loved him too, before kissing him passionately.

That memory made Ezra open his eyes, and they fell on your form once again, sleeping peacefully in your bed. He smiled at the sight, still disbelieving of how lucky he was to have found you. He slowly stood and made his way back over to the bed, climbing in and pulling the sheets over the pair of you before wrapping his arm around your body, grinning as you shuffled closer to him, wrapping an arm over his torso and resting your hand on what’s left of his right arm. He kisses the top of your head and he feels you smile into his chest, and he falls asleep to the sound of your breathing.

[talesofealdancynedom]

Regina, completely not acting like her crude self, in special stone kingdom robes to match Wyverndors <3

Tale 9: Regina Geagemann & Wyverndor (chapter 6. Forge Sweet Forge 6/6 ) part 2. Stories of Fey

none

The magical geothermal flats of Hawk Haven, attract wizards wishing to find rare magical materials to sell to the highest bidder. Reggie had fended someone of the smugglers off; A bluff charge normally did it. Many traders thus settled for synthetic crystals.

“Palladis, are you sure we didn’t just rob that lady?” Regina asked. She held the necklace up; “Please Wyvern, if it’s you come back! I’m sorry I didn’t find you sooner, I love you.” Regina cried closing her eyes, and burying her head in her knees. Then she felt and embrace from someone, not small like Palladis, but familiar and soft. Regina opened her eyes to see Wyverndor, smiling with a big embrace.

She signed “thank you.” Regina gave what must have been the tightest hug she had ever given. It was good thing that rocks didn’t need to breath. Wyverndor and Regina loosened again, smiling at each other.

“Don’t go off with strangers as valuables again, ok?” Regina sniffed. Wyvern nodded, and went in to give Regina a good kiss while they embraced. The spell that they procrastinated took form, as anklets appeared, and Wyvern changed. In golden dust, her crystal dress gained more embroidery, her hair and train longer, and Wyvern refracted infinite colours. When they stood back, Regina felt even more enchanted and light gazing upon Wyvern.

“I love you too. let’s go home.” Wyvern signed. She gave one last snuggle to morph back into a lovely topaz set inside the protective necklace, back against Regina’s beating heart.

“That sounds nice, Wyvern. Also, sparkle a thanks to Palladis here; She helped me. Actually, a lot of people helped me along the way. Even if I was trying to do it alone as I promised.” Reggie admitted. But Palladis had flown off; Likely to share the gossip. The finally weds, once again went home together.

There is a special feeling when returning home, after any period of time. It’s stale, yet familiar; Providing a sigh of relief. A domain, never feeling the same as it was left, while being just as remembered. Regina sighed as she closed the door behind her. All the tools and projects lay where she left them. The bed still made, everything a bit sooty and dusty. Reggie began to disrobe to put on her home clothes. She had almost forgot what it was like to wear cotton. Wyverndor jumped out of the necklace to look around, and starred at the summer sword out the window. Maybe a nice shinny thing like that would show Palladis we’re thankful? Wyvern thought. Then she got a wave of impending doom; Wyverndor could not exclaim it being mute. She had no doubt Palladis had spoken of her misplacement to her mother queen Io. Or added that Wyverndor had just become a crown heir with an official True Love. Even Io’s own children admitted her exuberant romantic fluttering was like a razor blade. Out of the corner of her ey,e Wyvern noticed they were not alone. she jumped back falling onto Reggie and the bed.

“Ooh it’s like that now.” Reggie giggled.

Wyvern flailed “No!”, and pointed to the couch across the room. Hara sat by the kitchen drinking tea.

“I knew you’d find her Reggie. Kettle is still hot by the way.” He chimed.

“Professor! How long have you been there?! How did you get in?” Reggie screamed.

“I wasn’t looking by the way. I’m a Queen in waiting too, remember? The whole dragon princess debacle back in school. Anyhow, I’m here to check on you. You looked like rubble when I last heard from you last; And I needed an excuse to survey the fey here. Though, I realized Magma drakes and volcanic nymphs might be on the list of fey I’d rather read about then meet. But, I trust you have documented all your friends, and can share?” Hara smiled. His predictable rambling soothed Reggie. She gave him a shrug.

“I assigned a fire wildling to your cabin hearth by the way; Cute and covenant. Also don’t worry about the stone King and Queen. Palladis told them everything; Including not to visit until Io calms down. Everyone is very happy for you, including Morgan and your parents. But I should add they are dissatisfied having not attended the ceremony.” Hara teased. Reggie walked over, and poured herself some tea out of habit. Why tea? She though, it’s a literal inferno here. Wyvern then sat on Reggie’s lap, like she was the chair.

Wyvern signed “Hello, I’m so happy to be home and see you again!” Almost too fast for Regina to translate.

“That’s very sweet Wyvern. I hope you don’t mind if I stay a little longer to record your findings? I’m technically here for work. And Reggie, that’s a nice sword. Summer steel is quite rare. Please tell me it ignites into fire, when one true of heart and noble of quest, wields it.” Hara taunted.

“You better believe it.” Regina smiled hugging Wyvern from behind and giving a thumbs up. That was a lie. The sword lit up regardless of wielder, which is why it was in the rock.

 “Wyverndor, based on me and Rah, I bet you’re a crowned royal fey now; and heir to the Stone Kingdom of fey? To think, you could be a Queen Reggie! Being a potential Dragon Queen myself, the implications are most uncomfortable to ponder.” Hara continued. Regina and Wyvern simultaneously grimaced at the prospect of the demise of beloved family. Oh damn, that mountain super bowl dad, and crystalline ditzy mother, are now my in-laws. Its really happening. Reggie reflected.

“Are you two good? You both look even paler than normal.” Hara asked. They nodded yes slowly.

“You know, Professor Hara, how about on your way back to the academy through Tiberius Gate, you take that summer sword? Leave it in the Shadow Veil somewhere, to aid someone on a quest?” Regina asked.

“I can’t stay longer?” Hara asked, putting down his cup. With a moan, he stood up and looked at the sword out the window; reflecting the orange light of the encompassing fire.

“I suppose I can come back later with a proper research party then. Also, On behalf of your parents: Behave yourselves, fulfill each other.” He said on his way out. Wyvern gave a silent laugh. Her cheerful giddy personality was one of Regina’s favourite things about her. Reggie pulled Wyvern in for a kiss on the check and snuggle.

“Breaking into my house, and telling me to behave? He must have gone crazy from all the forges fire. Who does he think I am? A changed person?” Reggie laughed, sarcastically.

TABLE OF CONTENTS--->

<---PREVIOUS

[c-atm]

Shift in the Paradigm chapter 4 (Part A)

“We’re starting, ok...Did you ever have problems with the potential partners I introduced you to?”

“Seriously?”

“Please..”

“Mmm...Barring Jeff...Yes at first. I wasn't on board with you dating, let alone dating some random person.”

“Why?”

“It seemed sudden...It didn't  seem like you were really into them. There was a lack of excitement when you spoke about your dates.”

“So you think I was only playing around?”

“I didn't say that. It just felt like you was forcing yourself. You've never been a romantic nor spoke of having any type of crush.You were also very reserved when it came to them and you can be playful when you're comfortable enough...Borderline flirty, if they person is close enough. ”

“...That’s….A half truth.”

“Oh.”

“You know you’re the only one I ‘flirt’ with.

“Jeff and Peedee.”

Connie arched an eyebrow before crossing her arms over mid-section, a sultry smirk on her face. “You really gonna compare my sibling like teasing with Jeff, and my verbal back and forth with Peedee...To how WE act with each other.”

Steven shrugged slightly in light defeat. “True enough but that proves my point.” He looked at her with a cool smile.” When you your comfortable with someone you’re polite but you’d engage harmless teasing.  For what I seen, from what I was told as well; there was none with the those you ‘dated’. That, coupled with how disinterested you seemed to be over your breakups...it started to feel like they were a flavor of the month or so.”

“I didn’t think you thought of it that way. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“It never seemed like you was putting yourself in danger and honestly I felt I had no say in it. The people you brought to meet and hang with us never seemed like bad, you have a good judge of character; at the same time, it was quite obvious that they wasn’t going to be around long.“

“Ugh...That sound So..bad every time I hear it. So flighty.”

“Hehe. Come on, we’re teens. I know how you pride yourself on being ‘objective’, ‘aware’ ; and ‘knowing what you want’, but you’re allow to be a bit skittish; even about dating and relationships… When you do find that one, you’ll know.”

“ Stars, you and your damned high EQ”

“Hey, you have an IQ that rivals Pearls and Peri’s, let me have this. So is there more to this or are you gonna tell me what up?”

“...Did It hurt you? To know I was dating others.

“MMM...That’s kind of a silly question. You have every right to date whoever you want, so would it matter in the long run?”

“It does to me.”

“...No. You living your life never hurt me and even if it did it would be on my head. That being said, are you sure that what you want to ask me?”

“What do you mean?”

“You want to know if I was jealous.”

“Would you answer honestly?”

“1000 percent right, Berry?”

“..Were you?”

“Admittedly..Yeah a bit. I said earlier that I wasn’t thrilled about the prospects  of you dating strangers and that I did show off abit when we had a group thing...that..was out of jealousy..”

“Cause you felt I was replacing you.”

“Well, that and you forcing yourself too, but as the root of my jealousy...Yeah, the replacement thing as discussed before.”

“Can’t say you wasn't right in a way...I did feel a bit lonely at times admittedly, since our time was fleeting. Hanging with the gems and the others are fine, but it not a replacement for…’US’.  Part of the reason why I tried to date..not to replace you but to fill that place of loneliness, didn't work.”

“I can relate, it wasn’t easy having such little time to spend with you,Nini.”

“Yeah, but you were outer space with a bevy of cute and energetic space gems.”

“More like exhausting and attention craving gems...Pink court give their regards by the way. Blue and Yellow diamonds as well.”

“Aww, that’s sweet of them, though kind of surprising of Yellow.”

“She doesn't like being shown up, though she does genuinely respect you.”

“Of course, classic Yellow” .

“Hehe. I supposed it is.”

Steven’s chuckle was a bit mirthless, Connie noted yet his smile was that of someone in blis; it made her a bit bashful under his gaze and a harder to keep the blush off her face as it was caressed in the light of the setting sun, as she was about to speak her phone ranged, causing her to reach into the pocket of her navy blue pleated skirt. On the phone was the name “Mom”, with  her index finger up she signaled Steven that their conversation was on hold as she began talking to Priyanka.

Steven on the other hand was just content watching his Connie in the evening light, explain quite simply that she and Steven was taking a detour and will be at Sadies’ soon. The way her nose scrunched up at the apparent teasing that must be happening.  The relaxed smugness that Connie in her voice when she countered her teasing. The Maheswaran women relationship was more jovial after everything was said in done. Having not only earn the complete trust and pride of her parents and vice versa, but also the fact that the Maheswarans has a nearly familial relationship the Universes and the gems; really helped evolve the relations within the less strict and more loving household. That and that Priyanka and Doug were made parents again to a pair of twins also had to be factored in and given the million watt smile on Connie, she currently speaking the aptly dubbed ‘Mini Maheswarens.’

“Yes, I’ll tell Steven you said hello, Raj….and Rache as well.  We’ll both see you two tomorrow when we we pick you up from the house...Yes we’ll bring lion…..I don’t know gotta ask pearl about the strawberry fields….You’re too young to handle swords, stay with your stick...Yes Sissy loves you too and I will call you two before bed for a story…Will Steven be there?”

“Tell them I said yeah.”

“He’ll be there for the story...Rache wanna know where my laptop at? It’s on my desk, but my room is locked so…..She got it!?”

“Ha! Little genius!”

Connie looked at Steven with a small glare before turning back to the phone. “Put her on..She said she busy, call back later?...BOY! Put her on....Good man”

Connie gave Steven an exasperated yet prideful look as she waited for her mischievous lil sister to come on, who just shrug with a smirk. That when a little feminine  voice came on the phone.

“ Sissy You’s there !”

Connie put the phone before responding with a slightly rough tone.

“Who told you to go in my room and how did you even get in?”

"I used a butter knife to turn the lock. I didn’t break anything...I just wanted to play a game.“

“Rachel! You can’t just  enter my or anyone room whenever you feel, especially when it locked, you understand?!”

“...I’m sorry...Can I still use your laptop, though?”

“Just be careful..and no downloading from sites, and put it on the charger when you’re done.”

“Yay! Thank you, Sissy! Good luck on getting kissy kissy with Steven!”

“Rach, Really?”

“Hehehe! I’m gonna go now bye-bye!”

“Love you Rach.”

”Muah! Love you more Sissy!”

With that Connie hanged up the phone and placed back into her pocket. She looked at Steven who was abit too cocky in the face for her liking.  She placed her hands on hip and arched an eyebrow.

“What with the look Steven?”

“Kissy-kissy?”

She shrugged with eyes slightly closed as let out a small sigh.

“You heard that, kids right? They say the darnest things.”

“Is it really unbelievable?.”

“What?”

“ You having feelings for me.”

Connie eyes widen slowly at the statement. She was prepared to tell him...not this though.

“Well...Wouldn’t it be?”

“Why would it?”

“Because it’s me and you. We dated other people, and I’ve never had a long relationship or any good at romance.”

“I don’t think one can be ‘good’ at romance, it’s not a skill you know despite what everyone says….”

“Easy for you to say, how many outings have you planned for us that were basically a date.”

“I mean...We never called them dates, it was just the two of us hanging out. I wasn’t trying to be romantic.”

“See! You don’t have to work at it. It came naturally to you.”

“Like I said, never really noticed. Every time we go out the only thing on my mind was to forget the problems we were going through and give you something memorable. If that resulted in adventures, jams, snacks, or snuggling up together while looking out at beach city from the hillside or any other stuff... then all the better...even more than that, I’m happiest when I’m with you. You‘re my home away from home.”

Connie smiled confidently as she felt her chest warmed. She took his hands and kissed his knuckles gently, feeling the blush warmed her face. She looked up at him with stars in her visible right eye; the fall placed her hair in away that it gave her a eye covering bang on her left side, causing Steven to redden in embarrassment and admiration; feeling the same wave of emotions he felt  when he saw her a few years back at Kevins’ party.

“I feel the same about you, for a long time… I love you…That what I omitted from before

“I love you too Connie.  You’re my Jam bud after all..”

Connie shook her head at his statement. She knew him well enough to figure out that he was baiting her to confess her true feeling clearly. “Yes, we are and it’s something that means so much more than it used to…’Jam buds’  encloses everything about you and I..Our adventures, battles, conflicts, Stevonnie, hell even times when we aren’t on speaking terms.”

“I agree. It’s the ‘flavorful’ history of us, our sweetest moments to our sourest spots. I wonder where this is leading to, though i’m a sure where you going with this.”

“ I cherish being jam buds with you Steven, thoughts of our history helped me through some of my worst spots,  but it doesn't encompass everything.”

The shades of the orange sunset enhancing his mischievous smirk made her throat dry and sent a shiver down her spy “Really now, Nini?”

Connie nodded as she massage the back of his hands with her thumbs, opting to hang her head lower and avoid looking up at him to further sheepishness. “ It doesn't include all I feel for you.. what I feel now.... Even back then when you gave yourself up. It’s a different feeling, stronger and a bit consuming. I tried to hide, ignore; smother it and move on. No use.“

“Doesn't seem like something you would do Berry, you’re usually so fierce when facing a problem.”

“External problems are easier than those of the heart. Going against monsters, tyrants; and the maniacal are a breeze compared to inner conflicts with oneself.”

“Preaching to the choir Connie, but that why I am glad to have you. It help to talk it out and comes to terms with it, you gave me an ear to do just that. Sometimes even a lap to rest my head. So let me be that for you, what the worst that could happen, huh?

“I could lose you, jam bud..or  make things awkward between us.”

“You’d never lose me, you know that. We have a lot more in store for us. Even if we have a few awkward spots, they can still be either sweet or sour flavors in our history.”

“You’re right...I have already decided to face the truth….Steven, while you’re not the naive pacifist you use to be... you still love everybody, or at least you CAN love every and anybody,. You’re willing to put so much on the line for those who are precious and it’s inspiring. You’d even try to reach an understanding with enemies, buts it’s unfair. You give so much of your love yet the amount you recieve doesn’t compare. So let me do it. Let me love you more than you love both gemkind and humanity, because as much as I tried not to..I already do…I love you Steven, not just as my best friend, liege; fusion partner; or even jam bud, but...I can’t say...”

Steven eyes widen at the bold confession and pause absorbing it all in  as he looked at the girl on his lap, he felt her tears roll down and fall on his hands. He lift his hands to wipe the tears gently before  pulling her in close to him in gentle and secure hold The smell of her chai and cinnamon shampoo, her natural scent of oranges and lavender overwhelmed him and lit a small urge. Before she and him knew what was going on, he kissed the crook of her neck, her  tear stained cheeks, but she beat him to the lips, which he melted into. It wasn’t like in the movies or novels. It was a held peck in comparison to the slick healing french from earlier..but they still felt a glow and heat around them. When they finally opened their eyes they each saw  something different.

For Connie it was brown diamond shaped eyes that sparkled like a supernova despite being gazed over a bit, with a pink glow coming from below. For Steven, he saw the galaxy in her very partial pinkish black eyes and  felt a comforting warmth from pink her arm. Both of them knew what this feeling was: Stevonnie. The feeling of trust, serenity; and love that empowers Stevonnie brings but without forming, something that they were fine with as they still needed to talk.

“So...Is it safe to say your feelings are romantic?”