#go go go! fall in love with Kell and Rhys and Luc and Lila and Holland and everyone else in between

[beebrainedstudios]

Maybe Rhy and Holland?

Thanks for the prompt! Here’s a little Aftermath AU Holland and Rhy (information about the AU can be found here). This is set only a few months after the Osaron showdown, when Holland’s still adjusting to his new surroundings and Rhy careful attempts at bridge-building. I apologize for any mistakes, these prompts will likely be a bit less edited than my usual work.

For anyone who’s interested, the ask prompt can be found here!

“What’s wrong?”

Holland didn’t turn from the mirror, his eyes drifting instead to see Rhy Maresh’s reflection stretched out beside his own. The ex-prince was lounging in the doorway to Holland’s rooms, a golden shaft of light against the murky green of the wall, and his presence would have been an intrusion if he hadn’t knocked on the doorframe a few seconds earlier. The tap-tap-tap of bone on wood had clipped through the silence that filled the room, momentarily shocking Holland out of his task.

Rhy was always careful to do that, to knock, even in open rooms, tapping his boots or ringing his knuckles against the wall to warn Holland of his arrival. It was a small consideration, likely intended to be discrete, but it was appreciated; Holland didn’t like to be approached from behind, not without warning.

Holland huffed, unwilling to bother speaking while he was concentrated on his task. His mind was honed in on the feeling of hair against one hand, wood in the other. The knife he was using was sharp, and he was bringing it close to fingers; any Antari was used to cuts, but he wasn’t eager to shed his blood, especially into his hair. The red would stain the white that he’d been instructed to carefully mind- he knew how blood darkened bone-blonde and his hair was lighter than the Danes’. The last thing he needed was for the Arnesians to notice another dusty flaw in his appearance.

Rhy took the sound as an invitation- it wasn’t- and slipped into the room, walking closer to where the first fallen tufts of hair littered the emerald carpet. There he stopped and said nothing, watching Holland work for a minute, his eyes filled with thoughts that Holland had only half a mind to hear. He knew this game. Rhy was waiting for him to go first, to set the boundaries of their interaction, to see his mood for the day. Like the tapping, Holland thought it a touching, if inefficient practice; the fact that’d he’d let Rhy within his sight should have been enough of a hint. He rarely let anyone near him, particularly in his private quarters, but he made exceptions for the young king, if only because it was his palace to begin with. 

He was surprised at how much Rhy had grown on him, shockingly persistent in the face of Holland’s stony apathy. Kind of like a weed.

Today, however, Holland was busy and Rhy seemed quiet. Yet neither man said anything, and Holland eventually began to cut again, trying to concentrate only on the sensation of his hair between his fingers, shearing through an inch at a time, trying to keep the ends even. The last time he’d done this, he’d had Osaron looming over his shoulder and a furious desperation in him; he hadn’t wanted his hair cut, he’d wanted it gone. It had been quick, choppy, and a mess, but it had been good enough. Now he was hoping to keep it a little longer and neater. He had the time, and it needed to match the finery he had been housed and clothed in.

It needed to look nice, and Holland didn’t know if he’d be able to recognize what that looked like.

“Your hair’s dry.”

Holland stopped cutting in shock and glanced back at Rhy’s reflection. The king was running a shorn lock of hair between his fingers with a thoughtful look on his face. Just as Holland’s gaze fell on him, he slowly opened his hand, the white threads falling from his fingers like snow back to the floor.

Something small and angry inside Holland sparked then- a little bit of grief, pride, shame, and the dread that always rose when he cut his hair- and he snorted at Rhy’s tone, turning back to the mirror and starting to cut again. He refused to meet Rhy’s eyes. “It’s fine, your Majesty, or is it too ugly for your illustrious court?” The knife was moving quicker now, dangerously close to his fingertips, but Holland didn’t care. He couldn’t. He’d been angry all day, and it was sudden and unfair but now he was angry at Rhy because the king had somehow managed to find him in the middle of something terribly vulnerable that shouldn’t be, and he’d been snapped out of his very careful reverie that had kept him from remembering why he was doing this, and now he could feel Rhy’s eyes on him, reading his posture like the blasted words he loved so much. 

I’m sorry, I’m sorry, for the love of magic and whatever else you care about, please leave. Not today, not now, leave.

Rhy didn’t. He stepped back a little, giving Holland space, and he sighed. When Holland stopped cutting to glare at him in the mirror, the king’s eyes were tired with more than just the weight of the throne. But he wasn’t angry at Holland’s outburst; he never was, though Holland wouldn’t have blamed him. Keeping up with the former Antari’s mood- with his trauma, as the old priest had called it- must have been exhausting. Perhaps he’d learned his understanding from Kell.

Not that Holland wanted it. Or deserved it.

“It wasn’t an insult, Holland.” Rhy said quietly, and there was not a shred of offence in his tone, only forgiveness. “Your hair is dry, most likely due to the weather. It’s a drier season right now than your body is used to; it happens to us Arnesians, too, all the time. There’s stuff you can put in your hair to help.” 

He paused, then spoke again. “You look fine.”

Holland’s hands stilled, and the angry heat inside him boiled into thick shameful tar. He had grown weary of lashing out at Rhy like this, when the new king was so unwilling to do so in kind. One day, they’d be okay, and the next he would be trapped with the Danes on one shoulder and Rhy on the other. He was too nice to Holland, and the Antari never knew what to do with it. He expected the first blow every time they spoke, and every time, he was disappointed.

There was no apology ready on his tongue, but Rhy as usual had guessed he was upset and evidently didn’t mind, because he only stepped closer again as if Holland hadn’t just snapped at him. Holland sighed in frustration, the tension in his chest loosening as he gave up and finally dropped the knife- he was practically done, anyway- turning in his chair to look Rhy in the eyes. The prince smiled gently at him, and it was the worn grin of a no-longer-prince who had expected his nervousness and was pleased to see it start to ebb. “I came in to tell you that Luc and I are going out tonight, and we want you to come.”

Holland rolled his eyes, breathing out more anxiety with each breath, trying to uncoil it from his chest. Then he shook a hand through his hair, sending white threads falling like hay from a loft. “Rhy, I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m not exactly presentable right now.”

Rhy’s face twisted into a pout, purposefully childish and annoyingly endearing. “You always say that.”

Holland didn’t answer; Rhy was right. He didn’t usually join the king and the pirate on their evening escapades, which were supposedly marked with disguises and lots of liquor. This London was too bright, too happy even at night after all that he had brought upon it, and he felt like a stain against the cheerful backdrop every time he left his rooms. The clothes he wore were still too dull compared to everyone else, and there were so many eyes on him, drawn to his scars, his eyes, his hair. He didn’t fit in, a pebble among gemstones; the last thing he wanted was to burden Rhy and Alucard with it.

Rhy cocked his head as he watched Holland think, a mischievous glint forming in his eyes. After a moment’s contemplation, new energy sparked off his skin, warming the stillness in the room, and Holland realized with horror that the king had an idea.

“Nevermind, new plan. Have you ever met Calla?”

Holland ignored the name in favor of protest. “I never agreed to g-”

Rhy wasn’t listening, instead turning to look hurriedly around the room.

“You’ll like her, she used to help me with Kell’s wardrobe.”

“Wait, that lady? I thought you said that she died.”

Rhy was flitting around the room now, prepping for the trip that Holland silently resigned himself to joining. He swept up Holland’s cane and coat, tossing them both to Holland and smiling when he rose without fuss and put them on. Earlier exhaustion forgotten, he then trotted out the door with Holland on his heels, a fine trail of white following after them out of the room. Holland pitied whoever would have to clean it up, but he had little time to dwell on it between trying to follow Rhy through the maze of the palace and keeping up with his eager prattling.

“Lila misidentified the body, she showed up a few days after Kell left. A real pity they missed it- they both adore her- but she’s great at her job and I’m sure she’d love to meet you, all we have to do is find you something new to wea-”

Holland’s pace slowed a fraction. “Are we going clothes shopping? Now?”

“Yes, now. You need a distraction and some serious accessorizing advice. Maybe if you like your appearance, you’ll be more willing to join me and Luc when we go out.”

Holland started to scoff, but Rhy cut him off with a tiny kick to his boot. 

“I hardly think this is an aesthetic issue- ”

“It is. I know it and you’re coming whether you like it or not. You want something to match your charming new haircut, don’t you?”

“Does it really look okay?”

Rhy laughed as they both stepped outside, a sound somewhere between a song and a bell. Luc was already waiting in one of the more discrete royal carriages, and Holland could hear him calling out the window for them to hurry up. 

Perhaps this evening wouldn’t be so bad. At least the company would be tolerable.

“Of course, Holland. I’d never have let you leave the palace if it didn’t. Now stop sighing and get in the carriage.” 

[ashintheairlikesnow]

August 2019 Mini-Fics Day One: Annoyance

“There are too many ribbons on this fucking dress,” Lila snapped, spinning around with it still bunched halfway up her arms. “Well, if you’d give me more than ten seconds to get it on you-” Kell muttered, ribbons racing through his fingers as she pulled away from him. He met her glare with one perfectly calm blue eye and one stormcloud black one. “What? It’s not my fault Rhy’s throwing us a gala. I hate galas. He knows I hate galas. He knows I hate wearing clothes like this,” He said, gesturing down at the Maresh Empire-red high-necked shirt and pants Rhy had chosen for him to wear. “It’s bad for skin like mine. Makes me look like I’ve got a fever or someone just embarrassed me.” “Luckily, you always look like someone just embarrassed you, so that’s fine.” “Lila...” “He’s doing this just to annoy us,” Lila announced, crossing her arms in front of herself, dress pooling around her waist. “I’ve no doubt of that...” Kell trailed off, his line of sight dropping a little. Lila frowned at him, puzzled, then then glanced down at herself. “Damn it, Kell!” She jerked her dress back up over her chest. “Focus!” “I was focused,” Kell pointed out. “Then you took your dress half off. Then my focus changed somewhat.” “I’m going to murder you one day,” Lila said, but the words and the smile in her voice didn’t quite match. 

“I’ve no doubt, and it’ll be the most enjoyable murder that’s ever been inflicted on me. Please, let’s try one more time. This is the first party he’s thrown since we came back, I want to... to make him happy.”  “You do that just by being around him.” She let Kell pull the sleeves of the dress back up over her arms, stood as quietly as she could while he moved around behind her, his fingers grazing across the nape of her neck before dropping to pull tight the pile of black ribbons that made up the back of her dress. She grunted as he pulled a little too tight, yanking away from him. “Hey! I have to breathe while I’m dancing, don’t I?” “I don’t know,” Kell said honestly. “I never do. I just hold my breath and hope for the best. And try not to fall over.” He frowned at her back. “I think I’ve done the best I can.” There was a knock at the door. “Are you ready?” A cheerful male voice called. Kell rolled his eyes, but Lila was already at the door, flinging it open to admit Alucard Emery in a finely-made blue shirt and pants that had silver thread that glimmered, recalling the silver around his hands and eyes that never faded away, marking him as a survivor.  “Don’t you look lovely,” Alucard said appreciatively, looking Lila over. She grinned and spun around so he could see the back of the dress. “Oh, but who’s fucked your back up like that?” “I did,” Kell ground out through gritted teeth. 

“Kell helped,” Lila said, shrugging. “I couldn’t do it myself, could I?”

“Kell clearly can’t do it, either. I’ll fix it, not to worry.” Luc shot Kell his most serene smile, the one he knew the Antari hated most, and had Lila’s back done up in a flash, ribbons laying perfectly flat against her skin and tied at the bottom in a perfect bow. “There. Now you’ll shock us all with your beauty.”  Lila snorted. “Or I’ll scandalize them with my hair.” “Short hair will be in fashion next season once they’ve seen you, mark my words,” Luc said gently. “It looks good like that. You’re a picture. A portrait. They’ll be lining up to dance with you!” Lila wrinkled her nose. “Really? I’m not going, then.” Kell stifled a laugh. “You have to go. Rhy expects you both to be right there beside him, after all. Ah, Kell, let me look at you.” Luc gave him the exact same up-and-down gaze he’d given Lila, smirking as Kell flushed bright red at the attention. “You look... alive.” “You look the same,” Kell replied dryly, scowling down at himself. He looked back up, a little uncertainly. “Does it look that bad?” “Of course not, Kell.” Alucard put a hand on his shoulder, and for just a moment the hostility dropped off both men’s faces. “Rhy will be pleased. Should we go see if we can catch him before the festivities begin?” Kell took a deep breath and nodded.  Luc smiled. “Don’t be nervous. He’s been waiting months for this. Just try not to fall over, eh? I still remember when Rhy forgot to tell you he invited that girl you liked and you stepped on both her feet four times-”

Kell glared right at him, into his perfect serene handsome face. “I’m going to murder you one day,” He said darkly. “Hey!” Lila snapped her fingers between them, and both turned to look at her. “That’s my line.” Then she swanned out the door and the two men only very briefly elbowed each other when they followed her.

[fcyrearcherxn]

the acol crew

Kell

Lilageneral opinion: fall in a hole and die | don’t like them | eh | they’re fine I guess | like them! | love them | actual love of my life hotness level: get away from me | meh | neutral | theoretically hot but not my type | pretty hot | gorgeous! | 10/10 would banghogwarts house: gryffindor | slytherin | ravenclaw | hufflepuff best quality: her hope, i know she’s pretty cynical but she had hope that her dreams would come true because she was willing to fight for them worst quality: impulsive afship them with: kell brotp them with: alucard needs to stay away from: anyone she hates (for their sake not hers) misc. thoughts: lila is one of the characters i most relate to because she wants to do something with her life and experience things and is real real stubborn about everything tbh 

Rhy

general opinion: fall in a hole and die | don’t like them | eh | they’re fine I guess | like them! | love them |actual love of my lifehotness level: get away from me | meh | neutral | theoretically hot but not my type | pretty hot | gorgeous! | 10/10 would bang (rhy is so hot congrats luc) hogwarts house: gryffindor | slytherin | ravenclaw | hufflepuffbest quality: he really cares for everyone and wants to be a just ruler worst quality: ?? he may be loving to a fault, hes smart but he wants to help which could lead them to hurt him, idk thats their fault, im really reaching hereship them with: alucard brotp them with: lila, partners in crime needs to stay away from: death misc. thoughts: is he a zombie?? real questions here 

Alucard general opinion: fall in a hole and die | don’t like them | eh | they’re fine I guess | like them! | love them | actual love of my life hotness level: get away from me | meh | neutral | theoretically hot but not my type | pretty hot | gorgeous! | 10/10 would banghogwarts house: gryffindor | slytherin | ravenclaw | hufflepuff (schwab said he wouldnt go to hogwarts, im sticking to canon sry) best quality: his loyalty what a man worst quality: miscommunication (and that one thing with lila thats complicated)ship them with: rhy (he loves that boy so much im emo) needs to stay away from: no one, he brings joy into everyones life (and everyone he needs to stay away from is  … y’know)misc. thoughts: i relate to his humor a lot also he’s so e x t r a when it comes to rhy 

should I do Holland? I’m going to do Holland. 

Hollandgeneral opinion: fall in a hole and die | don’t like them | eh | they’re fine I guess | like them! | love them | actual love of my life hotness level: get away from me | meh | neutral | theoretically hot but not my type | pretty hot | gorgeous! | 10/10 would banghogwarts house: gryffindor | slytherin | ravenclaw | hufflepuff fight me best quality: he wants to help even after everything worst quality: wants to sacrifice himself??? my son ship them with: not that one chick that screwed him over goodbyebrotp them with: listen if under different circumstances the big three could be ot3 needs to stay away from: anyone that wants to control of him let him live misc. thoughts: okay holland was actually my child from book one, he’s a complex character and obviously the antagonist but also not really?? like a man that is fighting his current life style and just wants happiness? sign me tf up 

[ashintheairlikesnow]

💻😂?

💻- three works of yours that are must reads

Um, so Kitta Grau and the Devil (a Serial Killer Gap Year piece and my favorite of the original round of them!)

Endurance, obviously, because it’s the best piece of long fiction I’ve written so far that I think is actually going to make it to the end - I am especially proud of the chapter The Confession, which is Holland Vosijk’s POV as he begins slowly to fall for Kell. 

and then... Modern AU’s Holland and Kell’s Third Date piece, because I don’t write much fiction set in the modern world and it was A. a ton of fun to write, and B. this one is essentially my ideal date - coffee/wine bar/used bookstore + a date who manages to get ahold of an advance copy of the book I want most in the world. Plus these two are cute as hell, let’s just admit it.

I would also like to put in an Honorable Mention for A Court of Lies and Resurrection, the ACOTAR longfic I wrote with a serious canon divergence (um, the main character is dead and it’s about the secondary characters). I am really proud of it - I had never fully finished a fanfic before that one, I love the characters and the world-building I was able to do using the author’s framework, and it includes one of my all-time favorite scenes I’ve ever written of anything, this one.

😂- a line that made you laugh out loud

I’ll actually share from my upcoming next chapter of Endurance, because it totally made me laugh out loud, and then one from work I’ve actually published.

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

“We’re not talking about Toska anymore, are we?” Lila asked in a low voice.

“We were never really talking about that poor child,” Luc replied with a heavy sigh, holding his hand out for the bottle of wine. Lila handed it to him and he took a long swig from the bottle as well. “This is - and has always been - about Kell, and it’s about to get uncomfortable.”

“About to get?”

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

The prince was laughing as he picked the gold circlet up off the floor and placed it carefully back onto his head. “That’s exactly why,” He said to Holland with a wink. Holland almost softened under the constant weight of Rhy’s overwhelming friendliness.

Almost.

But he was meant to be here as a spy, not befriending the Maresh princes as if he gave a damn about them.

“Look, just go over there and ask her if she wants a drink. I guarantee she’ll say yes. Then you can talk about, I don’t know, literature or whatever you two might both like. Making frowning faces, as far as I can tell, is nice common interest for you.”

Holland swallowed. “What if… it doesn’t work?”

“Then you can go chat up the redhead making angry faces in the corner. I guarantee it’ll go well if you talk about books with that one.”

Holland fixed Rhy with his absolute driest expression. “The redhead in the corner is Kell, prince.”

Rhy just stared at him expectantly.

“That’s your brother.”

The prince rolled his eyes. “I swear to all things, you and Kell are hopeless. Yes. That is my point. Go chat up. The redhead. In the corner.”

“I don’t even have time to begin explaining to you why I’m not going to do that.” Holland paused. “No, wait. I think I might need to explain that.”

(from Holland Vosijk Attends a Party)