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wristic · 7 years

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Lion Heart

Pairing: Bellamy X Reader Word Count: 2500 Warnings: Mentions of abuse

Anon request:

You and Bellamy have been neighbors and consequently friends since you were children. There is only so long Bellamy can go on knowing your parents have been abusing you and do nothing. Using his resources on the Ark, he finds a way to release you from them, even if you didn’t ask.

~~~

The washing machine jolted and shook while it spun today’s laundry. You sat back and instead of staring at the TV’s like everyone else, you sat staring at the grey dot that sometimes formed a line and sometimes formed a circle, just standing, just staring, because you wanted this next hour to last an eternity.

Your cheek and eye still burned from the night before, a proper right hook for improperly speaking. This week had been especially exhausting, and at the end of the day, being scolded for working late, being accused of hanging with friends, giving 'attitude’ when all you wanted to do was go to bed to start another exhausting long day, you snapped. You screamed. It was only a few words, and in the moment when they ripped through your throat it was the most relief you’d felt in your life. But while that had been the most relieving, the dead silence that followed was the most horrifying. And now you were right back to being tired.

A warm and familiar hand rested on your shoulder. Knowing who it was relaxed every tight muscle suffocating your heart. A life long neighbor and a man with his own secrets, yet Bellamy bothered himself with worrying about yours. Quickly you tried to turn away to hide the black eye once you saw his jump to it, but with a gentle pull of your chin he was quick to turn you back.

He sighed hard as his hand slipped away. “You need to report them.”

You eyeballed his full basket, a wonder how two people filled it as much as Bellamy and Aurora did. “You need to do your laundry more often.”

With a twitch of his jaw Bellamy tossed the basket on top of the inactive washer beside yours, all defensive anger dropping when you flinched. Unclenching his jaw he moved in close, whispering so the others around couldn't hear. “I'm serious. You need to get out of there.”

“Where would I go?” You whispered back. “This sector is at capacity and I have no other relatives on record.” your heart sank just thinking about the lack of escape in a giant tin container spinning through empty space.

“Someone would take you in. Just, report your stupid parents, at least your dad. The system can't be any worse than them.” This was hardly the first time you two had this conversation, but it sure was happening more often. Hard not to blame it on his new position as a guard too. Still an initiate yet he was ready to take the whole Ark under his wing. Sometimes you teased him he should just skip the police force and take on the Chancellor's position.

Despite his natural charisma he liked to deny existed, you had to refuse his help, every time. “I'm not reporting them.”

“Why-”

“Because-!” You glanced around remembering there were people around you and brought your voice back down. “Because I’m not going to risk them getting worse for a report that won't go anywhere.”

As always he still pushed. “I’m in the guard now, I’ll make sure that won't happen.”

You only shook your head, grinding your teeth because you desperately didn't want to say more, didn't want to defend why you shouldn't hope to escape. You had about a year to count down, then you could transfer to a different sector filled with different jobs. Your grades were sparkling for that reason alone. It was a more reasonable wish, the only thing to keep you going these days.

His hand fell on your shoulder again, brushing along your back and warming you far deeper than skin. Sighing out the pain the small comfort tugged out, you took the step into his chest, silently asking for one of his wonderful hugs, the ones that made you feel soft and safe. You almost started to cry, again, and for an entirely different reason than wanting the hour to simply pause. It was the sense of peace he brought, this rare moment when you weren't constantly walking on eggshells. It felt good, and with feeling good came the paranoia.

You forced yourself to break away. Worried your mother or father might suddenly appear and turn the comfort into humiliation. Bellamy caught the way you wiped away a stray tear, eyes glossy for a brief moment before you forced it all back, and he couldn't take it anymore.

~~~

“How do I go about reporting abuse?”

His superior Garrett dropped his head back over his chair, the fed up look aimed instead at the ceiling. “Tell me Blake, who needs you to be their shining white knight this time?”

“She's being beaten by her father.”

As always, it didn't faze Garrett. The man was as bad as most criminals with how little he cared about the protection of the people in his charge. “I know you kids all think you never do anything wrong but sometimes the punishment ain't half as bad as-”

“She had a black eye today.” Interrupting was not usually something that got away from any superior, but Bellamy couldn't take another word of his excuse.

Garrett paused his rant, sighing heavily into submission and putting his ration back in his desk. “Look, we can’t do anything about household disputes unless someone reports it. Until then, not our business.”

“Alright then I’m reporting it-”

“Not how that works, kid.”

Of course it wasn't. “Then what am I supposed to do?!”

“Get her to report it. I happen to already know she won’t, but, it might make you feel better to hear from her there’s nothing you can do. Out of our hands unless she comes forward.”

Without saying anything else Bellamy turned, a glare ready for a warpath if that's what it came to.

~~~

The familiar knocking of a guard caught your ear and you lazily got up and answered it, shocked to see Bellamy with a few of the other younger police. Your father was quick to jump up, approaching the door like an animal protecting its cave.

Before he could answer Bellamy spoke over in a final authoritative tone. “I'm afraid your daughter has been caught stealing.”

All three of you snapped back at the accusation. Your mother quick to push you back, an act more of possession than affection. “How dare you-!”

“I'm sorry, ma’am.” Bellamy stepped in, placing a hand on your father's puffed chest and forcing him to the wall not too gently. “Her things will need to be confiscated and your daughter taken into custody.”

Naturally they protested as the young guards bullied their way in, shoving your parents aside as they began pulling drawers and cabinets open, looking for anything that might look like yours. The only ones talking were your father and mother asking a million questions, demanding answers from you or Bellamy.

After two other guards restrained your father Bellamy cautiously made his way behind you, a certain look about him that said there was a lot more to this story, more relief there than sorry etched in his eyes. The sound of handcuffs jingled before they were clipped behind you, you submitting entirely to being taken out.

Bellamy didn't take you far. It was only five doors down to his apartment where he gave one glance back to make sure no one was watching. He pulled you in, undoing the cuffs once the door was shut.

There was a disquiet deep in you, dazed as you rubbed your wrists. “Bellamy... I don't understand.”

He was far more at ease than you, a shy smile as he was only unsure of how you felt. “I'm sorry but if something didn't change I was probably going to just bust in a beat the crap out of your father.” You didn't answer as you were still waiting for one. “On the record you’re still living with your parents, just, if either of them asks the force will say you're in prison.”

The door opened and a single bag of your clothes and a few trinkets from your space was placed by the door, the young guard giving you and Bellamy a smirk before leaving. You wandered a few steps in, looking around at the perfectly tidied space, feeling lost and alone. “Why didn't you talk to me about this first?”

“You wouldn't have agreed-”

“Damn right I wouldn't have!” You snapped, holding yourself close to reflect how small you felt. “What am I supposed to do now Bellamy?! Hide in your place for the rest of my life?!”

“Not forever! Just until you turn eighteen and they don't have any legal claim to you! You said it was coming soon!”

“This wasn't your decision to make!” you gulped down the knot in your throat, yelling at him was never something you imagined yourself doing, and it was far from what you wanted to do as his face fell open and hurt by your reaction.

“I know I… I thought you would be happy once you were away.”

You weren't, you were only scared. What would happens if your parents found out? You’d be right back in that hell with the heat cranked to ten. You started to tremble thinking of what they would inflict on you after being lied to and hid from. The tears threatened to fall, when his hand came on your shoulder as warm as ever.

“My mom said, sometimes people will police themselves when in a situation like that. When there's more fear than hope. I don't want you to feel like that ever again.”

You looked up, feeling the hot tears spill, breaking and burying yourself in his chest, this time not having to be concerned with people surrounding you, crying and squeezing him tightly in fear this was all a dream and you’d wake up right back in there.

Barely hearing the door open, you sniffled when you heard it close and felt Bellamy shift. It was his mother, a woman who always let you stay a night when you were locked out or simply needed a break. Judging by the stern look on her face directed straight to Bellamy, he didn't talk to her about it either. The two didn't exchange a single word, a silent conversation on their faces alone.

Gulping hard, Bellamy drew from you, “So will you stay? You can go back if it really means that much to you-”

“No I’ll,” you rubbed your arms for comfort, still feeling all the fears of all the consequences from so many people. It was going to be a long while for you to completely feel safe but, maybe in the year to eighteen you’ll get over it. “I’ll stay.”

“Then there's something you need to know.” you watched closely as he walked to the center of the room, Aurora unmoved,l nervous about this coming reveal. Bellamy looked pointedly at you, seeming to prepare himself. “I trust you, but I need you to promise you won't tell anyone, no matter what, swear on your life you won't tell anyone what I'm about to show you.”

You looked between the two, Aurora since turning grim, the fear and worry truly breaking through. With a nod to Bellamy you answered, “I swear I won't tell anyone.”

With one last glance to his mother, Bellamy lifted the floor gate, motioning to someone inside, saying it was alright to come up. It shook you that he was keeping someone in there, because he wouldn't, not Bellamy. Yet when you were met with jet black hair and a youthful version of Aurora's face, you knew.

“This is Octavia, my sister.”

The room was filled to the brim with anxiety waiting for you to respond, Octavia giving a simple, “Hi.” to coax a reaction out of you outside of stunned staring.

You blinked, “Holy shit.” Before they could try and defend on impulse, you crouched down by them with a wonder filled smile. “You have a sibling? What's that like?”

You were asking in general to Bellamy but unable to take your eyes off Octavia, she thought you were talking to her. Taking a nervous look at Bellamy, a smirk grew when she answered. “He’s alright I guess.”

Offended Bellamy smacked her shoulder but you and her were giggling.

Aurora stepped up, still unsure. “You realize what this means don't you. I know you're a sweet girl but if anyone found out…”

“I completely understand. I promise I’ll do everything I can to make sure nothing like that happens.”

Finally a breath and a smile broke out on her. “Okay. Thank you.”

~~~

Later as sleeping hours came up and the lights dimmed, you sat on his bed with Bellamy. Octavia under his opposite arm to get whatever sleep she could out of the floor.

“Is it hard on her?” You whispered, simply trying to empathize with the position she was forced to grow up in, forced by everyone else but her family.

Bellamy looked down at her, the weight of responsibility pressing heavy on him. “She never really says but I think so. She wants to play with kids her age, learn in an actual school, just see anything outside of these four walls… I wish I could give her more.”

You thought hard for a long moment, “Well, you're in the guard. If you got enough promotions you could keep the books safe while someone in social security could falsify an id…” Bellamy snapped his head to you when he realized what you were saying. “Hey I’m getting a free pass to any sector when I graduate. Besides, it's the least I can do for getting me out.”

“But… isn't there something you dreamed of doing?”

You shrugged, “Nothing the Ark needs. And she won't ever be safe without a tag. After she gets one the other guards won't give her a second glance. Besides, government jobs always get the best kicks right?” You teased, nudging his zero kicks guard initiate status.

Bellamy snickered before looking down at Octavia still resting, wondering if his mother heard what you were willing to do. Maybe they’d talk about it more in the 'morning’. He turned to you with the most grateful look. “Thank you.”

You nodded, the hum of the ship the only sound as you two shared the silence. Neither of you really felt the pull toward one another until your eyes started to drift shut.

Octavia’s shifting jolted both of you out of the moment, hearts racing and faces innocent as you both watched her push off Bellamy complaining he was 'no better than sleeping on the floor” and laid down on his pillow.

You both laughed quietly, getting comfortable against one another as you both drifted off to sleep.

#bellamy blake #Bellamy blake x reader #bellamy blake imagine #the 100 imagine #the 100 #my stuff #sweet cinnamon roll too pure for this world #Lion Heart #tw: abuse

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darling-cas · 7 years

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Give Me Love, 13

Throne Of Glass High School AU

NOTE: I just want to say thank you to everyone for being so understanding and supportive during my little break. You guys are seriously the most amazing followers. Also, and I can’t remember who said this so I apologize, but someone pointed out that I said in PART 5 Elide’s mother had passed away but obviously she was in PART 10 and PART 12. So instead of writing a nice part of the last chapter, I’m just going to fix PART 5 and leave Marion alive and well. Again, thank you all so much for the amazing support these past few weeks. And, seen that today is my 21st birthday, here is my gift to you. Chapter 13 of Give Me Love. Enjoy :)

Summary: He thinks she wants nothing to do with him. She thinks he can’t remember her. Aelin and Rowan were friends once upon a time. But high school drove them apart. However, one night - one party - is about to change not only their lives, but the lives of their friend as well.

Give Me Love Pinterest board here

Give Me Love Masterlist

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One week later:

Elide was getting better.

She wasn’t completely better. There were still hard days. Days when she felt like the darkness and hurt in her heart was going to win. Days where she didn’t even want to get out of bed. Days where she felt like she couldn’t get out of bed. But, these days were slowly but surely, becoming few and far in between.

Slowly but surely.

Her friends and family made the hard days better. They did whatever they could for her. But they couldn’t help her when she woke up, checking her phone for her good morning message from Manon. Only to remember they didn’t come anymore. They couldn’t help her when she caught sight of her in the hallways at school. Or in town at the coffee shop. They couldn't help when all she wanted was Manon’s arms around her. But despite all this, she was getting better.

Slowly but surely.

Or at least she was. Until now.

Seeing Manon on her front step, standing right in front of her, knocked Elide off her feet. She was bundled up in a winter coat with gloves and a scarf to keep out the bitter winter morning wind. And she was at Elide’s house. Manon was standing in front of her.

She was standing in front of her.

“Hi.” Manon shivered slightly as another harsh gust of wind blew by. Her voice was the softest Elide had ever heard it. And yet, she didn’t say anything.

Every emotion, every thought, every feeling Elide had tried so hard to bury over these past two months resurfaced. Everything she thought and felt since Manon walked away from her at that damn party, suddenly hit her in the stomach at full force. It took everything for her to not break down right there and then.

Why was she here? The thought kept playing over and over in her head. There was nothing special about today. It was a normal Tuesday morning. She was just sitting around waiting for Aelin and Nehemia to come pick her up for school. Her parents were already off at work. There was absolutely no reason for Manon to be on her front step right now. But she was. And Elide had to grip the door to keep her grounded.

“Can we…” Manon paused to clear her throat. She looked at Elide, meeting her gaze. “Can we talk? I can give you a ride to school.”

Talk. Can we talk.

How long had Elide been waiting to hear those words come out of Manon’s mouth. She longed for them. She went to bed every night praying she’d wake up to a message saying they had to talk. And here the moment was. And Elide didn’t know what to say.

Her and Manon simply stood there, watching each other. Elide was holding the door so hard, she thought for sure she had splinters in her fingers.

After what felt like the longest moment of Elide’s life, she finally found her voice.

“Aelin’s on her way to get me.”

The second the words left her mouth, she wanted to bang her head off the wall.

The first words she spoke to Manon in 2 months, and it was about Aelin. A person Manon just barely tolerated at most times.

The only reply Manon gave was a raised eyebrow. Elide could tell she was dragging this out as long as she could. And Elide could also see her window closing. She knew if she didn’t jump now, she’d never have the opportunity to talk to her again. She’d never be able to explain herself, to tell Manon her side of the story.

She’d lose Manon forever.

Elide’s heart cracked, broke, and shattered all over again at simply this thought.

“Let me get my coat.” Elide hated how weak her voice sounded. But she couldn't help it. Her heart was beating out of her chest. It was like she couldn't get air into her lungs fast enough.

She stepped aside to let Manon in and out of the cold. They didn’t share a word as Elide closed to door and all but run to the safety of the dining room.

She took just the slightest moment to collect herself. Gripping the back of a chair, Elide took in a few deep breaths. When she felt like she could, somewhat, breathe normal again, she stood up. She quickly threw on her coat and scarf before picking up her phone. She sent a quick text to Aelin, telling her something came up, everything was fine, and she’d see her at school. Then she grabbed her backpack and, before she completely lost all her courage, walked back to the front door.

It was like a wave washed over her, threatening to pull her under. The air was completely knocked out of her lungs. It took everything in her to not let out a gasp.

She didn’t know how; she didn’t know if it was even possible. Maybe it was simply because this was the first time Elide was actually looking at Manon in 2 months. But she was sure she was even more beautiful now than ever.

Her long, moon white hair was wind swept and flowed down her back. She was dressed, as always, from head to toe in black. Aside from the scarf she wore, which was blood red. Her long, black nails tapped away at her phone screen for a moment. Then she looked up. And Elide just stared.

She didn’t know what was going to come of this talk. So, she took this time to memorize every inch of Manon’s face. The hard edges and plains of her face that always seemed to relax slightly when she was looking at Elide. Her full eyes, slim nose. Those large, burnt gold eyes that Elide loved so damn much.

“Ready?” Manon’s voice was controlled as she placed her phone in her coat pocket. Like she was trying to keep any and every emotion out of it.

Elide simply nodded, gripping the straps of her bag tighter. As followed Manon out of the house, locking up, before walking towards the car.

This didn’t feel real. Elide wanted to pinch herself as she sat against the leather seat. All those months and she thought she’d never sit in this car again. And yet, here she was.

Manon climbed in and started up the car. She cranked up the heat and turned on the radio so it was a background noise. Then she pulled out of the driveway.

No one spoke a word.

Elide sat up, rod straight and hands resting on her knees. She looked out the passenger side window, watching as colours and shapes blurred by.

She wanted desperately to talk to Manon. She didn’t want this ride to go to waste, because she doubted this would ever happen again. Especially if they didn’t speak now.

But she didn’t know where to start. She imagined this moment every day, and here it finally was. But her mind was coming up blank and she just couldn't find the right words to say.

“So,” Manon spoke up after nearly ten minutes of silence. “How have you been?”

A laugh bubbled in Elide’s throat, but she bit it back. She didn’t find the question funny - nothing about this was funny - she just couldn’t believe Manon asked her that.

There were a million and one ways she could answer. And yet, a different set of words came out of her mouth.

“I hate him.”

She didn’t mean to say it out loud. But it was true. She hated Lorcan Salvaterre for doing this to her. She hated him for pushing Manon away from her. She hated him for making it hard to talk to her girlfriend. She hated him for making riding in Manon’s car awkward.

She alway loved riding in Manon’s car.

Elide’s gaze was now down on her lap. But she felt Manon’s eyes on her for a moment. She looked up, but Manon was looking back at the road again.

“I hate him,” Elide’s voice was softer this time around. “I hate him for doing this. For causing this. I hate…” Elide stopped. Their minutes were ticking away and she didn’t want to waste them talking about Lorcan. So, she took a deep breath. She had to say this. She gathered her courage and turned to Manon. She was looking at the road, but her jaw was clenched tight. “Manon. At the party… He kissed me. Lorcan kissed me. I was trying to walk away. I was trying to get back to you but he stopped me. I would never, never, do anything to hurt you Manon. You must know that. He kissed me. I just…”

Whenever she imagined this moment in her head, she always gave an excellent speech. Not a bunch of random sentences thrown together. Not what she just came out of her mouth.

She didn’t even know where she was going with that. But at least she finally said it. At least she finally told Manon the truth about that night. Very poorly, but still.

Manon continued to stare forward. She didn’t blink as she watched the road. Her jaw was still clenched and knuckles basically white from gripping the wheel.

Reality hit Elide hard in the face. So hard she felt sick. So hard she had to look away from Manon and back at her lap.

There was no saving this relationship.

The damage was done. This was it. Manon probably came over and offered to give her a ride, just to tell her this was it. Just to finally say the words and clear the air. To finally, officially, break up with her.

Tears started to prickle in Elide’s tears, but she refused to let them fall. She would not cry in front of Manon. She’d wait and cry in the safety of the school bathroom.

She took in a deep and shaky breath.

I never got to tell her I love her.

The thought slapped her across the face, and her heart shattered like glass.

She never once told Manon that she loved her. She never got the chance, and now it was gone. So, she broke the silence in the car by saying the only other words she wanted to say before it was too late.

Tears pooling in her eyes, Elide looked back up at Manon.

“I’m sorry.”

She said them so quietly, she was positive she didn’t hear her. But Manon’s intense stare, her burnt eyes, cut towards her for the shortest moment before turning back to the road.

The next thing Elide knew, they were pulled over on the side of the road.

“What are you sorry for?” Manon threw the car in park, turning back to Elide. Her stare was so intense, Elide felt like she was going to fly out of the car.

“For... for everything.” Elide managed to get out. “For what happened at the party. For these past few months. For Lorcan-”

“Didn’t you just say he kissed you?”

Elide paused. She stared back at Manon as she nodded slowly.

Manon turned so she was fully facing Elide. As best as she could in the car anyways.

“Then you have nothing to be sorry for. Salvaterre is the one who should be sorry and…” Manon paused for a moment. She finally broke her stare, and now looked over Elide’s shoulder instead. “And I’m sorry.”

Elide didn’t even try to hide the shock from her face. She was so shocked, in fact, she didn’t even know what to say.

Manon was never sorry.

She continued to look over Elide’s shoulder as she spoke.

“I’m sorry. You tried to talk to me, tried to explain what happened. You wanted me to listen, and I didn’t. I-” Manon cut herself off. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. When she opened them again, they were so raw and opened that Elide almost broke down crying right there. “I think it’s because a part of me always thought this would happen. Always thought you would go running to some guy. Because this is all new to you.” Manon explained when Elide opened her mouth. “When it comes to having a girlfriend, I’m your first everything. And a part of me thought, maybe, you’d realize that this, wasn’t for you. That I wasn’t for you.”

Elide couldn’t help it. She couldn't stop the tears as they flowed down her cheeks.

Manon had never opened herself up this much before. Not even to Elide. The mask she always wore, the tough girl status, was completely gone. Now, all that sat in front of Elide was a heartbroken girl.

“What changed your mind?” Elide said, quietly, without even realizing she’d opened her mouth to speak.

There was a few beats of silence as Manon turned to look out the windshield again.

“I asked Asterin what it was like,” She said, her voice equally as quiet. “To love.”

Elide stopped breathing. She didn’t make one sound as she listened to Manon speak. Her voice was thick with emotion.

“I’ll never forget what she said. She said, it was like dying a little every day. And like being alive. It was joy so complete it was pain. She said it destroyed her and unmade her and forged her. And she hated it. Because you can’t escape it and it forever changes you.”

A heavy silence fell around them. Elide still wasn’t breathing. She forgot how to. She didn’t know how to get air into her lungs anymore.

“That’s what changed my mind.” Manon turned so she was facing Elide once again. Her eyes held so much - Elide almost choked - love. “Because I realized that’s exactly what I feel for you. It took me two months to truly realize that. And I’m probably too late. But I had to see you today to let you know. I had to try. Even if you were to tell me that you didn’t-”

Elide didn’t dare let her finish that sentence. She reached forward and pulled Manon’s lips to hers. She poured every ounce of love she had for Manon into that kiss. She kissed her like she was drinking her in. Like she needed her to keep breathing. She didn’t care that she had tear stains on her cheeks or that the centre consul was awkwardly digging into her stomach. She kept kissing her. She kissed her until she pulled away, resting her forehead against hers.

“I love you.”

The moment the words left her mouth, Elide realized she never said anything more true in her life.

Manon’s own eyes were large and glossed over.

“Elide-”

“I. Love. You.” A smile spread across Elide’s lips. “You are for me. You always were and always well be. And I love you. I love you, Manon Blackbeak. I love-”

Manon’s lips crushing against hers was the only reason she stopped talking. This kiss was just as passionate, if not more so, as the one from before. Elide melted into Manon. She couldn't understand how she went this long without her kisses. Without her touch.

When Manon pulled back, there was a giant grin on her face. She looked truly and utterly happy.

“God. I love you too, Elide Lochan.”

Dorian was having a weird sense of deja vu.

He stood here before, months ago. Just days after the party back in October. He stood in this very spot at the start of the hallway, watching the students and teachers weaving in and out of each other. He stood here, two months ago, when he spotted Sorscha next to her locker. Ever since that day, ever since that party, he was seeing her everywhere.

Including today.

Once again, she was at her locker. Today her long, thick, dark hair was braid-free and flowing down her back. Dorian found that he loved it when her hair was down.

He watched from afar as she unlocked her locker before switching her books. He watched as she gathered what she needed for after lunch. Just like she did all those months ago.

But today was different. Because today, Dorian was finally going to talk to her.

He was finally going to go up to her and say hi. Once he willed his feet to move forward.

“Hey,” Chaol’s voice came from behind. Dorian felt a pat on his back but didn’t turn as Chaol stood on his right. He just continued to stare straight ahead.

“I’m going to talk to her.” Was Dorian’s reply, his voice softer than he’d like it to be. “I’m going to go up to her, and say hi.”

“I’m proud of you, man.” Chaol gave the slightest smile before it fell. He looked down the hallway at Sorscha before turning back to Dorian. A short moment passed by before he spoke again. “When exactly are you going to talk to her?”

“Now.”

“Now. Right.” Chaol nodded his head. His eyebrows were knotted together slightly. Dorian watched out of the corner of his eye as he glanced at Sorscha again before back at him. “Don’t you think you should, you know, go up to her if you’re going to talk to her?”

“I’m getting to that part.” Replied Dorain.

In all honestly, this was the first time Dorian was truly nervous about going up to a girl. He was never like this. But Sorscha was different from all the other girls he’d talked too. She was different from everyone he knew. Because she was Sorscha.

“What are we looking at?” A different voice came from Dorian's left. Golden hair filled his peripheral vision and the faint scent of jasmine filled his nose.

“Sorscha.” Chaol responded.

Aelin looked over at the boys with a raised eyebrow. “And why are we looking at Sorscha?”

“Dorian’s going to talk to her.”

“What’s he going to do? Yell across the hallway? Not very private if you ask me.”

“I’m standing right here.” Dorian looked at Chaol before turning to Aelin, a glare on his face. “And no, I’m not yelling across the hallway. I’m going to go up to her.”

But even after those words left his mouth, he still didn’t move. He was glued to his spot.

This was getting ridiculous at this point.

Aelin shared a quick look with Chaol before she nudged Dorian with her shoulder.

“It’s going to be fine, Dorian.” She said. “You have no reason to be nervous. Just go and talk to her like you were going to talk to anyone else.”

“She’s right,” Chaol nodded. If Dorian wasn’t so busy watching Sorscha - who was now talking on her phone in front of her opened locker - he would have made a comment on how Chaol just agreed with Aelin. “Everythings going to be fine. All you have to do is go up to her and say hi. There doesn’t need to be any pressure whatsoever.”

“Yeah. No pressure, but I’d say something to her quick,” Aelin nodded down the hallway as Sorscha hung up her phone. “Looks like your window is closing pretty fast.”

Dorian sent Aelin a sideways glance. But she simply laughed at the look before giving him another nudge.

“You’ll be fine. Really.” She said with a bright smile. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a hot boyfriend waiting for me.” She sent Dorian one last wink as she started to walk away. “Good luck, loverboy.”

“How does she always managed to make things sound so easy?” Dorian watched Aelin walk away for the slightest moment, before turning back to Sorscha.

“Because this is easy,” Chaol said, turning fully towards Dorain. “You got this. Just go up to her and say hi. If you don’t now, you’ll regret it later.”

Chaol was right, of course. And so was Aelin. His window was closing. He watched as Sorscha took the last books out of her bag, switching them for whatever she’d need after lunch. Any moment now she’ll close her locker and walk away. And Dorian would have lost his chance.

It was now or never.

Chaol patted Dorian on the shoulder as he took a deep breath. He counted to five, listening as Chaol walked away, before taking a step forward.

The hallway felt impossibly long. Ever step Dorian took felt like he was walking in quicksand. But he couldn’t stop. He didn’t want to stop. And before he knew it, he was standing right next to Sorscha and her opened locker.

He didn’t say anything at first, he just watched her. He watched as she placed the last of her things in her bag. He watched as she looked up to close her locker door. And then she noticed him.

Her brown eyes - no hazel eyes. Now that he wasn’t drunk and standing this close, he could see that her eyes had flecks of green in them. Her hazel eyes went wide at the sight of him, and a faint blush started to creep of her neck.

“Hi.” Was the only words Dorian was able to get out in that moment. And he hated how weak and soft his voice sounded to his ears.

“Hi,” Sorscha responded quietly. Dorian’s heart jumped at the sound of her voice. “Can I… Can I help you with something?”

“No. No, no I… I was just…”

Dorian hated this. He hated how he all but lost his ability to speak whenever he was around her. He was normally so well-spoken and charismatic. His mother made sure he was, by giving him lessons when he was younger. He never had problems talking to anyone before. Until now.

Clearing his throat, Dorian started again.

“I just wanted to say thank-you, for fixing my hand at the party. I know this is long over do, seen that it’s been two months, but better late than never.”

Dorian was proud of himself. He actually, somehow, managed to sound, somewhat, like himself. He even threw in a smile at the end that didn’t feel as shaky as he was feeling.

A deeper blush started to take place on Sorscha’s cheeks. And Dorian found himself falling in love with that blush.

“It was no trouble really.” She hoisted her bag farther up her shoulder, gripping the straps. “There’s no need to say thank-you.”

“You saved my hand that night. There is definitely a need to say thank-you.”

Sorscha gave a slight smile, and Dorian's own smile grew bigger at the sight of it.

“Well, would you like to have lunch me?” Dorian asked, his heart pumping in overtime. “I’d like to thank-you properly.”

The smile on Sorscha’s lips fell. She lowered her gaze from Dorian, biting her bottom lip. If it was possible, his heart started to beat even harder.

Maybe he just pushed his luck. He should have just said thank-you and offered to hang out sometime.

His own smile fell slightly as he spoke up again, trying to clean up the mess he just made.

“Or some other time, maybe? We can get lunch some other day if you’re busy. You probably have friends to meet up with and-”

“I don’t.” Sorscha cut in quickly, blush creeping on her cheeks again. “I mean, I’d like that. To have lunch with you. I’d like that”

“Really?” Dorian was sure the smile on his lips was going to break his face. And somehow, it grew even biggered as Sorscha nodded, her own smile growing.

He stepped aside as she closed her locker. Together, they made their way towards the lunchroom, side-by-side. The whole time, Dorian felt like he was flying.

“Oh. My. God.”

Rowan heard her before he actually saw her.

He was standing by his locker, talking with Fenrys, when he heard her. And just a few quick moments later, the smell of jasmine filled the air around him.

“She’s overly happy right now,” Fenrys commented. “Should I be scared?”

Rowan simply rolled his eyes before turning around. His gaze landed on Aelin right away. Her golden hair was swept over her shoulder. Eyes twinkling in the hallway light and a giant grin rested on her lips.

“Hey,” Rowan smiled down at the beautiful human next to him. He leaned in to place a quick kiss on her lips, but Aelin was basically bouncing on the spot with excitement.

“Guess. What.” She said in a way of greeting. Her smile looked like it could break her face, it was so big.

Fenrys groaned as he leaned against the lockers. “I hate guessing games.”

Aelin cut her gaze to him, smile falling for the slightest moment. “Good thing I wasn’t talking to you then.”

“Hurtful.” Fenrys placed on hand on his heart as Aelin rolled her eyes.

“What is it?” Rowan asked, leaning back against the lockers with crossed arms.

Aelin turned her full attention towards Rowan once more. The smile was back on her face as she spoke.

“Guess who I saw kissing in the hallway just now?”

“Half the student body?” Fenrys said, but Aelin completely ignored him.

“I don’t know,” God, Rowan loved seeing Aelin this happy and excited. “Who?”

“Manon and Elide!” She laughed, shaking her head slightly. “I stopped to talk to Dorian on the way here. He was basically frozen at the start of the hallway because he was finally going to talk to Sorscha-”

Rowan raised an eyebrow. “Dorian finally talked to her?”

“He needed a push from me and Chaol, but yeah.” Aelin nodded, waving her hand in the air. “But not important right now. When I left Dorian, I rounded the corner and there they were. Manon and Elide, being all coupley again.” Aelin smiled as she let out another laugh. “God. I can’t wait to talk to Elide after school.”

“I think she may other plans for after school now.” Fenrys let out his own chuckled. He’s eyebrows shot up, however, when he saw Rowan and Aelin giving him a look. “What?”

“Why are you still here?” Aelin crossed her arms. Her hair fell over her shoulder as she tilted her head slightly.

“Hey. I was here first.” Fenrys pointed a finger at her. “I should be asking you there.”

Aelin simply pointed a finger at Rowan in response. “Boyfriend.”

Fenrys rolled his eyes. “As if that means anything.”

“Would you two knock it off.” Rowan spoke up. He watched as Aelin stared Fenrys for a moment longer, before turning back to Rowan.

“I do have to go actually.” She said. “I promised Lys I’d meet her before history.”

“How’s her and Aedion doing?”

Aelin gave the slightest shrug of her shoulders before she answered.

“They haven’t actually talked or seen each other since Thanksgiving. So not much has changed really.” She said before a sudden smile took form on her lips again. “Also, we still on for movie night at your place tonight?”

Rowan’s smile matched hers. “Of course.”

“Great!” Aelin stood on her toes and placed a kiss on his lips before stepping back. “I’ll see you later. Fenrys.”

“Queen Bee.”

“You know it.” Aelin sent a wink at Fenrys before she started off down the hallway. Rowan couldn't help but laugh.

“You know,” Fenrys crossed his arms as he turned toward Rowan. “Despite how it may seem sometimes, I am happy for you, man.”

“Thanks.” Rowan smiled slightly before turning to open his locker. He started grabbing the books he’d need for after lunch.

“I mean, I can’t for the life of me understand how,” Fenrys continued on. “But she seems to make you real happy.

“She does.”

“Then I’m glad. You deserve to be happy.” Fenrys patted him on the back. “Though you never did tell me how she took it when you told her. So I’m guessing it actually went pretty well.”

Rowan closed his locker door shut. His brows were knotted together slightly as he turned to face Fenrys fully. “Told her what?”

“About the party… Oh.” Fenrys trailed off slowly before raising an eyebrow. “You haven’t told her yet.”

“It hasn’t come up.” Rowan shrugged. He knew exactly what Fenrys was talking about. And he didn’t want to deal with that right now. “Besides. It’s no big deal. I’ll tell her soon.

“You really should.” Fenrys said just as the first warning bell rang. “Because though it isn’t a big deal for you, girls are different. This will be a big deal to her.”

Rowan raised an eyebrow. “Since when have you been an expert on women?”

“Trust me, man.” Fenrys gave him a pat on the shoulder as he started to walk away. “You need to tell her. See you later.”

Rowan didn’t get the chance to respond because Fenrys was already making his way down the hall. But his words stuck with Rowan. He knew he needed to tel Aelin about the party. It’s been two months. She deserved to know. But he also believed it wasn’t a big deal, so it could wait.

A sigh left Rowan’s lips. He started making his way towards class when he caught sight of Aelin and Lysandra walking into their history class.

Aelin meet his gaze, sending a wink his way before disappearing into the classroom. Rowan just simply chuckled to himself.

God. He loved that girl.

Maybe I should tell her, Rowan thought. Get it out there and past us.

It would probably be for the best. Rowan knew it wasn’t a big deal, nothing to get really worked up over. So he’d tell her. Yeah, he’d tell her soon.

Tonight. He’d tell her tonight. Well they were watching the movie. Sounded like a good plan to him.

Rowan would tell Aelin about what happened at his party. The party that happened months ago. He’d finally tell her tonight.

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