Hello, Peter said. He had entered the garden to see you admiring a particular cluster of flowers surrounding the fountain. He remembered you telling him that this was your favorite spot on the grounds of the palace; hidden away by tall hedges and trees, surrounded by the natural perfumes of such elegant flowers. He couldn’t help but agree with your sentiments as he watched you turn to him, thinking how lovely you looked here. You smiled at him.
“Hello Peter.” He walked toward you, a smile now gracing his face as well.
“How are you darling,” he asked. You sighed, content as he kissed your hand.
“I am well,” you answered honestly, “And I am. very glad to see you.”
“And I you,” he said pulling you in close. His hand came to rest on your cheek, as if holding you in place to look at you properly and fully. You watched as his eyes roamed your face.
“Peter why have you called me here,” you asked, causing his eyes to still and meet yours, “I assume it was not just to look at me.” He chuckled.
“Well you are correct but I could not help myself. There’s just something…. you are looking particularly lovely today…”
“Oh what are you on about?” He grabbed both of your hands.
“Would you walk with me?” You nodded yes, linking arms with him to walk side by side. “So you are probably aware that soon everyone will be leaving the palace?”
“Yes I have heard inklings of the sort. There has been a certain restlessness among the ladies.”
“Yes well soon all the maidens and there families will leave and in about a month’s time I am to invite back whichever ladies I choose.”
“Ah. What an interesting arrangement I hope you have begun to give it some thought—“
“I would like for you to return.” You stopped along your current path and turned to him.
“Of course Peter. I would love nothing more.”
“I would like for only you to return. Well of course your family is welcome but… it is only you that will receive my invitation.”
“Peter… I am flattered but are you sure you do not wish for more options? How can you be so sure about this? If this does is unsuccessful what will you do—?”
“It is you or nothing for me.” You took in a depth breath, unable to pull your eyes from his which looked at you with such intensity, such truth.
“Oh Peter.” It was all you could think to say. You felt as if you might cry.
“y/n there is something about you that I cannot explain. This entire thing has been so overwhelming, so burdensome but every time I see you… it all begins to have purpose. It will all be for nothing if we’re to ignore the way you make me feel.” Feeling tears begin to form in your eyes you knew there was no possibility of responding without become overcome with emotion. Reaching up you touched your lips to his in a soft but tender kiss hoping it conveyed to him even a fraction of your feelings. “how lucky am i to get to experience your affection.” you said in disbelief that someone could feel the way peter did about you. “it is i who is truly lucky,” he told you
---
*This chapter I imagine comes much later and was a random idea I had but just knew it went with this story. I don't know how they get to this point but ik they do*
He would usually take his horse to the stable himself and see to it that he was taken care off but he dismounted quickly and handed the reigns to a nearby soldier. He knew you would be worried about his late arrival and he wanted to delay it no longer. As he entered the palace, an attendant approached him. “Your wife should be waiting for you right inside the drawing room your highness” peter replied with his thanks and quickly made his way in. you typically waited for him here when he returned from his journeys because the window faced the path to the palace and it always calmed your nerves and steadied your heartbeat to see him returning from a distance. Peter entered the room where visitors usually sat to see you lying across the sofa eyes closed ij slumber. he stopped for a moment a smile coming to his face as he partook in his favorite activity: looking at you. all of the stress of his journey melted away as he looked over your face and watched the rise and fall of your chest. it was the most beautiful sight he had seen in weeks he tore himself from the spot that he believed had the most spectacular view in all the palace and went to knell beside where you lay. His hand caressed your face and gently you awoke to your husbands smiling face. “peter” you spoke softly yet your voice still carried immense joy.
“hello darling” he replied. “what took you so long” if he had not been looking at you he still would have heard the smile in your words as you spoke. “i am sorry for my late arrival but a bridge had collapsed and we had to take an alternate route.” “I am just so happy you are home.” you both looked into each others eyes a moment before he leaned down and place a soft kiss on your lips. the first you had shared in weeks. it was delicate and perfect and when he pulled away, you missed him all over again as if were back on the journey from which he had just returned . “So am i” peter said after he pulled away. You took a deep, satisfied breath as you started to sit up from your position on the couch. “well i’d better go see about getting that bridge fixed.” “don’t you think that could wait until tomorrow.”peter said amused “i do think it would behoove us both to get ready for bed” You still donned your day dress having not wanted to leaved your waiting place until peter retuned. He had been riding through the woods all day and wanted nothing more than a nice bath. “But i do not want to forget” you told him urgently despite sleep still coating your voice. “then i will write it down for you. you need to rest my dear.” “well i am i longer tired. i must catch up on all the time we could not spend together for the last few weeks and i cannot waste it by sleeping.” he laughed softly “well what if i told you i desperately needed rest” “well for you my king i think i could probably make an exception. now come i will have a bath drawn for you and while you are in it i will see to the bridge getting repaired. then we both shall rest.” “isn’t it usually you who is telling me to take a break from my duties”
“yes peter but you can only take breaks if i see to it that everything is in order and i must do so tonight because i plan for you to spend at least the next week taking one long wonderful break.” you reached the top of the stairs that lead to your chambers when peter stopped you. his arms circled around you and grabbed onto the railing behind you. “that sounds lovely but we must not forget about the country i have to run.” “that’s what brothers and sisters are for”” you told him playfully hitting his chest. of course it was all in good fun as you knew the other king and queens had many important duties of their own and could hardly take on peters share of the work as well. but you had spoken with their highnesses and a few of peters advisors who all helped to ensure his work load would be minimal. you’d of course be by his side to help him through it. He grabbed your hand and led you to your shared chambers where you ran him a bath. you didn’t want to bother any staff at this late hour and you didn’t mind more uninterrupted time with your husband.
She approached the stables, hesitantly following behind the palace aid who had summoned her. As they reached the unfamiliar building, the aid informed her she would find the High King inside, then turned and promptly left. She was unsure of what to expect when she opened the doors. She assumed that she would be spending the day with the High King but this felt different. All of the women invited to the palace had been able to spend at least one day with a High King, getting to know one another. As far as she understood, she had spent the most time with the High King, having been summoned from group activities three times. She was shocked not only to receive a fourth invitation but to have it arrive directly to her chambers. None of the other girls knew about this, not even her family. Her mind raced with questions. She opened the doors to stables and stepped in slowly. Upon hearing her enter, Peter looked up, a soft smile gracing his lips and a look she couldn't quite place lighting up his face. He stopped fiddling with the saddle in his hands for a moment.
Peter: How are you?
Yn: Fine. You returned his smile.
Peter: I’m glad you decided to join me today.
Yn: Well, I wasn't aware I had much of a choice… His face shifted unaware of the grin still on her lips.
Peter: Of course you always do, did they not inform you? It is truly an invitation---
YN: I’m only joking. She noticed his entire body relax. I was quite pleased to receive and accept your gracious invitation. Besides… I had nothing else to do today. He smiled brightly, happy to see her becoming more comfortable in his presence and happy to know she also wanted to spend time with him. *lil time skip cause i don't feel like writing description rn but they are on the horses about to leave and shes like shocked they don't have guard with them but they go off whatever*
OKAY GONNA WRITE IT NOW
your horses slowed as you came upon a large clearing. a few trees scattered the area beyond the forest and you could see that it stretched on quite far. a small pond sat under a tree and after peter led you to this spot you dismounted your horses and they went off to the other end of the valley. peter walked to the edge of the pond and stood there silently for a long moment. he seemed to be deep in thought which worried you slightly. usually he was quite expressive, something you had to get used to but you hadn’t seen him like this during any of your time together so you could only wonder what it meant. but then he spoke.
“this is where aslan’s army set up camp. this clearing” oh. that’s why he was acting differently. this place had memories. but you still didn’t know what it meant. “we had just arrived in narnia a few days prior and we were brought here to meet the great lion.” he paused breathing out a small, somewhat humorless laugh “well im sure you’ve heard the stories. i do not wish to bore you” he said sincerely. you walked up beside him and willed him to looking at you. he did. once he met your eyes you told him just as sincerely “i actually have not heard much about this time. i promise you will not bore me.” and then added when he hesitated “tell me about it.”
“well in sure you know it was just me and my sisters when we arrived here?” you nodded. even now you noticed he seemed pained even thinking about what had happened to edmund at the hands of the white witch. “we had just barely learned of the prophecy and i don’t think any of us rrally wanted to fulfill it but i was here and i was being trained. learning how to use a sword and ride a horse” he chuckled lightly at this which made you smile. “and right here,” he said looking down at the pond “is where i earned my first title. sir peter wolfsbane. knighted by aslan himself. it is one of the greatest honors of my life.” “i thought you did not care for titles,” you reminded, teasing him. he looked up smiling at you. “i do not. but it is the memory, it is what the title represents that is important to me.” “well then,” you held out your hand which seems to catch him off guard but he quickly grabbed it anyway, seeming please. “would you tell me about it.”
Actually i not about to write none of this shit rn sorry but basically he takes her to where they had the camp set up in the first movie and he first met aslan and then specifically to where he was knighted sir peter wolfsbane and she's just admiring the beautiful palace and he tells her its where he earned his first title and shes like i thought those things weren’t that important to you and he's like no it's what the title represents and he tells her the whole story and talks about how important it is for him to protect his family and like that moment he was so scared that he couldn't protect them or whatever and he calls back to that moment a lot when he is scared for them and he feels like wolfsbane really represents his courage and she's just kinda like speechless then is like perhaps we should go this seems like a very special place I dont know if its appropriate for me to be here and shes going back to her horse and hes like please! Wait. I wanted to take you somewhere special to me and they are just looking at each other gazing into each others eyes and what not and shes like you haven't brought anyone else here? And like she knows the answer but shes kinda in disbelief cause these “dates” are usually pretty generic and much closer to the castle and whatever and hes like no i wanted to bring you here. Please sit with me? And so they sit along the little stream or whatever and they are chatting about something (one thing will be this whole process of courting or whatever and how he was so hesitant and kind of against it because it meant bringing someone new into his family and he wanted to do right by them and his kingdom, also probably she starts thinking about her family’s like trauma with the white witch or whatever idk if she mentions it yet or not this plot point is not very flushed out maybe she does) and theres a lil pause a lull if you will and peter is like may i kiss you and she says, breathless but without hesitation yes and he leans in, hand on her cheek and stops and is like you do know you do not have to if you do not wish to kiss me and she nods and says i know and he presses their lips together so softly she swears she dreamt it and he pulls away (hand still on her face)
and see her eyes are closed cause she so overwhelmed and hes like will you look at me and she can tell his eyes are burning into her she just knows it so she says are you staring and he responds you're beautiful like hes like can you blame me and his thumb brushes back and forth against her cheek bone and she slowly opens her eyes and hes just looking at her with such adoration and she just know he hadn't done that with any of the other girls and she says the first thing that comes to mind which is i wish i could take you somewhere special because its so true she suddenly wants to show him every part of herself, open up like he did today and he says everywhere i am with you is special and she slowly places her hand on top his thats on her face and its such a tender moment omg beautiful and he grabs her hand, kisses her knuckles then pulls himself and then her up to standing and he starts talking to her and hes like “I hope you have enjoyed your stay at the palace thus far” and she's like “very much. Everyone has been extremely kind to my family and me” and he looks at her a moment (he's obsessed with doing that apparently) and then says “can I tell you a secret” she doesn't answer because she doesn't know if she should be hearing secrets from the high king but she does give the smallest nod. He takes a step in closer and leans down to whisper to her (near her ear but super close ya know) “I wish that it was only you left in the palace. You're the only maiden I wish to spend anymore time with.” and shes looking at the ground ready to throw up and hes just grinning but she cant see. “Forgive me but I do not believe you should say such things your majesty” and he steps back worried and hes like “have i done something?” he referring to the fact that she called him your grace she just looks at him trying to find the words and he says “do you not feel the same?” and she says “I… I just think it best not to be too hasty.” and he looks so hurt and her eyes fill with tears because she feels horrible that she cannot wholeheartedly reciprocate his feelings but shes so scared of what it could mean and she cant stop thinking of her sister and she has still barely spoken to her and she just feels like she just cant fully enjoy this happiness and she says close to tears “can we go? Please?” and they ride back to the palace silently and then idk what happens from there
okay changing the first kiss part i like the ur staring oh bc ur beautiful but that can go later. first kiss:
-may i kiss you
-if you’d like. She did not wish for Peter to kiss her out of pity or obligation.
-is it what you wish? you know you do not have to do anything- - she nods and leans in
-very much so (then sweet soft kiss and still he pulls apart and her eyes are closed)
-will you look at me
-im afraid if i do this will all prove to have not been real
-this is the only thing i am certain is real (forehead pressed to here maybe and she opens her eyes and he launches into can i tell you a secret cause that part was so good damn)
she opens her eyes to see he’s staring and then does the you’re staring you’re beautiful
I am not sure it is appropriate to share the affairs of the king
-Well seeing as I am both the queen and his little sister, I believe myself to be entitled to knowing all of peter’s secrets
(basically she tells lucy how she thinks she upset peter and shes like nahhh he likes you. but then lucy talks to peter ab it and hes like shit and takes miss girl on a like carriage ride trip and they discuss and make up whateves and then later at some point before he sends the families home asks he if she wants to stay a while longer and she does to avoid her sister lol but hes like if u decide to return home for now that will not change things between us and how i hope for our future to progress and actually maybe she does go home and then gets invited back (with the fam) and proposal?? idk
You had decided to forgo dinner that night, feeling less than hungry due to your racing thoughts being your only focus. You sat with a book you had recently found in the palace library but could not let yourself become immersed in the words on the page. The only thing you were able to do was sit uselessly in the bath, grateful for the luxury your current situation afforded you. Sinking into the warm water with eyes shut you thought over the events of the day. It felt impossible to relax despite the… idk
It was late and you had yet to feel at all close to sleep.
okay in case i fall asleep basically she goes to get tea bc she cant sleep. runs into lucy and tells her whats shes doing so lucy takes her to the kitchen and makes them some tea. y/n tells lucy that her older would always make her tea when she couldn't sleep. she tells lucy ab her date with peter bc shes stressed (which lucy will eventually tell peter like omg tell her ur not upset). lucy notices how yn is always very cautious arounds them and asks why adn yn tells her about her upbringing and then tells her that her older brother was killed by the white witch when they were young. idk what else will happen
S: Sister I do urge you not to feel to jealous if the High King inquires about spending more time with me soon. I understand it has been some time since you’ve had the chance to speak with him.
Y: Yes that is correct. But do not be worried, I feel no jealousy.
S: I imagine he invited you here only out of formality. And of course your outings were only for the sake of fairness for the other girls.
Y: … Yes I suppose that could be correct.
S: I am glad however that when you are no longer within the High King’s affections you will be allowed to stay here in the palace with the rest of the family. Whatever would I do without my darling sissy?
D: Charlotte will you please stop antagonizing your sister
S: father I’m simply expressing my genuine sentiments and I feel as though she should hear them.
(okay in mylike half asleep ness I came up with a plotline where she faints for some reason. what i think i'm remembering is theres definitely something where she hears the other girls talking about one of them took a carriage ride with peter out to a village and shes like it was amazing so romantic etc etc but shes like i wish he had kissed me or at least held my hand and then shes so shocked and freaked out cause she realizes that no one else has kissed him and shes definitely the fav)\
random detail yn has a maid named maybe estelle or evelyn and yn is always just trying to do stuff for herself bc shes used to it and the maid is so weirded out and is like no it is my job and i have to do it or ill get in trouble and yn is like well you can stay and pretend your helping me with whatever so you don't get in trouble. and if i need help ill of course ask you. so they kind of share tasks and do stuff together and chat and become friends.
another random detail. yn goes to the library a lot when she is at the palace. she liked reading when she was young. her older brother and then eventually her older sister used to read to her and then she would read to the younger siblings. but why didnt have a ton of books so she had read all they had. so she was so excited to have more selection and reading would like be a getaway from the craziness and help her relax so she was in the library a lot. i feel like maybe lucy notices and mentions to peter or maybe he notices idk. but for maybe their second date maybe like fourth or beyond idk havent decided he takes her to this special private library that is literally only for like the pevensies and maybe like a few very close advisors. (okay probs fourth date). and shes so amazed and in awe think the beauty and the beast library scene. okay so this is where he takes her to say im not upset like take your time. i just wanted you to understand how special you are to me so that you may factor that in to your experience here. but i hope this can provide a quiet place for you to come and think as well as escape any pressures.
-Angelnca please! What has gotten into you?
It is you! You are getting in the way of something very important to me and you do not even care!
-What are you talking about? I do care!
No! You are not taking any of this seriously. You must simply wish to ruin my chances and go back home. Do you wish me to live at home forever?
- I–
Better yet do you wish to continue living this sad little life. Sharing a small room, never having new clothes. I am trying to help our family and you are being selfish!
(this is gonna be maybe a garden party of all the new residents maybe a few days after everyone arrives)~~~~~~
It had been three days since everyone had arrived in Cair Paravel. Currently the maidens, their families, and other residents were having tea in the gardens. Young siblings ran around dirtying their nicer clothes while other residents talked and got to know each other. Many of the girls had already met on their first night but this was a welcoming event for the families. Y/n felt uneasy since her arrival and had not felt particularly chatty at any of the events. You had spoken to a few girls at the tea but many of them spoke to those they already knew, or tried to spend some time getting to know the High King. After all, you all were here to try and win his favor and ultimately his affection. Yes it was decided that the High King would marry a common girl. While the queens and likely King Edmund would marry nobility from other regions, King Peter’s union would signify a united and peaceful Narnia. Honestly, he was not thrilled about the idea. Lucy thought it exciting and possibly romantic, wooing many maidens and having endless chances at love. Susan was hopeful for how Narnians would perceive this and while Edmund also believed it to be good for the kingdom, he was glad to not be in his brother's shoes. The monarchs and their many advisors devised a system in which a bride for the High King would be chosen. The ball held at Cair Paravel was to allow Peter to meet some of the women he might court. Every eligible maiden in Narnia was invited. From there he was to choose, with much assistance from his siblings, who would be invited to live in the palace. They had not decided exactly how long they would extend their offer of welcome but Peter ultimately had the final say. This he found rather annoying. He felt very secure in having the power to run a kingdom, to lead armies, but making such decisions in matters of the heart felt too big a task to add to his list of duties. Especially with so many feelings and hearts at stake. Yet here he stood in the gardens, speaking with a seemingly endless stream of people. He did not remember inviting so many people! Yet he tried his best to give every one of his subjects his attention until he found you across the lawn, looking a vision, and his mind became stuck on you. He watched as brother walked over and began a conversation with you. He smiled watching you speak to each other, at the way he noticed you relax, and he pulled his eyes away and to the girl in front of him.
edmund: It’s you! I am quite glad to see you have returned! She recognized the tall man and she recognized the silver that gleamed against his dark hair. She lowered herself into a curtsey.
yn: Your majesty.
edmund: Please remind me of your name. She rose from her curtsey.
yn: Y/n.
edmund: Well y/n I see you have decided it would be in your best interest to give my dear older brother another chance to impress you. I do think it my duty however to inform you that it is absolutely not in your best interest.
yn: Oh do not worry your majesty I am simply here to try all the wonderful cuisines the palace chefs will cook up. I have heard wonderful things. And of course I could not leave you to make jest of the High King all alone during such festivities.
edmund: Well then I must thank you very kindly. They both laughed.
yn: I would like you to know that what I say is truly only in jest. I very much appreciate the invitation of your majesties and… I am very humbled and also… a little confused if I am to be honest, by the High King’s interest in me. I apologize, I am speaking too much… and about your brother, forgive me.
edmund: Do not worry, I don’t mind listening. And I truly do find you quite amusing and am enjoying the company. Most everyone here is very occupied with trying to impress my brother so it is nice to have a friend. And I should say do not be confused by Peter’s affections. I can tell, he finds you quite charming.
yn: May I ask you a question? She looked across the garden at her older sister, whom she had always admired and suddenly her mind was racing. She had not spoken with her sister very much since they had received the invitation which made being in this new environment all the more difficult. She was somewhat pleased to hear King Edmund refer to her as a friend, but still cautious at where she stood among his royal status and again confused as to his interest. Her caution was ignored however when she spotted each of her siblings across the garden, seemingly having a lovely time socializing as she stood alone, until a few moments ago. What is like ruling a country with your siblings? He hesitated for the slightest moment, not expecting such a question. No one had ever asked him anything of the sort and he had not really thought of the answer. It had become normal for the four siblings to be Kings and Queens side by side as they were. I apologize if--
edmund: You really do not have to keep apologizing, or being so cautious. With any of us. We are just like anyone else I promise. Do you have brothers and sisters?
yn: Four of them.
edmund: Well I can imagine we have had some similar experiences with your siblings then? It's just as you would imagine doing anything with your siblings but… I suppose with slightly higher stakes. But they are wonderful rulers and we have discovered a balance that makes things work very smoothly. I know it must seem odd but… for us it’s very normal.
yn: Were you always close with them?
lucy: Definitely not! Y/n could not quite believe it. A smiling woman appeared next to the pair as they talked and she noticed, of course, a delicate silver crown of flowers and laurels resting atop her hair. She noticed the queen’s hair, free flowing in the wind, carefully styled but not quite as much as many of the other women at the party. Her dress billowed in the wind in a similar nature and y/n could not help but think how incredibly beautiful she was. Ed used to be quite mean to me when we were children! But now we do have our fun don’t we? She turned quickly to the girl Edmund had just been speaking with. I’m Lucy! It seems Edmund has taken a liking to you so you must be fun! It’s lovely to meet you.
yn: Pleased to meet you, your majesty. I am y/n. She dipped into another curtsey. She felt as though she was becoming quite good at performing the simple gesture.
lucy: Oh please do call me Lucy.
yn: Do none of you wish to be addressed with your titles? She almost apologized for her exasperated tone until she saw the two monarchs laugh and she realized what she said was probably okay and would not leave her in trouble.
edmund: Maybe Susan. She can be fairly formal sometimes.
lucy: Oh come on now! You know she doesn’t care about titles like that.
edmund: Now Peter… he doesn’t exactly care but if you do use his title he can get pretty sensitive about the High King distinction. They all giggled. Y/n was starting to feel much more comfortable around the two youngest royals.
lucy: We just… like to be on the same level as everyone else. Each Narnian is just as important as the last and we are no exception so if you are y/n… then I am Lucy. Y/n smiled. Every moment she spent at the palace revealed to her that their majesties were truly as wonderful as she had been told. It has been wonderful meeting you, I hope I run into you again sometime during your stay. And I do hope you enjoy your time here. It is quite lovely isn’t it? Y/n, without thinking immediately ducked into yet another curtsey.
yn: Thank you-- she realized what she was doing and awkwardly rose up to standing, seeing the queen before her grinning at her, Lucy… At that, the valiant queen dropped into a lower, even more dramatic curtsey that was obviously meant to produce the giggles that escaped y/n’s lips.
lucy: And thank you Y/n. And with one last flourish as she stood, she left the pair in their spot at the garden party.
edmund: Well I do think I must go and speak to some of the other guests. but i do look forward to speaking with you again and I hope you do not grow too bored for the remainder of this party. she laughed
y/n: thank you i will try my hardest to enjoy myself. at that edmund walked off and yn decided to join her parents at the table where they sat. Peter, although occupied by conversation, noticed her movement and took note of her new position in relation to his, hoping to go and speak to her soon.
“Hello father. Mama. Are you enjoying the party?”
“Yes dear we are,” replied her mother. She had an assortment of mini desserts on her plate and she took a bite of one with a raspberry on it.
“I noticed you conversing with the king and queen. I do hope you behaved respectfully.”
“Of course father.” she hoped he had not taken notice of their amused expressions and laughter.
“This is a very important opportunity for our family and I implore you to remember what we have taught you.”
“I will not forget.”
“Darling try one of these sweets they’re delightful! You’re father refuses to have any but it is important that we are seen enjoying ourselves and appreciating these generous accommodations.” She grabbed a small green and brown cake. It tasted of chocolate and pistachio and y/n quite liked it. She began to contemplating going to fetch another, along with a cup of tea when the High King appeared standing over their table.
“Hello Is everything to your liking,” he asked the three of them. Her parents immediately shot out of their chairs in order to properly greet him with a bow and a curtsy. Y/n rose slowly and bent into a curtsy as well, standing back up to nervously meet Peter’s eyes.
“It is wonderful your majesty. Thank you. I am (name name) and this is my wife (name name).” Peter shook both their hands with the air of two noble people meeting instead of a King greeting his subjects.
“Your majesty we would like to express our sincerest gratitudes at your invitation to stay in your palace. And to say how honored we are that you invited not one but two of our daughters. Angelina,” she called over to your sister who stood not far away, “Come say hello to the High King.” She ran over and immediately dropped into a curtesy, in which she presented her hand to the king.
“Your majesty. This is quite a lovely party. I am rather enjoying myself.”
“That is very kind of you to say. But this particular event was all Lucy. She has a way with flowers and things, always suggesting parties like this in the gardens. She will be glad to hear your praises. I am sorry to run off but I thought I might go and find something to eat, I have been too busy to try any of these delightful sweets. It was wonderful to meet you lord and lady (name). Y/n. Angelina.” He sent a nod to each of you and then turned to walk toward the table which held the food.
“Well that went rather well I think,” her mother said as they all sat back down at the table.
“You were rather rude, you could’ve said something to the High King,” Angelina snipped at you.
“Well I didn’t particularly have anything interesting to tell him,” you replied.
“Oh please.”
“Angelina I was simply letting you have the time to speak with him.” You stood again from the table.
“I do not need your help. Where are you going.”
“I thought I would go and get another one of those delicious chocolate desserts, maybe some tea,” you said as you began walking toward the table.
“Do not bother the High King!”
“I will not,” you yelled back to her rolling your eyes before reaching the table. You began collecting things onto a plate, standing next to Peter with your back toward your family. You honestly had no intention of speaking with him but it seemed he had other ideas.
“You know, I did not get to hear of your thoughts on this party.”
“I think Queen Lucy did a marvelous job and should perhaps plan every party here at the palace. It is quite beautiful.” He noticed something in your tone that amused him.
“But you are not having fun?”
“I would be but… many of the girls here are too interested in you to try and make any friends and my sister is currently quite angry with me. I did talk to your brother and sister briefly, they were quite good company. But duty called and i was left alone again.”
“You could have come talked to me.”
“I am talking to you now.”
“Are you having more fun now?”
“I am not sure” This made you both smile in amusement. “I must say all of this food is quite fun. Have you tried one of these chocolate things?”
“I have not.” He said. And then without warning he removed one from her plate and popped it into his mouth. He chewed for a moment and contemplated for another. “You are right, this is delightful.”
“Is this how you eat all the time? This decadence and beauty for every meal?”
“It is not quite so fancy every day but I do always have a spectacular meal being presented to me.” You smiled at him.
“I am very excited at the prospect of eating like a king during my stay.” He smiled back at you. While your parents, still over at their table, had become immersed in conversation, Angelina could not help but noticed your interaction with the high king and watch on with envy.
Okay.... another one... another story I've been writing for who knows how long but just don't feel like finishing. Its chapters and notes and rambles and brain dumps. Just stuff lol. Peter Pevensie was my first crush fr and I love this story. Its based on The Selection series and Narnia of course. It started as a story I would play in my head before falling asleep and one night the dialogue and plot was so vivid that I sat up in bed and started writing it on my phone. I actually loved writing this but I honestly didn't fully know where the story was going. There are some plot point in my head that may not even be written down but I didn't really have a full plot. I also started writing with it formatted like a script. Some of it is not correctly formatted and may not even say who is speaking (yikes!). But I am proud of what I did write and we shouldnt be so scared to share something unfinished. Maybe it can inspire someone else! Hope you enjoy.
*and if anyone can think of a good title let me know LOL
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Fluff, mild angst, he falls first and harder, arranged?? sorta to lovers
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Angelina sighed. “You will have to choose a gown to wear eventually. Mother is a talented seamstress but she cannot work magic. The ball is in three days.”
“I am trying but none of these gowns feels like the right one to wear to my first ball.” Her older sister laughed.
“ My dear sister, we are not nearly wealthy enough for you to wear ‘the right gown’. You must make due.”
“Maybe not the right gown but there must be something better than these. You couldn’t truly picture me wearing any of these. I’d look like… I was pretending to be you! And I know you have at least a few more…” she said letting her words hang in the air hopefully. Angelina sighed. “Would you please go and get them for me? After all, a girl only attends her first ball once”.
She could not help but smile at her younger sister's excitement. She loved attending balls and she loved her sister. Angelina was positively beaming every time she thought of sharing such a special night with her closest sibling and being able to bring her just a little more joy. She returned with three more gowns, the three she had deemed not suitable for this particular ball. It was currently very common in Narnia at the moment to wear darker colors and often velvet if one could afford it. Particularly this ball would be a sea of reds, purples, and greens because although the ball was being held for the High King to find a wife, it was truly Queen Susan’s ball. She was known for throwing the most spectacular parties in all of Narnia. While she knew how to host sophisticated parties for diplomats and visiting royals, she most loved celebrating lavishly with her subjects. A deep turquoise was said to be her color, which adorned her coronation cape so many years ago, along with the deep red that often kissed her lips. If she was putting on a ball, the people honored her with the colors in which she felt the most beautiful. While y/n admired her queen and all she had heard about her, she felt somewhat of an impostor in these royal hues. But she knew exactly which gown she would ask her mother to alter to her correct size as soon as her sister placed it down. She remembered watching her sister depart for the ball, wearing this gown. Y/n had believed it to be the most beautiful thing she had ever laid her eyes on and she realized not much had changed when she looked at it. She could not remember the specific stories she had been told about this particular party, just that her sister seemed to glow even more than usual when she had returned home from her night of dancing. The fabric was light and plenty. It flowed in waves of white, gold, and pink hues and she looked at it, almost afraid to touch it. While she knew her sister was right, that her mother could not perform any magic, she had the strangest and most delightful feeling that the dress itself might be able grant her a wish. She just knew this night would be special. After all, Narnia was full of magic.
~~~~~~
“Why have I not seen you before,” the mystery man asked as they danced.
“Would there have been a reason for you to lay eyes upon my face prior to this moment?” He laughed in response.
“I just mean– I have attended quite a number of balls here at Cair Paravel and I am usually somewhat familiar with everyone in attendance.” She furrowed her brows mischievously which made him smile.
“Well I do so apologize for ruining your sense of ease and comfort but I do assure you I am here on no account of ill will but simply to enjoy this splendid party.” He laughs again at her words, just barely.
“No, do not apologize for you have so far added much excitement to a night I expected to be like any other.” At that moment the music picked up and they focused on the intricate footwork of the quick and jovial dance until the music changed again. She expected him to end their dance and find another partner as the musicians slowed their pace, but his hold on her stayed firm and his feet never paused. He spoke again after a while.
“You did not answer my question.”
“Do remind me what it is that you inquire.” She smiled as she remembered quite well actually.
“Why is this the first ball at which I have seen you in attendance? Are you visiting from a neighboring kingdom? Hoping to win the King’s affections and he yours?” He asked this casually, almost playfully but he was very interested in her answer. Of all the women there whose intentions were precisely that, she had so far been the most successful. Unwittingly winning the attention and intrigue of the King. But he was still unsure.
“Well, if I am to be completely honest,” she didn’t know why she felt any need to be, “my family does not have much money. At least not enough for us to eat and have shelter and also attend a ball. I have many siblings but… it is my eldest sister that has the privilege of attending the balls. It is somewhat of an investment you see. My mother and father hope that she may win the hand of a wealthy suitor. It’s sort of ridiculous I know because she would just be whisked off with him, no thought of our family crossing his mind… I’m sorry, what was I…? Oh well, she’d always tell me stories of the lovely balls she attended and I dreamed of seeing if only one. And since this very ball seemed to be such a special occasion, my mother fixed up an old gown of my sisters and allowed me to attend. I know that it's dreadfully out of season but truthfully I’ve never felt more regal. I know it's funny to think myself regal, I’ve heard our queens to be more radiant than the sun but… I feel very lucky to be here and in such a beautiful frock.” She spun out of his arms at that moment as was part of the dance. While every other pair in the ballroom turned, he stayed put, staring at her in awe. She turned back to face him and continue their dance she realized he had been studying her. This made her self conscious and she moved to look away from his intense gaze but he placed a hand on the side of her face before she could.
“I think you look the very picture of a queen.” He spoke with such seriousness that she was stunned and unsure how to react. They stayed like that for some time until she noticed people staring.
“Shall we continue with our dance? People are beginning to stare. We must be blocking the dance floor.”
“Let them stare.” He continues taking in her features for a few more moments. “But if you insist, let us return to our dance.” She smiles softly at this, taking his hand again. The music, having changed again in their pause, is much slower. He pulls her in closer and moves them smoothly across the floor as a pair.
“Might I learn the name of whom such a beautiful visage belongs to?” Then it was her turn to laugh.
“Why, you flatter me so. I truly did not expect such attention from my first ball,” she said sincerely. There is a pause and he looks at her expectantly. She concedes.
“It is y/n.”
“It is beautiful. A name as such I would be bold to think, would sound so lovely falling from my lips forever.” She is taken aback, but only for a moment before she responds.
“And might I inquire as to the name of the gentleman before me?”
“Peter, I need to speak with you. It is urgent.” Peter stops, his look of adoration turning quickly to one of annoyance. While the fondness in his gaze made you slightly nervous, you decided you much preferred his tenderness to the frustration you currently saw, although it was not aimed at you. A beautiful woman clothed in deep blue had appeared behind him, causing him to pause your dance.
“Su, can’t you see I’m in the middle of something,” he asks, shortly.
“You know I hate to be torn away from a ball more than anyone but you’ll have plenty of time for this later. The present matter must be attended to immediately. I trust you will see to the affairs of your kingdom above the affections of a maiden.” He winces at her words but steadies himself. You look between the two of them and notice for the first time that the woman wears a delicate crown of gold, placed atop her dark brown hair. Peter… Su… Susan. Queen Susan. In an instant, it dawns on you and you are grateful you had not yet indulged in any of the refreshments as you feel your stomach churn. The woman, the Queen, must have noticed the look on your face and mistaken you feeling unwell for something else. She spoke and you had to concentrate very hard to hear what she said. The music was suddenly very loud.
“Do forgive me. I do seem to have forgotten my manners. I hope you are enjoying a pleasant evening and that you have not mistaken my frustrations with my brother as any reflection on my feelings toward you. But I do have to ask for a moment of his attention as it truly is urgent.” She gives him one final, stern look and walks away, trusting he will follow. Peter turns to you quickly but as his hand reaches up to graze your cheek, you feel as though he was moving in slow motion. He held you ever so lightly, as if afraid you might blow away and become lost in the wind. He speaks. almost urgently.
“I will return shortly. Wait here?” You do not know how to answer him but even if you did, you think you would presently be unable to call upon your own voice.
“Please?” You nod, sensing his urgency, knowing you must give him an answer. You notice how gently he once again speaks, now that you are his only audience. With a small smile and a quick nod of his head, he hastily exits the ballroom. For a moment, all you can do is stand there, as couples dance swiftly around you, until you realize you are unsure if you are able to uphold the promise you just made. The promise to the High King. You could not possibly break it and risk his offense at your disrespect. But you cannot possibly wait for his return for one more second. Your feet move you before you know where it is you're going. Searching for you sister, you paced the perimeter of the ballroom now very aware
So next she will be leaving and literally run into peter as he is returning and they lock eyes and he can tell she looks freaked tf out and then he notices Oreius standing outside the ballroom and looks at him as if to ask him to watch out for her because he is afraid she’ll leave. So he asks whats shes doing and she says she just needed some air and hes like would you mind if I escorted you to the gardens they are lovely at night so they go outside and are talking ab the kings and queens and hes like lol what ab that one thats likes u loll and shes like what and then yeah idk from there
they need to exchange names at some point lol (tn and orieus)
orieus: Good evening miss where are you off to?
She whipped around, slightly frightened at hearing a voice but comforted upon seeing its source.
yn: Oh I just needed to step out for a moment. Thought I might benefit from a bit of fresh air.
orieus: Well in that case might I escort you to the gardens. They are lovely at night.
yn: Oh I couldn’t remove you from your post, I shall be alright inside.
orieus: Nonsense I am entitled to a few moments of respite and I personally like to spend them in the gardens.
yn: You’re sure you wouldn’t mind too terribly having me interrupt your break?
orieus: I’d love the company.
Time skip they are walking around in the gardens
yn: You were right about the gardens. They’re exquisite. She grows excited at her next thought. And you get to visit them whenever you please? He laughs slightly at her amusement
orieus: Yes. It is a wonderful perk of my job
yn: And what might that job be?
orieus: I am the general of the royal army and presently I also serve as the head of palace security.
yn: That does sound to be a rather large responsibility on your shoulders.
orieus: Well I couldn’t have anyone else protecting the home of my kings and queens. I could not trust the ability of another when it came to their precious lives.
yn: It sounds like you care for them very much.
orieus: Indeed. I helped welcome them to Narnia when they first arrived. I watched them grow into brave warriors and just rulers. They have been more than kind to me. They are friends and I have given my service to them.
yn: They sound wonderful.
orieus: I should be glad you think so. And what of the High King himself?
She cannot see but Orieus is grinning.
yn: Well I have yet to form much of an opinion and I do inquire as to what has caused your curiosity in the matter.
orieus: He did wear quite the look of concern upon seeing your exit from the ballroom. And I know the High King well enough to understand that it was not the general concern of a good host. Were you introduced to him at the ball?
yn: Not exactly. Might I confide in you something that I am somewhat ashamed to admit?
orieus: Of course.
He looked down in worry and realized she was smiling.
yn: Well I was dancing with him and we were making conversation and for the duration of our time together I did not know him to be the High King. They both laughed jovially. This is my first visit to Cair Paravel and I have never seen a picture of his majesty. And to concern matters further he was not wearing his crown. It's as if he meant to trick me!
orieus: I can assure you King Peter’s intentions were not of something so malicious. They laughed still. He likes to enjoy these events as anyone might. Forget the duties of the High King. If only for a little while as you saw. The Queen Susan, she is not one to forget her duties.
yn: I gathered… I ought to be returning now I presume… The High King did request quite some time ago that I wait for him to return. Why do you think he would want me to wait? Perhaps I disrespected him or--
orieus: It seems as if he is quite taken with you.
yn: Oh… you don’t-- you don’t really think so do you? He looks at her knowingly and she is suddenly uncomfortable. Might we discuss something else for the remainder of our journey back to the palace? Tell me more about yourself. I’m sure you have great stories of your battles.
They talk and he brings her back to the ballroom. Upon reentering the room, she notices the High King atop his throne, his own gold crown now sat upon his head. He is different now, she can tell from across the room. No longer the charming young man she danced with who loves so quickly, but a man hardened by war and the weight of a kingdom. His handsome youth was replaced by a stoic beauty and maturity. She could not deny that he looked magnificent against the gold of his crown but she also knew that she grew intimidated within his regal presence. She tried to move from the doorway in which she stood to across the room from where the king’s gaze wandered but she knew it was of no use. She had insisted on wearing this gown, colored lightly of champagne instead of one of darker jewel tones as was in style. She knew he would find her the second his eyes landed on the billowing (light in color) fabrics between the velvety layers of crimson and violet. She looked for her sister hoping to engage in conversation as to appear occupied but as she looked back toward the singularly occupied throne, her eyes met with the High King’s. He shot up from his royal chair, his reason for sitting there quickly forgotten. She almost ran before realizing how unbecoming of a lady it would be and remembering who she would be running from. How ridiculous to run from a king at his own ball? So she stood still and he reached her side quickly. Before he could speak, she dropped into a low curtsey like her mother had always taught her when she and her siblings would imagine visiting the palace. She did not stand back up quickly, instead enjoying how this stance allowed her gaze to remain at the floor instead of the man before her. He sighed.
peter: You… you do not have to do that. She stayed there, perhaps even bowing a little lower. Please will you look at me? He reached out, placing his fingers under her chin, startling her. She quickly stood upright and took two steps back. She always believed she would attend a ball and dance the night away. It sounded so easy, so effortless. But now she was overthinking her every gesture, every word. She was here in front of the High King and while his erratic actions seemed careful and sincere, she could not help but be frightened. Her small Narnian village held no expectations for her but now she was in Cair Paravel with its most important resident and she hadn’t a clue as to how she should behave or what she should do.
yn: I’d like to apologize, your majesty, if I any of my actions have upset you--
peter: The only thing that upset me was when you left after I asked you to stay. He spoke in a gentle voice but she flinched at his words of authority. Although Orieus expressed his belief at the King’s feelings, she was worried still. All that she had been taught by her parents was taking over and she could only think of herself a subject to her King. Never could she imagine being the object of his affection. Not-- I mean, I was concerned that I had done something to upset you. And I was worried you didn’t want to continue our dance. I was having a lovely time with you this evening. She spoke before realizing
yn: Why did you not tell me you were king? He looked as if he might chuckle. She however, thought this was no laughing matter.
peter: Well it hadn’t crossed my mind really. I usually do not have to introduce myself, especially not in my own palace.
yn: You didn’t think it odd when I did not curtsey or fall at your feet? There was a bite in her tone and he noticed. She was horribly embarrassed and he was laughing that arrogant laugh. She felt as if she were talking to a different person. Damn that crown.
peter: No I found it refreshing. While people do not usually fall at my feet… he bit back, but he smiled nonetheless it has been a while since I was able to meet someone as just Peter. And I do hope you will continue to think of me as nothing more… and that we may continue our dance. He held out his hand for her to take. She reluctantly placed her hand atop his, and quickly her face was shining again. And for that Peter could not help but grin at the sight of her radiant smile as they began to dance once more.
yn: It is very hard to think of you as anything less than my king when you wear that crown.
peter: It is no different than any piece of jewelry you might adorn.
yn: My necklaces do not come with such responsibility. And... people do not usually stare whenever I wear them. She found the thought amusing.
peter: Considering your beauty it would seem as though people could not help but to stare always. She did not know how to respond. He truly knew how to leave her speechless. But if it shall make you feel any better… he stopped their dancing and unclasped their hands. The other he left on her waist she noticed as he removed his crown and looked quickly around him. Ed! He called out to someone and a tall young man wearing a matching silver crown turned to face the High King. Peter smirked at the younger king’s questioning look as he held out his own crown. Would you mind holding this for me Edmund? It is getting in the way of our dancing. She almost laughed in amazement. He restored their previous position, ready to continue guiding her across the floor, when Edmund spoke.
edmund: I’m glad to see you’ve resumed your dancing, I would’ve hated to hear Susan yell at you about your responsibilities again. She thought little of this, not connecting this ball with any sort of responsibility besides greeting his subjects and enjoying a night with them. Edmund laughed as he spoke then turned to the girl his brother held. I’m Edmund. I hope you haven’t found my older brother too insufferable. If so I do apologize, I’ve tried to tell him about being such a bossy git all the time. Peter rolled his eyes at his little brother. Not knowing quite why, she felt an intensely comforting presence in Edmund that reminded her of her own brother.
yn: No, only a little bossy but I think I will be able to manage for the remainder of the evening.
edmund: Well then I presume that for your own sake I should hope you are not invited back to the palace. But for my own I shall wish for your return so that we might team up against my brother some more. She gasped suddenly, one hand leaving Peter’s shoulder to cover her mouth in shock. She had remembered something. You’re supposed to be dancing with the eligible women here! That’s what this ball is being held for! You need to find eligible girls to court and here you are dancing with me. Oh I feel so stupid! How much of your time have I wasted? I do apologize-- as she babbled on she began to walk away. Peter grabbed her hand ever so softly and turned her back to him. Edmund has already turned back to the group he had been speaking with before.
peter: And are you not eligible?
yn: Well I-- I am the second born and my sister is here to meet you not I. But even if I was I am not fit for… this! She gestured almost wildly around the room. I’m sorry your majesty but I must go and allow you to spend some time with the other maidens. I do thank you for the dance, and for chasing me around the ballroom, as it has made my first party here most eventful. And I wish you the best of luck in finding your bride. She curtsied one last time and turned away, promptly leaving his side.
Omg so they get a letter from the palace (bc all of the girls in attendance do) saying whether or not they are invited to come stay at the palace to court the high king and the letter arrives and her sister is so excited and they open it and its for her not the sister. Shes thinking its got to be a mistake and she hasn't told anyone about them dancing so they all go (the families are allowed to live there for the time as well) and they realize its not a mistake and the sister just has to deal with it and shes so mad (she’ll find love eventually) and homegirl is like in a lowkey selection and we will have lots of cute moments :) and they will of course fall and love and end up together happily ever after the end
mother: Darling! Oh sweetheart. The girls’ mother entered into their shared room calling out for her eldest daughter. She seemed almost frantic. Angelina! Darling! You’ve received a letter from the palace.
sister: Mother are you sure? She was afraid to believe it lest it be ripped away from her when she was so close. But her mother retrieved from behind her back an ornately enclosed letter. The two girls looked at the small envelope in awe. It truly was of royalty. The paper shimmered and was lined with gold filigree. A deep red seal held the precious contents in safely and the front held only their family name written in large black letters. Oh mother do open it quickly! Read it out to us! I think myself much too nervous to hold such delicate paper in my quivering hands.
yn: I cannot believe MY sister getting invited to the palace by the High King himself. She had truly almost forgotten about her encounter with the monarch. It had been just another moment at the ball, one she would cherish along with every other. But she was truly thrilled to see her sister so appreciated by the royals. Her older sister was truly the most wonderful person in her eyes and she wished all of her wildest dreams come true.
sister: Well don’t forget you’ll be right there by my side in Cair Paravel. Oh mother can you just imagine?
mother: Yes, our family running amok in the palace! I can hardly wait. The two girls laughed, knowing how truly magical it would be to share the wonders of the palace with their loving and chaotic family. Now girls, do we still want me to read this?. She was growing impatient with anticipation and excitement. The girls immediately sat up a little straighter, suddenly very attentive, grasping each other's hands tightly. “(last name), We are honored to extend a cordial invitation to your family for an extended stay at the Palace at Cair Paravel. You are welcome to bring any members of your immediate family to the palace and any important items. Upon arrival you will be provided with everything you will need for the duration of your visit. As the guests of honor, Angelina and Y/n… will be attending a special dinner on the night of your arrival followed by a ball to which you are all invited. The proper attire for the event will be provided for all guests . In three days time a carriage will arrive to retrieve all those who will be traveling to the palace and a special wing will be prepared to house you. We are delighted to have you and are eagerly awaiting your presence. Signed: His Majesty the High King Peter the Magnificent, Emperor of the Lone Islands, Lord of Cair Paravel, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Lion…” The three women were stunned by the unexpected name written in the letter. The girl whose name it was, was the most shocked of them all. She was confused and worried. She felt a similar sickness as she just remembered she had felt after the realization that she had been dancing with the High King.
sister: I saw you dance with the High King! I didn’t think however that you were trying to take this opportunity away from me!
yn: I did not know I was dancing with the High King!
sister: he did not introduce himself to you?
yn: Well he did eventually…
sister: And you continued to dance with him?
yn: Was I to decline his majesty?This calmed her sister down just barely as she truly thought of the implications of rejecting the High King. In truth, had she said no, King Peter would have respectfully stepped away, finding another dancing partner but his subjects were always worrying themselves with how their actions could in any way disrespect their magnificent King. And truthfully all we did was dance. It was no more exciting than any other dance I had that night. This was a lie that she herself was trying so hard to believe. I even explained to the High King that it was my sister who had come to meet him, not me.
sister: Oh so I have been invited to the palace out of pity! Or is it just to ensure that you do not decline his invitation. “As long as my dear sissy may accompany me as well it sounds splendid!” You are absolutely full of it!
y/n: Angelina I promise I meant no harm–
sister: Well either way you have caused it haven’t you. She stormed out of the room leaving her mother and younger sister standing shocked.
y/n: Mother I am telling the truth. She had tears in her eyes as she looked to her mother for help.
mother: Darling. I believe you. But that does not change things…
y/n: I will just explain to the king when we arrive that I do not wish to participate and–
mother: It is too late. His decision is made and now you must participate regardless of you or your sister's feelings.
y/n: But… mother
mother: Have we taught you nothing? Royalty is to be revered and obeyed. Lest what happened to your father and I happen to you. Do you understand? She could only silently nod at her mother, suddenly feeling guilty and remarkably sad. She had heard the stories often, from her parents and other Narnians, about the years gone by. A time she could not remember, before the current Kings and Queens took their seat on the throne. It was a dark and difficult time for the kingdom and left a sense of fear instilled in some, even during times of peace. Her parents had passed down their intense caution to each of their children in hopes to protect them should peace ever be disrupted. So being an obedient daughter, she went to begin packing her things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~first night ball?? idk i love the ide of this happening while dancing but i feel like there’s too many parties especially balls… but i also feel like this needs to be the first night~~~~~~~~~~~
“y/n” she heard in a soft voice from behind her. she turned around to see Peter admiring her as quests danced around him. He wore a fine red shirt with
gold detailing that matched the brilliant crown atop his head. y/n unfortunately could not seem to take her eyes away from it. better than have to meet his eyes she thought. “i am very pleased to see you again.” he stepped toward her. she dipped quickly into a curtesy, though smaller than the ones she had performed previously in his presence.
“Hello… King Peter,” she said not knowing why she decided to test out the slightly less formal title.
“You look… lovely,” he said, “Would you care to dance.” She nodded and hesitantly connected hands with him. Peter was quite surprised by her appearance tonight. While he remembered the girl in the soft champagne gown, she stood before him now in a dark burgundy. Layers of fine silk fell down like spilled wine and he couldn’t help but think how elegant she looked, how powerful. He was amazed how in only two meetings she could look so differently beautiful. He wondered about all the other ways she had been beautiful before and the many way she’s would no doubt be beautiful again. he wondered if he would be lucky enough to see them. In truth she did feel beautiful in this gown. It was gifted by the palace as every maiden was instructed to wear red so as to be easily found throughout the ball by the high king. A smaller ballroom than the one currently holding the festivities had been filled with red dresses earlier that day. Her sister had chosen a bright crimson and others had chosen lighter reds or more orange tones. Red had never been a color y/n reached for but this shade had a cozy quality to it; it reminded her of christmas. so it had been the one she had chosen. weirdly she was happy that peter liked it. although she wouldn’t rather not know his feelings about it at all as she would rather not be dancing with him at the moment. he made her nervous and besides that the only other thing she could focus on was how angry her sister would be if she saw them.
“I hope your journey to Cair Paravel went smoothly,” he said, breaking her from her thoughts. She looked at him a moment.
“Oh… yes.”
“And I hope your accommodations are to your liking?”
“Yes.” She added a small, uncomfortable smile with that response.
“I do wish you would talk to me.”
“We are talking.” He sighed and stopped their dance. He did not however separate from her.
“Please… what is it?”
“I should not be here,” she pleaded.
“But you are. I implore you to at least try and enjoy it if you must.” She closed her eyes briefly and let her hands drop from his form. She could not help but notice how his hand stayed on her waist. Peter however was completely oblivious to his own behavior which bordered on inappropriate.
“It is presumptuous to think that I could enjoy myself doing anything other than sampling each and every thing tour chefs have prepared for tonight’s ball.” He chuckled lightly at this. It was half hearted but it was her, fear beginning to leave her.
“Yes how silly of me. I would offer to escort you but I must request we complete at least one full dance before I do that. Does that sound okay?” She reconnected their hands and smiled up at him, tiredly.
“I suppose that sounds alright,” she said causing him to grin widely as he stepped back into the large formation of dancing couples.
“Truthfully,” he began, “how has everything been? Is your family settled in?”
“Truthfully,” she repeated, “everything has been lovely. I’ve never seen a more beautiful place in all my life.”
“Well I am glad,” he said.
“I must say… I really am grateful to be here. Please do not mistake my personal matters as an indication of any less. Simply spending one day here could last me a lifetime,” she said. And she said it with such conviction that for a moment all Peter could do was stare at her in awe. He thought back to his first time in the palace and how he thought he could stay there forever and never take in every detail. He honestly still thought so sometimes. But here was this incredible woman who would be content for the rest of her life having only spent a day in this place he was lucky enough to call his home. He was glad she would get to spend more than one day here, for both their sakes.
“I—- I am very glad you like it here.”
“I have had trouble finding my way around.” They laughed.
“It is quite difficult isn’t it. I do remember it took me longer than I’d like to admit.”
“When did you first arrive here? At… the palace I mean?” He stopped to think for a moment.
“It has been almost ten years I think. I cannot believe it has been that long.”
“Wow.” She contemplated this.
“And what about you? Have you always live where you live now?”
“Yes!— Well no but—- My family has lived elsewhere, as did I. But I was very young, but a baby and I do not remember. Our current home is the only place I’ve ever known.”
“And do remind me where home is for you?”
“(town)… um how are you feeling about escorting me to retrieve some refreshments?” He paused slightly at her rather abrupt shift.
“I would be delighted to escort you.” he smiled, grabbing her hand to lead her over to the table.
SOOOO.... I started writing this when Outerbanks season 2 came out (and I bought Lover on vinyl) and I have since fallen off the show and writing/fandom stuff in general. (also im a lesbian now and this is a straight love story lol but i still like it) BUT I wrote/made notes for this story and liked it and wanted to share it but didnt have it in me to finish. So this is the entire 20 pg google doc copy pasted for whoever might be intrigued! :)
*it WILL be full of typos... its ab the story not the writing lol
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Based on these songs from Lover by Taylor Swift:
i think he knows
Cruel summer
Miss americana
Paper rings
Daylight
Outline
Lyric: The moon is high like your friends were the night that we first met
JJ and yn meet briefly at a bonfire
Chapter 1
Lyric: he got that boyish look that I like in a man
She notices jj doing jobs around figure 8
Chapter 2
Lyric: the wine is cold like the shoulder that i gave you in the street cat and mouse for a month or two or three
Chapter 2?
Lyric: he’s so obsessed with me and boy i understand (alternatively: im so obsessed with him nobody understands)
She notices jjs intrigued and plays hard to get
Chapter 2
Chapter 2.5 or 3?
Lyrics: snuck in through the garden gates every night that summer just to seal my fate
Here we see them getting close, falling for each other
Lyric: I’m drunk in the back of the car and I cried like a baby coming home from the bar said I’m fine but it wasn't true
He comes over when shes trashed and she cries cause he never kisses her (semi confession of feelings)
Lyric: i want to drive away with you i want your complications too i want your dreary mondays wrap your arms around me baby boy
She learns about his dad
Lyric: American glory Faded before me Now I'm feeling hopeless Ripped up my prom dress Running through rose thorns I saw the scoreboard And ran for my life
midsummers idk what happens
Lyric: I wounded the good and I trusted the wicked
They fight and stop talking/seeing each other
Lyric: were so sad we paint the town blue voted most likely to run away with you
Lyric: i don’t wanna keep secrets just to keep you
Lyric: i love you ain’t that the worst thing you ever heard he looks up grinning like a devil
epilogue: daylight (lines i’ve crossed unforgiven stormed out of every single room (ruined relationships with other kooks) ran with the wolves(jj learning to be in a real relationship) chorus
Chapter titles:
The Moon is High
That Boyish Look That I Like in a Man
The Wine is Cold (the shoulder that i gave you in the st)
Nobody Understands
Seal My Fate
Said I’m Fine But It Wasn’t True
Wrap Your Arms Around Me Baby Boy
Ripped Up My Prom Dress
I Wounded the Good and I Trusted the Wicked
We Paint the Town Blue
Just to Keep You
The Worst Thing You Ever Heard
Now That I Saw You (maybe you ran with the wolves and refused to settle down, maybe i've stormed out of every single room in this town)
---
that boyish look that i like in a man
*after they first met JJ is parked outside her house getting ready to do yard work, she is rushing out of the house putting on earrings and such as she exits.*
“Woah what’s up Cinderella late for the ball,” JJ asked, noticing your hurried pace.
“A date actually,” you retorted.
“Damn! A date? With who,” he sounded shocked.
“Who wants to know?” You stopped to tighten the strap on your shoe. He chuckled.
“I mean what dude was able to win a date with you? What he’d do, like slay a dragon or something?” JJ laughed at his incredible ability to make jokes about your “royal status”.
“Real fucking funny,” you started back walking swiftly down the street. Damn. The kook princess had a mouth on her.
“You should let me take you on a date sometime,” he yelled down the street to you. He smirked. You kept walking, not even bothering to yell a response back but he knew you had heard him when he noticed the slight falter in your step. He could tell you had heard him by the change in the way you walked away. His smirk grew, tongue coming between his teeth as his eyes drank you in as you walked off.
You walked back up the path to your house much more slowly, your shoulders slumped in defeat and your feet bare. You groaned as you approached your home, noticing JJ’s car still parked outside. You were hoping to come back to an empty house
Back so soon! Was he not the prince charming you were hoping for?
Shut the fuck up JJ
Woah dude im just messing with you chill
Yeah well maybe I’m not in the mood okay (she goes up and changes and come down to the kitchen to get some food and JJ is in there getting water or something, they awkwardly move around the space and around each other still feeling the tension from a few minutes ago)
Im sorry i snapped at you earlier its just… it hasnt been a great day
Thats alright i get it… this have anything to do with your date he asks suddenly feeling a little protective
Yeah actually you scoff i dont even know why im telling you this but uh… i got stood up so thats uh… feelin pretty shitty You two stood in silence for a minute JJ not knowing what to say and you beginning to regret sharing something somewhat embarrassing with him a small smile appeared on his lips. He looked up at you, your eyes staying on the counter you leaned on
You know who would never stand you up You looked up to see him smirking knowing he was referring to his very unceremonious proposal for a date earlier. You smiled back, feeling a little bit better at his lighthearted nature. The two of you stood there, for just a moment in your kitchen, eyes locked. You felt an intensity in his soft gaze and quickly broke it, feeling overwhelmed by whatever you saw in his eyes.
“You wouldn't take me out. Can’t be seen with somebody like me,” you mocked slightly.
“I think you wouldn’t want to be seen with somebody like me.” it wasn’t accusatory but a challenge that he sent your way as he leaned across the kitchen island, face inching closer to yours.
“Well that complicates our plans a little doesn’t it? We don’t wanna be seen together,” you were suddenly feeling very nervous as JJ got closer to you. How was the guy mowing your parents lawn making you feel like this? You barely knew him and you sure you wouldn’t have much chance to get to know him any better. He leaned in slowly, so close that his mouth almost brushed your ear.
“We could always hang out here.” you closed your eyes and attempted a deep breath. It came out shaky. You prayed he didn’t notice. He was obviously just playing games with you. He liked having this kind of power over someone like you. Well you weren’t going to give it to him. The game was over. You backed away and looked up at him, a sudden shift in your mood. Any chance that JJ had started to break down your walls was gone and they were back up like this moment had never happened.
“I’m good, thanks.” With that you turned around and headed back upstairs to your room. “Turn off the light when you're done.” Stunned, JJ grabbed the bottle of water he had come in for and shut off the light leaving the kitchen with newfound emotions and a lot of confusion.
***
JJ noticed you through the glass doors that led out to your backdoor. He watched you walk around your living room for a moment, looking for something. He knew you hadn’t noticed him cleaning your family’s boat. He stood for a second, mind going blank. Without any thought or reasoning, JJ grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head. Once he stood, on your boat, shirtless, looking back at your house, his mind seemed to come back to him. What was he doing? Did he hope his toned body would get your attention? Did he want to make you regret rejecting him? Was he playing the game you had convinced yourself he was playing? JJ had no clue. He just knew you made him act strangely. Shaking his head, he threw his shirt to the side and got back to work at just the moment that you looked up, stepping out onto your back porch. You watched on, mesmerized, as JJ moved equipment and supplies around the boat. You noticed how the muscles in his arms moved, and along his sides, as he picked up something particularly heavy. You noted how his hair, slightly damp, fell in front of his face as he leaned over. You studied the rings on his fingers, the way his necklace sat so nicely against his collar bone, and his shirt and hat now sitting in a pile on the boat. He was like magic, the way he had you in this trance against your will. The way he made you so nervous and confident and confused all at once. The way he had you so distracted that when he turned around and saw you, your gaze merely shifted to the smirk now on his lips long before your thoughts moved to the reason for his expression.
“Like what you see,” he called out to you, pulling you out of your daze. He was clearly amused or proud or both. You rolled your eyes, attempting to recover from any flusteredness you felt.
“No…I just came out here to ask if you, you know, needed any water or anything. Wouldn’t want you passing out on my family’s dime,” you offered a fake smile. JJ hopped down from the boat and took a few steps down the pier, closer to you.
“Well aren’t you generous.” He was grinning. He started walking slowly toward you, eyes burning into yours and you couldn't move. He stopped directly in front of you. Leaning down slightly, he brushed against your ear again and whispered, “Is that all you came out here for?” He pulled away quickly, so that he could look at you. Not only did he just like studying your features, but he liked seeing the effect he had on you. He was in awe at the thought of you melting under his touch, your heart speeding up around him like his did when he was anywhere near you. He didn’t know what any of this meant, just that it was exciting and that you were beautiful. He savored the brief moment after he pulled away that you held your eyes closed for a second longer, not realizing that his eyes were on you again. When your eyes fluttered open, you were surprised to see him staring at you and unable to understand the look on his face. You thought you hated the way JJ made you feel, but really you hated how foreign this vulnerability felt. JJ felt so openly and freely and when he looked at you, you were certain he could see everything inside you. It was terrifying and you would swear you had stopped breathing if not for the quick beat of your heart telling you that you were very much alive. In fact, you had never felt more alive as when JJ looked at you. But in this moment you just wished to be somewhere you felt a familiar sense of comfort. A yoga class at the Beach Club. Sunbathing on your balcony. Anywhere but on your dock with JJ Maybank. Suddenly, you felt his hand press against your hip, and you were there: yoga, sunbathing, anywhere. Calm. But this calm was different. You still felt a lightning storm coursing through your body but breathing became easier. You felt exposed to JJ, but still closed off to the world, safe here in your backyard. He leaned into you, wanting to eliminate the air between you. For a moment, your faces were impossibly close and your lips could almost feel his. You burned to feel his lips on your own, hoping it might be the key to understanding these new feelings, or maybe putting an end to them. But you stopped yourself, or him, placing a firm hand on his bare chest. Without a word, because you truly didn’t know what you could say, you turned and went back into your house. You couldn’t kiss JJ Maybank. Especially not out in the open like you were. You shouldn’t have even been standing so close to him. You hoped that if any onlookers had witnessed what had just happened, that your expression was one of disdain. But you knew it hadn’t been. Because you had wanted to kiss him despite everything. As if the time he was nice to you at one party when he was high meant he actually cared about you. He was playing stupid Pogue games with you, probably a bet with his friends. “Who can get a Kook to fall in love with them!” You wonder how much money he was hoping to win. You wouldn’t allow him the satisfaction. JJ burst into your house through your back doors moments after you did. What the hell he thought to himself.
“Did I do something wrong,” he sounded mad. He didn’t know how to express his worry and confusion, his frustration at himself for possibly fucking up.
“Do you think I’m stupid?” JJ stared back at you with wide eyes. “I’m not gonna be a part of whatever game you’re playing?”
“Dude what are you talking about?” Both of you were terrible at expressing your emotions so these explosive comments affected the other very little, as you could barely process your own thoughts.
“You know what the fuck I’m talking about! Trying to kiss me! For whatever stupid bet!” JJ paused. His face stayed the same but he felt less like an explosion and more like the lava moving slowly, engulfing everything in its path. His brows furrowed deeper.
“You really think I would do that?” Shit. You read that all wrong and you think you might have hurt JJ’s feelings a little.
“Well why did you try to kiss me,” you asked, trying to recover.
“Because you’re hot.” He said it like it was the most obvious answer and you were an idiot for not already knowing it. For a moment you were shocked and still didn’t quite understand. Then you smirked, taking a page out of JJ’s book and attempting to shift the mood. The shame you felt from your accusation still burned but you ignored the feeling.
“You think I’m hot?”
“Yeah… I mean for a Kook you’re not too bad.” You scoffed and rolled your eyes. Could he take anything seriously? Ever be genuine.
“You’re so fucking ridiculous,” you bit back, walking past him. He mirrored your actions, rolling his eyes too. He grabbed your hips and pulled you into him, lips immediately meeting yours forcefully. It was a collision, what you would imagine a meteor would feel like when crashing down to earth. You felt grounded with your hands on the back of JJ’s neck but electrified with hands against your waist. You couldn’t tell if it was you or him that was crashing into all the life on planet earth. All you knew was it would cause destruction and change and you couldn’t stop it. You pulled yourself away from him and took a deep breath. You turned and walked to the stairs toward your bedroom. You turned to JJ who stood rooted in the same spot, in a daze.
“You coming?”
***
JJ’s arm reached across your body, hand moving up and down your hip as you laid on your back. He closed his eyes, face tucked into your neck. You just stared up at the ceiling, thinking. JJ placed a light kiss on your neck and felt you immediately tense. He propped himself up slightly to look at you. Whatever he was feeling earlier was gone, or at least pushed to the side, and he was back to his lighthearted self.
“What you regret it already,” he joked.
“No.” You sighed dragging your hands down your face. “It's just… This doesn’t-- this can’t leave this room.”
“Well yeah we’re not gonna fuck inside the Boat Club or something.”
“No like, no one can know about this.” You almost felt guilty saying it but you had already strayed so far from what you were taught was right, so this was the next logical step to fix things. Nothing personal.
“Oh yeah you’re right imagine if my friends found out I was fucking a Kook!”
“Fucking,” you asked attempting to gain clarity on his intentions, “Who says this is happening again?” You hoped the look of disdain on your face was intense but you could feel it melt away as JJ rolled himself to hover over you, smirk as intense as ever. He placed a quick kiss on your cheek, then one on your neck, on your shoulder, on your chest.
“I don’t know about you,” he placed two more kisses further down your body, sinking further under the sheets, “but I wouldn’t mind this happening again right now.” And you couldn’t say no. Not when you felt his touch on your skin, rendering your mind useless. All you could think about was how he felt against you and how you wanted to feel it forever.
snuck through all the garden gates every night that summer just to seal my fate
Sat at your desk hunched over your laptop, working on portfolios and applications for internships, you hear a knock at your window. You turned your attention to it, deciding to check out the noise. You pulled back the curtain, curiosity turning to annoyance when you saw JJ Maybank standing on your balcony. The thought of leaving him locked out there crossed your mind but you figured it would only cause you more trouble. You slid open the door.
“JJ what are you--” he didn’t waste a second before grabbing your waist and attaching his lips to your neck, “doing here?” You tried to keep your composure as the tingling sensation erupted in your tummy. Without JJ’s hands tethering you to the ground you’d probably float away.
“I was horny.” He missed you. And he didn’t know what to do about it. He didn’t know you but he craved your touch. He relished in the way you looked at him whether you were annoyed or entranced and he wanted to know what his feelings meant. You pushed him off of you.
“JJ, my parents are back. You should’ve texted.”
“Okay well I’m here now.” He tried to pull you back to him.
“You can leave,” you offered, stepping away and sitting back at your desk. You had barely a few seconds to look down at your work before you heard him settle onto your bed. You blew out a breath, exasperated. “I meant it. You can leave. Please go.” JJ pulled out his phone, ignoring you. You rolled your eyes and went back to your work. A few minutes later he spoke.
“You know, I don’t even have your number.”
“What,” you asked, not hearing him while reading something on your computer screen.
“I couldn't’ve texted you I don’t have your number.”
“Oh,” you said, realizing.
“We’ve had sex twice and don’t even have each other’s numbers. Kinda slutty of us,” he joked. You rolled your eyes but couldn’t keep your smile from forming.
“If I gave you my number would you leave?”
“I don't know, maybe.” He tossed you his phone with a grin on his face. You looked at the screen, his phone already open to contacts. You typed your number in and then stopped. What did you put in for your name? You couldn’t actually put your name in right? JJ couldn’t be seen texting you. But then again he probably wasn’t going to text you very much in the future… You just left it blank and looked up to where JJ had crossed over to your door, leading out to the balcony. He was looking at you.
“Snooping through my phone,” he asked jokingly.
“No I--,” you walked over to him, “... I didn’t know if you wanted me to put my actual name or what.” He let out an amused breath and shook his head. You held his phone out to him. Instead he grabbed your outstretched wrist and pulled you into him. He placed a kiss on your neck, letting his lips linger there for almost longer than you could handle. He brought his lips up to your ear making you lose all focus.
“I’ll text you.” You could hear the smirk in his voice. With that he slipped away, having taken his phone back without you noticing, and walked out onto the balcony.
***
JJ: your parents home?
YN:🙄
JJ: ???
YN: read 8:52
JJ: be there in 15
You sighed. Begrudgingly, you got up to unlock your balcony door and went back to working. Eventually you heard the door open and JJ walk in. You paid him no mind as he tossed his phone onto your bed or when he walked up behind you. He got your attention when his hands went to your shoulders and his lips to the side of your neck, but you pretended to still be focused on your work. He noticed.
“Damn they keep you busy at Kook University. Or is this for princess school,” he joked leaning over your shoulder to more closely inspect your work. You closed your laptop slightly, not wanting him to see your work.
“I don’t have to keep letting you come here, you know.”
“But you do anyway.” He smiled at you, eyebrows raised. You sighed, rolled your eyes, and went back to your work.
“I have work to do JJ,” you said. You felt his presence leave you as he backed away and started to wander around your room.
“Then why’d you unlock the door for me?”
“I always leave it unlocked,” you lied.
“Not very safe,” he said nonchalantly. “What’s this,” he added, sounding much more interested in something on your shelf than your unlocked door. You looked up to see him looking through your bookshelf.
“It’s a scrapbook…” You continued watching him, waiting to see if he would continue looking through your belongings. And he did. He grabbed the scrapbook and took it over to your bed where he plopped down, laying on his stomach. “What are you doing,” you asked when he opened the cover and began studying each page.
“Need something to do,” he shrugged.
“You could leave,” you said, getting up to take the book from him. You stopped beside your bed being slightly caught off guard at seeing the pictures. You hadn’t looked through them in a long time.
“Who is this? She’s in a lot of these.” He stayed looking through the various photos, missing your soft smile.
“My best friend.”
“I’ve never seen her.”
“Oh now you know everyone on the island?”
“No, I just think I’d probably recognize her,” he said in reference to her distinctive bright red hair which fell in messy curls in most of the pictures.
“She moved away. During highschool.”
“You still talk?” He was still thumbing through the pages of your book.
“Sometimes. Not much. Sometimes I get to see her for holidays and it's like she never left.” You smiled fondly and this time JJ looked up in time to see it. He smiled too, watching you study the pictures. He wanted to tell you how pretty he thought your smile was. He noticed he didn’t see you smile much. A really, genuine smile. Especially around him. But he was mesmerized by the slight curve of your lips and the way it made your eyes sparkle. He couldn’t tell you that though knowing it would likely freak you out and make you kick him out for real. You sat on your bed, across from JJ, eyes still glued to the photos in front of you. He looked back down at them as well, and began flipping through the pages again. “She was actually a lot like you.” This time you looked at him as he studied your memories.
“She poor as shit too? You got a thing for pogues?” He smirked to himself at his joke. You rolled your eyes.
“No. She was...I don’t know… wild? Spontaneous. Fun?”
“Ohh so you like us cool adventurous types,” he said looking up at you, “Is it ‘cause you’re so lame?” You feigned offence joking back with him.
“I’m lame?” He nodded, then your open mouth switched to a smirk. “How am I am lame, I’m sleeping with a pogue?” You laughed loudly as the look on JJ’s face mirrored what yours had just been, mouth open in fake shock. “Speaking of,” you said, laughter subsiding, “isn’t that what you came here for?” He continued to laugh a little himself.
“Well now I don’t wanna since you’re being mean to me.”
“Oh my god! You called me lame!”
“Yeah well you are!”
“I am not!” You waited for his next retort with an amused smile, matching his, on your lips. His expression changed suddenly from one of amusement to one that you couldn’t place. You had never seen it before, on anyone. At least not directed to you. But anyone who had would immediately recognize his look of adoration. “What,” you asked, very aware of the shift in the room.
“Nothing I just…nothing,” he chuckled lightly to himself, looking back down at the pictures.
“No what is it?”
“You actually are pretty cool.” It was the most sincere you’d ever heard him say despite the casual nature of his statement. You’re certain you blushed.
“You don’t even know me,” you said softly.
“But I like getting to know you… I like… talking to you.”
“Oh. Well, yeah I… I like talking to you too.” You took a deep breath. That was as emotion as you think you could handle for the night. “Except when all you feel like doing is making jokes.”
“Hey i can’t help it I’m so funny and witty!”
“Ohh yeah okay!” You were both giggling.
“I’m serious though. I wanna know who the kook princess really is. If she’s as cool as she says. What do they have you studying at princess school?”
“Architecture”
“Woah architecture? So you’re like building skyscrapers and shit?” You laughed.
“Well I’m more focused on the design but I guess yeah. We haven’t gotten to the real good hands on stuff quite yet but we study all kinds of buildings and design styles. Skyscrapers included.”
“Damn. So what you gonna come back to the Outerbanks and turn it all city?”
“No I uh— I want to work with city planning teams, design buildings that work with natural elements instead of fight against them.”
“…So you’re like… Pope smart. I thought he was the smartest dude on the island but he might have some competition.” You smiled at his flattery.
“What about you JJ. What do you wanna do?”
“I just wanna surf. All around the world. Just moving from place to place finding the best waves.” You loved how he got lost in the fantasy.
“You know i’ve… never surfed before.”
“What?! Like never!?”
“Well I had a couple lessons as a kid but I’ve never really surfed.”
“I’m taking you surfing tomorrow,” he jumped off your bed and walked toward your balcony door, “”Bright and early too, so I’m gonna let you get some sleep. Be ready!”
“What— I— how do you know i’m not busy?” The smile on your face matched his.
“I’m sure you’re not doing shit at 5am.” You’re eyes went wide but somehow your smile never faltered.
“JJ what?!?”
“See ya then!” And with that he slipped out the door.
“said im fine but it wasn't true”
“Thanks Topper you’re the best,” you slurred wrapping your arms around your friend. Blah blah topper drops her off at home and doesnt even go inside cause he sucks whatever okay skip
YN: come over?
JJ looked back down at his phone. Never since this thing started between the two of you had you asked him to come over. He was surprised but responded that he’d be over in 15 minutes. When he hopped in his car, he threw his phone into the passenger seat causing him to miss your next text.
YN: :)
YN: :) :)
JJ arrived at your house, pulling around to the garage, his usual routine. He grabbed his phone, brow scrunching upon seeing your texts. He can’t even remember the last time you smiled at him in real life. He smiled, amused at the thought of how you thought you were so tough and badass. It was cute. He pocketed his phone and began his short climb to your balcony. He entered your room through the door you had begun to leave unlocked for him. His eyes went to your desk first, almost expecting you to working, even this late on a Friday night. His eyes shifted from your empty chair to your bed, landing on you. You laid in what JJ couldn’t imagine was a comfortable position, still dressed in your party clothes and makeup, not even bothering to have pulled back the covers. He perched on the other end of your bed, the movement causing you to stir. You groaned, eyes opening more when you registered JJ in your room.
“Mornin’ sleeping beauty.” He let out a quiet laugh. Your face scrunched up in annoyance.
“You took so long to get here I got sleepyyy,” you whined, reaching your hands out to him, requesting he come closer. He scooted closer, sitting beside you. You wrapped your arms around him, pulling him into you with a sleepy grin on your face. He stopped abruptly, face hovering above yours. He could smell the alcohol.
“Are you drunk,” he asked.
“Nooooo,” you said, trying to pull him back down as he had begun to back away.
“We’re not doin’ this when you’re wasted,” he said a little more forcefully than he would have liked. You took no notice.
“I only had like a couple of drinks okay,” you slurred out. You stopped before JJ could respond, feeling suddenly sick. You rushed up and ran as quickly as you could on your unstable legs to your bathroom, leaning over the toilet and depositing the contents of your stomach into the bowl. JJ followed you in standing awkwardly at your side for a moment before kneeling down and moving your hair out of the way of your face. When you felt the sickness subside you sat back, eyes droopy and face pouting. JJ almost laughed, making your pout grow stronger.
“Shut up.”
“A couple drinks huh,” he asked amused. You sighed, giving up.
“OKay a lotta drinks. And I think I’m a little high.”
“Oh my god!” He laughed at your surprising state. You only groaned, leaning your head on your arm which rested on the toilet. “Uh do you… like need anything,” he asked.
“Some water would be good,” you said into the toilet. He got up and went down to the kitchen to grab you a glass of water. He returned to find you continuing to empty your stomach. He set the water on the counter and quickly sat down next to you. He rubbed your back until your stomach was finally empty, the way he remembered Kiara doing for him many times. You lifted your head up to look at him and his heart could’ve broken at the look in your face.
“JJ I don’t feel good.”
“I know, I’m sorry. Here,” he grabbed the glass of water, “this’ll help.” You took a couple of sips before setting the cup on the floor and quickly following it yourself, sliding down to lay against the cool tile. JJ had never been on this end of a drunken night out and he had no idea how he ended up having to take care of you. But he didn’t think he minded it all that much. “Come on, let’s get you to your bed.” He helps you up and leads you back to your room where you lay down, again on top of the covers. He perched on the edge again and looks down at you. He notices your eyes filled with tears. You sniffed a couple times. “Hey! Woah what’s wrong?” He placed a hand on your shoulder.
“You won’t kiss me,” you said softly as if you were just speaking your thoughts out loud instead of answering his question. He sighs, a little frustrated but trying really hard to be gentle.
“i already told you we can’t do anything when you’re out of it like this”
“Nooo,” you whine, also frustrated, “You don’t kiss me ever!” And you suddenly start crying. You probably won’t remember most of this. Your emotions feel disconnected from you right now but they are very much yours and very much real. Your lowered inhibitions simply brought them to the surface albeit against your will. You take a deep breath. “I just want you to kiss me again. You only kissed me once and— it was so so wonderful but you won’t do it again and it makes me so sad and I just like you so much and—“
“Hey, hey shhh shh it’s okay. I’m sorry it’s okay.” He is desperately trying to calm you, not yet even able to process all that you just said. You look up at him and in that moment, with tear streaks in your makeup long ruined by hours of partying and the aftermath, he knows he would do anything for you.
“Will you hold me?”
“Of course.” He honestly doesn’t know if he should. After everything you just drunkenly confessed to him. Everything is becoming so complicated. But how could he say no? So he scoots onto the bed and pulls you into him. You grip his shirt with something close to desperatetion and lay your head on his chest, instantly feeling calmer. JJ reaches over to turn off the lamp beside your bed and you fall asleep soon after. In the silence, JJ is finally able to think about everything you said. Think about how having you in his arms, watching the rise and fall of your chest, feeling your breath on his neck feels so right. It’s feels perfect. He wants this with you all the time. He wants to here you tell him how you feel and he wants to take care of you. JJ is hit with the shock of his realization but at the same time settles into how good it feels. How comforting it feels to care about you so much despite how fucking scary it is. He doesn’t care about anything else in this moment. Befofe closing his eyes, he reaches down to press a kiss to your head hoping that for now it is enough to let you know he feels the same.
she wake up the next morning and tries to assess the situation and hm idk actually what i want to happen okay maybe she kinda wake him up and is like jj what are you doing here and hes like uhh you invited me over last night and shes like i did like kinda mortified cause she cant remember and shes trying to and hes like no no we didn’t do anything you just… and shes like I what and hes like you just asked if i could come help you cause you felt really bad i guess you went out last night and i guess it was fun and shes like yeah well i still feel like shit right now and lays back down on him and goes back to sleep and hes trapped under her to just think about all that has happened and her and stuff and everything omg
“Ripped up my prom dress” okay new concept for the midsummers chapter:
“Why hello your highness,” JJ said, dropping into a deep bow. You rolled your eyes but your lips still curled into a smile at his antics.
“You didn’t tell me you’d be here,” you said, surprised.
“Yeah well I am working, wasn’t too excited about that part,” he paused, “You look beautiful.” You smiled at his genuine words but then noticed the bruises forming on one side of his face and you instantly wore a look of worry.
“You’re not looking too hot thought, what happened to your face?” You wanted to reach out and touch the purple spot near his eye but your arms stayed by your sides.
“Damn really? I thought I looked pretty good,” he joked, adjusting his vest. Your worried look did not waiver, pressing him to explain himself. “Ah don’t worry about it. You should see the other guy.” You still weren’t convinced but decided not to press anymore. Just then you saw Topper, heading your way. He wore a slight look of confusion, likely from seeing you standing with JJ Maybank. You quickly turned back to JJ right as Topper reached you.
“Could you please just get some champagne,” you said to JJ, your still furrowed brows aiding the believability of your falsely exasperated tone. JJ seemed caught off guard by your quick shift in tone and hesitated.
“You heard her pogue! Champagne,” Topper said. You raised your eyebrows, urging him to go. JJ walked off slowly, eyes glued to you as Topper pulled you aside.
“What’s up Top,”you asked, “Everything okay?” He looked upset.
“It’s Sarah. She’s been acting weird all night and now I can’t find her.”
“Um, okay I’m sure she’s fine. Let’s go find her.” The two of you searched throughout the country club eventually ending up on a porch overlooking a more secluded dock. You could make out Sarah and John B standing on the end, laughing and talking and standing really close. You knew Topper was fuming.
“God, I knew she was probably cheating on me. But with a damn pogue too!!”
“Come on Top she’s just talking to the guy that doesn’t mean she’s cheating,” you said.
“So you’re saying she snuck off with him just to talk?”
“I mean, I don’t know why don’t you ask her?”
“No. I don’t want her to know that I know about this… Flirt with me! Make her jealous!”
“Topper I’m not—“
“Please.” You rolled your eyes knowing your friend would keep persisting. You figured it was better you help him with whatever stupid plan he had quickly concocted then to let him crash and burn on his own. Quickly, your demeanor shifted as you wrapped your arms around the back of Topper’s neck. He grabbed your hips and brought you slightly closer to him. It was weird being like this with such a good friend. What was weirder is you noticed how different it was to being with JJ. He always pulled you in as close as possible. Topper only stood close enough to be believable. JJ’s hands on your skin, even through the fabric of your clothes, felt electric. But with Topper, you didn’t feel butterflies in your stomach or the searing of his fingertips on your hips. You realized now that you had only ever felt those feelings with JJ. But you put on your best smile and pretended. You let out a loud, exaggerated laugh which prompted Topper to get into character as well. He leaned his face in slightly, with a smirk on his lips.
“Topper!” You laughed again but stopped as you heard the sound of glass breaking. You looked around, seeing a discarded serving tray, a broken glass, and spilled champagne. Looking back to the building, you saw JJ storming back to the party.You barely suppress a sigh. “Uh…Top...I’ll be right back...uhh goin’ to the restroom,” you said, not looking away from where JJ walked further away.
and not only does sarah see but jj is bringing the champagne (also hoping to talk to you some more) and he see and you look over and see his face and your face immediately changes and then you remember and turn back to topper and hes like whats up with the pogue u know him and youre like no no what and jj like storms off and u really wanna go after him so youre like i need to go to the restroom and topper is like a lil suspicious but mostly just annoyed at pgues so he goes to rafe and kelce and them and they go after jj just like they do in the actual episode and you stumble upon it before the security guard and u break it up under the guise of “guys don’t be stupid ur gonna get urselves in trouble its not worth it.” and they are still kinda riled up and the security guy comes in and he gets jj and he leaves and looks at u kinda pissed and he goes outside and you see him start acting literally insane and you kinda follow him out and go up to him a lil bit and hes like oh heyyy princess! Wheres topper? And then idk what happens lol/ um maybe shes like trying to calm him down a lil but she wont like touch him or anything cause they are around like all of figure 8 but shes like JJ please not now we can talk about this later and shes worried people are maybe catching onto things. Well then the part happens when the pogues all start to leave(rewatch this clip) but before JJ runs out to the water Topper grabs him and is like asking him whats going on threatening him etc and ur like Top chill lets just get back to the party and so he pushed JJ to the ground and jj hits the busted up side of his face and looks hella in pain so she goes down to him and is like ohmygod are you okay and hes like yeah your boyfriends not so tough i can handle him and he gets up and stumbles a lil but runs over to john b and you get up (stepping on and ripping your dress) and run a few steps toward them and then you see pope and kie go with them and you just watch and are like :( (um later topper and the other guys are like asking her about jj and they are like omg are u fucking maybank? And she doesnt answer and they are like oh my god she fuckin a pogue woahahahhh!! Haha! And its like a thing they keep teasing her and like talking shit about jj which eventually leads to the big fight)
***
Um they haven't seen each other or talked in weeks “always waiting for you to be waiting below” and JJ is over doing some work on the boat or whatever and she gets home and goes out to try to talk to him and hes got headphones on and is ignoring her and eventually they talk and im gonna try really hard to remember the dialogue i came up with. Idk basically they get in a fight and hes pissed and he says something about not being her waiter anymore(like if you were hoping if i could get you some something to drink, im off the clock) and shes like cmon jj you cant really be mad about that how did you think we were gonna act around each other in public and hes like well thats easy to say when youre the kook and shes like okay but i still dont see what the big deal is we’re just having sex theres nothing actually going on nothings changed and hes all like are you forreal and shes like yeah? but kinda confused and hes like you really believe theres nothing else going on and shes just speechless and he puts his headphones back on and grabs his stuff and storms off the boat and hes like you know what im done talking about this cause u dont even give a shit ur just trying to make urself feel better and he just leaves and you are just standing there shocked and then for a few weeks u are waiting for him to like climb up to ur window “always waiting for you to be waiting below” and idk where we go from here but theres probs a love confession (he confesses whatever feelings and she like doesnt really say anything but probably kisses him and they probs fuck), then drama with kooks probs all the shit they keep giving her about JJ comes to a head (they dont actually know about them just like messing with them and maybe they try to beat him up) which makes her conflicted and she sides with them and is like hes just the guy that does a few jobs for my family we’ve barely even talked okay give it a rest. Well so that is why is JJ is so hurt cause he confessed his feelings and he thought she at least felt SOMEHTING cause no she didnt say anything but like you dont have sex with someone you hate after they tell you that they really care about you and he figured maybe it was just hard for her to say those things but apparently she doesn’t gie a shit about him and this literlaly makes me said thinking about it ugh poor jj **(also i need to add more of them getting to know each other and showing their relationship progress before this point like midsummer and show them starting to fall for each other)
You looked outside your window, hearing some noise
“I wounded the good and I trusted the wicked”(second fight the main one not post midsummer)
“JJ you can’t just expect me to defend you to them. That's… that's not how we do things, you know that.”
“So you’re just gonna let ‘em beat my ass and talk shit huh? Just so they think you’re still one of ‘em!”
“I don’t see you defending me to your fucking pogue friends.”
“Oh yeah? Well I would!”
“Yeah! Right! You care just as much about your image as me! Except my image actually matters. It matters what people think of me JJ okay? It comes back on my future. On my parents and my family. Your dads already a piece of shit so who gives a fuck what you do?”
“Don’t talk about my fucking dad okay--!”
“JJ he hits you! He’s a dick--”
“Yeah well I don’t care I don’t want you saying shit about him!”
“God JJ this is what im fuckin’ talkin’ about! This is why no one cares about you cause YOU don’t care about you!” He stopped. He stayed steady, eyes burning into you. Then in a quick motion he grabbed his things and went for the door. He spoke again, quieter now but still seething.
“You know it's real damn funny you say that since you were spouting all that shit about likin’ me. But I guess it was all the weed and the ‘champagne’ or whatever the fuck you kooks drink huh?”
“What are you…?” Confusion was obvious on your face.
“That night. I came over and you were outta your mind. Said you liked me shoulda known it was bullshit.” You were even more confused now, trying to go back to that moment, rewind through this fight, and understand what you were feeling. You noticed tears had fallen from your eyes and you could’ve sworn JJ’s held some of his own, not yet spilling onto his cheeks.
“Wait no JJ that-- I didn’t--- I do and I didn’t mean what--”
“Yeah I’m actually not in the mood to hear it so,” he wiped the tear that had broken away from his watery eyes with a loud sniff and left before anymore threatened to fall.
“Were so sad we paint the town blue voted most likely to run away with you”
So here's what happens. Sarah and john B have just went straight into the storm they are gone peterkin is dead everything has gone to shit. JJ is basically hysterical and pope and kie are trying to be there for him but they are super fucked up too and JJ just doesnt know what to do hes just hurting. He cant go home cause his dad and he just doenst wanna be alone but he doesnt wanna be with his friends rn hes just feeling all of the emotions. He finds his way to your house without even really realizing where hes going and he gets there and goes up to her balcony of course. He leaning on the door and just kind of in a daze and he goes to pull on the door cause u used to leave it open for him and you hear it and are kinda freaked out so u go to peak behind the curtains and its fukcing jj and ur like what the hell but then u see he looks like hell so you open the door and (mention that he didnt know where else to go)(also it was raining when he got there then started storming after he came inside)
JJ sobbed into your shoulder, releasing what felt like all of the emotions he had ever felt, silently onto your collar. You held him against you gently, contrasting his hands clutching at your shirt, tethering him to the world. You stood there, in the middle of your room until your legs grew sore. You considered moving to your bed or even your floor but you were scared that if you moved, if you let go for even a second, JJ would collapse or somehow disappear. So you stayed right there supporting his shaking body. He ignored your initial questioning, seemingly unable to even speak when he had arrived. You tried again.
“JJ please, you’re scaring me, what’s going on?” You felt yourself getting close to tears, thinking up the worst possible things that could have happened to make him so hysterical. A tear ran down your face and mixed with the wetness on your neck. He had started to calm down but your question punched him in the gut and blocked his airways. Nothing was ever fucking okay, especially not now and he didn’t think he could take it anymore. His breathing became more shallow and ragged, and he leaned into you more, not able to hold his own weight along with the weight of his shitty situation.
“JJ--JJ,” you tried to interject as his crying got louder and he struggled to breath. You pushed him off of your shoulder, noticing how he swayed slightly, and grabbed the sides of his face. “JJ, breathe. Breathe. Please. It's okay.” You didn't know if anything would be okay but you tried to plead with him, tried to keep his eyes locked onto yours as you breathed slowly with him. Tears still streamed down his face and his body still shook and he swayed where he stood but he eventually took full normal breaths. You felt okay then, letting go of his face for mere seconds to take hold of his shoulder to lead him to sit on your bed. “Let’s sit. And maybe we can talk about it?” He pulled away and stood up suddenly when you hesitantly suggested he talk about the cause of his current hysterics. He sniffed, gaining slight composure.
“No, I should go.” Sniff. “Should probably go check on Pope you know--”
“Wait. JJ it's storming you can't go out in this.” He walked toward the door.
“I got here just fine.”
“JJ please. Please stay. I know you're mad at me right now but I… I’m really worried about you. Just-- stay please. You can have the guest room or my room or... whatever.” He conceded, walking over to your bed and sitting uncomfortably on the edge. You couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast of this moment to all the times you had laid with him in that bed talking about anything and everything, laughing until the early hours of the morning. You took a step toward him. “Do you want anything to eat?” He shook his head, eyes pointed toward the floor. “How bout I get you some dry clothes?” He continued staring at the floor as you floundered, trying your best to help him. You left the room after a long, lingering look at him, afraid to peel your eyes away and leave him unattended. You returned with some new clothes to find him in the same position he had been in three minutes ago. You set the clothes next to where he sat.
“Thanks,” he said, still not looking at you. He grabbed the clothing and went to your bathroom. He reentered your bedroom to see you in a similar position to how he had sat moments ago. You shot up when you realized he had returned.
“You don’t have to keep acting like that. There's nothing wrong with me.”
“I know but… you won't tell me what's going on I don’t know what to--” He began to make himself comfortable in your bed. That was fine, you could sleep in the guest room. You walked to the door leading to the hallway. “Um… I’ll let you get some rest.” You paused, hearing JJ let out a loud sigh, his hands coming up to cover his face.
“Will you stay?” He didn’t want to ask that of you. Didn’t want you to know he craved your presence and the comfort it gave him. He was still mad at you . So angry and hurt and disappointed and he wanted you to know it. But he needed you right now. You were kind of all he had.
“Sure. Of course.” You sat in your desk chair. His hands fell and he looked over at you. He let out another breath.
“Will… can you hold me?” You didn’t say another word, you just went straight to him. He made space for you on the bed and you found your way to a comfortable position. The way his head so easily fell to your chest and your hands found their way to his hair made you both forget any awkwardness you had felt earlier. This was right.
“I hope the clothes fit okay,” you said. “I’m sure they’re better than the wet clothes. But if you want I can try to find you something else. Or I put your stuff in the dryer. Should be done soon.” It was all you could think to talk about until JJ was ready to join the conversation but you figure it would help calm him to hear you talk about mindless things.
“John B’s gone,” he said.
“What?”
“John B. He’s fucking gone!” You could feel his breathing start to quicken. Your hand that wasn’t in his hair rubbed circles across his back in an attempt to soothe him. JJ didn’t elaborate much on that aspect of the situation but you knew what he was talking about. It was late and you had already heard about all John B and Sarah, Sheriff Peterkin. The whole island was talking about it. “And I don’t fucking have anyone anymore! He was it! He was my family! My other fuckin’ friends have their own families. With ‘em right now in their nice cozy homes, mom and dad tellin’ ‘em it's all okay. But it's not! Cause now all I got is my fucking shitty dad! I just can’t wait to get out of this place. Can’t wait to fucking leave! All on my own.” There was a pause.
“I’d go with you.” You don't know why you said it. You knew JJ was still mad at you and he wouldn’t care that you apparently wanted to run away with him. He'd probably rather be alone forever than leave the island with you. But you knew the words that left your mouth were incredibly true.
“What? Where?”
“Anywhere. If you left. I would go with you.”
“You wouldn’t leave this shit. You got it good here.”
“Yes I would. You always have me now JJ.” He stayed silent at your words that felt somehow like both a serious declaration of love and a nonchalant greeting to a friend. He didn’t speak for a while and you wondered if he had fallen asleep when he moved his head slightly to look up at you.
“I’m still mad at you,” he said. You knew your confession wouldn’t forgive the way you had treated him. Wouldn’t fix everything between you after not speaking for weeks. So you told him.
“I know.” He laid his head back down on your chest, seemingly good with your response and your fingers continued to thread through his hair. It was almost dry now, almost back to its usual softness and you realized how much you missed the feeling. How much you missed him. “I’m really sorry JJ. My friends are dicks and I was being a dick and it’s not okay how I treated you. The things I said… I was so horrible. I didn’t even mean it but I still said it and I know I hurt you and… I don’t even know why I’m friends with them,” JJ smiled despite his state as he sensed your rambling about to begin. He always thought it was cute when you did that, “I mean I’m really not and you're the only person I really care about on the island so I should just dump those idiots. And I’m-- I’m just so sorry J and I missed you so much and-- I wanna make it up to you. I don’t want you to feel alone, I want you to know that you have me. Always. So whatever I have to do--” You felt him adjust slightly, getting more comfortable. You looked down in time to see him close his eyes, too tired or indifferent or still mad to respond to your little rant just yet. And that was okay. So you reached over and turned off your lamp engulfing you in a comforting darkness that blocked out the rest of the world and kept you safe in each other's arms if even for just one night.
***
You woke slowly. There was little light in your room, the storm having not passed completely and covering the morning sun you were used to. You looked down to the weight you felt on your chest to see JJ and remembered last night. You closed your eyes and wrapped yourself closer around him, hoping to shield him and allow him a few more moments before he’d have to face the world, and face you. you couldn’t bear the thought of jj You fell back to sleep quickly and the next time you opened your eyes, you were face to face with JJ who was now awake. He looked sad, but much more calm. You studied his face but did not move, unsure how to go about the situation. To your surprise, JJ grabbed your hand.
“I miss you,” he said quietly looking down at your clasped hands.
“I’m right here.” You couldn't help the small smile of amusement at his words and the confusion they brought you.
“Well I missed you. And…I don’t wanna, like keep missing you. I don’t wanna go.”
“You don’t have to,” you rushed to say, “You can stay here as long as you want.” He didn’t respond. “JJ I know I really fucked up and I know you might not forgive me right now but I’m really really sorry that I didn’t defend you and that I said all that shit. I’m gonna do everything I can to fix this okay? ‘Cuz I wanna be with you. Like really be with you. And I don’t care about anyone and what they think I just care about you JJ. A lot. You… you make me really happy.” He raised your intertwined hands and began to leave kisses inside your palm and along your wrist. His brows were scrunched together and it looked as if he might cry. He continued to kiss up your arm, to your shoulder, and then to your neck where he left his face buried. You heard him sniff.
“Yeah well you’ve got a lot of fixing to do,” he began, “Like you’re probably gonna have to buy my weed for like a year or something.” You laughed despite yourself but pushed him away slightly.
“JJ stop, I'm being serious.” He laughed slightly too.
“Yeah I am too.”
“Weed will make you forgive me,” you asked uncertainly.
“Yeah probably.”
“Then deal.”
next end of summer she has to go back to school and shes like come with me and hes like im not going to ur fucking fancy expensive college and shes like u could get a job. i have an apartment and you have money saved up for the last year so you can help pay rent so you don't like like free loader. but hes like what if we like start hating each other again or get in a bunch of fights and shes liek we’ll just have to take the chance.
help from writers!! especially fic/imagine/general fandom ppl :) Where do you get pics/gifs to add to your posts? Also if you have any general formatting types for fics and my blog in general? I want everything thing to be really cute but more importantly easy to navigate/read and I'm open to any tips :) (pretty new to posting on tumblr but ive been on it for years)
They met in class for metaphysical philosophy, he tells his friends I like her ‘cause she’s so much smarter than me
OR How you and JJ met
Summary: A look into different points of JJ and reader's relationship inspired by People Watching by Conan Gray. 3k words
***
A/N: I loveee this song especially the opening verse and I always loved picturing the people that inspired it. The chapters wont follow the order of the lyrics. I hope y'all enjoy :)
***
“Dude look what is this shit?” He smacked the paper before holding it out to Pope. He took hold of it, looking over each class listed in his friend’s schedule for the upcoming year until he found the so-called “shit” JJ was referring to: Philosophy. Pope let out a chuckle the moment he registered the word and looked over at his friend, amused. “Pope, man this isn’t funny they must’ve messed up my schedule and shit! I can’t take this class, man!” Pope could only continue to laugh, catching Kiara’s attention. She grabbed the paper out of Pope’s hand and quickly displayed the same reaction as him.
“Wow JJ I had no idea you were such a scholar! An intellectual if you will?”
“Shut up Kie!” JJ rolled his eyes as his friends’ laughter died down, ready to show a little sympathy.
“Look JJ,” Pope started, “It really isn’t that big a deal. This stuff happens just go talk to the counselor and get it fixed, easy.”
“Yeah alright… gimme that,” JJ snatched back his class schedule before roughly folding it and putting it into his pocket. He’d probably remember to look at it again before the first day. Probably.
***
To JJ, school was the single biggest waste of his time. He sat through stupid classes all day, missing out on prime surfing time. And what’s worse, it’s not like he could smoke a joint in the middle of history, much less chat with any of his friends in English. He was just glad to have guaranteed easy classes that required close to nothing on his end. That and the knowledge that he didn’t have parents riding his case about his education or caring about his future allowed him to ignore the nuisance that was school once he left the building. But being put in philosophy did not work into his plan. Philosophy was for the smart people. Like Pope smart. Maybe even smarter and JJ definitely considered himself a lot less smart than Pope. JJ took the classes that were required of him and absolutely nothing else. The people who took philosophy probably finished half of their requirements in middle school and overloaded on classes with specific topics because they were actually interested in them. He shuddered at the thought of more school as he entered his next class. Seven students sat at the various desks, not even filling half of them. JJ thought maybe the rest of the class was running late but he thought it was weird that everyone there currently sat toward the front of the room. His other classes were always full and people had no issue sitting in the very back row even if the one closest to the teacher had yet to be filled. But JJ was a master at blending in of course and even though he planned to get out of this class by tomorrow, he could still have fun pretending to be one of the smart kids. He slid into the last empty seat in the second row, looking around and observing his temporary classmates. His brow furrowed in confusion when he noticed them all with faces in books or scribbling away in their notebooks. How were they doing work before the bell had even rung? He slid down slightly in his seat letting his head hang down in the direction of his empty desktop, hoping to divert attention away from himself so as not to blow his cover and ruin his little game. His hand came up to the side of his face, blocking it from the others in his row as he waited for the dreaded class to begin.
“Hi!” The sound came from the desk next to him. He lowered his hand and looked over at the girl sitting there. “...I… haven’t seen you before, I’m Y/N.”
“Oh well… I typically take a lotta... math... classes so this is kinda… new for me,” he tested out.
“Oh me too! Maybe we’ll have some more classes together.” You smiled at him warmly.
“Mmm yeah maybe,” he smiled, amused at the possibility, “I’m JJ.”
“Nice to meet you. Glad to have you in class JJ.” Again he smiled, you reading it as politeness when he really was trying to hold back laughter. Finally the bell rang signaling the beginning of class and JJ realized no other students had entered the room. If the first bell took that long to sound, he knew it would take an eternity before the last one would sound, ending his philosophy career and his misery.
***
“You’re kidding me what!? What do you mean there’s no other classes??” JJ yelled, ignoring that he was in the administrative office.
“Please keep it down Mr. Maybank. What I mean is that all the other classes at that time are full so we can’t move you out of your current class.”
“Ughh! … Yall messed this up, you gotta fix it!”
“I’m sorry JJ but there’s nothing I can do.”
“Okay but you don’t understand I can’t spend the whole semester in this class its for like the genius kids! I can’t do that shit!”
“Mr. Maybank please watch your language. And as for these ‘genius kids’ I suggest you talk to one of them about tutoring you.” At that JJ threw his head back and groaned as he exited the office and made his way outside to join his friends for lunch. They immediately noticed his dramatic expression as he approached.
“Whats up J,” Kiara asked slowly.
“This bullshit! They said they can’t take me outta that stupid class!”
“Wait you mean philosophy? You have to stay in it all semester,” Pope asked. JJ nodded.
“And what’s worse they said I should get a fucking tutor! Like I’m gonna go outta my way and do more school when I’m not even at school,” JJ shook his head, “I think I’ll just go ahead and fail.”
“Hate to break it to you man but if you fail it they’ll probably make you retake it over the summer.”
“Pope dude are you serious?” He nodded. “Fuuuck.” Kiara patted his shoulder, looking amused.
“Well uh, guess you’re getting a tutor.”
***
JJ walked into his second day of philosophy and slumped down in the seat next to yours. Blowing out a breath, he reluctantly looked over at you, preparing to ask you the dreaded question. You gave him a small smile.
“So uh… do you like… tutor people ever? For a friend! He’s… he’s looking for a… tutor.” Your smile grew, knowing where this was going.
“Oh yeah I do what does your, uh friend need tutoring in?”
“This class!-- Well not this… class but you know this subject.”
“Mmm okay well I’d be willing to be your friend’s study buddy, help ‘em out.”
“Okay cool cool.... Cool. That's real uh cool of you.” You giggled.
“Cool,” you answered sarcastically. This made JJ laugh softly, dropping his charade.
“Yeah so uh… should we get crackin’ like today I-- I think that would… be good. And do we… me at… the library or…?”
“Um we could or we could just go to my place if that's better?”
“Okay yeah… yeah sure that's good I’ll uh, meet you after school?”
“Sounds good.” He mirrored the smile you gave him before you both turned to face the front of the class where the teacher stood.
***
“JJ come on, the final’s in two weeks you need to get some more work done on your paper so you can start reviewing in time.”
“But dude. This paper is so stupid I do not care about any of these old guys’ theories.”
“Okay but you know them, I know ‘cause I helped you learn them, so pick one and write something about it.” JJ groaned in his usual dramatic fashion making both of you laugh. You shoved him lightly, telling him to write which he eventually began to do. When you had finished up your own essay you turned your attention to what JJ had started writing. You read over the beginnings of his essay a couple of times.
“JJ! This is good. These ideas are really good!”
“Well don’t sound so surprised,” he joked.
“I just mean I figured you had nothing since you didn’t want to write it so bad. But this is good, keep going and we can polish it up.”
“For real?”
“Yeah I’m really proud of you.” It was a simple statement and you quickly turned your attention to work for your other classes. But JJ let his gaze linger on you for a few seconds longer, a small smile on his lips. No one had ever said they were proud of him before. At least not that he could remember and definitely not when it came to smart stuff like this. He felt his heart expand hearing those words and he wondered how it would feel to hear them again. And again. He hoped he might do something else deserving of someone’s pride again. It made him feel taken care of in the way he tries to take care of his friends and it felt good to be on the other side of that kind of affection. He turned his attention back to his work and for the first time in his education, felt some motivation.
“No listen John B she’s like, so smart it's like cool! She might even be smarter than Pope and he’s probably the smartest person I know.” In his modesty, Pope let out a loud laugh, thinking JJ must have pretty low standards for intelligence if he was on the smartest end. “Pope what the hell is funny man?” This made Kiara snicker as well. JJ’s friends were all amused at how serious he seemed to be about this, all seeing what he couldn’t.
“Uh, JJ it sounds like you might have a little crush,” John B said.
“Shit,” JJ said, brushing off the notion. “Fuck,” he said more quietly in realization in disbelief. His friends continued their quiet giggling at his apparent predicament.
“You gonna… you gonna ask her out or what? I mean you’ll only be in class together for another what, two weeks? And I doubt you’ll ever be in one of her classes again so,” Pope laughed.
“Shut up man I could be, I'm doing pretty good.”
“I’m sorry could any of you imagine JJ dating this apparent genius girl,” Kiara laughed at the images it brought to her mind.
“Yeah I don’t know if she’d be down to date like a surfer dude,” John B changed his voice to mock his friend.
“Or she’d be like studying or something and you’re all,” Kiara also took on a ridiculous voice, “‘Hey babe wanna hit,’” she mimicked blowing out smoke and took on a stoner persona that they all knew was incredibly far off from JJ. But they still found it funny.
“You guys are the fucking worst and I’m gonna ask her out and you’re all gona feel like idiots okay,” JJ said holding both of his middle fingers up for all of his still amused friends to see.
“Just invite us to the wedding okay,” Kiara mocked, earning a shove from her friend as she fell out laughing.
***
“Hey I wanna… say, ya know thanks for helping, uh my friend out with this class,” JJ said trying to bring you back to the beginning of the semester with this class. You closed your book figuring it was time for a break. You gave JJ a tired smile that was nonetheless bright. He almost rolled his eyes when he smiled back just as big remembering how his friends noticed his feelings before he did and hating them being right.
“Well he was a pretty… okay study buddy,” you joked back. JJ let out a breathy laugh.
“Just okay?”
“Well you’re pretty easily distracted but you do keep it fun. So better than okay I guess. And you really impressed me this semester. You’re a lot smarter than you think.” When JJ recalls this moment he can only assume he blushed a bright pink at your genuine statement and the look in your eyes. Thinking about it, he still wants to melt in both embarrassment and somehow happiness. He quickly changed the subject.
“Gonna be weird not seein’ each other all the time huh?” He had really gotten used to seeing you everyday, enjoying the time he spent with you even if it was filled doing activities he didn’t so much enjoy.
“Yeah.” You paused. “...No one in my classes is ever as,” you searched for the right word but couldn’t find it, “...fun as you.”
“Well no one in my classes is ever so damn smart like you,” he replied, “But uh, I was wondering did you maybe wanna hang out sometime? Like no studying or anything?”
“Yeah I would, yeah. Let’s do that,” You smiled at him and then opened your textbook again, eyes going down to the words you knew you would no longer be able to focus on.
***
JJ stood in front of the small bathroom mirror in the Chateau fluffing and fixing his hair over and over, indecisive. He wore his least dirty pair of boots and had borrowed one of John B’s less loud button down shirts. He topped it with a jacket. He felt a little weird but he hoped you’d think he looked nice in the clothes that were slightly nicer than what he typically wore to school. He smoothed back his hair one more time and ran his hand through it once. He settled on that. At least it was clean and dry, an improvement from the usual. He drove the Twinkie to your place, a very familiar route by now. When he arrived he paused in the driver's seat. Did he text you he was here or did he go up and knock? Was that what people did to pick up a friend or just dates? You hadn’t said this was a date. And what if one of your family members answered the door? He let out a breath and opened the car door before he could stop himself. He walked up to the door and knocked. He waited almost a moment too long, beginning to contemplate going back to the car and texting you when you opened the door grinning. You were actually really excited to hang out with JJ and get to know him more without homework and studying. You had enjoyed his company over the semester. JJ smiled and felt relief when you appeared and then suddenly felt self conscious. You looked exactly like yourself and he was wearing someone else's clothes. So fucking stupid. He tried to push it out of his mind as you greeted each other and he walked you to the Twinkie. As you both almost arrived at the driver's side of the car, he had the idea to open your door for you. He stopped awkwardly and abruptly, confusing you, as he changed direction to go around the front of the van. He opened the door for you and you got in thanking him. You showed little confusion, just a small smile, as you were used to his odd actions at this point. JJ got in the car, turned up the music and began driving. He felt nervous as shit. He spent the entire semester with you and now you were causing him to act like an idiot. And this wasn’t even a date! What was wrong with him? He clutched the top of the steering wheel and glanced over at you quickly before he started speaking.
“So uh I was thinking we could maybe get some food over at The Wreck? That… that cool?”
“Yeah that sounds good,” you responded. JJ didn’t really love the idea of going to the place Kie’s parents owned and she worked there. He’d be surprised if he didn’t see his dumbass best friends there trying to spy on his date. If they all weren’t, Kie would definitely be working there, and have prime position to embarrass him. But she did offer to cover half the bill and it was a hot spot. JJ figured it would look good and maybe earn him another date. Or a first real one actually. God he just hoped he wouldn't blow it. Another date with you, even if only one more sounded like a great deal to JJ, and he needed to do everything possible to make it happen.
***
You sat in the passenger seat of the van that JJ had informed you was called the Twinkie. The conversation lulled as he drove the car up to your house and in that moment of silence, realization dawned on you. Your brows scrunched as you tried to make sense of the thought that had appeared in your mind. JJput the car in park and you turned to him before he could say anything. You took a breath.
“JJ? Was this a date?” You asked it with hesitation but more confidence than you expected to come through your words. JJ turned to you, caught off guard, but quickly painted on his signature playful smirk.
“Did you want it to be,” he asks. You almost rolled your eyes.
“JJ,” you repeated more sternly this time. You really wanted to know his answer. “Was this a date?” His face softened and his expression changed from the confident boy most knew well to almost bashful. You decided you liked that look on him.
“I was kinda hoping it could be.” He looked up at you at the end of his statement and mustering all of his confidence leaned in. It happened quickly. He touched his lips briefly to yours in a soft kiss. It was so delicate that it stole your breath, making you dizzy. He pulled away before you could even process that moment. He looked at you, eyes closed and bottom lip between your teeth to suppress a smile. You took a deep breath in.
“Definitely a date then.” You opened your eyes slowly.
“That cool with you,” JJ asked, growing nervous. You nodded flashing that smile that JJ already found intoxicating.
“I’m hoping you can… take me on another one?”
“Yeah of course.”
“Okay,” you said. You leaned over quickly, mirroring his actions, and placed a kiss on his cheek. Just as quickly, you exited the car with one more look back at the boy. With your back to him as you unlocked your door, he let out a cheer before speeding off. You smiled to yourself as you entered your house and JJ grinned his whole way home.
So I posted a snippet of a JJ Maybank series and then didnt touch it again until recently. I'm really excited to post it but cant get the first chapter going (i have the concept just not the specifics lol) But in the meantime I'm really wanting to share some work. I'm going to start with a different JJ Maybank series! I have some other (long time) WIPs so let me know if you'd be interested and I can work to get them ready to post! :)
Works In Progress:
"Cruel Summer" - JJ Maybank
"People Watching" - JJ Maybank
Untitled Peter Pevenise Series (inspired by The Selection)
"Notes On Love" - Harry Styles (working title)
and a few other concepts I have for Finnick Odair, Peter Pevensie, Klaus Mikaelson, and others
A/N: Hi yall! I started this blog because I had some ideas for writing that I was really excited about and wanted to share. I have tried a few times before to post my writing (and always write for myself) but I haven't stuck with it. Giving myself a fresh start here and just seeing where it takes me! :) I was inspired to write this over the summer because I watched OBX season 2 and listened to Taylor Swift's album Lover a lot. This will be a multi-part series based on a few of the songs from the album but I wanted to go ahead and share a lil preview. Please let me know what you think! :) I hope to get some chapters out soon. (and possibly some other works too!)
He was grinning. He started walking slowly toward you, eyes burning into yours and you couldn't move. He stopped directly in front of you. Leaning down slightly, he brushed against your ear again and whispered, “Is that all you came out here for?” He pulled away quickly, so that he could look at you. Not only did he just like studying your features, but he liked seeing the effect he had on you. He was in awe at the thought of you melting under his touch, your heart speeding up around him like his did when he was anywhere near you. He didn’t know what any of this meant, just that it was exciting and that you were beautiful. He savored the brief moment after he pulled away that you held your eyes closed for a second longer, not realizing that his eyes were on you again. When your eyes fluttered open, you were surprised to see him staring at you and unable to understand the look on his face. You thought you hated the way JJ made you feel, but really you hated how foreign this vulnerability felt. JJ felt so openly and freely and when he looked at you, you were certain he could see everything inside you. It was terrifying and you would swear you had stopped breathing if not for the quick beat of your heart telling you that you were very much alive. In fact, you had never felt more alive as when JJ looked at you. But in this moment you just wished to be somewhere you felt a familiar sense of comfort. A yoga class at the Beach Club. Sunbathing on your balcony. Anywhere but on your dock with JJ Maybank. Suddenly, you felt his hand press against your hip, and you were there: yoga, sunbathing, anywhere. Calm. But this calm was different. You still felt a lightning storm coursing through your body but breathing became easier. You felt exposed to JJ, but still closed off to the world, safe here in your backyard. He leaned into you, wanting to eliminate the air between you. For a moment, your faces were impossibly close and your lips could almost feel his. You burned to feel his lips on your own, hoping it might be the key to understanding these new feelings, or maybe putting an end to them. But you stopped yourself, or him, placing a firm hand on his bare chest. Without a word, because you truly didn’t know what you could say, you turned and went back into your house. You couldn’t kiss JJ Maybank.
