nicmulciber:
Nico’s hands smoothed over the fabric that had barely had specks of tea on it before she cast her spell. The crimson in her cheeks made a slight tint of pink appear on his own. A hand rubbed the back of his neck as he inspected her in front him. Every small little detail about her up close and personal. Things that were slightly different from his observations he had made from afar. Red tresses sway with the curious tilt of his head. Light irises connect from her to the book. He surprisingly hadn’t noticed the switch of the book contents, because he was more focused on her facial features & hair. “Love story?” He scoffed before he could catch himself. As if anyone would find a happy ending.
In his daydreams and mind he could easily drift off to a perfect ending between the both of them. Except she didn’t see him in that light, at least he hadn’t thought so. “So, you don’t think those things happen normally?” Nico inquired as he took a step closer to her. There was no such thing as personal space when it came to Mulciber. “Cookies?” He quirked a brow, but if it meant more time with Gabby. Well… “Aye, that sounds good. Perhaps we can share the cookies and a drink.” His sly way of asking her on a little date, even though she was unaware of it.
He had surprisingly good self control he told himself. It’s the only thing that held him back from extending his hand to twirl a strand of hers around it. “Do you dunk your cookies often?”
Gabrielle’s face fell when he made a jibe at her genre of choice. The red on her cheeks only darkened and spread down her neck and chest. Green eyes found the cobblestone as her shoulders hunched slightly, trying to retreat into herself. Fold herself up to protect her feeble heart. “They’re my favorite.” She said quietly, trying unsuccessfully to hide her hurt at what she had taken as disapproval. “I know it’s stupid, but I’d like to think that whoever I end up with and I can love each other in the same way that the characters in my books love one another. Even if it takes time to get there.” The brunette was bearing her soul to him. It was why she was so easily crushed so often, because her heart and soul always rested on her sleeve and the hope was ever present in her wide eyes.
She didn’t move while Nicholai moved closer to her, not scared of the boy, nor minding his proximity to her, but she felt very small before him. His words made Gabrielle think that he was asking if she thought it were possible for her, specifically, to have such a thing happen. The insecurities that grew in her head like weeds in a field often twisted and gnarled the words of others to make them much more personal. Her bottom lip trembled and she looked up at him with the same hurt that she might have if he’d just hit her. Her brunette waves swept around her shoulders as she shook her head. “No, I know love isn’t meant for a girl like me.” And her gaze fell again, clutching the book tightly to her abdomen. She was, after all, atrocious looking. And since she’d started eating normally again, she certainly looked even worse. It seemed as if no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t master being good enough for others, save Stefan.
“Of course,” She whispered, trying to sound bright, because even though she felt completely inadequate, Gabrielle would do most anything to spend time with the other. “I’d be happy to have a drink with you.” Of water. Or tea. Because now she felt hyper-self conscious in his presence. “Not really, despite my appearance, I seldom eat cookies.” Usually only if she made them with Stefan, because he’d be looking to make sure she did. “But, I know some people like them with hot beverages, or milk.”














