Love at Midnight
ft. the Paxley siblings
"To drag a soul untouched by darkness into the family affairs is too great a risk, but you? You're the exception."
May contain : 4 Paxley idiots falling in love, Gusion and Mellisa being a menace to society in general (Clemar is too but he's on a whole different saga), Aamon and Marcel are emotionally constipated but in different ways. Also brief mention for some other characters. Writer tries to write gn!reader
Note : Bc damn they're all so pretty and I'm down horrendous for these 4 idiots. Basically a bunch of headcanons on how they'd all slowly fall in love, the realization and the funny little things because dear lord the Paxleys do not have much experience when it comes to romance
Aamon 💎
He first met you during one of the many Moniyan galas that Silvana held. He was there out of obligation and frankly he'd rather pass out in his private chambers than be there with all those unbearable elders and nobles.
Aamon first thought you were probably like other nobles or the likes of them. Stuck up, entitled or just plain unpleasant to interact with when Silvanna came to introduce you. That is, until the curtsies and greetings were over.
You were so... relaxed. Up-beat and so casual. Seemingly not really caring about the fact he's the duke Paxley everyone's so... afraid of.
And then learning you're not only one of Silvanna's trusted aide but also close friends with Cici?
He became more relaxed around you almost instantly. Just the tiniest bit and almost unnoticeable but it's there.
Since then whenever the empire needed to talk about something they'd send you over to house Paxley.
You know how to play the part and not piss off the elders and be polite. Saves the officials a lot of trouble when handling any issues with them.
But as soon as he asks the others to leave to talk about this matter privately? It's a mask off situation for both of you instantly
Well It was really more of a super slow process, almost like a crawl. He's unsure if he should involve you with whatever the fuck is going on with his family.
But you were very patient with him. It started small. Asking him how he's doing today when meeting him. Delivering the gifts Cici had prepared for him when she couldn't. Little things, y'know.
Then you started dropping off some sweets and snacks during your official visits, "a little something to help you get through the day." You smiled. A mix of your favorites and his.
Sometimes he'd return the gift. A box of his favorite tea would be ready for you the next time you see each other.
He's still talking somewhat formally with you most times, out of habit since it's what he's taught since he was young and it is still a formal visit from the empire for most of these occasions.
But you notice the soft gleam in his eyes, the tone in which he speaks. The way he relaxes just a little around you. He enjoyed the time spent together. He just doesn't admit it out loud.
And it's only more obvious when you started visiting just for tea and 'small talk' with him for the afternoon.
Since when did your unofficial visit become more often than the official ones the empire requested? Aamon didn't really know.
He doesn't realize it but he's showing the side of him no one gets to see. The soul that was forced to grow up too fast and take over leading the family.
He's so used to not showing any emotions if possible. They're often signs of weakness and exploitable by unsavory parties that are against him.
But you slowly seep through the cracks and is getting to where his heart is
And sometimes, he would indulge in your request to sneak out and ditch work for just a bit for some adventure under the night sky.
He didn't process the fact he's falling in love, at least not until his little brother and one of his only friend said it.
"You're awfully close with that officer that's working with Silvanna these days."
"You seem to like her a lot. Yoyo thinks so too! You two would make a great couple!"
He's so used to arranged marriages and courting as formalities. It didn't really register in his brain.
And he's also a tough nut to crack
But when it does crack and he realizes it
'...shit'
He starts noticing. How he would hold your hand when walking with you so the two of you wouldn't get separated
He'd listen to you for hours as you ramble about things you did with Cici or missions Silvanna had you take, the faintest smile gracing his lips.
He'd buy something he knows you'd like so he could give it as a 'thankyou present' the next time you visit under Silvanna's orders. Or during your tea parties, as you put it.
He'd always let you take care of him when he's feeling unwell, unbeknownst to the servants and guards.
Mesmerized by your astral magic, the way the tiny stars dance between your fingers, sharing the same beautiful glow in your eyes.
He's been captivated for a long time, heart already captured. He just realized it now. Blush creeping up his cheeks.
When Cici learned he finally realized it, she squealed with delight and won't stop talking about how he should confess already.
Yoyo was just as loud and happy. The two are already planning on how to make it most romantic for you as he proclaims his undying love.
He just hopes the guard doesn't hear the commotion. And that the rest of the family doesn't learn of this development anytime soon.
Cici is off daydreaming about the moment of confession, she says. Aamon's just lost in his own thoughts.
He never really thought about it. Maybe being loved isn't too bad after all, he thinks. And then comes another realization
Oh, Gusion is never gonna stop teasing him about this
Gusion 🗡️
Honestly? Dumb and dumber energy sometimes for the two of you
He met you during one of his escapades as he's rushing through the rooftops.
An astral mage from another family. Vaguely remembering your face from that one ball event Aamon attended. The one where he watched from outiside, looking in through the giant window looking into the hall.
You were currently being harassed by a bunch of incels asshats. He decided to be nice and help you out.
A few daggers here and a nice kick to some family jewels there and they're off running in the other direction.
"Having a bad night, I assume?" He smugly asks.
You laughed, remembering him as Aamon's younger and rebellious younger brother and thanked him for his timely assistance.
He'd ask you to take a walk with him as a way to repay the favor, not really knowing why.
You both bond over hating the crappy elders and pointless family traditions as you walk under the dim moonlight.
You'd meet occasionally from then on, one that becomes more frequent as time goes on.
You'd get him some snacks you find at the market during the day
And in return for the wonderful gift found you some jewelry
You two were having your nightly rendezvous when Gusion told you he'd be away for a few days to take care of something.
You suggest meeting each other again on the upcoming royal ball some old geezer from some noble family decided to have. If he can make the time, that is.
"And risk meeting the same elders that wanted me dead?"
You grin, a mischievous one. "It's a masquerade ball, dummy."
Say less
A week or two later, he's wearing a suit that's definitely not his style, too constricting and a very elaborate mask and is looking for you among the sea of people in that one giant room.
The ball is just you and him subtly pissing off the annoying royals and just having a grand time together, really. It's fun seeing them writhe under those masks as you gently poke at some sensitive topics you know they hate.
You both fail at noticing a pair of very keen and discerning eyes watching you from somewhere in the massive hall. But what's the harm?
And of course eventually one of the elders from Paxley recognize him. And off the two of you go jumping off the balcony, taking off any extra accessories that's not needed for you to parkour the fuck out of that party.
Deciding it's best you two not return to castle Aberleen, you both went to hide at your room the massive estate your family owns.
He doesn't want to impose on you too much, so he settled for the more than comfortable and big enough plush couch to crash out for the night.
The morning after is another set of chaotic shenanigans of trying to sneak him out without the servants or anyone seeing, lest this becomes a scandal. (a saga for a different story)
Gusion bid farewell by the garden, kissing the back of your hand as a playful gesture before disappearing into the woods.
Night descends into the castle as Gusion sneaks over to Aamon's study, an old habit of his.
It didn't take long before his brother noticed him. He stepped out of the shadows and plopped himself down on the big sofa.
"You seem to have taken a liking to a very talented astral mage at the ball last night."
He went silent for a moment. Then he snorts, replying back that you're just a close friend.
Aamon lists the things you two did, some during the ball and others during your nightly shenanigans. He seems to still be keeping track of his rebellious younger brother.
Gusion vehemently denies the accusations, only to be abruptly stopped.
"I may choose fear over love, but I'm not blind, Gus." A grin. Barely noticeable. Almost smug. But definitely teasing and taunting.
It replays in his head. How he'd eagerly wait for what sort of snacks you'd bring for him for that day's outing. How protective he gets over you when there's dangerous individuals around
Unconsciously he'd open up about some things he wouldn't even think about talking to others. Even talking about that vague ominous prophecy.
And whenever he'd feel like shit, you'd be there to calm him down or cheer him up or just listen to his rants.
Gusion just noticed how you blushed when he kissed your hand that morning.
oh
Oh
OH FUCK
He doesn't mind the idea of you two being together. But the baggage that is his family? He's not really sure if you're up for that.
But then again getting to see you more often is pretty nice-
He's still processing the whole thing when Aamon continued. "Perhaps we can send a letter over to arrange something for the both of you. I doubt the elders can try and find a better match for you."
Gusion's face turns even redder.
Oh he's just relishing the fact he finally has some ammunition against his little brother, isn't he? "Perhaps a traditional Moniyan wedding isn't to your taste, but we can-"
"Don't you fucking dare, Aamon-"
Melissa 🪡
Girl is a menace to society and she knows it. And is very proud too.
You're just on a different flavor of menace than she is but it's probably up there
"What's the worst thing you can do to embarrass my ex during a performance-"
Melissa already has muddles and giggles in both hands, and some needles that are definitely necessary.
You burst through the door to her tailor shop yelling about getting revenge on your scummy ex. And she's already thinking of about at least 20 different ways and the ideas keep coming in.
She was so on board with the plan that she told you this commission would be free. "Consider it a free trial." She said.
Well that incident was hilariously chaotic. But another story for another day.
Satisfied at the magnificent downfall of your ex partner, you return on a different day with a basket full of supplies for her. Some high-quality fabric and fine threads she'd surely put to good use.
That's where she learned that you're from a merchant family who are popular amongst the nobles for your variety of high quality goods. Makes sense why you'd be able to procure this stuff.
And Mellisa was more than happy to accept the gift. Tucking it away at the corner of her messy work station.
Your work has you going around border cities around Moniyan and some other regions for a few days at a time. You usually have a one week break in-between jobs. Mostly spent perusing the market for anything that fancies your taste. But lately it's been a bit different
You start to stop by more often. Not for any funny business... Yet
But more of just trying to spend time with her. Sharing stories or something funny that happened during your travels. And Melissa would recommend some places she frequents for a good meal.
She'd tell you about how the Paxleys tried to capture her again on some bullshit accusations and whatnot. Or maybe about her misadventures with the 3 idiots as she dubbed them oh so lovingly.
You'd hear about how she's been cooking with this new design of hers. Hearing how the materials you got her go so well with the overall look and whatnot.
And of course you have several more funny 'incidents' involving annoying and escaping the Paxley elders and the Archbishop's pawns who claimed her to be a heretic.
On your most recent visit, Melissa excitedly takes you inside and shows a little something sitting atop her workbench next to her sewing machine, needles and everything else.
"A little thankyou gift for the supplies!"
A doll, the same strange and cute-creepy vibe as her companion plushies, but you feel that this doll resembles you just a little bit if you squint hard enough.
You thank her for the wonderful gift. And on subsequent visits you'd take your doll with you to see her, and sometimes you'd leave it with Cuddles, Muddles and Giggles as they have their own 'tea party'.
Melissa never really thought it was love. She's so used to others around her thinking she's weird, having hostility towards her and just keeping their distance in general.
She was rambling on about you and some things you two did last week before you went out for business needs to the boys when Xavier said it.
"I might be rude to assume this, but you seem to be very affectionate with them."
Melissa blinks
"Honestly? I thought you two were dating already. Was that not the case?" Yin chimed in.
She starts yelling what made them think that. You two are just really close, that's all.
Julian went in for the kill
"Melissa, you made a doll just for her. The last time Yin asked for one you smacked him."
A pause
How many clothing pieces she made in the last month or two that's specifically for you? And she's also always so excited when she heard you were gonna stop by her shop.
If anyone made any negative comments about you, whether it's because you were close with her or some other reasons, she already has a hand on Muddles ready to throw down before you can stop her.
The way she'd be all starry-eyed when you talk about your travels and the little trinkets she'd get when you return? those stayed on the special shelves on her store and she'd clean them almost everyday.
oh
well shit
Maybe she's just scared to admit it. Without realizing it she already fell in love with you. All of you.
Xavier suggests she ask you out when you return. Something tells him you feel the same way. Julian just chuckles while Yin is full blown laughing
"Melissa and (name) sitting in a tree, K-I-S-"
"Finish that and i'll shove this needle up your ass!"
Marcel 📸
To most people he's a gentleman. So polite and graceful. Yet many would comment that he always seems distant.
He knows how to choose his words and when to say it. He's always putting on a mask, so to speak.
But you were one of the few, if not the only one so far who could catch a glimpse of the real him.
You'd visit castle Aberleen occasionally. Your family's ability to predict the future with terrifying accuracy wase something the Paxley fancied. They often ask for a reading to help with future plans.
Your parents aren't available again, so you go in their place. Not that your talent is any less than them, some would even say you already surpassed your mom and dad.
You two met when you're on one of these errands and currently making your way to see the elders and Aamon (who you know would rather be anywhere else lol)
He had an inkling that you're different. Something he can't put his finger on that just draws him to you.
You greet each other, before Clemar makes his comment, rude and dismissive. Almost hostile.
You instead got curious about him and his living camera. Asking what kind of dark magic it was.
He answers, hiding the surprise as he escorts you to the meeting hall.
The next time you two meet he was walking down the market streets, trying to find Aamon who somehow had scurried off somewhere.
You pulled a small basket full of luxuious goods and hand it over to him. "My parents wanted to apologize for not being able to go to the meeting last time. Please give it to mr. Aamon for me."
He took the basket and was about to thank you when you pulled out another, smaller box. neatly wrapped. He blinks once.
"For you! Maybe you can use it to frame your latest work."
Clemar said something about seeing what it looks like first before deciding if it's worth using. Marcel thanked you before putting away both of the gifts.
You then help divine where his cousin could be so he could go find him.
You two started meeting each other a little more often. Sometimes during festivals, another during your official visit.
Somehow the Paxleys specificaly requested you to do the divination instead of your parents recently. Not that you're complaining. Your mom and dad get to do other more pressing matters.
Clemar started playing tricks when you two were together. freezing the sugar cube you try to add to your cup. Stopping the door when you try to open it.
Heck he started freezing you instead if he's feeling extra gremlin that day.
Marcel apologizes a lot for the mischiefs of his camera partner. You tell him you don't mind. It's harmless fun anyways.
He slowly opens up. Tells you about his half-sibling Melissa. Asking you to have tea together where he'd vent about an annoying client he had a photoshoot with recently.
He would even show you his latest work that the public didn't know about yet. inviting you to go see the exhibits of his works and many other arts together.
Clemar, still the annoying little bastard he is, slowed down a little. Not a full stop, but it's been more bearable. "You're not so bad. We could use another new frame if you can make another one!"
Melissa was the first one to say it.
"You like them, don't you?"
Marcel stopped checking the films from his latest shoot.
She grins like a chesire cat. "I might be a freak but i'm not dumb. You never act like that around any other."
Clemar starts sputtering gibberish about how she just doesn't get it. Melissa smacks the camera square on the head. Marcel stayed quiet.
He thought about it on the way back to the castle.
He'd take pictures of things you like. Flowers, animals, that one cat on the market street you'd always feed on your morning walk.
You had requested to take a photo just to hang at your estate. He kept one of the results, and had it framed on his gallery as a way to 'prove the quality of his work' or so he claims.
You've been sending him small gifts. One he'd return complete with a thankyou letter.
well
fuck
He doesn't know how to process this. It just stews in his head when he walked into Aamon's study. They were talking about the next visit for the divination and whatnot when he said it so casually.
"Maybe you can ask them to stay for dinner this time."
Marcel looked at his cousin, cheeks slowly turning red.
"It was worthwhile to ask them to come instead of their parents." He can feel the smile when Aamon said that.
"Ooooh maybe we can start looking into some matching bands-"
Clemar you traitor.
Marcel turned away to hide his embarassment, hands gripping the cup he's wiping a little too hard.
"Not a word about this to Gusion or i swear i'll freeze you for eternity."
Note : thanks for reading. Lmk if you want to explore one of these idiots as you lover or s/o and I can write more in-depth headcanon list for one or all of the Paxley sibs 👌
