These two don't know one another at all xD, but - 7: Distract-Someone Kiss
He wasnât sure where Bellamy had dragged him off to - it looked like some kind of a wine and art event thingie. All he knew was that he was in an expensive suit he couldnât eat or drink in, because it was too expensive for stains, uncomfortable and too self-conscious among all these classy, fine people who gave him funny looks. Well⊠that one blonde chick in super high stilettos winked at him, so he must be doing at least something right.
He was the replacement wolf boyfriend again, following the petite vampire to wherever she wanted to go in place of Miles, who was always working. He didnât mind - they mostly did stuff they both liked. But sometimes they did stuff only Bella liked. Ryden didnât complain. Except about the tie. So he had no tie on right then. Maybe that was what the funny looks were about. Everyone else had a tie. Fuck ties. They are just bedroom props anyway. Honestly, it should be indecent to wear them outside.
The blonde vamp clung to his arm happily, all smiles and some smug pride which Ryden knew was coming from the fact that she was perfectly dressed, beautiful, had an equally gorgeous date and everyone important was there to see it. Fine, whatever. Hurts no one. Though he still wasnât sure why else would they be here. She didnât particularly like the host of the event, which she havenât failed to mention at length several times now. Why go somewhere where thereâll be people you donât like? But then again, Bella was his little Queen B of Drama. If her life could be Mean Girls, sheâd be that main bitch. Sassy but he still adored her queen of the prom self.Â
She mingled about, introducing him to this and that person whose names heâd instantly forget, Ryden smiling stiffly and taking any opportunity he had when no one was looking to tug at the tight collar of his shirt. She informed him that it was an Armani. Armani-shwarmani. Someone give him a t-shirt, please.
A flamboyant, charming man approached them, wide grin plastered over his face, the kind of smile that was practiced for the occasion, unmistakably making him out as the host of this thing. That smile died like a childhood ending after a first paid bill when he saw them. He approached nevertheless.Â
âMrs Barnes.â He addressed her, a sigh behind his disappointed tone.
âFreddie.â She reciprocated and Ryden saw their eyes narrowing at one another. He let out a soft whistle through pursed lips, scratching the back of his head with his free hand. You could cut the air with a butter knife here. They really didnât smell each other as much as Bellamy had told him.
âHope youâre enjoying yourselves? What do you think about my collection? Iâd say itâs worth seeing the light of day every now and then, hm?â He asked and Ryden figured it was the paintings all around the rented out gallery place. Bellamy, thankfully, took over the conversation because all Ryden had to say was that the wine was okay and if it werenât for that, heâd contemplate suicide with a rusty spoon. But it was the suit, really, nothing to do with the art. He knew nothing about art and knowing nothing wasnât reason enough to kill yourself. An itchy collar kind of was. He scratched under it again.
A tense conversation ensued between the two, which Ryden didnât follow as he tried to get a glass of wine for himself but failed to reach for one of the passing waiterâs trays, locked in place by Bellamyâs grip on his arm. Which almost made him stumble as it was suddenly released, Bellamy screeching in excitement as she darted off to greet another familiar face.
âEphram!â Her enthusiasm for seeing the Sheriff was a stark contrast to whatever dislike she had for the host of the event. She practically bounced over to him on her high Gucci pumps, straight into Ephramâs embrace, red lips brushing against the Sheriffâs in an innocent, familiar affection. Rydenâs jaw dropped. He looked to his left, as if to ask the other man if heâd seen this blasphemy. The roll of Freddieâs eyes and a click of his tongue said it all, even though it wasnât directed as support to Rydenâs own thoughts.
They stood there, awkward and without anything to talk about except glare at the other pair, Freddie making the RosĂ© in his wine glass swirl with a delicate twist of his wrist, like gentlemen did during a particularly boring conversation. He wanted to greet his husband, especially when he was all dressed up and looking like a million bucks, which was a rare sight. Bella stole that spotlight of the evening. And Freddie was quietly fuming. Ryden was scratching at his collar again.Â
The other two engaged themselves into an animated conversation - a giggle here, a touch there. Fredie had enough. âDarling, could you stand still for a moment? Good, like that, mhmm.â He fixed Rydenâs crooked collar and just when the young wolf was about to say his thanks, an unfamiliar pair of lips were pressed against his, lingering for a second. By the time it was over, Freddie was patting his shoulder. âThanks, love.â He walked away with all the elegance of nothing happened here. Ryden looked back to Bellamy and Ephram, both now staring with their mouth agape.Â
The Sheriff rushed after his husband, briefly pausing near Ryden to raise a warning finger close to his face. Ryden grinned at it. He was gone after the fairy without another word. Bellamy joined Ryden second after, both looking back at the retreating pair, looking at each other, then snorting out suppressed giggles. Ryden finally managed to stop a waitress and grab some wine. Their glasses clinked together over the giggling.
ft@thisbrutalbelle and @ephrampettaline
