Summary - Latibule - A small, hiding place where a soul finds comfort and solace.
He was lost, confused, cold and hurt. But most of all, he was broken.
She was kind, friendly and the purest soul he had ever seen.
She was his latibule.
"Can't believe this." Amelia muttered to herself as she typed furiously on her laptop. It was a lazy sunday morning and the only plans she had were to spend the day lazying around the house but they were all shattered when she was reminded that the last day to file tax returns was around the corner. As tiring as it could be, she was sitting in front of her laptop for the last 2 hours.
As it came to the end, she had grown extremely impatient. If it would have shown another error once more, she swore she would have thrown the device from the nearby window. Thankfully, it didn't happen and after so many failed attempts, pulling of hair in frustration and 3 cups of coffee, it was finally successful.
She closed her eyes and leaned backwards on the chair. After some time, she slowly opened her eyes and looked through the window to the beautiful weather outside. The weather was pleasant with light winds blowing and the sunlight which gleamed for the past weak was now covered with clouds.
Amelia slowly got up and decided to take a walk outside, making a mental note to stop at the nearby store for groceries.
She walked towards Bucky's room to tell him that she was going out and lightly knocked on his door, no intentions to startle him. Bucky had been here for 15 days now and things were getting better with a much higher pace since the movie marathon day. They had watched movies till 4 in the morning that day and Amelia had some great picks. She was careful enough to not put any war related movies as she knew how easy something like that could trigger PTSD.
Bucky now constantly listened to music, watched a ton load of movies with Amelia and was even starting to remember his life before the war. Amelia realized that having familiar things around him was better than telling him facts. Bucky would now randomly have flashbacks of that time, which were mostly of Steve and as soon as he did, he would rush to Amelia to tell her what he just remembered. Having somebody to talk to made it easier to place those memories and no matter how busy Amelia was, she would always give him a bright smile when he told her of an old incident and that was one of the things which kept him going.
The only thing which wasn't getting better were Bucky's nightmares. They were still harsh and Bucky would find himself waking up in the middle of the night, covered with sweat, his body tensed. He was grateful that Amelia's room was upstairs and hence, she was oblivious to his terrifying nights. Bucky was determined to keep it that way. He didn't want to disturb her sleep because of his nightmares when he knew this was a thing she couldn't help him with.
Amelia stood outside Bucky's room for a minute and still there was no response. She slowly opened the room and peeped in to find Bucky sitting on the bed, staring keenly at the Ipad. Amelia had taught him to use the device and he was indeed a fast learner. He now spent a lot of time with it when Amelia was at work. The platform called the internet had gained the attention of the supersoldier.
"Bucky?" Amelia called out softly, her voice bringing Bucky out of his thoughts. He ran his flesh hand on his face and turned towards her.
As Amelia walked closer, she realized there were tears threatning to come out of the soldier's eyes. He wasn't crying but he was grief stricken and this hurt her.
"Bucky, what happened?" Her voice dripped in concern.
Bucky just shook his head and turned around. He knew he couldn't lie to her looking into her eyes. She would easily see through. "N- Nothing."
Amelia knew better. She took a step further to where he was sitting and took a glance at the Ipad. There was a picture of a house on the screen. It was an old house, not big but not very small either. It looked like the old houses back in 50s or 40s.... Realization struck Amelia as she looked from the screen to Bucky with a sympathetic gaze.
"This was my home." He whispered slowly.
Amelia gave him a sad smile sitting besides him. The slight headache though still consistent, forgotten completely.
"I - I had a sister. Rebecca."
Amelia gave him a sad smile. This was the first time Bucky had remembered something about his family except for his parent's death. She slowly brought up her hand and kept it on Bucky's, which just so happened to be the metal one.
Bucky wasn't a fan of physical contact. For him, every touch was a promise of pain, an attack but with her, it was different. Her touch was comforting and filled him with a sense of warmth. He didn't flinch away anymore even though it took weeks. In fact, if he was being honest to himself, he liked it when she held his hand. He liked it the way she wasn't scared to come near him. The way she treated his metal hand just like any other normal one.
"Bucky, if you want, we can look up for her" Amelia mentally cursed herself when she realized what she had said. Rebecca would most probably be dead by now. If she wasn't so keen in saying something comforting to Bucky right now, she would have thought twice before saying something.
" She is dead." Bucky replied. He had checked it up already.
"I am sorry."
"No, it's okay. She lived her life. Had a family and died in her 90s." Bucky took a deep breathe. "I just can't imagine how difficult it would have been for her, without our parents and me."
"I bet she was a very strong person." She remarked as she drews circles on his metal hand even though she knew he couldn't feel it.
"She was. She indeed was. Always picked up fights like Steve." Bucky shook his head as some faded memories poured in.
"And you had to step in at the end." Amelia continued as she gave him a small smile. She was more than happy that he was starting to remember.
Bucky looked out through the window as his lips curved up in a smile at the memories. "I did. Always. But instead of being grateful, they always told me they could handle it without me."
Amelia chuckled. "That's how friends are, I guess." As Bucky looked up to her, she continued. "My best friend Emily, she has always been short tempered. Always picked up fights with the school bullies."
"And you stepped in?" Bucky asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
"Of course I did. Remember I told you I know about combat."
"Yes and also that you could take down a couple of Hydra agents on your own." Bucky said sarcastically.
"I can. You just don't believe me." Amelia brought her hand to her chest in mock hurt.
They sat there in a comfortable silence, looking through the window, when Amelia remembered why she had come here in the first place. She looked up to Bucky and noticed how his shirt was tight around his muscles and how it looked uncomfortable across the chest. She realized she will have to make some changes in her plan.
"Bucky? I need to go out. Got to go to the market" Bucky just nodded his head in response.
Amelia took a deep breathe and continued, "Why don't you come with me?"
Bucky snapped his head up and narrowed his eyes at her. "Me?" On one hand, he wanted to go out for atleast some time for fresh air but he didn't want to be around a lot of people. It was dangerous. He could lose control and -
"Bucky, we need to get some new clothes for you. You will have to come to pick the right size."
"I don't need new clothes. These are all right."
"They aren't Bucky. They aren't enough in number and also not the right size. I am not blind, alright?"
"Amelia, I am not sure. So many people and - "
"Bucky, it's okay. First, let's go out. You need some fresh air and then if you feel comfortable, we can buy some clothes too. I am not forcing you but you will have to go out at some point, right?"
Bucky knew she was right. He would have to face the world at some point. Then, why not now?
"I'll come." He whispered.
"You won't regret it, I promise." Amelia gave him a bright smile and Bucky knew she was right.
15 minutes later, Amelia was standing at the door her hands crossed across her chest, waiting for Bucky. Her head shot up at the shuffling of feet near by and she looked up to find Bucky standing there, fiddling with his fingers nervously. He had put on a jacket and a pair of black gloves.
"Don't worry, Mr Blue eyes. It's gonna be okay." She called out to him.
He looked up to her and frowned at the name she had called him. Amelia picked up a baseball cap from the dining table and placed it gently on his head, oblivious to the sharp intake of breathe of the supersoldier as her fingers brushed across his forehead.
"Now, that might not be perfect, but it is pretty good." She remarked and they walked out of the house.
They sat in the car and after Amelia helped Bucky with the seatbelt, she began driving. It was all silent in the car as Bucky looked around the city. Amelia took subsequent glances at him as he stared through the window.
Some time later, the car stopped at a traffic light and Amelia let out a sigh. "Well, probably driving out on a sunday wasn't the best idea ever."
"But the weather is good today."
"Well, yes. It is. It is unusual during this part of the year but I would call it pleasantly unusual."
Bucky opened his mouth to reply but he noticed that something outside on his side of the road had caught her attention. He turned to look outside to see that there were some shops nearby but none which could be so appealing to her.
He turned to face her to see that she had taken the keys out and was about to walk outside.
"Bucky, stay here. I will be back in a minute."
"Where are you-" But he didn't get to complete his sentence as she walked out of the car.
Bucky sat there, confused, looking out as his gaze followed her. He saw as she entered a small florist shop. This confused him even further.
After a couple of minutes, she walked out of the shop with a small bouquet of lilies in her hand as she waved to the middle aged lady who gave her a bright smile, clearly very happy to see her.
After Amelia sat in the car, keeping the bouquet on the back seat, Bucky gave her a confused look.
"Why would you buy those?"
"Why? Aren't they beautiful?"
"But you don't even keep flowers inside the house."
"That's because I know I can't take care of plants but these are not for me or the house."
Bucky narrowed his eyes and let the topic drop.
After 20 more minutes, Amelia drove into the parking lot of what looked like a big clothing store. Bucky noticed that even though it was big, it wasn't modern or sophisticated, it was kept in an old fashioned way.
Amelia parked the car and while they still sat inside, she turned towards Bucky and saw how he had got tensed. He stared at the floor, jaw clenched and fingers tightened as he mentally debated about something.
"Bucky, it's going to be okay. Take a deep breathe." Bucky still stared at the floor, not looking up to meet her gaze.
"Look, we are going in but we don't compulsorily have to stay. If you feel like you want to leave or as if something isn't right, just signal it to me. We will run out of the place as fast as we can even if it makes it look as if we just robbed the shop."
Bucky finally looked up to her as he gave her a small smile.
They walked out of the car and as Amelia picked up the flowers, Bucky stood outside looking around. He couldn't help but look at everyone suspiciously with his calculative gaze, to be prepared if somebody attacked them.
The gaze of the supersoldier looked around at people walking around the place and he instinctively pulled the sleeve of the jacket further.
He felt as a slightly smaller hand grabbed his metal one which was covered with glove. If it had been a week ago, he would have instinctively attacked the person but now, he didn't have to look to the side to know who it was. As his racing heart slowed down to a more normal pace and he let out a breathe he didn't know he was holding, he knew it was the woman with a smile bright enough to lighten the darkest tunnels who had enough courage to hold the weaponized metal arm.
She treats him like he’s safe, like he’s more human than weapon.
He knows better. And it’s only a matter of time before she realizes it, too.
What will happen to him then?
Bucky looked at her as she gave him that signature smile of hers. A smile which conveyed thousands of words. A promise, as if she was telling him she was there for him. A simple gesture that instilled in Bucky so much hope that maybe everything could indeed get all right and after all that he had been through, maybe things could indeed only get better from here and his fears of everything coming crumbling down would never turn true.
But, for now, he only hopes his fears don't turn true today.
I just read Latibule and it's absolutely amazing ! You wrote Omi so well, the slow burn was exactly what I needed and you have me on the edge of my seat from that last part at the end !!
hello there! thank you so much! i’m thrilled that you like him, he’s one of my favorites & hopping in his head was so much fun to do.
i hope to wrap it up at some point in the new year. i’m terribly sorry i’ve left it to languish. but i appreciate your comment & am touched to hear from you 🥰 - knowing that others want to see the end always helps to motivate!
latibule is a hiding place; a place of safety and comfort
request - can i request cuddling and comforting bucky? tysm i hope you’re doing good !!
summary:
when bucky has one of his many nightmares he goes to y/n, a former shield agent, place for some comfort. they were starting to get to know each other after the blip with her being alone and bucky and his nightmares.
warnings - angst, fluff
word count -
a/n - this is my first bucky one shot so don’t go to hard on me please!
marvel masterlist // bucky barnes masterlist
As Bucky stirs on the floor he lays on, a nightmare swarms his dreams. This usually happened to him since he got out of Hydras hold. He was lucky enough to have gotten rid of the winter soldier and to be even allowed to step foot in the u.s without being arrested.
But the nightmares were just a reminder of how much damage he has done. Bucky wishes he could undo all of that, all the lives he killed. He knows what Y/N would say ‘it’s not your fault you were being brainwashed’ it helps but doesn’t stop the guilt.
Y/N was a shield agent that he interacted and became friends with after he got some memories back. She fought him when he was the winter soldier and he remembers it vaguely, but he would hate to remember all that since she means very much to him and didn’t ever want to imagine hurting her. She helped him when Steve found him and reassured him that he wasn’t himself when he was doing all the winter soldiers work.
It made his heart race.
Y/N helped him with going to Wakanda and tried to help him with any time she had if King T’Challa would allow her to come. He didn’t know why, Bucky didn’t know why she believed that he was such a good guy. It gave him some hope, something to believe in but also made his feelings for her grow even stronger.
Bucky couldn’t tell if she had feelings for him as he did her. So that’s why he never brought them up, why bring them up if it would only bring him disappointment.
Ever since the blip, she’s not worked for any organization and he’s done with fighting, done with all the fighting he’s done for 90 years. Y/N and Bucky have been hanging out since Thanos' thing ended. They had some things in common, she was trained in an organization from a very young age but was taken in after shield caught her and she began to work for them.
This time the nightmare invaded the lovely dream he was having of Y/N. It wasn’t much different though.
Bucky grunted as a punch was landed to his face and punched back and hit Y/N square in the face with his metal arm making her fall back and hold her face. Before he could even think the memory kept going as it was. He walked towards her and grabbed her arm twisting it making her wince in pain.
Before he could even think about doing anything else to her she kicked him in the balls making Bucky groan in pain but for only a second. That second was enough for Y/N to run down the streets with a gun in her hand. Bucky watched as she ran and began to go after her with a gun in his hand as well.
Y/N looked around in fear and saw nothing that could protect her and when a gun shot was fired she hid herself behind a car and took a breath knowing that he was going to find her any minute. Before she could even think about running again a metal hand wrapped around her throat pinning her to the car.
Bucky couldn’t think for himself as he tried to strangle her something he never wanted to do but luckily a shield hit the his back making him lose his grip on Y/N. He looked behind him and saw Steve but then was punched in the face by her making him let her go.
Before any of this could continue on Bucky sat up straight in a layer of sweat and breathing heavily. He looked around the room realizing that he fell asleep on the floor again with the tv running. He used his flesh hand to rub his forehead trying to get that memory out of his brain. But that wouldn’t work and before he even realized it Bucky was getting his clothes on and walking out the door.
Bucky was on the way to a place where he knows there will be comfort. Y/N. He knows that she’s probably awake still and he could use someone to talk to. She was his comfort place for him, somewhere he could feel safe and welcomed. She was a person that always made him feel warm inside and he loved that feeling.
Before Bucky even realized it he was at Y/N’s place and he raised his hand to knock on the door.
Upon hearing this knock Y/N looked behind the couch to her door and narrowed her eyes in confusion. She put down the popcorn bowl that was halfway empty and paused the television. She got up and fixed her shirt and shorts before opening the door to reveal Bucky who gave her an awkward smile and wave.
“Hey Buck what are you doing here at,” Y/N started to say and then looked at her watch. “1 am,” She looked up at him with confusion in her eyes.
“I was awake and wanted to see what you were doing,” Bucky lied, not meeting her eyes, which made her sigh.
“Another nightmare,” Y/N says sadly looking at him softly. He closes his eyes and nods, making her open the door wider for him to come in. Bucky gives her a small smile making her heart race.
It was no secret to anyone in her life that she had feelings for the man but Y/N couldn’t say anything since he was still recovering from Hydra. She didn’t want to interfere with his progress. She wanted him to be happy even if it wasn’t with her. Bucky stood in the living room awkwardly looking around starting to feel safe again.
“Want a beer,” Y/N offered, opening the fridge and grabbing herself a water.
“Uh sure,” Bucky accepted sitting down on her couch waiting for her to come back and sit next to him. She hopped on the couch next to him and handed him the bottle.
“Do you want to talk about it,” Y/N asked looking down at her lap, she knew that Bucky wouldn’t really want to talk but she was just offering a welcoming ear for him to rant or anything.
“Not really I just wanted to see you,” Bucky scratched the back of his neck and turned to face her with a soft smile dancing on the corner of his lips. She put her hand on his not knowing or caring if it was the metal one or not.
“It was about the first time I met you though, well not me the-,” Bucky began to say but paused before he was about to say it. Y/N awkwardly laughed rolling her shoulders pulling her legs up to sit criss cross.
“Made an impression did I,” Y/N softly laughed, knowing what he was talking.
“Kinda,” Bucky laughed a little with her. “But I really didn’t remember that and I didn’t even know I hurt you,” He whispered.
“The thing is, that it wasn’t you who actually hurt me, Buck,” Y/N firmly says, looking him in the eyes trying to make him see the point. He puts his hand on hers giving it a squeeze making her smile at him.
“Why do you see so much good in me, when there was so much?” Bucky whispered, dropping his head so he didn’t have to look at her with guilt flooding his eyes. Y/N sighed before grabbing his chin making her look at him, and she looked at him with sympathy as there was a layer of tears in his eyes.
“Because you’re not a killer,” Y/N began to say. “I have seen many killers and I saw that with the winter soldier and he’s gone. You don’t have the look in your eyes, I don’t see it,” she says with a smile making its way to the corner of her mouth as she explains this to the man. She put her hand on his cheek and used her thumb to softly caress his cheekbone.
Before Y/N could go on Bucky leaned forward and attached his lips to hers and softly moved them. She immediately responded leaving her hand on his cheek and the other on his neck and softly kissed him back. He put his hands on her hips and moved his lips with her.
“Wow,” Y/N whispered against his lips after they parted. Bucky gave her a soft smile, then wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a hug. He stayed still for a moment before he accepted it.
Bucky buried his face into the crook of her neck and listened to her breathing making him calm down as well. He was glad she didn’t run off when he kissed her, scratch that, he was over the moon. She pulled him down to lay down on the huge couch and laid her head on his chest listening to his heartbeat.
“I don’t know if I’ll have another nightmare,” Bucky whispers into her hair, making her nod.
“We don’t have to,” Y/N says looking up at him with messy hair.
“Do what?” Bucky questions narrowing his eyes.
“Cuddle,” Y/N responds with a giggle before sitting back up but was swiftly pulled back by Bucky, making her gasp and wriggle in his arms. She looked up at him with a warm smile.
“Just don’t get your hopes up,” Bucky grumbled, situating himself so she was able to rest her head upon his chest.
“C’mon I know you like it,” Y/N laughed, hitting his chest with her hand before resting her head against his heart. She liked listening to his heartbeat calming itself down and it made herself a little drowsy.
“Get some sleep doll,” Bucky whispers, kissing her forehead, caressing the back of her head, making her fall into a deep sleep.
Bucky didn’t fall asleep for some time, not wanting to get into another nightmare and hurt her. That would be the worst thing he came here to get comfort not to seek another nightmare out. But before he could even control it he was lulled back into sleep listening to Y/N’s soft breathing.
He knows she won’t cure his nightmare but she’ll help him in the aftermath and that’s all he cares about. She would be there for him no matter what.
summary: elain and azriel hide themselves away from the world, seeking a moment of peace from the rivalry between their schools.
prompt: there were a lot of fights and a lot of fraternisation going on with the local public school and the private boarding school au
word count: 2.1k
note: here is the second july upload! this was another piece i did for the writing month challenge. i loved this one because i got to return to my favourite tropes, secret relationships and forbidden romance!
hope you enjoy,
lily <3
read here on ao3 // masterlist // july upload schedule
*******************************
latibule (n) a hiding place, a place of safety and comfort
The forest was dark. Silver moonlight shone down through the smallest gaps in the canopy and shadows filled in the rest. Armed only with her phone’s flashlight, Elain felt afraid. Usually she wasn’t scared of the dark but when it pressed in, suffocating her on all sides, she could feel her heart race and breath shorten. It wasn’t far to the clearing now but time seemed to slow with every step she took. Every snap of a branch or rustle of leaves sent Elain panicking, her pace ever-increasing until she was almost at a full sprint. The path only seemed to get longer as she ran but she pushed harder until she stumbled into the small clearing.
It was slightly brighter here, moonlight streaming in through the wider gaps in the canopy above. It was bright enough that she was able to see after she turned her phone’s flashlight off. Despite the light and space around her, nothing could stop the anxiety from pressing in. The sensation of someone watching her sent a wave of chills down her spine and when she spun around she was greeted only by that oppressive darkness that had followed her as she made her way there. She shivered slightly, wishing she had brought a proper coat. Elain was clothed solely in her thin pyjamas and wishing that she had paid more attention. In her excitement, she had dashed out the door and forgot to grab the hoodie that she had left out for herself. She had barely remembered her keycard.
The silence was thick around her, only punctuated by the occasional hoot of an owl or the call of a nocturnal animal. It was almost peaceful and Elain let herself relax ever so slightly. That was until a branch snapped behind her and she twisted so quickly she almost fell. She stared into the darkness, there was no one there; only a strong sense of dread lingering in the cool night air. She let loose a breath before a voice sounded from behind her.
“Elain.”
She let out a shriek and tripped over a root as she tried to get away. A hand around her waist caught her fall and spun her around before pulling her into a hard chest. She looked up with fearful eyes to see amused hazel ones gazing back. The person cracked a slight smile at her reaction to their arrival. Elain let out a sigh of relief and wrapped her arms around them, burying her face in their chest.
“Azriel.” She breathed.
The small smile on his face widened into a full grin and she felt herself doing the same. That was until she remembered how her heart had leapt into her throat when he scared her. She pouted at him and smacked his chest. “Don’t scare me like that!”
He let out a full-bodied laugh that dispelled any ill will she felt towards him and soon she found herself joining in.
“I’m sorry,” he told her as his laughter subsided. “I didn’t mean to scare you. Although I may do it again now that I know how funny you look when you get scared.”
She scowled and pushed out of his grip, immediately regretting it as the cold flooded back in and embedded itself deep inside of her.
“Don’t you dare! I won’t meet you here again if you do.”
Now it was his turn to frown. He held out his arms but she refused to step back into his embrace.
“I’m sorry,” he repeated. “I won’t do it again.”
Still, she refused to return to him. A mischievous expression grew on his face and she only had a second to register it before he launched himself at, arms at the ready to scoop her into a hug. She shrieked again, although this time it was less out of fear and more out of amusement. She burst into a sprint just as his arms closed around the space she had just vacated. She ran in circles around him, leaping and twirling over the uneven ground with the grace of a ballerina. He ran after her, both of their laughter echoing off the trees and filling the clearing with unfiltered joy. However, Elain could only run around the small area for so long. Whilst the moonlight provided enough light to see, the floor was still dim, meaning she couldn’t see the root that jutted out in front of her. She felt her foot catch and she stumbled into a tree, arms out in front of her to stop her from fully crashing into it. She righted herself and turned in time to see Azriel behind her, his arms coming to rest on either side of her head, caging her in. They both breathed heavily, winded from the unexpected exercise, but smiling. They stared at each other, the adrenaline wearing off and love taking its place instead. Azriel leaned in, face hovering close to hers waiting for permission. She nodded and closed the space between them. Time seemed to pause as her lips met his. He leaned forward, deepening the kiss and pushing her further back against the tree. Heat rushed through her as she felt his tongue brush against her bottom lip and she opened up beneath him. Elain gasped as he swept in and she brought her hands up to tangle in his hair. It was soft beneath her fingers. She tugged slightly and he let out a light moan as he detached himself from her lips and began to kiss along her jaw and down onto her neck. One hand removed itself from the tree, so she was no longer caged by his arms, and instead found a place on her hip, fingers moving to slide beneath the thin fabric and brush against her bare skin. She let out a huff as she felt his lips move against her neck before tugging at his hair again.
“Stop, you’ll leave marks.”
“I’m being careful,” he murmured against her neck before returning to lightly nip at the one particular spot that made her knees weak.
She laughed, “You said that last time and I had to wear turtlenecks for a week after.”
He detached himself from his work to stare at her, his dark hair flopping over his eyes.
“I got carried away.”
She hummed as she placed a gentle kiss on his lips before wrapping her arms around his middle and pulling him close to her. They stood, wrapped in each other's embrace under the moonlight for what felt like hours. A deep sense of peace enveloped her, all previous feelings of fear and cold drifting off into the clear night sky. Finally, they moved away from the tree Azriel had pressed Elain against. They chose to sit side by side in the centre of the clearing where a small patch of grass separated them from the cold hard ground. She leaned her head against his shoulder as he bought an arm to encircle her waist.
“I’ve missed you.”
She sat up, turning to take him in properly for the first time that night. He sat in pyjamas, like her, but he had his favourite hoodie on to protect him from the night's chill. The moonlight caught his hazel eyes and sent them sparkling, highlighting the veins of green that resided in them. He was beautiful, and he was hers.
“I’ve missed you too.” She told him before placing her head back onto his shoulder.
As they sat in silence, in the middle of the night in a clearing in a forest, the truth about their situation settled in. A burden that only they seemed to carry. Humans are pack creatures, they are loyal to their groups, and this felt like an ultimate betrayal. Elain and Azriel went to different schools, Elain attending the private boarding school that the forest belonged to and Azriel attending the local public school in the town. To those who were outside of the situation, it sounded like they were being dramatic but to them? It meant everything. A deep animosity ran between the two schools. Those who attended the public school believed that the private schoolers were ‘greedy, egotistical pricks with sticks up their asses’ whereas those attending the private school deemed the others unruly and beneath them. No one knew where the intense rivalry had stemmed from. Maybe it was the private school buying up the forest that surrounded them, banning the town’s residents from entering what was once a precious location to them. Or maybe it was the time that some boys from the public school had broken into the private school’s grounds and released so many rats that they struggled with an infestation for years afterwards. Either way, pack mentality had taken over and now every time the two schools interacted it ended with insults being hurled, items being vandalised and even full-blown fights. And the worst of them all were the two sets of siblings who ruled their respective schools. Azriel and Elain’s siblings.
The Archeron sisters and the Knight brothers had always disliked each other after a bucket of slime intended for someone else had landed on Nesta, Elain’s older sister. The situation had only escalated from there but Elain and Azriel had never partaken personally in it. They only tagged along with their siblings whenever they wanted to pick a fight, which was how they ended up meeting. Elain’s sisters had crashed a party thrown by Azriel’s younger brother, Rhysand, bringing a whole host of their preppy private school friends. The evening had ended badly. There had been two hospitalisations with broken noses after fights had broken out and the police were called. Elain had snuck away long before anything had really happened and that had been when she had bumped into Azriel. They hadn’t realised their respective relations at first and had exchanged numbers after spending the whole evening together, away from the crowd and drama of the party. Even when they discovered the resentment that ran deep between their siblings, they found themselves not caring. They were too wrapped up in each other's company to worry about a rivalry they had never cared about in the first place. And when Elain had finally kissed Azriel, any remaining doubts had flown away on swift wings as they realised how deeply their feelings went for each other. Despite their disinterest in the conflict, they knew they had to keep their relationship under wraps. It would destroy their family, their reputations and everything they had built. Which was how they ended up here, only seeing each other briefly every so often and hiding away from the world.
“I wish things were different,” She whispered, shuffling closer as an icy breeze snapped around her exposed ankles and sent a chill up her body.
“Me too.” He replied. “I wish we could see each other whenever we wanted, that I could take you on dates in town without worrying what people would think, that I could tell people how much I love you.”
Elain felt her heart stutter and her eyes widen. She leaned away from Azriel, moving to sit in front of him so she could look him in the eyes. Whilst it had been heavily insinuated before, neither of them had ever taken that leap. An expression of worry washed over his face.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I do- I do love you, but please don’t feel pressured to say it back.”
Azriel’s nervous rambling and blushing cheeks only served to make her fall harder. She shut him up with a gentle kiss on the lips, raising her hand to cup his cheek.
“I love you too.”
She pulled back in time to see the brightest smile she had ever seen. He let out a sigh of relief and bundled her into his lap so he could hold her more comfortably. Despite his warmth, the cold still crept into Elain and she found herself shivering slightly. Azriel frowned at this before pushing her away slightly so he could pull off his hoodie and hand it to her. She examined the bundle of material that now sat in her lap.
“Won’t you be cold?”
“I’ll be fine,” he promised her. “Besides, you look cute in my clothes.”
She giggled lightly at this as she pulled it over her head. It was warm and far too big for her, but it only added to the charm. She snuggled back into his arms and looked up at the stars above. The situation they were in was complicated: a road riddled with potholes and glass, a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. But that could wait. For now, they had the forest, the stars and each other. And that was enough.
#project hail mary
#iron lung
#coquette
#photography
