#thisisacuteideaforthenerds

[its-theolivia-aesthetic]

From the airplane scene in chapter 2 of that fic

[its-theolivia-aesthetic]

Chapter 9 "Deryn?" Alek called, stepping onto the porch. His breath clouded out in front of him, wisps of white swirling through the air. "Deryn!" Alek leapt over the last two steps into the yard. It had snowed the night before, so there were a few inches of fresh white powder coating the ground. He started around the corner of the house, passing by a frozen garden and a weather-worn woodshed. He spun slowly, trying to find some sort of sign as to where his fake girlfriend might have gone. Alek stumbled forward abruptly, raising a hand to his head. He could hear someone cackling behind him and he whirled to see Deryn clutching her sides with her laughter. Snow trickled past his shirt collar and a jolt shivered down his spine. Alek cried out as another snowball exploded against his torso. He ducked down as yet another went sailing over his head. He reached down and scooped up a handful of snow, molding it into a somewhat round shape. He tossed it at Deryn, who easily avoided it, throwing up her hands in fake distress. "Gonna have to do better than that your princeliness!" She shouted. Alek filled his gloves again and took off after her. She was faster than him, but she continuously paused to gather snow to throw behind her. Alek felt his blood pumping fast in his veins, the cold air making his senses sharper. The wind whipped his hair in a torrent of reddish brown. As she snatched up another handful, Alek managed to catch up and he yanked back her collar in order to shove a mound of snow down her shirt. Deryn crumpled immediately, prancing and squirming about to shake out as much snow as possible. This time it was Alek's turn to point and laugh. "I've never seen that type of dancing before! Something like a mix of uncoordinated ballet and a child's temper tantrum right?" He taunted. "You bumrag! I'm going to beat your bum!" She cried. "You'll have to catch it first!" Alek turned to run in the other direction. Deryn easily caught up and she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and knocking him to the ground. Alek twisted around, only to get snow ground into his face. He gasped at the sudden cold and tossed his arms up as cover to her vigorous attack, scooting backwards along the ground. Deryn finally abandoned her onslaught and started running again. Alek stood and took off after her. Deryn paused and bent down and Alek seized the opportunity to chuck a snowball at her rear end. He hit his target and Deryn squeaked, snapping upright again. Alek dove behind the woodshed, pressing his back up against it. He breathed quickly, grinning widely. After a minute, he took a chance to peer out from his hiding place. The yard was empty, the previously pretty landscape disrupted by the battle. Alek stepped away from the shed, looking around for the enemy. "BOO!" Deryn shrieked in his ear and Alek screamed. He turned around instantly, crashing into her. They stumbled and fell to the ground in a heap. Alek landed on top of her, trying to catch his breath between howls of laughter. He lifted himself up and found himself staring down at Deryn, flat on her back, her face bright red from the cold and exertion. Alek felt himself get warmer despite the frozen air, holding Deryn's gaze. Without thinking, he leaned down and kissed her. Her lips were warm and a bit wet from the snow, but otherwise soft. Alek felt a shiver travel down his back as he felt her kissing back. After a moment, Alek pulled away. Her eyes stayed closed, snowflakes stuck to her lashes. Her mouth was slightly open, beckoning him in again. Alek gaped down at his best friend, his head reeling. A million thoughts crowded into his head at once, the most prominent of which being: Did I really just kiss Deryn Sharp? Not that it was a bad thing exactly, but it drew forth a certain few rather complicated questions. That could be answered later perhaps, because she was still laying there, waiting for him to make a move. He bent his head again, his lips centimeters from hers until he heard Mrs. Sharp yelling, "Deryn! We're having tea it's time to come in!" Deryn's eyes fluttered open and she sat up carefully, moving out from underneath him. She pushed herself up, tugging his arm. Brushing some snow out of his hair, her hand briefly trailed down his cheek. He took it in his own and they strolled out from behind the shed. Mrs. Sharp's face brightened when she saw them and waved a hand, gesturing for them to follow. Deryn shed her soaked coat in the entry and ruffled the leftover snow from her hair. Alek hung his wet things to dry on the wooden coatrack while Deryn tossed hers into a corner. He picked them up and hung them for her as she strode into the next room. A few of Deryn's aunties were seated around a wooden table with a quaint white tea set carefully displayed on top. Deryn flopped onto the couch and reached for one of the cups, pouring the sweet-smelling tea recklessly, some liquid sloshing some over the side. She dabbed her sleeve over the spill and added milk and sugar before slouching into the cushions, her legs spread out in front of her. Alek took a seat in a chair next to her, accepting his own cup from Deryn's mother. Looking around, he noticed he was the only boy in the room and wondered whether or not he was supposed to be there. He also noticed Miss Gertrude giving Deryn a look of hatred so vile Alek almost thought her face would contort into some kind of monster. Deryn, however, didn't bother looking her aunt's way. Instead, she made quick glances towards Alek, eyeing him eagerly. He couldn't help but feel the desire to watch her too. All he wanted, and needed, was a moment alone with her. "What kind of tea is this?" Aunt Orla asked. "Orange blossom." "That explains the citrus, it's delightful Margaret." Mrs. Sharp smiled and sipped her tea, rocking back and forth in her rocking chair gently. Deryn shifted toward Alek and he leaned close as she whispered, "We don't have to stay in here long if you don't want to." Alek raised his cup to his lips, inhaling the warm scent of the steaming liquid. After drinking, he raised an eyebrow. "Do you?" "Do I what?" She asked quietly. "Want to stay and drink tea with these lovely women." Deryn shrugged and grabbed the teapot, filling her cup to the brim. She sucked on the top, careful not to spill all over herself. Alek found her loud slurping noises amusing, however, they proved to be more than Aunt Gertrude could tolerate. "Have you no manners at all?" She spat, trying unsuccessfully to keep a ladylike composure. The room went silent. Deryn set her cup down and turned to her hateful aunt. She pretended to look down her nose, and sniffed. "None at all." She said, mimicking her aunt's rich, formal tone. "That is it!" She exclaimed, her voice rising to a high pitched whistle. "You need to learn your place, young lady! I've had enough of your outrageous behavior!" Deryn seemed unaffected by her aunt's rage and in retaliation to her chastising she knocked back the remainder of her tea as if it were hard liquor. She turned the cup upside down on the table and glared at Aunt Gertrude. "Deryn please," Mrs. Sharp started. "Was that really necess-" "And you," Aunt Gertrude declared. "You need to keep your daughter in check, how could you ever let her act in such a disreputable and purely horrific manner? Please at least act like a mother!" Mrs. Sharp was on her feet in a flash, shocking everyone in the room. She had a terrifyingly severe and unforgiving look on her face that seemed to make her much taller than she was. Her eyes grew dark and her face glowed bright with her fury. "How dare you suggest I am not a good mother. My daughter is a wondrous, intelligent, and beautiful human being, who doesn't ever need to change to fit your imbecilic and outdated standards. She doesn't need to change at all, as I love her as whoever she chooses to be." All eyes turned to Aunt Gertrude, who sat frozen in her seat. Her eyes were wide, her cheeks bright red, and her mouth agape, thoroughly dumbfounded at the usually passive Mrs. Sharp's outburst. "If you can't accept her then you can leave." She said sternly. Aunt Gertrude sat silently and nodded, sipping her tea with a quivering hand. Mrs. Sharp finally saw Deryn staring at her, a wide smile plastered across her face and her eyes filled with tears. She crossed the room, embracing her mother. Mrs. Sharp's firm posture softened and she kissed her daughter's cheek. She pulled her away, hands on her shoulders. "Now that wasn't very polite, Deryn." She said. Deryn hesitated. "You're not going to make me give any kind of apology though?" Mrs. Sharp smirked. "None at all." Deryn slapped a hand over her mouth to stop herself from bursting out laughing. She could hear faint giggles from the other women in the room, though they were much better at hiding their amusement. Mrs. Sharp gave her a soft push towards to door, waving a hand at Alek, who stood as well. "Both of you hurry along, you have far better things to do than sit around in a parlor with a bunch of old crones." Deryn wrapped her arm in Alek's, grinning wildly at him as they sashayed out of the room.

[its-theolivia-aesthetic]

Chapter 6 or 7 I can't remember After a barrage of the Sharp family streaming through the front door and the necessary introductions, Deryn was sick and tired of listening to the small talk. She tugged Alek's arm, and gestured to the staircase. Her mother briefly looked their way, only to be distracted by a cousin pulling at her apron. In the meantime, the two worked their way to the stairs and stole away. Deryn shut the door behind her and Alek collapsed on top of his bed. She sat down next to him and swung her feet onto his back. He mumbled something into the pillow that she couldn't quite make out. "What was that dear?" She joked. He chuckled and shoved himself up onto his elbows. "I said, I've been to a lot of parties in my life, but it never gets any less exhausting." "You? Parties?" Deryn asked skeptically. "Oh don't look at me like that. Fancy parties with my parents, you know before . . . " He trailed off and Deryn cast her eyes downward. "Aye I know." "Do you think they'll be looking for us?" Alek asked, breaking the formulated silence. "Probably. If I had to guess, I'd say we have around 15 minutes until dinner is ready so we can relax for at least a few barking min-" A knock at the door interrupted them and Deryn looked positively distraught. Aiden, Deryn’s younger cousin on her father's side who was about eleven crept in. Deryn stood and the boy tilted his head back to see her face. "Dinner time lovebirds!" He shouted. Deryn lunged at him but he easily twisted away from her and dove into the hallway. Deryn landed on her hands and knees, muttering obscenities under her breath. She felt Alek's hands grasp her waist and she froze in surprise as he lifted her to her feet. She dusted off her trousers and her eyes drifted to the hand that had lingered on her hip. "You can let go, I'm on my feet." Alek clasped his hands behind his back. "Of course, my apologies." Deryn felt a flutter in her stomach and stalked out the door hurriedly. "C-Come on, I'm sodding hungry." She stuttered. Most of the family had gathered into the dining room, with the exception of those who were bringing steaming food out from the kitchen. Alek sat next to Deryn at the middle section of the table. As the last platter was brought out and set down Alek reached for his napkin and set it neatly on his lap. Deryn leaned towards him. "Such a prince." She whispered. "Absolutely." He murmured back. Smirking, she sat upright once more. She rested her head on her hands and felt a nudge to her right. She'd unfortunately made the mistake of sitting next to her Aunt Gertrude, who was making a fuss about her elbows being on the edge of the table. In response, she made her position even more exaggerated, getting satisfaction from the anger clearly displayed on her aunt's ever-reddening face. She opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Mrs. Sharp announcing cheerfully, "Aye well this food isn't going to eat itself!" Deryn lifted a bowl of potatoes and heaped a pile onto her plate. Deryn heard her aunt scoff and she turned abruptly, making the woman jump. She raised the bowl towards her, smiling sweetly. "Would you like some auntie?" Her nose crinkled in disgust. "None at all." Deryn shrugged and turned in the other direction. "How about you?" Alek was sitting stiffly, his hands folded neatly on his lap. He seemed confused about something. Deryn frowned. "Hey, you okay? Have you gone daft on me?" She asked. "I've never had dinner in this fashion. I'm not quite certain as to what I should be doing." He rubbed his hands down his thighs before folding them again. Deryn smiled at him. "Just pass the food around the table, take some of what you like. Here, I'll start you off." She piled a spoonful onto his plate and handed the bowl to him, pointing to the woman next to him. "Now you give it to Auntie Orla." He passed it over, taking a tarnished silver platter from her in return and examined the food on top of it. There was a pile of slick round mounds filled to the bursting point with an unknown dark matter. It appeared to be some kind of meat, though he couldn't discern the animal. "That's haggis. I doubt you want that." Deryn said dubiously. Alek tried his best to conceal a gag, though it didn't go unnoticed by Deryn, who simply chuckled. "I'd rather pass on the sheep's stomach, yes." He handed the platter to her and she beamed at him as she passed it on. "Now you're getting it!" Alek rolled his eyes as he took the next dish, unsure whether she was teasing him or not. The bustle that had taken hold of the room soon subsided as everyone's plates filled and the previous chatter began again. Deryn shoveled a few mouthfuls in and chewed happily. It'd been a long time since she'd had a meal other than the slop they served in the mess hall at Leviathan, and this one was bloody brilliant. "A proper young lady takes small, delicate bites." Aunt Gertrude said. Deryn's eyes rolled upwards to the ceiling and she cursed herself for not sitting somewhere else. Finally she turned to her aunt, chewing obnoxiously loud and with her mouth half-open and said around her food, "I see no proper young ladies here." Her aunt looked horrified at her impertinence, touching a frail hand to her breast in shock. Deryn snickered as she swallowed, swiping her tongue over her teeth before scooping more potatoes onto her fork. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Alek with a hand over his mouth, trying and failing to conceal his laughter. She smirked as she took another bite. "Well," Uncle Fargus's voice boomed over the underlying conversations, bellowing from across the dining room. "Im dead curious about the young lad who's decided to join us for the weekend." The conversation died down swiftly as all eyes settled upon the crimson-cheeked couple sitting at the center of the table, and the center of attention. Deryn finished chewing and nodded. She raked her fingers through her boyishly short hair. "What do you want to know?" The silence shattered as everyone bombarded them with questions. Alek looked as though he'd just been struck across the face, his eyes widened in surprised. Deryn's attention was pulled left and right, the rope in a competitive game of tug of war. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, noticing Alek's alarm. "OI!" She shouted furiously above the din. "One at a barking time!" "Language Deryn!" Aunt Gertrude exclaimed with obvious contempt. "Sod off Aunt Gertrude!" Deryn spat. Deryn's next saucy retort caught on her tongue as Alek rubbed his hand up and down her back soothingly. "Relax Deryn." He mumbled softly. She breathed out slowly. "Sorry Auntie." Aunt Gertrude only sniffed and began a quiet conversation with Deryn's grandmother. Alek moved his hand away and sat up straighter, raising his head to match the stares of Deryn's family. "Oh Alek where are you from?" A young woman Alek couldn't remember the name of gushed, "You have such an interesting accent!" "Everyone notices the accent." He whispered, almost inaudibly. "Well aye I don't know if you've noticed but you're in Scotland!" Deryn blurted. Alek shot her a glare as hearty laughs filled the room. "I'm from Austria." Alek had expected more variety in the questions he was going to be asked, but he had been asked this specific inquiry countless times throughout the evening. "Austria? Isn't that the country those two nobles or something were from? The ones who were murdered only a wee bit ago?" Deryn's cousin, David, asked. Alek froze. Upon hearing mention of them, his insides clenched, as if his body were trying to fold into itself. He almost wished it would. Alek fixed his gaze upon his uneaten dinner, focusing on controlling his suddenly swelling grief. He thought he heard Deryn say something to David, or perhaps someone else, but the words were muddled, as if the room had suddenly become immersed in water. A hand touched his shoulder. Alek snapped his head back up. "They weren't nobles. They were high government officials descended from the Hapsburg royal family." David nodded thoughtfully. "You must've heard about them I'm sure." Alek stared blankly at him, unsure how to respond now. His stomach still churned and lurched. He felt bile rising in his throat and he shakily stood up. Deryn stood with him, concern displayed clearly in her expression. She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?" She whispered. Alek shook his head, and worked his way around the chairs with Deryn in hot pursuit. He could hear a few exclamations of surprise and a few people called out but he ignored them, so did Deryn. He pushed his way out of the dining room, the floor tilting beneath him, the walls spinning. He reached the bathroom and flung open the door, heaving what he had eaten out of him. Deryn rushed in and moved his bangs away from his forehead. She massaged the back of his neck with her free hand as he retched. After he had nothing left, he sat back on his heels and wiped his mouth. Deryn cupped his face with her hands and used her thumbs to dry the tears streaming down his face. He eased forward into her open arms and drew comfort from her warmth. After a few minutes, she gently pulled away. "Want some water?" He nodded and she rose to her feet to pull a glass from a cabinet. She filled the glass with cool water and held it out to him. He stood up and took the cup, swishing the liquid around in his mouth before spitting it out and drinking the rest. "Would it be alright if I explained what happened?" Deryn asked quietly. "And yell at that bumrag David?" "It would be more sensible to simply tell them. I don't see why we shouldn't." "Be right back." Deryn's footsteps echoed down the hall and Alek sat down, burying his face in his hands.

[its-theolivia-aesthetic]

Chapter 6 Jaspert had taken their bags upstairs, to Deryn's room. Mrs. Sharp apologized profusely for not having a bedroom arranged for Alek and scolded Deryn for not telling her he was coming. Deryn had twins in her room from when she and Jaspert had shared a bedroom when they were younger, so Alek insisted there was no problem. Deryn flopped down on the one closest to the window and pointed at the ceiling. "When I was little, my Da asked me if I could have one thing in the world, what would it be? I told him I wanted the sky." Alek stood dumbfounded at the beautiful artwork adorning the ceiling. There were clouds drifting across a blue background that mixed with shades of the pinks and oranges of a sunset. A string of birds flew gracefully from the corner, their wings fanned out to catch the wind. There were even stars sprinkled across sections of deep blue. "Did you make this?" Deryn grinned. "Not really. My Da did. I helped a bit though." "I see where you get your artistic skill from, this is magnificent!" "The stars glow." Alek turned to her, "No." "I swear it, they do! I'll show you tonight!" "It's a deal." A loud knock from downstairs made them both turn their heads. Sounds of voices and footsteps indicated relatives had begun to arrive. Deryn swore under her breath. "Already?" A shout echoed up the staircase, "Deryn! Your Auntie Gertrude and Uncle Fargus are here!" Deryn groaned as she lifted herself off the bed. Alek caught her arm and matched her gaze. "How should we present ourselves?" Instead of answering, she linked her hand in his and ran out the door, tugging him along behind her. Alek slipped on the wood floor of the hallway and he smacked into the wall before chasing Deryn down the stairs. She jumped onto the railing and slid down, leaping into the front entrance with a flourish. She landed perfectly and bowed deeply while splaying her arms wide. Alek covered his laugh with a hand and glided down the stairs in a much more regal manner, joining her at the bottom. A rather tall and burly man stood next to a much shorter and stern-looking woman. He noticed their curious stares and tried his best to stand still and calm, though on the inside there was an uneasy weight settling in his stomach. Deryn first went to stiffly hug and kiss her aunt on the cheek and then give a much more warm welcome to her uncle, who squeezed her tight enough Alek could hear her neck crack. "Nice to see you too," Deryn wheezed. "Could you put me down now I can't breathe." He released her with a smirk and immediately turned to face Alek. He reached out a hand and shook Alek's arm violently, sending him sprawling backwards upon its release. "Well who might this handsome young lad be hmm?" "This is my fri-, er I mean boyfriend, Alek." The man let out a loud guffaw, "A bit of a new development in your life then isn't it? I'll be hearing all about it tonight over dinner I bet? You cooking up something good there Margaret?" Mrs. Sharp nodded dutifully. "Aye, of course I am." Deryn's aunt sniffed. She was peering at him haughtily, with her nose pointed upwards and, embarrassed at his rudeness, he bowed to her. "It's wonderful to make your acquaintance ma'am." Her cold glare softened just a bit at the formal greeting but she turned away from him anyways. "I'm sure." Alek raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Deryn, who opened her mouth as if to retort. He quickly placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking his head no. She let her breath out in a huff and marched indignantly to the living room with Alek trailing behind.

[its-theolivia-aesthetic]

Chapter 3 “The plane will be landing in 15 minutes, prepare for slight turbulence as we descend.” Alek jostled awake at the sound of the voice and his sudden movement caused Deryn to sit up quickly in her seat. She blinked slowly, trying to remembering where she was. She ran her hands up the felt of the seats and shook herself the rest of the way awake. Deryn glanced towards Alek as he tugged his seatbelt a little tighter and felt herself turning bright red. What was that Deryn? There’s no one around to show off to why did you do that? But Alek seemed unaffected by it, or at least he hadn’t realized they’d spent the whole flight sleeping on the other’s shoulder and she sighed. If he didn’t care why should she? It didn’t matter, it was just practice. “What was that?” Alek asked and she realized she was actually saying her thoughts out loud. She shrugged and grinned at him. “Nothing.”