#ikerev fluff

There’s an ache in his chest when he thinks about how he tried to use you, how he only viewed you as a tool. You always tell him that doesn’t matter now, that he’s done more than enough to prove that he cares for you in ways that far surpass viewing you as a tool, but some nights your words aren’t enough and he wakes up in a cold sweat, visions of the Magic Tower and his long-imprisoned uncle flashing in his mind. He finds solace in you, your arms around his waist and your face pressed against his back, and on those nights you wake up with his forehead pressed against yours so he can see your face first thing in the morning. You always know why he’s facing your way, and you always ask if he wants to talk about it.

By morning, Edgar is usually okay. He’s gone through night terrors enough to be able to chase them off on his own. He doesn’t want to burden you with things that he did to hurt you, actions he took that led to your suffering. It would be horrible to complain when you were the victim in that situation, and he doesn’t want to be horrible to you.

But all it takes for him to break, to crack just a little, is you taking him into your arms, pressing sweet kisses to his forehead, letting him know that he can talk to you about anything, anytime, and that all he needs to do is call because you will always come, no matter what. And for the first time in a long, long while, Edgar feels like he could cry.

He doesn’t.

He doesn’t, but with every passing day he feels like he can be more honest with you. The sun rises above the horizon and dips below it, day after day, and you’re still here. You still bring him pastries you made and jellybeans you picked up from his favorite candy shop when you run errands. You still bring him a blanket when he falls asleep at his desk because he is working too hard, and you always pull up a chair right next to him so that when he wakes up, the first thing he will see is still your face. You still sing his praises when he spars, you still shine down on him with that beautiful smile when you run into his arms. You still place sticky notes on the wall above his desk, reminding him to take care of himself and that his favorite pastry is in the fridge if he needs any food while you’re away. Your notes form a mosaic of love and care and sweetness above the space that he used to slave away in. Now, because of you, instead of a desk full of paperwork signed by bloody hands, it feels like sitting on a fluffy cloud overlooking a flower-speckled meadow.

Edgar doesn’t know how he can even begin to repay you for what you’ve done for him. He knows without a doubt that he will love you every day, for as long as his soul will allow. Promising to love you with his heart isn’t enough, he thinks, because his heart could stop beating any day and a love that dies like a heart is no love at all.

You’re the most special person in his life, without a doubt. For far too long he thought his love wasn’t enough, that it wasn’t worthy, and yet you’ve tried (and are still trying) to convince him that it is. You cradle his hands to your chest and you say they’re warm, you kiss his scars when the memories hurt, and you allow his bloody hands to touch and hold you. You’ve allowed him so much, you’ve spoiled him rotten, and he couldn’t go on living without you

 He doesn’t know what pulled you into Cradle, but he prays to every star in the sky that whatever leads you here doesn’t change its mind. Whether it’s fate or just you (beautiful, radiant you), if you were to slip from his grasp, he doesn’t know what he would do.

And so, when you come back from running errands with a sleepy stumble in your step, when the sun dips beneath the sky, when your eyes and fluttering shut and you can’t stop yourself from yawning, Edgar catches you. His eyes are soft as he takes you in, your fingers curling around his bicep as you smile. Your head falls against his chest, and you allow yourself to slip into his embrace, your ear right against his heart. An explosion of emotions swell from within him, starting from the very pits of his stomach and blooming into a beautiful flower as they hit his heart. The happiness he feels, just holding you, knowing you trust him enough to let down your guard around him, fills him with the greatest joy he's ever known.

“Welcome home, dumpling.” he teases, voice soft and quiet as he brushes your hair away from your face, “Had a rough day?”

“Mhm.” you answer, nodding. Your hair scratches against his shirt, and his heart pitter patters in his chest, “Jonah ran me ragged.”

Edgar tsks, swooping you up into his arms. He’ll have to let Jonah know not to get too overzealous with his love, even though he knows all too well how easy it is.

It’s familiar, carrying you to bed and falling asleep at your side—in fact, Edgar knows it's never been easier. Waking up the next morning is just as easy, and even though he wishes he could stay there till the afternoon, he gets out of bed and gets ready before you can convince him to come back.

He’s out the door before you open your eyes.

The day passes like any other, with him running around headquarters and organizing paperwork, starting the occasional sparring match with Zero or one of his soldiers just so he doesn’t get bored. He makes sure to go into town and get the present he wanted to get for you, his heart set on giving it to you by the end of the day. He’s sure you’ll love it, and he’s certain this is what he wants.

He just hopes you will want it as well.

By the time he gets back to headquarters, it’s time for dinner. You’re waiting in the dining room for him, two dishes placed in front of you, and he delights in the way your smile glimmers when you see him. You perk up completely at the sight of him, and it's enough to fill him with butterflies.

You really are too sweet to him.

Dinner passes in the blink of an eye. He talks about his day and you talk about yours, observing your hand gestures and facial expressions like they’re the most interesting thing in all of Cradle. No, even more so—they’re the most interesting things in this world and the next and the next, because no matter how many worlds and universes there are, they wouldn’t hold a candle to the person who found him at his darkest and dragged him out with their own two hands, allowing him the mercy of clawing at their palms and grasping for their wrists and crushing their fingers when the darkness latches onto him and tried to yank him away from the light.

The walk back to his room is quiet. He can tell you’re sleepy, your hand wrapped around his wrist loosening and tightening every few seconds. It’s cute how you walk side by side but still insist on holding onto him. It makes him feel so loved, even when he opens his door and lets the two of you in and you have to let go.

“You seem excited about something, Edgar.” you comment, slipping your arms out of your shirt and changing into your pajamas.

He snickers to himself, shooting you an indifferent smile. You can read him so well, better than anyone else, and wow he really loves you.

“You’re right. I picked up a little gift for you while I was in town.” he says, coming closer to where you stand, tired from the day's events and in your pajamas but looking so, so lovely.

He cups your cheeks, and that hand slides away when he drops on one knee.

Your hands fly to your mouth, covering your gasp when he pulls out a small black box and presents it to you. Your eyes are already watering, and even though he wants to wipe your tears he knows those are the happiest tears he’s ever seen.

“When you first fell into Cradle, I couldn’t have imagined what you would end up becoming to me. You’re my everything. I love you more than anything, and you’ve given me more love than I ever could have hoped for. Marry me, and we can spend our days happy and in love for as long as we both should live.”

My precious Alice.

Your yes is so loud he’s certain you just woke up half of headquarters as you throw yourself into his arms, crying into his shoulder as he slips the ring on your finger. You clutch it to your chest like it's something precious, like it's something you can't bear to lose, and Edgar clutches you in much the same way.

His suspicions are confirmed when Jonah kicks down the door, looking frantically into the room to make sure you’re safe (and Edgar knows he only came for you, his now fiance, because he knows full well Edgar can defend himself.) Zero comes soon after, lured by the commotion Jonah makes after learning you two are engaged, and if Edgar didn’t know any better he’d say Zero is just as happy as he is.

Leave it to his student to always look out for him. It seems sometimes Zero becomes the teacher himself when it comes to Edgar’s happiness.

If there was any sleepiness in your eyes it's gone now, especially when Jonah orders everyone into the dining hall for a celebration. Tears gather in his eyes but he doesn’t let them fall, not even when you point them out and ask if Jonah is okay and he snaps that he’s fine, that he’s just tired and that the two of you screaming ruined his beauty sleep. Neither of you comment on his choked-up voice or his sniffling. You know that’s what's best.

The chefs are all too happy to bring out the alcohol (which lures Kyle from his office, who then offers you his sincere congratulations even though he’s very much out of it.) And before you know it, it’s like nighttime hasn’t fallen and most of Cradle isn’t asleep, because you’re with the man you love and all of his friends and everyone is smiling and laughing and it makes you tear up again.

You had no idea your happiness would make people so happy. You had no idea your shared happiness could make everyone this happy. You had no idea you two had so much influence on other people’s lives, even though it seems silly to comprehend it now when you’ve changed everyone’s lives in some way just by being here and loving one of their own.

You were part of a family now. A huge, dysfunctional, reckless, loyal family.

Edgar’s lips find your cheek and he kisses you like it’s the first time. You turn to him with watery eyes and he smiles at you, the crinkles around his eyes and in his brow making your heart pound.

“Thank you for saying yes.” he murmurs, “I love you so much.”

He kisses you, in front of everyone, and you cling to his collar like you want him to stay there forever.

Because you do, and you always will.

The fall air is chilled around the quiet cabin as Sirius approaches. The windows and doors are shut tight against the chill, and hearing a voice singing, he steps around to the back of the cabin, following the path to where the vegetable gardens lay. A figure is hunched over one of the beds, harvesting turnips and potatoes. Her hands stop when she hears the approaching footsteps. 

"Moon, I've missed you" her face lights up as she tilts her face up to look at Sirius, her pale green eyes struggle to focus on his face.

“And I've missed you Sunflower" Sirius places down the package he is carrying on a bench and slips his hands out of his gloves. 

"You really should go in soon, your freezing" He scolds, cupping her cheeks and noticing the flush developing along her skin.

"Mmm, your so warm" Irene murmurs, shutting her eyes as she melts against his warmth. A flush breaks out on Sirius’s face, a rare gentleness in his amethyst eyes as he glances down at Irene. Noticing the basket full of turnips and potatoes, he chuckles. 

"Come on, we can clean what you have, and catch up. I don't want you getting sick" Slipping his gloves into his pocket, he places the basket on the package and picks both up. “Here, I have the basket, just take my arm” He murmurs, helping her get to her feet. Her hand wraps delicately around his arm, following his lead back into the little cabin. Irene leaves his side as they enter the kitchen. Taking the basket of vegetables from him, she motions for the table in the corner of the kitchen. 

“Sit Moon, I’ll prepare some tea for us and warm up some muffins,” she nudges the Quene to the table and sets the basket by the sink. Sirius watches as Irene moves confidently around the kitchen, making tea and warming up some of the muffins. 

“Is Apple butter alright for the muffins?” Irene asks, placing the kettle on a tray with the muffins. 

“Whatever you would like” Sirius answers, watching as she brings the treats over. “Thank you” He takes the offered tea cup and muffin, as she sits across from him. Pleasant conversation fills the cabin as Sirius tells Irene about the antics her brother and Fenrir have been getting into. Irene tells him about the recent outing she had with Anna, Rose, and Aria picking apples and harvesting a huge part of her garden. When the tea runs out and the sun shifts in the sky, Sirius suddenly remembers why he visited Irene in the first place.

“I brought you a present” Sirius sets down the teacup and watches the surprise register on Irene’s face. 

“Oh?” Irene tilts her head gently. “Sirius-” 

“I wanted to, I know how much take care of others” he can see how hesitant she is and he quickly cuts in. Handing her the package, he guides her hand to the ribbon of the box. “Open it for me?” He holds his breath as Irene ponders accepting the gift before a small smile broke out on her face and she finally nods 

“Alright Moon, thank you” Her fingers undo the ribbon, unwrapping the box and opening the lid. Setting the box on her lap, her fingers explore the box. 

“Boots?” She guesses and Sirius lets out an affirmative hum as Irene picks them up and trails her fingers along the laces. “There are flowers on the laces” she observes. 

“Rose embroidered the boots and laces for me. They have Daisies, irises, and Forget me nots on them.” Sirius explains, watching as Irene’s smile grows. 

“You didn’t have to” She whispers softly, her fingers moving to the flowers around the top of the boots and down the side of the laces. 

“Having to and wanting to are two completely different things. Rose mentioned to me that your boots were getting worn out and that you needed some new ones. So I got them for you.” Sirius smirks at the memory of Rose relentlessly hinting that Sirius should get her the boots, reminding himself to thank her later. “I know but Rose-” Irene’s voice trails off and her smile only grows, reaching her hand out for Sirius’s hand. “Thank you, Sirius, these boots are amazing” Her face conveys her true feelings and Sirius’s heart beats louder in his chest. Kneeling next to Irene, he takes one of her boots. 

“Let me put them on and we can test them out” He murmurs, smiling when she relaxes her leg and lets him lift it on her knee. Slipping off her old worn boots, he ties her new ones, admiring the little flowers that were embroidered with love from Rose. When both boots were on he slowly stands up, noticing Irene wiggling her feet to test them out. 

“They are so comfy-” Irene stands up and walks around the kitchen before turning to Sirius with a smile. “Thank you so much” she thanks him again, pressing up on her tippy toes, to kiss his cheek.

“Do you want to come to Headquarters for dinner? I’m sure Ray would love to see you and Luka is cooking your favorite”  Sirius offers, watching as Irene lights up at her brother’s name. 

“I would love to if it isn’t too much of a hassle. I actually have some stuff for you guys.” Irene perks up at his offer, going over to her pantry and returning with a basket. 

“My plants were plentiful this year so I have way more food than I need. I canned some good and made some jams, and teas and I added some apple butter,” she explains sheepishly. Sirius laughs, looking through the basket of goodies and letting out a hum. 

“You didn’t have to do this for us Irene” He murmurs and she shakes her head. 

“I mean go look at my pantry and gardens. I have plenty, way more than I need. Besides, you guys took care of me for so long and looked after me, let me thank you. Besides as someone I love said, ‘wanting to and having to are two separate things” the amusement in her voice has Sirius shaking his head. 

“You can’t use my words against me in the same visit Sunflower” He smiles down, pressing his lips to her cheek. “Very well, let's go bring these treats back to the others, I’m sure no one will turn down all these goodies, those brats can really eat” he laughs, guiding Irene toward the door. The basket in hand. Once they are dressed warmly and Irene holds onto Sirius’s arm, the two leave the cabin, securing it behind them. 

The crunching of leaves under their feet fills the air and Irene turns her face to the sun, soaking up the fall sun. Her new boots don’t hurt her feet in the slightest and having Sirius with her makes her day so much better. 

“Sirius, can you tell me about the leaves this year?” Irene asks, and Sirius squeezes her arm. His voice is gentle as he describes the meadows, and trees they pass, their leaves now all shades of orange, brown, and red. He tells Irene about the flowers blooming in his family shop. She soaks it all in, absorbing every detail she can, remembering as much detail from her seeing days as she can to understand what they are describing. 

Lancelot groaned as he finished the nth letter he had to write for the day. For a month, he has done nothing but locked himself in his office. He has lost count of letters and documents he had to do. Putting down his pen, he rubbed his stiff shoulders. When he was about to return to work, there was a knock on the door.

“King Lancelot, I have brought you your lunch,” Jonah’s voice came out from the other side. Lancelot sighed wearily, he would normally refuse it, but knowing that none of the officers will surrender no matter how many times he turns them down.

“Enter.” He simply said.

Jonah entered with a bowl of soup on a tray. There were two things that Lancelot noticed. One, the smell seemed familiar. And two, Jonah looked determined and confident. Too confident, he may add. He eyed his right-hand man suspiciously as the tray was placed in front of him. He looked up again at Jonah and saw the determination in his eyes.

What is going on?

Before could Lancelot question him, Jonah immediately spoke up, “If you eat this soup, we will surrender.” Lancelot’s eyes widened. The Queen of Hearts spoke as if he was talking to his enemy.

Dumbfounded, he hesitantly spooned a decent amount and eyed it suspiciously then at Jonah who still was gazing at him firmly. Defeated, he carefully ingested it and that is when it hit him.

Potato and Leek Soup

Not just any normal potato and leek soup that was prepared by their main chef, but he recognized the taste anywhere. There was only one person who was able to make this kind of soup. In fact, there was only a person whose cooking is he can only taste. Unconsciously, he started devouring the soup until the bowl was clean.

Wait…don’t tell me it’s…

“Jonah, what day is it toda-“when he looked up again to question his right-hand man, Jonah wasn’t there anymore but instead he was greeted by the brightest and beautiful smile that he has missed for a month, “Alice.” He whispered in disbelief.

“I see that you finally ate the soup I made. Though, I was confused when I was greeted by Zero and Edgar in the garden and was led to the kitchen straight ahead where I was also greeted by Jonah and Kyle. It finally made sense when they finally explained to me that you hadn’t a proper meal since I left.” Then her beautiful smile was then replaced with a cute frown, “What did I tell you about skipping meals, Lance? The others were so worried that-Mmm!“

He did not let her finish her scolding. In a flash, he sprung out from his chair and pulled her in his embrace, claiming her lips. His hands were all over her body, desperately, trying to feel her warmth that he has been yearning for far too long. Alice, recovering from her shock, wrapped her arms around his neck, melting into the kiss.

Lancelot was kissing her fiercely that her knees were about to give in, her head dizzy. Placing his arms around her petite body, he lifted her to sit on the desk, not caring if they crumbled some documents. He needed to feel her to make up for their temporary separation.

It was Alice who broke the kiss as she needed to breathe. Panting, they gazed at each other for a while, “I miss you, Lance.”

Smiling gently, “I miss you too, my love.”

Feeling the papers under her, she finally came back to her senses, “Oh! Are you still working?” she asked, not wanting to disturb him if he was actually busy.

He scowled a little, “Those documents can wait.”

Lancelot claimed her lips once again as he carried her to their shared room where they made love with each other for the rest of the day to make up the time they had to spent without each other.

50 Followers Drabble Event, prompt #9 with Ray Blackwell

If you wish to check out the offical “50 Followers Drabble Event”, press here

Title: Jealous Teasing

Prompt: “Are you jealous?”

Fandom: Ikemen Revolution / Ikerev

Pairing: Ray Blackwell x gn! reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: none

Spoilers: only Ray’s pet

Word Count: 700+

Description: You had gone on a few trips with Fenrir lately and Ray can’t hide the fact that he is jealous because of that so you tease him a bit. But you didn’t expect to be teased back a few days later when you are trying to go to sleep in his bed.

If you ever had a cat, you know that they can really be little shits when you’re trying to lay down i your bed, but they just decide to occupy 2/3 parts of it.

And I feel like Ray would be a bit jealous if you decided to hang out with Fenrir a bit more than with him for whatever reason.

Also I am aware that drabble is supposed to be under 100 words, but I consider it to be under 1000 words

Jealous Teasing

„Are you jealous?” you said in a teasing manner, staring at Ray’s face as he laid his head on your lap, poking his cheek lightly.

“No, I’m not!” he was blushing slightly and averting his gaze from yours, clearly embarrassed because you brought up his tad-bit too clear jealousy caused by your recent outings with Fenrir.

“Are you sure?” you decided to push just a bit more before giving an explanation. “But just to make sure, you know me and Fenrir just went to Blanc and Oliver’s house for tea and to pick up some new ammo and pistols for him, right?”

“…” there was only silence as the tips of Ray’s ears turned pink and the pout formed on his lips, earning a laugh from you.

“Don’t be mad Ray, you know I only love you” you said with a gentle smile and ran your fingers through his hair.

“Then kiss me” your eyes widened a bit by his quiet demand, but you quickly obeyed, closing your eyes and bringing your lips to his soft ones, you placed one hand on the grass next to you as a support and other on his cheek while he placed his hand on your cheek and wrapped his other one around the wrist of the hand on his face. It was a soft kiss full of affection, but it quickly grew in intensity, leaving you breathless when you pulled away with a smile.

“I love you too, y/n” Ray said, his palm still on your cheek.

After a few days you went to bed a bit later than usual, you just finished helping Luka with meal prep and washing the dishes. You entered Ray’s bedroom after the lights have already gone out and saw him lying on his side in the bed, his arm wrapped around Belle that was sleeping on your side of the bed.

You couldn’t lie, the sight was absolutely adorable and you really wished you could capture it somehow. But you could feel your eyelids threatening to close and you made your way the chair where your sleepwear was neatly folded. You quickly slipped into it and tip-toed to your side of the bed. Ray’s bed wasn’t really on the bigger size, so you two always cuddled to make the most of the space, but now his furry companion took your place. You squeezed your way next to him and felt a bit weird. You got used to Ray’s warm embrace while awaiting your trip to the land of dreams. You stared at his sleeping form, his lips were slightly parted, but his face was like an angel’s while he was asleep, he seemed so relaxed. You could see him shift under your gaze and in the next moment his eyes fluttered open slowly, a teasing smile appearing on his face when he realized who was laying in between you two.

“Are you jealous?” he asked, his voice husky and quiet, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. You gave him a stern look before quickly returning his mischievous and teasing remark. This was his payback for you teasing him few days ago.

“I must admit I am. After all I wanted to cuddle with Belle tonight, but you took him all for yourself” Ray chuckled a bit by your response before the cat decided to get up and go seek some affection from you, bumping his nose against yours and rubbing his face against your cheek.

“Looks like he likes my company more” you shot Ray a glance only to find him with a serious look on his face. “What’s wrong, Ray?”

“Traitor” You were taken aback by this and you stared at him with wide eyes, your hands stopped petting the Russian blue cat. “I thought we made a deal to not go to y/n before they begs us to give them some love and affection” there was a small pout on his lips and you couldn’t help but giggle.

“Well then, can I please get some cuddles from you two?” you asked them with a sweet voice and Ray responded by opening his arms, welcoming both you and Belle in his tight embrace. You turned your back on him and hugged the cat close to you as Ray put his hand around your waist.

“Goodnight Ray, goodnight Belle.”

“Goodnight, sweet dreams.”

“Meow.”

And with all of you having said your goodnights, you all closed your eyes and soon drifted off to unconsciousness with warm and fuzzy feeling in your chests.

‘Shit.’ Oliver huffed, squeezing his eyes closed. He reopened them and took a second look at her peaceful face to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. 

‘No! What the hell is wrong with you!’ He screamed at himself inside his own head. 

What was she doing here? Why did he allow her to be here? How did it get to this point in the first place? Oliver’s eyes searched her face as if her sleeping form could tell him anything. 

Probing his mind, he searched for any memory of the night. A fuzzy picture came into the forefront of his thoughts. Once Blanc introduced Alice around, he’d left her in Oliver and Kyle’s care to excuse himself and speak with others. Kyle then boasted that Oliver could drink anyone under the table. Oliver’s ego inflated, and he let one too many shots past his lips in order to- ‘...what? impress her?’

Oliver’s eyes moved to her lips, obviously just as swollen as his felt. Her hair was tousled beautifully on his pillow, spilling golden strands all over the silky sheets.

Alice, his friend, the girl he promised to keep safe, the very girl he just met, lay solidly asleep beneath him. They were friendly, always keeping everything platonic between them. They had an agreement he would help her get back to her world the second that the full moon came up

He eyed her neck, seeing the red marks he knew he was responsible for. Three hickeys in a line going up towards her ear. Oliver cursed under his breath, begging his body to keep moving off of her.

He pushed off to the side, only realizing her arm was in the way. In an effort to not squish her delicate limb, he moved back awkwardly. Rolling his eyes at his ongoing inebriation another dizzy spell roared to life between his brows. 

‘Just don’t look at her.’ He coaxed himself.

He decided to sit up slowly, moving back on his knees that already resided between her legs. His heart skipped a beat as her body came into view bathed in silver moonlight. He willed his eyes to look away, but he could hardly believe the scene in front of him. 

How could he have forgotten what happened? With her, with Alice. The alcohol left a blank space in his memory, and he prodded at the recess, trying to remember something, anything. It was still possible they didn’t have sex, he could have fallen asleep before anything went too far.

He sighed at the comforting thought of the possibility of not deflowering her, tugging the blanket from his back and laying it over her form. However, when he shifted back, the telltale wet spot from a long evening of lovemaking stained the sheets right between her legs.  

He hung his head, full of disappointment in himself. ‘God dammit…’

After raking his fingers roughly through his hair, Oliver sat up and dropped the rest of the covers over her. As he processed the situation, his heart took off in a runaway beat that only a fool would allow himself to feel. 

He shifted backward weakly, pausing only for the room to stop spinning. Oliver moved to the floor onto wobbly legs. His muscles were exhausted as budding soreness began to touch his joints. He wanted to slap himself for what transpired, wondering how he could have let this happen, or how could she have allowed him to do this to her. 

Holding onto the end of the bed as he stood, Oliver wondered if she would have no memory of this evening either. He hoped, so badly, that she would have a blank space in her mind as well. 

His stomach rolled as he put one foot in front of the other. He would sleep in the guest room for the remainder of the night. Regret ebbed at his psyche. He wished they could have come together sober and naturally. Sharing a memorable first kiss and holding hands and- ‘Oh, what am I thinking.’ He ground his teeth in frustration. 

They were friends, and they would remain friends until she left his world and returned to hers. Waking up in her embrace, the image of her naked and sleeping together. He promised himself that this night would be a distant memory soon enough.

Oliver looked on the floor for his clothes. He pushed her skirt and blouse aside, finding his pants and button-up shirt and snagging them abruptly. He wished he was well enough to pick up all of their clothes off the floor, but his head spun again, warning him not to bend down another time. 

He kicked his jacked under the bed as he walked out of the room. He used all his strength to not look back at Alice’s sleeping form after hearing her sigh and turn over behind him.

He clicked his bedroom door shut behind him almost silently, then walked down the hall with clothes in hand. Alice would figure it out in the morning, even someone with half a brain cell could figure it out. 

He refrained from shaking his head again to keep the world from spinning past him as he entered the guest room. He put his pants on awkwardly, then slid the dress shirt on without buttoning anything, and flopped onto the bed. 

His magic would transform the clothes he wore by morning so he could look decent at least. His teeth grit together in a lock position as he stared out of the unfamiliar window. 

‘What a big fucking mess…I’m the idiot this time.’ Was his last thought before sleep took him once again. 

What seemed like a split second later, the sun poured into the window and coaxed his heavy lids open. Oliver’s temples throbbed as he tried sitting up. He rubbed his eyes with his smaller hands, wiping away the sleep. 

Sitting on the end of the bed, feet dangling, he didn’t know how long he had been staring at the wall. The sound of his shower running jerked him out of a daze. She was up already.

He used his hands to slowly button up his shirt, brushing his fingers through his hair in order to tame the unruly strands. He tried moving his thoughts to breakfast, but the running water roared in his mind. He knew Alice probably woke up just as confused as he had been, except alone in a bedroom she’s never seen before.

It was easy to discern whos room it was, but that’s beside the point. Guilt festered in Oliver's mind the longer he sat in the empty guest room. Pushing himself off the bed, he headed for the door. If anything, he needed water and a lot of it. 

He finished making tea, sat with his newspaper, and picked at a chocolate chip muffin. The shower had long since shut off. Oliver tapped his foot against the chair, waiting for her to enter the breakfast nook any time now. 

He stared at the words on the page, not reading a single letter as his ears perked up, hearing footsteps down the hall. The feeling of taking off in a full sprint seemed tempting, but he pushed past it and stared at the large paper until her arrival. 

“Mornin’” Her voice was raspy as she shuffled her feet into one of the dining chairs.

“So, It’s not a ‘Good’ morning?” His voice seemed lower than he was used to, with a slight tremble he tried to hide.

He didn’t look away from the newspaper but watched in his peripheral as she poured herself some tea. 

“It’s not that great. I woke up in a room that wasn’t mine with a massive hangover. I was relieved to find it was your room.” She blew on the hot tea before sipping.

Oliver grasped the pages, crinkling the corners of the paper. 

“Why would you be relieved it was my room.” He spoke in a level tone, never looking directly at her. 

“‘Cuz, if I were in a totally unfamiliar place, I would have freaked out.” She shrugged, pushing a wet strand of hair behind her ear. “Your hats lining the closet are insanely organized by the way.” She chuckled.

‘Would she still be relieved to know what we actually did.’ Oliver shook his head, trying to erase his inner thoughts.

Stealing a look, he noticed her hair pulled to one side exposed the massive hickies he bestowed upon her. His eyes were fixated on the physical proof of his affections toward her. She had to have seen them, right? Was she able to piece the evening together with less information than he had?

“Good morning, you two lovebirds!” Blanc’s voice rang out over the breakfast table, alarming both hungover parties.

“Love birds?” She scrunched her forehead. She looked over at Oliver, who still refused to meet her gaze. 

“Parish, you old man. We don’t know what you’re talking about, and besides-” Oliver stood far too quickly for his head to catch up. He ignored the dizzy spell, clutching the side of the table to hold himself up, and proceeded. “I have so much work to do today. I don’t even know where to start.” He sat his newspaper down on the table and left his plate and cup behind.

“I’ll be in my garage, but don’t disturb me unless it’s an emergency.” He walked towards the doorway and looked back and Blanc’s worried face. “Also, call her a carriage that can take her home. There’s no need for her to stay here.” 

He had no work for today, that’s why he allowed himself to go out last night. His lack of responsibility today made it the perfect evening to let loose. 

Without a second look at her, he barged out of the room. Almost quick-stepping as soon as he saw the front door. He held back the full sprint he wanted to take to his garage and forced himself to walk slow. 

Slamming the door to his workshop, he shut off the bright lights and closed the curtains. 

‘She’s going to figure it out, and she’s going to hate me.’ He cursed himself, sitting in his desk chair. He made himself busy with a creative project, tinkering with his old pocket watch that died months ago. The focus he held regarding the new fixation almost drown out the sound of the light knock to the garage door. 

He dropped his tool to the workbench and waited to hear the sound again. Another light knock roused him from where he sat. Walking towards the door, he pulled gently at his collar. 

“Yes?” He swung the door open. He spotted her golden strands wafting in the wind before seeing her expression. “Alice?! What do you want?” He sounded angry to see her, but he didn’t want to correct his tone. Building a wall between them was far more beneficial for her than him being nice. At least, that's how he rationalized it. 

Her smile faded to a shy lip bite as worry painted her brow. She took a deep breath and stared down at the grass under her shoe. “Um,” Her cheeks burned hot, and Oliver wanted to slam the door and pretend like none of this ever happened. He knew she knew. There was now no use in denying that.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he croaked out an apology. “I’m sorry for last night. You deserve better.”

“What? No-” Alice reached out for him, but he took a step back.

“I mean it.” 

“I wasn’t looking for an apology.” She chimed. 

“Oh? Well, you got one.” Oliver grumbled, holding the door in front of his face, keeping a barricade between them at all times. 

“Do you remember it? Any of it?” Alice’s brows scrunched as she looked over at him. Her shy expression changed to an apologetic frown. 

“I- No, I don’t.” He messed with the button of his sleeve as the wind blew a gentle breeze into his workshop. 

“You asked me out on a date tonight.” Her sing-song voice carried over to him on the tail end of the wind. 

“Huh!?” She gained his full attention, and his wide eyes bore into hers with disbelief.

Alice swallowed thickly and looked around absently. “I was just wondering… if we are still on. You said you wanted to take me to the new restaurant off the main road... They serve breakfast for dinner.” 

The silence stretched between them while Oliver tried to process the events that were unfolding. “Would you still want to go, even if I told you I don’t remember asking?” 

Alice nodded her head yes, and let out a nervous laugh. “It’s okay if you don’t want to anymore. I just… I’m sorry you don’t remember anything.”

He pondered that for a long moment. Did he want to? In his drunken stooper, he ended up asking her out on a proper date, and she’d agreed to it. All this even after asking if he remembered or not. She could have played it off and went home without saying anything. 

“We can go. But don’t expect me to drink anytime soon. This hangover is killing me…” He tried to make his voice sound confident but failed miserably. 

She beamed a smile at him. “It’s a date then!” 

Oliver’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Is this really happening?’ He took a step toward her in good faith.

“It’s a date.” He blurted out. 

“Pick me up at seven?” 

“Seven? Please don’t tell me you’re one of those people that eats dinner at 8. That’s when you should be heading to sleep.” He teased, fixing his typical smirk atop his lips. 

“Fine, six.” She shot back and turned on her heel. 

“I’ll be there at 5:30.” He called out behind her. 

Slamming the door, he looked at his hands with bewilderment.

Now how was he supposed to just let her walk back through the looking glass in the next few weeks and forget about her? 

‘You idiot.’ He shook his head. The situation wasn’t as simple to shake off than he thought just hours ago. But truthfully, the events that unfolded didn’t upset him in the slightest.

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Thanks for reading! 

This was an abandoned WIP from about 8 months ago that I was worried to post. Mostly due to alcohol themes and the appearance of smoliver. I decided to reread it and had the urge to edit it. It came out so cute, and I just wanted to share this story I wrote for myself with yall. Anywho, despite all that I hope you enjoyed!