#how they both disappoint each other and uplift immediately to make up for a mistake | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thrillridesz · 4 years

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the story of us ▫ eric

➳ pairing: ex husband and father!eric x fem!reader ➳ genre: angst, slight fluff ➳ word count: 3.8k ➳ requested?: yes

a/n: this is written as a part two to this timestamp!

Eric peered nervously at his watch, frowning as he watched the time tick by the second.

Just where were you? It was already nearing eight and the two of you were supposed to meet at seven in the restaurant. The dinner plans had been made over a week ago when he finally mustered up the courage to ask you out for a meal. Moreover, the restaurant he had picked required a special reservation given how popular it was and frankly, Eric was starting to feel more and more uncomfortable by the minute in a fancy restaurant like this one.

People were starting to cast sympathetic glances in his directions, murmuring amongst themselves about the man sitting alone at the table, no doubt making their own speculations about him as the lonely guy stood up by his date. Eric felt his shoulders sag and disappointment seep in. Were they going to be right about their speculations after all?

Trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his heart, he whipped out his phone and texted Sangyeon.

i don’t think she’s coming. this is a mistake.

The response was almost immediate.

wait, she’s not there yet??

that’s kinda messed up, she stood you up?

i don’t know, i think so

There was a pause while Eric awaited Sangyeon’s response, downing a glass of wine in an attempt to hide his sadness.

man, i’m rly sorry to hear that :/ do you wanna just come over and hang? there’s a crazy match going on today, we can get some beer too

Staring despondently at his phone, Eric bit his lip anxiously, feeling a lump starting to form in his throat. Were you really standing him up? He briefly recalled your reaction when he had asked you out for dinner over the phone after he had coaxed his daughter to sleep that day. He had been a ball of nerves and if it wasn’t for Sangyeon’s encouragement, he would never have had even thought about asking you out.

“I don’t know if I can do this. What if she says no?”

“Then you take it like a man. Either way, you have nothing to lose if you try and everything to lose if you don’t.” Sangyeon replied and Eric could hear the audible sigh in his voice.

As he paced the empty living room, he said, “I mean... You have a point but this is y/n we’re talking about. My ex wife. You don’t just call up your ex wife for dinner.”

“You don’t?” came the reply as a distant crash sounded from the other end of the line followed by a screech so sharp that made Eric wince in pain.

“No, stop that! Taeil, give your sister back her doll right now! Sorry, give me a moment.”

“Wait-”

Sangyeon didn’t even wait for his response before leaving the phone call on hold and Eric could only glare at his cellphone in irritation. Shaking his head, he sunk into the couch and rubbed at his temples. All of this on top of work was giving him a mighty headache. As he pressed his fingers to the side of his head and rubbed, he suddenly remembered how you would always give him a back massage after a long day at work back when the both of you were still a married couple. Gingerly placing a hand on his shoulder, Eric longed so badly to feel your hands on him that his heart hurt. How did things go so wrong?

Looking up, a small picture frame next to the television caught his eye. It was a picture that the two of you had taken on the day he proposed to you years ago. The happiness in your eyes was unmistakable as you held up your hand pridefully, the ring shining brightly on your finger. His arm was looped around your waist as the two of you leaned in for the picture, the love the two of you had for each other obvious even in a still image. It had been ages since he had been able to hold you like that or even seen you smile that radiantly around him. There was absolutely nothing he wouldn’t give to see it again.

“Hello? Eric?”

Bringing the phone to his ear, Eric tried to keep the sadness out of his voice.

“Yeah?”

“Sorry, it’s the kids again. They were fighting, tearing the house apart literally. Anyways, you’re going to call her right? Y/n?”

He glanced wistfully at the picture before answering, “I don’t know.”

“You’re still hesitating?” Sangyeon groaned.

“I-” Eric opened his mouth to retort, only to get interrupted by yet another piercing scream from the other end of the call. He could hear soft mutterings of profanities as he stood waiting for the scream to die down.

When it did, he cleared his throat.

“That’s not very nice, Sangyeon. You know, swearing.”

If it wasn’t possible to feel someone rolling their eyes on the call, he certainly felt it from Sangyeon.

“If you had children like Taeil and Jisoo, you’d love them to death but also wish they could stop their shenanigans for once,” he replied before adding, “I have to go for real now anyways.”

“Alright.” Eric laughed.

“Call her! Tell me how it went at work tomorrow!” Sangyeon ordered before ending the call, leaving him staring at the phone in the silence of his home.

“Should I?” He thought as his thumb subconsciously scrolled down his list of contacts and hovered over your name. Looking at the time, it was already midnight. Maybe you were already asleep. What if he disturbed you? What if you were in the middle of a shower and couldn’t answer the phone? He would look like an idiot. Tossing the phone aside absentmindedly, Eric looked up at the ceiling and closed his eyes. It might be for the best if he didn’t call you or ask you out. It’s probably what you preferred.

“Hello? Eric?”

He sprang up from the couch in shock. Was that a ghost? Was he hallucinating or was that your voice calling him? The colour drained from his face as he realised to his sheer horror that he had accidentally tapped on the call button earlier and the call had gone through.

Immediately when the ball dropped, Eric made a beeline for the phone and before he knew it, he was falling forward. As he landed on the floor with loud thud, he mentally cursed himself for being clumsy when you asked, “Is everything ok? I heard a loud noise.”

Fumbling for the phone, he gasped out, “Yes! Everything is great, I’m really sorry!”

“Um, ok. I just thought I heard a really loud noise. Why did you call anyways? Is there something the little one left behind?”

Eric bit the inside of his cheeks as he thought hard for an appropriate response. What is he going to say? Yes and make up a lie about something stupid? Or...

“Ask her out?” He whispered under his breath.

“What was that?”

Eric almost wanted to slap himself for saying his thoughts out loud and he frantically backtracked, “Nothing! I was just wondering...” He trailed off as the picture caught his eye again.

This could be his chance to salvage everything and shoot his shot for another opportunity to get back the life he had left behind. Briefly recalling what Sangyeon had said, his grip on the phone tightened as he debated.

Either way, you have nothing to lose if you try and everything to lose if you don’t.

“Will you go out with me for dinner?”

When the question escaped from his lips, it was too late to take them back. He heard your breath hitch from the other end and a chill ran down his spine. There was a moment of silence and waiting for your reply had been the most nerve wracking couples of seconds of his life.

“Why?” Your voice was soft and there was a hint of caution in them.

Flustered, Eric fumbled to find the right words to reply. He had expected outright rejection and that single word had thrown him off completely. Deep down, he felt a spark of hope began to bloom. You didn’t give him a straight answer but at least it wasn’t a no although it wasn’t exactly a yes either.

“I... Um... I just thought... Um... Maybe we could just c-catch up on some stuff?” He asked as he screwed his eyes shut, anticipating your answer.

“...Sure.”

Eric almost hurled his phone across the room.

Shut up.

Was he dreaming right now? Did you really just say yes? Pinching himself for good measure, the stinging pain did little to dull his uplifted mood. This isn’t a dream after all. He was suddenly filled with such joy, he thought he could explode.

“I-I... That’s awesome! How does friday night next week sound?”

He could hear the smile in your voice that he had grown to love over the years.

“Friday night sounds lovely.”

Come to think of it, were you hesitating?

“Did she only say yes because she was too afraid to say no?” He thought to himself, eyes widening in horror.

“Hey! I’m so sorry, I’m late.”

At the sound of your voice, he looked up and felt a shiver run down his spine. You had always been beautiful to him but today, you looked simply stunning and for a moment, he just stared without moving the slightest bit. You were wearing a gorgeous blue dress that fell gracefully to your knees and although your hair was slightly messy and unkempt, it only accentuated your beauty as wisps of hair framed your face.

Taking a seat across from him, you barely even noticed his blatant gaping as you settled yourself down.

“I’m so sorry for being almost an hour late. The babysitter was late and the traffic was just insane out there, I hope you’re not mad at me.” You said, laughing softly in embarrassment. “Eric?”

Blinking, he snapped out of his daze and his cheeks turned pink.

“Oh! It’s no worries, I completely understand.” A wide grin tugged at his lips as straightened his tie, suddenly conscious of how he looked in front of you. The patrons had stopped whispering and had gone back to their meals, the sheepish expression on some of their faces plain as day.

As Eric placed his hands on the table, he accidentally knocked over his glass of wine, sending the glass crashing to the ground. Shards of glass skidded across the marble floor as the ruby red wine formed a small puddle. The splintering sounds of glass against the hard floor turned heads and for a moment, everyone stared at the two of you. Some wore disapproving frowns while others simply looked away hastily as a waiter rushed forward to assist.

“I’m really sorry! I didn’t mean to,” Eric exclaimed anxiously, internally wishing he could dig up a hole and hide in it. Barely one minute into dinner, he wad already making a fool of himself in front of you and in a fancy restaurant no less.

The waiter only smiled at him good naturedly before waving away his apologies.

“It’s perfectly alright, sir! This is no problem at all! I’ll go get a mop and a broom.”

Nodding weakly, Eric sat back in his seat with his face downcast. He couldn’t possibly look at you straight in the eye after that blunder he made. An unexpected, soft chuckle made him peek up at you shyly.

“That waiter definitely did not look happy.”

“He didn’t?”

You raised an eyebrow at him quizzically before leaning forward and he briefly caught a whiff of your intoxicating perfume. Roses and jasmines, sweet and subtle just like you.

“Look over there.” You whispered, pointing to a far corner of the restaurant and he turned.

From afar, the disgruntled look on the waiter’s face was vague but it was nothing either of you could miss. Bending over to whisper something in his colleague’s ear, they both peered over in your table’s direction. Quickly, the both of you turned away, pretending not to see.

“Man, I guess it’s not alright after all.” Eric rolled his eyes and you nodded, taking a small sip of water.

“When you work in the service industry for some time, you’ll notice these stuff eventually.” You replied, smiling kindly at him.

“Right.” He cleared his throat awkwardly, remembering that you worked as an operations manager for a cafe downtown. There was a moment of silence before he asked, “How’s work?”

“Oh, just...” You waved your hands, “We’re revamping the menu and business is going smoothly. Honestly, there’s nothing much. You?”

“Um... Nothing much either, I suppose. Some financial reports for the year are rolling in and my clients are-” Eric trailed off. What is he doing, rambling off like that? No, no. He had to backtrack. Talking about work is a bad idea especially since it was the reason why the two of you had separated in the first place.

“My day was great,” he clasped his hand together on the table before he continued, “It’s nothing much to talk about. I’d rather we just talk about other things besides work.”

For a moment, he thought he saw a look of confusion and surprise flash across your face before you replied, “Oh, alright. I thought you used to have a lot of new work stories every day?”

“Ah no... I don’t. Today, I want to just catch up with you.”

You regarded him skeptically for a moment before you shrugged.

“Sure, I’m up for that. Do you want to order some food first?”

“I... Okay.” Deflating a little, he pored over the menu. Basic french words were already difficult to understand but throw in some culinary terminologies, Eric was completely lost. Everything was like hieroglyphics to him as he surveyed the menu blankly.

“Do you know what you’re going to get?” You asked him, without looking up.

Eric stared hard at the menu, so hard until the words were starting to blur together. There had to be something he understood from this menu. Internally, he began to regret choosing this restaurant but then he remembered that you loved french cuisine.

“It’s worth it if she’s satisfied,” he thought firmly to himself as he flipped over the page. Just how thick was this menu? This could be a library book. By the time the waiter stopped by the table, he still hadn’t made up his mind.

“May I take your orders?”

“Yes, please. I’ll have the soupe à l’oignon,” you replied as you handed the menu back to the waiter. “Have you decided on what you want, Eric?”

“Um...” He hesitated for a moment before pointing at something random on the menu. “I’ll have this.”

The waiter bowed as he left with their orders and you asked, “What did you order?”

Eric felt his face heat up as he stayed quiet. He couldn’t just tell you that he randomly chose, how pathetic would that be? You would see him as a try hard for picking an upscale restaurant with menus in a language he didn’t understand a word of.

“i just got clams.” He smiled, taking a hasty sip of water.

“Clams. I didn’t know you liked clams,” You said, looking at him curiously.

“I thought I’d try something new I guess,” he laughed, fists clenched at his sides. “Anyways, how are things with you lately?”

You sighed and Eric had to resist the urge to reach out and hold your hands in his like he always did whenever you were visibly stressed out. So near, yet so far.

“Oh, things have been alright lately. It’s just that the restaurant is getting busier these days and our daughter is having a school recital soon. Her teacher wanted me to go buy her a dress for it but I haven’t got the time lately.”

“Recital? What recital?”

“The one happening in September? Did she tell you about it?” You asked, looking at him wide-eyed in surprise.

“I guess she didn't,” Eric said softly, feeling his stomach churn uneasily. He should have known. Although these days his relationship with his daughter is improving, there are definitely still some things she wouldn’t tell him. He didn’t blame her though, since he had been absent for a large part of her childhood. If only he was so career oriented then.

Your expression softened as you reassured him, “Maybe she forgot. Don’t ponder about it.” He nodded weakly at your words, forcing a faint smile as he gripped on tightly to the tablecloth. You leaving him had been one of the hardest things he ever had to go through but couple that with a lack of a familial relationship with his own flesh and blood? If time travel was possible, he would have went back and given his past self a good beating.

He was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he almost didn’t notice that you had your hands on his. Slowly, his gaze drifted down but before he could hold you, you quickly withdrew your hands. Pushing your hair away from your face, you avoided making eye contact.

“Y/n-”

“I was just trying to reassure you and make you feel better.”

It would be a lie if Eric was to say he didn't feel disappointed. The spark of hope in his heart dimmed slightly as he reared back like a wounded child. He tried fervently to ignore the sinking feeling in him as he looked at you. When you turned away, it felt like needles stabbing in his heart.

“I-”

“Soupe à l’oignon?” The waiter placed a steaming bowl of creamy soup on the table.

“That’s mine.” You gestured, a grateful look on your face.

When the waiter left, Eric sniffed curiously before pointing out, “Is that onion?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“I thought you hated onions. You said once that you’d rather eat crickets than onions.”

“I guess I just started liking them,” you shrugged as you dipped your spoon into the soup.

Why is he feeling so upset over this?There was a lump in his throat as he croaked out, “When?”

Hearing the tremble in his voice, you snapped your head up to look at him. Seeing the hurt look in those dark eyes of his, you felt your heart fall with a messy splat. You didn’t know why he was feeling that way and you would have tried to coax yourself into thinking that you don’t care but your heart couldn’t help it. If you were being completely honest with yourself, you still cared for him as much as you hated to admit it.

“Eric, are you ok?”

“I... I’m fine. It’s just that...” Millisecond by millisecond, he could feel his restrain crack. He could feel the formidable guard he had built around own emotions starting to shatter.

“I guess you’re just different from how I remembered. I feel like I don’t know you anymore and that hurts me.” Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Stop talking. “I feel like I’m now a stranger to you and...” He felt his lower lip tremble and tears pricking at the corner of his eyes.

“And what, Eric?”

He could practically feel his restrain break free as he blurted out, “And I feel like we’re not lovers anymore! I mean, to be fair we’re not... not married anymore but fuck. I still love you. I still love you with all my heart and seeing you and talking to you without being able to hold you or express my feelings... That kills me inside every time. I used to love the fact that we both know each other inside out but it feels like the longer we are apart, the closer I am to losing that. I never meant for the story of us to end this way and I know it was all my fault. I was the one who fucked up. I single handedly ruined the family we had but I’m begging you to give me another chance. Please, y/n. I need this, I need you. Will you give me a chance?”

Everything came out in a rush and by the time he ended his sentence, a single tear was rolling down his cheek. You stared quietly at your bowl of soup, not looking at him and not uttering even a single word. If his heart was broken enough, it certainly was now.

Taking a deep breath, Eric choked out, “I-It’s fine. I understand if you don’t love me back anymore. If you want to leave, you can. I’ll pay for-”

“Okay.”

He almost fell out of the chair as he peered at you, alarm written all over his face.

“What?”

You stared him straight in the eye as you mumbled, “I said okay. I’ll give you a chance.”

Did God finally decide to have mercy on him? Are the stars aligning in his favour? Eric couldn’t believe his ears and he had to smack himself to make sure this wasn't a dream. The loud slap rang through the restaurant and several patrons turned to your table as you gasped in shock.

“What are you doing?!”

Feeling the stinging pain on his reddened cheek, he replied dumbly, “Making sure this isn’t a dream.”

You couldn’t fight the giggle that gurgled up within you as you held his arm, “It’s not a dream. Don’t hurt yourself, Eric.”

This is actually happening. To think if he had chickened out, he would never have had this opportunity. He should definitely treat Sangyeon to a meal tomorrow.

“I... I just can’t believe it. You have no idea how overjoyed I am right now.” His bright grin stretched from ear to ear and you felt yourself almost melt. Maybe you do still have some feelings for him.

As he reached out to hold your hand, you leaned away causing him to look at in a rather bewildered way.

“If we’re going to do this, we’re starting over.”

The tension in him dissipated quickly as he hurriedly stuffed his hands in his pockets.

“Alright then. That is completely fine by me! I never want to make you feel uncomfortable.” He grinned, a sparkle in his eyes. “What do you mean by starting over though?”

You pondered over his question for a moment before holding out a hand, which he simply stared at before looking at you with a questioning look.

“Nice to meet you, I’m y/n.” Realisation dawned upon him as he chuckled.

“Wow, you really do mean start over,” he said before reaching over and shaking your hand. “I’m Eric. Eric Sohn.”

“Rouille de seiche?” The waiter placed a hot platter of what looked like cuttlefish in tomato sauce in front of him.

He gazed at his plate for a moment before he turned back to you. You could barely contain your laughter.

“That doesn’t look like clams to me.”

“Well, I didn’t understand the menu so I just randomly chose. If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s the fact that I’m not a huge fan of cuttlefish but I didn’t know that when I ordered,” he smiled at you.

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rkcheri · 5 years

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﹡ V-LIVE: ON AIR WITH LUXE ✌️ ━━ ◆ 럭스 ∙ JULY 31ST ! ❪ ﹡ ❫

“oh my goddess! hello, we are 럭스!”

a whole year has flown by and honestly, mijoo doesn’t know how they did it.

the voicemail from her cousin, hyunjoon, the other day had definitely put her in a better mood, despite all the what ifs that carried her doubts. the stress, while still there, is lessened by the mood -- the uplifted demeanors on their faces as they descend the place they’ll have their v-live at. and it’s kind of bittersweet, seeing the five of them when there could have easily been seven, instead. she sees where jiwon and dawon could have fit into their little niche and it has her biting her lip when she’s ushered to get changed.

a lot has changed in the past year, some bad -- a lot more good.

she’s dressed down, arguably by her standards, but that’s fine -- it’s comfortable and cute and mijoo doesn’t see herself fussing with it as much as she would have if she had been dressed up in a nice dress and heels. the outfit is one mijoo doesn’t fight the stylist on and instead dresses with ease before jumping into play. sneakers tied twice at her ankles beforehand, knowing games were in store mijoo did not want to be the one who had to pause because of untied shoelaces.

the v-live is different than the ones they’ve had before. the flow is continuous, with frequent questions being thrown around here and there and memories ( ones that have been approved by both the company and rehearsed with the manager ) are spoken candidly. they’re on a schedule -- a casual one -- but a schedule nonetheless, adhered by the staff that watches them from behind the phone capturing their moments and their words.

nothing is to be spoiled for their upcoming comeback, this they’ve been told, but there was something in mijoo that just wanted to give them a little slice of what they were to be expecting ( not consciously, of course; but it was there, that want, that built up anticipation for what’s to come ).

the schedule is stacked and when the questions begin to slow down -- an oversaturation of ‘say hello to ( insert country )’, ‘i love you, ( insert member name )’, and ‘when’s the next comeback?’ has them tying their lips quick and on to the next on the agenda.

it’s been ages since mijoo has played any of these games, company retreats a thing of the past, her life full of idol schedules -- games like these were reserved for times like these. it also doesn’t help that mijoo isn’t the best at games, anyways. especially when it comes to the whisper challenge -- even after watching countless videos online, mijoo still proves to be useless when it comes to having both ear plugs and headphones blasting eclipse’s chase me into her ears ( she’s sure that she’ll have ear damage by the time this game is over and she’ll happily text her thanks to haseul, ahyoung and ariel after ).

“WHAT?” comes up a lot during the game and when it’s mijoo’s turn, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. because as much as she wants to guess the words coming from the other’s words, her eyes zero in on the lips and try as she might to read what is being said, whether or not it was the right word -- the surprise in the other’s face is marked because mijoo says what she thinks, after five tries, that is, and not before long, she’s being forced around to relay whatever has been said -- did nayoung say fart?

“FART -- F -- AH -- RTTTT!”

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when they’re shown their audition tapes from royal survival, mijoo wants to crawl into a hole and perhaps bring that video along with her. burn it, bury it -- do something so that it did not resurface. while it was a nice performance, she remembers so jisub’s words all too well -- stale. predictable, he had said. and she remembers them to this day, because how could she forget -- it was a performance like that that had landed her in the minor team when each of her other members had been in major from the start.

it had been the worst feeling in the world and to this day, mijoo laments on it.

but what was worse than that was when so jisub had replaced dabin with her -- exchanging her spot for mijoo to claim in the major team. that had made mijoo sick to her stomach and she vocally expresses this when they’re asked about the times they remember the most, “if i could, i would have given it right back to you. but -- in the end, we’re both here,” she smiles, reaching over to squeeze dabin’s hand. “and that’s what matters.”

the other’s performances do awe mijoo, from their audition videos to the live snippets of each performance, mijoo knows they’ve improved but seeing it individually, and quite impromptu, like this makes her realize just how much they have. dabin’s version of holla holla could arguably trounce the original, while it’s clear why seolhyun was given the goddess of grace role from her performance of janet jackson’s burn it up. nayoung definitely doesn’t disappoint, her dance to scars to your beautiful almost has mijoo tearing up and she’s clapping quite loudly by the end of it. and despite what seoyoung says, mijoo believes despite the cute performance she had done covering she’z ‘no no no’, so jisub couldn’t have picked a better girl to carry them over from sexy to cute.

it’s only when it comes to her turn, to sing bts’s 버터플라이 that she wonders if she’s let go of the pain that show has brought her. while overall, an amazing growth on her part -- it had trampled over her dreams in the worst way possible. she had always wanted to become a singer, known for her voice -- emotionality and being found in the way she expressed her tone and timbre. but to be called predictable, it had hurt and thrown whatever pride she had left away.

for now, she’s better -- she’s learned from her mistakes. she was here, wasn’t she?

she had finally been able to fly, even if so jisub had clipped her wings once.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

and perhaps her unconscious has caught up to her. because not before long, as they’re switching up parts for the last segment of their v-live, a performance of confused: mijoo is left dazed, unable to concentrate and adapt to being center -- not when she’s always been pushed to the back ( a place that she had grown quite comfortable in; in the back no one could see if she made tiny mistakes or forgot the choreography mid-way through ) but here, front and center, mijoo -- whose head is full of a handful of different choreographies at a time does her best.

and not surprising, her best at dance is obviously not good enough because instead of the confused choreo at a certain point in time -- her hand reaches for her thigh, fingers pinched into a familiar formation, a movement much like one that jaekyung had just taught them weeks ago for their new single, mini skirt, and she unzips air all while confused plays in the background and it’s only after dabin and seolhyun give her a second look that she realizes what she does and she immediately laughs it off, despite the sudden rush of adrenaline shooting up into her system, before quickly and chaotically trying to find her mind and the correct dance moves all while trying to get back into their prompted formation.

oh no, she can already feel the daggers aimed for her heart from behind the camera.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

the chaoticness of their v-live ends, and she can still feel her ears ringing from the horrible high notes dabin had just delivered but that’s to be expected. her stomach aches from laughing and despite the onslaught of consequences to be at her head; mijoo can’t say she regrets it, not now at least.

when they’re bidding their farewells, mijoo had promised herself that she wasn’t going to cry; and this is tried and true as she holds onto seoyoung’s hand for support as she makes her parting words.

“thank you so much for all the support and love you’ve given us this year. this year, to put it honestly, was definitely hard. while our debut was amazing, the end of last year, hit us with quite some unfortunate news but we were able to overcome it. with new members, whom we love, and our beautiful fandom, our olympias. we can only do better from here on out, to meet your expectations of us and continue to deserve the love you give us so unconditionally. we’ve still got a bit more time until the end of the year so please look upon us expectantly and keep us in your hearts! please enjoy the rest of your day and be safe!” she smiles, taking a deep breath as she bows low to the camera before rising; another brighter smile replacing the last.

“until next time, olympias, this has been 럭스! bye ~”

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𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐃 ∙ @rkxayah, @rkella, @rkyena, @rkxzoe, @rkceline , @rksona , @haseulrk , @rkxblue , @rkariel , @rkhyunjoon

#luxe:july19 #( * ✦ ∙ 럭스 › l u x e . )#( * ✦ ∙ —— royal forever . )#❪ ﹡* HAPPY럭스DAY › 1 YEAR ❫#vlive:luxe

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mbti-notes · 7 years

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As a racial minority I often have to explain what it's like to people and sometimes I get into uncomfortable debates. I'm feeling tired but I know these are good conversations to have in this political landscape (US). Any tips for how to cope?

Each of these conversations is unique insofar as you may not always know the exact experiences, beliefs, and values that the individuals bring to the table. Obviously, some people are more open-minded than others, some are better communicators, some more emotional, some more defensive, etc. When you meet a problem, it helps to learn from people who understand it and handle it well. E.g. Why was MLK able to change hearts and minds? He did not shy away from these difficult conversations and he seemed tireless in his efforts to advance racial equality, how did he do it? What I personally take from him is this: 1) Understand the problem as this will reveal the most appropriate solution, and 2) Intention matters.

One way to understand racism is as a problem of social division (like sexism, ageism, etc). Social division results in some groups possessing more power and privilege while the non-favored groups experience systemic prejudice and discrimination. As only one person, you may not have the power to change institutional racism from the top down, but you have some power to educate and create change from the bottom up.

Institutionally, the group in power wants to preserve power and they willalways resist efforts to establish equality. This is a very difficult obstacle to overcome but it can be sidestepped at the individual level because not many people live their daily life knowing that they are acting alongside larger social movements. For example, a white person may choose to move to a “better” neighborhood without realizing that they are contributing to systemic segregation. People don’t get to choose the race they’re born into, so do not conflate individuals with the group they belong to as not every person benefits equally from systemic privilege or suffers equally from systemic prejudice.

It’s easier to reach people through face-to-face contact because it humanizes the problem and makes it immediately relevant to them personally, which is why diverse social environments naturally produce a decline in racist attitudes. What perpetuates social division is the inability or unwillingness of different groups to understand one another, therefore, one good way to heal social division at the individual level is to try to bring people closer together whenever possible, to get them to listen to each other and sympathize enough to want to address the problem as allies.

When choosing a method to tackle the problem of racism, ask yourself whether it is going to bring people together and lessen the social divide. If not, it’s not a good method. E.g. When you speak, is what you’re about to say going to increase understanding OR increase conflict? When you feel compelled to join a debate, is it because you really want to help or because you feel vindictive or want to assert your superiority/righteousness?When you want to criticize someone, are you respecting their dignity or are you dehumanizing them (same as racists do)? When you want to judge someone as morally “bad”, are you being fair to them OR are you mistaking ignorance for maliciousness? If you don’t have the right intention, you’re more likely to find yourself entangled in exhausting debates that get negative results.

If the problem is social division, then the solution should reduce that division. If your underlying intention is to solve the problem, your actions are more likely to be productive. Activists like MLK successfully moved the needle because they thoroughly understood the concept of “violence”, they understood that violence can arise when a person acts with morally impure or malicious intention. Any form of violence undermines the effort to fix social division because all it does is produce a never-ending cycle of backlashes that gradually pushes each side to extremes, thus exacerbating social division. You can even observe this happening between people/groups who are supposedly on the same side of an issue whenever they descend into attacking potential allies instead of building common ground.

Humans are irrationally tribal creatures, they are very easily tricked into taking sides and then sticking to their side even against their best interests. Therefore, it is quite easy to get derailed during contention debates, e.g.: debates get emotional and then people speak out of anger or defensiveness, immature/underhanded debate tactics drag everyone down and destroy productive discourse, having to consider multiple perspectives makes it hard to stay on track, debates don’t go anywhere if people oversimplify or talk over each other, etc. You often see debates sink into retaliation or pettiness when people feel hurt or aggrieved but how often do these emotional impulses actually help to solve a problem? In fact, it becomes easy for bad actors to exploit you when you are so easily provoked into attack or outrage mode (see: Fox News or Russian election interference on both sides).

No matter the crimes or injustices activists like MLK, Gandhi, or Mandela witnessed/experienced firsthand, they did not waver in their intention to heal rather than attack. There were people who criticized them for being too soft/weak, those who wanted to be more efficient and forceful, those who argued that revolution requires blood sacrifice. In the end, who among them continues to inspire people to fight the good fight?

If you make a point to put uplifting moral principlesat the forefront of your mind at all times (like equality, justice, unity, integrity, dignity, respect, non-violence), you are less likely to get derailed by dark emotional impulses, you can better sustain a hopeful attitude that energizes your activism, and you will not inadvertently dehumanize the people you’re arguing with (which would only sabotage your efforts in the long run).

Emotions are a strong motivator of action, so channel anger, hurt, disappointment, discouragement, etc, into positive action by always remembering what your ultimate goal is. This not only applies to political debates, it also applies to relationships in general. A lot of people claim to want better connection but you wouldn’t know it from observing the way they communicate, the way they argue and nitpick at each other.

It’s not your responsibility to educate people though it is admirable that you want to. Remember proper self-care: When you don’t feel like having that discussion, don’t. You’re not a saint, you can’t always be “on”, so pick and choose your battles wisely. You won’t be effective if you’re tired and feeling down. If necessary, process or talk out your feelings with a sympathetic person before you get back in the ring.

Target people who are more moderate (those who are busy living everyday life and don’t really pay close attention to social issues) because educating them tends to produce a positive ripple effect in their social circles. Beware of the extremists because they are irrationally motivated to hate and demonize you; there will always be some people like this in society, you can try to reach out or reason with them but don‘t waste time when it becomes obvious that you won’t get anywhere, don’t let them suck the hope out of you (because that is what they want). You are human and your energy is limited, use it where it counts the most.

#politics #communication #race #criticism #disagreement #relationships #ask

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seriestrash · 7 years

Text

The Story of Us

PROLOGUE || 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 ||

Chapter Nine: The Dance

Word Count: 4012

✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮

Friday evening the four boys that felt closer than the blood that was shared between three of them, got dressed in Lucas' room for the pending dance. The mood had been weird all day knowing that Riley's bus to the airport had departed whilst they were at school.

Thomas was the first dressed. He lay in the middle of the floor throwing a baseball up in the air playing catch with himself, a trip hazard for those surrounding. The huffy twin claims that he was going with his usual 50% effort with his appearance because he didn't want his date thinking he was interested. Lucas gave Thomas a gentle kick as he passed, reminding his cousin that they had to be decent and respect their dates, even if neither of them actually wanted to go with them. Thomas lets out an exaggerated sigh and sits up, the teen struggles to cross his legs in the tight black jeans he wore, decorated with knees exposing rips.

"I still can't believe Tris is taking Mabel to the dance." Thomas shoots a side glare to his brother whom is fixing his hair in the small mirror above Lucas' dresser.

Tristan remains silent and rolls his eyes, the reflection of which Thomas catches in the mirror.

"Hey, he's taking me to the dance too." Zay jokingly snaps. "Well, we're both taking her rather?" Zay seemed unsure of their actual dynamic for the evening.

"Yeah but you're only going to the stupid dance to spy on Vanessa with Miles." Thomas less jokingly snaps back. Zay scrunches his nose up in disgust for the very implication.

"I can't believe you're threatened by your gay twin brother taking Mabel to the dance." A strong hint of sarcasm present in Tristan voice.

"I'm not threatened." Thomas gets defensive. "I just didn't know you were so friendly with her."

"You mean the nice girl we've sat with for the past three weeks? Yeah, super hard to to imagine me taking a liking to her." Tristan turns around to face his brother.

“I just find it strange that you’re going with her.” Thomas mumbles.

“You’re either stubborn or an idiot.” Tristan exhales loudly.

“Both.” Lucas playfully taunts.

“Why?” Thomas asks his twin but directs his scold at Lucas.

“I asked Mabel to the dance for you.” Tristan crosses his arms close to his chest.

“That makes zero sense.” Thomas knits his brows.

“Riley mentioned that Mabel was leaning towards not going so I thought it would be nice if I helped encourage her to come.” Tristan explains.

“You’re a real hero.” Zay scoffs playfully.

“I asked Mabel because I wanted her there, she’s my friend.” Tristan says proudly as he turns to Zay. “And I knew that Thomas was too chicken to ask her himself, so at least this way he benefits too, kinda...”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Thomas frowns.

"Are we seriously still pretending that you don't like her?" Tristan groans.

"You mean like Lucas is pretending that he doesn't like Riley?" Thomas shifts the attention.

"Hey!" Lucas whines for being dragged into it.

"Exactly like that." Tristan says firmly.

"Hey!" Lucas whines agains, feeling ganged up on.

Zay is on the verge of hysteric laughter. Oh how he's missed this times like these.

"Come on Luke, you practically signed your own death certificate the moment Riley suggested you do another rodeo." Tristan shoots him an accusatory look.

"It may have been her suggestion but she’s not the reason I agreed to go through with it." Lucas retorts.

"When we spoke on the phone you called her the pretty brunette, dude." Zay highlights.

"So?" Lucas gives his best friend a look. "I can't think a girl is pretty without having feelings for her? Vanessa's pretty, so is Mabel, real pretty actually. That doesn't mean I like them!"

"Hey!" Zay and Thomas whine in unison.

"I thought you two didn't care?" Tristan smirks.

“I don’t.” Thomas folds his arms.

“Maybe I care a little.” Zay shrugs. “But so does Lucas.”

“Hey!” Lucas whines, again.

“The heart wants what the heart wants.” Zay moves over and sits by Lucas on the bed, slapping his back roughly.

“Do I need to remind everyone that Riley went back to New York today?” Lucas sighs. “To surprise her boyfriend.”

“Surprise?” Zay looks guilty.

Lucas gives him a quizzical look but Zay just shuffles his position and continues, “None of that matters because I go back on Monday too.”

“That’s supposed to make me feel better?” Lucas squints one eye.

“Well I’ll force my friendship on her, I’ll be enough Texas for everyone so she’ll never forget Hillford.” Zay grins goofily.

“Yeah, I don’t like the sound of that.” Lucas grumbles.

“Jealous.” Thomas coughs into his closed fist.

“Yeah of f-friendship...” Lucas stutters realising immediately how ridiculous he sounds.

“You’re all so immature,” Tristan sports another eye rolls. “Why can’t we just be honest with each other?”

“Coming from the king of secrecy?” Thomas scoffs. “Don’t think we haven't noticed that you’ve been acting strange lately.”

“Strange?” Tristan chuckles nervously.

"Are you losers nearly ready?" Jacob playfully taunts from the doorway. No one in the room noticed his presence until he spoke nor knew how long he was there for. "If y'all don't leave soon your dates are going to think you stood them up..."

The two with dates arranged by the bidding process leave in Cassidy’s car to meet the two cheerleaders whom got ready together whilst Zay takes the rental car with Tristan to Mabel’s house.

✮ ✮ ✮

Hours later, after the dance, Lucas walks alone in the brisk air, a guitar slung over his shoulder as he makes his way to the inn. The Texan climbs up the creaky steps and is surprised to see the door is open ajar. Lucas cautiously steps over the threshold and into the inn with his phone torch in hand.

“Hello?” He calls into the eerie building. “Is somebody there?”

“In here.” Her voice drifted from another room.

“Riley?” Lucas knits his brows in confusion as he follows the direction of her voice. Lucas enters the room with the bay window and finds the burette sitting at the far end of the burnt out window with knees brought up close to her chest.

“Hey.” She looks up at him with a soft smile.

"Don't mistake my confusion for disappointment, but, what are you doing here, Riley?" Lucas asks.

“I needed a bay window.” Riley answers.

“And your one in New York was occupied?” Lucas lets out the tiniest laugh.

“No. My one in New York was in New York.” Riley huffs.

“Okay...” Lucas sits on the floor by the other end of the bay window seat. “Care to tell me why New York is the enemy all the sudden?”

Riley remains quiet and lowers her gaze to the floor.

"Hey," Lucas says softly as he shuffles a few inches closer to her. "Remember that whole trust thing we've had going on lately?"

Another quiet moment passes before Riley finally speaks, but even then her gaze remains pointed to the ground. "I got to the airport today and I was sitting outside my gate waiting to board when my phone rang. I got excited thinking it would be Maya, she'd called me six times already expressing excitement about my return..." Riley wears half a smile. "It wasn't. It was Charlie." Riley paused almost expecting a reaction from Lucas, which he remained neutral. Riley continues, "Somehow one of his friends found out I was coming back and told him so Charlie called me to ask if it was true. He seemed kinda mad about it. Or annoyed that I didn't tell him... I asked why because I thought he’d be excited and then he told me he already asked someone else to the dance.”

“Are you serious?” Lucas frowns.

Riley gives him a slight nod. “So naturally I asked him why and he told me that these past three weeks have really helped clear things up for him. He told me that I wasn’t the girl he had a crush on in middle school anymore and that he held onto the idea of me for so long it clouded his ability to realise that we just didn’t work. So we broke up and then I called Maya after and I told her everything and I said that I didn’t know what to do, that I was embarrassed to come home and she got angry at me. She said, ‘who cares about Charlie Gardner when the real reason you’re coming home i s for me?’ and then we started fighting and Maya told me that I’ve changed and maybe I shouldn’t bother coming back at all. Then the airline called for passengers to board my flight and even though I knew Maya didn’t mean it, I just walked away and didn’t get on the plane.”

“Whoa.” Is all Lucas can say.

"And to complete the trifecta of uplifting phone calls I had, there was the one with my mom and all I wanted was for her to make me feel like things were going to be okay but instead I got yelled at.” Riley says weakly. “Charlie, Maya, my parents, they all have opinions on who I was or who I am and I just don’t know why I’m trying so hard to hold onto a life that clearly doesn’t even want me anymore.”

“Whatever his reasons were, it’s still a sucky thing to do... Ask someone else to the dance..” Lucas furrows his brows. “I’m really sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Riley says simply. “I mean once I got over the initial shock of it all I realised that I was relieved. I know that sounds horrible but maybe I only liked the idea of Charlie too..”

Suddenly, ‘he ticks all the boxes’ came to Lucas’ mind but he doesn’t say anything.

“I grew up with the textbook definition of soul mates for parents. I think that I just conditioned myself to believe that love isn’t like that for everyone.” Riley speaks and theres a hint of sadness in her voice. “Or at least not for me... I’ve known Charlie since I was young, he was always so nice, very gentlemanly, perfect boyfriend material... Dating him felt like a safe version of love.. If you could call it love. I thought that maybe my new attitude was what made us feel off but I think it was just not the right fit.”

“You say you’re okay but you still seem sad?” Lucas lightly presses.

“I’m sad that I’m not sad.” Riley shares a weak laugh at the silliness. “Love is supposed to be epic right? The stable boy and the ballerina..”

"Two souls finding each other a long way from home." Lucas adds. "Maybe without the heartbreak." He softens.

"Yeah but even then..." Riley finds Lucas' stare, "...at least I'd know it was real, epic."

Lucas nods lightly to show he understood what she meant.

“Do you think you’ll wake up tomorrow morning and regret not leaving for New York?” Lucas asks.

“Maybe..” Riley admits. “But maybe what I want and what I need are two different things.”

“How do you mean?” Lucas asks for clarification.

She sighs heavily. “Do you know why I got suspended in New York?” Riley doesn’t wait for an answer. “Maya did this painting in art class that was honestly amazing and the teacher fell in love with it. He made a really big deal about it and urged Maya to showcase it in the schools open day which she wasn’t too interested in doing but then the teacher emailed her mom saying he hadn’t received the permission slip back so Katy gave him the okay to do it. When Maya found out, she wasn’t really happy about it and she convinced me to ‘borrow’ my dads keys to the school so we could take the painting before the showcase... She said it wasn’t stealing because the painting was hers. So late at night, once the school was locked up, we broke in... Maya found her painting but as we were leaving I accidentally knocked over a shelf of paints and it went all over peoples artworks... The following day the principal found the mess and traced it back to me because my dads keycard registered in the system but Maya couldn’t really afford to get in anymore trouble so I said I was alone...”

“You were trying to protect her.” Lucas nods, he’d been there before.

“Yeah but that’s not the point.” Riley shakes her head. “I was only in that situation because I accepted that Maya didn’t want to show off her talent. I encouraged her to hide it, I helped.” Riley looks at Lucas as she stresses each statement. “That’s who I am in New York. I’m someone who pretends to get bad grades.. I help Maya do bad things and I use the excuse that it’s for friendship.. That’s not friendship... Three years ago I would have hung her painting on my wall and I would have bought her paintbrushes for christmas... I am a fake in New York... I thought being Maya was the best thing I could be. I shouldn’t have tried to copy her fierceness, I should have let it inspire my own.” Riley says. “That’s how friendship works.”

“If you keep this in mind when you really do go back to New York I think you’re going to be okay.” Lucas says encouragingly.

“Maybe..” Riley shrugs. “But I don’t think I’m ready yet. I mean, does anyone ever really know who they are?” Riley asks not expecting an answer. “I don’t, I just know that I like who I am when I’m with you.”

Lucas smiles like he’s just heard the nicest thing in the world.

“Enough of the heavy stuff..” Riley laughs nervously. “How was the dance?”

“Well, Zay was his usual piny self for Vanessa. Worried about her and Miles all night. Tristan kept Mabel company while Addison didn’t let Thomas out of her sight all night... Then the dance wrapped up and I walked Mabel home because she was very adamant on not attending the after party and then I came here.”

“That’s very sweet of you to escort her home.” Riley says with a small smile, a small wave of excitement hit her at the idea of hanging about with the shy girl again.

Lucas shrugs a shoulder like it was no big deal. “I’m sure Thomas would have liked to have done it but Addison insisted that his duty as her date continued into the after party.”

Riley lets out a small laugh. “What about you, did your date get her ninety-eight dollars worth?”

“She got pictures and a few awkward dances out of me,” Lucas chuckles, “Then her dad picked her up after the dance so I was off the hook.”

“Sounds like fun, sorry I missed it.” Riley says half seriously.

“Yeah me too.” Lucas is quiet.

“So what’s this?” She leans forward and pulls the guitar into her lap.

“That would be a guitar.” Lucas says playfully.

“Wow,” Riley chuckles through the word. “Thanks for clearing that up.”

“You’re welcome.” Lucas says quietly.

“So is this like your thing?” Riley pricks up a brow.

“My thing?” Lucas matches her raised eyebrow.

“You know, broody cowboy, tortured musician?” Riley fiddles with the instrument in her lap. “Or is it just a prop for the ladies?”

“A prop?” Lucas shows a look of mock offence.

“To make the ladies swoon.” Riley sways her shoulders about. “What’s your go to tune?”

“You could not be more wrong.” Lucas chuckles.

“Fine, if you wont tell me I’ll just have to guess.” Riley closes her eyes for a moment in thought. Riley clears her throat dramatically and strums the guitar before more strategically placing her fingers into position. “So you, a girl and a twinkly sky.” Riley sets the scene before playing her first guess. “'Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars...” Riley abandons the song quite quickly. “Nope that doesn’t feel right.”

Lucas watches on with a coaxed head, amused to see where this was going and how long for.

“Ooo I know.” Riley says excitedly, “Something a little more fun?” Riley repositions herself before strumming again, “Well you done done me and you bet I felt it, I tried to be chill but you're so hot I melted, I fell right through the cracks and now I'm trying to get back. Before the cool done run out I'll be giving it my best-est and nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention. I reckon it's again my turn, to win some or learn some. But I won't hesitate no more, no more, it cannot wait, I'm yours....” Riley sung goofily, her voice bouncing through the lyrics before strumming one last time dramatically and waving her hand in the air for her finale.

Lucas raises his hands and claps them loudly with a laugh.

“Thank you, thank you!” Riley giggles. She lets her laughter fade out, a small smile remains as she finds Lucas’ eyes. “No, you show them your softer side, something more romantic, don’t you, Lukey?”

Lucas ‘bleh’s’ at the pet name and Riley raises her index finger to her mouth and playfully shushes him before returning her focus to the strings. The brunette begins to pluck them softly and closes her eyes for the first line, really immersing herself in the lyrics, “Wise men say, only fools rush in..”

Lucas snaps his head up in awe the moment Riley sings the first word. She had been playing around before but something about approach to this particual song was so pretty. Lucas was captivated.

"But I can't help falling in love with you.” Riley continues. “Shall I stay, would it be a sin, if I can't help falling in love with you? Like a river flows surely to the sea, darling so it goes, some things are meant to be. Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can't help falling in love with you..”

Riley stops, opens her eyes and immediately grew anxious under Lucas’ stare. “It sounds better with a piano..” Riley’s nerves seep into her laughter.

“My grandma used to love that song.” Lucas says softly.

Riley’s smile creeps wider and the two teens were just looking at each other with goofy faces. Riley’s the first to break she pulls the guitar off her lap and fakes a cough to break the silence, “So that’s the song, right?”

“The guitar is Tommy’s.” Lucas says with a small smirk. “I confiscated it off him before he went to the party after the dance. The last time he was drunk he smashed his guitar like a ‘true rockstar’.”

“So you let me go on like that for nothing?” Riley’s glare proves to be weak with her smile.

“I just wanted to see how long you’d go on for,” Lucas grins.

The two end up just looking at each other again, like neither of them noticed when the room fell silent. An obvious moment between them. Again Riley breaks first, “I think I should get going and you should get a decent sleep before the rodeo.”

“Right, yeah.” Lucas matches her bumbling speech and the two stand. “So does this mean you’re coming tomorrow?”

“Well, I mean, yeah..” Riley laughs, “That’s alright isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Totally fine.” Lucas smiles.

He and Riley walk back together. The two stand at the edge of Jed’s porch as they wish each other a goodnight. Lucas notices Riley stare past him, he turns to follow her line of sight and sighs heavily when he spots three familiar faces stumbling towards his front door.

“Need any help?” Riley offers.

“Thanks, but I’ve got this.” Lucas wears half a smile. “Years of experience.”

The two break and Lucas rounds up his loud friends in the street and ushers them through his front door and up the stairs to his room. None of them even attempted to be stealth, stumbling over each other with loud chuckles. Cassidy surfaces from her room after waking to the commotion. A disapproving look is pointed Lucas’ way as the other three pile into his room

“I didn’t even go to the party.” Lucas tries to defend himself. “I was with Riley, completely sober.”

“Riley?” Cassidy pricks up a brow. “I thought she left this morning.”

“It’s a long story.” Lucas rubs at the crook of his neck. “But she didn’t end up going back.”

“Is she alright?” Cassidy asks, concern present in her tone.

“I think so.” Lucas nods lightly.

“Okay.” Cassidy says softly. “Make sure those three fools drink water before passing out and you should get some sleep. I don’t want you riding this darn bull tired.”

“Thanks Mamma,” Lucas says with a small smile and returns to the drunken teens in his room.

“Did I just hear you say you were with Riley?” Thomas gawks once Lucas enters.

“You just saw me with Riley.” Lucas laughs.

“Right, that’s right!” Thomas laughs too. “Rileyyyyyyy, eh?” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.

“I’m going to get some water bottles from downstairs. Everyone just be quiet.” Lucas dodges the subject.

The blonde boy does just as he said and returns with the items. Lucas passes each of them a water bottle hoping to sober everyone up before bed. Thomas was already curled up on the beanbag by the bed whilst Tristan and Zay squeezed themselves into Lucas’ bed together. Lucas takes a moment to look at them all, each wearing innocent little smirks.

“I guess I’m sleeping on the sofa downstairs then, huh?” Lucas places his hand on his hips.

“You’re such a good friend.” Zay coos.

“The best.” Lucas chuckles, he kicks off his shoes turns off the light on his way downstairs.

Lucas flops down on the sofa and pulls a spare blanket over himself. The Texan exhales loudly as he stares at the ceiling thinking about the evening that just was. Rustling followed by the creek of the stairs sees Lucas sit up and look over the back of the sofa. He spots Thomas coming down, lugging the beanbag with him.

Thomas sleepily dumps it on the floor and snuggles up again with a smile pointed at Lucas.

“Hey buddy,” Lucas says, wondering what brought on his cousins desire to switch rooms.

“I lied earlier.” Thomas sighs. “I do like Mabel.”

“Me too.” Lucas says.

“What?” Thomas frowns.

“I meant me too I lied not me too I like Mabel.” Lucas says quickly.

“Oh good.” Thomas looks relieved. “So you like Riley?”

“Yep.” Lucas says simply.

“Please explain why Riley’s here and not in New York?” Thomas asks.

“She broke up with her boyfriend, or he broke up with her... I’m not sure but they broke up.” Lucas explains.

“Wow.” Thomas says with little emotion in his voice.

“Yeah, she decided to stay here for a while..” Lucas says.

“It could have been the large amount of alcohol I consumed but when we arrived she looked pretty happy to be with you..” Thomas says. “Do you think there’s anything like there between you?”

“I don’t know..” Lucas is dismissive.

“Come on, Luke?” Thomas presses.

“Maybe,” Lucas gives in quickly. “I could have imagined it but I think there was maybe this moment..”

“A moment?” Thomas asks excitedly. “Did you kiss her?”

“No!” Lucas says quickly. “She just ended a relationship.”

“But did you want to kiss her?” Thomas questions.

“No.. Maybe.. I don’t know.” Lucas shakes his head.

“Do you think Mabel could like me back?” Thomas asks.

“You could always speak to her tomorrow about how you feel and find out.” Lucas eyes his sleepy cousin.

“Yeah... and you can talk to Riley too..” Thomas says with heavy lids, “Presuming you don’t die riding Tombstone first.”

“Thanks for the pep talk, Tommy.” Lucas lets out a deflated laugh but Thomas was already asleep.

End Notes: At least this update comes a week after the last and not two weeks after!! Sorry it still took a while!

A skam inspired scene, can you believe???? The songs were all also chosen by you guys a while back! Mostly anons so I cant really shootout everyone individually but woooo

Single Riley!!

Next Chapter: The rodeo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#rucas #rucas au #rucas fic #the story of us

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