Too young, too dumb to realize

It’s a cruel and;
random world

Walking through the corridors for hours on end, the man had ended up in the kitchen somewhere in the early morning. The sun hadn’t set just yet. He had been inside his head from the moment he had left her room. Kept going over the events of the nights, every little thing that had happened. Which had piled up to Angie forcing him almost to take advantage from her. He truly couldn’t believe that she thought he would do that. Who in their right mind would? But he wondered where it came from? What had brought such an insinuation up? He had never done anything wrong to her. Not that he could remember. He simply were the things she despised. A man and a Winter. Yet that couldn’t be it right? Why she would state something like that? No, there had to be something else. But what?

Slowly but surely in his pensive state, the man had started to make breakfast for her. The bread for the real breakfast had already been made so he took a few pieces from it, putting it to the side. Before he started making some eggs for her, or well for them. It had started out with him making breakfast for him alone but it ended up with him having made breakfast for the both of them and then some. Managing to actually prepare some yoghurt as well, where he added fresh fruit to. Making some fresh juice as well, but also putting on a glass of water on each tray. Perhaps this was the most stupid thing he’d ever do. But Luca couldn’t help himself, and he had been awake so why not. Not a second of his time away from her room was spent sleeping or anything.

When the first people had started appearing in the kitchen Luca made sure to disappear with the two trays of food. Moments later walking in the bedroom again, still expecting her to be vast asleep. Putting one tray on the nightstand next to her bed. While he himself made his way over to a table, sitting down, for a brief moment staring at the woman in bed. Perhaps he should get out of her and simply go back home? Maybe that would be for the best.

But the chaos;
is beautiful.

❝ All that wildflower energy in her veins ❞

She had gone to bed just like that. Still in her underwear. She hadn't taken the time to get changed or clean up after herself. She didn't have the energy after the catastrophe that had happened last night. Safely tucked away under some blankets she laid there. She was still asleep when he entered the room, which wasn't a huge surprise. She had been completely broken from how tired she was. And it was clear on how she had been acting... ANd what she had done afterwards. She needed the rest, a lot... That much was clear.

It was the ever so slightly sound of the tray being put down that woke her. She blinked slowly, turning her head ever so slightly as she rubbed her eyes. Her gaze went from where the sound came from, to the thing that was moving in the corner of her eye. She recognized him in an instant, almost freezing on the spot. The memories of last night still fresh in her mind, she now really regretted that she hadn't drowned out everything with more alcohol. If she had drank just a bit more, she wouldn't have to come face to face with those memories. She looked at him as he took a seat, his eyes focussing on her. And they simply stared at one another. She blinked a couple of times, baffled by the fact that he was here and now. Which... Sparked another question in her mind. It was on the tip of her tongue, ready to spit it out like venom to keep him where he was or even out of this room.

"Luca?" Her voice was hoarse as she said his name. The thousand other questions- no... attacks, that had found a way in her head were still rushing back and forth, trying to find a way to get to him. But she refrained. Perhaps it was the fact that she was still so tired. Or maybe... Maybe it was just the slightest feeling of regret that lingered in her brain.

It’s a cruel and;
random world

Perhaps he shouldn’t have returned. Perhaps he was here because he was so tired. But he wasn’t going to let the breakfast he had made go to waste. Shortly he bit his lip when he saw her move. The urge to just go to her and hold her close, was pushed down. He didn’t to scare her all over or whatever it was that happened last night. Everything that had happened was still fresh in his head. Mainly because there had been zero sleep and well, he had simply kept going every tiny bit ever since he had left this very room. The young man kept his distance from her, just sitting there at that table with his eyes fixated on her for a little bit. Until she spoke that was. That was the moment his gaze moved to the floor, a deep sigh slipping over his lips.

’I know, you don’t want me here. But I made breakfast apparently for a whole army.. I thought you could use it.’ He muttered softly. Pointing at the tray that was on her nightstand. His eyes moving back to her for a second. Biting his lip. Taking a very deep breath. The urge to apologize was there. But he wasn’t quite for sure for what he would be apologizing. Yet in her eyes he had been the bad guy. As he seemingly was in everyone their eyes nowadays. ’Sorry.. If I gave you that impression yesterday.. I, yeah. Just sorry.’ And with that he turned his focus on the food in front of him, poking at the egg with his fork.

But the chaos;
is beautiful.

❝ All that wildflower energy in her veins ❞

He had been given every opportunity to take advantage of her. And he had been given every reason to hate her, to leave her be. Yet, he had chosen to return to the room where it had all escalated, with the reason for it all right in the middle. She honestly didn't know what to think of this. Her brain went right back to the fact that he had changed his mind and still wanted a piece of what he couldn't claim last night. As a toxic insect that thought kept crawling around in her mind, pushing itself in between rationality and regret. She bit her lip for a moment as confusion rose in her mind. What was he doing here? What did he really want from her?

He averted his eyes and started to speak. He had made breakfast and brought some for her. As he pointed to something she followed it with her gaze. Her eyes finding his little gift in an instant. Slowly, a frown came on her face as she pushed herself upwards, staring at the tray filled with a wide variety of foods. These were normally not the kind of things the maids put together for her, so she knew he was being honest here. She blinked slowly, almost as in disbelief, before turning her head back towards him. He said sorry, to her, about giving the wrong impression. She clenched her jaw ever so slightly, tugging at the blanket to cover herself even more.

"Why do you keep coming back?" She asked him softly as she looked at him, that slight frown still on her face. She didn't understand why he would and why he did. He had walked away once and she had found her way back to him. After which they had gone on a little adventure. She had been mean to him, but also somewhat kind. And she had been childish and annoying. He could have left her on the beach when she was acting up, but he didn't. And he could have left after he had dropped her off, but he had stayed. He even could have left right after their little fight, and yet here he was once more. She shook her head slowly, looking at her own hands almost as in disbelief. "I've given you every reason to hate me..." Every reason to get mad at her, to abuse her. To push him to his limits. "I don't understand you,"

It’s a cruel and;
random world

Perhaps he hadn’t been kind at all last night? Frankly, he wasn’t sure. In his opinion he had done nothing wrong. He had gotten her home, safely. Maybe with a few minor things that had happened between them, but he had gotten her home. He had brought her back to the warmth of her own house. And even then he was still seen as the bad guy. It started to seem that Luca couldn’t do anything right for anyone. All that happened was people pointing out his wrongs. But this time he was quite certain that there had been little to no wrongs from his side. If anything she had been the one that kept pushing and pulling at him. He didn’t understand. And he understood even less why he was back here in the first place. He noted her pulling up the sheets a bit more, which made him stare back down in an instant. He was walking a thin line here.

Luca didn’t want to anger her further, never was his intention in the first place. Shortly he tilted his head when she asked her question. Pulling a hand through his hair, he could still feel the way she grabbed him last night. The way her fingers had first caressed him in such a sweet manner, but then abruptly took him by surprise. ’I don’t know.’ He spoke in all honesty. Looking up for a moment, yet soon glancing back at the glass of fresh juice in front of him.

’I don’t hate easily. Nor do I get mad easily..’ Luca had been the subject of people’s anger far too much in his life, he had lived through the madness that was his mother. Which was why he was so terrified of getting angry. ’Plottwist, neither do I.’ He spoke softly, looking back over his shoulder for a second. Showing her the faintest of smiles, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

But the chaos;
is beautiful.

❝ All that wildflower energy in her veins ❞

Was he really as gentle as he portrayed himself to be? She could feel herself shiver at the thought that he wasn't. What if he really was just biting his time until she would crack under his gentle nature. Would he then switch out to be the monster that she took him for? She looked at him, perhaps even in a pleading matter so. She wanted honesty, but she wasn't sure if she could ever take his word as genuine. It scared her to take the things he did on with both hands. What if she came in debt with him...? What if that was his trick? She had to repay him somehow. What if he had already made up his mind about all that and was just waiting for that perfect opportunity. She was terrified of that reality. But it was the one she still held onto. Be prepared for the worst and you would never be disappointed, nor be surprised. It was a lesson she had learned from a young age.

He simply didn't know. She tried to look at him, but he didn't dare to look at her. he just glanced over every now and then, as if he was just as lost as she was. He explained to her that he didn't hate easily, or get mad easily for that matter. She frowned slowly on those words. Yes, those kind of people did exist but to see such a patient person in a man- a Winter as well... She didn't know what to think of that. And then he went on to say that he didn't know why he was the way he was, either. Smiling at her as if it was the funniest joke he had ever told her. But she couldn't smile back, nor did it spark any joy in her. All she felt was regret, mixed in with traces of fear.

She looked at the tray of food beside her bed, observing it slowly, before looking back at him. "No strings attached?" She asked softly. "You don't want anything from me here?" there was more power behind her voice when she said those words, her breath shaking ever so softly as she looked at him in anticipation. In the back of her head a new storm of anger rising up. She wanted to shout and scream... Kick and hit him. The way he answered her was so obscure that it made her even more upset than she already was.

It’s a cruel and;
random world

He wasn’t sure how he could lay it out even clearer. There was no ill thought in his head. Nor had there ever been. Why he was still here? Was something he couldn’t answer. He wished he could. But it was a big question mark for him as well. The man should know better. He really should. But in a way, being here felt okay. He felt more at ease with her than he ever felt at ease at home. With someone being mad at you and think of you in despicable ways, even with that. He felt at ease her and it was a stupid thing to hold onto. But he did. Proving that he was indeed a big oaf. Maybe his brain was just being foggy because of his lack of sleep but well, right now he couldn’t think of another reason to why he was still here. Apart from the simple fact that he felt at ease.

When she spoke again he looked up at her. Shaking his head. ’No strings attached. I just want you to eat.’ He softly spoke, biting his lip for a second. Why did she think that he wanted something in return from her? Perhaps some kindness, but that was something he had lost all hope for in this very moment. ’If you want me to go Angelina… Then just say so okay? I’ll leave and never return.’ He stated softly. Hoping that she wouldn’t send him away, praying for dear life even.

But the chaos;
is beautiful.

❝ All that wildflower energy in her veins ❞

She waited, patiently so, for those words to leave his lips. She just wanted it to end. If he just confirmed what had been haunting her, she could move on. She could angry, push him away and paint him down as the devil she swore he was. Because it was hard to bend herself into any other way. To see him in any other light. It was easier to assume the worst then hold onto a fake fantasy. Because as long as she did, she could keep herself safe. And no-one could ever harm her again. She blinked slowly as she tilted her chin a bit upwards. Even when she was stripped of so many things, her emotions, her appearance, even her clothes, she still held onto her pride and morals. If she lost those she would be no better to a whore, after all.

The words he spoke weren't the ones she wanted to hear. But they were the ones she needed to hear. She blinked slowly, clearly confused. He just wanted her to eat and that was it. He didn't want her to be some sort of doll to him, something he could use and abuse to no end. Had she been so wrong about him? She averted her eyes slowly from her, looking over at the tray. Now that tension was slowly leaving her body she could feel how weak she really was. She hadn't eaten for quite some time now and it was slowly taking effect on her. Yet, Luca, spoke once more and this grabbed her attention once more. Her blue eyes glancing back over at him.

She remained silent for some time as she looked at him... Before finally her gaze averted to her hands. Slowly she pushed the sheets back, revealing her skin to him once more. Pulling in her legs, she turned to the edge of the bed. Her feet finding the ground quite easily. Now, uncovered by the safety of her bed, she felt a shiver roll over her bare skin. It was so cold. "It's okay," She said softly as she looked over at the food, gently grabbing the juice he had prepared. She lifted it, brought it towards her and took a few sips. The beverage felt refreshing, especially after the bitter taste that had been last night. As her lips parted from the glass she looked down in the brightly colour liquid. Feeling regret wash over her once more. "It's good, thank you," she said softly as she pushed her legs closer together. It was so darn cold in this room... She should have changed into something warmer before she had gone to bed last night.

It’s a cruel and;
random world

No vile words seemed to come and for a moment he held onto that. Feeling if he didn’t, everything would just slip through his fingers once more. He kept his gaze focussed on her this time around, maybe deep down expecting her to turn him down once more. To show him to the door and be done with him. Perhaps that would be easier for the both of them. But it didn’t come. If anything she surprised him by getting up. Which made him cast his gaze back to his food. Not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable. Poking at the egg that was on his plate, not feeling hungry at all. Actually, he felt nauseous. Lack of sleep and all.

When she spoke, he softly smiled. Feeling an imaginary weight being lifted for a few seconds. As she thanked him, he looked back up. ’No need to thank me.’ A faint smile appearing on his lips. Wanting to walk over to her, but he felt like it would be better if he remained where he was for the time being. ’Do you need something else?’ Lowkey suggesting some clothes perhaps, he could imagine it would be quite cold here after all. Briefly rubbing his cheek. Taking a sip from his own juice, the taste made him hum softly. Quite refreshing to say the least.

’How are you feeling?’

But the chaos;
is beautiful.

[

❝ All that wildflower energy in her veins ❞

This was just what she needed. Something refreshing that could wake her up a little, get her more in the here and now. She sighed softly, putting the juice back on the tray where she had taken it from. For a moment her fingers slowly hovered over the many items he had carefully placed on here. It was way too much for her alone, that much was for sure. But it would seem that that hadn't crossed his mind. Maybe all he had thought about was the fact that he wanted to give her food she actually liked. She looked behind her, back at him, at that thought. It was strange to actually think about that. Because why would he think such things? He really was a strange one, that much was for sure.

He spoke again and she slowly moved away from the bed. Her eyes going over the clothes that she had taken off the day before. She tilted her head, walking straight to her closet. As she opened the thing she could hear his question. If she needed something else...? A hug, perhaps. Some sweet words that couldn't be a cover up for something else. Anything to lighten this fear that had covered her heart last night. She looked up at the many attires she had, taking a deep breath as she arranged her thoughts. They were getting too chaotic for her liking anyway. Another sigh followed as she looked back up. She couldn't pick out a dress, because she was absolutely filthy right about now... So her hands found a way to a nightgown. As she pulled it out, she dragged it over herself in an instant. Now... That was much better.

She turned back towards him, looking at him, before walking over to her nightstand. She grabbed onto the tray as he asked her another question. But Angelina remained silent as she took the thing and... Walked to the table he was sitting at. She put the thing at the other side and carefully pushed it a bit more so it wouldn't slide off. Her gaze going over it. The table was just a tad too smile for the two trays, but it was good enough for now. The young Grimaldi looked over the food once more, before taking a seat, right across from him.

She lifted her gaze, trying to meet his for just a moment, before grabbing the yoghurt he had prepared. With a spoon she started to mix the food a bit as she pulled it in closer. "I'm doing better," she said, clearly indicating that last night she had been at her lowest. She didn't dare to meet his gaze as she spoke those words. Her eyes fixated on the food as she started to eat. "I guess I could use a bath," she mumbled softly. "But I'll ask the maids for that, so don't worry," They were there for a reason, after all.

She finished the yoghurt faster than she had anticipated, indicating that she had been starving. And as she placed the empty cup back on the tray she looked at his plate. A smile curling on his lips. "I would have thought a big guy like you would eat more than that," That slight teasing, she couldn't help it. But it was nudging him to actually take a bite. Because well, she had noticed how he had been playing with his food. Was he just as nervous as she was about this?

It’s a cruel and;
random world

Luca could only to try and imagine the things she had gone through in her life and even then he wouldn’t come close. Something that would be the same if she thought about his life for sure. Although Angie probably had it imprinted in her head that his live must’ve gone so well since he was a Winter after all. If she only knew. How did you change the way someone was thinking about yourself? In his opinion it was a task many people would back out from, to just let it be. But he couldn’t. If someone thought that badly of him than he wanted to know why, than he wanted to figure out what he could do to change that perspective.

As she moved he briefly followed her movements, until he caught himself staring once more. Gaze pointed to his food once more. Until he heard the soft sound of fabric sliding over the ground. Which brought a hint of relief with. So he turned his head slightly. A faint smile on his lips. Wanting to make a remark, give her a compliment on how she looked. Yet he wasn’t quite sure if it was okay.. His compliments towards her hadn’t been accepted with kindness before, so why would that happen now? So he refrained from saying anything. Perhaps slightly sad that she hadn’t opted to put on the shirt she wore yesterday.

Soon she sat down in front of him and he took a deep breath. Meeting her gaze for a moment, not long, but just long enough before he looked at his egg again. ’I’m happy about that. That you’re okay.’ He hummed softly, poking at his egg once more. Chuckling ever so softly at her words. ’I could fill one up.’ It followed to fast, but it was simply who he was. Why let something be done if he could also do it? Playing around with his fork a bit more, chuckling ever so softly when she spoke about the food. A slight hue landing on his cheeks. ’Hmm, perhaps he does.’ He chuckled ever so softly. ’Do you want my yoghurt perhaps? I’m not a big fan of that.’ He had made it, because he knew how to make it. And because he could actually make sure that she’d get some vitamins in her system through the fruit. Finally taking a bite of the slightly salted egg. Eggs were the best for sure.

But the chaos;
is beautiful.

❝ All that wildflower energy in her veins ❞

He was such a peculiar man. A man she apparently couldn't read. He had told her over and over that, whatever she was thinking of him, wasn't true. So what was true about him? He wasn't problematic or disgusting like other men, then why wasn't he taken yet? Why hadn't he picked out a girl he had his eyes on? Surely he met a lot of people, at least on chick must have stood out to him. He was a Winter, he could make such demands, even if he didn't want to. He could get anything he wanted merely by mentioning his last name. Everyone knew him too, that infamous son of Matthew Winter. She had heard rumors of him supposedly being the true heir to the money his father had instead of his big sister. The explanation she would often hear is that her cousin was just a woman, so of course the man would want his fortune to go to the stronger gender. Yet, what Luca had told her about his father hadn't really aligned with what the public knew about the situations. Rumors were never reliable anyway...

He spoke, stating that he was happy that she was okay. The way he spoke was kind of weird, now that they were finally out of that awkward zone. It was as if he hadn't slept at all last night. She tilted her head, observing him as he poked at his food once more. Then the other jumped to the opportunity in an instant to help her out and she lifted a brow as she looked at him. He really was just a puppy, excitedly jumping at everything that grabbed his attention. He was so odd. In some aspects it reminded her somewhat of a very innocent child. Well... They didn't differ much in age anyway. And she had to admit that they were still quite young. But they were adults too... And sometimes it just felt like he wasn't there yet. Or maybe he just hadn't seen much of the world yet, or perhaps too much. She just couldn't put her finger on it.

The hue he got on his face didn't go unnoticed and she tilted her head a bit more as he started to talk. Yea, he really was tired. "Have you slept yet?" she asked him as her brows raised up. She leaned forward, putting one hand on the table as she reached over to his side to grab his yoghurt. She really had to push herself on her knees to be high up enough to reach it, but she managed... Barely, but she did. As she closed her fingers around the glass and pulled it back on closer, she sighed. Sometimes the world wasn't made for small people. "Your loss on the yoghurt, cause I'm not giving it back. Finders keepers," she said softly as she grabbed her spoon and started to mix the substance once more. It was much lighter than anything else on the plate. And it was just what she needed. She felt like an egg or bread would just be too much right now. As she took her first bite she looked up, noticing that he had finally started on his breakfast too. "You know..." she said as she pulled her legs up on the chair. "You look awful," but so did she, so it wasn't that bad.

It’s a cruel and;
random world

This was better. They had seemingly broken through that awkward situation from moments before. Maybe not entirely but they were at least working their way to it. Which did indeed made him happy. The man didn’t want to return to the state of the night before. If there was one thing he hated it was confrontation, which was apparently the thing the woman that said before him thrived on. How two people could be that different, it was a question mark to why he was still here. Others would’ve walked out, would left her to fend for herself, not even get mixed up with her in the first place. Yet he. He couldn’t say why, but he felt like she was pulling him in. There really wasn’t an explanation for it. And right now, he was too tired to actually think about it further on. So for now, this weird blissful state was what he would hold on too.

For a moment he tilted his head when she asked her question. Shortly making him stare down while taking another bite from his eggs as she took his yoghurt. Which made him chuckle. ’Have at it.’ He smiled softly, taking another sip from his juice as he leaned back in his chair a bit more. For now deciding on not answering her first question, focusing on his food for that matter. Another remark was made and he raised a brow at her. ’For what it’s worth, you don’t.’ He muttered while he continued eating. ’Thanks tho, I guess?’ It was a remark that he wasn’t going to take seriously. There was no reason to why he should.

’I haven’t slept at all.’ The man eventually admitted, a short sigh slipping over his lips. He couldn’t sleep, not after leaving like that. The situation had gotten out of control and he was blaming himself for it. Things always seemed to be his fault anyway.

But the chaos;
is beautiful.

❝ All that wildflower energy in her veins ❞

Where she was night, he felt like day. And where she turned left, he wanted to go right. There had been nothing yet where they had seen eye to eye to things. And it was fascinating that, despite that, this man still would hang around. He really was like a puppy, or more like a dog. It reminded her of her own two dogs. They were loyal creatures, would always come back and do as they were told. Just like Luca. There had been no demand too big for him, yet. Despite their little encounter they had last night, he still had the strength in him to deny it. So he wasn't being a complete animal about it, or so it would seem. She still had to watch her step and be careful with him, for he could still be waiting for her to take a misstep somewhere. She wasn't in the clear yet and neither was he.

She looked down at her yoghurt as she stirred around in the substance, taking small bites of the food as she listened to him. It would seem he didn't take her observation very kindly... But he still took it as an opportunity to compliment her? She frowned, looking up at him when he spoke those words. What was wrong with him? She paused, looking him up and down as he thanked her for insulting him. There was something seriously wrong with this one. Why did he tolerate such comments. It had been an indication for the fact that he looked tired. But no... Luca had taken it as some weird way of complimenting her. She didn't understand this man in the slightest. "Uuuh..." she said as the frown deepened a bit. "If this is something you get off to, then please just tell me..." she shook her head a bit as she spoke those words to him. "Cause I don't want to be apart of it," Not that she was kink shaming him. But doing this before they had proper breakfast. By the gods Luca, some manners.

And then it followed. He hadn't slept at all. She took a deep breath, before sighing in the loudest way possible. Did she really have to do everything today? He really was just a puppy sometimes. "Okay, just uh... Finish your breakfast and get in bed," she said as she gestured to his plate. "You'll sleep while I take a bath, k?" she raised her brows as she looked at him. She would have to get through her hair and make-up for the day too... Which would honestly take up some time as well. He would most likely have the entire morning to catch up on that missed sleep.

It’s a cruel and;
random world

Luca snorted at her words. Slowly shaking his head. ’It’s not. I just.. Never mind.’ He laughed ever so softly while he continued eating. She surprised him, it was the least he could say about her. Maybe not always in the best way. But in the end the youngest Grimaldi proved to be the most special one of them all. In the positive way and in the negative way. Which was something very weird to actually make possible. But she seemed to do it effortlessly. ’You are something else Angie. Truly.’ He muttered softly while picking a piece of bread from his tray. Eyes briefly darting up to her as he slowly but surely seemed to relax a bit more.

A frown briefly appeared on his head when she sighed, very deeply, very dramatically. Shortly glancing at the bed and humming, perhaps she was right. Yet, part of him simply didn’t want to sleep. Maybe afraid that she’d leave him, that he’d wake up without her being present.. ’Or we could nap together?’ It came out so rapidly, so incoherent as well but it left him turning as red as a tomato. Eyes instantly darting to his plate, munching further. Trying to evade her gaze, his cheeks still burning hot.

’Sorry. Don’t pay attention to what I said.’ He spoke ever so softly, biting his lip as he slowly glanced up. For a few seconds. Not wanting her to jump to the conclusion she had made the night before.

But the chaos;
is beautiful.

❝ All that wildflower energy in her veins ❞

Angelina was the type of girl who spoke her mind, no matter what. And it was something he had to get used to if he wanted to be around her. So when she spoke those words, making it clear to him that she didn't want to be apart of some sort of fetish or kink, he snorted. She tilted her head a bit as a smile curled on her lips, almost as if she was satisfied by her truthful words. She put the spoon against her lips, gently licking the tip as she looked at him shaking his head. Of course he wouldn't tell her if he had some thing for degrading, but she knew better. Perhaps it was the other way around and this man would fall to his knees if she started praising him. Not that she would know, there hadn't been any pleasant words about him from her ever since they met. Yet, she did wonder what it would do to him. Silently she made a note in her head as he spoke. Slowly she pulled the utensil away from her mouth as she went on to eat the yoghurt, her focus going back to her food in question. Hm.

But then he finally spoke about her, stating that she was something else. She looked up, putting the edge of the spoon against her lips as she gently pressed her teeth down on the metal. A soft humming soft leaving her throat as she stared at his food, before looking up to him. She lookd at him for a moment as she saw how his eyes darted towards her every now and then. Hm. Such a peculiar man. "I can be like those other girls, if you want me to," she said in the most monotone voice. In a slow motion she put the spoon down, clearing her throat as she straightened her back a bit. And just like that, a switch went off. Those deer like eyes staring up at him as she put the sweetest smile on, tilting her head a bit as she put herself back in a more ladylike posture. "Oh my, lord Winter, I must offer my apologies for my foul tongue. I swear it will never ever ever happen again," The tone in her voice had shifted, almost eerily so, to sound sweet and appeasing to him. Even going an octave higher in sound, the sarcasm was barely noticeable, but it was there. And just like that, the switch went back off and her expression changed back to an unchanged one, unbothered and less impressed for sure. She raised a brow at him for a moment, before putting on a soft smile and looking back at her yoghurt, getting back to her food in an instance, as if nothing happened.

And then she commanded him on what they would do from there on. He would sleep and she would take a bath. And before she could speak some more, he rapidly spoke. She froze in an instant when she heard his words. Her gaze slowly lifting as she looked at him, raising one brow as she finished up her food. Angie pushed herself back a bit, leaning against the back of her chair as she observed him. Why did he even say such a thing? The tall man, however, coloured a bright red hue in an instant and her frown vanished as soon as she noticed. At least he knew how he desperate he was being with that statement. He didn't even dare to look up at her anymore when he had spoken those words. And in a weird way, it felt really good that he did. He was so humble in such a subtle way, giving her full control of a situation that he could easily thrive in. Yet, he didn't. She still wondered why he didn't. Such a strange boy.

He muttered some words quickly after and the small woman couldn't help but smile as she tilted her head, looking at how he sat there. He was so tense about a situation of his own making that barely even meant anything to any other person. Yet, he had learned that for someone like her such words would be turned on him in an instant. Perhaps he wasn't as dumb as he appeared to be. "So," she started, keeping her hellish blue gaze focused on him. "You don't want to sleep with me, but you do want to sleep... With me," she chuckled as she heard herself say those words out loud. She shook her head a bit as soon as it hit her. "And then I'm the odd one out..." she chuckled once more as she lifted her gaze to the ceiling, seemingly lost in thought. Really now. What a guy.

It’s a cruel and;
random world

When her demeanor changed he raised a brow, tilting his head ever so slightly. Angie was truly something else. The way she could fall into the role, it was terrifying. But so very interesting at the same time. Had he ever seen that before? Almost on a daily base when he was in the castle. Yet this, this was downright scary. And although it suited her, as if everything didn’t suit her, he liked the normal version of her more. Stupid, perhaps. But if anything a woman that spoke her mind, that wasn’t scared of putting him in his place if needed, that was far better than what she was portraying to be. So Luca school his head, chuckling ever so softly. ’I don’t know what’s scarier to be fair. Just stay yourself when I’m around okay? People change their behavior often enough just for the last name I carry, there is no need.’ The man simply shrugged. Perhaps Luca would’ve been born a happier child if he had carried another name. But in the end, the only thing he could do now, was trying to distance himself from that very name in his own way.

Perhaps he shouldn’t have spoken those words. Would it be considered too much? Most likely. But it had merely been a suggestion coming from an actual good place. If anything perhaps she was still feeling tired. That could be the case, right? But the way she seemed to freeze up right after he had spoken told him enough. He had spoken before his turn and there would be a reprimand coming for him, of that he was sure. A woman like the one sitting in front of him wouldn’t let a comment like that slide, would she? So Luca was already preparing himself to accept whatever words she’d throw his way. As if it was his second nature. Thanks, dad.

Yet when she did speak, no foul words followed. Making him tilt his head ever so slightly. His eyes moved back to her, worrying his lip for a second. Until a soft smile returned to his lips. Cheeks still having that red hue. ’Well, why would I go against being the odd one? It’s my trademark.’ The man softly chuckled, looking at her. How she was looking at the ceiling. Making him pull a hand through his hair for a moment. ’So.. is that a no? Or a maybe?’ Hey, a guy could try, right?

But the chaos;
is beautiful.

❝ All that wildflower energy in her veins ❞

She was used to putting on a mask. Being that perfect doll that everyone adored, but mostly her parents. Although the last few months she hadn't even bothered putting on the facade anymore. Knowing the eventual future she was bound to have, she had shown great resistance against everyone. Her brother, her father, even her mother and sisters. And in her own little head she was fully in her right to do so. She had been dealt an unfair hand ever since being born. And yes, there were way worse things that could have happened to her. She could have been born in a low-class family, working ever since she could walk so that she could help her parents make ends meet. She was quite the opposite from that, really, as she never had worked a day in her life, and most likely never would need to. But that was exactly the problem for her. She would be dependent on a man providing for her. And she would be a trophy, a tool. No real value in her personality, of who she was, despite her body. It was agonizing every time she thought about it. And perhaps it was even one of her worst fears.

He raised a brow, even tilting his head as she did her little display. And she simply went on to smile at him for a moment. A small little gesture that showed that she was on top here and not him. And that if she so desired, she would pull up one of her many masks. One of them being this little angel one. The persona of herself that everyone seemed to adore. The person her parents wanted her to return to. As if. She never was that cutesy sweet girl, she had always done just as if. The tall man spoke, and she honestly felt a wave of triumph wash over her. Scary hm? It was her turn to lift her brows when he noted her to stay herself when he was around, since a lot of people seemed to change their behaviour when around him for his last name. She scoffed as soon as he finished his sentence. "How would you know what I'm really like?" she quickly snapped back at him. The small woman leaned back, crossing her arms as she stared him down. Her voice clearly slightly offended. And she was, in a way. Because it got on her nerves that he had hit gold with his little statement. After all, she did change her behaviour just because he was a Winter.

Luca was an odd one and she spoke on it. She could see his eyes dart back and forth and he even offered a smile to her, that red colour still on his face. She laughed softly at his comment about himself, rolling her eyes slowly. My, did he really have to make a joke about it. Maybe it was just the stress that got to him and this was his way of relieving himself somewhat from it. Eventually she averted her eyes from him and things fell silent between them, only for a moment. Because he finally found the courage to be straight forward with her. Just for a few words, before he threw in that maybe. She looked at him, her hellish blue eyes focusing on him as she lifted a brow. "Maybe?" she scoffed at him. "If you're not certain about something, you shouldn't try and get it," she spoke slightly bitterly, before letting out a sigh. Her gaze went over him one more time, after which she shook her head. And that was when a little idea sneaked inside her head... And the only thing that betrayed her train of thought was the slightest smile that came on her lips.

She rose to her feet, walking along the small table as she tilted her head. The brunette's focus remaining on the Winter boy. As she came closer, she came to a halt next to him. Her gaze went from his face, to his lap, to what he was doing with his hands. And she waited, seeing if he would do something. It would seem he was already finished with breakfast, or he was just too stressed to keep on eating. Whatever it was, Angie was about to make it way worse. She looked at him again, her eyebrows rising a bit as a cheeky smile came on her face. "So are we having doubts?" she said before putting one leg up, gently placing her knee on his upper leg after which she put a hand on his shoulder. "Or do you know for certain that you want this?" She chuckled softly before taking a slight leap. Her leg going upwards as she elegantly took place on his lap, one leg at each side now. She had always been flexible and with her training it wasn't hard to keep up with certain acrobatics. This was a piece of cake. She tilted her head, pulling her legs back up so she could use her knees and rise more upwards, almost coming on the same height as him now.

It’s a cruel and;
random world.

How would he know? Well, he wouldn’t that was the most easy answer he had given the entire time they had been together. Yet Luca wouldn’t be Luca if he didn’t weigh his words. Because where he asked of her to simply be herself in whatever way that was, could he truly say that he was being himself right now? Was he ever himself to begin with? Or was he simply a product created by a man that he despised? By a name that he loathed? Though the overthinking didn’t happen. She had snapped at him. Which meant something right? Was there a truth he had uncovered about her? A button he had pressed without knowing for sure. See, those were the things he actually wanted to ask. The things he perhaps wanted to tease her about. Yet.. Was he in the position to actually start doing that? Knowing the woman in front of him, or knowing so little of her.. He would take the safest answer to that question and that was a no.

’I don’t know. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to find out who you really are. Though I’m quite sure you will never let me find out about you at all.’ Girls were complicated like that. A soft sigh slipped over his lips. The way she had spoken it had sounded quite offended and that was the least he had wanted to do. If anything he wanted to do the opposite. Not that he would ever get the chance to do so but well, a guy could hope. Why on fucking earth was he acting like this? It truly puzzled him.

He raised his brow once more when she scoffed at him. Oh boy. ’Is there anything worth for me to get or are you shooting me down entirely?’ Luca Winter, shut your damn pipehole right now. The intrusive thoughts were winning here and he wasn’t quite sure where it would land him. Knowing Angie, not in a good place. But he couldn’t take the words back anymore. Perhaps he should just simply go home again? Not that anyone would even remotely care where he had gone too. But right now, it seemed like the easy answer. To just go home and let whatever this was simply behind himself. Perhaps that would be better for both of them, perhaps… And then his mind went blank the moment she moved towards him. Placing her leg upon his knee and her hand on his shoulder. Not even comprehending what she was saying at first. Visibly swallowing as his eyes trailed her arm, up to her face and for a brief moment when their eyes locked he could swear that he felt something roll over his skin, making the hairs in his neck stand up.

Blinking rapidly when she sat down on his lap, his arms almost automatically curling around her waist. A part of him not wanting to give into this, yet a more stupid part didn’t care. Fingertips skimming over her lowerback ever so softly. When she repositioned herself once more, he made sure she wouldn’t fall of by flattening his hands on her lowerback keeping her in place. Eyes moving back to hers. ’I…’ He fell still again. Whatever had gone through his mind earlier was not making sense to him anymore. At all, for crying out loud. ’Let’s go.’ Voice adamant, no wavering or anything. A solid answer, clearly stating that he wanted to take her to bed. To nap. Off course.

But the chaos;
is beautiful.