Archive of Our Own

Gossips. Gossips. Gossips. Cardan is no stranger to words spreading from one mouth to another, the changes of the truth will eventually return to the actual truth. He is interested in them, of course. He enjoys them, even. But, he is an extremely hard person to please. Only certain things can force him to catch up on. Gossips, alcohol, parties.

But, that changes today.

Cardan is wiping the sweat off his neck as he hears his teammates chatting together, boisterous laughter echoing the locker room of the football players. It is a big day, and they win in the match, obviously. The sense of familiarity and belonging is there as his teammates greet him and congratulate him for his skills.

They pull him into a bone-crushing embrace that almost suffocate him because of the damned uniforms. He smiles lazily at them and heads towards his locker, checking his phone. Locke, Nicasia and Valerian have texted about his team's victory and they plan to take him out to the poshest bar possible to have fun. Cardan shakes his head and put his phone down.

He strips off his jersey and throw it into his bag, sitting on the vacant bench as he hears the conversation between his two teammates, Matt and Stefan. Cardan doesn't know much about them, but he knows they are good friends since high school. Funny story, Stefan's current girlfriend is Matt's ex. Sad, but funny.

"You know there's a bar down the alley? Nearby that posh residence? El says she's up to treat us for the victory tonight" Stefan says, a lovesick smile on his lips. Cardan pays no attention to this, of course. Cheap bars are hardly his taste. He's heard rumors that nothing there tastes good enough for his throat. Better save it up for a party with Locke, Nicasia and Valerian.

Matt's face brightens up. "That's cool of her, mate! Did you hear about the bartender there? I heard she makes good mix. Heard she's pretty too. Perhaps-"

"That's an understatement. That bar girl is an absolute dream!" Mark interrupts, his British accent so strong that it erupts the room to roar with laughter. Cardan laughs too, apparently interested with what he is hearing. He finishes the tie of his Nike Air and goes back to his locker, keeps listening to his teammates.

This bar girl is interesting. They said she used to work at a posh bar, too. Cardan wonders if he could try his luck to talk to her or woo her into giving him a free drink with his charms and wits. Been recently single has made it difficult for him to talk to other girls. Especially with them believing Nicasia that he was the one who cheated on her.

Although, he was the one who caught her snogging Locke.

Well, that's not important now, isn't it? He has moved on and is perfectly fine with his life. Besides, what can be more enjoyable besides money and parties? He'd rather slept on bed costs millions instead of being in love and poor. Cardan slings his bag and checks his phone before heading to the door. He stops, turning to Andrew who sits alone at the corner. He's the quietest among them all. Probably the only one who keeps an ear but not saying anything.

Cardan looks at him. "Has any idea what this bartender's name is?"

"Jude"

Jude. Cardan walks out from the locker room and heads straight to where his chauffeur is waiting with a well-polished black Ferrari. He steps into the car and thinks about his plan of declining his friends' plan to make a party for his victory tonight. He is more interested to know about this Jude girl.

C: Can't make it. Fucking exhausted
N: WHATTT? ARE YOU KIDDING??
L: Mate, we're halfway to get you
V: I didn't just spend 2k bucks for your sake...
C: Sorry. Don't bother to pick me up. I'm not at my place
L: Well, that's a tale
N: WHERE ARE YOU????
V: Stop it. Mate, you gotta pay back my 2k
C: I'll pay back 4k. Now stfu
N: BYEEEE CARDAAAANNNNNN :)
V: Fuck yea! Locke, I win!
L: You little shit

Cardan snorts a little at his friends' texts. They have been friends ever since they were in kindergarten. Born from posh family, having the same upbringing is one of the things that keep them at each other's side all the time. Although, they can all be absolute shit to each other sometimes, but all of them are just some memories that they'll end up laughing at. Even his break up with Nicasia is something they laugh at all the time now.

Cardan shoves his hand into the pocket of his leather jacket, letting the night summer breeze hitting his midnight hair. He stands in front of the bar Matt has mentioned this evening - Insmire Bar - a small lot that he has no doubt will be so cramped with people if his teammates ever decided to really celebrate their victory in this damned place.

Insmire is an interesting place. If this bar is so famous, then he should have heard about it, right? Well, maybe he wouldn't, considering the fact that he only parties at posh bars with posh kids. As Cardan steps into the bar, he regrets his life choice and feels like someone should behead him at this point.

The Elfhame University football team is really having their best time here.

Well, he's fucked. Cardan turns slightly from the table where he sees all his ten teammates drinking and eating like crazy. He has to fight the urge to scowl in disgust and saunters to the counter. He takes a sit and catches sight of a girl dressed in a seafoam hoodie with YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL all over the back and a pair of flare pants. She has a high ponytail with ribbon in similar shade, but Cardan couldn't see her face.

"New here, sir? Care to look at the menu first?" a guy, possibly a year or two older than him places a menu in front of him. Cardan takes it and flips it open, skimming through the texts. He clears his throat and looks up at the guy. "Uh.. Moscow Mule? And a plate of cheesy wedges, please"

"Jude! Moscow Mule for this buddy over here!" the guy disappears behind the door to the kitchen. Cardan looks up and finally gets the chance to see her face. Jude's face. Her skin is pale, but nothing compared to his. A healthy complexion, even. Her eyes are the color of walnut. She walks around the counter, sending drinks after drinks before returning to the shelves of glasses and mugs, preparing for his drinks.

Mark was right. She is an absolute dream. Cardan couldn't take his eyes off her as she moves around, picking decorations and pouring and stirring mixes of drinks all at once. She seems to enjoy her job despite the constant demand from everyone for more drinks. She comes up to his seat and Cardan feels a raw sense of panic flooding him. Has he been caught staring? No, that's not it. She's delivering his drink.

"Moscow Mule for you?" she asks, studying Cardan. "You're new here. I've never seen you before"

Cardan laughs. "Well, I am born and raised here. Just- it's my first time coming down the alley"

"You were from Elfhame Private College, I take? Posh kids' school" she says and chuckles, before returning to deliver more drinks. Cardan feels like his heart is about to jump out of his ribcage upon hearing her voice. Sweet as honey - no, sweeter than honey. A sense of embarrassment comes towards him and Cardan instantly sips on his drink, not sparing a glance to appreciate the presentation of his drink.

Fuck. This tastes a hundred times better than his usual drinks at the upper class bar. The guy who takes his order returns and places his plate of cheesy wedges. Cardan murmurs a thanks and takes a bite. This too, tastes better than the other cheesy wedges he usually eats. No offense to his maid's cooking skills, of course.

Cardan tilts up his head and gives full attention to Jude's movements again. He can hear familiar voices ordering beer and he rolls his eyes in annoyance. That girl couldn't even get a break from walking, at this point. He watches her as he takes his drink and eats his wedges, until she catches him staring at her. Jude smiles.

Cardan is frozen in horror. Man, he has never seen a smile so beautiful. Arguably, angelic. Jude wipes her hands on the towel on the counter and walks towards him. She still has that smile that can very well make him blush like a high school boy watching his crush tucking her hair behind her ear as she reads. She pulls a chair and sits facing me. 

"I see that you were looking at me since you arrived" she raises an eyebrow.

Cardan's cheeks heated in shame and his eyes widen in horror. "I'm sorry!" he blurts out, ignoring the confusion written on her face. "It was nothing indecent. I was just admiring your work and maybe a little too much at your hoodie and - fuck. This shit is amazing!"

Jude's expression seems like his excuse is not too convincing. Well, at least he was telling her the truth. Cardan is not a creepy asshole checking out girls' asses every time he crosses path with them. Jude's lips curl up in a voluptuous smile, different from the previous one. The sweet one. Cardan finds himself liking this better.

"You called what I made a shit" she says, neither a statement nor a question. She looks at the mug before looking back at him. "But, you called it amazing. So, thank you!" she says, beaming happily at him. Cardan doesn't know what to make of her reaction. Is it unusual of her to listen to people praising her talent? Or, is that just something he always do every time something catches his interest? Or in this case, someone.

"So, what's your name? Are you here on your own?"

"Cardan. Cardan Greenbriar. Well, technically I'm alone, but-" I glance at the table where my teammates are sitting. "My team has a celebration tonight. Football stuffs. I didn't know they were to celebrate here"

"You're not joining them?" Jude looks down to her phone.

"No. Not interested. But, my instincts told me to try something new. Didn't expect to meet a beautiful bartender at all"

Jude laughs, a hint of blush on her cheeks. "Wow, I'm flattered. How many bartenders have you said that to, posh kid?" she says in a mocking tone.

"Not many" Cardan halts his speech, trying to rake through his memories. "Only you"

Jude tips her head back and laughs again. She hops off from the stool and smiles back at him. "Well, I've got work to do. Nice meeting you, posh kid!" she walks away and Cardan watches her as he finishes the last of his meals. Well, this is certainly what he calls a night.

Posh kid. He has no idea why it sounds so nice, but it has him chuckling softly. She's joking with him. People in his school used to call him posh kid too, but they meant it as an insult that makes him growing up hating it. But, when Jude calls him that, he feels butterflies in his stomach.

"You seem to be in a good mood today" Elowyn flops herself on the couch in front of him, eyes on her book.

Cardan grins as he looks up at his sister. Elowyn is 9 years older than him and although he doesn't like spending times with his three eldest, but he finds Elowyn's presence most enjoyable. She mostly spends her time with his two brothers, Balekin and Dain while he plays with Caelia and Rhyia who are 5 and 3 years older than him. Cardan sits on the couch, legs stretching out.

"Well, it's not like I am always emo, right?"

Elowyn removes her reading glasses. "Yeah, it's just weird. You've been smiling to yourself the entire breakfast. I thought you were sick for a second"

Cardan just smiles and runs into his kitchen, Elowyn following from behind. Of course, she would want to know what the hell is going on with him. He pours down two glasses of orange juice and hands a glass to her. Cardan pulls the stool on the granite counter and sits on it. "What makes you stop thinking like that?"

"Well, you're rarely sick. Is there a girl?"

Cardan drinks half of his glass, cursing himself mentally. Sometimes, he's forgotten that his siblings can read him so well despite not being very close since they were children. He presses his lips together and scratches his neck. "A girl. Yeah"

"Her name?"

"Not your business" he sneers.

Elowyn rolls her eyes and drops her book. "Oh, please. It will be better if you tell me now instead of me pulling up my detective side"

Well, she's right. Cardan sighs. "Jude. That's her name"

"That Insmire Bar girl?"

"YOU KNOW HER?!" Cardan's voice bounces off the wall in his kitchen. Seriously, how famous is Jude among people in Insmire? Why is he the only person who's not aware of her for years? If she really is that popular here, he should have at least heard about her once. The puzzled expression on Elowyn's face makes him feels like the biggest idiot in the world.

Elowyn chuckles. "Everyone here knows her. I've been down to that bar several times last year" she shrugs and resumes her reading.

Cardan's phone beeps. Huh, an unknown number.

 : hey posh kid! this is jude :)

Whoa. What the fuck is going on here? He runs upstairs to his room and kicks off his shoes as he sits on his bed. He starts typing, deleting, typing, deleting, typing, deleting - and it goes on for several minutes. Jude seems to have had enough that she finally types again. A sense of panic and embarrassment hangs over him like heavy rain clouds. Seriously, what the hell do you say to a girl who you just met the night before?! 

J: hello???? did i get the wrong number?
C: yes, hello. this is me, cardan
J: oh cool! just checking up on you
C: tell that to every handsome customers, did you?
J: no, only you 

Clever. Cardan sits quietly on his bed, trying to figure out what he's supposed to reply to that. Well, he's flirted with many girls after his break up with Nicasia, but it seems like all his flirting skills aren't cooperating with this girl. How many bartenders have you said that to, posh kid? she asked and he replied Not many. Only you. 

C: how did you have my number huh?
J: oh your pal last night offered it to me
C: well, that's a tale
J: i'm being serious! they saw me talking to you and said that you're single and offered me your number
C: could that be matt?
J: i think so. it was dark, i can't recognize his face
C: and you recognized mine. i'm flattered
J: oh please 
C: you're working now?
J: nope. night shift only

Cardan smiles as he lies down on his bed. They continue to talk about random stuffs for another hour. By the time she texts him she has to get ready for work, Cardan learns a little bit about her. She has two sisters, one is a twin. She lives with both her sisters and her parents live in a small house at the countryside of Insweal. 

Jude's favorite color is blue, as dark as the midnight sky. Her favorite singer is Taylor Swift and her favorite album is Reputation. Well, of course he tells her about his obsession with One Direction and Harry Styles too. Her favorite place is her parents' house. Her favorite food is spaghetti. Her favorite drink is hot chocolate.

She also dropped out of school at sixteen to help her family and doesn't further her studies at all.

"Cardan! We're having dinner outside!" Elowyn's voice comes from behind the walls. Cardan groans in annoyance and screams back an okay at his sister.

They continue to stay in contact over the phone for a few months. Cardan seldom comes down to the bar as he is busy with finals now. He texts Jude and asks her about her day and sometimes at night, to ask about her job. He offers to send her home every Wednesday and Saturday nights, with excuse that he's only free on those nights.

Well, it is both the truth and the lie. He is free but he also wants to see her. 

So, now that he's finished with finals, one month away from getting his results and graduation, he can finally breathe like a normal person instead of worrying of his exams. Cardan takes out his phone and finds 3 messages from Jude <3. He grins to himself at the symbol beside her name.

Well, he is definitely in love with her.

J: HEYYYYY
J: your finals finished today right???
J: CONGRATS POSH KID!!!!

Cardan wonders for a second if she actually saves his number as posh kid. He smiles as he replies with a little greetings and thanks. Someone taps his shoulder and he turns, finding his three friends behind him. He raises an eyebrow and puts his phone back into his pocket.

"Mate" Valerian smiles. "Finals are over. Wanna party tonight?"

Cardan is about to say yes until he realizes he might want to take Jude out tonight. He looks at his friends apologetically but before he could speak, Locke brushes him off. "You've got the answer. Mate, even if you got a girl now, don't forget us"

"What? What do you mean?" Cardan says, feeling absolutely confused.

Nicasia leans her head against Locke's chest. "Well, you look rather happy for this past few months. So, we all think you've got a new girlfriend. We're not offended, seriously. Just- make time for us sometimes and don't decline much. We missed you at parties"

Nicasia smiles at him and pulls Locke and Valerian away. Cardan presses his lips together as he watches his friends leave the lecture hall. He gets to his car and starts the engine as he thinks about Nicasia's words. She's right. He's been making excuses for months, but he really couldn't help it, could he? He opens his chat with Jude and starts typing.

C: are you working tonight?
J: nope. why??
C: can i take you out? i mean, if you're fine with it
J: sure! see you tonight!

Well, he is out of his mind. Seriously, who in their right mind will feel embarrassed to ask their crush out on a date? Well, does Jude think of his invitation as a date? It is for him, at least. Cardan stands in front of his floor-length mirror, exhausted of picking which outfit he can wear tonight. A sharp rap comes from his door and he turns his head slightly.

Cardan freezes, eyes widened in horror. What the fuck is Dain doing here?!

"Hello, little brother. Hope you don't mind me in your house"

Cardan blinks, staring silently at his brother. His blonde hair is combed nicely, parted in the middle as he casually lies down on Cardan's bed as if it's his own. Dain is his least favorite sibling in the family. Seeing that he rarely bothers about Cardan's life, he assumes the dislike is mutual.

"What are you doing here?" he asks as he walks to his wardrobe.

"El told me you're going out for a date tonight. She thought you might need my advice"

Cardan rolls his eyes. There it is, that fake concern and kindness. "You're aware this is not the first date I've ever been to, right?"

"Uh-huh" Dain smirks. "But, this is your first date with the girl you've been crushing on for like what? 5 months?" he raises a mocking eyebrow.

"Shut the fuck up and help me to pick an outfit" Cardan throws his shirt at Dain and he laughs as if he's just made some ridiculously hilarious joke. Cardan scowls and takes a look at all his trousers. Dain appears beside him with a remote expression.

"Blue seems nice"

"Jude's going with sky blue. I suppose I'll pick dark blue"

"Anything she likes about you?"

The hand that's pushing through all the collection of his blue shirts halts. Cardan gnaws at his lower lip before taking off his shirt and slips into a blue shirt and his white denim jacket. He takes his watch and turns to look at Dain. "No, I don't think she likes me at all"

Dain frowns at his change of tone. Of course, he's been living with Cardan not giving him enough respect for years. Not that he bothers about it at all - thinking it's just something normal for brothers. "You texted this girl for what? Months? And she also reciprocated your energy. And you're telling me she doesn't like you? Cardan, do you want me to knock you out with a book?"

"Don't be so harsh. She's been talking like we're friends, okay?"

"Well, let's see those texts, then" Dain snatches Cardan's phone on the bed before he could get it and easily swipes to his chat with Jude. Wait, this motherfucker knows his password? Well, this is certainly so fucked up. He tries to snatch the phone back from his brother but the bastard runs out of his room.

He puts on his trousers and grabs his Nike Air and hastily makes his way downstairs. Dain is sitting on the couch in his living room, scrolling through his texts with Jude, his mouth twitching once in a while. Fuck, why did he has to accept this piece of shit as his blood and flesh again? Cardan sighs and grabs his phone.

"What the fuck are you-"

"She fucking likes you, you idiot!"

"No, she doesn't. I'm going to tell her my feelings, but I am just going to accept it if she doesn't like me. End of story"

"Wait! Cardan! God, you little shit"

Cardan rubs his palms together, trying to get rid of the sweat forming. Well, this certainly isn't going well. He is standing in front of Jude's house - Jude's sister's house - to fetch her for their date. No, this is hardly a date. She wouldn't think of him as someone special. 

Someone beautiful like her - she surely has someone that she really wants. He is just a friend who becomes her source of entertainment from time to time. Cardan sighs and rings the bell. He hears a female voice from the inside and as soon as the door swings open, he finds a girl with face so identical like Jude. Taryn, her twin.

"Hi! You're Jude's friend, right? I'm Ta-"

"Taryn. I know, Jude told me about you"

Taryn seems surprised at his words. She invites him in and Cardan's eyes immediately travels to the simple ceiling with creaks on it. Taryn laughs at his confused look and invites him to sit. "You seem to know Jude well that you can differentiate us just like that" she says, taking the seat opposite him.

"Oh, Jude has a scar underneath her left eye. She doesn't cover it with any concealer" Cardan says with a little smile and this leaves Taryn completely startled. Cardan's eyes widened, immediately realizing his mistake. Well, that makes him look like a creep, doesn't it? But, as soon as Taryn laughs, he frowns. Wait, what is she laughing about?

"You like Jude. Really, I think you're the first person who has ever mentioned about her scar. I don't think anyone realizes our differences except Vivi's girlfriend and my boyfriend. Well, you're accepted into the family" Taryn says, her laugh reminds him of Jude's.

They look the same - excuse the little scar - and even have similar behavior but yet still so different. Is this something only twins have? This might be Cardan's first time meeting Taryn, but Jude's tell him enough about her twin for him to know about the girl. Taryn pulls her hair back and turns to look at the book in front of her. An album.

"Jude talks about you a lot. Well, she needs to convince me for a few times that you're her friend. But, seeing how you act all flustered being here, I don't think this is going to be friends' hangout. You're taking her out on a date, aren't you?"

"I really am obvious, huh?" Cardan raises an eyebrow. Taryn nods.

Jude's voice echoes from upstairs, asking Taryn something. A few minutes later, she appears at the top of the staircase and Cardan feels like all the air has left his lungs at the sight of her. Fucking breathtaking. She's wearing the dress he bought for her - no, she doesn't know it was him who gave that dress - with a pair of sapphire earrings to match her dress as well as white high knee boots. He can see a necklace decorating her collarbone, a blue locket in the middle.

But, the most breathtaking sight is her hair. He's always seen her hair up in ponytail, bun or braids, he's never seen them down. Her hair is long - possibly shorter than Taryn but he really has no time to check the length of her twin's hair as he looks at her. She looks like a fucking angel from here. A blush spreads on her cheeks as their eyes meet.

"Well, Jude. Go and have fun with your friend" the tone sounds normal if it weren't for the slight smirk at Taryn's lips. It feels like an insult for them both. Taryn makes her way into the kitchen, leaving them together. Cardan stands up from the sofa and smiles nervously. Well, this is certainly fucked up. He isn't able to think of anything good to speak.

Beautiful? That's a fucking understatement.

"Hello" Jude says, her voice smaller than usual. Cardan clears his throat and watches the blush forming on her cheeks. Wait, is she shy with him? The girl who made the first move with texting him is shy with him? He makes his way towards at the end of the staircase and holds out a hand for her to take. Come on, you little shit. Speak!

"Hi. You- you look fantastic" he says, avoiding from meeting her eyes. Why does fantastic seems like not the right word to use here?

"Thank you. You look dashing"

They walk out from the small townhouse and Cardan offers his jacket to Jude and despite her insisting it is unnecessary, he put it on her shoulders. He leads her to where he parks his car and her first reaction is "Seriously? You posh kids have more than a personal automobile despite having chauffeurs? You lot are weird" with her nose scrunches up and eyes alight with amusement. Cardan laughs and opens the passenger door for her. 

He starts the engine and as soon as he starts driving, his instinct urges him to take Jude's hand in his. She seems a bit flustered but after a few seconds, she gives in and interlaces their fingers together. Cardan feels like his heart can jump out of his ribcage right this moment. He focuses on driving instead of glancing towards Jude for the entire ride.

Half an hour later, they arrive at the restaurant he's booked for their dinner. Jude's eyes widened as she looks up at the building and as expected, her reaction is "you take me to a posh restaurant? This is amazing!" Cardan doesn't know what's with Jude and her obsessive with the word posh, but he couldn't help but to grin at her reaction. She keeps looking around as if being here is something strange for her - which, maybe it really is. 

Cardan approaches the usher wearing black suit standing by the window. The guy bows slightly before looking back at him. "Reservation for two. Greenbriar"

"This way, sir" Cardan takes Jude's hand in his and they head into the restaurant. As soon as he catches the eyes of every customers there, he feels a raw sense of panic. Of course, people here would know him. Their eyes go to his and Jude's interlaced fingers and they whisper to each other as if they've just seen something so inappropriate.

A raw sense of protectiveness floods over him as he pulls Jude closer to him. She rests a hand on his chest, and Cardan instantly looks down at her. She looks nervous with everyone watching her. She knows everyone here would be upper class, and that makes her anxious. God fucking damnit, how can he be so stupid? Of course they will know she's not from a rich family.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. He's already fucked things up.

"You know, I don't mind changing the place for this dinner" Cardan says softly as they approach their table.

"No, it's fine. I'll get used to this" she shrugs and thanks him as he pulls out a chair for her. They take time browsing through the menu before settling for spaghetti and champagne. Jude insists that she should be paying because he's already asked her out, but he says it's ridiculous. They argue a bit but decide they should just divide the money fairly.

"So, congratulations for finishing your finals. I know absolutely nothing about it, but it must be so hard right?" Jude smiles.

Cardan smiles back. "Quite. It's actually easier than what I expected. I mean, it's hard, but less tricky. Bless the lecturers"

"Tell me. How does university feels like? I've heard amazing stuffs, but I've never got the chance to go to one"

Cardan feels a brick of guilt hitting him at the back of his head. While being bathed in luxury since he was a child, there are still people out there who struggle to make a living even for a day. "Awesome. Definitely one of the times I'm gonna miss once I start working. You learn many things, you know? Make new friends. Or in my case, new team for football. I've been a player since high school"

"That sounds incredible! God, I really want to enter a university, but I dropped out of school"

Cardan takes her hand and plays with the back of her hand with the rough pad of his thumb. She blushes when their eyes meet. "Culinary school, perhaps? You have the hands for it"

"I don't know. I mean, who's going to pay obviously? I still have electric and water bills to be paid. Groceries and my belongings. Taryn and Vivi also have to pay for their stuffs"

"I can do it! You've worked hard enough for years. It's time you start planning for a better future, you know? Not to offend you, but who wants to spend their entire life working in a small bar? The world is a big place. Live a little, Jude"

Jude presses her lips as if considering his words. She sighs and smiles after a few minutes of thinking. Cardan takes out a paper from the inside pocket of his jacket - the application letter to Elfhame Culinary School. He tastes her cooking for a few times over the late night outings they shared when he fetched her from the bar to send her home. Honestly, such talent should never be wasted, especially when it is something that can take her for a far better life for both herself and her family. 

Jude takes the letter from his hand and reads its content. Satisfied, she looks up at him with a smile that makes her look like the most beautiful person on earth. "Thank you, Cardan. I don't know how to repay this opportunity. You don't have to pay anything. This is more than enough"

They continue to talk about Jude's work and Cardan's plans after graduation as soon as their food arrive. Cardan is totally captivated by the sound of Jude's laugh - so breezy and cheerful. He doesn't think he can get enough of that. He wants to bottle that laugh and carries it with him everywhere he goes along with the cheerful look on her face as he shares about his embarrassing childhood moments. He has to take several breaks from his talk, afraid he might actually spill the truth of what he's been keeping.

Dear God, help him. He really has fallen in love with this girl.

"Would you- uhm- would you like to take a walk? I mean, at the park?"

Cardan stops the car by the roadside and takes a look at Jude. She's playing with the hem of her dress and doesn't meet his eyes, but he can see that she's considering the idea. Her eyes move to the time on the dashboard and smiles as she turns to look at him. "Sure. It's still early before Vivi can ring me like there's an arson"

They are quiet for a few seconds before bursting out into laughter. Cardan steps out of his car and turns to the passenger side, opening the door for Jude. She looks even more beautiful now - she's glowing. Jude takes his hand and he smiles before shrugging off his jacket, putting it on her shoulder to keep her warm despite the chilly air of the night.

"Aren't you going to be cold if you keep doing this?" she raises a judging eyebrow.

Cardan smiles and tucks a strand of hair that falls to her face behind her ear. She blushes at the gesture. "It's better than you falling sick, don't you think?"

Jude rises to her toes to reach his height and knocks his head with her dainty knuckle. "Whatever"

Cardan fakes a flinch and grins happily at the annoyed look on Jude's face. Ah, he will be the luckiest person on the world if he has the chance to live with her getting annoyed with him every seconds. He will take pictures of her and frames them - all of them - and tell about their love story to their children - two girls who resembles her and a boy who looks so much like him.

WAIT. Hold on.

He hasn't make any moves yet and he's already imagining having a family with her?

Cardan shakes his head and offers his elbow for Jude to hold. They walk together in the silence, admiring the stars decorating the night sky above them. Cardan hears Jude talking about her interest in zodiacs and even curious about his astrological chart. A big smile is on her face as she explains to him about hers and Taryn's star charts.

He watches the way her hands move and how she squeals every time she says something that excites her. Jude points at a flowery bush in the park and Cardan can't help the smile forming on his lips as he watches her explain about it. She is so into many things - maybe if she didn't drop out from high school, she can be so many things after graduation.

"Jude"

"And then, do you know that every roses have different meanings? Yellow symbolizes friendship, red is well, strong love and then there's white roses. My favorite! They represent purity of someone at hearts and actions! I just feel like-"

Cardan holds her by her shoulder, closing his eyes. "Jude, I need to tell you something. For the love of God, please stop talking for a while"

She blushes and nods. Cardan quickly removes his hands from her shoulders, smiling awkwardly. Well, that certainly is a way to further fuck things up. He takes a deep breath and looks at her in the eyes. He has to tell her this - this is his only chance and even if the luck won't be on his side - which he is certain about - he has to let her know. 

"I- I- I lo-" before he could finish his words, he feels soft lips against his. Cardan's eyes widened as he realizes that Jude is on her toes with her hands pressed against his chest, kissing him. Jude is kissing him, right now. Does this mean-

Cardan returns to his senses and pulls Jude towards him, an arm wrapping around her waist as he kisses her back. He presses his lips hard against her and parts her mouth with his tongue and she gasps as he slides his tongue inside her. Fan-fucking-tastic, this is really a fucking dream.

He pulls away, out of breath and leans his forehead against hers. Jude is breathing hard as she meets him in the eyes. What just happened? Did they really just kiss? Cardan releases Jude from his embrace and looks down at his feet, embarrassment flooding over him. Oh God, what did he just do?

"I love you" Jude says breathily, and that causes a lot on his part to not be hysterical.

Cardan's eyes widened in disbelief at her words. "What- are you- are you serious?"

Jude looks away, color flooding her cheeks like waterfall. So, it is real. "I just thought that you need to know. And, I was too shy to say it all these months because we're both different. I mean, you're you. While I'm just a girl who works at a small bar. So, it's a bit embarrassing-"

Cardan pulls her into another kiss, unable to control his feelings and her confession. He can't stand listening to her making herself feel small when she's literally the most amazing person he's ever met. Jude pulls away and Cardan takes her hand in his, kissing her knuckles. "Fuck the differences. I love you too"

Well, that certainly is not what he expected to happen. He thinks he's going to be the first one to confess and return home afterwards, spending another decade single after being rejected and feeling heartbroken. He... didn't expect for his feelings to be reciprocated like this. He kisses the top of her head and smiles as he looks down at their intertwined fingers.

Cardan smirks. "Are we... dating now?"

"Yes, I suppose?" she laughs.

"Fuck yeah! You don't know how long I've been wanting to really, really call you my girl. I love you, Jude Duarte. I really do"

"I love you too, Cardan Greenbriar" she smirks. "Posh kid"

They both laugh and return to Cardan's apartment. The next morning, they both wake up to the non stop ringing of Jude's phone and when she answers it, her sister, Vivienne is screaming on the phone, worrying about her whereabouts. They smile and kiss each other lazily, spending another few hours watching movies on bed before he sends her home.

Well, who knows the posh kid can end up with a beautiful girl who works at the bar? Cardan is definitely the luckiest person ever.