Archive of Our Own

Vil arrived at the Asim estate, it was about 7 o'clock on December 31st. His heels clicked as he made his way to the outdoor venue set up for Kalim’s New Year's Eve party. The actor had received several invites but had ultimately accepted his classmates out of the desire to have a normal school experience. Though he wasn’t sure if this counted given the fact most people didn’t have billionaire heirs as classmates, but he’d take it. He’d had some wine with dinner, but was feeling good as he stepped into the plaza. 

There were lanterns strung everywhere, giving off a soft light. Huge buffet tables lined with food (he could already see Ruggie working his way through the tables) and something that wasn’t normally at school functions- a large bar area with multiple bartenders to handle the guests at the party. Vil had dressed a bit more casually for the evening. His hair was down, and gold hoop earrings dangled from his ears. A thin black choker sat around his neck. He wore a golden eye shadow and a shimmering highlighter. Bold ruby red lipstick to finish the look.

He wore a plum colored halter top that wasn’t much more than a diamond shaped piece of fabric secured with a string around his back and one lopped up under his choker. A black ruffled miniskirt hung low on his hips, showing off his toned legs, he’d forgone tights given the arid heat of the Scalding Sands even at this time of year. And his favorite pair of heels rested on his feet. 

“Roi de Poison!” Rook declared as he walked up to his friend. The man was holding two cups. “You must try some of this! It's delightful. It's made with the cider from our little Pomme’s farm.” 

Vil looked at his second command, he already appeared a bit tipsy, but it had only enhanced his normal jovial manner. Vil took the cup, gazing at the liquid inside. He trusted his friend normally, but he wanted to make sure so he smelt it a bit. He could vaguely smell the alcohol, but it was mostly the spices from the cider that hit his nose. Gently he took a sip. Whatever it was, was weak, he could barely taste anything at all. It seemed like some kind of hard cider, which in the end made sense for Epel’s farm to produce so Vil took a slightly bigger drink, enjoying the taste. If nothing else, his little protege’s family really did produce really good products. 

“Have you seen Kalim? He said something about entertainment for the evening.” Vil asked taking another drink. 

“Non” the man shook his head. “He seems to be preparing something. But there has been a stage erected.” 

“Well…” the actor mused, taking another drink. “Man this is really good.” he paused. “But It's Kalim, whatever it is I’m sure will be very extravagant.” 

“True.” the hunter smiled. “I greatly look forward to the beauty he has in store for us.” 

“I’m going to get some more of this cider.” Vil looked at his empty glass. The dry nature of Kalim’s home had left him thirstier than normal, and while usually water would be his goto. cider wasn’t horrible, and New Years only came once a year. 

“Ah, it is lovely to see you let your hair down and relax enough to enjoy yourself.”  Rook chuckled looking down at his own glass that was still half full. “Just remember to pace yourself.”

“With this?” Vil raised his eyebrow. “I’ve drank far more at cast wrap up parties.” 

The hunter just bowed a bit, somehow managing not to spill his drink. “Then I will leave you to it. I remember seeing a certain lion appear earlier, but he’s since disappeared, and the hunter in me wishes to discern his location.”

“Just because we’re not at school doesn’t mean I won't be angry if you do something that will reflect poorly on me. Don’t harass him. The last thing I need is a reason to have a conversation with Leona cuz you spilled your drink on his shoes or something.”  The actor rolled his eyes. 

“Of course my most beautiful Vil, I would never dream of it.” With that, the hunter was gone and Vil had a sinking suspicion he would be having that conversation or worse later. 

The blonde found his way to the bar, requesting a second glass of cider. It wasn’t 5 minutes and he’d finished it off. He still felt fine and grabbed a third, downing it quickly, just as the lights all over the courtyard went dim. There had been no announcement but as he turned brilliant spotlights backlit a figure who was currently obscured by mist. It was impossible to make out anything but his silhouette. And Vil determined the entertainment was finally starting, as he turned. Grabbing a fourth cup for the evening, and making his way towards the stage as a high-pitched tune hit his ears. It wasn’t grating, and instantly Vil realized whoever it was had to be a professional. Not that he doubted Kalim, but their voice sounded heavenly, as they let it carry the opening of the song. " I'm the liggght,” the vocalist drew out, followed by “ Every nigggght in your worrrllld” a moment to pause as the crowd fell silent “Are you ready to watch me be Legendaaaaarrry?” his voice hit an octave Vil wasn’t sure even he could as he took another sip of his drink. He felt incredibly warm. And the voice started again punctuating his words “'cause I'm  Ultra Luminary" and with that his face finally had a light shone on it, as the fog cleared. 

The blond froze in place, the rest of the song barely processed in his mind as he took another long sip from his glass. On stage was what he could swear was the most beautiful man he’d ever seen. His hair hung his face in gorgeous ginger waves. He had sharp, piercing green eyes, highlighted by the flawless stage makeup he wore. Vil felt like he was drowning in those eyes surrounded by thick black eyeliner, that melodic voice. 

Vil quickly finished off his fourth glass in less than half an hour. And if it had in fact simply been hard cider the blonde would have likely been fine. But what he’d misinterpreted was that it had been normal apple cider mixed with a spiced whiskey. The flavors blended together to mask just how much alcohol was in the drink. He’d drunk so much so fast that he hadn’t realized how hard it hit him. As the man edged passed tipsy into clearly drunk. In this state, he wasn’t able to process the fact that the man he was currently on stage was his classmate and member of the school’s Light Music Club. Kalim had after all got his friends to perform. 

None of that registered in Vil’s mine as he stood in a near stupor. Grabbing yet another glass as a waiter walked by. This time not caring what he was drinking, his throat was dry and he needed something anything. 

Cater’s attire was not helping. He wore black jeans so tight Vil was nearly convinced they’d been painted on. He had no real shirt on, simply a red fishnet shirt, and back fingerless gloves. Underneath the not shirt were several painted on designs, black stars surrounding a crescent moon rested just above his hips. His signature diamond symbol resting just below his right color bone. But none of it took away from the clearly toned chest and abs the man sported. 

Vil had never wanted anything more in his life. 

The first song ended, and in his less than sober state, Vil wanted to cry as he pushed his way through the crowd, there was no way that it could end so soon. He couldn’t lose the most beautiful thing he’d ever heard, not when he’d just found it! But as he reached the edge of the stage, the panic faded as his dark angel, started strumming at the guitar in his hands.  Leading directly into the next song. “Right, Right, Turn off the lights we're gonna lose our minds tonight. What's the deal, yo?” he opened up, as the crowd cheered having been drawn in with the first song.   I love when it's all too much. 5 A.M. turn the radio up, Where's the rock n roll" he continued and Vil found himself lost in the music, dancing in place. Thrusting his drink up into the air as the man in front of him told him to with the lyrics.

When the second song ended, Vil was so lost in the energy hanging off his new obsession’s every word. “Hey everyone!” he called out. “I’m all glad you can join us here tonight at my best friend, Kalim’s great New Year’s eve party! I was so happy when he asked us to perform for all of you. So let's keep this energy going! “  the actor just cheered with the rest of the crowd. 

The music started back up and there was a low beat that resonated in Vil’s chest. The voice dripped low and sultry, and the blonde forgot to breathe for a moment, he swore the man on stage was singing just for him, as he caught those beautiful, sprinkling emerald eyes looking through him to his soul. "There's only two types of people in the world. The ones that entertain and the ones that observe." The now husky voice started "Well, Baby, I'm a put-on-a-show kinda guy. Don't like the backseat, Gotta be first." At this point, Vil was fairly certain he’d be happy to let him drive as long as he could sit in the passenger seat.  "I'm like the Ringleader, I call the shots, I'm like a firecracker, I make it hot" despite the clothing he was wearing the actor could certainly agree, as he swapped out his now empty glass for the 6th one that evening. "When I put on a show" 

Vil was dying, pretty sure he was about to melt into a puddle. How had he never heard of this person before? There was no way they hadn’t sold out albums but all these songs were new to him. The actor prided himself on keeping up with current entertainment. Vil swore he’d have to ask Kalim where he found him.

The interaction in between songs this time was short, but that was ok. “Alright, I really hope you all love this one. It's really fun. And just as a shout out, you’ll have to thank my good friend Yuu for introducing me to all these songs from her home.”  Ah maybe that was it, this wasn’t their normal catalog? Vil thought through his alcohol hazed mind. He’d have to find out their normal music then. 

The music started up again this time beginning with a slow tempo, As the vocalist’s voice rose an octave once more. "Where have all the good men gone, and where are all the gods? Where's the street-wise Hercules to fight the rising odds? ” the man sang in a disappointed tone, pleading with the crowd.  "Isn't there a white night upon a fiery steed?” His face looked so sad, and Vil gripped his glass tight, suddenly invested in this tale. “ Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I neeeeed." he sang out sorrowfully before he cried out  " Hit it!” suddenly the energy of the song shifted, the tempo rapidly speeding up, as the performer belted out  " I NEED A HERO I’M HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO UNTIL THE END OF THE NIGHT" Something in Vil’s chest tightened. He’d always wanted to be the hero. The blond hadn’t even registered the words “I want to be your hero” had left his mouth. As found himself swept back up in the energy of the evening. 

Vil had tears in his eyes, hoping he could live up to the mysterious man’s expectations. As he paused and listened to the pounding beat that started up, leading into the next song. The look in the mysterious heart throb’s eyes caught him again as he downed what was left in his current drink. "This was never the way I planned, Not my Intention, I got so brave, drink in hand. Lost my discretion. It's not what I'm used to. Just want to try you on, I'm curious for you, caught my attention." The sultry words filled the courtyard and Vil felt heat rising in him. Quickly he looked around. He had to get on stage and tell the other how he felt. His eyes shooting around but he couldn’t find a way up to the stage. Stages usually had stairs. Why did this stage not have stairs?  The actor paused in his search however as he stared up in horror. “I hope my girlfriend don’t mind it.” This beautiful man was taken? Of course, he was taken Vil wanted to cry. He was so gorgeous he could have anyone he wanted. He wept with tears as the song continued, grabbing yet another glass to drown his sorrows in. Well past all rational thought.

He looked up as the man who’d enraptured him started to speak into his microphone. “Hey” he spoke in a low tone as the crowd cheered. “You’ve all been wonderful tonight. I love the energy. This has been the most amazing show we’ve put on. But! We’re gonna have to call it soon. All of us with the LMC want to enjoy the party too! But we’re gonna send you out with a bang. I love you!” he cried out. 

I love you rang through Vil’s head as he stared up wide eyed. Why had he been so upset before? He screamed out. “I love you too!” And for a moment he thought he could see his dark angel staring right back at him. His heart swelled. Vil absolutely knew he was in love. 

Then a pulsing almost back and forth beat started before the drums picked up and once again those sultry melodic notes started flowing from the man’s lips and Vil found himself caught up in the rhythm as he started to dance in place with the rest of the crowd. "I wanna hold 'em like they do in Texas, Please. Fold 'em, let 'em hit me, raise it, baby, stay with me." The man on stage had started dancing, and Vil glanced at his glass wondering for a second if he really had had more than he thought cuz he swore there were 3 of them. Before they became one once more in a shower of cards as he continued to sing "I love it." He whispered in a husky voice, as he bent down real low, before springing back up and bringing a hand to his chest. "Love game intuition, play the cards with diamonds, to start." Vil barely blinked, as he moved with the music, watching the other run a hand down his chest suggestively. "And After He's been hooked, I'll play the one that's on his heart" The ginger siren held his hand out beaconing his prey forward and Vil thought his heart would stop as he dropped the drink in his hand. 

This last song was definitely something. As the man on stage had foregone his guitar to dance across with the song. There was an energy in the air and Vil wanted more. He didn’t want this to be the last song, but hadn’t they said they were going to join the party? Lavender eyes went wide completely forgetting about the discarded drink at his feet. 

He danced to the music, enjoying the way the man on stage moved.  It ended with the artist telling everyone good night and to enjoy the rest of the evening before the stage lights were killed and the rest of the lights around the party came back up.

Vil was a man on a mission. He searched, and searched, finally his eyes landed on wavy ginger hair as he approached. 

“That was great guys thanks for the idea Kalim.” the man’s voice spoke as the blonde walked up behind him, leaning on the other. 

He loosely wrapped his arms around the man in question. “Hey gorgeous.” it was his drunk brain’s way of thinking he was smooth as the figure under him stiffened. 

“VIL” the man squeaked out as his face went red. 

“You know my name….” the blonde got a little teary eyed. 

“Of course I do….Vil what…I..” he was almost hyperventilating. 

Lilia just stood there chuckling. “Ah, young love” he smiled. “Have fun, I should go check on Malleus and SIlver.” and with that, the bat fae was gone.

“I never want to assume.” Vil seemed extremely happy, as one hand came up to play with the ginger’s hair. “But I’m glad” his words were slightly slurred. “I’m just sad I don’t know your name. You didn’t tell us.”

“Vil….its Cater.” the ginger seemed almost afraid as he spoke. 

“You’re not Cater, you’re hot.” the blond moved to slap his shoulder but missed. “You can tell me your real name.” 

“Kalim help.” the poor victim of Vil’s affection squeaked at his friend.

“OH!” the party host smiled. “Of course!” with that he pulled out his phone's camera and snapped a picture of the pair of them. “I’ll send it to you, but I should check on the rest of the party have fun!”

“Send it to me!” Vil cried out as the boy walked off with a wave.

“That not-” Cater felt helpless as he was left with a very drunk Vil hanging off of him.

“Sooooo” The blond purred. “Wanna go somewhere and get to know each other better?” 

“Vil you’re drunk” the ginger sighed. “I…thought I heard you in the crowd. I couldn’t believe it though. Where’s Rook?” Cater tried his best to handle the delicate situation.

“I don’t care about Rook.” the blonde scoffed. “He’s off drunk stalking Leona even though I told him not to. And I am not drunk. I only had the cider.” 

“You mean the apple cider that was half spiced whisky?” Emerald eyes went wide. No wonder the other was so far gone. 

“No, I don’t drink whiskey, it gets me drunk. This stuff was weak. I’m not a lightweight like Rook.” Vil replied a bit flippantly. 

“Well, you did tonight.” Cater muttered as he tried to guide the other to a bench, he couldn’t spend all night supporting Vil’s weight and he didn’t want to risk the other harming himself. Kalim had been going on about the party prep and he knew all the offered drinks. The Asim heir had been quite proud of himself for the selection. 

No sooner were they sitting however than did the ginger find himself with a lap full of drunk Vil. “This is nice, I can see how pretty your eyes are like this.” the actor cooed. 

“Vil please stop.” Cater pleaded “I promise you’re not going to like this when you sober up, you’ll be furious.” 

“How can I be mad?” Vil rested his head on the other’s shoulder. 

“Because you don’t like me.” the ginger sighed he was trying to get the actor to move but he was being rather stubborn. 

The blonde shook his head as he placed a kiss on Cater’s cheek. “I love you. You’ll let me take you on a date right?” he asked as he pulled out his phone to capture the kiss.  

The heartbroken look of pain that flashed in emerald eyes was not something Vil’s drunk mind could process. “No Vil, you wouldn’t actually go anyway. Please, I should probably find Rook or get you home myself.” 

“I’m having fun at the party though, are you? Or do you… want to go back with me. Not before a first date at least.” the blonde sounded indignant. “Otherwise I’m not leaving before midnight. You’ll share a kiss with me, right? I’ve not done that before.” he giggled

Cater looked miserable, but he finally managed to get Vil off his lap and onto the bench next to him. But the other continued to snap pictures here and there. Idly he wondered if it would be right to take the other’s phone and delete them all. In the pit of his stomach, he knew his companion would be livid in the morning and somehow find a way to blame him. He scanned the crowd hoping to find some help, but he was likely the only one still sober. He couldn’t trust Vil with anyone else. Not when if he ended up with the wrong person things could end up in the morning tabloids. “Fine, we can stay until midnight, but I want you to sit here. And please stop….what you’re doing. “

“You don’t like me?” Vil’s face fell. “I thought you liked me, you always said you did. Was I right and that was really all a lie…?’” a few tears formed at the edges of the blonde’s eyes.

“VIL” Cater’s heart was pounding. “No, no, I do like you. I really do. And Honestly, if you said any of this to me sober I’d be so happy I would be the one crying from joy. I know you don’t understand but you’re very very drunk right now. This…this isn’t how you actually feel. It's just the alcohol talking.” 

The blonde settled back into the other. “Then let me take you on a date. If you really like me, let me kiss you at midnight. I don’t understand why…” 

“Because you hate me.” Cater whispered, trying not to cry. “And I’m not going to take advantage of the fact you’re drunk. I’m going to make sure you make it home safe and don’t do anything you’ll regret” 

“I can’t regret being with you Cater.” the actor muttered his brain finally accepting who was with through the drunk haze. “Not if you actually like me.” his tone was a bit whiney. 

The ginger just buried his face in his hand praying midnight would come soon. His dreams twisted into some horrible nightmare. The only solace he had was that the other was likely too drunk to remember any of this in the morning. 

Vil hadn’t moved to unwrap himself from the ginger, but he’d at least stopped his drunk ramblings for now. Though he’d been taking pictures on and off throughout the exchange. For a moment Cater thought he might have fallen asleep. He took a deep breath, hoping the worst was over, when he heard a groan from the man next to him, only to watch him lean over, looking a bit pale as he lost what was in his stomach. “Ugh….” he slumped into the ginger. 

“That's not good.” Cater sighed, “Are you ok?”

“My head hurts.” the blonde muttered. 

“Well maybe I should go ahead and take you back.”  the ginger tried again. 

“But midnight kiss,” Vil replied looking a bit bleary eyed. 

“Well….” Cater knew at this point he wouldn’t have to worry about it there was no way his companion was going to make it to the New Year, but getting him back when he could still somewhat move on his own was far more appealing than hauling him as dead weight back to his dorm. “How about this, you got a little…something on your outfit.” it was true but could otherwise probably be easily cleaned up. “Why don’t I take you back so you can put something clean on.” 

“Oh.’ Vil smiled. “You’re so kind and considerate, I wish I’d seen it sooner.” the actor cooed.

“Hehe, yeah that's me, so let's go Vil, the faster we go the faster we can get back.” the ginger encouraged.

“Right!” the blonde stood, wobbling a bit catching himself on Cater to help him get steady.

“Uh…why don’t we do it without your shoes. I don’t want you to break an ankle.” the ginger looked down at them. 

Vil did smack him on the chest making contact this time. “I’m more likely to fall if I take them off. I’m fine.” he insisted, he still hadn’t registered he was actually drunk.

Cater just sighed. “Alright let's go.” 

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It had taken them an hour to get back to Vil’s dorm room. Thankfully the mirror portal was open for the event after a very charitable donation from the Azims. The major problem was the number of times Vil had gotten sick on the way back. Originally Cater’s plan had been to get him back to his dorm and his bed and leave him for the night, but worry was beginning to grow in the back of his mind. What if he started throwing up in his sleep? It could be really dangerous. 

“I thought we were going back to the party,” Vil muttered very groggily. 

“The parties over Vil.” Cater told him a little white lie as he settled him into bed, and only then did the other let him remove his shoes. 

“Oh…did I get my kiss?” lavender eyes blinked, he was very very concerned about his midnight kiss. 

“Ask me again in the morning.” the other replied, he moved to back away when Vil’s arm shot out. 

“Stay…I want to cuddle with you, you feel nice and soft and warm.” the actor whined. 

“You won't like waking up like that Vil.” Cater replied softly removing his wrist from Vil’s grip. 

“Pleaaaase.” The other cried. 

“Go to sleep Vil.” the ginger sighed as he turned to head to the man’s connected bathroom. He wanted to stay close but still give him some privacy and he’d slept in weirder places than a bathtub. 

“But I love you! I can’t sleep without you please come back!” Cater heard the actor call out to him. 

“You hate me, I promise. You’ll be mad I’m even here in the morning. Just go to sleep please.” the ginger had kept it together for so long but he couldn't help it now as tears started to roll down his face, and he shut the bathroom door sinking to his knees. Nothing could stop the sobs that wracked his body. This had to be the worst night of his entire life. 

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Vil groaned as he rolled over in bed to get away from the light cascading through his window. All of last night was a blur to him, and he felt like he’d been hit by a carriage as his head pounded. All he wanted to do was go back to sleep but he realized he was still in his clothes, and could still feel the makeup on his face. He moved noticing a glass of water and two painkillers sitting at the edge of his nightstand.  He took them quickly filing away that he’d have to thank Rook later, assuming he was the one who’d got him home. Vil had no idea what happened at the party last night. Normally he didn’t let himself go. The actor knew he’d gone with the intent to have a normal experience but had that included drinking the memories of the night away?

Apparently.

Slowly he stood heading to the bathroom. He needed to pee, shower, and clean himself up otherwise. He’d have to do extra work to make up for the fact his makeup hadn’t been removed the night before. Vil frowned as he approached his bathroom, however, the door was shut…he never shut the door to his personal ensuite bathroom. There was no point. He tried to shake the cobwebs from his mind and opened the door. 

He stepped into the room and walked over to his shower, at home his shower and tub were separate but given space requirements at NRC he had found a soaker tub shower combo that worked. Not thinking anything of it he reached past the curtain and turned the water on to let it warm up as he relieved himself.

Only as the cold water sprayed into the tub, he heard a scream. He immediately ripped the shower curtain back. “WHOS THERE” he shouted threateningly only to find the shocked form of Cater Diamond scrambling to get out of the tub, having been hit square in the face with the stream of cold water. “CATER”

“I’m sorry.” he gasped falling to the floor just outside the tub.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN MY BATHTUB,” Vil yelled then winced causing his own headache to get worse.

“I just…you were drunk last night, really drunk” Cater was pleading still on the floor soaking wet.”I just wanted to make sure you were alright, you got sick a lot on the way home and I didn’t want to leave you alone…but you’re fine now, so I’ll get out of your hair.” 

Some of Vil’s anger dissipated…he’d assumed it was Rook that had got him home but he couldn’t remember the night before. “Well…” he grabbed a towel before tossing it at the ginger. “At least dry yourself off.”

Cater sheepishly stood and dried himself as best he could. “How much…do you remember?”

“Nothing “ Vil muttered, though he was beginning to grow concerned.

“That’s probably for the best.” the ginger looked almost…relieved? And the blonde wasn’t sure how to take that response.

“You didn’t do anything, did you? You seem guilty, post pictures of me embarrassing myself on Magicam?” Vil pressed as his eyes narrowed. 

“No no,” Cater waved his arms. “I didn’t take any pictures I promise. Though you did, I’d recommend just deleting them. Anyway, I’m going to go.” he replied setting the towel down and turning to leave.

“Wait.” the actor wasn’t sure what had driven him to do it, maybe his own sense of guilt. “I don’t know what happened last night, but you did make sure I made it back to my room safe, So I suppose I owe you for that. Why don’t you let me treat you to breakfast?” 

Emerald eyes went wide and Cater looked a bit pensive, Vil really wanted to know what happened last night that the other didn’t immediately reply with an enthusiastic yes. Instead, he got a very timid. “Are you sure?” 

“I don’t make offers in jest.” Vil crossed his arms. He kept his tone calm and neutral. He didn’t need to snap at the other, at least not right now. 

“Ok then. But I should probably go back and clean up and get changed.” Cater rubbed the back of his head.

“Yes well, I doubt this ever happens in the future, but I will point out that makeup removal is critical.” The blonde interjected. 

“Ah..” he just let out a slight laugh. “Sorry, I didn’t want to you know…do too much to invade your privacy.” 

“I suppose I can forgive that sentiment. But I’ll never be angry at proper skin care.” Vil sighed, his head was still pounding, but the pills were starting to help.

“Okay.” Cater tried to smile but it was an even worse attempt than his normal fake ones. The actor began to wonder if he was going to regret inviting the other to breakfast, but the ginger had already slipped on out. 

Vil took care of what he’d originally come into the bathroom for, then grabbed his phone. He’d intended to send a message to the ginger to just have him meet him at the gates in 30 minutes. But then he remembered what Cater had said about the pictures.  Curiosity got the better of him, maybe they’d give him some idea of what happened. The first one he brought up nearly made him drop his phone. There he was, arms wrapped tightly around the ginger, a love sick expression on his face as he placed a kiss on the other’s cheek. Cater looked…not happy about the situation. 

What had he done?!?!

Quickly he scrolled through the photos, each one painting the same picture. Vil looked enamored with the boy he clung to, but Cater looked…progressively more and more miserable.  In the end, any hint of shine in his eyes was gone as he looked at Vil with a heartbroken expression on his face.

He got to the end and noticed there were two recordings and he almost felt sick. Things were starting to come back to him, a concert, being enamored with the performance…wanting to get to know the lead singer. 

That singer had turned out to be Cater. 

Hesitation filled him as he hit play.  It was a quick bit and he couldn't see anything but the sky, he’d apparently accidentally recorded it as he set his phone on the bench. 

“No Vil, you wouldn’t actually go anyway. Please, I should probably find Rook or get you home myself.” 

“I’m having fun at the party though, are you? Or do you…want to go back with me. Not before a first date at least. Otherwise, I’m not leaving before midnight. You’ll share a kiss with me, right? I’ve not done that before.” 

The sound of Vil drunkenly giggling filled the phone but Cater has sounded…sad…resigned. 

He almost didn’t want to but he continued on, and in the second one he was apparently still holding his phone, he could see them partially obscured by his hand. 

“You don’t like me?” Vil’s face fell. “I thought you liked me, you always said you did. Was I right and that was really all a lie…?’” a few tears formed at the edges of the blonde’s eyes.

“VIL No, no, I do like you. I really do. And Honestly, if you said any of this to me sober I’d be so happy I would be the one crying from joy. I know you don’t understand but you’re very very drunk right now. This…this isn’t how you actually feel. It's just the alcohol talking.” 

The blonde settled back into the other. “Then let me take you on a date. If you really like me, let me kiss you at midnight. I don’t understand why…” 

“Because you hate me.” Cater whispered, trying not to cry. “And I’m not going to take advantage of the fact you’re drunk. I’m going to make sure you make it home safe and don’t do anything you’ll regret” 

There was nothing in his stomach now, but Vil thought he was going to be sick anyway as he turned pale. He’d…he’d always ..by the seven, he’d always assumed Cater had ulterior motives. That he hadn’t had anything that resembled real feelings for him. 

But here in his hand, on his phone was proof that Cater did care, had always cared.

He’d made him miserable. He’d hurt him. That much was clear from the recordings, and the pictures. Yet he’d still stayed. 

He’d apologized for bothering Vil.  The actor had never felt so much like a fool. And Cater had encouraged him to delete all this? Spare him the pain and embarrassment. What did he even say? Horror filled him. But knew he couldn’t run away. Cater…he deserved so much more than what he’d given him.

Tears fell, as he sat his phone down and brought his hands up to cover his face. Vil didn’t have time for this, he certainly wasn’t going to ditch Cater, not after this. No wonder he’d been so hesitant to accept his invitation! 

Vil stood making sure he was presentable before making his way out with as much dignity as he could muster, as he fell apart on the inside. He’d already sworn off having anything to drink for a long time. As he approached the gate, he saw Cater standing there in a grey puffer jacket and orange sweater. It was a far cry from the seductive outfit from the night before. He looked so timid and small, and Vil’s heart clenched. 

“Cater” he greeted him though he spoke softly, still trying to figure out what he should say.

“Hey Vil,” the ginger forced a smile on his face. “What were you thinking anyway?” 

“There’s a little restaurant that serves amazing pancakes. But…before we go I want to talk to you.” the blonde hesitated as he could see the other wince slightly. 

“Ah..sure…what do you want to talk about?” Cater spoke and he almost seemed scared.

“I looked at my pictures I took last night.” Vil decided to start with the truth but he watched the other turn pale. “I also managed to accidentally record some of last night. And I don’t know what to say besides I’m sorry.”

“It's ok.” Cater shook his head waving his arms. “You were drunk, I get it, I’ve had a few too many before. Consider it forgotten.”

“I don’t want to forget it.” the words spilled from his mouth before he could even think. “Cater, you’ve always…you’ve always…actually had feelings for me haven’t you?” 

Emerald eyes fell. “Uh…yeah.” he breathed out. “I just never knew what to do to get you to believe me. But I hardly see why that matters I know you don’t actually like me, like at all.” 

Vil wanted to hug the timid boy in front of him. Instead, he settled on reaching out and lifting the other’s chin up. “I really am sorry for last night. I hate that I hurt you like that. But the truth is…” he forced himself not to look away. “The truth is the alcohol didn’t make up my feelings out of thin air. It just brought out the ones I’d been suppressing, because I didn’t want to be hurt. So certain that you only wanted me for what I could do for your own fame. And in the end, I hurt you. And I can’t… I can’t forgive myself for that.” 

Emerald eyes went wide, as Cater started at Vil speechless. 

“Cater please, let me actually make this up to you. I…wanted to ask you on a date properly. Sober, when you know I actually meant it. I’ll understand if you don’t want to after last night but…” Vil trailed off.

“You actually do…want to go out on a date with me?” the ginger’s voice squeaked a bit, he felt overwhelmed. 

“I do.” Vil allowed himself to smile. “I’m sorry it took something like this for me to figure out you were being honest with me but…the alcohol also wasn’t making up the fact I think you’re beautiful. And you’re certainly talented, and caring. If nothing else good came from last night, I learned I can trust you…” the actor paused. “And, I never hated you I was just..sad…frustrated.” 

“I can’t believe this” Cater let out a bit of a joyous laugh, after last night he’d never have imagined this was what the morning would bring. He was fairly certain Vil would never want to see him again. “But yes, yes!” he almost shouted. “A thousand times yes. Vil I-” 

“Shush.” the blonde laughed. “I do still have a bit of a headache. But I’m glad too, that you’re willing to give this drunk idiot a second chance.” 

Cater smiled as the bus that would take them into the island. “Does this count?” he asked getting on the bus.

“Hmm?” Vil raised an eyebrow at him. 

“As our first date.” the ginger blushed.

“I suppose it does.” he smiled at his companion as they sat next to each other. “And maybe I’ll get that kiss later too. Just at noon instead of midnight.” he smiled a bit coyly. 

Cater just buried his hands in his face, as the blush burning on his cheeks darkened. But he was…happy. Last night had been miserable, but he’d do it all over again to get a morning like this.