Levy was looking over what little the police would give her and Cris when they had dropped Cana off to be processed. 6 months in the Fiore Penitentiary, followed by 3 years parole with Cana required to go through an alcoholics program. Fortunately, in spite of everything, Zen had talked to his father and Arman had pulled some strings, Cana would be allowed to serve her parole in Bellum so she could start school in the fall, Cristoff had paid her fines, put deposits down for her to get her into the dorm at Bellum U. The price was, he would be taking a job during the Christmas season to do a shoot for Elluris and possibly a winter fashion show in Minstrel that would happen during their Christmas break because he didn't like his savings falling so he was taking extra work to cover what he was spending to help Cana.
She looked over at the man as he negotiated traffic through Magnolia toward campus and smiled, catching his eye when he stopped at the next light, he reached over to her, brushing some of her unruly hair from her eyes.
"You alright?" He asked and Levy nodded, unbuckling her seatbelt and scooting across the bench seat to sit against him, something she loved about his truck, because it was a larger one meant to haul things, it was designed a little differently from lighter trucks and had this bench front seat, so she could sit in the middle with a seatbelt on and cuddle up against Cris while they drove places.
"I'm ok, she's going to be alright, I'm going to miss her…but…maybe overall, this is a good thing?" She sighed, leaning on him, smiling when his arm slid around her as he drove. She ran her hand along his arm, from his wrist up, she knew he lifted weights, had now had the pleasure of sitting talking to him while he'd gone through his sets several times now.
"Why me?" She asked quietly and was grateful he seemed to understand the question, his arm tightened around her for a moment.
"Because you don't try to be beautiful…but you are." He responded lightly as he was pulling into the mens dorm parking area. He got the truck into a spot and turned it off, turning to her once he'd unbuckled his seatbelt and she'd undone hers, drawing her into his lap and letting her get settled before his hands were cupping her face and her breath was utterly taken by a long soft kiss.
It wasn't their first, that had happened at the Ball and she was sure she'd never forget it. But she whimpered a bit, hands sliding up his chest.
"I love you Levy." Cris said softly, and Levy could have flown out of the truck her heart lifted so much. She pulled back to look at him, eyes bright.
"Even though we haven't…you know…" She looked down, opportunity had happened, but it was so fleeting, he usually came to her dorm room and the freshman dorm was a wildhouse…plus, the girls on her floor had sorted out Cristoff came to her room, which sometimes meant Bickslow, Vander or Zen did…and they had a tendency to knock a LOT. Sometimes with interesting excuses, like they had baked brownies (Cristoff had a bio in a magazine from the year before where he admitted he adored chocolate, especially brownies.) and unfortunately, several girls believed firmly they could lure Cris away from Levy…the bluenette had worried for a bit they would…but after Bosco…it was clear Cris just…wasn't interested in anyone but her and she had started to enjoy all the treats that got brought whenever Cris was in her room.
"I'm kind of hoping we will someday." Cris smiled at her and she blushed crimson. Since Lucy had finally ditched her "V-card" she'd been telling Levy the process was NOT something to worry about and if that was what was holding Levy back…she should trust Cris.
"I love you too…I'm…still amazed you just…liked me…wanted me…pursued me as awkward as I can be." She said, looking at his chest not his eyes because she was so embarrassed by it all.
"I don't have a great body…I'm not super pretty, I'm just….me."
Cris made a low sound and caught her chin, bringing her eyes to he=is, catching his breath a bit when he did, Levys eyes always just about did him in, they were so bright, so full of intelligence and thought, one of many things he loved about her.
"First…I'm a model, bodies are part of the industry I've worked in since I was a kid and you're wrong…you've got amazing legs…and the cutest ass I've ever seen, and I am decidedly a leg man…second…YOU being just you, is what I'm in love with Levy. I work with supermodels all the time…I don't need that, I don't want that, I want a woman who's smart, who I can talk to that will understand me and Levy…you do…and you don't look at me like I'm some…piece of meat like a lot of women do." He smiled at her.
"When you look at me…8 times out of 10 you look at my eyes." he said then smirked "The other two it's either my chest…or below the belt."
Levy blushed, putting her hand to his chest and shrugged "I think I'm a chest girl…I….really like the muscle." she admitted, fingers sliding over Cristoffs left pec but she kept her eyes on his, chuckling "I've caught you looking at my legs…"
"You wear those cute dresses…leggings…Gods how could I NOT?" Cris laughed.
"My parents really want you to come visit." She said, watching him and Cris hugged her.
"That's fair, I'd like to meet them, before or after Christmas. I have the three days before Christmas in Minstrel for the shoot and fashion show, otherwise?" He smiled at her "I'm all yours."
Levy settled in his arms, relaxing "I'll talk to Mom and Dad and see which they would prefer." she said and then lifted her head from his shoulder and just…kissing him, because she could, because she wanted to, because it felt amazing and made her feel happy and giddy and hot and breathless and all sorts of good things she'd only felt with him.
Cris returned the kiss with no lack of passion. Like Kaleb he was keeping himself from feeling deprived but there was a lot to be said for sharing that with another person, he wouldn't push his girlfriend though, Levy had more insecurities than Lucy did, and deserved to get there at her own pace without pressure from him. His hands slid down to her waist, dipping past that to hold that firm round rear she had and he couldn't stifle a groan when she made a soft moaning sound when his hands got where he wanted them.
Letting her set the pace was fine…but it didn't mean he wouldn't touch what she'd let him, or let her know clearly how much he wanted her. He fairly purred when a small hand stole under his shirt, sliding over his skin, tracing the cut of the muscle there with exploring fingers.
"Sexy…I love when you touch me Levy." He said when they parted to breathe and Levys face flushed, her fingers curling a bit where they were under his shirt and she chewed her lip a little before inching farther against him, her eyes on his when she pressed down and rolled her hips…she read books…she'd seen movies…she knew what the hardness in his jeans meant and what it was..and feeling it, even covered, right against her core made her shiver with pleasure, especially when he moaned.
"Levy…"
Levy's hand slid down, she was curious, and so far Cris had been indulgent any time she wanted to touch him, especially since she was a little unsure about him touching her, not because she didn't want him to, but it felt like a huge step…and she'd never done really…anything…with a boy and absolutely nothing with an over 6 foot tall man.
Cris sucked in a sharp breath when her hand slid over the bulge in his pants "Did I…" Levy almost pulled her hand away but Cristoffs hand kept it there, his dark eyes intent on hers.
"No…that didn't hurt…you didn't do anything wrong…I just liked it a lot more than I was expecting to." He smiled, eyes leaving hers as a couple of men walked past the truck.
"Come up to my room? We don't need to do anything…but we could watch a movie, maybe order some delivery." He offered, not wanting someone to see them making out in the truck and embarrass Levy. The bluenette nodded, face flushed, eyes still a little wide but she grabbed up what she'd gotten from the police about Canas contact information and slid into Cristoffs arms, the man setting her on her feet before locking the truck and taking her hand so they could head inside out of the cold and away from people walking by randomly.
His room was on the same floor as Cobras, he shared a suite with Zen similar to the one Kaleb and Farron shared and Levy did like it…it smelled faintly of the mint she always caught when she was close to Cris and was decidedly, masculine. Dark blue comforter, a couple base guitars (She loved that he could play guitar and was delighted to learn he and Vander both sang.) He had a decent sized TV set up and a two person soft comfortable bean bag. Like Lucy, she'd stopped using the laundry in the freshman dorm and brought her laundry to Cristoff's once a week, sitting and studying or watching TV with him while she did wash.
"I brought back pizza from Barnaby's, you two want some before I take the boxes to Farron's room?" Zen asked and Cris grinned at Levy "Yeah, sounds good." He said and Zen looked at Levy seriously.
"She handled it alright? Them taking her?" He asked and Levy nodded
"Yeah…well…you know the sentence." She said and he nodded. Cana had apologized to him, and told him the truth, that she hadn't stuck with him just for sex…and that she just..hadn't been prepared for a relationship and that she was sorry.
It was enough, Zen had forgiven her, he was back to his usual serious and quiet self, focused on his studies. Cris pulled a couple slices from each box before Zen headed off to go study with Farron, Cobra and Vander, they had different classes but the professors were on the same topics, so the essays they were all turning in could be sourced from each other's materials they had all gathered.
Once Zen was gone, Cris turned on the TV and handed Levy the remote while he got them drinks from the fridge and came to sit beside her on the bean bag, the pizza on the little table before the soft chair.
Levy hunted down a movie…"How to tame your dragon" and put it on and Cris was just sitting down when she…pounced on the man. She'd made the decision a little while ago…and the truck had just confirmed it…convinced her that she was done waiting. She had a handsome sexy boyfriend who was gentle and sweet to her and…she had wanted to know what being with him would be like, for a first experience…she really couldn't ask for better than a man she honestly…loved.
Cris was surprised, made an undignified sound as she kissed him awkwardly but Levy didn't stop, gripping the hem of his shirt and yanking it up, she'd seen him in nothing but snug swim shorts…and while the mans well defined chest was a sight, she wanted to see all of him…
Cris smiled, as amused as he was turned on by Levy aggressively yanking his shirt off of him, when she broke the kiss she knelt above him, straddling him on the chair and he could see her fighting to hold onto her confidence, he reached, and gave the bulky sweatshirt she had on a tug. Levy pursed her lips,knowing what he wanted and she drew a breath. Pulling it off over her head, then the shirt she had on under it….she was close to flat chested…sometimes didn't even need to wear a bra…and was so worried he'd be disappointed when he finally saw that…but his hands slid up her sides, one cupping a small breast while he leaned forward, mouth kissing along the top of the other and Levy sucked in a breath, amazed by how…good that felt…and…loving the fact he didn't even blink before he did it, looked hungry if anything and she smiled, reaching back to unfasten the bra…baring herself to him and Cris purred, dark eyes on hers for a moment.
"Gorgeous…" He breathed, mouth now on her nipple and she made a soft sound. Hand sliding into black hair and tugging the tie out of it that had kept it out of his way through the day in a low tail.
He didn't question her…didn't ask to see if she was sure…just went with what she did…when she slid from his lap and headed to the bed he stood and followed her, stopping when she sat on the edge of the bed and held a hand up, taking a few breaths, eyes roving over his tall body before she was undoing his jeans and tugging them down, biting her lip when it reached the point where she could hook the boxer briefs he had on.
Cris reached out, a gentle hand sliding through her hair and he tipped her chin up so she looked at him. "I love you Levy, we'll do what you want…your pace." He said and she smiled up at him.
"I love you too…and I want you…I want…this." She said blushing a bit and narrowing her eyes, steeling herself and tugging his jeans and the rest down his legs…presented with…her boyfriend fully naked and…clearly eager for whatever she wanted to do with him.
Despite the fact she could not imagine…him…fitting inside of her…she pushed that thought away before it unnerved her. Kaleb wasn't small and Lucy wasn't huge…and Lucy had nothing but very happy things to say about everything. She couldn't see Cris…ever…hurting her, so she was going to trust him…and her own growing desire to have him…
She slid her hand over the length and he drew a sharp breath and she reminded herself of what he'd said in the truck…he liked her touch…and when he liked it more than he expected…she got sounds like that from him…so using that as a guide, she started letting her hands wander his body, getting familiar with him…touching…everything and loving the effects she had on him, his eyes getting heavy lidded, his lips parting and when she'd "studied" his body and felt she knew where she wanted to touch him…how…she slid out of her shoes and final bits of clothes and then scooted back onto the bed, beckoning him to follow…which he did.
He was gentle…patient…let his curious girlfriend stop them repeatedly so she could reach…touch a part of him, kiss a part of him, watch his reaction…and when he told her he was going to help her enjoy it all more…help her body so it wasn't as uncomfortable as it could be…she trusted him even though when he slid his head between her legs she turned as red as a tomato and worried about…so many things she was sure she shouldn't but Cris never complained, he purred at her, his mouth did things to her…made her feel things she didn't even know she could feel…
When he slid a finger into her he soothed her, assured her it was ok…even described what he was doing and why and how it would help so the analytical mind could calm down and let her body enjoy the experience.
It stayed like that until he was finally inside of her, looking down at her and she realized…this was it…and there wasn't going to be some terrible thing and he wasn't breaking her in half or anything like that…it all felt…good now…and then…she damn near attacked the man, demanding more…and he laughed a moment, until she had him by his hair and was kissing that away and then it was…better than Lucy had described…better than any book because it was her with Cristoff and her first orgasm had her crying out in surprise then breathless and wide eyed after he'd joined her there and Cristoff, ever the gentle and caring man…was looking at her, smiling…
"You alright?" He asked and she held a finger up.
"Ok…yes…let me catch my breath…" She panted and then her eyes locked with his.
"And we are doing that again…without my nerves and worries so I can really enjoy it!"
Christmas break had started. Finals had been murder, she and Kaleb had gotten an A on their project though so that had helped a lot with handling the nerves around finals week…Lucy was settling in the living room of her grandfather's house, Laxus outside playing ice hockey. Bickslow had come to spend part of the break with Laxus, so had Freed and Lucy was enjoying all the company except for one thing.
Kaleb had gone to Bosco. He had a special assignment for one of his classes and they were working on it in Bosco, he and the other 7 students also on the assignment. He wouldn't be done until just before Christmas and his whole family then met in Minstrel to see Cristoff walk in the winter fashion show in Capressa , then they were spending their Christmas and New Years there. With Cristoff going to spend Christmas with Levy and her family as soon as the show was over, Bickslow with Laxus, Kaleb, Zen and Farron had agreed with their sisters to spend the holiday with their father. Along with Cobra, who Farron had invited along and since the redhead honestly had nowhere else to go, had been planning to spend the holiday alone until he and Farron had started dating (Something Lucy absolutely adored because Cobra was snarky and hostile 90% of the time but just…cuddly and soft eyed and smiled in spite of himself with Farron.) It really was great to see.
She was happy for him…and happy for Levy who would have Cris with her for Christmas and New Years, but she missed Kaleb, a lot. She'd been invited to Capressa, a place she had always wanted to go, Kaleb's father owned a townhouse there right in the middle of the city, and it would have been a dream…but she couldn't skip Christmas with her brother and Grandfather, she couldn't. So it was enough she could be happy for Levy, who got to go to Capressa with Cristoff to watch her boyfriend work, experience that aspect of his life and then they would fly back to Magnolia and Lucy would get to see her friend, and Cris, who she did genuinely like…while Kaleb was with his family.
It was more upsetting than she'd thought it would be…she was used to seeing Kaleb every day, meeting him for lunch, dinner..laying on his bed with him watching TV, studying together, and she missed it. Missed being held, kissed…and Gods help her she missed him in bed, missed feeling him, hearing him, touching him and being touched. It was only a few weeks, she'd survive, they talked on the phone every day and he was sending her texts with pictures from Capressa so she could see what he was doing…she just missed him…it was Christmas eve now…and she ached and was trying to stay cheerful because she loved Christmas and loved her grandfather, she had cookies baking and was doing all she could but she couldn't stop the sigh into her cocoa. Levy and Cris would be in today, just in time for Christmas with Levys family, hopefully she'd get to see them the day after.
"My dear…you look so sad." The soft voice had her looking over to her grandfather and she smiled fondly at him.
"I'm not really, I love Christmas." She said but the smile didn't really light her eyes like it should have and Makarov wasn't foolish.
"You miss Kaleb." He smiled and Lucy actually choked…the sudden sob coming out of nowhere and almost making her spill her drink it hit her so hard.
Makarov made a soothing sound and she felt the familiar arms wrap around her "My sweet girl, why didn't you go to Minstrel? You've always wanted to go there." He said softly.
"I didn't want to leave you on Christmas." Lucy hiccupped into his soft cardigan and Makarov hugged her.
"Always thinking of others, you know you rubbed off on Laxus that way, he's much more caring than I think he would have been without such a sweet little sister. I would be fine Lucy, I really would, I have Laxus and his friends and friends of mine coming for Christmas, it would have been alright." He assured her "I don't want you missing opportunities because of me."
"I love you, and we always have eggnog and cookies after we open presents on Christmas." Lucy said, trying to get herself under control but the tears kept coming.
"And you love Kaleb." Makarov said wisely and Lucy nodded into his shoulder as he settled beside her on the couch and rubbed her back, setting her cocoa on the coffee table before it spilled.
"I do…and…I miss him, a lot more than I thought I would…I should be able to manage a few weeks without him…" Lucy whimpered and hiccupped and Makarov chuckled.
"Your first real love is not something you can just walk away from Lucy…I'm actually happy to see you like this." Makarov said and Lucy clutched his sweater and pulled back to give him an almost betrayed look.
"What crying and a mess on Christmas eve? Why would that make you happy?…" She managed
Makarov smiled at her "Because I did a lot for your biggest gift this year." he said and nodded toward the hallway he had come from and Lucy looked there frowning and her whole being froze, meeting warm lavender eyes.
"Kaleb!" She was off the couch and fairly flew across the living room into the man's arms, holding him tight, feeling him lift her right off the ground and gripping his pale blonde hair to pull him into a long kiss in spite of her grandfather being right there watching.
When Kaleb set her back on her feet she looked up him, tears now coming from the sheer joy of seeing him and a little gratified seeing his eyes were wet too.
"I missed you." Kaleb said, resting his forehead against hers for a moment.
"Your Grandfather called my Dad…they arranged this…" He said and Lucy beamed, pushing against him again, hugging him, taking in his spiced apple scent and the firm strong way he always felt with greedy relief.
"You two will have Christmas here with me…then the day after Christmas you'll fly to Capressa, and spend the rest of your vacation there with Arman." Makarov said and Lucy jerked her head around, wide eyed at her Grandfather.
"Really?!" She asked in amazement.
Makarov smiled at her "My gift to you, my little star."
Lucy left Kalebs arms and hurried to hug her grandfather again
"Thank you….I love you so much…thank you!" she said and Makarov could only laugh a little, return the hug and then he pulled back.
"Go, get Kaleb settled in your room, I'll get the cookies out of the oven." He smiled slyly
"I assume he's staying in your room with you…and if Laxus says a word? I'll handle him."
Lucy grinned, grabbing Kalebs hand and dragging him up the stairs, the big man chuckling as he struggled not to drop his suitcase…until they were in her room, then all bets went out the window, Lucy slamming her door shut and locking it before tackling Kaleb onto her bed. Laying on top of the chuckling man she nestled herself against him, face tucked against his neck, hands buried in silky platinum hair just reveling in being in his arms for a few minutes.
"I missed you, way too much." Lucy said quietly as a gentle hand rubbed her back then patted her ass.
"Then we're both guilty…because I spent almost all my time thinking about you, missing you, every free minute…I was wishing you were there, shit I even missed worrying your brother was going to walk in on us." Kaleb chuckled and Lucy growled.
"He better chill out, he knows he doesn't have my virginity on his protection list anymore." She said firmly and Kaleb laughed softly.
"Doesn't seem to stop him from giving us a hard time." He observed and Lucy groaned.
"Don't remind me…he gave me a box of condoms and told me to make sure I always had some just in case you forgot…"
Kaleb laughed "I won't forget." he said and Lucy heaved a sigh, propping herself up to look down at him.
"We're going to Capressa…" She smiled and Kaleb nodded, grinning at her
"Yes we are, I actually flew here with Levy and Cris, they went over to Levys though while I got a cab here…" he sobered then, eyes becoming warmer, softer as he slid a hand into her golden hair.
"Missed you so much." He said quietly and Lucy leaned in, kissing him…the kisses were innocent, warm and neither really meant to do more but they had been apart and he hated it, both of them had…and the kisses deepened and clothes got pushed out of the way because skin felt so much better and being close and intimate was so needed by both of them that a little while later Lucy lay panting on her bed with Kaleb working to catch his breath above her, their clothes strewn all over, both of them flushed and smiling and a little surprised they had just been unable to stop themselves…
"Best Christmas eve…ever." Lucy breathed, hugging Kaleb back against her.
"Definitely." Kaleb agreed, nuzzling into the woman's neck.
"LUCY! Where's the cocoa mix?!" Laxus shouted up the stairs
"If you're fucking Kaleb I swear to God I'm dragging him out by his dick, we have GUESTS!"
"And Kaleb is one of them! Hold your horses you jerk! Grandpa!" Lucy shouted back
"Laxus Dreyer you aren't dragging anyone anywhere by private parts!" Makarov yelled
Kaleb snickered as Lucy rushed from the bed to throw her clothes on "You better get dressed, one of those idiots is bound to come up here…" she said and Kaleb nodded, sliding from the bed to start finding his clothes and get dressed as quickly as he could manage…
Levy had been quiet, holding Cristoffs hand the whole ride from Lucy and Laxus' home where they had dropped off Kaleb to her own, the cab wasn't going fast, it was snowing and the roads were bad, but she was still chewing her lip a little. Her mother was certainly going to be fine, thrilled by Levys relationship, but her father…since Bosco…had changed. He blamed the trip for what had happened with Cana, and while they had agreed to her trip to Minstrel with Cristoffs family, he had said…it was only because he had said yes to it before he'd found out about Canas actions…and he wasn't happy at all about Levy going to fashion shoots and a fashion show in another country.
"Do you know what they do at those damned things? The people around? I've been reading and the world around those models is all…drugs and booze and parties and sex…Cristoff is Boscan, he's even BEEN a model since he was a kid! All of that is probably normal to him, how's he going to watch out for our daughter?! Levy didn't even go to the prom! She's not used to things like that!" He'd protested and her mother had stood firm in support of Levy going and Levy had enjoyed the trip…it had been thrilling.
She had walked museums with Cris, they had gone to seaside cafes visited the Minstrellan University of the Arts for a play and a poetry reading…it had been a beautiful magical trip and she'd spent it all at her boyfriends side…at the shoot she'd sat with Vander and Arman and talked quietly as they had watched Cris work.
Her boyfriend was..a professional model, and he acted like one. Fortunately, so had the women models he'd been working with through a shoot focused on stunning tailored suits and elegant party dresses at a cafe she and Cris had eaten at that looked out over the ocean. She got to see just how much work what he did really was…the clothing changes, makeup, getting into difficult positions for the sake of light and taking advantage of the winter wind coming off the ocean, no coats…there were radiant heat disks set around to try and keep the models warm but with the wind they did little and while it wasn't snowing in Capressa, it was definitely cold and the models had to maintain looks of relaxed enjoyment…Cris looking the flirty romantic while the women looked shy but happy about his advances was the theme throughout.
It might have made another woman jealous…and maybe Levy should have been, but she was so interested in how everyone worked, the reasons behind everything being done and she could see the models nodding, intent and focused as the shoot director explained their motivations and what he wanted each set of shots to convey…it was like acting…it really was and one of the shoot organizers, who had turned out to be a close friend of the Pradesh family…and…Levy had heard from Vander…a former boyfriend of Kalebs his freshman year..the silver haired Stellan was working on a degree and everyone had been surprised he was there. Hestor Kedanza, was sitting with Levy and some of the set assistants. He explained it to her.
"It's like…silent film acting…they have to get it all across without saying anything…without even moving…" he'd said quietly to her and Levy had smiled at him.
"It's amazing…you'd never know how hard they all work, the models and directors." She said
Hestor rolled his eyes, "Nobody does but it's part of the work done with this, to make these scenes look real, to immerse the person looking at the ad or commercial in an idea, a feeling…that will make them want to experience that…and get them to purchase the clothing."
"But it's done in any weather…I mean it's seriously cold here right now…" Levy observed and Hestor nodded.
"But the light is magical, the sea spray is silvery when it's cold like this and because of the bright sun this can pass for a spring or summer setting as long as we stage it right and the models look comfortable."
"It looks so tough." Levy said and one of the female models had smiled at her.
"It can be…very much…always a challenge, especially when it's so cold and I feel like my nipples are going to cut through this bra!" she laughed and Levy had smiled at her sympathetically , watched her return to the set and understood, one of the reasons the woman was so eager to get into Cristoffs arms was…the man was warm, at one point Hestor even had her press her chest against Cris for a few moment to warm her up because…she was showing through the fabric…that hadn't worked and the team had rushed forward with little disks to tape the womans nipples flat…right there…in the open in front of everyone and the model had just been laughing.
"Can't I just cuddle him some more I'd rather be warm!" the model had laughed,
6 hours of pictures after 2 of make up and hair, then another hour of getting out of the clothes, discussing whether or not more pictures would be needed, whether they should try some after the sun went down and all the models had gotten were cold sandwiches and a lot of hot tea through the day.
When it was over, Cris had eagerly asked to go to one of the Minstrellan restaurants and had ordered himself two entrees and a huge slice of chocolate cake that he did share) while they had all talked about the day and what their plans were for the next day.
The fashion show had been…another lesson in how wrong her father was, 14 hours Cris worked, and Levy had gotten to sit, had been able to eat with Arman and Cristoffs siblings…he was on his feet, while clothes were fitted to him, last minute changes made, the designer, Hestor and teams of people rushing around, all of the models going through hair and make up and it was cold again. Cris hadn't had any time off his feet except when he was in the hair and make up chair.
Were there drugs? Yes she did see them…alcohol too. Parties? Yes…and she saw some models that needed extra time in make up chairs because of hallowed eyes…some that had slightly dazed looks because they were high, she did see it…but Cristoff never was involved. She watched him deftly side step offers..and he had…the healthy glow of someone who took great care of themselves, slept, ate…and was loved and supported by his family, and…his girlfriend.
She watched Kaleb too, once she knew he'd once been in a relationship with Hestor, she was protective of Lucy, and didn't want her friend hurt, but it was clear there was just a good friendship there now, Hestor wasn't interested in Kaleb that way anymore, and the silver haired man was even dancing with one of the other male models, a huge man with flowing black hair and nearly black purple eyes who was the "face" of Hestors own line of swimwear. Kayliss Xian, who was even apparently nobility of some sort from the country of Tian Xia. She learned Hestor was nobility himself in Stella…and that Arman was actually…a Duke in Bosco so his children were all considered nobility and that was how Kaleb had met Hestor, the "Blue club" at the University met monthly at the school so students that were nobility could discuss things related to their duties as nobility and be around other titled students who shared the same challenges and responsibilities. Hestor had been a member, and had met Kaleb there.
Kaleb wasn't with them long though, leaving to surprise Lucy for Christmas. She honestly liked the silver haired man, he had already obtained a degree in Marine biology, had left Fiore U to attend Enca University because they had a better Marine program, and, they offered Wiccan studies and a Fashion degree that rivaled those in Minstrel and Bosco.
"But I'm in Minstrel through Christmas and next semester working with the Elluris Fashion house on their spring and summer lines as part of my degree program and to extend my own personal line into more than swimwear using the connections I'm making here." Hestor had explained.
Were there some awkward moments? Yes. Emzadi was a model…Cristoffs sister was a six foot tall blonde bombshell with a faint red tint to her bright hair and amber colored eyes that looked like liquid fire. That was why they had seen so little of her and she was there. Levy was threading through the chaos behind the scenes looking for Cris with Farron, they found him, mostly naked, Dominic Elluris himself slowly moving around him trying to get a shirt to flow just right around the mans broad chest and Cris only had on a flesh colored thong and that shirt while Dominic was adjusting the hemline and changing out some buttons.
A clearly…not sober female model was being fitted nearby into a dress and when Farron and Levy stopped she hissed.
"Hey…skinny blue hair…you're blocking my view." the model had hissed at her.
Levy had ignored her, actually moving a bit to BETTER block her view of Cristoff.
"Hey…blue haired bitch..move…watching him is helping me handle my shit ok? MOVE." The model called louder.
Levy had turned to glare at her. "He's my boyfriend…I'd rather you didn't anyway. Find something else to focus on." she's said, smiling…though not nicely.
The woman had hissed "You? Scrawny little piece of nothing? You're not even pretty!" The woman had laughed and Dominic had even looked up, narrowing his eyes…but…it was the tall blonde at the make-up chair in the next work area who reached out and slapped the woman.
"Shut the fuck up Cristine…that's my brother and that IS his girlfriend so just lock your whore ass onto something else or I'm gonna rip that weave out." The blonde had hissed and Cristine had stared, shocked…
"Touch Emzadi and your fired." Dominic had called from where he was working.
"If I find out you're drunk Cristine…you won't work for anyone again…so…shut it." Hestor had added and the model made a low angry sound but had turned her back on them.
Emzadi had smiled at Levy and blew them all a kiss, turning back to the make-up artist doing her face.
The show had been beautiful otherwise and watching Cris work got to Levy…everything was done so that he looked amazing and his grace, his professional approach, his calm in the chaos just had her..falling more for him. The fact that when it was done he came right to her, tired, in simple sweats, and scooped her up into a long kiss right in front of everyone, held her like she was the most precious thing in the world and nothing else mattered and the long day had slipped away and she was just…happy.
Emi was fun, she and Xally stealing Levy away for shopping through Capressa on their last day there and she'd had fun. Both women were friendly, bright, bold and positive, upbeat and in love with life and Levy was left breathless at times by their energy.
"He loves you." Emi had said as they had sat at the very cafe the photo shoot had been held at, eating amazing pasta salads and drinking coffee that made Levy's heart race. She had blushed.
"I love him…I wasn't looking for a boyfriend…I was going to focus on my school work…my grades…but…he just walked into my life…" She chuckled, shaking her head and pushing a tomato around over pasta with her fork.
"I'm happy for you both, Cris has had a lot of romances, but I've never seen him this…happy." Xally said.
"I'm looking forward to next year…we can all hang out!" Emi had grinned, somehow never getting her red lipstick on anything…something Levy needed to learn, she didn't wear much make up herself…some lipstick and mascara were usually the extent of it…but Emi…expertly painted long nails, blood red lips, smoky eyes and her eye color was enough to make people stare as it was. She'd left lipstick on Cris a few times, he certainly never minded…but he looked a little odd with dark pink lips…
"What are you going to major in?" Levy asked, smiling.
"Medicine. Pediatrics." Xally had replied smiling and Emi had hummed.
"Fashion and business. I'm going to remain in modeling for as long as I can, then go into model management." Emzadi said and they had sat and talked about hopes for the future…their dreams…and Xally and Emi had pointed out good looking Minstrellan men, covering Levy's eyes.
"You can't look, you're taken." And it had been…fun.
Now though she was hoping her father had gotten past whatever was bothering him so much he'd actually told Levy before she'd left that she should think about ending things with Cris.
"Before he humiliates you…or just…dumps you. I don't want your heart broken Levy…he's your first boyfriend and I…I just think he's out of your league…" Her mother had gasped and started swatting her father with a towel.
"Regi…you apologize! Cristoff isn't out of her league! There is no man alive that's out of our daughters league! What a horrible thing to say, What's gotten into you?!"" and an argument had happened and Levy had hung up frowning.
Cris tugged her hand and she sucked in a breath, realizing the car had stopped.
"You ok?" He asked, looking a little concerned and Levy nodded, smiling "Yeah…I'm fine just…I told you…and I hope he's over it." She said. She'd told Cris about her father's concerns and he hadn't been upset, had just nodded.
"I'll prove him wrong." He'd said simply. He nodded now, leaning to pay the cab driver and then they got out, collected their luggage and headed across the snow to the house.
"Levy! Regi they're here!" Levy's mom opened the door waving them in.
"Come in from the cold, it's been snowing so hard the last few days!" She said brightly, the small woman hugging Levy tightly and then looking up at Cristoff, who was setting the suitcases down, smiling. A blue haired man came into the foyer, frowning a bit because he had to look up a good bit to meet his daughter's boyfriend's eyes.
"Cristoff, you look like your pictures!" Levy's mother said cheerfully
"Come in, come in, let's have some cocoa and warm up." She invited and they headed into the kitchen which was better lit than the foyer, Cris smiling as he held a chair for Levy then stood, waiting for Levy's mother to sit down, something Mrs. McGarden didn't miss, smiling as she set the kettle up and then finally sat just as Levy's father was coming in.
"I put your bags in your room, Levy, and Cristoffs in the guest room." He said pointedly and Levy scowled at him…so did her mother.
"Thank you, sir." Cris said easily and Mr. McGarden eyed him, as he took his seat by Levy, sitting down beside his wife.
"So how was Capressa?" Levy's Mother asked and Levy beamed, pulling out her phone and the next little while was fine, her father smiling as she showed them pictures she'd taken…until the pictures were of Cristoff's photoshoot and one of them showed the two models hanging on him, one on each arm, then another of one pressed against him with her arms around him under his jacket.
"What…the hell is all that?" Mr. Mcgarden said looking disgusted.
"It was really cold Dad, and in between shots that model was just freezing so she sort of…buried herself against Cris between some takes. You should have seen her…shivering…but she was smiling and you couldn't tell at all as soon as the shots started being taken! The models were so professional and tough on that shoot…I was wrapped in a blanket, two pairs of leggings, two sweaters and a coat and I was cold, they were in party dresses!" Levy said
"Oh, that sounds like it wasn't pleasant at all." Her mother said and Cris smiled.
"Sometimes the locations are tough…and for the sake of lighting, wind direction…lots of factors we'll have to handle some tough conditions, but those two were really good at what they did, nice to work with." He said
"I bet…she looks very nice…all cuddled up to you." Mr McGarden frowned.
"Dad!"
"Regi!"
Levy waited until her father had huffed and looked down before she kept going, finally showing them video from Cristoffs fashion show and her father made a low sound and she stopped the video.
"You have women like that hanging all over you all the time…you're Boscan…I just can't believe you're faithful…that you'll even STAY with our Levy and she doesn't need some flashy guy with models hanging all over him as a boyfriend." Regi finally said, crossing his arms over his chest as Levy and her mother both stared at him.
"I work with those women…if I wanted to date one I could, but I never have, you can check…look into my background sir, I invite you to…I've dated other students from the school, some from my highschool, but never a model." Cris said, keeping calm even as Levy boiled next to him.
"I…love Levy sir…I don't want anyone else, I'm not interested in other women…I'm happy."
Levy's mother bit her lower lip, looking…very happy.
"You're young, too young to know what commitment really is…" Mr. McGarden said and Levy stood so fast her chair flew back.
"Daddy…stop it!" She snapped, hurt, betrayal, anger…all on her face to the point tears were welling in her eyes.
"Levy! Your friend had sex on a street with three men in broad daylight after being in Bosco….now I know Cana has always been a little wild but that…scared the hell out of me! I don't want our only daughter getting chewed up and spit out by some…sex absorbed party boy!" Mr. McGarden said "What happens if he loses interest in you? If some gorgeous…bombshell hangs on him just right?"
"Reginald…" Levy's mother hissed.
"I can't believe you Daddy…I can't…i…I thought my own father really believed in me…and you always said I was pretty but now this?!" Levy cried and her fathers eyes widened at that, his lips parting but Levy went on."Cris is good to me, he's been so patient with me…and he treats me with respect, in all the times we've gone out, all the places we've been I've WATCHED Dad! You think I don't know I'm plain?! I watched and never does he look at other women…never Dad…his eyes are on me…his attention is on me…and he helped me through…everything with Cana…stood by me, risked everything to help because of me, Dad, I was the one who ran down there and bailed Cana out…" Levy said
"With what money?! Levy…you didn't take out a loan…" Her Dad was wide eyed and she glared at him
"You know what? I was ready to! I was! But Cris stepped up for ME Dad and used his hard earned money that he's saved for school to help MY friend because he didn't want me to do that!" Levy snapped. "Going there, being seen with ME down there helping Cana could have ended Cristoffs career Dad! But he did it…for ME."
Cris was keeping quiet, not wanting to argue with Levy's parents…but not wanting to sit idle either, honestly confused about what he should be doing, all he wanted was to help Levy…
"Enough…that's enough." Mrs. McGarden slammed her hand on the table and stood.
"Reginald…you need to apologize, to Levy and to Cristoff, I know what happened with Cana was upsetting but Cana made her choices…Levy wasn't involved except to try and help her friend after the fact and neither was Cristoff." She said firmly.
Regi looked down, sighing and shaking his head. "I just want you to be happy, Muffin." He said looking up at Levy
"That's all I want too, sir." Cris said and Levy gave him a warm smile and then sighed at her father.
"Then trust me and my judgment, Dad...please." She said and Regi let out a breath, nodding slowly.
"I'm sorry." He said after a few tense moments and Levy's mother smiled, reaching over to hug her husband and Levy sat back down. Maybe…just maybe…they could have a nice holiday…