Hold Me Gently Chapter [3]: {Magic Castle}

The college courtyard buzzed with noise. Students rushed around, some carrying models, others flipping through papers. In the middle of it all stood Raphael and Asher, holding their project boards.

Asher squinted toward the gate.

Asher Miller [Emris Friend][E/B]

"Where is he? We’re gonna miss the submission window."

Raphael crossed his arms.

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

"Relax. Emris never misses a deadline... even if he shows up flying."

Just then, Emris came running, his bag bouncing, clutching something big and glowing in his hands.

Emris grinned.

Emris Edward [MC] [DO]

"I made it!"

He held up a glass castle, delicate towers glimmering with tiny lights, the windows glowing softly like stars trapped inside.

Asher gasped.

Asher Miller [Emris Friend][E/B]

"Woah! That’s insane. Emris, it's gorgeous!"

Raphael snorted, nudging him.

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

"Of course it is. He and Lionel stayed up all night remaking it. The last one? Shattered into glass. This one is Definitely more magical."

Emris pouted.

Emris Edward [MC] [DO]

"Don’t act like you weren’t half-asleep on the couch while we worked!"

Raphael smirked.

Then Emris tilted his head, eyes narrowing.

Emris Edward [MC] [DO]

"Also, what the hell are you wearing? You look like a wrapped cat. Who dressed you like that?"

Raphael blushed, tugging at the tight buttons on his shirt.

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

[Raphael mumbled] "It’s not that bad."

Asher burst out laughing.

Asher Miller [Emris Friend][E/B]

"It’s his fiancée’s fault! he made him wear it."

Raphael grumbled.

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

"I have my clothes in my bag, okay? I’ll change in the bathroom later. Let me live."

Emris teased, eyes sparkling.

Emris Edward [MC] [DO]

"So whipped, you don't throw a tantrum? well yeah why would you since you're so afraid of brother Zayden ."

Raphael raised a brow.

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

"You wanna talk, pretty boy? Weren’t you the one who nearly cried when Lionel said your tower lights didn’t match. last night?"

Emris Edward [MC] [DO]

"Shut up! He just don't have taste!

Asher Miller [Emris Friend][E/B]

[Asher snorted] "Yeah, yeah. Artists’ problems."

Raphael waved a hand.

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

"Anyway, you two go ahead and submit your projects. I need to change before someone mistakes me for a funeral host."

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

Emris Edward [MC] [DO]

[Emris nodded]. "Hurry. We’ll save you a spot."

Asher added with a grin.

Asher Miller [Emris Friend][E/B]

"Try not to trip in those loose pants."

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

[Raphael groaned] "I hate both of you."

He turned away, already pulling his bag open.

Emris called out as they walked.

Emris Edward [MC] [DO]

"Tell Brother Zayden we said thanks for the comedy show!"

Raphael shouted back.

Raphael Zayden [MC/ML cousin][DO]

"I will! And I’ll tell him to pick your outfits next time too!"

Laughter echoed behind them as Emris and Asher headed toward the submission counter, castle shining like moonlight in Emris’s hands.

_______________

THE CASTLE EMRIS MADE:

THE CASTLE THEY MADE TOGETHER:

{TO BE CONTINUED}