Julian Devorak x Reader/Self-Insert

Chapter Two

"Ready?" Asra asked, grinning from ear to ear. I turned to look at him, adjusting my glasses.

"Are you sure she's not going to hate me?" I asked, letting my arms droop to my sides.

"She'll love you!" he said, pulling me into the restaurant. He quickly knew where to find Nadia. She wasn't alone. The table was situated in the back corner, allowing the table to see into the restaurant and the bar, being able to eye every patron that came into the establishment. Asra pulled me to the table. There were two others already there. Nadia was easy to spot. She had long purple hair that cascaded down her shoulders in an intricate braid, two strands curled to outline her face. She wore a fushia crop top, a black undertank, and what looked like black leggings, i couldn't see her shoes but she was decorated with gold. Gold earrings, layered gold necklaces, gold bracelets and rings. She greeted Asra with a smile, her reddish eyes glimmering in the dim light as she welcomed us. Next to her, sat a red-headed woman, she was around my height with flowing curly hair. She wore a bandana on her head, keeping her hair out of her face. She turned to look at us, her blue eyes, striking against her pale complexion and very nicely complimenting her freckles and red hair. She wore a light green button-up with a flowing tan skirt. She waved to me and Asra and quickly gestured for us to sit.

"We just ordered drinks so, good timing, Asra! Oh! This must be River! We've heard so much about you!" the red-headed girl smiled, gesturing for us to sit. I sat next to the girl while Asra sat across from me. There was a larger man, definitely around a foot taller than Asra, who was at the table as well. He didn't match the rest of the crowd, who of which were in brighter colors. He wore a dark green long-sleeved shirt and black jeans. His longer black hair was pulled into a messy bun, showing off his chiseled jaw, scruffy facial hair, and brilliant green eyes. He nodded in greeting to Asra who in turn, side hugged him. I smiled at the blue-eyed woman, she was smiling so widely, that I could see the gap in her two front teeth.

"I'm Portia, it's a pleasure to meet you, River!" She smiled brightly, sticking her hand out to greet me. Asra smiled at me, encouraging me to be friendly.

"Oh, the pleasure's all mine!" I said, shaking her hand. Her hands were soft and plump, very friendly hands. She took my hand in both of hers, grinning very widely.

"River, this," Asra pulled my attention from Portia to bring my attention to the taller man.

"This is Muriel, he's been my best friend since childhood. No offense." Asra teased. Without a word, Muriel raised his hand for me to shake. My entire hand and part of my wrist fit in his hand. I blinked, shocked by his size. Muriel nodded, not speaking. I'm not quite sure whether he's mute or didn't speak much. Asra nudged Muriel as if trying to get the giant to speak. Muriel only huffed when he let go of my hand to acknowledge Asra's teasing. Nadia broke the silence when she began speaking, it startled me. Asra kicked me from under the table to give me some reassurance.

"We only seem to be missing Julian. He'd said that he would be late but, never gave an estimated time." Nadia's words fell off her tongue like silk, falling and capturing everyone's attention.

"Classic Ilya." Portia retorted, scoffing at Nadia's comment.

"Come now, Portia, be nice to your brother." Nadia patted Portia's shoulder. She then in turn rolled her eyes, landing on me, and whispered.

"That's my brother for you. Always late but never fashionably." she clicked her tongue and shook her head. I smiled, not knowing what to say but, trying to keep friendly. Asra joined in on the conversation.

"Well, at least his style's gotten better." Asra protested.

"No, he still has that emo, My Chemical Romance, goth look to him." Portia nudged me, trying to include me as well as if I knew who Julian was. Portia sighed, waving her hand in the air.