#he's got to understand now in a way he didn't before why Declan had so much trouble connecting with Aurora | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

theanimalsarecalling · 2 years

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Thesis: It takes more than just love to be a good parent, or deconstructing Niall.

One of the big emotional reveals of Greywaren was how much Niall loved Declan and how much Declan loved him back. The big reveal to me is how little this changed my opinion of Niall. Because for a man that truly and devotedly loved his sons, he sure was a fuckup as a parent.

It occurred to me, after rereading Greywaren, that none of the complaints that Declan had about Niall in MI were wrong, and knowing Niall loved him didn't change that.

Declan wanted to hate his father, Niall. For being a bad businessman, for never paying attention to the details, for bullshitting himself to death. For being a bad father. For having favorites. For having favorites who weren't Declan. (MI chpt 10)

So for starters, anyone who has followed this Lynch family blog knows that I always thought Niall cared about Declan. The signs were always there. I did NOT think Declan was his favorite. On the one hand, it makes sense that Declan was the favorite, given he was the only one of the boys who was an actual biological son. But I think Declan (and the reader) can be excused for thinking Ronan was the favorite. Niall, in his attempt to appease the eldritch god he brought home, must have really layed the praise and adulation on thick, because Ronan and Matthew also thought Ronan was Niall's favorite (TDT chpt 22).

Also, Niall WAS a bad businessman, who didn't pay attention to details. Its a major plot point in TRC that Niall set unsavory people after Ronan by carelessly throwing "greywaren" around, that Declan spent the majority of time behind the scenes in TRC cleaning up the mess that Niall left, that Niall's business dealings got him killed, thus traumatizing all three sons. It's also canon that Niall's business dealings got Declan

capriciously stuffed in the trunk of his father's car, while listening to his father being roughed up, or handcuffed and forced to watch his parent's barn get tossed in front of him, or beaten senseless and left half dead in his Aglionby dorm room (TRK chpt 28)

All of those are pretty understandable reasons to be angry at your father.

And bringing your 10 year old kid to black market meet-ups as a perverted form of quality time as a love language - well, that doesn't cut it either. At the Fairy Market in CDTH, you sensed that they could be dangerous, but it was presented as an adventure. Yet, Declan is nervous the whole time and furious at Ronan's recklessness. At the New York Fairy Market, you saw why. These were not child-friendly places. What had Declan seen before?

********

Of course, the real elephant in the room is the situation with Mór and Aurora. The premise in Greywaren is that Declan's been lying to himself as a coping mechanism to deal with the grief of losing his parents. But where did he learn that?

Niall's death was not Declan's first loss. Declan lost his mother at approximately age four. Now, I suspect Mór would have left eventually, since she wasn't cut out to be a mother. And Niall and Declan would have grieved, but moved on. Instead, Aurora was created so that Niall could feel loved and go on creating the illusion of a perfect, loving family. Declan was not troubled because Aurora was a dream, but because she was an impostor.

Niall gaslit Declan for years that Aurora was his real mother, thus preventing Declan from grieving properly. How confusing that would have been. You can see how unhappy Declan is about this both by Ronan's memory of Declan trying to knock Aurora's wedding ring down the sink (Mór and Niall weren't married) (Greywaren chpt 15). Its also evident in Declan's frustration with accepting Matthew since he was already expected to accept the lie of Aurora (Greywaren chpt 25) Declan was given no way to manage his grief except to lie and pretend he didn't care.

******

In TRK, Ronan observed that the Barns "had never been his home. The Lynches had never tried to make it Declan's home." (TRK chpt 34) What I think this means is that Niall created the Barns because *he* needed to feel loved and secure. Understandable, since he wasn't sure Mór loved him, and he was very sure his mother didn't. Nearly every choice Niall made is either to appease someone so they would accept him, or to meet his own need for love. He created Aurora and brought Declan along on business trips to prioritize his own needs, not anyone else's, even though he said (and did) love them. Even giving up his memories so he couldn't remember things like how happy he was when Declan was born, were to meet his own needs, with no thought to how that might make his son feel later. Niall was a very damaged man.

But if you are going to have children, there comes a point where you have to consider their needs as well your own. And maybe prioritize them over your own at times. Not all the time, of course, or you end up with a Declan and Matthew situation. But enough so they feel safe and respected. And this is what Niall failed to do.

At the end of Greywaren, Declan is remembering all the good things about Niall, and I think he needs that emotionally to move on. But in some ways this is just splitting - seeing only the good, or only the bad. You can hope that in some future imagined world Declan can develop a realistic memory of his father and make peace with it. Where the story leaves us, Ronan has the far more integrated view of Niall.

#greywaren #niall lynch #declan lynch #the dreamer trilogy #greywaren spoilers

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casspurrjoybell-29 · 6 months

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Forging Ties - Chapter 16 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

Skye felt like bothering someone and Miriam was deep in a conversation with Sera with no end in sight and Hamish and Duran sounded like they had plans with one another, so when Slone got up from the table, Skye followed him.

Slone went to the kitchen and convinced them to empty their bin full of food scraps into a sack and then he headed out of the inn.

"You coming with me, then?" Slone asked as he turned onto the road that led up the hill.

Skye nodded.

"I won't say no to the company. It's been an interesting night, huh?"

Skye shrugged.

"Guess the one before this was pretty interesting, too. Y'know, with the vampires and all."

"Yes."

"You ever run into a vampire before?"

"Hmm..."

Skye stared up at the stars as he thought.

"I don't remember."

"Seems kinda memorable."

Skye shrugged.

"There used to be a nest of 'em near where we lived until a couple years back, so I'm pretty familiar. Nasty things. Y'know, the Fae make a decent amount of predatory things and there's a good bit of brutality in the heart of even a housecat but vampires... vampires got a real human kind of malice in 'em. Funny how something can eat your intestines while you're still breathing but it don't feel evil without that bit of human in the mix."

"I'm pretty sure that's never happened to me."

Slone laughed.

"Well, me neither but y'know. Point is, predatory animals ain't got the smallest slither of empathy for their prey but that ain't evil, right?"

"No," Skye said because he thought that was probably the right answer but he didn't really understand the point of any of this.

Having your intestines eaten seemed pretty bad no matter who was doing it or why.

"Maybe even vampires ain't that bad when you look at things like that. A vampire ain't making a choice. They can't be anything but what they are any more than a bear can, right? We both dealt with Declan and he was like a kitten compared to those vampires but it kinda leaves you thinking in a different way. Makes you wonder about how someone could go out and be like that when they coulda chosen not to."

Skye nodded. They were nearly to the edge of town now.

"Seems like you choose to be good, even when it might cost you. Why? Doesn't seem like you care all that much about being seen as a hero."

"Oh," Skye said. "I don't know."

"Yeah?"

"My memory gets pretty foggy if I try to think back more than a few years, so I just do whatever feels right."

"Damn. Sounds rough."

Skye shrugged.

"No. I'm fine."

They'd reached the top of the hill now and they continued to follow the cobbled road out of town.

Once they were far enough away that the sounds and lights of the town had faded into the distance, Cookie leapt down from a nearby tree and made a chittering sound at them.

"Ah, there you are," Slone said. "Got some dinner for ya."

Cookie took the sack from Slone and shoved her face deep into it. Sloppy eating sounds followed.

Skye crouched down and watched her eat.

"What is she?"

"Cookie?" Slone asked. "Just her own thing, I guess. There's a whole long story about how she came about but I dunno if she wants me sharing that around."

"Hmm," Skye said.

There was something about her, like a forgotten word on the tip of his tongue.

It felt important but the harder he tried to focus on it, the sadder he felt, so he stopped.

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mentallyfxed · 2 years

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Declan was feeling so fucking sick that he didn't know what to do, there were so many things to do around the house but he just couldn't move. It was like his body was telling him that he needed to rest for as long as his body needed to heal. When Declan was sick he was a fucking baby, he didn't want anyone around him and he just shut the whole world out even his husband and daughter. You know the movie Ferris Bueller's Day off, he felt like he was living in that movie plus Ground Hog Day all in one. At first he was okay with it because he got to do things a smidge differently but the day still ended the same way with him in bed and alone because he was rude as fuck to his family for no apparent reason.

"This is just fucking perfect I don't have time to be sick, there is so much to do before Halloween gets here, I want to throw the most epic Halloween party ever, and with me being sick that isn't going to happen anytime soon and I do not like to wait until the last minute to do things, what the fuck am I going to do?" The truth of the matter was, he wasn't sick his meds just weren't working and it just triggered his bi-polar disorder, he should have known that was what was happening after all he was a fucking EMT. Putting his feet on the ground he slowly walked over to the bathroom to see if there was anything that he could take, when he saw the bipolar medicine he saw that the dosage was off, his daughter must have switched the bottles out. This wasn't the first time this happened, she had told him that she didn't like what the bipolar medicine was doing to him and that she just wanted her father back. "Double fudge sticks up a fudge tree." God, he needed to stop watching Hart of Dixie. "KINS! Get down here please!"

He knew that his daughter could hear the frustration in his voice and she took her sweet ass time going into the down stairs living area. "Do you have something that you would like to tell me?" When he saw the look on her face he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Kins, you can't just go and switch out my bipolar medicine, it could really fuck me up. I know you said you don't like me on the new dosage and that I am not the same person but it helps me keep the bipolar disorder at bay, this is why I was feeling so sick this morning because I didn't have the right dosage. Do you understand how dangerous this is for me? Now I might have to admit myself to the hospital to make sure that there is nothing going on in my system."

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multistoty · 2 years

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❝ Call me a fool, I don’t care. As sure as my heart beats in my chest, I will never lose hope. I would rather have you hate me forever than have you running around without a single feeling in your heart. ❞ [jessalyn @fireinyourblood to hope. to follow with our previous humanity off hope thread <3]

A slow clap had been the sound that cut through the air as unfeeling blue eyes took in the woman that she had once loved. Point one in the column of a true Mikealson were dramatics were concerned. Honestly, Jessalyn seemed more set on the fact that she would just turn back on the things that made her weak just as much as the others. Just as much as Klaus had before she had used her magic against him or Rebekah when Hope had woken up after the attempt at daggering her. Betrayed by family at every turn, it would seem. For once in her life since that fateful night, the slow drip of pain from all her losses dulled. There was no jealousy in her for kids like Nik who got to have both of their parents and be apart of this family Hope had had to savior enough to create. A job that constantly made her fail or made her feel that way. There was such freedom in embracing your monster side. Alaric wanted to be disappointed in her all the time even when she had broken her back to do everything to make him love her and it didn't hurt. He had every reason to now and that was a lot simpler too. Better to break everyone's heart before they expect you to give it a soft landing. This is what would always happen wouldn't it. She would have death stop it's dance in her shadow and watch those that she loved flit away as the years grew on. The other witches would keep aging as they were while she would shoot up no further. Keelin and Davina would grow far older and still look older than their fresh faced niece. Hope mourned the girl she had been no more. There was no whispers of murderer echoing in her mind after she had done what she had to her only other best friend, landon. The irony that she had not been able to save either of them and no fluently what their lips tasted like wasn't lost on her. Why did they want the sniveling little girl obsessed with saving the world? Hadn't they wanted her to have this confidence and be so strong? The one red oak tree had been burned down and with it the only thing that would endanger her life. There was no mistake or failure to worry over. "Wow, a pun. Nice touch. I told forgot that you were a poet with wild idealed eyes. Quite sad. I would really have enjoyed kissing you in this state. No awkward tremors or words. No world for us to sacrifice ourselves for. Because the world has shown no compassion to us. You have been hated with me since childhood. Why not prove those people right? It isn't often they are given such a thing. The woman that I was before wouldn't have put fear into a dog walking down the street. She was ruled by her emotions. And, now it's a beautiful numbness to finally not care. There's no points on what i did right or wrong. No embarrassment. Now, I just catch and release stupid mortals who don't understand what stalks around them. If you were anyone else, I would have had my fangs in your skin already for a less desirable means. I mean you still look as good as usual and i found the fact that you had wit enough to use our bond and find me as super hot.Though I am smart enough to have brought a vial of my blood in case you will be needing it. I am not planning on hanging out in the french quarter long. I just need some artifacts and information. And maybe a few sweets. to compel declan or not, I wonder. I tried to send the message to our family to leave me alone.

Though I should have known you and I enjoy missions of passion and love. And you want to bring back the broken girl who is besotted with you. The girl who left you a painting before she killed herself to save a supernatural world that once again wants her dead. Wants us dead. Do you know how much better I am at being able to protect you? Losing hope is what we all are bound to do in this world. Finally, I can understand all the wrongs that have been dealt by powerful people. Haven't you learned from media that the big bad usually is the world's greatest of monsters? There is no monster like me. I mean I have the dramatic appeal of someone like vader without the annoying breathing. I should be sexier to you given the books and movies we enjoy. All black and I have still managed to keep blood off me. It's not as easy as you think. I should really thank Elijah or maybe get his dry cleaner. The world was warned of me from the womb. That I am a harbinger of death. Before I even breathed, I was the child that will kill us all. My own father didn't want me until he was forced to acknowledge my existence after once again I was almost murdered. Nothing and no one can stand in my way now and I am smart enough to not attract to much attention unless I want too. There are a lot of people involved in malivore and making me kill my ex boyfriend. You don't have to feel bad about that. I mean it's not like bird brain was ever your competition. I mean I killed a beast who is famous for his regneration powers that should mean something Don't you see that I kill everything with my love. Even you turning! Hope Andrea Mikealson is just another murder to add to my tab. Wow, dad would be proud for once. We were robbed by the world. Why is it wrong for me not to fight the world back? I now have the time to hunt down everyone that failed us. Maybe your social worker. though I don't really want you to hate me. That would ruin a lot of my fun and really suck should I fancy attempting to feel again. It kind of tickles now like pain. So, these are not the droids your looking for and all that. I don't know if angels can be compelled. And that seems to take away some of your hero agency. Wonderful representation to lovesick girls everywhere. Lovers to enemy lovers is wonderful representation for people like us. Hybrids of sorts who enjoy kissing all kinds of souls. I happen to remember one of the batman villains saying be gay and do crime. Sounds like a great plan even if I am only interested in you. You'll come around eventually and I'll show you the world were we only care about the fun of the moment and not some battle or another. Could you imagine? Mikealson's putting themselves first. Of course, i would be the one to break the family too. I mean always and forever doesn't feel like a very strong vow when a family member can stab you in the back and put you in a trunk. Really, Aunt Bekah needs a new rental place. Or dad's credit card."

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bolontiku · 3 years

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"No Forgiveness"

Quick Fic - Chapter 3

Characters: Loki, Reader, Clint, a few others pop up

Posted: June 26th

A/N: this week has been hard. Sorry for the delay THE PLOT THICKENS... So I hope (also idk what I am doing as im no good at mafia aus)

WARNINGS: mention of blood, violence, thats it i think

Like, Comments, & Reblogs are always appreciated and loved.

**Please Do Not Repost My Work**

Clint stared at you in disbelief, quick to block you from leaving the room with his larger frame. "Y/n!! You're insane to think that I will let you leave. Especially with the state you were in when you first came back here!"

You shook your head, biting back a strangled gasp. "You don't understand Clint, this was a mistake! I- I shouldn't have left!" You had watched Loki that morning, he had joined you and Clint for breakfast and while he had hardly said anything, Clint groaning and going on about the things he would have to pass on to Bucky you hadn't been able to take your eyes off the man.

And it reminded you why you had gone before. If you went back… it was only two days. Declan could overlook two days, especially if he didn't know where you had been. You could say you broke into a hotel room...

Clint caught you by your upper arms and gently shook you, baring his teeth at you. "No. You won't do this again. What? What is it Y/N? What is it that guy has over you? I never believed you loved that guy, never the way you love Sir. So fucking say it. What is it?"

You dropped your head to his chest, holding onto him. "If I don't go back… there's.. Pictures. Clint, he's got pictures of Loki- and if I… I can just go back. If those pictures get out-!!"

Clint wrapped you up in his arms, hushing you as you crumpled into him. "So, there was something."

You could go back. It didn't matter what you went through. Your head was fuzzy, this had been a mistake.

"Let's get you cleaned up. We haven't had lunch yet. You still love him, yeah?" He asked, leaning back to wipe at your face with his thumbs.

You stared at him for a long moment before nodding. What did it matter now? Loki was kind, he would allow you to come back and work for him again, but there was no way he would reciprocate your love again.

"Now, let me tell you a little secret," he pulled you to the bathroom gently and held a hand towel under the running water, he carefully wiped your face, sticking his tongue out in concentration before tossing it over his shoulder and into the bin without looking. "You cannot tell anyone, alright?" He gave you his most serious face and you nodded. He gave you a petulant look, "sir is still in love with you, but you did hurt him. So," he shrugged, "I think if you explain he would come around quicker."

"Quicker?"

Clint snorted. "Y/N, he loves you."

You suppressed the urge to run. Clint held your hand, thumb running over your knuckles reassuringly. You stood when he did and followed him in, started a little at the intense blue eyes staring at you, tracking your every movement. Bucky had come a little bit under a week before you had left, he had been rather stoic but Steve had vouched for him as had Clint.

Loki cleared his throat and your gaze skittered towards him. "D-Declan… if I don't go back-" you flinched and drew back as Loki's expression turned cold.

"She left because the man blackmailed her sir."

The clock ticked loudly. Loki stared at you. Waiting.

"The job you did for Pierce? He has pictures. Someone betrayed you. I-" you stammered grip tightening on Clint's hand, "he said if I didn't go with him then he would make sure you paid for it."

Loki narrowed his eyes at you, leaning forwards in his sleek black leather chair. You remembered that chair, remembered that it held quiet nicely when you straddled him. When he kissed, bit, and licked his way down your neck.

"You decided for me?"

You swallowed, a little shock running through you at the realization of what you had done. At how he would see it. "No-"

"You didn't trust me to make the right call."

"I- th-that's not-" the sting of his words cut deep, you hadn't seen it that way. It had been about protecting him. There had been blood all over the place in those pictures, Loki right in the middle.. "Loki, I-"

Loki slammed a hand down on the desk in front of him and you jumped hard, Clint swiftly moving you behind him and blocking your vision. Your hands shook violently, throat constricting as your chest tightened and a stone settled in the pit of your stomach. Or was that your heart?

"SIR!"

"Get her out of here," he growled.

You whimpered, Clint basically carrying you out of the office before your body caught up and you started to shake in his hands. "S-sorr-rry!" Your teeth chattered and you felt shame as tears slipped out.

Clint settled you into the nearest seat and caught your face in his calloused hands. "Nah, look, boss has his pride. The fact that you left to protect him?"Clint shrugged, "it's gotta sting. Get it? He's not angry with you, he's angry that he let you go so easily."

Bucky was not easily rattled, but when Y/N left shaking behind Clint-

Pure unbridled rage.

It hit Loki hard.

The fact that you flinched and hid behind Clint from him. The fact that you had left to protect him. You had been in that man's hands for so long, had he abused you the entire time? You were meant to be treasured and treated like a fucking queen.

Instead he had let his pride get in the way. He had chosen to not show emotion. He had let you walk out without a fight. That is what he should have done. He should have fought for you, tooth and nail, he should have-

"Boss?" Bucky jumped back as Loki roared, the desk in front of him taking the brunt of his fury, being thrown to the side. "BOSS!" he held his hands out in front of him, looking over his shoulder as the door opened.

Thor stopped short. "Perhaps we came at the perfect time?"

Natasha looked around his thick arm, she hummed. "When he calls you in, you come in. Didn't figure it was desperate times."

"Y/N-" Loki seethed, he struggled to take in a breath.

Gamora tilted her head to the side, she remembered you fondly. A whisper of what passed for a smile on her lips. "What of her?"

"She came back," Bucky supplied, turning to look at the small group.

Steve brought in the end beside Wanda who smiled, "Y/N's back?" He asked. "We sent Brunhilde and Nebula to find out what they can."

Loki clenched his fists, Thor watching him carefully, he didn't like to see his brother in such a state. He heaved a sigh and strode over, and clapped his hands on Loki's shoulders and straightened him up, adjusting his tie and the front of his suit.

"Brother, Y/N has been back what? Three days? Perhaps you should spend some time with her, get reacquainted?"

"First I will have blood."

Thor rolled his eyes, "it is not the first time a woman has come back to her ex."

"She was beaten," Bucky supplied quietly.

Natasha snarled, "WHAT?!"

"Clint is with her right now, they had Doc come by. He can give you more details."

Gamora glared at him, "I will see her."

"Let's call Barton down first. She needs to settle after what she told us."

"The reason for this mess?" Thor asked, tilting his head to the tipped over desk and the papers strewn about.

Loki unclenched his hands, running them through his hair, jaw ticking in anger. "We need to talk."

#no forgiveness #loki odinson #loki x reader #clint barton #reader #avenger au

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deexchanel · 3 years

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Beauty and Beasty 2.

Word Count: 3,368

Pairing: President!Bucky Barnes x Babysitter!BlackFem!OC

Warning: Swearing, Uptight Bucky.

Summary: This goes into Devora's back story a bit. When she comes home from picking the kids up from private school, James there waiting for them. She finally gets into contact with her best friend Alexis who is married to King Steve Rogers of Brooklyn. James makes way downstairs for a midnight snack to find her in the kitchen...

A/N: you guys love it so here is part 2.

Devora Smith is the child of Deeva and Devon Smith. You shouldn't think too hard about how she got her name. The 22-year-old loves to cook. How she landed this job is a straightforward story to explain. Since she was 7, in her eyes, her dad was the best cook in the world. Devon owned a small restaurant that had enough attention to keep them afloat.

Devon always had Devora in the kitchen helping him cook; that's how she fell in love with cooking. Sadly, things happened, and her dad lost the restaurant due to the lack of money. Devora promised herself that she will make her dad proud by owning her own 5-star restaurant.

9 months ago, her best friend, Alexis, fell in love with King Steve Rogers of Brooklyn. They are now married and are expecting a child. Devora had complained to them many times that she needed a job to jumpstart her career. So when President James Buchanan Barnes of Romanian asked his best mate, King Steve, to help him find a babysitter. The king suggested Devora, and since it was last minute that he needed a babysitter. President Barnes hired her immediately.

"Hi, guys, how was school?" Devora questioned once the kids got in the Audi. While she drove, they were quiet, too quiet. "Uh, is anyone going to say anything?" No one responded so she stopped the car, putting it park on the side of the road. The babysitter gave Melanie her phone so she could be distracted by youtube. James doesn't allow the kids to use cell phones but do she does she care at the moment? No, and he isn't here to say anything.

Plus, Melanie gets fussy when she curses, so she doesn't do it around the kids unless she's really pissed off. "Roman, spill it." She sat Indian-style in the seat facing them. Devora knew that the 16-year-old boy couldn't hold anything from her. Unbeknownst to her, Roman saw Devora as his mother because she takes such good care of them.

He feels there is no reason to lie to her because she's such an understanding person and will always find a way to solve their problems. "This guy from my class constantly bullies me because of my hair and what I wear to school. Declan saw him shove me against the locker, so he punched him and they start to fight. Sophie saw what happened so she jumped in by jumping on his back, hitting his head from behind."

Before Devora could utter a word out, Declan sounded off."I had to defend him, Devora. He's my brother and I'm not going to let him get bullied on my watch. Roman doesn't mess with anyone and I wasn't going to let that guy continue to bother Roman."

Devora tries to speak again but Sophie continued their justification, "We're so sorry Devora. Don't be mad at us; we didn't get suspended..."

This time Devora did the cutting off."I'm not mad."

"...Or anything because of Father's status with the school." Sophie rambled out of nervousness then realized what she said. 'You're not mad?"

"I'm not. Want to know why?" She smiled ruffling Roman's hair causing him to smile. " Because you did what every big brother and sister are meant to do which is take up for your little sibling. Extra bonus points for beating his ass."

Melanie furrowed her eyebrow at Devora like a scolding parent. Everyone chuckled at her reaction. "Oops sorry, Melanie. Anywhoo you guys doing that proved to Roman that you'll always have his back. No matter what, you guys should always love each other. Never be in competition with one another, never judge, and never be jealous. Because at the end of the day you guys should always be able to depend on each other." The siblings looked at each other with a smile. Devora kissed each of their foreheads.

"I am so proud of you guys."

"Means a lot to hear that Devora. Thank you for being in our lives."Sophie hugged her neck. After their heartfelt moment, they were on the way home until Devora came up with a wonderful idea.

" How about you guys get a make-over?"

Roman perked up excitement, "Really? You would do that?"

"Duh you guys deserve it plus I might have the head chef's Mastercard." She winked at them through the rearview mirror. They all cheered in the backseat even though Melanie had no clue what was going on. Her phone ringed and Mel held the phone in the air, looking at the contact picture.

"Da-Da!"

"Don't answer it!"

------------------

As they walked into the mansion from their shopping spree engaged in a funny conversation, James stood in the foyer. The children stopped their chat, standing still as if they were soldiers. Devora adjusted Melanie on her hip still holding hands with Declan, not phased by him.

"Children."

"Father."

"Where are there so many bags? Who do they belong to cause I am sure that I told you 3 that you aren't allowed to do your own shopping? I have someone to pick out your clothes precisely like how I want them. Did I not?" James dictated crossing his arms over his chest, holding a scowl on his face. That was new information to Devora out of her 7 months of being there. What was so wrong with them picking out their own clothes? Their teenagers for god's sake.

"Are you serious right now?"

James's blue eyes focused on her, not losing the hardened expression. "Serious as a heart attack."

Devora narrowed her eyes at him, "Well I took the kids-" Declan squeezed her hand, indicating to lie. "To get some ice cream to celebrate Sophie for passing this semester. Those bags are mine and that's all the explanation you're going to get."

His lip drew back in a snarl, "You live my house! Under my rules! Whatever you bring in here is my business. Why don't you ever just shut up sometimes and get with the program that I am in charge."

"That's what you think, "Devora mumbled rolling her eyes. James walked closer to her. "What did you just say?"

"Father, can we please go to our room now?" Sophie said while James and Devora never broke eye contact. "Yes."

Declan grabbed a sleeping Melanie from her arms and the children went upstairs. When they were out of earshot, Devora stepped to him. "Stop being so strict; they're just kids."

"They have to learn to deal with it; we have to uphold a perfect image." His tall frame hung over hers. The sexual tension between them was getting thick. Devora's eyes adverted between his plumped lips that looked so soft and his eyes. Trying to fight the urge to smash her lips onto his, the babysitter for once was lost for words.

James came to Devora's face; she could feel his breath fan against it. She gave up trying to look him in the eyes instead she stared at his lips, biting her own. He smirked, knowing that she was hooked. He pulled back taking her out of her sex-filled fantasy trace. James walked away leaving Devora's core throbbing for pleasure.

"Fuck..."

-------------

"Psst! Devora!" She heard when she walked past one of the kid's bedroom. The dark skin turned around to see who was calling.

"Declan?"

His head peeked from the door."Yes, I need your help."

She walked closer to the door. "What is it?" Declan fully stepped out of the room. He pulled out the most beautiful necklace from his pocket.

"I bought this for a girl that I'm in love with. The only problem is, she lives in the village, and Father prohibits going to the village."

"So what does this have to do with me? You need me to cover for you while you gone?"

"Well it's the weekend and I normally go see her during first period but I cant' wait until Monday. The evening guard will be out but he should be sleeping like right."Declan checked his watch."Now. Can you come with me to go see her?"

"Come with you? Declan, your father already hates my guts."

"Please Devora? I really love her."

Vora saw that he was really devoted to seeing this girl. She just wants to see him happy, it makes her feel content. "Fine Declan, I'll go."

------------------

Devora plopped in her bed face first. Helping Declan sneak out and making sure both of them weren't caught was tiresome but worth it. Rose is her name and she was the sweetest. Her family was the best, they treated them like family not people with royal status.

Rose's mother gave her some cheese that she made by hand. What makes it so special because it was so expensive in the states. Devora already had made a plan to make mac & cheese after a shower.

Her mac book ringed from the edge of the bed causing the tired 22-year-old to groan. Devora smacked against the keyboard hoping it would answer the call.

"Devoraa!!! BESTIE!"

Vora swiftly lifts up seeing her best friend's face in the camera.

"BESTIEEE!"

"I haven't talked to you in so damn long! How is going over at Mr. meanie's mansion?"

"it amazing here, excluding him. I don't want to talk about me, let's talk about you! How's Steve and the baby?"

Steve's face popped in the camera, drenched in water, "HI BESTIEEE!"

"HI BESTIEEEE, I miss you guysss!"

"We miss you too. and the baby's going fine."Alexis propped the phone up showing her stomach. Devora gushed at her 8-month pregnant belly.

"AWEEEE. I CAN'T WAIT TO TOUCH IT!"

"Me... and she... Steve...June..."

"Alexis your wifi is ass. Y'all live in a rich castle but have poor wifi. How does that work??" She didn't respond but flips the camera showing the outside-filled endless activities. From bouncy houses to water guns, to little kids running around with bubbles plus a couple of workers enjoying themselves.

"I love you bestie! I have to go! BYEEE"

"I lo-"The phone call hung up causing Devora to let out a sad sigh. The kids were always fun to be around but when she was herself, it's so boring. The mansion was boring. Vora was feeling homesick from them. "-ove you too."

After her shower, Devora was in the kitchen making from scratch mac and cheese. "Add a little bit of this.." She mumbled to her self dumping a whole measuring cup of cheese on top of the already cheesy pasta. Her tongue poked out a bit while she spread the cheese across the pan.

"I didn't know you did that when you're focused." James's deep voice said from the side of her. She glanced at him for a second then return her gaze at the dish.

"Because your head is always stuck up your ass."

James took a deep sigh, "Could you just stop with the smartness and backtalk for one damn minute." She bent over placing the pan in the oven feeling his eyes on her ass.

"Stop being so mean and I'll stop. Now quit looking at my ass, I'm trying to cook."

As James walked past her, his huge hand smacks against her ass cheek roughly. Devora quickly stands up clutching her now throbbing cheek."Ow!"

"No, I'm good. Thanks for the suggestion though." He winked opening the refrigerator door. "What are you doing up? It's late."

"Since you just have to be in my business.." Vora leaned against the counter. James took a sip of his juice, "Your business is my business, I thought I made that clear."

"Whatever, anyhow I got some good cheese from R-..." Devora mentally cursed at how she almost gave Declan's secret away. Bucky raised an eyebrow which made her nervous thinking he caught on. "Rome. Yeah, Rome. Alexis and Steve sent it in as a gift because it's so expensive in the states."

James sat the cup down, coming closer to her."Is that so?"

Devora cleared her throat. 'Damn I talk too much. She thought to herself. "That is so Mister." James did that hovering thing like earlier but this she wasn't intimated.

"Do I make you nervous?"

She giggles mushing his face away from hers." Mr. President get away from me."

He laughs leaning against the counter beside her. He laughed like literally laughed. Devora looked at him like he grew three heads. He looked at her confused.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You laughed. I need to pinch myself to wake up to see if I'm dreaming."

"So you dream about me?"

"No so don't flatter yourself, mister president."

"So you do."

"No now hush because you disturbing the peace and quiet I had in here while I cooked." Devora implied while picking up trash she had left on the counter. Surprisingly James started to help her clean up.

"You didn't have to Mr.President."

"I want to and quit calling me Mr.President. It feels like you're teasing me every time you say it."

"I mean what else am I supposed to say? I don't know your name and I didn't bother to ask the kids because I simply didn't care what it was."

James placed a hand on his chest, "Ouch why you gotta be so harsh?"

"I'm not being harsh sir, just being real with you. If you don't like it then find another babysitter."Devora shrugged throwing away some trash from the counter. James grabbed her hand pulling Vora to his chest.

"I don't want another one, having you is perfect."

Devora tried to keep the smile from forming on her face but what he said made her feel special. She couldn't help it and smiled anyway. "You have a smooth way with words. You flirt."

She pulled back, picking up the last of the trash. "I can't help it when you're always looking so good." James compliment watching her every move. It got quiet for a minute because she didn't know what to say.

Devora hoped that the niceness would stay and not disappear overnight. Being nice really suited him. The timer went off signaling the macaroni was finished.

"My name is James."

She pulled the pan out of the oven"Hmm?"

"My name is James Buchanan Barnes but you can call me Bucky." He watched her sit the pan on top of the stove. She reached up to grab some plates but struggled a bit. Bucky came from behind, grabbing the plate with ease. "You know I can get the maids to come do this for us. "

She shook her head, taking the plates out of his hands. "That's uncalled for when we been in here the whole time. My mom taught me to do it myself and not be lazy about anything and to reply to what you said. Your name fits you, I like it." She dipped herself a spoonful of macaroni. "Bucky do you want some?"

Bucky was mesmerized by the way his name flowed from her lips, "Yeah I want some." She beamed at the fact he wanted to try her food. She scooped him up some placing it on another plate. "Your mother sounds like a wise and good woman."

"She is. That one time when my Dad and I cooked random dishes in the kitchen, my mom got so mad at us when we didn't clean up behind ourselves. She told me, "Always clean after yourself. Never expect someone to do it for you. You are not a lazy woman."

"Are they still alive?"

She giggled as they both sat down at the island. "Yes, Bucky they are still alive. My parents are enjoying their time with me being away since I moved out to come here."

"You lived with your parents before you came here?"

"Bucky we can talk about some other time okay? I want to eat before my food gets cold." Devora pointed at the food, Bucky sigh wanting to know more about her but did what she asked. "Fine, I'll wait until another time."

He picked up the fork but she took it out of his hand. He looked at her puzzled, "How am I suppose to eat?"

"Let me feed you the first bite."

The way Devora looked at Bucky aroused him so much. Her boldness caught him completely off guard."Okay..."

"Crap I didn't mean to weird you out. Your beard hair is so perfect and I don't want you to mess it up by getting cheese on it."

Bucky crinkled his nose in happiness."Oh, you like my beard?"

"Yes, I admit. I love it." She dipped his fork in the mac and cheese. It was still hot so Devora blew on it a bit. Bucky pressed his lips together watching her's curve into an o-shape. Everything about her excited him. Vora watched him eat the food from the fork while her soft hand was placed under his chin.

The macaroni tasted like heaven in his mouth, Bucky let out a little groan while he chewed. Devora looked at him in worry.

"What? What is it? Is it nasty?"

Bucky shook his head with a smile, "No this is really good. You are an excellent cook."

"Thank you, means a lot coming from your mean ass."

"I'm not mean."

"Sure."

"All these amazing flavors hitting my mouth at once, what is that?"

"It's seasoning Bucky..."

"What is that?" He looked at her like a lost little kid. Devora snickered sitting down her fork. "It's all those 'amazing flavors that are hitting your mouth at once' "

"Ha Ha Ha you're so funny."

"Hehehe you think so? I'd say I'm pretty hilarious."

The two laughed at her little joke. It was a comfortable silence after their chuckling. Bucky was done eating while Devora finished up.

"Do my kids hate me?"

His sudden outburst baffled her."Huh?"

"Do my kids hate me as their father?"

She wiped her mouth with a napkin, "No they love you. It's just you're not letting them enjoy their childhood. I know about the image to uphold but kids will be kids. They deserve all the love and care from you. Bucky you're going to miss them when they grow up and leave the nest."

Bucky ran his hand through his hair."When my ex-wife left, it was hard on me and I just felt like they blamed me for her leaving. I'm just doing them how my father did me. I turned out just fine-"

"Buchanan you and your children are two different people. You are their parent, not your dad so you raise them differently. They do not blame you for anything. Melanie is 2 years old and knows her alphabet all the way up to the letter L. Declan wants to be better at building things. Roman wants to be a famous basketball player to bring recognition to Romania. Sophie wants to be everything, she such a smart little girl. Bucky it's sad that I know all of that and you only know their birthday. I can only do so much until they need their dad. You can be a parent that cares but don't be so strict. Let them experience things."

Bucky looked at Devora while she talked about his children. Her eyes twinkled with affection as she relays information about them. That's what hooked him on her line, she genuinely cared about the kids. "I'm going to do better, I'm going to make sure from now on they're happy."

"Don't just shower them with gifts, do that plus actually hanging out with them when you're not busy. Make time for them okay?"

"Okay I will, I'm going to make it up to them."

Devora yawned a bit, "I'm tired so I'm going to head to be. I had a great time being down here with you." She got up from the chair, placing both their dirty dish in the sink then walked towards the door.

He got up following her."Devora."

She stopped turning around to face him. "Yes, Bucky?"

"Tomorrow can I take you to my favorite spot? It could be like a picnic."

"Okay, that sounds nice. Should I make the snacks?"

Bucky smiled."Yes please."

Devora gave him a smile back.

"Anything for you."

----------------

yall this shit took all fucking day but I hope you guys like it because went into more depth with this one!

part 3 on the way! hopefully, it will be out tomorrow.

until then

stay slutty my friends.

#bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes x black!reader #bucky x black reader #bucky x poc!reader #bucky barnes x reader fluff #bucky barns x y/n #bucky x you #bucky fanfic #bucky imagine #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky series #steve rogers

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vigilantetendencies · 3 years

Text

First Validity/Declan Part

Second Validity/Declan Part

TW; Swears and affairs.

“Why did you do it?”

Validity stopped at the end of the alleyway, surprised. No one had been chasing him only moments ago, who the hell-

“Answer me!” He turned around and found..Declan. “Why were you getting all handsy back at my apartment last week!?” He looked...adorable. Arms crossed over his baby blue hoodie, black skinny jeans decorated with white drawings, and his eyes- So expressive. He tried to hide his emotions, Validity noticed. But being a man who sought the truth he never stopped until he found it whether that be in someone's eyes, voice, body language...or by force.

Right now, even in the dim streetlight, he could see desperation and hope. He could take a guess; What if Validity was screwing with him to get to Jumper. What if it all was an act, what if Declan was still alone?

“Hello? Why!?” Declan stomped a few steps closer.

“Why what?” Validity answered back, trying to be annoying. “Why am I stealing an art piece from the museum?”

Declan groaned at the diversion.

“No, I don’t care about that. You’re a villain, you do villain things, I meant-”

“Yeah, kid, I know. Damn, you’re so uptight.” Validity had a cylinder in his hand- Likely a protective case for a rolled up painting. He set it down on a broken crate, striding up to Declan. “You know-” He grabbed his chin, almost chuckling when Declan shut his eyes to avoid any tricks. “I know a few ways to get you to unwind. Don’t think the city’s number one hero would like them very much, though.” Declan opened his eyes in surprise, face flushing.

“What- No, that doesn’t answer my question! Why did you-”

“Hey.” Validity smirked as he caught Declan’s gaze. “Let me ask a question quick. Does Jumper know you’re here?” Declan was pissed, unable to break the trance.

“No.”

“Mm. Did you purposely not tell him you were coming to find me?” His hand slid from Declan’s chin down his neck, resting on his shoulder.

“Yes.” The answer was strained.

“You’re getting daring, Declan. This wouldn’t look good for you if your boyfriend found out.” Validity broke the trance, Declan swallowing hard but not moving away as Validity’s hand wound up on his waist. It was embarrassing how hot Declan got at the small amount of touching.

“I- I just didn’t want him following me. And I’m not that easily distracted, tell me the real reason you were screwing with me last week.”

“Because pinning you to the sofa and fucking you senseless the first time I met you seems a little dubious.” Declan’s mouth was open, no words coming out of it while he floundered for a response. “Once you said that Jumper was gone I had no reason to bother you. I felt bad, though, you looked like hell. I always knew Jumper was on a constant ego trip, I just hadn’t known that he had an adorable little boyfriend he was neglecting because of it.”

Declan’s voice cracked as he spoke again.

“There’s a lot to unpack there-”

“And then you sit there, practically begging for someone to just come along and give you affection-” Validity’s other hand was on his hip- “to adore you-” He pulled him flush against his body. "To make love to you until you fall apart at the seams." At some point Declan's hands wound up pressed against Validity's chest, entire body shaking, not moving away even as Validity's hand tangled into his hair, their lips brushing. "And I want to be the one to do it. Would you like that?"

Declan nodded.

"Say it."

"Yes," Declan responded breathlessly. "I- I would like that."

"Good boy," Validity purred, feeling Declan's knees go weak at the praise, but he didn't finish closing the distance yet. "You understand that this is your last chance to fix things with the golden boy?"

"I don't want to fix things," Declan answered honestly, and that was enough for Validity to throw Declan over his shoulder, grabbing the cylinder off of the crate before it was almost as if they had never been in the alley at all.

#hero #villain #oc #original character #writing #hero x villain #character #superhero #supervillain #villain x hero #villain x civilian #affair #cheating #my writing

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curiousconch · 3 years

Text

Fight or Flight

Chapter 13 of Ricochet (An Open Heart AU)

Catch up here: Series Masterlist

Chapter Synopsis: Bryce and Heather both need to make major decisions as they face the final revelation about what truly transpired during Heather's kidnapping.

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x MC (Dr. Heather Song) ft. PLATONIC Ethan Ramsey

Words: 3.5k+ | Genre: Crime, Suspense/Thriller, Romance

Rating/Warnings: Mature (16+) / language, hints of violence

Author's Notes: So this took too long to write, and frankly, I'm still reeling with it. I have long planned the conclusion of this series but I am still shocked with how I came up with this final twist. I do hope you forgive me for sitting on this for far too long. Life wasn't making it easier.

Also, disclaimer: Majority of the characters are owned by Pixelberry, except the main character Heather Song.

"You can't go back to the case, Lahela."

Bryce pounded his fists on his oak desk in frustration. He just came out of a meeting from Chief Tanaka, requesting for him to be assigned back on the Farrugia case.

Victim - prosecutor relations. Possible disbarrment. Termination. To sum it all up, his career will be in jeopardy.

These are the looming threats over Bryce's head if he didn't back off the case. Not that he had much choice. Now that his and Heather's faces were plastered across every Boston online article from the gala.

He couldn't help but to think that someone planned to stop his involvement in the case. Probably because that person knows he's doomed once Bryce works his way to untangle the web of conspiracies that transpired.

Resolved, the ADA swears to himself to get to the bottom of it before he lets this go. Sitting down, his mind ventures to Heather, wishing that her day back to Edenbrook was going much smoother than his was.

***

Unfortunately, before noon, Heather found herself in a supply closet.

It was proving more difficult to go back to normalcy after everything that has happened. Patients recognize her from the news coverage. Doctors, nurses, even half the staff was treating her like something fragile. Even the usually grumpy attending that was her boss wasn't trying to get on her toes today.

For Heather, it was incredibly disorienting.

But the probable reason behind how everyone was acting weird around her was that early morning incident.

While taking on an emergency case, she froze up. The last time she did was during her intern year. And that was for an entirely different reason. This time, her head blanked out because she thought she saw Ed Farrugia in that gurney. The slithering snake of a man he was. She couldn't move her fingers, nor speak because of the mixed emotions of her imagined vision.

Edenbrook was where it all began.

Luckily, Dr. Naveen was around to sub for her.

And thus began her slow downturn, reaching the tipping point in this condemned supply closet.

Eyes closed and breathing slowly, Heather struggled to free herself from the suffocation she was feeling. She loved Edenbrook, she loved working here. But now, why does she only feel dread the first day she again set foot on it?

Beep beep.

The sound of her pager momentarily freed her from her prodding mind. It was Ethan. He wanted to see her at Chief Banerji's office. Sighing deeply, she fixed herself and got out of the closet, wondering what this meeting might be about.

An elevator trip and a couple of minutes later, she knocked on Naveen's door and let herself in. Ethan Ramsey was already inside.

"You asked for me?" Heather said, closing the door behind her.

Her mentor and grand-mentor exchanged looks of concern before straightening up.

"Grand-protégé, have a seat," Chief Naveen gestured towards the comfortable chairs in front of her desk, where Ethan already took a seat on one.

She obliged, taking the seat opposite her boss. Dr. Ramsey didn't take long to speak right after.

"We know you've been through a lot recently Dr. Song and we-"

"Please don't put this delicately, Ethan. I can't get anymore fragile," Heather spoke up, demanding for both doctors to tell it to her straight.

"Of course, Heather." Ethan coughed, before sitting up in a more commanding posture.

"Johns Hopkins have offered a long-term position to the Cancer research partnership we have with them," Naveen said. "We both think it's in the best interest of you and Edenbrook to take the opportunity, given that it's your target specialization and -"

"It's not in Boston." Heather finished the sentence for him.

"Yes," Ethan nodded. "We don't want your career to be overshadowed by what has been going on. You have a lot of potential, and this would make you a forerunner in the advancement of cancer research."

"It's frankly what you can call it, hitting two birds with one stone," the eldest of the doctors added.

"How long will it be?" Heather asked, weighing it all in.

"A year, a year and a half, at least." Ethan replied.

"And what of my position in the diagnostics team?"

"You'll stay on to consult remotely, but your responsibilities will be diminished given that we want you to spend more time on the cancer research."

Heather swallowed hard. They're putting me into self-imposed exile.

Sensing her hesitation, Ethan reached out to her and patted her arm.

"We only want what we think is best for you Heather, so please at least give this some thought."

She met her mentors' gaze and nodded at them, before rising to stand up.

"I will think about it," she said, leaving the office.

***

Pulling all the strings he had left, Bryce Lahela stepped foot into the mansion of Massachusetts' prolific senator. Isolated by house arrest, thinking about Ed Farrugia made the young ADA's skin crawl.

As he walked the carpeted floors into a receiving room, he couldn't help but notice the select macabre portraits that showed war scenes hanging on the stuffy walls. Says alot about its owner, that's for sure.

The double doors he entered in opened, and a tall imposing figure in unflattering maroon satin robes came in. He looked a bit older, yet, somehow, more formidable.

"Ah, ADA Lahela. I see you are not backing down?"

Bryce almost snorted at his arrogance, immediately sensing the pretend machismo in his foe's tone.

"We'll see about that, Senator," the prosecutor replied politely. Didn't want to cross the point of no return before I had the answers I wanted.

"So, what does the young and promising prosecutor want from a disgraced politician today?" Ed sat down on one of the most pretentious armchairs Bryce has ever seen in his life.

"The truth," Bryce smiled cheekily, standing opposite the other man, matching his bravado.

The senator's response was to lean back on the too comfortable chair, crossing his legs.

"Well ADA Lahela, are you certain you are ready for the truth? It may get closer to home, more than you will ever think," Farrugia replied, a sinister grin masking his features which suddenly made Bryce feel queasy.

I don't like where this is going. He thought to himself, staying quiet.

"I thought so," Ed Farrugia nodded, watching the lawyer's stoic facade slowly crumble. "But to hell with it, it's just going to be fun to watch how you had a hand on all of what happened to your precious Doctor Song."

The former senator snapped, and in came a butler that carried a tray. In the tray was a white envelope, and a tumbler of what Bryce smelled as scotch. The politico grabbed the glass and sipped the rich liquid, neither offering Bryce any nor pouring him another glass. Instead, he reached for the white envelope and raised it to Bryce's level.

"Recognize the handwriting, young man?" Ed Farrugia was now sneering at him, expectant.

As Bryce's sight slowly trailed the cursive handwriting, he sensed the familiarity of the strokes. Ed Farrugia's name was written, but there was something about the way it was written.

When his eyes fell on the top left side, he recognized the insignia almost immediately, the hairs at the back of his neck standing up.

There it was, the name he tried to get away from since his adolescent life. Lahela. The logo of his parents' godforsaken company that duped so many families.

Bryce can only freeze in place, as the horror of the realization that his parents somehow had a hand in all of the things that happened to Heather slowly dawned on him.

"Heather Song was the doctor that saved my ass, ADA Lahela, so of course I didn't have the motive to hurt her, you know. She prevented my assassination, and I'm not an ungrateful hypocrite," Ed Farrugia began to explain. "But Heather knows this... I am not to shy away from people who can give what I want, what I need, you understand of course? You're a smart young man."

"So in exchange of a generous donation to my campaign, I am to concoct a plan that will mutually be beneficial to me and my donors," Farrugia continued. "My donors wish to teach you a lesson, make sure that you do not forget where you came from, remind you that no matter where you go, once a Lahela, always a Lahela."

"That's why we went with a warning first, remember? Get out of Boston, or else," the senator shook his head. "Your parents didn't think she'd be a good influence to you. Frankly, an orphan with an absentee father? She'd set you up for failure. At least that was what your parents thought."

"And of course, I wanted to gain something more with it, might as well do the work right? I had my kidnapping staged, that dashcam footage you received? That's from me so that you can arrive at the scene before I get killed by that amateur wannabe Jordan. What's in it for me was public sympathy - as the survivor of a second assassination attempt. Public sympathy equals votes. As simple as that."

Ed stood then, and padded his way to the nearest open window, before looking back at Bryce.

"I used my own enemy, the Travis Brothers, to deflect suspicion, of course. I also a used a middle man, someone who already wants payback from Dr. Song, someone with motive... So Declan Nash worked for me, in exchange of leniency in his role on Panacea's medicare fraud." He smirked, satisfied with the grandiose of his plan. "My only mistake was that I underestimated that ungrateful piece of crap though. Who would have thought he had the brains to record me?" his fist connected on the windowsill, startling Bryce.

"So you see, young man, everything that happened, is on you. No one is to be blamed more than you. All because of your ambition to become something you are not. Something you will never be, be apart from your family name."

Stunned into silence, Bryce can only gape at the senator. The turmoil within though, was unparalleled.

The anger that was boiling in him in the revelation that all this time, his parents was the cause of so much misery. Bryce's heart was so quenched of the discovery that he hasn't completely escaped them, nor their relentless hunger for taking control of his life.

His fists clenched, wanting nothing but to smash every single thing in that wretched room. He didn't care anymore.

What right do they have after putting him in so much pain? What do they even want to achieve? Do they want to make him crawl back to them as if nothing happened? Do they want the same pretentious respect that so many others had just for their mercy?

How does he even begin to explain all of this to Heather? That everything that went downhill for her was because of the person she loved? How can she accept him now? How can she love him now?

And as if on queue, Bryce's phone began to ring. When he saw the caller ID, he almost dropped it.

It rang once again. And he knew he had to take it.

"Bryce? Can we meet?" The voice from the other line was firm, but fragile.

He tried to level his voice, not wanting to have her worried. At least not now.

"Sure, babe. Where do you want to go?" Bryce replied, walking out of the mansion that was sucking the life out of him.

"In that cafe, where I bought you coffee that first day we met. Do you remember where?"

Bryce sensed the urgency in Heather's voice. Has she found out? He hoped not.

"Okay, what time?"

"I was hoping now. If you're done working, that is."

He was done. No reason to delay the inevitable.

"Okay, I'll drive there now. I'll see you."

With a heart heavier than it has ever been in his entire life, he drove down to where it all began, praying so much that it wouldn't be a trip to full circle.

***

Heather nervously sat by the glass wall of the Cafe, in a quiet corner. She already ordered two caramel macchiatos, the same drinks she and Bryce had the first day they met.

She rehearsed what she was about to say in her head, hoping that repetition will make it less taunting. Once she sensed Bryce, she waved him to the table and stood up.

He instantly saw her, and the load he was bearing suddenly become a little lighter. But the guilt was still there. The guilt of being the person to have caused much misery in her life.

But years of practice of showing everyone else the facade of his unbreakable confidence helped him hide what he was truly feeling at the moment, and instead smiled at her.

Her beaming return smile proved to be almost too much.

He reached out to her and intertwined his fingers with hers, almost nudging the cup of coffee in front of him.

"Hey, you remembered," Bryce was touched.

"Of course, it's probably the only thing you ordered during those meetings." Heather chuckled, brushing his cheek with her knuckles.

Her chuckle was lackluster, not her usual one full of wit.

"What's going on, Heath? It can't be that you just missed me," Bryce asked, straight to the point, hoping to dodge her intuitive powers of observation.

She sensed the edge in his voice, making her eyebrow quirk. Heather discerned it was best to ask him first.

"No, Bryce. What's up?"

For the second time that day, Bryce was stunned into silence. Heather's sharp perception of him was unimaginably accurate. And he knew he'd explode if he didn't tell her.

So he did.

From the denial and threats of Chief Tanaka, to his prodding, which led him to the heavy weight of the truth of Senator Ed Farrugia's admission. He didn't spare any detail.

Heather listened intently, trying to comprehend exactly what he was saying. She saw the guilt in Bryce's eyes when he told her that his parents set the wheels in motion, apparently for some sick and twisted lesson he needed to learn, like he was still under their supervision, under their control.

The more she heard, the more overwhelmed she got. But she didn't let go of the grip she had on Bryce's hands, reassuring him that she's there to not judge, but only hear out what he learned of the unnerving truth. And to acknowledge the strength of Bryce's character to not hold out the truth to her.

That was what she loved about Bryce. He was never one to back down from the truth, when it mattered. At least that's the case with her.

She has spent half the day pondering about her own decision. She took Bryce's position into account but she didn't expect this other factor to come into play.

If she stayed in Boston, she'd stay with him. And he won't be able to help her case. She knew Bryce, and he'll be unnerved not to be able to personally oversee it. And with this new discovery, he'd want to all the more take this case. This was personal. And Bryce wasn't one to back down against it. She's going to hold her back.

If she left... Well, Bryce would be able to take on the case.

Either way, she'll lose him. And the mere thought of it pained Heather to the core.

Bryce noticed Heather's lack of reply, the contemplative look in her face made him sense something was about to go south.

"What if there's a way, Bryce?" Heather finally spoke. "What if there's a chance for you to fight all this? Would you take it?"

"Heath, I don't think I want to know where this is heading..." Bryce stared at her, confused.

"Answer me first, Lahela. If I give you an out where all those hurdles goes out of your way, will you go through with it?" The intensity with which her eyes bore into his was unparalleled, yet rendering him clueless.

It took him a few moments before answering. Everytime he asked himself the same question, the answer was never different.

"Yes, Heath. I'll fight this to make sure those bastards can do you no more harm." his answer was firm, but as to her way, he still had reservations.

She nodded, her heart screaming not to do this. But she had to do it, else, everything her and Bryce will have between them will be diminished to nothing but resentment and guilt. With him claiming responsibility for his own parents' actions, yet unable to do anything about it. And Heather resentment, because she can't guarantee that a day won't come that she'll blame him.

They can't be together. Not until this is all resolved, not until they can leave everything behind.

Laying it down the line, Heather had to choose. She had to choose for both of them, even if it will surely hurt them both.

"Do you trust me, Bryce? Do you trust us?" Heather was firmly holding his hands, determined.

He nodded, despite himself. He feared what she was about to say, so he held his breath.

"So be it, Bryce. I'll give you an out. I'll give you what I think you need now,"

Bryce was afraid to ask the next question in his mind, but he did anyway, fuelled by Heather’s fire.

"What's the cost, Heath?"

"I'm leaving for Baltimore, Bryce," she said quietly, biting her lower lip, clearly putting in an effort to hold back tears. "I hope two years is enough for you to fight everything alone, because you'll have to. We both have to fight this separately, it seems."

Bryce's blood ran cold. No, no, no, no fucking way.

Seeing the panic in his eyes, Heather soothed him by brushing her fingertips on the back of his hand, sadness beginning to creep into her expression.

"It's the only way, Bryce, it's the only way..." she repeated, as if to convince herself rather than him.

"No, Heather, I can't lose you, not this time, not ever." Bryce's voice was pleading with her, yet he knew, deep down, that she was right. That this seemed to be the only way to fight all the remaining battles of their lives.

"If we concede now, Bryce, it would only break us. If we avoid this now, it will eventually haunt us and we'll succumb to it. We'll just end up hurting each other." She struggled to reassure him, but she pressed on.

"This way, we're not bowing down. We stand more of a chance to overcome this if you'll fight this. If, we will fight this." She rose from her seat to take the chair beside him. She wrapped her arm around his shoulders, comforting him. "We're merely carving our own way around it. It's not going to be easy, but I know we'll overcome... Because you're one hell of a prosecutor, Lahela. You're the best and you know it."

"How come you're the one who's so brave about this?" Bryce stared back at her, tears brimming in the corner of his eyes, aware that this may be their end.

"Because I believe so much in you, Bryce. Because you can do so much for this world more than how your parents defined you. You are your own person, and nothing can ever take that away from you," she paused, brushing the hair away from the beautiful amber eyes that gazed down at her. "Most importantly, because I love you so, so much. And what I can give you now, the love I have now in me, is less than what you deserve. I want to heal, for myself Bryce. I want to be whole again, so that I can give my 100%. When all of this is over, I'll come find you, that's a promise."

Bryce couldn't help himself anymore and pressed his lips against hers with fervent passion, knowing that this will be the last time in a long time before he can find her in his arms like this. Agreeing to this course of action, they bid their goodbyes, never as uncertain as they were about the decision they just made.

In less than a week, Heather left for Johns Hopkins, bidding goodbye to everyone except Bryce. Hoping the moment she stepped inside the plane, life would give her this chance to start over, to completely heal, to become whole again. Because Bryce Lahela deserved more than the fraction of what she could give. He deserved everything of her, no inhibitions, no limits, no holding back.

Bryce watched her go from a distance. He watched her plane took off from the ground, all the while concocting a plan to defeat the shadows of his past lurking around so that he could be with her again. Freely, completely and irreversibly.

That day, two open hearts chose to fight. Fight for the things that hung over their head so that it was no more. But in their decision to fight, they lost the comfort of each other. They embarked on their separate paths with the promise of meeting again one day.

The path to the summit was often lonely. It is in their hopes however, that the moment they reach the end of this hard path they were in, they would no longer be alone anymore.

More than their willingness to overcome another hurdle in their way was their certainty to trust in each other, in the strength of their love for one another. In their endurance. In their hope.

For them, that was more than enough. It has to be enough.

Author's Notes 2: If you're reading this, I want to thank you so much for taking time to read this series. There's an epilogue in the final edits and I promise to tie the loose ends of this final chapter! Please do share your thoughts in the comments, I would really appreciate it!

Tags: @eleanorbloom @ejustlurkshere @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

#open heart #bryce lahela #open heart 2 #choices #choices fanfiction #open heart fanfiction #bryce lahela x mc #pixelberry #fics of the week #choices fic writers creations #play choices #open heart au

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mo-mo-and-porkchop · 5 years

Text

Freedom is a state of mind

Vikings Fan Fiction

Chapter 7 (Chapter 6 here)

*I do not own any part of the Canon Vikings characters. It is simply my interpretation. I make no profit off of this.

**I do own the original characters and everything associated with them.

((This is my first attempt at this. Hope you enjoy. A special thanks to @ragnarsscn for help with the inspiration for this work.))

Tagging for updates: @whenimaunicorn , @captstefanbrandt , @kenzieam , @mblaqgi , @wish-i-was-a-mermaid , @microsmacrosandneedles , @babeyouareenough

He pushed the extra bowl of food her way and went back to his own food. He wasn't naive to the amount of sustenance thralls were allowed to enjoy and she would be no good to him if she starved to death before their first lesson.

Her cheeks warmed to a soft, rosy flush and she hesitated slightly before pulling the bowl the rest of the way toward her.

She didn't mind the kindness. In fact she welcomed it to his usual irritability. It just felt a little odd being treated so nicely by him. Until now Ivar hardly paid her any attention, and it admittedly unnerved her, but her stomach hadn't been full since her capture and the stew smelled delicious.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

Ivar paused, his spoon idly stirring the contents of his bowl. He was unfamiliar with the gratitude, but it felt good. He smirked to himself and savored the feeling a moment longer.

"Now," he said returning his behavior to normal. "Tell me what you know already."

-------

As she lay in bed that night, the day's events ran through her mind. Everything had been so...unexpected. Ehrlana knew Ivar must have an ulterior motive for his sudden interest in her, but nothing he had done pointed to a reason. She was nothing than a slave. No one to him. He'd made that point clear to her more than once.

So why was she now?

Her mind raced as she tried to figure out his game; coming up empty each time.

"....meet me," a voice drifted to her ears.

"Hmm?" she asked as she sat up, a small shiver running up her spine as she was brought back to reality.

"You did not meet me," he restated.

"I'm sorry," she apologized when she saw it had been Declan who'd interrupted her thoughts. After Ivar's request her mind had been in a fog the rest of the day. She had complete forgotten the two shared plans.

"It has been an odd day," she admitted freely.

"What happened?" he asked concerned.

She looked at him sympathetically. Telling him was going to difficult. The two had grown close since her arrival; a welcome side effect to their enslavement. He would be devastated and she could see no way around hurting him.

"I do not need your help anymore," she said with a sorrowful sigh. "At least not with their tongue."

"What?" Declan replied quietly. He did his best to hide the sudden surge of fear coursing through him. "What do you mean you do not need me?"

"Ivar has taken notice of my new ability to speak and has decided he is better suited to be my teacher," she explained, still not yet over her own surprise.

"What?! What do you mean Ivar wants to teach you?! You are a slave!" he exclaimed defensively before he could stop himself.

He rose and began to pace the floor; his mind already assuming the unknown details. It was evident his argument was with Ivar, not Ehrlana. And even though his misguided words showed he cared for her, she was still offended that he believed no one other than Declan would see her worth here.

"Only here am I just a slave," she reminded him firmly.

"You are right," he replied realizing his misstep. "But you can not trust him. Ivar never does anything out of kindness. He always has a reason," he continued much more calmly, though she could hear the pleading in his voice.

"I am not a fool. Save for you I trust no one here," she replied. His relief was obvious.

"Then why has he decided he is better suited to teach you than me?" he asked defeated.

Declan had been doing his best to hide his hurt, but his last remark couldn't contain it. At the very least it felt good to have someone other than her brothers become attached to her. Ehrlana managed a small smirk, enjoying the moment before her caught sight of it.

"I don't know," she answered honestly. "But he owns me..."

"Only because you allow it," Declan cut in.

"He owns me and I can not deny him. Doing so will only anger him and nothing good will come of it."

He hated to admit it, but she was right. He knew if Ivar gave her an order, as a slave, she was expected to follow it. No matter how opposed to it she was. This was not home and she was afforded no protection from the young prince's wrath should she disobey. The only way around it was to reveal her true identity and that would only lead to worse; for both Ehrlana and the people she worked to protect.

Declan looked to her, full of worry - his eyes still silently pleading for her to reconsider. "I will be fine," she tried to reassure him.

He risked reaching out and gently held her cheek, his thumb caressing the scar just beneath her eye. The scar she still vehemently denied had been given to her purposefully. "How can you be so sure?" he asked, his implications understood.

She thought back to the day's events and the way Ivar had been with her upon realizing her growing fluency. How he hadn't immediately lashed out or grew angry. How he had actually shown some form of kindness sharing his meal with her. This was not the Ivar she or anyone had grown to know, but oddly she wished for more. Her curiosity was winning out on this.

Gently removing his hand and holding it she gave him a soft smile. "I just am." Her brow furrowed in slight surprise at her steadfast belief that no harm was going to befall her during her time with Ivar. "You must trust me," she said with a squeeze of his hand. "Should anything happen or my beliefs change, you will be the first to know," she continued in offerance when she saw he was still undecided about things.

"The absolute first," he agreed, returning the squeeze.

"I swear it. And do not worry," she added, letting go of his hand and laying back down on her bed. "Spending my time with Ivar does not mean I will abandon you. You are my only friend and not even Ivar the Boneless can take that away."

He tried to share in her resolution, but he couldn't help but feel this was it for them. Even though she was no one's wife and had no intimate ties to Ivar, the young prince was not accustomed to sharing. He'd killed another when he was young over play and rumor had it he had attempted to kill Margrethe when their shared evening didn't go as planned. No matter how sure she was of her safety Declan would continue to keep an eye out. There was no telling what would come of this unexpected alliance.

---------

Sleep had done little to calm her nerves and she rose just before the sun. Ehrlana was a mix of emotion as she made her way to the great hall. Her feet were heavy with doubt, trying their best to stop her from moving. Her skin crawled with chills as the spring breeze blew across her, forcing her to hug herself for warmth. Her heart raced with excitement the closer she got. Her mind raced with the possible meaning behind his sudden interest, but she soon brought herself back to reality when her steps finally made it to her destination.

The hall was largely empty; slaves always the first to arrive. The smell of food drifted through the air and slowly the King's family emerged from their slumber. They shuffled to the main table. First Ubbe. Then Sigurd. The Queen trailed behind the two, followed by Hvitserk - the least awake of the three.

She wondered if any of then knew of her arrangement with Ivar.

Before she could speculate further a sleepy voice broke through the silence. "Ivar is enn að sofa," Hvitserk said yawning widely and stretching. He hugged himself against the cool morning air blowing through the hall. "You ættir að vekja him áður he missir dagbók. He is miklu angrier if he borðar eat," he chuckled halfheartedly as one more yawn escaped him.

Ehrlana smiled in return, still only understanding some of his words. He laughed slightly and returned the smile, catching her confusion.

"Ivar..." He rested his hands against his face and closed his eyes momentarily. "You," he said pointing at her. "Go..." he added mimicking walking with his fingers. He mocked sleep again before opening his eyes as if being woken.

Ehrlana let the sma laugh fall freely from her. "I will go to Ivar and...." she replied before copying his sign for awake.

Hvitserk watched her leave, leaning against the doorway and thinking this girl was too good for Ivar; even as a slave. He pushed off the wall and joined the rest of his family for breakfast.

-----

She quietly crossed the room toward Ivar's sleeping body. She watched as his chest fell in steady breaths. He wasn't full of rage. His defenses were down. Ivar was completely oblivious to the world around him. He was so at peace and in that moment Ehrlana saw what no one else had - the human within the beast.

Kneeling by his bedside she held her hand just above his face a moment, momentarily debating herself over waking him or letting him sleep. "Ivar," she began quietly, her fingers still hovering above him.

No response.

Her heart began to beat faster as she readied herself to try and more. "Ivar," she gently cooed, gently grazing his cheek.

A soft groan fell from him as he shifted in his sleep. She snapped her hand away, fearful of his reaction should he actually wake. Fortunately he fell silent once more.

-------

The air was cool against his face. Waves crashed softly in the distance. Tress rustled. People slowly roamed through town as the day began From his perch he could see all of Kattegat. He shut his eyes, inhaled deeply, and savored his contentment.

This was his Kingdom.

The laughter of children drifted to his ears and a hand slid over his shoulder gently. The touch sent chills through his spine. He wrapped his fingers around it and gently moved it further across his chest. He hugged her hand against hisself and enjoyed the calm washing over him. Even though it was a stranger's hand he held, she felt familiar.

Her lips grazed his ear as she whispered his name. "Ivar," her voice cooed, fading just as quickly with the wind.

He hmm'd in reply, but was met with nothing more than a repetition of his name. Two small bodies, a boy and girl, ran past in a blur calling for him to follow. As he moved the woman from round him everything melted around them.

He was now in a hall. Much smaller than his, but ornate just the same. The smell of fire and earth tinged his nostrils. A long table sat in the center of the room. People surrounded the far end, eating, unaware of Ivar's presence. Their faces all a blur and indistinguishable.

Still holding onto the mystery woman he slowly moved her to face him. Her raven hair flowed weightlessly as if underwater, covering her face.

"Who are you?" he asked. "What is this place?"

His name her only reply. When he let go to reveal her identity whe began drifting further away. Desperately he tried to grab hold of her once more, but failed, dropping to the ground once again immobile - his braces and crutch vanished.

"Stop!" he shouted as fear crawled through his veins. Further away she drifted. "Come back!"

Darkness crept in around him, swallowing everything in its path. He crawled furiously forward and gave one last panicked grab for the woman. Victoriously he felt the fabric of her dress between his fingers. With a triumphant grin he held tighter and yanked her back.

Immediately he dropped the clothing and scurried backward. The seer rushed forward and grabbed hold of Ivar's shirt. His face was mangled. Blood poured from his eyes. Ivar fiercely tried to escape the seer's grasp unsuccessfully. "Let! Me! Go!"

Nothing more than a gargle escaped him as he tried to speak.

A wave of hot air rushed past. The seer rose from the ground where they struggled, lifting Ivar until his feet dangled above the floor. He floated toward the nearby fire. A low growl began to eminate from his chest.

"What do you want?!" Ivar asked, the fear evident in his voice.

"Wake up!" he bellowed just before tossing Ivar into the nearby fire.

-----

"Ivar, wake up," Ehrlana tried once more.

He shot up, grabbing her wrist tightly and pushing her aside. Fear spiked in her veins. "I am sorry," she stammered. "Food is ready. Hvitserk..."

He glared over at her, his heart still pounding from the dream. "So you hlusta to Hvisterk now?" he grumbled sarcastically.

"I am sorry," she repeated avoiding his gaze.

His anger was slowly fading taking his fear along with it. The calm still lingered enough to keep him civil enough to wave off her apology.

"Hvað veistu samt? Þú ert bara heimskur þræll," he mumbled to himself. "Do not láta it gerast aftur."

She let her eyes find his with his last statement. He knew she did not understand his warning. He slid to the edge of the bed and motioned for her to help him dress.

He hung his head still reeling from the dream. Ivar found no rhyme or reason behind his dream. He'd recognized no faces. Aside from Kattegat, he'd been in unfamiliar territory. He assumed then that had been nothing more than an odd dream.

Ehrlana quietly gathered his clothing and began dressing him. Her fingers were nimble and effortless as she tied the straps around his legs, tucking the knots in between them snugly. She handed him his shirt followed by his gloves.

"Go and serve my food," he said pulling the tunic over his head. "Mid day you will hittast me rétt fyrir utan skóginn. Handan hreinsun," he continued putting one glove than the other. "Do not be late."

#ivar the boneless #ivar's heathen army #ivar lothbrok #vikings ivar #ivar x oc #vikings #fan fiction #fanfiction #fanfic #fan fic #original characters #canon characters #indie #writing #fiction

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whimsically-ominously-auspice · 4 years

Text

William/Mark was ostracized the other night

Thats why the news about the non-rapes occurred in Oklahoma news because it was regionally broadcast that it occurred in 1999 by qE2

Before a longer story; I just want to say we understand. And no one blames you nor harbors ill will towards your prior belief of understanding.

I just hope you understand the truth and you welcome him in your community as he wishes to be. I further wish you understand he's a true hero and none of this would happened without him. But if youd like to treat him as a normal person no different than you, then thats great. It is what we prefer most because we want everyone to be treated like kings and queens.

He is my true soulmate and he has had to hide that from me and all that hoopla.

I and a previously legless Abu burned down the eQ2 Okmulgee & Oklahoma buildings she owned while he was in jail over a stolen bike that he did not steal.

Jennifer Landsberry had a clone as did William.

Like he's some planet needle like grass needs to grow on.

eQ2 was not quite able to perfect chest hair back then. It was always like a porcupine. She also didn't know how to not make it grow on clones. She could get the scientists to pick out the eggs without for humans but could never do clones.

Clones come from the prostate and sperm for men and for women, where girls wetness comes from and her ovaries. That's all I'll say. Because she did some crazy after that. And that's way too much information even if no one says they're gonna do that... Its been happening since the 70s but i figured it out in 1984 and 1986 then some one listened in 1994.

So Mark William knew he had a twin But not a clone... Nor did anyone know Jen was a clone. But she was. Then a Stephanie clone kept messing me up and kept me and Mark William apart for enough time for the qE2 to realize she could do more in her plans.

The whole William clone was a mess... He would beat Jen up and she would call me and he would hit her in front of me.

And a whole lot of shit.

And since my real man was in jail and the clones would constantly lie and covet for the qE2... I was lost. And so was all of Okmulgee.

So I came out here to New Mexico. And for the last 19 years I've lived like any lost Okmulgee person. In misery and Hell. Poverty and sadness. Alone but not lonely.

So, i understand believing lies. I wrote William only when I was getting married and pregnant but not after, just 2 baby pictures. Because then i got legally married.

Once after my divorce and told him not to write me if he wanted anything more than pen pals. So he did not respond.

In the last letter i wrote him how escaping jail (with his clone that was arrested for arson) was his choice but how all the cops knew Jen did drops and how the clone had a cell phone and called Jen everyday. And so in legal belief a jury of 10 would 100% decide without discussing that he should be set free. So he should demand a better prison and early release but not parole nor probation. Just release, by the time he was 30 or 40, his choice.

Look at that baby face. He was just a little lamb when they locked him in.

So I did check about 2 years later and he did indeed make two moves and was at a low security prison in 2014.

Alexis Dejoria and William LeGrande began exchanging emails in 2016.

She and Kim Kardashian got him permanently released this summer by paying cash for his release. Which then he turned around and demanded 2x the amount from qE2 and he paid them back exactly what they paid the queen.

He had to promise not to approach me until she was dead. Because i don't approach people or talk to people in like stores unless i see they need help making a purchase or reaching something. Then i offer advise if I know the topic or my arms if i can reach.

And I certainly wouldn't approached him not being aware of clones.

I only found out he was released 6 days ago but i have seen him all in my neighborhood walking around sucking on a lollipop.

Which made me always think "one of us is a sucker but Idk which one of us" because im so used to people following me for different reasons, rapists not wanting to get caught and hiring people to intimidate me, undercover law enforcement, hired hitmen, qE2 I know now, Abus, and all kinds. So I knew he was a follow but how or why i Didn't take my time on.

I would more focus on the times I saw them. I thought that was more important than as to why.

Eventually someone would try to kill me to my face or wouldn't. And if law enforcement did their job, i wouldn't even notice.

So that's why i would count so i could find out how they bypassed security to Kill me to my face. Just in case they did get that far.

So there's a whole ton of his clones under the bunker at my Uncle's. All ready to rip people apart at any time. Of course they're good clones so they have Armageddon protection on top of the qE2 so even Fire don't bother them.

His twin always has a yoyo. And William has always carried an old old yoyo string in his pocket. Until Declan lit it on fire (to prove he was human) after doing karate moves on it. In 2008.

He was fucking lit crazy trying to get the string while JJJR held him back with Matt's help. And I thought it was hilariously funny.

So Declans sub father bought a whole yoyo for William to get the string out of. And Declan made a string ring and bracelet for him.

And he was pleased but was not happy his string was murdered and burnt. So i held his hand although he tried to take it away like i allowed his string to be and I explained "I know how that was the link to your only family" and he wanted to prove his point in loud breath "now now you've proved your point you won't even give me your hand" he slid his hand closer to me but looked away pouty "or even look at me" he slid his eyeball to the corner "now thats better." He wiggled his fingers of his hand i didn't touch "oh now you want me to hold it?!?!" He nodded so I held his fingers "I know how that wa the only link to your family" and he yanked away his hand and turned away to pout. Then sighed and reached deep into his other pocket

"I had two! One for me and one for him!"

"Oh forget it! Now my speech is ruined!"

"Uh no! Im not! Give me the other yoyo!" Said Declan "the other yoyo! I need it! So you can match don't worry about it"

"But I needed two to prove it was -- wait finish your story i bet it was magic..."

"What? Oh. Well Declan burned it for proof you're not a clone, you know after he... Killed it... And So what I was going to continue to say. Honey are you even listening?"

"Shh" he told Declan "let her finish"

"I can't. I need to see little Declans face when i finish, now that you mention it."

"No You don't! I'll be fine!!!"

"Then you'll need a tissue I'll be right back" Declan always turns so no one sees him crying. Just like I do

"Okay as i was saying. Now you have a new family. With us and with--"

His mouth dropped open and he jumped up and ran from where he moved to let Declan size the jewelry to where I stood after dropping his tissue for him on his back like a half sash like George of the Jungle

"I knew it!! I knew it!! That's what he was just saying too!! He said Annie had told him when they were in the room. He wanted to know why you were laughing and why you were happy when he did something bad thats why he made the ring for me! Why do you look so ... Do you want to finish?!? Here measure me!"

"Dec..lan!"

"Oh thank God. I needed that. Wait. I got snot"

"Why do you look so... What? Is it shock??"

"Uh huh" i sunk into the couch and began to cry droplets of tears like rain

"Honey! What's wrong?!"

"Nothing! Every thing is just perfect!!"

Declan gasped and jumped up from his squatted position and gsve me a hug and kiss on the cheek "thanks. I needed that!"

.... See i had been dealing with clones for a few years and a bunch of Declans dad's clones and twins so I was used to people looking familiar. He told me his name was Mark. So I didn't ever realize I was talking to William LeGrande.

He went by Mark because they did like CIA codes to escape. You didn't want to miss your "mark" in their Harriet Tubman land.

And he didn't sleep in my bed.

But I felt more comfortable with him than I did with anyone in my life. Only a bit more than my daughter. Tiny almost unnoticeable amount.

*Declan's soulmate was murdered by an evil clone for punishment for being independent. So Declan's independent ass told me. So I told him i would give him a soulmate because we were both similar thinkers. When he asked. So William got a free pass out and a "regrowth" which they used an injection for. And we made my kid. But inwas drugged then on Xanax so.

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curiousconch · 3 years

Text

Exit

Chapter 6 of Ricochet (An Open Heart AU)

Catch up here: Series Masterlist

Chapter Synopsis: Heather is taken hostage, but by whom? And she isn't alone. Rafael and Bryce set tries to find the missing link.

Pairing: Rafael Aveiro x MC (Dr. Heather Song) | Bryce Lahela x MC (Dr. Heather Song)

Words: 1.4k+ | Genre: Crime, Suspense/Thriller, Romance

Rating/Warnings: Mature (16+) / violence, language

Author's Notes: Thank you so much for taking time to read this series. Please let me know if you want me to include/remove you in the tags list. Also, disclaimer: Majority of the characters are owned by Pixelberry, except the main character Heather Song and an OC Jordan Anderson.

Heather was due for another week in Johns Hopkins. So even though she didn't feel up to it after last night's fiasco, she forced herself to pack her clothes from the washer and clean out her temporary room.

She snuck glances to Bryce's bedroom door, trying to muster up the courage to face him and apologize. She was drunk last night. Drunk people make the lousiest mistakes, especially when that person is an emotional wreck. Long kept secrets of the heart creep up to the surface, often loaded with regrets like ticking time bombs inevitably blowing up the next morning.

In the end, she decided not to tell him her impassioned speech about nothing good ever happens after 2am, a reference from their shared favorite sitcom. Instead, she washed and cleaned and packed, and when the time came, left without a single word. She thought it was best to leave him be, giving them both space to process what they've just revealed. They'll just deal with it after she's done with her commitments in Maryland.

So she booked a car. And with one silent goodbye, she stepped out into the empty hallways. Her steps felt heavy against the carpeted floors, feeling more and more rueful with each. She was about to turn to the elevator bay when the fire exit flew open behind her.

Before she could turn around to see, an arm grabbed her by the waist while a piece of cloth covered her mouth and nose, muffling her shouts for help. Her head began spinning almost immediately. It wasn't long before she completely blacked out.

***

When Heather came to, she only saw darkness. Her immediate reaction was to scream, only to whimper after realizing she was gagged. Panic rose within her chest, as she struggled to think straight. She tried to blink to no avail. She was living in a nightmare, and she badly wanted to wake up. So she had two choices - either be a victim or be a survivor.

She chose the latter.

With that, she began to assess her surroundings, using her limited capabilities. She could tell that her eyes were covered, and by the tingling pain in her wrists behind her, she knew she was tied up. Strangely, her ankles were free. While most of her senses were restrained, those that weren't became magnified.

Her back felt the hard floor, she banged her head against it, confirming her theory.

Concrete? Uneven. Unfinished?

She tried to stand up, her legs felt weak, almost like jelly. She tried another time, and succeeded on kneeling. She balanced herself and used her legs to stand up, one after another.

She heard the sound of plastic rustling in the wind, and the cold night air brushing against her face.

Seems like I'm somewhere cold. Is that wind coming from large windows?

All of a sudden, she heard voices. The sounds were inaudible, but she observed intense shifts in the faint conversation.

Two voices, another room? Are they arguing?

She tried to direct herself towards the voices, taking caution not to make a noise. The volume gradually increased, aiding her to understand the conversation clearly enough.

"You're one hour late and you didn't bring enough."

"Such a whiney brat. Did you get that from juvy?"

"It's a mystery why someone haven't punched you and your perfect teeth."

"Some guy already did. But you? I bet ten grand you wouldn't. You're just a piece of shit without my funding."

"Right, without your pockets lined with cash, what are you?"

"Uh, free man with lots of connections?"

The words didn't make sense to her, but the voices that threw them around sounded familiar. She strained to get closer, trying to think who they could possibly be. Before she could hear more, she stumbled, her body making a noisy thud as it quickly planted on the ground. She felt something hard scrape against her cheek, a warm liquid trickled after, then pain.

Blood.

She shifted her head sideways, her legs dangling over something she couldn't quite figure out from the thick fabric of her jeans. Then it moved.

She gasped and retrieved her legs, her mind racing.

Who is it? Bryce? Rafael?

Her anxiety rose as she struggled with the mere possibility that she wasn't the only one kidnapped. The danger of the situation suddenly becoming more grave.

Then the body elicited a groan, a sound similar with her failed attempt to scream earlier. She heard it grumble once more, and then again. It was in the third time that Heather finally figured out who the voice might belong to.

Senator Ed Farrugia's.

Like a bucket of ice, a bone-chilling realization came to her. If they went all this way to hostage the senator, what's gonna stop them from killing her?

Her panicked thoughts were invaded by the sound of steps approaching. In an instant, she felt that she was shoved upright in a sitting position. The same person grabbed her by the collar and dragged her body back to where she came from, making her bare feet blister and bleed against the rough surface. Her face touched edges of plastic as her body followed the steps of her attacker. She tried to swallow her screams in an attempt to preserve energy, but the hairs at the back of her neck gave her fear away. She was then banged against a wall, followed by silence.

A set of steps receded, probably of the person who just dragged her back to her original place. This was quickly replaced by another set of steps, producing a distinct tapping. Different shoes, different person. First one seems like running shoes, this one sounds like leather.

Without warning, her hair was pulled backwards, making her wail beneath the cloth in her mouth. She smelled the scent of cigarettes.

"You just won't go down without a fight, eh? Well good for you, doctor. This will be all the more enjoyable."

Finally giving in on her fears, she shivered. She knew that voice anywhere. It was a sound so despicable that she hated it ever since the first time she heard it. The one man who mocked her, brought her down since her intern year. Arrogant, ambitious and immoral. All the curse words in the world couldn't describe this person. It belonged to a man she never wanted to see, hear, nor be in the presence of ever.

It was the greatest scumbag of all time.

Declan Nash.

***

Rafael was in full blown recon mode for Senator Farrugia's disappearance when he learned that Heather was also missing. Elijah called in to check if she has contacted him for the last 12 hours, he wished she did, but he told him no. When he got off the phone, the conference room he was in suddenly felt crowded.

"Dr. Song is apparently missing too," he reported to the rest of the team working on the Farrugia case. "Let's find where and when she was last seen, and start from there. I have a hunch she's going to lead us to the senator." He called IT to extract Heather's phone logs and location pings before he stepped out for a moment to process this new information. He found himself slumping in the fire exit stairwell, feeling an urge to punch the wall.

When he was about to act on it, his phone rang. It was ADA Lahela.

"Have you heard?"

"Yes, I just got off the phone with Elijah."

"And Senator Ed?"

"Yes, we're trying to find leads for the past 3 hours since we were notified."

"Okay, have you checked her phone records?"

"IT is working on it now."

"Okay. She supposedly left the condo around 4am this morning. I heard her leave. That might be a good starting point."

Rafael made a mental note.

"I'm going to meet Perry. He's in the front and center of this thing. I'll let you know as soon as I come up with anything." Raf heard Bryce say, after which the line ended.

He felt like an idiot, a sinking feeling of regret drawing him in. But he couldn't wallow in it now. Not until they find her.

There's time for that later. Right now, Heather needs me.

Fired up with resolve, he went out of the desolate stairwell and worked. He immediately followed up on Heather’s phone logs and available electronic records. He also called up field agents to go down at Bryce's complex for a copy of CCTV footage for the past 24 hours.

Once the instructions were handed over, he focused on Travis Perry. He helped himself to a cup of black coffee, willing his mind to stay sharp. He pored over Perry's file, searching for anything they may have missed.

He sighed, pushing back his emotions to the back of his mind. It's quickly becoming one of the longest nights of his life.

Author’s Notes 2: When I wrote this, I thought of merging this with the next. I just felt that they're best read together. So instead of combining the two, I've decided to publish both chapters simultaneously. Both is packed, I know, even I got dizzy writing it. But I hope you'll enjoy the roller coaster ride as much as I did. Appreciate it if you could share your thoughts!

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