25 Possible Marriages

[jubaleecruze]

Emery sighed softly as she listened to Damon. She hurt for him and her daughters. If anything Emery was glad her second youngest wasn’t dating the idiot of a boyfriend. Where she would have chosen a different route of seeing the separated, she knew he was simply going to be an ass in the end. When Damon say on the bed, Emery followed suit and placed one hand on his back, rubbing in circular motions to comfort him. His comment about their oldest made her chuckle.

“If S is yelling at anyone, it’s me, Damon. You know she only sees reason when you bring it up.” Emery’s voice was confident in her statement, but compassionate towards how he was feeling.

Seeing he was still distraught, Emery took her other arm and brought him into a comforting embrace. She tried to reassure him that everything would be okay.

Blake wasn’t really sure what to do, he suddenly felt like this wasn’t a conversation he should be overhearing. At the same time though, no one told him to leave. He watched in silence as the sisters talked and one comforted.

Sway’s heart broke hearing what her sister had to go through for a second time. There was nothing she could say to make it better. All she felt was anger and wanted to bash the guys head in for doing that to. Sway looked into her eyes for a split second, seeing the hurt in them and just wrapped her into her arms again. She was about to say something when a deeper, chipped voice stepped in for her.

“Yeah, most guys are dicks like that. But if you look hard enough, you’ll find one whose a diamond.”

Blake sighed softly and then looked to Sway and then next to Vika. He pushed himself from th e walk and put one hand out to her, the other in his pocket. “Come on, let me take you somewhere.”

The young man could see the glare on the eldest sisters face, and he smiled softly and nodded, trying to reassure her that Vika would be safe with him. Reluctantly, she let her sister leave her arms and take his hand. Blake could tell neither one was very confident in his actions, but he kept his charming smile on and escorted her out of the little chamber.

Blake walked with her, letting her leave his hand when she wanted and didn’t press her into staying too close. He just made sure she was still following him.

It wasn’t a long trip to the ice cream parlor, Blake thankfully knew one close by. He walked in, holding the door for her as she looked at him suspiciously but walked inside. Blake ordered something small for himself and let her order what she wanted, paying for them both.

“Alright, next on the list since we have sweets” he directed and headed out the door, holding it open for her again.

[Alexander]

Vika paused at Blake's words and then burst out laughing, rubbing the tears from her eyes. It was such an odd comment in the right time that it had, somehow, made her feel a lot better. Much to her sisters reluctance and Vika's walls, she took Blake's hand and followed him, sticking by his side. He had given her space and room to let go if she pleased, but Vika had, for some reason, felt safe next to him and so she clung to that. Their walk was uneventful, mostly the two staying quiet with one a other, but every now and then Vika would grow excited at the dolphins that would jump through the water or the light bloom on the trees as they walked underneath it.

There was an ice cream parlor up ahead, one that her parents used to take her and Sway to before the rest of the kids came, and she almost hesitated. She wasn't sure of his motives, so with one glare in his direction, she ordered a chocolate ice cream cone and tried to object when he offered to pay. Though he seemed to ignore her, she bit on her tongue to keep quiet and then stuck to licking the ice cream before it melted in a puddle. With summer rolling in, it was an oddly warm day and vika was glad she had chosen loose clothing to wear even if it was nothing but black.

People around them mingled, all smiles and hand holding. She had to look away, staring at the sea, and she chose to keep herself focused on anything but all of the happy couples. She was thankful that he didn't try to pry into her issues nor did he try to immediately step up as her next lover after he witnessed the issue she had earlier, and because of that Vika was able to calm down a lot quicker than she normally would have. While the sun dipped and started to disappear behind the sea, Vika clung to his hand and kept by his side, jumpy with everyone who seemed to be heading in her direction. At the sight of dolphins once more, she grinned and tugged on his arm, bouncing on her heels in excitement.

"Did you see them?" She asked, grinning. "They're so pretty. Dad let Sway and me swim with some once when we were younger."

She made her way over to the railing, fingers curling around the metal bar, and smiled at the sounds that they made while they were carefree. Blake stood next to her side, a little smile on his face, and she did her best to look over his shoulder at the playground that seemed to be waiting just for her. Finishing off her ice cream cone, Vika walked over to it and chose a swing, pushing herself until she felt like she was flying. She closed her eyes and leaned back, imagining that she was a bird that could just pack up and leave without asking for permission.

"You know," she started, slowing down. "This is nice. I haven't been to a playground in... well, years."

Blake stood in front of her, hands in his pockets. She was glad that he was giving her his undivided attention, glad that it helped her remain as calm as she could manage right now. She slowed a little bit more, using her feet to stop the swing, and she stared at the ground. "Dad stopped taking us places after the third kid was born. I guess he figured three kids was too much for him to juggle on his own. That was the first time I realized that I doubted his feelings towards me."

She bit on her lip, using her hair to cover her face. "He makes me feel like he doesnt care. I'm not allowed to do anything without his permission, but he gives Sway the absolute world and let's her do as she pleases. B im not allowed to drink, but they share whiskey with one another at least once a week. Hes always been closer with her, and it makes me wonder what I did wrong because of it." Her grip tightened on the bars, turning her knuckles white. "I guess I figured that the more I acted out, the more attention I'd get from him. It shouldn't be normal to feel jealous over a sibling because they get more attention from your parent, you know? I feel like i'm just so alone in this world. I'm only talked to when i'm getting scolded or when I have to do what someone else wants."

She sighed underneath her breath, closing her eyes. She didnt want to start crying, not again, and definitely not when it was obvious that Blake was doing his damn best to cheer her up. Vika, not hearing a reply, nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw how close he was to her. His hands fell over hers, warm and calloused, and she looked up into his eyes.


Damon waited patiently for the kids to fall asleep before kissing Emery hard and promising to be right back. He walked through the halls, the halls that were so familiar to him, and shoved his hands into his pockets as he made his way to Sway's room. He hoped to get something from her, whether it was figuring out what was wrong with Vika or if was the scar that lined her back. When he turned the corner, he paused in his steps, smiling a little as he watched the white haired boy kiss her cheek before departing away.

"That's one way to be a gentleman," damon commented, coming up to Sway. "Sway, we need to talk. Can I come in?"

[jubaleecruze]

The smile on the young princess’ face kept an equal, if not bigger, smile on Blake face. Seeing her calm down and not crying brought him a small sense of peace, though he knew she was still upset. Having your heart ripped from your chest like that is never easy. Blake mostly kept his eyes forward to make sure they wouldn’t walk into anyone, glancing over at Vika here and there to make sure she was still comfortable. Also to check if she was feeling any happier. Blake did look over when she asked a question. He chuckled a little and looked towards the ocean were the dolphins were playing. The though of getting to swim with the creatures seemed wonderful to him. Man would he enjoy having the time and money to do that.

Blake didn’t say anything, just let her reminisce, his smile probably said enough as it was. Standing beside her at the railings, he watched the playful animals and listened to their chirps. He had finished his ice cream long before she did, and followed behind her when she decided the foolish viewing was over and went to the swings. Blake decided not to swing with her, but watch her intently, hands in pockets and his usual charming smile on his face. The smile slowly faded as her words and he sighed softly.

Growing up like that would be awful. Blake was the eldest of his other siblings, so he never knew what it was like to be stuck in the middle. He always was active in raising his siblings right along side his parents. “You’re not alone, Vika. I saw the way you’re sister rushed to be there for you. If anything, you have her at least.” Blake spoke softly but it had decisive tones to it, but it was also soft enough only she could hear it. When he spoke though, something had popped up on her forehead. Blake tried not to make any indication that anything was wrong with his face and just paced forward. He rested his hands on hers as they held tightly to the chain of the swing. Their eyes met and his smile seemed normal, but if you looked close enough you could see his urgency.

“Come on. There more out here than wonderful swings” Blake chirped in amusement. He scooped her up from the swing, making sure her head wasn’t popping out too much from his body. He was trying to a barrier between her and the little red dot that kept trying to settle on her head.

Blake carries her off into the trees, once he was confident the trees blocked the shooters line of site, he set her down, keeping her hand in his. The last thing he wanted was for her to run off without him knowledge and get shot anyways. His grip wasn’t tight. It was loose and friendly. Giving her the chance to break free if she wished, but this way he at least would have a seconds notice before she took off.

The brush was thickening, slowly going out of a path way. “There’s some uh, blueberry bushes back here no one really knows about. My sister and I planted them when we were kids for shits and giggles” Blake spoke with a smile in his voice, guiding her back to where two large bushes stood, both alight with hundreds of berries.


Sway was smiling at Azrael, pleasantly enjoying their conversation. When he kissed her cheek, she couldn’t keep the rose off her face. The sound of her father made her freeze for a second, suddenly nervous of what he was going to ask. It surely had to be something involving the event of the night, but she wanted to avoid that conversation if she could.

“Of course, dad. What’s up?”

[Alexander]

She turned her eyes away at his comment, biting back a smile. She knew he was doing his best to cheer her up, but Vika was nearly one hundred percent positive that she was this big of a mess due to three glasses of wine and the breakup. She squeaked when his hands were underneath her, holding her, and her face flamed at how close they were. She could smell the cologne that came from him, musky and completely man, and hid her face into his shoulder to make sure he couldn't see just how red she had became.

When she was on her feet once more, Vika looked up at him, not ready to let go of his hand. He spoke of blueberries, of a sister that she had grown quite curious of, and Vika's face lit up with a smile as he pulled her through the path. One thing she loved more than anything in this world was fresh berries, and right in front of her was exactly that. She plucked one, rolling it between her fingers, and then tossed it into her mouth with a smile. "I should show you this orchard that's planted behind the castle. I played there by myself as a kid, and then eventually it was me and my friends."

Biting on her lip, she faintly remembered how her hand was still in his, and her cheeks lit up pink when she held on. It wasnt in her mind to let go anytime soon, but she did have to admit to herself that she was worried he would mind. "So tell me, what do you like to do for fun?" She asked, looking up at him. "Other than music, that is."

She watched him think to himself, free hand rubbing his jaw. "Shooting range. I used to go with a couple of buddies before I was discharged."

Vika, humming to herself, put herself closer to his side at the cool breeze that rustled the leaves and sent chills along her arms. She had grown tired from walking and crying, but she stifled yawns and did her best to keep awake. She wasnt ready to sleep, not yet. She especially didnt want to be alone. Squeezing his hand, she looked up at him, eyes glossy with sleep. "I want to show you something."

The walk back to the castle was uneventful but Vika was surprisingly comfortable. Blake gave off a save vibe about him, and Vika found herself pulled more towards his company than the other men. Or, maybe that was because she had accidentally sent her elbow into his stomach. When the doors closed behind them with a soft click, Vika kicked her shoes off and took his hand once more, dragging him through the halls. Everything was dimly lit with golden lights, not too dark but just right to help ease her fear of darkness. She moved through the halls quietly, not hinting at where they were going, but opened a door that led to a dark room and closed it behind her.

"Don't talk," she whispered. "Don't move."

She led him back a little until the back of his legs hit the chair and he sat down. With this being the only room that Vika felt comfortable in in the darkness, her fingers wrapped around the bow and she sat a distance away from him, their eyes adjusting to the darkness. There was little light that came through the window, letting him be able to see her, and Vika closed her eyes as her fingers moved expertly over the strings of the cello, the low cords expressing a mix of emotions.


Damon, leaning against the doorway, looked down at his daughter. She had most of his characteristics, more of his personality, and it made Damon smile a little to himself. "It seems you and that kid hit it off pretty well. Is he nice to you? Is he hurting you?" He cleared his throat to stop the laugh that tried coming through at the scowl that Sway gave him. "I'm kidding. Mostly. Let's take a walk. It wont be long."

He took her hand to lead her out of her room and closed the door behind her, dropping her hand to wrap his arm around her shoulders instead. The two of them were silent for some time until he led them into his office and closed the door behind him. Almost on instinct, Sway grabbed the two glasses and Damon grabbed the whiskey, pouring them both some. "So, did you know that Vika had a scar on her back?" He took her silence for a yes, and peeking up at her, he leaned on the desk with his eyebrow raised. "Want to tell me how she got it?"

[jubaleecruze]

“I would like that,” Blake spoke softly in return to her mention of the orchard.

The blueberries were ripe and full. The bushes were years old and clearly feeding the birds for the summer. Blake enjoyed a handful of them. Watching her enjoy one of the plump fruits made him pull a half smile on his face. Hardly aware that her hand was still in his, he looked to the bushes and to her interchangeably. Every time he looked at Vika, her gaze was away and his faint smile stayed on his face at her rosy cheeks. When she asked what he enjoyed doing for fun other than his obvious music talent, he had to think. Blake has spend almost every moment of his life learning music. From the time he could reach the keys on a piano he practiced. He knew how to play many instruments in varying styles and even write some of his own. All that time in music left him with little time left to do anything.

Finally he settled on shooting. Going to the range once a week was his own little tradition. It was a way to keep his skill up since he was no longer in service. Though when he told her and glanced down at her, it was clear she was tired. The day was long for her. She met two dozen men who were all trying to woo her or her sister, had a decent amount to drink, and to top it off, got dumped. Home was probably a good idea for her right now. Their return trip to the castle was much like the one leaving it. Nothing really happened, though Blake kept his eyes open and his ears alert. Nothing fishy was in the air.

Once they arrived, Blake made sure the door didn’t slam shut, and was caught off guard when his arm was pulled from his body. He stumbled over his feet for a few steps until he caught up to her and could keep her pace. The dark room they entered left Blake suddenly curious. After hearing her two stories of how she handled men in bed, he wasn’t sure that sleeping with her was a good idea. Not that we would anyways. He typically chose to wait a while before becoming physical with anyone. Also, he was positive Damon would give him an ass beating. Yet when music began to play from a cello, he was pleasantly surprised. Blake remembered her mentioning she played the lovely instrument, and he listened happily, hearing the rhythm and his foot softly tapping a beat.

The music gave him mixed feelings and they were expressed in his face, though he wasn’t sure if she could see them or not. When the music ended, he looked at her with a more neutral face, not something he often bore.

“You write that?”



Sways eyes narrowed at her fathers comment and part of her wanted to knock his teeth out right there. His cough that covered a laugh made her even testier. Sway took a deep breath, huffing it out and nodding when he said they were to go for a walk. She casually walked over to him, letting his hand take hers. When her father put his arm around her shoulders, she visibly relaxed. He was one of few men she felt safe around. The entire day she had been tense, and feeling the comfort of the man who had been there from day one brought her ease.

Being in the office brought her a moment of happiness, she knew what was going to happen. Though she had to admit she was surprised. Normally her father would limit their alcohol consumption, and she already had a few rather large glasses through the evening. Sway wouldn’t protest another glass though. Grabbing the glasses, she set them down and watched the Irish single malt whiskey get poured into them. At first she had hoped this would be like one of their normal whiskey talks, but it was already starting out to be different.

A deep breath escaped her at his question and she stayed quiet, sipping from the glass as she sat down. Sway had to plans of breaking her promise with her sister about the scar. She knew her father was about to get upset with her answer to his next question. It took a few seconds for her to say anything, she rubbed the glass with her thumb and looked at it as she thought. Sway kept her eyes on the glass, knowing he was looking at her and waiting for an answer.

“Do I want to tell you? Yes.” She spoke finally, looking up at him and taking a deep breath before finishing, trying to prepare herself for her soon to be angry father. “Am I going to tell you? No.”

[Alexander]

She was blushing by the time she stopped, Blake's voice and question ringing around in her head. She had written it herself, but she wanted to learn how to put the duet part for the piano. Vika wanted to show her father that, yes she has been practicing that damned instrument, even though it cramped her fingers and made her wrists tender for a few hours. She hugged the neck of the cello, peeking up at him through the darkness. "Yeah. It's going to be a surprise for mom and dad. There's another part, but it's for the piano. I was going to record myself playing both instruments and then edit the two into one."

He leaned forward on the seat, head propped in his hands, and Vika had to look away. "Dad asked me a couple years ago to learn the piano, and I flat out told him no. It doesnt suit me, if i'm honest. I'm more of a string instrument. But over time, I felt horrible for not even considering it and decided to pick it up. The piano is a bitch to play, if i'm honest. But my aunt occasionally comes over and helps me in secret. If you're still around, i'm sure you'd like her and enjoy her company. Shes the only bright thing in this castle."

Vika stood, stretching her arms above her head, and yawned. She was second guessing herself, to do it or to not, and decided it really wouldnt hurt anything. He would be gone in a few days, she would be left to herself, and it wasn't like she had a crush on him anyway. She just enjoyed his company. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she felt his muscles underneath her fingers and lowered her head, lips pressing to his cheek. "Thanks for spending the day with me," she whispered to him before straightening herself up. "Sleep well."


Damon just stared at his daughter as her thumb brushed over the glass, head bowed and her eyebrows pulled together in thought. He knew she had a few too many glasses, but this would be the only time that Damon would let it slide. He had a hard night, Emmy had a hard night, and the girls definitely had a hard night. He let out his breath at her answer, thumb and forefinger squeezing the bridge of his nose. He wouldn't outright snap because he knew he wouldnt get anywhere, but just the thought of knowing that Sway knew somehow her sister had gotten hurt and kept it from him lit up a little flame inside of him.

He took a deep breath, one after another, and set the empty glass on the corner of his desk. He tried to work around a nice way to pry it out of her, but Damon was worried he would probably come off too harsh. "Was she in danger when it happened?"

Sway froze and Damon's eyes narrowed at her. He could see her visibly gulp and bow her head before nodding. "I took care of it, and I can assure you that person will never leave a wheelchair again."

The flame inside of him grew, growing larger with each breath that he took in and each ounce of rage that pulsed in his body. His daughter had been hurt and he was completely unaware of it, unsure of when it happened and how. But here Sway sat, right across from him with both hands now wrapped around the glass, and Damon felt like was going to snap. "You know," he growled, "it's taking a lot of self restraint to not start yelling. But if you're not going to tell me, i'll assure you I'll dig everything up to figure out what the fuck happened."

He turned then, his back to her, and grabbed the handle of the door before he paused. "When I was a child, and I had accidentally walked in on my father's friend sexually abusing my sister, i accepted the consequences and the punishment of it and told my mother who in turn got it taken care of. She was hurt, she's still hurt by it, but she and I both know that speaking up was the right thing to do." When damon looked at her, his eyes were a dark gray, nearing the colour of ash after the flame had taken what it pleased. "Think that over next time something fucking happens and you dont tell anyone."

He slammed the door behind him, hard enough that the pictures rattled on the walls, but every inch of him was burning and he needed a release. And doing what he normally did when he felt this way, he flexed his fingers and walked towards the gym, the punching bag calling his name.

[jubaleecruze]

Blake smiled warmly as he thought of a matching piano piece to the cello. The thought of the two instruments playing the tune seemed lovely to him. He nodded and watched her as she hugged her cello. Chuckling softly at her mention of the piano not being her instrument. Blake had played since he was a child, though he thought he was better at guitar, he could equally play the piano.

“Well, I’m always willing to help you too,” He chimed I’m at then mention of her aunt. When she kissed his cheek he half smiled again and glanced up at her as she wished him good sleeping. “You too, Vika”



Sway tensed as she saw her father place his hand to his face his frustration. Long before she had been faced with his wrath, but this one scared her a little more than that. Her father was protective of what was his and would fight till the bitter end for it. Sway knew though that her sister didn’t want him involved and she respected her sisters choice, so kept her secrete.

Once she answered his next question, she took a quick drink from her glass, polishing it off to prepare herself for storm. Damon’s response surprised her a little, and she looked up at him to make eye contact. Sway didn’t make any eye contact with him as he walked to his door, she avoided looking at him all together, her eyes stayed focused on the glass she had set down on the desk. His last comment sparked a flame of anger in her stomach and her fists tightened on themselves.

Her heart began to race as she heard the slam of the door and the pictures rattling. seats eyes narrowed and she stood from the chair and walked towards the door, opening it and staring down at her fathers back as he walked in the direction of the gym.

“Well maybe if your kids weren’t so fucking terrified to tell you anything, you would have known. It wasn’t my story to share, Damon. So ask her yourself.” She was yelling down the hall at him, her face red with anger. “Try building a fucking relationship with your kids some time. Then you don’t have to be in the dark of what’s going on in their lives. Maybe then you’d know I tried a few drugs, or that I kept some my siblings from trying them.”

Telling her father about the drugs was something she had never planned on doing, but it just slipped out. Her anger couldn’t keep a lid on her words. It might have been seen in her face when she faltered noticing what she said, but she corrected and stood her ground. Once brown eyes were now black as she stared at her father for a few more seconds before turning and heading off to her own punching bag of a pillow.

[Alexander]

Damon paused at her words. His muscles tensed, hands curling into fists, and he had to take a steady breath to keep himself calm. Damon had always wanted to be better than his father, wanted to do better at being in his children's life, but it seemed he had fallen down that bitter hole that he had never wanted to step foot into, anyway. The last set of words sent a chill down his spine, freezing every bit of his body, and he turned slow to stare at his daughter. It was obvious that this was something she didnt want to tell him - it was obvious in her features. He didn't move, too afraid that he would lash out, but his gaze never faltered from her even when she walked away.

Damon had to remind himself to take deep breaths. It was something his mother had him do when a child, seeing that little flame of his father inside of him, but the breathing technique wasnt working. His footsteps were quiet when he walked, his mind begging him to turn around, but all he could do instead was pull her to a stop by her shoulder and stare her down. His face, void of all emotion, stared at her before he dropped his hand to her arm, fingers curling to start dragging her away. His mind was pleading him to let go, to ignore what she had said. His mind told him that they were both angry, that she had too much to drink and he was too protective, but his grip only became tighter the more she fought him.

Damon was ready to growl at her, ready to tell her to calm it down, but the teary eyes of Vika in front of him made him falter enough that his grip lessened and Sway was able to pull herself away from him. "You're no different from him," she growled, but Damon was confused. "All you want are for things to go your way. For people to bow down to you. You want to see them bend at your will, and that pisses me off."

Damon wanted to speak, wanted to say something to her, but his mouth opened and closed almost as if he was a fish out of water. "And you know what?" She yelled. He stumbled back when her hands shoved at his chest, catching him off guard. "I've heard stories about our grandfather. From what he used to do to you to how he wouldnt let anyone around him have an opinion about something. So not only are you a controlling asshole, but you have no problem putting your hands on your kids. I wish you were never here, or you would just go the fuck away. Maybe then I wouldn't hate myself so much or wonder why I can never get your attention."

Damon felt like his heart had broken at her words. He wanted to reach up and wipe the tears away on her face, but when he did, she flinched away from him. He took a deep breath, anything to remind him that he was still alive, and then shoved his hands deep into his pockets. "Fine, then. Have your wish."

Vika curled her hands at her sides when he turned around, his back to both the girls, and she didnt press her palms to her eyes until he vanished from sight. She wanted to chase after him, to apologize and tell him how she didnt mean it, but Vika could only flinch away at her sisters touch and shake her head, walking back to her room. No matter what, it seemed Vika always fucked up when it came to people she cared for. Maybe, in her mind, it was time to stop caring.

[jubaleecruze]

The eldest daughter almost stumbled when her father grabbed her shoulder. The heels she still wore from the day were beginning to wear on her. Two falls in one day just wouldn’t look good though. Their eyes met for only a second and Sway had never regretted saying anything until just then. If she had just left her words at him not being there for his kids, this wouldn’t be happening. Sway knew that. She fought him every step of the way, her heels coming off her feet so she could get a better grip on the floor so he couldn’t drag her any further. For the first time in her life she was actually scared of her father. Anger still flooded her body but the red water inside slowly began to freeze and her eyes started to water as his grip got tighter on her arm.

Finally his grip loosened on her arm and she almost fell backwards, only barely catching herself. Confusion rocked her head back and forth, watered eyes barely able to make out her sister standing in front of them both. Vikas voice rang though her ears and Sways eyes went still as she looked at her. Sway knew how Vika had felt about their father. She wished for a better relationship with him, but Sway would never think of relating him to their grandfather. Emery had told them about her walking in on him beating their father, and then her mother returning the favor and being sentenced to death for the assault. Sway could see the scar in this moment on his arm from that day. Never would she imagine her father letting that happen to himself.

Her father then turned from them when Vika was finished and walked off, clearly a hurt mess. Big brown eyes turned towards her sister to see her own eyes welling up. She tried to say her name and reach out to her to wrap her in a hug. Sway had an idea of how her sister felt towards her father, but that had brought new light to it for her. Before Sway could even get close to her, Vika batted her away and ran off. Sway decided not to follow. She could talk to her in the morning. For now, she wanted to get hammered thinking about what just happened. Her close ties with her father were broken, and a part of her felt like it broke right along side them.

In the kitchen, Sway founds full bottle of whiskey and grabbed it, immediately opening it up and putting it to her lips. When the bottle finally left her mouth, it was down a quarter of the way. Her head began to spin at the sudden intake and she took a deep breath, leaving the cooking area with the bottle. The liquor that already coursed through her veins was beginning to grab hold of her conscious mind and take her through her journey through wonderland. Her steps were jumbled and staggered. Sways steps were occasionally supplemented by a swig from her bottle. She had a vague idea of where she was going; though the halls were filled with many rooms that guests would stay in. Opening the doors that were unlocked was reviving mixed reviews from the guests and unwanted results from the princess. Most of the men that were still awake were half dressed and startled, but none where the person she was looking for. Finally the last door she opened dawned a young, shirtless, white haired man that she had spend most of her night with.

“Good evening, Azrael.” Those were the words she was trying to say. The words that came out of her mouth were slurred and jumbled together.

As though it was nothing, she put the bottle of whiskey to her mouth and walked over to his bed. Her body collapsed to the soft bed. The bottle was now half way gone and she had full intentions of polishing it off before she left this room. Vika had managed to scare off their father, so worrying about his overprotective ass wasn’t something that was on her mind like it normally would be when she did something she knew he would disapprove of.

“Parents fucking suck sometimes, ya know?”

Sway was clearly not in her right mind as she looked at the shirtless man who was doing an excellent job holding her attention where other men failed. There was only one man who had ever gotten into bed with her. Though they both decided it was better to simply keep things physical. Should they ever make their relationship any more than that, the world would crash before her eyes. Not to mention their feelings never extended past being physical.

Turning her thoughts from her bedroom partner, she kept her eyes on Azrael as best as they would focus.

“Can’t even tell them that my hearing is probably going to be completely gone in a few fucking years without worrying what they’ll do.”

[Alexander]

Azrael, sound asleep, dreamt of a time where his family was still alive. He dreamt where his mother, still whole and pink and grinning, was standing near the lake with his father at her side, both gazing at one another almost lovingly. But around the edges, he could see the trickle of blood and the fog that was slowly covering every bit of his dream. He was startled awake by the sound of his door opening and a mangled mess of words, eyes blinking to clear the sleep before he sat up. Sway stood there, bottle to her lips before she was in his bed. He didn't know what to do - what to say - and instead took to pulling the covers off of himself to drape it around her when she started to speak.

The boy kept quiet while she talked, left arm resting on his knee while the other sat loosely on his stomach. He didn't know what to say to her when she mentioned the hearing, knowing that there was something odd about her when she had to turn certain ways, but he kept it to himself. It wasn't his story to tell, after all, and he would never make it known if she didn't say something about it first. He debated on pulling her to him, only to hug her until she calmed down, but his arms stayed at his side and his eyes focused on the bed.

"Parents can be an issue," he commented, choosing his words carefully. "Mine was always up my ass about every little thing."

He chewed on his lip before finally giving Sway his attention, head resting in his hand. Her eyes were glassy and red, flickering between him and the bottle until she had fully finished it off. The silence stretched between one another, his mind on his past, and eventually she began to rant again. He let her get it out before he scooted over, arms wrapping around her, and he held her head to his chest. "Sometimes," he murmured, "I think they're too wrapped up and focused on protecting their children that they can't see the bigger picture. Your Dad sounds like he's just in a rough spot right now, princess. Maybe, once you two have calmed down, you should talk things out. It's best to at least reach a middle ground before you lose your parent for good. Take that from someone who knows that personally."