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applecherryandpears · 8 months ago

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That time Noel car chased Liam to stress that Wonderwall’s indeed about a girl

So... this was supposed to be Wonderwall's single cover:

The photographer (Michael Spencer Jones) had brought Liam to Primrose Hill in London to take that shot but both were interrupted by what he described as a "black cab that came to a screeching halt". From that said running cab, came out Noel, allegedly shouting that Liam - "our kid" - was not to be on that cover as Wonderwall is a love song, about a girl. According to Michael, Noel downward hated the thought of Liam being on the cover.

The girl on the actual cover was a Creation Records employee in the exact same pose:

So, being incredibly grateful for the mental image this article gifted me with, I decided to make a post summing up the many Wonderwall meanings according to Noel.

Disclaimer : I think Wonderwall's about Liam, just putting it out there.

My own thought is that Noel can't say this because, and to quote him "it would look bad" see this interview excerpt about the song dirty shirt in 1997:

"Meg is the girl in the dirty shirt. (...) Liam will read this and say, You fucking wanker! Because he thinks all the songs are about him. He even thinks Wonderwall is about him. So he'll be telling me it's a geezer in a dirty shirt really, except I couldn't say that because it would look bad."

Apart from the absolute chaotic reaction of having the lead singer star on the cover of the lead single, Noel, I think, obviously wanted Liam to sing it, initially.

Liam had been given a choice between this and Don't look back in anger by Noel, who stressed many, many, times throughout the years that Liam didn't like the song when he first heard it (I'd say covertly disappointed). Also he gave different versions of whatever Liam said about it :

But Liam, first time he heard "Wonderwall" he said, "That's puff's music, I'm not sing that." For weeks and weeks and weeks he wouldn't sing it, and then he heard me singing it and then he knew. in 1996 "(pissy voice) Wonderwall, it's fucking dance record, innit? All that hip hop drum beat - we're not a fucking dance group. Of course, once he's sung on it it was the best record ever made." "I said, ‘You’re singing one or the other, but not both.’ He hated Wonderwall. He said it was trip-hop. There speaks a man who’s never heard trip-hop." In a recent interview "Everyone in the band went, 'I'm sorry but I don't f*****g think so," "I remember Our Kid saying, and I'll never forget this, 'Why are you writing reggae songs?' And I was like, there speaks a man that has never heard reggae."

In 2023, Liam confirmed that as he first heard Wonderwall being played “I didn’t like it at first, I thought it was a little funky.” And Bonehead, added, “It sounded like a reggae song to me. The first time [Noel] came in, I was like, ‘What the hell’s that?”. (Far Out Magazine).

Which I get as Noel's acoustic version is very different from Oasis version with Liam on vocal. But anyway, Noel often mentioned that when Liam's reluctant to sing one of the songs he pretends he will sing it himself and this way Liam like clockwork jumps on it, and that's exactly what he said for Wonderwall + told Liam it will be a hit, and immediately, Liam wouldn't let go of it.

So my guess is that the 'choice' was just a snare to make Liam do what he wants, as Noel likes to do. And also a bit of power play at hand there in an attempt to ground 1995 firework Liam and as Noel said again in 2023 "to have a song on his own" as he was getting annoyed by Liam walking out on him.

"The only time I laid down the law was Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back In Anger. "I was so fucked off with him walking off stage and me having to take over and do the gig. I remember thinking, if I’m going to do this, I want a big fucking song to sing." + "I said, ‘You’re singing one or the other, but not both.’

Liam said between 1995-96 “When Our Kid went, ‘Right, you’ve got a choice, “Wonderwall” or “Don’t Look Back In Anger,” ’ it done me head in,” the singer told NME. “I said, ‘I wanna sing both, you dick.’ But I chose ‘Wonderwall’ ’cos it was right and it happened. But I don’t think I could have sung ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ the way he sung it. And when I hear it I think it’s great.”

Additionally in 2023, Noel kinda slipped and said "I'm glad I chose that one" after saying Liam chose it when a record label person said it would be their big hit.

But what is interesting is as their relation deteriorated Noel changed the Wonderwall story:

Around 1996-1997 "I wanted to sing Wonderwall because the guitars are accoustic but our kid insisted that he wanted to sing it. So I said Alright im going to do DLBIA"

In 1997, in the book Getting High: The Adventures of Oasis by Paolo Hewitt, he wrote "according to Owen Noel wanted to sing wonderwall which makes perfect sense, he had written the song with Meg in mind, it was the only way he knew how to properly express his love for her with the song detailing her struggle to find work but celebrating her ability to bounce back against the odds. So we finished Wonderwall, and Liam's Right I'm singing this one. And he did a blinding vocal a brilliant vocal."

in 1998 Noel went "I always wanted to sing "Wonderwall", but I'm glad he sang it 'cos he sings it better than I do."

or when asked on a TV show in 2000 'If I wrote wonderwall I wouldn't want to give that to my brother to sing', Noel said that he did not but they had a long heated debate on who will sing it and in the end, he didn't have a choice because Liam's 'bottom lip went too far down towards his kneecaps' 'he looked very very sad' and he said alright he will sing the other one don't look back in anger.

And only recently in 2021, he went back to the original story:

“He wanted to sing ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’, but it became apparent during the recording that ‘Wonderwall’ was going to be the tune. If I’m being honest, I shouldn’t have sung either of them because I wasn’t really a singer then.”

I mean every critic agrees that Liam gave one of his most impressive vocals singing that song "both cuttingly sharp and heartbreakingly warm at the same time" Noel said he '"had no idea, even after the first album, that Liam could sing like he did on 'Wonderwall,'" and that he did " a sterling job (...) ‘Wonderwall, ‘Hey Now’ and ‘Cast No Shadow’ were literally one take. He delivers my songs spot-on. He knows." So it's a bit strange that he didn't just go on saying that like other songs such as Slide Away Liam's delivery gave it a special edge.

Personally I think it has to do with the meaning of the song for their relationship. There is a lot of hope and commitment in that song all while acknowledging the anger and difficulties of a relationship.

An other thing that struck me as important was, in an oasis book it was reported that while watching Wonderwall win some chart thing on TV Noel turned to the person writing and started going on about how high the wibbling rivalry was on the charts in comparison to the oasis tracks. So what came up to his mind was the 'Liam fight track' while listening to the song, weirdly enough.

And about the meaning --->

Originally, Noel attributed this song to his then girlfriend Meg Matthews as we know. She was compared to a schoolboy's wall to which posters of footballers and pop stars are attached, Noel told Select magazine

"It's about my girlfriend. She was out of work, and that, a bit down on her luck, so it's just saying, 'Cheer up and f---in get on with it.'" After Liam's and Noel's infamous interaction with their Father, he even told her directly as much albeit gave it a a more romantic meaning "Fucking hell Meg, you're meant to be my wonderwall and you were fast asleep when it all went off. What kind of Wonderwall are you?" or when a cover of the song came out and she thought Noel had plagiarized the song he wrote for her he told her " 'No, honestly, I did write about you...!"

Now, idk how reliable he is but their father said that the wall actually existed and it was Noel's and Liam's :

"both Noel and Liam's original ‘wonderwall’ was actually the wall of the bedroom they used to _ share as children in their — ex-council house. ‘They called it their wonderwall" "in 1983 they both started writing on the wall, bits of songs, poems, favourite bands, football teams. In one corder Noel wrote 'I love Diane Jones’ and underneath in the same writing, “Liam _ is a puff”. They'd fight terribly about who had the most writing space. | didn't touch it for years but | wallpapered - it before Christmas."

Meg has been written at the time as "The only girl he had met who came close to being as important as his music and the one who understood him better than almost everyone else."

But Noel then stuck to the following version about the song's name, that it came from Wonderwall Music the debut solo album by George Harrison and the soundtrack to the 1968 film Wonderwall, (She lives next door to a man who becomes fascinated with her, so he slowly makes holes in his wall so he can watch her through it. This is the "Wonderwall.").

Meg said that "George Harrison wrote the music to the film Wonderwall, so that's the reference, but to me it's about being his wall of strength. His solidity." She never asked him directly and found out the meaning in the papers months later. So idk if this is her interpretation or if Noel said something about the actual meaning.

Then in 2003, in Q magazine's 1001 Best Songs Ever, Noel backtracked, "The meaning of that song was taken away from me by the media who jumped on it. And how do you tell your Mrs. it's not about her once she's read it is? It's about an imaginary friend who's going to come and save you from yourself."

and In 2023 Noel pinned him saying the song was about Meg on this specific cover "We did the cover and there's a girl on the front, She had long blonde hair, she looked like my then-wife, Meg Matthews. Doing the interviews for the thing [later], and they say, 'Is this about your wife?', and what do you say? No? So you say yes but it's not about anyone in particular"

Yet Noel admitted it was a romantic song in 1998 : You don't write a song like Wonderwall if you're not romantic. I am. I'm a dreamer and a romantic. Liam is too.

and later

First of all, “Outside of England, it’s the one we’re famous for all over the world, and it annoys the fuck out of me,” Noel Gallagher once said. “It’s not a fucking rock and roll tune. There’s quite a vulnerable statement to it.”

So while I don't think this song is about Meg, it is definitely an emotional song that strips him bear.

More importantly, years later after hell broke loose in Oasis, Noel praised Ryan Adams's version and declared he is the only person who ever got the song “Wonderwall” right. Ryan Adams played it as part of his album "love is hell" and said that "It occurred to me that I was singing it from the perspective of someone in danger of committing suicide. (...) It's someone saying, you're my last hope. But in the second verse, that hope it's not happening, and I'm singing like that".

I don't think it's coincidence that after all the issues they had Noel was the one who mainly sung that song himself live in the late 90s and then gave it a tone of devastation and sorrow as he switched to playing it Ryan Adams way for a long time. The collapsing of their relationships brought out the frustration rather than the hope in the song.

As to Liam and Noel's thoughts on the songs, while around 95 they weren't critical of it, seemed quite proud of it, and Noel even said it was part of his favorite/best songs with Live forever, they changed their tunes years later, that said it could only be due to the reluctance and irritation of being seldom seen as 'that band that did Wonderwall'.

For example Noel claimed in 2006 "I don't much like 'Wonderwall,' but the effect that song has on people, I can't deny it," he said. "Great music is in the ear of the beholder." and that it's one of his least favourite Oasis songs because it's "unfinished". If I could somehow twist time and go back there, I’d probably pick a different song for our calling card. Probably Some Might Say."

But one comment from Liam struck me as extreme even for him, In 2008, Liam said during the press run for Dig Out Your Soul, “At least there’s no ‘Wonderwall’ on there. I can’t fucking stand that fucking song! Every time I have to sing it, I want to gag." So it could be its popularity or the fact Liam had lost his voice, but I've never heard him talk so critically about an Oasis song, it sounded personal. Just like when Noel recently said he's glad he's singing that one as it's a better song.

So I still think that while they're honest saying they don't want Oasis to be summed up to one tune, but their uneasiness playing the song live was due to its meaning. Noel even stressed the band couldn't find a way to play it right live, which is not exactly true, considering the famous live where Liam stares at Noel during the chorus.

So there's that.

#oasis #wonderwall #Noel and Liam

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lovecomedy · 1 year ago

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If you need any convincing that Noel and Liam Gallagher are incestuous freaks (affectionate), here's the basic information you need

First of all. The kisses

Loch Lomond kiss, where they just... made out on stage in front of cameras. Cool. There's a gif with every photo from every angle.

Another kiss, this time in Japan. Here's the actual video.

And here's the same video but together with nice quotes from their 2016 documentary:

Here's a 2005 award event where they kiss again and also look quite in love

And here's Liam straight up groping Noel during concerts:

General stage antics and more groping:

Just one more groping

Ok. Let's talk about the music, then

Oasis has a song that Noel wrote called "My Sister Lover". The title speaks for itself, really. It includes amazing lyrics such as "You're my lover, I'm your brother"

But there's more! Noel used the same chorus of this song (with different lyrics) for a song he released in his solo album, 20 years later. It's called "Lock All the Doors". The very first line says: "She wore a star-shaped tambourine, prettiest girl I’d ever seen". And guess... guess who famously played a star-shaped tambourine? Liam! And Noel was the one that gifted him the fucking tambourine!!

Liam wrote a song for Oasis called Guess God Thinks I'm Abel

I'll just link everything that's been said about this song, because it really is batshit insane that this song exists

(It's common in the north of England to refer to things and people as "our". When either Liam or Noel say "our kid", they're talking about each other)

Liam has the tendency of thinking every song Noel writes is about him, including the love songs

Here he says "I'm his muse", along with some other interesting quotes

Ok, now we're on to suspicious quotes!

They had sex last night, according to Liam

This one is my favorite:

Of course this one is just all the weird quotes jammed in one post, you can feel yourself going crazy as you read it

Noel assures us that Liam knows about his arse

Other people confirming that they act like a couple. And them being fucking weird about each other’s marriages.

This one has Noel saying Liam is deeply in love with him. At the bottom, Liam's tweet.

Actually Liam always tweets things that basically confirm they're relationship. Like when somebody asked him if he ever rimmed Noel. Yeah.

This radio interview is where the most lovely quotes come from. Only Noel was supposed to be interviewed but then they both showed up PISSED DRUNK. Transcription in the same post

Even More weird quotes

This one involves the word impregnate

Noel making a suspicious comment about his daughter and son, Anais and Donovan

I think to be convinced you really just need that, but I'd like to add some niceties.

Just genuinely enjoying each other’s company

This is from the Oasis; 10 Minutes Of Noise and Confusion documentary. As Noel is kissing Liam's cheek, Liam is saying "He’s a fucking cunt and I hate him and I love him and he twists my melon, man. He’s the best songwriter in the fucking world.”

Some sweet quotes, and some less sweet ones as well

From the Supersonic documentary

Hugging after playing football

Just being silly

To finish off, two wonderful video edits with endearing moments

#gallaghercest

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zhellers · 10 days ago

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What classes would you like to see in campaign 4? I’d love to see marisha play a paladin!

Marisha paladin is a great pick, I think I'd wanna see her as like a full proper knight, maybe devoted to another pc?

I really want to see Travis as a spellcaster again, either wizard or cleric.

Also i want to see one of the girls play a bard! maybe Laura?

Liam as a druid since he clearly has fun with spells and two of his characters now have had deep connections with druids.

Rogue Tal, let him be a sneaky menace. probably multiclass with something

Barbarian Sam because why not i think it'd be funny, especially while playing a small species

Some some of warlock multiclass for Ashley, she would give us a story that would hurt us deep in our souls.

And finally monk Robbie cause i believe with every fiber of my being that he will be in C4

This is all assuming they will be playing DnD in C4 and not Daggerheart

#critical role #ask zhellers

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fandomrewrites · 26 days ago

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Legends Chapter 4: Presentation

Hello Riders! Before I get into this chapter I would like to share this picture of the Gauntlet. It's not my picture, I got it off the fandom Wiki page, credit goes to the artist. The picture helped me better understand how the obstacles were set up so I thought it would be helpful for all of you as well.

I love this chapter a lot, and I hope you guys love it as much as me. Remember to tell me your opinions on the story so far or ask me any questions you may have. I love hearing from you guys! And don't forget to let me know if you want to be added to the taglist.

Chapters 10-12 in Fourth Wing Pairings: Xaden x Younger Sister, Liam x Best Friend, Sawyer x Reader (mentioned) Warnings: Swearing, violence, character death, blood, spoilers from the book series Word Count: 11,785

Legends Masterlist

I talked about you during Presentation yesterday. There's a guy in my squad who asked about my childhood, and the first thing I thought of was how even when you were a kid you never took anyone's shit. Like that one time Xaden and I tried to keep the secret about the Venin from you. You said you were smarter than us and gods I believed you; I still do. -Recovered correspondence from Garrick Tavis to (Y/N) Riorson

The night before Gauntlet training starts, I stand with the other marked ones. This is our third meeting and we've only lost one other cadet since Parapet. "Let's make this meeting quick, the first years need rest since Gauntlet training starts tomorrow. How's hand-to-hand coming with you guys?" Xaden asks as he looks towards Carolyn, Dmitry, Julian, and Carina.

The four nod, sharing looks. "I've seen improvements." Garrick answers, "They've each won a few challenges and lost some, but no serious injuries."

"We're continuing the training multiple times a week, and we won't stop even with challenges pausing." Imogen adds.

Xaden nods, "Good. Any questions?"

"The Gauntlet has one of the biggest death counts in the quadrant, any tips on how to survive?" I ask.

Xaden holds my gaze, "Time doesn't matter. Even on presentation day. Just get through the obstacles safely, don't worry about being fast."

"Doesn't the time determine the order in which you walk presentation?" Ashton asks.

Garrick nods, "It does, but in the past there have been cadets that have walked last and bonded and cadets who have walked first haven't. So like Xaden said, your time doesn't matter."

"There are ropes every six feet, grab them if you need to." Bodhi starts, eyes sweeping over the first years, "Time will be added but they may save your life." His eyes lock onto mine. There's a flash of worry but I smile, reassuring him.

"Any more questions?" Xaden asks. When no one replies he continues, "Good. Head to bed. And good luck tomorrow." I turn to walk back with Liam but Xaden grabs my arm, "Let me walk you."

"Okay," I turn to Liam, "I'll see you tomorrow." He nods, running to catch up with Bodhi. I look back at Xaden, "What did you want to talk about?"

Xaden pauses, "Just be careful tomorrow, I know you'll probably do fine but…"

I smile, "I get it, Xade. I'll be careful."

He nods, "So, I've seen you hanging out with that Sawyer guy a lot."

I smirk, "Well, he is in my squad."

"That's it?"

"I mean…" I trail off before starting again, "Do you really want to talk about this?"

"I just want to make sure you're okay. He's treating you good?"

"I'm very satisfied." I try not to laugh at the look on Xaden's face.

"That's not what I meant." He rubs the bridge of his nose.

I giggle, "Sorry. Sawyer's great, I think you'd like him if you talked to him."

Xaden nods, "Good. That's good. I obviously don't know him well but," Xaden pauses, "You can do worse."

I smile, "That sounds like the Xaden stamp of approval. Wow, I never thought I'd see the day."

Xaden nudges my shoulder, "Listen, I know I'm protective of you and no one is going to be perfect for you in my eyes but I also know you're smart, strong, beautiful and you deserve to be happy. Plus, Sawyer is in your squad, so if you're going to have a relationship with anyone at least it's with someone who can't kill you."

I snort, "There it is. But Sawyer and I… We're not serious. We're friends, we get along. And sometimes we just need to… Let off steam."

Xaden chuckles, "Yeah, let off steam. Thank you for putting it that way." I laugh along with him, "I get it. I've been there, I just want you to pick your partners carefully and Sawyer is a safe option. A good option. I just don't want you doing anything in front of me."

I wrap my arm around Xaden's waist causing him to wrap his around my shoulder's, "Noted. I will try to be aware of my surroundings and not flirt or kiss or anything else around you. If you promise the same."

"Deal." Xaden smiles.

*_*_*_*_*

The next morning my squad stands in front of the Gauntlet waiting for Professor Emetterio. "Well, that's…" Rhiannon trails off. The obstacle course is carved into the side of the cliff that leads to the flight field, the Vale lays beyond that.

"Amazing," Aurelie sighs in awe.

Rhiannon, Violet, and I all turn to look at her, "You think that hellscape looks amazing?" Rhiannon asks, causing me to smile.

"I've been waiting years for this!" Aurelie grins, "My dad - he was a rider until he retired last year - used to set up obstacle courses like this all the time so we could practice, and Chase, my brother, said it's the best part of being here before Threshing. It's a real adrenaline rush."

"He's with the Southern Wing, right?" Violet questions. She turns back to the Gauntlet, studying the obstacle course.

"Yep. Pretty much desk duty for all the action they see near the Krovlan border." She shrugs then points about two thirds of the way up the course, "He said to watch out for those giant posts jutting from the side of the cliff. They spin, and you can get crushed between them if you're not fast enough."

"Oh good," Rhiannon states sarcastically, "I was wondering when it might get difficult."

"Thanks, Aurelie." Violet says. I remain silent, but nod in thanks.

"Still not sure why they call it the Gauntlet," Ridoc pipes up, cupping his hands and blowing air into them to try and keep warm.

"To ensure dragons keep coming to Threshing by weeding out the weaklings," Tynan sneers, folding his arms and casting a pointed look at Violet.

I cross my arms to stop myself from punching him, "Shut up, Tynan."

"Knock it the fuck off." Ridoc snaps at the same time. The whole squad turns in his direction. We've never seen him lose his temper, he's always so happy, cracking jokes and laughing.

"What's your problem?" Tynan pivots turning his full attention to Ridoc, who stands a half a foot taller.

"My problem?" Ridoc scoffs, "You think because you made friends with Barlowe and Siefert that you have the right to be a dick to your own squadmate?"

"Exactly. Squadmate." Tynan gestures towards the obstacle course, "Our times aren't just ranked individually, Ridoc. We're scored as a squad, too, which is how the order for Presentation is decided. Do you really think any dragon wants to bond a cadet who walks in after every other squad in processional?"

"Xaden told me the times don't matter." I say.

"And they're not timing us for Presentation today, asshole." Ridoc adds.

"Stop." Sawyer steps in between Ridoc and Tynan who are still chest to chest. "(Y/N)'s right. Or I guess Xaden. The order for Presentation doesn't matter. The last cadet to walk last year bonded just fine, and some of the cadets in the first squad onto the field were passed over."

"Little bitter about that, aren't you?" Tynan snarks.

Sawyer ignores the barb but I lunge, tired of hearing Tynan speak ill of my friends. Sawyer quickly grabs my waist, pulling me into his chest. "Easy." He whispers into my ear, I stay still but my glare doesn't leave Tynan, who is staring wide-eyed, shocked I almost attacked him. "Besides," Sawyer continues, like I almost didn't just punch Tynan, "It's not called the Gauntlet because it weeds out cadets."

"It's called the Gauntlet because this is the cliff that guards the Vale," Professor Emetterio says, walking up to the squad, "Plus, actual gauntlets - armored gloves made of metal - are slippery as hell, and the name stuck about twenty years ago." He cocks an eye at Tynan, Sawyer, and I. "Are you three done arguing? Because the ten of you have exactly an hour to get to the top before it's another squad's chance to practice, and from what I've seen of your agility on the mat, you're going to need every second."

There's a grumble from the group, Sawyer keeps an arm around my waist, pulling me slightly away from Tynan. He already knows me too well, because despite what Professor Emetterio just said, I still want to knock some sense into the dark haired boy.

"As you know, hand-to-hand challenges are on hold for the next two and a half weeks before Presentation so you can focus here." Emetterio flips a page in his notebook, "Sawyer, you're going to show them how it's done, since you already have the lay of the land. Then (Y/N), Pryor, Trina, Tynan, Rhiannon, Ridoc, Violet, Aurelie, and Luca." A smile curves on Emetterio's face, "You're the only squad to remain intact since Parapet. That's incredible. Your squad leader must be very proud. Wait here for a second." He walks past us, waving to someone high up on the cliff.

"Aetos is especially proud of Sorrengail." Tynan sneers.

Violet snaps, "Look, if you want to talk shit about me, that's one thing, but leave Dain out of it."

"Tynan," Sawyer warns, his grip on my waist tightens as I tense at Tynan's jeer.

"Like it doesn't bother any of you that our squad leader is fucking one of us?" Tynan asks, throwing his hands out.

I roll my eyes, "Not that it's any of your business, but they're not fucking. And so what if they are? Dain's hot. I say get it."

Everyone's eyes snap to me, "I thought you didn't like him?" Rhiannon asks.

"I don't, but I also have eyes." I shrug.

"It matters if it means that Violet gets preferential treatment!" Luca exclaims, "And of course you wouldn't care when you're fucking our section leader."

Before I can stop myself I laugh, "Me? Fucking Tavis?" My laughing slowly stops but a smile lingers on my face, "No sweetie, Garrick is my brother's best friend. I literally grew up with him, much like how Dain and Violet grew up together. Neither of us are fucking people in leadership."

Tynan's eyes widen, "Really?" He asks Violet.

She nods her head, "Really."

"Shit. I'm sorry. Barlowe said-"

Ridoc interjects, "And that's your first mistake. Listening to that sadistic ass is going to get you killed. And you're lucky Aetos or Tavis aren't here."

I quietly laugh, "Oh man, I can't wait to tell Garrick about that assumption of us." Luca's eyes widen but she doesn't say anything.

"Here we go!" Emetterio says walking back over towards us, "You'll get your time at the top of the course, if you make it, but remember, you'll still have nine practice sessions before we rank you for Presentation in two and a half weeks, which will determine if the dragons find you worthy for Threshing."

"Wouldn't it make more sense to let first years start practicing this thing right after Parapet?" Rhiannon asks. "You know, to give us a little more time so we don't die?"

"No," Emetterio replies, "The timing is part of the challenge. Any words or wisdom, Sawyer?"

Sawyer blows out a couple of slow breaths, his hand twitches on the small of my back, "There are ropes every six feet that run from the top of the sheer cliffside to the bottom, so if you start to fall, reach out and grab a rope. It'll cost you thirty seconds, but death costs you more."

"I mean," Ridoc points to a steep staircase set in the cliff, "There's a perfectly good set of steps over there."

"Stairs are for reaching the flight field on the top of the ridgeline after Presentation." Professor Emetterio says. He lifts his hands towards the obstacle course, flicking his writs, pointing at different obstacles. The fifteen-foot log at the start begins to spin, the other obstacles along the course begin to move as well.

"Every one of the five ascents on this course is designed to mimic the challenges you'll face in battle," Emetterio explains, "From the balance you must keep on the back of your dragon, to the strength you'll need to hold your seat during maneuvers, to-" he gestures upward, toward the last obstacle, "The stamina you'll need to fight on the ground, then still be able to mount your dragon at a second's notice."

"What if we don't make it up?" Luca asks the professor. She secures her hair in a loose braid. Mine is already up in a high bun, the same way I wore it when crossing the Parapet. "What's the alternate route?"

"There's no alternate route," Emetterio says. I could have told her that, "If you don't make it up, you can't get to Presentation, can you? Take your position, Sawyer."

Before Sawyer moves, he turns to me, "Are you going to behave?" He raises an eyebrow.

I smile, blinking innocently, "If they keep their mouths shut."

Sawyer sighs, he looks at Ridoc and gently pushes me into his side."Don't let her attack anyone." Ridoc nods.

"I don't need a babysitter, Sawyer!" I call after him

"Yes, you do!" He yells back, as he moves to the beginning of the course.

"After he makes it past the final obstacle, so everyone can learn from this cadet completing the course, the rest of you will start every sixty seconds. And… Go!" Emetterio says to the squad, ignoring mine and Sawyer's argument.

Sawyer takes off, he easily runs the fifteen feet across the spinning log but it takes him three rotations inside the wheel before he jumps out. Other than that I don't see a single misstep in the first ascent. He turns and rushes toward a series of giant hanging balls that makes up the second ascent, jumping and hugging one after another. With his feet back on the ground, he starts up the third ascent, which is divided into two sections. The first has giant metal rods hanging parallel to the cliff wall, Sawyer easily swings arm over arm to reach the bars. From the last bar, he jumps onto a series of shaking pillars before leaping back onto solid ground.

Sawyer makes it to the spinning logs Aurelie warned us about. He's making the course look easy as he runs across the logs. He pauses at the giant chimney formation that sits at about a twenty degree angle. "You got this!" Rhiannon yells.

As if he heard her, Sawyer runs toward the chimney and flings himself upwards, his body creating an X. He starts hopping up the obstacle until he reaches the end and drops down in front of the final obstacle, a massive ramp that's a nearly vertical climb.

Sawyer sprints towards the ramp, his speed and momentum take him two-thirds of the way up. Just before he starts to fall, he reaches up with one arm and grasps the lip of the ramp, hauling himself over the edge. Rhiannon, Violet, and I cheer for him.

"Perfect technique!" Professor Emetterio exclaims, "That's exactly what you should all be doing."

"Perfect, and yet he was still passed over at Threshing," Luca snarks, "Guess the dragons have some sense of taste."

Ridoc's hold on me tightens as I try to step towards Luca, "Give it a rest, Luca." Rhi snaps.

Professor Emetterio raises his eyebrows at me, "Are you ready, (Y/N)?"

I nod, turning to look at Ridoc, "You can let go."

He narrows his eyes, "You're to move right to the beginning of the course. No hurting Luca."

I nod. He slowly let's go of my waist, letting me move away. I turn to send a sickly sweet smile to Luca and Tynan, "I hope you both fall."

"Really, (Y/N)? Right in front of our Professor?" Ridoc scolds. He reminds me of Xaden for a second.

"I'm sure our wonderful Professor has heard worse." I turn to look at Emetterio once I reach the beginning of the course, "Ready when you are, sir!"

Emetterio looks exasperated but I can tell he's trying not to smile. He checks with the person at the top of the cliff then looks back at me, "And… go."

I take off, quickly running across the 15 foot long spinning log. Once I saw the course I knew this first part would be the easiest ascent. My balance is great, so I wasn't worried making it past this obstacle. Jumping off of the log, I quickly jump past all four of the pillars and enter the spinning wheel. The wheel goes through two rotations and on the third I jump through the opening, landing back on solid ground.

I take a quick breath, this first practice round I want to pause after each ascent. This practice session is all about testing the obstacles and knowing what I need to do to survive. My time can improve with the other practices. The second ascent is the 5 buoy balls. I jump up, grabbing the chain above the first ball. I swing the ball and launch myself onto the next one, doing this over and over until I reach the end of the ascent.

I take another breath, assessing the next ascent. I jump up grabbing the iron bar, a hand on each side. I swing hand over hand, moving from bar to bar. When I reach the last one, I swing my body, aiming to land on the first shaking pillar. I wobble, reaching out for the rope in front of me to regain my balance. "You got this!" I hear one of the girls yell. I quickly regain my footing, leaping across the rest of the pillars.

Before I run across the logs Aurelie warned us about, I check behind me. Pryor is doing alright but he's hesitating before trying the third ascent, I watch as he wobbles, but rights himself with the help of a rope. I turn back around and sprint across the rolling logs. I smile when I make it across. That part was easier than I expected.

I take another breath then run at the chimney, launching myself upwards and landing in an X like Sawyer did. I check my hand and feet placement then hop up the chimney. Reaching the top, I grab the lip and pull myself up. I eye the ramp in front of me, take a breath, then run. My hand skims the top, just missing, causing me to slide back down the ramp. I shake out my shoulders, take another breath, then run again. This time my momentum takes me higher, and when I feel gravity begin to pull at me, I throw my right hand up, catching the top of the cliff. I sigh in relief, reaching up with my left hand as well to pull myself over the top.

Sawyer meets me at the top, pulling me into a tight hug. "You did it! Good job!"

I giggle, "Thanks. Some parts weren't as bad as I thought they were going to be."

Sawyer playfully rolls his eyes, "You would think that. Come on, let's go watch the others." We hear a scream just as we approach the edge of the cliff. We share a look then quickly look down, finding Trina who just started the fourth ascent. "You can do it!" Sawyer encourages.

"They go in opposite directions!" Aurelie yells from the bottom. Trina makes it past, causing Sawyer and I to sigh in relief. Pryor and Trina both finish the course, and come to join us at the edge, watching the others. Tynan is stuck on the hanging balls.

"He can still do us all a favor and fall." I mumble.

Sawyer lightly shoves me, "Be nice, he's still our squadmate."

"Yeah and? You're supposed to be able to trust your squadmates, I don't trust him. And I highly doubt he'll ever earn that trust. Same with Luca."

"Swing to the next one!" Trina calls, trying to encourage Tynan.

"I can't!" Tynan screams back.

"Rhi!" Violet yells, "The rope is between the first and second!" Rhiannon jumps up onto the first ball, swinging her body around and grabbing the rope for Tynan. Once he has the rope in his hands, he climbs down.

I snort, "What a fucking baby." Sawyer sends me a look but I can tell he's amused, I hold out my hands, "I know, I know. Be nice."

Everyone is either on the course at this point or has had their chance to practice. I watch as Violet starts on the third ascent. Her right hand loses its grip and she swings face first into the mountain. I cringe, hearing Rhiannon yell for Violet. "The rope is next to you!" Aurelie shouts.

Violet grabs hold of the rope, using it to grab onto the iron swings and continue her way up the obstacle course. Violet pauses before the fourth ascent, Aurelie standing with her. They exchange a few words before Violet runs across, cheering when she succeeds. "Go, Violet! Here I come!" Aurelie calls. She starts moving across the posts, a roar is heard from a dragon flying above, then Aurelie cries out. Her foot slips on the fifth post, she careens forward, belly hitting the sixth post, Violet tries to move forward to help her, but she can't make it.

*_*_*_*_* Garrick

I'm sitting on the couch in Xaden's room, Imogen, and Bodhi next to me. Liam is sitting on the floor and Xaden and (Y/N) are sitting on Xaden's bed. (Y/N) lays with her head placed in Xaden's lap. The six of us don't get a lot of chances to spend time together so when we do have a chance, we take advantage of it.

"So how was Gauntlet training today?" Bodhi asks, looking between Liam and (Y/N).

Xaden lightly taps his sisters forehead, "I heard you lost a squadmate."

(Y/N) nods, "Yeah, Aurelie. She was a good person."

"You holding up okay?" I ask, looking at her with concern.

Her eyes flicker to me, "Yeah, just sucks. I knew I was going to lose a squadmate at some point, we were lucky to keep everyone for this long." She pauses, cracking a smile, "You'll never guess what Luca said."

Imogen raises an eyebrow, "She's the bitchy one right?"

"The one you fought on assessment day?" Xaden asks.

"Mhm." She hums, nodding in confirmation.

"What did she say?" Liam questions.

I reach down to grab my water, taking a sip just as (Y/N) answers, "She thought Garrick and I were fucking."

I quickly pull my canteen away from my lips, choking on my water. Bodhi reaches over, slapping my back, "What?" I choke out.

(Y/N) nods, smirk evident on her face, "Yeah, we got into a whole argument before Emetterio showed up because Tynan was accusing Violet of sleeping with Dain and I said if she wanted to she should 'cause he's hot." Xaden flicks her on the ear, cutting her off, "Ow!" She sits up, turning to look at him, "What the fuck, Xaden!"

"Never look at Aetos like that, that's disgusting." He scolds, glaring at her.

(Y/N) rolls her eyes, "I'm not lying, he is hot! That doesn't mean I like him but I'm not blind. Plus you had a thing with Cat so you can't judge me." Gods, this conversation is going down hill quickly.

"Cat was an arranged marriage!" Xaden defends.

"And yet you still slept with her when you weren't actually married. If I was in an arranged marriage with a she demon I would avoid her as much as possible. But no, you had to get your dick wet."

Oh shit. My eyes widen as Xaden lunges for his sister. (Y/N) yelps pushing herself away from him. Bodhi, Liam, and I move quick. I grab onto Xaden, pulling him away from (Y/N). Bodhi wraps his arms around his younger cousin, making sure he's in front of her and Liam steps in between the siblings, arms raised to ensure they stay separated. I look towards Imogen who is fighting back a laugh.

Honestly, I kinda want to laugh too. And stealing a glance at Liam and Bodhi I can tell they do as well. We don't want Xaden hurting (Y/N), but (Y/N) has a point. And only she would have the balls to say that to Xaden.

"If I let go of you do you promise not to kill your sister?" I ask Xaden.

"If I really wanted to kill her, I don't even need to touch her." Xaden grumbles, his glare staying on (Y/N).

(Y/N)'s jaw drops in shock at her brother's words, "Hey! You love me! As your little sister it's in the job description to be annoying!"

Liam shrugs, dropping his arms, "She's got a point. And honestly, I miss Sloane so much. I can't wait until she's here next year, annoying the fuck out of me."

Xaden rolls his eyes, shoving me away from him, "I'm not going to kill her."

Imogen finally lets her amusement show, chuckling lightly as she asks, "So why did you saying Dain's hot lead to Luca saying you and Garrick were sleeping together?"

"Right," (Y/N) nods, she moves to sit on Xaden's desk. The rest of settling back in our previous spots, except for Liam who moves to sit in the desk chair. "After I made that comment she said that of course I'd be fine with it since I'm fucking our section leader."

"How did you respond?" Bodhi asks, still keeping an eye on Xaden.

"I laughed. Like Garrick could ever get with me."

I cock my head, "What the fuck does that mean?"

Xaden narrows his eyes, "Why the fuck do you care?"

My head whips back to Xaden, "I- I don't." I stutter, "But like what the fuck? I'm great in bed!"

Xaden's eyes narrow further, his glare cold, "Never talk to my sister about your sex life."

"That's not- I didn't-"

"Okay!" (Y/N) interrupts, "No matter how entertaining this is, I'd rather not witness a murder. And Xaden, no need to worry, Garrick can brag about his skills all he wants, I'm still not planning on ever sleeping with him."

Before either Xaden or I can reply Imogen speaks up, changing the topic, "Was your first day on the Gauntlet as eventful, Liam?"

Liam chuckles, shaking his head, "Definitely not. We were lucky to not lose any of our squad and there were no arguments."

Xaden pipes up, calmer than before, "We lost Carolyn on the Gauntlet today." We're all silent for a moment, that's another marked one, dead.

"There's nothing we could have done." Bodhi says quietly. The rest of us nodding in agreement.

Xaden looks at the time then sighs, "It's late. We should head to bed." We slowly start to file out of the room. Everyone is gone except for me and (Y/N), Xaden grabs (Y/N)'s arm before she can exit, "I love you. Even though you piss me off sometimes."

She smiles, "I love you too, Xade." (Y/N) reaches up, kissing his cheek, "Goodnight."

"I'll walk her back to the barracks." I mumble to Xaden, his eyes narrow, "Would you rather she walks alone?" Xaden sighs but shakes his head. That's what I thought. "Night."

I quickly catch up to (Y/N) who turns to look at me once I'm next to her, "Really feeding those rumors of us sleeping together."

I laugh, lightly shoving her away from me, "Shut the fuck up." I pause, "But seriously, why wouldn't you sleep with me?"

"Do you want to die? Xaden would kill you and possibly me if he found out that we slept together."

I raise a brow, "Is that the only reason?"

(Y/N) tilts her head, "That's the only reason I need. I value my life."

"He wouldn't kill you, he's your brother." I argue.

(Y/N) stops in the middle of the hallway, right by the door leading to the woman's barracks. She turns to directly face me, "Do you want to sleep me with, Tavis?" She questions.

My eyes, widen. Deny, deny, deny. "Wha-no."

That was very convincing. I hear Chradh, my dragon, say through our bond. I can practically hear the eye roll in his tone.

"Uh huh," (Y/N) nods, "Then this conversation is irrelevant. Goodnight, section leader." She opens the door, walking away before I can reply.

Even she's not convinced. Chradh speaks once more, laughing.

Shut up. I answer him, scowling.

*_*_*_*_* (Y/N)

The next morning I wake up early, I've decided I want to start running before breakfast. My stamina is good, but it can be better, and after running the Gauntlet yesterday and watching Aurelie die, I know I need to be at my very best. I finish quietly tying my shoes, not wanting to disturb anyone. I leave the room, stretching my arms above my head. "What are you doing?" I jump, looking up to see Dain glaring at me.

"I'm going for a run?" I say, though it sounds more like a question.

"By yourself?" He asks, eyes narrowing.

"Yes, why?"

"Have you ever gone for runs before?"

I raise an eyebrow, "Not here…" There's a pause as we both asses each other. "Can I go now?" I finally ask, pointing around him. He pauses once more, before stiffly nodding and stepping to the side. I walk around him, then turn back to look, confused on why he was asking me about my run. I shake my head, then continue, heading to the courtyard to start running.

I've been running for 20 minutes and decide that I should start heading back so I can get breakfast. It should be starting any minute and I don't want to be too late. Just as I'm passing the Iakobos River a cadet steps out of the shadows. He's a first year like me, I think he's in second wing but I can't remember his name. I nod at him trying to move past, but he steps in my way. "I overheard you talking with Aetos, saying you were going on a run by yourself."

"Yeah, here I am." I say shrugging.

"Traitors shouldn't be here." I roll my eyes, of course he hates me.

"Listen, I don't have time for this. Can't you just wait for Threshing to try and kill me? Or challenge me when matches start back up?"

"Not when I have the perfect opportunity right now." He takes out his long sword. I sigh, not wanting to fight, I quickly slip out two of my daggers, the only two I brought with me on my run.

He lunges, since he's fighting with a sword he has a longer reach than my daggers. I block his strike, stepping in closer. I stick my foot out tripping him but he quickly rights himself. He spins, lunging once more in a series of quick strikes. I manage to block each one but I need to move off defense and end this quickly.

I take a step in his direction, feigning right and moving left. I nick the back of his sword hand. He hisses in pain but recovers quickly. My breath is heavier, my run from earlier tiring me quicker. When he lunges again, his sword catches my side. "Fuck." I take a chance, sending a quick prayer to Zihnal, I throw one of my daggers, aiming for his throat. The dagger lands where I intended. The tall cadet stumbles, a hand flying to his throat.

I walk over to him, sheathing my extra dagger, "I'm taking this, since you wanted to try and kill me with it." I grab his long sword from his limp hand. "And I'll be taking this back." I reach down, grabbing the hilt of my dagger that's buried in his throat. "Say hi to Malek for me." I pull the dagger out, blood spraying across my face. I must have hit the artery in his neck. I wipe the dagger on the boys tunic. Watching as he takes his last breath. I sigh, sheathing my dagger once more and heading back to the quadrant.

There are a few cadets walking around, either heading to breakfast, their morning duties, or back to their rooms. Some do double takes, seeing the hole in my tunic with blood seeping out and the blood on my face. One cadet even leaping out of my way. I pay them no mind. My eyes sharpened into a cold glare as I head towards the dining hall, searching for Dain.

Just as I move around the corner, closest to the dining hall, I bump into him. "Are you okay?" He asks, noticing the blood on my face.

I scoff, "Just the person I was looking for. You have a second to talk in private, squad leader?"

"Are you hurt? Do you need the healers?"

"What I need is to talk with you."

His eyes narrow in confusion, "Okay? How privately?"

I whisper through gritted teeth, making sure that none of the passing cadets can hear me, "That depends on if you want people to know that your attempt to get your squadmate killed failed."

"What?"

"Oh, so that's how you want to play it?"

"Hold on, I never-" He stops himself, "Come with me." He quickly ushers me away, leading me to his bedroom. "What are you talking about? What happened?"

I roll my eyes, "That first year from second squad you sent after me? He's dead by the Iakobos."

"Someone went after you?"

"You should consider acting, Aetos."

"(Y/N), I never sent anyone after you."

I scoff, "Oh, so just asking about where I was going and if I was going alone was just out of per curiosity and a random guy - who I don't even know the name of - who hates me, managed to overhear and then attempt to kill me."

"I asked you where you were going this morning because I never saw you up that early before. And I asked if you were going alone because with your last name a lot of people don't want you here and traveling in groups is safer."

"You really expect me to believe that?" I yell, taking a step towards Dain. My hand flies up to my side, the adrenaline wearing off causing the pain to be worse.

"You're hurt. Let me look." Dain steps forward.

I recoil, "Stay the fuck away from me!"

Dain sighs, "(Y/N), I swear to Amari I never told anyone about your run and I never sent someone to kill you. Now either let me bring you to the healers or let me check your wound."

"I'm fine! I don't need your help." I try to storm past him, but he grabs my arm.

"Let me help." My glare never leaves my face but Dain doesn't back away.

"Let. Me. Go."

"No. As your squad leader, I order you to let me check your wound."

I scoff, "Oh, as my squad leader? News flash, Dain, I don't give a fuck what you are. I can take care of myself."

"I'll tell Xaden."

"Really? Tell him what exactly?"

"That you're too stubborn for your own good. That you won't let someone help you when you're injured. That you were dumb enough to go on a run by yourself when half the quadrant wants you dead."

"Dumb? I'm still alive in case you haven't noticed."

"Yeah for now, but what if that cadet brought along some friends. That wound on your side probably would had been a lot worse. You would had probably been with Malek right now."

I shove Dain off of me, knowing that I'm not indestructible and he's right, but not wanting to admit that out loud. "Fine. Want to check my wound?" I drop the sword, then reach down to pull my tunic over my head, "Go on. Check it."

His jaw ticks, but he nods to his bed, "Sit. Let me get my first aid kit." I roll my eyes, but do as he says. I lean back on my hands so I don't put pressure on the wound. I look down at the cut, the cut is deep enough that I'm going to need stitches.

"I'm going to get blood on your sheets." I say, looking up to him as he approaches, scowl still on my face.

Dain shrugs, "Wouldn't be the first time someone got blood on them." He squats down in front of me, "This may sting a little." He pours alcohol onto a cloth, then gently rubs it over my wound. "What happened?" He quietly asks.

I nod to the long sword that I dropped on his floor, "He had the reach with his sword, I only had my daggers on me. I misjudged and he cut me. So I threw one of my daggers into his neck."

"Well at least you're okay. And now you know not to go on runs by yourself." I purse my lips, "You will go running with someone, right?" He raises an eyebrow. He puts the cloth down, "You need stitches."

"I wasn't planning on it. Do you have a needle and thread in the kit?"

Dain nods, asking, "Running again?"

I roll my eyes, "Going with someone." I reach for the needle and thread that Dain pulled out but he pulls it out of my reach. I narrow my eyes but let him prepare the needle, "It's nice to have some alone time, when you're surrounded by other cadets twenty-four seven."

"Do you have a death wish?" Dain scoffs, "Lay back." He instructs, once I do he reaches for the wound, starting to stitch it back together.

I hiss in pain, "I can handle myself." I say through gritted teeth, "And if you're telling the truth then I don't have to worry about people knowing I'm running alone."

He shakes his head, finishing the last stitch, "I'm not going to tell anyone, (Y/N). You and your brother may not be my favorite people but you're in my squad." He gets gauze out of his first aid kit to cover the stitched up wound, once finished, he checks the time. "Shit. We're going to be late to formation." He stands, moving to his closet and taking out a tunic, "It's going to be big on you but you don't have time to get a new one."

I sit up, taking his tunic from his out stretched hand, pulling it over my head. My senses fill with the smell of leather and soap. When I look at him again, he's holding out an apple. My brows knit together in confusion, "You didn't go to breakfast. At least this way you're not functioning on a completely empty stomach." He holds out a cloth for me as well, "You still have blood on your face."

I reach for the apple and cloth, "Thanks." I mumble. I turn towards his desk, there's a mirror above it and I quickly clean off my face. Then I pick up the discarded sword just as he moves to open his door, holding it for me to walk out first. I take a bite of the apple as we both head to morning formation.

Once at morning formation, we get a couple odd looks seeing that we're arriving together and I'm wearing a shirt that is clearly too big. The attention is quickly taken off of us as Captain Fitzgibbons reads off the death roll, "Calvin Atwater, Carolyn Bennett, Newland Jahvon, Aurelie Donans."

*_*_*_*_* Dain

The next morning I'm up early waiting outside the first year woman's barracks. I'm not sure if (Y/N) was planning on running today or not but I'd rather be here just in case. Sure enough (Y/N) steps out of the room, almost running right into me, "Great. Why are you here?" She scowls.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes, "Going on a run again?" I ask, instead of answering her question. (Y/N) nods, "By yourself?" She nods again. "I'm coming with you."

"I'm sorry. What?" She asks, crossing her arms.

"I'm. Coming. With. You." I look (Y/N) directly in her onyx eyes as I slowly repeat myself.

"Why?"

"Someone almost killed you yesterday."

(Y/N) laughs, "The cadet did not almost kill me, he threatened to kill me and all he left me with was a singular cut before I took his life."

"Do the details matter? Someone wanted to kill you yesterday, and they took advantage of the fact you were by yourself. And clearly you didn't tell any of your squad or your brother about this because if you did I bet at least one of them would be here with you."

(Y/N) takes a step closer to me, standing so we're chest to chest. Her arms brushing against me, "I don't need protection, Aetos. I'm not Violet. I'm perfectly capable of handling people trying to kill me."

I don't back down, eyes narrowing, "Either walk back into the barracks and wait for breakfast, cadet, or run with me. Those are your only two options."

(Y/N)'s eyes narrow in return, "Why do you care?"

"You're in my squad, you're under my protection. No one is killing you on my watch."

(Y/N) scoffs, reaching back to tie her hair into a loose ponytail, "You know what? Fine. Hope you can keep up." She runs fast, probably trying to make me fall behind, but I stay with her.

I stay silent for a while but I need to ask her if anyone said anything about the day before, "Did anyone say anything to you yesterday?" When she doesn't answer, I try again, "Imogen tried to ask why we showed up to formation together. Then she asked why your shirt was too big."

I wait for her response, glancing at her out of the the corner of my eye. When she still doesn't answer, I continue, "I told her it was just a coincidence that we showed up at the same time and I didn't know anything about your shirt." She still doesn't respond. Gods, she's stubborn. "She's really protective of you, you know?"

"Well the fuck aware. I'll deal with it if she asks me." (Y/N) finally replies.

"So did the squad ask?" I question, she nods but doesn't say anything else. As our run comes to an end, I'm breathing heavier than (Y/N), which is saying a lot considering I'm already bonded to a dragon.

You need to run more. Maybe it's a good thing the first year is refusing to tell anyone else. Cath says to me. I roll my eyes but don't respond to my dragon.

"Gods, how do you have such good stamina?" I ask as I wipe the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand. (Y/N) smirks, but doesn't answer. My mind flashes to (Y/N) naked in bed, I quickly shake the thought away, "Really?" I ask exasperated.

Cath chortles, And you claim to dislike her.

(Y/N) laughs, "I didn't say anything."

"It was written all of over your face." I scold. She's attractive, that doesn't mean I like her. I snap at Cath, my jaw ticking.

"You can interpret my facial expressions however you want, Aetos."

I shake my head, "Same time tomorrow?"

(Y/N) sighs, "You seriously don't need to come with me."

"Are you going to tell someone else about the murder attempt?"

"It's a typical day for me. I can handle myself."

"I have no doubt that you can." I step closer to her, she tilts her head to look me directly in the eyes, "But I'm still not letting you go by yourself."

The tip of her tongue darts out of her mouth, wetting her lips, my brown eyes following the movement, "I'll see you tomorrow morning then." She says, before walking away.

*_*_*_*_* (Y/N)

The next few practice runs on the Gauntlet have gone great for me, despite being in minor pain because of my wound. I make it up each time and my time improves as well. I haven't had to reach for a rope again either. Violet and Tynan are the only two left in the squad who haven't made it to the top. I feel bad for Violet but at least Tynan has stopped running his mouth. I'm still holding out hope that on presentation day he'll fall.

It's the day before presentation and the last practice, I lay on top of the cliff, Ridoc beside me. We were the first two to run. Sawyer. Rhiannon, and Violet are standing before the chimney trying to figure out how to help Violet get up. Ridoc and I both decided not to watch since we can't hear them anyways.

"You're going to end up with the fastest time tomorrow." Ridoc says.

"Maybe in our squad, but Liam told me his best time and I doubt I'll beat him." I reply.

"Do you both have to be good at everything?"

I smile, "Yes." Ridoc laughs, shaking his head. A red dragon flies overhead, "Pretty."

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that." Ridoc sighs.

"Sure you will. In a matter of days you're going to be a badass dragon rider. Seeing them fly above you is going to be nothing compared to flying on the back of one."

"Very true, Riorson." Ridoc and I smile at each other, "Gods, I can't wait."

*_*_*_*_*

"Doria Merrill," Captain Fitzgibbons says from the dais, during morning formation. Formation gets tighter every day as we lose more and more cadets. "Kamryn Dyre." It's presentation day, one of the deadliest in the quadrant. "Arvel Pelipa." Imogen and Quinn suck in a breath. First years aren't the only ones at risk, we're just the most likely to die. I send Imogen a sad smile, she nods in response. "Michael Iverem. We commend their souls to Malek."

Formation breaks, "Second and third years, unless you're on Gauntlet duty, head to class." Dain says to the squad, "First years, it's time to show us what you've got." He forces a smile, gaze stopping on Violet.

Imogen looks at Violet, she tucks a strand of pink hair behind her ear, "Good luck today. Hopefully you won't fall…short." She turns to look at me, pulling me into a tight hug, "You got this, (Y/N). Make me proud."

I smile, "Don't I always?" She smiles back, ruffling my hair causing me to slap her hand away. She walks off with Quinn and Cianna.

"Best of luck," Heaton one of two third years in our squad says to us. They tap their heart, right over two of their patches and offers us a genuine tight-lipped smile before heading to class. I've earned a patch for being undefeated in challenges but like Xaden I don't wear the extra patches. Just the ones that say my wing and year.

"I didn't realize Heaton actually knew how to speak." Two lines appear between Ridoc's brows.

"Maybe they figure they should at least say hi before we're potentially roasted today," Rhiannon says, causing me to snort.

"Back in formation," Dain orders.

"Are you coming with us?" Violet asks him. He nods, but doesn't look at her.

A few seconds pass before Ridoc speaks once more, "We're the biggest squad," He's looking around, assessing the other squads.

"What are we down to?" Tynan asks, "Hundred and eighty?"

"Hundred and seventy one," Dain answers.

"For a hundred dragons? But what will we..." Trina starts.

She's cut off by Luca, "Stop letting fear leach into your voice. If the dragons think you're a coward, you'll be nothing but a name tomorrow."

"I hope you're nothing but a name tomorrow." I mumble under my breath. I'm the closest to Dain so he hears my barb, he sends me a look and I innocently smile back.

"Stop it. You need to support your squad." Dain scolds quietly.

"I'll support my squadmates that I actually care about, I'm not a squad leader like you, I don't need to care for everyone in the squad." He rolls his eyes, "Still want to go on those morning runs with me?"

"You're insufferable." He states. "How's your wound?"

"Fine, just like I told you this morning." Dain nods, "You still never answered my question."

"Fourth Wing!" Xaden calls from ahead, "Move out!"

Dain glances at me out the corner of his eye, "I'll see you for our morning run tomorrow. And I still think it was stupid to go for one today." Then he falls back, moving to the back of our formation. Our section is first, Xaden falls behind, walking next to me and letting Garrick lead.

"Good luck, I know you'll do great on the Gauntlet." He says, reaching out to give my shoulder a squeeze.

"I said when I got here that the only way I plan on dying is if a dragon doesn't find me worthy. So let's hope they like me."

"They will. If Sgaeyl likes you - which she does, and she's one of the hardest to please - how can the ones at Presentation not?"

I smile, "Thanks. I love you."

Xaden smiles back, "I love you too." He leaves my side, moving back towards the front of the wing, towards Garrick.

Forty five minutes later, it's my turn on the Gauntlet. I fly over the spinning log and leap from pillar to pillar, quickly hopping into the wheel. I hop out at the second rotation, completing ascent one. I jump onto the first buoy ball, grabbing the chain and swinging from ball to ball.

I take a deep breath before jumping up to grab the iron rails on the third ascent, I climb hand over hand making it to the shaking pillars. I aim my landing perfectly, bending my knees to brace the impact. I jump to each pillar and don't hesitate to run up the fourth ascent. All these morning runs were for this, to keep my stamina up during the Gauntlet, and in future battles.

I make it to the last ascent, I run at the chimney, my body making an X before hopping up and climbing on to the edge before the ramp. I take one more breath then run as fast as I can, when gravity starts pulling me down, I throw my hand up catching the lip and pulling myself up the rest of the way.

Sawyer and Ridoc run at me, enveloping me in a tight hug. They went before me, I'm the third in the squad to go. "Badass!" Ridoc exclaims, "You flew through the course!"

"Seriously, you made it look easy, (Y/N)." Sawyer says.

I giggle, "Come on. Let's go watch the rest of our squad." I make eye contact with Xaden and Garrick who both send me proud smiles. Then I turn to watch the rest of the squad. Trina, Luca, Rhiannon, Pryor, and Tynan all make it up. Violet is the last on the course, she's just made it past ascent four, stopping before the chimney. This is it for her, she hasn't completed this obstacle yet, but I know she can.

"You can do it!" Rhiannon yells to Violet.

"Or you can do us all a favor and fall!" Jack calls out. My head snaps in his direction but before I can move both Sawyer and Ridoc grab onto my arms.

"Let go, I only want to talk with him." I mumble.

"Talk with your fists,maybe." Ridoc mumbles, refusing to let go.

I roll my eyes but look back down as I hear Rhiannon yell, "What are you doing?" Violet is grabbing one of the ropes. She drags it horizontally across the surface of the cliff. She gets the bottom portion onto the chimney, pulling the rope tight. She plants one foot on the side of the shaft and gives the rope a tug.

"Can she do that?" Someone snaps. I turn to see Amber Mavis, the wingleader for second wing. Violet climbs the chimney, using the rope for leverage.

Once she makes it to the top Ridoc shouts, "Hell yes! That's our girl!"

"You got this Violet! One more!" I cheer her on. Violet takes a breath, unsheathing one of her daggers. She's runs as fast as she can towards the ramp, when gravity begins to pull her back down she swings her arm up, slamming her dagger into the ramp, a guttural scream rips through her throat. She reaches up with her other hand, grabbing the lip of the ramp, pulling herself up, using the dagger to step on for extra leverage.

Once up, she lays on her stomach, reaching over the edge to retrieve her dagger. Ridoc, Sawyer, Rhiannon, and I rush over, nearly tackling Violet in a group hug. "She can't do that!" Amber screams.

"Yeah, well she just did!" Ridoc argues.

"You made it! You made it!" Rhiannon cheers.

"Luck," Violet draws in a shaky breath, "And. Adrenaline."

"Cheating!" Amber yells, once more, stomping over to us.

I snap, not caring that she's a wingleader, "Back the fuck up."

Her jaw drops in shock, but before she can reply to me, Garrick steps in between us. She clenches her jaw but stops, "Watch your tone with me, cadet." I roll my eyes. She turns to look between Garrick and Xaden, "The cheater clearly used foreign materials not once but twice! It's not to be tolerated! We live by the codex or we die by them!"

"Gods," I mumble to my squad, "Can I punch her?" Ridoc snorts.

"I don't take kindly to calling anyone in my section a cheater," Garrick says, "And my wingleader will handle any rule-breaking in his own wing."

"Sorrengail?" Xaden calls out.

"I expect the thirty second penalty for using the rope," Violet answers.

"And the knife?" Amber's eyes narrow, "She's disqualified." Xaden doesn't answer, still watching Violet, "Surely she's out! You can't tolerate lawlessness within your own wing, Riorson!"

But Xaden remains quiet, waiting for Violet. "A rider may only bring to the quadrant the items they can carry-" Violet begins.

She's cut off by Amber, "Are you quoting the codex to me?"

"- And they shall not be separated from those items no matter what they may be," She continues like she wasn't interrupted. "For once carried across the parapet, they are considered part of their person. Article Three, Section Six, Addendum B."

I smirk, waiting for Xaden's reply, but it's Amber who opens her mouth once more, "That Addendum was written to make thievery an executional offense."

"Correct," Violet nods in agreement, "But in doing so, it gave any item carried across the parapet the status of being a part of the rider." She unsheathes the dagger she used, "This isn't a challenge blade. It's one I carried across and therefore considered part of myself."

Amber's eyes flare but Violet speaks once more, this time looking at Xaden, "The right way isn't the only way."

Xaden holds her stare, "She has you, Amber."

"On a technicality!" She tries to argue.

"She still has you."

"You think like a scribe!"

"I know." Violet agrees. Amber marches off, clearly pissed.

"Sorrengail," Xaden says, causing Violet to turn to him once more, "You're leaking." He gestures to her hands, "Do something about it." Rhiannon helps Violet cut the sleeves off her tunic to bandage her hands, then we wait for the rest of the cadets to either make it up the cliff or die trying.

*_*_*_*_*

There are 169 first year cadets left by the time everyone finishes the Gauntlet. Even with Violet's penalty for using the rope, we ended up eleventh out of thirty six squads. Liam won the Gauntlet patch, being the fastest one up. I asked Xaden, where I placed individually and I was third, which I was happy about.

The box canyon that makes up the training field is a colorful array of reds, oranges, and golds. Autumn was always my favorite time of year. I love the crisp air and the colors littering the trees; everything looks serene.

The dragons line the valley, standing twenty-five feet tall. They're in a formation of their own, lined up several feet back, close enough to pass judgment as we walk past. "Let's go, Second Squad, you're up next." Garrick calls out. "Into formation." We all move, Rhiannon, Violet, and I ending up near the back.

There's a sound like rushing wind that stops quickly, one of the dragons wasn't happy with one of the cadets. Garrick's eyes skim over the group, stopping on me, "Hopefully Aetos has done his job, so you know that it's a straight walk down the meadow. I'd recommend staying at least seven feet apart-"

Ridoc interrupts, "In case one of us gets scorched."

"Correct, Ridoc." Garrick's gaze turns away from me, addressing the whole group, "Cluster if you want, just know if a dragon finds disfavor with one of you, it's likely to burn the whole lot to weed one out." He pauses, "Also, remember you're not here to approach them, and if you do, you won't be making it back to the dormitory tonight."

"Can I ask a question?" Luca says from the front. I roll my eyes, Garrick nods, but his jaw ticks. He's annoyed, he doesn't like Luca on my behalf plus he's always been impatient. "Third Squad, Tail Section of Fourth Wing already went through, and I talked to some of the cadets…"

"That's not a question," Garrick lifts his brows. I smirk at his tone. He's intimidating to everyone else, but to me he's just a big teddy bear.

"Right. It's just that they said there's two feathertails?"

"F-Feathertails?" Tynan sputters, he's in front of Violet. "Who the hell would ever want to bond a feathertail?"

I roll my eyes, I tend to do that a lot whenever Luca or Tynan open their mouths, they have that affect on people. "Professor Kaori never told us there would be feathertails." Sawyer says, "I know because I memorized every single dragon he showed us. All hundred of them."

"Well, guess there's a hundred and two now." Garrick replies, "Relax. Feathertails don't bond. I can't even remember the last time one has been seen outside the Vale. They're probably just curious. You're up. Stay on the path. You walk up, you wait for the entire squad, you walk back down. It really doesn't get much easier than this, kids, so if you can't follow those simple instructions, then you deserve whatever happens in there."

We follow the crowd of first years, stopping in front of Nyra, the senior wingleader. "They're all yours," Garrick says. He walks past me, squeezing my arm, "I'll see you later." He whispers before walking off.

"Single file." Nyra calls to the squad. I move so I'm the last person in line, Rhiannon and Violet right ahead of me. "Talk."

"Nice day for a Presentation," Ridoc jokes.

"Not to me," Nyra narrows her eyes, "Talk to your nearby squadmates while you're on the path, as it will help the dragons get a sense of who you are and how well you play with others. There's a correlation between bonded cadets and level of chatter."

She pauses, looking at each squad member, "Feel free to look at the dragons, especially if they're showing off their tails, but I would abstain from eye contact if you value your life. If you come across a scorch mark, just make sure nothing's currently on fire before continuing along. See you after your stroll."

She sweeps her hand, stepping to the side. The line starts to move, everyone giving the suggested seven feet before following. We pass a trio of reds first. "I can't even see their tails!" Tynan shouts from ahead of Violet, "How are we supposed to know what breed they are?"

I roll my eyes but keep my mouth shut, "We're not supposed to know what breed they are," Violet responds.

"Fuck that, I need to figure out which one I'm going to approach during Threshing."

"Pretty sure they're the ones to decide, Tynan. Or have you already forgot what Kaori taught us?" I say, I probably should have left that last part out but I might as well be authentically myself. The dragons need to know the real me and make their decisions based on that.

"Hopefully one of them will decide you don't get to make it to Threshing," Rhiannon says so quietly that I barely hear her.

I laugh, "Him and Luca." I reply just as quietly, causing her to laugh as well.

We are now approaching a set of browns. "They're a little bigger than I thought they would be…" Rhiannon trails off, "Not that I didn't see the ones at Parapet, but…"

"So do you know if you're having a niece or a nephew?" Violet asks, trying to distract Rhiannon.

We pass a handful of oranges as Rhiannon replies, "What?"

"I've heard some of the healers can make pretty good guesses once a woman is further along in her pregnancy."

"Oh. No. No clue. Though I'm kind of hoping she'll have a girl. I guess I'll find out once we finish the year and can write our families."

"Ugh," I groan, "I hate that rule. It's so dumb."

"Agreed." Violet pipes up, "It is a bullshit rule."

"You don't think it encourages loyalty to the wing?" Rhiannon asks us.

"Honestly, I just think it's about control." I shrug.

Violet answers next, "I think I'm just as loyal to my sister whether I've had a letter from her or not. There are bonds that can't be broken."

"I'd be loyal to your sister too," Tynan calls out. He turns around, facing Violet, "She's one hell of a rider, and that ass. I saw her right before Parapet and damn, Violet. She's hot."

"Turn around," Violet makes a spinning motion with her finger, "Mira would eat you for breakfast, Tynan."

"I'm just wondering how one of you got all the good traits and the other looks like she got the leftovers."

"Are you blind? Violet's so hot. I think it's just in the Sorrengail genes." I say. I think of Brennan, who is also very attractive.

Violet laughs, "Says you. The Riorson's clearly have some good genes too."

I laugh, "Are you saying me and my brother are hot, Violet?"

She doesn't answer but Tynan speaks up again, "All I'm saying is maybe I'll write a letter of my own to your sister once we get privileges."

"A nephew would be good," Rhiannon says, changing the topic. "Boys aren't too bad."

"My brother was awesome, but he and Dain are my only experience with growing up around little boys." Violet replies. "Though I think Dain was probably a little more rule-abiding than most kids." I snort, picturing little Dain always following the rules. "He likes order and pretty much detests anything that doesn't fit neatly into his plan." She pauses, "What about you, (Y/N)? What was it like growing up with Xaden and Bodhi?"

I quietly laugh, "They was the best. Xaden's always been there for me, even when we were separated. Bodhi too, though Xaden was always a bit more serious than Bodhi. Xaden never tried to stop me from hanging around him and Garrick even when I was being annoying. He's definitely my built in best friend."

"What about Garrick?" Rhiannon asks.

"Garrick too. He could had gotten annoyed so many times with me following them around but he never minded. I remember we used to play hide and seek in the halls of Riorson House, Gods that was so much fun. And Liam…" I trail off, "When Liam and I met we were attached at the hip. I was miserable whenever he was gone. I think Garrick, Bodhi, and Xaden let me hang around them so much because they hated seeing me upset."

"They sound great," Rhiannon replies.

"Yeah, they seem to really love you." Violet says.

I smile but don't answer, my head is filled with memories of growing up in Aretia. "You guys done bonding back there?" Tynan sneers, "Because we're almost to the end of the line, if you haven't noticed." He pauses, "And I still haven't figured out which one I'm going to choose."

"With arrogance like that, I'm sure any dragon would feel lucky to share your mind for the rest of your life." Violet replies.

The rest of the squad is gathered at the end of the path, facing our direction. Their focus is to the right, there's a brown dragon up ahead, though I can't see what's behind it. "What the hell?" Tynan stares.

"Keep walking," Violet orders. Her gaze is so focused she stumbles right into Tynan.

"Get off me, Sorrengail." He hisses, shoving her back, "Who the hell would bond those?"

That's when I see them, two feathertails sitting side-by-side. One gold, the other silver. "They're fucking yellow and gray." Luca's lip curls in disgust, "So not only are they obviously too small to carry a rider in battle, but they're not even powerful enough to be a real color."

I roll my eyes, "There's so much we don't know about dragons, how do you know that there aren't more silver and gold dragons in the Vale? I mean we learned about a white one, and there's no other like her."

"Maybe it's a mistake," Sawyer says quietly, "Maybe it's a baby orange and black."

"They're fully grown," Rhiannon argues, "There's no way the other dragons allow babies to bond. No human alive has ever seen a baby."

"It's a mistake all right," Tynan agrees with Sawyer. He scoffs, "You should bond one of them, Sorrengail. You're both freakishly weak. It's a match made in heaven."

"It looks powerful enough to burn you to death," Violet counters. I want to punch Tynan on her behalf but I can't stick up for her like that in front of the dragons, she needs to prove herself.

Sawyer lunges between Tynan and Violet, grabbing Tynan's collar. My jaw drops, that's unbelievably hot. Especially since he's held me back from punching Tynan so often. "Don't ever say that about a squadmate, especially not in front of unbonded dragons."

"Let him go - he's just saying what we're all thinking," Luca mutters.

"You two are the only ones thinking that." I snap.

Trina places a hand on Sawyer's shoulder, "Don't make a mistake in front of them. We don't know what they'll do." Sawyer drops Tynan's collar. We all step away from each other so we're not grouped together anymore.

"Someone should kill them before they bond," Tynan sputters, "They're just going to get their riders killed, and it's not like we get a choice if they want to bond."

"You're just picking up on that now, are you?" Ridoc shakes his head.

"Well, I think they're beautiful. Garrick's probably right anyways, they're just curious. They can't carry riders, it wouldn't make sense for them to bond. The rider and dragon would both be in danger."

"We should go back," Pryor says, his gaze darts around the group, "I mean… if you think we should. We don't have to, of course."

"For once in your life," Tynan snaps, pushing Pryor to start walking, "make a damn decision, Pryor."

Sawyer goes after Tynan, me following behind, then Trina behind me. "So, Sawyer. After all this time telling me to be nice…" I trail off, teasing the tall boy.

"Do as I say, not as I do." Sawyer replies, laughing.

"I mean, it was kinda hot, seeing you be protective like that."

He glances back at me, "Oh, really? Is that what does it for you, (Y/N)?"

Before I can answer Tynan inserts himself in the conversation, "Please, you can do so much better than someone who had to repeat a year, (Y/N)."

"Sawyer already knows I think he's brave for repeating."

"Brave?" Tynan, whips around.

"Keep walking," Sawyer scolds.

Tynan walks backwards looking around Sawyer to eye me, "Yes, brave. It's brave enough showing up expecting to do three years then live out your life as a dragon rider, but to add an extra year to the college where other cadets constantly try to kill you? It's brave."

"Thanks, (Y/N)." Sawyer says.

"Whether it's brave or not, you deserve someone who didn't have to repeat." Tynan replies.

"Oh yeah? Like who?"

"Well, I bet I'd be better than him."

I roll my eyes, "Only in your dreams, Tynan."

"Oh you've definitely been in my dreams."

"Ugh, Gods, that's disgusting."

"Turn back around, Tynan." Sawyer snaps. Tynan smirks but turns back around.

"You can move a little faster up there, Pryor." Rhiannon calls out.

"Maybe we should slow down and take our time?" Pryor replies, but it sounds like a question, "Or I guess we can go faster if we want to get out of here." A red dragon steps out of line, halting the squad. It opens it's mouth, exposing it's fangs. The fire erupts from along the sides of it's tongue, right at Pryor. The scent of sulfur and burned grass enters my nose.

We pause, waiting for the fire to stop, "Fire's out." Tynan calls, then continues to walk the path. I pass the pile of ash that used to be Pryor, trying to think of something else to talk about.

"Xaden approves of you, Sawyer."

He laughs, "What do you mean?"

"He knows we've gotten close, said I could do worse. That's approval from Xaden if I ever heard it."

"Well that's good to know. Your brother is intimidating as fuck."

"Yeah, maybe to others."

"To everyone, the only reason you're not intimidated by him is because he's your brother." Tynan says from up front.

"Nah, plenty of the marked ones aren't intimidated by him. We just know him better."

"He kinda scares me," Trina says from behind me, causing me to laugh, "Honestly, you're a lot like him from what I can see." We hear another whoosh of fire from behind us, I glance behind me just to make sure it wasn't Trina.

When I see she's still there I reply, "He was basically my hero growing up, so I'm not surprised we seem so similar." We walk past the last of the dragons. Everyone in the squad besides Pryor and Luca make it out.

Taglist: @desprrssooo-espresssooooo

#series rewrite #the empyrean #fourth wing #xaden x sister!riorson reader #xaden riorson #dain aetos #violet sorrengail #bodhi durran #garrick tavis #imogen cardulo #liam mairi #rhiannon matthias #ridoc gamlyn #sawyer henrick

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baronessvonglitter · 4 months ago

Text

Law of Attraction ~ Chapter 3

Rom Com AU divorce lawyer!Dave York x fem!Reader (featuring nightclub owner!Javier Pena)

Word count: 2,895

Summary: It's not a date. Just a lawyer and his client celebrating her divorce...

WARNINGS: 18+ Only! No smut in this chapter. Rom com vibes. AU. Reader wears a dress and nail polish. Mentions of eating food and drinking alcohol. Mutual pining AND mistaken for a couple 😊. Love bombing. Divorce. I'm just pretending I know what lawyers do and that divorces are quite speedy. Dave is multi-lingual because I say so. Also, hints that all is not well between Dave and Carol? (c'mon, when do we ever paint them as truly happy?)

Author's note: "You can't blame yourself for the choices you made when you were too young to know better." 💜

Series Masterlist

"What does the L stand for?"

Dave realizes you're asking him a question and he looks up from his file, a smile flitting across his face. "Pardon?"

It's the first time you've seen him since that fateful day at the museum. After catching up on your plans to divorce Javier and citing every reason why you desire to be forever parted from your husband, Dave had invited you to his high-rise office the following day, where you are now, sitting across from him at his desk.

"Your card says 'David L. York," you remind him, a pink-polished finger running over the smooth white business card.

"Liam," he says, a small blush creeping up his neck. You smile when you notice it, aware of how attractive he is when he blushes.

"David Liam York," you say to yourself, liking the roll of it off your tongue. "I like it. It suits you."

His head is down, perusing the paperwork before him, but he smiles at your compliment. "Wish I could say I'd chosen it myself."

It's quiet again as he goes over the fine print, and you wander over to the window of his office, smiling to see your bookstore/bakery right across the street. There's a rush today for cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. You'd give anything to be there instead of here, making your divorce a reality.

For now you silently glance around, interested to catch glimpses of who Dave is. Framed art lines the walls-- abstract shapes painted in bold blues and greens-- far from the childishly geometrical shapes done in primary colors found in most offices, along with his diploma from Harvard, proudly displayed next to a photo of Dave with the mayor.

"I handled his third divorce," he says, and you realize you've been staring at his photo for too long. You shake yourself from your thoughts.

"Everything's in order," he continues, pushing the papers away at last. "All you have to do is sign and the process server will bring it to Mr. Pena and he'll be served immediately."

"Is the process server attractive?" you ask, only half-kidding. "My husband can't resist a beautiful woman, and he won't know what hit him once he's served."

Dave allows a little laugh at this. "Sienna is a very pretty young woman. I think your husband will have to pick his jaw up off the floor before he realizes his gorgeous wife is divorcing him."

The initial prick of jealousy over Sienna's looks makes way for a wave of emotion when Dave calls you gorgeous. He realizes he's overstepped and tries to fix it, but you brush it off.

"I'll keep in touch with you during this process, but I advise you to just try to take your mind off it. Do something you enjoy, hang out with people who care about you. And I strongly advise you to ignore Mr. Pena should he call or try to see you. From everything you've told me he sounds like a garden variety narcissist. What you're doing right now is the right thing," he assures you.

Right then it's on the tip of your tongue-- you're privy to a mere outline of the goings-on within Javier's club. While a large part of you just wants to get the proceedings over with, a deeper, baser instinct desires to make the bastard pay for his crimes. You're the only one with any insight as to the illegal activities.. at least, the only one willing to talk. And though it's not his money you're after, your need for justice wants his dark deeds to come to light.

Admittedly, you struggle with the idea once you actually open your mouth to tell Dave. It's there on the tip of your tongue, but a deep-seated loyalty bars the way for your words to exit. You hate that you can't be the type of petty everyone thinks you should be, but neither does the good citizen in you dare to show herself.

'My ex-husband is involved in illegal doings, please raid his place of business' just doesn't sit right with you.

"What is it?" Dave asks, sensing something is on your mind. The thoughtfulness of his gaze nearly makes you melt. His touch rests softly on your upper arm.

Everything previous thought buzzes through your brain on repeat, a mental coin flips but you don't let it land.

"It's just been a lot to deal with today," you explain tiredly, your hand resting on his on your arm. Dave's touch tenses slightly before taking it away. "This is all going to be worth it. You're doing the right thing," he reiterates.

You tell yourself that as you leave the office, your paperwork signed and ready to go. Of course you're doing the right thing. That's why you feel so shitty.

You can tell Javier's been served when a never-ending procession of gifts arrives at your home. You don't know how he got your new address, but the gesture of flower arrangements, stuffed animals, boxes of jewelry, and Shari's Berries (which you end up eating a few of just because they're delicious).

He doesn't bombard you with texts or calls, but leaves notes along with his gifts. His chicken-scratch handwriting barely legibly asking you to come back, to reconcile, to please stop the divorce process because you're breaking his heart.

If you were a weaker woman you would cave in easily, but you refuse to move the line you've drawn in the sand. You give away his gifts, make mini bouquets with the gorgeous flowers he sends and you give them away to your customers. The jewelry is the only stuff you give back, knowing its value is worth far more than the others.

Only when you're alone at night do you start to have second thoughts. The days keep you busy, revolving around your business, your family, the activities you never really got to enjoy while you were Javier's wife.

But when you curl up onto the left side of the bed as if awaiting someone else to fill the opposite side, and when you accidentally make enough food for two instead of just one, you realize being single is an adjustment, and it's taking you a little longer to get used to.

The mediation that follows is quicker than you'd expected. Neither of you want any of the other's business profits. Though Javier's club is more lucrative than your little bookstore/bakery, you take great pride in it being your own income.

Across the table in a small meeting room in Dave's law office, you are keenly aware of Javier's eyes on you, as if he's mentally willing you to look his way, to sway your opinion, to change your mind. What if he pulls some Jedi mind trick and gets you to rip up the papers and go back to him, rewind everything you've done and sit in a purgatory of your own making while he does whatever pleases him?

And damn it he looks good. His hair is neatly styled, forgoing the usual messy curls and longer sideburns. He looks like he could be the opposing counsel. And he knows it, the way he returns your glance, a dare within his dark gaze.

"So it's come to this," he says, fingers drumming on the table. You recognize that habit: he's dying for a cigarette. He's just as anxious about losing you as you are about losing him. And then you wonder if he's wondering if you've told on him, given the authorities the info that would grant a search warrant and risk putting his ass away for years.

It's quite a powerful thing to see him try to hide his relief when the meeting comes to an end and he realizes he's safe. Because of your mercy.

Next to you, Dave is a grounding presence, a gentle reassurance that you're doing the right thing for yourself, your sanity, and your broken heart.

Afterwards, even with the formalities out of the way Javier still has the gall to go to you, take your arm, try to bring you to a secluded corner near the elevator bank. Out of the corner of your eye you spot Dave, waiting, as if looking for a signal from you that you need him.

"You're really ending us, mi corazon?" Javier whispers, his lips close to your ear, his wisp of breath sending a little shock to your system.

"Javi, this was a long time coming," you extricate yourself from his grip.

"C'mon.. you can't forgive a one-time thing?"

"Are you an idiot or do you just have selective memory?" you huff. "That was far from the first time.. you were never faithful to me. And I deserve better."

"Baby," he grasps your arm once more as you try to leave. "I'm a shithead. I know, baby. But I need you. Only you can make me better."

You recognize his pleas from the notes he sent with the gifts. The man could never be faulted as a writer, but it's sad that he can't even learn new pickup lines.

"Oh Javi.." you cup his face and for a moment he looks hopeful. The woodsy scent of his aftershave lingers, reminding you of mornings you shared as a couple. "If I didn't make you better in all our time together then I must not be the miracle worker you think I am."

Walking away from him feels good, freeing. Dave is at your side as you step into the elevator, his hand resting lightly on your lower back, gesturing you in like the gentleman he is as you walk away from your very first love.

Dave has meetings the rest of the day, but he treats you to dinner at an Italian place he thinks you'll like, a celebration of putting the finishing touches on your divorce.

Valentina's is the kind of restaurant that has an old-fashioned feel. Red and white checkered tablecloths adorn the tabletop and Frank Sinatra songs play over the speakers. You and Dave are given a booth near the back, somewhat private with a good view of the rest of the place.

And there it is again, his hand resting on your lower back, the heat of him pressing through your black and white polka-dot dress.

"Are we celebrating something today?" the waiter asks in a thick accent. He's around your dad's age, pleasantly plump, attired in a crisp maitre'd outfit.

"No," you answer immediately. "Well.. yes."

"First date?" the man guesses, and you and Dave glance at each other, color rushing to your faces.

"No," he answers. "We're celebrating her divorce."

The maitre'd smirks. "She is divorced, and now you get to be with her, yes?"

The look on Dave's face and the particular shade of red that he blushes is going to stay on your mind for awhile. Especially when he speaks to the maitre'd in Italian, quick and musical in his low, soft voice.

"What did you tell him?" you ask with curiosity, leaning forward with your chin resting on your hand.

He pauses, obviously taking in the sight of you. "I told him your heart is broken and I'm doing the best I can to fix it." Another pause as he sips some water. "Because you're my client, of course."

That doesn't stop the waiter from coming back with a small vase of roses and baby's breath to decorate your table after he takes your order, presenting the wine Dave suggested with a flourish, pouring both your glasses with the ruby liquid.

"I'm guessing you didn't learn Italian in law school," you say slyly, taking a sip of wine.

"I like languages," he admits with a smile.

"You'll have to teach me some."

"I will," he nods. "If you keep me on retainer." A conniving little smirk curls the corners of his mouth upwards and for one insane moment you wonder how he would taste right now if you kissed him.

"How many women have you done?" you ask, then realize how wrong it came out. "I mean, how many female clients have you had?"

Despite your embarrassment, Dave answers honestly, without poking fun. "Women tend to hire female lawyers, and men tend to hire men. I guess it's about strength in numbers.. but to answer your question, not many. Why? Do you think you won't use me again?" he feigns a little worried look.

"Funny," you chuckle. "Do I get a discount if I've used your services before? Some kind of punch card? My fifth divorce is free?"

"The only way you'll have a fifth divorce is if you marry and divorce that idiot over and over."

"Of course," you play along. "But what if we're just like Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton?"

"At least they had the sense to only marry twice."

Dave leaves to take a business call and you're left alone for a moment. You catch snippets of the song playing over the general ambience. "Just One of Those Things" by Ella Fitzgerald plays, the lyrics drawing your attention: 'a trip to the moon on gossamer wings'. It somehow perfectly describes your marriage to Javier..

When your food comes your mouth can't help watering. Dave returns soon after, apologizing for leaving you so long, though it was only a few minutes.

A few tables away a man with his date gets down on one knee and proposes. When the woman says yes the restaurant bursts into applause. You and Dave clap, smiling politely at the happy couple. You wish you could feel the joy they feel. Instead, nostalgia washes over you in a sickening wave.

"Javier proposed to me at Olive Garden," you tell Dave, who's digging into his veal parmigiana. He raises his brow, shaking his head.

"There's nothing really wrong with Olive Garden."

"I had to talk him out of Buffalo Wild Wings first."

"Oh."

He only met the man a few moments back at the office, but he has a good idea of the man you thought you married. You were young and impressionable, he was suave and mysterious. There was nothing for you but to fall madly in what you thought was love.

"I don't like him," Dave says. "I didn't like him the minute he walked through the door."

Something about the way he says it warms you, not only because he's on your side, but because the damsel-in-distress part of you loves having a champion. "You have better judgment than I did all those years ago.."

He smiles tenderly. "You can't blame yourself for the choices you made when you were too young to know better."

"Well.. how do some people get it right the first time? Why did it work out with you and your wife, but not for me and Javier?"

Dave doesn't know how to answer at first, sipping the wine in the crystal glass before him. He glances down at his gold wedding band, wishing he could be blatantly honest with you and tell you he and Carol have their own issues and every day seems to feel like an uphill battle, but right now it's more important to him to give you faith.

"It wasn't always perfect. We've gone through our share of problems," he admits. "And I know you probably see me as someone in the business of tearing families apart. Which I do, most of the time," he adds with a grimace. "But I've also learned what not to do. When I go home at night after a long day of court appearances, mediations, mountains of paperwork, I'm just glad to be with my family. My work helps me appreciate them more."

You manage a small smile. If he can persist, so can you. And he's around such negativity all day. You have your books and your sweets and so you expect life to always be so simple. "I think I look for the good in people, even when it's not there. Either I'm stupid or simple."

"You're neither." His hand is on your forearm, a gesture of comfort. "One day you'll fall in love again and it'll be even better the second time around. Because it'll be the real thing," he adds.

There's something incredibly special about this moment, one of the few times you feel okay with going a little beyond the bounds of a client-attorney relationship. But the moment ends abruptly when the waiter sends a couple of violinists to serenade you during what is in no uncertain terms, not a date.

You'd like to believe Dave. You'd like to think you still possess an unfulfilled 'happily ever after' for yourself, locked away for just the right person. But you're alone in your home, with no one to greet you or ask how your day was. Admittedly, the world feels less warm now that you're apart, gone your separate ways, your transactional relationship over.

It's not just that. The whole world has changed, modified itself to grow away from you, leaving you like a plant in darkness. Love songs aren't about you anymore. You can't relate to their brightness, only mourn it.

Javier was the first person you ever fell in love with. You have no idea that the bigger challenge will not be falling out of love with him, but falling in love with yourself.

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