#c:alexandria fortier

[ofwishfulthinking]

who: alex @xallmywolvesx where: wine and cheese festival

Attending the festival had been a spontaneous decision. Usually, Edgar wouldn't have even thought twice about it, but this year, he didn't have the excuse of his family or his business to keep him away. "Strange attending one of these things as a participant, isn't it," he asked, glancing over at his sister. Edgar reached out a hand to secure a glass of wine -- it was nothing compared to the wine their family produced, but it would do. It was a nice day, sunny and warm but not overly oppressive, and the festival was small enough that they'd likely be through seeing every stall within a few hours. It was a nice distraction, he decided. "Do you ever think about going back home?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

“It’s the thought that counts,” Edgar mimicked, a sardonic smile spreading across his face. He wasn’t quite sure that he believed that. He’d always been good at things, too afraid that not being good would incur his father’s anger. So, not being good at marriage was simply not something he would accept. He just wasn’t sure that he’d discovered the formula for success yet. “It’s easy with the children,” he admitted with a shrug. At this point, Edgar was sure that he was a better father than he was a husband. The children were relatively easy to please and appease. Plus, they hadn’t managed to master the art of shattering Edgar’s heart with a disappointed look. Not yet, at least. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted for them. Nothing else matters. Marco knows that but his idea of love and safety is more emotional than it is physical, and I’m not sure I know how to do that. Not in the way he wants me to.”

Alexandria sighed faintly at his words and nodded in agreement. Until the last year she'd been complacent in the idea that she was just not cut out for a relationship. Her existence was a carefully curated mask, built to perfection in her years playing the part of a good child. It took her so long that her success in Heira Tech, while something she was good at and even loved in a way had only been to show Xavier that she could succeed without him or his Wine empire. Each success a jab at a man who would never accept her. "It appears we are, but atleast we're trying. That's all we can do right? I'm sure Marco can see that, and your children adore you. You have to know you've succeeded in giving them a better home than we ever had, more love and safety"

[ofwishfulthinking]

who: alex @xallmywolvesx where: swolemates, mal's office

This meeting had been weeks in the making. Maybe that was why Malachi was feeling nervous. As he sat behind his desk, waiting for Alexandria to show up, he rearranged the stacks of papers on his desk. Malachi wasn't an overly tidy kind of person -- he preferred a controlled sort of chaos -- but it had been a few days since he'd been able to clean up his desk, and the majority of the surface was covered in stacks of papers. They were important, he knew, as many of them detailed the renovation plans and invoices he'd yet to take care of, but seeing them on his desk made him feel almost claustrophobic in the space. With a sign, Mal combined the stacks and dropped them into the top drawer of his desk.

As he was working, a knock came at his door. Malachi's gaze drifted up to find Alex standing there. "Ms. Fortier," he greeted her with a smile, motioning to the chair in front of his desk. "Please come in."

[ofwishfulthinking]

who: alex @xallmywolvesx where: the stables

In a perfect world, Lindsey would have been able to spend the entirety of her days at the stables. Instead, most days she could barely carve out an hour or two. Today, though, she'd been intentional closing up the shop early and heading over to the stables. "I have this horse," she began. Her fingers ran across the wood of the stalls, the smell and feel of it nostalgic. "Oasis is his name. I'm actually looking for somewhere to house him now that I've permanently relocated to the city. You wouldn't be willing to rent a space for him, would you? I'd of course pay whatever you asked, as well as for any upkeep or extraneous needs." She was sure that, to some, it would've seemed like an outlandish request, but Oasis was her dearest friend, and there would be no limits to what Lindsey would give to ensure his comfort.

[ofwishfulthinking]

"I think that's reasonable," he replied with a decisive nod. To Edgar, Alex was the most important person on Earth. In his eyes, his sister could do no wrong. If she told him that the sky was green, he would believe her, but he knew that that was because he looked at her with younger brother lenses. He was sure that others, Alex's ex for one, had a different experience of her. "We're both a mess," he concluded, though he'd hardly come to the conclusion in that moment. "Sometimes I worry that we'll never be better."

Alexandria sighed faintly running a hand through her hair. There were sometimes she missed the days when their mother would brush her hair. It was something so soft and simple but entirely relaxing but it had been years and she hardly saw it happening again. "Oh I agree, I explained that if she was open to talking, I'd like to apologize for how I treated her, for acting as though what we had didn't matter. Only if she's comfortable with it and even if she wants to talk with me at all. "

[ofwishfulthinking]

She was his sister. She was supposed to support him. That was all Edgar could think as Alex attempted to ease his worries. Though he words were nice, and the comfort he needed, Edgar couldn't help but dismiss the sentiment. "Maybe it'll all be for nothing," he responded. He couldn't help but give in to the pessimism he'd been feeling. "We're not exactly lucky in love." The statement was pointed, as Edgar shot a look at his sister, inviting her to speak to her own experience. "Anyway, enough about me and my troubled world. How have you been?"

Alexandria laughed watching his face, she couldn't help but mess with him. In honest she was torn when it came to her mother's boy toy. On one hand she was happy that her mother was finding some sort of happiness or satisfaction, on the other she worried what would happen if the affair was ever exposed. If Xavier cared about anything it was image. "Fair enough. Not something I like thinking about either" She can't help but frowns at his words. She'd always hated when he was unhappy, even when they were kids she did what she could to make him smile or lift his worries. When it came to relationships though, she couldn't help but feel out of her depth. Still if anyone deserved happiness it would be Edgar. "Maybe, but atleast you're trying to fix it, giving him the space he needs, showing that you are willing to do what you can to make it work. It may not seem like a lot but it matters."

[ofwishfulthinking]

Edgar hadn't been expecting that. He cocked an eyebrow at the announcement, silently waiting for his sister to continue. "That must have been surprising for you," he finally replied. His first instinct had been to deny Hannah's feelings, but she would be well in her right to hate Alex and she was entitled to those feelings. "You know we can't control how other people feel," he continued, repeating the words he'd heard so frequently, as much for himself as for Alex, "only the way in which we react. So, what are you doing to do about it?"

Alexandria bites back a sigh, she wished there was something more, something better that she could say. Since they were little she'd wanted to fix anything that hurt him. Hurt knees were one thing but this wasn't something she could fix. They were both still learning what relationships were actually supposed to be. Taking a sip of the new wine they were trying she couldn't help the dry chuckle. "You're not wrong about that.." Her eyes lift to catch that look on his face and she sighs knowing on some level he wasn't asking about the stables. "Hannah's back in town. I ran into her the other day. I can't deny whatever I felt is still there, You'd think it would diminish over time but I guess not. The way I ended it, the way I left. I'm fairly certain she hates my guts"

[ofwishfulthinking]

end.

"Indeed they are, I probably wouldn't have felt so calm about stepping down for Heira if it weren't for the crew we'd built there. I know its in good hands without me there." Alexandria couldn't help but chuckle at his response. She nodded faintly in acceptance. "Fair enough, Malachi it is." She makes a few more notes on her tablet before directing her gaze back to him. "That would be great, shouldn't take much longer than that to pull together a good idea, a lesson plan of sorts. We close the stables early enough that it shouldn't interfere with any night classes but weekend classes may take a bit of finagling with riding lessons but I'll look into that over the next couple of days as well." She offers him a soft smile, "I do appreciate you thinking of me for this. I can't say I've ever thought about giving lessons but everyone should know how to protect themselves"

[ofwishfulthinking]

"Good employees are a huge help." Malachi could say that he had the very best employees. It was why he felt comfortable with the renovations; he trusted his team to maintain business as usual even when business was anything but usual. "If we're going to spar, you'll have to get used to calling me Malachi," he noted, echoing the earlier request.

Alex was a consummate professional. That much was obvious as Malachi listened to her lay out her preliminary ideas. "It all seems workable. Why don't you take a few days to put together a plan? Then we can meet again and discuss logistics. I'm hoping to have this up and running in the next few weeks. Does that work for you?"

Alexandria smiles leaning forward in the chair her legs crossing. "A year ago I might have struggled to make it work but things seem to run smoother at Tiboulen then Heira. Less moving parts. Plus I've got a Stable Manager who is a bit pushy about me taking time." She smiles to the man across the stable and nods. "I appreciate that, and I'd be happy to spar with you too, It's about time I see what you've got Mr. DuBois."

Reaching into her bag for her tablet she opens up her notes app to make a few notes with the stylus. "I'd love to do a beginner and advanced class, to give a more progressive instruction. The suit could work for both classes and your others. I know you have another self defense instructor as well, Stefan i think his name is? Are you wanting our classes to be more cohesive?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

The sense of relief was palpable. "I didn't think you'd say no. Not really. At least, I hoped you wouldn't," he admitted. "I just wasn't sure that you'd be able to fit it into your schedule." He should've known that Alex would be enthusiastic about the proposal, though, especially when she mentioned the fights. "Yes, well, hopefully this fill that space for you." Malachi could empathize with the need to hit something sometimes. It was the best sort of therapy. "And if it doesn't, know that you're always welcome here. I'm happy to spar with you sometimes. And I'm sure Elijah would too. He's got actual experience in the field."

As she spoke, Mal nodded. He flipped open a notebook, ready to take notes on the supplies she'd need. "I can get you a padded suit. Are you thinking that that'll be used for the same class? Or will you want to put together a more advanced group? I'm really open to the idea of a beginner and an advanced level group, if that's what you want." He shrugged. "I've got some weapons training. Haven't really used it in years though. So, I'm sure you'll teach that topic just fine if that's what you want."

Alexandria can't help but chuckle hearing his words and shakes her head. "You really thought I'd say no to helping people learn how to protect themselves? Honestly I like this idea and given that I'm not venturing into fights anymore its good to put these hard earned skills to use." Her mind was already categorizing and formulating a plan. Things she wanted to teach, things that would good skills to learn. Skills ranging from novice to more advanced.

"For the most part I can make use of the equipment you already have. Though we may need a full padded suit for the willing attacker, or victim. Not to mention someone willing to get their ass kicked for these classes. I already have thoughts on proper uses of knives and other protection items. As often as people by these things they hardly know how to use them in a way that wont injure them. Though I have a feeling you may have a better idea of knife training than I do"

[ofwishfulthinking]

"A tour would be appreciated, thank you," Lindsey agreed, appreciative of the woman's efficiency. The stables had come highly recommended, but she'd never been one to trust Oasis's care to just anyone. "Anything it encompasses, of course. He's currently healthy, but he is coming up in age. I imagine that'll come with it's own myriad of issues. I'm willing to pay for anything that may arise as well as the day to day care."

Alexandria had spotted the other once she parked and stepped away from Calypso, leaving her in Angelo's care. Making her way over, she smiled politely to the woman introducing herself. "Of course, we have several stalls open. I can give you a tour of the facilities and you'll have your pick." She motions toward the stables so she could show her around. "Our stable hands of course handle the daily care, we've got several paddocks we rotate all the horses into based on their schedule. When you say extraneous needs, are you referring to medical care? Could you explain more of what you are wanting for Oasis?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

Money was not an object. It had never been. Especially not where Oasis's care was concerned. As the woman spoke, Lindsey passed a critical eye around the grounds. It seemed to be good enough, not that anything would ever be good enough for Oasis, but from the tour, Lindsey couldn't identify anything to complain about. "He used to compete. Just dressage, not racing. So, he's energetic, to say the least." Oasis had always had access to space and resources. Lindsey worried about him being one of many here, but with the proximity of the stables, she'd be able to visit him frequently, which was more than she was able to now. "Would I be able to meet the vet? I'd like to discuss a few things with them. Then we should talk pricing."

Alexandria nods motioning for the woman to join her as they made their way toward the stables. "We have multiple corrals, typically they are used for strictly for our lessons but they are open for use for any owner, We have these two paddocks out front another 4 our back that we rotate the horses between during the day. Typically we prefer to keep the horses in our care to a good schedule ensuring they aren't spending more than 10 hours at a time in their stall. The length of this can be adjuster per your preference. The property also backs up onto the local forest which has several trails running through it for trail riding." Holding open the door to the first stable she allows the woman to step in front of her. "The stalls in these two buildings are for rent, the other building is for rehabilitation only. We have an onsite vet and a rehabilitation specialist who if you chose can give Oasis regular check ups to ensure he's healthy and well taken care of. If you have another vet that you prefer they are always welcome to use any of our services."

[ofwishfulthinking]

Her use of his nickname caused Edgar to roll his eyes. Regardless of how many times she called him baby Yang Edgar would never stop feigning annoyance. In truth, though, it had grown on him. "You're right. It's just..." he paused and made a gagging sound, "gross." Edgar fake shuddered. He could admit that he was grateful to the man for making their mother happy. He could also be the petulant son who was grossed out by his mother dating. "I know he cares." Edgar's voice dipped. There was never any doubt of Marco's feelings. That wasn't the thing that worried Edgar. "I just worry that it's not enough," he admitted, finally giving voice to the worry that had lived with him ever since they'd decided on a trial separation. "Wouldn't be the first time it's happened."

Alexandria set down her glass adjusting her jacket against the cooler breeze. Colorado weather was deceptive. She found herself layering far more here then she did on the coldest day in New York. Her head tilted towards her brother, "Don't tempt me Baby Yang. I've had a plan for years. To be more clear, plans as in plural with contingencies" She can't help but laugh and nod. "Her boy toy? Absolutely. And to be honest good for her, its not like Xavier hasn't had a dozen affairs over the years." She frowns faintly tilting his head back to him. "I know I'm not the best person to offer advice, you're already far better at relationships. Closest I've even come and I ran like a chicken. But I know how much Marco cares for you. I can see it. I know he'll choose you and the family you two have created. There isn't any problem you two can't work on together."

[ofwishfulthinking]

There were things that Edgar had never said out loud, but Alex had always been the one person who knew him best. While Edgar loved Marco more than he'd ever thought himself capable of loving another person, even he didn't know Edgar as well as Alex did. They'd been born just a year apart and Edgar had never known a single day without her; he was her shadow, her moon, and he trusted her with his darkest truths. "I'd like that. It's all the bastard deserves from us." There would never be a time in this lifetime where Edgar would forgive his father. He was working on building a relationship with his mother, though. "As for ma, I do wish she'd visit. Is she still seeing that boy?" Edgar used the term boy lightly. His mother's boyfriend was older than he was, but only by a few years. He found it disgusting, as any son would, but ultimately, was happy that she was finally happy. At Alex's question, Edgar shrugged. "He's asked for space," he admitted. "And I'm trying to give it to him. I respect him for leaving. He was lost in our marriage and much of that is my fault. So, logically, I understand." Edgar was struggling to hold on to the logic of it all, though, and he hated that. "I wish I could force him to come home, but that would probably be the end of us. So, I suppose, all I can do is wait and hope that this time, the man I love chooses me. It just fucking sucks leaving it all up to chance when I know I could fix this."

Alex tried not to wrinkle her nose at the wine taste, but she knew she likely did anyway. Despite the fact that she had distanced herself from the Fortier name, it was hard to distance herself from the Fortier brand. The foreman still sent her a new bottle each year. She'd worked those vineyards once upon a time and though Xavier had made it clear she'd never be apart of his empire, she was still proud of the work his people put into their craft. Her head tilted back to her brother nodding in understanding. Marco and his family astounded her with their love and strength, she couldn't deny she was endlessly protective of them. "I get it, Xavier doesn't deserve the chance to poison anyone else's lives. Not after ours and I'd likely kill him before he could get anywhere near the kids. Mother on the other hand. I regularly try to convince her to come here." She squeezes his arm gently. "Someday we'll go back together, maybe dance on his grave a little." She downs the rest of the glass in a gulp and turns back to him. "Speaking of Marco, how are things going with him?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

Malachi had laid his cards on the table. He hadn't planned a backup plan, so he was pleasantly surprised that Alex seemed to be on board with his suggestion. "I'm honestly not sure what I would've done if you'd said no," he admitted. Malachi folded his hands in front of him and leaned in. "Yes, exactly," he agreed. He'd created Swolemates because he believed that everyone deserved a safe space where they felt comfortable and everyone deserved to be the healthiest version of themselves. "You'll have free reign, of course," Malachi reinforced.

With the proposition on the table and more or less accepted, he sighed. "Now, is there anything that you'll need from me to make this work?" He'd already agreed to build a studio space for Leila's pole dancing classes, and figured that while he was in renovations, Malachi could make accommodations if Alex required them. "We'll, of course, help with the promoting and recruiting of members. So that's one less thing for you to worry about."

Alexandria nodded in understanding. Being called Ms Fortier always took her back to meetings with pretentious men. Men who thought emphasizing the Ms. in her name would somehow put her in her place, or atleast what they thought was her place. The way they'd blink at her thinking she was the secretary, waiting for some man to explain her software to them. If she and her brother hadn't trained to control their anger, she was sure more than a few of those board rooms meetings would have needed EMS.

Settling the chair across from her desk, she couldn't deny she was a bit surprised by his offer but more than a bit intrigued. "That's quite the offer and I can definitely find the time. It's definitely worth the time. Everyone deserves to learn how to defend themselves. Are you opening it just for your gym members or are you wanting to open it to all? Could be a good way to attach new members."

[ofwishfulthinking]

Edgar quirked a brow at his sister as he watched her taste the wine. They'd grown up on a vineyard. Their entire lives had revolved around the product. Edgar prided himself on his palette, but sometimes, he found it difficult to enjoy other brands. As much as he'd tried to leave it all behind, sometimes he thought about what it would be like to see the Fortier label in local shops. "Someday, maybe. Not while he's alive," Edgar echoed his sister's sentiment. "Marco is..." He sighed. "Marco's soft, you know?" Marco came from a big, supportive family, and Edgar had always been jealous of that. They, of course, had their struggles but it was nothing like the Fortiers. "And you know that Xavier pollutes everything he touches. I can just imagine the sort of things he'd say to him." Things that would probably end up breaking Marco's heart, and maybe even his spirit, because that was who Xavier Fortier was. Edgar and Alex had both survived it, but Edgar wasn't entirely sure how much of that he was willing to share with his husband yet. "And the kids?" He shrugged. Maybe one day his children would visit the place he'd called home for so much of his life. "I don't know who I'd be if I went back. I just think about it sometimes."

Alexandria thanked the vendor for the glass nodding politely before shifting her attention back to her brother. She couldn't deny she missed those events. All those years she'd spent working on the winery, she'd like selling a few or more new people on the Fortier brand. "I think it always will be. I can't deny I miss bringing a new vintage to the scene." She takes a sip of the wine, exploring the taste. Not her favorite but it would do. They were only here to enjoy the day after all. Her head lifts back to Edgar at the question. "To live? I've thought about it. Someday atleast. Not while he's alive. I just know I'll get sucked back in. I do still visit though, for mama. I'm likely due a visit soon." Her head tilted back to him, "What about you, have you ever thought of taking the kids there someday? Show them the ole homestead"