#wheels: fane savin

[mayaparker]

In which Maya and Fane discuss the events of the Parade. 

After speaking to Faye, and explaining the things behind his behaviour earlier in the day Fane still felt the lingering guilt that came with how he’d acted.   Though in his own defence, thinking back over the conversation Fane had barely said a thing to provoke Ryden. It was only after his introduction by Maya and Dani that Ryden had apparently realised the situation, and consequently started name-calling. Daddy this, daddy that with such a shit-eating grin that there was little chance not to be annoyed at the wolf’s behaviour. Fane knew that he could personally be prone to bouts of childish behaviour, grudge-holding being a particular feat of his but Ryden’s call outs had been unnecessary on several levels. Not to mention the fact that they had generally made him feel weirdly uncomfortable considering it had been in front of his family.

Perhaps that was the part that had bothered him most of all, the fact that a jump-start person he barely knew was willing to behave in such a fashion around the most important people in his life. And somehow be accepted by them, at least, Dani and Maya it seemed. Though he really hated having to dwell on the particular reasons why they had both respectively come to like the kid. The thought merely left a sour taste in his mouth. But consequently, his own issues with the wolf had got Maya caught up in the crossfire and that, out of it all was the thing that had knocked all steam out of his engines. The sight of her face, upset and tinged with disappointment not only at him, but specifically with him lingered on his mind a constant nagging presence that forced him to go back and rethink things. Things he didn’t want to think about at all. But, he had also said to Maya that he would explain and so it was this reason that even though he felt like crawling into bed and just staying there for a month he started to thumb out a text slowly. Hours had passed since he’d gotten back from the event and he wasn’t sure what Maya might be doing.

Probably drinking, or something of the sort to make herself feel better. But he owed her an explanation, and that mattered more to him than his own feelings about the shit that had gone down.

[TEXT]: I’m probably the last person you want to talk to right now.

[TEXT]: But I said I’d give you an explanation and I keep my promises. [TEXT]: I’ll be at the park in half an hour - the one I found you in after that Shaw stuff. If you want to talk I’ll be at the bench. If you don’t, I understand and probably deserve that too. Probably won’t be at the other events this week so I’ll maybe see you next week or s/t and if you need me for anything just, text or do what works best for you.

Embarrassed and still a little shaky Maya had made her way to the Fainting Goat for a drink. Just the one to help calm her nerves. She wasn’t happy either Fane or Ryden. They had both acted like idiots. She wasn’t happy with herself either. That she could still completely lose herself to panic like that frustrated her. A voice in the back of her head told her this was what it meant to have a family, having to pick sides. It was in plenty movies after all or people just talking, that one uncle no one wants at Thanksgiving. The thought terrified her. She didn’t want to have to imagine a life without either of them. She almost had to laugh at the now naive seeming thought that missing New York might be her biggest problem.

Her phone buzzing caught her attention. She picked it up and read through the texts Fane had sent her. He was right. She didn’t really want to talk to him. Her own guilt at being unable to keep herself together swirled in the pit of her stomach. With a sigh Maya decided she’d go talk to him. For one because it was the adult thing to do. For another she knew that Fane would beat himself even worse if she didn’t. He was at fault sure, but he wasn’t the only one. Unsure what exactly to say she didn’t text him back.

Instead Maya showed up at the bench at the prescribed time. “So, that wasn’t great,” she said as she approached. They might as well get down to it. No point really in beating around the bush and faking small talk. At the end of the day she did want to know what had happened between the two men, if only to know if it was completely hopeless situation.  

Fane only felt a little better for speaking to Faye, unfortunately, not even her words could shift the gnawing guilt that was slowly fizzing through his veins leaving him feeling off-kilter. Because even if she’d tried to change his mind, regardless of what she said he had hurt Maya intentional or not it didn’t really matter at the end of the day did it? It had happened, and he had to do something even if it was as little as tell her why. He wouldn’t make excuses for himself, though after spending a few solid hours working himself up with what ifs and maybes he couldn’t admit to being presently in a good place. His earlier loud pride gear replaced with faded black jeans, a worn charcoal hoodie and a beanie that concealed the dye beneath a dire contrast to other residents he’d passed on the street in his walk to get here. He’d just averted his gaze and pressed on, not particularly feeling so inclined to being stopped by anyone and questioned regarding the stark contrast he painted. To say he wasn’t in the mood for the week anymore would be a little bit of an understatement. After the stunt he pulled today he didn’t feel like he had anything in particular to be proud of. After all, the accusation that he was at fault had stuck hard and fast. A good day that he’d ruined, all because he couldn’t help but feel protective of those he cared for and the transference of anger from a deeper issue to something trivial.

He checked his phone occasionally on the walk, but as the minutes ticked by and there was no particular response he gave up. Arriving at the bench, Fane sat down and waited, wondering if perhaps this was it. That Maya would chew him out and be on her way wanting nothing more to do with him. Fane had a spectacular track record at splintering his family after all, perhaps a track record wouldn’t be all that surprising. However, as the time approached and Fane saw Maya he looked up from where he’d been contemplating the ground in front of him. No move was made to depart the bench, unsure whether proximity would be appreciated presently. Her words were neutral enough he supposed when she did speak, and Fane wasn’t sure if that helped or just made him feel worse.

Still, he pushed his glasses up with his knuckles hand dropping to hand between his knees “no,” he agreed looking up at her “it wasn’t. I was upset which is no reason for what happened, but for the record I didn’t actually mean to start anything… Not that it probably means anything considering what happened anyhow but-- I came over ‘cause I was curious about how you both knew him. I could tell you and Dani were familiar with him from somewhere.” It was the truth, was Fane a little ticked off? Yes. “Then he kicked off immediately with that weird daddy name-calling after you introduced me as your dad looking smug as hell and it just… Went south from there.” He sat back a little “but like I said, me being upset’s no excuse” unfortunately since this morning Fane had slid back to the rut of feeling like he had no real authority to be upset over any particular matter. It was entirely his fault in his mind after all. Maya’s earlier words aiding to cement that fact home. “I know I said it earlier, but I really am sorry for ruining your day… I never meant to upset you but I hurt you indirectly, which is maybe worse. You were having a good day and I ruined that.” Was it? Fane had never sought to maliciously harm Maya, but the guilt that weighed him down left him feeling like an atrocious person regardless he’d hurt her and that was all that mattered. “But either way I should’ve handled it better.” Should’ve thought before he even went over, and suddenly the multitude of what ifs he’d been contemplating for the day came back and his eyes dropped. He’d explain the rest in a little bit, but he wanted to explain today first off to at least give some context to why he’d acted the way he had.

Maya came to sit next to him on the bench and listen. In Fane’s face she could read his guilt. Knowing him he probably felt more than he was truly responsible for. Or rather than she thought he was responsible for. She didn’t entirely know how she ought to feel. This was mostly uncharted territory for her. She was still a little angry, but mostly embarrassed and scared. She nodded when he finished, digesting his words. Shrugging she replied, “I can salvage the day, done it before.” Maya sighed, “But am I really supposed to believe that you actually didn’t mean to start anything? Because the look on your face when you came over suggested an entirely different thing.” She could look back on that moment more clearly now that she wasn’t affected by her own magic.

There wasn’t much she could do at the moment about Ryden’s behavior, which had been obviously antagonizing. She would have to talk to him about that. The only thing they could deal with now was how Fane had acted. What scared her most was that she would end up caught in the middle. That she would have to keep parts of her life separate something she had done before and had no desire to do again. Whatever was between Fane and Ryden didn’t have anything to do with her, but she supposed this was what having a family meant. She didn’t want that to be what it meant.

What she had no interest in talking about was the true roots of why she had panicked. It had nothing to do with any of it, a remnant of a person she’d been a long time ago. It had surprised her too. If she had known she just would’ve walked away, gotten herself out of the situation before she embarrassed herself. It was too late for that now though and all she could do was try to move forward, do better next time.

“Like I said, I was upset, but I didn’t come over looking to pick a fight with him,” he wasn’t entirely sure what she meant by the look on his face, he didn’t actually have a mirror in that instance so whether or not his expression conveyed something else he wasn’t quite so sure. He didn’t remember doing anything specifically to provoke Ryden beyond looking at him and offering a hand in greeting. Nothing specifically malicious in looking at another person was there? Not in his opinion, but how it might’ve been interpreted he couldn’t say but there had been no intent to cause a scene. “Honestly, I wasn’t” and if there was one thing Fane would stand by it would be the fact that he would own up right here if he felt responsible for a situation, but in this instance he couldn’t take responsibility for starting it “and if that’s how it came off I’m sorry, but in terms of starting anything I don’t feel responsible for that. Come on, as soon as he found out who I was to both you and Dani he kicked off like a child…” His voice remained relatively neutral on the topic but a small frown pulled at his features betraying the lingering mixed bag of emotions he felt regarding everything that had happened earlier as he looked down, threading and unthreading his fingers to give him something else to focus on presently. “I can stand humiliation to a point, but what he said wasn’t fair to either of you, Grace or me and if I felt like I was responsible for starting things I would say so right here, on my life.” Fane paused his fingers momentarily stilling before he continued to speak, noticing a stray thread on his sleeve that he started to pick at “but you were there, I barely said two sentences to him. Yet in the space of that time he insults me, he tells Grace-- my ex by the way, that he’ll spank her and then went on to insult me again while acting like he didn’t care about anything other than taking a shot after shot.”

But none of that mattered really, nor did the fact that he was genuinely upset over everything that had happened. Surprising what a few well-placed words in front of the right people could do. So maybe he’d just have to swallow poison in the hopes of salvaging something. He’d done it before, why should now be any different? Dani and Maya’s happiness would always be ranked above what he felt, his own petty grievances inconsequential in comparison to their security. So considering he’d wrecked it, he’d just have to find some way to fix it and the easiest way that he was most familiar with was dismissing what he felt. Still, he owed her an explanation “we met a while back during that magic blob time, he stole my Corvette and I chased him down on what I’m assuming is his bike… Long story short we fought, he bailed out of the car which along with me in it went into the lake...” He frowned a little, his shoulders tense never particularly liking talking about the times he got seriously maimed and injured but it played heavily into how he presently felt “my legs got caught in the cabin, when the car impacted I got thrown over the windscreen trim… Fractured ribs, smacked my head and I couldn’t feel my legs… It was... messy, really messy.”

Raising a hand he rubbed his neck slightly “I’m angry at him ‘cause of everything that happened that day, and magic or not, whether he remembers or not… I’m angry that he put me in that position.” It wasn’t the entire story of what he felt, but Fane wasn’t sure he was entirely comfortable divulging the other bits regarding he felt presently. Perhaps in a little while, but it was enough of an overview for now. “So, yeah, I’m sorry I upset you but I was seriously upset that a guy who I barely even know, that stole my car, left me to sink with it and get out alone, realised he’s messed about with you and Dani, my family, propositioned my ex because he thought it was funny, decided that it would be okay to insult me whilst wearing a shit-eating grin in front of my friends and family.” Fane heard his voice growing a bit tight in his restrained annoyance, and he had to take a moment before continuing, slow but no less serious “the people that I love, just to get a cheap shot and boost his own ego in the most unapologetic way.” He sighed, shaking his head slightly but none of that mattered did it? Of course it didn’t. Fane was the one clearly at fault in some roundabout way for simply walking over and being introduced. The fact Ryden wasn’t missing most of his teeth and choking on his own tongue a rather strong testament to Fane’s restraint, not that he commented about his internal consideration to knocking the wolf flat on his ass during the course of the incident.

Maya almost said first the echoes of what had been said to her. You couldn’t control what other people did only your reaction to it. But she didn’t because she’d swallowed enough poison that way. “You’re right,” she said instead, “What he said wasn’t fair. It was pretty shitty and I’ll take that up with him.” She didn’t say that in comparison to Fane’s age Ryden was a child or that Fane had threatened him or that she couldn’t really believe that Fane honestly thought there would be no confrontation if he came over. It didn’t matter. They couldn’t change what had happen. None of those things made Ryden’s behavior alright. What she cared about was whether or not it would happen again.  “But there’s not much you and I can do about that,” she added.

She listened as Fane offered the explanation she had asked for hours earlier. For a long moment after she didn’t say anything. “That’s not really fair, is it Fane?” she finally asked, “Those blobs were serious magic. I robbed a bank. I almost drowned. It’s not fair of us to be angry with people because we don’t want to be scared. And considering your complete lack of anger at me for getting you injured with a deliberate and conscious decision, I don’t understand why you’re angry with him for something that wasn’t his fault, not really.” Maya had said we because she had done it more than once. Angry was easy in comparison to scared. In fact, she added, “And speaking of which I’m sorry for cussing at you earlier. I was scared and embarrassed, but it wasn’t not fair of me to take that out on you.”

“As for messing about with me, I mean, I can’t speak for Dani, but yeah, he and I have had sex, completely consensual and mostly my suggestion,” Maya sighed and pushed her hair out of her face. “Honestly I don’t care. It was a shitshow. I was a shitshow, he was a shitshow. There’s no changing that now. His behavior towards you today wasn’t okay. But he’s been really good to me; if I hadn’t run into him I would’ve spent my birthday crying and drinking in an abandoned lighthouse by myself and I certainly wouldn’t have told you about it. And you’ve been good to me and I’m afraid that I’m going to get stuck in the middle, have to pick sides, keep parts of my life separate. And that’s making something that’s not about me about me, but I don’t want that. And clearly I am incapable of handling it,” she said, referring to her panic. “I’m not asking for you to be his best friend, I just...I don’t even know what I’m asking,” Maya sighed, “I don’t know what I’m doing here. I don’t know.”    

Fane knew well enough that he hadn’t behaved stallarly himself, and perhaps a part of him knew there would be some trouble but he hadn’t expected it to become so toxic so-- well, instantaneously. Fane had admitted that he could’ve handled the situation better, probably not even come over but it was what it was. Her apology was met with a small shrug, “it’s fine, I’m to blame and you were right to be mad at me… I don’t hold it against you” and he didn’t, not really.

However, once his explanation was given and Maya chose to call him out for not being fair he almost scoffed, but didn’t, instead he stared at the ground with such an intensity he might’ve burned a hole straight down to hell. He’d never claimed to be very good when it came to his grudges against other people and nor would he ever say he was. “Because when it came to you, to Shaw I walked in with my eyes open and entirely conscious of what the consequences might be, it’s one thing going in prepared for the possibilities but when you’re going in blind and then you come to and you can’t walk, that’s--” it was more than scared, “that’s not just scary Maya, that’s terrifying. With you Faye knew, she came with me and we understood the risks but that crash?” He trailed off knowing it probably made no sense without context, and Fane sat for a few long moments debating with himself. “I wish it was that easy… And maybe I’m stupid but it isn’t like that for me Maya… Not when he ran the very real possibility of killing me, and yeah, maybe that’s petty of me but it’s how I feel… Like I say… Magic or no if I never walked away from that crash I’m not the only one who would’ve suffered.” His voice wavered a little “Eowyn, Dani and you would be without a father and none of you would have even known about it… And Faye,” he hated to think on it but he knew well enough what would possibly happen “she’d be devastated.”

Rolling up the sleeve of his left jumper to the elbow he turned his arm the right way up revealing a set of bite marks on his wrist and a patchy scar of tissue roughly three centimetres wide and four long along with precise tracking and needlemarks in the crook of his elbow. Once he had shown her those he turned, grabbing his hood and pulling it down to reveal the top portion of a thick scar that vanished down under the fabric. Only after doing so did he let the material go and fall back into place a sudden amount of uncertainty radiating from him. “Only Faye knows the reason why I have these… Why I scar and why I don’t always heal as I should from injuries I get” he never felt comfortable talking to anyone about this and Fane blinked trying to muster up the courage necessary to broach the topic. “I-- Um-- A long time ago I was a soldier, I’ve-- been a soldier several times over but in this instance I was part of a supernatural unit sent into enemy territories… Special missions. We were-- we were good,” too good… Turning his hand over he pulled his sleeve back down fidgeting a little uncomfortably as he spoke, “one time we were on a routine mission, and I don’t really remember how-- All I have are moments but I was taken. What I was… Who I was… That person was purged…” in several ways that still affected him to this day but gory details weren’t necessary “everything that made me who I was, it was taken.” There was no point going into details, it wasn’t necessary nor did he want to trouble Maya with the things he spoke of “point being my captors used me for their own ends… Used me as their, their um- lab rat and ever since then I don’t heal.” He had slowly been pulling at the thread of his jumper, the act a focal point for him “at least not always and in some instances not completely and it means I have to be careful, moreso than others vampires… And it means when something like that crash happens… I can never pull myself out of it sure that I will be fine after it or that there won’t be consequences. This time I was lucky, but I’m not sure what I feel when it comes to Ryden… The reminder seeing him brings about, of brushing so close to something that would snatch everything I loved away from me, whether it was intended or not… I can’t just… unassociate that with him.”

And he was sorry he couldn’t, but it just wasn’t that easy. It wasn’t something that a day would fix and how Ryden had acted… The humiliation had brought him back to a place he’d barely survived. And maybe that wasn’t fair of him, but sometimes Fane couldn’t always be the bigger person as much as he tried. Still, he knew he had to address Maya’s concerns and finally he stopped picking at his sleeve shifted a little and turning more to face her finally looking at her directly and slowly reaching out to touch her arm to get her attention. “Look,” he sighed deeply knowing he would have to find some point or compromise somewhere “I’m going to be brutally honest, I personally do not like him in the slightest and if he’s going to keep that attitude he has. If he thinks it’s okay to insult me and chat the sort of shit he did today then I’m not sure I’m ever going to like him… I trust your opinion, but I only know what I’ve experienced and that’s the fact he’s a loud-mouth git.” Fane held up a hand slightly before she might’ve interjected continuing “however, if he’s your friend and if being around him makes you happy then I’m not going to ask you to choose between us and I’m not going to ask you to side with me over him. Doing that would just be cruel and-- I can only hope that’s one thing I’m not.” His fingers remained resting on her arm. “That being said, unless he is capable of learning to curb his mouth I can’t say he’s welcome around the estate… That is our home and if he was willing to insult me in front of Eowyn today I am not willing to risk him doing that near her again… At the end of the day, I’m only looking out for our family… And I will personally compromise to a point regardless of how I might feel about him, I’ll give him a chance but when it comes to keeping Eowyn out of harm’s way I’m not budging and if he crosses that line again... I hope you can understand that… I don’t want to put you in an awkward position but I won’t risk Wyn being around some guy I don’t know or trust.”

Maya listened quietly, tried to keep her mind from swan-diving into the intense guilt breeded by the knowledge that she got him even closer to getting him killed than she’d thought. She could understand the struggle of trauma linking itself to unrelated people or events. One didn’t have to look farther than today to know that. It was easy to forgive him for his part in it knowing with this new information. Anyway explanation or no she would’ve forgiven him. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t been antagonized. She didn’t anything, mind too busy reeling from the revelation. She knew she couldn’t convince him out of the feeling either, especially if he didn’t want to be. And considering today it was fair not to want to be. Maya couldn’t ask that of Fane. She couldn’t ask him to face that kind of pain for her.

Maya was certain too that Ryden wouldn’t be convinced out of his obvious dislike for Fane. And she couldn’t really ask that of him either. He had his own side of the story, which was just as legitimate as Fane’s. At least she expected he did. There it was. Whether she wanted it or not she was going to be stuck in the middle. As Fane continued, made it clear that Ryden wouldn’t be welcome in his home Maya only nodded. There were parts of her life she’d have to keep seperate. She’d been toying with the idea of moving out too, getting back on her own two feet now that she could. This meant she would have to. It wasn’t something she wanted around Wyn either. Of course she wouldn’t tell Fane about her plan now. It would only make him feel worse.  

She felt tired again. And again for a long time she said nothing, gathering her thoughts, trying to figure out how to make peace. All she wanted was peace. “Well, obviously, I forgive you for that then,” Maya said when she finally  spoke, “Especially since I freaked out because it was like I was nine years old again listening outside the door to Officer Baer and the Chief of Police arguing about if I should testify, which had nothing to do with anything and was no one’s fault. Well, no one present.” It was more than that, but she didn’t want to get into it. “If that’s even something you feel you need forgiveness for,” she added because that was sometimes the thing about forgiveness people needed it for things they weren’t guilty of. “And I won’t ask you to face that kind of trauma on my behalf. That would be the shittest.”  

This was the other shoe dropping Maya supposed. This must be what it meant to have a family that sometimes you got caught in the middle. “And of course I have no plans to invite him over,” she added to reassure Fane. She almost argued again that despite his actions today Ryden was a good person. It was a fact she was certain of. There was no point in beating her head against a wall. She was right, she felt, to stand up for Ryden. She was doing it anyway, despite the voice which told her she could lose her family over it. She had lost people before for standing up for what she thought was right. She took a deep breath. This wasn’t Salem, she wasn’t fourteen anymore. It wasn’t fair to judge Fane by those standards. He wasn’t going to ask her to pick, he’d said as much. It was just harder to hear at the moment. “ I just…” she said and shook her head before starting again, “I’m so terrified of losing you, of losing all of it. And so much of that is because of other people, because of things that happened thousands of miles from here and a decade ago, which isn’t fair. It isn’t fair to you or to him. I should just let you hate each other as much as you feel justified, but I’m still that dumb kid who just doesn’t want to lose anyone anymore.”

She laughed bitterly, “And I don’t even know what the fuck I’m going on about. Fair. I mean, Jesus, if I know anything its that none of its fucking fair.” She shook her head at a loss for words, at a loss to what to ask for, to what she had any right to ask for. Because she had no right to ask for any of this. Maya should’ve just kept her mouth shut. Although if she hadn’t learned how to do that by this point she probably never would.

Fane didn’t wish to guilt her into anything, but he also knew that withholding the truth and roots from where his issue stemmed wouldn’t allow her to understand the depth of the reasons backing his behaviour. It didn’t justify them, but it was the fundamental reason why he was so bothered by it all. Where normally he would have been willing to live and let be, this just-- wasn’t something he was so sure he could easily bypass. Not without time, and not without evidence it was worthwhile. Maya’s word counted for something but actions spoke louder than words and so far Fane had seen nothing but a general shitshow from Ryden. Was his caginess regarding opening himself up to yet again be at the mercy of the other man make his wariness regarding them atter so questionable as a consequence?

The thing was, Fane was willing to make an effort and he had said as much. While home might’ve been a boundary that he wanted to set, feeling the need to have a certain personal restriction until he could reassess things from his perspective. The estate was a safe space for him, and Fane was particular and specific about the people he was willing to extend invitations to beyond the larger scale events he sometimes hosted. So it was hardly surprising that he made that one particular request. Maya’s statement of forgiveness however did little to tide over the lingering guilt that had built up from earlier this morning because even with it, none of this felt-- settled. “It’s more for the case I should’ve thought before coming over, I was wrong to put you in that position and I’m sorry that it caused you to panic… I promise I’ll try to have more forethought in the future” Maya had been doing so well in her time here in Soapberry that during the festivities and happiness around them it hadn’t been a consideration. Which was a faux-pas on his side and one that he didn’t feel too great about. But if they kept at it they would be going around in circles all day like this so, he chose to leave it at that.

He pressed his lips together, considering the issue at hand. “Look, the house is just-- it’s a safe space for me and I wouldn’t feel comfortable having him there that’s only why I ask” saying this wasn’t the easiest thing, but for Maya and for any other part of his family Fane was willing to try and find a way through to the other side. “How can I make things easier? I’m willing to give him a chance, I trust you and I trust your word” he looked at her levelly not as an adult speaking to a child but simply speaking to someone he held a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for. He trusted Maya and her judgement and if she said that Ryden Bolt was supposedly a good person then he was willing to extend an attempt at an olive branch. “I might not like him,” and it would probably make him god awfully uncomfortable to do so but for Maya he was willing to try and deal with that “but I’m willing to try and see whatever good you say he has.”

If there was one thing Fane appreciated it was Maya’s honesty, and that showed in how his expression softened and he sought out her hand giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’ve told you before, I’m not going anywhere Maya love and I’ll keep telling you that ‘til you’re sick of hearing it” his words were spoken quietly hoping that this would help reassure her. “You’re a part of this family, and nothing’s going to ever change that… Not some beef I might have with your friend or anything else, nothing,” he insisted a little more seriously then “hear me?” He gave her hand another squeeze slightly firmer this time, “and being stuck in the middle of things like this-- it sucks, but give it time yeah? It’ll either sort itself out or it won’t, I promise to try and not punch him but the effort has to come from both sides on this one… But whatever happens between him and me, I’m not going anywhere any time soon.”

“Its okay,” Maya said softly, “You didn’t know I was going to freak out that bad. Hell, I didn’t even know until I did.” Given that Fane acknowledged that perhaps he shouldn’t have come over in the first place she didn’t need to go over it anymore. It was over. They could only move on. She shook her head though when he tried to explain about the house. He didn’t need to explain himself. “No, it’s okay,” she said again, “I get it.”

She shook her head a third time as Fane tried to offer to get to know Ryden better or something. While it was true she’d like them to get along it wasn’t something she anticipated. If they tried to spend time together she imagined it would end up just the same. They were both stubborn, which maybe spoke to something about her.  “No, it’s okay,” she said, “I’m not going to ask you to do that. I’m not going to ask him to do that. Not for my sake.” Her fear, besides the fact it wouldn’t go well and leave them both feeling like shit again, is that forcing them together would only result in them resenting her.  

Looking up at him Maya gave a tired smile. “Yeah, good luck with me ever being tired of hearing it.” She sighed, knowing that she needed more reassurance than most people. “And when you get something like earlier it makes it harder for me to believe it,” she said, “But as long as you’ll still have me I’ll be okay.”

It was the least he could do, and perhaps he might be able to figure some compromise in the future but presently he wasn’t sure he would be entirely capable of doing that. He’d need time to process what he felt, to sort it out into some semblance of an order, but what he said to Maya was the truth. He trusted her opinion and if only for her he was willing to at least try to eventually come to terms with perhaps reconciling. For now though he was feeling more inclined to just heading home and staying there. He’d been looking forward to the party but in all honesty his mood had rather drastically fizzled out.

With a small nod of assurance that he’d happily tell her however much she needed, Fane pulled her in for a hug. Wrapping his arms around her and hugging her tight he held on for a few moments before letting her go. “‘Course we will. Now, you’ve probably got the rest of the day to enjoy” he didn’t want to stop Maya from having fun, “I’m going to head home… But I’ll see you around hm? And if you need me just drop me a line and I’ll come get you.”

[fanesavin]

Who are your top 5 musicians that are still alive?

Ooooh top five. Hard choice. I want to put Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Queen on here but... I guess I can’t really. So in no particular order:

Metallica

Kaleo

Ludovico Einaudi

AC/DC

Guns ‘n’ Roses

[danisavin]

this mess is ours.

❧ a florin forest elopement

date: 21 july 2017 (canon) -- 24 Aug 2017 (pretend date :p) @ approx. 3:00 pm location: an anonymous spot in the Old Growth Forest

the newlyweds: daniela octavia savin + samuel irving floros wedding pronouns: partner / groom + husband / spouse (or partner) the officiate: iann cardero the witnesses: fane savin + freya floros also featuring: holmes the dog -- official bouquet-holder

-- - As a massive ‘fuck you’ gesture to the elders of the Floros Coven for attempting to condemn their relationship by threatening to cast out Sam if he didn’t leave Dani romantically, Dani had proposed to Sam that the two of them run off and elope. Sam thrillfully agreed and the two of them threw together an extremely spontaneous wedding event. The ceremony is small and intimate, just as they wish it to be. A secret. At least until they drop a pic of their rings into the wild world of SpringySnaps and the Savin afterparty confirms it. Instead of giving one another physical rings, Dani and Sam will be having their rings tattooed on their fingers following the ceremony. 

-- - For the sake of Soapberry’s sanity, and for all of Sam and Dani’s threads and the town events occurring after the canon wedding date, we’d like you to pretend this hadn’t happened yet. For the reception, we’d like you to assume this is all occurring on the pretend date listed above. Any new threads and such from hereon out will include the pair as spouses. Life got in the way of us posting this sooner, and we apologize (in exchange we made it really fucking cute). 

note: wedding inspo and images from this forest elopement and the wedding of hayley and jackson from the originals (predominately the style of the vows because they are lovely and precious).

@samuel-floros / @fanesavin / @ianncardero

SAM: Sam picked up Freya at the shop by blasting the horn of the flower van at her until she came out. When he told her what was going on, she let out a high pitched squeal that never seemed like it would end, followed by a stream of “Oh my god, oh my god,” over and over again. There was still a lot to do, but first they had to swing by the cabin because Sam had decided to bring Dani there at the end of the night and finally spring his surprise. So Freya helped him set the place up enough to spend a few nights in, with a mattress on the floor in the bedroom made with sheets and a bunch of pillows. He hung up some tapestries and fairy lights to make it look cozy, and put some essentials in the fridge, and once he was satisfied, he and Freya went back to the house. He showered and pulled together an outfit from his closet--black skinny jeans of course, though Freya yelled at him, a checkered shirt and a vest. He put his hair back up, and greeted Freya in her pantsuit and heels at the door. She was his best man, after all. Their last stop was back to Meadowsweet, where he put together a bouquet and flower crown for Dani, a matching boutonniere for himself, and a short garland of ivy and white flowers for Freya to do the handfasting. She’d found the spell in one of the spellbooks in their attic, and practiced the incantation by murmuring it as he drove them to the forest. They were the first to arrive, and he looked over at Freya letting out a breath, the initial adrenaline of rushing around starting to calm down as reality dawned on him. “I’m getting married today,” he said, and she grinned over at him. “Hell yeah you are.” Another car pulled up, and Sam got out of the van, feeling a flutter of butterflies.

FANE: Fane had received an immensely vague text from Dani that morning, a text that literally read: be at the entrance to the old growth forest at 3pm and dress smart. Leaving him wondering what the hell they were doing. They used to go on hiking trips here when Dani was younger, but it had been a long long time since anything like that happened and the dress code hardly fitted hiking. If there was one thing Fane hated it was vagueness, and this... Well, he had no idea what was going on. Working the morning and taking the afternoon he returned home to get dressed opting for a checked blue suit with brown shoes and belt to match anxiety gnawing at him from the inside out as he tried his best to piece together any sort of thing that might be going on today that he'd been forewarned of. Heard mentioned... anything, but nothing sprung to mind. Eventually he resigned himself to the mindset that whatever was going to happen, was going to happen. Dani had more secrets than he really knew or seemed to be let in on these days and he'd just have to settle for not knowing. Pulling up in his normal ride, he climbed out recognising Sam's van immediately and the sight of Sam and Freya looking particularly tidy (the latter also looking particularly over the top excited) which had his brows furrowing together whilst confusion etched his features. "Hey... er," he waved his phone a little "got a weirdly super vague text and I'll admit to being super confused... Is everything alright? You're not about to tell me you've got a body in the back of that van and I was your go-to person for helping to bury it right?" A bit of humour to mask his uncertainty about whatever was going on here.

SAM: Sam couldn't help his grin when he saw Fane, going over to his very soon to be father-in-law. Freya hung back by the van, doing double-checks of the things they had to bring with them and changing into her sneakers to make the hike. "Hey," he said back, a little amused at the confused look on Fane's face. "No, there's no body." He figured he might as well tell him, while they waited for Dani and Iann to arrive. He still felt those excited-nervous butterflies in his stomach at just saying the words. "Dani's on their way... We're getting married. Like, right now."

FANE: Fane managed a faint smile as Sam mentioned the fact that there was no body. "Darn. Oh well, next time." Yet, that still left him very in the dark about what the hell was going on and some enlightenment would have proven to be useful. Yet, when it was given a short time later, all that was earned initially was a look of shock, further confusion, a return to shock as he opened his mouth and promptly shut it again with a mild sounding "oh..." escaping him. There was a temporary burn of ire about having something suddenly sprung on him again though he kept it from his expression, much as he'd done earlier, he opted to take the backseat. "Wow... That's-- fast?" he really wasn't sure what to say considering he still hadn't wrapped his head around it. "When did this come about?" Seeing Sam's giddiness over it though eased some of his misgivings and a small smile graced his features, "Nervous much?"

SAM: Sam let out a nervous breath, watching all the emotions that flashed across Fane's face. "Well, we've been together six months, for us that's plenty of time," he said, knowing that their situation was different. It wasn't like he'd just met Dani six months ago-- they'd spent the majority of their lives together as best friends. The time since they'd finally pushed past just being friends seemed to fly by blissfully. "Um, this morning? It was Dani's idea...There's some stuff, coven stuff? Going on with me and..." he shrugged, not wanting to get into it all just then. "Long story short, we're taking a stand. Together." He shrugged, like it was nothing, then chuckled a little when Fane asked him if he was nervous. "Yeah, a little," he said with a laugh that was more nerves than anything else.

FANE: Fane blinked a couple of times as the gravity of what was going on started to sink in, but Sam made a decent point and eventually Fane conceded. Sam was already practically family he supposed. Though just as he was coming to terms with that, the next answer made him regret asking his question. "Sheesh, what is it with you young ones and..." He shook his head, letting that sentence fade off, but the mention of coven stuff earned a concerned look from him his thoughts, shifting from what was going on to checking on Sam's well-being. "You'll tell me about it right? Later? If there's anything I can do to help you, I'll do my best, alright?" He wanted to know if there was anything he could do, but just as he went to speak again, he heard the approach of another car, stepping up to lightly pat Sam's shoulder as Dani and Iann arrived.

DANI: “Holy shit, I’m doing this. I’m actually doing this. Shit.” Dani sucked in a breath as they sped down the forested roadway, eyes peeled for the dirt path that would take them to the designated rendezvous point. Their fingers were gripping the steering wheel so tightly that their knuckles were white, and their heart was in a rush, still catching up with the reality that this was, in fact, happening. The elopement was their idea. After being away from Sam for a month and coming back to hear that his coven had cast him out while they were absent, while he was at his weakest, something powerful had stirred in them. A need to make a statement about their relationship that showed those opposed to them just how fucking inseparable they were going to be. But they hadn’t thrown out the idea as merely an act of vengeance. Dani loved Sam. They were in love with him. And even after all they’d been through, they’d chosen one another. Best friends, but so much more. It had been a morning of insanity running about to make plans, choosing who would be there, finding a dress-- and here they were now, still crazed, yet beginning to settle into the monumental nature of their commitment. Holmes sat in the seat beside them in the Jeep, looking up with a grumpy sort of, ’Calm down, human. You’re going to be fine,’ expression. Iann was in the back, thrown into the mix by Dani on the agreement by Sam that, as their mutual friend, he was their perfect officiate. “Am I crazy?” They asked him with a glance into the rearview mirror. “Like, I’ve done a lot of insane shit but I’m starting to think this tops the bill.” They took a few deep breaths as the opening of the forest came into view and they pulled in to park, finding both Sam and Fane already present. When they cut the gas, they unbuckled their seatbelt and turned around in their seat to stare back at Iann. “You’ve got my back, right roomie?”

IANN: In truth, Iann ended up being more miffed that a dog ended up getting shotgun, and he had to clamber into the back of a Jeep -- which were notoriously cramped in the back! He was practically hugging his legs, and his ass bumped and jarred along every pothole along the old road! -- than he was about hearing why Dani suddenly required him here, now, and dressed as he was. Still, Dani never asked anything of Iann -- ever. The tiny human was self-sufficient to a tee; and Iann could imagine why, considering he'd met Fane Savin and the vampire's proclivity for 'Can I help you? Let me help you. There I've helped you, no, no, no please, no need to thank me'. And Dani had opened up their home to Iann in return for Iann's... basically nothing. Getting his ass whooped by something other than Tuah (heh heh) was a small price to pay for a day that was, supposedly, one of the happiest days of one's life. Okay -- happy notwithstanding, because Iann was fully confident that Sam and Dani would only keep multiplying each other's happiness as the years went by, this was going to be an important day in their lives. Very, very important. And for some strange and unfathomable reason, Dani Savin and Sam Floros chose Iann Cardero to be present for this very very important day. Must be that online ordained minister certification he got drunk one night as a colossal joke. It was still legit, regardless of Iann's reasons -- and wasn't this a great fucking reason? "Yes! You're both fucking crazy," Iann confirmed, voice jiggling until Dani pulled to a stop, and Iann eagerly clambered out. He came around to Dani's side of the Jeep, arm on the brace as he looked at them. "But isn't that the point?" he asked with a grin, holding his hand out to them. "That you're both crazy and this is going to happen and it's the start of something new and real and together, hm? Now come on, you two will have one helluva story to tell everyone afterwards, for years to come. It'll be great. I'll take photos. Uh -- " Iann paused, when he saw Fane Savin there as well. But of course it made sense. "Right. Come on, kiddo."

SAM: Sam nodded at Fane's request to tell him later, and he fully intended to tell him everything. He'd been shouldering the weight of being ejected from the coven alone for too long, and now that Dani knew, it didn't seem as scary to tell other people, too. "I will, just not tonight. Tonight is supposed to be happy." He figured Fane would get the insinuation that the news wasn't happy in the slightest, but he didn't want to deal with any of that right now. He steadied a little at Fane's hand on his shoulder, turning to see the Jeep roll up. "Here we go..."

DANI: Dani wasn’t sure how they felt about Iann’s confirmation until he clambered out of the Jeep and over to their side after Holmes, who immediately sat down to await his human. He was old, and although Iann was a very dear companion to Sam and Dani both, elderly dogs raised from their puppyhood still won first priority in regards to seating. The sight of Iann’s grin drew a smile out of them whether they liked it or not. “Yeah… yeah, you’re right. Must be all that old man wisdom,” grinning then, Dani put one hand in his, grabbed a fistful of their dress with the other, and hopped to the ground. The familiar feel of their combat boots on the soil was a confidence boost they sorely needed. “You look great by the way,” they added with a whisper. “And thank you, for doing this.” His hand was squeezed ever so briefly before Dani breathed, looked down at Holmes, and walked out to join the rest of the roughly assembled wedding party.

FANE: Fane was settled a little by Sam's assurance, at least that he'd be told in due time was enough, and with the arrival of the car, his eyes left Sam and studied the Jeep for a long few moments, eyeing Dani in the driver seat and... Iann? In the backseat. Vaguely he recalled Faye mentioning him officiating her impromptu wedding and wondered for a second how he even came to manage to do that... But, then he remembered at almost exactly the same moment that this was Iann Cardero. What couldn't that man find a way to do or get done if not by his own hand? As they approached, he shook off some of the negativity weighing him down and smiled gently as Dani approached. "No jeans with holes ripped in them and flannel 'eh kid? I'm disappointed." But his words were belied by a teasing smile as he shook his head, unable to fathom this was actually happening. "You look incredible--" he said quietly in their ear as he wrapped them in a tight embrace before drawing back and casting a look at Sam's flabbergasted expression, unable to help needling him with a little bit of humour in kind, “though, I'm pretty sure there's something somewhere about not seeing the bride before the ceremony, although it also seems to be you're marrying a guppy considering how he's gawking right now."

DANI: Dani felt their throat starting to tighten when Sam and their father came into view. Evidently, they had a cooler composure than Sam, able to keep their wits about them as Fane grabbed their attention -- which was a blessing, really, because it helped them to keep that composure in place rather than sinking into gawking like their groom. They knew he wasn't going to be thrilled about the sudden nature of all this, but at the end of the day, he was their father, and they couldn't have him miss such an important day in their life. "No, no jeans. But, there was the consideration of a suit." Dani tipped their head with an almost bashful smile, clinging to him tightly in the short moment of their embrace. "Thank you," they whispered back at him, turning to press the lightest kiss to his cheek before they separated and their eyes shifted to Sam. "True," they chuckled at the sight of him, "but lucky for us both, I'm not a bride." Dani reached out to take Sam's hand without having to look for it, letting their attention to the others fade out for a bit. "Hey," they grinned, "I see you pulled out the Dress Chucks," and then smirked. "I had no idea we were getting so formal."

SAM: Sam swallowed around a dry throat as Dani and Iann made their way around the Jeep and over to them. He let Fane greet them first, mostly because he was standing there stunned, not even able to move yet as he took in the sight of Dani in their wedding dress. Once Dani came over to him, their fingers entangling on instinct, he found himself with a nervous, and quite dopey, smile on his face. "Hi..." he said, breathlessly. Then another nervous laugh bubbled out of him at Dani's words, since they always found a way to put him at ease. "Shut up," he teased back, pulling their hand to bring them closer to him. "You look… wow."

FANE: Fane gave Dani a quick squeeze before letting them go, looking then between the pair and not wanting to intrude. Instead, Fane stepped a little away, giving them a few moments to themselves before they went to wherever the pair had decided their final destination was going to be. He passed the time by rattling off a few quick texts here and there to organise some things back at home considering he assumed that it was where things were going to be hosted. Better to at least get something put together than be left dawdling as he had done with everything going on now. He trusted Ryan to oversee the organisation of things, though also had a feeling the progeny wouldn’t be too pleased at being left out of this particular set of events. They’d have to be placated another time. With that done, Fane settled, tucking his phone away into his jacket, noting that Iann in the meantime seemed to be busying himself with the dog.

IANN: Iann distracted himself with... well. With the dog. Turns out the rickety old thing was good for something, and that was for making Iann look busy and occupied as the family had their family time. And the two soon-to-be newlyweds had their newlywed time. Iann hovered over the old beast like his guardian, pondering a variety of things: why this impromptu decision between the pair? Why was it held out here? Why didn't they want more guests? What was he going to say, because it needed to be special. Why his friends always looped him into marrying them last-minute without any time to prep. And then suddenly -- Iann looked up at the couple. Did this mean they were going to start living together now? What would become of Dani's loft? Iann couldn't see Dani just giving it up... could they? No. Maybe? Then again Sam mentioned that old cabin he was building, which in two to six weeks was going to be a completed living space, an actual home. Iann pulled at his chin for a while, then scratched at the old dog's head.

DANI: Dani giggled at Sam's breathlessness and dumbstruck standing in general. They'd see him nervous before gigs many a time, but right now he was downright flabbergasted and Dani wouldn't have had it any other way. "Never," they snapped back in an adoring way, holding tightly to his hand as he pulled the two of them closer together. They got a little shy then, glancing down at their dress and shifting on their feet to feel the steadiness of their boots once more. "Yeah," they smiled, looking him over from the bottom up. "You too." The witch's hand was brought to their lips for a kiss, and afterwards, they looked over to where Freya was standing, then back again. "Are we-- all set then? Should we head up?"

SAM: Sam kept looking at Dani almost as if he had never seen them before, until he managed to compose himself at least a little. Still, he colored at the little kiss to his knuckles, his face going hot and there wasn't a thing he could do to stop it. He let out a breath. "We're really doing this," he said, as a smile took over his face. It all fell into place so easily. He nodded, looking over at Freya, who lowered her phone from taking pictures, her eyes already red. "Let's go," he said, turning back to Dani. "I can't wait to marry you."

IANN: "Oh so -- so it's not here?" Iann asked that Floros girl (he forgot her name again, but at least she was the one taking photos because Iann had completely forgotten that he said he would; and besides, she was probably far more talented at it). "It's -- down there, okay." Iann grinned at her. "I'll just stick with you. Let the lovebirds drift on ahead, hm?" He gave her a friendly elbowing as he whistled for Holmes to follow with them, hand shoved in his pockets as he motioned to Sam and Dani. "Lead the way, you pretty pair."

DANI: "We are really doing this," Dani reiterated, breathing similarly. It all felt so surreal, and yet it wasn't. It was very, very, real. And when the Floros Coven found out, oh boy would they be pissed. The thought made Dani grin widely. They squeezed Sam's hand and didn't even try to stop the pink that dusted their cheeks at his line. The little high it gave them almost stirred them to a few tears. But they held it together, saving their eyeliner and their composure in the process. "Me neither," they whispered up to him. At Iann's interjection they nearly jumped. For a second, they'd forgotten he was even there. Thank gods he'd helped them remember or the wedding wouldn't be happening at all. "You got it," they called back at Iann and started off up the trail with Sam's fingers still tangled in theirs.

SAM: Sam was completely caught up in the whirlwind of emotions and exhilaration as Dani squeezed his hand and started to lead him off to a good spot. They didn't have a specific place in mind for the ceremony, but they both agreed that they wanted it actually in the woods, with nature all around them and their most loved ones there to witness. It would be perfect. Then Freya called out, "Oh!" and ran back towards the van, the keys in her hand beeping to unlock it. She came back out with a bag and hurried to catch up to Iann. "Almost missed out on my Best Man duties," she teased, grinning up at Iann and then snapping another picture of Dani and Sam as they walked ahead of her.

IANN: "What is that? Rings?" Iann asked the Floros sister (Friga? Fiona? Filippa?) as he strolled, slowing just a little for her to catch up with her bag. He didn't try to talk to Sam and Dani, leaving them to their own little world -- after all, this was literally a crash course. Most people took weeks, months, even years to plan their marriage. It seemed like Dani and Sam were going at it cliff-jumping style. He would've asked the Floros sister, but decided not to. Whatever the reason, it had to be serious. At least, Iann figured, it wasn't on the Savin side of things since Savin Sr. was here. Which meant... Iann squinted at Sam -- his hair, his checkered shirt, his ass that fit so well in those tight pants, naturally. And Dani's hand bumping against it, no surprise why. "Anytime you two want to stop," Iann called out again, looking behind when the cars were out of sight and they were definitely in the forest. But Sam was here, and he knew these forests like the back of his hand, no doubt. Iann had no need to worry about getting lost.

DANI: Although Dani had started off their trek into the forest, as soon as the trees thickened, they gave up the hike's leadership to Sam. As an earth witch, he had the best sense of the forest. When the spot was right, he'd know it. They'd know it. Iann and Freya trailed behind them with Holmes padding along at Iann's side, panting, and Fane took up the rear -- no doubt being more careful of his steps considering his footwear and the shallow mud that Sam, and even Dani with their dress, weren't bothered to traverse (though they still avoided it as best as possible, for understandable reasons). Iann's call prompted them to catch up to Sam's side. "What do you think?" They asked as they stopped to stand on a fallen tree trunk to let the others catch up a bit. "It looks like there might be a nice spot up there," they pointed to the rising path ahead of them where it widened and curved off to the left.

SAM: Sam felt at ease in the forest, and he led their small troop through confidently -- though still avoiding the worst of the mud since he was wearing his Dress Chucks. A few times he reached back for Dani's hand, helping them traverse over fallen logs and such with one hand clutching their dress. In the back, Freya looked over to Iann. "No, they don't have rings. Yet. I don't think," she explained. "It's a bouquet and stuff. Sam made them before we came out here." It had been touching, watching him throw together beautiful wedding flowers on a whim. But Freya had been crying on and off all day and she was determined to hold out until the ceremony now. Up ahead, Sam stopped at Dani's voice and turned back, struck by how they looked in the forest, standing on a trunk in a wedding dress like it was nothing. He smiled fondly and went over to them, sneaking in a kiss. "Yeah, right over there where it clears."

IANN: "Here, lemme hold that," Iann said, taking the bag as the trail got a bit more challenging, and he went forward and helped Freya if the little witch needed any assistance. "Bouquet and stuff...right yeah. This is all really spontaneous, hm?" he grinned at Freya, then glanced back at Savin Sr., who seemed lost in his own thoughts. "Typical Dani and Sam."

FANE: Fane’s hands had snuck their ways into his pocket, feeling a little more relaxed with them out of the way, the quiet click of the lid to his metal lighter the only sign to his unsettled state as he trailed after the others. For once he was not particularly paying much mind to his surroundings or making any real fuss about, well, anything -- just keeping his thoughts to himself. There wasn’t much point to it anyways, considering how heart-eyed the couple wandering together were and not that Sam’s mention of this being some stand against something or someone made it any clearer just what had brought this rather impulsive act on. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and Fane pulled it out to check it, the contents of the message making him smile fondly at the screen before he tucked it away again. Whilst he knew well enough the feelings here were genuine, the others occupying themselves with conversation left him feeling a little secluded despite the whole occurrence and a part of him silently wished for Faye to be present to make him feel better.

DANI: Dani felt more relaxed the further they walked. With just Sam and themself at the head, they were reminded of why they'd suggested this idea in the first place, aside from the gesture to Sam's coven. There was a peace Dani felt around Sam that only he could conjure. He made them feel balanced and secure, and gave them the confidence to believe they could overcome whatever troubles they faced. Here, in his element, they held so many fond memories. How could they resist adding one more to that collection? They smiled softly towards him as he approached to sneak a kiss, which they returned gladly in kind. "Perfect," they pressed their forehead to his brow just briefly and stepped down from their perch, glancing backwards at the rest of the troop. "I hope you're all ready 'cause it looks like we've found our spot."

SAM: Freya handed the bag over to Iann, knowing everything had been enchanted to keep its shape despite the trek in the woods, so they didn't have to be super careful with it. "Super spontaneous," she said with a grin, taking Iann's hand as he helped her along. "But I'm also not surprised at all." She let out an audible "Awww," when she caught Sam kiss Dani, watching her brother blush again with glee. Sam smiled at Dani, his cheeks flushed pink, and nodded. "By that tree," he said, pointing.

IANN: "This is it?" Iann asked, to him it looked kind of like everywhere else in the forest -- but hey, it wasn't his wedding. "Just tell me where you want me and ahhh... also what sort of.... how you'd like the ceremony to go?" Because Iann was betting on them being spontaneous, but yet having this mutual vision of exactly how they wanted this wedding to go.

DANI: Dani shrugged over at Iann. "It feels right and the earth witch agrees, so-- why not?" They walked up towards the small clearing and stopped next to the tree Sam had indicated. "I think we're gonna have you stand right in front of this tree here," they glanced over at Sam for a quick clarification. Despite the shotgun nature of their wedding, the two briefly engaged partners had taken the time to sit down and lay out of the ceremony itself. That was the part that mattered, anyway. They'd could have worn anything or brought anyone or done it anywhere, but they managed to throw together a little something that they both agreed on, and here they were now, on the cusp of what was likely the most significant day in both their lives thus far. "We thought we'd start with whatever little introduction you want to give," Dani began to explain to Iann, "then we'd have the whole declaration of intent thing -- ya know, the whole 'do you really want to marry this loser?' part, then Sam and I have some vows, Freya's gonna do a unification spell, you and Dad," they looked over to their father, giving a smile, "can say some final words if you want, and you can close us off with the official declaration bit. Ooh--" With a reminder popping into their head, Dani reached down and pulled a small scrap of paper from their boot, handing it over to their roommate. "There's our full names, in case you need them, and... Iann, really, you don't have to get formal or sappy or anything. Just do you, yeah? We wouldn't have picked you if we were expecting anything else."

FANE: Fane came to stop a little time after the group, hovering around the edge of the spot that Sam had chosen for them to stop in. The sun shone brilliantly through the branches and Fane stood in a patch of rays, letting them warm him a little where he stood whilst Dani and Iann worked out the logistics. He looked at Freya who had come to hover nearby, watching Dani and Sam thoughtfully before his eyes slid aside to her. "Waterworks all set?" he joked, figuring there were going to be plenty of tears throughout the event and day.

SAM: Sam hovered near Dani, letting them take the lead in getting everyone set up for their short ceremony. They had decided together how they wanted it to go before they split up for the day to get ready, but now that they were at the spot and the time had actually come, Sam felt nervous all over again. It didn't have anything to do with not being ready or sure about what they were doing-- he wanted to marry Dani, and not just as a statement towards his coven, though that was going to be satisfying when they found out. They wanted to marry their best friend, their partner in life and love, and be theirs forever. Meanwhile, Freya glanced over at Fane, watching them set up. She flashed an already watery grin up at him. "Oh I've been crying all day," she admitted, getting her phone ready for more pictures. "Sam," she called out, then gestured with her head over to the bag now in Iann's hands. "Oh, right," he said, going over and getting the paper bag, bringing it over to Dani. "I made you some things," he told them, not feeling nervous or shy anymore, just excited for them to see the love and care he'd put into the flowers despite the short notice. First he pulled out the flower crown, watching Dani's face as he placed it gently atop their curls.

IANN: Iann nodded at Dani's instructions, figuring the human with all the plans had, well, a plan. Spontaneity was fun and all, but they weren't stupid teenagers doing something for fun and rebellion's sake. As impromptu as this obviously was, there was a lot of care and thought put into every single tiny little detail. From the guests, to the pacing, to the schedule, to the location, and apparently even to the flower... things. Flower-things, that Sam was decorating Dani with. Iann turned away from them, because one thing they didn't plan (on purpose?!?! these two little bastards) was what Iann was going to say. "Just do me," he muttered to himself, but there was a smirk on his lips as he shook his head. "Like it's so fucking easy, these kids, I swear." They'll be the death of him; and really, Iann wouldn't really have it any other way. Well -- he was always good at winging it (and Dani KNEW that, ever since their first meeting on the SS Cormorant) so he'll wing it, they'll like it. Hell, they probably wouldn't remember a damn thing he said anyway. He could recite the Magna Carta and all they'd remember was the look in each other's eyes and the details of each other's smiles, and the words spoken between each other, for each other and by each other. Good stuff. Iann turned, satisfied as he waited all Minister-ly and benevolent like he should for this happy occasion, etc etc.

DANI: Dani wasn't looking for specific lines from Iann because they trusted -- and rather liked -- his talent for 'winging it.' He always brought a thrill and energy to their adventures even at the worst of times and it had kept Dani on their feet more than once. He would do great, and even if he fumbled, he could count on the fact that Dani and Sam would more than likely be distracted with one another throughout the ceremony. When Freya called over to Sam, Dani's eyes snapped to her, then followed her nod to the bag that Sam took from Iann's hands. Of course, Sam would have whipped together some flowery creations for their wedding. A bouquet and a vine of sorts for the unification spell were expected, but the flower crown was a pleasant surprise. "Was this Freya's idea or yours?" Dani failed to hide the color in their cheeks as they dipped their head and laughed. When they glimpsed up at him, they fought back with a smirk. "I'm guessing you've got a bouquet in there too, flower boy?"

SAM: Sam smiled softly, noticing the light blush on Dani's cheeks as he placed the flower crown on their head. "Mine," he said, a bit proud of that fact. He just thought the flower crown was something they'd like, and he was pleased to see how it completed their ensemble. He chuckled a little at their teasing question, shrugging as nonchalantly as he could manage. "Of course. But first..." He reached into the bag again, rustling gently inside until he came up with his boutonniere, in the same purple and green that Dani's bouquet was, the pin already in it and ready to go. "Want to do the honors?" he asked, passing it to them.

DANI: "I love it," Dani whispered up to him hearing it had been his idea rather than Freya's. Sam had made a flower crown or two for them before this, but usually on request for special events. To have one he'd made entirely of his own accord for them had a sweeter ring to it. When he rummaged through the bag again and this time pulled out a boutonniere, they gave a quiet chuckle. "Aw, cute. Our wedding's starting to feel a bit like prom," they joked with a grin, taking the boutonniere and holding it up to his vest to find the right spot. "I'll try not to stab you." After shooting the witch a wink, Dani pinned flowery accent into place and stepped back to admire their work. "There, you're all done up now."

SAM: Sam chuckled a little, holding still as Dani fastened the boutonniere to his vest. "Try not to draw blood," he teased, looking down to see it once it was done. "One more thing." He pulled the bouquet out of the paper bag, glad he had placed a simple spell on it to keep it from getting crushed on the trek here. He'd spent the most time and care on the bouquet, making sure everything else matched what Dani would be holding, but giving it a little more oomph of its own. It was tied simply with twine, leaving the stems showing, purple and white flowers cradled in soft greens. He handed it over to them, watching for their reaction to it. When he set the bag down, Freya scurried forward to whisk it aside and get her garland for later.

DANI: Dani had half a mind to prick Sam with that pin just for laughs, but they decided against it at the last second. They didn't want any blood stains ruining his outfit. Instead, they shook their head at him and pinned the boutonniere in place as they were meant to do. Then, he returned to the bag once more to hand over the one piece they all knew was coming -- the bouquet. It had to be beautiful, obviously, because Sam, local florist extraordinaire, had arranged it, but despite not being anything massive or showy, the simple, wild-looking bunch of flowers mixed in the couple's favorite colors made their heart swell. It was perfect. It was them. There was a tiny hiccup of breath as they took hold of the flowers in one hand -- delicately, like they might break -- and found Sam's hand again with the other. "This is the best one you've made yet," they said to him with a gentle, loving smile, sliding their fingers between his and just holding there firmly. They didn't even notice as Freya scurried over. And then, with a faintly shaky breath, they looked around at everyone who they'd gathered together. "That's it then, isn't it? We're ready."

SAM: Sam couldn't help smiling proudly as Dani took the bouquet, watching their face as they looked at it. He'd been inspired by them in choosing wildflowers, the purple and soft green being obvious choices to him, knowing Dani's tastes. "I'm glad you like it," he said, beaming at their praise of it. His smile held as Dani twined their fingers together and they moved into place. He let out a breath when they announced that they were ready, turning towards Iann feeling both nervous and excited.

IANN: Iann looked at nothing all this time, or really he was intently staring at a caterpillar that was slogging its way up an arbutus tree in the distance. Fat little caterpillar, the kind you want to root for when it puts so much effort into the simple act of moving. And then slowly, using some sort of thick, silvery web, dropping itself from its destination down… down… lower towards Fane Savin's anxiously groomed hair. Oh no. Iann took a step forward and opened his mouth -- but the action prompted Iann to look down from his perch on the thick tree root and see two shining, excited faces looking up at him, beautifully decorated in all sorts of delightful flowery concoctions. "Just look at you two," Iann said with a grin, forgetting about the caterpillar completely. "Like two peas in a pod. I'm sure that's what everyone said about you both, without realizing that the 'wise old adult' teasing would end up with Sam and Dani shoving that sentiment right back in their faces, hm? The most happiest form of rebellion against anyone and everyone who gets in your way. And let's be honest -- together, there's likely very little that's going to get in the way of your new life together. Dani, you're resourceful, bright, perceptive, complex, and generous. And Sam, well… Dani really loves you, so obviously you're doing something right," Iann grinned, because of course he had to tease the Floros. 

Iann paused for a moment, before looking at Fane and -- Freya! That was her name. "Folks, is it any surprise that we were pulled out of our daily routines and surprise-wrangled into a beautifully planned wedding for these two? Everything executed and designed how they wanted to plan it, because if a wedding day is about anything, it should be all about the people who're getting married, right? Now, you two say your vows to each other -- take as long as you need -- and then we'll get all formal about it."

FANE: Fane gave Freya a smile, breaking off their short conversation that they'd been having in the meantime whilst the others sorted out flower crowns and the introductory aspects of things. Now that things finally seemed to get moving, Fane ducked over until he stood nearby Dani his hands still tucked out of the way in his pockets. As Iann addressed himself and Freya, he merely offered a faint smile. "I mean, I think I out of anyone have the ability to say it's about damn time considering how long they have been a double act inside and out of the house." But he grew quiet once more as the pair began to recite their vows agreeing with Iann in a way that this was, if anything, perfect for the couple in front of him and if it made them happy, then what could really be said against it? They'd overcome whatever trials awaited them together, and Sam was in a roundabout way officially becoming his son (in law) but whatever, technicalities. Who really cared about those anyways?

DANI: Dani set their focus on Iann as his introduction began, smiling fondly at first, but unable to keep themself from laughing a little as he picked on Sam, which was something, in part, they were counting on. They might not have been able to stand through a formal wedding. This was light, humorous, easy. It took away the stress, but a few nerves still lingered. How couldn't they? When Fane raised his voice, Dani turned their head to look at him. 'It's about damn time,' he said, and Dani’s throat caught, resulting in a noise that wasn’t quite a chuckle, but more a happy-sad sort of noise that came with a pinch of color in their cheeks. They weren't asking for their father's acceptance -- that was the whole point of a private elopement anyway -- but it meant the world to them to have it nonetheless. Thank you, they mouthed to him quickly, not listing any specifics because there were far too many to tell.

When they turned back to Sam, they built their composure back up in an instant. Fane's words had brought up a memory that, frankly, they were surprised hadn't crossed their mind until now. What they chose to say wasn't a part of the 'official' vows they'd sat down and written, but it sure as hell was a meaningful inclusion. "Remember that day we first met when I shot you in the forehead with a nerf dart from the top of the stairs as you were coming in," briefly, they glanced back to Fane, "and Dad, you were all cross with the whole 'Dani! That's not how we treat our guests' thing? Oh my god," Dani threw back a short laugh as they set their gaze back on Sam, "the look on your face was priceless. And I wasn't really sorry about it, but I invited you to play with me anyway because, you know, why not. But then when you were leaving, you found out I wasn't actually a guy -- which he totally thought I was, by the way," Dani murmured that one to Freya with an amused glance at her and Iann before returning to Sam again. "After that, I didn't think you'd come back. The other boys I'd met would only play with other boys, but you-- you did come back, the next day." There was a tiny pause there, a sniffle, and the eye contact that Dani held with Sam took a momentary break. There was an annoying wetness to their eyes, so they tried to blink it away. They wouldn't have cared if it was only them and Sam standing there, but it wasn't, and Dani didn't like shedding tears in front of other people. Tears meant weakness, and they were supposed to be strong for everyone in their life -- for Sam, for their family, friends, everyone. They would cover it as best they could, yet there was also the possibility that they'd get lost in the moment and wouldn't even notice a stray tear or two escaping their control. Maybe... maybe that wasn't such a bad thing. So, with a hastily cool strung back together, they continued, breaking out a bright, though mildly bashful, smile for the man in front of them.

"That day was... basically the happiest day of my life up to that point. I'd never had a friend before, no one outside of my family who liked me for me, not for convenience. Then, six months ago, you did it again. You came back into my life and you finally broke that stupid friend barrier we were too scared to approach for years. And now we're here," they tightened their hold on his hand, blissfully unaware, as they'd hoped, of the one tear that fell down the right side of their face, "which I couldn't have imagined all the way back then, but fuck," they loosed a soft, rickety chuckle, "I'm never gonna be sorry about that dumb shot, because somehow, it got us here, surrounded by our favorite people--” they paused to look around at everyone, but their eyes dropped at the sound of a bark, which called for an eye roll, and another chuckle, as they met Sam’s eyes once more, “--and dog -- and now my happiest day is the day I get to marry you, you fucking dork."

IANN: Weddings could be so weird. How many weddings had Iann gone to? A grand total of maybe two, if one counted that half-assed officiating at that party, that was Faye and her husband’s marriage-type thing. Now three, with Dani and Sam. And still, Iann marveled at the way one was supposed to display stories, feelings, emotions -- all sorts -- for an audience. Maybe this audience was small, but it was still an audience. And it was clear that Dani didn't like to display their emotions. Iann wished he had a starfish blanket to toss over them, and spare them the discomfort of being in front of everyone else except Sam. At least Dani was aware of why they didn't like to cry in front of others, even if the reason was very rooted in the way they were brought up, the people they looked up to and measured themselves against. Iann cried all the time himself, but he didn't understand why he didn't like it; he just didn't, so shut up, etc. Iann chose not to look at Dani while they gave their vows, studying his shoes instead, and Holmes at his side (okay, feeling the warm dog-weight against his shin was rather nice, he'd grudgingly admit that), trying his best to pay zero attention to anything Dani was doing or saying. Let their words and emotions be between Dani and Sam. Freya was extraordinarily good at being happy for the young couple and Fane Savin was… well Iann wasn't quite sure what Fane Savin was, but it seemed a little distant. Maybe he was doing the 'calm and cool dad' thing, Iann didn't know. Regardless, when Dani drew to an elegant and no-doubt touching conclusion to their vows, Iann looked up again. "Your turn, Sammyboy. Please tell me this is the moment where your sister tugs a guitar out of that paper bag and you do your vows via an acoustic rock ballad song you wrote yourself."

SAM: Sam couldn’t help the amused smile at both Iann’s teasing and Fane’s emphatic, “about damn time.” The lightness and humor helped ease his nerves a little, but the fluttering of butterflies in his stomach came back when Dani turned to him and began speaking, only to him. The memory of their first meeting as children, Dani’s first shot to his forehead with a nerf gun that turned into an all-out war between the two of them, running all over the estate together while their parents conducted whatever business it was... It brought a fond smile to his face, a warm glow in his chest. That one day had sparked a friendship so fierce that nothing could break it -- not time or distance -- and the fact that it deepened over time to what they shared together now only made sense. As they recounted the story, Sam only had eyes for them, the rest of their small gathering melting away as he reached a hand out to hold theirs, noticing the wetness glistening in their eyes. Sam felt his heart swelling at their last words, then he laughed lightly at how they chose to end the story, shaking his head just a tiny bit as if to say “of course.”

Sam looked briefly over at Iann when he told him it was his turn, biting his bottom lip a little though glad for the small joke at his expense. “Not exactly,” he said, then turned back to Dani and reached for their other hand so he was holding both between them. “I remember that day,” he began, his words unplanned, just responding to what Dani had said to him. “You were my first friend, and from then on we were inseparable. I wanted to see you every single day, because every time I saw you there was another adventure you had dreamed up for us.”

“But I remember another day, too. I never told you this. My feelings for you snuck up on me, over the years I hadn’t realized that underneath that foundation of a lifetime of friendship, that I had fallen for you a long time ago. Then, I saw you.” Sam’s eyes took in their face, remembering the exact moment he suddenly saw them in a new light, the moment he saw something new in himself. Finding emotions he hadn’t thought he was capable of. “The night of the Yule Ball, this past year. It was like every other year, every other party-- except we weren’t children anymore, hiding under tables and stealing crab cakes, and getting in trouble for sword fighting.”

Sam looked down at their clasped hands for a moment and took a breath before meeting their eyes again. “You came down the stairs, in that dress, and I looked at you and I just knew. It hit me like a ton of bricks, I felt it in the pit of my stomach. All it took was that moment, and I knew I was in love with you, that I had always been in love with you. I couldn’t take my eyes off you that entire night, it was like no one else was even in that ballroom but you. I was so distracted by you, I bumped into Iann,” he said, tone going a bit lighter as he gestured towards him with his head, “and spilled my drink everywhere. I thought for sure that everyone must know. How could they not see this enormous shift in my life? But they didn’t, and I kept it a secret because it was safe there. Because I was scared."

Sam squeezed their hands, anchoring them both in the moment. He didn’t mention the rooftop, knowing Dani was thinking of it without having to voice the words. Some things he wanted to keep between just the two of them. “But I’m not scared anymore. Because I have you, and you make me feel brave like I never have before. When we’re together, we can do anything. I want to spend the rest of my life being brave with you.”

Sam let out a breath, knowing they were almost done, feeling the confidence come back to him in the wake of his words. It was time for the vows they had prepared together on bluetooth while they both ran around getting everything ready for today. Not every word was memorized or planned, but they had an idea and it was enough to go on. Like always, they would make it up as they went, and somehow, it would just fall perfectly into place. He swallowed and looked into their eyes, smiling softly for a moment before he began the vows. “I promise to keep you and love you, above all others.”

DANI: The tiny shake of Sam's head at the end of their recounted tale was a breath of fresh air for Dani. The words were easy to say, to him, but they weren't alone, and their focus drifted easily by nature -- which wasn't such a bad thing when one needed to solve a problem swiftly and efficiently. Dani was attentive, and the nerves that came with speaking aloud thoughts and feelings that they would regularly share only with Sam was unavoidable. In the interim while Iann spoke up, Dani quickly swiped away the wetness from their cheek. They took another breath, a deeper one, as their demeanor steadied with attention for Sam and Sam alone.

It only broke briefly when he reached for their other hand, the one that held their bouquet. Dani looked low to the ground at Iann's side and called the canine seated there over with an imperative whisper of his name. The sheltie padded forward and they crouched down, holding out the flowers to him with delicate instruction. Holmes glanced up into his human's eyes and detected the importance of his duty there. He took the stems of the bouquet carefully in his mouth and returned to his spot beside the officiate, assuming a protective diligence over his task. "Băiat bun," Dani smiled at him. He snorted in a sort of dog nod. Then, they stood again and gave Sam the hand that he was reaching for.

Dani laughed quietly at his comments on their tale. They'd been a whole world of trouble as kids, but no matter what accidents happened as a result of their adventures, they had never stopped coming up with new ones. Those imagined worlds and experiences had been their escape from their daily realities -- school, lessons, overbearing sisters, family drama -- and for that, for the special reality they had crafted only for themselves, there was no separating the two of them. Despite distance, time, emotions, or disagreements, the space would always be there in their times of need.

Then Sam began to speak of something new, something that he hadn't told Dani before. It piqued their curiosity instantly and their gaze intensified, ready to soak in every bit of the secret he was about to share. What he said surprised them... but also didn't. In the midst of their hosting and socializing at their first Yule Ball in years, Dani had been moving around too much to realize that there had been a shift in their best friend. They'd had an inkling, just for a second, when the two of them locked eyes across the room, but that stare had been abruptly cut off and Dani had forgotten about it as they got swept up into the party business once more. They were grinning when he mentioned spilling his drink, being stunned by them, and scared. Dani had been too, but it wasn't until their time on the rooftop, that he withheld from mentioning aloud, that his difference had clicked for them. And maybe in themself, as well. At that time, Dani had been caught up in a sea of conflicts. Their girlfriend was furious at them for the information they'd neglected to share, she wanted a future with Dani that they couldn't see for the two of them, and among everything else, there was Fane's offer of immortality -- the dream that was meant to be an easy acceptance pulling them apart instead.

Of course, they'd shared all of this with Sam, and he'd listened, and he'd comforted them, and he'd been honest. One simple, little kiss to their forehead was all it took for Dani to blink their eyes open and see everything in a very new and very terrifying light. Neither of them had admitted to that discovery on that night, both of them fearing what it might do to their reliable friendship. In the end, everything had fallen into place on its own. It hadn't been neat or easy, but it had gotten them here with nothing left to be afraid of -- not between each other, anyway.

Dani could feel their heart beating against their chest, exhilarated by his confession and the readiness they felt to commit to his wish, because it wasn't just his. They squeezed his hands in return to translate their agreement without having to speak it. They wanted to kiss him right then and there. Badly. But they resisted, knowing that there would be a time for that at the close of their ceremony. A close that was now nearing a lot faster than they'd anticipated. Now came the part where they said the words they had actually planned, which felt just a tad less daunting after the heartfelt speeches that came from them without any preparation. Dani shifted on their feet, assuring their steadiness before they locked eyes with their partner. The following vows were an oath, after all. Dani and Sam would be living the rest of their lives on the lines they had arranged together, and now was the time to commit to them in front of the loved ones they had brought to witness.

As Sam delivered the first line, Dani wove their fingers together, craving the steadiness that came with it. "I promise to share your blessings, and your burdens."

SAM: Holding both of Dani's hands, Sam let them ground him in the moment, though his heart felt about ready to run away on him. After their emotional speeches to each other, the next few parts of the ceremony seemed easy in comparison. He smiled down at Holmes for a moment as he took the bouquet, then turned his attention back to their partner as they both began the recitations they'd planned. "To be your comfort, your sanctuary."

DANI: "To be your advocate and your protector," Dani gave his hands another squeeze, knowing their promise here was especially relevant in the wake of the family crisis he was facing, "for every battle."

SAM: Sam smiled a little as Dani squeezed his hands, taking in a breath at the sentiment from Dani. "To be your guide, and your follower, down every pathway, as equals."

DANI: "To be your lover... și sufletul pereche tau."

SAM: "Your light side..."

DANI: Even though they knew the Star Wars reference was coming, Dani still felt their eyes roll and gave an amused snort before replying, with just a hint of a smirk, "Your dark side."

SAM: Sam matched Dani's sly smile at the reference before making yet another, the Dothraki terms of endearment they'd taken to calling each other. "Yeri shekh akka shieraki."

DANI: "Jin jalan ki yeri atthirar," Dani grinned at the slyness they shared, but there was a softness in their eyes as well, because what came next, in their opinion, was the most integral and intimate part of all that they'd planned. This was what weddings were about, weren’t they? They held their breath in preparation, not squeezing Sam’s hands, but tightening the grip itself, then breathed and smiled. "To be your family."

SAM: Sam let out a breath at their words of commitment, making official something that they'd felt for each other for a long time. Family. "To be your family," he replied, gazing into their eyes before he went on. "Dani Savin--"

DANI: Dani dipped their head for no more than an instant, their smile growing with a tiny hitch in their breath. Family played such a huge role in both of their lives, in good ways, bad ways. You couldn't escape family. It would always be there, whether you acknowledged it or not, but choosing one's family, creating a new one, was something far different. Their next great adventure.

"Sam Floros--" Dani moved their hands in toward each other so that they met in the middle and set their focus back where it was meant to be, studying Sam's gaze and transferring one more speechless preparation. 'We've got this. Together. Ready--' Their hands were trembling, but not in any form of fear. They were buzzing with an excited energy that was impossible to entirely physically contain, and they knew Sam could feel it, even beyond its physical manifestation, as they quoted their final line in unison. "I pledge my life and honor to you, for this life and all the lives to come.

SAM: "I pledge my life and honor to you, for this life, and all the lives to come," he recited in unison with them, feeling a wash of happiness and relief flood through him. He could feel Dani's hands trembling in his own, and he pulled them up to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to their knuckles, not able to help himself.

IANN: Iann wasn't listening attentively -- again, it was really just too personal and intimate for his interest to hold. Which was fine, because none of this was for him anyway, so it was all win-win for all involved, in Iann's opinion. He was happy to let the happy couple talk meaningful words at and for each other to their warm little respective hearts' content. Iann instead pondered other things: like the cabin in the woods (again) and witches marrying humans, and humans who were raised by vampires, and vampire fathers. That dog that... actually kind of acted rather undog-like. It was... nodding? And sentient? Maybe Soapberry was just like that when it came to animals? Or disconcerting. Iann watched the creature meander back next to him, and he glared at it, and it stared balefully back up at him. Okay good. Glad they got that settled. Once the pair spoke in unison, Iann refocused on them. "Ah --" he waved his hand as if casting a spell. "You're married! Kiss each other while we all applaud your legal bonding that provides tax benefits!"

DANI: "You're married!" Iann said, and Dani felt their heart stop and start again as their marriage became not a hastily thrown together desire for commitment between two lifelong partners, but a stark, living reality sealed by a wave of their mutual friend's hand. They grinned, instantly, and yanked Sam forward by his hands before he could even blink, pulling him down by his vest for a kiss that left them utterly, fantastically breathless. Their hands had found the sides of his face by the time they parted, holding him there where their foreheads touched for a short while longer, wanting to burn every detail into their mind so they'd never forget the moment. "You're mine," they whispered under their breath, just gazing at him and giggling, highly, because they couldn't help themself. "And I'm yours."

SAM: Sam's grin at Iann's words as the moment sunk in was interrupted, though gladly, by Dani dragging him down and kissing him. His arms immediately went around them tightly, lifting them up off their feet, the kiss stealing his breath until he was smiling against their lips. He matched Dani's giddy laughter once they broke apart, as Freya cheered and applauded behind them. "I love you," he murmured.

FANE: Fane looked between Iann, Sam and Dani mostly having observed the ceremony with quiet thoughtfulness, smiling a little at the various fandom aspects he recognised thrown in here and there. He didn't particularly feel like there was much need to say anything, after all this was about Dani and Sam. The pair of them taking a step forward in their lives together, and as it was all sealed with a kiss, he felt happy but also a pang of sadness. They were grown up, an adult, and moving on with their life, and the thought almost knocked him back but he smiled, the act softening his features and masking his sadness whilst he clapped his hands for the both of them, glad that at least they had each other in this.

DANI: "Always," Dani smiled, slipping their arms down over Sam's shoulders and pressing another kiss to his lips, shorter this time. Then they smirked. "You can put me down now, you know." Once they were back on the ground, Dani took Sam's hands again, knowing their ceremony wasn't quite over yet. "Freya!" They looked around their husband's -- husband's, fuck! that was a thing now! -- shoulder and caught the young witch's attention with a sharp eye. "Ready to finish this off?"

SAM: Grinning, Sam set Dani back down as Freya hurried forward with the garland that Sam had made for the handfasting. She moved up in front of them, taking Iann's place as she took a deep breath to prepare herself for this important part of the ceremony. She had memorized the binding spell in the van on the way up, and the Latin words flowed easily from her lips, binding two souls magically as the garland was wrapped symbolically around their hands. Sam could feel something stirring in the air around them, like an electric charge, and then a deep glowing warmth settling within him. Freya's words came to a close, but the spell still needed to be sealed by a proclamation from the newlyweds. "Dani, Sam?" she prompted, having read that their names should be invoked during the spell. Sam looked over at Dani and sealed the spell with a simple yes in Latin, "Etiam."

DANI: Dani couldn't help grinning at Freya's eagerness. She looked about ready to burst with excitement, which they figured would bode well for the magical component of their ceremony. Spells generally turned out best with strong concentration and intent. They watched and listened keenly as the Latin words flowed so smoothly from the girl's lips. Even her wrapping of the garland that Sam had crafted was done with a practiced ease, though she'd never truly performed the spell before this. Dani felt the energy deep in their bones, like there was lightning running through their veins-- not painful, just powerful. Then there was the gradual warming sensation in their chest, making them so much more aware of... everything. "Etiam," Dani repeated after Sam. When the spell was sealed -- or sealing, rather -- the electrical buzz in Dani's body morphed with a supernatural rush akin to being hit by a sudden gust of wind, only from below rather than above. A ley line, possibly. They gasped, almost having to catch their breath as they took in the shift of the atmosphere around them. They could feel the forest and all the greenery around them. It was breathing, a whole network of connected living things all with their own vibrant, thriving energy to be harvested, and yet each energy was different from the next. It took them a second to catch onto what they were actually experiencing. They'd been so caught up in the energy around them that it took a few moments, including a look down at their hands and back up at Sam, finding that it wasn't just the forest's breath that they could detect. Their lips split into a grin. "Holy shit."

SAM: When the words were spoken and the spell coursed through the two of them, binding them together, Sam felt a sudden rush. It wasn't exactly a riptide or tidal wave that hit him, more like a steadily coursing river as he felt connected to the magic that lived deep beneath Dani's skin. He blinked a few times as he took it in, finding it stronger than he expected but pleasantly surprised by it. He knew the sensation would subside, as the binding spell took hold and settled within them both, but in the moment they were connected in a way neither of them had felt before. He could feel the soft buzzing coming off the people around them, and Sam looked up from their hands half expecting to see their auras in color. "Whoa," he murmured, looking back to Dani. He turned his hand up so his fingers threaded with theirs. He met their eyes, and in their heightened state of connection from the spell he could almost feel their heart beating.

DANI: Dani had always known that Sam's magic was central to who he was as person, and while they understood that on a personal level, they now understood it at a much deeper, intimate level. If they had been in his place and lost this -- being able to connect with nature itself and feeling it like a sixth sense -- they would have been ruined for it. Their fingers threaded with his automatically. It was even more instantaneous in this instance where they could literally feel one another beyond what was physically there. Dani kept eye contact with him as the spell settled, the high slowly wearing off but a very, very faint trace of it remained, like there was a string of spider's webbing between them that would send subtle sensations between the two, transferring inklings of emotions as well as warnings of danger. "Do you think... they felt it too?" they asked between breaths, still slightly shaken from making contact with Sam's magic. Not unlike how they'd been affected after being hit by the rebound of their grimoire's magic some few months ago.

SAM: Sam felt the magic settle down, but could still feel that subtle spiritual connection between him and his partner. Spouse. Letting out a breath, he looked over at Freya, who was boggling at them as if she hadn't expected quite that result from her spell. "Are... you guys okay?" Sam smiled at her and unwound the garland and draped it around Freya's neck. "Yeah. More than okay," he said, still slightly breathless. "You did good, kid. You're a good best man." Freya grinned in a way that made her resemble her brother more than she normally did, then she promptly burst into tears and threw her arms around his neck. When she had calmed down a bit and let him go, she repeated the hug on Dani.

DANI: At Freya's question of concern, apparently struck by the spell she'd just cast and how well it had turned out, Dani turned toward her and watched as Sam settled the garland around her neck. They nodded in agreement with Sam's words, "More than okay," and smiled fondly at the two of them. She was crying, again, to no one's surprise, but Dani welcomed her hug with a tight squeeze and a following smirk as the redhead released her. Their hands settled on her shoulders and they looked her firmly in the eye with a glisten of mischief. "Don't tell your sisters, but out of all of them, you're always going to be my favorite." Then they pulled back their hands, only to offer Freya a fist bump as assurance.

SAM: Freya let go of Dani and wiped her face before returning their fist bump. "You're my sister now," she said, a smile breaking across her face that was wet with tears of happiness. She hiccuped a little, then let out a breath, steadying herself. She knew what this meant for her relationship with Sam, things would be different. He was moving out, Dani would be the one he spent all his days with, Dani would come first. Freya was okay with that -- thrilled, actually -- but she'd have to adjust and learn to let her brother go, just a bit. "You take care of him. Got me?" It wasn't that typical sibling-threat one would expect, but instead a plea to stand by Sam and keep him safe, always.

DANI: "You're damn right, I am," Dani chuckled at Freya, her happiness, and the little hiccup that came afterwards. Then Freya turned things to a more serious note, and Dani returned the sincerity in kind, setting that intense gaze on Freya that they regularly utilized when making a promise. "Loud and clear. And if I ever screw up, you can feel free to spell my ass into oblivion. He's in good hands." Dani cast a quick, soft glance over at Sam before they straightened their back and turned toward the pair of grumbly old souls -- aka Iann and Holmes, who was still sitting there with a bunch of flowers in his mouth, evidently not thrilled about it -- and called out to the one that was human. "Cardero!" Dani waved him in their direction with an almost commanding tone. "Get over here, c'mon. I've got shit to say to you."

IANN: Iann made a mental note to demand what Freya had done, at some point after all this. It looked like a binding spell of some-sort, but Iann wanted to know the details. Since binding spells tended to vary in weight and bond depending on the spell, the ritual, the people involved, etc. This was was no doubt something to do with marriage, but still, Iann liked acquainting himself with the magical differences and nuances, especially if it was a coven thing. "Looks like you're stuck, pal," Iann said to the dog, before making his way over to the couple. "What do you have to say to me," Iann barked back at Dani, but his fingers pressed against their shoulder and Iann leaned in to kiss their cheek. "Felicidades, Savin Jr," Iann said to Dani before he grinned at Sam, scruffing the witch by the neck like one would a cat and delivering a more smacking kiss to his cheek as well. "Or is it felicidades Savin-Floros?"

SAM: Sam chuckled a little at the exchange between his sister and his spouse, but he caught the meaning in Dani's glance and felt the sincerity of their words. As Dani called Iann over to them, Sam slid back over to Freya and put his arm around her shoulder, tugging her against his side as she kept sniffling. He groaned at the exaggerated kiss to his cheek, but even that moment of sarcasm couldn't hide how happy he truly was. "We haven't talked about any of that," he admitted, chuckling. He wasn't convinced that changing anyone's name was necessary, it didn't make them any less married than they were right then.

DANI: Dani maintained a cross look for playful show until Iann came over and, to Dani's pleasant surprise, pressed a kiss to their cheek. It was one thing to receive that sort of affection from Sam, but getting it from Iann caused Dani's face to go red in a blush. While he was distracted with Sam, Dani stepped over and threw their arms around Iann's neck, giving him as tight a hug they could manage from being stretched up on the tips of their toes. They held there for a few seconds, sighing out as if he'd removed some massive weight off their back. "Thank you, Iann," they said, clearly, not some shy whisper in his ear but something they wanted Sam to hear too. "I'm really glad you fell off that stupid ship." That probably sounded a lot worse than it was, but Iann would understand, they knew. When they let him go, acting as if the heartfelt little moment had never happened, Dani considered the surname idea with a hum. "I mean... I think Floros-Savin sounds better, personally. But, I don't see any reason why we'd need to change names. Unless you want to," they looked at Sam questionably, curious for his opinion.

IANN: The hug honestly did come as a surprise. He expected the usual Dani-reaction: a shove or a snort or some snarky remark or even completely bypassing the well-wishing for something far more interesting. Which, honestly, was what Iann loved Dani for -- their inability to express certain things, in certain ways. It was one of those things that made Iann feel welcome in the loft, really -- their natural, congenial avoidance of anything... mushy. Touchy. It wasn't that Dani couldn't express, but they did it at arm's length from Iann and/or in the safe, protective privacy of Sam's arms. It was a good system, but of course their adorably heartfelt wedding did call for something a bit more expressive. And being Dani, they traded in Iann's kiss for a tight hug. A well-made barter if ever there was one. The 'thank you' made Iann clear his throat a few times gruffly (It was a frog. Allergies. Chewing gum caught in his throat.) and then Dani was back gaily discussing names with Sam, as Iann dreamily thought fondly of the SS Cormorant, and the way it all rolled out to this pretty fucking amazing moment in their collective lives.

SAM: Sam gave Freya a little shake as she finished sniffling and calmed down again. "Thanks, Iann," Sam said in agreement, smiling over at him as Dani hugged him. "Don't forget to sign the thing later," he teased, though not actually sure how many weddings Iann had officiated before. He shrugged when Dani asked about the name. "Floros-Savin does sound better, it's the S-S. But I don't think we need to. We've never really been traditional, anyway." Just saying it brought a smile to his face, since this entire day had been as nontraditional as they could get. But in the end, he wouldn't have it any other way.

DANI: Dani smiled at Sam's response, nodding softly before they answered, "No, we haven't, have we?" They chuckled and sidestepped over towards him, nudging under his arm so it could drape over them, like in Freya's case, and rested their head on his shoulder, sighing contentedly. They didn't care about names or titles or what anyone else thought of them -- what they thought might be 'right' or 'conventional' in opposition to their very impromptu, very unique little marriage ceremony -- as long as they had him, that was all they needed. His coven was likely to be furious, but they'd face that obstacle when the time was right. Whatever the case, they wouldn't be able to break up the two of them now. Their marriage wasn't only legal, it was spiritual-- or, magically established. They weren't sure exactly how the bonding spell worked, but the results certainly had a weight of permanence about them. "So we'll keep our names for now, and if we change our minds later, we'll work it out then. One thing at a time, yeah?"

FANE: Fane stood by as Dani thanked Iann and Sam spoke to Freya, a part of him itching to pull out a smoke if only for the comforting familiarity of the scent and taste, knowing he'd speak to both Dani and Sam in their own respective time. It wasn't as if any of them were in a rush, and plus, Sam was now officially family. Not only in the general sense of the term but legally as well. There were also arrangements for some sort of hashed-up celebratory BBQ in the gardens along with finding an adequate gift. He'd just received a text from Ryan, who wasn't best pleased at being excluded from the activities, when Fane noticed Dani approaching out of the corner of his eye and he tucked his phone away. "That was... wow," he breathed out, not really sure what else he could say considering the mixture of things he was feeling right now regarding everything going on, but he kept a light smile. "You know, Ry isn't happy at the lack of invite, by the way."

DANI: After Dani had given their thanks to Iann and Freya, they pressed a kiss to Sam's cheek -- the one Iann hadn't smooched -- and left him to converse with his sister and their mutual friend. Fane had been quiet throughout most of the ordeal, perhaps in shock or as a means of processing the myriad of emotions Dani knew he must be feeling right now. He wasn't the biggest fan of sudden, life-changing events, and neither was Dani. But Sam was their exception to every rule. Today had been more than enough evidence for that.

Dani dipped their head and a quiet laugh slipped past their lips at their father's grapple for words. "Not too bad, huh? And to think I lacked the skill for event planning." As they neared him, their arms opened and wrapped him in a hug around his middle, lingering there for a short time while they breathed. "I know," they murmured into his chest, making a half step back to look up at him but not yet breaking their embrace. Their foot lifted and flexed once to indicate where their phone had been this whole time. "My foot feels like it's practically gone numb from all his texting. I should have thought to put it on silent."

Another laugh later, Dani sighed and fixed a more sincere expression in their father's view. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you earlier, but we wanted it to be secret. We couldn't risk anyone finding out before it was done, and there was always the chance that if I'd texted you and Ryan had seen it, he would have blown up the local social media and spoiled the surprise. I wish he could have been here -- I wish everyone could have been here -- but you were the only one we needed, and the smaller the crowd the better." Dani dropped their arms and stepped back, but took Fane's hands, squeezed them, and smiled warily. "You're a father to the both of us, you always have been. We trust you, and we will fill you in, just later." They glanced back toward Sam with a tiny glint of worry in their eye. "Today is supposed to be happy, and I'd like to keep it that way."

FANE: Fane still really wasn't entirely sure how he felt, and perhaps it was cold or cruel or whatever other word that might be thrown about, but he couldn't really help the disassociation he felt to the current situation and goings on. Even if it was a long time coming. After all, one of his only hopes when Dani did grow up was to be involved and help plan this particular day and being excluded regardless of the reasons for it... Well, there wasn't much he could say to it beyond it didn't leave him feeling particularly celebratory. This was about Dani moving on with their life and Fane letting them go, he'd hoped it would be a transition and yet it felt like a ripcord had been pulled and yanked him out a plane at ten thousand feet. But those were feelings and things he kept to himself, and as Dani approached he plastered a smile onto his features, banding such things away for his own private contemplation as he enveloped them in a hug, letting them lean into his taller frame and rubbing their back gently. He glanced down at their foot and laughed a little, "Guess it serves you right. This certainly won't be the last you or I will suffer of his complaining. Now I hope you realise the fate you've bound us all to."

The explanation only served to ease ever so slightly how he felt, being told how much he was the only one needed here but he merely shook his head as Dani went on to explain what had prompted all of this. "Don't worry about it... I spoke to Sam earlier and he said the same thing, so... I believe you, whatever it is..." Fane assured, retreating to his natural stance of not making a big deal out of how he felt publicly, especially when he recognised the glint of worry in their eyes when they directed their gaze towards Sam. "And, you're both family to me... You always will be and I'm always going to be here if you ever need me... No matter what happens, hm? You're my child and I love you... I love you more than anything in this world and I'm happy for you. Truly so." he gave their hands a reassuring squeeze. "I might not have much experience with weddings but one thing I know is usually they're happy occasions. Domestic scenes caused by drunk family members aside." The last part was said lightly to ease the conversation, not particularly wanting to weigh it down with anything overly heavy.

IANN: Meanwhile, Iann gooses Sam, and Freya totally encourages it while she takes photos. Really, really artful photos of Sam getting goosed by his marriage's officiant-- what a story to tell the kids, ten years from now!

DANI: Dani groaned. "He's never going to let this go, is he? At least you have the excuse of being roped in unawares. I'm the one who gets to bear the brunt of his angsty complaining." It did serve them right. Despite how wonderful the ceremony had been, the rest of their family had been left out of it. And the friends who had come to know them or had known them from before -- Ruby, Tuah, Teddy, Bella, Nuadia, to name a few. And Sofia -- who had been rooting for them from the start, constantly badgering the two of them to 'just get together already!' But she wouldn't have been able to come even if she wanted to. She was Adele's daughter, which meant that if she had come to support their marriage, she would be putting herself at risk for being ousted from the coven as well. It was simply too great of a risk.

"How many bottles of wine do you think it's gonna take before Ry is hanging from the chandelier?" Dani took the lightened tone of the conversation in their stride, snickering at the thought of all the drama they were likely to face later that night. But the laughter turned to fondness with ease, Fane's loving words still swirling around in their head. They gripped his hand tightly once more, their eyes getting watery around the edges. They told themself it was just the hilarious idea of Ryan's antics, but truthfully, they knew that wasn't the case. "Te iubesc, Tată. I know I suck at showing it, but I do. And although you didn't have much of a part to play in the ceremony, it would mean the world to us if you'd come down to town and help us really get this officialized. After all, you know far more about paperwork and legal logistics than we do. In fact, we... we don't really know what we're doing at all. We haven't made any plans or talked about where we're going from here, but... we'll figure it out. That's what we've always done, and I'm sure we'll need some old man pointers along the way." They threw a tease in at the end to lighten things again, then got caught up watching the antics between Iann and Sam, smirking like a fox at the amusing annoyance their husband had been left to face.

SAM: When Sam escaped from the attention of both his sister and Iann, he went the short distance to join Dani and Fane, greeting his new father-in-law with a wide smile. Jumping into the conversation once the sweet moment between them had passed, hearing Dani say that they needed help making it all official. "We need a marriage license," he put in. "You must know at least someone at City Hall, right?" They had both been hoping Fane would be able to pull some strings and get them their paperwork without them having to wait for it, because they were impatient. As this impromptu ceremony clearly showed. "And rings, but I think we have an idea for that," he said, smiling over at Dani.

IANN: "He's probably not going to talk to me for a week now," Iann said to Freya, laughing and also vaguely wondering if he should go. This was starting to melt into a pleasant and intimate family affair, and Iann didn't want to be a part of intimate family junk. He took Freya's hand and shook it. "Tell them bye," he said to her, then paused as he looked around. "Ahh.... also can you tell me which way to get out of here? Forest all looks the fucking same to me." Sure Dani drove him here, but he could easily walk a ways and maybe hitch a ride to Pyewacket… once he was placed back on the road, anyway.

FANE: "Nope, enjoy that hole you've dug yourself into," Fane needled lightly out of good-humour despite everything. Though the talk of alcohol and Ryan caused him to chuckle, "Oh a fair few, maybe five depending on the vintage obviously. No champagne either, you know what he thinks of that piss water," his lips curled into a wry smile. The Romanian caused him to dip his head, stepping in to hug them again and press a kiss to their temple. "I know." But he put half a step back between them at the talk of helping them with the... paperwork side of things. Of course he got lumbered with the paperwork side of it. It was hard not to feel a little stir of something not all too great, but again he smiled at Dani and Sam as he joined their small gathering, stepping over to give him a hug too. "Yeah, 'course, I've got a few strings I can pull to get it put through... Speaking of, what are you doing for rings?"

DANI: "Oh yes, I'm very aware. He ranted about it profusely the last time he got thoroughly hammered at a party." Dani shook their head, warmed by the memories of their most externally dramatic family member. They leaned into their father's kiss and smiled at Sam's approach, even more so when he and Fane shared a touching father-son embrace. "Thank you, Dad. We're going to owe you, big time." Dani found Sam's hand without having to look and gave their arms a bit of a swing, grinning across at him. "Oh, I might have booked a little tattoo session. Nothing like a bit of permanent ink to seal the deal, yeah?"

SAM: Sam couldn't help pressing a quick kiss against Dani's temple when they took his hand. The paperwork wasn't something he was super concerned about, it was just a formality really. He knew signing the papers wouldn't make him feel any more married than he already did in that moment. He grinned at them as they described the idea they'd come up with together earlier in the day. Finding rings that they both liked, in the right size, and in the time constraint of their sudden elopement, just wouldn't have been possible. Not to mention the fact that they both preferred the idea of tattoos to traditional rings anyway. "It'll be great," he said excitedly, looking forward to getting new ink, especially one that meant so much to both of them on the most important day of their lives. Before they could head out though, Sam looked back to realize that Holmes had had enough of the festivities and was lying on the ground at his spot by the tree, the bouquet still dutifully in his mouth. Sam whistled, and the old dog got to his feet and padded over to them. Sam took the bouquet from him with a little smile, brushing it off a bit before he passed it back to Dani. "Ready?" he asked his new spouse, grinning again just at the reality of being married to Dani.

DANI: If Dani and Sam never got around to signing any paperwork, Dani wouldn't have cared. Maybe official logistics mattered to some people, but their vows and the spell that Freya had cast was more than enough for them. Hell, for all they cared, they'd been married the moment they'd decided to get married. The tattoos were important to the both of them as a physical recognition of the ceremony they had both now completed. Dani was accustomed to getting new ink. They would always love the sensation of it, but this appointment was one they would remember above the others because it stood for something so much more profound than just a protective measure or a symbol of equality. They would be marking their bond on skin, externally, to reflect the internal -- even spiritual -- connection they shared and sworn to keep. When Holmes padded over at Sam's call, a little warmth blossomed in Dani's chest. 'Not a dog person' their ass. Holmes never would have listened to him if he hadn't grown to like the florist at least a bit and felt respected in return. He was picky that way. Dani took the bouquet from Sam with a slight grimace, finding the stems a bit damp as a result of being held so long and so dutifully. However, it didn't damper their spirits in the slightest. "Yeah," they grinned at their newly proclaimed husband, tugging on his vest to steal one last small kiss before they headed out. "Let's get inked. We've got a town-wide social media to fuck up."

[ashnadir]

freddiewatts:

For a moment, when Iann began to rattle off all the childish rituals that made a promise real and unbreakable, Freddie felt a hot flush of embarrassment. He’d never had anyone to do those things with him when he was small - never had a promise made to him that had gone wholly unbroken, as a matter of fact. Not in the entirety of his life to date. And when Iann shone a light on that, on Freddie’s fear that this too would prove to be something easily taken away from him, something rescinded on a whim - or worse, something he had never even really had at all - the sting of that vulnerability, of letting that vulnerability be seen, had nearly sent him from the table.

But then Iann had taken his arm, leaning closer, and in only a few words - a simple, direct expression of honest intent - managed to put the world right again.

And Freddie nodded, murmuring, “Alright,” before huffing out a chuckle at the notion that Iann was already hiring. “Bloody hell,” he said with an answering grin of his own, “-does this one want you to be her dad, too?”

“And does she have any experience? You can’t just go round giving people jobs because they tug at your odd little heartstrings, love.” Absent-mindedly, doing it because this was Iann, and because he could, Freddie dragged the other man’s hand up to his lips and pressed a kiss to his knuckles before letting him go again, laughing around a fond smirk. “Next hire, I want in on, yeah? No matter how dewy they seem.”

But it would have been hard to miss the way Iann puffed up at the knowledge that Ephram did not feel he was a suitable business partner for Freddie, and the fairy rolled his eyes at his friend, still smiling - mostly because he felt entirely the same way where Tuah was concerned.

Which was why, when Iann began to grumble that he wasn’t actively keeping things to himself where his old man was concerned - that Tuah was simply too busy to be told about it - Freddie only raised a disbelieving eyebrow, knowing a load of old cobblers when he heard it. But he didn’t push, because that sort of emotional zeroing-in wasn’t the way he and Iann went about things as a general rule.

Instead, he said pleasantly, “Is he? Coffee-pouring and pastry-arrangement must have got more complex since I was last paying attention.”

Technically, Iann had done those agreement rituals as an adult, because, well.  It was Iann.  He had no peer friends when he was young of course, but he certainly didn’t have an isolated childhood like Freddie.  Regardless, spitting in one’s hand was the way a certain witch coven tied deals, blood-contracts were obvious when it came to supernatural wheelings and dealings, and so was signing actual paper contracts.  In some ways, Iann’s foray into the supernatural allowed him to never grow up.

So he completely missed poor Freddie’s stricken flutter, because Iann simply didn’t anticipate it.  It was funny what sort of things could randomly affect each man, set off their internal alarm bells between each other, considering how closely they skimmed into, between and around each other’s pasts, while never actually touching.

“No one wants me to be their dad!!!” Iann half-screamed (it was late, he was tired, he just didn’t realize it), bursting into the most obnoxious laughter.  “I’ll leave that to the Tuahs and the Fane Savins of the world, please. They can pappy everyone. I’m more of a creepy uncle, I keep telling you!!”

Experience? Iann struggled to remember what Fawn told him.  “Uhhhh she said she waitressed.  Oh! She said she studied...ah...public...relations?  Something about design and websites and brand marketing.  You know, social medium, young people stuff.”

He nodded placidly when Freddie sweetly suggested adding his vetting power on the next set of hirees.

When it came to Tuah, the vampire’s disassociation was having an effect on Iann, despite Iann’s vociferous denial that it was happening. That Iann could handle it, that everything was fine, that things would go back to ‘normal’ eventually.  Even if it was rather unclear what ‘normal’ for them really was. 

It wasn’t like Iann and Tuah had even been together that long - as various people kept telling them.  But no; they didn’t take it slow; they jumped right into the deep end.  Now Iann was treading water above Tuah, who was at the bottom of the pool since he didn’t need to breathe.  But Iann did.

He avoided Freddie’s eyes, but to his internal (subconscious) relief Freddie did what Freddie did best: he made fun of Tuah, and Iann smiled.  “The old man’s a connoisseur and a perfectionist, what can I say.  It’s a time-consuming combination of traits.  Good thing I’m not the same way, or you and I would never get past the planning stage, hm?”  Iann flicked a shutter on the glamoured hotel for emphasis.

planning

[fanesavin]

The High Inquisitor has a meeting with the Prelate concerning the findings of his investigation.

[ (x) Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 (x) | Part 4 | Part 5  (x) | Part 6 (x) | Part 7 | Part 8 (x) | Part 9 (x) |Part 10 (x) | Part 11 (x) (x) ]

@teddyaynesworth

Fane let Bellamy and Faye go, turning about and heading in the direction of the Prelate’s office. The nearer he got to the room the heavier the conversation with Lady Florent earlier in the day weighed on his shoulders. You cannot serve justice and peace. And yet, did he not swear to give the former, never the latter. Moving up the winding staircase until he reached the door in question and raised a clenched fist to knock before he entered. “I’m sorry to bother you Prelate, but I have urgent business to discuss with you.” Was this a mistake? Could he trust the man he was going to speak with? Fane didn’t rightly know, but the Prelate would play a role in determining the Raj the people called for and Fane was worried about the outcome.

Prelate Theodore "Inquisitor! I’d expected your work on behalf of the Council would have you occupied day and night.“ Theodore moved closer to Fane, thinning his eyes as he inspected the man’s face, the exhaustion inscribed on features that were doing their best to maintain order and fulfill duty. "Then again – it looks as though you’ve been racing through the candles already. Come, man, get off your feet for a moment. Have some wine.” The Prelate gestured towards one of the heavy chairs at his table, pouring them both his green wine. “Tell me what your concerns are. Does it have to do with your findings about the crown?”

Fane had been burning the candle at both ends and while he attempted to maintain a presentable appearance as befit his rank there were signs of the toll. Equally growing more restless the more he learned. Too many moving wheels and gears. The offer to sit took a moment to be considered but ultimately he shook his head, "I doubt I'd be able to sit still long enough." But the wine he did accept, taking a small sip, strong and a touch sour but it gave him a point to focus on. "As you well know, the late High Raj wished to have his coronation crown refurbished, that refurbishment happened here in the capitol with the Guild's best blacksmith who after several visits has confirmed the rig containing the venom was not present prior to its departure on the journey... The journey was clearly the most obvious point of weakness, and I've worked to confirm that the crown used in the ceremony was not the same one that left the Capitol at the beginning of its tour of the kingdoms. It was counterfeited and replaced."

As he’d said, Fane wasn’t able to stand still for the duration, starting to pace back and forth. “We know the crown went to and stayed longest in Blackspire, Summerset, the Kesleylands and Hathurana. It also had brief stays in Honeywild, the High Peninsula and the Eades… But in two of these locations I’ve come to learn the Captains left the crown unguarded...” He drew in a long breath turning back to the Prelate, “that was in Summerset and the Kesleylands.”

Prelate Theodore steepled his fingers as he listened to Fane's tense report, the words spooling out like coins on a money string -- clanking against each other, each heavy with value. "You've acquitted yourself most honourably," Theodore said, wanting to preface any further discussion with that accolade. It was a thankless task the Inquisitor had been given, and he'd clearly thrown himself body and soul into performing it to the absolute limits of his well-proven ability. "If we can count anything in this situation as fortunate, it's that we had you on hand to conduct this investigation." Picking up his wine, Theodore sipped it as he collected his thoughts. "Summerset and Kesleyland; one allied with the Forty Isles whose Grand Lady was subject to an attack, the other peopled with anti-witch zealots who do nothing but tarnish the name of their House." He raised an eyebrow at Fane. "If one was inclined towards the bolder set of evidence, it would look fair damning for the Kesleys, wouldn't it?"

Fane allowed himself a minute humourless smile but took the moment to catch himself. “I was charged with finding justice and I hope it is found.” The Inquisitor grew quiet as he let the Prelate think equally knowing the worth of silence. “Unfortunately, that’s just the issue," Fane stopped by one of the map tables his eyes drifting over the different Kingdoms "whoever carried this out was calculated and cunning. Why would someone go to all this effort and intricacy only to draw so much attention to themselves by trying to kidnap the grand-lady and then staging a coup in the keep barely days after the murder of the Raj?" Fane shook his head, "it doesn't make sense. Which is what leads me to believe Summerset is the more likely location that the crown was swapped.”

Prelate Theodore nodded, his voice wry when he replied to Fane's pinning the Summerset as the most likely culprit. "I'd have preferred if it were the Kesleys," he admitted. "Their House is chaotic and not well-liked or respected, especially after their antics these past few days. Summerset ... it's a kingdom with storied history, an admired Grand Lady, and strong ties to our most sprawling and economically virile nation of the Isles." Theodore frowned at the table, a knot of wood that hadn't been sanded down to lie flush with the rest. "Should we make accusations of the Summerset, we will have but once chance to make it stick." 

Fane sighed through his nose, "aye as I wish it was too." Fane continued to ponder the map, "Summerset and the Kesleys have always had long-standing rivalry have they not?" He grimaced at the mention of accusations, "that's the issue Prelate, I'm not sure I have enough to make an accusation and know it's the correct individual taking the blame." Fane straightened leaving the table, his features grim "there's more, we know that the princes of the Isles were in attendance at Summerset. The Forty Isles Captain admitted as much under interrogation from his Commander - he was bribed with forty isles coin to leave the crown while they were in Summerset while the other guard was diverted with a distraction… He took it as the briber implied the work was for the Queen’s Consort. The man unfortunately managed to find a way take his life in captivity before we had a chance to question him further… Equally, the counterfeit crown bore the mark of the forty isles.” 

Prelate Theodore sat up straighter, his frown deepening. "You mean to tell me that this counterfeit crown, the one fitted with the means for murdering the High Raj, had a visible mark of the Forty Isles?" Theodore rose from his seat, now, moving to the map table as well as though if they both scrutinized it enough, the secrets of its cartography would enlighten them. "Then either the Princes are becoming uncharacteristically slovenly in their dabblings in intrigue, or someone is attempting to shift blame to them."

Fane gave a slight nod of his head, "aye, equally the journeyman of the blacksmith in the Capitol that completed the refurbishment of the crown hailed from Summerset. She had to return there apparently to fetch her sister, only, she never to returned. It's quite a coincidence that the only other person to see the schematics for the crown and how it would be refashioned never returned... The amount of evidence continues to overwhelmingly stack up against Summerset." But he had to agree with the Prelate, it hearkened back to his earlier statement about the Kesleys drawing attention to themselves. "I can't say I'm so familiar with the younger Cardero but I've known Prince Iann for a fair few decades now. His son's been one of my wards and the man is as cunning as anyone in his subterfuge. I know the Raj defeated him in battle during the wars but I honestly can't admit to seeing him leaving such blatant evidence that would bring him and his House to ruin. The man's many things but an idiot he is not." He grew quiet, there was one piece of evidence he had yet to share. Finishing his wine he set it down, he settled into silence once more as he weighed up something with himself "there's one more thing... But... I can't I can see where it might fit in the larger puzzle if it even fits anywhere at all...."

"No, the Driftwood Prince is no fool. Liar and pirate he might be, and set to inherit a vast amount of wealth and far-reaching influence, but not a fool." Theodore tucked his hands into his long flared sleeves. "One might almost wish he was, eh, Lord Savin? At least then we would be assured of him accidentally showing his hand in this affair." His gaze swept along the archipelago of the Greater Isles, out through the dotted scatter of the rest that made up the Forty. "Instead of being obliged to consider the possibility that he's clever enough to clear himself of suspicion by making the reasons to suspect him far too obvious." He sighed and stepped away, moving to one of the tall panelled windows. "You may as well divulge all of your information, Lord Savin," he said. "Whether it adds another snarl to this tangle or not."

Fane made a quiet noise of agreement. "And considering he's set to inherit that wealth and his father's seat why would he wish to squander it with an ill attempted plan such as this?" He studied the ocean between the Isles and the main continent, he'd never liked sea-faring much and the Isles were a far cry from his own lifestyle. "You heard about the Kesley coup, the lord responsible ended up being taken to the dungeons for further questioning... Only to end up being found with his throat sliced from ear to ear." A grim death as any, Fane stood up seeming hesitant to speak but having no reason not to share what he'd learned. "My men that were guarding the night of his death reported that the Grand Lady was the last to visit the man alive and that she had a strange hooded figure accompanied her on this particular journey... She happened to claim to be there on my behalf... Which, I can say is untrue... No effort was made to bribe the guards however, which was either quite deliberate or a mistake..." He shifted, feeling uncomfortable as he spoke the words. "Perhaps she had reason for being there... They did attempt to kidnap her, and I would never wish to presume about such matters without more evidence if there even is indeed any to be uncovered... Unfortunately, my attempts to investigate such things is where I've come up dry, considering the Kesleys are all six feet under now... I did hope Lady Florent might be of assistance -- I know you and her were to be seated on the Raj's council and of her position as Master of Whisperers. Unfortunately, as she informed me earlier today she is of the belief justice and peace can't both be served." 

That certainly sounded like something Ciara would say, particularly to a person like the Inquisitor -- whose entire position was intended to bludgeon information from suspects with expedience rather than finesse. It was a good thing he was facing the window; that meant the Prelate could indulge himself in a smile before assuring Fane, "Our Master of Whispers occupies a liminal space both physically and mentally. It's necessary to her position, and it also makes her suspicious of ... the co-existence of certain systems of governance. Or rather, the possibility of co-existence." Theodore turned from the window to look at Fane. "We can amend that objection easily, you and I. The Dawnguard can continue to serve the cause of justice, and the Cloverry will devote itself to instilling peace." The Prelate motioned between them. "We can be the fulcrum. I am a creature of politicking, Lord Savin; there's no need for you to wear yourself down when it comes to that side of the equation. But we can continue to share information."

Fane merely made a non-committal noise concerning Ciara. "Well, unless you can convince her to part with any secrets for the sake of finding the person responsible for all this, I'm not sure we have a case." His eyes drifted to the window, and the chants and cries going up from the streets beyond. "Which leaves us with a conundrum, doesn't it? The people want and expect us to give them a High Raj."

Prelate Theodore corrected in a firm, sure voice, "The people want and expect the Cloverry to give them a High Raj. And the Cloverry is already tabulating appropriate candidates, you can be sure." 

Fane inclined his head in polite deference for his mistake, "aye you're right, I apologise... It's been a long week."

Prelate Theodore waved a hand before returning it to his sleeve. "Not needed, Lord Savin. It's become second nature to me to remind people that appointing the High Raj is the province of the Cloverry -- I know that it's something you are well aware of. It's been a long week for me, as well." Theodore rolled his shoulders back, then forward again before straightening. "Please, don't trouble yourself anymore with the matter of the counterfeit crown and where the culpability lies. The Council will now take that matter on board. You've ... done plenty, for a man reluctant to be pressed into wartime service again."

Fane straightened his posture lifting his chin. "No doubt," politics nor the game were Fane's area of expertise so he was glad to pass the mantle on to someone else. "I've done what was asked of me, if it bears fruit then I'll rest easy. But, should you require my service for anything else, just ask."

Prelate Theodore gave a halfway nod, but then reconsidered and stepped closer to Fane, extending his cold, elegant hand. "You've been invaluable, Lord Savin," he said with the calm sincerity that the most effective clergy aspired to. "The Council will always consider you a trusted member and treasured asset."

Fane was admittedly surprised by the gesture, rare was it for the Prelate to give acknowledgement as he was presently. Fane took the proffered hand, far less elegantly but then again, his hands never were meant for building or shaping empires. "I appreciate your faith Prelate, and I hope by the end of all this we come out with some semblance of the peace we hoped to craft by being here." After shaking the man's hand, Fane naturally stepped back. "Please, keep me informed of any further developments that happen to arise... Otherwise, by your permission I shall take my leave of you."

[savinscripts]

All that existed in the aftermath of the duel was the choking grit of broken stone and smoke and dust, the burnt-ozone scent of spells, the battle had moved on from this area of the courtyard. Spell damage had littered the courtyard where he had last been witnessed facing down his own mother of all people, spelling advanced abstruse curses far beyond any O.W.L. or possibly even N.E.W.T. levels. But Fane always had liked to push the envelope, to test boundaries and refine technique. Too many times he’d been caught by Filch in the restricted sections and gotten detention for it. Not that it had ever stopped him as a student. Very little ever did. Stefan Savin, one of the most talented, and potentially dangerous wizards that Hogwarts ever taught besides The Dark Lord himself.

The ferocity of their duel had brought down one of the outer walls of the castle.

All because of that first curse.

Even now, he could recall the spark of fear and sheer nausea that overcame him. The very same fear that drove him the night of… No, he wouldn’t think back to that night. Too long he’d spent trying to forget that night. Fifteen years haunted with the what ifs that surrounded that night.

It was too easy to slip away in the chaos, and after banding his mother’s body up in wards using the last of his reserves of magical energy. His eyes stung with dust and grit and unshed tears from the hell of the last year he dragged her from the battlefield past bodies and falling rubble as the war raged on around him; dodging and ducking people screaming spells, monsters fighting and annihilating one another. Fear and pain and guilt clouding all rational thought until all he could think of was getting away.

As far away as possible.

This was a day only to be remembered in nightmares.

He knew what most of them thought by the end, saw the looks of disdain shot in his direction. There would be no tears if he was discovered under any of the piles of rubble left behind. Not by many at least, and Fane couldn’t bring himself to think of Faye or the things she seemed capable of making him do all to ensure her own livelihood? His death would ensure a two-for-one special, Voldemort and the potential next in line to his throne.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Several continents, multiple magical schoolings, five years on and off being hightailed around the globe by magical authorities and fifteen years later. Fane Savin set one very well polished shoe back in London, the city despite the years not having changed all that much. Muggles still bustled about, but he had business to attend.

Namely, his new business.

One that promptly opened a few days after his first week back in town, with a little grease in the right wheels the paperwork all signed up iron clad and sealed up that there would be no getting around it. The tall building was his own, nestled round the backstreets of Knockturn Alley and it didn’t take too much longer to establish himself a rather decent set of clientele. If there was something that someone was after, or a certain bargain need struck you only need to visit this one store and almost all troubles went away within a certain approximate timeframe.

How?

Well, that is a trade secret.

Fane was in the back of the store, tending to the store’s logbook when he heard the familiar chime of the bell above the front door. His wand was tucked in the sleeve of his jacket; accessible for any of his requirements if needs be though he had grown incredibly proficient in wandless magic of late. One of many skills he’d picked up in his travels. “Sorry, give me a few moments I’ll be with you in a second” he called out from the back just finishing up his writing before he tucked the books away and headed for the partition wearing a charming smile “sorry for the wait, how can I hel-” he froze, eyes widening and skin paling as though a ghost might’ve just walked in. “Oh… fuck.”

“Delacroix… hey, I’m talkin’ to you.” The rap of knuckles on her office door snapped Faye out of her wandering thoughts.

“Sorry, Boss. What can I help you with?” She dropped her booted feet off her desk and sat forwards as the head of her unit dropped a folder in front of her.

“New place opened up in Knockturn. Antique store. Seems legit as far as the papers go, but I need you to go down there. Take a look around. Ask the usual questions.”

“Why? You’ve got a dozen other Aurors sitting around not doing anything. Let one of them go.” Faye pushed the folder back across her desk.

“Why? Because I told you to, that’s why.” He turned to walk out of the office, but paused in the doorway. “Look… Faye… I know havin’ to drop that case awhile back was a big loss. I know you’d been workin’ it awhile. We just couldn’t take the cost of it anymore. It was cut it loose, or cut you loose. What choice did I have?” The man gave a shrug, and rubbed the back of his neck before clearing his throat and waving a hand at her.

“Anyway, check it out would you? Please? At least… get some damn air.” And he was gone, leaving the folder and it’s contents on Faye’s desk.

Faye stared after him, tapping her nails in agitation on the desk.

“Whatever. But I’m gettin’ lunch on you…” she said to herself, snagging the folder and giving it a quick read before grabbing her cloak and heading out. Another shady Knockturn Alley business run by someone equally as shady. She wasn’t in the mood to play around. Not today.

Disapparating to the location, Faye looked up at the facade of the building and had to admit, it wasn’t as sleazy looking as most. It was actually rather charming. That didn’t mean anything though. Pushing the door open, the bell overhead jingling  merrily, Faye stepped inside. A voice from the back called out as the door shut behind her.

“Take your time,” Faye called back, thinking the voice vaguely familiar. She took a look around as she waited, and when the proprietor came out, Faye turned with a pleasant smile, intent on introducing herself in a manner befitting her position.

But the words died in her throat, and her own face paled. Her shock was clear, she knew, but Faye couldn’t help it.

He was older. Taller. And he certainly looked more worn, even is his crisp suit and with his hair neatly combed.

But Faye would know him anywhere. Even after fifteen years of thinking him dead.

When she could finally speak, her voice was small and quiet. So many things raced through her head, so many feelings, but she could only say one word - her expression laced with the same disbelief and hurt that her voice held -as she stared at the friend she thought she’d lost, at the boy she remembered that stood in front of her now, a man grown, and very much alive:

“Fane?”

He could have recognised her anywhere, if there was one thing that set her apart from all the others it would have been her eyes. Merlin’s beard, how many times had he dreamed about seeing those eyes again? A slew of old feelings washed up inside of him, tying his stomach in knots of happiness and pure guilt. She looked… His eyes trailed down over her appearance noting the badge at her belt glinting in the low light of the shop, an Auror of course, not that it was much of surprise, she’d almost caught up to him a few times over the last five years. But overall, she looked… Tired, beautiful, clever but worn.

He dreaded to think what he looked like. He’d kept on running. Afraid of what this day might potentially bring but returning he knew that it would bring about this day one way or another.

Afraid of seeing the very look that she wore on her face now.

She was right, he was certainly older; and while he had certainly been starting to grow into himself in those final years he had finally settled. Tall, trim and sleek with fresh cut an air of refined mystery glinting in his eyes and dark stubble lining his jaw but there was also fear, and so much guilt that slammed into him he had to forcibly swallow and look down at the ground but he couldn’t stay looking there for long and his eyes lifted again finally seeking hers out trying to maintain some semblance of calm despite how his emotions reeled. His hand trembled a bit as he set it on the bar needing it as a certain support.

“Hello Faye…” the words were spoken softly, reverently and the taste of her name on his lips after so long– There were no words to describe how it felt. But what else was he supposed to say? He didn’t know and so his words trailed off uncertainly fingers curling out of sight behind the desk to the point his knuckles grew white. After all, what could he say?

Had she been a lesser woman, Faye might have fainted dead away at the sight of her supposedly long dead friend. But she had seen enough horrors in her lifetime, been the victim of enough tragedy and violence, that to see him here, now… after the initial shock died down, she felt a sudden rush of pure happiness. A feeling of joy she hadn’t experienced in over a decade. Because he was alright.

She had no idea how she must look to him. She was taller now, and much more filled out than she had been in school when she was still of a good height, but willowy and thin. And now she was in her early 30s, like Fane, and very much grown into herself. She wore a sleek black cloak, open in the front but fitted to her form, which was lean but shapely. Her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, and she wore fire-resistant leather pants and a white shirt under a fitted tunic. Her wand was up her sleeve, there if she needed it, but her proficiency with wandless magic meant that she didn’t need it often. Her badge sat on her hip, and she saw his eyes move over her, lingering there for a moment before moving back to her face.

And when he spoke her name, in the same way he used to when they would talk long into the night  as children, Faye felt her belly roll with something she couldn’t quite name.

“You…” she started to say, but her throat closed up. “You’re…” Another failed attempt.

Her jaw clamped tight, and she felt the sting in her eyes. That alone made her anger spike. That even after so long, after years, he could still evoke such a response.

“You… you… FUCKING ARSEHOLE!!” The stinging hex was slung towards him before she even finished yelling. Wandless, she took a step towards him and flung out her hand quicker than he could blink, her reflexes sharp and finely honed, sending the spell towards him with a violent crack of light and the smell of sulfur.

There was a combined warmth and uncertainty that bloomed in his chest when he set eyes on her again, and there was no helping nor attempt to hide the touch of admiration that laced his features as he gazed at her. He couldn’t help how his eyes lingered, on the badge but also on the way her clothes fitted her frame and idly he wondered whether she was as warm as he remembered her being when they were young and things were so much simpler. There was a harsh edge to her though, perhaps it was in how her hair was scraped back, he couldn’t quite pinpoint it though but even that sent a small thrill of excitement through him.

But the underlying fear, the fear of how she might react and an old fear; one that reminded him of the lengths he’d gone to keep her safe… The things he’d done, and those reminders made his skin crawl as though thousands of insects were creeping over him as he stood there. This had been a bad idea. Or had it? He wasn’t sure, and the trepidation likely explained why his weight balanced on the balls of his feet.

Fight or flight. And everyone knew by now he was exceptionally good at the latter.

But his eyes drew back up as she spoke, or, tried to at least.

If there was one thing his friendship with Faye when they were young had granted him it was a way of generally reading her reactions and when she was angry there were a few characteristic tics. Ones that not even years of training could truly conceal. Not to one who had spent almost the entirety of his adult lifetime training his eyes to observe these things. He’d stayed alive and hidden this long through a lack of effort after all.

The magical orbs that lit the shop floor dipped slightly, hovering in the air but even in the low light Fane could see the watery glisten of her eyes and it served only to make the guilt notch higher. Her exclamation and the stinging hex were hardly a surprise, Faye had never been one to enjoy outwardly displaying her emotions especially ones that made her feel vulnerable in herself. “Faye–” he started to say but was soon cut off as a spell was thrown at him, despite the speed with which it was cast Fane barely moved a muscle save for a small gesture of his hand that neatly deflected the spell with a blast of blue energy, the spells colliding with a snap and dissolving with a bright flare of magical energy. He made no attempt to retaliate despite the fact she was trying to attack him here in his own shop, instead stood passive looking at her in slight perplexity. But he knew better than to try and reason with her right now. Not when she was worked up like this.

Faye had stopped being soft a long time ago. Maybe as early as the last days of the war. Being soft got people killed. Being soft let things hurt more. So she’d stopped. She’d built herself back up with mortar and steel. Sharp edges lining a hard surface. Or so she tried to put on. But the one thing she’d never been able to change was her eyes. They betrayed her at every turn. Though few people knew her well enough to see it, or cared enough to delve deeper than her standoffish attitude and cold persona.

If she noticed his appreciation of how she looked, Faye didn’t let on. Nor did she care. Because her hurt and surprise was quickly leading the way to anger. And while Fane was right, even after all this time, that she wasn’t one to express things that made her vulnerable, but this was too much to hold in. So she’d hexed him before she could even think better of it. Or think of the possible repercussions. And when he deflected it, and it fizzled out, another one was right on its heels. Each one stronger and faster than the last. For Faye had no idea the things he had done for her, or because of her. All she knew was that she had thought her best friend dead. She had mourned him. She still mourned him, even now. She still-

“You… absolute… liar!” she growled between hexes, feelings she wasn’t ready to confront welling up in her chest. “How… dare you… show up here… after twenty years!? Out of the… goddamn blue?! Did you think… I wouldn’t notice? Did you think … I wouldn’t find out?! Did you think… I wouldn’t care?!”

She stopped, having moved forwards with the increasingly violent motion of her spellwork. She was spent, and her chest was heaving with effort and emotion. But more than that - the thing that truly stopped her, and made a coldness fall heavy into her stomach - was that he wasn’t defending himself.

So Faye stopped. And just glared at him, swallowing back all the questions she had, all the other accusations that sat on the tip of her tongue. She switched it all off, and remembered herself, and told herself that she no longer cared.

“I apologize, Mr. Savin,” she said, no warmth at all in her voice, though it was strained. “Forgive me. But it’s rather a shock to see someone who was presumed dead for so long suddenly turn up alive and well. Good for you.” There was another moment of cold silence. “I’m only here to do a sweep of the premises. Standard Ministry protocol for any new business.”

Even after fifteen years, there were things she couldn’t hide. Things had changed, but she hadn’t. Not really despite everything he could see right now as he stood there behind the counter. Fane was aware that he had changed, or perhaps reverted was a better word to describe it. He’d gone back to what he once was, before the trauma and pain and self-hatred at least he had tried to go back. It had taken a long time for him to even find out who he was anymore, or even who he wanted to be. After all, how could you truly be yourself when that was the very person he hated perhaps most in the world?

It was a hard fought battle, one that even fifteen years later, even after careful moulding and crafting he struggled with and that wasn’t even factoring in to the fact that he felt disgusted. Because despite it all, there was a small part of him, buried in the depths that knew he would do it all again. But that was something he chose to pointedly ignore. The constant awareness of the things he had done, done for himself but also for her a prison and punishment in itself; invisible to all but himself. Not even the punishment he actively sought out changed that.

There was no changing the past, and there was no changing the lengths he’d gone… Looking at her even now, he felt that familiar tug and urge. The darkness stirring, willing him to do whatever it took to ensure her safety. And that, perhaps, scared him most of all.

But there was next to no time to consider any of this, especially not when successive hexes were starting to fly at him faster and faster, most he could deflect or absorb but a few he just didn’t see the point in wasting his energy on. But when she spoke, the anger practically palpable Fane merely gave her a level look as a few of the hexes and curses struck him front and centre, but where most other wizards would have been knocked down by the forceful reductos amongst other spells he barely moved an inch save for a small huff of air the curse seeming to view the spells hitting him more an irksome annoyance than anything else. “I didn’t lie about anything,” he countered stoicly as he continued to watch her, barely seeing the point in deflected the spells anymore “fifteen,” he further clarified arms shifting to fold over his chest. “And– Bloody hell,” he ducked another stray spell that broke a pot “could you give the spellwork a break, gees– this stuff isn’t easily replaceable… I get you’re upset, you have every right to be but– Merlin’s balls please stop destroying my shop.”

When the spells finally stopped being shot in his direction, Fane remained where he was folding his arms in an almost defensive act. “I was planning on letting you know–” not that he knew how he was supposed to approach that kettle of fish “and I never thought you wouldn’t care, c’mon Faye– I know you care… It’s just apparently you beat me to it. I’m not even set up properly” he gestured to a few of the unopened boxes littering the shop space.

But the switch, the formality caught him off guard and Fane frowned leaving the counter finally and walking closer not afraid of her but uncertain. “Faye–” he implored weakly starting to reach for her but thinking better of it and withdrawing his hand “look– I get it… I get it you’re mad at me, really fucking pissed ‘n’ you have every right to be that… I’ve been selfish and an absolute git but I want to explain…”

But the formality continued, and he drew back a tad resigned and feeling incredibly uncertain. Especially as she declared her intention to do a sweep of the premises his brows furrowed. “Sweep for what?”

Faye huffed a bitter laugh. “Don’t play semantics with me. Don’t you dare.” But she stopped, hands clenching into fists at her sides before she let her wand slip down and she repaired what had been broken. It stayed there, grasped tightly, tip flickering violet as she twisted it in her fingers.

“You planned on telling me?” she asked, the incredulous tone unmistakable. “When? In another fifteen years?” Her voice wobbled slightly, and Faye knew it, so she started to pull herself back beneath the armor she’d spent the last decade and a half perfecting.

But not before he had a chance to move around the counter, offering platitudes and words of understanding. Faye stayed where she was, the only warning she gave against touching her was a slight incline of her chin and a subtle tightening of her hand around her wand. Because how could she believe anything he said? Especially now?

“Don’t,” she said shortly as he started to tell her that he knew how she felt. “You have no idea how I feel. How I’ve felt. And you lost your right to an explanation the moment you decided to let me - to let all of us that cared about you - think you were dead. So. Keep it. I don’t want it.”

She moved off away from him, running her wand over the shelves and boxes, scanning, as she effectively put up a wall between them. “Restricted items. Unapproved Charms. Anything off-putting or suspicious. Basically anything I decide doesn’t meet the Ministry’s guidelines.” It wasn’t intended as a threat, nor did Faye think of it as one, but she was angry and hurt, so if that’s how he took it, so be it.

The dig only served to make his frown deepen, his mouth opening and closing to dispute but– What could he say? He’d been trying to be diplomatic, but her words cut and he knew that was deliberate. She was lashing out, and he couldn’t blame her for it but he was on the back foot and on the defensive because of it. He let her have her say, and as she shut him down Fane closed his mouth unable to help the stab of pain her words brought about.

She hated him.

The one thing he always dreaded, but it was a given. Good people were meant to hate monsters weren’t they? And this only served to remind him of that, his fingers curled and flexed as he swallowed back anything he wanted to say. His eyes dropped, unable to bring himself to look at her and see the pain and anger and what he interpreted to be loathing and disgust. Even now, his mind warped other’s interpretations to punish himself because this was precisely what he deserved. To live with the knowledge that he was undeserving, and perhaps it would’ve simply been better off if he had been dead. The thought that perhaps she might’ve been better off with him dead forced him back a step swallowing thickly.

Her words garnered no answer, they’d done their job and Fane felt like he was next to nothing as he stood there and then she was off, the shelves being used as barriers as she conducted her survey. For a few long moments there was only the sound of her boots and the sounds from the back rooms where Cato perched. But Fane couldn’t stand the silence and just… standing there whilst she did what she needed to do. Circling around after her he straightened not caring whether she had a job to do or not. “What did you expect me to do Faye?” he asked hotly his eyes sparking with an unfamiliar and dangerous glint in the low light between the shelves. “Did you expect me to smile, to pretend like… Like the only true home I ever found for myself wasn’t poisoned and tainted by everything that happened there? I was sixteen and broken Faye… I hurt you and for that I’m sorry– Really, truly sorry and it was the hardest thing I ever did… I’m not proud of it, I’m ashamed as hell but there’s no changing what I did.” Some of the heat gradually left his words as he blew out a small breath trying to calm down from his outburst, and putting some space between them again rubbing his hand wildly through his hair muttering under his breath. “Maybe you’re right… maybe I deserve you all loathing me” because he was afraid to face their hatred of him.

Faye didn’t hate him. Quite the opposite in fact. But the deepest hurt always came from the deepest love, and Faye wasn’t going to think about that. Not now. Not ever.

So yes, she had intended her words to sting. She’d intended them to cut as deeply as she’d been cut all those years ago when she thought she’d lost him. Even though she’d thought a thousand times what she would say if she ever got a second chance. Well, second chances were nothing but dreams and heartache.

Faye pushed it all away though, and walked through the store, casting her detection charms, but not really being as thorough as she could be. She wanted to leave. And pretend this never happened.

“I expected you to trust me like I once did you. That’s all. We all lost people. We all took lives. We all came out broken and shattered in some way. You’re not alone, but neither are you special. None of us are.”

She didn’t see the strange light in his eyes, only concerned with doing her job and getting out of there. When she did finish, not commenting on whether or not he’d passed her inspection, she moved to stand where she had been, wand down and face emotionless. Other than her eyes. “I’m sorry too.” Moving towards the door, she hesitated. “If you think we loathe you, Fane,” she said, using his name once more, “then you’re not nearly as observant as you think you are.”

And she was gone, bell jingling in her wake. She dissaparated before he could even move.

[ashnadir]

danisavin‌:

There were multiple cans of worms in question currently, but only one of them needed addressing, for now. –And one of them was highly unexpected. 

“Grey?” The professor reeled, halting where they stood and stiffening tall (as tall was for Dani Savin). “It’s not grey, it’s–” Their reddening cheeks became a stark contrast against their faded hair as they turned their head, a few locks pinched between their fingers for emphasis before they realized the strands had, in fact, lost their wintry blue quality. Put them in the right attire now and you might just be able to pass them off as a genuine Jack Frost. 

“Well- it’s more of a silver now, but it was blue,” they told Iann pointedly as they took the bundle from him, huffing.

Dani inspected the suit for a moment prior to beginning to gear up for this never-before-tried beekeeping activity. Of course they’d still have to cuff the damn thing. Hopefully, Dani wouldn’t look completely ridiculous, but even if they did, Iann was the only one who’d ever know, right? These thoughts were more or less trivial. They kept Dani’s mind off of the question they knew was inevitable. A mind as curious as Iann’s never would have missed the absent detail from their arrival. 

The friend. 

Dani gulped. “Aha- yeah– about that…” A slight tremor was visible at the fringes of the tiny person’s figure. A bit of a corresponding chill ran down their spine. Better to rip off the band-aid than draw out their revelation with needless details. Iann was a smart guy. He’d fill in some of the emerging blanks himself. And he wouldn’t be upset with them about it, they told themself. He couldn’t. Right?

Swallowing once more, Dani bound together more of their composure and carefully meet Iann’s stare. “So, here’s the thing–” Don’t freak out.

“I’m the friend.”

Please, don’t freak out…

“I know you’re their friend, I’m asking - wait.  Wait....” Iann’s brow furrowed - not because of Dani’s words, but because of the look on their face.  It was a look, an Important Look where their eyes grew round and tentative, their body stilled even swathed in the beekeeper suit.  It seemed like even their hair stopped its usual shake and bounce, as Dani was usually so permanently restless that even their hair was in constant motion.

Age and magical manifestation, Dani had asked.  The wheels in Iann’s mind spun.  They’d spoken to Faye already (also Fane? Maybe buddy knew all along), then what did Iann already know:  Dani was a foundling, an infant from tragic circumstances who Savin took in and raised as his own.  Old roots in Romania. And mysterious?�� Hell; that was part and parcel of Dani’s colourful persona, really - gave them that edge in their renown, spanning from the underground world right up to the pinnacle of the ivory tower.  

And as Iann had gotten to know them, he noticed there was always something about Dani’s energy and effort that had an underlying...anxiety.  A need to fill in their blanks for you, so that you didn’t look too deeply into them for yourself. 

There you go: this was who they were.  Except this was also not.  Keeps you guessing huh? And then  Dani was gone before anyone could say ‘wait’.

And being so young, it wasn’t hard for Iann to give Dani their space. Youth was all about figuring things out - and considering all the titles, names, positions, credentials, notoriety, experiences, trappings, achievements, decorations, glamours, designs, and traits that Dani had bedecked themselves in over their lifetime, they’d taken ‘self-definition’ to an almost semi-frenetic level.  As if trying to be everything they could at once, because who they actually were was...still hopelessly undefined.

And at Dani’s words, standing here in beekeeping suits at Antoinettes Spa in the drizzle, it suddenly all culminated into one distilled truth.

“You...” Iann’s eyes skated to the side, and then he leaned in closer, squinting shrewdly at Dani.  “...you’re...magic?”

The funny thing was, Iann was surprised...and yet completely not surprised.  Because why not.  On top of everything else Dani Savin was - and it was a lot for those small shoulders - they were also, apparently, supernatural.  Iann gave a roundabout nod, jaw shunting to the side. His hands settled on his hips.

“Huh.”

darkstar- witch?

[ashnadir]

nuadxa:

They planned their revenge. One day, someday soon, they were going to get Dani to help them just so they didn’t infringe on their friend, and they were going to make going to pull Iann out - late night (early morning) adventure, hopefully right when the man was sleeping for about two hours. Though, knowing their luck, Iann would be the sort that was awake automatically and chipper - even without coffee. 

“Ayy, good, coffee,” they said, picking up the drink. They sipped it to test and see if it was hot before fully enjoying it, even though Kit eyed them - wondering how they were going to share the coffee, but the fox was distracted as Iann had brought food for him. The fox looked up at him and blinked, of course he could open it himself - just watch him. He then hunkered down to eat - newspaper and all - the kippers that Iann had brought him. Nuadia snickered, accepting their food, “thank you. You ate?” they asked, and like with the banana, they would offer him some food, half of the immediate meal and would then break the leftovers into half to give that to Kit. If Iann didn’t eat, Kit would get more. Such was the way of things. 

Around a mouthful of food, they tried to speak but then nodded instead, swallowing, and took another drink of coffee. “Lots, unfortunately, but nothing that you can do anything with. It’s spent dust,” they explained. “Nothing left to it.” 

They were curious about the other two, non-residential, homes, but it would be good to start wherever Iann decided. He was their realtor. “Did you remember that I want a home that I get to take a sledgehammer to? Design exactly how I please to - minus knocking down any load-bearing walls. I was talking to Jae-won about it and he was explaining that you can’t knock down just any wall or the whole thing could fall down. Curious, right? I think we should find an old house that no one wants and try it - just to see if it works.” 

Watching the familiar use his tiny snout to tear into the newspaper and the kippers was fascinating.  Foxes weren’t dogs; they’d always have something wild and feral about them and this fox was literally three inches away from Iann’s thigh and making grabbly-scrabbly noises with his mouth and claws and it was so weird and awesome at the same time.  “Vulpes familiaris,” he murmured at the creature.

“I ate.  But give me one of the cinnamon toasts,” Iann said, because he did enjoy cinnamon toast a lot.  It had to be on toasted sourdough with sesame, and it had to be well buttered, and the ratio of cinnamon to demerara sugar had to be perfect. Iann was a stickler for this particular prep.  

“When I had Mal Ojo, I made a face and body cream with fairy dust...it was spent dust I guess,” Iann said, pondering the idea of fairy dust being ‘used’.  He’d never thought of it like that before.  “Atronachs loved it, it got into all their rocky little crevices. Also, it kind of made them sparkle, like diamonds.”  Iann grinned, sounding just a little wistful.  His wife had been excellent at moving that particular product.

 “I remember,” Iann said with a grin as he wiggled in his seat, arms slung over the large school-bus steering wheel.   He pulled out a baseball cap that Fane Savin designed, putting it on and tapping the little slogan: Everything but the Packing.  “I can help with renovations, too, if needed.  You’ll see my friend, you’ll see.”

With those mysterious promises, Iann finally got them through Holt and pulled up in front of the house.  Holt had children running around in the front yards, skip ropes and attentive parents, young couples with pregnancies, working professionals.  What was highly appealing to some was unattractive to others in terms of neighbourhood, but Iann was banking on the house itself.

There were houses on either side of it, both well-maintained and slightly eclectic (depending on what supernatural lived there) and the one Iann stopped in front of was a strange blue creature, even compared to its neighbours.  The lawn was huge as Iann promised, full of brambles and shrubs that partially hid the slightly run-down cylindrical house.

“It’s bigger on the inside, and needs some TLC,” Iann said, as he got out of his van.  “I imagine you could put a balcony on the roof, running all the way around to you can look out in all directions...”  he looked back at Nuadia.  “Want to take a look?”

home sweet home

[ashnadir]

fanesavin:

“Sorry to say I don’t have a spit in my home, and I’ve never been fond of terriers though when I came to England for the first time I was rather mystified that people took their Turnespete to church as foot warmers. Actually, I heard a story once about how a bishop whilst giving a sermon said ‘It was then that Ezekiel saw the wheel…’ and all the dogs ran for the door as soon as they heard wheel.” 

Fane was more than aware of his privilege, it was why he tried his best in life now and then to share that with other people. Not that he took pity on them or looked down on them, but more to try and provide them that very same opportunity that he had been given simply by birthright. For the time he was lord he took the time to teach the staff of his residence lettering amongst other things to help them and in turn was rewarded with their dedicated loyalty because of that generosity. It was a two way street kindness being repaid with kindness. He wished to see people succeed in their lives, in their dreams and when things such as a mere lack of opportunity, closed doors or money came into the picture then he saw absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t lend a helping hand where he could. Why should people be limited by circumstance?

The sudden realisation earned a small grin in response, “that’s basically how it happened, as you already know I chose this– not because I was offered it then decided, I literally sought this out for myself… The rumours were always there but it’s one thing to hear a story, another to go ahead and put stock in it… I didn’t believe until I happened to accidentally come across one busy feeding which is what properly put me onto them” Fane explained dragging his fingers lightly over the smooth wooden counter top to occupy his hands whilst he spoke. “When you’re living in a city as big and busy as Paris it wasn’t like you wouldn’t eventually strike gold. Took plenty of dead-ends but eventually I found some truth to the rumours… I might actually have some of my old journals from those days… I can’t rely on my memory entirely so I tend to write everything down.”

As Iann gave his age Fane laughed, “aah you got two years on me I’m thirty-seven– well, sometimes I’m thirty seven… I think other times people argue I behave more like I’m thirteen.” Fane had childish tendencies when they wanted to display themselves.

Fane appreciated the top up and drew his glass closer to himself, though his brows furrowed a little at the question “died twice?” Though he figured Iann would provide the explanation to that which he did after a moment. He blinked at the story, demons were no funny business and Fane more oft than not steered well clear of them himself. “What did you offer in return for the deal? Something like that… that would come with a price wouldn’t it? Jesus…” Fane breathed but unable to help his curiosity proceeded to ask quietly “so… what happened?”

Iann burst out laughing.  "That's an awful joke!!  Unless it's actually true in which case that's a cool story."  Either way, Iann enjoyed it, and the idea of a flock of raggedy tiny dogs tearing out of church on their stubby legs.

It was oddly incredible to realize that Savin located and requested 'the immortal gift', so to speak.  It wasn't like Iann had never encountered vampires who weren't given the choice, like every progeny was made by force or manipulation or desperation.  "Yeah of course, it's always a good idea to write everything down..."  Iann murmured, fingers mushing his lips about as he thought.  "So why'd your Sire agree? What'd you have to do to convince him?"  If anything at all.  Maybe buddy was just looking to create a Progeny.  "Do you have any, like, vampire siblings?"

He snorted.  "Well as long as you don't physically return to 13, I think you're good to go, man.  No Tom Hanks in Big for you, because I still think that sex scene was disturbing as fuck."  And Iann enjoyed that movie as a kid (seeing nothing wrong with it then).  He even tried to find Zoltar Speaks - the one the movie version was based on.

"Ahhhhh the soul of our unborn child..." Iann rumbled, chin close to his chest as he said it.  Considering the hell he got from almost everyone he knew about making that deal, but it was now all in the past and his wife was dead anyway, so what did it even really matter in the end.  The grieving bitterness was strong, if latent.  

"What happened is that I found the means to bring her back to life, and she said she was okay with it - especially after I figured out a loophole to get out of the contract with the demon and everything - she said she was happy, but.  She ended up drowned again anyway.  I wasn't there the second time.  No body recovered.  I'll never know if it was an accident or...well."  Iann frowned suddenly.  "Well.  Anyway."

He poured Fane another drink.  "So this Sire of yours.  When can we meet him?"