Stepping out of the bathroom to see the dress Alex had picked for her, Monroe could not help but to smile softly. Sure, it was still a dress, but it wasn’t a pastel flowy thing with puffy sleeves and gems plastered all over. It was sleek and feminine, but just with a hint of spice. It suited her and Monroe put the clothing on willingly, shimming herself into the dress and actually enjoying how it fit on her. It was still different seeing herself painted in this light, but the dress had pockets so it couldn’t be all that bad.
Turning to face Alex, Monroe’s small grin grew even wider as she eyed in him the black suit. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing you like that,” she told him softly. A light flush rose to her cheeks as he complimented her. “Thank you. Although I have your expert eye for fashion to thank for the dress. Now that is something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand.” While Monroe knew how to pick out clothing that was easy to move and fight in, picking out clothing for other events were a lot trickier. Her dress that she wore to tea was a prime example of her lack of appropriate fashion knowledge.
As they headed to dinner, Monroe glanced down at Alex’s shoes, noticing the colorful socks he had chosen. The red seemed to match her own dress but the pineapples? She couldn’t help but to laugh once. “Nice socks.” She smirked, shooting him a playful glare as they headed into dinner. The only way they would get through this is if they remembered who they were – what they were to each other. Arguments aside, Alex Richmond was Monroe’s saving grace – a person she would die for. She would do this dinner; she would give in slightly. The one thing that has stayed constant in her life was the small group of friends she had made that were now her family. Monroe wouldn’t risk losing them because if she lost them, Monroe would no doubt lose herself soon after.
Seeing Coraline and Jace at the dinner table caused Monroe to stiffen slightly. She didn’t know where she stood with Coraline. Swallowing, Monroe passed a light and apologetic smile to the brunette across the table. She would get her chance to apologize to her friend, however she was sure it wouldn’t happen at the dinner table, not when Alex’s mother strode in shortly after them. Sitting down after Mrs. Richmond had dismissed them, Monroe eyed the woman. Even with her newfound life and expectations, she still would never back down from a woman who disrespected her. “Alex picked out the dress.” Monroe said, her voice slightly clipped.
Surprisingly, Alex seemed fed up with his mother’s attitude and as the boy began to chip away at the woman, Monroe paled and she stared at Alexander with awe. He was taking a stand to the degrading rules, he was standing up to his own mother on her’s and Coraline’s behalf. Her throat tightened as Alex continued and if Monroe weren’t at the dinner table, she would have taken Alex’s face in her hands and kissed him so fiercely as if he were the air she breathed. It also surprised her that even Jace of all people spoke up to defend them as well. For once Monroe didn’t want to throw her drink on the arrogant boy. She closed her icy eyes for a moment, taking this all in.
When the boy’s finished, Monroe’s eyes opened again and glanced at Coraline once before returning to Mrs. Richmond. She cleared her throat and smoothed the dark red dress for a moment before she spoke. The air was thick and brooding at the dinner table. Monroe’s face was emotionless as she stared at the woman before her eyes traveled across Mrs. Richmond’s outfit.
“I like your dress.”
They had to start somewhere.
She took a sip of her wine that the servers had poured. She still hadn't grown used to the wait staff, or any of the other staff inside the estate for that manner. One thing at a time. "What will be our first task as women of the Richmond estate?" Her voice was strained and it was a hard question to ask for herself and Coraline. But she would do this. She had to do this.
As if Coraline couldn’t get any more beautiful, she stepped out in the most amazing colored dress that complimented her perfectly. The girl always continued to surprise him. She had a knack for picking out clothing that suited her body and Jace honestly could not take his eyes off her. She was naturally exquisite – dark hair, large doe eyes, and a smile that could stop the world from spinning. Jace had no idea how a creature like her could have emerged from the hell hole that was now the world, but he wasn’t complaining about the luck that he was given.
Also, seeing her jaw drop at the sight of him dressed up also helped.
“You’re drooling on the carpet, love.” He passed her a signature Jace smirk and held his arm out for her to grab, kissing her back with a little too much excitement. “My lady,” he teased, wriggling his eyebrows as he pulled away before leading them down the extravagant hallway towards the dining room.
“I swear you do this to me on purpose,” he whispered in her ear as they sat at the large table. His hand sat on her leg, squeezing it once. “You know I’m supposed to be on bedrest and then you come to dinner looking like that.” His eyes raked up and down her frame. A hunger boiled inside him, and not for food, either. “You are so cruel.” However, Jace’s flirtatious words were suddenly silenced as Alex and Monroe joined them. Alex’ quick nod of acknowledgement towards them gave Jace all the answers he needed. He and Alex would be fine. He and Monroe would be fine. However, all of their asses with Alex’s mother? That issue was still to be addressed. Jace managed to pass Alex a nod back as well before Mrs. Richmond sauntered into the room.
Jace stood quickly, copying Alex’s form with his hands behind his back. He greeted the woman and then sat as she dismissed him. As she observed Monroe’s choice in attire, Jace closed his eyes and sighed once. Already this was starting of splendid. Jace was about to open his mouth to defend the blonde until Alex beat him to it. Sending Coraline a look of surprise, Jace watched his friend intently as he spoke to his mother. Quite harshly, as well. “Holy shit,” Jace whispered ever so softly to Coraline as Alex continued to chide at Mrs. Richmond. Thankfully, the food was being served and he was able to enjoy dinner and a show.
As Alex finished his speech, Jace’s eyes darted around the dinner table. He finished his bite of food before he spoke to Alex’s mother. “The world is a lot different now, Mrs. Richmond. We’ve,” Jace gestured between Alex and himself, “have seen it firsthand. I agree, the rules could use a more…” His eye flashed to Monroe, who looked as if she’d seen a ghost and was staring at Alex, “Feminist viewpoints. I’m sure they both will do great, but please just give them time. When they were children they learned how to shoot a gun, not how to host a tea party.” Jace tried to stop before he had dug himself into an even deeper hole, but the words just kept coming. “You have a pair of very amazing women here. It’s best not to underestimate them.”
Jace was thankful when the servers picked up on the hostility in the room and began to fill their glasses with red wine. Jace did not hesitate to take a long sip from his crystal glass, finishing the wine in one gulp. He passed Mrs. Richmond a sheepish grin as she gaped at the boy.
Laying there in that bed with Monroe, Alex couldn’t remember a time in which he’d ever felt so utterly drained. The exhaustion was written all over his face, and no matter how much he just wanted to call it a night and fall asleep right then and there, he knew that he still had a long evening ahead of him. There were still problems to be solved, friendships to mend, dinners to eat, and a mother to please.
The worst part of this entire mess for Alex was feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’d always been the type of soldier to fly under the radar, doing just enough to get by and not raise any red flags. So now that he’d been handed a boat load of responsibility over not only himself and his friends, but over the fate of the city entirely - he feared that he would sink.
Regardless, Monroe’s whispered assurances had done wonders to soothe his racing mind. He felt childish for even having to ask for her reassurance and validation, but it had made him feel the teensiest bit better all the same. “I’m sorry.” He repeated for probably the thousandth time, releasing a long sigh as he laid his head against her’s, savoring these remaining few moments he had with her in bed.
Much too soon, Monroe had reminded him that is was nearing time for them to get ready for dinner, making him groan in protest. None the less, he followed her out of bed and began shuffling through the closet. Alexander cast her a tight smile over his shoulder as the girl requested that he pick a dress for her while she did her make up, nodding in response. “Of course.” He replied, moving his search to the rack of dresses instead of suits. He shuffled through the fabric until he settled on a deep, dark red colored number. It was fitted through the bodice before dropping into loose-fitting skirt, along with a matching sheer panel covering most of the back. It was modest enough to pass for dinner, but still seemed to have a touch of Monroe’s usual style.
It seemed like a good compromise, which is what he had been shooting for all along.
Once he’d laid the dress out on the bed, he returned to the closet to find his own outfit. Not feeling particularly spunky today, Alex settled for a well fitted black suit and matching dress shoes, adding a fun pair of red patterned socks with pineapples all over them just to spice it up a bit.
He passed Monroe a pleasant smiled as he left the closet freshly dressed, finding her already dressed and ready as well. “Beautiful, as always.” He murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, placing a hand on her back to guide her from the room. “Truly a prize. I’m a lucky man.” He finished, trying to shove some encouragement into his tone as he escorted her to what felt like the 10th circle of hell - dinner with his mother.
Alex was relieved to find Jace and Coraline already seated at the table, passing them each a quick nod of acknowledgement before guiding Monroe to their places across from them. Alex pulled Monroe’s seat out for her before taking his own, only to have to rise back to his feet as soon as his mother entered the room. “Mom.” He greeted, hands folded behind his back as usual. “Son.” She replied coldly, fluttering her hands in a gesture that told them all to take their seats.
The stiff old woman took her seat at the head of the table, wearing a power skirt-suit as always. “Pleased to see that you took my advice.” She said coldly, icy eyes boring into Monroe.
With a heavy sigh and a roll of his eyes, Alex made a grand gesture of taking Monroe’s hand, an act of solidarity against his mother. “I want to make things very clear.” He began, the server’s around them wordless beginning to serve their dinner. “As long as I am here, things are going to have to change. These girls-“ he motioned to Monroe and Coraline “Are not at your beck and call, they do not have to follow every silly rule you throw at them, and they are not your play-things to make miserable when you’re bored.” Maybe he was being harsh, but Alex couldn’t take the constant bickering anymore. They had to come to an agreement, and they had to come to an agreement soon. “That being said, Cora and Monroe are also trying to adapt here. This is all new territory for them, they weren’t raised in this lifestyle like we were. They are willing to meet you half way, but in their own time, and on their own terms. They are not your’s, or anybody else’s, prisoner here,”
Coraline passed Jace a disapproving look as he waves away her worry, insisting that he was fine despite the angry looking wound still splattered across his chest. She knew he typically wasn’t one to own up to his pain, but she hoped that he’d be a little more willing to drop that armor around her. “Jace.” She sighed, fingers lazily combing through his hair as they laid together. “Don’t brush this off, I know that’s got to kill.” She insisted, pressing a soft kiss to his temple. Cora knew Jace likely just didn’t want to burden her with his injury, but still, she worried about him.
Cora couldn’t help but laugh a little at Jace’s exasperation as he answered her question, insisting that dinner would be a mess no matter what - the only bright side for him being her attire, another fancy dress. “Do we really have to go?” She joked, toying with the idea of pretending to be ill and just skipping out on the dinner all together, but ultimately deciding that probably wasn’t the best option. At least with herself and Jace there would be someone to diffuse the situation, Cora wasn’t convinced that Monroe would make it out of dinner alive if she were stuck with just Alex and his mother.
The brunette offered the boy a grin as he kissed at her nose, emphasizing how excited he was to take the dress right back off of her as soon as they made it back from dinner. “Don’t get your hopes up, big guy.” She teased, scootching away from him and out of the bed all together, stretching out her limbs as she stood. “You need to take it easy, I don’t want that getting any worse.” She murmured, tossing him an apologetic glance. Of course there was nothing she wanted more than to get tangled in the sheets with her man, but she wouldn’t put his safety above their pleasure.
Cora moved to the large closet, shuffling through the luxurious materials over and over again before settling on a champagne colored dress that hugged her body enough that she felt sexy, but was still cut in a modest enough way that she felt it would be appropriate for dinner. She paired the look with a pair of navy gemmed earrings and a set of heels to match Jace’s suit. She left her hair loose down her back, pulling it over one shoulder as she applied some of the black gunk that made her lashes look longer to her eyelashes.
Turning to face Jace, her jaw nearly dropped, nodding in agreement as he announced how sexy he looked. Maybe resisting him tonight would be harder than she thought. “You are the sexiest man I have ever laid eyes on.” She breathed, closing the distance between them to press a long kiss to his lips. Alas, she didn’t have time to truly enjoy him before they had to leave to dinner.
Sitting at the table, she passed Jace a pleased smile as she sat in the seat he’d pulled out for her, gripping his hand firmly as he’d grabbed her’s under the table. “Let’s just hope we survive the night.” She teased, moments before their friends joined them, and eventually Alex’s mother as well.
Alex's promises to her soothed her mind and body. She didn't even realize her hands had been shaking until she processed his soft words. His gentle hands cupping her face and staring in her tear streaked eyes. This was the most self hatred she had ever felt. The most confusion and frustration she had ever experienced. And it was with the boy she loved.
As they stood in the shower, trying to wash away their day, Monroe eyed Alex as he leaned against the marble wall. She had never seen him to exhausted -- so drained. Her hands were gentle as they traveled across his skin, leaving light kisses when she could. The warm water made her feel better as well, as if they could start fresh with each other and their new life together. There were so many new changes they each had to get used to about each other. She knew it wouldn't be easy.
But Monroe also knew that they could survive this. Would survive this.
Stepping out of the shower after Alex, Monroe dried herself off before wrapping her body in the large plush towel. Her damp golden hair hung tangled behind her back. She was about ready to start looking through the slew of dresses for dinner until Alex's murmur's grabbed her attention. Without thinking, Monroe strode over to the bed and curled up next to him, pressing her body against his own, inhaling his warmth. As he spoke once more, Monroe sank into him even further, burying her face in his bare chest. "Of course I know that Alex..." she whispered into his skin. "I love you so much. So much." Monroe kissed his chest, hoping that he believed her words as much as she did.
As he offered to do even more for her than he already had, Monroe sighed and pulled herself away from him slightly to look up into his eyes. "Alex, you don't need to do anything else for me. You have done so much already." Guilt began eating away at Monroe once more. Her stomach turned into knots and her throat tightened. She had acted irrationally. Although her own feelings were valid and she knew things needed to change, she didn't express them in the right way.
She ruined everything.
"I know you care. I hope I didn't... ruin us. I was just so frustrated, this new body, this new life. Everything that I knew was just gone and I had to adapt so quickly and I just became so... overwhelmed. I just hope that I can show you that I care just as much for you as you do for me." Her eyes drifted to stare at his chest again, a hollow feeling overtaking her lungs.
Looking at the clock across the room, Monroe sighed again and looked back up at Alex. "We should be getting ready... We have dinner soon." Sliding out of Alex's arms and out of the bed, Monroe made her way back over to the extensive closet. There were so many options, so many colors of dresses she honestly didn't know where to begin. Clearly her choice of attire earlier was not acceptable. She didn't want to upset anyone again -- at least not tonight. Monroe still wouldn't adhere to every rule Mrs. Richmond set in place. But, she would compromise. For Alex. They could discuss what rules needed to be updated later.
"Will you help me pick one?" She asked Alex softly. As he examined the closet, Monroe hurried to go brush and dry her hair, leaving it down and pin straight. She found a small collection of makeup in a drawer and Monroe attempted to apply it. Just a light dot of blush, some mascara, and a shiny nude lip color. It wasn't as extravagant as earlier and she still recognized herself -- maybe this wasn't that bad.
After changing into the outfit Alex had picked out and admiring his own, she passed him a small smile as they headed down towards the dining room. Her hands shaking.
Jace chuckled as Coraline declared a name for the little beast. He peered down at the cat who still sat at the foot of the bed and Jace observed how easily it would be for his foot to accidentally shove the feline off the mattress. Of course, he knew that would only upset Coraline and he didn't want to cause another riff in his relationships -- today had already been exhausting enough.
As she asked about his injury Jace merely shrugged. "Eh, it's not terrible." It was true, the pain had subsided exponentially and the bruising was already starting to turn more yellow. Sure, it hurt like hell at certain times when he moved too quickly, but it was manageable, thankfully. He wasn't one to show his discomfort, either.
Sighing as Coraline questioned him about this dinner, Jace threw his head back on the pillows and sunk in deeper. If it were his choice he would lay in this bed with her the rest of the night and push off seeing Alex and Monroe for as long as he could. He could already feel the tension in the air and the awkward conversation dinner would entail. Not to mention Alex's mother's presence would no doubt add fuel to the fire. "Oh I agree one hundred percent. Major shit show. I think I'm more scared to head to dinner tonight than I was to go to battle." His fingers ran through her dark hair and he kissed her forehead gingerly. "If no more glasses are shattered I would call that a success. If Mrs. Richmond cracks so much as a smirk I would call that a miracle. Although, I am very excited to see you in another dress." Jace grinned down at her, and kissed her nose. "And I am even more excited to take it off."
They laid in bed for what felt like only minutes. The time to change and get ready for dinner came far too soon and Jace begrudgingly rolled out of bed at the very last second to change. He pulled out a pair of navy slacks followed by a white button up and a matching navy blazer. Pairing the outfit with a brown belt and brown leather shoes he actually looked quite presentable. His hair was still slightly tousled, but there are some things even a suit can't fix. Undoing the top button of his shirt, Jace turned to face Coraline, spreading his arms out wide. "I look sexy as hell," he smirked before grabbing her arm and leading her out of the room. "And you, look stunning as always."
Once again they were the first ones to the table. Even Jace was surprised at his timing, usually he was the one that always held everyone up. After pulling out a chair for Coraline and then plopping down into the one next to her, Jace immediately reached for her hand under the table and squeezed it once. "Here goes nothing..."
The weight of Alexander’s emotions hit him like an avalanche - sudden, heavy, and unyielding. It wasn’t like him to lose himself like this, but once he had there was no stopping it until absolutely every last drop of anguish was expelled from his body. A part of him was glad to have finally broken down, happy to finally have all of that crushing weight lifted off of his chest, but he felt like a failure for not being able to stay strong throughout all of this for Monroe.
Alex tried to regain control of himself, feeling Monroe’s own sobs and her gentle kisses she peppered across his skin. He knew she was trying to help, and he only squeezed her tighter in response. Even in the midst of the worst fight they’d ever had, here the girl was trying to pull all of his broken pieces back together for him.
Hearing her promise of not leaving him did a world of good for Alex, and he was finally able to get a handle on his breathing and stop his tears. Quite frankly, he didn’t think he had any left in him to cry as it was. Her kiss had confirmed everything he needed to know - she was still here, still with him, and still willing to at least try.
“We’ll make this work.” He promised softly, cupping her face in his hands. “Together.“
Alex still felt numb as the blonde lead him into the bathroom, stripping him of his clothes followed by her own and pulling him into the warm stream of the shower. Between everything that had happened to day, Alex was mentally exhausted. He leaned his head against the shower wall, relaxing into the soft touch of Monroe’s hands along with the hot water of the shower pounding into him. He closed his eyes and swore he could’ve fallen asleep in that moment, but instead just stood there and tried to relax as Monroe washed away all of the bad memories.
Eventually the two had finished watched, Alex slowly slipping back out of the shower and drying himself off with a towel before heading back to the bedroom. He laid back in the bed, waiting for Monroe to return as well before reaching a hand out to her, beckoning her to join him. “Will you just lay with me?” He murmured, the exhaustion clear in his voice. Even if things weren’t quite the same between them yet, he didn’t see the harm in just being close to her.
Quietly, he spoke once more. “I love you.. you know that don’t you?” He asked softly, feeling silly for even asking but needing the confirmation to ease his own worries. “If.. If there‘s something else I can do, something else you need from me to show you that I care..”
Coraline chuckled the entire way home over Jace’s grumbling about their new cat. She knew full well about her boyfriend’s distaste first the creatures - but she also knew that a little cat was harmless, and that Jace was wrapped around her finger well enough that she knew she’d convince him to get used to having a third little friend eventually.
Entering the estate once more proved to be much calmer than she had expected it to be. Cora had already prepared herself to walk into a room full of broken vases and yelling, but the parlor was eerily quiet and not a single thing seemed out of place. She knew her friend could be a... passionate.. woman, and was easily carried away by strong emotions, so to see everything so calm after their spat was quite a surprise.
She worried about the state of Monroe and Alex’s relationship as well. Normally it was herself and Jace who had these huge blow out sort of fights, so it was pretty unusual that now Alex and Monroe were having them. She knew the stress of all of the recent changes had to have been building on them, and was surely breaking down their calm exteriors and making them ash out at one another. It was even more uncommon for Coraline and Monroe to fight, and she feared how their next meeting would go. While Cora was still upset over the choices her friend had made today, she knew it was something she would get over - but Monroe was known to hold a grudge. They hadn’t ever fought to that degree before, so she didn‘t know how it would all play out.
Upon entering the room, Coraline laughed as Jace immediately dove on the bed, acting as if bringing the cat home had all but killed him. Hearing the annoyance in his voice as he rattled off potential names - probably meant as a tease - before declaring that he couldn’t have cared less made the girl smile. She was just grateful he’d agreed to keep him .
”Harold it is!” She announced, scratching the tabby behind the ears before obliging Jace’s request and crawling into his open arms. Cora laid her cheek against the uninsured side of his chest, pressing a gentle kiss to the area through the fabric of his tshirt. “How are you feeling?” She murmured, still concerned over his injury and how he was healing. She knew he had to have been in pain still, though he did a good job of hiding it.
At the mention of their dinner later Coraline couldn’t help but roll her eye, wrinkling her nose in distaste. She wasn’t particularly eager to sit down with Alex and Monroe again, knowing how awkward it would be. Not to mention that would mean she’d have to wear a dress again. “How do you think that will go?” She mused quietly, drawing lazy pattern against his side with her fingertips. “Because personally, I think it’s going to be a shit-show.”
His heart was racing as if he had just returned from battle. She could feel each beat, each thrum against his chest. It was ragged and and quick, just like his breathing. Alex sounded as if he couldn't catch his breath, as if their argument had taken everything that was left of him, leaving only a broken body and an even more broken boy.
As he crushed her body into hers Monroe lost it. She felt his sobs, every crack that began to open on him as he let everything unleash onto her. She felt the flood of his tears as they spilled down her neck, down her chest, down her back. Monroe felt each one snake across her skin. They burned -- they hurt her. She knew she was a reason Alex was like this. She felt it with every tear that slid down her body.
A pained sob was released from her own lips as Alex broke in her arms and she wrapped her arms tighter around him, trying to put him back together. Monroe held onto him with every ounce of her being. She had even forgot to breathe -- it didn't seem important at the time. She kissed his neck, his shoulder -- anything she could as he cried into her. Monroe hated herself, hated everything she had become. Maybe she wasn't good for him. Maybe she was only tearing this kind, generous, selfless soul apart with her own hatred and disdain towards her own self. Maybe she was the one who ruined him.
His words surprised her. They hadn't spoken for what felt like hours. The only sounds that came from the room were soft sobs and heavy breathing. Alex's voice took her off guard and another tear fell as she heard him. "I won't, I won't leave you." Monroe promised as she eventually peeled herself away from his shoulder, looking into his bloodshot eyes. A hand went up to his face, cupping his jaw and her thumb stroked his cheek, wiping away a stray tear.
The last five words got to her. He couldn't lose her too. Monroe winced at them and the weight they held and she pressed her lips to him as she let a sob escape. She kissed him tenderly, trying to mask both of their sobs with all of her being. Pulling back, she looked at him and those hazel eyes that held more love than she had ever seen from anyone. "I will try harder, too. I'm so sorry. I will give you anything, do anything to make this right." She pressed her forehead against his chest and kissed his skin gingerly. Her hands moved from around his waist to now wrapping around his neck and Monroe's fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck.
Pulling back, Monroe grabbed one of his hands and began leading him into the bathroom. She slowly went to the large shower and turned it on, hot water began to flow and steam soon filled the bathroom. She pulled off his unbuttoned shirt and tugged his pants until he was undressed. Monroe did the same with her remaining clothes and she dragged him into the hot water behind her. She held him under the stream of droplets for a while, wrapping her hands around his body and letting the heat relax them both. Eventually she grabbed some soap and began to wash him down as if her own hands could scrub away his pain and the trauma that was eating away at him. Her hands were slow and gentle and she took her time, massaging his skin and placing soft kisses wherever the soap was washed away.
"Coraline, my love, that thing is far from a baby." Jace groaned as they stepped back inside the estate, the heavy wooden door creaking as they strode into the foyer and quickly heading down the hall towards their bedroom. Jace observed that nothing seemed to be broken or shattered and assumed Alex's and Monroe's 'talk' wasn't going as bad as he thought it would.
Jace grew lost in his thoughts for a moment as his friend drifted into his mind. He was worried. He had never seen Alex in a state like this. So stressed, so heavy, so lost. He knew that he probably pushed the boy past his breaking point and was forcing him into a conversation he more than likely wasn't ready to have. But, knowing Alex, he would put off talking about his feelings for as long as he could. It was the soldier in him -- the leader his father had always trained him to be.
And it was breaking him.
Once they reached their bedroom, Jace wasted no time throwing himself onto the mattress, sighing heavily as his body hit the pillows. He turned to face the door as Coraline slipped inside as well. Still holding that stupid cat. "Coraline what did I just say about bringing that thing in our bedroom!" Jace ran a hand down his tired face and closed his eyes for a moment. Hoping that when he opened them the cat would be gone and Coraline would be magically next to him. Naked.
However, he was displeased as his eyes fluttered back open and he was met with the cat glaring at him. Hissing at him. Jace flashed daggers back to the cat. So -- there would definitely be some competition on winning Coraline's affection. He would be battling against a cat.
Hearing Coraline's question about what to name the beast, Jace rolled his eyes. "I don't know. Cat? We can name the thing Monroe -- it looks at me the same way she does." Running a hand through his hair, Jace looked up at Coraline. He had to admit, the light in her eyes and the wide grin on her face as she looked at the thing was pleasant. And, if a cat made his dream girl happy, then he would have to learn to live with it. "Name it Harold or Robert or something I don't care. Could you come here please?" Jace held his arms out for her and groaned against the pillows. "We have to get ready for dinner in a while and I need some time to relax with you before we head in to that dumpster fire."
The silence that hung between them almost seemed deafening, and even though there were no words to be spoken, their lack of communication said enough. Alexander was a confident man, and it wasn’t often that he genuinely wavered and questioned himself, yet here he stood wracking his brain for something he could’ve done different to land them in a better place as he watched the love of his life pack her things to leave.
Alexander was out of words. He didn’t have anything left to say, he didn’t think he could say anything else even if he had wanted to. His throat was tight and his chest felt like it was moments away from caving in. He didn’t remember a time he’d ever felt this lost, this absolutely drained of life. If this was what Monroe really wanted then he wouldn’t stop her, but damn that didn’t stop it from absolutely tearing him apart.
He tried to swallow the lump in his throat as Monroe slowly approached him, although he didn’t quite manage it as smoothly as he’d hoped to. He attempted to even his breathing as her fingers went to his chest, unbuttoning his shirt until she could run her hands across his bare skin. But still, his breaths came ragged and quick, his heart pounding so hard and so fast that he was sure she was able to feel it through his skin.
The moment she snaked her arms around his waist Alex crushed her to him, his arms wrapped around her so tightly that he feared he wouldn’t ever be able to let her go. The tears came quicker the longer he held her, his head dipped to bury into the crook of his neck as he silently sobbed. He‘d been so overcome with emotions today that once the flood gates finally burst open, he didn’t know if he’d ever be able to stop the flood of feelings.
He didn’t know how long her stood there, holding her and crying. It wasn’t often that he lost a handle on himself, but when he did it always hit him hard. He felt like he’d been ran over by a mac truck by the time his breath finally began to even out and he found the ability to speak again.
“Please don’t leave me.” He begged quietly, straightening himself up to look at her. “I’ll try harder Monroe, I’ll do whatever I can, but please just give me a chance to fix things before you go. I can’t lose you too.”
Coraline couldn’t help the amused giggled that slipped from her lips at Jace’s clear distress of her calling the cat to her. Big and strong Jace, the fearless soldier who would charge into war without a second thought, but the boy seemed near tears at the sight of a little stray cat.
“Don’t be silly, Jace.” Coraline teased, incredibly pleased with herself as the old tabby settled into her lap and began vibrating with purrs. Coraline had never been in one place long enough to keep a pet, but had always been a lover of animals and was known to hand-feed the strays back in the village whenever she could. The chance at actually being able to bring this little guy home with her was thrilling, and she was confident in her ability to swindle Jace into agreeing no matter how much he insisted otherwise.
As the boy immediately refused to allow her to bring the cat home with her, Cora turned to give him the world’s biggest put. “Please Jace, I’ll do whatever you want.” She begged, batting big blue doe eyes up at him.
The exasperation on his face as he threw his arm in the air said enough.
The brunette squealed in delight as the dark haired boy finally agreed to the pet, Coraline scooping the tabby up in her arms as she rose to her feet to follow after Jace, who was apparently fed up with their walk. She cradled the cat in her arms as she hurried to catch up with her boyfriend, cooing to the animal the entire way.
Coraline rolled her eyes as the boy insisted the cat couldn’t stay in their room - ha, as if. She wouldn’t argue with him after he’d just caved and agreed to let her bring it back with them, but he was definitely going to become a resident of their room. “He’s just a baby.” Cora argued as Jace continued to rant about his hatred for cats - although the cat was clearly far from a kitten. It was old and grumpy and clearly over weight, but Cora was already smitten.
The walk home hadn’t taken long and was full of Jace complaining about the cat, but Coraline took it with a grain of salt, just pleased that she had a pet now. Once they reached their room Coraline nonchalantly slipped inside with the fat tabby still in her arms, raising up to press a kiss to Jace’s cheek. “Thank you, my love.” She cooed affectionately, even as the cat hissed at it’s proximity to the boy.
Cora placed the cat at the foot of the bed, watching as it grumpily plopped down in a spot, staring little daggers into Jace. “What do you want to name him?” Coraline chirped giddily, turning back around to face Jace once more.
She will remember that look he gave her for the rest of her life.
As he stared back at her, their faces inches apart, breathing in each other's air. She felt as if the whole room could light on fire and none of them would blink. That the world could crumble before them and they would still be standing here. Looking at each other. The weight of the words that were finally said drowning them. Pulling them further and further until they mixed in with the silence that wafted through the walls.
His words hit her. He was trying, she knew that. Of course, she knew that. Monroe had felt like an idiot for thinking for a split second that he wasn't. But, even with his exclamations and his reasoning's, she still found herself looking for the boy that she had fallen in love with months ago. She hadn't even thought of the idea that people could change.
Just like she had.
Monroe couldn't hold back the tightness that clutched her throat as she saw tears pool in Alex's eyes. His sweet, kind eyes. She swallowed, but her chest hurt. And not from the bullet wound. She so badly wanted to reach out to him -- to hold him against her, but she found herself stopping short. "I didn't play you," she told him, but his words that were next were what tore her apart.
It felt like her heart was being ripped out of her chest and she stilled against the wall she had retreated towards to change.
That isn't love.
Monroe felt like she was going to pass out. Her skin had paled and she was sweating uncontrollably even though she was in nothing but her bra and underwear. She clutched onto the clothes in her hand is if they were some sort of life line. She hadn't even been aware that tears were sliding down her own face until she saw one drop onto the wooden floor. Monroe truthfully didn't know how to answer him. For once, she was at a loss for words.
She was starting to question everything. Was this love between them? Or were they too scared to be alone. Was she too scared to be alone. The room felt toxic and heavy. Monroe could feel the weight of her bones, the weight of her skin, her heart thrumming a mile a minute in her body. She could feel so much and yet not feel anything at all.
Monroe didn't know when or how she had stepped towards Alex, dropping those clothes behind her. She looked at him for a moment. She wasn't crying because she didn't get her way and that she was upset. Monroe was crying because she was the one that did this to him -- that made him break right before her. Because she was selfish. "You're right, that isn't love, Alex." She told him, her own wet eyes looking into his.
Her hands went to his shirt and she began unbuttoning them. As they popped off one by one Monroe's hands went to his chest. Not out of desire, not that she wanted to tumble into the sheets and forget everything. She wanted to feel him, she needed to feel him. Monroe wanted to make sure that his heart was still beating. She ran her hands down his chest, soaking in every grove of muscle, every freckle. She could feel his heart beating rapidly against his chest and her arms then snaked around his waist and she pulled herself against him. Breathing in his scent as she lay her head against his shoulder. Chest to chest they stood. Inhaling everything that he was.
Their battle was over today, but she knew it would be a while before they recovered from this. For once, she felt nervous and slightly uneasy about their relationship. Were they actually good for each other, or did they just like the idea of each other? Monroe didn't want to know the answer to her own question and so instead she simply spoke the words she needed to desperately say and the words he needed to desperately hear.
Alex genuinely could’ve believe this was happening right now. In the span of maybe an hour, his entire life seemed as if it were crumbling down around him right now. But what hurt the most was Monroe not even bothering to look him in the eye as she told him she was leaving, no room for negotiation in her voice. “The hell you are.” He snapped back, moving his body to block the doorway, leaning back against it casually.
When all was said and done, Alex would never force her to stay somewhere she didn’t want to be. But what he wasn’t going to let her do was storm out of here in a rampage without thinking things through. If being angry and causing a scene is what she needed to work through her emotions, then fine - she could trash the room and rip apart every one of his belongings for all he cared - but she was staying in this damn room while she did it. If leaving was still what she wanted after she calmed down, then Alex wouldn’t stop her from going.
He couldn’t help the exasperated laugh that escaped him as he shoved his hands through his hair, gripping it lightly in frustration. “Do you think this is what I wanted, Monroe? That this was the life I imagined for us?” He asked, shaking his head in disbelief at what was occurring right in front of him. “Of course it wasn’t. But this is the hand we were dealt, and I am trying to make it work, but I can’t do it by myself. You have to meet me half way here.” He sighed, watching her scurry around the room in frustration. “I don’t want any of those things for you Monroe, but you have to give me a chance to fix things before you write me off as an asshole for not catering my - and everyone else’s in this house for that matter - lives around what you want.”
A pang rippled through Alexander’s chest as Monroe expressed her preference of death to living the life he’d given her. Alex had never intended to change her into one of his kind, not genetically as an Elite, and not through society either, but everyone was being forced to adapt in some way or another. He didn’t think it was unfair of him to expect Monroe to compromise as well, especially if everyone else was.
But still, her words had cut him like a knife, and he stood shell shocked as he stared at her. “If that’s how you feel Monroe, then you’ve played the hell out of me for all this time, because that isn’t love.” As much as he tried to fend them off, tears rose to his eyes and his throat tightened, overwhelmed with everything that was happening. It was so hard carrying the weight of everyone else on his shoulders when right now he could hardly handle himself.
“I could’ve let you die, Monroe. But I love you, and I was selfish, and I wasn’t ready to lose you. You want to talk unpack everything right here - right now? I’ve given up so much for you, and the fact that you’re ready to throw in the towel after a day of inconvenience says everything I need to know.” He said, rubbing his eyes angrily as his cheeks flushed red. It was so uncommon for Alex to get emotional, and he struggled processing everything at once. “That isn’t love.”
Alex had shot his father in the head without a moment’s hesitation because the thought of losing that girl on the battle field pained him more than anything. He struggled to understand how she couldn’t see how much he’d given up to her, but he’d never put the guilt of knowing she’d been the sole reason he’d killed his father on her, she didn’t deserve to carry that knowledge around with her for the res of her life. That was his burden to carry, and his burden only - out of love, he’d never pain Monroe with it no matter how truthful it was.
He felt like a complete idiot as he watched that tiny thing crawl out of the bush. Jace didn't try and hide his disgust on his face as he watched the grey monster slide out of the bush.
This was more terrifying than a reaper.
No, this was more terrifying than ten reapers.
"Coraline that thing could have a disease or something stay back -- we don't know what the radiation could have done to it." As she sat on the ground and began to pat her legs he threw his head back and groaned. "For the love of God Coraline don't make it come to you. Don't touch it. Don't -- oh God you're touching it." Jace ran a hand down his face as he watched Coraline continue stroking the animal until it grew even more vicious and sat in her lap. The sound it was making was utterly horrifying.
"It sounds like it has a damn motor," he observed, watching her pet the cat and the stupid thing soaking up all of the attention. He would definitely now have some competition.
With a damn cat.
Jace was about to drag Coraline up and away from it when he noticed that huge smile that was plastered across her face. He hadn't seen that grin in so long. Their world had been full of so much uncertainty that Jace was afraid he would never see it again. It was something he wished he could take a picture of and hold onto forever -- if cameras weren't so rare nowadays.
As she asked if they could take the cat home Jace did not hesitate to say, "No, absolutely fucking not." He shook his head wildly, his tattooed arms crossed over his chest. "That thing probably has fleas and look at it, Cora! It looks like it wants to eat me!" The cat sat in Coraline's lap, it's eyes squinting from the hand she kept dragging over it's fur.
And then he saw the face. The eyes, the trembling pouty lip. This girl knew exactly what she was doing and Jace was no doubt wrapped around her pretty little finger. He was whipped -- and he knew it. Eyes darting from the cat then back to her, Jace sighed and dropped his arms. "Fine," he snapped, throwing an arm in the air as he began to head back to the estate.
He needed a drink.
"But," Jace called to her as he began walking, "that thing will NOT be allowed on the bed. At all. The estate has over eight bedrooms, he can choose one of those. Send the thing in Alex's and Monroe's room for all I care -- just not ours." Jace huffed and quickly made his way through the streets, taking glances back at Coraline who cradled the cat in her arms as if it were a child and she was talking to it. "Coraline, love, do you even remember by two truths and a lie? I sure as hell love the shit out of you and also sure as hell hate cats. And that thing," he pointed back to the furball in her arms. "Is a damn cat."
Jace was fully aware that he was throwing a temper tantrum like a three year old child. It had been a long day.
Throughout everything they’d been through in all of their many months together, Jace had always been her calm. He was also the source of most of her headaches and stress - but he was able to cool even her most frazzled nerves with just his presence. The tickle of his fingers trailing down her spine, followed by the sweet touch of his lips was almost enough for her to just melt into him - bust still, she felt like she were suffocating in that house with all of the tension radiating through the air.
Once she’d changed, she joking Jace once again, noting his wince as he’d pulled a shirt on as well. “Are you sure you’re up for this?” She murmured softly, not wanting to damage his pride by calling him out but still concerned for his health. He’d been shot only a day ago, after all.
She followed him nonetheless, finally feeling as if she could breath again once they’d stepped outside into the fresh air. She was astounded by how quickly they had managed to clean up this portion of the city, the streets were spotless and you’d never guess a war had waged there only yesterday. A part of her mind wondered what the other portions of the city looked like - were the areas not quite as privileged at the society cleaned up as well? Or were people still laying out there dying? She could only hope for the best.
Cora tried not to let herself get too carried away as Jace spoke, willing herself to believe his quiet reassurances, no matter how much she doubted them. Coraline could probably count the amount of times Monroe had apologized for something on one hand - she was stubborn as a mule - and if her friend didn’t make things right with Alex’s mother then they didn’t stand a chance at surviving here. Mrs. Richmond had all the power to make their lives a living hell.
“I love you too.” Coraline murmured, smiling fondly up at the boy as they approached the pond in they’d swam in only days after meeting. The place brought back happy memories of a couple of kids trying to figure each other out, neither willing to admit their interest in the other just yet. They’d grown so much since that day, and Coraline’s heart swelled with pride as she considered everything they’d already made it through together.
However, her happy thoughts were interrupted by Jace’s cursing, a rustling coming from a bush a few feet away. Coraline’s breath hitched in her throat, eyes darting to Jace as he stepped in front of her. They’d already gotten too comfortable in their sense of safety, neither of them bringing a weapon to an area where reapers still roamed. However, an angry meow caused Coraline to burst into giggles stepping past Jace as a grumpy tabby cat sauntered from the bush. “Oh, Jace!” Cora exclaimed feeling silly for being so scared of such a little creature but excited all the same. She sat on the ground a few feet from the cat, patting her legs in an attempt to get him to come to her. The grey tabby eyed her suspiciousl, unsure for a few moments until it ventured a little closer. As soon as she could reach it Coraline began stroking the cat’s back, the tabby replying by hastily settling into her lap and turning into an utter pur machine.
Cora couldn’t remember the last time she’d ever been so pleased, and the smile on her lips began to hut her cheeks. Turning her big blue eyes back up to Jace, Coraline rolled her bottom lip out in the slightest pout. “Oh Jace, can we bring him back with us?” She begged, stroking the tabby as she bat her eyes up at the dark haired boy. “Please?”
Coraline's words hit her like a truck. She was left dumbfounded and even more flustered than before. Monroe was boiling over with more rage than she had ever experienced in her life.
Partly because she knew Coraline was right.
Monroe so badly wanted to go after her friend, to discuss this more -- to apologize even. But, as they stepped into the bedroom, Monroe's mind went to other subjects. Like the fact that Alex and Jace no longer shared that brotherly look towards each other. It was replaced with disdain and frustration, especially on Alex's part, she noticed.
The walk back to the room was swift and left no room for conversation. As Alex finally questioned Monroe, she couldn't hold back any more and she unleashed every word, every thought, that had floated through her mind onto the boy she loved most. "I'm fucking leaving, Alex," her words were clipped and she didn't meet the boys eyes. She could hear his ragged breathing, himself slowly becoming undone by the unsaid words between them. That makes two of them, then. She stilled as he defended his mother. Though, what else was she expecting from him?
She jumped slightly as Alex tossed the bag into the corner of the room. Monroe's lips pressed into a thin line and she met his eyes, her own darkening as she felt the slew of words coming out of her mouth. She couldn't hold back any more -- on anything. She had done enough of repressing herself, repressing her true feelings. "You know I never wanted any of this, I hope you know that." Monroe was a cold person, but even she was taken aback by the ice in her voice -- the ice in her glare. "The maids, the top shelf liquor, the tea, the dresses. I hate all of it. I hate the fact that I can't even hold a damn glass without it shattering in my hand. I hate the fact that I can hear every single god damn footstep in this god damn house. I hate that I can feel everything so deeply now." Monroe stepped close to Alex, barely a few inches between them and she studied his face harshly. "You should have let me fucking die out on that battlefield."
Her chest rose and fell and for a moment there was nothing but silence and the sound of their heavy breathing.
"I was ready to die." More silence.
"I tried. I tried my best to be the girl you wanted me to be, but I will never be the girl who sits on the sidelines and is only kept around to put on a damn show. You and your family don't think women should lead or curse? Get fucked, Alex." She then retreated to the corner to where Alex had thrown her ratted and torn bag. It had gone through this whole adventure with them and it was still holding up. After the barracks, reapers, villages, war -- Monroe still had it. It honestly seemed to be the only strong thing left in the room.
"The person you created me to be in your head is not my responsibility. I won't apologize for not being your version of myself." She had stopped packing the bag and took a deep breath. She hadn't even realized that her hands were shaking a mile a minute. Monroe clenched them into fists once more, dropping the bag. "You haven't even come to terms with the person you now are, how do you expect me to do the same?"
Monroe had forgotten that she was still wearing the stupid dress and without hesitation she headed towards the dresser and began tossing out clothes left and right. She was angry. She needed to do something to occupy her hands before she punched a hole in the god damn wall. Grabbing a pair of black denim jeans and a simple tank, she didn't waste time stripping out of the dress, not even caring if Alex was watching.
He wasn't used to seeing Coraline so frazzled. And he definitely wasn't used to hearing the way she had talked to Monroe either. Jace debated on asking her exactly what happened or if her better off leaving the situation alone entirely. Tension seemed to wade through the whole house and the only people who seemed to be on good terms with each other were he and Coraline, and they usually bickered like an old married couple.
Helping her unzip the dress, Jace's fingers traced Coraline's spine lightly as he did so. His fingers were then followed by a light ray of kisses he dotted down her back. He wanted to take the edge off of her -- Lord knows they both needed it. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," he told her lightly, pulling her into his arms for another quick kiss after she had changed. Stepping back, Jace went and grabbed a plain black tee and carefully tossed it on, wincing only once as the shirt covered up his bruising on his chest.
Jace grasped her hand, pressed his lips to her knuckles once, and then began leading them through the halls and out the front door. Stepping out into the city was like a breath of fresh air -- Jace never thought he would think that in his entire life. "You wanna know something funny?" Jace said, turning to face Coraline, a small smile on his lips. "I jumped off that roof right there for a chocolate bar," Jace pointed up to the small covering above the first story of the house. "Broke my damn arm doing it, but hey, I got chocolate out of it. Plus, Alex dared me to, and you know I can never turn down a dare," he passed a wink to Coraline, trying to lighten the mood. "It was the last summer we spent in that house before we moved and lived in the barracks."
He moved his eyes away from the house and looked forward, chewing on his bottom lip. Jace and Alex fought here and there, he knew they would be fine. Everyone was under a lot of stress and change, every one was bound to break at some point. It just so happened to hit most of them at the same time. "Everything will be fine," Jace said to Coraline, changing the subject, trying to put her mind at ease. "Monroe will apologize -- the girl went through a big change, she's feeling everything all at once. It will take some getting used to. She already had a blunt personality, maybe the changed just enhanced it." Jace rounded a street and began to head them down the road back to the old pond where they had taken the girls only days after having met. The memories were positive there -- no war raged over it, no death. Just a group of kids trying to get away from everything. That's what they needed right now.
"I love you, I know everything will work out. It just might be rocky for a while," he leaned in to kiss her head, "and that's okay."
Jace stopped their walk at the edge of the glistening pond. It was still so serene, so quiet. Jace debated on even stripping his clothes off right here and now and taking Coraline into the crisp water with him. Suddenly, a soft rustling in a small bush at the edge of the pond startled him and Jace quickly placed himself in front of Coraline. "Shit," Jace hissed, he didn't bring any sort of weapon with him -- he had become so focused on the war with the Elite he had forgotten that there were other dangers that were out here. Dangers like reapers.
Alex wanted nothing more than to quietly escape the pressure of Jace’s gaze, but the longer he stood in that room the harder his friend went at him, and Alex could feel his cool exterior crumbling away more and more. He was aware that Jace knew him well enough to see through his facade, but that still didn’t prepare him to handle that wall coming down right now.
Alexander’s mind raced with everything he had to handle right now - his mother for starters, settling into his new role on the council, ensuring Monroe was settled into life at the estate, teaching the girls proper etiquette and behavior while they were around members of the society, and generally just surviving under the weight of everyone’s expectations of him. The last thing on his mind was processing the war and the casualties that had went along with it - he’d watched some of his own friends be killed on both sides of the war, and had shot his very own father himself.
“For the love of god would you get off my fucking back, Jace?!” He exclaimed, throwing his arms out to the side. “I’ll handle my shit when I damn well please, and I don’t need you or any one else telling me how to do it!”
Their argument had been cut off by the door swinging open, a seething Coraline and angry Monroe walking into the room. Before Alex could so much as open his mouth to address them, Coraline was asking them to leave and Monroe was motioning him out the door. Clearly things hadn’t gone any better on their front.
Leaving the room after Monroe, Alexander released a deep sigh as he watched the back of her figure speed down the hall in front of him. He wasn’t sure he could handle with fighting with anyone else today, especially not her.
Entering their bedroom after her proved to be no better than his previous situation, and he let out a deep sigh as he drug a hand down his face. “What the hell are you doing, Monroe.” Alex asked, exasperated as he watched the blonde speed around the room as she tried to haphazardly pack her shit into the dirty bag she’d carried with her from the very beginning. He tried to keep himself calm and level headed, but the more she spoke the angrier he became. “That woman is my mother.” He reminded her, his breaths slowly becoming more and more ragged.
“You can’t be serious right now, can you?” He asked, shaking his head incredulously. “Do you think you leaving would change anything for those people? Of course fucking not. The only difference is that you’d gone - nothing else would change, Monroe.” He let out a long groan of frustration, snatching the bag from her hands and tossing it into a corner of the room with a little more force than he had intended. “I don’t know what you’re going on about being a puppet or whatever - but you’re absolutely right that I expect some sacrifices from you - just like I did for you. Did you think coming here wouldn’t change anything for us? You’re not dumb Monroe, you know better than that.”
Coraline was fuming, to say the least. If looks could kill, Monroe would’ve been scorched to a crisp in no time at all. She couldn’t believe that her friend would think such things of her, to assume that she was perfectly fine with the sexist and unprogressive rules and regulations they were told they had to follow. Cora was incredibly offended, as well as down right angry with the way her friend had behaved during their meeting with Mrs. Richmond.”You’ve got to be kidding me.“ She laughed incredulously, shaking her head in astonishment. “Of course I don’t want any of that, Monroe! You are so short-sighted sometimes!” Coraline huffed, trying to contain herself as they were still typically under the public eye. She didn’t know who the wait staff roaming the halls reported to - Alex or his mother - and they didn’t need any more drama getting out about them. “I’m thinking of the big picture, here. Of course I want change in the city And to follow my own rules, but you don’t get that by offending the most powerful woman you know! We could have bid our time and figured out an actual plan, but you just threw all of that away, Monroe. We don’t have any cards left to play now, and you put all of us at risk. You were selfish and you didn’t even think twice about it.”
Maybe Coraline words were harsh, but they were words that her friend desperately needed to hear. She had let her temper get the best of her and put every single one of them in a bad position just to win a petty fight with an old woman.
Cora was thankful as they finally approached her room, ready to have a little bit of space away from the blonde so she could cool down. But before that, she had one final thing to say. “And you know what, Monroe? Jace and Alex gave up everything for us. They gave up the only life they knew to follow us and adapt to our way of life out there - I think it’s awful that you aren’t willing to compromise even a little bit now that it’s for them and the life they want. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be comfortable. I’ve spent my entire life barely making it and on the run, and I’m tired of it. So if that means I have to wear a dress every now and then and smile at men I don’t know in order to have to never worry about where my next meal will come from or if I’ll have a place to sleep at night - then damn right I’m going to do it.“
Pushing the door open and stepping into the room, Coraline was immediately aware of the tension that resided there too. Alex was seething, and Jace seemed just as frustrated from his place on the bed. “You two should go.” Cora said cooly, watching as Alex stood to leave with his blonde counterpart.
Cora folded into Jace the moment his arms wrapped around her, releasing a heavy sigh as she leaned her cheek against his chest. His rough fingers gently skimming along the skin of her neck and shoulders did wonders to calm her down, and the flush in her cheeks was slowly fading. “Tea was a shit show.” She murmured, raising her lips to meet his half way to the kiss.
She nodded her head lightly to the idea of a walk, desperately needing fresh air and space to calm down and consider how they would move forward from this. “That sounds good, just let me change.” She sighed, stepping away from the boy to kick out of her heels. Pulling her hair over her shoulder, Cora turned to give Jace her back once again, letting him slide the zipper of the dress down until the fabric hung loosely around her, eventually just dropping it to the floor. She traded the pretty blue dress for a comfortable pair of black leggings, pairing it with a simple tank.
Once she was dressed, Coraline approached the boy once again, slipping her hand in his so he could lead the way.
Jace could see right past Alex's playful attempt to shove off his words. He wasn't buying any of it. He knew his friend way too well to know that he was handling this new life as easily as he was putting off to everyone. Jace had heard his sobs, had see him break down. The shit he went through would have broken anyone down to their very core. As Alex playfully shoved him Jace turned to look at him, his grey eyes serious and he knew once Alex snapped at him the second time that things were getting heated. Good.
Jace wanted Alex to feel things. He wanted him to feel anger towards him, he figured that would help. Jace would let Alex hate him all he wanted if that meant he was able to finally come to terms with the own turmoil that was sitting inside of him like an anchor, drowning him within his own body. "No man, fuck you. I'm not going to sit here and let you waste away. You need to deal with your shit, you're not fooling anyone. Especially not me."
Alex's yells were what he wanted. Jace passed a cold daring smile and remained controlled on the bed, not moving from his position. "You need to stop running from yourself," was all he said. His jaw then locked as his eyes glared into his friend who seemed to be unraveling by the second. Jace was hoping to keep this going with him until the girls had stepped into their war. They were back from tea way sooner than he had expected, and that couldn't be a good sign. Jace immediately took note of Coraline's frustrated expression and he sat up on the bed and stood to walk over to her. He saw Monroe through the door frame and almost questioned the blonde until she spoke to Alex, leading them back down the hall, the door closing behind them.
"What happened?" He asked, his voice soft as he took her into his arms and pressed a long kiss on top of her head. His hands went to her hair and began smoothing it down, his fingers trailing along her neck and shoulders. "I'm guessing tea didn't go as planned?" He sighed, peeling back to kiss her lips softly. Jace figured he would never get over Coraline's beauty. Her bright eyes and those pouty lips, those little freckles that dotted her nose and the lion hearted girl that stood behind that small frame.
"How about we go for a walk?" He said lightly after releasing his lips from hers. Jace brushed a stray piece of hair out and away from her face. "I think we both could use a walk, love."
She felt Coraline's panic and her friend's hushed words hit her like a wave. Monroe had been so preoccupied with her own feelings and her own sense of self righteousness that she hadn't realized that she had now put Coraline's position here at risk as well. Her stomach twisted and Monroe's sense of anger now partnered with guilt. Her chest felt tight and the pain hurt worse than the already healing cuts on her fingers.
Mrs. Richmond's words echoed through her mind, talking in the same cool manner as before -- but her threats were anything but empty. As she threatened to to throw Monroe out on the streets, she couldn't help but to send a look that could kill back to the woman. She wouldn't mind living on the streets -- going back to her old life. She never wanted this, she never wanted to become elite, to live in fancy estates and have maids and wait staff. Monroe wanted the trees around her and the brisk night air that belonged to the forest, where she really belonged. "I'll save you the trouble," she growled to the woman as she left the room, the door clicking shut loudly behind her.
Monroe knew what she was in for with Coraline and her friend's exclaims didn't surprise her. She knew that she had every right to be upset with her and Monroe didn't protest as Coraline dug in. her words were true, Monroe did have a death wish. She's had one since she stepped foot into this damn city months ago. When she threatened those two elite guards that were now family to her -- one was the love of her life. She had a death wish when she stood in front of that damned bullseye and wanted Alex to shoot -- not even realizing how insane she sounded.
She had a death wish when she spat at Alex's father right before he landed a bullet in her chest.
"Coraline, I'm sorry. I know I fucked things up for us but you cannot be serious right now... You want to follow those stupid rules? Go be just a body next to a man? Have no say in what you can and can't wear? Be forced to act a way that we both know will never be us. I couldn't just sit there and let her take full control over out lives! We're more than that."
Monroe followed her friend down the hall towards Jace's room, not done with talking to Coraline yet. She didn't mind having a strained relationship with Alex's mother. But Coraline? Monroe would move the ends of the earth to make things right with her friend. "Coraline, wait--" she said, getting cut off as they both walked into her's and Jace's bedroom, only to be cut off by the sight of two seething boys.
Perfect, just perfect. Everything was falling apart.
She could practically see the rage radiating off of Alex and Monroe quickly stared at the boy. Clenching her jaw, Monroe jerked her head back to the door, gesturing for Alex to leave with her. "We need to talk," was all she said as she left the scene in the room. She made it back to their bedroom quickly, not even bothering to walk next to Alex. Monroe couldn't do this -- do any of it. And Alex needed to know. She would never be the poised and proper lady he wanted out of her, she would never stand next to him as just a prize to be shown off.
Once in the room, Monroe began packing the little of belongings she had with her in her back pack. Moving so quickly that her hands began to shake and her chest began to clench from the pain of the erratic movements her muscles made. "I can't do this," she started, not meeting his eyes as she continued to fly across the room. "I can't sit there and let her change who I am. I can't sit inside this damn house while people out there have nothing. Those villages that have nothing and I'm sitting inside with that woman drinking fucking tea while she picks apart every piece of who I am." Her hands were clenched into tight fists as she finally calmed herself down enough to look at him. "You expect me to stand next to your side and do nothing but hosts parties and dazzle quests like I'm some kind of puppet?" Monroe sighed heavily, she hadn't even realized she had taken her hair down in the process of rummaging through the room. Her blonde locks hung down her face in golden waves -- untamed and tangled, just like her.
Alexander passed a grin in his friend’s direction, laughing along with him as he explained that he’d consider the day a success if all parties even made it out alive from the tea. “You’re probably right.” He agreed, nodding his head as he rolled onto his stomach, stretching out across Jace and Coraline’s bed.
“But if we’re going to be honest, what are the odds of that?” He teased, knowing it wasmore likely than not that something bad would happen. His mother wasn’t used to having outsiders in her home, and wasn’t typically very fond of people who challenged her. Monroe and Coraline weren’t very used to having to follow strict rules or even learn proper etiquette, and tended to challenge every single thing that they could. It was a recipe for disaster, a ticking time bomb, only a matter of time before one of the women of the household exploded. His best guess? It’d probably be Monroe.
Alex settled into the silence without a second thought, completely ready to just lightly doze until the girl’s returned from their tea and he’d be forced to handle whatever chaos they’d created. But hearing Jace begin to speak, the uncomfortable tone to his voice clear almost made Alex want to just get up and go sit in his own room by himself.
He couldn’t do this today. There was still so much happening in his life that he had to handle before he could make himself process his emotions and what he’d done the day before. He couldn’t handle taking everything on at once, knowing the force of it all would surely crush him. “Oh, fuck off dude, I’m fine.” Alexander joked lightly, reaching a hand out to shove his friend. But even as he tried to hush him, Jace just kept going. Alex knew his intentions were good, but the more the boy rambled the more his blood began to boil, unable to keep a handle on the turmoil of emotions raging inside him.
Peace. He just wanted peace for one day before he was shoved into this shit.
“Hey, I said fuck off, Jace.” Alex snapped, pushing himself up and off the bed, pacing a small length of the floor as he shoved his hands through his hair, attempting to calm himself down but knowing it did no good. Still, his friend continued, finally pushing Alex over the edge as he spun to face him. “I said fuck off!” This time his voice was raised, an animalistic anger to his words as his breaths heaved out of him. “You’re not a fucking psychiatrist, so stop pretending to be!”
“I said I’m fine. Seriously.”
Hearing the door open, Alexander whipped around to see both Coraline and Monroe entering the room, both looking equally pissed off
As the two girls entered the room together, Coraline was sure not to drop her grip on her friend’s arm until they’d both been seated across from Mrs. Richmond, afraid that the blonde would make a run for it if given the chance. Alex’s mother was intimidating by her own right, and even though Cora Was scared shitless as it was, she was sure it had to have been worse for Monroe. Being the girlfriend of this woman’s only son had to have been a lot of pressure. Cora suspected that Monroe would be held to a higher standard than she’d ever had been before, and she worried over how her friend would handle all of the pressure.
Coraline tried desperately hard not to let herself get overwhelmed with all of the new rules and regulations that Eleanor rattled off to them, but ended up failing miserably. She made a good show of smiling and sipping her tea, nodding along as the woman spoke, but her insides were a storm of stress and anxiety. She was already starting to forget short list of rules Alex had given them in their crash course only a few moments ago, and knew she’d have no shot of memorizing all of these extras within the time frame she was expected to. Was it rude not to eat the food your host offered? Did you curtsy or smile when you left? She couldn’t remember.
She was also well aware of the disdain boiling up inside of Monroe, feeling it come off of her in waves as the tension in the room rose to a roar. Coraline casually placed a hand against the girl’s knee, hoping her touch would help to calm her, but it didn’t take long for her to realize that it was no use. A small gasp sounded from Coraline’s lips as the tea cup in her friend‘s hands shattered between them, little shards of glass scattering everywhere. “Monroe.” She hushed in a whisper, growing more and more uncomfortable by the second.
The way Monroe had spoken to the older woman didn’t necessarily surprise Coraline - this was who Monroe was at her core, a rebel who stood for what she believed in. However she still wished she wouldn’t held herself back until they were able to talk about it in private and figure out a game plan together. Now Monroe would be Mrs. Richmonds number one enemy, and Cora wasn’t sure there was much she could do to help her anymore.
As Monroe drug Coraline from her seat to leave, Alex’s mother stood as well, turning to stare daggers at them although the remained scarily calm. “Don’t mistake me, child - this isn’t a request.” She said cooly. “I’d like to remind you that I hold your fate here. I will put you on the streets in a heart beat, and I’ll see to it that no one will take you in either.” She explained, the calm power in her voice enough to give Coraline goose bumps. “You may love my son, but I am his mother - and no bond will surpass that.”
With her heart pounding, Coraline dipped her head towards the woman one last team, whispering a rushed thank you for their tea before letting Monroe pull her from the room. “Do you have a death wish, Monroe?” Cora hissed, frustrated with her friend’s behavior. “That couldn’t have waited until we had a better plan than to insult the woman the first time we met her?” She scolded as the walked down the hallway, her cheeks flaming by the time they finally pushed the door to her bedroom open.
However, the scene they walked into didn’t seem much better.
"I feel like my face is going to fall off with all of this shit on it," she chuckled at Alex's words as he asked her if she hated the makeup. She did, but she loved him and Monroe would do anything for him. Absolutely anything. But, she couldn't help the flush that nose to her cheeks as Alex compliment her, his hands gripping her waist tightly and his lips kissing her intensely. "I wish we had the whole day to to prep for this, you know, so we could take breaks in between," she nipped at his lip playfully.
She couldn't wait for tea to be done.
As Alex led her down the hall and into a clearing where they waited for Coraline, Monroe's nerves finally began to sink in. She was fidgety and she kept swaying back and forth on her heels. Her eyes darting all over the room until they landed on a light blue dress the color of a bright summer day. Monroe's face quickly grew into a look of shock and wonder as Coraline strode towards them. "Holy shit, Cor!" She said to her friend as she reached them, spinning under Coraline's hand and then doing the same to her. Her blue dress twirling behind her. She really did look so beautiful, the colors suited her tanned summer skin so well and they made her eyes pop. Monroe envied her friend slightly -- she would do well with this new lifestyle. She would thrive. "Look at you, you were basically born for this."
Their greeting was cut short by Alex's voice and Monroe rolled her eyes at the boy before letting him speak. She was thankful Coraline noticed his uptight behavior and Monroe passed her friend a thankful wink.
Monroe practically threw up listening to all of the rules and standards Alex listed off. She certainly wasn't expecting a whole slew of regulations they had to follow and she definitely couldn't keep up with all of the new information. Monroe found herself brushing Coraline's shoulder slightly, almost as if to calm her own anxiety. She didn't want to curtsy, she didn't want to drink the fancy tea. Monroe swore like a sailor and she was practically raised on being anything but ladylike. She knew she would struggle and it would be anything but enjoyable.
She loved Alex. She would do this for Alex.
After Alex was finished and pulled her into his chest, Monroe sank into him only for a moment, kissing him back. She was sure he could feel the nerves practically radiating off of her. "I love you too. Have a few more buttons undone when I come back," she whispered in his ear before giving him a sultry look as she stepped away and headed into the women's parlor. She took one last look at him before she and Coraline headed into the room.
Monroe stuck out like a sore thumb. Light pastel pinks and yellows were plastered across the room with accents of gold. The furniture was velvet with fluffed pillows and intricate designs etched into the wood. Everything in here probably had cost a fortune. There were people suffering out in the streets. The hospital was a damn tent. And they were in here. Sipping tea.
Her stomach rolled.
Monroe didn't smile, but she offered the woman a simple nod after Cora did so. Taking a seat next to her friend, Monroe watched the maids come in swiftly and serve them tea. Monroe didn't use much of the cream or sugar. She preferred the more natural teas the villages would make. This one just tasted artificial and sweet as she took a very small sip, only to be polite as Alex had requested.
She didn't waver her eyes from Mrs. Richmond as she scanned them both over. Monroe could see the questioning look her eyes shone as she took in Monroe's back dress that stood out drastically against the pink cushions. Monroe continued to stare at the woman, almost daring her to comment on her choice of attire this morning. She didn't speak as the woman began to explain what her role was to the city -- and what hers and Coraline's role would now be. Monroe merely soaked in all of the information with a cool and steady gaze, her eyes not flickering from Alex's mother. She practically seethed power and control. But, Monroe couldn't help to notice that she spoke not with disdain towards them, but almost a little bit of excitement. As if she were pleased that they were here to take on this new role.
Alex's new role also surprised her. He would now hold more power than Monroe had originally thought. She wasn't expecting moving into this estate would also require a bigger role for them all, especially the man she loved. Monroe was worried, worried if Alex would be able to handle all of the change. He hadn't even come to terms with what happened to his father, to Monroe. She saw right past his collected exterior. Monroe was surprised she had also remained as collected as she did throughout this time at tea with this woman.
That was until Mrs. Richmond demanded they become proper ladies. Ladies of poise and etiquette. Ladies to only be a trophy that would dangle on the arms of men in power -- men like Alex.
She would do no such thing.
Monroe wasn't an accessory to a man. She was not a host nor a pawn to dazzle other members of this so called society. If she were now a part of it, she would do the same duties as a man would. No parties -- no bullshit. The request was insulting and Monroe sat there for a minute, glaring daggers at the cold woman that sat across from her. Even Coraline's presence next to her couldn't contain the outright fury that was boiling inside of her.
When she turned to give Monroe a disapproving look on her choice of clothing, that was when the tea cup shattered in her hand.
Monroe remained calm for a moment, her breathing surprisingly light as she continued to stare at Mrs. Richmond. She flashed the woman a white smile, showing her sharp teeth. The grin was like a loaded gun.
The tension in the room was thick and the unspoken words between them were dangling in the air. Monroe cleared her throat and brushed off a piece of imaginary dust off her dress. "I love your son very much," she started, her voice cool and steady, but her icy eyes said something else. "And I think you are absolutely out of your fucking mind if you think I will adhere to those bullshit rules."
She dug herself a hole so deep it was as if it were her own grave -- which it very well might be.
Monroe's eyes still sat on Alex's mother. Fighting ice with ice. She wouldn't play her game. She wouldn't let her win. Monroe stood, grabbing Coraline's hand and began to head towards the door without dismissal. As they reached the white double doors, Monroe turned and flashed Mrs. Richmond one more grin, "Thank you for the tea."
He groaned as Coraline tried to dismiss their activities in bed later. The action was undoubtedly a twenty something year old male response. He didn't care to deny it. He watched her leave a little longer than necessary. Seeing the way the dress hugged her form, but definitely didn't show as much as those kevlar training uniforms he somewhat missed on the small girl. He knew their lives would be forever changed now and a new set of standards and expectations would be taking place now. Part of him was excited for returning back to the old lifestyle he and Alex had when they were kids -- and part of him dreaded it. He had grown to love the wild nature of their lives when they lived in the villages and camps. He almost preferred it.
After he closed the door once Coraline fully disappeared on the hall, Jace threw himself back down on the large bed, groaning in protest. That was a bad idea. His body still hurt like a bitch. He was just about to close his eyes to try and makeup some of the sleep he had missed out last night due to other... activities, when that son of a bitch Alex walked in.
He grinned and rolled his eyes at his brother and threw a pillow at him as he laid down on the bed as well. Chuckling at Alex's words, Jace placed his hands behind his head and stared up at the ceiling. "Dude, if they even make it out alive I would say it was a success. I don't know who to be more worried for, your mother or the girls." He sighed once and the boys sat in silence for a moment.
Jace could feel the weight of the silence between them -- the weight of things that they really needed to talk about. Alex's new role, what Jace's role would now be, his father, Monroe's change. There was so much lingering between the boys that Jace couldn't really ignore it any longer. He was concerned about his friend -- his brother, and he didn't want him going off the deep in. It was too much for someone to handle on their own.
"How are you doing? You know, with like, everything..." He was stepping into dangerous territory with Alex and Jace knew that. But he felt like he wouldn't be a good friend if he didn't bring up his worries with him. "Just with everything that happened yesterday and your mom coming home and your dad..." His voice trailed off again and he swallowed a lump in his throat before he turned to look at Alex. "I guess I'm just worried about you, that's all. It seems like you're brushing most of what happened off. I'm here if you need to talk man. Seriously."
Jace’s reaction to her make over had single-handedly been enough to boost Coraline’s confidence enough to make it through her meeting with Alex’s mother. Jace looked at her the way all women dreamed of being looked at, and his lingering gaze made her feel alive. However, as he expressed his concern over her lack of curls the brunette couldn’t help but laugh. “Really? I quite like it.” She countered, grinning as she kissed him. Although she supposed it probably made sense, Jace had fallen in love with that version of her, not this one.
Slipping out of her robe, Coraline was pleased to hear that the dress she’d selected had been Jace’s favorite. Sliding the luxurious fabric on her body, she turned to give him her back, pulling her silky locks over her shoulder for him to zip her into the dress. Cora held her breath as he drug the zipper upwards, not because of the fit, but because the feel of his fingertips skimming the sensitive skin of her back as he trailed the zipper closed was enough to give Coraline goosebumps. That coupled with the way he held her body against his, his kiss devouring and unrelenting, had almost been enough to convince her to just say screw the tea and drag him right back into bed with her.
The only thing holding her back from making good on that thought was the angry looking bruise that still covered a portion of his chest, and the way he still winced a tad every time he tried to move too fast. “I think she’d have both of our heads.” She replied, pressing one last kiss to his lips before the clock across the room chimed that it was time to go.
Coraline couldn’t help the little pout that settled on her face as Jace escorted her to the door, her bottom lip rolling out just a tad as she cast Jace a final look. After months of constantly being at his side, it felt odd to be venturing into this unknown part of his world without him. And while she was sure his words had meant to be encouraging and to comfort her, she was still wracked with nerves. However, his last comment had managed to lighten her mood and bring a small smile to her face. “Not until you’re better, Jace.” She emphasized, turning swiftly to leave only to have his hand land on her ass. Casting a very promiscuous look over her shoulder, Coraline strided down the hall as if he hadn’t even phased her.
The walk down the hall felt like it had taken forever, the large house unlike anything that she was used to. However, she eventually made it to the foyer where she found Alex and Monroe already waiting for her, and there was no hiding her jaw hit the floor. While Coraline had been dolled up to look dainty and beautiful, her blonde friend was an absolute smokeshow. “Monroe!” She gasped in excitement, snagging the girl’s hand and giving her a spin to take in the entire look. “Well I know what your plans are after this tea.” She teased, giving the girl a wicked grin. A part of her envied Monroe’s confidence, knowing that she’d never be able to pull off a look like that, but the other part of her was thrilled to see how well her friend had settled into her new elite skin. Confidence was a good look on her.
Cora rolled her eyes as Alex chided them for being silly, insisting that they had a few things to go over. She tried to listen intently and take in everything the boy had to say, no matter how much foolish she thought some of their new rules were be. “Don’t get your panties in a wad just because you wear a suit now.” She teased, knocking the boy with her elbow.
As Alex instructed them that it was time to go in, Coraline hooked her arm though Monroe’s insisting that they do this together. Together the pair entered what Alex called the Women’s Parlor, a space in which men were strictly forbidden unless given permission to enter. Entering the room, it was clear that Ms. Richmond was already prepared for them, giving each girl a cold look as she stood to great them. Coraline offered the woman a smile, bowing her head in acknowledgement as she took a seat at the edge of a comfortable looking chaise that had been positioned near a coffee tale holding tea and all of the works, along with little finger pastries and snacks.
Now matter how warm and cheerful Coraline tried to be, the woman just radiated ice. This would surely not be a fun morning.
alexander ::
Alex tried not to let himself look too shocked when the blonde finally turned from the vanity to face him, not wanting to freak her out but still astounded by her new look. She was still Monroe, but a much more refined version of her. All of her best features had been highlighted, and he couldn’t find a flaw on the woman’s body even if he’d had to. She looked like she was a magnificent peace of art - but still, a part of him preferred the unpolished version that he’d fallen in love with so many months ago. “Do you hate it?” He asked jokingly, knowing her well enough that the foreign substances on her face probably aggravated her - even if she looked stunning.
Alexander opened his arms as she strode towards him, grinning wildly as she finally made it into his grasp. “You are a vision, my love.” He murmured against her lips, drawing out his kiss as long as he possibly could. His breath caught in his throat as she fiddled with eh top button of his shirt, giving her a predatory look as she flicked it open without remorse, his hands settling at the curve of her waist and maybe squeezing a little harder than he should’ve. She was playing a dangerous game, and Alex didn’t want to let himself get carried away.
Not now at least - later was fair game.
He stepped back to watch her insect the dresses laid out, her facial expression making it clear that she didn’t favor any of them, her words confirming those thoughts only moments later. “That’s okay.” He nodded, watching as she stepped to the rack. The devious look on her face almost scared him, and Alex suddenly felt the need to remind her that she was going to meet his mother but he held himself back instead, deciding to trust her judgement on the manner.
Alex really shouldn’t have been surprised when the fiery blonde stepped out from the rack wearing a show-stopping black dress that hugged her in all of the right places and showed a fair amount of skin. He agreed that it was much more her style, but he feared how his mother would react to the bold choice. It was tea, after all - and that definitely wasn’t a tea dress.
Still, Alexander had promised that she could pick her own outfit for the meeting, and he was a man of his word.
Alex caught the girl’s hand by her wrist as she trailed it down his chest, giving her a disapproving look as he brought the hand to his lips instead, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of it. “You’re stunning.” He murmured, using his grip on her wrist to drag her against him as he placed a burning kiss to her. “I wish we had more time..” He mused, his fingertips skimming along the bare skin of her arms, his intentions with that statement more than clear.
However, that wasn’t the case. A glance at the clock on the wall exposed that it was time to go, and with a heavy sigh the boy placed a hand on Monroe’s back to steer her out of the room.
They met Coraline in the foyer shortly later, and Alex offered the girl a pleased smile at her appearance. He wasn’t sure that he’d ever get used to seeing the rugged girl’s he knew dressed all up as some of the city’s high society ladies. “Good morning.” He greeted as she approached, laughing lightly at her immediate astonishment over Monroe’s appearance. He’d had a similar reaction himself.
He felt bad cutting the girl’s short, but they were quickly running out of time and he wanted them to be well prepared before they dove into the wolve’s den that was tea with his mother. “Okay so a few basic ground rules to follow - if a woman is already in the room when you enter, she should stand to greet you. You need to acknowledge her before you sit - just something simple, a smile or a nod. Same thing if it’s a man, but you’ll curtsy instead. You should never refuse a beverage from your host, but it’s okay to not take the food, that part is up to you.“ He stalled for a few moments, trying to think of anything else that would be important to know. He’d had these little rules ingrained in him since birth to the point they became second nature, so it was hard to wrack his brain for them now. “No foul language, try not to slouch, and she will dismiss you when it’s time to leave. Make sure you thank her for the tea before you go, and you normally want to do the same acknowledgment you did when you entered as you leave.”
Running a hand through his hair, he gave both girls a small smile. “Just be polite. She’s really not that bad, I’m sure you both will be fine.” He assured them, pulling Monroe to his chest for one last kiss. “I love you. Come find me when you’re finished” He whispered into her ear, following his words with another quick peck before he escorted them to the Women’s Parlor.
Once the two had made it safely inside, Alex headed towards the east wing where he knew he’d find Jace. He figured they both had nothing better to do, so they might as well do nothing together. He offered a few quick raps against the door before letting himself in, grinning at his friend as he immediately went to sprawl out across the bed.
“Scale of 1-10, how bad do you think damage control is going to be?” He laughed.
eleanor richmond ::
The harsh woman pursed her lips as the doors to the Women’s Parlor cracked open right on time, watching as the two young girls entered the room together. She also caught a glimpse of her son - dressed much more appropriately today - in the hallway moments before he shut the door behind the two young ladies.
Turning her eyes to the girls, Eleanor rose from her seat, clasping the her hands i front of her until she was acknowledged - pleased to see that they’d at least been given the slightest crash course in the etiquette of a high society lady. “Welcome girls, please come seat.” She greeted, taking her own place in a high backed chair across from them.
With a flick of Eleanor’s hand a couple of maids rushed forward, setting a place for each of the three women and pouring them each a cup of hot tea, along with cream and sugar to their liking. On the table between them sat an assortment of dainty finger foods and pastries to be snacked on. Mrs. Richmond snacked quietly on a lemon bar as she inspected the two girls in front of her, taking them each in as wholly as she could without being outright rude. The brunette didn’t seem to be a problem - Eleanor didn’t doubt that she could mold her into a woman of appropriate stature. But the blonde had a sort of grit to her that the woman almost admired. She coudn’t decide if she was appalled by her choice of attire, or if she commended the girl’s boldness.
”First, I’d like to welcome you to our home.” She began, sipping her tea as she spoke. “Second, I’d like to welcome you to the society” The brunettes perplexed face almost made the woman chuckle - ah, they were so naive. “As you may know, the city is governed by a council of Elites. My family has always been a member of the council, and we now share a common loved one who will have a seat with them - my son.” She explained, her eyes passing easily between both girls. “As the family of the council, we are a part of The Society - a group of high class elites who the city folk turn to when in distress. As a member of our Estate and a dear friend of my son, that makes you all a member of the society as well.”
Settling back in her seat, Mrs. Richmond gave the pair a few moments to process this information. While she didn’t want to overwhelm them, she did expect them to adapt quickly, and that didn’t allow much time for them to figure things out. “The Society is held to a higher standard, and you all are expected to conform to that as well. There is a certain etiquette to be followed, and I trust that you two will work diligently to learn it in a timely manner. You are expected to perform the duties of a high society woman - meaning you host guests, you dazzle other members of the council to earn my son influence, and you become the absolute picture of poise and grace.“
Turning her eyes to Monroe, she didn’t bother to hide the disapproving look on her face as she inspected Monroe once again. “And that includes dressing the part.”
She was sure to give Alex a playful middle finger as he called her a brat, being sure to hide it from the staff as they directed her to the vanity. She also didn't miss the wicked and shit-eating grin he had plastered on his handsome face as she was being whisked away. Damn him.
It felt uncomfortable, the makeup on her skin. She had protested the thick paste that matched her skin tone they tried to put on her face but it was ignored. It covered the dark circles under her eyes from a night in the sheets with Alex. It covered the light layer of freckles from the sun. It covered most of her, really. The little imperfections she had grown to love about herself. Monroe had no idea how these women did it, but they had sharpened her already high cheekbones, made her lips look fuller and her eyebrows were given more of a shape. A light layer of pink was brushed over her cheeks and her eyes were lined with a dark brown and a black substance layered her already long eyelashes, opening up her light eyes even more.
She didn't recognize herself.
As she opened her eyes to peer into the mirror her throat tightened and her body stilled. A hand didn't dare go to her face and touch the work the two kind women had done on her. Her thick hair was pulled back into a braided up-do, leaving a few stray strands to frame her face. A set of diamond studs sat in her ears, Monroe already knew by the weight of them that they were no doubt real.
Turning to face Alex, she stood from the vanity and slowly made her way over to him. Her eyes darted between him and the clothes he had set out. She felt... embarrassed almost. As if she didn't feel comfortable in her own skin anymore. Monroe didn't say anything to him for a moment, she just simply stared at Alex who was now dressed in foreign clothes. The hair she had loved to run her fingers through was pushed back slightly. He was in slacks and a button up shirt. He didn't look like the charming guardsman that had swept her off her feet. Part of him seemed to hold a different power now -- part of it frightened her.
But still, he did look damn good.
Her hands went to the button up on him, her fingers playing with the top button on his shirt until it popped open. "That's more like it," she whispered before placing a soft kiss on his lips. Her attention then went back to the dresses on the bed and she hated herself that she didn't feel inclined to any of them. It was as if she were picking out a gun that would end up killing her. The colors were all light and pastel. Nothing she would ever think of wearing. "I don't like any of them," she sighed, running a hand over the fabric of a dress. Flicking her eyes up to Alex and then over to the rack of clothes, she began sifting through the others fiercely until her eyes spotted a color she was very familiar with. Smirking slightly, Monroe changed behind the clothing rack, passing Alex a sly wink as she did so, before stepping around it.
Wearing a dress the color of night.
The black dress was tight around her thighs and hips, hugging her curves. It was a sleeveless dress and it went up to the bottom of her neck and covered her collar bones before opening up in the back, revealing probably a little too much of her shoulders for tea. But hey, Alex said she did get to pick. She chose the dress for a specific reason.
The death of the old Monroe and the beginning of someone new.
She grabbed a simple pair of black heels and slid them on. Surprisingly she seemed to walk fairly decent in them as she made her way over to Alex, cocking him a brow as if daring him to protest her choice of attire. "You clean up nice, Alexander," she told him, a hand trailing down his chest.
He brushed off Coraline's worries. He was fine, or well, he would be soon. The second was always the worst for healing, anyways. The sore muscles regaining their strength. The wound beginning to scar over. It was the day that offered the most change and the most progress. "I'm fine, love," he told her as the girls began their work on Coraline.
The ladies worked diligently and quickly. Frankly, Jace knew that Coraline would never need an ounce of makeup to be beautiful. He had never seen any on her before and she captivated him in a way that was unearthly. She was naturally beautiful, but as these ladies continued their work Jace knew that he was in for a real surprise.
And he was.
The shocked expression on his face as Coraline turned to face him was immediate. His eyes widened and he couldn't help but to stumble lightly. "Wow, is right," he managed to say, his voice tightened as his eyes raked over her face. He was smiling, he could feel his cheeks tighten and grow sore for how big he was grinning. "Although, is it rude of me to say that I miss the curls?" They were the wild part of her, the rebel side he had grown to love so dearly over these past few months. Jace was slightly sad to see them gone. Jace took her hand and pulled her into him and kissed her, he wasn't gentle either. If Jace could have his way, he would devour her right here and now. Fuck tea.
As he released her from his grasp, Coraline picked the light blue dress he had set out. His favorite out of the bunch and he beamed, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "That one is my favorite," he said, watching her as she ditched the robe and began to pull the dress on. A low growl rumbled in his chest and he stepped forward, zipping up the back of her dress delicately before she spun towards him. His eyes grew that predatory gleam in them once more. The light blue complimented her eyes so well that he was practically swimming in the ocean that he stared into. She was ravishing. "You are exquisite," he whispered against her mouth as he held her, moving her kiss to his lips, not daring to let her go just yet. "You will do more than pass, love." He whispered, eventually releasing her from his grasp, his hands trailing up and down her arms. "You think Mrs. Richmond will be understanding if you're a little late?" He chuckled, pressing his body against hers.
However, the feeling was short lived as the clock chimed 10am. it was time for her to go. Groaning in protest, Jace eventually removed his body from hers and slowly headed to the door to see her off. Opening it, he leaned against the frame, taking one more look at her. "You will do great, remember that. She will love you, don't be nervous. You'll meet Monroe right down the hall. I'm sure Alex will give you a set of ground rules before he sends you in to his mother," he chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. As she exited, Jace made sure to slap her ass, smirking deviously as she walked down the hall. "I love you. Hurry back, we have more bed rest to do," and with a wink he closed the door.
Alex smirked just a little as Monroe stirred awake, immediately groaning about how painful she felt after their night. He knew that it was most likely just an affect of her healing body coupled with the change of becoming elite working it’s way through her, but he knew that their night together surely couldn’t have helped. “You’ll feel better in a couple days.” He promised, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as he smoothed down her hair. “You’re an elite now - you’ll be astounded by how quickly you’ll heal.” He assured her.
As the petite blonde crawled to the edge of the bed only to curl her legs around his waist, her arms following suit as they slid around his neck, Alex couldn’t help but chuckle into her hair. Wrapping one arm around her back, the other sliding under her bottom to support her, Alexander lifted the girl from the bed and carried her to the bathroom. He couldn’t hide the shit-eating-grin on his face as the blonde dropped her robe to the floor on their way, sliding out of his own shortly after.
Once Alexander gently placed her in the tub of steaming water, he climbed in behind her, sitting and opening his legs for her to sit between them. He wrapped his arms around her body as she leaned back against his chest, grinning at her comment over the bubbles. “Yeah, I thought you’d like that.” He replied with a low laugh, squeezing her in a soft hug from behind. Relaxing back against the wall of the tub, Alex nearly fell back asleep. Between the warm water soaking his skin and the feel of Monroe’s body pressed back against him he had reached his optimal level of comfort.
Alex let out a soft groan as Monroe lifted herself out of the tub, reaching out to pull her back into the tub but just missing her hands, leaving him alone. He definitely hadn’t been ready to get out yet. “Brat.” He pouted, eventually rising out of the tub as well and stepping out onto the marble floor, wrapping himself back in the comfortable plush robe. Moments later a knock sounded at the door. “Come in!” He called, turning to give Monroe a wicked grin as a couple of women entered the room with a large rack of clothing and lots of tools to pamper Monroe with.
“I love you too!” He called playfully as the women whisked her away, shaking his head in amusement at her distressed look. Alex busied himself sorting through the racks of clothing himself, selecting a pair of charcoal grey slacks and a white button down dress shirt for himself. He excused himself to the bathroom to dress so he didn’t put on a show for all of the wait-staff, returning to the main room as he tightened a brown leather belt around his waist. He paused to glance at himself in the mirror, combing his hair back out of his face with his fingers until it dat in a more presentable fashion. It had been years since he’d last seen himself like this, and while he didn’t mind it, he hadn’t exactly missed it either. Alex would have much preferred to throw on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, but alas, that was no longer his life.
Returning to the rack, Alex sifted through the dozen or so dresses until he’d selected his favorites, setting them to the side for Monroe to consider once she was done getting pampered. Sitting at the edge of the bed as he waited, Alex couldn’t help but steal a few glances at the blonde’s reflection in the mirror, grinning wickedly at what he saw.
Every time he thought that he couldn’t possibly be more enchanted with this girl, she proved him wrong.
Coraline couldn’t help the evident frown on her lips as she watched Jace struggle to pull himself up in bed, noticing the large splattering of black and blue bruising around the site of his injury as well as the clear pain written all over his face every time he tried to move. “I knew last night was a bad idea.” She muttered, mentally kicking herself for letting herself get carried away and not caring more than she had about the repercussions.
The injury looked far worse than it had the day before, and Jace was definitely in a lot more pain than he had been the previous night. While their night together had been like something out of a dream, Cora would never put her own gratification over Jace’s health and comfortability, and she regretted falling prey to her own desires instead of insisting he truly rest. “I’m sorry.” She murmured, crawling forward to press a gentle kiss against his lips. “Maybe you should stay in bed and rest today?” She offered, combing her fingers through his hair affectionally. “I’m sure Alex can keep a handle on things just for a day.”
She smiled softly at Jace’s attempt at flattery, her cheeks blushing just a tad at his compliment. “You tend to have that affect on me.” She countered, although their conversation was cut short by a sudden knock at the door. She cast Jace a panicked look as two women entered the room with a large rack of clothing and a tray full of make ups and hair tools. Coraline didn’t miss their bashful blushes and averted eyes as they noticed that Jace still lay naked in the bed, but after he assured them that it was aright it was down to business.
She pressed one last quick kiss against his lips before she was ushered to a large vanity placed in the center of the room, sitting down and just trying to stay still while the two women went to work on her. Coraline had never worn make up a day in her life - it wasn’t something easy to come by out in the wasteland. As a teenager she’d pinch her cheeks to bring color to them or eat raspberries to stain her lips, but that was the best she’d ever been able to manage. The girl tried to steal glances in the mirror, but was constantly being redirected to shut her eyes, tilt her head, and so on - so she finally settled with just keeping her eyes closes until they were finished.
Coraline thanked the women as they stepped away, pleased with their work and leaving her to dress with strict instructions to meet Alex and Monroe in the front parlor once she was finished. “Wow.” The girl whispered, inspecting her reflection in the mirror in a sort of awe. She still look like herself, but everything about her had been enhanced - her cheek bones were more defined, a little blush brought color to her cheeks, a light stain tinted her lips a deeper shade, her nails had been polished, and a thick gooey substance had coated black on her eyelashes, lengthening them and making them more prominent as they framed her blue eyes. Her thick hair which was normally a mess of waves and curls had been ironed pin-straight, and was the smoothest she‘d ever seen it.
Turning to face Jace, she passed him a smile as she noticed the few outfits laid out on the bed for her. The rack full of clothing had been pretty intimidating, and she was thankful that he had tried to help her narrow her decision, as well as simply pleased that he wanted to be a part of this transition with her instead of just throwing her to the wolves to figure out herself.
Coraline wasn’t afraid of dresses, and genuinely didn’t mind wearing them. While she didn’t always think that they were the most practical, it wasn’t uncommon for her to wear a fun sundress while she’d stayed back in the village when she knew she had an easy day ahead of her. However, all these were far nicer than anything she’d ever owned, or even seen for that matter. Running her fingers along the fabric of each piece, she finally selected a light blue one, holding it up for Jace’s approval. “How about this one?”
The dress was well fitted through the bodice, dropping to flow loosely to just above her knee, paired with little cap sleeves that made her feel pretty and dainty. A pair of nude heals and pearl jewelry had been brought in to complete the outfit, and she couldn’t deny the smile on her face as she looked at herself in the mirror. It was very different than anything she’d ever worn before, but she felt beautiful.
Turning to face the dark haired boy she loved, she offered him a twirl and a giddy grin. “So?” She prompted, crossing the room to drape her arms over his shoulders. “Do I pass?” She asked with a light laugh, raising up to press a kiss against the boy’s cheek. Even in heels, he still had a solid few inches of height on her.
She had fallen asleep with her hands laced through his hair and his heat beat thrumming against her own -- soothing whatever worries she had. It soothed her, his heart beat. It was steady and it steadied her own wavering heart as well. Alex always was able to do that to her. Bring her out of her head and back down to earth.
Monroe was awoken by that same heart beat not on top of her, but besides her, and soft butterfly kisses trailing down her face until his lips met her own. She kissed him back, almost ready to drag him back into the bed with her, but the harsh pain from her injury put that idea to a halt. God, she was sore. Every where on her body hurt, not just her chest. She could feel pain all the way down to her toes. Surely it was probably her body just getting used to the change it had gone through only twenty four hours ago -- but still, it hurt like a bitch. "I feel like I've been hit by a truck," she growled against his lips.
Alex tossing a robe over her lap and mentioning the bath he had drawn for them almost made her come undone right then and there. She swore she could have married that boy on the spot. A bath would no doubt feel amazing and one with Alex? It was surely her lucky day. He was charming and Alex's love language was definitely touch and words of affirmation, but romantic acts like drawing a bath were uncommon. She didn't mind, Monroe wasn't much of a romantic herself and she had her own ways of showing love, but still she was excited. "I would love nothing more," she purred.
She took Alex's hand and slowly rolled out of bed, draping the robe over her bare skin. Monroe hissed in pain at the movement and looked up at Alex. Monroe was never the one to ask for help and she surely didn't like showing her pain on her face, but this morning she would make an exception. Wrapping her legs around Alex's waist and then snaking her arms around his neck, she held onto Alex -- making him carry her koala bear style into the bathroom. Monroe's head tucked into the spot on his shoulder by his neck and she planted slow kisses there as they entered into the bathroom, dropping her robe along the way. Sinking into the tub, she couldn't help but to groan slightly at the feeling. Her muscles instantly started to relax and she went limp in the tub as Alex joined her. Monroe positioned herself to where her back leaned against his chest and she let her head fall back against him, the bubbles floating over their connected bodies. "The bubbles were a nice touch," she chuckled lightly, craning her head to kiss his neck.
Monroe took her time in the bath, washing her and Alex down lightly until most of the bubbles had disappeared. Monroe slowly stepped out of the tub and grabbed her robe once more, wrapping it around herself just in time as a knock sounded on their bedroom door. She arched a brow as two ladies strolled in with clothes and beauty supplies and Monroe sighed. It looked like her relaxation this morning was short lived. Passing Alex a slight look of worry, she let the women take her over to the large vanity that sat in the corner of the room -- too scared to even look at the dresses on the clothing rack they had brought in. "You're lucky I love you," she drawled to Alex as the ladies set her in the chair, turning her away from the mirror so she was unable to watch herself transform.
He had felt Coraline's small body leave his own earlier in the morning -- the cool air where she once lay was kissing his skin, causing small goosebumps to appear. He shivered at the loss and groaned lightly out of protest before sleep returned to him once again. This morning he was exhausted. Utterly exhausted. He had underestimated the healing process for being shot in the chest. Yesterday he still felt the adrenaline going through him and keeping up alert and awake. But this morning? Jace couldn't even force himself to open his eyes. In and out of his battle to awake he had vaguely heard the shower turn on and the light clinking of a tray the wait staff had no doubt put on a table across from the room. Jace tried to mutter a thank you, but he knew it was muffled by the hundreds of pillows he had sank into.
Jace could feel Coraline's eyes landing on him -- he could feel the weight if her small frame sit at the edge of the bed. Sighing lightly, he stretched, winced from pain, and lazily opened his eyes -- blinking at the sunlight that filled the room. He felt like shit. Even though last night had been a dream and it had been the most euphoric thing seeing Coraline astride him and the moon illuminating her throughout the night, he could now feel his sore muscles begin to heal and reform by his wound. Dark bruising now sat on his chest. It looked ugly, to say the least.
"Morning, love," he groaned, his voice hoarse with sleep. He sat up slowly, not even trying to hide the pain on his face as he did so. "Shit," he sighed once he finally was able to prop himself up on the pillows. Jace stared at her while she sat so innocently, drinking from her mug, her hair damp from the shower and back in that damned robe. He couldn't help but to smile at the sight. "You're glowing," he mused, raking a hand through his hair -- trying to tame the bed head.
Their short conversation was interrupted by a light knock on the door. "Come in," Jace called, passing Coraline a sly smile as a pair of staff strolled in with a clothing rack and a tray of hair tools and makeup supplies. The two ladies blushed slightly as they took in Jace still in bed. "Apologies, we could come back later. Mrs. Richmond sent us down here and to Mr. Richmond's room as well." Jace waved their apology off, "Of course, come in." His eyes flicked to Coraline and he wriggled his brows playfully as they began to usher the girl over to the vanity in the corner of the room.
His attention went over to the clothing rack that sat in the middle of the room. Searching through the blankets, he was able to find his pair of shorts and he quickly pulled them before he began to drag himself out of bed -- offering a few slew of expletives as he did so. He began to search through the dresses, taking a few he liked and setting them on the bed to get Coraline's opinion later while the ladies began to pamper her. Jace tried to keep his eyes to himself, but he couldn't help but to take a few glances in the mirror as they began to paint makeup on Coraline's already beautiful face. His throat tightened and his chest caught every single time. Jace already knew he was going to be in trouble once she was ready. It would be a war between keeping her in bed with him and actually letting her go to tea.
The moment Monroe had promised to stop him if anything went wrong, Alex didn’t hesitate to join their bodies as one, a growl rumbling out of his chest as he did so. It only took a few strokes for Alex to recognize that he was definitely going to be in trouble - the feeling of Monroe‘s body reacting to all of the new and heightened sensations already driving him wild. Her whispered astonishment and unabashed sounds of pleasure filling his ears and only driving him to go harder - although he continually had to remind himself to hold back, she was still healing from a catastrophic injury, and no matter how euphoric it felt he did not want to be responsible for hurting her in any way.
A low hiss emitted from his lips at the feel of her nails dragging along his back, that mixed with the feeling of Monroe‘s quivers as she came undone against him enough to finally push him over the edge as well. Sex with an elite was so different from sex with a human - with a fellow elite he never had to worry about holding himself back, or gripping too hard, or forgetting his own strength and hurting them. The only thing keeping them back from the best sex of their lives was her injury - and he could only imagine what it would be like once she healed. Hell, they probably wouldn’t leave this bedroom for a week once that happened.
As they both came down from their climax, Alex collapsed the blonde beneath him. He was careful to avoid her injury as he laid his head against her chest, using it as a pillow while he made himself comfortable and caught his breath. He smirked at the girl’s words, unable to hide the slight boost in ego that they’d given him. “Oh, you won’t.” He promised, gingerly kissing her skin where his head lay. “It only gets better from here, love.” He cooed, grinning as he wrapped his arms snuggly around her.
“I love you, Monroe.” He murmured in return, squeezing her gently as he closed his eyes. It hadn’t taken long for Alex to finish falling asleep, the exhaustion from their long day coupled with the exertion of their romp in the bed enough to pull him into a deep and restful slumber.
He wasn’t sure how he’d actually managed it, but Alex had willed himself to wake before Monroe - a commendable feat, considering he was usually a bear in the mornings. He took a few moments to sip the coffee that was already waiting for them on a silver platter placed in the room - meaning the wait-staff had definitely been in here while they slept naked, but not awake enough to really care.
Alex headed into the bathroom, turning the faucet on the tub until it ran with warm water. Placing the stopper, he added a few suds to the water, pleased with his romantic effort as he slipped into one of the two robes hanging in the massive bathroom, tossing the other one over his arm to take to Monroe.
Alexander was well aware that this would be a grueling day for his girlfriend, and while he knew they probably didn’t have too long before she would have to start getting ready, he wanted to take advantage of every spare moment they had together to try and put her at ease before he tossed her to the wolves.
Approaching the edge of the bed, Alex smiled as he leant forward to dot a few light kisses across Monroe’s face as he tried to gently wake her. “Good morning, my love.“ He murmured, tilting her chin up a tad to press a proper kiss to her lips as he laid the spare robe across her lap. ”I’ve ran us a bath.” He said sweetly, smiling down at the sleepy blonde, clearly proud of himself for pulling off something so sweet. Alex wasn’t typically a very romantic person, so the fact that he’d gotten up early and taken the time to run her a bath before her long day had taken a lot of thought on Alex’s part - something he wasn’t quite used to.
“Would you like to join me?” He tempted, smiling as he offered the girl his hand.
No matter how many times Jace protested or slyly tried to take control, Coraline remained steadfast in her end of the deal. If they were going to do this while Jace was still hurt, they would do it her way and her way only.
The night had been rich, full of soft sighs and gentle touches, whispered affections feeling their ears as they unraveled against each other again and again. Eventually the room had fallen into complete darkness aside from the pale light filtering in through the window, the moon illuminating their conjoined bodies in a soft glow. As Jace held her hips steady against his, Coraline took a moment to soak in everything that he was.
Cora had always thought Jace was the most attractive man she’d ever seen - remembering fondly the giddy whispers to Monroe as she gushed over how cute he was when they’d first arrived to the city. Sure, being an elite meant he was genetically inclined to be more attractive than most people - but it was so much more than that - despite his rough exterior that had taken Coraline so long to comepltely break through, Jace had a heart of gold, he was the most loyal person she’d ever met, and he loved so fiercely that it was hard to ever question it. Here, cast in the light of the moon and looking at her as if she were his most prized possession in the world, Coraline swore she would do anything for this man. “You are the best thing that’s ever happened to be, Jace Kingston.” She declared, her blue eyes dancing with delight.
The brunette collapsed against the bigger male without protest as he pulled her against him, curling up against his chest and letting out a content sigh. “I love you too.” She murmured, adjusting herself so she could run her fingers through his hair, which was beginning to take on a slight curl as it grew out. She wasn’t sure when she had fallen asleep, but it hadn’t taken long once she’d settled against the man she loved for her eyes to drift close and her mind to fill with dreams.
For once in her life Coraline appreciated that she was a natural early-bird. Her eyes at fluttered open at the first hint of light, and while she’d stayed in bed to cuddle Jace for a few minutes longer, she eventually crawled out to start her day. By the time Jace had even begun to stir, Coraline was already showered and sitting perched at the foot of the bed, leaning back against one of the bed posts as she sipped a mug of coffee, wrapped in what was quickly becoming her favorite article of clothing - her robe. A tray with hot coffee, cream, sugar, and a spare mug for Jace sat across the room on a small table, brought in by the wait-staff while Cora had showered. She watched Jace with a small smile as his mind and body battled between continuing to snooze or starting to ware, her heart melting at the boyish innocence on his face as he slept, and the silly expressions and little noised he made once he’d began to stir awake.
She knew that her day would soon be consumed with dresses and flattery and communicating with a very scary woman, so Cora tried to take this time in the early morning to ground herself and just appreciate everything that she had - a comfy bed, a safe space, warm water, delicious food, and most importantly the man happily dozing a few feet away from her, the love of her life.
Even though the dread for tomorrow morning still was very evident, Monroe softened at Alex's words. How excited he was to see her partake in a part of his life -- what he grew up with. He had lived so long in her world without a complaint on the lack of food and comfortable homes and showers. Alex gave up this to be with her, even if it were for only a few months. She would compromise for him -- she had to. She loved him with every fiber in her being. Monroe was important to him as he was to her. "Don't get too comfortable with it," she teased back. "But, you are important to me too, Alex. That's why I'll do it and I'll even keep the eye rolls to a minimum," she tapped his nose with her finger, giggling lightly.
However, a small part of her was worried for what their future would hold. Alex's father was a powerful man. While she didn't know much about how the government worked inside the city and how Alex would now come into play, she knew that his role would now be bigger. He was the man of the house -- the Richmond Estate. And she was with him. What would that mean for her? Monroe was a natural born leader and had the spit fire passion and strong willed nature for it -- but it was nothing like this. She knew the next few weeks would be a learning curve for all of them. But, they would survive it. Just like they always had.
"Will you be getting dressed up tomorrow, Alexander?" Monroe arched a thin brow. She had never seen the boy dressed in anything but kevlar or the clothes they had accumulated while at the village. To see him being dressed so... proper, would be exciting. Strange, but exciting. "Maybe they can fix your hair while they're at it," she ruffled her hands through his dark locks before curling her fingers into it.
That look he always did, with his bottom lip reeled in between his teeth, it drove her absolutely insane. It flooded her thoughts and it made her insides tingle just at the sight. And then his lips. His lips were all consuming and there was nothing in between them. Not even air. Whenever Alex kissed her every worry of hers flew out of her body. But now? With her new heightened senses? She couldn't even remember her own damn name.
She kissed him back fiercely as he threw off his clothes and then her own until they were skin to skin -- breathing heavily as his bites and nips that only he would see dispersed over her body. Monroe couldn't help but to moan at the sensation of it. As she was ready for him as he positioned himself, Monroe stilled as he suddenly stopped and spoke to her, warning in his voice. She knew it would be different and that her body would be on sensory overload. But she didn't care -- she wanted to feel him more. Feel everything more. She offered him a daring smile and her eyes lit up slightly and she simply nodded before she leaned forward, her lips barely brushing his as she said, "I promise." She kissed him once before she spoke again, her voice a low growl. "Now shut up and fuck me."
As he slid into her a sighed immediately released from her chest. Every inch of her felt as if it were on fire and frozen in ice at the same time. Monroe could hear his heart beat and it soothed her soul. Her brows furrowed slightly at the sensation and her hand went to cup his face while another one clung to his hair, pulling on it tightly as they moved in a steady rhythm. "Oh my God..." she whispered between kisses and her control loosened and she fully melted into him. Monroe was aware of every sliver of space where their bodies touched and she couldn't help the sounds of pleasure that tore through her as they made love until her whole body was shaking with release. Her vision grew bright as her nails clawed into Alex's back, leaving harsher scratches than she had intended -- almost animalistic. If this was sex now with Alex as an Elite, with a hindering injury, she couldn't even begin to imagine how it would be like once fully healed. A new wave of energy had hit her where she felt nothing but Alex and the soul catching way he made her feel.
Monroe's hair was plastered to the nape of her neck with sweat once they had finally both come down from the high they had given each other. She just laid there more a moment, her breathing deep and steady as she brushed back his hair from his face. "I don't think I will ever be able to get used to that," she eventually said, a tired smile forming across her lips as she kissed him slowly, slightly rolling her hips into him, which only emitted another moan from herself. "I love you," she said to him. Her eyes locked on his own.
He could listen to the soft moans she made against him forever. It was his favorite sound. Not even out of lust or seduction, but just complete love. Her voice was soft but carried so much force and power beneath the tiny thing she was. He would never grow tired of it.
Jace caught her gaze staring at his wound on his chest. Granted, it looked rough. The healing process was never pretty, even with it being expedited due to his Elite blood. He still felt pain, but nothing Coraline couldn't help mask. Nothing her sweet words couldn't help with and the feeling of her body against his own. Nothing the feeling he felt as her whispers tickled his skin couldn't heal and the overpowering feeling on her sinking into him.
He couldn't help but to curse. "Fuck," he groaned, his hands grabbing her hips, meeting her devious gaze before she leaned in, taking his lip between her teeth. He nipped at her before he pressed a long and lingering kiss on her lips, his hands exploring every inch of her body as it relaxed into him. "Screw the doctors," he growled, his breath hitching with every roll Coraline's hips made as he met his own into hers.
Even as he protested throughout the night, Coraline never let Jace take control. She was slow and patient and they full on succumbed to one another. He took in those sweet sighs she made and the feeling of her as he came undone on him over and over again. Their bodies were riddled with a light layer of sweat by the time darkness over took the large room. The light glow of the full moon sifting through the light layer of curtains that covered the window. It illuminated Coraline's naked body as Jace refused to let her leave his hips. He just wanted to look at her -- to bask in everything that she was. "You are what I have been looking for, for my entire life, Coraline." He murmured against her as he pulled her down on top of him, pain not even shifting through his chest. His hands traveled through her rich locks, twirling the edges in between his fingers. "Let's try to get some sleep," he whispered into her ear, biting the edge of it playfully before pressing his lips to the side of her head.
Jace held her against him, sending a light trail of kisses until his body became overwhelmed with exhaustion. "Maybe bed rest isn't so bad after all," he joked, his voice groggy. "I love you." And Jace fell asleep with Coraline wrapped in his arms, clinging to this small slice of heaven to battle the hell that had endured.
Alexander smirked slightly as Monroe groaned in protest when he brought up her tea with his mother in the morning, shaking his head in amusement as she requested that she at least be able to choose the color of her dress. “I can try to make that happen.” He agreed with a smile, pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose playfully.
“I can’t lie though-“ He began, stretching his lanky body out in the bed beside her. For the first time in months he could stretch his entire body all the way out without some part of him hanging off the edge of the bed - he’d never thought he was capable of missing a mattress so much. “I’m kind of excited to see you all dolled up.” He teased with a grin, twirling a strand of her blonde hair around his finger. “I know it’s not your style, but it’s how I grew up seeing important women - and who’s more important to me than you?” He mused, passing the blonde a smile.
Most people in the city dressed normally throughout the year, excluding holidays when men and women would wear their best clothes to attend the festivities. But Alex had been raised as the son of a council member, and families of the council were held to a much higher standard than the commoners of the city. The council was essentially the city’s government, and each family had their own estate and interacted with one another regularly. This meant his childhood had been filled with suits and dresses, and once he was old enough he was expected to dress the same. Although he hadn’t stuck around very long after he’d had to start wearing suits in the house, joining the guard with Jace shortly after they’d reached the appropriate age.
He struggled to even imagine his strong Monroe with her hair curled or pinned up in intricate styles, wearing skirts and dresses and heels every day. He knew she would hate it, and though he hoped she may grow used to the customs of the council - which he now technically was a part of thanks to his fathers death, he supposed - he would never force her to change her entire being to fit in. “There will be ladies to come help you in the morning.” He warned, his fingers gently brushing through her hair. “To bring clothing choices and help you with your hair until we have you fitted for your own wardrobe, but I will stick around and try not to let them go too crazy.” He assured her. The more he thought about it, the more he imagined what their future would hold - Monroe would never conform, which meant he’d have to work to change the rules to accommodate her. Alex loved that woman, he would move mountains for her if she so saw fit, the least he could do was try to update a dress code.
However, Alexander wasn’t able to fall too deep into his thoughts before the feel of Monroe’s wandering hands ripped him back to reality. He quirked an eyebrow at her, reeling his bottom lip between his teeth as her hand ventured below his waistband. “Not too tired, I hope.” He countered, unable to resist the blonde temptress as he closed the gap between their bodies with a single jerk of his arm, pulling her tightly against him.
His lips crushed against her’s over and over again, the weight of the day finally falling away as he lost himself in her. There was no better stress-releif than this - than being here with her, Monroe consuming all of his mind. Alex wasted no time pulling his shirt over his head, tossing it to the floor somewhere in the room that he didn’t pay attention to, ridding Monroe of her own next. Unable to help himself, his lips moved down her neck and to her chest, nipping the skin lightly - careful to only leave marks in places that they wouldn’t be revealed by a dress. As his lips expertly moved across her chest, his hands made themselves busy sliding her bottoms off of her hips and down her legs, his fingers lightly skimming down her skin as he went.
She drove him absolutely wild, and by the time he’d finished stripping them of their clothing his chest rose and fell rapidly, his body overcome by endorphins. Positioning himself between her legs, he forced himself to pause, tearing his eyes from her perfect body to meet her own grey gaze. “This might be different for you.” He warned, expecting that he heightened senses wouldn’t make any exception for the bedroom. “I don’t want to overwhelm you or hurt you or anything - you have to promise you’ll tell me to stop if something isn’t right.” He bargained, his breathes still heavy.
Of course he didn’t want anything more than to take her right then and there - but in this he would not be selfish, he needed to put her above all else and ensure that she wouldn’t suffer through something that wasn’t right for his sake.
Coraline rolled her eyes dramatically as Jace erupted into laughter once she’d expressed her concerns over how scary Mrs. Richmond was - however, she couldn’t miss the flutter in her chest as those dimples she loved so much made an appearance on his cheeks. It was rare that his dimples popped out, only when something made him really laugh or smile, but the girl swore every time she caught a glimpse of them her heart melted a little more. “But you’re her son’s best friend.” She argued, shaking her head in protest once again. “And I’m just the girlfriend - she so isn’t going to like me.”
Coraline dropped back down into the mattress beside him, snuggling into him as he explained that he was more concerned for Monroe than herself during their time with Alex’s mother. To be completely honest, so was she. “Monroe doesn’t listen to anyone, not even me.” She corrected playfully.
The brunette closed her deep blue eyes at the feel of Jace’s calloused finger sliding across the smooth skin of her face, causing a small smile to slip onto he lips as she soaked in the feel of his touch. It didn’t matter how many times she felt his rough hands on her skin, it gave her shivers every single time. Her eyes finally cracked back open as he began to speak, emphasizing that he was sick of focusin on tomorrow, and instead wanted to give all of his attention to the moment they shared right now - she couldn’t disagree. After everything they’d been through today and everything they would inevitably have to face in the days to come, they deserved this night together with no other distractions or agendas to fulfill. Tonight was solely theirs, anything else could wait until the morning.
Cora smirked just slightly, unsurprised when her lover suggested they skip the rest part of is mandated bed rest. As much as Coraline wanted to give in to her own desires, she couldn’t help but worry about Jace’s injury if they did follow through with what they both clearly wanted. Had had never been a particularly easy lover, and she feared that things would get a little too vigorous a little too quickly, and he’d end up tearing open his steal healing wound or end up causing himself pain. “Jace, the doctor said-” She began in protest, but was quickly cut off by the unyielding force of Jace’s lips coming down on her own, his strong arms barely even flexing a he pulled her body down on top of his.
Her mind fogged over and before she knew it his hands were making quick work of her clothing, followed by his own with a bit of her help. It didn’t take long for there to be nothing left to separate them, skin pressing to skin as Coraline laved her lips down the side of Jace’s neck, leaving tiny love bites in her wake as she went.
She rose her lips back to his, pressing another firm kiss against his mouth, a soft groan slipping from her lips as he tugged at her bottom lip with his tease. The lazy smile on his lips drove her crazy - he knew exactly what he was doing to her, and he knew that he’d get his way if he kept it up.
However, now that all of their clothing scattered the floor around their bed, Coraline could really get a good look at his wound. The spot on his chest still looked ghastly, and it had managed to reel her back into making good decisions instead of just falling under this wicked boy’s spell and giving him anything that he wanted. But still, she couldn’t resist the feel of his hands tracing her every word as he whispered please.
With a defeated sigh and a wicked grin, Coraline pressed another kiss against his plush lips. “Only because you said please.” She whispered tauntingly, using his shoulders as leverage to finally sink onto him - that alone almost enough to make her eyes roll back after all of the teasing they’d done. Keeping her hands on his shoulders, Coraline slowly rolled her hips against him, smirking just slightly as she locked eyes with the dark haired boy. “But tonight we’ll take it slow, and I’ll do all the work.” She whispered against his lips, catching the bottom one between her teeth. “You have to rest - doctor’s orders.” She teased.
Alex's arms would always be a safe haven for her. He was patient and forgiving and he never, not once, shied away from her hard exterior or the fire behind her eyes. He took her for the challenging, broken girl she was but he didn't treat her as if she were fragile. Alex accepted Monroe for who she was, wounds and all, and the way he held her was as if their souls were connected. He understood her.
She would try. Monroe would try for him.
As he began to usher them away, Monroe glanced back at the kitchen, at the dirty broken dishes in the sink, then at her already healed hands. The small cuts from the shattered glass only leaving faint markings on her finger tips. "Okay," she softly said to him, leaning into his chest as they walked through the long halls and into their bedroom. He believed in her -- now she had to believe in herself.
Laying on the bed with him soothed her racing mind, just the weight of him next to her was all she needed. As he hesitated to touch her, Monroe closed the distance in between them, giving him the okay. It really was astounding how much better she had already felt. The pain was now only a dull ache -- probably from the whiskey, as well. Suddenly, a light flush rose to her cheeks as Alex gazed at her face -- her new face. He had always looked at her the way all women want to be looked at. He looked at her and he saw through every wall she had put up and into the most intimate parts of her that no one ever saw. "Thank you. I feel... different. I think it's a good different," she sighed. However, even Monroe knew that the little truth in those words couldn't even convince herself.
The mention of tea tomorrow made Monroe wince and she lightly groaned as Alex reminded her. She wanted his mother to like her and she wanted to like his mother. However, even a blind man knew that Monroe wasn't too into her feminine side and her sailor mouth wouldn't pass with Mrs. Richmond. "Can I at least pick out the color of the dress?" Monroe had worn a dress only a handful of times in her life -- most of them being when she was younger when her mother had to force her into them. Granted, when Monroe was younger she didn't want to wear clothes anyways. As a toddler she always ran around naked or half clothed and when she did need to be dressed it was always in pants. Never dresses. Never skirts.
Monroe was also worried about the expectations Mrs. Richmond had, etiquitte wise. Alex eased her mind slightly as he told her they would go over a few things tomorrow morning, but she knew that would be her downfall. "I will try my best to be a proper lady," she giggled softly, teasing him. As Alex told her he was aware of how much she would hate it, Monroe couldn't help but to laugh more soundly. "You know me so well," she purred, biting his nose back.
She ran her hands down his chest and then slipped them under his shirt, outlining every one of his muscles with her fingertips. Monroe knew that there was plenty more they had to talk about. His dad, her change, the role she would now have to play. They were practically drowning under the unspoken words between them. But, she didn't want to think about any of that anymore -- not tonight. Monroe wanted to stay in this bed with him until tomorrow practically dragged her out by her ankles. Her hands traveled to the waistband of his pants and she tugged at the elastic lightly before slipping her hand beneath, tracing him more with her fingers past his navel.
"I am so tired," she sighed against him, bringing her lips lightly to his to kiss him softly. And she was. She was tired from the battle, from killing, from practically dying in his arms. All she needed was him and his arms her. To forget about all of the pain they had both gone through. To just be with each other, melting into him as he did with her. Connecting their souls once more.
He shrugged at Alex's knowing look as well as waved off his words about being safe. "Speak for yourself," he joked with Alex, hoping he wouldn't take his playful jab to heart.
After all, he was the one who had a pregnancy scare.
As he and Coraline toppled over each other in the bed, Jace held her a little closer tonight. He had almost lost her today. It terrified the shit out of him. Hell, he had almost died today. Even with the bullet wound healing in his chest and the remnants of the battle lingering out in the streets, he knew they would be okay. They all would get through this together. Jace felt the bond between their small group was stronger than ever, even if they were all a little broken from the day.
Coraline's joke about how scary Mrs. Richmond was made Jace bust out into laughter. His smile was wide, even showing light dimples in his cheeks. "You're not wrong about that, love. But her bark is worse than her bite. Hell, she took me in -- the woman has a soft side. She's just not good with change, that's all". He kissed Coraline back lightly, cupping her face as he did so, before he continued. "I love you, too. We'll probably have to run you and Monroe by a couple ground rules before, but honestly I'm more worried about Goldilocks keeping her cool. She might need your help during it, she listens to you."
Jace traced a finger around Coraline's face. From her eyebrows, to her cute button nose, to her full and plump lips. Every part of her captivated him and she was so much more than the beauty that covered her face. Coraline was beautiful on the inside as well. Jace still was in shock that he was here with her, in this bed, after everything they had gone through. He knew their love could survive anything.
"But, let's not worry about tomorrow anymore," he told her, kissing her nose. "I wanna focus on tonight, on you." Jace was in a particularly good mood after today. Maybe it was part of him trying to mask the pain and fear he had felt, maybe another part of him was thankful for that damn bullet missing his heart. Giving him more time to be here with her, because God know's he wasn't ready to give her up.
"Okay, you heard the doctors orders -- bed rest. Although, let's forget the rest part." He grinned at Coraline, scooping her up in his arms and pulling her on top of him, kissing her deeply. His hands began to tug at her soft tee and slowly pulled it off of her, tossing it near the foot of the large mattress. He then followed suit with his own shirt and clothes until there was nothing keeping them apart from each other. Jace gave her a lazy male smile and tugged on her bottom lip with his teeth, nipping at her lovingly. "Please?" He murmured against her lips, his hands cascading down her body, highlighting every curve on her.
Alexander could feel the tension still rolling off of Monroe in waves and as much as he wanted to try and help her, he didn’t want to push her too hard either. She would have to adapt and come to terms with things at her own pace, and in the mean time Alex could only try his best to support her. He ran his hand along the back of her neck and shoulders, massaging the skin gently while he tipped his filled glass back with his free hand. While he didn’t plan on getting drunk tonight, he’d felt that everyone could use a little something to calm their nerves after their encounter with his mother. He knew better than most how intimidating the woman could be.
Alex couldn’t hide the smirk at his closest friend’s sad attempt at an excuse to leave the table, rolling his eyes as he shot the boy a knowing look. They had just won a war, and he’d played an instrumental part in bringing them the victory - Alex knew better than to expect them just to go back to their room and do nothing other than sleep - they had reason to celebrate, and he fully expected them to. “Night guys.” He called, “Be safe.” The second set of words were directed towards Jace with a playful grin, sure that his friend would pick up on the double meaning.
As Monroe declared she was going to help clean up, Alex started to protest but stopped himself short as she rose out of her seat and began collecting their dishes. With a sigh, he simply rose to follow her, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen as he watched her drop the china in the sink with a little too much force.
Seeing her frustration, Alex approached the blonde from behind, gently pulling her back against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, assuring her that it was okay in his warmest voice, just holding her for a few minutes to give her a chance to calm down a little.
”Come on.” He insisted, releasing her from his grasp only to drape an arm over her shoulders, guiding her from the kitchen and back towards their bedroom. “I know this is all a lot right now, and it’s going to take you time to get used to everything. But I promise that you’ll figure this out eventually.” He assured her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as they walked.
Eventually they made it back to their bedroom, and Alex sprawled back on the king sized bed. Normally he wouldn’t have hesitated to pull Monroe on top of him, but her injury had been him cautious, his hands hesitating half way to her before he thought better of it. Instead, he rolled to face her, gently brushing her hair away from her face as he passed her a lazy smile. “You definitely look the part now.” He murmured, teasing at how they’d once tried to disguise her as an Elite. Monroe had always been beautiful, and Alex hadn’t thought she could ever draw his eye more than she already did - but like this, as an Elite, he found himself continually astounded by her magnificence.
“Tea tomorrow won’t be fun.” He warned the blonde, a bit of teasing affection in his voice. Alex knew that Monroe had never favored the more delicate side of her femininity, but that was a part of her that she would have to embrace for the time being. They all had a role to play now as members of a renowned estate of the city, and while eventually he was sure the rules would relax - first impressions were very important. The city was essentially an by a handful of powerful families, his own being one of them - he guessed that things would be different now that the war had been one and the human survivors would be joining their forces, he also knew that old traditions died hard, and his family name and their estate would likely always carry a bit of extra weight. It was important that now that Alexander was known as the head of the Richmond household, that the woman by his side also present herself to their standard. It definitely wasn’t a very progressive stance, such as he’d gotten used to with the girls while they ran from his father - but for now it was their reality.
”We’ll have to dress you up all nice - not that you even need it - and go over a few things in the morning. Mother is a stickler for etiquette.” He explained, dotting a handful of kisses around the girl’s face as he spoke to keep the mood light. “I’m sure you’ll hate every second of it.” He teased, nipping the tip of her nose playfully.
Coraline released a breath of relief as Mrs. Richmond finally left the room, and as she did it seemed that the entire room relaxed substantially. Cora cast Monroe a perplexed look, knowing that her blonde friend must have also noticed how strange the boys acted around Alex’s mother.
She smiled slightly as Jace attempted to break the attention by announcing how much he adored family reunions, followed by Alex’s declaration that they all needed another round of whiskey - she couldn’t disagree. Much like her friend, she’d reached for the bottle to pour her own drink, but was beat by the wait-staff that seemed to be at their every beck and call within a moments notice. Coraline tipped the chilled glass back against her lips, finishing what was left in her cup in one big swallow and feeling it’s subtle sting all the way into her gut. Maybe it was just that she’d never had this quality of liquor before, or maybe she was just a light weight, but the girl swore she could already feel the effects of the amber liquid making her mind swim.
Cora leant into Jace’s sweet touch, soaking in the kisses he dotted along her ear - she didn’t think she’d ever get tired of his affection. Nodding along to his murmured words, Coraline had to agree - the woman did seem like a lot. However, his tone quickly changed as he suggested they retire back to their room for the night, insisting upon exhaustion although his tone seemed anything but. “Sure, that sounds good.” Cora murmured in response, letting him pull her up and out of her seat. She cast Monroe one final look, offering the girl a reassuring smile. “If you need me just let me know... through the wall speaker, I guess.” Intercoms were obviously still a source of confusion.
”Good night guys!” She called, not missing the look that Jace had shot their friends and unable to stifle the giggle that rolled off her lips. Maybe it was the alcohol, but the brunette had found herself in a particularly good mood. She leaned into Jace’s side as they walked back through the unfamiliar halls, eventually making it back to the room that she recognized as their own.
A laugh tumbled out of her as Jace didn’t hesitate to drag her into the huge bed, their bodies sinking into the plush mattress and pillow as he caught her in his arms. Content with his closeness, Cora swore she could have stayed just like this for the rest of her life. She knew his words concerning her scheduled tea tomorrow were meant to be reassuring, but Coraline felt anything but confident. “I’m glad you think so.” She laughed, shaking her head. “I don’t think that woman is even capable of affections - and she‘s so scary.” The brunette insisted, adjusting herself to lay against his uninjured side.
“But still-” She sighed, propping herself up on one elbow to press a kiss to the boy’s lips. “I’ll try my best to make her like me, but only because I love you.” She insisted, smiling as she nuzzled her nose affectionately against his.
Coraline's soft smile steadied her heart. So much has changed within the day, at least one thing remained the same. Coraline was her rock and the bond that they shared was still fully intact, even if they had each found someone whom their soul belonged to completely. She was still here -- she was still her best friend, not even being an Elite could change that.
Monroe also didn't miss Alex clearing his throat as she introduced herself to his mother. She ignored it. She also didn't ignore Jace's awful attempts at flattery and it took everything in her power to not roll her eyes and groan out of annoyance. Seeing these boys being wound up so tight was different and frustration. Where were the wild and rebellious warriors she and Coraline had known? The ones who left their past behind them to follow a pair of unpredictable girls with a death wish.
Feeling the weight of Alex's hand on her back, Monroe slolwy extended her hand to shake Mrs. Richmond's. She wasn't sure how firmly she had gripped the woman's soft hand, but she didn't hold back some of her new found strength. Monroe needed to make herself known -- she wasn't some frail debutante.
As Alex's mother suggested tea tomorrow, Monroe placed her foot on top of Alex's and pressed down lightly, but she kept her mouth shut as the woman left. No, she wouldn't be doing that. And what the hell was a woman's parlor? Why couldn't they just sit at the table? They were so rich they had a separate room just for damn tea? Hearing Alex suggest another round of whiskey, Monroe tried to reach for the bottle herself to pour her own, but the wait staff had already beat her to it. Sighing and passing the waiter a small smile, Monroe took the glass once more and downed it. This was too much. All of it. Even as Alex pressed a loving kiss to her head, it didn't calm her like it usually did. "It's fine," she sighed back.
Shooting Jace daggers as he glanced at her and Alex, Monroe waved him off before sending Coraline a knowing look. How was she feeling about all of this? Thank God she would have her tomorrow for tea, or whatever the hell they were doing. Monroe knew she wouldn't survive without her brown haired friend. "Goodnight," she muttered to them as they left, leaving her and Alex alone in the large dining room. Once again, she felt so small.
Monroe cleared her throat and began standing up, grunting softly from pain, and grabbed her plate and silver ware as well as Alex's. "I'm going to help clean up. Finished?" She clipped to him as she snatched the plate without letting him answer. Monroe knew she wasn't exactly being the most understanding or reasonable -- she wasn't proud of it. Without looking back at him, Monroe began to make her way into the kitchen where she saw the wait staff enter and exit through, ignoring their confused glances towards her. Stepping into the tiled and extravagant room, Monroe couldn't hold back her gasp.
The kitchen was extraordinary. Rich wooden cabinets that matched the dark table in the dining room littered the walls as well as more of those fascinating paintings. Monroe took note of the multiple ovens and fridges that sat in the kitchen. All stainless steel, of course. Thick marbled counter tops made their way around the room, a large sink sitting in the middle of it. Monroe tried to set the plates gently in the sink, however as soon as they hit the bottom they cracked. Cursing to herself lightly again, she lowered her head and clutched the counter top, her knuckles turning white.
The softness in Coraline's voice and the warm smile she gave Alex's mother soothed his mind. He was on edge and his lips pressed into a thin line as he watched the events unfold right at the dinner table. Mrs. Richmond didn't seem to mind the death of her husband -- either that or she wasn't informed quite yet. Either way, the mood in room was eerie.
Slightly relieved as the woman gave him a small crack of a smile, Jace passed her another boyish grin as she tousled his dark locks. Adding to Alex's comment about the girls, Jace said started, "We are very thankful to be here, ma'am. If it wasn't for Coraline and Monroe we probably wouldn't be, to be honest." He squeezed his girlfriends leg under the table again. His words were the truth. Jace's body unwound slightly as Coraline squeezed his hand back.
As Mrs. Richmond stood from her seat, Jace couldn't help but to straighten once more. His throat clenched as she had requested the two girls meet her for tea tomorrow morning and Jace met Alex's eyes as his mother strolled out of the room. Alex took the words right out of Jace's mouth as he requested another round and Jace downed the liquor quicker than the time before - -the sweet and burning sensation easing up some of the anxiety he had faced just moments ago. "I love family reunions," he said sarcastically, relaxing in his chair and eyeing everyone at the table.
Turning to Coraline, Jace sighed and pressed a long kiss to the side of her head. "You did great. I'm sorry, she can be... a lot." Jace whispered into her ear, sending light kisses in his wake. "Do you want to head back to the room? You must be exhausted. I'm about to pass out on my plate." Jaced was, no doubt, in fact exhausted as well, but he already felt three times better than earlier. His energy was returning and even though it felt as if he were kicked in the chest a thousand times, the pain was manageable surprisingly.
Jace slowly stood from his chair, wincing slightly in pain, and helped Coraline stand from her own as well. "Well, my ass is beat," Jace shot a look at Monroe and Alex. Monroe looked as if she were about to puke. "Plus, have to be well rested for tea tomorrow," he chuckled, grabbing Coraline's hand as he passed the dining table, standing in the archway. "Enjoy the rest of you night, children," he smirked, mocking Mrs. Richmond's words as Jace led Coraline back down the hall and to their room. He assumed Mrs. Richmond was staying in her own wing of the house -- like she used to. It was far enough away to where she wouldn't hear the ruckus their small group would no doubt cause and also far enough away to say that she didn't want to be bothered, thankfully. Hopefully she wouldn't mind the girls staying in the boy's rooms, either.
Pushing open the door to the bedroom, Jace dragged Coraline into the large bed once more, trapping her in his clutches as he sank into the feathered pillows. "That went... well." He started, running a hand down his tired face. His exhaustion really was catching up on him. Even though he was healing quickly, it was taking most of his energy to do so. Kissing Coraline's nose, Jace ran his fingers through her shorter brown hair. Part of him still wasn't used to it and part of him still despised himself for what he made her do -- he feared that would never go away. "We'll have to get you all dolled up tomorrow, love. Tea is no laughing matter for Mrs. Richmond," a light laugh rumbled in his chest, which caused another wince from Jace. "Just smile a lot and be your natural, sweet self. She'll love you, I have no doubt about that."
Alexander sighed slightly, feeling the tension radiate off of Monroe as the staff scurried about to clean up the mess and fetch them more drinks. He knew this was all a lot of change that she wasn’t used to, but for all intensive purposes this would be their new normal, and he could only hope she would get used to it. “Monroe.” He hushed question as she started to protest, reaching down to give her hand a gentle squeeze. He understood that the girl wasn’t used to ever being pampered, but that was the protocol in the estate. It looked worse to break protocol and do something for yourself than it did to just ask the staff to do their job.
Unfortunately for them, the tension only skyrocketed when his mother announced herself to the room. Alex caught both Monroe and Coraline’s puzzled looks, and he knew he would have to sit and explain everything to them later. While it was just the four of them running the house it didn’t really matter all that much how they behaved - but once his mother had entered the equation he knew they would all eventually have to follow etiquette.
Alex cleared his throat slightly, groaning internally as Monroe didn’t hesitate to introduce herself to his mother. He wasn’t sure if she’d take that as Monroe being a strong woman, or as Alex being a horrible escort - probably the latter. Placing a hand on Monroe’s back, he smiled softly at his mother. “Monroe and Coraline are very important to us, Mom. They’ll be staying here as well.” Alex clarified, earning himself an odd look from his mother.
Eleanor had quirked an eyebrow at her son as the blonde beside him introduced herself, giving Alexander a very disapproving look before turning her eyes back to his female companion. “Pleased.” Was all she offered, reaching out to shake her hand followed by the brunette’s after Jace’s delayed introduction.
Alexander shrunk under his mother’s scrutinizing stare, straightening up in his seat so she wouldn’t find a reason to scold him so soon. However, he couldn’t hep the suprised look on his face as his mother softened right before his eyes, reaching to brush her fingers through the back of his hair as she expressed how pleased she was to have himself and Jace home. He expected that it would take her some time to warm to the idea of the girls sharing their home, but she had always been a family centered woman, and he could only hope that she’d relax eventually. Speaking of family, Alex was well aware of the elephant that sat in the middle of the room - the absence of his father, by his own doing. Alexander knew his mother had never been fond of his father - there was a reason they had separate rooms on opposite sides of the house. His dad had been a cruel men by many standards, and his wife had been no exception. So as long as his mother was happy not to bring it up, so was he.
In all honesty, the woman was likely relieved by his death anyways. Her son would become the new head of household, and she could live out the rest of her days under Alex’s care.
“Well.” The woman said harshly, standing abruptly from her seat. “Ms. Anderson and Ms. Danilo can join me for tea tomorrow morning in the women’s parlor - I’m sure you two will see to it?” She prompted, staring both boys in the eye until they agreed. “We‘ll dine as usual - as a family. And while I’ll give you all today to relax considering the circumstances, I expect something more appropriate tomorrow.” She scolded, referring to their pajamas and sweatpants at the dinner table.
“Enjoy the rest of your night, children.” She bid farewell, her heals clicking against the tile floor as she left for the night.
Once his mother was gone, Alex released a long sigh he hadn’t realized he had been holding, sharing a knowing look his Jace as he shook his head. His mother was cold by nature, and could be a lot to handle sometimes - but she wasn’t a cruel woman like his father had been. “I think we’ll need another round.” He finally said, watching as a waiter poured another round of the whiskey into each of their glasses.
Alex pressed a kiss to the side of Monroe’s head, sighing softly into her hair. “Sorry about that.” He murmured.
Coraline watched as Alex directed a few members of the staff, the authority in his voice clear but not demanding. She had never seen her friend like this, and it was interesting to watch him flourish in power within his own home. Once the mess of Monroe’s crushed glass was cleaned up, she offered the girl a soft smile, knowing that she was likely embarrassed even though there was no need to be.
Cora’s attention was quickly redirected by a kind woman placing a frosted glass in front of her, pouring her some of the finest liquor she’d ever have according to the boy’s reactions of it. She smiled right back at Jace before clinking her glass against everyone else’s, bringing the glass back to her lips to sip.
The brunette startled as a harsh voice made herself known from the entrance of the room, both Alex and Jace quickly standing to attention as they greeted her. Coraline shared a baffled look with Monroe before glancing to Alex once he addressed the woman as his mother.
Well, this was awkward.
She watched the poised woman approach the table, Coraline’s eyes widening slightly as the woman called the boys out for not introducing them to her. It was clear that Alex’s mother was a no-games type of person, and Coraline was already intimidated by her. She’d never understand how one person had the ability to command attention the way she had - and Cora felt especially silly dressed in her loungewear while the pristine woman wore a full on skirt suit and heels.
Coraline could feel the tension in the room, everyone suddenly very stiff and on their best behavior in front of the new woman. She offered the woman the warmest smile she could muster, bowing her head slightly as Jace finally stepped up and introduced her to Alex’s mom. “Eleanor-” The woman greeted in a clipped voice, reaching out to shake Cora’s hand. “It’s a pleasure.” Cora quickly reached out to meet her half way, shaking the woman’s hand with a gentle grip. “Thank you for having us.” She murmured in response, although she wasn’t warranted a reply.
Eleanor had always had a soft spot for the dark curly headed Jace that she’d all but taken in as a child. He was always well mannered, and didn’t have half of the attitude her own children had. She cracked the smallest of smiles at his compliment, and even then it seemed a little scary. “Oh, don’t try to flatter me, Jace. I’m much too old for that to do you any good.” She chided. Regardless of the warmth she felt for Jace and her son, she didn’t know how fond she was of their new company, no matter how much her boys doted on them. “Well, I see you all have settled in nicely already.” She began, eyeing the four youths sitting at her table. “But I suppose after everything, it is nice to have my boys home.” Reaching out, she ran a hand along the back of both boy’s heads, giving them each a soft look. While she may have been prickly by nature, she had a soft spot in her heart for these boys.
The weight of Jace’s hand on Coraline’s leg, his fingers drawing gentle circles against her skin was the only thing that kept her calm throughout this whole ordeal. She’d never expected to have to go through the whole ‘meeting the family’ thing with Jace, and she supposed this would be about as close as they would ever get to that. Coraline felt a need to impress the older woman and make her life her, but she felt so small and meek compared to her.
Slowly, Coraline slid a hand under the table to take hold of Jace’s giving it a soft squeeze as she glanced over to him. He seemed like a whole new person while Mrs. Richmond was around.
Monroe flushed at Coraline's words and quickly shushed her friend, a small smile on her lips. She hadn't taken a good look at herself in the mirror, besides the time right before she had stepped into the luxurious shower. However, Monroe definitely felt different. She felt more awake and aware of herself and her surroundings. Monroe had deemed herself pretty -- not the most beautiful girl she had ever seen, Cora had her beat at that, but she didn't hate the way she looked. She had always had sharp and piercing features, there was nothing that seemed warmed about her right off the bat. But, she would be lying if she didn't feel somewhat better about herself. As if the Elite blood now running in her veins had added a sense of confidence along with the other abilities she was now granted. "I am not glowing," Monroe chuckled lightly, passing Coraline a thankful look.
As the glass shattered in her hand, embarrassment flooded over Monroe and the flush on her cheeks darkened. She tried to dismiss the staff that began to help her clean up the mess she had created. "No, please it's fine I can take care of it," she started, collecting some of the pieces, also shooting Jace daggers as he teased her. If there was one good thing about becoming Elite it was that she could kick that prick's ass now.
As Alex requested a towel, she shot him a look. Since when was he incapable of getting his own things? Swallowing a lump in her throat, Monroe passed him a small forced smile as he kissed her already healing hand. "I'm sorry, I'll be more careful," she eventually told him with an apologetic look. Leaning into his hand that traveled into her blonde locks, Monroe sat back in her chair and sighed. She was exhausted. Utterly exhausted. But, as Alex requested liquor, she straightened slightly. Thank god, something she was good at.
She still felt slightly put off about the staff that waited on them. Monroe felt like everyone was fully capable of serving themselves -- taking care of themselves. They had been doing for the past few months, what was different now? Before she could offered to help grab the whiskey the chilled glass was already placed in front of her. Being more careful grabbing this one, Monroe silently cheersed the group and took a long chug of the whiskey, finishing the glass and setting it back on the table just as an unfamiliar voice rang through the room.
On high alert, Monroe eyed the older woman and could immediately tell that she was Alex's mother. They had the same color hair and although she had the kind eyes that also belonged to her son, power seemed to radiate off of the well dressed woman. Monroe suddenly small. Furrowing her brows as Alex and Jace shot out of their chairs and placed their hands behind their backs, Monroe passed Coraline a confused glance. What the hell was that? Deciding to stay seated, straightening herself in her chair, Monroe eyed the woman as she slithered into the chair at the head of the table. She also didn't miss the fact that she had addressed the group as 'children' which resulted in a slight cock of her eyebrow towards her.
Interesting.
Watching Alex as he was dismissed by his mother, Monroe couldn't help but to pass him a concerned look. She had never seen him act this way. His whole demeanor seemed to have changed. Surely it was a tough day for all of them -- especially for Alex. But the wait staff, the luxurious rooms, the damn top shelf whiskey, it was all too much for her.
"Monroe Anderson," she spoke to the woman before Alex could introduce her. She was perfectly fine with introducing herself to someone, she didn't need a man to do it for her. "You must be Mrs. Richmond." Monroe's voice wasn't rude, but it wasn't exactly warm, either. She didn't know where this woman's loyalty's sat. She could be just like Alex's father for all she knew.
She began to miss the metal shack back at the rebel camp.
The tears that started to well in Coraline's eyes made his chest clench. He hated that she had gone through this today and that the horrors will stick with her at least for a while. It was his goal to be there with her through every step of the way. She was raised differently than Jace was and he didn't blame her for the emotions she felt. "I'm sorry," he whispered to her, wiping away her tears off of her rosy cheeks.
Jace also couldn't help but to chuckle as she became startled from Alex's booming voice from the intercom. "You'll get used to it. It's like a giant speaker for the house. A sort of telephone, I guess. Don't worry, we'll get him back." And he passed her a wink as they headed to the dining room.
His dinner was shortly interrupted by Monroe's attempt at drinking from a glass. His eyes grew wide but he couldn't help the low snicker that came from his chest. Teasing the blonde, Jace called to her from across the table, "Damn, Goldilocks." Which resulted in a death stare from Monroe that quickly shut him up.
Alex's request for the top shelf liquor had Jace immensely giddy and his eyes lightened as the staff went to retrieve glasses for everyone. "Did I mention how much I love you, Alex? I could kiss your damn mouth right now." He shoved another forkful of food into his mouth before he leaned back into his chair. Dinner was immaculate. Jace ate and ate until he was stuffed full of every dish on the table. It reminded him of holiday's and party's when the Richmond's would invite him over to join their family celebrations. He really felt as if Alex was his brother and that he had a place here. He had a home within these walls.
Grabbing his glass, Jace wriggled his eyebrows to Coraline before he cheersed the group, downing a large gulp from the whiskey. The light burn cascading down his throat was inviting and the taste of the alcohol lingered on his lips. However, a familiar stern voice spoke from the other side of the room and Jace slightly choked on his drink. He quickly set the glass on the table and rose to attention after Alex did -- mimicking his position. He hadn't seen Mrs. Richmond in months, maybe even a full year. She still held the same demanding face and a poised frame. Jace remembered her being a very proper woman, but not as cruel as Alex's father had been. She was tough, but also fair.
"Mrs. Richmond," Jace started, releasing a short breath as he sat back down in the chair, passing Alex a worried glance. They were certainly caught off guard and he was nervous as to how the woman would take Coraline and Monroe, even though the latter was Elite now. "My apologies ma'am, this is Coraline Danilo. Coraline this is Mrs. Richmond," Jace gestured to her with a free hand. His other went to sit on Coraline's knee, living it a light squeeze to comfort her. "You are looking as stunning as ever, Mrs. Richmond. Is that cornflower blue?" His positive voice was forced almost as much as the smile he had plastered on his face. He was always such a kiss up to her, and it seemed to pay off. Sometimes. The woman had taken Jace in as if he were her own and he would never forget that. There may be controversy with Alex's parents, but Jace sure as hell owed them a lot. But, it didn't hide the fact that the woman still terrified him at times.
And then there was the giant ass elephant in the room that danced around the table.
Alex had shot his own dad and his widow was now eating dinner with the son who killed him.
Jace looked at Alex again, tracing circles around Coraline's leg -- mostly to calm his own self down. The tension at the table was thick and he had suddenly lost his appetite. "Lovely weather we're having..." He muttered, trying to break the silence.
Alexander grinned as Monroe declared that she already knew their dark haired friend would surely annoy the hell out of them with the intercom system - she was right, he more than likely would. “I think it’s one of his favorite features of the house.” He admitted, only partially joking. The pair had spent many nights chasing each other through the house, chiding one another via the intercoms. Alex could only assume that now that he’d finally brought a girl back home that his closest friend would never leave them to themselves. Despite his playful antics, Alex wanted to keep Jace close to him during these trying times. He was sure that his friend would’ve been more than capable of finding himself and Coraline a home of their own had Alex not insisted they come to stay at the estate, but who could blame him for wanting the extra support of his friend.
Plus, Jace was the next person who knew the estate as well as he did - which meant he could share some of the responsibility in running it.
Alex took it slow while he lead Monroe down to dining room, insisting that she take it easy and not strain herself too hand while also giving her a chance to take in the estate and start to figure out the labyrinth of halls. Alexander knew this place like the back of his hand, but he knew it could be intimidating to someone who didn’t know their way. He smiled warmly as Monroe wished for whiskey, Alex nodding his head in response. “I can make that happen.” He promised cheerfully. As they finally entered the room, he was greeted by Jace’s outburst at beating them down to the formal dining room, causing him to laugh. “I gave you a head start!” He argued, grinning as he took a seat across from him.
Alex helped himself to a few large portions of the food, sighing in contentment as the aroma of the perfectly cooked meal filled his nostrils. The last time he’d ate this well had been the last time his mother had insisted he come home for a holiday dinner a couple of years ago.
Alex was only a few bites into his meal when Monroe’s glass shattered beside him, drawing his attention as he found a few shards of glass still in her hand. “It’s okay.” He promised, glancing over to Coraline as his words melted over her own. “A towel please?” He asked, glancing over his shoulder as one of the wait-staff came forward and began wiping up the spill, another handing Alex a towel as he began collecting the shards of glass. “You’ll get the hang of it.” He assured Monroe softly, offering the girl a small smile as he handed the towel away to another waiter, pressing a kiss to the girl’s palms that were already healing thanks to her new elite blood.
Turning to face the brown haired woman who’d served their food, Alex offered the woman a charming smile. “Elaine, I think we’ve got reason to celebrate today.” He began cheerfully, brushing his hand along the back of Monroe’s head as he did so. “Will you get us a bottle of whiskey from the stores? Top shelf.” He turned his eyes to Jace as he emphasized that they’d only be drinking from the top shelf tonight, gIrving him a wicked grin. It was a rare occasion that they brought out the high quality stuff - and now that there was no one here to stop him from raiding his father’s stores of whiskey and bourbon, he planned to take full advantage of it.
The woman returned shortly later, placing a chilled glass in front of each of them and pouring them their first round before setting the bottle on the table. They had many reasons to celebrate today - the end of the war, the beginning of peace, the life of both Jace and Monroe after their injuries, and a new and improved Monroe. “To peace and health. May it last.” Alex called, raising his glass to clink against his friends’ before tipping it back against his lips.
“May it last.” A woman repeated from the doorway, startling Alex as he turned to find the woman he knew as his mother standing there. He didn’t know how long she’d been there watching them, but Alex didn’t waste any time standing to attention, foiling his arms behind his back - it had always been an etiquette thing, something his parents had taken very seriously in his home while he had lived there. “Mother.” He greeted, eyes wide as he looked at her. She was a tall and slender woman, with short brown hair the same shade as his own. He had never seen her wear anything than formal clothing - and today was no different as she dawned a cornflower blue skirt along with a white blouse and heels. Alex suddenly felt a little underdressed, knowing that she’d always disapproved of lounge-wear being worn anywhere besides the bedroom.
“Children.” She responded, nodding her head once to signal that Alex could relax, causing him to take his seat once again while she approached the table, taking a seat at the head of it. Her scrutinizing eyes raked over each of the four at the table, finally glancing between Jace and Alex - the two boys she’d raised. “Well, are you two going to continue being rude, or are you going to introduce me to your guests?” The woman asked, watching as a waiter scurried to set another place for her at the table.
Coraline didn’t miss the intensity behind Jace’s kiss, nor the feel of his hands that wandered far lower than they should’ve. For a moment she contemplated giving in and letting the boy have his way with her, but the better part of her decided that the risks definitely out weighed the benefits of this one. They could have as much of each other as they could handle as soon as he was healed, but Cora was steadfast in that she would not be the reason he re-injured himself. “I thought we agreed to behave.” She chided, slipping back away from him.
Wrapping herself in the plush robe, she giggled in Jace’s direction as he accused her of resembling a marshmallow. She’d take the tease, the robe was much too comfortable to give up just because she looked silly.
Coraline silently cursed herself for letting her mind wander, feeling the shift in the air as the mood of the room suddenly shifted to something much more serious. She hated that she felt felt every death like physical wound in her chest, making it hard to breath. She saw flashes of their final moments every time she closed her eyes, and she knew that they’d haunt her weeks to come.
She knew in her heart that ever death she’d dealt had been a necessary one to save either herself or Jace, but Jace’s words had still done wonders to reassure her. The brunette tried not to take offense to his harsh tone, knowing that he hadn’t meant to hurt her, only to make her see the truth - but still, she couldn’t help the tears that sprung to her eyes. “Okay.” She whispered, nodding her head in agreement to his plan for a memorial sometime in the coming week.
Her eyes darted around at the sound of Alex’s voice exploding into the room, looking for the source as she scanned the room in confusion. “Where did he-” She began, but stopped herself, not wanting to sound stupid. She’d never experienced an intercom system, and it blew her mind that her friend was able to speak to them from across the large house.
Seeing as though they now had a timeline to stick to, Coraline followed Jace’s lead and began getting dressed. “I love you too.” She murmured, not bothering to hide her lingering gaze as Jace dropped his towel and searched for clothes. She settled for a pair of lightweight jogger-style sweatpants and a well fitting tshirt, leaving her feet bare just like Jace. Holding his hand, she followed the bigger male through the house, feeling a little silly for being dressed so casually in such an immaculate house.
”Wow.” She whispered, taking in the sight of the lavish dining room and aroma of all the professionally prepared food. She smiled softly as Jace pulled out a seat for her, sliding into it - he wasn’t typically the picture of a chivalrous man, more often he tended to be a little rough around the edges, but every now and then he had these little shining moments that made Cora smile. “Jace.” She scolded softly, grinning at him as the boy began helping himself to heaps of food before their friends had even arrived.
However, luckily enough for the famished boy Alex and Monroe arrived only a few moments later. “Alex, this place is amazing.” Coraline started, filling her own plate with food once they’d been seated and began as well.
Turning her eyes to Monroe, she couldn’t help but smile just a little at her friend. Now that she’d showered and cleaned up a little, no one could deny the fact that she was absolutely glowing. It was clear that she was an Elite a now - her skin was flawless, her hair seemed blonder and fuller, even her eyes seemed brighter. It was a new and improved version of her most faithful friend, and Coraline was thrilled for her. “I’m okay.” She responded between bites, unable to help the smile that slipped right back onto her face. “How are you feeling?” She quizzed playfully, wriggling her eyebrows at the blonde. ”You’re glowing, Monroe. Seriously.” The girl insisted.
However, moments later a glass was shattering over the table, Monroe’s water spilling on the dark mahogany. Coraline gasped at the sound, flinching just slightly but recovering quickly. She had always been a jumpy person by nature, but she’d found herself flinching at every little thing after everything she’d been through the last few weeks. War would leave it’s mark on everyone - and this was just one of the ways it had affected her.
“It’s okay.” She assured Monroe, her voice overlapping with Alexander’s as he said the same thing.
As Alex reminded her that she needed to eat Monroe only sighed. She would force herself to attend dinner. She would force herself to eat. But, there would be no forcing the unrelenting feeling that sat in her stomach. That she wasn't supposed to be here. That while they sat and ate dinner in the comfort of a mansion, there were people dying not even a mile from where they sat. "Fine," she grumbled to him, not having the energy to argue.
Hearing his protests she couldn't help but to grow stiff against him as he pulled her into his chest. She knew he was just trying to comfort her, to have her not feel the guilt that was eating away at him, but she wasn't buying it. Even as his soft lips kissed her head. "But what you did-" her retort was then cut off by Alex quickly standing, leaving her looking dumbfounded as he stood above her explaining how he was to leave to go prep for the dinner they would be having later and that she should get cleaned up. Leaving no room for debate, Monroe sighed as she watched him exit through the double doors. Now alone with her thoughts.
He couldn't run from this forever.
Deciding to obey his orders, Monroe slowly sat up from the bed, wincing from the pain, and headed into the large suite bathroom that sat connected to their bedroom. The whole estate was lavish, but the bathroom definitely was something she could have only dreamed about. Double sinks sat on a marbled counter top with gold accents. A huge tub sat alongside the wall as well as a shower that could fit at least ten people if wanted. A large vintage mirror also faced her, revealing how disgruntled she looked. Ditching the tattered and bloodied clothes and tossing them in the trash, Monroe slid into the large shower, the hot water startling her and she gasped at the contact. She could feel every droplet pounding on her skin -- feel the heat that sank into her body. It wasn't calming in the slightest. And the stinging sensation from her wound definitely wasn't helping.
Monroe heard Alex enter the bedroom from where she stood. The heightened sense of hearing really coming into play. She didn't move as he joined her in the shower, only acknowledging him as he ran his hands down her arms and whispered those words that always healed some part of her. "I love you too," she told him, turning to kiss his lips. The shower, the water, the feeling of him pressed against her was indescribable and she couldn't hide the thought that flitted through her mind of what sex would now feel like with her heightened self. Even his hands on her arms sent waves of shivers through her core.
As they both finished up their shower, Monroe grabbed a singular towel and wrung out her hair before she stepped out of the shower, wrapping the towel around herself. She scowered through the large walk in closet for something simple and not decorated with jewels or anything that resembled flowers. Were there any damn pants and t-shirts in this room? Finally find a drawer full of sweats, Monroe grabbed a pair of grey leggings before running over to Alex's side to grab one of his tshirts. They were more her style. Slowly dressing, groaning lightly in protest of the pain that rippled through her, Monroe eventually was clothed and she followed Alex to the intercom system, cocking a brow as he spoke into it. She had never seen anything like that before. This place seriously was way out of her comfort zone. "I can already tell Jace is going to bug the hell out of us with that thing," she said, adding a little warmth to her voice as she took Alex's arm.
Monroe made sure to examine the estate more closely as they made their way through the halls for dinner. She still felt so small here. There were so many rooms and so much space for just them. She had never been presented with the luxury of privacy in a large home. It was a shock to her. "Please let there be whiskey," she muttered as they entered the extravagant dining room. Jace already having a shit eating grin plastered on his face and Coraline looking even smaller as she sat in the large chair. Monroe passed a tiny smile to her faithful friend and took a seat across the table from her. She could see that Coraline was in awe of the building around her as well. Monroe was proud of them. In such a short amount of time they had gone through hell and back together. Coraline was the light in their times of darkness, the faithful friend that kept her going. She owed everything to the brunette sitting across from her. "How are you feeling?" Monroe asked her.
The food that was served looked out of this world and was presented like art work. Monroe was too scared to even touch it. She didn't recognize half of the dishes so she stuck with piling a small amount of green beans and potatoes to her plate and adding a small slice of chicken to it. Whether she would even be able to stomach food right now, that wasn't for certain. "It looks amazing, thank you...." Monroe said to the chef Jace had called Elain. Monroe instantly knew she would like the woman. She reminded her of Mama Sophia. Her heart instantly sunk slightly as that small village flashed through her thoughts.
As Monroe reached for a crystal glass filled with water she gasped as the cup shattered in her hand, leaving small cuts along her finger tips. "Shit," she murmured, trying to pick up the small pieces of glass. The staff eyed her as such a derogatory word erupted from her lips. Clearly they weren't used to Monroe's type... This new body really would take some getting used to.
The sound Coraline made in the shower caused Jace's eyes to darken, a sly smile playing around his lips. He kissed her head and his hands trailed gentle designs along her bare skin. Between the steaming water and the chills her moan had sent through him, the battle between fire and ice rang forth throughout his exhausted body. "Hmmm, what was that?" He spoke low, his voice barely a whisper above the pouring water. Her fingers that skimmed across his skin were euphoric and he couldn't help but to unleash a soft grunt of pleasure of his own. This was what he needed. Their own oasis to just be in each other's company without any worry of what else is going on in the world around them.
"Why don't we?" He retorted to her statement about staying inside this shower forever with him. Jace could as well. He could stay inside this room with Coraline for the rest of his life. As long as he was with her, nothing else mattered. He kissed her back with a little more force and his hands traveled south past her navel as his tongue ran across her bottom lip. His heaven was short lived as she stepped away and he passed her a mocking pout before covering his own body with soap to scrub away the war etched into his skin.
Following her lead out of the shower, Jace wrapped a towel around his waist, tying it into a loose knot on the side. His dark hair had a slight curl to it, as it always did when wet. Hearing a guilty giggle from Coraline, Jace lifted his eyes to see her small body practically swimming in a large plush robe. "You look like a marshmallow," he teased, slowly trailing after her into the bedroom. The hot water had done wonders for his muscles, but he was still incredibly sore. Relaxing into the giant bed, sinking into the pillows and comforters it provided, Jace began pulling his fingers through her wet hair.
Her words hit him without warning and he had to pause to think of his response. He knew that Coraline wasn't like him and didn't cope with death the same way he did. It frightened him and he was nervous for her well being. "Yes, you did." He started, kissing her head lightly before continuing. "I know. And I hope you never have to again. I will try my best to make sure of that." He was proud of her and the way she handled today, no doubt. But a small part of him was going to promise himself to never have t put her in that situation again. Coraline was good -- pure. She didn't need that weight of killing on her shoulders.
Meeting those ocean blue eyes of hers, Jace stared into them as he answered. "We all had to do thing's were weren't proud of today. War is brutal and unforgiving. It was a necessary evil and I don't want you to be ashamed for what you did." The words were harsh and not as gentle as Jace thought they should be, but he didn't want to beat around the bush on this topic. He needed to know that what she felt was normal and okay, but that it could also consume her if she didn't face it head on. "You could have died if you didn't kill him and we may not be sitting here in this bed right now if you hadn't." Jace grabbed her hand and pressed a long and slow kiss to it. "We can have a memorial for all of the fallen soldiers by the end of the week. I'm sure it would be a good way to cope and to come to terms with what happened. Would you like that?"
Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by Alex's voice breaking through the tension in the room. Rolling his eyes and cursing Alex under his breath, Jace slowly started to slide out of the bed, bringing Coraline with him. "Let's just go eat and try and relax now, okay? I love you." He kissed her quickly before discarding the towel and pulling on a pair of black athletic shorts with a white shirt he had snagged from the dresser.
Grabbing her hand, Jace led her down the long hallway until they had finally reached a decorated dining room. The table was long and of a rich, polished, dark wood. It was set with glistening silverware and plates made out of the finest china the city could hold. It truly looked like a dinner set for royalty. Sliding into a chair after pulling out one for Coraline, Jace quickly began helping himself to vegetables, potatoes, and options of meat the staff had placed before them. The aroma of the food was mouth watering alone and Jace couldn't help the moan of delight as he dug into the food. He hadn't eaten like this in he didn't even know how long. "Elain, you do wonders in the kitchen, I'll tell you that," Jace said to the head chef as she placed another dish onto the table. She had been here since Jace had first met Alex. The woman was always warm and kind to him -- plus, she always sneaked him sweets under the table as a kid. He didn't forget. Elain was soft and motherly -- a figure they desperately seemed to need right now. He also couldn't ignore the gentle smile she gave Coraline. It held no disgust or disdain towards her or what she was.
As Monroe and Alex made their way into the room Jace grinned. "I even beat you here, asshole!" He tried to be the light in the room. God knows they needed it after today.
Alexander tried not to worry as Monroe shut her eyes and seemed to tune out the world around them as they slowly traveled throughout the city. He knew that with her new senses that all of this was probably too much for her to process all at once, and he reminded himself that it wouldn’t be like this forever - she would adapt to her new lifestyle, and one day she may even be thankful for it. She’d gotten something most survivors could only dream of, and by a fluke it had became her reality.
Sitting beside her on the bed, he sighed lightly as she ran her fingers through his hair, shaking his head slightly as she insisted they could just skip dinner tonight. “No.” He sighed, running a hand down his face slowly. “It’s been a long day, we need to eat.” He insisted, pressing a kiss to the side of her head as he said so. “Especially you, if you’re going to heal.” He reminded her, nudging her gently. It wasn’t uncommon for Alex to be the dad of this little group, but he would be mega dad for the next few days if it meant that Monroe and Jace would get better.
As she thanked him, Alex shook his head in protest, not wanting to hear it or even so much as have this conversation right now. “No, Monroe.” He argued, straightening up as he pulled her gently against him as he cradled her to his chest. “We all did what we had to do today to survive - I am not sorry for anything that we had to do, and you shouldn’t be either.” He insisted, pressing a kiss to her hair as he stood.
Frankly, Alexander wasn’t sure that he could handle all of these emotions today, and as much as he didn’t want to abandon Monroe in this moment, he couldn’t stay here and go through all of this at once. The feelings inside him were brewing into a tsunami, and he needed to process them on his own time and at his own pace. He feared that if he had this conversation with Monroe right now, everything would hit him all at once, and he’d never be able to recover.
Standing up abruptly, Alex forced a smile to Monroe as he stooped to wipe the tears away from the girl’s face. “Why don’t you go get cleaned up, sweetheart.” He murmured, kissing her forehead gently. “I’ll go arrange dinner for a little later, and then I’ll join you shortly.” He promised, finally escaping from the room and the onslaught of emotions that threatened to take over.
Being the new head of household would be more responsibility than Alex had ever planned for, but today he would start small. He could handle dinner, the rest could wait until he’d had a night’s rest. The estate came fully staffed, and all he really had to do was direct the wait-staff that they’d be having dinner in an hour or so and they’d take it from there.
Eventually he returned to their bedroom, slipping into the shower behind Monroe and relishing in the warm water that washed over his skin. He tried not to touch the blonde too much, knowing that her skin was probably already overloaded with sensations from her heightened ability and the warm water, but her couldn’t help but run his palms along the length of her arms. “I love you, Monroe.” He reminded her softly.
Alex made quick work of his shower, excusing himself from the tub and wrapping a towel around himself as he went back to the bedroom, digging through his clothing options before settling on an old pair of sweatpants and a tshirt - there was no need to look formal tonight. They’d just won a war, they deserved a night to relax.
Alex waited for Monroe to finish up as well before heading to a tiny box on the wall, speaking into it. “Get your ass to the dining room, Kingston. Dinner in five.” The words echoed throughout the mansion - an old intercom system that Alex found pretty handy in circumstances like this.
Turning back to Monroe, he passed her a tired smile. “You ready, love?” He asked, offering her his arm for support.
Coraline’s wide eyes skimmed the large halls as Jace lead her throughout the massive house. Everything seemed so pristine and perfect, she wasn’t sure that she’d ever even imagined a house this immaculate. It was unlike she had ever seen before, and couldn’t believe just how comfortable Alex and Jace seemed as they tromped through it - Cora was afraid to so much as step too hard for fear of leaving muddy prints or messing up the perfectly cleaned rugs.
Once they reached what she assumed would be their room for the unforeseeable future, her amazement continued to grow. The room was easily the biggest single room she’d ever seen - at least five times the size of the little shelters they’d stayed in back in the rebel camp, and probably triple the tiny cottages from the city. It was filled with a massive plush canopy style bed, chairs and little tables, a chaise for lounging, and even a whole little room just for clothing and dressing. Not to mention her favorite part - a private bathroom just for them.
Coraline laughed lightly at Jace’s attempt to strike a bargain with her concerning her shower - claiming that since he was crippled he’d have to have help in the shower and should just join her. Ha ha. Convenient. “Jace-” She began disapprovingly, but ultimately decided not to bother protesting any further. It’s not like she would ever actually tell the boy no anyways, she was always a sucker for him, but especially while he was injured.
”Fine.” She settled, giving him a playful look as she rose to her feet and followed him the large white bathroom. “But you have to behave.” The girl negotiated, giving him a stern look although she was really only playing. With a tired sigh, Coraline slowly began stripping out of her battle worn clothing, dropping them in the corner of the bath. She almost felt bad for dirtying up the pretty white marble, but her desire for a hot shower proved to be more important, and she didn’t hesitate to step in once Jace had pulled her after him.
Her skin immediately screamed in protest as the hot water hit her, the girl’s body unaccustomed to the heat anymore after so long. The makeshift showers from the rebel camp were always ice cold, and the closest thing to bathing they got in the village was finding a clean-ish river to try to wash in. Her first and only warm shower had been when they’d come to the city so many months ago, and she hadn’t had one since.
After a moment in the warm stream, her skin adapted to the heat and she moaned just slightly at the feeling of warmth that engulfed her. A blush sprung to her cheeks as she realized that the sound had actually been vocal, and not just something in her mind - but she couldn’t have helped it, between the hot water and the feel of Jace’s bare skin pressing against her, she probably couldn’t have imagined a stronger sense of bliss.
Coraline sighed softly, her cheek pressing into the side of Jace’s chest that wasn’t injured as he pulled her against him. She stood there for much too long, content as her fingers lightly skimmed along his ribs while they stood under the stream of water. She could already feel the layer of dirt and grime washing away from them, swirling around their feet before depositing down the drain, taking with it every atrocity and sin they’d committed today in the name of peace.
“I could stay here forever.” She sighed, raising up on her tip toes to press a kiss against the man’s lips before stepping back away from him and under the stream, scrubbing soap into her hair and along her body until she finally felt clean again.
Eventually Coraline stepped back out of the shower, drying her boy and hair with a towel as best as she could before snagging a fluffy robe off of a hook on the back of the door, giggling as she wrapped herself in it. She was experiencing so many firsts today, and the luxury of a robe was now amongst them. Heading back to the bedroom, Coraline sprawled back on the plush bed, sinking into the soft goose-down pillows and soft mattress as she stared at the ceiling, still a little star-struck by this whole experience.
Sighing, Cora reflected back on a few more of the firsts she’d experienced today - some of the not as exciting ones. “I killed someone today.” She murmured, rolling to face Jace as she did so. “I’ve never done that before.” The girl admitted, trying not to let herself sink too deep into her thoughts. She knew that no one would blame her for taking the man’s life, but she couldn’t help but contemplate if she’d made the wrong decision. Was there another way to get to this point? One without so much blood shed or death?
“I had to, didn’t I?” She asked, finally turning her blue eyes up to Jace.
Alex's words were like a knife to her chest. Her body stilled -- she was pretty sure she had stopped breathing for a few moments as well. He had shot his own father. The boy with a heart of gold and the most selfless person she was lucky to be in love with had done something so unspeakable -- so torturous -- and brave. Monroe knew that Alex's sacrifice had been the final end to the bloodthirsty war that had rang out for far too long.
But she didn't know what to think.
Before she could attempt to open her mouth to speak, the nurse returned and granted them permission to leave. Monroe tried to meet Alex's eyes but he already had stood to thank the nurse, his voice returning to it's normal light and warm sound. She could see right through it. Monroe knew Alex was not okay, it was very certain. No one would be able to process something like that that quickly. She feared for the time that would eventually come where he would break. He had killed his father because of her, it felt. She just as much pulled the trigger on his own father as he did. Monroe's hands weren't clean.
Those Elite girl's eyes that feared death swarmed into her mind again.
She didn't protest as Alex scooped her up into his arms, not even from the pain that flew over her body. Monroe placed a hand on his chest as he carried her through the city, feeling his racing heart. She couldn't look at the bodies below. The smell that covered the city was gut wrenching. Everything was so loud -- so strong. The sun stung her eyes and she was aware of every breath Alex took and every beat his heart made inside his chest. Monroe ended up closing her eyes, hiding away in her own thoughts, trying to process that she did end up dying out there in the battle field. The old Monroe was no more.
Monroe only opened her eyes once they were inside the walls of Alex's estate. She truly had never been inside a house this large. It felt as if this home was it's own city. The labyrinth of hallways and rooms that would probably take her weeks to maneuver. Her eye's were wide as she tried her best to take in everything. It was clean and well kept and Monroe instantly became aware of how dirty they all were. She felt out of place already. Especially since people were outside in the streets dying while they were inside this estate, already planning dinner. Her stomach rolled and guilt started eating away at her even more.
She wasn't even aware that Jace and Coraline had left until Alex began leading them towards a large room with double doors. It was interesting, seeing this side of Alex's life. She had no idea the charming boy used to live like this. That this is what he left when he joined their group. Relaxing her body as Alex murmured to her and pressed a kiss against her cheek, Monroe realized that she hadn't spoken their whole journey through the city and into his home. Trying to find the right words, Monroe passed a small tired smile. "It's beautiful," she eventually said. It was true, the house was absolutely amazing. She honestly didn't know where to look as fancy paintings littered the walls of their room. Intricate trim and designs were etched into the walls and ceiling. Monroe knew that bringing them here inside his home, Alex was showing another part of his life. It couldn't have been easy stepping inside his home where his father used to reside. The father that he had killed only hours before.
"We don't have to do dinner," she told him softly, running her fingers through his hair as she leaned against him. Frankly Monroe didn't want to even think about food. Her appetite had deserted her and guilt took it's place. Everything was so different now. Her life seemed to no longer belong to her and she didn't have control over her own body. And Alex, her sweet Alex, was struggling with so much. He had to carry so much pain with him today. Monroe admired his strength, but she also feared when he would crack -- if he would crack at all. He always kept his emotions in place and never acted out. But the weight of today was something no one should have to endure. At least not alone.
"Thank you," she started. The words had multiple meanings and she knew Alex would pick up on them. He had done so much for her -- for their family they had made together. Without him they surely would have fallen apart. Staring at the wall ahead, Monroe didn't realize that a lone tear had slipped out of her eyes. She wasn't sobbing, her chest didn't even feel tight with sadness. But there were so many emotions overflowing the room between both of them and she didn't know what one to battle first. "I'm sorry." Monroe whispered as the solitary tear slid down her dirt covered face.
He brushed off her declarations of him needing to law low. "I am! I seriously will be in bed. With you." He told her, passing Coraline a wink. He would be fine, Jace was never one to cater to his injuries and he absolutely couldn't stand sitting still. He knew that his bed rest wouldn't last three days. Hell, it probably wouldn't even last one. He would just take a shot of whiskey for the pain and be good. Plus, they had other pressing matters to be concerned about. Monroe clearly didn't know her own strength and, knowing her, she would be breaking shit left and right accidentally. The poor girl needed a helmet.
As Coraline helped him to his feet, it took him biting back his tongue to not protest. He knew she was only trying to help, and Jace was still in a shit load of pain, but he hated feeling weak and vulnerable. But, nonetheless he let her help him through the city, trying his best to ignore the slew of bodies and injured behind them. He could sense Coraline's tension next to him and he pulled her closer. He didn't know who was helping who right now as they walked through the bloodied streets.
Entering Alex's estate was everything he remembered. The long halls, the echoing sounds between the walls. But, his favorite part was the large windows that streamed in every ounce of sunlight the city had to offer. It was a warm home -- despite the coldness of Alex's father that used to inhabit it. Jace had many fond memories growing up with Alex inside this home. In a way, Jace felt as if it were his home too.
As Coraline gaped at the large home, Jace rubbed her shoulder and grinned. "I still see he didn't replace that god awful rug in the foyer," Jace called to Alex as he led Coraline down to the east wing of the house, knowing this place like the back of his hand. However, Jace immediately regretted his words. He shouldn't have talked about Alex's father so soon. He was an idiot. The day really had gotten to him. Cursing himself, Jace called back down to Alex to apologize, but he was already dismissing them -- exclaiming dinner will be served shortly.
Opening the door to their new bedroom, a luxurious guest room that was larger than five of the small shacks at the rebel camp combined, Jace made his way to the bed. He pulled Coraline down onto the soft mattress and kissed her head. "Okay," he smirked, referring to her need for a hot shower. "Only if I can join. I'm crippled, who knows, I could slip and fall. I need someone to assist me." Jace joked with the girl, fully knowing he was more than capable taking a shower by himself -- even though he had never been in this much pain in his life. But he was never the one to turn down a shower with her.
Holding Coraline to his chest, he savored the scene for a moment and took in all that she was. He knew that things would surely change after today and he was ready for it. He was ready to walk through hell itself with this girl. "Alright, how about that shower?" He started, afraid of getting too lost in his thoughts if he remained on the bed with her. Slowly sitting up, Jace made his way to the connected bathroom with Coraline by his side.
The bathroom was large with marble counter tops and an all white interior. It was pristine and very clean, he almost felt guilty spoiling it with their blood and dust ridden bodies. Peeling off his clothes slowly, Jace was now able to see the bullet wound healing on his chest. It surely was a gnarly sight and Jace would definitely have a nasty scar. "Holy shit," he muttered, running a light hand over his wound, wincing slightly. Grunting as he reached into the shower to turn on the hot water, Jace practically sighed of relief as he felt the steam begin to fill the bathroom.
He took no time stepping into the warm shower, practically dragging Coraline with him. It had been months since he was able to take a long and hot shower. The water back at the rebel camp was cold as hell and definitely not relaxing as this was. Tilting his head into the stream, water rained down over him. Blood and dirt sliding off of his battle ridden body -- almost as if it were wiping him clean of the day's torture. Leaning against the marbled wall of the shower for balance, Jace wrapped his arms around Coraline's small frame and pulled her tightly to him. Standing silently as his arms held her close to his body, letting the water rain down on them both. Cleansing them of the horrors that would surely leave open wounds for them both.
Alex shrugged off her apology, only nodding his head a single time in acknowledgement to her words. Although moments later he stiffened as the question was finally posed - who had killed his father. He had hoped to divert this conversation until they could have it somewhere more private, but he tried not to blame Monroe for having all of these questions. She had been shot and was unconscious for a large portion of the day, he shouldn't have been surprised that she didn’t remember all of the gory details
“I did.” He said flatly, not looking at her as he said the words. Again, he didn’t want to open that can of worms while his two dearest friends sat in hospital beds. He had to handle the situation at foot before he could take the time to process his own emotions, otherwise he was sure he was completely unravel - and he couldn’t do that here, not yet.
Alexander was grateful when the nurse finally returned, saving him from the prying questions and looks of guilt that would surely follow his admittance to killing his father. Thankfully the woman brought good news for them, that they’d be allowing both Monroe and Jace to leave the hospital for the sake of freeing up beds as long as they promised to stay on bed rest for a few days and undergo the occasional check up. “Of course.” Alex promised, pushing himself wearily to his feet. “I’ll make sure of it. Thank you so much.” He offered the nice woman the most charming smile he could muster, watching he walk away before returning his attention back to Monroe.
He nodded along to her words as she spoke, intrigued at the description she gave when trying to explain how her knew abilities felt. He supposed he understood how weird it would be for someone who had never felt it before. “You’ll get used to it.” He said confidently, pressing a kiss to her hair. “It will take some time, but eventually it will be your new normal. And you’ll finally have a fair shot at beating me next time we fight.” He joked, trying desperately to lighten the mood of the room.
Watching Jace and Coraline struggle to their feet, Alex gently scooped Monroe up into his arms and held her tightly against him. He didn’t care if she was able to walk or not, he knew it was best if she didn’t and he genuinely didn’t mind carrying her. He walked slowly, careful not to jostle Monroe too much for fear of hurting her, and also to make sure Jace was able to keep up with his pace. He knew that his friend had to have been in quite a bit of pain having to work, and considering he dwarfed Coraline there wasn’t much of another option for him.
Eventually, the group walked underneath the black wrought iron archway that marked the entrance of his family’s property - well, his property now, he supposed. The path up to the actual house wasn’t too long, and he waited at the door for Jace and Coraline to make it up the few steps leading onto the porch before entering the large house. “Welcome home.” He sighed, glancing around.
It had been years since Alex had lived at his family’s estate, his constant butting heads with his father eventually driving him to live in the barracks with Jace once he had joined the guard. But the halls the two had played in together as children were still just as familiar as they’d always been, and he didn’t hesitate to head towards what he would claim as his new home. “Jace, you two take the east wing, you know the way.” He called, motioning in the direction with his chin as he carried Monroe toward’s the west. “I’ll have dinner arranged soon!” He hollered over his shoulder, not bothering to look behind him as he headed deeper into the home.
The house that was probably older than the city itself held countless rooms - bedrooms, offices, parlors, etc. His father had his own parlor in the house dedicated to smoking cigars, and his mother had even once claimed a room as the ‘women’s parlor’ in which no man was ever allowed inside unless specifically invited in by a lady. Alex himself had probably only ever been in it twice. It was an eerie feeling walking these empty halls that now belonged to him, and it almost mad him uncomfortable to even think about.
At the end of the hall was a large suite-style bedroom, with it’s own bedroom and walk in closet attached to the room. “Our humble abode.” He murmured to Monroe, pressing a kiss against her cheek as he sat her down on the bed, taking a seat next to her once he had.
“I will give you a tour once you can get around on your own.” He promised, looking around the expansive room. “But this is where I grew up - this is our’s now.” He said with a wistful sigh, leaning his head gently against her. The day was quickly catching up with him, and exhaustion was written all over his face - but alas, he still had to get cleaned up and a dinner to arrange before he could even consider turning in for the night.
Coraline rolled her eyes at Jace’s argument, not even wanting to validate his silly words with a response. Even with a bullet wound in his chest, it astounded her that he could lay there and tease her, even so much as biting her lip as if nothing were wrong at all. He really was the most spectacular person she’d ever met. Maybe that was why they went so well together - Coraline always felt things so deeply and cared so much, while Jace tended to lean towards the more carefree and easy-going side of things. They balanced each other.
Cora leaned into him without protest when he pulled her close, letting out a soft sigh as her she finally began to relax a tad - she hadn’t even realized how tightly wound she had been all of this time. She nodded her head in acknowledgement as he began speaking after he placed a soft kiss to her head, comforting her more than he could’ve known. However this time his voice was much more serious, and she hadn’t been expecting the praise to fall from his lips. She smiled at his words, feeling his pride reverberate deep in her. Frankly, she was proud of herself too. The old Coraline would have curled up somewhere and cried until the whole ordeal was over, but she was stronger now and she felt good about everything she’d done today. She only wished she could’ve done more. “I love you too, Jace.” She murmured, sad that the kiss she knew was coming was interrupted by the nurse.
The brunette clicked her tongue at the nurse’s declaration, shooting Jace a playful look even after the woman disappeared after discharging them. “Jace.” She scolded, shooing his hands off of her as she stood from the bed. She didn’t want him getting any... adventurous ideas. “You’ve got to take this seriously!” She argued with a tad of authority to her voice - not that he’d listen. But for her sake, from now on she’d be treating Jace as if her were made of glass. The last thing she wanted was for her to be the reason he ended up re-injuring himself.
Coraline helped Jace back to his feet, ducking under his arm to pull across her shoulders once again - although she wasn’t really sure how much it even helped, she still felt better trying. Together they followed Alex back through the City at a snail’s pace, unable to rush thanks to Jace and Monroe’s injuries. This gave them all ample time to soak in the carnage left by the war.
By many aspects, they had gotten off incredibly easy.
The girl’s heart still ached for all of the people left dying and crying out for help in the streets, the people running around frantically looking for their lost family and friends. Once again, it was almost too much for Coraline to bare. No matter how hard she tried to tune it out, her stomach still rolled at the thought that one of them could very easily be in the same shoes as any of those people in the streets.
Coraline was relieved as they finally entered the gates of the Richmond Estate, unsure if she would’ve been able to last much longer without getting sick in the middle of the street. The estate resembled an old southern antebellum type of home, surrounded by lush grass and mature trees - and much too big for just one family. “Alex..” She murmured in awe, taking in probably the most luxurious home she’d ever laid eyes on. To be fair nothing in the wasteland she’d grown up in could’ve been considered luxurious - but still.
Rolling her eyes as Alex waved away her shock, she simply followed him into the grand foyer of the home. “Jace, you two take the east wing - you know the way.” Alex directed, turning his back to them as he went towards the opposite hall. “I’ll have dinner arranged soon.” He called over his shoulder before disappearing down the hall.
Turning her eyes back to Jace, Coraline finally offered him a grin as she followed his lead towards what would be their suite. “You know what I’m most excited for?” She prompted, nudging him playfully. “A hot shower.”
Alex's gentle hand's began to ground her once again, but she couldn't get over the fact that she could practically feel every callous on his hands through her clothes. It was sensory overload for her. Everything was so loud, the light seeping in through the tent was so bright. Monroe didn't know where to look -- or what to say, even.
She hadn't realized she had been shaking until Alex took her into his arms. His low voice thrumming against her chest, calming her. But, as he told her that his father was now dead, Monroe could have sworn her vision went dark for a moment. When did he die? Who killed him? "Alex.... I'm so sorry." Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper as she spoke into his chest. Even though his father was the reason Monroe was here in this bed and that he was a large reason for this war -- he was still Alex's father. It couldn't have been an easy thing to process.
She could smell the blood on him, the sweat that stuck to his skin along with the dirt that covered them both. "Who killed him?" Monroe asked, peeling back to look into Alex's eyes. She could see so much more. The layers of gold that flecked into between browns and greens in his hues. Monroe could feel herself growing lost in them -- his irises taking her away to distract her from reality.
As the nurse came and spoke to Monroe and Jace, the tension boiling inside her subsided slightly. She was able to leave this makeshift hospital. The smell of death lingered inside the plastic walls of the tent and Monroe didn't know if she could handle anymore of it -- death. There had been so much, too much. She had almost been added to the list.
Murmuring an agreement to the nurses requests, Monroe flicked her attention back to Alex. "I don't know..." she started, answering his question. "I feel, out of place. Like i don't belong here. Like my body is disconnected from myself. If that makes sense?" Gnawing on her bottom lip, Monroe tried to sit up once more, trying to push through the pain. "I can't be here... the smell..." It truly was overpowering. It was as if she could smell the souls leaving the lifeless and dying bodies. Her stomach rolled and Monroe knew if she didn't leave soon she would surely empty her stomach right into Alex.
"Take me home," she asked him, reaching to hold his hand into hers.
As Coraline corrected herself, giving him a stern look as she did so he wouldn't get the wrong idea, he huffed out a frustrated sighed at her. "Oh please, you know you can't even stop me from walking out of here tonight," he played with her, nipping her bottom lip for added effect. Honestly -- he was a twenty something year old who had just helped stop the world from domination. He needed something to take the edge off.
Plus, he got shot. He had leverage.
As his eyes darted to a frustrated Monroe and watching her bend the hospital bed railing, Jace wasted no time in speaking what he sure as hell knew was on everyone else's mind as well. The look Monroe shot him after he had spoken sent chills up his spine. It was as if she had an inner battle with herself -- whether or not wanting to run or cry tears of joy.
He watched Alex try and soothe her and Jace couldn't help but to reach for Coraline's hand and lace his fingers through hers. As Alex mentioned his family's estate, Jace's eyes quickly lit up and he turned to the nurse. "I second the estate," although he knew his opinion meant little to nothing for the nurses. Frankly, he wanted an actual bed in a house. Not some shack, not the forest floor. A damn bed. And maybe some whiskey, too.
The nurse sighed once and looked at Monroe and then to Jace. "I'll see what I can do," she told the group before stepping away.
Sighing and throwing his head back against the pillow, Jace pulled Coraline closer to him, brushing a stray piece of hair away from her face. Even covered in blood and dirt -- she was still the most exquisite thing he had ever seen. "You did so amazing today," he told her softly, placing a kiss to her forehead. "I know it was a hard day -- I wish you didn't have to see half of the shit that went on out there." His voice was low and serious. This was so much change for Coraline and she had seen so many terrible things today, he was generally nervous for her. "But I love you, and I am proud of you." He was about to lean into her to place a kiss on her lips, but the nurse from earlier had reappeared.
Clearing her throat, she glanced at Jace and then back to Monroe. "Your request to be moved to the Richmond estate had been approved. Frankly -- we need the beds. However," her sharp eyes flicked to Jace and he put a hand up in surrender. "You are to remain in bed for at least three days. You were shot, Mr. Kingston. I need you to take this very seriously." Her eyes then landed on Monroe. "I would like to request if a team could stop by once a day to check on her progress. We have never seen anything like her, forgive me. It would be beneficial to monitor her -- to see if there was a way we could help other fallen soldiers as well who need the blood. But just like with Mr. Kingston -- bed rest for at least three days."
As the nurse left Jace eyed Coraline, a smug look on his face. "Looks like I am on bed rest with you for three days. Doctor's orders."
Coraline was completely and utterly exhausted by the time she finally returned to Jace in the dusty old hospital tent. She fell into him without protest as he pulled her towards him to press a light kiss against her lips. Cora smiled softly at his groaned protest to staying the night, shaking her head in amusement at his obviously disgruntled appearance. “Maybe you’ll get lucky.” She offered in reference to his despair at the idea of being stuck here over night, although she quickly picked up the meaning he’d surely take from her words. “Not like that-” She quickly corrected, shaking her head and giving him an accusatory look. “None of that until you’ve healed.” She clarified sternly, not wanting to risk hurting him or tearing the injury back open.
Although if she were being fair, their first time together had been the same night Molly had put a bullet through her thigh.
Coraline perched on the edge of Jace’s bed, watching Monroe’s startled reaction as she finally came to consciousness. Her eyes widened at the sight of the dented railing, shooting Jace a quick look before returning her eyes back to her blonde friend. The uniformed woman that approached them only confirmed her suspicions, and Jace speaking it to the world made it clear for everyone.
Monroe wasn’t human anymore - she was an Elite.
A part of Coraline was thrilled for her friend. This meant that Monroe would have all of the perks that they were used to seeing in Jace and Alex - she would be faster, stronger, able to heal quicker, and all of her senses would be heightened. Her quality of life would skyrocket between her knew genetic makeup and their prescience in the city. But another part of her also suspected that this change would be a bit of an identity struggle for her blonde counterpart, and she would have to take a little time to figure out the extent of her own strength. Jace and Alex made it look easy with their gentle touches and soft caresses - but Coraline wasn’t naive, and she knew they could probably snap her in half if they really wanted to.
alexander ::
Alex quickly moved to Monroe’s side as she began to panic, the fright behind her eyes evident as she struggled to sit herself up and try to escape the hospital style bed. “Ssshh, Monroe.” He hushed gently, pressing a hand against her back to keep her from struggling too hard while she sat up, his free hand finding her own and giving it a gentle squeeze.
The boy’s brown eyes squinted just slightly at the dented rail of the bed, his eyes floating back up to Monroe’s as he gently pulled her against him, pressing a gentle kiss to her head. Alexander was begining to piece together what was happening, and he supposed it made sense - she had his blood now, why wouldn’t that make her Elite? But he decided it best not to freak her out with too much information at once. Instead, he decided to address what seemed to be her most pressing concern at the moment.
“My father is dead, Monroe. It’s okay now. The war is over, we’re safe.” He assured her gently, his voice soft and even as he tried to calm her. The words themselves were easy to say, but Alex knew he would struggle processing them later. Right now he had more pressing matters occupying his mind, but eventually he would be forced to process the death of his father. The death brought down by his own hand.
While Alexander and his dad had never exactly been close, he was still some of the only family that he had left. His youngest brother had died a couple of years ago, his older brother had disappeared on a mission out of the city with his father and the guard, and now his dad was gone as well. His mother was still around, but she’d been brainwashed by his dad for so long that Alex wasn’t sure if she’d ever speak to him again. The boy was left with no one other than the little family he had found within this rag-tag group of friends he’d found, and while he was more than content with that, it would still be a rough adjustment at first.
Although Alex had hoped to wait to tell Monroe about her new abilities until she’d settled a little, it seemed that everyone else didn’t share that view. He loosened his grip on Monroe as the nice woman in the uniform approached them, stepping away to give her room as she checked Monroe’s vitals and assessed the dressing over her wound. The words that left the woman’s mouth didn’t come as a shock to Alex, and he simply slid his hand back into Monroe’s in hopes of grounding her while she processed this information.
He didn’t blame her for being shocked - her whole life would be different now.
”A few days?” He questioned the woman before she could walk away, not wanting to be a pain in the ass but worried for his girl’s mental stability while stuck in this hospital. “Are you sure we couldn’t set something up at the Richmond Estate? We’ve got the facilities for it.” He assured her, but decided it probably wasn’t the best to make selfish demands during the aftermath of a war.
Sighing, he turned back to Monroe, offering her a small smile. “So blondie, how do you feel?” He quizzed playfully. Alex had been born with the abilities of the Elite so he’d never experienced life without them - it had to have been a wild feeling going to sleep as a normal human only to wake up as an Elite.
As Coraline suggested she needed to be somewhere else, Jace almost protested. He didn't want her out of his sight, not with everything that had just happened. Not with already one of them bleeding out of a table only a few feet away. But, even with the protest in his eyes, Jace sighed and kissed her back quickly. "Be safe," he told her, exhaustion seeping through his voice.
With glazed over eyes Jace looked over at Alex, smirking at his friend's words. "Don't remind me," he chuckled, leaning his head back against the bed, his eyes closing for a moment. Everything that had happened began settling over him now that the pain was slowly subsiding. Alex's father was dead, he had shot Monroe, so Alex had shot him. Jace couldn't even imagine the turmoil and pain his best friend was going through. And now, watching the girl he loved try and recover from a life threatening injury? It was torturous and he cursed whatever higher power above that had forced Alex to go through this. He didn't deserve that -- he was too good. A better person than Jace will ever be.
"I'm sorry about your dad," he told him, his eyes opening again to look at him. Jace didn't exactly know what to say to Alex about his dad. Sure, the man was evil and had shot Monroe, but he was still Alex's dad. He had watched two family members be taken from him now -- his brother and now his father, by his own hand. It was hell for anyone.
Even with the busied medical staff and the other injured soldiers, it felt as if they were the only ones in the tent. As if the world had finally quieted from the chaos. Closing his eyes once more, Jace didn't know if he drifted off into sleep or not. He heard Coraline's soft voice after a while that eventually reeled him back into reality. The sight of more blood on her made Jace panic and he grazed over her to make sure she wasn't attacked. However, seeing that she was fine -- just looking very drained -- his body relaxed slightly and his fingers traced small patterns on her hand. Part of him knew what she had gone out to do and he didn't think his love for her could have grown any stronger -- but right here, in this tiny tent, he swore the love he felt for that girl could move damn mountains. He connected the pieces together, the new blood on her clothes, the sorrowful but kind look in her eyes. Jace knew she had gone to help the fallen.
He really didn't deserve her.
Passing the girl a knowing look and grabbing her face to pull her into him, kissing her lightly, Jace then groaned at the question she had asked him. "God I hope not," he growled against her lips. Just as he was about to kiss her again Monroe's groggy voice ruptured through the air and Jace's eyes shot to their blonde friend.
He smiled to Monroe, his body finally relaxing against the bed. She was alive. She had fought through. Nodding to the blood bags, Jace said to her, "Welcome to the club." Obviously, he had no idea what Alex's blood would do to her and he was only making a joke -- but something stirred behind Monroe's harsh gaze. Something new. He could tell she was different but he didn't know what. She seemed to have more energy than most would just coming out from being unconscious after a bullet wound to the chest. Despite her injury, her eyes were alert. Aware. That wasn't normal.
monroe::
Everything was happening so fast. Her chest ached as if every rib were snapped in half. She was well aware of the plethora of her own dried blood all over her. Her eyes darted between every person in the tent again, still trying to piece together what exactly had happened.
As if on cue, memories started flooding back in. The gun Richmond had aimed at her and the shot that had rang out. The pain. The distant scream of Coraline as she collapsed to the ground. Her heart racing, Monroe tried to sit up in the bed, but was only met with excruciating pain. "Shit," she hissed but trying to sit up once more.
Coraline's playful joke caused the corner of Monroe's mouth to turn up slightly, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. She was still examining her surroundings. As Alex began to speak next her eyes snapped back onto him -- taking in every piece of him she could. "You gave me your blood?" Monroe said, a slight wave of confusion riddled on her face. Almost as quick as it came, her expression changed to something darker and her light eyes shifted. "Alex, your dad..." His dad had shot her and as far as she knew that prick was still out there. She hadn't seen what Alex had done -- the decision he had to make. "Your dad shot me, we have to go, he could still be out there." Monroe began trying to move and sit up and out of her bed as her survival instincts took over, only to have another sharp wave of pain push her back to the mattress.
Breathing heavily, Monroe's hand clutched the metal railing of the bed tightly, her skin turning white at the contact. Jace's words flowed through her mind. 'Welcome to the club.' She flipped him off with her hand, a gesture only he wouldn't take offense to. As she lifted her hand Monroe peered down at the railing. An indentation of where she had clutched the railing now sat in it's wake. Eyes growing wide she turned to look at Alex and then the mark on her arm where the IV used to sit.
It was if electricity poured through her veins. Her heart thrummed faster, her vision was sharper. Everything was heightened. She could feel every piece of hair on her body -- every bruise and cut from the battle. Monroe looked at her hand as if it were disconnected from her. As if it didn't belong to her.
A medical worker came over to Monroe's bed and her eyes slid over her and then the destroyed railing on the bed. She took some vitals on Monroe, her hands working diligently and quick. "So, our assumptions were correct," she started, glancing at Alex and then back to Monroe. "His blood contains healing properties and it seems to be working exceptionally well on you," a small smile toyed on the workers lips as her eyes glanced at the railing again. "You'll need to remain here for a few days so we can observe you but you should make a full recovery in no time. You have him," she gestured to Alex, "to thank for that. He was very persuasive."
Seeing the puzzled look on Monroe's face, the nurse continued. "The change will take some getting used to. But don't worry, you wont be as... fragile as you were before, congratulations." And with that, the woman left to go treat another Elite soldier.
Breathing heavily, Monroe's eyes stared at Alex, "What does she mean by change?" However, Monroe already seemed to know the answer to her own question. It made sense -- the knew an overwhelming feeling that consumed her. She just didn't want to say it out loud because she knew that once she said the words it would become real.
Jace spoke from his own bed, his grey eyes sliding back and forth between Alex and Monroe. "You're turning into Elite."
Alex tried to make himself comfortable in the little chair they’d placed him in while they took his blood, but he couldn’t stop himself from fidgeting. This was a weird experience for the boy - he prided himself on being the stoic type, always keeping a careful handle on his emotions and remaining rational in even the most chaotic of situation. But this was so different than anything he had ever been through before. Both of the people he loved the most in the world were laying next to each other in make-shift hospital beds with life threatening injuries, he’d had to look his father in the eye and kill him, and had been to war all in the span of a day. He didn’t exactly blame himself for losing his grip for a little while.
He watched as the the liquid lifeline ran between him and Monroe. It seemed to drain away a little of his energy with every ounce of blood he lost, and he wwas finally able to settle comfortably into his seat once he became too tired to be anxious anymore. Between the blood loss and just the overall events of the day, Alexander was utterly exhausted, and found himself tilting his head back to lean against the wall, his eyes slowly fluttering shut although he remained awake.
Alex startled at the sound of Coraline’s sudden voice, opening his eyes to glance between herself and Jace, scanning them both for any new injuries or change in condition. He relaxed when he found none, nodding his head in response to Coraline’s statement and watching her go. His eyes sluggishly drifted back to Jace, surveying him once more before passing him a small smile. “And to believe you used to sleep with that bitch.” He teased, referencing him and Molly’s fling from the past in an effort to lighten the mood. There had been a time in Jace’s life in which he would put his dick in anyone that was pretty enough, and Molly had been no exception - and now here she was, putting a bullet in his chest.
It was a crazy word - who woulda thought they’d ever end up here.
Eventually the same man that had begun Monroe’s blood transfusion came back to disconnect them once she’d had enough, informing Alexander that now it was just a matter of waiting for the blonde to awaken once again.
He wasn’t sure how long he’d sat there holding her limp hand, but he was vaguely aware of Coraline’s presence arriving once again, followed by a sudden gasp from Monroe. He felt her entire body stiffen, surely going into panic mode as she tried to gain her bearings on her surroundings. Alex quickly rose to his feet - only a little hurt when she found Coraline first - but more relieved to hear her voice more than anything else.
“Welcome back.” He murmured as her grey eyes finally found his own, squeezing her hand gently as he stooped to press a kiss to her head. Alex took a moment just to take her in, releived at the sight of her alive and well - well, mostly. She would be healed eventually, but for now he was just happy that she had at east survived.
“You lost a lot of blood.” He explained softly, his voice gentle in an attempt to calm her down. “You needed a transfusion so I was your donor - but you’re all patched up now though.” He assured her, unable to hide the smile on his face as he said so. “You were so strong, Monroe. And we’re all so proud of you.“
Coraline winced at the sound of Jace’s harsh voice yelling at the medical staff who were only there trying to help him. Her body instinctually flinched away from his sudden outburst, but she corrected herself quickly, playing it off as if it’d never happened. Between Jace’s attack and the brutality of war, Cora had become incredibly gun-shy, and found herself startling at any loud noises or sudden movements, or even strong emotions such as anger. This period of her life had definitely left it’s mark on her - mentally and physically.
”Jace please.” Coraline pleaded, snagging his hand as he fought against the medical team. She understood his thought process, he wanted them to focus on Monroe and save her life, but he wasn’t understanding that Monroe had her own team of caregivers - and without help he wouldn’t be any better off than she was anyways. She kissed his head as he began to settle, brushing his sweat-matted hair from his face with her free hand. “I love you.” She reminded him, even as he cried out in pain and squeezed her hand at a near bone crushing force while his wound was cleaned.
While the medical tent was much quieter than he city outside, the space was still filled with the moans and groans of the injured and dying within the shelter. Coraline was like a sponge - she felt every little thing to her very core, and tended to soak in the energies of those around her. So a room full of the sick and dying affected Cora heavily, making her so anxious and rattled that she could hardly stand it - her eyes darting around and leg bouncing at top speed. Not to mention both Jace and Monroe dramatically injured, she was left a bundle of nerves.
Coraline paced the space between Jace’s and Monroe’s beds for as long as she could handle. “I can’t just sit here doing nothing.” She finally stated to no one in particular, coming to an abrupt stop as she pushed her hands through her hair. At this point Monroe was unconscious and receiving a steady stream of Alex’s blood, and Jace was matched up and resting, trying to regain some of his strength. Both would be fine without her for a little while. Turning to Jace, she pressed a quick peck to his lips, offering him a thin smile. “I will be right back, okay?” She murmured, turning to face Alex next. “If anything happens or you need me, I’ll be close, just come find me.” She asserted before finally escaping out of the tent.
Once Coraline was finally able to slip out of the med-tent, she felt as if she could breathe again. However, her releif was short lived as the stench of death and the sound of pained cries echoed throughout the city. The brunette took a few moments to just breathe and steady herself, surveying the gruesome scene before her. She couldn’t do much - but she had to do something. Cora set out through the streets surrounding the tent, seeking out the most acutely injured and helping them back to the tent for medical care. She repeated the act dozens of times, offering them each a warm smile and comforting touch if nothing less. She held the hands of men too far gone, left dying in the streets, so they at least had a friendly face and gentle touch to help ease their way to the afterlife. Coraline did not discriminate, offering what little aide she could to both Elite and Rebel alike - she supposed they were all on the same side now anyways. She did these little tasks over and over again until she was so mentally exhausted that she couldn’t any more, couldn’t handle seeing another death or watch another injured person beg for help.
Eventually she returned to the tent, blood from both Monroe and Jace’s wounds along with everyone else that she’d helped in the past hour or so staining her skin. She was thankful the gear she wore was black - otherwise it would probably look like a massacre.
Coraline approached Jace’s side, gently catching his hand and raising it to her lips to press a kiss against. “Hi.” She greeted, offering the man a tired smile. ”Think they’ll keep you over night?” She questioned, perching on the edge of his bed. A part of her almost wished that they would - she knew Jace would never comply with bed rest and doctor’s orders unless someone made him - but the other part of her knew that he had to have been itching to get out of here as it was, and she wanted him to be more comfortable at home, wherever home was now.
Coraline’s focus was quickly shifted as she heard her blonde friend curse from a few feet away. Whipping around, Cora faced her just in time to meet her eyes. She was relieved to see that while still weak, she looked much more alive than the last time she’d seen her with her eyes open - her fire was back. “Hey Money.” She responded softly at the sound of her name, moving to stand beside her bed.
Offering the blonde a wicked smile, Coraline couldn’t help but tease her best friend. “You’ve got the survival instincts of a cockroach, ya know? Nothing can kill you.”
His words continued to reel her back to reality. She was now starting to feel herself again. Feel the tears that slid down her face, whether they were her own or Alex's she couldn't tell. Monroe could also feel the bullet wound in her chest and it was unlike any pain she had felt before. Groans of protest started emitting from her lips whenever she had the strength to muster them. She could feel herself being lifted and carried -- as if the world were spinning her.
The blue sky surrounding Alex's eyes was now replaced with something else. It was now darker and busier. Monroe was able to see different pairs of eyes looming over her. It frightened her, however she was unable to move and fight back. her strength was leaving her. Alex. Coraline. Jace. She needed them, she needed to see them. They were her strength.
A familiar voice returned to her -- Alex. And her fear shifted into something else. Love. She loved this boy and the worry and pain behind his voice hurt worse than the wound to her chest. Monroe wanted to -- needed to -- hold him, as if she could take that pain away. She tried to open her mouth again, but no words came out and exhaustion and pain once again over took her as she closed her eyes, unconsciousness rolling into her. Monroe was positive that it was death, awaiting to collect it's payment. Only a few moments ago was she fine with death, almost embracing it. She was ready. But now? Now she wasn't so sure.
Distantly she heard Alex's voice. Whispering to her how much he loved her, how everything would soon be okay. And she believed him. Monroe saw her life in pieces floating by her, and she started collecting them. The memories of walking into the city, the pond where they shared their first kiss, the fear then relief she felt as Alex and Jace saved her and Coraline in that village, the old trailer where they made love for the first time, and when he told her he loved her. The memory of them together in her favorite spot in the world -- fireflies and stars dancing above them as he took her on the beach. As he promised he would show her his favorite spot and the light in his eyes that shone when he talked about it that rooftop. That one stuck with her most. His hope for a better future for them both.
That was when she opened her eyes.
She gasped, her body growing rigid. Not out of fear, but something else. Something was... different. Her body didn't feel like her own and she slowly turned her head, now groaning at the sense of pain that washed over her. "Oh fuck me," she moaned at the pain. Her body was so sore and tired -- it felt as if she were hit by a truck. Blinking viciously, Monroe was able to see a large bag of red substance looming over her. Blood. She then saw Elite soldiers surrounding her and she immediately tensed up, her hand groggily reaching for a knife, a gun, anything she could do to protect herself. What were they doing to her? Were they experimenting on the leftover rebel soldiers? She was alive?
Monroe's eyes darted around what looked like a makeshift tent. She then saw familiar blue eyes and brown locks. "Coraline," she didn't even realize she had said the name allowed. Monroe then noticed Jace's tousled hair, his eyes that were once staring at Coraline were now locked on her. Scanning the room for that last pair of eyes she need, the ones who willed her out of darkness, her body relaxed as Alex came into view. An IV in his arm with a line that descended back down to her own arm. His blood now coursing through her.
His Elite bood.
That's what she had felt when she had awoken. Her body changing -- shifting into something she was not. She wasn't human anymore.
She felt as if part of her did die out there by Alex's father's hand.
"Alex," she whispered, her eyes on full alert now. "What is going on?"
Clutching his chest, Jace spit blood into the dirt as his own blood poured through his fingers. He needed to apply pressure, just how Alex had done with Monroe, Jace knew that much. He glared up at Molly and was expecting for her to land the killing blow into him -- until a small, brown haired girl hit her across the face with her gun and tackling the red head to the ground.
Jace couldn't help but to smirk as he watched Coraline beat Molly into a bloody pulp -- failing to realize that if he didn't get medical attention quickly, even his own Elite blood couldn't save him before he bled out. This was a whole different side to Coraline. She was ruthless and unrelenting.
Holding onto the gaping wound, Jace struggled to stand up, grunting and groaning as he shakily got to his feet. As Coraline came to help him, placing one of his arms over her shoulders, he passed her a bloody smile. "That was badass," he whispered, wincing in pain as they began heading over to the medical tent. Her words stuck to him -- he would be okay. Sure, his wound was going to hurt like hell for a few days and no doubt the medical workers were going to request him on bed rest during that time either.
They obviously didn't know Jace. To hell with bed rest.
He could see the pain on Coraline's face as they walked through the streets towards the tent. There was so much death -- so much blood. Jace wished she could shield her from it all and protect her. She was strong, he knew that for sure, but no one should have to face this. Especially not her. Jace knew that she felt things so deeply, she cared so much for others -- that was what he loved most about her. He had grown up becoming more numb and accustomed to death and war -- it was sad, but a harsh truth. But Coraline? He didn't know how this would leave her. "I love you. I love you so damn much."
As they entered the tent, Jace's eyes immediately when to Monroe who was laid up on a large table, a large group of medical assistants working on her. He noticed most of them were from the Elite side -- from their small hospital that sat in the city that tended to the wounded from training or guard shifts gone wrong. his throat tightened at the site of the people who they had just fought against now helping others -- helping them. Jace also recognized a few rebels who were trained in healing and medicine also along side, doing whatever they could.
Jace also didn't fail to notice Alex, who sat by Monroe's head, brushing her hair away from her unconscious face. He looked so... broken.
His line of view was quickly obstructed by a small group of workers immediately hoisting him on a bed next to Monroe. Jace hadn't realized how much of his own blood had spilled onto him during their trip to the tent. He began feeling light headed and weak, the effects of the blood loss finally taking control of him. Jace tried to fight off the workers, they didn't need to be helping him, they needed to be focused on her -- on Monroe. "Get off of me!" He snapped at the workers, trying to fight back as best as he could. "Help her! Focus on her!" He tried to reach out to Monroe, but his dwindling strength wouldn't allow him too. But, even through the chaos, Jace felt Coraline's small hand inside his own. He felt the kisses and the soft touches she placed on his head as the pain started over taking his body, causing his outbursts to subside. It hurt so bad. He had never felt this kind of pain before. He had a damned hole through him, for crying out loud. Coraline was his salvation away from all of it.
As the antiseptic reached his wound Jace cried out in pain. "Shit!" He yelled, squeezing Coraline's hand tightly as the antiseptic dispersed through his gunshot wound. He was breathing heavily and frantically, but Jace could already feel his body trying to heal itself. His wound was beginning to clot and the blood flow out of it started to dwindle.
Hearing one of the workers say something about a blood transfusion, Jace's eyes quickly darted to Coraline as she volunteered without hesitation. Not that it surprised him. She was so selfless and giving and he wouldn't expect anything else from her to help her dying friend. Jace had to tell himself Monroe would make it -- everything would be okay. He had grown to love the ruthless and stubborn as hell blonde. Their bond wasn't like the others -- they were a lot more alike, therefore they often butted heads. But still, he loved that girl like a sister and he knew how hard it would impact Alex if his friend had lost the girl he loved most in this world.
Jace sighed as Coraline's blood wasn't a match. Shit, that seemed like their only option at this point. However, as Alex's desperate voice rang through the tent, Jace could practically feel the stillness and quiet that followed. Would it work? As Alex demanded the workers to try his blood once more, Jace couldn't help but to look at Coraline. What would happen to her? Would she become....
He couldn't even finished that thought. Watching the workers tie Alex's arm unspeakably fast, it was mere minutes until Jace saw the blood that flowed from Alex head right into Monroe as they began stitching her up. "Holy hell," Jace whispered to no one in particular.
Alexander choked on his own sob at the sound of Monroe’s voice speaking his name. She sounded so fragile, so weak, and even her eyes lacked their usual fire as they slowly drifted to meet his own. “Yeah, it’s me.” He smiled, trying to be as encouraging as he could manage through his tears “Everything is going to be okay.” He assured her, pressing a long kiss to her forehead as his tears dotted her face. Although, he may have been trying to convince himself more than anyone else with those words.
Slowly Alex rose to his feet, trying to remind himself to breath and stay steady so he wouldn’t risk dropping Monroe or moving her too harshly. It took every ounce of strength in him to listen to Jedd’s orders, although her small voice had done wonders to as well. Without that tiny beacon of hope, Alex likely would’ve fallen apart right then and there.
His ears roared as blood and adrenaline pumped through his veins, drowning out most of the noise of the city. However, another gunshot sounding off drew his attention back to the scene of his father’s death and Monroe‘s assault, this time finding his best friend on his knees, clutching a spot on his chest that seeped blood. It felt as if Alex was being strangled as his throat tightened once again, his heart aching harder than he could ever remember. He’d lost his father today, he would likely lose Monroe as well, he couldn’t lose his best friend. He’d already lost so much, and he nearly gave up his fight right there if it hadn’t been for Jedd’s reassuring words.
“Come on, son. Almost there.” The older man urged him, placing a hand on his shoulder as he cried. “But Jace-“ Alex started, only to be cut off by a curt shake of Jedd’s head. “Will be fine. We can only worry about one at a time, boy - and the one in your arms is bleeding out.” Alex could only nod in response, following the man the rest of the way to the med tent.
He was thankful for the team of caregivers who quickly hastened him over to a large table, directing him on where to lay Monroe. He numbly stood at he side, gently brushing his fingers through his hair as he mumbled that he loved her and everything would be over over and over again, watching the team of professionals expertly work on Monroe.
He glanced up as another team ushered Jace to another cot only a few feet away, giving Coraline a nod of acknowledgment before his eyes drifted to his friend. He would be okay - he would hurt like a bitch for a couple of days, but he would be fine. Relief washed over Alex like a waterfall as he refocused his attention on Monroe, a new hope sprouting in him after seeing Jace.
They would both be fine - he would will it so.
As a nurse asked for a blood donor, Alex’s eyes immediately shot to Coraline, thankful when she volunteered. Alex figured she would be their best bet in finning a good match for Monroe considering they’d grown up in the same area, however his heart sank as he watched the two bloods clump together and the nurse declare it an unsuitable match.
“Try me.” He demanded, shoving his arm towards one of the caregivers. Everyone paused, looking amongst each other as no one answered him. He knew what they were all thinking - no one had ever attempted a blood transfusion across species, and it would be unlikely that it worked - but he had to try. “I said try me!” He demanded, much more aggressive this time. A man close to him sprung into action, typing up his biceps as he stuck a needle into his forearm, drawing a test sample of blood to be mixed with Monroe‘s just like Cora’s had.
“No coagulation.” He reported, his voice somewhere dumbstruck. “It’s a go people - let’s set this up.”
Alex was quickly ushered into a chair beside the head of Monroe’s bed, a team of people connecting Monroe and Alex to a series of tubing and machines. Eventually, Alex watched as slow stream of dark red blood seeped out of his arm and into the tubing, flowing all the way up and into a machine before running back out on the opposite side, down into Monroe’s own arm. He leaned forward, continuing to stroke her hair as he whispered reassuring promised in her ear, reminding her diligently how much he loved her.
With her new source of blood, the doctors were able to finish closing and dressing her wound. Now it was just a waiting game, waiting to see if Monroe would be able to pull out of this or not.
Coraline had to fight back the urge to vomit once again as she held the crumbled Monroe close to her, the girl’s blood slowly seeping into Coraline’s clothes. The shattered sight of Alex was what finished breaking her, crying near uncontrollably as she squeezed Monroe tight to her.
She was still alive - just barely hanging on - and that was the only thing that gave Coraline a bit of hope for her friend. She was the closest family that Cora had left, and the thought of losing her for good was the scariest thing she could think of. They’d been through so much together, and there was no on she trusted more than her blonde friend. For so long all they had to depend on was each other, and after all of the chaos they’d been through to get here she was angry that Monroe was being robbed of the peace that they’d finally found. No one deserved it more than her.
She watched as Alex scooped the girl into his own arms, giving her over willingly to be with the love of her life. The tiny mumble of his name coming from Monroe’s lips gave her hope - maybe she would make it. She knew that Monroe would fight for her own life, for Alex if nothing else. The sound of Jedd’s steady voice was reassuring, and she could only hope the people running the makeshift medical tent would be equipped well enough to handle the extent of Monroe’s injuries - along with the hundreds of other wounded that would surely be flooding them soon.
Cora vaguely noticed the sound of Jace’s angry screams as he attacked Molly, and quite frankly she couldn’t be bothered to even care. The bitch deserved anything she had coming for her, and she wasn’t going to be the one to stop peel Jace off of her.
However, the sound of a gun firing so close drew her attention over to the source, her heart shattering at the sight of Jace on his knees, a bullet wound seeping across his chest. Coraline already feared that she was losing her best friend, she couldn’t lose her lover too. She wouldn’t be able to survive the grief.
Tears blurred her vision as she stood to her feet in a split second, whipping around as she slammed the back of her pistol into the side of Molly’s face as the girl took aim at Jace once again. She followed quickly with another hit, the back of her elbow slamming into the red head’s cheek only a moment later. Molly spat blood, panting, but Coraline was unrelenting - kicking the girl’s feet out from under her. “I should kill you.” Cora snarled, straddling the girl as reigned blows down on the girl’s face until it was near recognizable. She beat the poor girl well past unconsciousness, but still couldn’t bring herself to raise the gun to her head and kill her. Cora wasn’t a killer - she didn’t have the stomach for it.
Instead, she left the red head laying on the ground. Maybe if they were lucky she’d be trampled to death, but she wouldn’t die by Cora’s hand - not today. Instead she hurried over to Jace, helping him up as she slung his arm over her shoulders to help support him. “You’ll be okay.” She said, willing the words to be true as they started towards the medical tents themselves. She knew Jace would heal from his wounds thanks to his Elite blood, but the degree of the injury would still land him laid up for a couple of days, and definitely needed medical attention. Being so close to his heart, Coraline immediately feared infection.
The trip to the medical tent was more nauseating that Coraline would have guessed - the streets ran red with the blood of their fallen, injured people from both sides of the war scattered the street, all trying to make their way to the med tent for help. Cries of agony sounded throughout the city - pulling at Cora’s heart strings - but she had to take care of her own people before she could worry about helping anyone else.
Finally, Cora shoved open the flaps to the tent, a nice woman in a uniform setting Jace up on a cot close to Monroe. She watched with worried eyes as a small team of people swarmed him, pressing clean gaze to the wound and eventually an antiseptic that was sure to burn like hell on the open flesh - someone eventually leaving to fetch a suture kit. Coraline held his hand throughout, occasionally brushing his hair from his eyes and kissing his forehead as they went.
However, her attention was torn between the man she loved and her best friend, laying close enough to each other than Coraline could almost reach out and touch Monroe’s blonde hair. She shared a panicked look with Alex while her own team of caregivers buzzed around her, no one telling them anything until one of them said. “She needs a blood donor - she’ll bleed out before we can save her if not.”
“I will.” Coraline volunteered without hesitation, figuring that her blood would be the closest match to Monroe’s considering they were both survivors from the wasteland. She dropped Jace’s hand with one final squeeze as a nurse got her a chair to sit in, sticking a needle in her arm to draw a vial of blood to test while another did the same to Monroe. Everyone stared as the women dumped a few drops of blood into a small test kit, watching for a reaction. Unfortunately, the blood began to clump, and the nurse offered a forlorn look as she shook her head. “
”Not a match.” She confirmed what they’d all suspected.
Monroe wished the last thing she saw would have been Alex's eyes instead of his father's. His hard and sour gaze sent chills up her spine, even as she felt herself crumple to the dirt. She felt her head knock against the asphalt as her eyes were now staring at the summer sky. Not a cloud was in sight -- just blue.
She felt some sort of pain -- as if she was punched in gut so hard her stomach had gone through her. Monroe also felt her own blood spilling out of her, covering her own hands -- mixing in with the blood of the fallen Elite soldier she had murdered earlier. Maybe she deserved this -- death. Monroe felt that fear the Elite soldier had felt as she dug her knife into her chest and killed her. She clasped to any form of life she could as a small trickle of blood pooled out the side of her mouth. Monroe could feel familiar hands moving her body -- hear Coraline's scream as she took Monroe's head into her lap. Her best friend -- her sister. Monroe's only sense of family.
Her eyes still gazed at the sky above, as if she were too weak to even move them.
Monroe knew that she had died. The image of Alex's father's unforgiving hazel eyes were soon replaced by other ones. Still of the same hazel but with more flecks of gold. They held good behind them instead of the evil that over took the others. No, these eyes were beautiful and burning. Monroe was even able to shift her own gaze to meet them and no more pain resided in her as she recognized the soul behind them. "Alex..." was all she could muster -- her voice hoarse and another trickle of blood spilling out of the corner of her mouth. She noticed tears fell from those kind eyes and it confused her. Alex never cried and she certainly knew that if there was a heaven, he wouldn't be crying in it. His tears hit her face and she then realized that she had not died.
She was fighting.
However, no matter how hard she tried, Monroe couldn't keep herself from closing her eyes, growing limp in Alex's arms. She distantly felt him pick her up. Monroe heard Jace's screams, not out of pain -- but out of vengeance. Another familiar voice rustled through her ears. Jedd. He was alive too. Although she couldn't understand what he was saying, her soul eased at the fact that everyone she cared about was alive -- they had made it. Dying now didn't sound too bad. All she wanted were the people she loved to be safe, and they were.
Monroe could feel herself slipping farther and farther into herself. She no longer felt connected to her body, but as if she were watching herself. Watching Alex carrying her inside a tent, watching Jedd help set her on some sort of table, her blood now covering his hands too. She could hear Jedd's hurried voice talk to someone. "We need IV lines. Now."
He never knew such strength was inside of him as he continued to plaster the door shut. There were so many of them and even though his rush of adrenaline kept the door pressed shut for now, he knew that his strength would be depleated extremely quickly. As Coraline asked if he was okay, Jace grunted against the rocking door. Hands were now starting to slip out of the door, pushing against the frame to get inside. "Just peachy, love," he snarled, turning to place both hands on the door now, shutting the wandering hands into the door frame. He heard a crack come from one of the hands and chuckled.
Suddenly the screaming behind the door stopped. There was no longer dozens of bodies trying to break through and Jace could even hear the battle outside began to quiet. Shooting a surprised look to Coraline, Jace removed his hands from the door and grabbed her face in his hands, kissing her quickly before she dragged him out of the room. "Holy shit. You did it! You fucking did it, Coraline!" Jace couldn't help but to laugh as he darted past the confused and disgruntled looking guards. He shot an apologetic look to the female guard who was cradling her broken hand to her chest. "My bad," he said to her before he and Coraline ran through the building and out the door.
The smell of blood hit him first and then all of the bodies on both sides scattered hit him next. The scene was utterly depressing and sickening. Jace feared that if he stood in spot for too long he would crumpled to the ground and empty his stomach. So, he kept following Coraline through the streets, still clutching his gun, just in case. As they weaved through the throng of injured soldiers, Jace's eyes scanned the area for Alex as well as Monroe. Where were they? Fear started to creep into him as neither of them were to be found.
But, hearing Cora's sigh of relief, Jace knew that she had spotted a familiar face and looking over her head, Jace saw Monroe's head, eyes narrowed and shooting daggers at someone. Alex's dad. And then the gun that he had poised right to her chest. As soon as he connected the scene together a shot rang out, echoing through the city.
Jace's body went cold and he faintly heard Coraline scream in agony -- but the world around him quieted. It was silent around him as he watched Coraline run to a bleeding Monroe, cradling her in her lap. Jace was also aware of someone brushing past him -- Alex. Alex. He was alive -- thank God he was alive. Jace turned and stared at Alex's dead father a few feet away from him -- blood seeping out of a bullet wound right between his eyes. Familiar red hair then began to saunter it's way over to Jace and his body went rigid.
"You fucking bitch," Jace spat to Molly as she smirked at Jace. Anger -- no, utter rage -- had consumed his body and he quickly started attacking Molly. His fists hitting her square in the jaw. As far as he knew it, Monroe was dead and it was because of her and Alex's father. He would make her pay. Connecting another fist to her, Jace began screaming at her. "How could you!" He then took a step back seeing that her face had become a bloody mess. Somehow he had ended up on the ground, him on top of her. Breathing heavily, his chest heaving uncontrollably, Jace pulled away from Molly, who was now unconscious. Standing up, blood covering his knuckles, Jace pushed his hands into his hair and pulled on it as he watched Alex pick up Monroe.
Jace had never seen Alex cry before. Alex was pretty good at controlling his emotions and he was a very well put together person. However, Jace didn't even know what to say to his brother as shaky hands cradled the woman he loved most in this world. As tears streaked down his dirt ridden face and sobs escaped his lips. Jace heard him yell for help. He didn't know how anyone would be able to help the dying Monroe in his arms. As Jedd made his way through the mess, Jace sighed of relief slightly. Jedd was alive -- he had made it. Over hearing Jedd point to medical tent in the city, Jace began to stand to help his friends carry Monroe to the tent.
It was then he heard the click of a gun and then he felt the pain.
Blood coated his shoulder and it took Jace to his knees. He had been shot right above his heart, by his collar bone. A large bullet wound seeped out blood and he cursed at the sight of it. Molly snaked around him, her nose bleeding viciously and she readied the gun for another shot to him as Jace stared up at her. "You've always been a lousy shot," he growled to her.
Alex nodded in response to Monroe’s words, his body tensing at the knowledge that his fear’s had been confirmed - Monroe would be out of arrows soon, and she hadn’t brought another weapon that would be useful at this distance. He didn’t exactly blame her, he knew that neither of them had expected to have to kill as any people as they had. They’d gone into this as hopeful idiots - banking on Coraline and Jace being able to shut off the chips, but here they were unprepared when that hadn’t worked out.
He couldn’t help but worry for his friends - by his quick calculations, they should’ve been able to shut the chips off by now. So the fact that nothing had changed and they still hadn’t heard from his friends could only lead him to the conclusion that something had gone horribly wrong. For all he knew they were laying dead somewhere - or even worse, locked up as prisoners left to be tortured by the Elite. His skin crawled at the thought, that would be a fate worse than hell.
As Monroe finally ran out of arrows and headed back for the doorway they’d entered through, Alex grew increasingly uneasy. “Be careful, Monroe.” He insisted, shooting her a look as he nodded his head at her request.
He trained the sight of his gun on the entrance of building just below them, waiting for Monroe to exit. As soon as she did he put her in his cross-hairs, not so much as blinking for even a second as he carefully followed her as she made her way through the thick crowd, collecting her arrows. He took care to pick off anyone who dared come too close, and kept an eye out for anyone raising a weapon in her direction as well.
He didn’t want to risk a single thing, not when it came to her.
However, the boy had been caught off guard as his father drifted into his sight, his own gun raised toward Monroe. If Alex were a smart man he would’ve shot his dad right then and there, but instead he paused. All around them the Elite’s seemed to fall out of a trance, looking around confused as to how they ended up in this situation. He recalled the feeling, having experienced it himself only a few days ago. Jace and Coraline had done it, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Alex was about to drop his gun when the shot rung out, his eyes widening as he watched Monroe stumble back before crumpling to the ground. Clearly his father hadn’t been affected by the poison.
Alexander choked on his own sob as he looked at the wicked look on his father’s face, proud of what he’d done to the poor girl in order to hurt his son. Unlucky for Mr. Richardson, he had underestimated his son enormously. That had been the final straw for Alex, pulling the trigger and putting a bullet directly between his father’s eyes as the man stared up at him.
Not bothering to wait and see him fall, Alex pushed himself up and over the edge of the building’s roof, landing in a crouch on the dirt below. His body numb, he didn’t even feel the pain of his sharp landing, hurrying to Monroe just as Coraline got there as well.
“We have to help her.” He yelled at no one in particular, pushing his hands over the wound in her chest to put pressure on it and slow the bleeding. She was still alive, but he had no doubt that she wouldn’t be for much longer if they didn’t get her help, and soon.
He hadn’t even noticed the tears flowing down his face as he kissed her head, taking the girl from Coraline and into his own arms. As he teetered on the edge of losing control, it was Jedd’s voice that had drawn him back to reality. “There’s a medical center set up.“ The man spoke. He looked unharmed, but his eyes were unhinged at the death all around him - and possibly now Monroe to add to that list. “Please, follow me. We have to hurry is she’d going to have a chance.” He insisted, causing Alex to numbly nod his head in response, rising to his feet with the limp Monroe in his arms, following the older man through the city.
Jace’s steady voice and gentle touch was the only thing that had kept Coraline from falling apart in guilt over the men she’d just put a bullet in. She wished so badly that they had time to pause for just a moment, long enough to catch her breath and refocus her frazzled mind. This had been one of the hardest days of her entire life, and she knew that she would come out on the other side a changed woman.
Together the pair rain up the final few flights of stairs, breaking into the final sector only to find it mysteriously empty. There was no way they would be lucky enough to find the command center unguarded, but as Jace pulled her so tightly into his arms she tried to rejoice in the moment of solace they had found.
She was surprised by the intensity of their kiss, but with adrenaline fueling her body she kissed him back just as fiercely, grinning wickedly at his joking words once he pulled away. Who would‘ve thought a girl could ever whip the legendary Jace Kingston’s into considering marriage. “I’ll hold you to that.” She teased right back, still breathless from their sprint up the stairs coupled with his sudden kiss.
But alas, they had no time to spare for kissing and affection - they still had a mission so complete, and they were already racing against the clock. It was only a matter of time until the rebel forces were overtaken by the stronger Elite while they were under the influence of the poison. She followed Jace down the long mirrored corridor, glancing at her reflection as they went. It was so eerie, almost as if she were watching all of this go down from a third party’s perspective.
The pair quickly travelled the rest of the distance down the corridor, Coraline gasping as Jace yanked open the door only to slam the butt of his gun into a guard’s face, watching the man crumple to the ground. Oof. She could only imagine the headache he’d have whenever he woke up. Coraline’s attention quickly diverted to the large monitors spanning the room, joining Jace as her fingers ran over the keyboards as quickly as they could.
“You found it!” She gasped, watching as he tried to pull the lever, only for a big red password prompt to jump onto the screen, locking the lever in place. Her joy was short lived, as moments later she head the echo of dozens of feet pounding down the corridor towards them.
Coraline nodded to Jace’s words, watching as he slammed the door shut and barricaded it with his own body. There was no way he could hold them for long. “I’m trying.” She insisted, sliding over to occupy the space he’d been in, cotinuing to type in password after password in hope of guessing the right one. “Jace, are you okay?” She called over her shoulder, hearing the increasing intensity of the guard’s shouting and pounding on the other side of the door, but unable to stop and actually look in their direction.
After what felt like a million different attempts, the screen finally flashed green, causing Coraline to gasp. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” She mumbled, slamming her hand down on the lever as quickly as she could. The password had been so simple she wanted to scold herself for not guessing it sooner.
Password1234. What kind of person made the password to a life-altering toxin Password1234.
Coraline could already hear the screams outside of the building dimming, the pounding on the door slowing to a stop. It had worked - it’d really worked. “Come on.” She insisted, snagging Jace’s hand as she ripped the door open only to find a group of very confused looking guards, all asking each other what was going on.
“Congratulations, welcome to freedom.” Cora joked, pulling Jace past them as she hurried to the stairs, flying down each section as fast as she could go. Finally bursting through the doors of the skyscraper, Coraline’s eyes skirted their surroundings in search of their friends. It was hard to spot them amongst the sudden confusion of most the Elite soldiers and the sudden relief of the rebels, but she finally laid eyes on Alex on a rooftop a few streets away.
Coraline pushed her way through the crowd, never releasing Jace’s hand as she tried to shimmy her way through the densely packed people. Spotting a familiar blonde head, Cora let out a sigh of relief as she closed the space between them. She was only a few feet away when a loud shot rang out, watching as Monroe crumped to the ground with a spray of red across her chest.
“No!” The word tumbled from her mouth in the form of a strangled scream, shoving people out of her way as she finally made it to her friend, dropping to her knees an gathering Monroe’s head and shoulders into her lap, tears flooding her face before she could stop them.
She hadn’t even noticed the man holding the gun - Mr. Richmond, Alex’s own dad, with the red headed bitch she’d grown to hate just behind him. Clearly they hadn’t been affected by the poison - they were evil naturally.
Cora only noticed the man as he dropped to the ground a few feet away, shot dead by his own son.
Alex's strong arms centered her as he squeezed her tightly. They were both covered in blood and dirt and sweat. Their breathing uneven and ragged. War definitely wasn't easy and Monroe knew that a part of them would never be the same after this. All of the death, all of the blood. It flooded her vision and she kept losing herself to her thoughts.
Hearing his soft words as he smoothed her tangled hair, Monroe let herself fall limp in his arms. Her eyes brimmed with tears, but she didn't dare let them fall. She was strong, she was tough.
As Alex lead her up the stairs Monroe nodded at his words. Jace and Coraline had to be close -- it was up to them top this, all of it. All of the prejudice, the war, the bloodshed. It would end here. Today. Her eyes darted to the tall skyscraper for a moment, praying that her friends were unharmed and safe -- although part of her felt as if that prayer was empty. Fearful images of Coraline's and Jace's crumpled lifeless bodies filled her mind -- as if they were among the fallen warriors down on the streets. Pushing back a rolling feeling in her stomach, Monroe took her position as she and Alex began firing off shot at shot, taking down Elite after Elite.
She hated herself that it was becoming easier and easier for her to shoot them down without remorse.
Hearing Alex's question over the roar of the battle beneath them, Monroe shook her head once. "Not one that will do much good up here," she told him as she readied another arrow and then letting it fly. She had a smaller gun, but not a large rifle like Alex's. Monroe needed to be down on the ground for it to be much use. Reaching back for another arrow, Monroe's hand caught air. She was out. "Damnit," she muttered, pulling back and hiding herself behind the small wall that protected them from the chaos below. "I need to go retrieve some of my arrows. I... I went through more than I thought I would." Which meant she had killed way more people than she had ever expected to.
Pushing herself off from the wall, Monroe stood back up and ran to the door leading back down into the concrete building. "Cover me?" She asked him, forcing a small smirk on her lips as she descended down the stairs and through the building, finally stepping out into the battle once more.
Blood riddled the streets on both sides and Monroe tried her best to keep her focus on the arrows protruding out of bodies and nothing else. Not their faces or their injuries. Just her arrows. Pulling out one after another, Monroe stealthily made her way through the mess, racking up a decent amount of arrows for her to be able to climb back up to the rooftop with Alex. She didn't want to spend too much time out her without a decent weapon. Shots rang out besides her, knocking down Elite soldiers that came barreling towards her. Thanks, Alex.
Turning on her heel, ready to return to the building, Monroe suddenly froze in place as she faced a familiar man.
"Hello, Monroe," Alex's dad hissed to her, that bitch of a red head Molly stepping out from behind him, her gear practically pristine. He had a rifle pointed at Monroe's chest. Swallowing a lump in her throat, Monroe pushed back her shoulders and faced Richmond as she gritted her teeth and glared into those hazel eyes. Whereas Alex's eyes were filled with kindness and hope, his father's were filled with greed and power.
Monroe's eyes darted up to the building where Alex stood. She could see his worried eyes from her spot on the ground. The spot where she had first met Alex and Jace. It was almost as if history were repeating itself.
Alex's dad saw Monroe's eyes flash up to his son and he turned to face him, a devilish smile cast across his lips. As he turned his attention back to Monroe, passed him an icy gaze, narrowing her brows as she spat at his feet. Saliva mixed with her blood. One last message for him. She knew what he was going to do to her -- she could see the hunger for death in his eyes.
And that's the last thing she saw -- his eyes -- as he shot the gun. The bullet landing in her chest.
Coraline whispering his name caused his attention to turn to her just for a moment. The fear and pain in her eyes clouding his vision. He so badly wanted to hold her -- to tell her that everything will be alright, even if he didn't even know that himself. "It's okay, I know," he told her, his voice low and steady. He held onto her tightly, kissing the side of her head once before turning around to fire off more shots. They were so, so close. They could do this.
Watching as Coraline quickly darted out, ringing out more shots, causing more Elite to fall to the ground, Jace followed after her, his gun poised to shoot in case any more guards came plowing through. He covered her as they both ran up the stairs and into the last and final sector. Scanning the sector as the opened the door, Jace searched every hall and every corner. So far nothing, which was good. However, they knew they wouldn't get away with this that easily.
Slowing his haggard breathing, Jace turned to Coraline, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her fiercely. Releasing his lips from hers, Jace clutched his gun tightly once again, "After this," he cocked the gun. "I'm marrying the hell out of you." He joked. She was doing so well, surely surprising him. Coraline was strong, fearless, and a better fighter than Jace could ever be.
Snatching her hand again, Jace dragged them to round another corner. Still no guards... It was odd, but he wasn't going to push their luck. "It's just down that hall," he told her, pointing a finger down a long channel of glass walls and a large metal door. Scanning the area once more before they made a run for it, Jace reached the door and pushed it open -- revealing a large control panel and a lone guardsman controlling it. Without even thinking, Jace reeled back the end of his gun and slammed it into the guards face as he turned to face them. It wasn't smart to shoot off a gun inside a closed metal room, so they had to compromise.
As the guard crumpled to the floor, Jace darted to the large chair, sliding in it. The blue and red hues from the monitors and screens illuminated the room, shinning on their faces as their eyes searched for anything that would give them a clue on how to turn off the damned poison. "We have to hurry, he won't be down for long..." Jace muttered, his gaze darting back and forth between the screens and the unconscious guard on the floor -- blood seeping out of his nose, tingeing the room in it's coppery smell.
Hands fluttering over the plethora of buttons and switches, Jace's eyes caught hold of a switch, a hazard symbol sitting on top of it. Reaching for the switch, Jace quickly tried to pull it down, but the handle remained in place. On the large screen above them a warning message appeared reading: Password.
"Shit," he hissed, running a shaky hand through his hair. They had already taken up too much time trying to get to the control center. They knew they were battling the clock until the rebel forces collapsed. Hearing footsteps shuffling outside, Jace turned his head to the door as a large group of Elite soldiers came bustling down the hall towards them -- he recognized most of them, they were once his friends.
Jumping out of his chair, Jace slammed the metal door shut, barricading himself against it as the soldiers began beating against it. "Coraline," he muttered as the soldiers began pushing against the door. Using whatever strength he had left, Jace continued to use all of his weight and force into keeping that damned door shut. "Coraline I need you to figure out the password." His words were clipped as he grunted with pain. The soldiers growling behind the door. "Quickly," he said, looking back to her and the switch.
As soon as they had made it safely inside the old rundown concrete building and Alex had verified that it was clear, he wrapped Monroe in the tightest embrace he could muster. “I know.” He murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “I know.” He repeated, gently stroking her hair as he held her. Taking a life was never easy, but a part of Alex had become immune to it - he was a soldier, he had been born and bred for this type of work. It was in his blood. But her understood how it would feel different for Monroe, especially considering the close proximity in which she’d been forced to end the girl’s life.
“It’s only a matter of time now.” He assured her, releasing her from his tight grip and holding her at arms length instead, inspecting her for any injury. He thanked whatever higher power existed for keeping the love of his life safe during this fray. He wasn’t convinced that he’d be able to keep fighting if anything happened to her.
“Jace and Cora have got to be getting close now.” He promised as they moved up the stairs to the roof of the building. Although, he’d be lying if he didn’t admit that a part of him feared for the worst. For all he knew Jace and Cora could’ve been lying dead at the entrance to the headquarters, never even having made it inside. They very well could be fighting an up-hill battle, having no chance whatsoever of making it out of this alive. But he had to remain hopeful - he had to believe that his friends could pull this off. It was the only thing he was clinging to.
Eventually they’d made it to the roof, and Alex went to crouch low at the ede beside Monroe. He took a moment to survey the battle below him, noting that it was beginning to spread deeper and deeper into city. People fought surrounding the base of the skyscraper that held the city’s headquarters, only making him fear even more for Jace and Coraline’s success. Their odds were growing slimmer and slimmer by the moment, and considering the degree at which the Elite were trying to kill the rebels, their chips definitely weren't switched off yet.
The rebels numbers were dwindling as well, but he was pleasantly surprised to see that they were fighting back harder than he could have ever imagined. While many of them lay dead, tons still fought to avenge their fallen brethren. They still had a chance, but he prayed that they found that damned control panel sooner rather than later.
Releasing a breath, Alexander rose his rifle to his shoulder, squinting into the sights as he carefully began picking off the Elite who seemed to be the biggest threats. His heart sank as he put a bullet in many people that he knew and recognized, but Alex also knew that this was for the greater good.
A glance over a Monroe revealed that her quiver of arrows was quickly dwindling, causing Alex to purse his lips. “Did you bring a gun?” He asked, though he knew the odds weren’t likely.
A tinge of hope sprouted in Coraline as it seemed the guard’s were believing her story. The faux confidence she’d slapped on for her act quickly blossomed into something much more real, and watching the group of guards simply nod and shuffle past gave her a world of relief. Looking back at Jace - the whole reason she was even doing this - caused a surge of faith to rise in her.
They could do this. They had to.
Coraline glowed with pride at Jace’s quiet affection and compliments, her own mouth turning up in a smile at his words. As they entered the fourth and final sector before they made it to the control room, Cora’s stomach dropped at the sight of another hoard of guards. She casually brushed the back of her hand agains Jace’s, knowing it was too dangerous to hold his hand outright, but still craving the reassurance of his touch. He grounded her, even in the most anxiety inducing situations, just like this one.
Cora rose her chin, walking past the group of guards as if she owned the place while her heart nearly beat out of her chest. They’d nearly made it past them when one of the men’s radio sounded off, blowing Coraline’s cover to shit and naming Jace as a suspect.
They were caught.
Jace had reacted so quickly that Coraline nearly tripped over her own feet as he snagged her hand and drug her behind a wide pillar, just barely dodging the sudden incoming gunfire from the Elite. She stared at the boy she loved with wide eyes, her chest rising and falling quickly as she heaved in breaths, trying to steady herself. Cora nodded to his instruction, pulling her gun from her waistband and clicking the safety off of the rifle.
Taking his hand once more, Coraline quickly peeled out from behind the pillar and sprinted alongside him to the next one, turning to fire off a few shots behind her as she went. Cora watched as one her bullets slid through an Elite’s neck, his body thudding back on the ground as he gargled on his own blood, life rapidly draining out of his body.
“Jace.” The word came out in a strangled gasp, her eyes wide and hands shaking as she looked between Jace and the body of the man she’d just killed. She had the overwhelming urge to vomit, and she had to swallow back the bile that tried to rise in her throat as she cowered behind the stone pillar with Jace.
The first human life she’d ever taken. The sight of the man’s blood stained lips and sound of him choking to death on his own blood would forever haunt her, but for now they didn’t have time for her to slow down and process her emotions appropriately. Cora promised that once this was all over she would give herself time to mourn the shred of her innocence that was lost today, but now was not that time.
They were so close to the next set of stairs that Coraline could almost taste the success. One more sect, one more sector, and they would be in the control room. Taking a deep breath, Coraline leaned out from around the pole to fire off another round of shots - another guard falling, followed by another urge to get sick that Cora had to fight off.
Finally, Cora turned and ran for the staircase, flying up the steps as fast as her body would carry her until the reached the fifth and final sector.
The screaming -- that's what chilled her the most. The wails of pain that came from both sides. It was animalistic and unforgiving and Monroe knew that if she lived that sound would haunt her forever.
Everything went by unnervingly quick. Monroe hadn't even registered the running and yelling rebels as they shot past Jedd and into the city. She hadn't even realized that she had already grabbed an arrow and gripped it in her fist tightly. Her eyes darted between the battle as she watched warrior after warrior fall. Dust wafting in their wake.
Alex's hand dragged her towards him and she instantly wrapped her dirt covered arms around the boy whom she had met in this exact location months before. So much has changed since then. So much. Her breaths were short and quick as she hugged him. "I love you," she said back to him, kissing him with as much passion as she could muster before the two headed into the brawl.
Listening to Alex's advice, Monroe stayed near him as she shot off arrow after arrow, her lips pressed into a thin line as each shot slammed into the chest of Elite soldiers, their wails of pain were quick as the sounds of the battle over took their quieting cries. She had remembered the face of her first kill. A blonde headed boy who had his arms latched onto a rebel warriors throat, strangling her to the ground. The scene of Jace doing the same to Cora ran through her mind and he didn't even think before unleashing the arrow and it piercing his heart. Monroe pressed back to urge to vomit as she kept shooting and shooting.
She heard Alex near her as bodies wedged themselves in between them. Her icy eyes were able to make out the boy's dark hair between the hundreds of Elite that stormed between them. Suddenly, a fist connected with her jaw and she turned to see an Elite soldier barring it's teeth at her. A bloody stump where her right hand used to be. Grabbing her knife, Monroe quickly began fighting the girl, twisting and turning her body -- dodging her kicks and hits, just like Alex and taught her. Monroe didn't realize she was screaming until her knife plundered into the girls' chest as Monroe tackled her to the ground. As she watched her die, Monroe could have sworn she saw fear replace the blood lust in the girls eyes.
Shakily standing up Monroe turned, ready to attack, as a rough hand grabbed her arm. She quickly lowered her knife as she recognized those soft hazel eyes. Nodding at Alex's words, Monroe followed him through the slew of bodies that littered the floor. Monroe couldn't look down, terrified of seeing a face she would recognize.
As they reached an old concrete building, Monroe's eyes scanned the perimeter around them, her gun ready to shoot as Alex broke off the lock. Stumbling inside, Monroe kept her gun steady in her hands as she assessed every corner in the building. They were alone. Panting, Monroe looked at Alex. He was covered in sweat and blood, none looked of which to be his own. Monroe hadn't even been able to asses herself. She knew her lips was bleeding by the blood that filled her mouth and she knew her hands were covered in blood from that Elite solider she had taken down. But she was fine -- they both were fine. "I killed her," she muttered Monroe, as she examined the blood on her hands. She didn't know why she was saying this as the cries of the battle were erupting outside. "She was scared... I killed her."
Swallowing bile in her throat, Monroe looked back up to Alex and she quickly nodded, snapping out of her trance, following him up the stairs to the roof. They moved so fast, so diligently. Reaching the top, Monroe quickly went to the edge of the building, being sure to remain low so that she wouldn't be spotted from the ground. The center skyscraper loomed over them in the background. Hurry, hurry hurry. Jace and Coraline needed to hurry. Hitching an arrow, Monroe shot down one Elite. Two. Three. As many as she could -- trying not to think about the fear that clouded that girls eyes as Monroe drove a knife through her heart.
Monroe could feel her arrows dwindling as she continued to knock down Elite soldiers. She hadn't missed much, but up her she wasn't able to retrieve them from the bodies she took down.
Even when they were in the middle of hell, Coraline's touch steadied him. As her lips pressed against his ever so lightly, the nerves in Jace's body dissolved and pure determination took it's place. He gripped the back of her head with his free hand and kissed her back as if it were his last time being able too -- because it very well might be. He would do this, for her. They would win. "I love you," he whispered beneath the kiss.
As they made their way into the large building, Coraline's confidence and pride shocked him slightly, so much that a small smile played in the corners of his mouth. This petite little ball of fire always surprised him. Every day. Obeying her orders, Jace continued to keep his head low as they passed guard after guard, only offering small nods if offered. For all they knew, they were chipped and under the poison's control. Odd's are no one would recognize Coraline because of her brief stay and freshly chopped hair. But, even if they recognized Jace, he hoped that they wouldn't so much as bat an eye at him. He was a dog to them -- returning home.
The building was clean and full of glass walls and windows. It was easy to spot oncoming guards and council members of the Elite. Even as the highest ranks of officials strode past, Jace made sure to keep his eyes ahead as they sneered with power and disdain towards them. They had won, and they knew it. However, Jace couldn't help but to tighten his grip on his weapon as they walked past them. It took all of his self control not to aim his rifle at their heads.
Reaching the third sector was more difficult than the first two. As the guards aimed their weapons at them, Jace's throat tightened but his eyes remained forward. He couldn't act out -- he was supposed to be under their control, and it was absolute hell for him. But, as Coraline sauntered towards the guard, hands placed on her hips and her voice sharp as a blade, his expression softened slightly and the corner of his mouth curled up ever so lightly. As she told off the guards, Jace made eye contact with on them. He recognized him immediately as the guard studied him. Jace didn't break eye contact with the guard as he stepped towards him, finger on the trigger of his gun. "Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in..." the guard muttered under his breath, scanning Jace's eyes for any sign of defiance. Shit -- the guard knew him as well. Swallowing, Jace remained focused, even as a trickle of sweat cascaded down his neck.
As Coraline's orders lead the guards down to sector one, Jace remained in character as the guard stared at him until his group descended down the stairs, passing curious glances back to them as he did so. Does he know? Did he figure out their plan.
Releasing a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding, Jace glanced over at Coraline as they continued making their way to the control center. "That's my girl," he whispered, finally unleashing that grin that was toying on his lips earlier. She did amazing. Absolutely amazing. "Remind me to give you an Oscar if we make it out alive," he chuckled under his breath as they headed up the stairs. Now that they were spotted they had to be even quicker and more diligent. The way that guard looked at him... It made Jace's stomach churn and he knew that wouldn't be the last of him.
After parading up a few flights of stairs, Jace shoved the door open. Sector four. Only one more to get through. Hope started building inside of him and he gripped Coraline's hand once, squeezing it tightly as the entered the floor. Jace already could hear the footsteps of guards rounding the corner and his hands went immediately back to his weapon as they headed down the hall, right into the group of guards that sat waiting for them.
Taking on his role again, Jace straightened his posture and held his gun to his chest, not meeting the eyes of the guards. They were silent as the began striding passed them -- the guards eyeing the pair up and down. They had almost made it past the group when the radio of the lead guard went off. "Sector one is cleared. It was a diversion. We are looking for two rebels dressed in Elite gear. The man is identified as tall, dark brown hair with a shorter, brown haired female. The man was recognized as Jace Kingston -- the female was unknown."
Jace's stomach dropped to his knees and he passed Coraline a quick glance before he snatched her hand and the two began sprinting down the hall. Shots immediately rang out from the guards, missing them by inches. Sprinting behind a pillar, Jace pressed Coraline against it while he stood tightly in front of her, peering out from behind the pillar as he shot down the hall towards the guards. "That guard recognized me. He knew something was up..." he whispered from behind the gun as he landed a bullet in a guards chest, sending him flying to the ground. Gritting his teeth Jace hissed, "Get your gun, keep going up." Another shot rang out, shattering a glass wall as another guard went down. Only three left.
Alex skid to a stop when Monroe threw her arm out in front of him, his chest thumping into her arm as she demanded everyone stop and listen. Alexander squinted just slightly, not really hearing anything at first. He considered teasing Monroe for her paranoia, but moments later he detected the dull thumping of footsteps coming from a city. Upon closer inspection, Alex determined exactly what he had been fearing all along - their cover had been blown, the Elite knew that they were here, and were marching towards them as they spoke.
Shooting a panicked look to Jedd, he watched as the man gave the silent signal to the army of rebels behind them, and in the blink of an eye the mass of people went screaming forward. There was no more reason for secrecy or quit, they were already discovered - so instead the rebel army filled the air with cries of war and hollering for victory. The sound alone had to have been pretty intimidating - even to the trained soldiers of the Elite.
However, after a few moments of yelling and pounding feet, the air erupted in gun fire and shouts of pain. It came from both sides, and Alex could see men and women falling to their death in the street. Catching Monroe’s hand, he yanked her to him and wrapped her in a bone-crushing hug. “I love you.” He reminded her, pressing a quick but deep kiss to her mouth before pulling away once again.
It was time for war.
“Stay close.” He advised, dropping her hand but taking care to keep the girl close to him as they charged into the fray. Raising his rifle, Alex rung off a few shots - bodies of Elite who had been moments from killing some of the rebels dropping in the distance. He grunted as another black clothed body slammed into him, an Elite who’d lost his footing stumbling into him. Alex shoved the man back away from him, the pair locking eyes for a brief moment before they went their separate ways.
While Alex wasn’t afraid to kill if he deemed it necessary to save himself or his friends, he wasn’t a killer at heart and wanted to avoid any unnecessary death that he could - and he was sure many of the Elite felt the same way, if only Jace and Coraline could shut those damned chips off.
Alexander was vigilant not to let Monroe get pulled too far away from him in the crowd of people shooting and yelling, fighting amongst each other. Occasionally a couple of bodies would get between them, but Alex trusted her ability to defend herself and tried not to worry too much. He always kept her close enough that he could get to her if she needed him.
They hadn’t been at it very long, but sweat and splattered blood already covered his face and body, the adrenaline pumping through him the only true thing keeping him going. Fighting his way through the surging bodies of the other rebels and elite, Alex made his way back to Monroe. “We need to get to higher ground.” He stated, grabbing her arm with intent. It was difficult to use a rifle and bow in this close of quarters, and he hoped they would be more effective if they could put some distance between them and the crowd.
Pulling her after him, Alex lead the way through the crowd, battling people out of his way and trying to absorb most of the blunt force people threw at him and Monroe. Eventually, they reached an old concrete building, a sigh of relief escaping Alex. He busted the door open with the butt of his rifle, slamming it against the lock until the piece of metal fell to the ground and the door swung open.
“If we can get to the roof we can start picking them off.” He panted, slipping inside and closing the door behind him.
Coraline offered Jace a quick flash of a smile as he joked about how ugly the city was. A part of her - the dreamer in her - would always disagree. To Cora the large skyscrapers and concrete buildings would always look like refuge, because that was what it was meant to be for her and Monroe, and what they’d pushed all of their hope into for months on end while they made their way to the fabled City of Light. She loved the way all of the glass and shiny metal use to create the building reflected little rainbows onto each other, and how the city seemed to revolve outward from the skyscraper in the middle. Even now as they went to war with them, Coraline found a simplistic kind of beauty in the efficiency in which the city was ran.
Plus, a part of her just missed the hot showers.
Cora slipped her hand into Jace’s, holding it tight while as they took off together into the city. Watching him clutch the gun to his chest, dressed head to toe in his old guard’s uniform almost made her nostalgic - he looked so much like the boy who’d found her on the streets so long ago. But now he was tougher, stronger both mentally and physically - and so was Cora. She followed his lead and placed her newly freed hand at her hip where she had a little pistol tucked away. Her weapon of choice was always knives, but it was safer to keep a gun with her for when they weren’t close enough to throw and slash a knife.
Together the pair ducked and slid through the shadows, their footsteps so light they were nearly undetectable in the loose gravel of the roads. This was what Coraline was good at, she wasn’t strong and she wasn’t a fighter, but she was quick and stealthy, and undeniably good at talking her way out of bad situations.
She nodded her head to Jace’s word, watching him step out of the cover of the shadows and into the middle of the road. Her heart pounded with fear for the boy, just waiting for someone to snipe him from afar or call him out for not belonging here - but what he heard was much worse. A low rumble reverberated throughout the city, the force so much that it nearly shook the ground. The monotonous beat of the soldier’s marching feet sent a chill down the girl’s spine, watching as waves and waves of uniformed Elites poured through the streets. Clearly their cover had been blown.
Coraline sunk back into the shadows, pressing her back tightly against the concrete wall of a building, reaching out to snag Jace’s hand as she squeezed it tightly. He’d nearly been caught, and now their mission to deactivate the chips was more important than ever. Without the element of surprise the rebels wouldn’t stand a chance.
As Jace turned to her with ice in his eyes, Cora gently reached out to brush the stray strands of dark hair from his eyes, pulling him down to press her lips to his one last time. She smiled at his fierce words, knowing he was only trying to protect her. “Same goes for you.” She quipped, stealing one last peck against his lips before they snaked their way into the large building.
Luckily for them, the tower was left mostly unguarded, but Coraline still worried about someone recognizing Jace for his treachery. Jace had been born and raised here, these people knew him and would spot him from a mile away. But Cora? She had only been in the city for a few weeks before she‘d had to slip away in the middle of the night. Wearing the guard’s uniform herself, she’d be nearly unrecognizable as any type of threat. “Keep your head down.” She whispered to Jace, raising her chin in mock confidence as she strode through the halls as if she belonged there.
The hub that they needed to access sat at the highest floor of the skyscraper, and the farther in Jace and Coraline went the more people they encountered. They looked the part that they were playing, so for the most part nobody said anything to them besides quiet nods of acknowledgement as the skirted past people in the halls.
However, as they reached the third sector of the five tiered building they were met with running guards, all of their gun’s drawn. “Identification.” One of the men barked. Coraline stepped towards him, hands cockily placed on her hips as she feigned arrogance. Maybe she’d taken a page from Jace’s book. “I’m sorry, have you forgotten who you’re speaking to? What’s the meaning of this?” She snapped, her voice holding an air of authority that she hadn’t even realized she possessed. “There’s been a breach ma’am, we’re trying to identify the location. Now I really need to see some ident-” The man tried to explain, but Coraline cut him off with a dramatic roll of her eyes, a sound of exasperation leaving her mouth. “For christ’s sake, trying to identify? You’ve got to be kidding me.” She shook her head, glaring at the guardsmen with enough disdain in her gaze that she knew even her small form would seem the slightest bit intimidating. “Idiots - the breach is in sector one you numb-skulls.” She snapped, reaching out to pull his radio receiver from his chest, speaking into it. “Breach in sector one - all available units to sector one immediately.“ She spat into it, hearing it echo throughout all the hall as each guard received her message through the radio as she clipped the man’s back to his chest. “I said now!” She demanded, watching as the group of guards dropped there weapons and took off towards the staircase, along with most of the other remaining guardsman in the building.
Shooting a look to Jace, Coraline let out a shaky breath. So far they were safe. And lucky for them, most of the guards were running to sector one where they would surely launch an extensive search for the ’breach’, and Coraline and Jace were headed in the opposite direction, all the way up to five.
“Come on.” She whispered excitedly, wasting no time as she scurried up the stairs towards the control center.
She couldn't help but smile as Coraline whispered jokes about Jace in her ear. Well, they weren't exactly jokes, considering they were very true. Jace was a numb-skull. Monroe knew Coraline would do great. She was built for stuff like this. Her friend was stealthy and slick. Coraline could weasel her way in and out of anything. Confidence in her friend boiled inside her as she stepped away from Cora, laughing as she jumped into Alex.
Her eyes slid to Jace -- whom she surely as hell would not be hugging, even if they were about to head to battle. But her gaze raked his and Monroe couldn't help the small surge that leapt in her heart as Jace warned her to be safe. "You too, prick," she called to him, smirking.
Leaning against Alex, Monroe couldn't help but to playfully roll her eyes as Cora firmly demanded Alex to keep her safe. "I think it's the other way around," Monroe laughed, nudging Alex. As he friend's disappeared into the trees Monroe found herself clenching her fists at her sides, staring after them until their bodies were one with the trees. This could be the last time she ever saw them -- and it hit her just now.
Breathing heavily, Monroe kept her eyes locked on the way her two friends had left in -- as if they would magically reappear. Alex's kiss to her took some of her edge off, but even his touch didn't soothe her mind. Locking her jaw, Monroe finally began moving with the group again, taking glances backwards to that spot just in case.
It was only a few hours until they reached the edge of the city. Monroe and Alex made their way into the front of the lines by Jedd, the large slew of rebel soldiers hastily pressing forward behind them.
Passing through that godforsaken desert was the hardest part and a layer of dark dust had covered everyone. Monroe had covered her mouth and nose with that same raggedy bandanna she wore when she first entered the city. It was as if history were repeating itself. A gun was holstered in her waist band along with a few knives. Her bow and arrows were strapped to her back and lust for revenge kissed her eyes. She looked like a warrior.
As the group kept heading towards the entrance into the streets, Monroe stopped suddenly. "Do you hear that?" She said to Alex, placing a hand on his chest to stop him as well. Jedd seemed to hear it too and he raised an arm in the air, signalling to stop the army. A low rumble echoed across the land and it grew louder and louder by the second. Monroe stepped forward slightly with brows furrowed, leaning into the sound that came from the city. Squinting her eyes through the sun, Monroe began to notice a large dark mass that was headed towards them, rushing through the streets. Inching a little closer, her light eyes immediately widened as she saw masses of Elite warriors headed -- running -- towards them in formation. "Oh my God," her voice broke as she turned to Jedd and Alex. "They knew we were coming." For once fear flooded Monroe's eyes as she turned back to the Elite forces that were growing closer and closer with every second.
A simple nod from Jedd as he turned to face the army was all it took and the rebels went flying towards the city.
"I heard that," Jace joked to Coraline as he watched the girls embrace. He caught Monroe's eyes and nodded to her. He would keep Coraline safe if it was the last thing he'd do. He knew what his duty was and he didn't blame Monroe for being concerned. He would be the same way.
Grabbing Alex's hand after he had finished saying his goodbye to Cora, Jace hugged him tightly, slapping him on the shoulder as he peeled back, smiling at him. "Don't do anything stupid," he told the boy, smirking as he grabbed Coraline's hand that lingered by him. Glancing at an uneasy Monroe, Jace met her eyes and nodded. He wouldn't press his luck on trying to get a hug out of her -- he had already been shocked that she'd given one to Coraline. "Keep yourself safe, Monroe," he told her. They both exchanged a look and he swear he saw a glimmer of kindness mixed with worry in her eyes towards him. Ah, the Ice Queen did have a heart.
As he and Coraline retreated into the woods, Jace waved once to Alex and Monroe and then to Jedd who stood at the beginning of the group. Their journey went by quickly, Jace making sure to take small breaks when they needed to in case Coraline became out of breath. The heat was unrelenting and they were covered in sweat by the time they reached the edge. They both sat near large bushes, covered by ferns and the giant trunks of trees as well. Jace could see the guards patrolling between the buildings. They could do this -- they weren't expecting them.
Grinning at Coraline's words, Jace nodded and slowly crept out of the trees, her hand in his. "It's so... ugly," he chuckled. Truly the city might have looked appealing to outsiders seeking refuge. But Jace had grown up inside the City of Light, between the buildings and the alleys. They were his home but after embarking on this journey with his friends, he would much rather have the view of the forest than a skyscraper. Releasing Coraline's hand to hold his gun against his chest, the pair continued to sneak into the edge of the city, Jace scanning every direction for eyes of the guards. They had doubled up their forces, it seemed. Probably no thanks to the stunt Alex and he pulled.
His body was rigid but quick as he ducked behind building after building, being sure to keep Coraline as close as possible. "We have to head for that main skyscraper, right in the heart of the city - where we took you and Monroe in," Jace whispered, nodding his head towards the large building. "I'll check and make sure the coast is clear before we head in, okay?" He looked at her, stray pieces of his dark hair falling into his eyes. Clenching his rifle tightly, Jace peered around the building they were hiding behind. He took a few steps out into the open, basically a sitting duck. Just as he was about to turn to Coraline to urge her to come out, footsteps started to parade through the streets.
Sprinting back to the building breathing heavily, pressing himself against the wall with so much pressure he might melt into it, Jace placed a finger to his lips. Around the corner of the skyscraper came rows upon rows of Elite marching in formation. Their black heavy gear shining in the sun. Their faces were smug as weapons of every sort were strapped to them. They kept coming and coming. Hoards and hoards of Elite, most of which he knew, piled through the main street of the city, heading right towards the edge -- where the rebels would soon be.
They had no element of surprise. Some how -- some way -- they knew the rebels were coming. And they were ready for them.
"Shit," Jace hissed through clenched teeth as he watched them file down the street. This was bad, this was very bad. Jace knew that he and Coraline had to hurry, to try and stop this before the battle even begun. "Okay, we have to move," he turned to her, eyes cold. "If I say run, you run. Okay? You run as fast as you can and you don't look back." Grabbing Coraline's hand tightly, Jace snaked them through the remaining buildings that stood between them and their destination. Thankfully, since all of the guards and Elite were in the army, the doors were unguarded. Granted, Jace figured that getting in would be the easy part. But once they were inside it would be a whole different game.
Gripping her small hand tightly, Jace led them to the back entrance of the training arena and through the glass door.
Alexander smiled excitedly at Jedd’s miniature speech, nodding his head in agreement. He agreed with every word the older man said, and it had brought a rush of confidence to Alex as well. He felt good about this, and he knew that he had made the right decision by coming here. They were about to change their lives, and for once be able to write their own future Instead of having some tight-assed official in an office decide it for them.
As the group seat off, Alex fell into a steady rhythm of joking around with the other rebels and teasing his friends. His arm was either lazily slung across Monroe’s shoulders or holding her hand, happy to receive her outward display of affection. Monroe had never been much into PDA, and so her frequent reaches for his hand or just his touch had left him incredibly pleased, and in a particularly good mood.
The day’s long journey had passed rather quickly, and Alex’s blood ran hot as they neared the edge of the city. He grew giddy as the thought that here they were, sitting just outside of the fabled City of Light, and they didn’t even have a clue that the biggest rebel horde the world had ever seen sat just outside their gates. It put things in perspective for him - maybe the city wasn’t nearly as strong as he’d always believed it to be.
Hearing Jace’s murmured words drew his attention, raisin his eyebrows as everyone connected that Coraline would be going with him on his covert mission into the city. He couldn’t say that he was exactly surprised, and he knew where Jace’s head was likely at when making that decision - he wouldn’t be able to focus without knowing Coraline was safe, and the only way to ensure her safety was to keep her with him. He felt the same towards Monroe.
Alex was surprised to see that Monroe didn’t pitch more of a fit at the announcement. He’d fully expected her to demand Cora stay with them on the battle field, always wanting to look out for her closest friend - maybe it was just instinctual at this point after they’d spent so long just barely surviving with each other. He supposed it showed quite a bit of trust for the blonde to leave her best friend in Jace’s care during one of the most dangerous things they’d ever done.
He watched he girls hug, letting out a shocked laugh as Coraline left into his own arms as soon as she let go of Monroe. Everyone knew Cora was a bundle of affection, and he chided himself for thinking he would get away without a hug from her. “Stay safe kid.” He laughed, releasing the petite girl to go back to his friend. Turning his eyes to Jace, he put out his hand, clasping hands with him and pulling him into a hug. Alex embraced his brother tightly for a few seconds before stepping back, watching as Coraline slipped her hand into his.
“See you guys on the other side.” He said, waving as the two departed on their own little mission.
Alex released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, wrapping his arm around Monroe and pulling her against him, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. It was just a matter of time for them now.
Coraline’s nerves were eating her alive, and she couldn’t shake the unyielding urge to just turn and run back to the safety of their little tin home, but Jedd’s hopeful words had done a world of good for her, easing her mind enough for her to find her resolve once again. This was the right thing to do. This was their future. They would be a part of history, and they would be on the right side of it.
Cora had never been much of a fan of traveling. Unlike her spunky blonde counterpart, Cora preferred to find a safe space too call her own and stay put. However today’s journey didn’t seem half bad, and the day’s long travel had flown by. Everyone was in good spirits and joking around with one another, which made the trip much more bearable. Her eyes alternated between each of her three friends, trying to memorize the details of each of their faces. Being with them made her stronger, and she sure as hell needed to soak in as much strength from them as she could right about now.
As the group pulled to a stop just outside of the city and still within the dense coverage of the trees, Coraline shot a quick glance in Jace’s direction, knowing what was coming. His words a few moments later came as no surprise, and she slowly nodded her head in acknowledgment.
Coraline turned to face Monroe at her exclamation, giving her a sad smile as she filed her arms around the blonde in the tightest hug she would muster. Monroe wasn’t known for these spontaneous moments of affection, so she wanted to take advantage of it while she could. “Couldn’t trust that numb-skull to get the job done by himself.” She teased, biting back tears as they welled in her eyes. She’d gotten so used to having Monroe at her side that it was hard to imagine leaving her now, moments before the biggest fight of their lives. “We all know that I’m the brains behind this operation.” She joked, referencing her and Jace’s pairing for the mission.
Finally releasing her friend from her tight grasp, she passed Monroe one more encouraging smile. She turned to Alex next, pulling him into a tight hug as well. No one was safe from her affection, not when they were all about to go off and risk their lives with no promise that they’d see each other on the other side of this thing.
Coraline tried her hardest to stay optimistic as she released Alex from her grip as well, stepping back to Jace’s hand and slipping her hand in his. “Keep here safe.” She told Alex firmly. “Not that she needs it, but still.” She finished, passing Monroe a wink before setting off with Jace.
The pair skirted the tree line for a few miles until they reached the opposite side of the city from where the rebels would enter. While the group of rebels would launch an attack and cause hysteria inside the city, Jace and Coraline would sneak in from the other side, blending in as long as they could to try and get access to the control room in the heart of the headquarters. As long as everything went as planned, it looked seamless - but when was the last time anything went according to the plans for them?
Currently Coraline sat crouched just outside of the city in some thick vegetation, looking over the scene in front of them. Just a few yards away sat the same old dirt road that Coraline had met the boy that she loved on so long ago. It almost felt like an eternity ago, a whole different life from where she stood now with him. “Look familiar?” She whispered, turning bright eyes over to Jace as she grinned up at him. It almost felt nostalgic, and it only felt right that they’d be starting their new lives in the same place she’d thrown her old one away so long ago.
She eyed Alex deviously as his eyes skimmed over her and her new look. Monroe chewed on her bottom lip gingerly as his strong arms reached out to her, tugging her close to him. Maybe the war could wait for about ten more minutes, that's all she would need with him right now. A sighed escaped her lips as he kissed her deeply, feeling his tongue explore her mouth and lips. However, her paradise was short lived as he soon pulled away, leaving the taste of him on her lips as she pouted. "I don't care what they say..." she grumbled, following him out the door unwillingly.
Monroe turned her attention to Coraline as she walked beside her. A light smile toyed on her face as she said, "I've been waiting for this day for a long time." It was true, she had been. Today would be the end of it all, what she had been fighting and training for. And she was ready.
Monroe took in Jedd's words and nodded to the man as he spoke. She in reality should be thanking him. He started this for them -- for everyone. Because of him their lives would be forever changed and she was so grateful for that. Monroe owed that man everything.
As they walked through the forest, Monroe constantly found herself reaching for Alex's hand or brushing his shoulder, just to feel the weight of his body against her or his rough calloused hand in hers. She made sure to eye Coraline, her sweet friend that had been there since the beginning of all of this -- her faithful companion. Whether if they were indeed marching into a massacre -- their own death -- she wasn't certain. What she was certain of that these were her people, and she wouldn't rather be doing this with anyone else.
Glancing up at Jace as he stopped, her mouth practically gaped open at his words. "Wait we?" She looked between Jace and Coraline. Monroe didn't know that Coraline would be going into the city with him. It shook her to her core. Clenching her jaw, Monroe looked at her friend wide eyed. "You didn't tell me you would also be going inside." She wasn't mad, she was worried. Sneaking in to enemy territory was probably even more dangerous than being out on the battle field. Monroe was already nervous that Jace was going, but now that her best friend was going with him made her stomach roll. Without warning, Monroe quickly ran over to Coraline and wrapped her small frame into a bone crushing hug. This was completely out of the norm for someone like Monroe, but she didn't care.
War, she could face. Losing her best friend? Not a chance.
Stepping back, looking Coraline over, Monroe brushed a hand through her dark hair. They had fought together for so long. They were in sync with each other's movements and could speak without words. This would be different for Monroe -- for both of them -- not fighting with each other. She didn't know if she was ready for it.
He could get used to this. Them brushing their teeth together, waking up together in the morning with sunlight kissing their skin and their hair ragged and in disarray from last nights activities. This was what he was fighting for -- this was all he ever wanted. Snaking his arms through her waist after he finished brushing his teeth, Jace grinned as Coraline kissed him lightly. "Kingston now, huh? Usually I'm only called that when I'm in trouble," he passed her a playful wink, nipping at her nose. "Have I been naughty, love?" A chuckle rose in his chest as he brought his lips down to hers whispering, "I love you so much."
Jace wished he could hold onto that moment forever, but as summer air coated their skin outside along with all of the other rebels, Jace knew that a feeling like that wouldn't come around again for a while.
As Coraline laced her fingers through his and gave his shoulder a light kiss, Jace squeezed her hand back. Looking down at her as they walked he studied her again. Memorizing every single part of her and what she looked like in this moment, tucking it away for later.
Slapping Alex's shoulder in unison as his friend did to him, Jace smirked, nudging the boy. "Today's the day," he said to him as they reached Jedd. Jace smiled at the older man and part of his chest began to ache. This was the biggest day of Jedd's life -- of everyone's life. Today would determine everything going forward -- whether they lived or died. Jace could see the confidence in Jedd's wrinkled eyes and that eased his spirit, but he couldn't deny the fact that he was absolutely terrified to lose the only father figure he'd ever had.
Passing the boy a small smile, as if he could read his thoughts, Jedd ruffled Jace's hair once. "You definitely pass, I almost shot you," he laughed, turning his attention towards the group. "Thank you all for fighting with us, we are making history today and you are standing on the right side of it. All of you," the last words we meant for Jace and Alex as his eyes darted between the two boys before he headed into the forest, leading the way.
Usually walking through the humid forest all day would leave Jace exhausted and out of breath. But he didn't feel any of that today. The readiness he felt -- the desire to win this damn thing hurdled itself through any weaknesses he might be facing. The energy poured over him, never faltering. It seemed to have manifested over everyone. Their large army full of rebels was quickly moving through the trees -- they would reach the edge of the city in no time.
Stopping for a moment, Jace eyed the area. They were close, they were so close. Turning to face his friends, he swallowed. "I think this is where we should head out," his eyes darted to Coraline for a moment, checking if she had any second thoughts about coming with him. He was more than positive they would eventually find trouble while they were turning off the poison. Jace wasn't and idiot and he knew they would have to kill plenty of Elite on their way. He and Coraline would be taking a different route into the city than the rebels would be.
All about the element of surprise.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous as all hell to leave Alex and Monroe. The brother that he had always wanted -- his best friend. And Monroe, the stubborn warrior and the most selfless person he knew. Jace studied them as he did with Coraline earlier. Memorizing their faces. Just in case. This could be goodbye for all they knew.
Alexander looked over Monroe’s reflection in the mirror as she dressed in her old training uniform from the city. He’d be lying if he said he weren’t attracted to the sight, but maybe that was just the old guardsman in him coming back to the surface. To be completely fair though, he though Monroe looked good in just about anything she wore.
“Hey!” He exclaimed as her delicate little fingers plucked his knife from his grasp, However, he couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows at the girl as she began hacking away at her clothing. She was such a peculiar girl, and every time he thought he’d figured her out she surprised him yet again.
He grinned at her as she stuck her tongue out, slipping his old knife into the belt of her panuts, clearly insistent on keeping it. “I like the look.” He purred, catching the blonde by her newly exposed waist and tugging her to him. He wanted to take advantage of every last minute of their peace, and so he pressed a long, deep kiss to her lips, running his tongue against her bottom lip and giving it a playful nip before pulling away. “What do they say about always leaving them wanting more?” He toyed, finally pushing himself up and pulling her to the door where they met their friends and proceeded to the center of the camp.
He was amazed at the sight before him, a mass of rebels larger than anything he’d ever seen, all toting a variety of weapons and chatting away they all readied themselves for the upcoming war. This was what he had dreamed of for so long - for a rebellion as strong as this one to march on the corrupt city that he’d once been a part of.
Finally he turned his eyes to Jace, sharing an excited look with him as the group of rebels moved forward like a massive herd into the woods.
Coraline was in probably the deepest sleep she’d had in months when she stirred awake to the feel of Jace’s hot breath sliding against the sensitive ear of her skin. ”Mmm.” She hummed, rolling onto her back to get a better look at the male as he rose out of bed and began getting ready for their day ahead. Cora decided that she’d like to wake up to Jace’s whispered words against her ear every single day for as long as she could. There was no better way to start her day.
Cora yawned lightly watching Jace move to the mirror as he attempted to shave his stubble with a dull knife and a bar of soap. She smiled lightly, finally climbing out of bed and tugging on her matching set of training clothes. It’d been forever since she’d last worn them, but the feeling of the thick but breathable fabric felt good against her skin.
The girl sidled over to the sink, scootching in beside Jace so she could brush her teeth while he tried to shave. She smirked up at him after she’d rinsed her mouth smiling wildly as Jace flashed her his own goofy grin, inquiring about his new look. “Just like the good old days.” She confirmed, slipping her arms around him for one last kiss before they set out for the day. “I love you, Kingston.” She teased, pressing another quick kiss against his lips.
Grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder, Coraline let Jace pull her out of the door of their little home, meeting Monroe and Alex out front. She smiled at Alex’s friendly greeting - he was almost always in a good mood, but today he seemed especially upbeat, with a little extra pep in his step.
“Ready for this?” She asked Monroe jovially, sharing a glance with her friend as they approached Jedd at the center of the camp.
Reaching down, Coraline slipped her hand into Jace’s, turning her head to press a kiss against his shoulder as the massive group of rebels all headed out of the camp together. Cora had never seen such unity amongst a group of people, and she was glad to have been a part of something so revolutionary.
She stared at the ceiling above while Alex described their future. She couldn't control the small smile that fiddled across her lips as he talked about his home. She would love to see it someday. Whether she would wasn't certain. But, she would definitely hope to. "I would love that, Alex," she turned to him, grinning. "As long as Jace and Coraline stay at the opposite end of the house," she joked, giggling. "I swear I never know what to expect with those two."
She didn't ask why his mom and dad had separate wings of the house, not wanting to pry. She figured she had tested her limits with risky questions for the day. Monroe decided that it was probably best to leave out that she's never had a proper home. A place to always fall back to. Ever since she was born she and her family bounced from village to village until she was the only one left. It didn't bother her, it was just... different. Monroe never knew the feeling of having a safe place, a refuge. She found that in people. Very few people.
Sleep over took her body soon after it did to Alex's. She remembered staring at his gentle face as he slept soundlessly next to her, but then nothing else. She awoke to Alex's presence leaving the bed and she sighed at the loss of warmth. Forcing herself out of bed, Monroe stood and stretched, yawning lightly. She made her way to the dresser and rummaged through her clothes. However, her mind flicked back to the training clothes she had stuffed in her bag the day before. "Oh, what the hell," she muttered under her breath as she tugged on the thick kevlar clothing set. It was thick and offered a lot of protection. Plus, Alex said it made her ass look good so there was that.
But, as she looked in the mirror in between Alex shaving, she furrowed her brows at the sight of her. She looked too Elite. She wasn't Elite -- she didn't want to be Elite. She was Monroe -- a simple human girl. And she wanted revenge. Snatching Alex's knife out of his hand after her was done shaving, Monroe began hacking at the kevlar. She cut the bottom of the shirt off, leaving it cropped and exposing her stomach. Then, bringing the knife to the sleeves, she sawed off the long tight sleeves that constricted her arms, making a sleeveless tank top of some sorts. Monroe wasn't Elite and she was proud of it -- why not make it known who she was? A rebel.
Small cuts where the knife scraped against her skin made their appearance, bleeding lightly. Placing the knife in her mouth, Monroe quickly tied her hair up in a messy ponytail, still never learning how to properly tie back her thick long locks. Sliding the knife into a holster in her waistband, Monroe refused to give it back to Alex as she stuck her tongue out at him. She then took in his look.
He looked almost exactly like he did when she met him. That clean shaven, handsome guardsman. Little did she know then that the boy that rescued two struggling girls would be with her now -- about to fight in a war with her against his own kind. She was honored. They really were on the same team after all. "Don't shoot!" She mocked their first meeting with the boys, holding her hands up to him, smirking.
As Alex reached for her hand and dragged her out of the house, she quickly grabbed her bag and tried to snatch one more glance of their small home. She knew she wouldn't know such luxury for a while -- if ever again. Turning to face Jace and Coraline, Monroe made sure to pass her faithful friend a longer look. This is what they had been searching for. It was finally here and they were doing it together. She smiled softly at her friend as they headed towards Jedd.
For the first time ever, Alex found himself envying the female body for being able to have multiple climaxes in a row - because if that were something he was ale to physically sustain, there would be no chance at them catching any sleep tonight. He smiled gently as Monroe murmured a compliment his way, her sneaky little self still slowly grinding her hips into him. The movement elicited a low groan to emit from his lips, shaking his head as he stared at the girl beneath him. Evil. She was absolutely evil
Eventually Alex dropped back down beside Monroe, laying on his side to face her as twisted a lock of her hair between his fingers while she described what she pictured for their future. He smiled fondly, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead before falling back on his back, stretching his arms out wide as he made himself comfortable.
“I figured we would take my estate.” He mused, running his hand along his chin. Alex figured that there was no way both him and his father would survive this war - and he fully planned on making sure he was he one to survive, meaning the entire estate would fall to him. “It’s way too big for both us, and mom and dad had separate rooms in different wings of the house, so I thought maybe Jace and Cora could stay with us for time.“ He murmured with a shrug, turning his head to face her so he could see her reaction to his plan. He’d spent quite a bit of time dreaming about what life would be like when they finally took back the city, and at this point he nearly had every aspect of their future planned out to a tee.
It didn’t take Alex long to drift into sleep once he shut his eyes, and the morning had come much too soon for his liking. Alexander had never been much of a morning person, but for maybe the first time in forever he was actually excited to start his day. Today they would go to war, today they would take back the city.
After a big stretch Alexander slowly slid out of the bed, snagging the old pair of training clothes he’d left set out for the morning and tugging them on. The familiar feel of the kevlar just felt right against his skin, and while he had just shaved yesterday, if he were going to wear the clothes he wanted to look the part. Standing in front of the mirror Alex used his trusty old knife to shave off the light shadow that had begun to grow across his jaw - thanks to hit time spent back in the village, he’d nearly perfected the art of shaving with a pocket knife.
Combing his fingers through his hair, Alex turned back around to grin at Monroe, “Just like old times, eh?” He teased, walking over to press a kiss to her head. “Now come on, I’m sure the others are waiting on us.” He insisted, snagging her hand to drag her from their little home - he sure as hell wouldn’t miss it.
Adjusting his bag on his back, Alex approached Coraline and Jace who were both already outside and looking rather chipper. “Mornin’ friends.” He greeted cheerfully, smacking Jace’s shoulder as he follow him to the center of the camp where they met an eager looking Jedd.
His sleep came quick and swift. He had underestimated how tired his body actually was. Coraline's body intertwined in his, her soft deep breathing of sleep was soothing and for a moment, he forgot that they had a war to win. Her smile while he talked about their future together lit a fire inside of him. Hope emerged in his heart and Jace knew that they would make it. They all would. They had to.
The early morning sunlight cause Jace to flinch slightly as he opened his eyes. He could already hear footsteps of other rebels outside as they readied themselves for the day. It took all of his willpower to rise out of the bed. He knew that today would not be filled with peace as last night was. Jace knew that today would be filled with blood, loss, but more importantly, vengeance.
Placing a light kiss on Coraline's forehead, Jace whispered in her ear, "Time to go kick some Elite ass." He smirked and he started dressing himself in his old kevlar training gear. He needed to look the part to sneak inside the city. It felt weird dressing himself in the enemies uniform. It made his stomach uneasy. Brushing his teeth quickly in the old dirtied mirror, Jace glanced back at a sleepy Coraline and he couldn't help but smile, toothbrush and all.
After rinsing, Jace looked at his scruff on his jaw. Elite were supposed to be clean shaven. Cursing under his breath, Jace frantically rummaged through his back pack, grabbing a small knife out of it. Using soap from the bathroom, Jace did his best to manage a clean shave. It didn't look awful. It wasn't as clean cut as it should be, but it would work. He stared at himself in the mirror for a moment. He looked like the old him -- before he even met Coraline or Monroe. Leaving the mirror, Jace eyed Coraline as she finished getting ready. "How do I look? Could I pass for the old asshole Jace?" A crooked smile unfurled across his lips as he grabbed his backpack and headed out of the door with his girl to meet Monroe and Alex outside. He took one last look at the little shack they called home, but then turned and didn't look back.
Jace saw Jedd down near the center of the camp. The man nodded at the group, a small smile on his mouth and determination in his eyes. Weapons were strung along his back and he looked like the fearless leader Jace had always known him to be, but with more passion -- more fire. It was inspiring.
As Jace moved his soft lips across her ear and neck, Coraline had half a mind to flip back over and pick right back up where they had left off only moments ago - however she could see the exhaustion riddled across Jace’s face, and that had really been the only thing that had saved him from having her jump his bones all over again. He needed to rest, especially considering the day they had ahead of them. Cora decided that she would be optimistic about things, and promised herself that the moment this damned war was won that she’d drag him to the nearest bed and have her way with him.
Coraline melted against his gentle touch, the feel of his fingers sliding up and down the length of her arm making her eyelids grow increasingly heavy. Hearing his soft words was the only thing that held her in consciousness , nodding along to them as he spoke. She could relate to his proclaimed nerves, but didn’t necessarily know that she was as ready as he was. But to be fair, Jace was a born and raised soldier and had probably came out the womb shooting a gun, so Cora tried not to compare herself to him too harshly.
Although hearing the gentle giant whisper about the future he dreamed about with her made Coraline’s heart swell, and once again she was blinking away happy tears before they could fall. It was like Jace had crawled inside of her head and taken the exact words she’d been thinking and spoke them into existence. “Sounds like a dream.” She murmured sleepily, sighing softly out of contentness.
This war would be the most strenuous test that the two of them would ever see, and Coraline was confident that if they could make it through this, they could make it through whatever else he future threw at them.
Coraline settled in against Jace, her eyes already closed as he requested that she get some sleep. “The same goes for you.” She insisted, rolling over so she could nuzzle her face into his chest. She drifted to sleep to the sound of his murmured proclamations of love, and the girl couldn’t have asked for sweeter dreams.
Monroe knew very well that he could have easily beat her back to the house. While she may be strong and fast, he was biologically better than her in those aspects. However, the fact that she let him win boosted her a bit as she trotted into the house. That image of him licking his lips as she retreated away, looking at her as if she were a meal stuck in her mind. She was thankful Alex had the same amount of patience as she did to get his clothes off as he strolled inside. None.
She laughed as Alex threw her onto the bed. The usually patient and tender Alex was no where to be found right now. And Monroe didn't mind one bit. Her hands immediately wrapped around his neck as he caged her into him with his arms. His quick kisses across her face caused her to giggle and she latched her hands into his hair. As his kisses became deeper and more passionate, Monroe moaned lightly. His kisses moving to her neck sending volts of electricity through her. Their relationship had remained as fiery and passionate as it was the first day they had met. "Enchanting, hmm?" She played, her hands traveling lower, past his navel, toying with what lay beneath. "That's a new one. I like it," she giggled.
As he discarded her own shirt, Monroe's eyes followed him as his mouth traveled down her body, his fingers undoing her shorts effortlessly. Her eager hands tugged at his remaining clothes and she finally finally smiled as he rid himself of the unwanted fabric. Monroe opened her mouth to counteract his words but instead of a smartass remark, Monroe moaning his name replaced it as his kisses landed in between her thighs.
As he rose back up, she wrapped her long legs around him as he entered her, her nails digging into his back at the pressure. She placed kisses across his neck and chest, nibbling at his skin softly as they made love. This night was special and they both made sure to make it that way.
After coming undone in his arms more times than she could count, Monroe held onto him tightly as they both finished. Night now overtook the sky, no more of the gold's and pink's that once floated above their heads. She could hear crickets chirping outside and the soft hum of the wind. Other than that, it was silent and peaceful. Running her fingers through his hair, looking up at him, she placed a long and slow kiss on his lips, still moving her hips on him slowly. "You are amazing," she cooed to him, smiling as she tugged his bottom lip between her teeth. "I have you in my web," she teased him, referring to his earlier statement. "Which means," another kiss, "after this damned war is over," another kiss, "I want to find a home. For us." She pulled back slightly, a hand tracing the outline of his exquisite face. "Not that this shack isn't lovely..." she eyed the small room around them and chuckled once. "But I want a safe space where we can grow old and wrinkly together. And where I can still kick your ass in archery."
He watched her as he spoke those words that practically leaped off of his tongue. The sight of her beaming caused a smile so big on his face that his cheeks hurt. As she ran a hand across his jaw and then brought her own lips to his, Jace made sure to have his kiss linger. His tongue running alongside her bottom lip. He loved her and she loved him. It was the way things were supposed to be. "Oh, I figured," he said, his voice husky as he nipped at her nose.
Jace didn't think he would ever forgive himself for walking out on her. But he also thought that it was a blessing in disguise as well. He was better -- better for her. She deserved the best.
Rolling off of her he stared up at the ceiling, relishing the moments he had spent with her throughout the night already. The way she moved against him, the way she sighed his name and her fingernails crawling into his back. The way they both released onto each other -- trembling and moaning. He was almost tempted to take her back into his arms and relive this night over and over again. However, Coraline's words roped him back into the moment.
Cuddling against her as she assumed her usual position against him, Jace kissed her neck and ear slowly before he spoke. His fingers ran a light trail up and down her arm as she did the same to him. "I know that I'm nervous. Nervous, but ready." He spoke to her softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want to live this life with you without having to worry about being killed every five minutes," he smirked lightly. "I want to have a long and happy life with you by my side. And if a war like this is necessary for that to happen, then I would face a thousand wars if that meant I was able to keep you here, safe next to me."
Sighing lightly, his arm wrapped tighter around her. "I want you to get some rest tonight, love. Tomorrow is a... big day." Kissing the side of her head once more Jace laid his head on the pillow next to her and softly shut his eyes, exhaustion winning this fight. "I love you." He whispered until sleep overtook him with the woman he loved in his arms.
Alex smiled softy as the blonde in his arms whispered that she loved him right back. He knew as much, but it was always nice to hear a bit of validation, especially while they were in such trying times. “Don’t apologize.” He responded, shaking his head in protest as he pressed a kiss to the top of the game. “No biggie, I know it was just a came. Just not a game I exactly trust myself with.” He admitted, tugging at a strand of her blonde hair playfully.
As he pulled them back in the direction of their little house, he was surprised to see Monroe skid around on her heel and face him while she still retreated backward. He quirked an eyebrow at her as she spoke, licking his lips as she spoke and then turned back around to take off at a run.
What a naughty little girl.
A laugh bellowed out of him as he shook his head, picking up his pace to jog after the girl. Alexander knew that if he really tried he would be able to catch her in a foot race - she was quick for a human, but still not quick enough to beat an Elite. However, the more primal part of him enjoyed the chase, and decided to let her have the win.
Alex grinned as he busted through the door shortly after her, kicking it closed behind him with his heel as he immediately peeled out of his shirt and threw it to the floor. “Come here.” He growled playfully, catching her by the waist and tossing her back into the mattress as if she weighed nothing at all.
Alex wasted no time in followed after her, crawling over her small body as he trapped her back to the bed. He peppered kisses across her face as he laughed, but the quick sloppy pecks soon turned to slower, deeper kisses as he forgot about their game and became much more focused on the tiny blonde beneath him. “You are absolutely enchanting, you know that?” He rumbled, moving his kisses from down her neck as he spoke.
The boy slipped his hands under her shirt, the fabric riding up as his hands explored more and more of her body. Eventually, he simply pulled it over her head, discarding it in a pile beside the bed. “I swear I used to be my own man.” He teased, lips slowly moving across her newly exposed chest. “But now..” Expert fingers reached to unbutton her shorts gently slipping them off. “I am completely and utterly entanged in your little web.” He finally finished, lips moving down her abdomen and past her navel - and then much lower.
After some time Alex was able to finish ridding himself of his own clothes, lips slowly traveling back up Monroe’s body as he positioned himself between her legs. He entered her slowly, a soft groan rumbling out of his chest as he pressed his face into the nook of her neck.
Alex had never been a particularly selfish lover, but if this was their last guaranteed night together then he wanted to make sure that it was particularly unforgettable for Monroe - and thus he worked diligently to ensure it.
Coraline released a shattery breath as she finally felt Jace between her legs, her head tilting back and eyes closing at the sensation she‘d been yearning for since their first impromptu kiss of the night. She was quickly overcome with emotion as they fell into a steady rhythm with each other, their lips hardly ever leaving each other’s body.
This was definitely a different experience than what their sex was usually like. Jace wasn’t a patient man, and Cora wasn’t particularly stoic when it came to their time spent together in bed either. Typically their nights together were rough and fast paced, born out of hours of pent up desire released all at once. But not tonight. Tonight was slow, and deep, and passionate. They took their time and just soaked each other in, pushing each other until they both came undone.
Tonight they didn’t just fuck - they made love.
Cora could hardly take her eyes off of him, devouring the boy with her gaze. She tried to memorize her favorite parts of him - the steely grey eyes that almost turned silver when he was in a particularly good mood, but also resembled storms when he was upset, the rough callouses of his work-worn hands that made her skin come alive with tingles, the little dimples that popped out in his cheeks when he smiled really hard, and all of the little scars scattering his well build body. Really, everything about him. She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring or if she would even survive it, but these were the memories she wanted burned into her mind if things went bad. These were the flashes of joy that the wanted to remember as she stared death in the face.
As they finished pushing each other over the edge, Coraline curled into Jace’s chest just as he reached out to tug her to him, her breathing slowly beginning to return to a normal pace. She smiled fondly at his words as he murmured that he would do anything he could to protect her tomorrow, and she didn’t doubt that he meant every bit of it. But she really hoped it wouldn’t come to that, because she knew that if it came down to it she wouldn’t let him put himself in danger for her. Cora wasn’t confident in her ability to take another human’s life when it came to battle, but she was confident in her willingness to give up her own if it meant protecting someone she loved. She’d never let Jace sacrifice his own safety for her, no matter how badly he may want to.
She cocked her head jus slightly as Jace became visibly frustrated with his own words, fidgeting for a moment before propping himself back above her as he finished his speech. Cora closed her eyes, biting her lip as the sweet words she’d felt for so long entered her ears. It nearly brought tears to her eyes, but she didn’t want to ruin this happy moment for them with tears. Instead, she reached up to gently cup his face, running her palms along the light stubble that had begun to grow along his jaw. “And I love you, Jace.” She murmured, rising up to press another kiss to his lips. Pulling away she passed the boy a playful smile, nuzzling her nose against his affectionatley. “Although I think you may have already suspected that.” She teased. If Jace had really stuck around watching her from the woods after he’d broken things off with her, then he would’ve seen how absolutely wrecked she’d been when he had left, and her attempts at friendship after his return had only been a faux cover for her true feelings.
Waiting until Jace dropped back down beside her, Coraline rolled to her side, pressing her back against he bigger male as she used his bicep for a pillow like she’d always loved to do. Cora skimmed her fingers along the length of his arm, sighing softly as her mind was once again invaded with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring for them. “Tell me where your head is at.” She murmured, snuggling closer into Jace’s side. “About tomorrow I mean..”
She nodded at Alex's assumption about her wielding a bow tomorrow. "Someone has to protect your ass from afar," she smirked. glancing at the weapon. Her death she was comfortable with, anyone else's was not in the picture.
It hadn't dawned on her just how comfortable with death she had become. As if she were ready to welcome it as an old friend. Even as she stepped towards the bullseye, putting herself as the target and starring down Alex's arrow, it still didn't hit her. Either that, or she wasn't afraid. She narrowed her eyes as he said her name, her lips pressing into a thin line.
Monroe eyed him as he strolled over to her, her arms now crossed over her chest. She didn't move towards him, but even she couldn't hide the small smile on her lips as he kissed her forehead then her nose. As the boy pulled her into a bone crushing hug, she eventually raised her arms, hugging him back. "I love you too, Alex..." Her actions were finally hitting her, what she had expected him to do. She was an idiot. Monroe had become so numb to the idea of dying that she had expected Alex to put himself and her in a ridiculous and maddening situation. As if they hadn't gone through enough already. "I'm sorry." She told him, her actions setting into her.
Her eyes found the rising moon on the horizon as she hugged him. Night was slowly unfolding over them. Their last night possibly together. Alex took the words right out of her mouth as he began tugging her back through the camp towards the house, a mischievous grin on his mouth and his eyes shining. Smirking up at him she started ahead of the boy, turning around on a heel to face him as she walked backwards. "Only if you can catch me first."
And with one of those signature 'Come and Get Me' looks, Monroe bolted and took off towards the house, laughing as night set into her skin. Her blonde hair bustled in the summer wind, her boots kicking up dust as she turned her head slightly to see Alex behind her. The sunset was beautiful as it covered him. Pink and orange and gold covered the sky and there wasn't a cloud in sight. If she could've pictured the perfect last night before uncertainty -- this would be it.
Throwing out the makeshift metal door, Monroe flew herself inside the home. Her laugh echoing throughout the camp.
Coraline moaning his name sent him over the edge and he practically shivered at the sweet sound. The feeling of her fingers pulling on his hair, the feeling of her legs wrapped around him, it was heaven on earth.
As Coraline claimed that his other love marks were still visible he chuckled against her soft skin, placing a soft kiss on her chest before murmuring, "Your point?" His lips soon found hers again and he growled as he felt her nails dig into his skin. It was welcomed pain that only drove him deeper into his frenzy. Her hands on his body was a feeling he would never grow tired of. Never.
The pause between their kissing had Jace's eyes roaming across Coraline's face, searching for any sign of regret. Watching her nod at his question and quickly discarding her shirt, Jace's eyes darkened and he wrapped an arm around her as she arched her back into him, kissing deeply once more.
Jace began to slow down his pace. This could very well be their last night with each other and he wanted to take his time with her and savor every moment. He was never a very patient man, but this was a circumstance that he was willing to make an exception for. Jace slowly slid off her pants, keeping eye contact with her. He grinned as he discarded them to the floor, doing the same to his own.
Hovering above her, Jace traced his fingertips around her features, his eyes glazed over as he studied every inch of her. The freckles that covered her nose and part of her cheeks. Those big blue eyes deeper than the Atlantic. He wanted to say it. He wanted to say what he had been thinking so fucking bad but he couldn't. He didn't want to put that pressure on her, not in the position they were in. So he just showed her instead.
Pressing his lips against hers again, Jace nibbled her bottom lip lightly as he slid into her. He sighed her name lightly as they became one and he grabbed her thigh, wrapping her leg around him. He was patient and he took his time with her. Jace cupped a hand on the back of her neck and showed her the thoughts that ran through his mind every time he looked at her. He showed her until night crusted the sky and darkness began filling their small home.
As they both reached their end, Jace continued to hold her against him until exhaustion started to take over his body. He hadn't slept the night before and he knew he needed rest to be able to fight and focus. Moving to the side, a thin layer of sweat glistening on his body, Jace pulled Coraline into his chest, kissing the top of her head. He ran his fingers through her dark hair, almost forgetting how short it actually was now. "I know you don't need it and you are the strongest woman I have ever met, but I promise I will protect you with everything I have, Coraline." His voice was quiet but his words had weight to them. "You mean everything to me. I-" he cut his own self off, exhaling in frustration.
This was torture keeping his feelings to himself and Jace had had enough of it. Rolling back on top of her, Jace propped himself up on an elbow, brushing stray hairs away from her face. Studying her again, his eyes burning with the words he had wanted to say since he left months ago, he finally caved and finished his sentence. "I love you." His jaw clenched and his gaze still locked on hers. "I have always loved you and I have never stopped loving you."
Alex smirked slightly as Monroe reminded him that he knew exactly what it was like to be on the receiving end of one of her arrows. While she hadn’t caused much damage at all, Alexander knew that she was more than capable of inflicting quite a bit of hurt on whatever her target was.
He offered her a playful smile as the blonde teased him about his shot. “Never.” He chided, shaking his head at her words. “You know you could outshoot me any day.” He reminded her, watching as she let her own arrow fly, it sinking into the target with a vengeance. “I’m assuming you’ll be taking your bow tomorrow?” He guessed, quirking an eyebrow in her direction. In all honesty he couldn’t picture her with any other weapon anymore after witnessing her skill and fondness for the bow.
Hearing her weary words of hope towards Jace’s plans didn’t surprise him, because he felt the exact same. There as no denying that tomorrow would likely be one of the most difficult things they’d ever have to endure, and Alex could only hope that they would all come out on the other side of it together and unharmed.
However, the quick change of Monroe’s mood drew his attention. “My aim is already impeccable, dear.” He challenged with a grin, watching as she slowly moved herself to stand in front of the target, the back of her head lining up perfectly with the bullseye.
This girl was insane.
“Monroe.” He said, his voice holding a warning as he eyed with a bit of unsureness in his gaze. He contemplated her challenge for a few moments - Alex was relatively sure he could hit the mark without even coming near hurting her, but the more rational part of his brain decided that he wasn’t going to go through with it, even if it made him seem like a weenie to the blonde.
Setting his bow back on the rack, Alexander slowly approached Monroe. He cupped her face in his hands once he reached her, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead, followed by a playful peck to the tip of her Nose. “I’d never play with our safety like that.” He murmured affectionately, pulling her to him so he could wrap her in a tight hug. “Even if it’s just in good fun - I love you, and I’d never be able to forgive myself if something went wrong.”
Releasing her from his grasp, Alex looked up to note the setting sun in the distance. “Come on, love.” He purred, tugging on her hand as he insisted she follow him as he headed back towards their house. “Let’s take advantage of our last night promised alive, eh?” He teased, wiggling his eyebrows at her as he cast the girl a playful grin.
Stepping out of the bathroom to see the dress Alex had picked for her, Monroe could not help but to smile softly. Sure, it was still a dress, but it wasn’t a pastel flowy thing with puffy sleeves and gems plastered all over. It was sleek and feminine, but just with a hint of spice. It suited her and Monroe put the clothing on willingly, shimming herself into the dress and actually enjoying how it fit on her. It was still different seeing herself painted in this light, but the dress had pockets so it couldn’t be all that bad.
Turning to face Alex, Monroe’s small grin grew even wider as she eyed in him the black suit. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing you like that,” she told him softly. A light flush rose to her cheeks as he complimented her. “Thank you. Although I have your expert eye for fashion to thank for the dress. Now that is something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand.” While Monroe knew how to pick out clothing that was easy to move and fight in, picking out clothing for other events were a lot trickier. Her dress that she wore to tea was a prime example of her lack of appropriate fashion knowledge.
As they headed to dinner, Monroe glanced down at Alex’s shoes, noticing the colorful socks he had chosen. The red seemed to match her own dress but the pineapples? She couldn’t help but to laugh once. “Nice socks.” She smirked, shooting him a playful glare as they headed into dinner. The only way they would get through this is if they remembered who they were – what they were to each other. Arguments aside, Alex Richmond was Monroe’s saving grace – a person she would die for. She would do this dinner; she would give in slightly. The one thing that has stayed constant in her life was the small group of friends she had made that were now her family. Monroe wouldn’t risk losing them because if she lost them, Monroe would no doubt lose herself soon after.
Seeing Coraline and Jace at the dinner table caused Monroe to stiffen slightly. She didn’t know where she stood with Coraline. Swallowing, Monroe passed a light and apologetic smile to the brunette across the table. She would get her chance to apologize to her friend, however she was sure it wouldn’t happen at the dinner table, not when Alex’s mother strode in shortly after them. Sitting down after Mrs. Richmond had dismissed them, Monroe eyed the woman. Even with her newfound life and expectations, she still would never back down from a woman who disrespected her. “Alex picked out the dress.” Monroe said, her voice slightly clipped.
Surprisingly, Alex seemed fed up with his mother’s attitude and as the boy began to chip away at the woman, Monroe paled and she stared at Alexander with awe. He was taking a stand to the degrading rules, he was standing up to his own mother on her’s and Coraline’s behalf. Her throat tightened as Alex continued and if Monroe weren’t at the dinner table, she would have taken Alex’s face in her hands and kissed him so fiercely as if he were the air she breathed. It also surprised her that even Jace of all people spoke up to defend them as well. For once Monroe didn’t want to throw her drink on the arrogant boy. She closed her icy eyes for a moment, taking this all in.
When the boy’s finished, Monroe’s eyes opened again and glanced at Coraline once before returning to Mrs. Richmond. She cleared her throat and smoothed the dark red dress for a moment before she spoke. The air was thick and brooding at the dinner table. Monroe’s face was emotionless as she stared at the woman before her eyes traveled across Mrs. Richmond’s outfit.
“I like your dress.”
They had to start somewhere.
She took a sip of her wine that the servers had poured. She still hadn't grown used to the wait staff, or any of the other staff inside the estate for that manner. One thing at a time. "What will be our first task as women of the Richmond estate?" Her voice was strained and it was a hard question to ask for herself and Coraline. But she would do this. She had to do this.
As if Coraline couldn’t get any more beautiful, she stepped out in the most amazing colored dress that complimented her perfectly. The girl always continued to surprise him. She had a knack for picking out clothing that suited her body and Jace honestly could not take his eyes off her. She was naturally exquisite – dark hair, large doe eyes, and a smile that could stop the world from spinning. Jace had no idea how a creature like her could have emerged from the hell hole that was now the world, but he wasn’t complaining about the luck that he was given.
Also, seeing her jaw drop at the sight of him dressed up also helped.
“You’re drooling on the carpet, love.” He passed her a signature Jace smirk and held his arm out for her to grab, kissing her back with a little too much excitement. “My lady,” he teased, wriggling his eyebrows as he pulled away before leading them down the extravagant hallway towards the dining room.
“I swear you do this to me on purpose,” he whispered in her ear as they sat at the large table. His hand sat on her leg, squeezing it once. “You know I’m supposed to be on bedrest and then you come to dinner looking like that.” His eyes raked up and down her frame. A hunger boiled inside him, and not for food, either. “You are so cruel.” However, Jace’s flirtatious words were suddenly silenced as Alex and Monroe joined them. Alex’ quick nod of acknowledgement towards them gave Jace all the answers he needed. He and Alex would be fine. He and Monroe would be fine. However, all of their asses with Alex’s mother? That issue was still to be addressed. Jace managed to pass Alex a nod back as well before Mrs. Richmond sauntered into the room.
Jace stood quickly, copying Alex’s form with his hands behind his back. He greeted the woman and then sat as she dismissed him. As she observed Monroe’s choice in attire, Jace closed his eyes and sighed once. Already this was starting of splendid. Jace was about to open his mouth to defend the blonde until Alex beat him to it. Sending Coraline a look of surprise, Jace watched his friend intently as he spoke to his mother. Quite harshly, as well. “Holy shit,” Jace whispered ever so softly to Coraline as Alex continued to chide at Mrs. Richmond. Thankfully, the food was being served and he was able to enjoy dinner and a show.
As Alex finished his speech, Jace’s eyes darted around the dinner table. He finished his bite of food before he spoke to Alex’s mother. “The world is a lot different now, Mrs. Richmond. We’ve,” Jace gestured between Alex and himself, “have seen it firsthand. I agree, the rules could use a more…” His eye flashed to Monroe, who looked as if she’d seen a ghost and was staring at Alex, “Feminist viewpoints. I’m sure they both will do great, but please just give them time. When they were children they learned how to shoot a gun, not how to host a tea party.” Jace tried to stop before he had dug himself into an even deeper hole, but the words just kept coming. “You have a pair of very amazing women here. It’s best not to underestimate them.”
Jace was thankful when the servers picked up on the hostility in the room and began to fill their glasses with red wine. Jace did not hesitate to take a long sip from his crystal glass, finishing the wine in one gulp. He passed Mrs. Richmond a sheepish grin as she gaped at the boy.
Laying there in that bed with Monroe, Alex couldn’t remember a time in which he’d ever felt so utterly drained. The exhaustion was written all over his face, and no matter how much he just wanted to call it a night and fall asleep right then and there, he knew that he still had a long evening ahead of him. There were still problems to be solved, friendships to mend, dinners to eat, and a mother to please.
The worst part of this entire mess for Alex was feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. He’d always been the type of soldier to fly under the radar, doing just enough to get by and not raise any red flags. So now that he’d been handed a boat load of responsibility over not only himself and his friends, but over the fate of the city entirely - he feared that he would sink.
Regardless, Monroe’s whispered assurances had done wonders to soothe his racing mind. He felt childish for even having to ask for her reassurance and validation, but it had made him feel the teensiest bit better all the same. “I’m sorry.” He repeated for probably the thousandth time, releasing a long sigh as he laid his head against her’s, savoring these remaining few moments he had with her in bed.
Much too soon, Monroe had reminded him that is was nearing time for them to get ready for dinner, making him groan in protest. None the less, he followed her out of bed and began shuffling through the closet. Alexander cast her a tight smile over his shoulder as the girl requested that he pick a dress for her while she did her make up, nodding in response. “Of course.” He replied, moving his search to the rack of dresses instead of suits. He shuffled through the fabric until he settled on a deep, dark red colored number. It was fitted through the bodice before dropping into loose-fitting skirt, along with a matching sheer panel covering most of the back. It was modest enough to pass for dinner, but still seemed to have a touch of Monroe’s usual style.
It seemed like a good compromise, which is what he had been shooting for all along.
Once he’d laid the dress out on the bed, he returned to the closet to find his own outfit. Not feeling particularly spunky today, Alex settled for a well fitted black suit and matching dress shoes, adding a fun pair of red patterned socks with pineapples all over them just to spice it up a bit.
He passed Monroe a pleasant smiled as he left the closet freshly dressed, finding her already dressed and ready as well. “Beautiful, as always.” He murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, placing a hand on her back to guide her from the room. “Truly a prize. I’m a lucky man.” He finished, trying to shove some encouragement into his tone as he escorted her to what felt like the 10th circle of hell - dinner with his mother.
Alex was relieved to find Jace and Coraline already seated at the table, passing them each a quick nod of acknowledgement before guiding Monroe to their places across from them. Alex pulled Monroe’s seat out for her before taking his own, only to have to rise back to his feet as soon as his mother entered the room. “Mom.” He greeted, hands folded behind his back as usual. “Son.” She replied coldly, fluttering her hands in a gesture that told them all to take their seats.
The stiff old woman took her seat at the head of the table, wearing a power skirt-suit as always. “Pleased to see that you took my advice.” She said coldly, icy eyes boring into Monroe.
With a heavy sigh and a roll of his eyes, Alex made a grand gesture of taking Monroe’s hand, an act of solidarity against his mother. “I want to make things very clear.” He began, the server’s around them wordless beginning to serve their dinner. “As long as I am here, things are going to have to change. These girls-“ he motioned to Monroe and Coraline “Are not at your beck and call, they do not have to follow every silly rule you throw at them, and they are not your play-things to make miserable when you’re bored.” Maybe he was being harsh, but Alex couldn’t take the constant bickering anymore. They had to come to an agreement, and they had to come to an agreement soon. “That being said, Cora and Monroe are also trying to adapt here. This is all new territory for them, they weren’t raised in this lifestyle like we were. They are willing to meet you half way, but in their own time, and on their own terms. They are not your’s, or anybody else’s, prisoner here,”
Coraline passed Jace a disapproving look as he waves away her worry, insisting that he was fine despite the angry looking wound still splattered across his chest. She knew he typically wasn’t one to own up to his pain, but she hoped that he’d be a little more willing to drop that armor around her. “Jace.” She sighed, fingers lazily combing through his hair as they laid together. “Don’t brush this off, I know that’s got to kill.” She insisted, pressing a soft kiss to his temple. Cora knew Jace likely just didn’t want to burden her with his injury, but still, she worried about him.
Cora couldn’t help but laugh a little at Jace’s exasperation as he answered her question, insisting that dinner would be a mess no matter what - the only bright side for him being her attire, another fancy dress. “Do we really have to go?” She joked, toying with the idea of pretending to be ill and just skipping out on the dinner all together, but ultimately deciding that probably wasn’t the best option. At least with herself and Jace there would be someone to diffuse the situation, Cora wasn’t convinced that Monroe would make it out of dinner alive if she were stuck with just Alex and his mother.
The brunette offered the boy a grin as he kissed at her nose, emphasizing how excited he was to take the dress right back off of her as soon as they made it back from dinner. “Don’t get your hopes up, big guy.” She teased, scootching away from him and out of the bed all together, stretching out her limbs as she stood. “You need to take it easy, I don’t want that getting any worse.” She murmured, tossing him an apologetic glance. Of course there was nothing she wanted more than to get tangled in the sheets with her man, but she wouldn’t put his safety above their pleasure.
Cora moved to the large closet, shuffling through the luxurious materials over and over again before settling on a champagne colored dress that hugged her body enough that she felt sexy, but was still cut in a modest enough way that she felt it would be appropriate for dinner. She paired the look with a pair of navy gemmed earrings and a set of heels to match Jace’s suit. She left her hair loose down her back, pulling it over one shoulder as she applied some of the black gunk that made her lashes look longer to her eyelashes.
Turning to face Jace, her jaw nearly dropped, nodding in agreement as he announced how sexy he looked. Maybe resisting him tonight would be harder than she thought. “You are the sexiest man I have ever laid eyes on.” She breathed, closing the distance between them to press a long kiss to his lips. Alas, she didn’t have time to truly enjoy him before they had to leave to dinner.
Sitting at the table, she passed Jace a pleased smile as she sat in the seat he’d pulled out for her, gripping his hand firmly as he’d grabbed her’s under the table. “Let’s just hope we survive the night.” She teased, moments before their friends joined them, and eventually Alex’s mother as well.
Alex's promises to her soothed her mind and body. She didn't even realize her hands had been shaking until she processed his soft words. His gentle hands cupping her face and staring in her tear streaked eyes. This was the most self hatred she had ever felt. The most confusion and frustration she had ever experienced. And it was with the boy she loved.
As they stood in the shower, trying to wash away their day, Monroe eyed Alex as he leaned against the marble wall. She had never seen him to exhausted -- so drained. Her hands were gentle as they traveled across his skin, leaving light kisses when she could. The warm water made her feel better as well, as if they could start fresh with each other and their new life together. There were so many new changes they each had to get used to about each other. She knew it wouldn't be easy.
But Monroe also knew that they could survive this. Would survive this.
Stepping out of the shower after Alex, Monroe dried herself off before wrapping her body in the large plush towel. Her damp golden hair hung tangled behind her back. She was about ready to start looking through the slew of dresses for dinner until Alex's murmur's grabbed her attention. Without thinking, Monroe strode over to the bed and curled up next to him, pressing her body against his own, inhaling his warmth. As he spoke once more, Monroe sank into him even further, burying her face in his bare chest. "Of course I know that Alex..." she whispered into his skin. "I love you so much. So much." Monroe kissed his chest, hoping that he believed her words as much as she did.
As he offered to do even more for her than he already had, Monroe sighed and pulled herself away from him slightly to look up into his eyes. "Alex, you don't need to do anything else for me. You have done so much already." Guilt began eating away at Monroe once more. Her stomach turned into knots and her throat tightened. She had acted irrationally. Although her own feelings were valid and she knew things needed to change, she didn't express them in the right way.
She ruined everything.
"I know you care. I hope I didn't... ruin us. I was just so frustrated, this new body, this new life. Everything that I knew was just gone and I had to adapt so quickly and I just became so... overwhelmed. I just hope that I can show you that I care just as much for you as you do for me." Her eyes drifted to stare at his chest again, a hollow feeling overtaking her lungs.
Looking at the clock across the room, Monroe sighed again and looked back up at Alex. "We should be getting ready... We have dinner soon." Sliding out of Alex's arms and out of the bed, Monroe made her way back over to the extensive closet. There were so many options, so many colors of dresses she honestly didn't know where to begin. Clearly her choice of attire earlier was not acceptable. She didn't want to upset anyone again -- at least not tonight. Monroe still wouldn't adhere to every rule Mrs. Richmond set in place. But, she would compromise. For Alex. They could discuss what rules needed to be updated later.
"Will you help me pick one?" She asked Alex softly. As he examined the closet, Monroe hurried to go brush and dry her hair, leaving it down and pin straight. She found a small collection of makeup in a drawer and Monroe attempted to apply it. Just a light dot of blush, some mascara, and a shiny nude lip color. It wasn't as extravagant as earlier and she still recognized herself -- maybe this wasn't that bad.
After changing into the outfit Alex had picked out and admiring his own, she passed him a small smile as they headed down towards the dining room. Her hands shaking.
Jace chuckled as Coraline declared a name for the little beast. He peered down at the cat who still sat at the foot of the bed and Jace observed how easily it would be for his foot to accidentally shove the feline off the mattress. Of course, he knew that would only upset Coraline and he didn't want to cause another riff in his relationships -- today had already been exhausting enough.
As she asked about his injury Jace merely shrugged. "Eh, it's not terrible." It was true, the pain had subsided exponentially and the bruising was already starting to turn more yellow. Sure, it hurt like hell at certain times when he moved too quickly, but it was manageable, thankfully. He wasn't one to show his discomfort, either.
Sighing as Coraline questioned him about this dinner, Jace threw his head back on the pillows and sunk in deeper. If it were his choice he would lay in this bed with her the rest of the night and push off seeing Alex and Monroe for as long as he could. He could already feel the tension in the air and the awkward conversation dinner would entail. Not to mention Alex's mother's presence would no doubt add fuel to the fire. "Oh I agree one hundred percent. Major shit show. I think I'm more scared to head to dinner tonight than I was to go to battle." His fingers ran through her dark hair and he kissed her forehead gingerly. "If no more glasses are shattered I would call that a success. If Mrs. Richmond cracks so much as a smirk I would call that a miracle. Although, I am very excited to see you in another dress." Jace grinned down at her, and kissed her nose. "And I am even more excited to take it off."
They laid in bed for what felt like only minutes. The time to change and get ready for dinner came far too soon and Jace begrudgingly rolled out of bed at the very last second to change. He pulled out a pair of navy slacks followed by a white button up and a matching navy blazer. Pairing the outfit with a brown belt and brown leather shoes he actually looked quite presentable. His hair was still slightly tousled, but there are some things even a suit can't fix. Undoing the top button of his shirt, Jace turned to face Coraline, spreading his arms out wide. "I look sexy as hell," he smirked before grabbing her arm and leading her out of the room. "And you, look stunning as always."
Once again they were the first ones to the table. Even Jace was surprised at his timing, usually he was the one that always held everyone up. After pulling out a chair for Coraline and then plopping down into the one next to her, Jace immediately reached for her hand under the table and squeezed it once. "Here goes nothing..."
The weight of Alexander’s emotions hit him like an avalanche - sudden, heavy, and unyielding. It wasn’t like him to lose himself like this, but once he had there was no stopping it until absolutely every last drop of anguish was expelled from his body. A part of him was glad to have finally broken down, happy to finally have all of that crushing weight lifted off of his chest, but he felt like a failure for not being able to stay strong throughout all of this for Monroe.
Alex tried to regain control of himself, feeling Monroe’s own sobs and her gentle kisses she peppered across his skin. He knew she was trying to help, and he only squeezed her tighter in response. Even in the midst of the worst fight they’d ever had, here the girl was trying to pull all of his broken pieces back together for him.
Hearing her promise of not leaving him did a world of good for Alex, and he was finally able to get a handle on his breathing and stop his tears. Quite frankly, he didn’t think he had any left in him to cry as it was. Her kiss had confirmed everything he needed to know - she was still here, still with him, and still willing to at least try.
“We’ll make this work.” He promised softly, cupping her face in his hands. “Together.“
Alex still felt numb as the blonde lead him into the bathroom, stripping him of his clothes followed by her own and pulling him into the warm stream of the shower. Between everything that had happened to day, Alex was mentally exhausted. He leaned his head against the shower wall, relaxing into the soft touch of Monroe’s hands along with the hot water of the shower pounding into him. He closed his eyes and swore he could’ve fallen asleep in that moment, but instead just stood there and tried to relax as Monroe washed away all of the bad memories.
Eventually the two had finished watched, Alex slowly slipping back out of the shower and drying himself off with a towel before heading back to the bedroom. He laid back in the bed, waiting for Monroe to return as well before reaching a hand out to her, beckoning her to join him. “Will you just lay with me?” He murmured, the exhaustion clear in his voice. Even if things weren’t quite the same between them yet, he didn’t see the harm in just being close to her.
Quietly, he spoke once more. “I love you.. you know that don’t you?” He asked softly, feeling silly for even asking but needing the confirmation to ease his own worries. “If.. If there‘s something else I can do, something else you need from me to show you that I care..”
Coraline chuckled the entire way home over Jace’s grumbling about their new cat. She knew full well about her boyfriend’s distaste first the creatures - but she also knew that a little cat was harmless, and that Jace was wrapped around her finger well enough that she knew she’d convince him to get used to having a third little friend eventually.
Entering the estate once more proved to be much calmer than she had expected it to be. Cora had already prepared herself to walk into a room full of broken vases and yelling, but the parlor was eerily quiet and not a single thing seemed out of place. She knew her friend could be a... passionate.. woman, and was easily carried away by strong emotions, so to see everything so calm after their spat was quite a surprise.
She worried about the state of Monroe and Alex’s relationship as well. Normally it was herself and Jace who had these huge blow out sort of fights, so it was pretty unusual that now Alex and Monroe were having them. She knew the stress of all of the recent changes had to have been building on them, and was surely breaking down their calm exteriors and making them ash out at one another. It was even more uncommon for Coraline and Monroe to fight, and she feared how their next meeting would go. While Cora was still upset over the choices her friend had made today, she knew it was something she would get over - but Monroe was known to hold a grudge. They hadn’t ever fought to that degree before, so she didn‘t know how it would all play out.
Upon entering the room, Coraline laughed as Jace immediately dove on the bed, acting as if bringing the cat home had all but killed him. Hearing the annoyance in his voice as he rattled off potential names - probably meant as a tease - before declaring that he couldn’t have cared less made the girl smile. She was just grateful he’d agreed to keep him .
”Harold it is!” She announced, scratching the tabby behind the ears before obliging Jace’s request and crawling into his open arms. Cora laid her cheek against the uninsured side of his chest, pressing a gentle kiss to the area through the fabric of his tshirt. “How are you feeling?” She murmured, still concerned over his injury and how he was healing. She knew he had to have been in pain still, though he did a good job of hiding it.
At the mention of their dinner later Coraline couldn’t help but roll her eye, wrinkling her nose in distaste. She wasn’t particularly eager to sit down with Alex and Monroe again, knowing how awkward it would be. Not to mention that would mean she’d have to wear a dress again. “How do you think that will go?” She mused quietly, drawing lazy pattern against his side with her fingertips. “Because personally, I think it’s going to be a shit-show.”
His heart was racing as if he had just returned from battle. She could feel each beat, each thrum against his chest. It was ragged and and quick, just like his breathing. Alex sounded as if he couldn't catch his breath, as if their argument had taken everything that was left of him, leaving only a broken body and an even more broken boy.
As he crushed her body into hers Monroe lost it. She felt his sobs, every crack that began to open on him as he let everything unleash onto her. She felt the flood of his tears as they spilled down her neck, down her chest, down her back. Monroe felt each one snake across her skin. They burned -- they hurt her. She knew she was a reason Alex was like this. She felt it with every tear that slid down her body.
A pained sob was released from her own lips as Alex broke in her arms and she wrapped her arms tighter around him, trying to put him back together. Monroe held onto him with every ounce of her being. She had even forgot to breathe -- it didn't seem important at the time. She kissed his neck, his shoulder -- anything she could as he cried into her. Monroe hated herself, hated everything she had become. Maybe she wasn't good for him. Maybe she was only tearing this kind, generous, selfless soul apart with her own hatred and disdain towards her own self. Maybe she was the one who ruined him.
His words surprised her. They hadn't spoken for what felt like hours. The only sounds that came from the room were soft sobs and heavy breathing. Alex's voice took her off guard and another tear fell as she heard him. "I won't, I won't leave you." Monroe promised as she eventually peeled herself away from his shoulder, looking into his bloodshot eyes. A hand went up to his face, cupping his jaw and her thumb stroked his cheek, wiping away a stray tear.
The last five words got to her. He couldn't lose her too. Monroe winced at them and the weight they held and she pressed her lips to him as she let a sob escape. She kissed him tenderly, trying to mask both of their sobs with all of her being. Pulling back, she looked at him and those hazel eyes that held more love than she had ever seen from anyone. "I will try harder, too. I'm so sorry. I will give you anything, do anything to make this right." She pressed her forehead against his chest and kissed his skin gingerly. Her hands moved from around his waist to now wrapping around his neck and Monroe's fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck.
Pulling back, Monroe grabbed one of his hands and began leading him into the bathroom. She slowly went to the large shower and turned it on, hot water began to flow and steam soon filled the bathroom. She pulled off his unbuttoned shirt and tugged his pants until he was undressed. Monroe did the same with her remaining clothes and she dragged him into the hot water behind her. She held him under the stream of droplets for a while, wrapping her hands around his body and letting the heat relax them both. Eventually she grabbed some soap and began to wash him down as if her own hands could scrub away his pain and the trauma that was eating away at him. Her hands were slow and gentle and she took her time, massaging his skin and placing soft kisses wherever the soap was washed away.
Thing's wouldn't be the same for a while.
And it was all her fault.
"Coraline, my love, that thing is far from a baby." Jace groaned as they stepped back inside the estate, the heavy wooden door creaking as they strode into the foyer and quickly heading down the hall towards their bedroom. Jace observed that nothing seemed to be broken or shattered and assumed Alex's and Monroe's 'talk' wasn't going as bad as he thought it would.
Jace grew lost in his thoughts for a moment as his friend drifted into his mind. He was worried. He had never seen Alex in a state like this. So stressed, so heavy, so lost. He knew that he probably pushed the boy past his breaking point and was forcing him into a conversation he more than likely wasn't ready to have. But, knowing Alex, he would put off talking about his feelings for as long as he could. It was the soldier in him -- the leader his father had always trained him to be.
And it was breaking him.
Once they reached their bedroom, Jace wasted no time throwing himself onto the mattress, sighing heavily as his body hit the pillows. He turned to face the door as Coraline slipped inside as well. Still holding that stupid cat. "Coraline what did I just say about bringing that thing in our bedroom!" Jace ran a hand down his tired face and closed his eyes for a moment. Hoping that when he opened them the cat would be gone and Coraline would be magically next to him. Naked.
However, he was displeased as his eyes fluttered back open and he was met with the cat glaring at him. Hissing at him. Jace flashed daggers back to the cat. So -- there would definitely be some competition on winning Coraline's affection. He would be battling against a cat.
Hearing Coraline's question about what to name the beast, Jace rolled his eyes. "I don't know. Cat? We can name the thing Monroe -- it looks at me the same way she does." Running a hand through his hair, Jace looked up at Coraline. He had to admit, the light in her eyes and the wide grin on her face as she looked at the thing was pleasant. And, if a cat made his dream girl happy, then he would have to learn to live with it. "Name it Harold or Robert or something I don't care. Could you come here please?" Jace held his arms out for her and groaned against the pillows. "We have to get ready for dinner in a while and I need some time to relax with you before we head in to that dumpster fire."
The silence that hung between them almost seemed deafening, and even though there were no words to be spoken, their lack of communication said enough. Alexander was a confident man, and it wasn’t often that he genuinely wavered and questioned himself, yet here he stood wracking his brain for something he could’ve done different to land them in a better place as he watched the love of his life pack her things to leave.
Alexander was out of words. He didn’t have anything left to say, he didn’t think he could say anything else even if he had wanted to. His throat was tight and his chest felt like it was moments away from caving in. He didn’t remember a time he’d ever felt this lost, this absolutely drained of life. If this was what Monroe really wanted then he wouldn’t stop her, but damn that didn’t stop it from absolutely tearing him apart.
He tried to swallow the lump in his throat as Monroe slowly approached him, although he didn’t quite manage it as smoothly as he’d hoped to. He attempted to even his breathing as her fingers went to his chest, unbuttoning his shirt until she could run her hands across his bare skin. But still, his breaths came ragged and quick, his heart pounding so hard and so fast that he was sure she was able to feel it through his skin.
The moment she snaked her arms around his waist Alex crushed her to him, his arms wrapped around her so tightly that he feared he wouldn’t ever be able to let her go. The tears came quicker the longer he held her, his head dipped to bury into the crook of his neck as he silently sobbed. He‘d been so overcome with emotions today that once the flood gates finally burst open, he didn’t know if he’d ever be able to stop the flood of feelings.
He didn’t know how long her stood there, holding her and crying. It wasn’t often that he lost a handle on himself, but when he did it always hit him hard. He felt like he’d been ran over by a mac truck by the time his breath finally began to even out and he found the ability to speak again.
“Please don’t leave me.” He begged quietly, straightening himself up to look at her. “I’ll try harder Monroe, I’ll do whatever I can, but please just give me a chance to fix things before you go. I can’t lose you too.”
Coraline couldn’t help the amused giggled that slipped from her lips at Jace’s clear distress of her calling the cat to her. Big and strong Jace, the fearless soldier who would charge into war without a second thought, but the boy seemed near tears at the sight of a little stray cat.
“Don’t be silly, Jace.” Coraline teased, incredibly pleased with herself as the old tabby settled into her lap and began vibrating with purrs. Coraline had never been in one place long enough to keep a pet, but had always been a lover of animals and was known to hand-feed the strays back in the village whenever she could. The chance at actually being able to bring this little guy home with her was thrilling, and she was confident in her ability to swindle Jace into agreeing no matter how much he insisted otherwise.
As the boy immediately refused to allow her to bring the cat home with her, Cora turned to give him the world’s biggest put. “Please Jace, I’ll do whatever you want.” She begged, batting big blue doe eyes up at him.
The exasperation on his face as he threw his arm in the air said enough.
The brunette squealed in delight as the dark haired boy finally agreed to the pet, Coraline scooping the tabby up in her arms as she rose to her feet to follow after Jace, who was apparently fed up with their walk. She cradled the cat in her arms as she hurried to catch up with her boyfriend, cooing to the animal the entire way.
Coraline rolled her eyes as the boy insisted the cat couldn’t stay in their room - ha, as if. She wouldn’t argue with him after he’d just caved and agreed to let her bring it back with them, but he was definitely going to become a resident of their room. “He’s just a baby.” Cora argued as Jace continued to rant about his hatred for cats - although the cat was clearly far from a kitten. It was old and grumpy and clearly over weight, but Cora was already smitten.
The walk home hadn’t taken long and was full of Jace complaining about the cat, but Coraline took it with a grain of salt, just pleased that she had a pet now. Once they reached their room Coraline nonchalantly slipped inside with the fat tabby still in her arms, raising up to press a kiss to Jace’s cheek. “Thank you, my love.” She cooed affectionately, even as the cat hissed at it’s proximity to the boy.
Cora placed the cat at the foot of the bed, watching as it grumpily plopped down in a spot, staring little daggers into Jace. “What do you want to name him?” Coraline chirped giddily, turning back around to face Jace once more.
She will remember that look he gave her for the rest of her life.
As he stared back at her, their faces inches apart, breathing in each other's air. She felt as if the whole room could light on fire and none of them would blink. That the world could crumble before them and they would still be standing here. Looking at each other. The weight of the words that were finally said drowning them. Pulling them further and further until they mixed in with the silence that wafted through the walls.
His words hit her. He was trying, she knew that. Of course, she knew that. Monroe had felt like an idiot for thinking for a split second that he wasn't. But, even with his exclamations and his reasoning's, she still found herself looking for the boy that she had fallen in love with months ago. She hadn't even thought of the idea that people could change.
Just like she had.
Monroe couldn't hold back the tightness that clutched her throat as she saw tears pool in Alex's eyes. His sweet, kind eyes. She swallowed, but her chest hurt. And not from the bullet wound. She so badly wanted to reach out to him -- to hold him against her, but she found herself stopping short. "I didn't play you," she told him, but his words that were next were what tore her apart.
It felt like her heart was being ripped out of her chest and she stilled against the wall she had retreated towards to change.
That isn't love.
Monroe felt like she was going to pass out. Her skin had paled and she was sweating uncontrollably even though she was in nothing but her bra and underwear. She clutched onto the clothes in her hand is if they were some sort of life line. She hadn't even been aware that tears were sliding down her own face until she saw one drop onto the wooden floor. Monroe truthfully didn't know how to answer him. For once, she was at a loss for words.
She was starting to question everything. Was this love between them? Or were they too scared to be alone. Was she too scared to be alone. The room felt toxic and heavy. Monroe could feel the weight of her bones, the weight of her skin, her heart thrumming a mile a minute in her body. She could feel so much and yet not feel anything at all.
Monroe didn't know when or how she had stepped towards Alex, dropping those clothes behind her. She looked at him for a moment. She wasn't crying because she didn't get her way and that she was upset. Monroe was crying because she was the one that did this to him -- that made him break right before her. Because she was selfish. "You're right, that isn't love, Alex." She told him, her own wet eyes looking into his.
Her hands went to his shirt and she began unbuttoning them. As they popped off one by one Monroe's hands went to his chest. Not out of desire, not that she wanted to tumble into the sheets and forget everything. She wanted to feel him, she needed to feel him. Monroe wanted to make sure that his heart was still beating. She ran her hands down his chest, soaking in every grove of muscle, every freckle. She could feel his heart beating rapidly against his chest and her arms then snaked around his waist and she pulled herself against him. Breathing in his scent as she lay her head against his shoulder. Chest to chest they stood. Inhaling everything that he was.
Their battle was over today, but she knew it would be a while before they recovered from this. For once, she felt nervous and slightly uneasy about their relationship. Were they actually good for each other, or did they just like the idea of each other? Monroe didn't want to know the answer to her own question and so instead she simply spoke the words she needed to desperately say and the words he needed to desperately hear.
"I'm sorry."
Alex genuinely could’ve believe this was happening right now. In the span of maybe an hour, his entire life seemed as if it were crumbling down around him right now. But what hurt the most was Monroe not even bothering to look him in the eye as she told him she was leaving, no room for negotiation in her voice. “The hell you are.” He snapped back, moving his body to block the doorway, leaning back against it casually.
When all was said and done, Alex would never force her to stay somewhere she didn’t want to be. But what he wasn’t going to let her do was storm out of here in a rampage without thinking things through. If being angry and causing a scene is what she needed to work through her emotions, then fine - she could trash the room and rip apart every one of his belongings for all he cared - but she was staying in this damn room while she did it. If leaving was still what she wanted after she calmed down, then Alex wouldn’t stop her from going.
He couldn’t help the exasperated laugh that escaped him as he shoved his hands through his hair, gripping it lightly in frustration. “Do you think this is what I wanted, Monroe? That this was the life I imagined for us?” He asked, shaking his head in disbelief at what was occurring right in front of him. “Of course it wasn’t. But this is the hand we were dealt, and I am trying to make it work, but I can’t do it by myself. You have to meet me half way here.” He sighed, watching her scurry around the room in frustration. “I don’t want any of those things for you Monroe, but you have to give me a chance to fix things before you write me off as an asshole for not catering my - and everyone else’s in this house for that matter - lives around what you want.”
A pang rippled through Alexander’s chest as Monroe expressed her preference of death to living the life he’d given her. Alex had never intended to change her into one of his kind, not genetically as an Elite, and not through society either, but everyone was being forced to adapt in some way or another. He didn’t think it was unfair of him to expect Monroe to compromise as well, especially if everyone else was.
But still, her words had cut him like a knife, and he stood shell shocked as he stared at her. “If that’s how you feel Monroe, then you’ve played the hell out of me for all this time, because that isn’t love.” As much as he tried to fend them off, tears rose to his eyes and his throat tightened, overwhelmed with everything that was happening. It was so hard carrying the weight of everyone else on his shoulders when right now he could hardly handle himself.
“I could’ve let you die, Monroe. But I love you, and I was selfish, and I wasn’t ready to lose you. You want to talk unpack everything right here - right now? I’ve given up so much for you, and the fact that you’re ready to throw in the towel after a day of inconvenience says everything I need to know.” He said, rubbing his eyes angrily as his cheeks flushed red. It was so uncommon for Alex to get emotional, and he struggled processing everything at once. “That isn’t love.”
Alex had shot his father in the head without a moment’s hesitation because the thought of losing that girl on the battle field pained him more than anything. He struggled to understand how she couldn’t see how much he’d given up to her, but he’d never put the guilt of knowing she’d been the sole reason he’d killed his father on her, she didn’t deserve to carry that knowledge around with her for the res of her life. That was his burden to carry, and his burden only - out of love, he’d never pain Monroe with it no matter how truthful it was.
He felt like a complete idiot as he watched that tiny thing crawl out of the bush. Jace didn't try and hide his disgust on his face as he watched the grey monster slide out of the bush.
This was more terrifying than a reaper.
No, this was more terrifying than ten reapers.
"Coraline that thing could have a disease or something stay back -- we don't know what the radiation could have done to it." As she sat on the ground and began to pat her legs he threw his head back and groaned. "For the love of God Coraline don't make it come to you. Don't touch it. Don't -- oh God you're touching it." Jace ran a hand down his face as he watched Coraline continue stroking the animal until it grew even more vicious and sat in her lap. The sound it was making was utterly horrifying.
"It sounds like it has a damn motor," he observed, watching her pet the cat and the stupid thing soaking up all of the attention. He would definitely now have some competition.
With a damn cat.
Jace was about to drag Coraline up and away from it when he noticed that huge smile that was plastered across her face. He hadn't seen that grin in so long. Their world had been full of so much uncertainty that Jace was afraid he would never see it again. It was something he wished he could take a picture of and hold onto forever -- if cameras weren't so rare nowadays.
As she asked if they could take the cat home Jace did not hesitate to say, "No, absolutely fucking not." He shook his head wildly, his tattooed arms crossed over his chest. "That thing probably has fleas and look at it, Cora! It looks like it wants to eat me!" The cat sat in Coraline's lap, it's eyes squinting from the hand she kept dragging over it's fur.
And then he saw the face. The eyes, the trembling pouty lip. This girl knew exactly what she was doing and Jace was no doubt wrapped around her pretty little finger. He was whipped -- and he knew it. Eyes darting from the cat then back to her, Jace sighed and dropped his arms. "Fine," he snapped, throwing an arm in the air as he began to head back to the estate.
He needed a drink.
"But," Jace called to her as he began walking, "that thing will NOT be allowed on the bed. At all. The estate has over eight bedrooms, he can choose one of those. Send the thing in Alex's and Monroe's room for all I care -- just not ours." Jace huffed and quickly made his way through the streets, taking glances back at Coraline who cradled the cat in her arms as if it were a child and she was talking to it. "Coraline, love, do you even remember by two truths and a lie? I sure as hell love the shit out of you and also sure as hell hate cats. And that thing," he pointed back to the furball in her arms. "Is a damn cat."
Jace was fully aware that he was throwing a temper tantrum like a three year old child. It had been a long day.
Throughout everything they’d been through in all of their many months together, Jace had always been her calm. He was also the source of most of her headaches and stress - but he was able to cool even her most frazzled nerves with just his presence. The tickle of his fingers trailing down her spine, followed by the sweet touch of his lips was almost enough for her to just melt into him - bust still, she felt like she were suffocating in that house with all of the tension radiating through the air.
Once she’d changed, she joking Jace once again, noting his wince as he’d pulled a shirt on as well. “Are you sure you’re up for this?” She murmured softly, not wanting to damage his pride by calling him out but still concerned for his health. He’d been shot only a day ago, after all.
She followed him nonetheless, finally feeling as if she could breath again once they’d stepped outside into the fresh air. She was astounded by how quickly they had managed to clean up this portion of the city, the streets were spotless and you’d never guess a war had waged there only yesterday. A part of her mind wondered what the other portions of the city looked like - were the areas not quite as privileged at the society cleaned up as well? Or were people still laying out there dying? She could only hope for the best.
Cora tried not to let herself get too carried away as Jace spoke, willing herself to believe his quiet reassurances, no matter how much she doubted them. Coraline could probably count the amount of times Monroe had apologized for something on one hand - she was stubborn as a mule - and if her friend didn’t make things right with Alex’s mother then they didn’t stand a chance at surviving here. Mrs. Richmond had all the power to make their lives a living hell.
“I love you too.” Coraline murmured, smiling fondly up at the boy as they approached the pond in they’d swam in only days after meeting. The place brought back happy memories of a couple of kids trying to figure each other out, neither willing to admit their interest in the other just yet. They’d grown so much since that day, and Coraline’s heart swelled with pride as she considered everything they’d already made it through together.
However, her happy thoughts were interrupted by Jace’s cursing, a rustling coming from a bush a few feet away. Coraline’s breath hitched in her throat, eyes darting to Jace as he stepped in front of her. They’d already gotten too comfortable in their sense of safety, neither of them bringing a weapon to an area where reapers still roamed. However, an angry meow caused Coraline to burst into giggles stepping past Jace as a grumpy tabby cat sauntered from the bush. “Oh, Jace!” Cora exclaimed feeling silly for being so scared of such a little creature but excited all the same. She sat on the ground a few feet from the cat, patting her legs in an attempt to get him to come to her. The grey tabby eyed her suspiciousl, unsure for a few moments until it ventured a little closer. As soon as she could reach it Coraline began stroking the cat’s back, the tabby replying by hastily settling into her lap and turning into an utter pur machine.
Cora couldn’t remember the last time she’d ever been so pleased, and the smile on her lips began to hut her cheeks. Turning her big blue eyes back up to Jace, Coraline rolled her bottom lip out in the slightest pout. “Oh Jace, can we bring him back with us?” She begged, stroking the tabby as she bat her eyes up at the dark haired boy. “Please?”
Coraline's words hit her like a truck. She was left dumbfounded and even more flustered than before. Monroe was boiling over with more rage than she had ever experienced in her life.
Partly because she knew Coraline was right.
Monroe so badly wanted to go after her friend, to discuss this more -- to apologize even. But, as they stepped into the bedroom, Monroe's mind went to other subjects. Like the fact that Alex and Jace no longer shared that brotherly look towards each other. It was replaced with disdain and frustration, especially on Alex's part, she noticed.
The walk back to the room was swift and left no room for conversation. As Alex finally questioned Monroe, she couldn't hold back any more and she unleashed every word, every thought, that had floated through her mind onto the boy she loved most. "I'm fucking leaving, Alex," her words were clipped and she didn't meet the boys eyes. She could hear his ragged breathing, himself slowly becoming undone by the unsaid words between them. That makes two of them, then. She stilled as he defended his mother. Though, what else was she expecting from him?
She jumped slightly as Alex tossed the bag into the corner of the room. Monroe's lips pressed into a thin line and she met his eyes, her own darkening as she felt the slew of words coming out of her mouth. She couldn't hold back any more -- on anything. She had done enough of repressing herself, repressing her true feelings. "You know I never wanted any of this, I hope you know that." Monroe was a cold person, but even she was taken aback by the ice in her voice -- the ice in her glare. "The maids, the top shelf liquor, the tea, the dresses. I hate all of it. I hate the fact that I can't even hold a damn glass without it shattering in my hand. I hate the fact that I can hear every single god damn footstep in this god damn house. I hate that I can feel everything so deeply now." Monroe stepped close to Alex, barely a few inches between them and she studied his face harshly. "You should have let me fucking die out on that battlefield."
Her chest rose and fell and for a moment there was nothing but silence and the sound of their heavy breathing.
"I was ready to die." More silence.
"I tried. I tried my best to be the girl you wanted me to be, but I will never be the girl who sits on the sidelines and is only kept around to put on a damn show. You and your family don't think women should lead or curse? Get fucked, Alex." She then retreated to the corner to where Alex had thrown her ratted and torn bag. It had gone through this whole adventure with them and it was still holding up. After the barracks, reapers, villages, war -- Monroe still had it. It honestly seemed to be the only strong thing left in the room.
"The person you created me to be in your head is not my responsibility. I won't apologize for not being your version of myself." She had stopped packing the bag and took a deep breath. She hadn't even realized that her hands were shaking a mile a minute. Monroe clenched them into fists once more, dropping the bag. "You haven't even come to terms with the person you now are, how do you expect me to do the same?"
Monroe had forgotten that she was still wearing the stupid dress and without hesitation she headed towards the dresser and began tossing out clothes left and right. She was angry. She needed to do something to occupy her hands before she punched a hole in the god damn wall. Grabbing a pair of black denim jeans and a simple tank, she didn't waste time stripping out of the dress, not even caring if Alex was watching.
He wasn't used to seeing Coraline so frazzled. And he definitely wasn't used to hearing the way she had talked to Monroe either. Jace debated on asking her exactly what happened or if her better off leaving the situation alone entirely. Tension seemed to wade through the whole house and the only people who seemed to be on good terms with each other were he and Coraline, and they usually bickered like an old married couple.
Helping her unzip the dress, Jace's fingers traced Coraline's spine lightly as he did so. His fingers were then followed by a light ray of kisses he dotted down her back. He wanted to take the edge off of her -- Lord knows they both needed it. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," he told her lightly, pulling her into his arms for another quick kiss after she had changed. Stepping back, Jace went and grabbed a plain black tee and carefully tossed it on, wincing only once as the shirt covered up his bruising on his chest.
Jace grasped her hand, pressed his lips to her knuckles once, and then began leading them through the halls and out the front door. Stepping out into the city was like a breath of fresh air -- Jace never thought he would think that in his entire life. "You wanna know something funny?" Jace said, turning to face Coraline, a small smile on his lips. "I jumped off that roof right there for a chocolate bar," Jace pointed up to the small covering above the first story of the house. "Broke my damn arm doing it, but hey, I got chocolate out of it. Plus, Alex dared me to, and you know I can never turn down a dare," he passed a wink to Coraline, trying to lighten the mood. "It was the last summer we spent in that house before we moved and lived in the barracks."
He moved his eyes away from the house and looked forward, chewing on his bottom lip. Jace and Alex fought here and there, he knew they would be fine. Everyone was under a lot of stress and change, every one was bound to break at some point. It just so happened to hit most of them at the same time. "Everything will be fine," Jace said to Coraline, changing the subject, trying to put her mind at ease. "Monroe will apologize -- the girl went through a big change, she's feeling everything all at once. It will take some getting used to. She already had a blunt personality, maybe the changed just enhanced it." Jace rounded a street and began to head them down the road back to the old pond where they had taken the girls only days after having met. The memories were positive there -- no war raged over it, no death. Just a group of kids trying to get away from everything. That's what they needed right now.
"I love you, I know everything will work out. It just might be rocky for a while," he leaned in to kiss her head, "and that's okay."
Jace stopped their walk at the edge of the glistening pond. It was still so serene, so quiet. Jace debated on even stripping his clothes off right here and now and taking Coraline into the crisp water with him. Suddenly, a soft rustling in a small bush at the edge of the pond startled him and Jace quickly placed himself in front of Coraline. "Shit," Jace hissed, he didn't bring any sort of weapon with him -- he had become so focused on the war with the Elite he had forgotten that there were other dangers that were out here. Dangers like reapers.
Alex wanted nothing more than to quietly escape the pressure of Jace’s gaze, but the longer he stood in that room the harder his friend went at him, and Alex could feel his cool exterior crumbling away more and more. He was aware that Jace knew him well enough to see through his facade, but that still didn’t prepare him to handle that wall coming down right now.
Alexander’s mind raced with everything he had to handle right now - his mother for starters, settling into his new role on the council, ensuring Monroe was settled into life at the estate, teaching the girls proper etiquette and behavior while they were around members of the society, and generally just surviving under the weight of everyone’s expectations of him. The last thing on his mind was processing the war and the casualties that had went along with it - he’d watched some of his own friends be killed on both sides of the war, and had shot his very own father himself.
“For the love of god would you get off my fucking back, Jace?!” He exclaimed, throwing his arms out to the side. “I’ll handle my shit when I damn well please, and I don’t need you or any one else telling me how to do it!”
Their argument had been cut off by the door swinging open, a seething Coraline and angry Monroe walking into the room. Before Alex could so much as open his mouth to address them, Coraline was asking them to leave and Monroe was motioning him out the door. Clearly things hadn’t gone any better on their front.
Leaving the room after Monroe, Alexander released a deep sigh as he watched the back of her figure speed down the hall in front of him. He wasn’t sure he could handle with fighting with anyone else today, especially not her.
Entering their bedroom after her proved to be no better than his previous situation, and he let out a deep sigh as he drug a hand down his face. “What the hell are you doing, Monroe.” Alex asked, exasperated as he watched the blonde speed around the room as she tried to haphazardly pack her shit into the dirty bag she’d carried with her from the very beginning. He tried to keep himself calm and level headed, but the more she spoke the angrier he became. “That woman is my mother.” He reminded her, his breaths slowly becoming more and more ragged.
“You can’t be serious right now, can you?” He asked, shaking his head incredulously. “Do you think you leaving would change anything for those people? Of course fucking not. The only difference is that you’d gone - nothing else would change, Monroe.” He let out a long groan of frustration, snatching the bag from her hands and tossing it into a corner of the room with a little more force than he had intended. “I don’t know what you’re going on about being a puppet or whatever - but you’re absolutely right that I expect some sacrifices from you - just like I did for you. Did you think coming here wouldn’t change anything for us? You’re not dumb Monroe, you know better than that.”
Coraline was fuming, to say the least. If looks could kill, Monroe would’ve been scorched to a crisp in no time at all. She couldn’t believe that her friend would think such things of her, to assume that she was perfectly fine with the sexist and unprogressive rules and regulations they were told they had to follow. Cora was incredibly offended, as well as down right angry with the way her friend had behaved during their meeting with Mrs. Richmond. ”You’ve got to be kidding me.“ She laughed incredulously, shaking her head in astonishment. “Of course I don’t want any of that, Monroe! You are so short-sighted sometimes!” Coraline huffed, trying to contain herself as they were still typically under the public eye. She didn’t know who the wait staff roaming the halls reported to - Alex or his mother - and they didn’t need any more drama getting out about them. “I’m thinking of the big picture, here. Of course I want change in the city And to follow my own rules, but you don’t get that by offending the most powerful woman you know! We could have bid our time and figured out an actual plan, but you just threw all of that away, Monroe. We don’t have any cards left to play now, and you put all of us at risk. You were selfish and you didn’t even think twice about it.”
Maybe Coraline words were harsh, but they were words that her friend desperately needed to hear. She had let her temper get the best of her and put every single one of them in a bad position just to win a petty fight with an old woman.
Cora was thankful as they finally approached her room, ready to have a little bit of space away from the blonde so she could cool down. But before that, she had one final thing to say. “And you know what, Monroe? Jace and Alex gave up everything for us. They gave up the only life they knew to follow us and adapt to our way of life out there - I think it’s awful that you aren’t willing to compromise even a little bit now that it’s for them and the life they want. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be comfortable. I’ve spent my entire life barely making it and on the run, and I’m tired of it. So if that means I have to wear a dress every now and then and smile at men I don’t know in order to have to never worry about where my next meal will come from or if I’ll have a place to sleep at night - then damn right I’m going to do it.“
Pushing the door open and stepping into the room, Coraline was immediately aware of the tension that resided there too. Alex was seething, and Jace seemed just as frustrated from his place on the bed. “You two should go.” Cora said cooly, watching as Alex stood to leave with his blonde counterpart.
Cora folded into Jace the moment his arms wrapped around her, releasing a heavy sigh as she leaned her cheek against his chest. His rough fingers gently skimming along the skin of her neck and shoulders did wonders to calm her down, and the flush in her cheeks was slowly fading. “Tea was a shit show.” She murmured, raising her lips to meet his half way to the kiss.
She nodded her head lightly to the idea of a walk, desperately needing fresh air and space to calm down and consider how they would move forward from this. “That sounds good, just let me change.” She sighed, stepping away from the boy to kick out of her heels. Pulling her hair over her shoulder, Cora turned to give Jace her back once again, letting him slide the zipper of the dress down until the fabric hung loosely around her, eventually just dropping it to the floor. She traded the pretty blue dress for a comfortable pair of black leggings, pairing it with a simple tank.
Once she was dressed, Coraline approached the boy once again, slipping her hand in his so he could lead the way.
Jace could see right past Alex's playful attempt to shove off his words. He wasn't buying any of it. He knew his friend way too well to know that he was handling this new life as easily as he was putting off to everyone. Jace had heard his sobs, had see him break down. The shit he went through would have broken anyone down to their very core. As Alex playfully shoved him Jace turned to look at him, his grey eyes serious and he knew once Alex snapped at him the second time that things were getting heated. Good.
Jace wanted Alex to feel things. He wanted him to feel anger towards him, he figured that would help. Jace would let Alex hate him all he wanted if that meant he was able to finally come to terms with the own turmoil that was sitting inside of him like an anchor, drowning him within his own body. "No man, fuck you. I'm not going to sit here and let you waste away. You need to deal with your shit, you're not fooling anyone. Especially not me."
Alex's yells were what he wanted. Jace passed a cold daring smile and remained controlled on the bed, not moving from his position. "You need to stop running from yourself," was all he said. His jaw then locked as his eyes glared into his friend who seemed to be unraveling by the second. Jace was hoping to keep this going with him until the girls had stepped into their war. They were back from tea way sooner than he had expected, and that couldn't be a good sign. Jace immediately took note of Coraline's frustrated expression and he sat up on the bed and stood to walk over to her. He saw Monroe through the door frame and almost questioned the blonde until she spoke to Alex, leading them back down the hall, the door closing behind them.
"What happened?" He asked, his voice soft as he took her into his arms and pressed a long kiss on top of her head. His hands went to her hair and began smoothing it down, his fingers trailing along her neck and shoulders. "I'm guessing tea didn't go as planned?" He sighed, peeling back to kiss her lips softly. Jace figured he would never get over Coraline's beauty. Her bright eyes and those pouty lips, those little freckles that dotted her nose and the lion hearted girl that stood behind that small frame.
"How about we go for a walk?" He said lightly after releasing his lips from hers. Jace brushed a stray piece of hair out and away from her face. "I think we both could use a walk, love."
She felt Coraline's panic and her friend's hushed words hit her like a wave. Monroe had been so preoccupied with her own feelings and her own sense of self righteousness that she hadn't realized that she had now put Coraline's position here at risk as well. Her stomach twisted and Monroe's sense of anger now partnered with guilt. Her chest felt tight and the pain hurt worse than the already healing cuts on her fingers.
Mrs. Richmond's words echoed through her mind, talking in the same cool manner as before -- but her threats were anything but empty. As she threatened to to throw Monroe out on the streets, she couldn't help but to send a look that could kill back to the woman. She wouldn't mind living on the streets -- going back to her old life. She never wanted this, she never wanted to become elite, to live in fancy estates and have maids and wait staff. Monroe wanted the trees around her and the brisk night air that belonged to the forest, where she really belonged. "I'll save you the trouble," she growled to the woman as she left the room, the door clicking shut loudly behind her.
Monroe knew what she was in for with Coraline and her friend's exclaims didn't surprise her. She knew that she had every right to be upset with her and Monroe didn't protest as Coraline dug in. her words were true, Monroe did have a death wish. She's had one since she stepped foot into this damn city months ago. When she threatened those two elite guards that were now family to her -- one was the love of her life. She had a death wish when she stood in front of that damned bullseye and wanted Alex to shoot -- not even realizing how insane she sounded.
She had a death wish when she spat at Alex's father right before he landed a bullet in her chest.
"Coraline, I'm sorry. I know I fucked things up for us but you cannot be serious right now... You want to follow those stupid rules? Go be just a body next to a man? Have no say in what you can and can't wear? Be forced to act a way that we both know will never be us. I couldn't just sit there and let her take full control over out lives! We're more than that."
Monroe followed her friend down the hall towards Jace's room, not done with talking to Coraline yet. She didn't mind having a strained relationship with Alex's mother. But Coraline? Monroe would move the ends of the earth to make things right with her friend. "Coraline, wait--" she said, getting cut off as they both walked into her's and Jace's bedroom, only to be cut off by the sight of two seething boys.
Perfect, just perfect. Everything was falling apart.
She could practically see the rage radiating off of Alex and Monroe quickly stared at the boy. Clenching her jaw, Monroe jerked her head back to the door, gesturing for Alex to leave with her. "We need to talk," was all she said as she left the scene in the room. She made it back to their bedroom quickly, not even bothering to walk next to Alex. Monroe couldn't do this -- do any of it. And Alex needed to know. She would never be the poised and proper lady he wanted out of her, she would never stand next to him as just a prize to be shown off.
Once in the room, Monroe began packing the little of belongings she had with her in her back pack. Moving so quickly that her hands began to shake and her chest began to clench from the pain of the erratic movements her muscles made. "I can't do this," she started, not meeting his eyes as she continued to fly across the room. "I can't sit there and let her change who I am. I can't sit inside this damn house while people out there have nothing. Those villages that have nothing and I'm sitting inside with that woman drinking fucking tea while she picks apart every piece of who I am." Her hands were clenched into tight fists as she finally calmed herself down enough to look at him. "You expect me to stand next to your side and do nothing but hosts parties and dazzle quests like I'm some kind of puppet?" Monroe sighed heavily, she hadn't even realized she had taken her hair down in the process of rummaging through the room. Her blonde locks hung down her face in golden waves -- untamed and tangled, just like her.
Alexander passed a grin in his friend’s direction, laughing along with him as he explained that he’d consider the day a success if all parties even made it out alive from the tea. “You’re probably right.” He agreed, nodding his head as he rolled onto his stomach, stretching out across Jace and Coraline’s bed.
“But if we’re going to be honest, what are the odds of that?” He teased, knowing it wasmore likely than not that something bad would happen. His mother wasn’t used to having outsiders in her home, and wasn’t typically very fond of people who challenged her. Monroe and Coraline weren’t very used to having to follow strict rules or even learn proper etiquette, and tended to challenge every single thing that they could. It was a recipe for disaster, a ticking time bomb, only a matter of time before one of the women of the household exploded. His best guess? It’d probably be Monroe.
Alex settled into the silence without a second thought, completely ready to just lightly doze until the girl’s returned from their tea and he’d be forced to handle whatever chaos they’d created. But hearing Jace begin to speak, the uncomfortable tone to his voice clear almost made Alex want to just get up and go sit in his own room by himself.
He couldn’t do this today. There was still so much happening in his life that he had to handle before he could make himself process his emotions and what he’d done the day before. He couldn’t handle taking everything on at once, knowing the force of it all would surely crush him. “Oh, fuck off dude, I’m fine.” Alexander joked lightly, reaching a hand out to shove his friend. But even as he tried to hush him, Jace just kept going. Alex knew his intentions were good, but the more the boy rambled the more his blood began to boil, unable to keep a handle on the turmoil of emotions raging inside him.
Peace. He just wanted peace for one day before he was shoved into this shit.
“Hey, I said fuck off, Jace.” Alex snapped, pushing himself up and off the bed, pacing a small length of the floor as he shoved his hands through his hair, attempting to calm himself down but knowing it did no good. Still, his friend continued, finally pushing Alex over the edge as he spun to face him. “I said fuck off!” This time his voice was raised, an animalistic anger to his words as his breaths heaved out of him. “You’re not a fucking psychiatrist, so stop pretending to be!”
“I said I’m fine. Seriously.”
Hearing the door open, Alexander whipped around to see both Coraline and Monroe entering the room, both looking equally pissed off
Clearly things hadn’t gone well for any of them.
As the two girls entered the room together, Coraline was sure not to drop her grip on her friend’s arm until they’d both been seated across from Mrs. Richmond, afraid that the blonde would make a run for it if given the chance. Alex’s mother was intimidating by her own right, and even though Cora Was scared shitless as it was, she was sure it had to have been worse for Monroe. Being the girlfriend of this woman’s only son had to have been a lot of pressure. Cora suspected that Monroe would be held to a higher standard than she’d ever had been before, and she worried over how her friend would handle all of the pressure.
Coraline tried desperately hard not to let herself get overwhelmed with all of the new rules and regulations that Eleanor rattled off to them, but ended up failing miserably. She made a good show of smiling and sipping her tea, nodding along as the woman spoke, but her insides were a storm of stress and anxiety. She was already starting to forget short list of rules Alex had given them in their crash course only a few moments ago, and knew she’d have no shot of memorizing all of these extras within the time frame she was expected to. Was it rude not to eat the food your host offered? Did you curtsy or smile when you left? She couldn’t remember.
She was also well aware of the disdain boiling up inside of Monroe, feeling it come off of her in waves as the tension in the room rose to a roar. Coraline casually placed a hand against the girl’s knee, hoping her touch would help to calm her, but it didn’t take long for her to realize that it was no use. A small gasp sounded from Coraline’s lips as the tea cup in her friend‘s hands shattered between them, little shards of glass scattering everywhere. “Monroe.” She hushed in a whisper, growing more and more uncomfortable by the second.
The way Monroe had spoken to the older woman didn’t necessarily surprise Coraline - this was who Monroe was at her core, a rebel who stood for what she believed in. However she still wished she wouldn’t held herself back until they were able to talk about it in private and figure out a game plan together. Now Monroe would be Mrs. Richmonds number one enemy, and Cora wasn’t sure there was much she could do to help her anymore.
As Monroe drug Coraline from her seat to leave, Alex’s mother stood as well, turning to stare daggers at them although the remained scarily calm. “Don’t mistake me, child - this isn’t a request.” She said cooly. “I’d like to remind you that I hold your fate here. I will put you on the streets in a heart beat, and I’ll see to it that no one will take you in either.” She explained, the calm power in her voice enough to give Coraline goose bumps. “You may love my son, but I am his mother - and no bond will surpass that.”
With her heart pounding, Coraline dipped her head towards the woman one last team, whispering a rushed thank you for their tea before letting Monroe pull her from the room. “Do you have a death wish, Monroe?” Cora hissed, frustrated with her friend’s behavior. “That couldn’t have waited until we had a better plan than to insult the woman the first time we met her?” She scolded as the walked down the hallway, her cheeks flaming by the time they finally pushed the door to her bedroom open.
However, the scene they walked into didn’t seem much better.
monroe::
"I feel like my face is going to fall off with all of this shit on it," she chuckled at Alex's words as he asked her if she hated the makeup. She did, but she loved him and Monroe would do anything for him. Absolutely anything. But, she couldn't help the flush that nose to her cheeks as Alex compliment her, his hands gripping her waist tightly and his lips kissing her intensely. "I wish we had the whole day to to prep for this, you know, so we could take breaks in between," she nipped at his lip playfully.
She couldn't wait for tea to be done.
As Alex led her down the hall and into a clearing where they waited for Coraline, Monroe's nerves finally began to sink in. She was fidgety and she kept swaying back and forth on her heels. Her eyes darting all over the room until they landed on a light blue dress the color of a bright summer day. Monroe's face quickly grew into a look of shock and wonder as Coraline strode towards them. "Holy shit, Cor!" She said to her friend as she reached them, spinning under Coraline's hand and then doing the same to her. Her blue dress twirling behind her. She really did look so beautiful, the colors suited her tanned summer skin so well and they made her eyes pop. Monroe envied her friend slightly -- she would do well with this new lifestyle. She would thrive. "Look at you, you were basically born for this."
Their greeting was cut short by Alex's voice and Monroe rolled her eyes at the boy before letting him speak. She was thankful Coraline noticed his uptight behavior and Monroe passed her friend a thankful wink.
Monroe practically threw up listening to all of the rules and standards Alex listed off. She certainly wasn't expecting a whole slew of regulations they had to follow and she definitely couldn't keep up with all of the new information. Monroe found herself brushing Coraline's shoulder slightly, almost as if to calm her own anxiety. She didn't want to curtsy, she didn't want to drink the fancy tea. Monroe swore like a sailor and she was practically raised on being anything but ladylike. She knew she would struggle and it would be anything but enjoyable.
She loved Alex. She would do this for Alex.
After Alex was finished and pulled her into his chest, Monroe sank into him only for a moment, kissing him back. She was sure he could feel the nerves practically radiating off of her. "I love you too. Have a few more buttons undone when I come back," she whispered in his ear before giving him a sultry look as she stepped away and headed into the women's parlor. She took one last look at him before she and Coraline headed into the room.
Monroe stuck out like a sore thumb. Light pastel pinks and yellows were plastered across the room with accents of gold. The furniture was velvet with fluffed pillows and intricate designs etched into the wood. Everything in here probably had cost a fortune. There were people suffering out in the streets. The hospital was a damn tent. And they were in here. Sipping tea.
Her stomach rolled.
Monroe didn't smile, but she offered the woman a simple nod after Cora did so. Taking a seat next to her friend, Monroe watched the maids come in swiftly and serve them tea. Monroe didn't use much of the cream or sugar. She preferred the more natural teas the villages would make. This one just tasted artificial and sweet as she took a very small sip, only to be polite as Alex had requested.
She didn't waver her eyes from Mrs. Richmond as she scanned them both over. Monroe could see the questioning look her eyes shone as she took in Monroe's back dress that stood out drastically against the pink cushions. Monroe continued to stare at the woman, almost daring her to comment on her choice of attire this morning. She didn't speak as the woman began to explain what her role was to the city -- and what hers and Coraline's role would now be. Monroe merely soaked in all of the information with a cool and steady gaze, her eyes not flickering from Alex's mother. She practically seethed power and control. But, Monroe couldn't help to notice that she spoke not with disdain towards them, but almost a little bit of excitement. As if she were pleased that they were here to take on this new role.
Alex's new role also surprised her. He would now hold more power than Monroe had originally thought. She wasn't expecting moving into this estate would also require a bigger role for them all, especially the man she loved. Monroe was worried, worried if Alex would be able to handle all of the change. He hadn't even come to terms with what happened to his father, to Monroe. She saw right past his collected exterior. Monroe was surprised she had also remained as collected as she did throughout this time at tea with this woman.
That was until Mrs. Richmond demanded they become proper ladies. Ladies of poise and etiquette. Ladies to only be a trophy that would dangle on the arms of men in power -- men like Alex.
She would do no such thing.
Monroe wasn't an accessory to a man. She was not a host nor a pawn to dazzle other members of this so called society. If she were now a part of it, she would do the same duties as a man would. No parties -- no bullshit. The request was insulting and Monroe sat there for a minute, glaring daggers at the cold woman that sat across from her. Even Coraline's presence next to her couldn't contain the outright fury that was boiling inside of her.
When she turned to give Monroe a disapproving look on her choice of clothing, that was when the tea cup shattered in her hand.
Monroe remained calm for a moment, her breathing surprisingly light as she continued to stare at Mrs. Richmond. She flashed the woman a white smile, showing her sharp teeth. The grin was like a loaded gun.
The tension in the room was thick and the unspoken words between them were dangling in the air. Monroe cleared her throat and brushed off a piece of imaginary dust off her dress. "I love your son very much," she started, her voice cool and steady, but her icy eyes said something else. "And I think you are absolutely out of your fucking mind if you think I will adhere to those bullshit rules."
She dug herself a hole so deep it was as if it were her own grave -- which it very well might be.
Monroe's eyes still sat on Alex's mother. Fighting ice with ice. She wouldn't play her game. She wouldn't let her win. Monroe stood, grabbing Coraline's hand and began to head towards the door without dismissal. As they reached the white double doors, Monroe turned and flashed Mrs. Richmond one more grin, "Thank you for the tea."
jace::
He groaned as Coraline tried to dismiss their activities in bed later. The action was undoubtedly a twenty something year old male response. He didn't care to deny it. He watched her leave a little longer than necessary. Seeing the way the dress hugged her form, but definitely didn't show as much as those kevlar training uniforms he somewhat missed on the small girl. He knew their lives would be forever changed now and a new set of standards and expectations would be taking place now. Part of him was excited for returning back to the old lifestyle he and Alex had when they were kids -- and part of him dreaded it. He had grown to love the wild nature of their lives when they lived in the villages and camps. He almost preferred it.
After he closed the door once Coraline fully disappeared on the hall, Jace threw himself back down on the large bed, groaning in protest. That was a bad idea. His body still hurt like a bitch. He was just about to close his eyes to try and makeup some of the sleep he had missed out last night due to other... activities, when that son of a bitch Alex walked in.
He grinned and rolled his eyes at his brother and threw a pillow at him as he laid down on the bed as well. Chuckling at Alex's words, Jace placed his hands behind his head and stared up at the ceiling. "Dude, if they even make it out alive I would say it was a success. I don't know who to be more worried for, your mother or the girls." He sighed once and the boys sat in silence for a moment.
Jace could feel the weight of the silence between them -- the weight of things that they really needed to talk about. Alex's new role, what Jace's role would now be, his father, Monroe's change. There was so much lingering between the boys that Jace couldn't really ignore it any longer. He was concerned about his friend -- his brother, and he didn't want him going off the deep in. It was too much for someone to handle on their own.
"How are you doing? You know, with like, everything..." He was stepping into dangerous territory with Alex and Jace knew that. But he felt like he wouldn't be a good friend if he didn't bring up his worries with him. "Just with everything that happened yesterday and your mom coming home and your dad..." His voice trailed off again and he swallowed a lump in his throat before he turned to look at Alex. "I guess I'm just worried about you, that's all. It seems like you're brushing most of what happened off. I'm here if you need to talk man. Seriously."
coraline ::
Jace’s reaction to her make over had single-handedly been enough to boost Coraline’s confidence enough to make it through her meeting with Alex’s mother. Jace looked at her the way all women dreamed of being looked at, and his lingering gaze made her feel alive. However, as he expressed his concern over her lack of curls the brunette couldn’t help but laugh. “Really? I quite like it.” She countered, grinning as she kissed him. Although she supposed it probably made sense, Jace had fallen in love with that version of her, not this one.
Slipping out of her robe, Coraline was pleased to hear that the dress she’d selected had been Jace’s favorite. Sliding the luxurious fabric on her body, she turned to give him her back, pulling her silky locks over her shoulder for him to zip her into the dress. Cora held her breath as he drug the zipper upwards, not because of the fit, but because the feel of his fingertips skimming the sensitive skin of her back as he trailed the zipper closed was enough to give Coraline goosebumps. That coupled with the way he held her body against his, his kiss devouring and unrelenting, had almost been enough to convince her to just say screw the tea and drag him right back into bed with her.
The only thing holding her back from making good on that thought was the angry looking bruise that still covered a portion of his chest, and the way he still winced a tad every time he tried to move too fast. “I think she’d have both of our heads.” She replied, pressing one last kiss to his lips before the clock across the room chimed that it was time to go.
Coraline couldn’t help the little pout that settled on her face as Jace escorted her to the door, her bottom lip rolling out just a tad as she cast Jace a final look. After months of constantly being at his side, it felt odd to be venturing into this unknown part of his world without him. And while she was sure his words had meant to be encouraging and to comfort her, she was still wracked with nerves. However, his last comment had managed to lighten her mood and bring a small smile to her face. “Not until you’re better, Jace.” She emphasized, turning swiftly to leave only to have his hand land on her ass. Casting a very promiscuous look over her shoulder, Coraline strided down the hall as if he hadn’t even phased her.
The walk down the hall felt like it had taken forever, the large house unlike anything that she was used to. However, she eventually made it to the foyer where she found Alex and Monroe already waiting for her, and there was no hiding her jaw hit the floor. While Coraline had been dolled up to look dainty and beautiful, her blonde friend was an absolute smokeshow. “Monroe!” She gasped in excitement, snagging the girl’s hand and giving her a spin to take in the entire look. “Well I know what your plans are after this tea.” She teased, giving the girl a wicked grin. A part of her envied Monroe’s confidence, knowing that she’d never be able to pull off a look like that, but the other part of her was thrilled to see how well her friend had settled into her new elite skin. Confidence was a good look on her.
Cora rolled her eyes as Alex chided them for being silly, insisting that they had a few things to go over. She tried to listen intently and take in everything the boy had to say, no matter how much foolish she thought some of their new rules were be. “Don’t get your panties in a wad just because you wear a suit now.” She teased, knocking the boy with her elbow.
As Alex instructed them that it was time to go in, Coraline hooked her arm though Monroe’s insisting that they do this together. Together the pair entered what Alex called the Women’s Parlor, a space in which men were strictly forbidden unless given permission to enter. Entering the room, it was clear that Ms. Richmond was already prepared for them, giving each girl a cold look as she stood to great them. Coraline offered the woman a smile, bowing her head in acknowledgement as she took a seat at the edge of a comfortable looking chaise that had been positioned near a coffee tale holding tea and all of the works, along with little finger pastries and snacks.
Now matter how warm and cheerful Coraline tried to be, the woman just radiated ice. This would surely not be a fun morning.
alexander ::
Alex tried not to let himself look too shocked when the blonde finally turned from the vanity to face him, not wanting to freak her out but still astounded by her new look. She was still Monroe, but a much more refined version of her. All of her best features had been highlighted, and he couldn’t find a flaw on the woman’s body even if he’d had to. She looked like she was a magnificent peace of art - but still, a part of him preferred the unpolished version that he’d fallen in love with so many months ago. “Do you hate it?” He asked jokingly, knowing her well enough that the foreign substances on her face probably aggravated her - even if she looked stunning.
Alexander opened his arms as she strode towards him, grinning wildly as she finally made it into his grasp. “You are a vision, my love.” He murmured against her lips, drawing out his kiss as long as he possibly could. His breath caught in his throat as she fiddled with eh top button of his shirt, giving her a predatory look as she flicked it open without remorse, his hands settling at the curve of her waist and maybe squeezing a little harder than he should’ve. She was playing a dangerous game, and Alex didn’t want to let himself get carried away.
Not now at least - later was fair game.
He stepped back to watch her insect the dresses laid out, her facial expression making it clear that she didn’t favor any of them, her words confirming those thoughts only moments later. “That’s okay.” He nodded, watching as she stepped to the rack. The devious look on her face almost scared him, and Alex suddenly felt the need to remind her that she was going to meet his mother but he held himself back instead, deciding to trust her judgement on the manner.
Alex really shouldn’t have been surprised when the fiery blonde stepped out from the rack wearing a show-stopping black dress that hugged her in all of the right places and showed a fair amount of skin. He agreed that it was much more her style, but he feared how his mother would react to the bold choice. It was tea, after all - and that definitely wasn’t a tea dress.
Still, Alexander had promised that she could pick her own outfit for the meeting, and he was a man of his word.
Alex caught the girl’s hand by her wrist as she trailed it down his chest, giving her a disapproving look as he brought the hand to his lips instead, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of it. “You’re stunning.” He murmured, using his grip on her wrist to drag her against him as he placed a burning kiss to her. “I wish we had more time..” He mused, his fingertips skimming along the bare skin of her arms, his intentions with that statement more than clear.
However, that wasn’t the case. A glance at the clock on the wall exposed that it was time to go, and with a heavy sigh the boy placed a hand on Monroe’s back to steer her out of the room.
They met Coraline in the foyer shortly later, and Alex offered the girl a pleased smile at her appearance. He wasn’t sure that he’d ever get used to seeing the rugged girl’s he knew dressed all up as some of the city’s high society ladies. “Good morning.” He greeted as she approached, laughing lightly at her immediate astonishment over Monroe’s appearance. He’d had a similar reaction himself.
He felt bad cutting the girl’s short, but they were quickly running out of time and he wanted them to be well prepared before they dove into the wolve’s den that was tea with his mother. “Okay so a few basic ground rules to follow - if a woman is already in the room when you enter, she should stand to greet you. You need to acknowledge her before you sit - just something simple, a smile or a nod. Same thing if it’s a man, but you’ll curtsy instead. You should never refuse a beverage from your host, but it’s okay to not take the food, that part is up to you.“ He stalled for a few moments, trying to think of anything else that would be important to know. He’d had these little rules ingrained in him since birth to the point they became second nature, so it was hard to wrack his brain for them now. “No foul language, try not to slouch, and she will dismiss you when it’s time to leave. Make sure you thank her for the tea before you go, and you normally want to do the same acknowledgment you did when you entered as you leave.”
Running a hand through his hair, he gave both girls a small smile. “Just be polite. She’s really not that bad, I’m sure you both will be fine.” He assured them, pulling Monroe to his chest for one last kiss. “I love you. Come find me when you’re finished” He whispered into her ear, following his words with another quick peck before he escorted them to the Women’s Parlor.
Once the two had made it safely inside, Alex headed towards the east wing where he knew he’d find Jace. He figured they both had nothing better to do, so they might as well do nothing together. He offered a few quick raps against the door before letting himself in, grinning at his friend as he immediately went to sprawl out across the bed.
“Scale of 1-10, how bad do you think damage control is going to be?” He laughed.
eleanor richmond ::
The harsh woman pursed her lips as the doors to the Women’s Parlor cracked open right on time, watching as the two young girls entered the room together. She also caught a glimpse of her son - dressed much more appropriately today - in the hallway moments before he shut the door behind the two young ladies.
Turning her eyes to the girls, Eleanor rose from her seat, clasping the her hands i front of her until she was acknowledged - pleased to see that they’d at least been given the slightest crash course in the etiquette of a high society lady. “Welcome girls, please come seat.” She greeted, taking her own place in a high backed chair across from them.
With a flick of Eleanor’s hand a couple of maids rushed forward, setting a place for each of the three women and pouring them each a cup of hot tea, along with cream and sugar to their liking. On the table between them sat an assortment of dainty finger foods and pastries to be snacked on. Mrs. Richmond snacked quietly on a lemon bar as she inspected the two girls in front of her, taking them each in as wholly as she could without being outright rude. The brunette didn’t seem to be a problem - Eleanor didn’t doubt that she could mold her into a woman of appropriate stature. But the blonde had a sort of grit to her that the woman almost admired. She coudn’t decide if she was appalled by her choice of attire, or if she commended the girl’s boldness.
”First, I’d like to welcome you to our home.” She began, sipping her tea as she spoke. “Second, I’d like to welcome you to the society” The brunettes perplexed face almost made the woman chuckle - ah, they were so naive. “As you may know, the city is governed by a council of Elites. My family has always been a member of the council, and we now share a common loved one who will have a seat with them - my son.” She explained, her eyes passing easily between both girls. “As the family of the council, we are a part of The Society - a group of high class elites who the city folk turn to when in distress. As a member of our Estate and a dear friend of my son, that makes you all a member of the society as well.”
Settling back in her seat, Mrs. Richmond gave the pair a few moments to process this information. While she didn’t want to overwhelm them, she did expect them to adapt quickly, and that didn’t allow much time for them to figure things out. “The Society is held to a higher standard, and you all are expected to conform to that as well. There is a certain etiquette to be followed, and I trust that you two will work diligently to learn it in a timely manner. You are expected to perform the duties of a high society woman - meaning you host guests, you dazzle other members of the council to earn my son influence, and you become the absolute picture of poise and grace.“
Turning her eyes to Monroe, she didn’t bother to hide the disapproving look on her face as she inspected Monroe once again. “And that includes dressing the part.”
monroe::
She was sure to give Alex a playful middle finger as he called her a brat, being sure to hide it from the staff as they directed her to the vanity. She also didn't miss the wicked and shit-eating grin he had plastered on his handsome face as she was being whisked away. Damn him.
It felt uncomfortable, the makeup on her skin. She had protested the thick paste that matched her skin tone they tried to put on her face but it was ignored. It covered the dark circles under her eyes from a night in the sheets with Alex. It covered the light layer of freckles from the sun. It covered most of her, really. The little imperfections she had grown to love about herself. Monroe had no idea how these women did it, but they had sharpened her already high cheekbones, made her lips look fuller and her eyebrows were given more of a shape. A light layer of pink was brushed over her cheeks and her eyes were lined with a dark brown and a black substance layered her already long eyelashes, opening up her light eyes even more.
She didn't recognize herself.
As she opened her eyes to peer into the mirror her throat tightened and her body stilled. A hand didn't dare go to her face and touch the work the two kind women had done on her. Her thick hair was pulled back into a braided up-do, leaving a few stray strands to frame her face. A set of diamond studs sat in her ears, Monroe already knew by the weight of them that they were no doubt real.
Turning to face Alex, she stood from the vanity and slowly made her way over to him. Her eyes darted between him and the clothes he had set out. She felt... embarrassed almost. As if she didn't feel comfortable in her own skin anymore. Monroe didn't say anything to him for a moment, she just simply stared at Alex who was now dressed in foreign clothes. The hair she had loved to run her fingers through was pushed back slightly. He was in slacks and a button up shirt. He didn't look like the charming guardsman that had swept her off her feet. Part of him seemed to hold a different power now -- part of it frightened her.
But still, he did look damn good.
Her hands went to the button up on him, her fingers playing with the top button on his shirt until it popped open. "That's more like it," she whispered before placing a soft kiss on his lips. Her attention then went back to the dresses on the bed and she hated herself that she didn't feel inclined to any of them. It was as if she were picking out a gun that would end up killing her. The colors were all light and pastel. Nothing she would ever think of wearing. "I don't like any of them," she sighed, running a hand over the fabric of a dress. Flicking her eyes up to Alex and then over to the rack of clothes, she began sifting through the others fiercely until her eyes spotted a color she was very familiar with. Smirking slightly, Monroe changed behind the clothing rack, passing Alex a sly wink as she did so, before stepping around it.
Wearing a dress the color of night.
The black dress was tight around her thighs and hips, hugging her curves. It was a sleeveless dress and it went up to the bottom of her neck and covered her collar bones before opening up in the back, revealing probably a little too much of her shoulders for tea. But hey, Alex said she did get to pick. She chose the dress for a specific reason.
The death of the old Monroe and the beginning of someone new.
She grabbed a simple pair of black heels and slid them on. Surprisingly she seemed to walk fairly decent in them as she made her way over to Alex, cocking him a brow as if daring him to protest her choice of attire. "You clean up nice, Alexander," she told him, a hand trailing down his chest.
jace::
He brushed off Coraline's worries. He was fine, or well, he would be soon. The second was always the worst for healing, anyways. The sore muscles regaining their strength. The wound beginning to scar over. It was the day that offered the most change and the most progress. "I'm fine, love," he told her as the girls began their work on Coraline.
The ladies worked diligently and quickly. Frankly, Jace knew that Coraline would never need an ounce of makeup to be beautiful. He had never seen any on her before and she captivated him in a way that was unearthly. She was naturally beautiful, but as these ladies continued their work Jace knew that he was in for a real surprise.
And he was.
The shocked expression on his face as Coraline turned to face him was immediate. His eyes widened and he couldn't help but to stumble lightly. "Wow, is right," he managed to say, his voice tightened as his eyes raked over her face. He was smiling, he could feel his cheeks tighten and grow sore for how big he was grinning. "Although, is it rude of me to say that I miss the curls?" They were the wild part of her, the rebel side he had grown to love so dearly over these past few months. Jace was slightly sad to see them gone. Jace took her hand and pulled her into him and kissed her, he wasn't gentle either. If Jace could have his way, he would devour her right here and now. Fuck tea.
As he released her from his grasp, Coraline picked the light blue dress he had set out. His favorite out of the bunch and he beamed, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "That one is my favorite," he said, watching her as she ditched the robe and began to pull the dress on. A low growl rumbled in his chest and he stepped forward, zipping up the back of her dress delicately before she spun towards him. His eyes grew that predatory gleam in them once more. The light blue complimented her eyes so well that he was practically swimming in the ocean that he stared into. She was ravishing. "You are exquisite," he whispered against her mouth as he held her, moving her kiss to his lips, not daring to let her go just yet. "You will do more than pass, love." He whispered, eventually releasing her from his grasp, his hands trailing up and down her arms. "You think Mrs. Richmond will be understanding if you're a little late?" He chuckled, pressing his body against hers.
However, the feeling was short lived as the clock chimed 10am. it was time for her to go. Groaning in protest, Jace eventually removed his body from hers and slowly headed to the door to see her off. Opening it, he leaned against the frame, taking one more look at her. "You will do great, remember that. She will love you, don't be nervous. You'll meet Monroe right down the hall. I'm sure Alex will give you a set of ground rules before he sends you in to his mother," he chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. As she exited, Jace made sure to slap her ass, smirking deviously as she walked down the hall. "I love you. Hurry back, we have more bed rest to do," and with a wink he closed the door.
alexander ::
Alex smirked just a little as Monroe stirred awake, immediately groaning about how painful she felt after their night. He knew that it was most likely just an affect of her healing body coupled with the change of becoming elite working it’s way through her, but he knew that their night together surely couldn’t have helped. “You’ll feel better in a couple days.” He promised, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as he smoothed down her hair. “You’re an elite now - you’ll be astounded by how quickly you’ll heal.” He assured her.
As the petite blonde crawled to the edge of the bed only to curl her legs around his waist, her arms following suit as they slid around his neck, Alex couldn’t help but chuckle into her hair. Wrapping one arm around her back, the other sliding under her bottom to support her, Alexander lifted the girl from the bed and carried her to the bathroom. He couldn’t hide the shit-eating-grin on his face as the blonde dropped her robe to the floor on their way, sliding out of his own shortly after.
Once Alexander gently placed her in the tub of steaming water, he climbed in behind her, sitting and opening his legs for her to sit between them. He wrapped his arms around her body as she leaned back against his chest, grinning at her comment over the bubbles. “Yeah, I thought you’d like that.” He replied with a low laugh, squeezing her in a soft hug from behind. Relaxing back against the wall of the tub, Alex nearly fell back asleep. Between the warm water soaking his skin and the feel of Monroe’s body pressed back against him he had reached his optimal level of comfort.
Alex let out a soft groan as Monroe lifted herself out of the tub, reaching out to pull her back into the tub but just missing her hands, leaving him alone. He definitely hadn’t been ready to get out yet. “Brat.” He pouted, eventually rising out of the tub as well and stepping out onto the marble floor, wrapping himself back in the comfortable plush robe. Moments later a knock sounded at the door. “Come in!” He called, turning to give Monroe a wicked grin as a couple of women entered the room with a large rack of clothing and lots of tools to pamper Monroe with.
“I love you too!” He called playfully as the women whisked her away, shaking his head in amusement at her distressed look. Alex busied himself sorting through the racks of clothing himself, selecting a pair of charcoal grey slacks and a white button down dress shirt for himself. He excused himself to the bathroom to dress so he didn’t put on a show for all of the wait-staff, returning to the main room as he tightened a brown leather belt around his waist. He paused to glance at himself in the mirror, combing his hair back out of his face with his fingers until it dat in a more presentable fashion. It had been years since he’d last seen himself like this, and while he didn’t mind it, he hadn’t exactly missed it either. Alex would have much preferred to throw on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, but alas, that was no longer his life.
Returning to the rack, Alex sifted through the dozen or so dresses until he’d selected his favorites, setting them to the side for Monroe to consider once she was done getting pampered. Sitting at the edge of the bed as he waited, Alex couldn’t help but steal a few glances at the blonde’s reflection in the mirror, grinning wickedly at what he saw.
Every time he thought that he couldn’t possibly be more enchanted with this girl, she proved him wrong.
coraline ::
Coraline couldn’t help the evident frown on her lips as she watched Jace struggle to pull himself up in bed, noticing the large splattering of black and blue bruising around the site of his injury as well as the clear pain written all over his face every time he tried to move. “I knew last night was a bad idea.” She muttered, mentally kicking herself for letting herself get carried away and not caring more than she had about the repercussions.
The injury looked far worse than it had the day before, and Jace was definitely in a lot more pain than he had been the previous night. While their night together had been like something out of a dream, Cora would never put her own gratification over Jace’s health and comfortability, and she regretted falling prey to her own desires instead of insisting he truly rest. “I’m sorry.” She murmured, crawling forward to press a gentle kiss against his lips. “Maybe you should stay in bed and rest today?” She offered, combing her fingers through his hair affectionally. “I’m sure Alex can keep a handle on things just for a day.”
She smiled softly at Jace’s attempt at flattery, her cheeks blushing just a tad at his compliment. “You tend to have that affect on me.” She countered, although their conversation was cut short by a sudden knock at the door. She cast Jace a panicked look as two women entered the room with a large rack of clothing and a tray full of make ups and hair tools. Coraline didn’t miss their bashful blushes and averted eyes as they noticed that Jace still lay naked in the bed, but after he assured them that it was aright it was down to business.
She pressed one last quick kiss against his lips before she was ushered to a large vanity placed in the center of the room, sitting down and just trying to stay still while the two women went to work on her. Coraline had never worn make up a day in her life - it wasn’t something easy to come by out in the wasteland. As a teenager she’d pinch her cheeks to bring color to them or eat raspberries to stain her lips, but that was the best she’d ever been able to manage. The girl tried to steal glances in the mirror, but was constantly being redirected to shut her eyes, tilt her head, and so on - so she finally settled with just keeping her eyes closes until they were finished.
Coraline thanked the women as they stepped away, pleased with their work and leaving her to dress with strict instructions to meet Alex and Monroe in the front parlor once she was finished. “Wow.” The girl whispered, inspecting her reflection in the mirror in a sort of awe. She still look like herself, but everything about her had been enhanced - her cheek bones were more defined, a little blush brought color to her cheeks, a light stain tinted her lips a deeper shade, her nails had been polished, and a thick gooey substance had coated black on her eyelashes, lengthening them and making them more prominent as they framed her blue eyes. Her thick hair which was normally a mess of waves and curls had been ironed pin-straight, and was the smoothest she‘d ever seen it.
Turning to face Jace, she passed him a smile as she noticed the few outfits laid out on the bed for her. The rack full of clothing had been pretty intimidating, and she was thankful that he had tried to help her narrow her decision, as well as simply pleased that he wanted to be a part of this transition with her instead of just throwing her to the wolves to figure out herself.
Coraline wasn’t afraid of dresses, and genuinely didn’t mind wearing them. While she didn’t always think that they were the most practical, it wasn’t uncommon for her to wear a fun sundress while she’d stayed back in the village when she knew she had an easy day ahead of her. However, all these were far nicer than anything she’d ever owned, or even seen for that matter. Running her fingers along the fabric of each piece, she finally selected a light blue one, holding it up for Jace’s approval. “How about this one?”
The dress was well fitted through the bodice, dropping to flow loosely to just above her knee, paired with little cap sleeves that made her feel pretty and dainty. A pair of nude heals and pearl jewelry had been brought in to complete the outfit, and she couldn’t deny the smile on her face as she looked at herself in the mirror. It was very different than anything she’d ever worn before, but she felt beautiful.
Turning to face the dark haired boy she loved, she offered him a twirl and a giddy grin. “So?” She prompted, crossing the room to drape her arms over his shoulders. “Do I pass?” She asked with a light laugh, raising up to press a kiss against the boy’s cheek. Even in heels, he still had a solid few inches of height on her.
monroe::
She had fallen asleep with her hands laced through his hair and his heat beat thrumming against her own -- soothing whatever worries she had. It soothed her, his heart beat. It was steady and it steadied her own wavering heart as well. Alex always was able to do that to her. Bring her out of her head and back down to earth.
Monroe was awoken by that same heart beat not on top of her, but besides her, and soft butterfly kisses trailing down her face until his lips met her own. She kissed him back, almost ready to drag him back into the bed with her, but the harsh pain from her injury put that idea to a halt. God, she was sore. Every where on her body hurt, not just her chest. She could feel pain all the way down to her toes. Surely it was probably her body just getting used to the change it had gone through only twenty four hours ago -- but still, it hurt like a bitch. "I feel like I've been hit by a truck," she growled against his lips.
Alex tossing a robe over her lap and mentioning the bath he had drawn for them almost made her come undone right then and there. She swore she could have married that boy on the spot. A bath would no doubt feel amazing and one with Alex? It was surely her lucky day. He was charming and Alex's love language was definitely touch and words of affirmation, but romantic acts like drawing a bath were uncommon. She didn't mind, Monroe wasn't much of a romantic herself and she had her own ways of showing love, but still she was excited. "I would love nothing more," she purred.
She took Alex's hand and slowly rolled out of bed, draping the robe over her bare skin. Monroe hissed in pain at the movement and looked up at Alex. Monroe was never the one to ask for help and she surely didn't like showing her pain on her face, but this morning she would make an exception. Wrapping her legs around Alex's waist and then snaking her arms around his neck, she held onto Alex -- making him carry her koala bear style into the bathroom. Monroe's head tucked into the spot on his shoulder by his neck and she planted slow kisses there as they entered into the bathroom, dropping her robe along the way. Sinking into the tub, she couldn't help but to groan slightly at the feeling. Her muscles instantly started to relax and she went limp in the tub as Alex joined her. Monroe positioned herself to where her back leaned against his chest and she let her head fall back against him, the bubbles floating over their connected bodies. "The bubbles were a nice touch," she chuckled lightly, craning her head to kiss his neck.
Monroe took her time in the bath, washing her and Alex down lightly until most of the bubbles had disappeared. Monroe slowly stepped out of the tub and grabbed her robe once more, wrapping it around herself just in time as a knock sounded on their bedroom door. She arched a brow as two ladies strolled in with clothes and beauty supplies and Monroe sighed. It looked like her relaxation this morning was short lived. Passing Alex a slight look of worry, she let the women take her over to the large vanity that sat in the corner of the room -- too scared to even look at the dresses on the clothing rack they had brought in. "You're lucky I love you," she drawled to Alex as the ladies set her in the chair, turning her away from the mirror so she was unable to watch herself transform.
jace::
He had felt Coraline's small body leave his own earlier in the morning -- the cool air where she once lay was kissing his skin, causing small goosebumps to appear. He shivered at the loss and groaned lightly out of protest before sleep returned to him once again. This morning he was exhausted. Utterly exhausted. He had underestimated the healing process for being shot in the chest. Yesterday he still felt the adrenaline going through him and keeping up alert and awake. But this morning? Jace couldn't even force himself to open his eyes. In and out of his battle to awake he had vaguely heard the shower turn on and the light clinking of a tray the wait staff had no doubt put on a table across from the room. Jace tried to mutter a thank you, but he knew it was muffled by the hundreds of pillows he had sank into.
Jace could feel Coraline's eyes landing on him -- he could feel the weight if her small frame sit at the edge of the bed. Sighing lightly, he stretched, winced from pain, and lazily opened his eyes -- blinking at the sunlight that filled the room. He felt like shit. Even though last night had been a dream and it had been the most euphoric thing seeing Coraline astride him and the moon illuminating her throughout the night, he could now feel his sore muscles begin to heal and reform by his wound. Dark bruising now sat on his chest. It looked ugly, to say the least.
"Morning, love," he groaned, his voice hoarse with sleep. He sat up slowly, not even trying to hide the pain on his face as he did so. "Shit," he sighed once he finally was able to prop himself up on the pillows. Jace stared at her while she sat so innocently, drinking from her mug, her hair damp from the shower and back in that damned robe. He couldn't help but to smile at the sight. "You're glowing," he mused, raking a hand through his hair -- trying to tame the bed head.
Their short conversation was interrupted by a light knock on the door. "Come in," Jace called, passing Coraline a sly smile as a pair of staff strolled in with a clothing rack and a tray of hair tools and makeup supplies. The two ladies blushed slightly as they took in Jace still in bed. "Apologies, we could come back later. Mrs. Richmond sent us down here and to Mr. Richmond's room as well." Jace waved their apology off, "Of course, come in." His eyes flicked to Coraline and he wriggled his brows playfully as they began to usher the girl over to the vanity in the corner of the room.
His attention went over to the clothing rack that sat in the middle of the room. Searching through the blankets, he was able to find his pair of shorts and he quickly pulled them before he began to drag himself out of bed -- offering a few slew of expletives as he did so. He began to search through the dresses, taking a few he liked and setting them on the bed to get Coraline's opinion later while the ladies began to pamper her. Jace tried to keep his eyes to himself, but he couldn't help but to take a few glances in the mirror as they began to paint makeup on Coraline's already beautiful face. His throat tightened and his chest caught every single time. Jace already knew he was going to be in trouble once she was ready. It would be a war between keeping her in bed with him and actually letting her go to tea.
alexander ::
The moment Monroe had promised to stop him if anything went wrong, Alex didn’t hesitate to join their bodies as one, a growl rumbling out of his chest as he did so. It only took a few strokes for Alex to recognize that he was definitely going to be in trouble - the feeling of Monroe‘s body reacting to all of the new and heightened sensations already driving him wild. Her whispered astonishment and unabashed sounds of pleasure filling his ears and only driving him to go harder - although he continually had to remind himself to hold back, she was still healing from a catastrophic injury, and no matter how euphoric it felt he did not want to be responsible for hurting her in any way.
A low hiss emitted from his lips at the feel of her nails dragging along his back, that mixed with the feeling of Monroe‘s quivers as she came undone against him enough to finally push him over the edge as well. Sex with an elite was so different from sex with a human - with a fellow elite he never had to worry about holding himself back, or gripping too hard, or forgetting his own strength and hurting them. The only thing keeping them back from the best sex of their lives was her injury - and he could only imagine what it would be like once she healed. Hell, they probably wouldn’t leave this bedroom for a week once that happened.
As they both came down from their climax, Alex collapsed the blonde beneath him. He was careful to avoid her injury as he laid his head against her chest, using it as a pillow while he made himself comfortable and caught his breath. He smirked at the girl’s words, unable to hide the slight boost in ego that they’d given him. “Oh, you won’t.” He promised, gingerly kissing her skin where his head lay. “It only gets better from here, love.” He cooed, grinning as he wrapped his arms snuggly around her.
“I love you, Monroe.” He murmured in return, squeezing her gently as he closed his eyes. It hadn’t taken long for Alex to finish falling asleep, the exhaustion from their long day coupled with the exertion of their romp in the bed enough to pull him into a deep and restful slumber.
He wasn’t sure how he’d actually managed it, but Alex had willed himself to wake before Monroe - a commendable feat, considering he was usually a bear in the mornings. He took a few moments to sip the coffee that was already waiting for them on a silver platter placed in the room - meaning the wait-staff had definitely been in here while they slept naked, but not awake enough to really care.
Alex headed into the bathroom, turning the faucet on the tub until it ran with warm water. Placing the stopper, he added a few suds to the water, pleased with his romantic effort as he slipped into one of the two robes hanging in the massive bathroom, tossing the other one over his arm to take to Monroe.
Alexander was well aware that this would be a grueling day for his girlfriend, and while he knew they probably didn’t have too long before she would have to start getting ready, he wanted to take advantage of every spare moment they had together to try and put her at ease before he tossed her to the wolves.
Approaching the edge of the bed, Alex smiled as he leant forward to dot a few light kisses across Monroe’s face as he tried to gently wake her. “Good morning, my love.“ He murmured, tilting her chin up a tad to press a proper kiss to her lips as he laid the spare robe across her lap. ”I’ve ran us a bath.” He said sweetly, smiling down at the sleepy blonde, clearly proud of himself for pulling off something so sweet. Alex wasn’t typically a very romantic person, so the fact that he’d gotten up early and taken the time to run her a bath before her long day had taken a lot of thought on Alex’s part - something he wasn’t quite used to.
“Would you like to join me?” He tempted, smiling as he offered the girl his hand.
coraline ::
No matter how many times Jace protested or slyly tried to take control, Coraline remained steadfast in her end of the deal. If they were going to do this while Jace was still hurt, they would do it her way and her way only.
The night had been rich, full of soft sighs and gentle touches, whispered affections feeling their ears as they unraveled against each other again and again. Eventually the room had fallen into complete darkness aside from the pale light filtering in through the window, the moon illuminating their conjoined bodies in a soft glow. As Jace held her hips steady against his, Coraline took a moment to soak in everything that he was.
Cora had always thought Jace was the most attractive man she’d ever seen - remembering fondly the giddy whispers to Monroe as she gushed over how cute he was when they’d first arrived to the city. Sure, being an elite meant he was genetically inclined to be more attractive than most people - but it was so much more than that - despite his rough exterior that had taken Coraline so long to comepltely break through, Jace had a heart of gold, he was the most loyal person she’d ever met, and he loved so fiercely that it was hard to ever question it. Here, cast in the light of the moon and looking at her as if she were his most prized possession in the world, Coraline swore she would do anything for this man. “You are the best thing that’s ever happened to be, Jace Kingston.” She declared, her blue eyes dancing with delight.
The brunette collapsed against the bigger male without protest as he pulled her against him, curling up against his chest and letting out a content sigh. “I love you too.” She murmured, adjusting herself so she could run her fingers through his hair, which was beginning to take on a slight curl as it grew out. She wasn’t sure when she had fallen asleep, but it hadn’t taken long once she’d settled against the man she loved for her eyes to drift close and her mind to fill with dreams.
For once in her life Coraline appreciated that she was a natural early-bird. Her eyes at fluttered open at the first hint of light, and while she’d stayed in bed to cuddle Jace for a few minutes longer, she eventually crawled out to start her day. By the time Jace had even begun to stir, Coraline was already showered and sitting perched at the foot of the bed, leaning back against one of the bed posts as she sipped a mug of coffee, wrapped in what was quickly becoming her favorite article of clothing - her robe. A tray with hot coffee, cream, sugar, and a spare mug for Jace sat across the room on a small table, brought in by the wait-staff while Cora had showered. She watched Jace with a small smile as his mind and body battled between continuing to snooze or starting to ware, her heart melting at the boyish innocence on his face as he slept, and the silly expressions and little noised he made once he’d began to stir awake.
She knew that her day would soon be consumed with dresses and flattery and communicating with a very scary woman, so Cora tried to take this time in the early morning to ground herself and just appreciate everything that she had - a comfy bed, a safe space, warm water, delicious food, and most importantly the man happily dozing a few feet away from her, the love of her life.
In this moment, life couldn’t get sweeter.
monroe::
Even though the dread for tomorrow morning still was very evident, Monroe softened at Alex's words. How excited he was to see her partake in a part of his life -- what he grew up with. He had lived so long in her world without a complaint on the lack of food and comfortable homes and showers. Alex gave up this to be with her, even if it were for only a few months. She would compromise for him -- she had to. She loved him with every fiber in her being. Monroe was important to him as he was to her. "Don't get too comfortable with it," she teased back. "But, you are important to me too, Alex. That's why I'll do it and I'll even keep the eye rolls to a minimum," she tapped his nose with her finger, giggling lightly.
However, a small part of her was worried for what their future would hold. Alex's father was a powerful man. While she didn't know much about how the government worked inside the city and how Alex would now come into play, she knew that his role would now be bigger. He was the man of the house -- the Richmond Estate. And she was with him. What would that mean for her? Monroe was a natural born leader and had the spit fire passion and strong willed nature for it -- but it was nothing like this. She knew the next few weeks would be a learning curve for all of them. But, they would survive it. Just like they always had.
"Will you be getting dressed up tomorrow, Alexander?" Monroe arched a thin brow. She had never seen the boy dressed in anything but kevlar or the clothes they had accumulated while at the village. To see him being dressed so... proper, would be exciting. Strange, but exciting. "Maybe they can fix your hair while they're at it," she ruffled her hands through his dark locks before curling her fingers into it.
That look he always did, with his bottom lip reeled in between his teeth, it drove her absolutely insane. It flooded her thoughts and it made her insides tingle just at the sight. And then his lips. His lips were all consuming and there was nothing in between them. Not even air. Whenever Alex kissed her every worry of hers flew out of her body. But now? With her new heightened senses? She couldn't even remember her own damn name.
She kissed him back fiercely as he threw off his clothes and then her own until they were skin to skin -- breathing heavily as his bites and nips that only he would see dispersed over her body. Monroe couldn't help but to moan at the sensation of it. As she was ready for him as he positioned himself, Monroe stilled as he suddenly stopped and spoke to her, warning in his voice. She knew it would be different and that her body would be on sensory overload. But she didn't care -- she wanted to feel him more. Feel everything more. She offered him a daring smile and her eyes lit up slightly and she simply nodded before she leaned forward, her lips barely brushing his as she said, "I promise." She kissed him once before she spoke again, her voice a low growl. "Now shut up and fuck me."
As he slid into her a sighed immediately released from her chest. Every inch of her felt as if it were on fire and frozen in ice at the same time. Monroe could hear his heart beat and it soothed her soul. Her brows furrowed slightly at the sensation and her hand went to cup his face while another one clung to his hair, pulling on it tightly as they moved in a steady rhythm. "Oh my God..." she whispered between kisses and her control loosened and she fully melted into him. Monroe was aware of every sliver of space where their bodies touched and she couldn't help the sounds of pleasure that tore through her as they made love until her whole body was shaking with release. Her vision grew bright as her nails clawed into Alex's back, leaving harsher scratches than she had intended -- almost animalistic. If this was sex now with Alex as an Elite, with a hindering injury, she couldn't even begin to imagine how it would be like once fully healed. A new wave of energy had hit her where she felt nothing but Alex and the soul catching way he made her feel.
Monroe's hair was plastered to the nape of her neck with sweat once they had finally both come down from the high they had given each other. She just laid there more a moment, her breathing deep and steady as she brushed back his hair from his face. "I don't think I will ever be able to get used to that," she eventually said, a tired smile forming across her lips as she kissed him slowly, slightly rolling her hips into him, which only emitted another moan from herself. "I love you," she said to him. Her eyes locked on his own.
jace::
He could listen to the soft moans she made against him forever. It was his favorite sound. Not even out of lust or seduction, but just complete love. Her voice was soft but carried so much force and power beneath the tiny thing she was. He would never grow tired of it.
Jace caught her gaze staring at his wound on his chest. Granted, it looked rough. The healing process was never pretty, even with it being expedited due to his Elite blood. He still felt pain, but nothing Coraline couldn't help mask. Nothing her sweet words couldn't help with and the feeling of her body against his own. Nothing the feeling he felt as her whispers tickled his skin couldn't heal and the overpowering feeling on her sinking into him.
He couldn't help but to curse. "Fuck," he groaned, his hands grabbing her hips, meeting her devious gaze before she leaned in, taking his lip between her teeth. He nipped at her before he pressed a long and lingering kiss on her lips, his hands exploring every inch of her body as it relaxed into him. "Screw the doctors," he growled, his breath hitching with every roll Coraline's hips made as he met his own into hers.
Even as he protested throughout the night, Coraline never let Jace take control. She was slow and patient and they full on succumbed to one another. He took in those sweet sighs she made and the feeling of her as he came undone on him over and over again. Their bodies were riddled with a light layer of sweat by the time darkness over took the large room. The light glow of the full moon sifting through the light layer of curtains that covered the window. It illuminated Coraline's naked body as Jace refused to let her leave his hips. He just wanted to look at her -- to bask in everything that she was. "You are what I have been looking for, for my entire life, Coraline." He murmured against her as he pulled her down on top of him, pain not even shifting through his chest. His hands traveled through her rich locks, twirling the edges in between his fingers. "Let's try to get some sleep," he whispered into her ear, biting the edge of it playfully before pressing his lips to the side of her head.
Jace held her against him, sending a light trail of kisses until his body became overwhelmed with exhaustion. "Maybe bed rest isn't so bad after all," he joked, his voice groggy. "I love you." And Jace fell asleep with Coraline wrapped in his arms, clinging to this small slice of heaven to battle the hell that had endured.
alexander ::
Alexander smirked slightly as Monroe groaned in protest when he brought up her tea with his mother in the morning, shaking his head in amusement as she requested that she at least be able to choose the color of her dress. “I can try to make that happen.” He agreed with a smile, pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose playfully.
“I can’t lie though-“ He began, stretching his lanky body out in the bed beside her. For the first time in months he could stretch his entire body all the way out without some part of him hanging off the edge of the bed - he’d never thought he was capable of missing a mattress so much. “I’m kind of excited to see you all dolled up.” He teased with a grin, twirling a strand of her blonde hair around his finger. “I know it’s not your style, but it’s how I grew up seeing important women - and who’s more important to me than you?” He mused, passing the blonde a smile.
Most people in the city dressed normally throughout the year, excluding holidays when men and women would wear their best clothes to attend the festivities. But Alex had been raised as the son of a council member, and families of the council were held to a much higher standard than the commoners of the city. The council was essentially the city’s government, and each family had their own estate and interacted with one another regularly. This meant his childhood had been filled with suits and dresses, and once he was old enough he was expected to dress the same. Although he hadn’t stuck around very long after he’d had to start wearing suits in the house, joining the guard with Jace shortly after they’d reached the appropriate age.
He struggled to even imagine his strong Monroe with her hair curled or pinned up in intricate styles, wearing skirts and dresses and heels every day. He knew she would hate it, and though he hoped she may grow used to the customs of the council - which he now technically was a part of thanks to his fathers death, he supposed - he would never force her to change her entire being to fit in. “There will be ladies to come help you in the morning.” He warned, his fingers gently brushing through her hair. “To bring clothing choices and help you with your hair until we have you fitted for your own wardrobe, but I will stick around and try not to let them go too crazy.” He assured her. The more he thought about it, the more he imagined what their future would hold - Monroe would never conform, which meant he’d have to work to change the rules to accommodate her. Alex loved that woman, he would move mountains for her if she so saw fit, the least he could do was try to update a dress code.
However, Alexander wasn’t able to fall too deep into his thoughts before the feel of Monroe’s wandering hands ripped him back to reality. He quirked an eyebrow at her, reeling his bottom lip between his teeth as her hand ventured below his waistband. “Not too tired, I hope.” He countered, unable to resist the blonde temptress as he closed the gap between their bodies with a single jerk of his arm, pulling her tightly against him.
His lips crushed against her’s over and over again, the weight of the day finally falling away as he lost himself in her. There was no better stress-releif than this - than being here with her, Monroe consuming all of his mind. Alex wasted no time pulling his shirt over his head, tossing it to the floor somewhere in the room that he didn’t pay attention to, ridding Monroe of her own next. Unable to help himself, his lips moved down her neck and to her chest, nipping the skin lightly - careful to only leave marks in places that they wouldn’t be revealed by a dress. As his lips expertly moved across her chest, his hands made themselves busy sliding her bottoms off of her hips and down her legs, his fingers lightly skimming down her skin as he went.
She drove him absolutely wild, and by the time he’d finished stripping them of their clothing his chest rose and fell rapidly, his body overcome by endorphins. Positioning himself between her legs, he forced himself to pause, tearing his eyes from her perfect body to meet her own grey gaze. “This might be different for you.” He warned, expecting that he heightened senses wouldn’t make any exception for the bedroom. “I don’t want to overwhelm you or hurt you or anything - you have to promise you’ll tell me to stop if something isn’t right.” He bargained, his breathes still heavy.
Of course he didn’t want anything more than to take her right then and there - but in this he would not be selfish, he needed to put her above all else and ensure that she wouldn’t suffer through something that wasn’t right for his sake.
coraline ::
Coraline rolled her eyes dramatically as Jace erupted into laughter once she’d expressed her concerns over how scary Mrs. Richmond was - however, she couldn’t miss the flutter in her chest as those dimples she loved so much made an appearance on his cheeks. It was rare that his dimples popped out, only when something made him really laugh or smile, but the girl swore every time she caught a glimpse of them her heart melted a little more. “But you’re her son’s best friend.” She argued, shaking her head in protest once again. “And I’m just the girlfriend - she so isn’t going to like me.”
Coraline dropped back down into the mattress beside him, snuggling into him as he explained that he was more concerned for Monroe than herself during their time with Alex’s mother. To be completely honest, so was she. “Monroe doesn’t listen to anyone, not even me.” She corrected playfully.
The brunette closed her deep blue eyes at the feel of Jace’s calloused finger sliding across the smooth skin of her face, causing a small smile to slip onto he lips as she soaked in the feel of his touch. It didn’t matter how many times she felt his rough hands on her skin, it gave her shivers every single time. Her eyes finally cracked back open as he began to speak, emphasizing that he was sick of focusin on tomorrow, and instead wanted to give all of his attention to the moment they shared right now - she couldn’t disagree. After everything they’d been through today and everything they would inevitably have to face in the days to come, they deserved this night together with no other distractions or agendas to fulfill. Tonight was solely theirs, anything else could wait until the morning.
Cora smirked just slightly, unsurprised when her lover suggested they skip the rest part of is mandated bed rest. As much as Coraline wanted to give in to her own desires, she couldn’t help but worry about Jace’s injury if they did follow through with what they both clearly wanted. Had had never been a particularly easy lover, and she feared that things would get a little too vigorous a little too quickly, and he’d end up tearing open his steal healing wound or end up causing himself pain. “Jace, the doctor said-” She began in protest, but was quickly cut off by the unyielding force of Jace’s lips coming down on her own, his strong arms barely even flexing a he pulled her body down on top of his.
Her mind fogged over and before she knew it his hands were making quick work of her clothing, followed by his own with a bit of her help. It didn’t take long for there to be nothing left to separate them, skin pressing to skin as Coraline laved her lips down the side of Jace’s neck, leaving tiny love bites in her wake as she went.
She rose her lips back to his, pressing another firm kiss against his mouth, a soft groan slipping from her lips as he tugged at her bottom lip with his tease. The lazy smile on his lips drove her crazy - he knew exactly what he was doing to her, and he knew that he’d get his way if he kept it up.
However, now that all of their clothing scattered the floor around their bed, Coraline could really get a good look at his wound. The spot on his chest still looked ghastly, and it had managed to reel her back into making good decisions instead of just falling under this wicked boy’s spell and giving him anything that he wanted. But still, she couldn’t resist the feel of his hands tracing her every word as he whispered please.
With a defeated sigh and a wicked grin, Coraline pressed another kiss against his plush lips. “Only because you said please.” She whispered tauntingly, using his shoulders as leverage to finally sink onto him - that alone almost enough to make her eyes roll back after all of the teasing they’d done. Keeping her hands on his shoulders, Coraline slowly rolled her hips against him, smirking just slightly as she locked eyes with the dark haired boy. “But tonight we’ll take it slow, and I’ll do all the work.” She whispered against his lips, catching the bottom one between her teeth. “You have to rest - doctor’s orders.” She teased.
monroe::
Alex's arms would always be a safe haven for her. He was patient and forgiving and he never, not once, shied away from her hard exterior or the fire behind her eyes. He took her for the challenging, broken girl she was but he didn't treat her as if she were fragile. Alex accepted Monroe for who she was, wounds and all, and the way he held her was as if their souls were connected. He understood her.
She would try. Monroe would try for him.
As he began to usher them away, Monroe glanced back at the kitchen, at the dirty broken dishes in the sink, then at her already healed hands. The small cuts from the shattered glass only leaving faint markings on her finger tips. "Okay," she softly said to him, leaning into his chest as they walked through the long halls and into their bedroom. He believed in her -- now she had to believe in herself.
Laying on the bed with him soothed her racing mind, just the weight of him next to her was all she needed. As he hesitated to touch her, Monroe closed the distance in between them, giving him the okay. It really was astounding how much better she had already felt. The pain was now only a dull ache -- probably from the whiskey, as well. Suddenly, a light flush rose to her cheeks as Alex gazed at her face -- her new face. He had always looked at her the way all women want to be looked at. He looked at her and he saw through every wall she had put up and into the most intimate parts of her that no one ever saw. "Thank you. I feel... different. I think it's a good different," she sighed. However, even Monroe knew that the little truth in those words couldn't even convince herself.
The mention of tea tomorrow made Monroe wince and she lightly groaned as Alex reminded her. She wanted his mother to like her and she wanted to like his mother. However, even a blind man knew that Monroe wasn't too into her feminine side and her sailor mouth wouldn't pass with Mrs. Richmond. "Can I at least pick out the color of the dress?" Monroe had worn a dress only a handful of times in her life -- most of them being when she was younger when her mother had to force her into them. Granted, when Monroe was younger she didn't want to wear clothes anyways. As a toddler she always ran around naked or half clothed and when she did need to be dressed it was always in pants. Never dresses. Never skirts.
Monroe was also worried about the expectations Mrs. Richmond had, etiquitte wise. Alex eased her mind slightly as he told her they would go over a few things tomorrow morning, but she knew that would be her downfall. "I will try my best to be a proper lady," she giggled softly, teasing him. As Alex told her he was aware of how much she would hate it, Monroe couldn't help but to laugh more soundly. "You know me so well," she purred, biting his nose back.
She ran her hands down his chest and then slipped them under his shirt, outlining every one of his muscles with her fingertips. Monroe knew that there was plenty more they had to talk about. His dad, her change, the role she would now have to play. They were practically drowning under the unspoken words between them. But, she didn't want to think about any of that anymore -- not tonight. Monroe wanted to stay in this bed with him until tomorrow practically dragged her out by her ankles. Her hands traveled to the waistband of his pants and she tugged at the elastic lightly before slipping her hand beneath, tracing him more with her fingers past his navel.
"I am so tired," she sighed against him, bringing her lips lightly to his to kiss him softly. And she was. She was tired from the battle, from killing, from practically dying in his arms. All she needed was him and his arms her. To forget about all of the pain they had both gone through. To just be with each other, melting into him as he did with her. Connecting their souls once more.
jace::
He shrugged at Alex's knowing look as well as waved off his words about being safe. "Speak for yourself," he joked with Alex, hoping he wouldn't take his playful jab to heart.
After all, he was the one who had a pregnancy scare.
As he and Coraline toppled over each other in the bed, Jace held her a little closer tonight. He had almost lost her today. It terrified the shit out of him. Hell, he had almost died today. Even with the bullet wound healing in his chest and the remnants of the battle lingering out in the streets, he knew they would be okay. They all would get through this together. Jace felt the bond between their small group was stronger than ever, even if they were all a little broken from the day.
Coraline's joke about how scary Mrs. Richmond was made Jace bust out into laughter. His smile was wide, even showing light dimples in his cheeks. "You're not wrong about that, love. But her bark is worse than her bite. Hell, she took me in -- the woman has a soft side. She's just not good with change, that's all". He kissed Coraline back lightly, cupping her face as he did so, before he continued. "I love you, too. We'll probably have to run you and Monroe by a couple ground rules before, but honestly I'm more worried about Goldilocks keeping her cool. She might need your help during it, she listens to you."
Jace traced a finger around Coraline's face. From her eyebrows, to her cute button nose, to her full and plump lips. Every part of her captivated him and she was so much more than the beauty that covered her face. Coraline was beautiful on the inside as well. Jace still was in shock that he was here with her, in this bed, after everything they had gone through. He knew their love could survive anything.
"But, let's not worry about tomorrow anymore," he told her, kissing her nose. "I wanna focus on tonight, on you." Jace was in a particularly good mood after today. Maybe it was part of him trying to mask the pain and fear he had felt, maybe another part of him was thankful for that damn bullet missing his heart. Giving him more time to be here with her, because God know's he wasn't ready to give her up.
"Okay, you heard the doctors orders -- bed rest. Although, let's forget the rest part." He grinned at Coraline, scooping her up in his arms and pulling her on top of him, kissing her deeply. His hands began to tug at her soft tee and slowly pulled it off of her, tossing it near the foot of the large mattress. He then followed suit with his own shirt and clothes until there was nothing keeping them apart from each other. Jace gave her a lazy male smile and tugged on her bottom lip with his teeth, nipping at her lovingly. "Please?" He murmured against her lips, his hands cascading down her body, highlighting every curve on her.
alexander ::
Alexander could feel the tension still rolling off of Monroe in waves and as much as he wanted to try and help her, he didn’t want to push her too hard either. She would have to adapt and come to terms with things at her own pace, and in the mean time Alex could only try his best to support her. He ran his hand along the back of her neck and shoulders, massaging the skin gently while he tipped his filled glass back with his free hand. While he didn’t plan on getting drunk tonight, he’d felt that everyone could use a little something to calm their nerves after their encounter with his mother. He knew better than most how intimidating the woman could be.
Alex couldn’t hide the smirk at his closest friend’s sad attempt at an excuse to leave the table, rolling his eyes as he shot the boy a knowing look. They had just won a war, and he’d played an instrumental part in bringing them the victory - Alex knew better than to expect them just to go back to their room and do nothing other than sleep - they had reason to celebrate, and he fully expected them to. “Night guys.” He called, “Be safe.” The second set of words were directed towards Jace with a playful grin, sure that his friend would pick up on the double meaning.
As Monroe declared she was going to help clean up, Alex started to protest but stopped himself short as she rose out of her seat and began collecting their dishes. With a sigh, he simply rose to follow her, leaning against the doorway to the kitchen as he watched her drop the china in the sink with a little too much force.
Seeing her frustration, Alex approached the blonde from behind, gently pulling her back against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, assuring her that it was okay in his warmest voice, just holding her for a few minutes to give her a chance to calm down a little.
”Come on.” He insisted, releasing her from his grasp only to drape an arm over her shoulders, guiding her from the kitchen and back towards their bedroom. “I know this is all a lot right now, and it’s going to take you time to get used to everything. But I promise that you’ll figure this out eventually.” He assured her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as they walked.
Eventually they made it back to their bedroom, and Alex sprawled back on the king sized bed. Normally he wouldn’t have hesitated to pull Monroe on top of him, but her injury had been him cautious, his hands hesitating half way to her before he thought better of it. Instead, he rolled to face her, gently brushing her hair away from her face as he passed her a lazy smile. “You definitely look the part now.” He murmured, teasing at how they’d once tried to disguise her as an Elite. Monroe had always been beautiful, and Alex hadn’t thought she could ever draw his eye more than she already did - but like this, as an Elite, he found himself continually astounded by her magnificence.
“Tea tomorrow won’t be fun.” He warned the blonde, a bit of teasing affection in his voice. Alex knew that Monroe had never favored the more delicate side of her femininity, but that was a part of her that she would have to embrace for the time being. They all had a role to play now as members of a renowned estate of the city, and while eventually he was sure the rules would relax - first impressions were very important. The city was essentially an by a handful of powerful families, his own being one of them - he guessed that things would be different now that the war had been one and the human survivors would be joining their forces, he also knew that old traditions died hard, and his family name and their estate would likely always carry a bit of extra weight. It was important that now that Alexander was known as the head of the Richmond household, that the woman by his side also present herself to their standard. It definitely wasn’t a very progressive stance, such as he’d gotten used to with the girls while they ran from his father - but for now it was their reality.
”We’ll have to dress you up all nice - not that you even need it - and go over a few things in the morning. Mother is a stickler for etiquette.” He explained, dotting a handful of kisses around the girl’s face as he spoke to keep the mood light. “I’m sure you’ll hate every second of it.” He teased, nipping the tip of her nose playfully.
coraline ::
Coraline released a breath of relief as Mrs. Richmond finally left the room, and as she did it seemed that the entire room relaxed substantially. Cora cast Monroe a perplexed look, knowing that her blonde friend must have also noticed how strange the boys acted around Alex’s mother.
She smiled slightly as Jace attempted to break the attention by announcing how much he adored family reunions, followed by Alex’s declaration that they all needed another round of whiskey - she couldn’t disagree. Much like her friend, she’d reached for the bottle to pour her own drink, but was beat by the wait-staff that seemed to be at their every beck and call within a moments notice. Coraline tipped the chilled glass back against her lips, finishing what was left in her cup in one big swallow and feeling it’s subtle sting all the way into her gut. Maybe it was just that she’d never had this quality of liquor before, or maybe she was just a light weight, but the girl swore she could already feel the effects of the amber liquid making her mind swim.
Cora leant into Jace’s sweet touch, soaking in the kisses he dotted along her ear - she didn’t think she’d ever get tired of his affection. Nodding along to his murmured words, Coraline had to agree - the woman did seem like a lot. However, his tone quickly changed as he suggested they retire back to their room for the night, insisting upon exhaustion although his tone seemed anything but. “Sure, that sounds good.” Cora murmured in response, letting him pull her up and out of her seat. She cast Monroe one final look, offering the girl a reassuring smile. “If you need me just let me know... through the wall speaker, I guess.” Intercoms were obviously still a source of confusion.
”Good night guys!” She called, not missing the look that Jace had shot their friends and unable to stifle the giggle that rolled off her lips. Maybe it was the alcohol, but the brunette had found herself in a particularly good mood. She leaned into Jace’s side as they walked back through the unfamiliar halls, eventually making it back to the room that she recognized as their own.
A laugh tumbled out of her as Jace didn’t hesitate to drag her into the huge bed, their bodies sinking into the plush mattress and pillow as he caught her in his arms. Content with his closeness, Cora swore she could have stayed just like this for the rest of her life. She knew his words concerning her scheduled tea tomorrow were meant to be reassuring, but Coraline felt anything but confident. “I’m glad you think so.” She laughed, shaking her head. “I don’t think that woman is even capable of affections - and she‘s so scary.” The brunette insisted, adjusting herself to lay against his uninjured side.
“But still-” She sighed, propping herself up on one elbow to press a kiss to the boy’s lips. “I’ll try my best to make her like me, but only because I love you.” She insisted, smiling as she nuzzled her nose affectionately against his.
monroe::
Coraline's soft smile steadied her heart. So much has changed within the day, at least one thing remained the same. Coraline was her rock and the bond that they shared was still fully intact, even if they had each found someone whom their soul belonged to completely. She was still here -- she was still her best friend, not even being an Elite could change that.
Monroe also didn't miss Alex clearing his throat as she introduced herself to his mother. She ignored it. She also didn't ignore Jace's awful attempts at flattery and it took everything in her power to not roll her eyes and groan out of annoyance. Seeing these boys being wound up so tight was different and frustration. Where were the wild and rebellious warriors she and Coraline had known? The ones who left their past behind them to follow a pair of unpredictable girls with a death wish.
Feeling the weight of Alex's hand on her back, Monroe slolwy extended her hand to shake Mrs. Richmond's. She wasn't sure how firmly she had gripped the woman's soft hand, but she didn't hold back some of her new found strength. Monroe needed to make herself known -- she wasn't some frail debutante.
As Alex's mother suggested tea tomorrow, Monroe placed her foot on top of Alex's and pressed down lightly, but she kept her mouth shut as the woman left. No, she wouldn't be doing that. And what the hell was a woman's parlor? Why couldn't they just sit at the table? They were so rich they had a separate room just for damn tea? Hearing Alex suggest another round of whiskey, Monroe tried to reach for the bottle herself to pour her own, but the wait staff had already beat her to it. Sighing and passing the waiter a small smile, Monroe took the glass once more and downed it. This was too much. All of it. Even as Alex pressed a loving kiss to her head, it didn't calm her like it usually did. "It's fine," she sighed back.
Shooting Jace daggers as he glanced at her and Alex, Monroe waved him off before sending Coraline a knowing look. How was she feeling about all of this? Thank God she would have her tomorrow for tea, or whatever the hell they were doing. Monroe knew she wouldn't survive without her brown haired friend. "Goodnight," she muttered to them as they left, leaving her and Alex alone in the large dining room. Once again, she felt so small.
Monroe cleared her throat and began standing up, grunting softly from pain, and grabbed her plate and silver ware as well as Alex's. "I'm going to help clean up. Finished?" She clipped to him as she snatched the plate without letting him answer. Monroe knew she wasn't exactly being the most understanding or reasonable -- she wasn't proud of it. Without looking back at him, Monroe began to make her way into the kitchen where she saw the wait staff enter and exit through, ignoring their confused glances towards her. Stepping into the tiled and extravagant room, Monroe couldn't hold back her gasp.
The kitchen was extraordinary. Rich wooden cabinets that matched the dark table in the dining room littered the walls as well as more of those fascinating paintings. Monroe took note of the multiple ovens and fridges that sat in the kitchen. All stainless steel, of course. Thick marbled counter tops made their way around the room, a large sink sitting in the middle of it. Monroe tried to set the plates gently in the sink, however as soon as they hit the bottom they cracked. Cursing to herself lightly again, she lowered her head and clutched the counter top, her knuckles turning white.
All of this was too much.
jace::
The softness in Coraline's voice and the warm smile she gave Alex's mother soothed his mind. He was on edge and his lips pressed into a thin line as he watched the events unfold right at the dinner table. Mrs. Richmond didn't seem to mind the death of her husband -- either that or she wasn't informed quite yet. Either way, the mood in room was eerie.
Slightly relieved as the woman gave him a small crack of a smile, Jace passed her another boyish grin as she tousled his dark locks. Adding to Alex's comment about the girls, Jace said started, "We are very thankful to be here, ma'am. If it wasn't for Coraline and Monroe we probably wouldn't be, to be honest." He squeezed his girlfriends leg under the table again. His words were the truth. Jace's body unwound slightly as Coraline squeezed his hand back.
As Mrs. Richmond stood from her seat, Jace couldn't help but to straighten once more. His throat clenched as she had requested the two girls meet her for tea tomorrow morning and Jace met Alex's eyes as his mother strolled out of the room. Alex took the words right out of Jace's mouth as he requested another round and Jace downed the liquor quicker than the time before - -the sweet and burning sensation easing up some of the anxiety he had faced just moments ago. "I love family reunions," he said sarcastically, relaxing in his chair and eyeing everyone at the table.
Turning to Coraline, Jace sighed and pressed a long kiss to the side of her head. "You did great. I'm sorry, she can be... a lot." Jace whispered into her ear, sending light kisses in his wake. "Do you want to head back to the room? You must be exhausted. I'm about to pass out on my plate." Jaced was, no doubt, in fact exhausted as well, but he already felt three times better than earlier. His energy was returning and even though it felt as if he were kicked in the chest a thousand times, the pain was manageable surprisingly.
Jace slowly stood from his chair, wincing slightly in pain, and helped Coraline stand from her own as well. "Well, my ass is beat," Jace shot a look at Monroe and Alex. Monroe looked as if she were about to puke. "Plus, have to be well rested for tea tomorrow," he chuckled, grabbing Coraline's hand as he passed the dining table, standing in the archway. "Enjoy the rest of you night, children," he smirked, mocking Mrs. Richmond's words as Jace led Coraline back down the hall and to their room. He assumed Mrs. Richmond was staying in her own wing of the house -- like she used to. It was far enough away to where she wouldn't hear the ruckus their small group would no doubt cause and also far enough away to say that she didn't want to be bothered, thankfully. Hopefully she wouldn't mind the girls staying in the boy's rooms, either.
Pushing open the door to the bedroom, Jace dragged Coraline into the large bed once more, trapping her in his clutches as he sank into the feathered pillows. "That went... well." He started, running a hand down his tired face. His exhaustion really was catching up on him. Even though he was healing quickly, it was taking most of his energy to do so. Kissing Coraline's nose, Jace ran his fingers through her shorter brown hair. Part of him still wasn't used to it and part of him still despised himself for what he made her do -- he feared that would never go away. "We'll have to get you all dolled up tomorrow, love. Tea is no laughing matter for Mrs. Richmond," a light laugh rumbled in his chest, which caused another wince from Jace. "Just smile a lot and be your natural, sweet self. She'll love you, I have no doubt about that."
alexander ::
Alexander sighed slightly, feeling the tension radiate off of Monroe as the staff scurried about to clean up the mess and fetch them more drinks. He knew this was all a lot of change that she wasn’t used to, but for all intensive purposes this would be their new normal, and he could only hope she would get used to it. “Monroe.” He hushed question as she started to protest, reaching down to give her hand a gentle squeeze. He understood that the girl wasn’t used to ever being pampered, but that was the protocol in the estate. It looked worse to break protocol and do something for yourself than it did to just ask the staff to do their job.
Unfortunately for them, the tension only skyrocketed when his mother announced herself to the room. Alex caught both Monroe and Coraline’s puzzled looks, and he knew he would have to sit and explain everything to them later. While it was just the four of them running the house it didn’t really matter all that much how they behaved - but once his mother had entered the equation he knew they would all eventually have to follow etiquette.
Alex cleared his throat slightly, groaning internally as Monroe didn’t hesitate to introduce herself to his mother. He wasn’t sure if she’d take that as Monroe being a strong woman, or as Alex being a horrible escort - probably the latter. Placing a hand on Monroe’s back, he smiled softly at his mother. “Monroe and Coraline are very important to us, Mom. They’ll be staying here as well.” Alex clarified, earning himself an odd look from his mother.
Eleanor had quirked an eyebrow at her son as the blonde beside him introduced herself, giving Alexander a very disapproving look before turning her eyes back to his female companion. “Pleased.” Was all she offered, reaching out to shake her hand followed by the brunette’s after Jace’s delayed introduction.
Alexander shrunk under his mother’s scrutinizing stare, straightening up in his seat so she wouldn’t find a reason to scold him so soon. However, he couldn’t hep the suprised look on his face as his mother softened right before his eyes, reaching to brush her fingers through the back of his hair as she expressed how pleased she was to have himself and Jace home. He expected that it would take her some time to warm to the idea of the girls sharing their home, but she had always been a family centered woman, and he could only hope that she’d relax eventually. Speaking of family, Alex was well aware of the elephant that sat in the middle of the room - the absence of his father, by his own doing. Alexander knew his mother had never been fond of his father - there was a reason they had separate rooms on opposite sides of the house. His dad had been a cruel men by many standards, and his wife had been no exception. So as long as his mother was happy not to bring it up, so was he.
In all honesty, the woman was likely relieved by his death anyways. Her son would become the new head of household, and she could live out the rest of her days under Alex’s care.
“Well.” The woman said harshly, standing abruptly from her seat. “Ms. Anderson and Ms. Danilo can join me for tea tomorrow morning in the women’s parlor - I’m sure you two will see to it?” She prompted, staring both boys in the eye until they agreed. “We‘ll dine as usual - as a family. And while I’ll give you all today to relax considering the circumstances, I expect something more appropriate tomorrow.” She scolded, referring to their pajamas and sweatpants at the dinner table.
“Enjoy the rest of your night, children.” She bid farewell, her heals clicking against the tile floor as she left for the night.
Once his mother was gone, Alex released a long sigh he hadn’t realized he had been holding, sharing a knowing look his Jace as he shook his head. His mother was cold by nature, and could be a lot to handle sometimes - but she wasn’t a cruel woman like his father had been. “I think we’ll need another round.” He finally said, watching as a waiter poured another round of the whiskey into each of their glasses.
Alex pressed a kiss to the side of Monroe’s head, sighing softly into her hair. “Sorry about that.” He murmured.
coraline ::
Coraline watched as Alex directed a few members of the staff, the authority in his voice clear but not demanding. She had never seen her friend like this, and it was interesting to watch him flourish in power within his own home. Once the mess of Monroe’s crushed glass was cleaned up, she offered the girl a soft smile, knowing that she was likely embarrassed even though there was no need to be.
Cora’s attention was quickly redirected by a kind woman placing a frosted glass in front of her, pouring her some of the finest liquor she’d ever have according to the boy’s reactions of it. She smiled right back at Jace before clinking her glass against everyone else’s, bringing the glass back to her lips to sip.
The brunette startled as a harsh voice made herself known from the entrance of the room, both Alex and Jace quickly standing to attention as they greeted her. Coraline shared a baffled look with Monroe before glancing to Alex once he addressed the woman as his mother.
Well, this was awkward.
She watched the poised woman approach the table, Coraline’s eyes widening slightly as the woman called the boys out for not introducing them to her. It was clear that Alex’s mother was a no-games type of person, and Coraline was already intimidated by her. She’d never understand how one person had the ability to command attention the way she had - and Cora felt especially silly dressed in her loungewear while the pristine woman wore a full on skirt suit and heels.
Coraline could feel the tension in the room, everyone suddenly very stiff and on their best behavior in front of the new woman. She offered the woman the warmest smile she could muster, bowing her head slightly as Jace finally stepped up and introduced her to Alex’s mom. “Eleanor-” The woman greeted in a clipped voice, reaching out to shake Cora’s hand. “It’s a pleasure.” Cora quickly reached out to meet her half way, shaking the woman’s hand with a gentle grip. “Thank you for having us.” She murmured in response, although she wasn’t warranted a reply.
Eleanor had always had a soft spot for the dark curly headed Jace that she’d all but taken in as a child. He was always well mannered, and didn’t have half of the attitude her own children had. She cracked the smallest of smiles at his compliment, and even then it seemed a little scary. “Oh, don’t try to flatter me, Jace. I’m much too old for that to do you any good.” She chided. Regardless of the warmth she felt for Jace and her son, she didn’t know how fond she was of their new company, no matter how much her boys doted on them. “Well, I see you all have settled in nicely already.” She began, eyeing the four youths sitting at her table. “But I suppose after everything, it is nice to have my boys home.” Reaching out, she ran a hand along the back of both boy’s heads, giving them each a soft look. While she may have been prickly by nature, she had a soft spot in her heart for these boys.
The weight of Jace’s hand on Coraline’s leg, his fingers drawing gentle circles against her skin was the only thing that kept her calm throughout this whole ordeal. She’d never expected to have to go through the whole ‘meeting the family’ thing with Jace, and she supposed this would be about as close as they would ever get to that. Coraline felt a need to impress the older woman and make her life her, but she felt so small and meek compared to her.
Slowly, Coraline slid a hand under the table to take hold of Jace’s giving it a soft squeeze as she glanced over to him. He seemed like a whole new person while Mrs. Richmond was around.
monroe::
Monroe flushed at Coraline's words and quickly shushed her friend, a small smile on her lips. She hadn't taken a good look at herself in the mirror, besides the time right before she had stepped into the luxurious shower. However, Monroe definitely felt different. She felt more awake and aware of herself and her surroundings. Monroe had deemed herself pretty -- not the most beautiful girl she had ever seen, Cora had her beat at that, but she didn't hate the way she looked. She had always had sharp and piercing features, there was nothing that seemed warmed about her right off the bat. But, she would be lying if she didn't feel somewhat better about herself. As if the Elite blood now running in her veins had added a sense of confidence along with the other abilities she was now granted. "I am not glowing," Monroe chuckled lightly, passing Coraline a thankful look.
As the glass shattered in her hand, embarrassment flooded over Monroe and the flush on her cheeks darkened. She tried to dismiss the staff that began to help her clean up the mess she had created. "No, please it's fine I can take care of it," she started, collecting some of the pieces, also shooting Jace daggers as he teased her. If there was one good thing about becoming Elite it was that she could kick that prick's ass now.
As Alex requested a towel, she shot him a look. Since when was he incapable of getting his own things? Swallowing a lump in her throat, Monroe passed him a small forced smile as he kissed her already healing hand. "I'm sorry, I'll be more careful," she eventually told him with an apologetic look. Leaning into his hand that traveled into her blonde locks, Monroe sat back in her chair and sighed. She was exhausted. Utterly exhausted. But, as Alex requested liquor, she straightened slightly. Thank god, something she was good at.
She still felt slightly put off about the staff that waited on them. Monroe felt like everyone was fully capable of serving themselves -- taking care of themselves. They had been doing for the past few months, what was different now? Before she could offered to help grab the whiskey the chilled glass was already placed in front of her. Being more careful grabbing this one, Monroe silently cheersed the group and took a long chug of the whiskey, finishing the glass and setting it back on the table just as an unfamiliar voice rang through the room.
On high alert, Monroe eyed the older woman and could immediately tell that she was Alex's mother. They had the same color hair and although she had the kind eyes that also belonged to her son, power seemed to radiate off of the well dressed woman. Monroe suddenly small. Furrowing her brows as Alex and Jace shot out of their chairs and placed their hands behind their backs, Monroe passed Coraline a confused glance. What the hell was that? Deciding to stay seated, straightening herself in her chair, Monroe eyed the woman as she slithered into the chair at the head of the table. She also didn't miss the fact that she had addressed the group as 'children' which resulted in a slight cock of her eyebrow towards her.
Interesting.
Watching Alex as he was dismissed by his mother, Monroe couldn't help but to pass him a concerned look. She had never seen him act this way. His whole demeanor seemed to have changed. Surely it was a tough day for all of them -- especially for Alex. But the wait staff, the luxurious rooms, the damn top shelf whiskey, it was all too much for her.
"Monroe Anderson," she spoke to the woman before Alex could introduce her. She was perfectly fine with introducing herself to someone, she didn't need a man to do it for her. "You must be Mrs. Richmond." Monroe's voice wasn't rude, but it wasn't exactly warm, either. She didn't know where this woman's loyalty's sat. She could be just like Alex's father for all she knew.
She began to miss the metal shack back at the rebel camp.
jace::
The tears that started to well in Coraline's eyes made his chest clench. He hated that she had gone through this today and that the horrors will stick with her at least for a while. It was his goal to be there with her through every step of the way. She was raised differently than Jace was and he didn't blame her for the emotions she felt. "I'm sorry," he whispered to her, wiping away her tears off of her rosy cheeks.
Jace also couldn't help but to chuckle as she became startled from Alex's booming voice from the intercom. "You'll get used to it. It's like a giant speaker for the house. A sort of telephone, I guess. Don't worry, we'll get him back." And he passed her a wink as they headed to the dining room.
His dinner was shortly interrupted by Monroe's attempt at drinking from a glass. His eyes grew wide but he couldn't help the low snicker that came from his chest. Teasing the blonde, Jace called to her from across the table, "Damn, Goldilocks." Which resulted in a death stare from Monroe that quickly shut him up.
Alex's request for the top shelf liquor had Jace immensely giddy and his eyes lightened as the staff went to retrieve glasses for everyone. "Did I mention how much I love you, Alex? I could kiss your damn mouth right now." He shoved another forkful of food into his mouth before he leaned back into his chair. Dinner was immaculate. Jace ate and ate until he was stuffed full of every dish on the table. It reminded him of holiday's and party's when the Richmond's would invite him over to join their family celebrations. He really felt as if Alex was his brother and that he had a place here. He had a home within these walls.
Grabbing his glass, Jace wriggled his eyebrows to Coraline before he cheersed the group, downing a large gulp from the whiskey. The light burn cascading down his throat was inviting and the taste of the alcohol lingered on his lips. However, a familiar stern voice spoke from the other side of the room and Jace slightly choked on his drink. He quickly set the glass on the table and rose to attention after Alex did -- mimicking his position. He hadn't seen Mrs. Richmond in months, maybe even a full year. She still held the same demanding face and a poised frame. Jace remembered her being a very proper woman, but not as cruel as Alex's father had been. She was tough, but also fair.
"Mrs. Richmond," Jace started, releasing a short breath as he sat back down in the chair, passing Alex a worried glance. They were certainly caught off guard and he was nervous as to how the woman would take Coraline and Monroe, even though the latter was Elite now. "My apologies ma'am, this is Coraline Danilo. Coraline this is Mrs. Richmond," Jace gestured to her with a free hand. His other went to sit on Coraline's knee, living it a light squeeze to comfort her. "You are looking as stunning as ever, Mrs. Richmond. Is that cornflower blue?" His positive voice was forced almost as much as the smile he had plastered on his face. He was always such a kiss up to her, and it seemed to pay off. Sometimes. The woman had taken Jace in as if he were her own and he would never forget that. There may be controversy with Alex's parents, but Jace sure as hell owed them a lot. But, it didn't hide the fact that the woman still terrified him at times.
And then there was the giant ass elephant in the room that danced around the table.
Alex had shot his own dad and his widow was now eating dinner with the son who killed him.
Jace looked at Alex again, tracing circles around Coraline's leg -- mostly to calm his own self down. The tension at the table was thick and he had suddenly lost his appetite. "Lovely weather we're having..." He muttered, trying to break the silence.
alexander ::
Alexander grinned as Monroe declared that she already knew their dark haired friend would surely annoy the hell out of them with the intercom system - she was right, he more than likely would. “I think it’s one of his favorite features of the house.” He admitted, only partially joking. The pair had spent many nights chasing each other through the house, chiding one another via the intercoms. Alex could only assume that now that he’d finally brought a girl back home that his closest friend would never leave them to themselves. Despite his playful antics, Alex wanted to keep Jace close to him during these trying times. He was sure that his friend would’ve been more than capable of finding himself and Coraline a home of their own had Alex not insisted they come to stay at the estate, but who could blame him for wanting the extra support of his friend.
Plus, Jace was the next person who knew the estate as well as he did - which meant he could share some of the responsibility in running it.
Alex took it slow while he lead Monroe down to dining room, insisting that she take it easy and not strain herself too hand while also giving her a chance to take in the estate and start to figure out the labyrinth of halls. Alexander knew this place like the back of his hand, but he knew it could be intimidating to someone who didn’t know their way. He smiled warmly as Monroe wished for whiskey, Alex nodding his head in response. “I can make that happen.” He promised cheerfully. As they finally entered the room, he was greeted by Jace’s outburst at beating them down to the formal dining room, causing him to laugh. “I gave you a head start!” He argued, grinning as he took a seat across from him.
Alex helped himself to a few large portions of the food, sighing in contentment as the aroma of the perfectly cooked meal filled his nostrils. The last time he’d ate this well had been the last time his mother had insisted he come home for a holiday dinner a couple of years ago.
Alex was only a few bites into his meal when Monroe’s glass shattered beside him, drawing his attention as he found a few shards of glass still in her hand. “It’s okay.” He promised, glancing over to Coraline as his words melted over her own. “A towel please?” He asked, glancing over his shoulder as one of the wait-staff came forward and began wiping up the spill, another handing Alex a towel as he began collecting the shards of glass. “You’ll get the hang of it.” He assured Monroe softly, offering the girl a small smile as he handed the towel away to another waiter, pressing a kiss to the girl’s palms that were already healing thanks to her new elite blood.
Turning to face the brown haired woman who’d served their food, Alex offered the woman a charming smile. “Elaine, I think we’ve got reason to celebrate today.” He began cheerfully, brushing his hand along the back of Monroe’s head as he did so. “Will you get us a bottle of whiskey from the stores? Top shelf.” He turned his eyes to Jace as he emphasized that they’d only be drinking from the top shelf tonight, gIrving him a wicked grin. It was a rare occasion that they brought out the high quality stuff - and now that there was no one here to stop him from raiding his father’s stores of whiskey and bourbon, he planned to take full advantage of it.
The woman returned shortly later, placing a chilled glass in front of each of them and pouring them their first round before setting the bottle on the table. They had many reasons to celebrate today - the end of the war, the beginning of peace, the life of both Jace and Monroe after their injuries, and a new and improved Monroe. “To peace and health. May it last.” Alex called, raising his glass to clink against his friends’ before tipping it back against his lips.
“May it last.” A woman repeated from the doorway, startling Alex as he turned to find the woman he knew as his mother standing there. He didn’t know how long she’d been there watching them, but Alex didn’t waste any time standing to attention, foiling his arms behind his back - it had always been an etiquette thing, something his parents had taken very seriously in his home while he had lived there. “Mother.” He greeted, eyes wide as he looked at her. She was a tall and slender woman, with short brown hair the same shade as his own. He had never seen her wear anything than formal clothing - and today was no different as she dawned a cornflower blue skirt along with a white blouse and heels. Alex suddenly felt a little underdressed, knowing that she’d always disapproved of lounge-wear being worn anywhere besides the bedroom.
“Children.” She responded, nodding her head once to signal that Alex could relax, causing him to take his seat once again while she approached the table, taking a seat at the head of it. Her scrutinizing eyes raked over each of the four at the table, finally glancing between Jace and Alex - the two boys she’d raised. “Well, are you two going to continue being rude, or are you going to introduce me to your guests?” The woman asked, watching as a waiter scurried to set another place for her at the table.
coraline ::
Coraline didn’t miss the intensity behind Jace’s kiss, nor the feel of his hands that wandered far lower than they should’ve. For a moment she contemplated giving in and letting the boy have his way with her, but the better part of her decided that the risks definitely out weighed the benefits of this one. They could have as much of each other as they could handle as soon as he was healed, but Cora was steadfast in that she would not be the reason he re-injured himself. “I thought we agreed to behave.” She chided, slipping back away from him.
Wrapping herself in the plush robe, she giggled in Jace’s direction as he accused her of resembling a marshmallow. She’d take the tease, the robe was much too comfortable to give up just because she looked silly.
Coraline silently cursed herself for letting her mind wander, feeling the shift in the air as the mood of the room suddenly shifted to something much more serious. She hated that she felt felt every death like physical wound in her chest, making it hard to breath. She saw flashes of their final moments every time she closed her eyes, and she knew that they’d haunt her weeks to come.
She knew in her heart that ever death she’d dealt had been a necessary one to save either herself or Jace, but Jace’s words had still done wonders to reassure her. The brunette tried not to take offense to his harsh tone, knowing that he hadn’t meant to hurt her, only to make her see the truth - but still, she couldn’t help the tears that sprung to her eyes. “Okay.” She whispered, nodding her head in agreement to his plan for a memorial sometime in the coming week.
Her eyes darted around at the sound of Alex’s voice exploding into the room, looking for the source as she scanned the room in confusion. “Where did he-” She began, but stopped herself, not wanting to sound stupid. She’d never experienced an intercom system, and it blew her mind that her friend was able to speak to them from across the large house.
Seeing as though they now had a timeline to stick to, Coraline followed Jace’s lead and began getting dressed. “I love you too.” She murmured, not bothering to hide her lingering gaze as Jace dropped his towel and searched for clothes. She settled for a pair of lightweight jogger-style sweatpants and a well fitting tshirt, leaving her feet bare just like Jace. Holding his hand, she followed the bigger male through the house, feeling a little silly for being dressed so casually in such an immaculate house.
”Wow.” She whispered, taking in the sight of the lavish dining room and aroma of all the professionally prepared food. She smiled softly as Jace pulled out a seat for her, sliding into it - he wasn’t typically the picture of a chivalrous man, more often he tended to be a little rough around the edges, but every now and then he had these little shining moments that made Cora smile. “Jace.” She scolded softly, grinning at him as the boy began helping himself to heaps of food before their friends had even arrived.
However, luckily enough for the famished boy Alex and Monroe arrived only a few moments later. “Alex, this place is amazing.” Coraline started, filling her own plate with food once they’d been seated and began as well.
Turning her eyes to Monroe, she couldn’t help but smile just a little at her friend. Now that she’d showered and cleaned up a little, no one could deny the fact that she was absolutely glowing. It was clear that she was an Elite a now - her skin was flawless, her hair seemed blonder and fuller, even her eyes seemed brighter. It was a new and improved version of her most faithful friend, and Coraline was thrilled for her. “I’m okay.” She responded between bites, unable to help the smile that slipped right back onto her face. “How are you feeling?” She quizzed playfully, wriggling her eyebrows at the blonde. ”You’re glowing, Monroe. Seriously.” The girl insisted.
However, moments later a glass was shattering over the table, Monroe’s water spilling on the dark mahogany. Coraline gasped at the sound, flinching just slightly but recovering quickly. She had always been a jumpy person by nature, but she’d found herself flinching at every little thing after everything she’d been through the last few weeks. War would leave it’s mark on everyone - and this was just one of the ways it had affected her.
“It’s okay.” She assured Monroe, her voice overlapping with Alexander’s as he said the same thing.
monroe::
As Alex reminded her that she needed to eat Monroe only sighed. She would force herself to attend dinner. She would force herself to eat. But, there would be no forcing the unrelenting feeling that sat in her stomach. That she wasn't supposed to be here. That while they sat and ate dinner in the comfort of a mansion, there were people dying not even a mile from where they sat. "Fine," she grumbled to him, not having the energy to argue.
Hearing his protests she couldn't help but to grow stiff against him as he pulled her into his chest. She knew he was just trying to comfort her, to have her not feel the guilt that was eating away at him, but she wasn't buying it. Even as his soft lips kissed her head. "But what you did-" her retort was then cut off by Alex quickly standing, leaving her looking dumbfounded as he stood above her explaining how he was to leave to go prep for the dinner they would be having later and that she should get cleaned up. Leaving no room for debate, Monroe sighed as she watched him exit through the double doors. Now alone with her thoughts.
He couldn't run from this forever.
Deciding to obey his orders, Monroe slowly sat up from the bed, wincing from the pain, and headed into the large suite bathroom that sat connected to their bedroom. The whole estate was lavish, but the bathroom definitely was something she could have only dreamed about. Double sinks sat on a marbled counter top with gold accents. A huge tub sat alongside the wall as well as a shower that could fit at least ten people if wanted. A large vintage mirror also faced her, revealing how disgruntled she looked. Ditching the tattered and bloodied clothes and tossing them in the trash, Monroe slid into the large shower, the hot water startling her and she gasped at the contact. She could feel every droplet pounding on her skin -- feel the heat that sank into her body. It wasn't calming in the slightest. And the stinging sensation from her wound definitely wasn't helping.
Monroe heard Alex enter the bedroom from where she stood. The heightened sense of hearing really coming into play. She didn't move as he joined her in the shower, only acknowledging him as he ran his hands down her arms and whispered those words that always healed some part of her. "I love you too," she told him, turning to kiss his lips. The shower, the water, the feeling of him pressed against her was indescribable and she couldn't hide the thought that flitted through her mind of what sex would now feel like with her heightened self. Even his hands on her arms sent waves of shivers through her core.
As they both finished up their shower, Monroe grabbed a singular towel and wrung out her hair before she stepped out of the shower, wrapping the towel around herself. She scowered through the large walk in closet for something simple and not decorated with jewels or anything that resembled flowers. Were there any damn pants and t-shirts in this room? Finally find a drawer full of sweats, Monroe grabbed a pair of grey leggings before running over to Alex's side to grab one of his tshirts. They were more her style. Slowly dressing, groaning lightly in protest of the pain that rippled through her, Monroe eventually was clothed and she followed Alex to the intercom system, cocking a brow as he spoke into it. She had never seen anything like that before. This place seriously was way out of her comfort zone. "I can already tell Jace is going to bug the hell out of us with that thing," she said, adding a little warmth to her voice as she took Alex's arm.
Monroe made sure to examine the estate more closely as they made their way through the halls for dinner. She still felt so small here. There were so many rooms and so much space for just them. She had never been presented with the luxury of privacy in a large home. It was a shock to her. "Please let there be whiskey," she muttered as they entered the extravagant dining room. Jace already having a shit eating grin plastered on his face and Coraline looking even smaller as she sat in the large chair. Monroe passed a tiny smile to her faithful friend and took a seat across the table from her. She could see that Coraline was in awe of the building around her as well. Monroe was proud of them. In such a short amount of time they had gone through hell and back together. Coraline was the light in their times of darkness, the faithful friend that kept her going. She owed everything to the brunette sitting across from her. "How are you feeling?" Monroe asked her.
The food that was served looked out of this world and was presented like art work. Monroe was too scared to even touch it. She didn't recognize half of the dishes so she stuck with piling a small amount of green beans and potatoes to her plate and adding a small slice of chicken to it. Whether she would even be able to stomach food right now, that wasn't for certain. "It looks amazing, thank you...." Monroe said to the chef Jace had called Elain. Monroe instantly knew she would like the woman. She reminded her of Mama Sophia. Her heart instantly sunk slightly as that small village flashed through her thoughts.
As Monroe reached for a crystal glass filled with water she gasped as the cup shattered in her hand, leaving small cuts along her finger tips. "Shit," she murmured, trying to pick up the small pieces of glass. The staff eyed her as such a derogatory word erupted from her lips. Clearly they weren't used to Monroe's type... This new body really would take some getting used to.
jace::
The sound Coraline made in the shower caused Jace's eyes to darken, a sly smile playing around his lips. He kissed her head and his hands trailed gentle designs along her bare skin. Between the steaming water and the chills her moan had sent through him, the battle between fire and ice rang forth throughout his exhausted body. "Hmmm, what was that?" He spoke low, his voice barely a whisper above the pouring water. Her fingers that skimmed across his skin were euphoric and he couldn't help but to unleash a soft grunt of pleasure of his own. This was what he needed. Their own oasis to just be in each other's company without any worry of what else is going on in the world around them.
"Why don't we?" He retorted to her statement about staying inside this shower forever with him. Jace could as well. He could stay inside this room with Coraline for the rest of his life. As long as he was with her, nothing else mattered. He kissed her back with a little more force and his hands traveled south past her navel as his tongue ran across her bottom lip. His heaven was short lived as she stepped away and he passed her a mocking pout before covering his own body with soap to scrub away the war etched into his skin.
Following her lead out of the shower, Jace wrapped a towel around his waist, tying it into a loose knot on the side. His dark hair had a slight curl to it, as it always did when wet. Hearing a guilty giggle from Coraline, Jace lifted his eyes to see her small body practically swimming in a large plush robe. "You look like a marshmallow," he teased, slowly trailing after her into the bedroom. The hot water had done wonders for his muscles, but he was still incredibly sore. Relaxing into the giant bed, sinking into the pillows and comforters it provided, Jace began pulling his fingers through her wet hair.
Her words hit him without warning and he had to pause to think of his response. He knew that Coraline wasn't like him and didn't cope with death the same way he did. It frightened him and he was nervous for her well being. "Yes, you did." He started, kissing her head lightly before continuing. "I know. And I hope you never have to again. I will try my best to make sure of that." He was proud of her and the way she handled today, no doubt. But a small part of him was going to promise himself to never have t put her in that situation again. Coraline was good -- pure. She didn't need that weight of killing on her shoulders.
Meeting those ocean blue eyes of hers, Jace stared into them as he answered. "We all had to do thing's were weren't proud of today. War is brutal and unforgiving. It was a necessary evil and I don't want you to be ashamed for what you did." The words were harsh and not as gentle as Jace thought they should be, but he didn't want to beat around the bush on this topic. He needed to know that what she felt was normal and okay, but that it could also consume her if she didn't face it head on. "You could have died if you didn't kill him and we may not be sitting here in this bed right now if you hadn't." Jace grabbed her hand and pressed a long and slow kiss to it. "We can have a memorial for all of the fallen soldiers by the end of the week. I'm sure it would be a good way to cope and to come to terms with what happened. Would you like that?"
Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted by Alex's voice breaking through the tension in the room. Rolling his eyes and cursing Alex under his breath, Jace slowly started to slide out of the bed, bringing Coraline with him. "Let's just go eat and try and relax now, okay? I love you." He kissed her quickly before discarding the towel and pulling on a pair of black athletic shorts with a white shirt he had snagged from the dresser.
Grabbing her hand, Jace led her down the long hallway until they had finally reached a decorated dining room. The table was long and of a rich, polished, dark wood. It was set with glistening silverware and plates made out of the finest china the city could hold. It truly looked like a dinner set for royalty. Sliding into a chair after pulling out one for Coraline, Jace quickly began helping himself to vegetables, potatoes, and options of meat the staff had placed before them. The aroma of the food was mouth watering alone and Jace couldn't help the moan of delight as he dug into the food. He hadn't eaten like this in he didn't even know how long. "Elain, you do wonders in the kitchen, I'll tell you that," Jace said to the head chef as she placed another dish onto the table. She had been here since Jace had first met Alex. The woman was always warm and kind to him -- plus, she always sneaked him sweets under the table as a kid. He didn't forget. Elain was soft and motherly -- a figure they desperately seemed to need right now. He also couldn't ignore the gentle smile she gave Coraline. It held no disgust or disdain towards her or what she was.
As Monroe and Alex made their way into the room Jace grinned. "I even beat you here, asshole!" He tried to be the light in the room. God knows they needed it after today.
alexander ::
Alexander tried not to worry as Monroe shut her eyes and seemed to tune out the world around them as they slowly traveled throughout the city. He knew that with her new senses that all of this was probably too much for her to process all at once, and he reminded himself that it wouldn’t be like this forever - she would adapt to her new lifestyle, and one day she may even be thankful for it. She’d gotten something most survivors could only dream of, and by a fluke it had became her reality.
Sitting beside her on the bed, he sighed lightly as she ran her fingers through his hair, shaking his head slightly as she insisted they could just skip dinner tonight. “No.” He sighed, running a hand down his face slowly. “It’s been a long day, we need to eat.” He insisted, pressing a kiss to the side of her head as he said so. “Especially you, if you’re going to heal.” He reminded her, nudging her gently. It wasn’t uncommon for Alex to be the dad of this little group, but he would be mega dad for the next few days if it meant that Monroe and Jace would get better.
As she thanked him, Alex shook his head in protest, not wanting to hear it or even so much as have this conversation right now. “No, Monroe.” He argued, straightening up as he pulled her gently against him as he cradled her to his chest. “We all did what we had to do today to survive - I am not sorry for anything that we had to do, and you shouldn’t be either.” He insisted, pressing a kiss to her hair as he stood.
Frankly, Alexander wasn’t sure that he could handle all of these emotions today, and as much as he didn’t want to abandon Monroe in this moment, he couldn’t stay here and go through all of this at once. The feelings inside him were brewing into a tsunami, and he needed to process them on his own time and at his own pace. He feared that if he had this conversation with Monroe right now, everything would hit him all at once, and he’d never be able to recover.
Standing up abruptly, Alex forced a smile to Monroe as he stooped to wipe the tears away from the girl’s face. “Why don’t you go get cleaned up, sweetheart.” He murmured, kissing her forehead gently. “I’ll go arrange dinner for a little later, and then I’ll join you shortly.” He promised, finally escaping from the room and the onslaught of emotions that threatened to take over.
Being the new head of household would be more responsibility than Alex had ever planned for, but today he would start small. He could handle dinner, the rest could wait until he’d had a night’s rest. The estate came fully staffed, and all he really had to do was direct the wait-staff that they’d be having dinner in an hour or so and they’d take it from there.
Eventually he returned to their bedroom, slipping into the shower behind Monroe and relishing in the warm water that washed over his skin. He tried not to touch the blonde too much, knowing that her skin was probably already overloaded with sensations from her heightened ability and the warm water, but her couldn’t help but run his palms along the length of her arms. “I love you, Monroe.” He reminded her softly.
Alex made quick work of his shower, excusing himself from the tub and wrapping a towel around himself as he went back to the bedroom, digging through his clothing options before settling on an old pair of sweatpants and a tshirt - there was no need to look formal tonight. They’d just won a war, they deserved a night to relax.
Alex waited for Monroe to finish up as well before heading to a tiny box on the wall, speaking into it. “Get your ass to the dining room, Kingston. Dinner in five.” The words echoed throughout the mansion - an old intercom system that Alex found pretty handy in circumstances like this.
Turning back to Monroe, he passed her a tired smile. “You ready, love?” He asked, offering her his arm for support.
coraline ::
Coraline’s wide eyes skimmed the large halls as Jace lead her throughout the massive house. Everything seemed so pristine and perfect, she wasn’t sure that she’d ever even imagined a house this immaculate. It was unlike she had ever seen before, and couldn’t believe just how comfortable Alex and Jace seemed as they tromped through it - Cora was afraid to so much as step too hard for fear of leaving muddy prints or messing up the perfectly cleaned rugs.
Once they reached what she assumed would be their room for the unforeseeable future, her amazement continued to grow. The room was easily the biggest single room she’d ever seen - at least five times the size of the little shelters they’d stayed in back in the rebel camp, and probably triple the tiny cottages from the city. It was filled with a massive plush canopy style bed, chairs and little tables, a chaise for lounging, and even a whole little room just for clothing and dressing. Not to mention her favorite part - a private bathroom just for them.
Coraline laughed lightly at Jace’s attempt to strike a bargain with her concerning her shower - claiming that since he was crippled he’d have to have help in the shower and should just join her. Ha ha. Convenient. “Jace-” She began disapprovingly, but ultimately decided not to bother protesting any further. It’s not like she would ever actually tell the boy no anyways, she was always a sucker for him, but especially while he was injured.
”Fine.” She settled, giving him a playful look as she rose to her feet and followed him the large white bathroom. “But you have to behave.” The girl negotiated, giving him a stern look although she was really only playing. With a tired sigh, Coraline slowly began stripping out of her battle worn clothing, dropping them in the corner of the bath. She almost felt bad for dirtying up the pretty white marble, but her desire for a hot shower proved to be more important, and she didn’t hesitate to step in once Jace had pulled her after him.
Her skin immediately screamed in protest as the hot water hit her, the girl’s body unaccustomed to the heat anymore after so long. The makeshift showers from the rebel camp were always ice cold, and the closest thing to bathing they got in the village was finding a clean-ish river to try to wash in. Her first and only warm shower had been when they’d come to the city so many months ago, and she hadn’t had one since.
After a moment in the warm stream, her skin adapted to the heat and she moaned just slightly at the feeling of warmth that engulfed her. A blush sprung to her cheeks as she realized that the sound had actually been vocal, and not just something in her mind - but she couldn’t have helped it, between the hot water and the feel of Jace’s bare skin pressing against her, she probably couldn’t have imagined a stronger sense of bliss.
Coraline sighed softly, her cheek pressing into the side of Jace’s chest that wasn’t injured as he pulled her against him. She stood there for much too long, content as her fingers lightly skimmed along his ribs while they stood under the stream of water. She could already feel the layer of dirt and grime washing away from them, swirling around their feet before depositing down the drain, taking with it every atrocity and sin they’d committed today in the name of peace.
“I could stay here forever.” She sighed, raising up on her tip toes to press a kiss against the man’s lips before stepping back away from him and under the stream, scrubbing soap into her hair and along her body until she finally felt clean again.
Eventually Coraline stepped back out of the shower, drying her boy and hair with a towel as best as she could before snagging a fluffy robe off of a hook on the back of the door, giggling as she wrapped herself in it. She was experiencing so many firsts today, and the luxury of a robe was now amongst them. Heading back to the bedroom, Coraline sprawled back on the plush bed, sinking into the soft goose-down pillows and soft mattress as she stared at the ceiling, still a little star-struck by this whole experience.
Sighing, Cora reflected back on a few more of the firsts she’d experienced today - some of the not as exciting ones. “I killed someone today.” She murmured, rolling to face Jace as she did so. “I’ve never done that before.” The girl admitted, trying not to let herself sink too deep into her thoughts. She knew that no one would blame her for taking the man’s life, but she couldn’t help but contemplate if she’d made the wrong decision. Was there another way to get to this point? One without so much blood shed or death?
“I had to, didn’t I?” She asked, finally turning her blue eyes up to Jace.
monroe::
Alex's words were like a knife to her chest. Her body stilled -- she was pretty sure she had stopped breathing for a few moments as well. He had shot his own father. The boy with a heart of gold and the most selfless person she was lucky to be in love with had done something so unspeakable -- so torturous -- and brave. Monroe knew that Alex's sacrifice had been the final end to the bloodthirsty war that had rang out for far too long.
But she didn't know what to think.
Before she could attempt to open her mouth to speak, the nurse returned and granted them permission to leave. Monroe tried to meet Alex's eyes but he already had stood to thank the nurse, his voice returning to it's normal light and warm sound. She could see right through it. Monroe knew Alex was not okay, it was very certain. No one would be able to process something like that that quickly. She feared for the time that would eventually come where he would break. He had killed his father because of her, it felt. She just as much pulled the trigger on his own father as he did. Monroe's hands weren't clean.
Those Elite girl's eyes that feared death swarmed into her mind again.
She didn't protest as Alex scooped her up into his arms, not even from the pain that flew over her body. Monroe placed a hand on his chest as he carried her through the city, feeling his racing heart. She couldn't look at the bodies below. The smell that covered the city was gut wrenching. Everything was so loud -- so strong. The sun stung her eyes and she was aware of every breath Alex took and every beat his heart made inside his chest. Monroe ended up closing her eyes, hiding away in her own thoughts, trying to process that she did end up dying out there in the battle field. The old Monroe was no more.
Monroe only opened her eyes once they were inside the walls of Alex's estate. She truly had never been inside a house this large. It felt as if this home was it's own city. The labyrinth of hallways and rooms that would probably take her weeks to maneuver. Her eye's were wide as she tried her best to take in everything. It was clean and well kept and Monroe instantly became aware of how dirty they all were. She felt out of place already. Especially since people were outside in the streets dying while they were inside this estate, already planning dinner. Her stomach rolled and guilt started eating away at her even more.
She wasn't even aware that Jace and Coraline had left until Alex began leading them towards a large room with double doors. It was interesting, seeing this side of Alex's life. She had no idea the charming boy used to live like this. That this is what he left when he joined their group. Relaxing her body as Alex murmured to her and pressed a kiss against her cheek, Monroe realized that she hadn't spoken their whole journey through the city and into his home. Trying to find the right words, Monroe passed a small tired smile. "It's beautiful," she eventually said. It was true, the house was absolutely amazing. She honestly didn't know where to look as fancy paintings littered the walls of their room. Intricate trim and designs were etched into the walls and ceiling. Monroe knew that bringing them here inside his home, Alex was showing another part of his life. It couldn't have been easy stepping inside his home where his father used to reside. The father that he had killed only hours before.
"We don't have to do dinner," she told him softly, running her fingers through his hair as she leaned against him. Frankly Monroe didn't want to even think about food. Her appetite had deserted her and guilt took it's place. Everything was so different now. Her life seemed to no longer belong to her and she didn't have control over her own body. And Alex, her sweet Alex, was struggling with so much. He had to carry so much pain with him today. Monroe admired his strength, but she also feared when he would crack -- if he would crack at all. He always kept his emotions in place and never acted out. But the weight of today was something no one should have to endure. At least not alone.
"Thank you," she started. The words had multiple meanings and she knew Alex would pick up on them. He had done so much for her -- for their family they had made together. Without him they surely would have fallen apart. Staring at the wall ahead, Monroe didn't realize that a lone tear had slipped out of her eyes. She wasn't sobbing, her chest didn't even feel tight with sadness. But there were so many emotions overflowing the room between both of them and she didn't know what one to battle first. "I'm sorry." Monroe whispered as the solitary tear slid down her dirt covered face.
Death would have been easier.
jace::
He brushed off her declarations of him needing to law low. "I am! I seriously will be in bed. With you." He told her, passing Coraline a wink. He would be fine, Jace was never one to cater to his injuries and he absolutely couldn't stand sitting still. He knew that his bed rest wouldn't last three days. Hell, it probably wouldn't even last one. He would just take a shot of whiskey for the pain and be good. Plus, they had other pressing matters to be concerned about. Monroe clearly didn't know her own strength and, knowing her, she would be breaking shit left and right accidentally. The poor girl needed a helmet.
As Coraline helped him to his feet, it took him biting back his tongue to not protest. He knew she was only trying to help, and Jace was still in a shit load of pain, but he hated feeling weak and vulnerable. But, nonetheless he let her help him through the city, trying his best to ignore the slew of bodies and injured behind them. He could sense Coraline's tension next to him and he pulled her closer. He didn't know who was helping who right now as they walked through the bloodied streets.
Entering Alex's estate was everything he remembered. The long halls, the echoing sounds between the walls. But, his favorite part was the large windows that streamed in every ounce of sunlight the city had to offer. It was a warm home -- despite the coldness of Alex's father that used to inhabit it. Jace had many fond memories growing up with Alex inside this home. In a way, Jace felt as if it were his home too.
As Coraline gaped at the large home, Jace rubbed her shoulder and grinned. "I still see he didn't replace that god awful rug in the foyer," Jace called to Alex as he led Coraline down to the east wing of the house, knowing this place like the back of his hand. However, Jace immediately regretted his words. He shouldn't have talked about Alex's father so soon. He was an idiot. The day really had gotten to him. Cursing himself, Jace called back down to Alex to apologize, but he was already dismissing them -- exclaiming dinner will be served shortly.
Opening the door to their new bedroom, a luxurious guest room that was larger than five of the small shacks at the rebel camp combined, Jace made his way to the bed. He pulled Coraline down onto the soft mattress and kissed her head. "Okay," he smirked, referring to her need for a hot shower. "Only if I can join. I'm crippled, who knows, I could slip and fall. I need someone to assist me." Jace joked with the girl, fully knowing he was more than capable taking a shower by himself -- even though he had never been in this much pain in his life. But he was never the one to turn down a shower with her.
Holding Coraline to his chest, he savored the scene for a moment and took in all that she was. He knew that things would surely change after today and he was ready for it. He was ready to walk through hell itself with this girl. "Alright, how about that shower?" He started, afraid of getting too lost in his thoughts if he remained on the bed with her. Slowly sitting up, Jace made his way to the connected bathroom with Coraline by his side.
The bathroom was large with marble counter tops and an all white interior. It was pristine and very clean, he almost felt guilty spoiling it with their blood and dust ridden bodies. Peeling off his clothes slowly, Jace was now able to see the bullet wound healing on his chest. It surely was a gnarly sight and Jace would definitely have a nasty scar. "Holy shit," he muttered, running a light hand over his wound, wincing slightly. Grunting as he reached into the shower to turn on the hot water, Jace practically sighed of relief as he felt the steam begin to fill the bathroom.
He took no time stepping into the warm shower, practically dragging Coraline with him. It had been months since he was able to take a long and hot shower. The water back at the rebel camp was cold as hell and definitely not relaxing as this was. Tilting his head into the stream, water rained down over him. Blood and dirt sliding off of his battle ridden body -- almost as if it were wiping him clean of the day's torture. Leaning against the marbled wall of the shower for balance, Jace wrapped his arms around Coraline's small frame and pulled her tightly to him. Standing silently as his arms held her close to his body, letting the water rain down on them both. Cleansing them of the horrors that would surely leave open wounds for them both.
alexander ::
Alex shrugged off her apology, only nodding his head a single time in acknowledgement to her words. Although moments later he stiffened as the question was finally posed - who had killed his father. He had hoped to divert this conversation until they could have it somewhere more private, but he tried not to blame Monroe for having all of these questions. She had been shot and was unconscious for a large portion of the day, he shouldn't have been surprised that she didn’t remember all of the gory details
“I did.” He said flatly, not looking at her as he said the words. Again, he didn’t want to open that can of worms while his two dearest friends sat in hospital beds. He had to handle the situation at foot before he could take the time to process his own emotions, otherwise he was sure he was completely unravel - and he couldn’t do that here, not yet.
Alexander was grateful when the nurse finally returned, saving him from the prying questions and looks of guilt that would surely follow his admittance to killing his father. Thankfully the woman brought good news for them, that they’d be allowing both Monroe and Jace to leave the hospital for the sake of freeing up beds as long as they promised to stay on bed rest for a few days and undergo the occasional check up. “Of course.” Alex promised, pushing himself wearily to his feet. “I’ll make sure of it. Thank you so much.” He offered the nice woman the most charming smile he could muster, watching he walk away before returning his attention back to Monroe.
He nodded along to her words as she spoke, intrigued at the description she gave when trying to explain how her knew abilities felt. He supposed he understood how weird it would be for someone who had never felt it before. “You’ll get used to it.” He said confidently, pressing a kiss to her hair. “It will take some time, but eventually it will be your new normal. And you’ll finally have a fair shot at beating me next time we fight.” He joked, trying desperately to lighten the mood of the room.
Watching Jace and Coraline struggle to their feet, Alex gently scooped Monroe up into his arms and held her tightly against him. He didn’t care if she was able to walk or not, he knew it was best if she didn’t and he genuinely didn’t mind carrying her. He walked slowly, careful not to jostle Monroe too much for fear of hurting her, and also to make sure Jace was able to keep up with his pace. He knew that his friend had to have been in quite a bit of pain having to work, and considering he dwarfed Coraline there wasn’t much of another option for him.
Eventually, the group walked underneath the black wrought iron archway that marked the entrance of his family’s property - well, his property now, he supposed. The path up to the actual house wasn’t too long, and he waited at the door for Jace and Coraline to make it up the few steps leading onto the porch before entering the large house. “Welcome home.” He sighed, glancing around.
It had been years since Alex had lived at his family’s estate, his constant butting heads with his father eventually driving him to live in the barracks with Jace once he had joined the guard. But the halls the two had played in together as children were still just as familiar as they’d always been, and he didn’t hesitate to head towards what he would claim as his new home. “Jace, you two take the east wing, you know the way.” He called, motioning in the direction with his chin as he carried Monroe toward’s the west. “I’ll have dinner arranged soon!” He hollered over his shoulder, not bothering to look behind him as he headed deeper into the home.
The house that was probably older than the city itself held countless rooms - bedrooms, offices, parlors, etc. His father had his own parlor in the house dedicated to smoking cigars, and his mother had even once claimed a room as the ‘women’s parlor’ in which no man was ever allowed inside unless specifically invited in by a lady. Alex himself had probably only ever been in it twice. It was an eerie feeling walking these empty halls that now belonged to him, and it almost mad him uncomfortable to even think about.
At the end of the hall was a large suite-style bedroom, with it’s own bedroom and walk in closet attached to the room. “Our humble abode.” He murmured to Monroe, pressing a kiss against her cheek as he sat her down on the bed, taking a seat next to her once he had.
“I will give you a tour once you can get around on your own.” He promised, looking around the expansive room. “But this is where I grew up - this is our’s now.” He said with a wistful sigh, leaning his head gently against her. The day was quickly catching up with him, and exhaustion was written all over his face - but alas, he still had to get cleaned up and a dinner to arrange before he could even consider turning in for the night.
coraline ::
Coraline rolled her eyes at Jace’s argument, not even wanting to validate his silly words with a response. Even with a bullet wound in his chest, it astounded her that he could lay there and tease her, even so much as biting her lip as if nothing were wrong at all. He really was the most spectacular person she’d ever met. Maybe that was why they went so well together - Coraline always felt things so deeply and cared so much, while Jace tended to lean towards the more carefree and easy-going side of things. They balanced each other.
Cora leaned into him without protest when he pulled her close, letting out a soft sigh as her she finally began to relax a tad - she hadn’t even realized how tightly wound she had been all of this time. She nodded her head in acknowledgement as he began speaking after he placed a soft kiss to her head, comforting her more than he could’ve known. However this time his voice was much more serious, and she hadn’t been expecting the praise to fall from his lips. She smiled at his words, feeling his pride reverberate deep in her. Frankly, she was proud of herself too. The old Coraline would have curled up somewhere and cried until the whole ordeal was over, but she was stronger now and she felt good about everything she’d done today. She only wished she could’ve done more. “I love you too, Jace.” She murmured, sad that the kiss she knew was coming was interrupted by the nurse.
The brunette clicked her tongue at the nurse’s declaration, shooting Jace a playful look even after the woman disappeared after discharging them. “Jace.” She scolded, shooing his hands off of her as she stood from the bed. She didn’t want him getting any... adventurous ideas. “You’ve got to take this seriously!” She argued with a tad of authority to her voice - not that he’d listen. But for her sake, from now on she’d be treating Jace as if her were made of glass. The last thing she wanted was for her to be the reason he ended up re-injuring himself.
Coraline helped Jace back to his feet, ducking under his arm to pull across her shoulders once again - although she wasn’t really sure how much it even helped, she still felt better trying. Together they followed Alex back through the City at a snail’s pace, unable to rush thanks to Jace and Monroe’s injuries. This gave them all ample time to soak in the carnage left by the war.
By many aspects, they had gotten off incredibly easy.
The girl’s heart still ached for all of the people left dying and crying out for help in the streets, the people running around frantically looking for their lost family and friends. Once again, it was almost too much for Coraline to bare. No matter how hard she tried to tune it out, her stomach still rolled at the thought that one of them could very easily be in the same shoes as any of those people in the streets.
Coraline was relieved as they finally entered the gates of the Richmond Estate, unsure if she would’ve been able to last much longer without getting sick in the middle of the street. The estate resembled an old southern antebellum type of home, surrounded by lush grass and mature trees - and much too big for just one family. “Alex..” She murmured in awe, taking in probably the most luxurious home she’d ever laid eyes on. To be fair nothing in the wasteland she’d grown up in could’ve been considered luxurious - but still.
Rolling her eyes as Alex waved away her shock, she simply followed him into the grand foyer of the home. “Jace, you two take the east wing - you know the way.” Alex directed, turning his back to them as he went towards the opposite hall. “I’ll have dinner arranged soon.” He called over his shoulder before disappearing down the hall.
Turning her eyes back to Jace, Coraline finally offered him a grin as she followed his lead towards what would be their suite. “You know what I’m most excited for?” She prompted, nudging him playfully. “A hot shower.”
monroe::
Alex's gentle hand's began to ground her once again, but she couldn't get over the fact that she could practically feel every callous on his hands through her clothes. It was sensory overload for her. Everything was so loud, the light seeping in through the tent was so bright. Monroe didn't know where to look -- or what to say, even.
She hadn't realized she had been shaking until Alex took her into his arms. His low voice thrumming against her chest, calming her. But, as he told her that his father was now dead, Monroe could have sworn her vision went dark for a moment. When did he die? Who killed him? "Alex.... I'm so sorry." Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper as she spoke into his chest. Even though his father was the reason Monroe was here in this bed and that he was a large reason for this war -- he was still Alex's father. It couldn't have been an easy thing to process.
She could smell the blood on him, the sweat that stuck to his skin along with the dirt that covered them both. "Who killed him?" Monroe asked, peeling back to look into Alex's eyes. She could see so much more. The layers of gold that flecked into between browns and greens in his hues. Monroe could feel herself growing lost in them -- his irises taking her away to distract her from reality.
As the nurse came and spoke to Monroe and Jace, the tension boiling inside her subsided slightly. She was able to leave this makeshift hospital. The smell of death lingered inside the plastic walls of the tent and Monroe didn't know if she could handle anymore of it -- death. There had been so much, too much. She had almost been added to the list.
Murmuring an agreement to the nurses requests, Monroe flicked her attention back to Alex. "I don't know..." she started, answering his question. "I feel, out of place. Like i don't belong here. Like my body is disconnected from myself. If that makes sense?" Gnawing on her bottom lip, Monroe tried to sit up once more, trying to push through the pain. "I can't be here... the smell..." It truly was overpowering. It was as if she could smell the souls leaving the lifeless and dying bodies. Her stomach rolled and Monroe knew if she didn't leave soon she would surely empty her stomach right into Alex.
"Take me home," she asked him, reaching to hold his hand into hers.
jace::
As Coraline corrected herself, giving him a stern look as she did so he wouldn't get the wrong idea, he huffed out a frustrated sighed at her. "Oh please, you know you can't even stop me from walking out of here tonight," he played with her, nipping her bottom lip for added effect. Honestly -- he was a twenty something year old who had just helped stop the world from domination. He needed something to take the edge off.
Plus, he got shot. He had leverage.
As his eyes darted to a frustrated Monroe and watching her bend the hospital bed railing, Jace wasted no time in speaking what he sure as hell knew was on everyone else's mind as well. The look Monroe shot him after he had spoken sent chills up his spine. It was as if she had an inner battle with herself -- whether or not wanting to run or cry tears of joy.
He watched Alex try and soothe her and Jace couldn't help but to reach for Coraline's hand and lace his fingers through hers. As Alex mentioned his family's estate, Jace's eyes quickly lit up and he turned to the nurse. "I second the estate," although he knew his opinion meant little to nothing for the nurses. Frankly, he wanted an actual bed in a house. Not some shack, not the forest floor. A damn bed. And maybe some whiskey, too.
The nurse sighed once and looked at Monroe and then to Jace. "I'll see what I can do," she told the group before stepping away.
Sighing and throwing his head back against the pillow, Jace pulled Coraline closer to him, brushing a stray piece of hair away from her face. Even covered in blood and dirt -- she was still the most exquisite thing he had ever seen. "You did so amazing today," he told her softly, placing a kiss to her forehead. "I know it was a hard day -- I wish you didn't have to see half of the shit that went on out there." His voice was low and serious. This was so much change for Coraline and she had seen so many terrible things today, he was generally nervous for her. "But I love you, and I am proud of you." He was about to lean into her to place a kiss on her lips, but the nurse from earlier had reappeared.
Clearing her throat, she glanced at Jace and then back to Monroe. "Your request to be moved to the Richmond estate had been approved. Frankly -- we need the beds. However," her sharp eyes flicked to Jace and he put a hand up in surrender. "You are to remain in bed for at least three days. You were shot, Mr. Kingston. I need you to take this very seriously." Her eyes then landed on Monroe. "I would like to request if a team could stop by once a day to check on her progress. We have never seen anything like her, forgive me. It would be beneficial to monitor her -- to see if there was a way we could help other fallen soldiers as well who need the blood. But just like with Mr. Kingston -- bed rest for at least three days."
As the nurse left Jace eyed Coraline, a smug look on his face. "Looks like I am on bed rest with you for three days. Doctor's orders."
coraline ::
Coraline was completely and utterly exhausted by the time she finally returned to Jace in the dusty old hospital tent. She fell into him without protest as he pulled her towards him to press a light kiss against her lips. Cora smiled softly at his groaned protest to staying the night, shaking her head in amusement at his obviously disgruntled appearance. “Maybe you’ll get lucky.” She offered in reference to his despair at the idea of being stuck here over night, although she quickly picked up the meaning he’d surely take from her words. “Not like that-” She quickly corrected, shaking her head and giving him an accusatory look. “None of that until you’ve healed.” She clarified sternly, not wanting to risk hurting him or tearing the injury back open.
Although if she were being fair, their first time together had been the same night Molly had put a bullet through her thigh.
Coraline perched on the edge of Jace’s bed, watching Monroe’s startled reaction as she finally came to consciousness. Her eyes widened at the sight of the dented railing, shooting Jace a quick look before returning her eyes back to her blonde friend. The uniformed woman that approached them only confirmed her suspicions, and Jace speaking it to the world made it clear for everyone.
Monroe wasn’t human anymore - she was an Elite.
A part of Coraline was thrilled for her friend. This meant that Monroe would have all of the perks that they were used to seeing in Jace and Alex - she would be faster, stronger, able to heal quicker, and all of her senses would be heightened. Her quality of life would skyrocket between her knew genetic makeup and their prescience in the city. But another part of her also suspected that this change would be a bit of an identity struggle for her blonde counterpart, and she would have to take a little time to figure out the extent of her own strength. Jace and Alex made it look easy with their gentle touches and soft caresses - but Coraline wasn’t naive, and she knew they could probably snap her in half if they really wanted to.
alexander ::
Alex quickly moved to Monroe’s side as she began to panic, the fright behind her eyes evident as she struggled to sit herself up and try to escape the hospital style bed. “Ssshh, Monroe.” He hushed gently, pressing a hand against her back to keep her from struggling too hard while she sat up, his free hand finding her own and giving it a gentle squeeze.
The boy’s brown eyes squinted just slightly at the dented rail of the bed, his eyes floating back up to Monroe’s as he gently pulled her against him, pressing a gentle kiss to her head. Alexander was begining to piece together what was happening, and he supposed it made sense - she had his blood now, why wouldn’t that make her Elite? But he decided it best not to freak her out with too much information at once. Instead, he decided to address what seemed to be her most pressing concern at the moment.
“My father is dead, Monroe. It’s okay now. The war is over, we’re safe.” He assured her gently, his voice soft and even as he tried to calm her. The words themselves were easy to say, but Alex knew he would struggle processing them later. Right now he had more pressing matters occupying his mind, but eventually he would be forced to process the death of his father. The death brought down by his own hand.
While Alexander and his dad had never exactly been close, he was still some of the only family that he had left. His youngest brother had died a couple of years ago, his older brother had disappeared on a mission out of the city with his father and the guard, and now his dad was gone as well. His mother was still around, but she’d been brainwashed by his dad for so long that Alex wasn’t sure if she’d ever speak to him again. The boy was left with no one other than the little family he had found within this rag-tag group of friends he’d found, and while he was more than content with that, it would still be a rough adjustment at first.
Although Alex had hoped to wait to tell Monroe about her new abilities until she’d settled a little, it seemed that everyone else didn’t share that view. He loosened his grip on Monroe as the nice woman in the uniform approached them, stepping away to give her room as she checked Monroe’s vitals and assessed the dressing over her wound. The words that left the woman’s mouth didn’t come as a shock to Alex, and he simply slid his hand back into Monroe’s in hopes of grounding her while she processed this information.
He didn’t blame her for being shocked - her whole life would be different now.
”A few days?” He questioned the woman before she could walk away, not wanting to be a pain in the ass but worried for his girl’s mental stability while stuck in this hospital. “Are you sure we couldn’t set something up at the Richmond Estate? We’ve got the facilities for it.” He assured her, but decided it probably wasn’t the best to make selfish demands during the aftermath of a war.
Sighing, he turned back to Monroe, offering her a small smile. “So blondie, how do you feel?” He quizzed playfully. Alex had been born with the abilities of the Elite so he’d never experienced life without them - it had to have been a wild feeling going to sleep as a normal human only to wake up as an Elite.
jace::
As Coraline suggested she needed to be somewhere else, Jace almost protested. He didn't want her out of his sight, not with everything that had just happened. Not with already one of them bleeding out of a table only a few feet away. But, even with the protest in his eyes, Jace sighed and kissed her back quickly. "Be safe," he told her, exhaustion seeping through his voice.
With glazed over eyes Jace looked over at Alex, smirking at his friend's words. "Don't remind me," he chuckled, leaning his head back against the bed, his eyes closing for a moment. Everything that had happened began settling over him now that the pain was slowly subsiding. Alex's father was dead, he had shot Monroe, so Alex had shot him. Jace couldn't even imagine the turmoil and pain his best friend was going through. And now, watching the girl he loved try and recover from a life threatening injury? It was torturous and he cursed whatever higher power above that had forced Alex to go through this. He didn't deserve that -- he was too good. A better person than Jace will ever be.
"I'm sorry about your dad," he told him, his eyes opening again to look at him. Jace didn't exactly know what to say to Alex about his dad. Sure, the man was evil and had shot Monroe, but he was still Alex's dad. He had watched two family members be taken from him now -- his brother and now his father, by his own hand. It was hell for anyone.
Even with the busied medical staff and the other injured soldiers, it felt as if they were the only ones in the tent. As if the world had finally quieted from the chaos. Closing his eyes once more, Jace didn't know if he drifted off into sleep or not. He heard Coraline's soft voice after a while that eventually reeled him back into reality. The sight of more blood on her made Jace panic and he grazed over her to make sure she wasn't attacked. However, seeing that she was fine -- just looking very drained -- his body relaxed slightly and his fingers traced small patterns on her hand. Part of him knew what she had gone out to do and he didn't think his love for her could have grown any stronger -- but right here, in this tiny tent, he swore the love he felt for that girl could move damn mountains. He connected the pieces together, the new blood on her clothes, the sorrowful but kind look in her eyes. Jace knew she had gone to help the fallen.
He really didn't deserve her.
Passing the girl a knowing look and grabbing her face to pull her into him, kissing her lightly, Jace then groaned at the question she had asked him. "God I hope not," he growled against her lips. Just as he was about to kiss her again Monroe's groggy voice ruptured through the air and Jace's eyes shot to their blonde friend.
He smiled to Monroe, his body finally relaxing against the bed. She was alive. She had fought through. Nodding to the blood bags, Jace said to her, "Welcome to the club." Obviously, he had no idea what Alex's blood would do to her and he was only making a joke -- but something stirred behind Monroe's harsh gaze. Something new. He could tell she was different but he didn't know what. She seemed to have more energy than most would just coming out from being unconscious after a bullet wound to the chest. Despite her injury, her eyes were alert. Aware. That wasn't normal.
monroe::
Everything was happening so fast. Her chest ached as if every rib were snapped in half. She was well aware of the plethora of her own dried blood all over her. Her eyes darted between every person in the tent again, still trying to piece together what exactly had happened.
As if on cue, memories started flooding back in. The gun Richmond had aimed at her and the shot that had rang out. The pain. The distant scream of Coraline as she collapsed to the ground. Her heart racing, Monroe tried to sit up in the bed, but was only met with excruciating pain. "Shit," she hissed but trying to sit up once more.
Coraline's playful joke caused the corner of Monroe's mouth to turn up slightly, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. She was still examining her surroundings. As Alex began to speak next her eyes snapped back onto him -- taking in every piece of him she could. "You gave me your blood?" Monroe said, a slight wave of confusion riddled on her face. Almost as quick as it came, her expression changed to something darker and her light eyes shifted. "Alex, your dad..." His dad had shot her and as far as she knew that prick was still out there. She hadn't seen what Alex had done -- the decision he had to make. "Your dad shot me, we have to go, he could still be out there." Monroe began trying to move and sit up and out of her bed as her survival instincts took over, only to have another sharp wave of pain push her back to the mattress.
Breathing heavily, Monroe's hand clutched the metal railing of the bed tightly, her skin turning white at the contact. Jace's words flowed through her mind. 'Welcome to the club.' She flipped him off with her hand, a gesture only he wouldn't take offense to. As she lifted her hand Monroe peered down at the railing. An indentation of where she had clutched the railing now sat in it's wake. Eyes growing wide she turned to look at Alex and then the mark on her arm where the IV used to sit.
It was if electricity poured through her veins. Her heart thrummed faster, her vision was sharper. Everything was heightened. She could feel every piece of hair on her body -- every bruise and cut from the battle. Monroe looked at her hand as if it were disconnected from her. As if it didn't belong to her.
A medical worker came over to Monroe's bed and her eyes slid over her and then the destroyed railing on the bed. She took some vitals on Monroe, her hands working diligently and quick. "So, our assumptions were correct," she started, glancing at Alex and then back to Monroe. "His blood contains healing properties and it seems to be working exceptionally well on you," a small smile toyed on the workers lips as her eyes glanced at the railing again. "You'll need to remain here for a few days so we can observe you but you should make a full recovery in no time. You have him," she gestured to Alex, "to thank for that. He was very persuasive."
Seeing the puzzled look on Monroe's face, the nurse continued. "The change will take some getting used to. But don't worry, you wont be as... fragile as you were before, congratulations." And with that, the woman left to go treat another Elite soldier.
Breathing heavily, Monroe's eyes stared at Alex, "What does she mean by change?" However, Monroe already seemed to know the answer to her own question. It made sense -- the knew an overwhelming feeling that consumed her. She just didn't want to say it out loud because she knew that once she said the words it would become real.
Jace spoke from his own bed, his grey eyes sliding back and forth between Alex and Monroe. "You're turning into Elite."
alexander ::
Alex tried to make himself comfortable in the little chair they’d placed him in while they took his blood, but he couldn’t stop himself from fidgeting. This was a weird experience for the boy - he prided himself on being the stoic type, always keeping a careful handle on his emotions and remaining rational in even the most chaotic of situation. But this was so different than anything he had ever been through before. Both of the people he loved the most in the world were laying next to each other in make-shift hospital beds with life threatening injuries, he’d had to look his father in the eye and kill him, and had been to war all in the span of a day. He didn’t exactly blame himself for losing his grip for a little while.
He watched as the the liquid lifeline ran between him and Monroe. It seemed to drain away a little of his energy with every ounce of blood he lost, and he wwas finally able to settle comfortably into his seat once he became too tired to be anxious anymore. Between the blood loss and just the overall events of the day, Alexander was utterly exhausted, and found himself tilting his head back to lean against the wall, his eyes slowly fluttering shut although he remained awake.
Alex startled at the sound of Coraline’s sudden voice, opening his eyes to glance between herself and Jace, scanning them both for any new injuries or change in condition. He relaxed when he found none, nodding his head in response to Coraline’s statement and watching her go. His eyes sluggishly drifted back to Jace, surveying him once more before passing him a small smile. “And to believe you used to sleep with that bitch.” He teased, referencing him and Molly’s fling from the past in an effort to lighten the mood. There had been a time in Jace’s life in which he would put his dick in anyone that was pretty enough, and Molly had been no exception - and now here she was, putting a bullet in his chest.
It was a crazy word - who woulda thought they’d ever end up here.
Eventually the same man that had begun Monroe’s blood transfusion came back to disconnect them once she’d had enough, informing Alexander that now it was just a matter of waiting for the blonde to awaken once again.
He wasn’t sure how long he’d sat there holding her limp hand, but he was vaguely aware of Coraline’s presence arriving once again, followed by a sudden gasp from Monroe. He felt her entire body stiffen, surely going into panic mode as she tried to gain her bearings on her surroundings. Alex quickly rose to his feet - only a little hurt when she found Coraline first - but more relieved to hear her voice more than anything else.
“Welcome back.” He murmured as her grey eyes finally found his own, squeezing her hand gently as he stooped to press a kiss to her head. Alex took a moment just to take her in, releived at the sight of her alive and well - well, mostly. She would be healed eventually, but for now he was just happy that she had at east survived.
“You lost a lot of blood.” He explained softly, his voice gentle in an attempt to calm her down. “You needed a transfusion so I was your donor - but you’re all patched up now though.” He assured her, unable to hide the smile on his face as he said so. “You were so strong, Monroe. And we’re all so proud of you.“
coraline ::
Coraline winced at the sound of Jace’s harsh voice yelling at the medical staff who were only there trying to help him. Her body instinctually flinched away from his sudden outburst, but she corrected herself quickly, playing it off as if it’d never happened. Between Jace’s attack and the brutality of war, Cora had become incredibly gun-shy, and found herself startling at any loud noises or sudden movements, or even strong emotions such as anger. This period of her life had definitely left it’s mark on her - mentally and physically.
”Jace please.” Coraline pleaded, snagging his hand as he fought against the medical team. She understood his thought process, he wanted them to focus on Monroe and save her life, but he wasn’t understanding that Monroe had her own team of caregivers - and without help he wouldn’t be any better off than she was anyways. She kissed his head as he began to settle, brushing his sweat-matted hair from his face with her free hand. “I love you.” She reminded him, even as he cried out in pain and squeezed her hand at a near bone crushing force while his wound was cleaned.
While the medical tent was much quieter than he city outside, the space was still filled with the moans and groans of the injured and dying within the shelter. Coraline was like a sponge - she felt every little thing to her very core, and tended to soak in the energies of those around her. So a room full of the sick and dying affected Cora heavily, making her so anxious and rattled that she could hardly stand it - her eyes darting around and leg bouncing at top speed. Not to mention both Jace and Monroe dramatically injured, she was left a bundle of nerves.
Coraline paced the space between Jace’s and Monroe’s beds for as long as she could handle. “I can’t just sit here doing nothing.” She finally stated to no one in particular, coming to an abrupt stop as she pushed her hands through her hair. At this point Monroe was unconscious and receiving a steady stream of Alex’s blood, and Jace was matched up and resting, trying to regain some of his strength. Both would be fine without her for a little while. Turning to Jace, she pressed a quick peck to his lips, offering him a thin smile. “I will be right back, okay?” She murmured, turning to face Alex next. “If anything happens or you need me, I’ll be close, just come find me.” She asserted before finally escaping out of the tent.
Once Coraline was finally able to slip out of the med-tent, she felt as if she could breathe again. However, her releif was short lived as the stench of death and the sound of pained cries echoed throughout the city. The brunette took a few moments to just breathe and steady herself, surveying the gruesome scene before her. She couldn’t do much - but she had to do something. Cora set out through the streets surrounding the tent, seeking out the most acutely injured and helping them back to the tent for medical care. She repeated the act dozens of times, offering them each a warm smile and comforting touch if nothing less. She held the hands of men too far gone, left dying in the streets, so they at least had a friendly face and gentle touch to help ease their way to the afterlife. Coraline did not discriminate, offering what little aide she could to both Elite and Rebel alike - she supposed they were all on the same side now anyways. She did these little tasks over and over again until she was so mentally exhausted that she couldn’t any more, couldn’t handle seeing another death or watch another injured person beg for help.
Eventually she returned to the tent, blood from both Monroe and Jace’s wounds along with everyone else that she’d helped in the past hour or so staining her skin. She was thankful the gear she wore was black - otherwise it would probably look like a massacre.
Coraline approached Jace’s side, gently catching his hand and raising it to her lips to press a kiss against. “Hi.” She greeted, offering the man a tired smile. ”Think they’ll keep you over night?” She questioned, perching on the edge of his bed. A part of her almost wished that they would - she knew Jace would never comply with bed rest and doctor’s orders unless someone made him - but the other part of her knew that he had to have been itching to get out of here as it was, and she wanted him to be more comfortable at home, wherever home was now.
Coraline’s focus was quickly shifted as she heard her blonde friend curse from a few feet away. Whipping around, Cora faced her just in time to meet her eyes. She was relieved to see that while still weak, she looked much more alive than the last time she’d seen her with her eyes open - her fire was back. “Hey Money.” She responded softly at the sound of her name, moving to stand beside her bed.
Offering the blonde a wicked smile, Coraline couldn’t help but tease her best friend. “You’ve got the survival instincts of a cockroach, ya know? Nothing can kill you.”
monroe::
His words continued to reel her back to reality. She was now starting to feel herself again. Feel the tears that slid down her face, whether they were her own or Alex's she couldn't tell. Monroe could also feel the bullet wound in her chest and it was unlike any pain she had felt before. Groans of protest started emitting from her lips whenever she had the strength to muster them. She could feel herself being lifted and carried -- as if the world were spinning her.
The blue sky surrounding Alex's eyes was now replaced with something else. It was now darker and busier. Monroe was able to see different pairs of eyes looming over her. It frightened her, however she was unable to move and fight back. her strength was leaving her. Alex. Coraline. Jace. She needed them, she needed to see them. They were her strength.
A familiar voice returned to her -- Alex. And her fear shifted into something else. Love. She loved this boy and the worry and pain behind his voice hurt worse than the wound to her chest. Monroe wanted to -- needed to -- hold him, as if she could take that pain away. She tried to open her mouth again, but no words came out and exhaustion and pain once again over took her as she closed her eyes, unconsciousness rolling into her. Monroe was positive that it was death, awaiting to collect it's payment. Only a few moments ago was she fine with death, almost embracing it. She was ready. But now? Now she wasn't so sure.
Distantly she heard Alex's voice. Whispering to her how much he loved her, how everything would soon be okay. And she believed him. Monroe saw her life in pieces floating by her, and she started collecting them. The memories of walking into the city, the pond where they shared their first kiss, the fear then relief she felt as Alex and Jace saved her and Coraline in that village, the old trailer where they made love for the first time, and when he told her he loved her. The memory of them together in her favorite spot in the world -- fireflies and stars dancing above them as he took her on the beach. As he promised he would show her his favorite spot and the light in his eyes that shone when he talked about it that rooftop. That one stuck with her most. His hope for a better future for them both.
That was when she opened her eyes.
She gasped, her body growing rigid. Not out of fear, but something else. Something was... different. Her body didn't feel like her own and she slowly turned her head, now groaning at the sense of pain that washed over her. "Oh fuck me," she moaned at the pain. Her body was so sore and tired -- it felt as if she were hit by a truck. Blinking viciously, Monroe was able to see a large bag of red substance looming over her. Blood. She then saw Elite soldiers surrounding her and she immediately tensed up, her hand groggily reaching for a knife, a gun, anything she could do to protect herself. What were they doing to her? Were they experimenting on the leftover rebel soldiers? She was alive?
Monroe's eyes darted around what looked like a makeshift tent. She then saw familiar blue eyes and brown locks. "Coraline," she didn't even realize she had said the name allowed. Monroe then noticed Jace's tousled hair, his eyes that were once staring at Coraline were now locked on her. Scanning the room for that last pair of eyes she need, the ones who willed her out of darkness, her body relaxed as Alex came into view. An IV in his arm with a line that descended back down to her own arm. His blood now coursing through her.
His Elite bood.
That's what she had felt when she had awoken. Her body changing -- shifting into something she was not. She wasn't human anymore.
She felt as if part of her did die out there by Alex's father's hand.
"Alex," she whispered, her eyes on full alert now. "What is going on?"
jace::
Clutching his chest, Jace spit blood into the dirt as his own blood poured through his fingers. He needed to apply pressure, just how Alex had done with Monroe, Jace knew that much. He glared up at Molly and was expecting for her to land the killing blow into him -- until a small, brown haired girl hit her across the face with her gun and tackling the red head to the ground.
Jace couldn't help but to smirk as he watched Coraline beat Molly into a bloody pulp -- failing to realize that if he didn't get medical attention quickly, even his own Elite blood couldn't save him before he bled out. This was a whole different side to Coraline. She was ruthless and unrelenting.
Holding onto the gaping wound, Jace struggled to stand up, grunting and groaning as he shakily got to his feet. As Coraline came to help him, placing one of his arms over her shoulders, he passed her a bloody smile. "That was badass," he whispered, wincing in pain as they began heading over to the medical tent. Her words stuck to him -- he would be okay. Sure, his wound was going to hurt like hell for a few days and no doubt the medical workers were going to request him on bed rest during that time either.
They obviously didn't know Jace. To hell with bed rest.
He could see the pain on Coraline's face as they walked through the streets towards the tent. There was so much death -- so much blood. Jace wished she could shield her from it all and protect her. She was strong, he knew that for sure, but no one should have to face this. Especially not her. Jace knew that she felt things so deeply, she cared so much for others -- that was what he loved most about her. He had grown up becoming more numb and accustomed to death and war -- it was sad, but a harsh truth. But Coraline? He didn't know how this would leave her. "I love you. I love you so damn much."
As they entered the tent, Jace's eyes immediately when to Monroe who was laid up on a large table, a large group of medical assistants working on her. He noticed most of them were from the Elite side -- from their small hospital that sat in the city that tended to the wounded from training or guard shifts gone wrong. his throat tightened at the site of the people who they had just fought against now helping others -- helping them. Jace also recognized a few rebels who were trained in healing and medicine also along side, doing whatever they could.
Jace also didn't fail to notice Alex, who sat by Monroe's head, brushing her hair away from her unconscious face. He looked so... broken.
His line of view was quickly obstructed by a small group of workers immediately hoisting him on a bed next to Monroe. Jace hadn't realized how much of his own blood had spilled onto him during their trip to the tent. He began feeling light headed and weak, the effects of the blood loss finally taking control of him. Jace tried to fight off the workers, they didn't need to be helping him, they needed to be focused on her -- on Monroe. "Get off of me!" He snapped at the workers, trying to fight back as best as he could. "Help her! Focus on her!" He tried to reach out to Monroe, but his dwindling strength wouldn't allow him too. But, even through the chaos, Jace felt Coraline's small hand inside his own. He felt the kisses and the soft touches she placed on his head as the pain started over taking his body, causing his outbursts to subside. It hurt so bad. He had never felt this kind of pain before. He had a damned hole through him, for crying out loud. Coraline was his salvation away from all of it.
As the antiseptic reached his wound Jace cried out in pain. "Shit!" He yelled, squeezing Coraline's hand tightly as the antiseptic dispersed through his gunshot wound. He was breathing heavily and frantically, but Jace could already feel his body trying to heal itself. His wound was beginning to clot and the blood flow out of it started to dwindle.
Hearing one of the workers say something about a blood transfusion, Jace's eyes quickly darted to Coraline as she volunteered without hesitation. Not that it surprised him. She was so selfless and giving and he wouldn't expect anything else from her to help her dying friend. Jace had to tell himself Monroe would make it -- everything would be okay. He had grown to love the ruthless and stubborn as hell blonde. Their bond wasn't like the others -- they were a lot more alike, therefore they often butted heads. But still, he loved that girl like a sister and he knew how hard it would impact Alex if his friend had lost the girl he loved most in this world.
Jace sighed as Coraline's blood wasn't a match. Shit, that seemed like their only option at this point. However, as Alex's desperate voice rang through the tent, Jace could practically feel the stillness and quiet that followed. Would it work? As Alex demanded the workers to try his blood once more, Jace couldn't help but to look at Coraline. What would happen to her? Would she become....
He couldn't even finished that thought. Watching the workers tie Alex's arm unspeakably fast, it was mere minutes until Jace saw the blood that flowed from Alex head right into Monroe as they began stitching her up. "Holy hell," Jace whispered to no one in particular.
alexander ::
Alexander choked on his own sob at the sound of Monroe’s voice speaking his name. She sounded so fragile, so weak, and even her eyes lacked their usual fire as they slowly drifted to meet his own. “Yeah, it’s me.” He smiled, trying to be as encouraging as he could manage through his tears “Everything is going to be okay.” He assured her, pressing a long kiss to her forehead as his tears dotted her face. Although, he may have been trying to convince himself more than anyone else with those words.
Slowly Alex rose to his feet, trying to remind himself to breath and stay steady so he wouldn’t risk dropping Monroe or moving her too harshly. It took every ounce of strength in him to listen to Jedd’s orders, although her small voice had done wonders to as well. Without that tiny beacon of hope, Alex likely would’ve fallen apart right then and there.
His ears roared as blood and adrenaline pumped through his veins, drowning out most of the noise of the city. However, another gunshot sounding off drew his attention back to the scene of his father’s death and Monroe‘s assault, this time finding his best friend on his knees, clutching a spot on his chest that seeped blood. It felt as if Alex was being strangled as his throat tightened once again, his heart aching harder than he could ever remember. He’d lost his father today, he would likely lose Monroe as well, he couldn’t lose his best friend. He’d already lost so much, and he nearly gave up his fight right there if it hadn’t been for Jedd’s reassuring words.
“Come on, son. Almost there.” The older man urged him, placing a hand on his shoulder as he cried. “But Jace-“ Alex started, only to be cut off by a curt shake of Jedd’s head. “Will be fine. We can only worry about one at a time, boy - and the one in your arms is bleeding out.” Alex could only nod in response, following the man the rest of the way to the med tent.
He was thankful for the team of caregivers who quickly hastened him over to a large table, directing him on where to lay Monroe. He numbly stood at he side, gently brushing his fingers through his hair as he mumbled that he loved her and everything would be over over and over again, watching the team of professionals expertly work on Monroe.
He glanced up as another team ushered Jace to another cot only a few feet away, giving Coraline a nod of acknowledgment before his eyes drifted to his friend. He would be okay - he would hurt like a bitch for a couple of days, but he would be fine. Relief washed over Alex like a waterfall as he refocused his attention on Monroe, a new hope sprouting in him after seeing Jace.
They would both be fine - he would will it so.
As a nurse asked for a blood donor, Alex’s eyes immediately shot to Coraline, thankful when she volunteered. Alex figured she would be their best bet in finning a good match for Monroe considering they’d grown up in the same area, however his heart sank as he watched the two bloods clump together and the nurse declare it an unsuitable match.
“Try me.” He demanded, shoving his arm towards one of the caregivers. Everyone paused, looking amongst each other as no one answered him. He knew what they were all thinking - no one had ever attempted a blood transfusion across species, and it would be unlikely that it worked - but he had to try. “I said try me!” He demanded, much more aggressive this time. A man close to him sprung into action, typing up his biceps as he stuck a needle into his forearm, drawing a test sample of blood to be mixed with Monroe‘s just like Cora’s had.
“No coagulation.” He reported, his voice somewhere dumbstruck. “It’s a go people - let’s set this up.”
Alex was quickly ushered into a chair beside the head of Monroe’s bed, a team of people connecting Monroe and Alex to a series of tubing and machines. Eventually, Alex watched as slow stream of dark red blood seeped out of his arm and into the tubing, flowing all the way up and into a machine before running back out on the opposite side, down into Monroe’s own arm. He leaned forward, continuing to stroke her hair as he whispered reassuring promised in her ear, reminding her diligently how much he loved her.
With her new source of blood, the doctors were able to finish closing and dressing her wound. Now it was just a waiting game, waiting to see if Monroe would be able to pull out of this or not.
coraline ::
Coraline had to fight back the urge to vomit once again as she held the crumbled Monroe close to her, the girl’s blood slowly seeping into Coraline’s clothes. The shattered sight of Alex was what finished breaking her, crying near uncontrollably as she squeezed Monroe tight to her.
She was still alive - just barely hanging on - and that was the only thing that gave Coraline a bit of hope for her friend. She was the closest family that Cora had left, and the thought of losing her for good was the scariest thing she could think of. They’d been through so much together, and there was no on she trusted more than her blonde friend. For so long all they had to depend on was each other, and after all of the chaos they’d been through to get here she was angry that Monroe was being robbed of the peace that they’d finally found. No one deserved it more than her.
She watched as Alex scooped the girl into his own arms, giving her over willingly to be with the love of her life. The tiny mumble of his name coming from Monroe’s lips gave her hope - maybe she would make it. She knew that Monroe would fight for her own life, for Alex if nothing else. The sound of Jedd’s steady voice was reassuring, and she could only hope the people running the makeshift medical tent would be equipped well enough to handle the extent of Monroe’s injuries - along with the hundreds of other wounded that would surely be flooding them soon.
Cora vaguely noticed the sound of Jace’s angry screams as he attacked Molly, and quite frankly she couldn’t be bothered to even care. The bitch deserved anything she had coming for her, and she wasn’t going to be the one to stop peel Jace off of her.
However, the sound of a gun firing so close drew her attention over to the source, her heart shattering at the sight of Jace on his knees, a bullet wound seeping across his chest. Coraline already feared that she was losing her best friend, she couldn’t lose her lover too. She wouldn’t be able to survive the grief.
Tears blurred her vision as she stood to her feet in a split second, whipping around as she slammed the back of her pistol into the side of Molly’s face as the girl took aim at Jace once again. She followed quickly with another hit, the back of her elbow slamming into the red head’s cheek only a moment later. Molly spat blood, panting, but Coraline was unrelenting - kicking the girl’s feet out from under her. “I should kill you.” Cora snarled, straddling the girl as reigned blows down on the girl’s face until it was near recognizable. She beat the poor girl well past unconsciousness, but still couldn’t bring herself to raise the gun to her head and kill her. Cora wasn’t a killer - she didn’t have the stomach for it.
Instead, she left the red head laying on the ground. Maybe if they were lucky she’d be trampled to death, but she wouldn’t die by Cora’s hand - not today. Instead she hurried over to Jace, helping him up as she slung his arm over her shoulders to help support him. “You’ll be okay.” She said, willing the words to be true as they started towards the medical tents themselves. She knew Jace would heal from his wounds thanks to his Elite blood, but the degree of the injury would still land him laid up for a couple of days, and definitely needed medical attention. Being so close to his heart, Coraline immediately feared infection.
The trip to the medical tent was more nauseating that Coraline would have guessed - the streets ran red with the blood of their fallen, injured people from both sides of the war scattered the street, all trying to make their way to the med tent for help. Cries of agony sounded throughout the city - pulling at Cora’s heart strings - but she had to take care of her own people before she could worry about helping anyone else.
Finally, Cora shoved open the flaps to the tent, a nice woman in a uniform setting Jace up on a cot close to Monroe. She watched with worried eyes as a small team of people swarmed him, pressing clean gaze to the wound and eventually an antiseptic that was sure to burn like hell on the open flesh - someone eventually leaving to fetch a suture kit. Coraline held his hand throughout, occasionally brushing his hair from his eyes and kissing his forehead as they went.
However, her attention was torn between the man she loved and her best friend, laying close enough to each other than Coraline could almost reach out and touch Monroe’s blonde hair. She shared a panicked look with Alex while her own team of caregivers buzzed around her, no one telling them anything until one of them said. “She needs a blood donor - she’ll bleed out before we can save her if not.”
“I will.” Coraline volunteered without hesitation, figuring that her blood would be the closest match to Monroe’s considering they were both survivors from the wasteland. She dropped Jace’s hand with one final squeeze as a nurse got her a chair to sit in, sticking a needle in her arm to draw a vial of blood to test while another did the same to Monroe. Everyone stared as the women dumped a few drops of blood into a small test kit, watching for a reaction. Unfortunately, the blood began to clump, and the nurse offered a forlorn look as she shook her head. “
”Not a match.” She confirmed what they’d all suspected.
monroe::
Monroe wished the last thing she saw would have been Alex's eyes instead of his father's. His hard and sour gaze sent chills up her spine, even as she felt herself crumple to the dirt. She felt her head knock against the asphalt as her eyes were now staring at the summer sky. Not a cloud was in sight -- just blue.
She felt some sort of pain -- as if she was punched in gut so hard her stomach had gone through her. Monroe also felt her own blood spilling out of her, covering her own hands -- mixing in with the blood of the fallen Elite soldier she had murdered earlier. Maybe she deserved this -- death. Monroe felt that fear the Elite soldier had felt as she dug her knife into her chest and killed her. She clasped to any form of life she could as a small trickle of blood pooled out the side of her mouth. Monroe could feel familiar hands moving her body -- hear Coraline's scream as she took Monroe's head into her lap. Her best friend -- her sister. Monroe's only sense of family.
Her eyes still gazed at the sky above, as if she were too weak to even move them.
Monroe knew that she had died. The image of Alex's father's unforgiving hazel eyes were soon replaced by other ones. Still of the same hazel but with more flecks of gold. They held good behind them instead of the evil that over took the others. No, these eyes were beautiful and burning. Monroe was even able to shift her own gaze to meet them and no more pain resided in her as she recognized the soul behind them. "Alex..." was all she could muster -- her voice hoarse and another trickle of blood spilling out of the corner of her mouth. She noticed tears fell from those kind eyes and it confused her. Alex never cried and she certainly knew that if there was a heaven, he wouldn't be crying in it. His tears hit her face and she then realized that she had not died.
She was fighting.
However, no matter how hard she tried, Monroe couldn't keep herself from closing her eyes, growing limp in Alex's arms. She distantly felt him pick her up. Monroe heard Jace's screams, not out of pain -- but out of vengeance. Another familiar voice rustled through her ears. Jedd. He was alive too. Although she couldn't understand what he was saying, her soul eased at the fact that everyone she cared about was alive -- they had made it. Dying now didn't sound too bad. All she wanted were the people she loved to be safe, and they were.
Monroe could feel herself slipping farther and farther into herself. She no longer felt connected to her body, but as if she were watching herself. Watching Alex carrying her inside a tent, watching Jedd help set her on some sort of table, her blood now covering his hands too. She could hear Jedd's hurried voice talk to someone. "We need IV lines. Now."
Were they trying to save her?
jace::
He never knew such strength was inside of him as he continued to plaster the door shut. There were so many of them and even though his rush of adrenaline kept the door pressed shut for now, he knew that his strength would be depleated extremely quickly. As Coraline asked if he was okay, Jace grunted against the rocking door. Hands were now starting to slip out of the door, pushing against the frame to get inside. "Just peachy, love," he snarled, turning to place both hands on the door now, shutting the wandering hands into the door frame. He heard a crack come from one of the hands and chuckled.
Suddenly the screaming behind the door stopped. There was no longer dozens of bodies trying to break through and Jace could even hear the battle outside began to quiet. Shooting a surprised look to Coraline, Jace removed his hands from the door and grabbed her face in his hands, kissing her quickly before she dragged him out of the room. "Holy shit. You did it! You fucking did it, Coraline!" Jace couldn't help but to laugh as he darted past the confused and disgruntled looking guards. He shot an apologetic look to the female guard who was cradling her broken hand to her chest. "My bad," he said to her before he and Coraline ran through the building and out the door.
The smell of blood hit him first and then all of the bodies on both sides scattered hit him next. The scene was utterly depressing and sickening. Jace feared that if he stood in spot for too long he would crumpled to the ground and empty his stomach. So, he kept following Coraline through the streets, still clutching his gun, just in case. As they weaved through the throng of injured soldiers, Jace's eyes scanned the area for Alex as well as Monroe. Where were they? Fear started to creep into him as neither of them were to be found.
But, hearing Cora's sigh of relief, Jace knew that she had spotted a familiar face and looking over her head, Jace saw Monroe's head, eyes narrowed and shooting daggers at someone. Alex's dad. And then the gun that he had poised right to her chest. As soon as he connected the scene together a shot rang out, echoing through the city.
Jace's body went cold and he faintly heard Coraline scream in agony -- but the world around him quieted. It was silent around him as he watched Coraline run to a bleeding Monroe, cradling her in her lap. Jace was also aware of someone brushing past him -- Alex. Alex. He was alive -- thank God he was alive. Jace turned and stared at Alex's dead father a few feet away from him -- blood seeping out of a bullet wound right between his eyes. Familiar red hair then began to saunter it's way over to Jace and his body went rigid.
"You fucking bitch," Jace spat to Molly as she smirked at Jace. Anger -- no, utter rage -- had consumed his body and he quickly started attacking Molly. His fists hitting her square in the jaw. As far as he knew it, Monroe was dead and it was because of her and Alex's father. He would make her pay. Connecting another fist to her, Jace began screaming at her. "How could you!" He then took a step back seeing that her face had become a bloody mess. Somehow he had ended up on the ground, him on top of her. Breathing heavily, his chest heaving uncontrollably, Jace pulled away from Molly, who was now unconscious. Standing up, blood covering his knuckles, Jace pushed his hands into his hair and pulled on it as he watched Alex pick up Monroe.
Jace had never seen Alex cry before. Alex was pretty good at controlling his emotions and he was a very well put together person. However, Jace didn't even know what to say to his brother as shaky hands cradled the woman he loved most in this world. As tears streaked down his dirt ridden face and sobs escaped his lips. Jace heard him yell for help. He didn't know how anyone would be able to help the dying Monroe in his arms. As Jedd made his way through the mess, Jace sighed of relief slightly. Jedd was alive -- he had made it. Over hearing Jedd point to medical tent in the city, Jace began to stand to help his friends carry Monroe to the tent.
It was then he heard the click of a gun and then he felt the pain.
Blood coated his shoulder and it took Jace to his knees. He had been shot right above his heart, by his collar bone. A large bullet wound seeped out blood and he cursed at the sight of it. Molly snaked around him, her nose bleeding viciously and she readied the gun for another shot to him as Jace stared up at her. "You've always been a lousy shot," he growled to her.
alexander ::
Alex nodded in response to Monroe’s words, his body tensing at the knowledge that his fear’s had been confirmed - Monroe would be out of arrows soon, and she hadn’t brought another weapon that would be useful at this distance. He didn’t exactly blame her, he knew that neither of them had expected to have to kill as any people as they had. They’d gone into this as hopeful idiots - banking on Coraline and Jace being able to shut off the chips, but here they were unprepared when that hadn’t worked out.
He couldn’t help but worry for his friends - by his quick calculations, they should’ve been able to shut the chips off by now. So the fact that nothing had changed and they still hadn’t heard from his friends could only lead him to the conclusion that something had gone horribly wrong. For all he knew they were laying dead somewhere - or even worse, locked up as prisoners left to be tortured by the Elite. His skin crawled at the thought, that would be a fate worse than hell.
As Monroe finally ran out of arrows and headed back for the doorway they’d entered through, Alex grew increasingly uneasy. “Be careful, Monroe.” He insisted, shooting her a look as he nodded his head at her request.
He trained the sight of his gun on the entrance of building just below them, waiting for Monroe to exit. As soon as she did he put her in his cross-hairs, not so much as blinking for even a second as he carefully followed her as she made her way through the thick crowd, collecting her arrows. He took care to pick off anyone who dared come too close, and kept an eye out for anyone raising a weapon in her direction as well.
He didn’t want to risk a single thing, not when it came to her.
However, the boy had been caught off guard as his father drifted into his sight, his own gun raised toward Monroe. If Alex were a smart man he would’ve shot his dad right then and there, but instead he paused. All around them the Elite’s seemed to fall out of a trance, looking around confused as to how they ended up in this situation. He recalled the feeling, having experienced it himself only a few days ago. Jace and Coraline had done it, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Alex was about to drop his gun when the shot rung out, his eyes widening as he watched Monroe stumble back before crumpling to the ground. Clearly his father hadn’t been affected by the poison.
Alexander choked on his own sob as he looked at the wicked look on his father’s face, proud of what he’d done to the poor girl in order to hurt his son. Unlucky for Mr. Richardson, he had underestimated his son enormously. That had been the final straw for Alex, pulling the trigger and putting a bullet directly between his father’s eyes as the man stared up at him.
Not bothering to wait and see him fall, Alex pushed himself up and over the edge of the building’s roof, landing in a crouch on the dirt below. His body numb, he didn’t even feel the pain of his sharp landing, hurrying to Monroe just as Coraline got there as well.
“We have to help her.” He yelled at no one in particular, pushing his hands over the wound in her chest to put pressure on it and slow the bleeding. She was still alive, but he had no doubt that she wouldn’t be for much longer if they didn’t get her help, and soon.
He hadn’t even noticed the tears flowing down his face as he kissed her head, taking the girl from Coraline and into his own arms. As he teetered on the edge of losing control, it was Jedd’s voice that had drawn him back to reality. “There’s a medical center set up.“ The man spoke. He looked unharmed, but his eyes were unhinged at the death all around him - and possibly now Monroe to add to that list. “Please, follow me. We have to hurry is she’d going to have a chance.” He insisted, causing Alex to numbly nod his head in response, rising to his feet with the limp Monroe in his arms, following the older man through the city.
coraline ::
Jace’s steady voice and gentle touch was the only thing that had kept Coraline from falling apart in guilt over the men she’d just put a bullet in. She wished so badly that they had time to pause for just a moment, long enough to catch her breath and refocus her frazzled mind. This had been one of the hardest days of her entire life, and she knew that she would come out on the other side a changed woman.
Together the pair rain up the final few flights of stairs, breaking into the final sector only to find it mysteriously empty. There was no way they would be lucky enough to find the command center unguarded, but as Jace pulled her so tightly into his arms she tried to rejoice in the moment of solace they had found.
She was surprised by the intensity of their kiss, but with adrenaline fueling her body she kissed him back just as fiercely, grinning wickedly at his joking words once he pulled away. Who would‘ve thought a girl could ever whip the legendary Jace Kingston’s into considering marriage. “I’ll hold you to that.” She teased right back, still breathless from their sprint up the stairs coupled with his sudden kiss.
But alas, they had no time to spare for kissing and affection - they still had a mission so complete, and they were already racing against the clock. It was only a matter of time until the rebel forces were overtaken by the stronger Elite while they were under the influence of the poison. She followed Jace down the long mirrored corridor, glancing at her reflection as they went. It was so eerie, almost as if she were watching all of this go down from a third party’s perspective.
The pair quickly travelled the rest of the distance down the corridor, Coraline gasping as Jace yanked open the door only to slam the butt of his gun into a guard’s face, watching the man crumple to the ground. Oof. She could only imagine the headache he’d have whenever he woke up. Coraline’s attention quickly diverted to the large monitors spanning the room, joining Jace as her fingers ran over the keyboards as quickly as they could.
“You found it!” She gasped, watching as he tried to pull the lever, only for a big red password prompt to jump onto the screen, locking the lever in place. Her joy was short lived, as moments later she head the echo of dozens of feet pounding down the corridor towards them.
Coraline nodded to Jace’s words, watching as he slammed the door shut and barricaded it with his own body. There was no way he could hold them for long. “I’m trying.” She insisted, sliding over to occupy the space he’d been in, cotinuing to type in password after password in hope of guessing the right one. “Jace, are you okay?” She called over her shoulder, hearing the increasing intensity of the guard’s shouting and pounding on the other side of the door, but unable to stop and actually look in their direction.
After what felt like a million different attempts, the screen finally flashed green, causing Coraline to gasp. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” She mumbled, slamming her hand down on the lever as quickly as she could. The password had been so simple she wanted to scold herself for not guessing it sooner.
Password1234. What kind of person made the password to a life-altering toxin Password1234.
Coraline could already hear the screams outside of the building dimming, the pounding on the door slowing to a stop. It had worked - it’d really worked. “Come on.” She insisted, snagging Jace’s hand as she ripped the door open only to find a group of very confused looking guards, all asking each other what was going on.
“Congratulations, welcome to freedom.” Cora joked, pulling Jace past them as she hurried to the stairs, flying down each section as fast as she could go. Finally bursting through the doors of the skyscraper, Coraline’s eyes skirted their surroundings in search of their friends. It was hard to spot them amongst the sudden confusion of most the Elite soldiers and the sudden relief of the rebels, but she finally laid eyes on Alex on a rooftop a few streets away.
Coraline pushed her way through the crowd, never releasing Jace’s hand as she tried to shimmy her way through the densely packed people. Spotting a familiar blonde head, Cora let out a sigh of relief as she closed the space between them. She was only a few feet away when a loud shot rang out, watching as Monroe crumped to the ground with a spray of red across her chest.
“No!” The word tumbled from her mouth in the form of a strangled scream, shoving people out of her way as she finally made it to her friend, dropping to her knees an gathering Monroe’s head and shoulders into her lap, tears flooding her face before she could stop them.
She hadn’t even noticed the man holding the gun - Mr. Richmond, Alex’s own dad, with the red headed bitch she’d grown to hate just behind him. Clearly they hadn’t been affected by the poison - they were evil naturally.
Cora only noticed the man as he dropped to the ground a few feet away, shot dead by his own son.
monroe::
Alex's strong arms centered her as he squeezed her tightly. They were both covered in blood and dirt and sweat. Their breathing uneven and ragged. War definitely wasn't easy and Monroe knew that a part of them would never be the same after this. All of the death, all of the blood. It flooded her vision and she kept losing herself to her thoughts.
Hearing his soft words as he smoothed her tangled hair, Monroe let herself fall limp in his arms. Her eyes brimmed with tears, but she didn't dare let them fall. She was strong, she was tough.
As Alex lead her up the stairs Monroe nodded at his words. Jace and Coraline had to be close -- it was up to them top this, all of it. All of the prejudice, the war, the bloodshed. It would end here. Today. Her eyes darted to the tall skyscraper for a moment, praying that her friends were unharmed and safe -- although part of her felt as if that prayer was empty. Fearful images of Coraline's and Jace's crumpled lifeless bodies filled her mind -- as if they were among the fallen warriors down on the streets. Pushing back a rolling feeling in her stomach, Monroe took her position as she and Alex began firing off shot at shot, taking down Elite after Elite.
She hated herself that it was becoming easier and easier for her to shoot them down without remorse.
Hearing Alex's question over the roar of the battle beneath them, Monroe shook her head once. "Not one that will do much good up here," she told him as she readied another arrow and then letting it fly. She had a smaller gun, but not a large rifle like Alex's. Monroe needed to be down on the ground for it to be much use. Reaching back for another arrow, Monroe's hand caught air. She was out. "Damnit," she muttered, pulling back and hiding herself behind the small wall that protected them from the chaos below. "I need to go retrieve some of my arrows. I... I went through more than I thought I would." Which meant she had killed way more people than she had ever expected to.
Pushing herself off from the wall, Monroe stood back up and ran to the door leading back down into the concrete building. "Cover me?" She asked him, forcing a small smirk on her lips as she descended down the stairs and through the building, finally stepping out into the battle once more.
Blood riddled the streets on both sides and Monroe tried her best to keep her focus on the arrows protruding out of bodies and nothing else. Not their faces or their injuries. Just her arrows. Pulling out one after another, Monroe stealthily made her way through the mess, racking up a decent amount of arrows for her to be able to climb back up to the rooftop with Alex. She didn't want to spend too much time out her without a decent weapon. Shots rang out besides her, knocking down Elite soldiers that came barreling towards her. Thanks, Alex.
Turning on her heel, ready to return to the building, Monroe suddenly froze in place as she faced a familiar man.
"Hello, Monroe," Alex's dad hissed to her, that bitch of a red head Molly stepping out from behind him, her gear practically pristine. He had a rifle pointed at Monroe's chest. Swallowing a lump in her throat, Monroe pushed back her shoulders and faced Richmond as she gritted her teeth and glared into those hazel eyes. Whereas Alex's eyes were filled with kindness and hope, his father's were filled with greed and power.
Monroe's eyes darted up to the building where Alex stood. She could see his worried eyes from her spot on the ground. The spot where she had first met Alex and Jace. It was almost as if history were repeating itself.
Alex's dad saw Monroe's eyes flash up to his son and he turned to face him, a devilish smile cast across his lips. As he turned his attention back to Monroe, passed him an icy gaze, narrowing her brows as she spat at his feet. Saliva mixed with her blood. One last message for him. She knew what he was going to do to her -- she could see the hunger for death in his eyes.
And that's the last thing she saw -- his eyes -- as he shot the gun. The bullet landing in her chest.
jace::
Coraline whispering his name caused his attention to turn to her just for a moment. The fear and pain in her eyes clouding his vision. He so badly wanted to hold her -- to tell her that everything will be alright, even if he didn't even know that himself. "It's okay, I know," he told her, his voice low and steady. He held onto her tightly, kissing the side of her head once before turning around to fire off more shots. They were so, so close. They could do this.
Watching as Coraline quickly darted out, ringing out more shots, causing more Elite to fall to the ground, Jace followed after her, his gun poised to shoot in case any more guards came plowing through. He covered her as they both ran up the stairs and into the last and final sector. Scanning the sector as the opened the door, Jace searched every hall and every corner. So far nothing, which was good. However, they knew they wouldn't get away with this that easily.
Slowing his haggard breathing, Jace turned to Coraline, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her fiercely. Releasing his lips from hers, Jace clutched his gun tightly once again, "After this," he cocked the gun. "I'm marrying the hell out of you." He joked. She was doing so well, surely surprising him. Coraline was strong, fearless, and a better fighter than Jace could ever be.
Snatching her hand again, Jace dragged them to round another corner. Still no guards... It was odd, but he wasn't going to push their luck. "It's just down that hall," he told her, pointing a finger down a long channel of glass walls and a large metal door. Scanning the area once more before they made a run for it, Jace reached the door and pushed it open -- revealing a large control panel and a lone guardsman controlling it. Without even thinking, Jace reeled back the end of his gun and slammed it into the guards face as he turned to face them. It wasn't smart to shoot off a gun inside a closed metal room, so they had to compromise.
As the guard crumpled to the floor, Jace darted to the large chair, sliding in it. The blue and red hues from the monitors and screens illuminated the room, shinning on their faces as their eyes searched for anything that would give them a clue on how to turn off the damned poison. "We have to hurry, he won't be down for long..." Jace muttered, his gaze darting back and forth between the screens and the unconscious guard on the floor -- blood seeping out of his nose, tingeing the room in it's coppery smell.
Hands fluttering over the plethora of buttons and switches, Jace's eyes caught hold of a switch, a hazard symbol sitting on top of it. Reaching for the switch, Jace quickly tried to pull it down, but the handle remained in place. On the large screen above them a warning message appeared reading: Password.
"Shit," he hissed, running a shaky hand through his hair. They had already taken up too much time trying to get to the control center. They knew they were battling the clock until the rebel forces collapsed. Hearing footsteps shuffling outside, Jace turned his head to the door as a large group of Elite soldiers came bustling down the hall towards them -- he recognized most of them, they were once his friends.
Jumping out of his chair, Jace slammed the metal door shut, barricading himself against it as the soldiers began beating against it. "Coraline," he muttered as the soldiers began pushing against the door. Using whatever strength he had left, Jace continued to use all of his weight and force into keeping that damned door shut. "Coraline I need you to figure out the password." His words were clipped as he grunted with pain. The soldiers growling behind the door. "Quickly," he said, looking back to her and the switch.
alexander ::
As soon as they had made it safely inside the old rundown concrete building and Alex had verified that it was clear, he wrapped Monroe in the tightest embrace he could muster. “I know.” He murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “I know.” He repeated, gently stroking her hair as he held her. Taking a life was never easy, but a part of Alex had become immune to it - he was a soldier, he had been born and bred for this type of work. It was in his blood. But her understood how it would feel different for Monroe, especially considering the close proximity in which she’d been forced to end the girl’s life.
“It’s only a matter of time now.” He assured her, releasing her from his tight grip and holding her at arms length instead, inspecting her for any injury. He thanked whatever higher power existed for keeping the love of his life safe during this fray. He wasn’t convinced that he’d be able to keep fighting if anything happened to her.
“Jace and Cora have got to be getting close now.” He promised as they moved up the stairs to the roof of the building. Although, he’d be lying if he didn’t admit that a part of him feared for the worst. For all he knew Jace and Cora could’ve been lying dead at the entrance to the headquarters, never even having made it inside. They very well could be fighting an up-hill battle, having no chance whatsoever of making it out of this alive. But he had to remain hopeful - he had to believe that his friends could pull this off. It was the only thing he was clinging to.
Eventually they’d made it to the roof, and Alex went to crouch low at the ede beside Monroe. He took a moment to survey the battle below him, noting that it was beginning to spread deeper and deeper into city. People fought surrounding the base of the skyscraper that held the city’s headquarters, only making him fear even more for Jace and Coraline’s success. Their odds were growing slimmer and slimmer by the moment, and considering the degree at which the Elite were trying to kill the rebels, their chips definitely weren't switched off yet.
The rebels numbers were dwindling as well, but he was pleasantly surprised to see that they were fighting back harder than he could have ever imagined. While many of them lay dead, tons still fought to avenge their fallen brethren. They still had a chance, but he prayed that they found that damned control panel sooner rather than later.
Releasing a breath, Alexander rose his rifle to his shoulder, squinting into the sights as he carefully began picking off the Elite who seemed to be the biggest threats. His heart sank as he put a bullet in many people that he knew and recognized, but Alex also knew that this was for the greater good.
A glance over a Monroe revealed that her quiver of arrows was quickly dwindling, causing Alex to purse his lips. “Did you bring a gun?” He asked, though he knew the odds weren’t likely.
coraline ::
A tinge of hope sprouted in Coraline as it seemed the guard’s were believing her story. The faux confidence she’d slapped on for her act quickly blossomed into something much more real, and watching the group of guards simply nod and shuffle past gave her a world of relief. Looking back at Jace - the whole reason she was even doing this - caused a surge of faith to rise in her.
They could do this. They had to.
Coraline glowed with pride at Jace’s quiet affection and compliments, her own mouth turning up in a smile at his words. As they entered the fourth and final sector before they made it to the control room, Cora’s stomach dropped at the sight of another hoard of guards. She casually brushed the back of her hand agains Jace’s, knowing it was too dangerous to hold his hand outright, but still craving the reassurance of his touch. He grounded her, even in the most anxiety inducing situations, just like this one.
Cora rose her chin, walking past the group of guards as if she owned the place while her heart nearly beat out of her chest. They’d nearly made it past them when one of the men’s radio sounded off, blowing Coraline’s cover to shit and naming Jace as a suspect.
They were caught.
Jace had reacted so quickly that Coraline nearly tripped over her own feet as he snagged her hand and drug her behind a wide pillar, just barely dodging the sudden incoming gunfire from the Elite. She stared at the boy she loved with wide eyes, her chest rising and falling quickly as she heaved in breaths, trying to steady herself. Cora nodded to his instruction, pulling her gun from her waistband and clicking the safety off of the rifle.
Taking his hand once more, Coraline quickly peeled out from behind the pillar and sprinted alongside him to the next one, turning to fire off a few shots behind her as she went. Cora watched as one her bullets slid through an Elite’s neck, his body thudding back on the ground as he gargled on his own blood, life rapidly draining out of his body.
“Jace.” The word came out in a strangled gasp, her eyes wide and hands shaking as she looked between Jace and the body of the man she’d just killed. She had the overwhelming urge to vomit, and she had to swallow back the bile that tried to rise in her throat as she cowered behind the stone pillar with Jace.
The first human life she’d ever taken. The sight of the man’s blood stained lips and sound of him choking to death on his own blood would forever haunt her, but for now they didn’t have time for her to slow down and process her emotions appropriately. Cora promised that once this was all over she would give herself time to mourn the shred of her innocence that was lost today, but now was not that time.
They were so close to the next set of stairs that Coraline could almost taste the success. One more sect, one more sector, and they would be in the control room. Taking a deep breath, Coraline leaned out from around the pole to fire off another round of shots - another guard falling, followed by another urge to get sick that Cora had to fight off.
Finally, Cora turned and ran for the staircase, flying up the steps as fast as her body would carry her until the reached the fifth and final sector.
monroe::
The screaming -- that's what chilled her the most. The wails of pain that came from both sides. It was animalistic and unforgiving and Monroe knew that if she lived that sound would haunt her forever.
Everything went by unnervingly quick. Monroe hadn't even registered the running and yelling rebels as they shot past Jedd and into the city. She hadn't even realized that she had already grabbed an arrow and gripped it in her fist tightly. Her eyes darted between the battle as she watched warrior after warrior fall. Dust wafting in their wake.
Alex's hand dragged her towards him and she instantly wrapped her dirt covered arms around the boy whom she had met in this exact location months before. So much has changed since then. So much. Her breaths were short and quick as she hugged him. "I love you," she said back to him, kissing him with as much passion as she could muster before the two headed into the brawl.
Listening to Alex's advice, Monroe stayed near him as she shot off arrow after arrow, her lips pressed into a thin line as each shot slammed into the chest of Elite soldiers, their wails of pain were quick as the sounds of the battle over took their quieting cries. She had remembered the face of her first kill. A blonde headed boy who had his arms latched onto a rebel warriors throat, strangling her to the ground. The scene of Jace doing the same to Cora ran through her mind and he didn't even think before unleashing the arrow and it piercing his heart. Monroe pressed back to urge to vomit as she kept shooting and shooting.
She heard Alex near her as bodies wedged themselves in between them. Her icy eyes were able to make out the boy's dark hair between the hundreds of Elite that stormed between them. Suddenly, a fist connected with her jaw and she turned to see an Elite soldier barring it's teeth at her. A bloody stump where her right hand used to be. Grabbing her knife, Monroe quickly began fighting the girl, twisting and turning her body -- dodging her kicks and hits, just like Alex and taught her. Monroe didn't realize she was screaming until her knife plundered into the girls' chest as Monroe tackled her to the ground. As she watched her die, Monroe could have sworn she saw fear replace the blood lust in the girls eyes.
Shakily standing up Monroe turned, ready to attack, as a rough hand grabbed her arm. She quickly lowered her knife as she recognized those soft hazel eyes. Nodding at Alex's words, Monroe followed him through the slew of bodies that littered the floor. Monroe couldn't look down, terrified of seeing a face she would recognize.
As they reached an old concrete building, Monroe's eyes scanned the perimeter around them, her gun ready to shoot as Alex broke off the lock. Stumbling inside, Monroe kept her gun steady in her hands as she assessed every corner in the building. They were alone. Panting, Monroe looked at Alex. He was covered in sweat and blood, none looked of which to be his own. Monroe hadn't even been able to asses herself. She knew her lips was bleeding by the blood that filled her mouth and she knew her hands were covered in blood from that Elite solider she had taken down. But she was fine -- they both were fine. "I killed her," she muttered Monroe, as she examined the blood on her hands. She didn't know why she was saying this as the cries of the battle were erupting outside. "She was scared... I killed her."
Swallowing bile in her throat, Monroe looked back up to Alex and she quickly nodded, snapping out of her trance, following him up the stairs to the roof. They moved so fast, so diligently. Reaching the top, Monroe quickly went to the edge of the building, being sure to remain low so that she wouldn't be spotted from the ground. The center skyscraper loomed over them in the background. Hurry, hurry hurry. Jace and Coraline needed to hurry. Hitching an arrow, Monroe shot down one Elite. Two. Three. As many as she could -- trying not to think about the fear that clouded that girls eyes as Monroe drove a knife through her heart.
Monroe could feel her arrows dwindling as she continued to knock down Elite soldiers. She hadn't missed much, but up her she wasn't able to retrieve them from the bodies she took down.
jace::
Even when they were in the middle of hell, Coraline's touch steadied him. As her lips pressed against his ever so lightly, the nerves in Jace's body dissolved and pure determination took it's place. He gripped the back of her head with his free hand and kissed her back as if it were his last time being able too -- because it very well might be. He would do this, for her. They would win. "I love you," he whispered beneath the kiss.
As they made their way into the large building, Coraline's confidence and pride shocked him slightly, so much that a small smile played in the corners of his mouth. This petite little ball of fire always surprised him. Every day. Obeying her orders, Jace continued to keep his head low as they passed guard after guard, only offering small nods if offered. For all they knew, they were chipped and under the poison's control. Odd's are no one would recognize Coraline because of her brief stay and freshly chopped hair. But, even if they recognized Jace, he hoped that they wouldn't so much as bat an eye at him. He was a dog to them -- returning home.
The building was clean and full of glass walls and windows. It was easy to spot oncoming guards and council members of the Elite. Even as the highest ranks of officials strode past, Jace made sure to keep his eyes ahead as they sneered with power and disdain towards them. They had won, and they knew it. However, Jace couldn't help but to tighten his grip on his weapon as they walked past them. It took all of his self control not to aim his rifle at their heads.
Reaching the third sector was more difficult than the first two. As the guards aimed their weapons at them, Jace's throat tightened but his eyes remained forward. He couldn't act out -- he was supposed to be under their control, and it was absolute hell for him. But, as Coraline sauntered towards the guard, hands placed on her hips and her voice sharp as a blade, his expression softened slightly and the corner of his mouth curled up ever so lightly. As she told off the guards, Jace made eye contact with on them. He recognized him immediately as the guard studied him. Jace didn't break eye contact with the guard as he stepped towards him, finger on the trigger of his gun. "Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in..." the guard muttered under his breath, scanning Jace's eyes for any sign of defiance. Shit -- the guard knew him as well. Swallowing, Jace remained focused, even as a trickle of sweat cascaded down his neck.
As Coraline's orders lead the guards down to sector one, Jace remained in character as the guard stared at him until his group descended down the stairs, passing curious glances back to them as he did so. Does he know? Did he figure out their plan.
Releasing a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding, Jace glanced over at Coraline as they continued making their way to the control center. "That's my girl," he whispered, finally unleashing that grin that was toying on his lips earlier. She did amazing. Absolutely amazing. "Remind me to give you an Oscar if we make it out alive," he chuckled under his breath as they headed up the stairs. Now that they were spotted they had to be even quicker and more diligent. The way that guard looked at him... It made Jace's stomach churn and he knew that wouldn't be the last of him.
After parading up a few flights of stairs, Jace shoved the door open. Sector four. Only one more to get through. Hope started building inside of him and he gripped Coraline's hand once, squeezing it tightly as the entered the floor. Jace already could hear the footsteps of guards rounding the corner and his hands went immediately back to his weapon as they headed down the hall, right into the group of guards that sat waiting for them.
Taking on his role again, Jace straightened his posture and held his gun to his chest, not meeting the eyes of the guards. They were silent as the began striding passed them -- the guards eyeing the pair up and down. They had almost made it past the group when the radio of the lead guard went off. "Sector one is cleared. It was a diversion. We are looking for two rebels dressed in Elite gear. The man is identified as tall, dark brown hair with a shorter, brown haired female. The man was recognized as Jace Kingston -- the female was unknown."
Jace's stomach dropped to his knees and he passed Coraline a quick glance before he snatched her hand and the two began sprinting down the hall. Shots immediately rang out from the guards, missing them by inches. Sprinting behind a pillar, Jace pressed Coraline against it while he stood tightly in front of her, peering out from behind the pillar as he shot down the hall towards the guards. "That guard recognized me. He knew something was up..." he whispered from behind the gun as he landed a bullet in a guards chest, sending him flying to the ground. Gritting his teeth Jace hissed, "Get your gun, keep going up." Another shot rang out, shattering a glass wall as another guard went down. Only three left.
alexander ::
Alex skid to a stop when Monroe threw her arm out in front of him, his chest thumping into her arm as she demanded everyone stop and listen. Alexander squinted just slightly, not really hearing anything at first. He considered teasing Monroe for her paranoia, but moments later he detected the dull thumping of footsteps coming from a city. Upon closer inspection, Alex determined exactly what he had been fearing all along - their cover had been blown, the Elite knew that they were here, and were marching towards them as they spoke.
Shooting a panicked look to Jedd, he watched as the man gave the silent signal to the army of rebels behind them, and in the blink of an eye the mass of people went screaming forward. There was no more reason for secrecy or quit, they were already discovered - so instead the rebel army filled the air with cries of war and hollering for victory. The sound alone had to have been pretty intimidating - even to the trained soldiers of the Elite.
However, after a few moments of yelling and pounding feet, the air erupted in gun fire and shouts of pain. It came from both sides, and Alex could see men and women falling to their death in the street. Catching Monroe’s hand, he yanked her to him and wrapped her in a bone-crushing hug. “I love you.” He reminded her, pressing a quick but deep kiss to her mouth before pulling away once again.
It was time for war.
“Stay close.” He advised, dropping her hand but taking care to keep the girl close to him as they charged into the fray. Raising his rifle, Alex rung off a few shots - bodies of Elite who had been moments from killing some of the rebels dropping in the distance. He grunted as another black clothed body slammed into him, an Elite who’d lost his footing stumbling into him. Alex shoved the man back away from him, the pair locking eyes for a brief moment before they went their separate ways.
While Alex wasn’t afraid to kill if he deemed it necessary to save himself or his friends, he wasn’t a killer at heart and wanted to avoid any unnecessary death that he could - and he was sure many of the Elite felt the same way, if only Jace and Coraline could shut those damned chips off.
Alexander was vigilant not to let Monroe get pulled too far away from him in the crowd of people shooting and yelling, fighting amongst each other. Occasionally a couple of bodies would get between them, but Alex trusted her ability to defend herself and tried not to worry too much. He always kept her close enough that he could get to her if she needed him.
They hadn’t been at it very long, but sweat and splattered blood already covered his face and body, the adrenaline pumping through him the only true thing keeping him going. Fighting his way through the surging bodies of the other rebels and elite, Alex made his way back to Monroe. “We need to get to higher ground.” He stated, grabbing her arm with intent. It was difficult to use a rifle and bow in this close of quarters, and he hoped they would be more effective if they could put some distance between them and the crowd.
Pulling her after him, Alex lead the way through the crowd, battling people out of his way and trying to absorb most of the blunt force people threw at him and Monroe. Eventually, they reached an old concrete building, a sigh of relief escaping Alex. He busted the door open with the butt of his rifle, slamming it against the lock until the piece of metal fell to the ground and the door swung open.
“If we can get to the roof we can start picking them off.” He panted, slipping inside and closing the door behind him.
coraline ::
Coraline offered Jace a quick flash of a smile as he joked about how ugly the city was. A part of her - the dreamer in her - would always disagree. To Cora the large skyscrapers and concrete buildings would always look like refuge, because that was what it was meant to be for her and Monroe, and what they’d pushed all of their hope into for months on end while they made their way to the fabled City of Light. She loved the way all of the glass and shiny metal use to create the building reflected little rainbows onto each other, and how the city seemed to revolve outward from the skyscraper in the middle. Even now as they went to war with them, Coraline found a simplistic kind of beauty in the efficiency in which the city was ran.
Plus, a part of her just missed the hot showers.
Cora slipped her hand into Jace’s, holding it tight while as they took off together into the city. Watching him clutch the gun to his chest, dressed head to toe in his old guard’s uniform almost made her nostalgic - he looked so much like the boy who’d found her on the streets so long ago. But now he was tougher, stronger both mentally and physically - and so was Cora. She followed his lead and placed her newly freed hand at her hip where she had a little pistol tucked away. Her weapon of choice was always knives, but it was safer to keep a gun with her for when they weren’t close enough to throw and slash a knife.
Together the pair ducked and slid through the shadows, their footsteps so light they were nearly undetectable in the loose gravel of the roads. This was what Coraline was good at, she wasn’t strong and she wasn’t a fighter, but she was quick and stealthy, and undeniably good at talking her way out of bad situations.
She nodded her head to Jace’s word, watching him step out of the cover of the shadows and into the middle of the road. Her heart pounded with fear for the boy, just waiting for someone to snipe him from afar or call him out for not belonging here - but what he heard was much worse. A low rumble reverberated throughout the city, the force so much that it nearly shook the ground. The monotonous beat of the soldier’s marching feet sent a chill down the girl’s spine, watching as waves and waves of uniformed Elites poured through the streets. Clearly their cover had been blown.
Coraline sunk back into the shadows, pressing her back tightly against the concrete wall of a building, reaching out to snag Jace’s hand as she squeezed it tightly. He’d nearly been caught, and now their mission to deactivate the chips was more important than ever. Without the element of surprise the rebels wouldn’t stand a chance.
As Jace turned to her with ice in his eyes, Cora gently reached out to brush the stray strands of dark hair from his eyes, pulling him down to press her lips to his one last time. She smiled at his fierce words, knowing he was only trying to protect her. “Same goes for you.” She quipped, stealing one last peck against his lips before they snaked their way into the large building.
Luckily for them, the tower was left mostly unguarded, but Coraline still worried about someone recognizing Jace for his treachery. Jace had been born and raised here, these people knew him and would spot him from a mile away. But Cora? She had only been in the city for a few weeks before she‘d had to slip away in the middle of the night. Wearing the guard’s uniform herself, she’d be nearly unrecognizable as any type of threat. “Keep your head down.” She whispered to Jace, raising her chin in mock confidence as she strode through the halls as if she belonged there.
The hub that they needed to access sat at the highest floor of the skyscraper, and the farther in Jace and Coraline went the more people they encountered. They looked the part that they were playing, so for the most part nobody said anything to them besides quiet nods of acknowledgement as the skirted past people in the halls.
However, as they reached the third sector of the five tiered building they were met with running guards, all of their gun’s drawn. “Identification.” One of the men barked. Coraline stepped towards him, hands cockily placed on her hips as she feigned arrogance. Maybe she’d taken a page from Jace’s book. “I’m sorry, have you forgotten who you’re speaking to? What’s the meaning of this?” She snapped, her voice holding an air of authority that she hadn’t even realized she possessed. “There’s been a breach ma’am, we’re trying to identify the location. Now I really need to see some ident-” The man tried to explain, but Coraline cut him off with a dramatic roll of her eyes, a sound of exasperation leaving her mouth. “For christ’s sake, trying to identify? You’ve got to be kidding me.” She shook her head, glaring at the guardsmen with enough disdain in her gaze that she knew even her small form would seem the slightest bit intimidating. “Idiots - the breach is in sector one you numb-skulls.” She snapped, reaching out to pull his radio receiver from his chest, speaking into it. “Breach in sector one - all available units to sector one immediately.“ She spat into it, hearing it echo throughout all the hall as each guard received her message through the radio as she clipped the man’s back to his chest. “I said now!” She demanded, watching as the group of guards dropped there weapons and took off towards the staircase, along with most of the other remaining guardsman in the building.
Shooting a look to Jace, Coraline let out a shaky breath. So far they were safe. And lucky for them, most of the guards were running to sector one where they would surely launch an extensive search for the ’breach’, and Coraline and Jace were headed in the opposite direction, all the way up to five.
“Come on.” She whispered excitedly, wasting no time as she scurried up the stairs towards the control center.
monroe::
She couldn't help but smile as Coraline whispered jokes about Jace in her ear. Well, they weren't exactly jokes, considering they were very true. Jace was a numb-skull. Monroe knew Coraline would do great. She was built for stuff like this. Her friend was stealthy and slick. Coraline could weasel her way in and out of anything. Confidence in her friend boiled inside her as she stepped away from Cora, laughing as she jumped into Alex.
Her eyes slid to Jace -- whom she surely as hell would not be hugging, even if they were about to head to battle. But her gaze raked his and Monroe couldn't help the small surge that leapt in her heart as Jace warned her to be safe. "You too, prick," she called to him, smirking.
Leaning against Alex, Monroe couldn't help but to playfully roll her eyes as Cora firmly demanded Alex to keep her safe. "I think it's the other way around," Monroe laughed, nudging Alex. As he friend's disappeared into the trees Monroe found herself clenching her fists at her sides, staring after them until their bodies were one with the trees. This could be the last time she ever saw them -- and it hit her just now.
Breathing heavily, Monroe kept her eyes locked on the way her two friends had left in -- as if they would magically reappear. Alex's kiss to her took some of her edge off, but even his touch didn't soothe her mind. Locking her jaw, Monroe finally began moving with the group again, taking glances backwards to that spot just in case.
It was only a few hours until they reached the edge of the city. Monroe and Alex made their way into the front of the lines by Jedd, the large slew of rebel soldiers hastily pressing forward behind them.
Passing through that godforsaken desert was the hardest part and a layer of dark dust had covered everyone. Monroe had covered her mouth and nose with that same raggedy bandanna she wore when she first entered the city. It was as if history were repeating itself. A gun was holstered in her waist band along with a few knives. Her bow and arrows were strapped to her back and lust for revenge kissed her eyes. She looked like a warrior.
As the group kept heading towards the entrance into the streets, Monroe stopped suddenly. "Do you hear that?" She said to Alex, placing a hand on his chest to stop him as well. Jedd seemed to hear it too and he raised an arm in the air, signalling to stop the army. A low rumble echoed across the land and it grew louder and louder by the second. Monroe stepped forward slightly with brows furrowed, leaning into the sound that came from the city. Squinting her eyes through the sun, Monroe began to notice a large dark mass that was headed towards them, rushing through the streets. Inching a little closer, her light eyes immediately widened as she saw masses of Elite warriors headed -- running -- towards them in formation. "Oh my God," her voice broke as she turned to Jedd and Alex. "They knew we were coming." For once fear flooded Monroe's eyes as she turned back to the Elite forces that were growing closer and closer with every second.
A simple nod from Jedd as he turned to face the army was all it took and the rebels went flying towards the city.
jace::
"I heard that," Jace joked to Coraline as he watched the girls embrace. He caught Monroe's eyes and nodded to her. He would keep Coraline safe if it was the last thing he'd do. He knew what his duty was and he didn't blame Monroe for being concerned. He would be the same way.
Grabbing Alex's hand after he had finished saying his goodbye to Cora, Jace hugged him tightly, slapping him on the shoulder as he peeled back, smiling at him. "Don't do anything stupid," he told the boy, smirking as he grabbed Coraline's hand that lingered by him. Glancing at an uneasy Monroe, Jace met her eyes and nodded. He wouldn't press his luck on trying to get a hug out of her -- he had already been shocked that she'd given one to Coraline. "Keep yourself safe, Monroe," he told her. They both exchanged a look and he swear he saw a glimmer of kindness mixed with worry in her eyes towards him. Ah, the Ice Queen did have a heart.
As he and Coraline retreated into the woods, Jace waved once to Alex and Monroe and then to Jedd who stood at the beginning of the group. Their journey went by quickly, Jace making sure to take small breaks when they needed to in case Coraline became out of breath. The heat was unrelenting and they were covered in sweat by the time they reached the edge. They both sat near large bushes, covered by ferns and the giant trunks of trees as well. Jace could see the guards patrolling between the buildings. They could do this -- they weren't expecting them.
Grinning at Coraline's words, Jace nodded and slowly crept out of the trees, her hand in his. "It's so... ugly," he chuckled. Truly the city might have looked appealing to outsiders seeking refuge. But Jace had grown up inside the City of Light, between the buildings and the alleys. They were his home but after embarking on this journey with his friends, he would much rather have the view of the forest than a skyscraper. Releasing Coraline's hand to hold his gun against his chest, the pair continued to sneak into the edge of the city, Jace scanning every direction for eyes of the guards. They had doubled up their forces, it seemed. Probably no thanks to the stunt Alex and he pulled.
His body was rigid but quick as he ducked behind building after building, being sure to keep Coraline as close as possible. "We have to head for that main skyscraper, right in the heart of the city - where we took you and Monroe in," Jace whispered, nodding his head towards the large building. "I'll check and make sure the coast is clear before we head in, okay?" He looked at her, stray pieces of his dark hair falling into his eyes. Clenching his rifle tightly, Jace peered around the building they were hiding behind. He took a few steps out into the open, basically a sitting duck. Just as he was about to turn to Coraline to urge her to come out, footsteps started to parade through the streets.
Sprinting back to the building breathing heavily, pressing himself against the wall with so much pressure he might melt into it, Jace placed a finger to his lips. Around the corner of the skyscraper came rows upon rows of Elite marching in formation. Their black heavy gear shining in the sun. Their faces were smug as weapons of every sort were strapped to them. They kept coming and coming. Hoards and hoards of Elite, most of which he knew, piled through the main street of the city, heading right towards the edge -- where the rebels would soon be.
They had no element of surprise. Some how -- some way -- they knew the rebels were coming. And they were ready for them.
"Shit," Jace hissed through clenched teeth as he watched them file down the street. This was bad, this was very bad. Jace knew that he and Coraline had to hurry, to try and stop this before the battle even begun. "Okay, we have to move," he turned to her, eyes cold. "If I say run, you run. Okay? You run as fast as you can and you don't look back." Grabbing Coraline's hand tightly, Jace snaked them through the remaining buildings that stood between them and their destination. Thankfully, since all of the guards and Elite were in the army, the doors were unguarded. Granted, Jace figured that getting in would be the easy part. But once they were inside it would be a whole different game.
Gripping her small hand tightly, Jace led them to the back entrance of the training arena and through the glass door.
alexander ::
Alexander smiled excitedly at Jedd’s miniature speech, nodding his head in agreement. He agreed with every word the older man said, and it had brought a rush of confidence to Alex as well. He felt good about this, and he knew that he had made the right decision by coming here. They were about to change their lives, and for once be able to write their own future Instead of having some tight-assed official in an office decide it for them.
As the group seat off, Alex fell into a steady rhythm of joking around with the other rebels and teasing his friends. His arm was either lazily slung across Monroe’s shoulders or holding her hand, happy to receive her outward display of affection. Monroe had never been much into PDA, and so her frequent reaches for his hand or just his touch had left him incredibly pleased, and in a particularly good mood.
The day’s long journey had passed rather quickly, and Alex’s blood ran hot as they neared the edge of the city. He grew giddy as the thought that here they were, sitting just outside of the fabled City of Light, and they didn’t even have a clue that the biggest rebel horde the world had ever seen sat just outside their gates. It put things in perspective for him - maybe the city wasn’t nearly as strong as he’d always believed it to be.
Hearing Jace’s murmured words drew his attention, raisin his eyebrows as everyone connected that Coraline would be going with him on his covert mission into the city. He couldn’t say that he was exactly surprised, and he knew where Jace’s head was likely at when making that decision - he wouldn’t be able to focus without knowing Coraline was safe, and the only way to ensure her safety was to keep her with him. He felt the same towards Monroe.
Alex was surprised to see that Monroe didn’t pitch more of a fit at the announcement. He’d fully expected her to demand Cora stay with them on the battle field, always wanting to look out for her closest friend - maybe it was just instinctual at this point after they’d spent so long just barely surviving with each other. He supposed it showed quite a bit of trust for the blonde to leave her best friend in Jace’s care during one of the most dangerous things they’d ever done.
He watched he girls hug, letting out a shocked laugh as Coraline left into his own arms as soon as she let go of Monroe. Everyone knew Cora was a bundle of affection, and he chided himself for thinking he would get away without a hug from her. “Stay safe kid.” He laughed, releasing the petite girl to go back to his friend. Turning his eyes to Jace, he put out his hand, clasping hands with him and pulling him into a hug. Alex embraced his brother tightly for a few seconds before stepping back, watching as Coraline slipped her hand into his.
“See you guys on the other side.” He said, waving as the two departed on their own little mission.
Alex released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding, wrapping his arm around Monroe and pulling her against him, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. It was just a matter of time for them now.
coraline ::
Coraline’s nerves were eating her alive, and she couldn’t shake the unyielding urge to just turn and run back to the safety of their little tin home, but Jedd’s hopeful words had done a world of good for her, easing her mind enough for her to find her resolve once again. This was the right thing to do. This was their future. They would be a part of history, and they would be on the right side of it.
Cora had never been much of a fan of traveling. Unlike her spunky blonde counterpart, Cora preferred to find a safe space too call her own and stay put. However today’s journey didn’t seem half bad, and the day’s long travel had flown by. Everyone was in good spirits and joking around with one another, which made the trip much more bearable. Her eyes alternated between each of her three friends, trying to memorize the details of each of their faces. Being with them made her stronger, and she sure as hell needed to soak in as much strength from them as she could right about now.
As the group pulled to a stop just outside of the city and still within the dense coverage of the trees, Coraline shot a quick glance in Jace’s direction, knowing what was coming. His words a few moments later came as no surprise, and she slowly nodded her head in acknowledgment.
Coraline turned to face Monroe at her exclamation, giving her a sad smile as she filed her arms around the blonde in the tightest hug she would muster. Monroe wasn’t known for these spontaneous moments of affection, so she wanted to take advantage of it while she could. “Couldn’t trust that numb-skull to get the job done by himself.” She teased, biting back tears as they welled in her eyes. She’d gotten so used to having Monroe at her side that it was hard to imagine leaving her now, moments before the biggest fight of their lives. “We all know that I’m the brains behind this operation.” She joked, referencing her and Jace’s pairing for the mission.
Finally releasing her friend from her tight grasp, she passed Monroe one more encouraging smile. She turned to Alex next, pulling him into a tight hug as well. No one was safe from her affection, not when they were all about to go off and risk their lives with no promise that they’d see each other on the other side of this thing.
Coraline tried her hardest to stay optimistic as she released Alex from her grip as well, stepping back to Jace’s hand and slipping her hand in his. “Keep here safe.” She told Alex firmly. “Not that she needs it, but still.” She finished, passing Monroe a wink before setting off with Jace.
The pair skirted the tree line for a few miles until they reached the opposite side of the city from where the rebels would enter. While the group of rebels would launch an attack and cause hysteria inside the city, Jace and Coraline would sneak in from the other side, blending in as long as they could to try and get access to the control room in the heart of the headquarters. As long as everything went as planned, it looked seamless - but when was the last time anything went according to the plans for them?
Currently Coraline sat crouched just outside of the city in some thick vegetation, looking over the scene in front of them. Just a few yards away sat the same old dirt road that Coraline had met the boy that she loved on so long ago. It almost felt like an eternity ago, a whole different life from where she stood now with him. “Look familiar?” She whispered, turning bright eyes over to Jace as she grinned up at him. It almost felt nostalgic, and it only felt right that they’d be starting their new lives in the same place she’d thrown her old one away so long ago.
monroe::
She eyed Alex deviously as his eyes skimmed over her and her new look. Monroe chewed on her bottom lip gingerly as his strong arms reached out to her, tugging her close to him. Maybe the war could wait for about ten more minutes, that's all she would need with him right now. A sighed escaped her lips as he kissed her deeply, feeling his tongue explore her mouth and lips. However, her paradise was short lived as he soon pulled away, leaving the taste of him on her lips as she pouted. "I don't care what they say..." she grumbled, following him out the door unwillingly.
Monroe turned her attention to Coraline as she walked beside her. A light smile toyed on her face as she said, "I've been waiting for this day for a long time." It was true, she had been. Today would be the end of it all, what she had been fighting and training for. And she was ready.
Monroe took in Jedd's words and nodded to the man as he spoke. She in reality should be thanking him. He started this for them -- for everyone. Because of him their lives would be forever changed and she was so grateful for that. Monroe owed that man everything.
As they walked through the forest, Monroe constantly found herself reaching for Alex's hand or brushing his shoulder, just to feel the weight of his body against her or his rough calloused hand in hers. She made sure to eye Coraline, her sweet friend that had been there since the beginning of all of this -- her faithful companion. Whether if they were indeed marching into a massacre -- their own death -- she wasn't certain. What she was certain of that these were her people, and she wouldn't rather be doing this with anyone else.
Glancing up at Jace as he stopped, her mouth practically gaped open at his words. "Wait we?" She looked between Jace and Coraline. Monroe didn't know that Coraline would be going into the city with him. It shook her to her core. Clenching her jaw, Monroe looked at her friend wide eyed. "You didn't tell me you would also be going inside." She wasn't mad, she was worried. Sneaking in to enemy territory was probably even more dangerous than being out on the battle field. Monroe was already nervous that Jace was going, but now that her best friend was going with him made her stomach roll. Without warning, Monroe quickly ran over to Coraline and wrapped her small frame into a bone crushing hug. This was completely out of the norm for someone like Monroe, but she didn't care.
War, she could face. Losing her best friend? Not a chance.
Stepping back, looking Coraline over, Monroe brushed a hand through her dark hair. They had fought together for so long. They were in sync with each other's movements and could speak without words. This would be different for Monroe -- for both of them -- not fighting with each other. She didn't know if she was ready for it.
jace::
He could get used to this. Them brushing their teeth together, waking up together in the morning with sunlight kissing their skin and their hair ragged and in disarray from last nights activities. This was what he was fighting for -- this was all he ever wanted. Snaking his arms through her waist after he finished brushing his teeth, Jace grinned as Coraline kissed him lightly. "Kingston now, huh? Usually I'm only called that when I'm in trouble," he passed her a playful wink, nipping at her nose. "Have I been naughty, love?" A chuckle rose in his chest as he brought his lips down to hers whispering, "I love you so much."
Jace wished he could hold onto that moment forever, but as summer air coated their skin outside along with all of the other rebels, Jace knew that a feeling like that wouldn't come around again for a while.
As Coraline laced her fingers through his and gave his shoulder a light kiss, Jace squeezed her hand back. Looking down at her as they walked he studied her again. Memorizing every single part of her and what she looked like in this moment, tucking it away for later.
Slapping Alex's shoulder in unison as his friend did to him, Jace smirked, nudging the boy. "Today's the day," he said to him as they reached Jedd. Jace smiled at the older man and part of his chest began to ache. This was the biggest day of Jedd's life -- of everyone's life. Today would determine everything going forward -- whether they lived or died. Jace could see the confidence in Jedd's wrinkled eyes and that eased his spirit, but he couldn't deny the fact that he was absolutely terrified to lose the only father figure he'd ever had.
Passing the boy a small smile, as if he could read his thoughts, Jedd ruffled Jace's hair once. "You definitely pass, I almost shot you," he laughed, turning his attention towards the group. "Thank you all for fighting with us, we are making history today and you are standing on the right side of it. All of you," the last words we meant for Jace and Alex as his eyes darted between the two boys before he headed into the forest, leading the way.
Usually walking through the humid forest all day would leave Jace exhausted and out of breath. But he didn't feel any of that today. The readiness he felt -- the desire to win this damn thing hurdled itself through any weaknesses he might be facing. The energy poured over him, never faltering. It seemed to have manifested over everyone. Their large army full of rebels was quickly moving through the trees -- they would reach the edge of the city in no time.
Stopping for a moment, Jace eyed the area. They were close, they were so close. Turning to face his friends, he swallowed. "I think this is where we should head out," his eyes darted to Coraline for a moment, checking if she had any second thoughts about coming with him. He was more than positive they would eventually find trouble while they were turning off the poison. Jace wasn't and idiot and he knew they would have to kill plenty of Elite on their way. He and Coraline would be taking a different route into the city than the rebels would be.
All about the element of surprise.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous as all hell to leave Alex and Monroe. The brother that he had always wanted -- his best friend. And Monroe, the stubborn warrior and the most selfless person he knew. Jace studied them as he did with Coraline earlier. Memorizing their faces. Just in case. This could be goodbye for all they knew.
alexander ::
Alexander looked over Monroe’s reflection in the mirror as she dressed in her old training uniform from the city. He’d be lying if he said he weren’t attracted to the sight, but maybe that was just the old guardsman in him coming back to the surface. To be completely fair though, he though Monroe looked good in just about anything she wore.
“Hey!” He exclaimed as her delicate little fingers plucked his knife from his grasp, However, he couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows at the girl as she began hacking away at her clothing. She was such a peculiar girl, and every time he thought he’d figured her out she surprised him yet again.
He grinned at her as she stuck her tongue out, slipping his old knife into the belt of her panuts, clearly insistent on keeping it. “I like the look.” He purred, catching the blonde by her newly exposed waist and tugging her to him. He wanted to take advantage of every last minute of their peace, and so he pressed a long, deep kiss to her lips, running his tongue against her bottom lip and giving it a playful nip before pulling away. “What do they say about always leaving them wanting more?” He toyed, finally pushing himself up and pulling her to the door where they met their friends and proceeded to the center of the camp.
He was amazed at the sight before him, a mass of rebels larger than anything he’d ever seen, all toting a variety of weapons and chatting away they all readied themselves for the upcoming war. This was what he had dreamed of for so long - for a rebellion as strong as this one to march on the corrupt city that he’d once been a part of.
Finally he turned his eyes to Jace, sharing an excited look with him as the group of rebels moved forward like a massive herd into the woods.
This was it. This was their destiny.
coraline ::
Coraline was in probably the deepest sleep she’d had in months when she stirred awake to the feel of Jace’s hot breath sliding against the sensitive ear of her skin. ”Mmm.” She hummed, rolling onto her back to get a better look at the male as he rose out of bed and began getting ready for their day ahead. Cora decided that she’d like to wake up to Jace’s whispered words against her ear every single day for as long as she could. There was no better way to start her day.
Cora yawned lightly watching Jace move to the mirror as he attempted to shave his stubble with a dull knife and a bar of soap. She smiled lightly, finally climbing out of bed and tugging on her matching set of training clothes. It’d been forever since she’d last worn them, but the feeling of the thick but breathable fabric felt good against her skin.
The girl sidled over to the sink, scootching in beside Jace so she could brush her teeth while he tried to shave. She smirked up at him after she’d rinsed her mouth smiling wildly as Jace flashed her his own goofy grin, inquiring about his new look. “Just like the good old days.” She confirmed, slipping her arms around him for one last kiss before they set out for the day. “I love you, Kingston.” She teased, pressing another quick kiss against his lips.
Grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder, Coraline let Jace pull her out of the door of their little home, meeting Monroe and Alex out front. She smiled at Alex’s friendly greeting - he was almost always in a good mood, but today he seemed especially upbeat, with a little extra pep in his step.
“Ready for this?” She asked Monroe jovially, sharing a glance with her friend as they approached Jedd at the center of the camp.
Reaching down, Coraline slipped her hand into Jace’s, turning her head to press a kiss against his shoulder as the massive group of rebels all headed out of the camp together. Cora had never seen such unity amongst a group of people, and she was glad to have been a part of something so revolutionary.
monroe::
She stared at the ceiling above while Alex described their future. She couldn't control the small smile that fiddled across her lips as he talked about his home. She would love to see it someday. Whether she would wasn't certain. But, she would definitely hope to. "I would love that, Alex," she turned to him, grinning. "As long as Jace and Coraline stay at the opposite end of the house," she joked, giggling. "I swear I never know what to expect with those two."
She didn't ask why his mom and dad had separate wings of the house, not wanting to pry. She figured she had tested her limits with risky questions for the day. Monroe decided that it was probably best to leave out that she's never had a proper home. A place to always fall back to. Ever since she was born she and her family bounced from village to village until she was the only one left. It didn't bother her, it was just... different. Monroe never knew the feeling of having a safe place, a refuge. She found that in people. Very few people.
Sleep over took her body soon after it did to Alex's. She remembered staring at his gentle face as he slept soundlessly next to her, but then nothing else. She awoke to Alex's presence leaving the bed and she sighed at the loss of warmth. Forcing herself out of bed, Monroe stood and stretched, yawning lightly. She made her way to the dresser and rummaged through her clothes. However, her mind flicked back to the training clothes she had stuffed in her bag the day before. "Oh, what the hell," she muttered under her breath as she tugged on the thick kevlar clothing set. It was thick and offered a lot of protection. Plus, Alex said it made her ass look good so there was that.
But, as she looked in the mirror in between Alex shaving, she furrowed her brows at the sight of her. She looked too Elite. She wasn't Elite -- she didn't want to be Elite. She was Monroe -- a simple human girl. And she wanted revenge. Snatching Alex's knife out of his hand after her was done shaving, Monroe began hacking at the kevlar. She cut the bottom of the shirt off, leaving it cropped and exposing her stomach. Then, bringing the knife to the sleeves, she sawed off the long tight sleeves that constricted her arms, making a sleeveless tank top of some sorts. Monroe wasn't Elite and she was proud of it -- why not make it known who she was? A rebel.
Small cuts where the knife scraped against her skin made their appearance, bleeding lightly. Placing the knife in her mouth, Monroe quickly tied her hair up in a messy ponytail, still never learning how to properly tie back her thick long locks. Sliding the knife into a holster in her waistband, Monroe refused to give it back to Alex as she stuck her tongue out at him. She then took in his look.
He looked almost exactly like he did when she met him. That clean shaven, handsome guardsman. Little did she know then that the boy that rescued two struggling girls would be with her now -- about to fight in a war with her against his own kind. She was honored. They really were on the same team after all. "Don't shoot!" She mocked their first meeting with the boys, holding her hands up to him, smirking.
As Alex reached for her hand and dragged her out of the house, she quickly grabbed her bag and tried to snatch one more glance of their small home. She knew she wouldn't know such luxury for a while -- if ever again. Turning to face Jace and Coraline, Monroe made sure to pass her faithful friend a longer look. This is what they had been searching for. It was finally here and they were doing it together. She smiled softly at her friend as they headed towards Jedd.
They could do this.
alexander ::
For the first time ever, Alex found himself envying the female body for being able to have multiple climaxes in a row - because if that were something he was ale to physically sustain, there would be no chance at them catching any sleep tonight. He smiled gently as Monroe murmured a compliment his way, her sneaky little self still slowly grinding her hips into him. The movement elicited a low groan to emit from his lips, shaking his head as he stared at the girl beneath him. Evil. She was absolutely evil
Eventually Alex dropped back down beside Monroe, laying on his side to face her as twisted a lock of her hair between his fingers while she described what she pictured for their future. He smiled fondly, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead before falling back on his back, stretching his arms out wide as he made himself comfortable.
“I figured we would take my estate.” He mused, running his hand along his chin. Alex figured that there was no way both him and his father would survive this war - and he fully planned on making sure he was he one to survive, meaning the entire estate would fall to him. “It’s way too big for both us, and mom and dad had separate rooms in different wings of the house, so I thought maybe Jace and Cora could stay with us for time.“ He murmured with a shrug, turning his head to face her so he could see her reaction to his plan. He’d spent quite a bit of time dreaming about what life would be like when they finally took back the city, and at this point he nearly had every aspect of their future planned out to a tee.
It didn’t take Alex long to drift into sleep once he shut his eyes, and the morning had come much too soon for his liking. Alexander had never been much of a morning person, but for maybe the first time in forever he was actually excited to start his day. Today they would go to war, today they would take back the city.
After a big stretch Alexander slowly slid out of the bed, snagging the old pair of training clothes he’d left set out for the morning and tugging them on. The familiar feel of the kevlar just felt right against his skin, and while he had just shaved yesterday, if he were going to wear the clothes he wanted to look the part. Standing in front of the mirror Alex used his trusty old knife to shave off the light shadow that had begun to grow across his jaw - thanks to hit time spent back in the village, he’d nearly perfected the art of shaving with a pocket knife.
Combing his fingers through his hair, Alex turned back around to grin at Monroe, “Just like old times, eh?” He teased, walking over to press a kiss to her head. “Now come on, I’m sure the others are waiting on us.” He insisted, snagging her hand to drag her from their little home - he sure as hell wouldn’t miss it.
Adjusting his bag on his back, Alex approached Coraline and Jace who were both already outside and looking rather chipper. “Mornin’ friends.” He greeted cheerfully, smacking Jace’s shoulder as he follow him to the center of the camp where they met an eager looking Jedd.
jace::
His sleep came quick and swift. He had underestimated how tired his body actually was. Coraline's body intertwined in his, her soft deep breathing of sleep was soothing and for a moment, he forgot that they had a war to win. Her smile while he talked about their future together lit a fire inside of him. Hope emerged in his heart and Jace knew that they would make it. They all would. They had to.
The early morning sunlight cause Jace to flinch slightly as he opened his eyes. He could already hear footsteps of other rebels outside as they readied themselves for the day. It took all of his willpower to rise out of the bed. He knew that today would not be filled with peace as last night was. Jace knew that today would be filled with blood, loss, but more importantly, vengeance.
Placing a light kiss on Coraline's forehead, Jace whispered in her ear, "Time to go kick some Elite ass." He smirked and he started dressing himself in his old kevlar training gear. He needed to look the part to sneak inside the city. It felt weird dressing himself in the enemies uniform. It made his stomach uneasy. Brushing his teeth quickly in the old dirtied mirror, Jace glanced back at a sleepy Coraline and he couldn't help but smile, toothbrush and all.
After rinsing, Jace looked at his scruff on his jaw. Elite were supposed to be clean shaven. Cursing under his breath, Jace frantically rummaged through his back pack, grabbing a small knife out of it. Using soap from the bathroom, Jace did his best to manage a clean shave. It didn't look awful. It wasn't as clean cut as it should be, but it would work. He stared at himself in the mirror for a moment. He looked like the old him -- before he even met Coraline or Monroe. Leaving the mirror, Jace eyed Coraline as she finished getting ready. "How do I look? Could I pass for the old asshole Jace?" A crooked smile unfurled across his lips as he grabbed his backpack and headed out of the door with his girl to meet Monroe and Alex outside. He took one last look at the little shack they called home, but then turned and didn't look back.
Jace saw Jedd down near the center of the camp. The man nodded at the group, a small smile on his mouth and determination in his eyes. Weapons were strung along his back and he looked like the fearless leader Jace had always known him to be, but with more passion -- more fire. It was inspiring.
coraline ::
As Jace moved his soft lips across her ear and neck, Coraline had half a mind to flip back over and pick right back up where they had left off only moments ago - however she could see the exhaustion riddled across Jace’s face, and that had really been the only thing that had saved him from having her jump his bones all over again. He needed to rest, especially considering the day they had ahead of them. Cora decided that she would be optimistic about things, and promised herself that the moment this damned war was won that she’d drag him to the nearest bed and have her way with him.
Coraline melted against his gentle touch, the feel of his fingers sliding up and down the length of her arm making her eyelids grow increasingly heavy. Hearing his soft words was the only thing that held her in consciousness , nodding along to them as he spoke. She could relate to his proclaimed nerves, but didn’t necessarily know that she was as ready as he was. But to be fair, Jace was a born and raised soldier and had probably came out the womb shooting a gun, so Cora tried not to compare herself to him too harshly.
Although hearing the gentle giant whisper about the future he dreamed about with her made Coraline’s heart swell, and once again she was blinking away happy tears before they could fall. It was like Jace had crawled inside of her head and taken the exact words she’d been thinking and spoke them into existence. “Sounds like a dream.” She murmured sleepily, sighing softly out of contentness.
This war would be the most strenuous test that the two of them would ever see, and Coraline was confident that if they could make it through this, they could make it through whatever else he future threw at them.
Coraline settled in against Jace, her eyes already closed as he requested that she get some sleep. “The same goes for you.” She insisted, rolling over so she could nuzzle her face into his chest. She drifted to sleep to the sound of his murmured proclamations of love, and the girl couldn’t have asked for sweeter dreams.
monroe::
Monroe knew very well that he could have easily beat her back to the house. While she may be strong and fast, he was biologically better than her in those aspects. However, the fact that she let him win boosted her a bit as she trotted into the house. That image of him licking his lips as she retreated away, looking at her as if she were a meal stuck in her mind. She was thankful Alex had the same amount of patience as she did to get his clothes off as he strolled inside. None.
She laughed as Alex threw her onto the bed. The usually patient and tender Alex was no where to be found right now. And Monroe didn't mind one bit. Her hands immediately wrapped around his neck as he caged her into him with his arms. His quick kisses across her face caused her to giggle and she latched her hands into his hair. As his kisses became deeper and more passionate, Monroe moaned lightly. His kisses moving to her neck sending volts of electricity through her. Their relationship had remained as fiery and passionate as it was the first day they had met. "Enchanting, hmm?" She played, her hands traveling lower, past his navel, toying with what lay beneath. "That's a new one. I like it," she giggled.
As he discarded her own shirt, Monroe's eyes followed him as his mouth traveled down her body, his fingers undoing her shorts effortlessly. Her eager hands tugged at his remaining clothes and she finally finally smiled as he rid himself of the unwanted fabric. Monroe opened her mouth to counteract his words but instead of a smartass remark, Monroe moaning his name replaced it as his kisses landed in between her thighs.
As he rose back up, she wrapped her long legs around him as he entered her, her nails digging into his back at the pressure. She placed kisses across his neck and chest, nibbling at his skin softly as they made love. This night was special and they both made sure to make it that way.
After coming undone in his arms more times than she could count, Monroe held onto him tightly as they both finished. Night now overtook the sky, no more of the gold's and pink's that once floated above their heads. She could hear crickets chirping outside and the soft hum of the wind. Other than that, it was silent and peaceful. Running her fingers through his hair, looking up at him, she placed a long and slow kiss on his lips, still moving her hips on him slowly. "You are amazing," she cooed to him, smiling as she tugged his bottom lip between her teeth. "I have you in my web," she teased him, referring to his earlier statement. "Which means," another kiss, "after this damned war is over," another kiss, "I want to find a home. For us." She pulled back slightly, a hand tracing the outline of his exquisite face. "Not that this shack isn't lovely..." she eyed the small room around them and chuckled once. "But I want a safe space where we can grow old and wrinkly together. And where I can still kick your ass in archery."
jace::
He watched her as he spoke those words that practically leaped off of his tongue. The sight of her beaming caused a smile so big on his face that his cheeks hurt. As she ran a hand across his jaw and then brought her own lips to his, Jace made sure to have his kiss linger. His tongue running alongside her bottom lip. He loved her and she loved him. It was the way things were supposed to be. "Oh, I figured," he said, his voice husky as he nipped at her nose.
Jace didn't think he would ever forgive himself for walking out on her. But he also thought that it was a blessing in disguise as well. He was better -- better for her. She deserved the best.
Rolling off of her he stared up at the ceiling, relishing the moments he had spent with her throughout the night already. The way she moved against him, the way she sighed his name and her fingernails crawling into his back. The way they both released onto each other -- trembling and moaning. He was almost tempted to take her back into his arms and relive this night over and over again. However, Coraline's words roped him back into the moment.
Cuddling against her as she assumed her usual position against him, Jace kissed her neck and ear slowly before he spoke. His fingers ran a light trail up and down her arm as she did the same to him. "I know that I'm nervous. Nervous, but ready." He spoke to her softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want to live this life with you without having to worry about being killed every five minutes," he smirked lightly. "I want to have a long and happy life with you by my side. And if a war like this is necessary for that to happen, then I would face a thousand wars if that meant I was able to keep you here, safe next to me."
Sighing lightly, his arm wrapped tighter around her. "I want you to get some rest tonight, love. Tomorrow is a... big day." Kissing the side of her head once more Jace laid his head on the pillow next to her and softly shut his eyes, exhaustion winning this fight. "I love you." He whispered until sleep overtook him with the woman he loved in his arms.
alexander ::
Alex smiled softy as the blonde in his arms whispered that she loved him right back. He knew as much, but it was always nice to hear a bit of validation, especially while they were in such trying times. “Don’t apologize.” He responded, shaking his head in protest as he pressed a kiss to the top of the game. “No biggie, I know it was just a came. Just not a game I exactly trust myself with.” He admitted, tugging at a strand of her blonde hair playfully.
As he pulled them back in the direction of their little house, he was surprised to see Monroe skid around on her heel and face him while she still retreated backward. He quirked an eyebrow at her as she spoke, licking his lips as she spoke and then turned back around to take off at a run.
What a naughty little girl.
A laugh bellowed out of him as he shook his head, picking up his pace to jog after the girl. Alexander knew that if he really tried he would be able to catch her in a foot race - she was quick for a human, but still not quick enough to beat an Elite. However, the more primal part of him enjoyed the chase, and decided to let her have the win.
Alex grinned as he busted through the door shortly after her, kicking it closed behind him with his heel as he immediately peeled out of his shirt and threw it to the floor. “Come here.” He growled playfully, catching her by the waist and tossing her back into the mattress as if she weighed nothing at all.
Alex wasted no time in followed after her, crawling over her small body as he trapped her back to the bed. He peppered kisses across her face as he laughed, but the quick sloppy pecks soon turned to slower, deeper kisses as he forgot about their game and became much more focused on the tiny blonde beneath him. “You are absolutely enchanting, you know that?” He rumbled, moving his kisses from down her neck as he spoke.
The boy slipped his hands under her shirt, the fabric riding up as his hands explored more and more of her body. Eventually, he simply pulled it over her head, discarding it in a pile beside the bed. “I swear I used to be my own man.” He teased, lips slowly moving across her newly exposed chest. “But now..” Expert fingers reached to unbutton her shorts gently slipping them off. “I am completely and utterly entanged in your little web.” He finally finished, lips moving down her abdomen and past her navel - and then much lower.
After some time Alex was able to finish ridding himself of his own clothes, lips slowly traveling back up Monroe’s body as he positioned himself between her legs. He entered her slowly, a soft groan rumbling out of his chest as he pressed his face into the nook of her neck.
Alex had never been a particularly selfish lover, but if this was their last guaranteed night together then he wanted to make sure that it was particularly unforgettable for Monroe - and thus he worked diligently to ensure it.
coraline ::
Coraline released a shattery breath as she finally felt Jace between her legs, her head tilting back and eyes closing at the sensation she‘d been yearning for since their first impromptu kiss of the night. She was quickly overcome with emotion as they fell into a steady rhythm with each other, their lips hardly ever leaving each other’s body.
This was definitely a different experience than what their sex was usually like. Jace wasn’t a patient man, and Cora wasn’t particularly stoic when it came to their time spent together in bed either. Typically their nights together were rough and fast paced, born out of hours of pent up desire released all at once. But not tonight. Tonight was slow, and deep, and passionate. They took their time and just soaked each other in, pushing each other until they both came undone.
Tonight they didn’t just fuck - they made love.
Cora could hardly take her eyes off of him, devouring the boy with her gaze. She tried to memorize her favorite parts of him - the steely grey eyes that almost turned silver when he was in a particularly good mood, but also resembled storms when he was upset, the rough callouses of his work-worn hands that made her skin come alive with tingles, the little dimples that popped out in his cheeks when he smiled really hard, and all of the little scars scattering his well build body. Really, everything about him. She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring or if she would even survive it, but these were the memories she wanted burned into her mind if things went bad. These were the flashes of joy that the wanted to remember as she stared death in the face.
As they finished pushing each other over the edge, Coraline curled into Jace’s chest just as he reached out to tug her to him, her breathing slowly beginning to return to a normal pace. She smiled fondly at his words as he murmured that he would do anything he could to protect her tomorrow, and she didn’t doubt that he meant every bit of it. But she really hoped it wouldn’t come to that, because she knew that if it came down to it she wouldn’t let him put himself in danger for her. Cora wasn’t confident in her ability to take another human’s life when it came to battle, but she was confident in her willingness to give up her own if it meant protecting someone she loved. She’d never let Jace sacrifice his own safety for her, no matter how badly he may want to.
She cocked her head jus slightly as Jace became visibly frustrated with his own words, fidgeting for a moment before propping himself back above her as he finished his speech. Cora closed her eyes, biting her lip as the sweet words she’d felt for so long entered her ears. It nearly brought tears to her eyes, but she didn’t want to ruin this happy moment for them with tears. Instead, she reached up to gently cup his face, running her palms along the light stubble that had begun to grow along his jaw. “And I love you, Jace.” She murmured, rising up to press another kiss to his lips. Pulling away she passed the boy a playful smile, nuzzling her nose against his affectionatley. “Although I think you may have already suspected that.” She teased. If Jace had really stuck around watching her from the woods after he’d broken things off with her, then he would’ve seen how absolutely wrecked she’d been when he had left, and her attempts at friendship after his return had only been a faux cover for her true feelings.
Waiting until Jace dropped back down beside her, Coraline rolled to her side, pressing her back against he bigger male as she used his bicep for a pillow like she’d always loved to do. Cora skimmed her fingers along the length of his arm, sighing softly as her mind was once again invaded with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring for them. “Tell me where your head is at.” She murmured, snuggling closer into Jace’s side. “About tomorrow I mean..”
monroe::
She nodded at Alex's assumption about her wielding a bow tomorrow. "Someone has to protect your ass from afar," she smirked. glancing at the weapon. Her death she was comfortable with, anyone else's was not in the picture.
It hadn't dawned on her just how comfortable with death she had become. As if she were ready to welcome it as an old friend. Even as she stepped towards the bullseye, putting herself as the target and starring down Alex's arrow, it still didn't hit her. Either that, or she wasn't afraid. She narrowed her eyes as he said her name, her lips pressing into a thin line.
Monroe eyed him as he strolled over to her, her arms now crossed over her chest. She didn't move towards him, but even she couldn't hide the small smile on her lips as he kissed her forehead then her nose. As the boy pulled her into a bone crushing hug, she eventually raised her arms, hugging him back. "I love you too, Alex..." Her actions were finally hitting her, what she had expected him to do. She was an idiot. Monroe had become so numb to the idea of dying that she had expected Alex to put himself and her in a ridiculous and maddening situation. As if they hadn't gone through enough already. "I'm sorry." She told him, her actions setting into her.
Her eyes found the rising moon on the horizon as she hugged him. Night was slowly unfolding over them. Their last night possibly together. Alex took the words right out of her mouth as he began tugging her back through the camp towards the house, a mischievous grin on his mouth and his eyes shining. Smirking up at him she started ahead of the boy, turning around on a heel to face him as she walked backwards. "Only if you can catch me first."
And with one of those signature 'Come and Get Me' looks, Monroe bolted and took off towards the house, laughing as night set into her skin. Her blonde hair bustled in the summer wind, her boots kicking up dust as she turned her head slightly to see Alex behind her. The sunset was beautiful as it covered him. Pink and orange and gold covered the sky and there wasn't a cloud in sight. If she could've pictured the perfect last night before uncertainty -- this would be it.
Throwing out the makeshift metal door, Monroe flew herself inside the home. Her laugh echoing throughout the camp.
jace::
Coraline moaning his name sent him over the edge and he practically shivered at the sweet sound. The feeling of her fingers pulling on his hair, the feeling of her legs wrapped around him, it was heaven on earth.
As Coraline claimed that his other love marks were still visible he chuckled against her soft skin, placing a soft kiss on her chest before murmuring, "Your point?" His lips soon found hers again and he growled as he felt her nails dig into his skin. It was welcomed pain that only drove him deeper into his frenzy. Her hands on his body was a feeling he would never grow tired of. Never.
The pause between their kissing had Jace's eyes roaming across Coraline's face, searching for any sign of regret. Watching her nod at his question and quickly discarding her shirt, Jace's eyes darkened and he wrapped an arm around her as she arched her back into him, kissing deeply once more.
Jace began to slow down his pace. This could very well be their last night with each other and he wanted to take his time with her and savor every moment. He was never a very patient man, but this was a circumstance that he was willing to make an exception for. Jace slowly slid off her pants, keeping eye contact with her. He grinned as he discarded them to the floor, doing the same to his own.
Hovering above her, Jace traced his fingertips around her features, his eyes glazed over as he studied every inch of her. The freckles that covered her nose and part of her cheeks. Those big blue eyes deeper than the Atlantic. He wanted to say it. He wanted to say what he had been thinking so fucking bad but he couldn't. He didn't want to put that pressure on her, not in the position they were in. So he just showed her instead.
Pressing his lips against hers again, Jace nibbled her bottom lip lightly as he slid into her. He sighed her name lightly as they became one and he grabbed her thigh, wrapping her leg around him. He was patient and he took his time with her. Jace cupped a hand on the back of her neck and showed her the thoughts that ran through his mind every time he looked at her. He showed her until night crusted the sky and darkness began filling their small home.
As they both reached their end, Jace continued to hold her against him until exhaustion started to take over his body. He hadn't slept the night before and he knew he needed rest to be able to fight and focus. Moving to the side, a thin layer of sweat glistening on his body, Jace pulled Coraline into his chest, kissing the top of her head. He ran his fingers through her dark hair, almost forgetting how short it actually was now. "I know you don't need it and you are the strongest woman I have ever met, but I promise I will protect you with everything I have, Coraline." His voice was quiet but his words had weight to them. "You mean everything to me. I-" he cut his own self off, exhaling in frustration.
This was torture keeping his feelings to himself and Jace had had enough of it. Rolling back on top of her, Jace propped himself up on an elbow, brushing stray hairs away from her face. Studying her again, his eyes burning with the words he had wanted to say since he left months ago, he finally caved and finished his sentence. "I love you." His jaw clenched and his gaze still locked on hers. "I have always loved you and I have never stopped loving you."
alexander ::
Alex smirked slightly as Monroe reminded him that he knew exactly what it was like to be on the receiving end of one of her arrows. While she hadn’t caused much damage at all, Alexander knew that she was more than capable of inflicting quite a bit of hurt on whatever her target was.
He offered her a playful smile as the blonde teased him about his shot. “Never.” He chided, shaking his head at her words. “You know you could outshoot me any day.” He reminded her, watching as she let her own arrow fly, it sinking into the target with a vengeance. “I’m assuming you’ll be taking your bow tomorrow?” He guessed, quirking an eyebrow in her direction. In all honesty he couldn’t picture her with any other weapon anymore after witnessing her skill and fondness for the bow.
Hearing her weary words of hope towards Jace’s plans didn’t surprise him, because he felt the exact same. There as no denying that tomorrow would likely be one of the most difficult things they’d ever have to endure, and Alex could only hope that they would all come out on the other side of it together and unharmed.
However, the quick change of Monroe’s mood drew his attention. “My aim is already impeccable, dear.” He challenged with a grin, watching as she slowly moved herself to stand in front of the target, the back of her head lining up perfectly with the bullseye.
This girl was insane.
“Monroe.” He said, his voice holding a warning as he eyed with a bit of unsureness in his gaze. He contemplated her challenge for a few moments - Alex was relatively sure he could hit the mark without even coming near hurting her, but the more rational part of his brain decided that he wasn’t going to go through with it, even if it made him seem like a weenie to the blonde.
Setting his bow back on the rack, Alexander slowly approached Monroe. He cupped her face in his hands once he reached her, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead, followed by a playful peck to the tip of her Nose. “I’d never play with our safety like that.” He murmured affectionately, pulling her to him so he could wrap her in a tight hug. “Even if it’s just in good fun - I love you, and I’d never be able to forgive myself if something went wrong.”
Releasing her from his grasp, Alex looked up to note the setting sun in the distance. “Come on, love.” He purred, tugging on her hand as he insisted she follow him as he headed back towards their house. “Let’s take advantage of our last night promised alive, eh?” He teased, wiggling his eyebrows at her as he cast the girl a playful grin.