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Post by Hallie Keating on Jul 16, 2015 21:29:20 GMT -5
Normally, sitting in the serenity and the peacefulness of the lake could automatically make Hallie feel better and lift her spirits...but after learning of the horrible incident with Theo, there was no way anything could ease the pain and guilt that had plagued her since the night before. It had happened two days ago, in the dining hall, and she hasn't been there to help him, or to stop him. Instead, Aedan, in his anger, beat him in front of many students, and didn't stop until Professor Holland had made him stop, or so she had heard.
Her wide, red-tinged eyes stared out into the waters of the lake in a stoic, almost lifeless manner. She could not protect Theo from anything, or anyone. He had been hurt because she had been foolish enough to tell him of what had occurred with Aedan. Hallie scoffed at herself, then threw her head into her hands. Why didn't she know better? Why couldn't she learn to do what was best for her, and for her loved ones?
One thing...she knew for certain; and that was she could never forgive herself for so carelessly letting Theo get punished for her problems. As painful as it was to think about, Hallie also would have understood of her sweet, soft-spoken cousin wanted nothing to do with her from that day on. Why would he? Why would he continue to put himself in that kind of position? This was all her fault, and she knew it. Why did she have to be such a stupid little girl?
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Aedan O'Brien
Fuego Student - Year 7
one for your tummy, one for your cheek, one for the devil inside of me
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Post by Aedan O'Brien on Jul 16, 2015 22:13:42 GMT -5
Well, Hallie had turned out to be a bit more of a firecracker than Aedan had ever intended. He left her gift - the lavish "apology" necklace - behind in his dorm room. He was far too angry to give it to her right now. Because of her big mouth, he'd had to teach the Head Boy a lesson and then have an incredibly uncomfortable interview with two people who wanted him dead. Not to mention the embarrassment of being interrupted in his beating by a fucking wop.
Was she more trouble than she was worth? He hadn't quite decided yet.
Regardless, there she was at the end of the pier, staring out at the water. At least the bitch wasn't happy at the moment. If she had been, he would have had to show her the error of her ways.
He approached slowly, hands in his pockets, irritation clearly written on his face. Aedan stopped a few feet behind Hallie and stood still, staring at her back.
"So. You set your cousin on me."
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Post by Hallie Keating on Jul 16, 2015 22:45:30 GMT -5
Oh, she was miserable. How would she ever get over the heartbreak she was feeling? A part of her wanted to run to Theo's dorm and spend the entire afternoon with him so that she could profess her apologies not once, not twice, but multiple times. It was really the least he deserved, after everything he had gone through...just for her.
The clear, quiet air around her suddenly buzzed with a deep, irritated voice, and Hallie knew without moving a single inch who exactly it was. She knew that, in him, she would not only have to face Theo, but him as well; and that scared her. If that was what he wanted, for her to fear him, he was certainly getting just that. All the spunkiness she once prided herself on was slowly fading from within her, only to be replaced with other feelings.
With a deep, heavy sigh, Hallie brought her hands away from her face to rest on either side of her; her blue eyes still wandering along the surface of the teal water. Mentally, she wanted to prepare herself for the worst...because it certainly was an option. As intelligent as she knew him to be, he was also unpredictable, especially when upset, and that frightened her.
"I assure you," she said in a hoarse, crackling tone, "that was not my intention. I had a moment of weakness and shared that weakness with a family member. It will not happen again."
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Aedan O'Brien
Fuego Student - Year 7
one for your tummy, one for your cheek, one for the devil inside of me
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Post by Aedan O'Brien on Jul 16, 2015 23:58:03 GMT -5
... What was this? Was she ... chastened? Or just behaving so? She had practically apologized and he hadn't even lifted a finger.
Well, shit. Maybe he should have brought the necklace.
Aedan was confused. It didn't happen often, and he did not appreciate it. It was important, however, to encourage such displays of humility, so he approached and sat down next to Hallie, looking into her eyes with no hint of malice communicated through his own. "You trust him, and he loves you. ... But then he made me angry. I hope he will not try it again."
Well, there was the truth of it. Aedan wasn't sure what else to say in that moment. He was still trying to get his bearings, feel his way through this situation, get a handle on Hallie's agenda.
Oh, how he would have preferred not having to find a wife, but alas ... the O'Brien family would need heirs, and Aedan certainly didn't want to leave it in Eoin's hands. Finley, perhaps.
Heath, well ... he didn't exactly hide his opinion of Aedan.
No, Aedan needed sons, which meant he needed a pretty Irish wife, which meant he had to play this ridiculous game.
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Post by Hallie Keating on Jul 17, 2015 0:34:30 GMT -5
The air around both of them became electric; buzzing with a kind of energy that was so palpable, she could have sworn she felt goosebumps raise on her forearm. Aedan finally stepped forward, then planted himself next to her on the dock? She flinched slightly, but attempted to cover the jerry movement by swinging some of her hair onto her back. Despite not wanting to believe him, Aedan was right. He spoke the truth, and she knew it. She knew Theo loved her enough to defend her, and she knew that if he ever tried to do it again, that it would be worse. No matter what, Aedan would always come out on top. He and his family were too powerful to let that be any different.
She stayed quiet for a few minutes; not responding to him in any way whatsoever. Her heart and mind were still bound to the overwhelming feeling of guilt and regret. Theo was suffering because of her! Wasn't it fair that she too felt the same kind of pain he felt?
Hallie exhaled loudly as her nerves tinged through her fingers and toes. Then, she built up the strength to look him in the eye, and began to say something she was sure would throw him a bit off his guard.
"I realize that what I've done is wrong," she told Aedan. "I've wronged you and I've wronged Theo. Please show me what happens when I've done something against your own wishes."
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Aedan O'Brien
Fuego Student - Year 7
one for your tummy, one for your cheek, one for the devil inside of me
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Post by Aedan O'Brien on Jul 17, 2015 1:31:01 GMT -5
A little furrow appeared between Aedan's eyebrows. She wanted him ... to beat her? But ... this was not the moment for that. She was contrite, she was humble, she was exactly what she should be.
Aedan always enjoyed physical violence, but he knew that, if he wanted to keep Hallie under his control, he couldn't simply beat her for no reason. And, right now, she was being perfectly pleasant. Even if she had wanted to berate him, there were no other people around to hear it.
"Why would I hit you as you sit here apologizing? I fail to understand that."
He reached out with one hand to stroke her gorgeously red hair, to trail a finger downward from her temple to her chin.
"Hallie ... I want you to understand that you are under my protection. And Theodore could be under my protection, too. I am not angry with you in this moment. Therefore, I see no reason to be hard.
"Was I angry when I came onto the pier? Yes. But you seem already to have come to the conclusion that agrees with mine. As long as we agree, or disagree only in private, I would not harm you. Does that make sense?"
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Post by Hallie Keating on Jul 17, 2015 2:10:41 GMT -5
Her own brows furrowed together at his response, and for the first time in a while, she found herself in a state of pure, utter confusion. So, had she misinterpreted him the whole time? Was he nothing but misunderstood? Hallie felt even more guilt flood into her stomach as she swallowed heavily while fighting the urge to not here or flinch away from his hand that slowly slid down her face. Although things between them were uneventful at the time being, she couldn't help but grow anxious and wonder when he would again snap out of anger or annoyance; leaving her with bruises and lacerations again.
With a slow, curt nod, she sighed, then lifted her head to meet his steel blue eyes, curiosity floating in her own. She understood that he desired to speak of private manners in private times, and because the area around the lake was desolate, there was really no more privacy they could already have.
"I do have a question..." she paused, moving her gaze away from him a bit. "About...well, the Antonucchis." Hallie finally said. "I'd be interested in knowing what is to be done. Maureen and Gawain-" She stopped again, collecting her composure, "they deserve justice."
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Aedan O'Brien
Fuego Student - Year 7
one for your tummy, one for your cheek, one for the devil inside of me
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Post by Aedan O'Brien on Jul 17, 2015 8:13:07 GMT -5
And now she was asking about family plans, about whether Gawain and Maureen would see justice ... and that was appropriate, really. A desire to see wrongs avenged ... well, that was significant.
Aedan's mother had never asked such things. She was so docile, so meek and willing to go along with Cormac's decisions. All she had been concerned about was the safety of her loved ones. Was that why she had birthed so many daughters? Aedan didn't know, but he had his suspicions.
Maybe a more fiery woman would birth more sons. Maybe that was why Aedan had copious sisters and was the only boy.
He felt a strange pang, though, thinking such things about his mother. After all, Annabel had spoken to her, and Aedan knew now that she was around - all the time - watching his every move. Nothing else could have come close to making him consider regulating his actions.
"There is a plan in place," Aedan finally replied, his hand making its way to Hallie's and squeezing. "I am not at liberty to share details, but they will be avenged. They will receive justice ... at least, the kind that is prevalent in families such as ours.
"Police, and state laws ... they do not mean much when it comes to such things. We depend on ourselves and on the justice we can wreak on a familial level."
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Post by Hallie Keating on Jul 17, 2015 12:26:57 GMT -5
She wondered if Aedan was able to sense her fear; certainly he could somewhat, judging by her body language. She tried to hold and carry herself as she always had, but ever since the past events in the forest, Hallie couldn't help but feel increasingly intimidated by him. Of course, that was probably what he wanted, to have power over her...that was certainly how she viewed her mother and father's relationship.
Hallie frowned slightly at his reply, but didn't elaborate any further. Pushing him for a specific answer clearly was not going to work. Either he believed her to be untrusting, or simply perhaps, unimportant, and didn't need to know the details of the justice they would inflict on the Antonucchi family. As long as Maureen and Gawain would be avenged in a civil, yet firm way, she didn't see a problem with it.
With a tight smile, she looked to him, and nodded her head. "Alright," she said softly, then, out of the spur of the moment, leaned forward to kiss his cheek lightly.
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Aedan O'Brien
Fuego Student - Year 7
one for your tummy, one for your cheek, one for the devil inside of me
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Post by Aedan O'Brien on Jul 21, 2015 0:05:17 GMT -5
She was telegraphing her fear, and it was important to assuage it now, when she was behaving obediently like a proper girlfriend. Aedan smiled softly when Hallie kissed his cheek, then scooted closer and wrapped an arm tenderly around her back. "I have a gift for you, but it is currently in my dorm room," he remarked. "Regardless, I hope you will like it. I believe that I am reasonably proficient at picking gifts for ladies, given that I have so many sisters."
He trailed his fingertips up and down her arm and, with the hand that wasn't wrapped around her, he entwined his fingers with hers before lifting her hand to place a lingering kiss on it. Women always responded well to such small gestures of affection, and Hallie, despite her willfulness and wildness, was still a woman.
"This is nice," Aedan remarked, looking out over the water. The cool breeze was perfect and caressed his face refreshingly.
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Post by Hallie Keating on Jul 22, 2015 18:30:42 GMT -5
It was nice...sitting side by side while overlooking the cerulean blue water of the lake. It would be nice, to be in a normal, stable relationship. It would be nice to not have to worry if she had done something wrong or said something out of hand. However, her wishes were just that. Wishes. That was certainly not the case, nor would it ever be. Still though, Hallie knew that if she was be to bite her tongue and please him, that Aedan wouldn't be harsh, cold, or unforgiving towards her.
She played off an excited smile, then squeezed his fingers lightly. Was thus what he would always do? Shower her with affection and gifts as long as they were getting along? "You do?" Hallie asked excitedly. "You really don't need to do that, you know," she then said, her smile turning a bit coy. "Give me things. I'm content regardless."
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Aedan O'Brien
Fuego Student - Year 7
one for your tummy, one for your cheek, one for the devil inside of me
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Post by Aedan O'Brien on Jul 23, 2015 16:31:05 GMT -5
Her smile was strained, but Aedan was willing to overlook that fact. After all, there was bound to be an adjustment period. She had to learn how it would be, come to terms with it, understand what it meant to be in a relationship with a mob heir. He offered a half-grin, pulling her even closer beside him. "Of course I do," Aedan replied. "What worthy man doesn't shower his beloved with gifts?"
In reality, there was no love within Aedan for anyone but himself. Hallie was an accessory, a status symbol, something to be possessed and paraded around. But he understood what people needed to hear, and he was always willing to provide it.
"You might know one of my sisters already. She is a fourth-year Terra student - Janette 'Collins'? She is my sister. ... Of course, I am trusting you not to tell anybody. Her safety is important to me."
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Post by Hallie Keating on Jul 28, 2015 20:33:53 GMT -5
"What worthy man doesn't shower his beloved with gifts?"
Beloved...? Was that what he really thought of her? There wasn't a question in her mind that Aedan was moving far quicker than she was in the relationship they shared. Where exactly did he see all of this going? Would they actually end up together? The logical, reasonal part of her silently affirmed her thoughts. How could any of this end in anyone's favor? Aedan was a mob heir, for crying out loud! There was no simply "breaking up" or "leaving" him...not unless, of course, she wanted to be beaten to the brink of death. She was who she was, and she had obviously been picked because of that. Ending up with Aedan was no coincidence. She had been sought out and picked, like a prize steed for the winning.
However, the hopeless romantic in her couldn't help but hope and wish that things would be different; that he would grow to love her, or that she would grow to love him. With all the constant affections he showered her with, Hallie certainly wouldn't rule that out. Maybe, if she continued adapting to the situation, then she could end up in a semi-happy relationship.
Hallie's eyebrows then furrowed in thought at his question. She had recognized the name; Janette had been the name of a girl she had come across during Care of Magical Creatures. Her confused expression quickly turned into a more calm, indifferent one, and she nodded her head. "Yes, I know of her. She seems lovely. Why do you ask?" She then questioned. "Are you worried about her?"
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Aedan O'Brien
Fuego Student - Year 7
one for your tummy, one for your cheek, one for the devil inside of me
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Post by Aedan O'Brien on Jul 31, 2015 22:10:59 GMT -5
Telling her about Janette's identity had been a calculated choice. It communicated his trust in Hallie, especially after having given her no details regarding revenge plans. It was a piece of secret information that Hallie was expected not to share with anybody. It was designed to make her feel more included and more indebted to the family. She was now part of the efforts to protect her future sister-in-law.
Aedan shrugged. "No, not particularly. Her identity is still a secret, and therefore she is safe. I simply wondered if you knew her. She is a sweet girl, if a bit wild at times. I believe she wants to run off and become an actress. My father is ... not thrilled.
"I am not allowed to associate with her at school, especially now."
It was strange, really, to be so near her and unable to speak to her. Ah, well. At least Hallie could speak to her. "If you get a chance to speak to her, please give her my love."
Well ... where should he go from here? He could invite her up to the dorm for the necklace, and perhaps a bit of fooling around. If she knew what was good for her, she would come with him. Or they could simply sit here, looking at the water. It was, outwardly, a rather romantic thing to do. He turned his head, pressed his lips against Hallie's cheek for a lingering kiss.
Damn, he was horny.
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Post by Hallie Keating on Jul 31, 2015 22:42:22 GMT -5
Hallie listened like the proper, polished girl she had been raised to be as Aedan spoke of his family. In the past, when faced with particularly dull party-goers at her parents' get-togethers, she would often offer the illusion of of interest in a conversation, but that would only hold for so long and then she would, at often times, excuse herself to escape from boring adult-talk that threatened to make her fall asleep. Still though, she had mastered the trait of listening without speaking, and that was precisely what she was doing now; letting him talk without interfering or offering her own opinion.
She had never had a civil, professional conversation with his sister, but from what she had heard from others, Janette was, indeed quite lovely. Quiet and collected and poised; all of the things Hallie was now learning to be more than ever. The younger girl was, as far as she could see it, extremely loved by her family, and especially her brother. Although she hadn't had been blessed with siblings, Hallie new the feeling of familial love, and hoped that things between Janette and her own siblings would soon be resolved.
The silence that followed between them was calm and quiet, and Hallie sighed softly as her eyes scanned the other side of the lake. It was then she took in the sight of the large old oak trees swaying in the early autumn wind, and curiously wondered when the first snow of the year would fall. Her simple-minded thoughts were then stopped as she felt Aedan lean forward to press a long, lingering kiss onto her cheek. When he eventually pulled away, she managed a light blush, then smiled coyly at him, her hand reaching up to touch her cheek.
"You make me feel like a stupid little girl...blushing like I am," Hallie told him, laughing shyly.
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