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Post by Anya O'Brien on Aug 5, 2015 18:13:59 GMT -5
Anya stifled a blunt laugh at Aedan’s comment. His disapproval, no matter how concealed he managed to keep it, was noticed. “Very good,” she echoed, tipping back the rest of the champagne in her glass.
Twirling the empty chute about, she watched her wrist a bit before looking back at her brother. Maybe the glint of assumption was too bright in her eyes as hers locked with his. Before she spoke, she looked towards Hallie and then back to Aedan. Nodding, her brow now relaxed, she forced a smile. “Well, a few months is quite the achievement.”
She thanked the server who passed as she and Aedan reached for a filled glass. “Oh?” Anya hummed, lifting the drink to her lips. “Leaving me so soon? Well,” she started between sips, “you two must find me before departing!”
Hugging her brother first, she gave him a tight squeeze. She then moved onto Hallie. Making it out to appear as she intended to peck the girl’s cheek, Anya swerved so that the two were cheek to cheek. In Hallie’s ear, Anya whispered, “Don’t be afraid.” Sighing, she released Hallie and exchanged looks between the couple. “I mean it, I’d like to see you both before the night ends.” Waving to Hallie, her smile became faint.
So many damn redheads in this room. Maybe it was jealously, all of the O’Brien women, even those who weren’t related and merely worked for the family, were ginger. Anya’s hair was black, like the men.
She stood alone now, surrounded by others already deep in conversation. Suddenly, Anya felt as if it was a bad idea even coming tonight. Most of her aunts and uncles were already pissed she was even apart of the business, the argument she had with her father- if she was even allowed to call him that anymore- only would add to the older generation’s disgust.
Chugging the rest of her champagne, Anya decided it was time for something stronger, something more Irish.
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Kyra Reid
Hammer
Men and their cocks never cease to amazing me
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Post by Kyra Reid on Aug 5, 2015 18:52:54 GMT -5
Was there a moment she had felt weaker and more broken than this? Maybe when she got dragged him from the war? No.. no.. because Gawain was there when she got home. And the look he had... anger and total relief. And after he yelled at her for doing something so risky, for wanting to kill herself, then he hugged her so tight and cried into her hair; worried that he lost her.
But he never lost her, she lost time and that was not how it was meant to be. She was the reckless one, she was the one that was suppose to die young. Not him...
Fin started to speak in a ways that was more calming than she thought it would be and she looked down. Oh... oh fuck! Is this what happens when you put on a dress and get your hair and makeup done? You get all emotional? Oh god now she for sure couldn't go back into the Ballroom, it was bad enough people saw her dressed like a woman, if they see that she had emotional outside of being a badass... He wiped the tears from her cheeks and she blinked some. What was he doing?
He wanted to take her to his grave? Oh my god she didn't know where he was! Kyra blinked and swallowed before smiling some. "I- I would... that would mean the world to me Fin." He was so nice and so sweet and the way he looked at her.... Isn't this the sort of thing you do for people you really like? Not just your quirky working buddy?
Tonight she had to stay have enjoy herself? Could she even still enjoy herself after this? She thought for a second before nodding and wiping her cheeks. "Yeah alright... only if you promise me too thing, that no one will make fun of me for this and that your dance with me."
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Finley O'Brien
Bartender/Hammer
When the world goes to shit, I will still have my family.
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Post by Finley O'Brien on Aug 6, 2015 0:00:08 GMT -5
Kyra Reid / Cormac O'Brien / Maureen Brady-O'Brien / Anya O'Brien
Watching as she wiped her eyes, Finley smiled at Kyra, and rested his forehead on hers, his arms wrapped lightly around her waist. "Listen to me, Love. If anyone is going to laugh it is going to be at me, when they watch me dance. Even my own sister makes fun of me for it." When she had finally caught her breath, he stepped back and took her hands in his, "Right then, you ready?" He asked, pulling her along without waiting for an answer from her. Well he had to face the music sooner or later, why not make it sooner? He paused briefly, at the door to the ballroom and pulled Kyra tight into him again. Looking into her eyes, he smiled and nodded, as he stayed on her eyes. "You'll be fine, love. Just stay with me. I know these events are terrible." With a quick kiss on her cheek, he spun so they were side by side, and pushed the doors open.
Calmly he walked back in, Kyra close to his side, his arm around her, and his hand resting on the curve of her waist. He felt the eyes, and the burning daggers from his parents. Ignoring them completely, he took Kyra to the dance floor, and bowed to her, "Right, Love. Ready to make fools of ourselves?" Finley smiled, and nodded to hi sister, briefly, seeing she had managed to get Heath to dance with her. Looking back to Kyra, Finley took her hands, and pulled her close. Slowly they began dancing awkwardly, and more than slightly terribly to the music. Still though, Finley smiled as they stood close to each other, "Isn't that bad. At least I am with a beautiful woman, and an amazing person." His voice whispered in her ear.
Finley saw his Uncle as he danced, and nodded politely, before jerking his head towards Anya, then to the dance floor. Finley's blue eyes held a sharp edge, that he hoped his Uncle would at least humor him. The father and daughter needed to be together at least for a few moments. They needed to be reminded of who they were.
Soon though the music died, and Finley was left holding Kyra, staring into her face, watching the emotions dance in her eyes. Finley's ownb blue eyes searched hers, and he hesitated, then he leaned forward. His lips met hers, and for several breathless moments, Finley forgot where he was, what was going on around him, and the fact that his entire family was watching. When he pulled away however, his face turned as red as Maureens hair, and he coud barely speak, "Ah... so... Miss Reid... that was... Interesting..."
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Kyra Reid
Hammer
Men and their cocks never cease to amazing me
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Post by Kyra Reid on Aug 6, 2015 1:36:29 GMT -5
"Well at least you been dancing before. This will be my first time." She said taking a deep breath and swallowing, right she could do this. It's not that hard she just has to walk into the ballroom and act like there is no one there, even if there are alot of people there. He asked if she was ready and Kyra glanced back toward the exit but before she could say anything she was pulled back into the doorway of the ballroom and swallowed. She was then pulled in close to Fin, his eyes meeting her as she blushed more and nodded. "Yeah alright... and it's not to bad." A kiss to her cheek and she felt her heart jump somewhat, oh okay that was....
The door open before she had time to think about what was happen. She was taken out onto the dance floor and Fin bowed, and she swallowed and curtsied, or at least she did what she thought you did to curtsy. "As I'll ever be... Please don't let me fall." She said softly swallowing and, he took her hand and they slowly tried to step together to the music and it was sort of working. At least she thought so...
"Well beautiful for tonight." She said looking down with a smile, it seemed Fin was forgetting that this was going to be a one time thing. That tomorrow she would go back to being the same woman that was easily mistaken for a man. Tomorrow everything will go back to normal... She was like a Cinderella who doesn't get to have the fairy tale ending. Once she leaves the ball there will be no prince wanted to make her into a princess. She would just go back to being her... "Thank you though, it really doesn't mean alot to me."
The music stopped and she smiled and was about to pull away and head back over to the bar when Fin's eyes caught her's and she was just sort of frozen there for a second. She never really realized how blue his eyes were, almost like the lake at school. "Uh hi..." She said softly, what was happening right now? Why did this moment feel so strange but so right?
Kyra then tried to move again but then, lips. Warm lips right on her's and her eyes open wide for a second. What the fuck was this? Why was he kissing here?! Men don't kiss her, let alone think that she worthy of their affection and yet... yet... There was something so warm and right about it. Something that made her heart swell and her eyes fall close and her heart beat so fast and loud she was sure Fin could hear it. He then pulled away and his face was probably as red as her's. "Yeah no that was... that was..."
She couldn't help it, she had to make sure that what she was feeling was real. And it wasn't just the shock of being kissed for the first time, so she kissed him again. This time her hand resting on his cheek and she kissed him for longer, deeping it slightly and then when she finally broke it... She remember they weren't the only ones in the room. "You... I should..." She swallowed and stepped back from him, it was like she couldn't quite catch her breath. God that was so right but...
"You... you should go dance with your sister or something and I am going to get a drink." She said walking over to the bar and smiling to herself. Oh wow, that was just wow.
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Cormac O'Brien
Head of the Family
On well-run farms pests have to be kept down.
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Post by Cormac O'Brien on Aug 6, 2015 14:54:02 GMT -5
Anya O'Brien / Hallie Keating
Aedan returned Anya's hug. "Well, you know how duty calls. We will certainly find you again." Anya, well ... he was as fond of her as he was of anybody, which wasn't saying much given that the only person he could truly feel for was himself. But she was his big sister, and they had often played together in their youth, and she had helped him with his spells when he was younger. He didn't want to see anything bad happen to her. After all, as a member of his family, she belonged to him.
He didn't quite catch what she whispered into Hallie's ear, though. He would have to ask Hallie later. If Anya was trying to be meddlesome the way Heath had ...
What did these people expect of him? They knew full well that he owed it to the family to marry and have children, so why did they keep trying to warn Hallie off? It was infuriating.
Well, that didn't matter right now. He pushed the thoughts from his mind as he guided Hallie through the crowd and toward his father. Cormac smiled when he saw them coming. "Aedan!" he said warmly, pulling his son into a sort of half-hug. "I see we have made similar fashion choices for this evening. Very dapper, son. And this must be the lovely Miss Keating." Still wearing his most welcoming smile, Cormac took Hallie's hand and bowed over it, placing a kiss on her knuckles where he noted the claddagh ring.
He knew full well that these functions were intimidating for newcomers. After all, it had taken Darcy years to become fully comfortable with O'Brien gatherings. "I am Cormac O'Brien, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Thank you for honoring us with your presence tonight. Are you enjoying yourself thus far?"
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Post by Maureen Brady-O'Brien on Aug 6, 2015 15:26:37 GMT -5
Heath Mulligan / Finley O'Brien / Kyra Reid
Maureen gave a bit of a squeal - "Hooray!" - and nearly bounced up and down on her toes as Heath bowed to her and then led her onto the dance floor. She giggled in response to his statement, placing her hand on his warm shoulder. Heath was good. Maureen liked him. No one could ever make her feel as safe and happy as her brother did, of course, but Heath could come close. Heath, and Uncle Cormac.
Aedan, on the other hand ... he was simply too unpredictable.
"I'm surprised you didn't bring a date!" Maureen exclaimed, completely unaware of Ana's existence or the reason behind her not being there. "I would expect a strapping man like you to have lots of ladies to choose from." It was just light, joking banter. Once again, without knowing it, Maureen was sticking her foot in her mouth.
As her cousin dipped her, Maureen caught a glimpse of Finley and Kyra. They'd come back! And they were ... oh. Oh. What? Oh.
They were kissing!!!!! Fin just kissed Kyra right here in front of everybody!!!!!
"Oh my goodness, Heath, did you see that?" Maureen exclaimed, looking up at her cousin with a mixture of excitement and embarrassment in her eyes. That was ... well ... she'd never seen Fin kiss a woman like that before! Was she happy, or weirded out? She really didn't know.
"Oooh, oooh, Heath, will you steer us over there? Pretty please?"
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Post by Hallie Keating on Aug 7, 2015 19:07:30 GMT -5
This was it. This had been the moment Hallie had been so nervously anticipating for nearly two months now. She had heard endless stories and counts of Cormac and the kind of man that he was, but as she followed to behind Aedan towards him, his profile grew larger, and there was something about him that didn't seem to be the cold, heartless man some people spoke of. She stopped in front of him then, watching briefly the exchange between him and his son, and once he turned to her, she offered a shy, trademark smile and extended her hand, to which he took without hesitation. It was no surprise as to where Aedan had inherited his good looks. Cormac was indeed very handsome, and Hallie was sure that his wife, Darcy, had been just as beautiful as Aedan's sisters were.
"Thank you for inviting me," Hallie pulled her hand away to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Your home is absolutely beautiful, and yes," she shook her head, smiling a bit wider as she rotated her head to look around the room. "You and your family sure know how to throw an impressive party. Do you throwing them?" She then asked, turning back around to look at Aedan's father.
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Cormac O'Brien
Head of the Family
On well-run farms pests have to be kept down.
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Post by Cormac O'Brien on Aug 9, 2015 16:03:30 GMT -5
Hallie Keating / Anya O'Brien
Of course, Cormac's role in the world was one that often required him to be cold and cruel, but that didn't preclude his being completely devoted to his family. As a husband and father, he had been loving and gentle. He remembered the beatings he had suffered at the hands of his own father - still bore the scars, both physical and spiritual - and he hadn't wanted that for his children. He was hot-tempered, as most O'Briens were, but he only yelled, never struck.
All those dreams about what kind of life his children would live ... and now, here was Anya, throwing it all back in his face ...
But, no, he wasn't thinking of Anya right now. He was speaking to Aedan and the lovely Miss Keating.
"You will always be welcome here," he replied warmly, then grinned and looked around at the party as he took another sip of his champagne. "Yes, it is all thanks to my late wife. I must admit, I enjoyed them more when she was here to enjoy them with me. She would talk to everybody, and laugh, and she danced like a dream. I am sure Aedan remembers dancing with his mother."
Aedan nodded, looking down into his glass. He didn't like remembering his mother. It was one of the few things that made him hurt, made him feel out of control.
"Well, then ... do you enjoy dancing, Miss Keating?"
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Post by Anya O'Brien on Aug 9, 2015 17:53:55 GMT -5
Cormac O'Brien Finley O'Brien
Since the toast for Maureen was over, she could almost feel daggers penetrating the back of her skull. Since then, Anya has finished three cigarettes, two champagnes, and was working on her first glass of firewhiskey. It was easy to know when Cormac’s attention shifted onto her, that’s when the imaginary daggers would strike.
Having been wandering around cliques of the family, listening as each group gossiped and complained, Anya grew bored of the night. Every once in a while, her ears would catch something to add to the small flame of excitement; something humorous, something to use later as a form of blackmail, you name it.
It wasn’t technically her fault for having such a dull time. The argument between herself and her father made it so this night wouldn’t be in her favor, necessarily. A small part of her hoped that it would have the same effect on Cormac, after all, his anger fuel their disturbance.
Anya saw her opening and, like every opportunity she sees, snatched it. Finley, earlier being captivated by a stunning girl, was now without someone to dance with. She had seen what happened and, in all honesty, found it beyond adorable. Knowing Finley’s dance partner would now be dizzy for a short while, she felt it to be okay to steal him for a dance or two. She finished off the whiskey and set the glass down on the closest tray.
“Fin!” Anya almost shouted as she hurried over to him. Grabbing one of his hands with her free one, she smiled “may I have this dance?” |
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Post by Hallie Keating on Aug 9, 2015 20:29:22 GMT -5
Hallie kept her clasped hands tight in front of her; all the while listening politely to Cormac and what he said. As he spoke, she couldn't help but feel a sort of pity for him and his children-including Aedan, who was now rather quiet and solemn looking beside her. How awful it must have been to lose not only a wife, but the mother of your children as well. The way Cormac spoke about her, Hallie was sure that Darcy must have been the glue that kept her family together; a mother, as many knew, often was.
She cleared her throat softly, then moved her arms behind her back, looking Cormac in the eye. "My deepest apologies for your loss, sir," Hallie glanced at Aedan, "I know how hard it has been on all of you. But I must tell you that I do enjoy dancing. Quite a lot, actually," she smiled. "My mother made me take a bit of dance when I was younger."
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Post by Heath Mulligan on Aug 12, 2015 20:43:39 GMT -5
As the music picked up a bit, Heath held onto Maureen firmly, then guided her around the dance floor, twirling her and moving with her in the process. The ballroom was alive with the buzz of joy and celebration in the air, and try as he might, it was hard for him to truly enjoy himself. His eyes scanned around them, watching various couples dance around merrily as if they didn't have a care in the world. A part of him; the sentimental part, wanted to be like everyone else. To not have to worry about what others would think of his date or the type of person he was for bringing someone like Ana to the O'Brien manor. Just because he felt a certain way for someone, didn't mean he was a different person. Not in the least.
He simply ignored Maureen's notice of him not inviting anyone and continued to smile. What would she say if she were to know of where his affections lied? Certainly, being the type of caring, untiring person that she was, she would understand; even just a little.
With a few more twirls and circles around the floor, Heath raised an eyebrow as Maureen exclaimed, and he turned, watching his cousin and Kyra exchange a kiss. Again, his eyebrows raised, surprised by how daring Finley was acting, but decided toamuse himself by driving the two of them over to stand in front of both Finley and the smaller woman. "What is this?" Heath asked, sliding his hands into his pockets.
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Finley O'Brien
Bartender/Hammer
When the world goes to shit, I will still have my family.
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Post by Finley O'Brien on Aug 17, 2015 21:05:35 GMT -5
Anya O'Brien/ Heath Mulligan/ Maureen Brady-O'BrienFinley remained standing on the dance floor, staring down awkwardly at the ground, his face as red as a ember. Oh what the fuck had he just done? A brief glimpse across the room let him breath a sigh of relief. Either Cormac had not seen the kiss, or he was ignoring it. Hopefully if was the first one, Finley prayed it was the first one. Another look around, and he saw Anya appear in front of him, "Anya... you know I'm a terrible dan-" She stifled his words though, and pulled him with her, leading the way.
As they danced, Finley struggled to concentrate on Anya's lead. "You know... We need to talk, cousin. You, me, and your father." Shaking his head at the look she gave him. His grip tightened slightly as she made him stumble. "I don't like this... argument the two of you have going." He paused, and nodded to his own parents. "You know how much we've talked in the last two years? A dozen words, if that. My parents hate me for what I did. They think I betrayed them. I'm not going to let that happen to you, and Uncle."
Fimley pulled Anya to a stop as Heath and Maureen came up. A quiet groan, and again he was staring at the floor. Maureen seemed like she was on the verge of exploding like a firework, and Heath simply ribbed him about the kiss.
Smiling meekly at the pair, Finley shrugged, and glanced towards Kyra at the bar. "It... seemed like the thing to do?" He replied hesitantly. Looking to his sister, he smiled sweetly, "After this song, we are going to have our dance, okay, Angel?" He asked, leaving over to kiss her cheek softly, before looking back to Anya.
With a sigh he nodded, and smiled, "Lead on, darling."
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Post by Anya O'Brien on Aug 18, 2015 22:48:44 GMT -5
Finley O'Brien Heath Mulligan Maureen Brady-O'Brien
“Darling, I’ve danced with you before. My toes are used to the abuse,” Anya jested Finley. “Just follow me,” she then insisted, both of them already knowing she’d be in control. Not only was that her personality, it made it easier when dancing with someone who had two left feet.
Hushing her cousin, Anya shook her head gingerly. Unintentionally, she glared at him. Focusing on the simple steps in order to bite her tongue, she decided on looking downward. She caught him as he stumbled and quickly fixed her posture. Sighing, she wet her lips and forced a smile, “Fin, this isn’t the time or place for that discussion. Now is for celebration. We’ll worry about business tomorrow.” However, she couldn’t help but steal a glimpse at her aunt and uncle. They were one of the couples with their noses stuck high above everyone else’s head. Anya’s eyes flickered back to Finley. Her and her father’s relationship wouldn’t be like that, he’d still be forced to communicate with her due to business. "Cormac and I have our own insignificant quarrel. Worry not, just concentrate on dancing for now. Okay?"
It startled her, to suddenly be unmoving. Finley was much stronger than her and she wasn’t quite prepared to halt to a stop. Anya laughed quietly to herself, letting her hands fall to her side. Anya said her hellos to Heath and Maureen, as well as congratulated her younger cousin for her bravery. Her eyes flickered from each of her cousins as they spoke, only to say before duo left, “We’ll switch partners after this, Maureen? I mean, if Heath doesn’t mind a lesser beauty for a partner.” She winked to Maureen, smiling softly still.
“Avoid my toes,” Anya teased once again before finding the pace to the song.
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Kyra Reid
Hammer
Men and their cocks never cease to amazing me
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Post by Kyra Reid on Aug 22, 2015 15:35:38 GMT -5
"Uh Miss. Reid you might wanna slow down on the whiskey there." The boy behind the told her as he passed her a fourth glass and she glared up at him. A cigarette between her fingers as she took a drag.
"Listen to me Boy-o when I think I havenfucking had enough I will fucking tell you to stop fucking severing me whiskey." She said downing the fourth glass and as he went to take it she shook her head. "Just leave me the fucking bottle." He nodded and gave her the bottle as she poured herself another glass. She kissed him... Okay well he kissed her but she kissed him back. Her first fucking kiss with his whole goddamn family watching... Fuck was she thinking!? He could never be with someone like her, let alone love someone like her...
Shal we list the ways? Well to start she worked for his fucking family. Two she was just some poor irish immigrant girl with a sweet tooth for glory and danger. Three she was crazy, wild, unmarriageable... How many fucking men had told her that no one could ever make a honest wife out of her. Even Cormac on their first fucking meeting said that he couldn't marry her off.
She looked back out onto the floor to see Finn dancing with Anya and Maureen lit up like a fucking star and she sighed. Oh god they all saw didn't they? What the fuck was she gonna fucking do? Goddamn Ana this is all her fault. Thinking she could stick her in a dress and send her here on the promise that Fin will love it, well clearly he did.
And now she was in... Whatever this was.
Another drink as she shook her head. Can she leave yet?
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