JACK OF SPADES

Aiden Samuel Henry thirty-three years young owner of the jack of spades bar married to the most beautiful woman in the world ana-lucia henry; you are my sun. papa always said; you've gotta work hard but nobody said you couldn't have a little fun. This is a roleplay blog for the Beautiful and damned rpg.

[aiden-henry-blog]

I'm gonna love you | Aidana

[analuciahenry]

Her grip tightened around his fingers as he attempted to pull his hands from hers, ultimately winning the tug of war due to his brute strength over her much more nimble digits. Her hands sunk back into her lap as she humped over slightly on the stool as displeasure set in on his features, swallowing that unknown of what was to come. “O—okay.” She repeated back, surprise laced heavily in her reply. She wasn’t sure what she had initially expected him to do, but it wasn’t anywhere close to him being so eerily calm about it. Then he began to speak on trust and the notion that while he had no faith in Grayson, he weighted the entirety of their relationship on her shoulders. Her spine curved a little more as he continued to use the word like a sweet candy that he just couldn’t stop sucking on. Even as she held his eyes, dampened hues flickering all over his face, she fought back any and all subtexts of the silent agreement she had made with Grayson, trying to convince herself that maybe it didn’t even happen, maybe it was a dream. I don’t know what I want but I do know that I don’t want to hurt Aiden. Then again, Ana always had been one to bite the hand that fed her ever since she was a child. So maybe this was her true nature. Maybe all this time she had been fooling herself by trying to play the part of a doting housewife. Maybe she was just as wicked like the rest of them. If you trust that he won’t try anything again then I believe you. Trust. It was such a condemning word; like it was just daring you to fuck up and fail. She didn’t say anything but nodded her head, hoping he would be satisfied with just that because while Aiden trusted her, she couldn’t confidently say that she felt the same. “Aiden—“ His hands were so warm against her wind nipped cheeks, his lips igniting a fire of cordiality as they pressed against her forehead. It was a moment like this that made her wonder how she could ever dare to think that she wanted more, deserved more. The man loved her unconditionally, shouldn’t that be enough?

Tired eyes fluttered shut as Aiden’s affection amplified, any blaring noises from outside falling silent into the background and Bandit’s pitter patter on the floor had subsided as he found his way into the back office and curled up on the pad of their office chair. The rapid heart beat she had worked up on the walk over now subsided into a steady thump, thump, thump in the cavity of her chest, a soft shiver tingling down the curvature of her neck, over the humps of her shoulders and down the center of her back as he delicately brushed at her hair. Ana wondered how they got to where they were today, remembering the electricity of their first kiss so many years ago at the Halloween party he had asked her to for their first date. They were so alive back then, so carefree and amusing; now she just felt like they were old, stuck in routine and riding on the caboose of been there, done that. Owning a business locked them in place, an unsupportive family was an acid that slowly burned a hole in her heart, an inability to have children of their own blood a problem with no solution – predictability and disappointment. They had become a constant and that, for Ana Lucia, was the trouble at hand.

So when Aiden’s compassionate hands took at her face like a man on a mission, his lips crashing onto hers like he intended to suck all the air out of her lungs, her eyes briefly fluttered open with confusion and shock mixed together. Despite the lingering taste of the bourbon she now knew he kicked back before she first entered the bar, she went with it, eyes vibrating shut once more as she gave in to the heat, letting the zealousness overtake her body. A feverish puff of breath escaped her as he grabbed her and pulled her in close; she gave him no resistance. He had never forced himself upon her but this newfound boldness Aiden pounced on her with was one hell of a turn on. Used to him being her gentle teddy bear, Ana welcomed the new ferocious beast with arms that posted up around his neck, lifting herself into a deeper kiss as her legs wrapped around his waist, aiding him to press up against her core, a soft moan floating against his lips and into his mouth as she did so.

[aiden-henry-blog]

The fact that she did not resist his kiss came as somewhat of a relief to Aiden, though it shouldn't have - they were married after all, it wasn't like they were strangers in a bar meeting for the first time. They had been intimate many times before, in many places - some very risky places, especially at the beginning of their relationship - but there was a part of him that thought that maybe she would resist, that maybe she would be hesitant to accept the affection and desire he now poured into her. It was the encouragement that he needed, the confirmation that it was okay to continue, and so he did. His hands gripped tighter, his arms pulled her in closer and he deepened the kiss. He was desperate to have her, it had felt like years since they had last touched like this- though it was merely weeks if that - and there was this uncontrollable desire to prove himself, to be the man she had married again, to love her the way he used to and not the way they had become accustomed to. 

When she wrapped her legs around him, he lifted her - hands cupping her ass as he moved them to one of the nearby tables. With one quick swipe of his arm the few items that the table had bore, like a candle holder and menu, were sent flying to the floor. The candle landed with a crash but he didn't care, he didn't even look up, didn't stop from kissing her as if his life depended on it. Setting her down the table he finally pulled back and wasted no time in pulling his shirt over his head, grabbing the back of his collar and in one swift movement removing the item of clothing before turning his attention to her own. He wanted to rip it from her skin, leave it in tattered pieces on the floor, but he knew she'd probably disapprove of that after the fact and also the thought scared him a little. He wasn't usually this boisterous, or this rough, he was usually more gentle even before when the fresh excitement of their relationship ruled their intimacy. Instead he distracted himself, running kisses down her neck and along her collar bone as his hands slipped beneath the black material, feeling their way up her sides as his thumbs hooked the hem pulling it up as his hands traced her ribs. He waited for her to raise her arms, before tugging it over her head and crashing his mouth back to hers once more. 

[rpmememaker]

Sentence meme (Torture my character version)

Make them cry

"I never loved you."

"You’re the reason they’re dead!"

"It’s all your fault!"

"Who could ever love you…?"

"You’re so stupid. So weak."

"Just go away. I don’t want you here."

Blackmail them

"Who would’ve thought a sweet thing like you would have such a secret?"

"I’ll tell everyone. Scream so loud the country will hear."

"I have a friend with a radio station, you know. Broadcast it all over the city."

"If you want this back, you’ll do whatever I say!"

"Be a good little slave, you don’t want your secret out, do you?"

"I know everything. I can ruin you."

"Beg me, and I might consider keeping my mouth shut."

Interrogate them

"Sing, birdie."

"I know exactly how to make you talk."

"You know some fascinating things, don’t you?"

"I’ll use your greatest weaknesses against you, and you know I know them all."

"I have means of extracting information from you."

"I might play with you a little longer after you’ve talked. You’re too cute."

"You’re tough. But I’ll break you."

Yell at them

"You idiot! You dumbass! You- you fucking moron!"

"You’re absolutely useless, aren’t you?!"

"What the fuck have you done this time!"

"You don’t care about anyone but yourself!"

"You’re not human! You’re a monster!"

"You’re a disgusting little rat!"

"You’ve fucked up for the last time!"

Physically hurt them

"What, can’t take a punch?"

"I’ll kill you!"

"It’s only a scratch, asshole!"

"Don’t move, or I’ll shoot you!"

"I’ll slit your damn throat!"

"Kiss my shoes or I’ll stomp your head in half."

"I didn’t mean to draw blood, but oh well."

"That’s going to bruise."

Torture them… gently

"You want some of this cake? C’moooon, beg for it!"

"Guess what? SURPRISE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE!"

"Tickle-tickle-tickle! Kitchy kitchy koo!"

"Whaaaat? Is this yours? You can’t have it back, it’s mine now!"

"I’ll stop singing when hell freezes over!"

"Get in the locker, shorty!"

"Annoying? Me? Annoying?"

[delgadoryan]

dead man walking | r & a

Bone crunched under his fist in a sickening smack. A pounding throb in his hand as he retracted from the deafening punch. The roar of silence of was absolutely deafening afterwards. Until everything around him seemed to erupt into eviscerating, manical flames, chaos broke out all around him and suddenly it was Ryan versus three enraged thugs. He’d thrown the first punch, to be fair, but they’d been antagonizing him for almost thirty minutes now. He was surprised the levy had held this long. Ryan wasn’t even sure who the men were, but they’d recognized him. The latest in a line of Delgado scum, that’s how they’d phrased it anyways. 

This was his punishment for going to places outside of the Upper East Side, hanging out near Brooklyn looking the way he did was just asking for trouble. But maybe thats exactly what Ryan was doing, seeking out something, the flame that would like the dynamite. He’d been minding his own business at the park, deserted when he got there, just listening to his iPod and taking a walk around the outskirts, when they’d gotten there. An intelligent move would have had him leave the moment he suspected something was amiss, the foolhardy move was to stay and seek out the fire and fan it, which is exactly what he’d done. The first guy, the presumed leader, was wiry and none-too-smart, but he was tough and scrappy, and he had some kind of personal vendetta against the Delgado family. He noticed Ryan from a headline, one of the articles that had been written about him and Ava when they’d first returned from London. 

The Delgado bastard. Surprised you showed your face in New York. Daddy didn’t want you, what makes you think anyone else will? 

Ryan, being the ticking time bomb he was, had snapped. It didn’t take much to get him to break these days, hence the fisticuffs. Which had essentially, lead to a full-on brawl between him and the three men. His only saving grace was that none of them were trained fighters, two were heavily drunk, and he had years of rage swirling around inside of him like a deadly molotov cocktail. It seemed absurd, but the moment everything had come to head Ryan had actually smiled. It felt good to use someone beside himself as a punching bag.

[aiden-henry-blog]

Aiden had been working late again, though this time he wasn't avoiding going home, or at least that's what he told himself as he found more and more things that needed to be finished before he left. More CV's to read over and consider, more bills that needed to be paid, the profit and loss log needed to be updated for the fitth time that evening. No; he wasn't avoiding going home, there was just stuff to be done. He'd apologized to his wife, they had made up - they had made up right here, in this bar, out there where all the customers were currently drinking themselves merry. He had nothing to worry about anymore, yet he still found this small anxious feeling in the pit of his stomach that was telling him the storm had not yet passed and that he had to continue avoiding the inevitable, as if that would make it go away. 

Around about half twelve he could avoid it no more, he had truly ran out of things to keep him occupied and had spent the last half an hour just staring at the clock. It was time to go home, time to return to his wife and hope that things were still as they were when he left in the morning. No sudden changes in attitude or mind, nothing that would upset the delicate balance that they had instilled the other day. Deciding to take a walk to the station further away, Aiden cut through the park. At this time of night it was usually quiet, save for the occasional late night dog walker or jogger, but it was generally quite a safe place. Though tonight there seemed to be a bit of a commotion up ahead. For a moment he considered ignoring it, turning in another direction and following a different path, but there was something familiar about one of the guys involved. 

Taking a step forward, Aiden urged his eye to adjust to the darkness and gradually they did. Making out the face of Ryan, Ana's cousin who had just moved over from London, Aiden rushed towards the brawl that was just picking up. "Hey!" He called out, voice loud in the silence of the park but not loud enough to be heard over their grunts and shouts. "Oi! What the hell is going on over here?" He shouted again, pushing one guy whom was circling roung to Ryans back out of the way, he stumbled and fell into a nearby bush, clearly drunk and Aiden reach out for Ryan's shoulder to pull him out of the rage of swinging fists. 

[scarlett-billings]

I'm quite aware

[scarlett-billings]

"Because I’m here. And you’re here. And what happens here can stay between us."

[aiden-henry-blog]

"Whoa there! I'm married." He said, stepping out of her hold. "I'm flattered, but nothing is going to happen between us, I was just here to tell you about the stain. Nothing more, nothing less." 

[purpleprosing]

"Wounded. But I’ll live." Xavier placed a hand on his chest, dramatic. Usually the man—Aiden, his mind supplied—was more friendly. But today he was a bit off. Distant. "Guess you save the whole PA act for the job."

[aiden-henry-blog]

"What?" He asked, looking very confused before shaking out his head, it didn't really matter ." Uh no - sorry, I'm uh ... a little distracted today." 

[vilkas--nemes-deactivated201507]

A sarcastic comment, wondering if he was done or not, was on the tip of her tongue. Nadia had a reputation, though, and while Aiden knew her true nature, there were onlookers and those that still thought her to be a ruined angel. Something he said struck her differently. We can’t have kids because of me. Nadia’s worst fear was always Ana replacing her, and now there was a sick sort of satisfaction that warmed her bone deep with the realisation that would never happen. “Ana got cut off because of herself, you were only another part of it. She doesn’t want to talk to our parents or Valeria, and she still talks to me, so it really isn’t you. Not everything is because of you, Aiden. Stop it. I’m not going to sit here and coddle you.” Carefully, reluctantly, she reached out and placed a (what she hoped was) comforting hand on his shoulder. “You’re not ruining everything, but you are being dramatic. Maybe you spent a little too much time with me because I’m the one that is supposed to be in hysterics.”

[aiden-henry-blog]

"I wasn't asking to be coddled." He huffed, though there was a little part of him that was just crying out for sympathy, desperate for someone to see just how much he was hurting too. Though he was not looking for that from Nadia, she wasn't the obvious or smartest choice, and he doubted they'd ever reach a point in the relationship where they could share their feelings without worrying about the other judging them or sharing it with the rest of the world, though that was mostly in Nadia's case, Aiden would take her secrets to the grave if it meant she'd get off his back. Though she surprised him by offering him comfort, it may have been a small gesture, and her words may not have been the most touching, but there was a small moment when Aiden actually felt like they were actually family. He sighed heavily, taking a deep breath - he knew the moment wouldn't last, and he knew that it was all probably because they were in public, but it was a start - he laughed shaking his head. "God forbid we spend too much time together Nadia, I don't think either of us could handle that, but thanks." He gingerly patted her hand.

[aiden-henry-blog]

I'm gonna love you | Aidana

[analuciahenry]

She listened closely, absorbing each syllable of every word that Aiden spoke in her direction. She wanted to interject a handful of times but caught herself before she spoke without thinking. It was Aiden’s turn to say what he had to, not hers. She could see his hand slinking towards her on the bar out the corner of her eye, her heart strangely thumping more consistently as he neared. He was her husband and they had been more than intimate since they shared their first kiss, but after such a damaging fight, the thought of his skin against hers was terrifying. She wasn’t sure whether they would melt together like normal or if he would retract his hand quickly much like he had just been scorched by a hot plate. Finally he took her hand, Ana quickly recognizing he had no intent to let go of her, which is what she had hoped for, and placed it over his beating heart. She was certain she could feel it through the muscle of his chest, her tiny fingers gripping lightly at his pectoral muscle. She let him twist and turn her much like a puppeteer, gaze following as he directed her chin upwards, soft tears beginning to well in the corner of her eyes. “Of course, Aiden. I couldn’t imagine my life without you.” She let out somewhat of an absurd laugh, not fully understanding why he would ask such a life-changing question. 

With that, her free hand rose to grip his own he so delicately placed beneath her face, taking it to hold tightly in her lap as she did the same with the hand he held over his heart. “But there is something you need to understand, mi amor. It does matter. And not—not because of everyone else and what they think, but because—I mean, Aiden, c’mon. Look at everything that happened last night, how everything almost fell apart over that stupid rumor and misunderstanding.” She squeezed both of his hands as she passionately spoke from the heart, blinking back the tears before they could topple over onto her cheeks. “We were both wrong, yes, and we need to—we need to figure out how to stop it from happening again.” Her eyes were pleading with him as she raised his hand to place a gentle kiss at his knuckles. “I saw Grayson today.” She needed to get this out so Aiden understood where she was at with the whole thing. “I didn’t seek him out but when I stopped at the bank I ran into him. And I wanted to tell you this so you heard it coming straight from me, okay?” She wasn’t sure if Aiden was going to pull away or have another angry outburst but she had to tell him the truth.

[aiden-henry-blog]

The mere mention of his name was enough to set Aiden on edge, especially when it fell from her lips so easily like that. She had reversed the roles so that now she held his hands, instead of the other way around, kissing the knuckles of the hand that wore the gold band of their union as if in apology for what she was about to say. Gentle and careful, as if to placate him. It would have been so easy for him to have ripped his hands from her grasp, turn around and throw the stood behind him at the opposite wall; just to watch it shatter satisfactorily, to release the rage that he could not take out on the person he really wanted to. It wasn't like Aiden to give in to sudden bursts of rage, the night before the exception -which he wholly blamed on the considerable amount of alcohol he had consumed - usually he was a cool character, remaining calm no matter what, and though that scene had played out in his mind, it did not transfer into action. He did however slowly pull his hands from hers, running them roughly over his face as he squeezed his eyes shut. Part of him was furious, the chair throwing half, that she had ignored his warning from the night before and had not avoiding the weasel at all costs, but the other part of him found comfort, no matter how small, in the fact that she had told him about the encounter. She had told him the truth, hid nothing from him about bumping into that man; and it didn't feel like an admission of guilt. She wasn't telling him so that he would ignore any more rumors that might fly, but because there was nothing to worry about. 

He heaved a heavy sigh before he opened his eyes again, locking onto hers. "Okay." He said simply, pausing for a moment to word what he wanted to say next, carefully. "I don't like you seeing him, I don't really want you being friends with him because I don't trust him. But I trust you, and last night was a lapse in judgement and you know I would never, have never, told you who you can and cannot be friends with, so if you trust that he wont try anything again then I believe you." Taking her face in both his hands this time, he leant forwards to place a kiss on her forehead. He didn't want to argue anymore, he didn't want to fight over that slimey asshole one more minute. He wasn't trying to pacify his wife, he was trying to show her that he trusted her, that he trusted her judgement. Resting his head against her own he let one hand fall back into her lap, back into her hand, closed his eyes again and let the other hand brush the stray strands of hair behind her ear, but thoughts of the reporter being almost this close to her plagued his mind. He hated the thought that his hands might have touched her skin or that his breath might have tainted her scent. He had never been a possessive man until now, but something in him had snapped. Perhaps it was a need to prove himself, perhaps a guttural alpha male desire that he had buried deep within, but he wanted her.

The hand that had neatly tidied away her hair cupped her face, tilting it up slightly so that his lips could find hers. He kissed her with an eagerness he hadn't found in a long time, like a spark had been revived inside him igniting a flame that had long since started to dwindle. The hand that had fallen back into her lap snaked it's way around her waist and pulled her close, almost right off the stool, in a need to remove all space between them. He pushed himself between her legs, not even asking, not questioning but acting in pure desire. She was his, she was his one, and he was going to prove it. 

[wyattgibson]

under the tide { aiden & diego }

[wyattgibson]

Diego couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of Aiden being a negative influence, shaking his head. “I think you’re good there, hermano. Out of everyone one of the hundred people in the family, it’s safe to say that you’re not the one I’m worried about.” he smirked, shrugging his shoulders. “Yeah, I don’t really want to go either. Romy’s never been to one of these things so I figured that I’d take her. It probably won’t be as bad as we think but, whatever — I’ll have the taxi waiting the whole time I’m in there.” The male shrugged, taking a sip of his own drink. The only reason he was going to this ball was because he knew that he should — not because he needed to impress anyone, but because for some reason he still felt obligated to, his excuse to himself being that Lorenzo wanted him there. That was almost convincing enough for even him to believe it.  "No — should I be?" he joked, a smile forming over his features. Never before had he ever been this serious about a girl — even Victoria, who still remained one of his closest friends to date. When they were together, they had fun. It wasn’t until Rosemarie did Diego even think about ever settling down. He was turning into a god damn sap because of her. “I don’t know, I figured you did a pretty good job with your proposal considering my cousin up and married you.” He shrugged, not exactly sure what he would want to ask Aiden. There just seemed to be some comfort in getting the ‘go-ahead’ from a guy who seemed to have it all figured out.

[aiden-henry-blog]

Aiden laughed, tipping his head back slightly as he bellowed. "You know that doesn't sound like a half bad idea, if I could afford to do that too - I probably would. We'll just hail one down, like the peasant folk we are and give the posh totty something to turn their noses up at instead. No offence" Talking with Diego, Aiden often forgot that he was technically one of those posh totty, and probably spent a large majority of the time apologizing for almost offending him - not that he ever expected Diego to take much offence in his words, by all account they were on the same level most the time. "Hunt me down when you get there, I'm going to need someone to keep me sane. We'll have a few drinks and smoke a cigar or two." He laughed again, adding further to the Upper East Side stereotypes. These kind of functions were just a chance for the rich and somewhat famous to get together and throw their wealth in each other's faces. Which lady wore the most expensive dress, and which gentleman came with the prettiest woman on his arm and the most expensive cigar in his mouth. He kind of more than hated them, and if it wasn't for charity there would be no redeaming quality at all. 

"No - No not at all. Wow, this is great news. I'm excited man. Good for you!" Aiden cheered, clapping his friend on the back. He felt honored to be a part of this - to be a part of the final decision as if his opinion on the matter actually counted for something. It somewhat made him feel part of the family, even if it was only to one member so far. Laughing again, Aiden closed the lid and placed the box firmly in Diego's hand. "Diego, mate, I proposed to Ana-Lucia in bed, butt naked with no ring in sight. You've got this far more covered than I did. Not that I'd change the way I proposed, she said yes after all." He laughed, taking a sip of his beer. It was good to see Diego settling down, he deserved a good girl like Rosemarie and Aiden could see the happiness almost gleaming off him. It was a good look for him, much better than the stressed out look he often wore of the exasperated one that donned his face at family functions. 

[5000letters]

Nothing worthwhile was without risk. You had to decide whether your feelings were strong enough to make it a risk worth taking.

Mhairi McFarlane (via 5000letters)

[scarlett-billings]

I'm quite aware

[scarlett-billings]

Nah, manners aren’t my speed. But you could buy me a drink.

[aiden-henry-blog]

"And why would I do that?" 

[clarissacalloway]

“A reputation is something most would covet. As a businessman, you must know that. Aren’t you the owner of that bar downtown?”

[aiden-henry-blog]

"I'm not most people. Reputation for my bar sure, but not for me. I'm just a man, trying to live his life - I don't need people knowing my name. Jack of Spades, yes m'am. Ever been in there?" 

[aiden-henry-blog]

I'm gonna love you | Aidana

[analuciahenry]

Had she been making eye contact with him, Ana would have begrudged the way he looked at her. She wasn’t the victim by any means, none of them were. But to have her husband, as she would have interpreted it, look at her like she was some poor, fragile china doll would have only further instilled any residual guilt left over from the night before and up to the point where she had just conceded to Grayson about an hour earlier. Relief had washed over her when he informed her it was Evanna’s house he had spent the night at knowing their mutual friend would have ensured his safety and cared for him properly better than anyone else. That was one concern she could check off her mile long list.

With his sudden apology, Ana’s gaze fluttered up to meet him, staring at him with complete solidarity. She hadn’t expected him to come right out and say it, figured a few more uncomfortable words of small talk would be exchanged before they hit the nail on the head but Aiden clearly wasn’t about to waste any time. A slight uptick in the corner of her mouth occurred as he confirmed standing by his right to put his fist in Grayson face, the reasoning he gave satisfying and understandable to Ana as she was now in the right mind. Regardless of whether she truly wanted the forbidden kiss or not, Grayson hadn’t been so wise to even attempt it in public in front of her friends and family while her husband stood under the same roof. There wasn’t only sincerity in Aiden’s voice but a slight hint of despair for her forgiveness, one that demanded her gravitation towards him but she remained planted unyielding in her seat. She didn’t want to give in just yet. But as the fates had it, Aiden rounded the bar like he was a magnet drawn to a piece of metal. She twisted only slightly at the waist, both hands remaining atop the bar as she turned her head slowly so that she could keep Aiden in her line of sight. “It takes two.” She finally spoke but didn’t move a muscle in his direction or make an attempt to draw him in closer. “It wasn’t only your fault.” There were many variables that led up to the culmination of the night and she had to admit the part she played if there was any hope for true absolution. “We’ve both been under a lot of stress lately.” She remained firm in her position, speaking slowly and steadily wanting to make this conversation meaningful. “Now that I’ve had time to think about everything that happened last night,” As tired as her own were, she stared directly into his eyes, “I don’t think you were entirely wrong in your actions. I understand why you hit him, Aiden, I just wish you hadn’t done it in front of everyone.” It wasn’t because she was mortified of being in the spotlight but because it simply wasn’t any of their god damn business. “But I believe I’m the one who owes you an apology. If I hadn’t been in such a sour mood and picked a fight—“ Her eyes diverted down to her hands as the stool’s motion shifted her back to facing forward, Aiden now in her peripheral vision. “—none of this would have happened. I said some really harsh things at the beginning of the night that I didn’t mean and I— I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve it.”

[aiden-henry-blog]

Being so far away from Ana was hard, not that they were the kind of couple that was attached at the hip by any means - they never really were. Sure in the comfort of their own home they would find every possible way to be as close to each other as possible, even if they were just sitting at the dining table, especially at the start of their relationship - even now they spend evenings curled up on the couch, a mess of arms, legs and blankets. At night the somehow always find a way to be near each other, even in the grande expanse of their king sized bed, waking up in morning as close as they could comfortably be to one another. But in public they kept their personal displays of affection to a minimum, they did their own thing and they went their own way. They were not that sickeningly lovey dovey couple in the middle of Starbucks, sucking face as if they needed to be attached at the lips to breath. But in this moment, this private moment in the safety of their empty bar, he wanted to be as close to her as he could be. He wanted to hold her tiny frame in his big arms, gently but tightly, but he wasn't sure if she was ready. He wasn't sure if she wanted that. 

Her apology hit home. He hadn't necessarily expected and apology for her words, but it was nice to hear it. It meant that she didn't blame him, or at least that's what he hoped. He took a step forward, tentatively, his hand running along the smooth surface of the bar, not to steady himself but as if to reach out for her. "We were both wrong, at different points for different things, but none of that matters now. We can get through this, like we get through every other obstacle life has thrown at us." His positive attitude slipped into place, like a key fitting into a lock. He fell into the role of reassuring husband so easily, it was wasn't even second nature anymore - it was first. "We've been through too much to lets something as stupid as a rumor and a misunderstanding tear us apart, and frankly I'm not going to let it." He took another step forward, this time bolder, moving around the stool that stood between them to stand before his wife. He reached for her hand, tucking it in his own before resting it on his chest, over his heart. "I made vows, and I intend to stand by them - for better or for worse, till death do us part..." He recited with a chuckle at the end. Slowly he extended his other hand, forefinger tucking under her chin delicately to turn her head to face him. "I don't want you to ever forget how much I love you Ana-Lucia Henry, and I still stand by the words I said nine years ago. I want to spend the rest of my life with you; if you'll continue to have me." 

[theknight-john-deactivated20150]

"It can’t help to offer the option. Are they still on your case, then?"

[aiden-henry-blog]

"I don't know. Maybe. Uh - yeah, Nadia especially. She took it all to heart. Kinda hates me actually." 

[theknight-john-deactivated20150]

"Maybe you should see a marital counselor? Have an objective third party to help you work through your issues." John suggested as he drank the last of his coffee. He couldn’t help but notice that Aiden hadn’t agreed to apologize or grovel and although he was a prideful man, even he knew there were times to put your pride aside and that Aiden didn’t seem ready to make that small sacrifice wasn’t exactly a good sign. There was nothing wrong with a divorce though, it didn’t mean failure and in the end if Ana-Lucia couldn’t live with a man who was unable to give her children, that’s the conclusion it would come down to. Maybe it was the most practical one too, the other road was long and difficult.

[aiden-henry-blog]

"Don't really think Ana would go for that, plus I don't think we need anyone else having input in out relationship. We've got enough with her family, y'know?" 

[aiden-henry-blog]

zachary-austen:

"Bad luck. It’s surprisingly prominent."

"I don't really believe in bad luck, or at least I try not to. I like to think of it as a minor setback, or an opportunity to make a change. " 

[leoandcassidy-blog]

Everyone in New York was the same, really. They all had important places to be, lives to live, and didn’t have time to care about anyone else who they crossed paths with. Alex, of course, lived one of the most important lives in the city — certainly more important than most of the losers who thought otherwise — but either way everyone walked the streets with a purpose and a mission. So the blonde was no stranger to people bumping into her, as not many people had a care beyond where they were going, Alex included. God knows how many times she nearly trampled someone during a shopping trip. But that didn’t mean she never told a person off for bumping into her. Now, scoffing at the man who literally walked straight into her, it took all of her not to rip the guy a new one. The only reason she didn’t was because she recognized his face from articles on the Delgado family. “Clearly,” she muttered as she rubber her shoulder, pretending like it hurt more than it did. “But it’s fine. Heading somewhere important?”

[aiden-henry-blog]

Distracted was the best description of what Aiden was today, there were a thousand thought running around his head but all of them were about Ana, the events of last night, the things that had been said and the words of advice from his friends and Nadia. He was actually paying attention to where he was going, walking more on auto-pilot than any planned or focused journey. There could have been a mayor crash on the intersection up ahead, or the world could have ended around him and he might not have noticed, remaining stuck in his thoughts of his wife and how he was going to fix the mistakes he had made. However he was brought crashing back down to earth when he collided with the stranger. For a moment he thought he'd bumped into Nadia, the blonde hair and attitude both very similar but after taking a better look he realized he didn't even recognize the girl. "I'm really sorry." He repeated, taking a step back. "Uh - no... Just the gym. Nowhere important, I guess." He added, confused my the question. She didn't know him, so why did she care where he was going?

[aiden-henry-blog]

I'm gonna love you | Aidana

[analuciahenry]

Trudging through the slushy sidewalks of Midtown, Ana might have appeared to be slightly off her rocker as she rehearsed different things she might say to Aiden beneath her breath. He hadn’t said his usual I love you at the end of their phone call, so she didn’t either. It was so strange the way they had spoken to each other, foreign like two people who hardly knew each other but were being forced into a conversation. But he had asked her to come to the bar so they could talk. That had to be a good sign, right? Or it could have been to discuss the verdict he had finally come to and she was taking herself for a walk down death row. As she and Bandit rounded the corner, Ana took a moment to catch her breath of which she didn’t even realize she had lost. She had told Aiden she’d be there in about fifteen minutes but she had made it in eight. Peering down the block at the hovering Jack of Spades sign; it was their bar but Ana couldn’t help but to feel like she was about to be an unwelcome guest in Aiden’s territory. It had been his dream after all; he merely included her out of kindness.

Once a few more minutes had passed, Ana mustered up the gall to make the appearance she had said she would. Pushing open the door that led into the bar, Ana mashed her feet into the black mat at the entranceway, bits of watered down snow dripping off her bright red boots. Her exterior wasn’t anything to be fawned over, grey sweatpants and a black fitted long sleeve shirt beneath her heavy coat. Her hair from the night before had fallen flat and was tucked up in a bun, not considering the fact that her typically gleaming sea green hues were still puffy and red, much like her cheeks from the winter weather, after crying the majority of the night. Even though it was only Aiden she wasn’t exactly fond of him seeing her in such a state but it wasn’t like she could turn and dart out the door, claiming she’d be back after she properly took care of her appearance. Bandit practically ripped the leash from her hands as he darted forward at the sight of Aiden, jumping up at his calves until he received some attention. The sight of it all drew a hint of a smile to Ana’s lips but it quickly faded as she saw the singular glass he had beneath the running faucet – another drink? Really? Is that what it took to face her? “Hey.” Her voice cracking as if it hadn’t just been used moments earlier. She trotted down the stairs, her coat slipping off as she draped it over a chair on her way to the bar. “Bandit certainly missed you.” She pulled herself up onto a stool, the bar acting as the remaining barrier between them, and lifted her sunglasses to settle on the crown of her head. She failed to meet his gaze, hoping he would leave the atrocity that was her face unspoken.

[aiden-henry-blog]

He'd been so busy making himself look busy when she arrived that he almost missed her greeting, or perhaps he was distracted by how strained it sounded. So forced coming out of her mouth, almost as if they were strangers in the street or he were that one friend she used to know but somehow lost contact with, though neither of them really knew why, they just remember it being bad. His hands cleaned idly at the glass, dishrag spinning round in circles inside even though it was already spotlessly clean. Eventually he put it down, turning the taps off and reaching for the towel. The little dog was the first to make it too him, yapping at his ankles in greeting. Aiden slowly bent down to catch the little fella in his arms, scooping him up as he licked at the stubble on his chin; more than a five o'clock shadow now. Returning back to his full height he turned to face Ana, who looked considerable less excited to see him than Bandit was, and Aiden felt a tug at his heart that her face didn't seem to light up when she saw him like it usually did. Forcing a smile at her comment, he tickled the dog under the chin before setting him back on the floor. 

As she lifted her sunglasses he couldn't help but note how tired she looked, eyes red and puffy as if she had been crying for the last twenty four hours. It was somewhat of a relief to him, not to see that she had suffered in his absence - in fact part of him hated that she had cried enough to get herself in this state and that he hadn't been there to hold her or comfort her - but to see that she still cared enough to be hurting this way. Sure, maybe it was a little selfish, and sure, there was this nasty little voice in the back of his mind taunting him with the idea that she had not only been crying over him, but it was something and right now, along with the fact that she had called him in the first place and that she had turned up to talk to him at all, that was all he had. She wasn't looking at him though, and a desperate part of him needed her to, but he knew right now it was better that she didn't. 

"I'm sorry." He muttered, quietly at first but then he straightened his back and decided that apologizing didn't mean surrendering his pride. "I'm sorry, Ana-Lucia. I stepped out of line last night, took things too far. I wont say I regret hitting him, because in my mind I was defending not only my own pride but your honor, but I shouldn't have done it." He paused, questioning in his own mind whether that had been the right thing to say. Would it make her angrier to know that he didn't regret it, would she think he was apologizing just for the sake of it, that he didn't mean it? Because he did mean it, he was sorry - sorry that he had hurt her, sorry that he had embarrassed her, sorry that he had ordered her around like she was his to own. Stepping around the bar he removed the barrier between them but stopped at least a bar stool away from her, giving her the distance if she need it - if she wanted it. "I'm sorry I've been acting like such a ... a... -- fucking idiot these last few weeks; just please know that I'm sorry."