One More Shot

Amanda Kenner. 18. I been hell on wheels for days now, ain't a shade of red I can't paint.

[amandakenner]

papawxlfbat​:

A shrug of his shoulders and the man chuckled lightly. “That is a question that I find myself unable to answer. While I am certain it would be wise to be cautious with any would-be flame, the Faye do propose a rather unique situation.” He contemplated. He thought for a moment over whether or not he had seen these ‘Spider-Man’ or other movies so popular with the youth and merely shook his head at length.

“I cannot recall. In my thousand years, I usually attended plays and theatrics when I was not busy running from the madness of my father or dealing with problems that continually plague my family. Casual time with the telly and picture shows were not high on the agenda.”

.

“They do.  This kind of thing is complicated enough without worrying about whether I’d get dragged to the beach and fed to another fish if someone found out,” she joked.  “I’ve hit my limit on being digested, and it turns out that my limit was once in a lifetime.”  As Klaus shook his head she could only let out a disappointed sigh.

“Alright, look.  If I didn’t already want out of here, now it’s a responsibility for me to get you back to our world.  Because I’m going to get you there and then drag you to a Marvel marathon.  Immortal or not, no life is complete without watching at least some of the MCU.  You can skip, like, the second Thor, but you need to see the highlights.”

[amandakenner]

papawxlfbat​:

“Families are the world’s greatest source of love, but can also be one of the largest headaches you can ever experience.” He chuckled with amusement. Shifting his position and gathering a few things together, he looked over at the young woman. “Perhaps you’ll meet a nice Faye boy and find some reprieve in our time here? I cannot offer a suggestion for missing ‘Spider-Man’, however. Pop culture has never really been a forte of mine.”

.

“So I’ve learned,” Amanda laughed. “I’m guessing you know all about the joy of younger siblings and the way they can make you crazy.”  She gave him a curious look at the suggestion.  “Is it safe to get involved with anyone from the Faye?  Especially without knowing more about them?”  Her eyes widened and she leaned over the table toward him.  “Tell me you’ve seen at least some of the movies.”

[amandakenner]

papawxlfbat​:

Klaus could only chuckle slightly at the idea of family forgiveness. He supposed that held true - his family was still by his side over the centuries after all of his misdeeds and wrong decisions, after all. “Family is a peculiar thing.” He offered with a nod. As the woman agreed to relay his message to Tara, he smiled once more. “You have my thanks then. The sooner we can find out everything there is to know about these Islands, the sooner we can leave. Pooling anything we might know can only be beneficial.”

.

“You’re not at all wrong there.  And it isn’t just Original families either, mine’s a hot mess ninety percent of the time and we don’t even have the excuse of living for a thousand years.”  Amanda smiled, nodding.  “My pleasure, talking to my Aunt is hardly a chore or anything.  And I’m with you, anything that gets us out of this place is good with me.  Being eaten once was plenty, I’d like to go home and date a cute barista and go see Spider-Man.”

[amandakenner]

bittermorals​:

A soft smile eased against the corner’s of his lips in wake of Amanda’s words and he could only hope that she knew how much he appreciated them at the moment. He soon put his arm back around the girl and placed another kiss atop of her head as he mumbled, “thanks kid”, into her locks. With a soft nod, he continued to listen and he appreciate the difficulties that Amanda was facing and he understood them. As he began to release her from his grasp, he mused “it’s a lot to adjust to at once. Besides, you’re there big sister – you’re always gonna be an important part of their lives. Your mom’s gonna get that. I promise.” 

As their conversation returned towards lighter events, Nic’s features soon softened and a chuckle eased from his lips, “I mean, it’s a better reason than some give, right?” his eyes widened within playful response, before another chuckle followed and he picked up another rock to skim across the water and he teased, “ah to be young. The second we get home, it’ll all work out kid. You’ll get that number.”

.

It was obvious in his reaction that Amanda’s words had helped him feel at least a little better, and she was proud of herself for that much.  He deserved it, after everything.  “Of course,” she murmured with a smile.  Nic did make a good point, that even if she wasn’t acting as their mother any longer she’d still be their elder sister - looking after the two of them would be a responsibility that wouldn’t be out of place for her.  “Who knew you were such a good counsellor?” the question came with a little smile, but she was very serious in asking it.  The weight on her chest, although it wouldn’t be gone entirely until she’d talked things through with her mother, had at least been lightened a lot.

“You’re not wrong,” she snorted.  “I had a guy stand me up in middle school because someone told him I was wearing a pink shirt that day and he didn’t want anyone to think he liked pink.”  Which sounded even weirder now that she was repeating it out loud.  “When I do, I’ll text you to let you know you were right.”

[amandakenner]

papawxlfbat​:

Klaus chuckled quietly and shook his head. “As much as I would like to claim such, the fact of the matter remains that sometimes the secrets I choose to keep to protect my loved ones sometimes still prove to be the wrong decisions.” He answered honestly. “I would like to hope that a thousand years of existence has made the decision easier, though.” A shrug of his shoulders followed.

Klaus allowed himself to smile as Amanda joked about her strength. He was quiet for a few momnets before looking at her once more. “As a Kenner, you are a Crescent, no? Perhaps you can deliver a message for me to your alpha, as well? It has been a while since I have spoken with her, but let her know that Klaus Mikaelson would like to extend undying gratitude should she choose to relay any and all information the Pack has uncovered about these Isles and its inhabitants to me.”

.

“I’d have to think so,” Amanda nodded.  “After all, by law of averages you’ve got to get at least fifty percent of the decisions right.”  The smile that accompanied the words was proof enough that she thought he did better than that, at least.  “And at least when it’s family they’re bound to forgive you for making a wrong one here and there, right?”  Or so she assumed.  The inner workings of the Original family were something far from her own experience.

Klaus’ question had her full attention, and she nodded easily once she’d heard his request.  That much, at least, was easy.  “Oh sure - I’ll let Aunt Tara know when I see her, which shouldn’t be very long.  I’m not sure what we might know, since I’m mostly in the dark myself, but at least she’ll be able to pass along anything helpful.  I’m sure she’s really busy, so I’ll just get it from her and let you know what I find out.”

[amandakenner]

beautxful-mistckes​:

A faint hum eased from the brunette’s lips as she nodded every now and then to the words that fell from her niece’s lips. It was understandable for the girl to be homesick, Tara was sure they all were a little homesick especially with every thing that’s happened since arriving in this realm and while Tara was more determined to stay in Avalon she couldn’t help but miss home just a bit herself. “I’m sure we’ll find a way to get back home, Panda,” Tara mused after a moment, brows creasing slightly as she gave a shake of her head. “You know there was no way in hell that I was going to let any of you die inside of that well, sweetheart. No matter what it would take for me to get you all out safely I would’ve done it. You and your mother both are resilient women. I know how hard it must’ve been to know your mom was alive but not with you but she wanted to protect you while she got her mind together. I’m sure that wasn’t how she intended you two’s first meeting again to go.”

.

“Think so?” Amanda’s question was a bit slurred but understandable enough.  “I mean, first we have to figure out how we even got here.  And then we’ve gotta...you know,” she waved a hand over her head, not quite sure herself what the gesture meant.  “And then poof, we’ve gotta find a way to turn it backwards and send us all home again.  Seems like the kinda thing that’s going to take a while.”  Running a hand through dirty blonde hair gave her a moment to try and pull her thoughts into some sort of order before she replied.  “It wasn’t her fault.  It was a lot, though.  And I know you’d have got us out of there sooner or later, because my aunt is a bad ass.”  Reaching over, she slapped Tara gently on the arm.  “’Nother round, you think?”

[amandakenner]

fireandivory​:

“It’s a bit unnerving, but not terrible. I have her father here with me and my best friends.” She said softly as she bounced her daughter in her arms as she stood and looked over at the other. “I’m Willow.” 

.

“That’s good to hear, at least.  I’m glad you can be all together with them, and with your friends.”  Amanda smiled.  “Nice meeting you, Willow - I’m Amanda.  You have a very lovely daughter.”

[amandakenner]

middlekenner​:

“Yeah, sure. Whatever you say.” she teased. “You’re my kid. you’re bound to be anything but angelic.” She wrapped an arm around her daughter’s shoulders, pulling her in. “Come on. Let’s go home and get cleaned up.”

.

“I am offended.  Offended, I tell you,” Amanda shook her head in playful disappointment, laughing as she was pulled closer to her mother.  “That sounds good, actually, I could use a really long shower.  Or two.”

[amandakenner]

middlekenner​:

cfdamagedwclves​:

Normally, Maya’s words would’ve garnered a chuckle from the male but tonight, the inner turmoil that swirled within him had him rather solemn. Knowing that he had a kid and that he had missed out on his entire life was slowly killing the wolf and as his gaze pulled to Maya, the aching in his heart merely increased as he gave a shake of his head. “I’ve got a son,” he managed out as she moved to sit beside him, her hand sliding into his own and for a moment that simple touch pulled some of the pain from his thudding heart within his chest. “I’ve missed out on everything with him.”

.

“A son? A whole kid?” she asked, more giving herself time to process the information. She could barely wrap her head around the new information, she couldn’t fathom what was going on in his head. Keeping one hand in his, she reached up to smooth the other over his hair. “Oh, Dan…. I’m so sorry. I know how much you wanted a son before we had Miles….” she sighed. “His mom never even tried to tell you?”

@amandakenner​

.

Amanda stayed silent where she was, intent on hearing out the rest of the conversation, at least until there was a small tug on the back of her jeans.  Looking back she found Kennedy looking up at her and made an immediate decision to get her out of earshot.  “Come on, kiddo.  You’re supposed to be sleeping.  Let’s go get a drink of water and you can go back to sleep, alright?  I’ll even stay with you a while.”  The last thing they needed was for the girl to hear a conversation about her father having another child with no context.  Following up on her promise she got the girl a drink and headed back to bed with her, content to learn the details later.

@cfdamagedwclves​

[amandakenner]

papawxlfbat​:

As this Amanda agreed to relay his concerns and desires to Hayley upon their next meeting, he smiled and gave her a small nod of his head. “Perfect.” He chuckled out. As she took in his explanation of the Isles and provided her own thoughts, he let out a quiet humming. “There are secrets that are desirable - those that can protect one’s loved ones from a truth that would be far more dangerous to them if they knew.” He commented. “The difficulty that most individuals have, however, is knowing which secrets are worth staying secret and which would be better off made known.

“She would be quite right, too. Strolling through these woods should only be done with the so-called ‘buddy system’, or alone if you are quite capable of handling yourself.” He made a small gesture to himself.

.

Klaus’ comment hit a little close to home, and she gave him a glance to try and see whether reading minds was part of the Original power set that she hadn’t known about before.  “That’s true, I guess.  Is that a talent of yours, being able to tell which is which, or are you like the rest of us that way?”  It was an oddly philosophical question, but he’d made her curious.

“Yeah, as an untriggered wolf I’m about as powerful as the average high school girl,” Amanda laughed.  “So I think the buddy system is absolutely the way to go for me.”  There wasn’t much she could do in the face of any of the island’s dangers.

[amandakenner]

bittermorals​:

A soft chuckle eased from his lips considering her comment, and he appreciated her inquisition, however it was a tale for another time. “Nothing that an apology can’t fix, darlin’.” Although, that might have been a smidge of a white lie, seeing as an abundance of apologies and grovelling would only take some of the edge off of it. “Like it ever could” he whispered, continuing to wipe the moisture from her cheeks, “you went through something no kid should ever have to go through. Like you said, its not as if you lost your mom and you got to grieve, or process that. It couldn’t sound selfish, because it isn’t. You have a chance to get your life back, but that’s gonna take a little time to sink in.” 

His head lifted slightly as his niece addressed him once again and he gave a hum of concentration as she asked her rhetorical question. He pondered his response for a moment and despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the situation, he couldn’t help but offer a soft chuckle, “that does suck, but – look at it this way, she’s either here too, or, I think somehow or another, we’re gonna end up back home. I’m sure she’ll still be there, just waiting to give over her number.”

.

“Well good.  I know you’re more than willing to apologize, it’s part of what makes you such a good uncle.  And a good man.”  Amanda wasn’t blowing smoke, rather just offering up her genuine opinion of Nic.  As he swept what remained of her tears from her cheeks, she took a few deep breaths in an effort to steady herself a bit.  “I know it’s been hard for her too.  Coming back, staying away from us.  I don’t mean to take that away from her or minimize it.  But you’re right - it’s going to take a while to figure all this out.  Process all the things I didn’t have a chance to earlier.  I just know I need to be there for the kids; I can’t let go of that job yet.”

His chuckle made her smile in return.  “I really hope so.  I don’t know if she’d accept “I got swept away to fairyland and got eaten by a fish” as a reason for not visiting earlier.”  It was nice, too, to share something more than her pain with him.  To talk about something fun, something hopeful.  “She’s got a tongue piercing,” Amanda winked playfully.  “And some very cool ink.”

[amandakenner]

insolentveins​:

”Where’s the fun in that?” he teased, his brow having risen before he continued walking. “Can’t say I was ever bothered about the beach much anyway. I’ve always prefered the city.”

.

“What can I say?” she shrugged playfully.  “I’m the quiet girl that sits in the coffee shop with a book.”  Not completely accurate, but accurate enough.  She did nod at his point, though.  “I’m a big fan of the city myself, but the water’s in my blood so I need to see it every now and then.”

[amandakenner]

insolentveins​:

“What’s life without a little danger?” he whispered, his eyes widening slighty as he continued to place the flower behind Amanda’s ear. As he removed his touch, his gaze soon narrowed as she mentioned the creature from the beach, an event that had already left his conscious mind before he questioned, “i’m guessing you were one of the beach goers who got gobbled up?”

.

“Calm and quiet?” Amanda shot back with a grin.  “Doesn’t seem like such a bad thing in my opinion.”  With the flower situated behind her ear suddenly what they’d just been through didn’t seem like such a terrible misadventure anymore.  “That I was.  Almost right after I found my way to the beach, actually.  And if I never go through anything like that again, I’ll be happy.”

[amandakenner]

beautxful-mistckes​:

A laugh emitted from Tara’s lips as she gave a shake of her head, amusement evident across her features before she offered a roll of her emerald hues and gave her niece a pointed look. “You never were very good at lying to me,” she mused. “Even before I triggered my wolf gene and was able to smell the lie on you.” Brows creased slightly as her features softened and her head tilted to the side slightly, a hand moving to gently brush some hair behind Amanda’s ear. “Talk to me, Panda,” Tara hummed. “What’s going on in the pretty little head of yours? Perhaps I can help you sort it out.”

.

Whether sober or drunk, six years old or eighteen, there weren’t many more intimidating things in the world than that look from her aunt.  And Tara wasn’t wrong, she was one of the most difficult people in the world for Amanda to lie to and that had never changed.  Tilting her head a little to lean into her touch, she took a moment to try and organize her thoughts before she replied.  “I’m missing home.”  It was only the most surface-level problem, but it was one of them.  “And I keep...” her hand waved in the air aimlessly as she waited for the words to come to her.  “Not flashing back, but maybe thinking of?  Anyway, just thinking of that stupid fish.  And how it seemed like the first time I’d seen my mom we were both going to...you know.”

[amandakenner]

bittermorals​:

Nic’s palm sought placement against the back of Amanda’s head, he was attentive to smooth down her locks as his other hand rubbed between her shoulder blades within a rhythmic motion. “I got you kid, its alright.” 

Her tears had dampened the shoulder of his shirt, but he didn’t care. If anything he was just grateful that she was allowing for herself to lower all defences. He began to rock her slightly from one side to another, noting the way that her sobs had gradually began to calm like a rough ocean settling after a storm. “No need for thank you’s” he assured, his arms remaining outstretched for support, before he began wiping her damp cheeks with his thumbs and his words prompted a chuckle, “I guess I need that win today.” His musing was honest, given his altercations with his own child, he barely felt adequate now. 

“Hate you? How could she hate you, huh? Your mom is so proud of you, for everything you’ve done. She’s going to understand, how could she not?”

.

She shut her eyes, letting him clear some of the tears from her cheeks, and took a few more deep breaths in a search for some kind of stability.  “You definitely got the win - is everything okay, though?”  Even in the depths of her own feelings she wouldn’t ignore her uncle’s needs - it wasn’t in her nature, which was part of the reason she’d done what she hoped was a decent job of being there for her siblings.

“I don’t know,” the admission was slightly choked off, and Amanda cleared her throat softly.  “I guess I’m just worried that it’d sound selfish, or like I’m not glad to have her back or something.”  A moment’s hesitation followed that before she went on.  “You know what sucks?” a small, rueful smile tugged at her lips as she looked up at Nic.  “There was a cute barista at the coffee place in Atlanta who I’m, like, ninety percent sure was going to give me her number the next time I went in.  Instead I end up here getting eaten by a fish.  Which was not at all,” her eyes flicked up to her uncle and she shook her head.  “Sorry, not going to finish that thought.”

[amandakenner]

bittermorals​:

Nic’s chuckle brought an expression of contentment to his features, even if only for a moment as Amanda’s honest laugh notified him that he was at least doing something right. “Oh no kid, I remember those tantrums perfectly well” he teased with a grin.

He returned his attention towards the lake as the stones began skimming across the water, silently hoping that there was no creatures lurking beneath that were about to get pelted with rocks, but that was more of a ‘we’ll cross that bridge if we come to it’ kinda deal. The wolf gave a reassuring nod as his niece agreed to talk and began skipping the rocks across the surface herself, as Nic continued to do the same. He had to hand it to her, her explanation was gut wrenching and it honestly made him think how selfish they had all been just expecting for her to accept the fact that her mom was back and life could continue as normal. It also forced for him to reflect upon the expectations of his own children, just thinking that he could return, no questions asked and continue living the life he was before.  He allowed for her to talk as he listened intently, nodding every now and again as he offered reassurance that she had his undivided attention. Yet his stomach twisted uncomfortably as the words became lodged in her throat and she had to try again and the determination within her tone caused for Nic to stop throwing rocks as he turned himself towards her. “None of that makes you a terrible person. You put your life on hold for your family. You did what no other kids should have to do and shielded your siblings from a world of hurt. You were brave and defiant, you held your shit together when that shouln’t have been asked of you and now its our turn. You haven’t gotta give it all back right away, I think that’s too much of an adjustment, but you do have to start doing things for you again.” The moment that Amanda’s sob urged from her lungs, he reached out for the girl and tugged her into a possessive hug. A real fatherly embrace as he enclosed his arms and rested his cheek against the top of her head. The kind of embrace that was entirely inviting and made you believe that nothing could harm you, “talking to your mom will help. Its not like she won’t understand it. She needs to know that you need time too, alright? That’s the only way any of this is going to get better.”

.

As Nic pulled her close, the vestige of self control she’d been holding onto shattered like glass.  It was long past due, and when the dam burst there was a lot behind it.  She held onto her uncle, allowing him to be the life preserver that kept her afloat in her tears.  The crying felt like a relief, if she were honest, and while she didn’t know how long it went on she felt exhausted by the end of it.  Nic’s shirt was damp, maybe even soaked through where she’d been pressed against it, and Amanda was breathing in shuddering gasps even as she pulled back a little.

Looking up at him with grateful eyes, she struggled to find the right words.  “Thank you,” were the first, the most important.  He needed to know just what he’d done for her, allowing her that release after so long.  I’m honestly not sure what it is I want for me at this point, but I really needed to hear that.  You’re a really good uncle - you know that, right?”

Leaning in again, words slightly muffled against him, her next question was the one that worried her the most.  “You don’t think she’ll hate me if I bring this up with her?”

[amandakenner]

bittermorals​:

Amanda’s comment prompted another bout of laughter and Nic tugged his digits backwards through his locks as he offered a slow series of nods and mused, “alright, I got it.” 

As his niece cussed, his lips parted within feigned shock and his expression hardened, but only playfully as he teased, “you wash that damn potty mouth out with soap young lady” before again, his laughter encased their surroundings and the roar of it caused for some birds to descend from their placement within the tree’s. 

As she curled tighter into his side, his hand began to move in rhythmic motions up and down against her arm in attempts to offer comfort, “you got it kid.” 

Nic inhaled a sharp breath, glancing towards their surroundings and looking out across the lake before easing his arm from around his niece’s frame and pulling himself upright, grabbing a handful of stones as he did so, before reaching out for Amanda to pull her up to her feet. “We’ll ease ourselves into the screaming and running part, so why don’t we start by talking?” he mused, throwing a rock across the water and watching as it skimmed the surface, before handing one to Amanda. 

“No judgment, just say … anything you need to get off your chest…”

.

Her uncle’s shocked expression and demand that she wash her mouth out pulled an honest belly laugh from her, and she shook her head.  “Don’t make me stomp my feet and roll on the ground, because I’m told I was pretty good at that when I was a toddler.”  Fortunately there didn’t seem to be too many pictures or much video, and Amanda was grateful for that.

She might not have been sure what he was up to when he stood, but followed without much question when she was pulled to her feet as well.  “Talking sounds like a place to start.”  As she accepted the rock, though, watching him skip his across the surface, Amanda had no idea what she wanted to say.  Her mouth opened and the words that came out surprised even her.

“I don’t know how to do this.”  The rock in her hand sailed out an impressive distance and hit the water with a solid plunk, sending ripples away from the impact.  “All that time she was gone...did you ever watch Buffy?  There’s this episode where her mom dies, and it’s just her and her sister in the house.  At one point her sister tells her something like “no one’s asking you to be mom.”  And she replies “who’s going to be if I’m not?”  And that’s where I was.  Dan tried so hard.  But Miles and Kennedy needed a mom too, and it...” she choked up and had to try again.  “And it had to be me.  And now Mom’s back.  And it’s like...how do I give the job back?  How can I even talk about any of this with her?”  Amanda grabbed another rock from Nic and threw it in a whistling arc.

“Hi Mom, remember when you died?  Can we talk about how much I missed you?  How I gave every part of myself to be sure that everyone was okay?  How I’m not sure if I ever even grieved for you because I was busy every minute of the day?  How can I say any of that to her?  What kind of terrible person am I for even thinking it?”  She started to break down, then, shoulders shaking as sobs were barely held in.  “I don’t know what to do anymore.  What my life looks like.”