Barclay Cott

Barclay Cornelius Cott. Rebel.Living under their noses. Waiting for revenge for the slaughter of my comrades. Gym rat turned personal trainer, looking to get away from the busy world of the social internet and the 24 hour new cycle.

[claycott]

claireedarby‌:

@claycott​

Claire hadn’t been…avoiding Clay since their reunion, she had just been in need of some space to process the fact that he was still alive. It had been rough. Learning to live without him had been a process and then, suddenly, there he was. Alive and unaware of everything she had gone through over six months of not knowing. And though the woman thought it best to avoid her issues altogether, she knew that she couldn’t avoid Clay. More than that, she knew that she didn’t want to avoid him. At the end of the day, he was her’s and she was his. So when she spotted him at the party, she approached with a smile. 

“Hey.” she greeted, reaching for his arm. “We should have decided on matching costumes.” Claire tried to tease, trying to gently work her way back into his life and he in hers.

While Clay typically enjoyed Halloween very much, he wasn’t finding this year to be particularly thrilling. Perhaps this was in part due to the high caliber of the event and the sophistication of the guests- not many women in barely there costumes. Likely the bigger reason for the man’s sour mood was the radio silence from the woman he most wanted to see, sexy costume or not.

 He was looking out at the disguised crowd when he spotted her, thankfully making her way to him. “A little smattering of blood on your neck and I think we’ll look the part.” He jibbed back, exposing the fake fangs that realistically hid his own canines. He was never into wearing elaborate costumes and he made no exception for the frightfully fancy party. He’d pulled out a black leather jacket from the back of his closet, put on his nicest jeans, fangs he was planning to take out the moment they became an inconvenience, and a drip of blood stained one corner of his mouth. It was lazy, but far different from the gym clothes most people here had only ever seen him in.

[claycott]

nathanielsgray‌

“That’s a good reference to have of your person,” Nate pointed out. Life just wouldn’t be the same if staff disliked other staff – without a proper reason. But, even those that worked similar positions were bound to think differently of others, so the man being liked by those that oversaw most things was something positive. “Oh, that’d be good. I’ve mostly just been visiting on my own these days.” When he remembered to. And when Alex wasn’t already waiting for him there. “What kinda classes were you thinking of? That has the potential to be more fun than just running through a routine – or not.” A small, very sheepish smile flashed across his face as he realized he’d actually expressed his thoughts loud enough to be heard.

“Yeah, I like to think so.” He chuckled, glad to know that being nice to the rest of the staff was paying off in unexpected ways. Not that he’d ever dream of being rude to anyone who had to put of with so many royal brats with big personalities on a daily basis. No need to add any more unpleasantness to their life. “I have a diverse portfolio, so probably whatever people show the most interest in. I’ve taught crossfit, boxing, self-defense, high intensity interval training, cycling, even yoga, and dance fitness.” He listed off some of his favorite classes, holding up a finger for each one. “I have a sheet up in the gym with classes, for people to let me know what they want to participate in or to suggest their own ideas. I’m thinking beginner’s yoga and perhaps boxing would be a good start here.”

[claycott]

kala-paswan‌:

Kala could only laugh in response and shake her head. “No, it’s really alright. Thanks to you I think I may be wide awake, I may be able to skip that second cup of coffee.” She was teasing of course, but she wanted him to know she really wasn’t bothered. She smiled at his offer and glanced back at her coffee cup, considering before she nodded. “Oh alright, I suppose I could go for one more.” She picked up her mug and finished off what had settled at the bottom before she offered it over to him. “Thank you so much.” 

Clay didn’t think his surprising her would actually have any impact on her caffeine intake and as she handed her mug to him he was glad to see he was right. “Of course. It’s the least I can do.” Taking the mug, he nodded his head at her, hoping it came across gentlemanly, then took off towards the kitchen. He returned a few minutes later, two coffee cups with him this time. He placed Kala’s in front of her and sat down beside her, taking a sip of his own. “They said they’d have some out for me shortly. Thanks for inspiring a much needed change in my morning routine.” He told her, sincerely glad for it.

[claycott]

josipkovacic‌:

Josip was truly grateful for the recommendation; not only was it a real way he could keep himself occupied, but it was also something that would help him not to become lazy during his stay here in Russia. “I suppose it’s easy to lose motivation for activities like going to the gym when you have a major change of environment.” That, and being unable to find the gym in an unfamiliar setting seemed like a common problem that could occur. “What kind of equipment does the gym have here?” That was almost important; it was nice to know what you were walking into beforehand.

“Especially when this change was not optional for many, or so I've heard. I’d think most people would want to come somewhere safer, after everything that’s happened.” Clay spoke about the kidnapping as though the event had no personal impact on him. He’d always been a good liar, even though he didn’t usually put that skill to use. “It’s got as much as any gym I’ve worked for; all the weight equipment you could want, treadmills, elliptical machines, rowing machines, stationary bikes, leg press. Chances are if you can name it, we’ve got it.” It really was an impressive setup. He didn’t know who was in charge of getting the equipment, but they were either a major gym buff or just ordered one of everything because they had no idea what they were doing. Either way it was a dream job for Clay... or it would have been without the royals being involved.

[claycott]

teganbrb‌:

Tegan continued to flick the lighter in his hand, turning to the voice behind him. Lingering for a few seconds to admire the other’s physique before continuing to speak. “That far?? For me that’s just the beginning, handsome. There’s plenty more where that came from.” He added with a wink, stepping closer to the trainer. “But all that aside, yes! Lead the way…Before I go into shock from lack of nicotine.”

Shocked, Clay let out a quiet huff of breath, he’d tried to hold it in, but the other’s words caught him completely unprepared. He didn’t take long to recover, however. Nodding slightly, then turning on his heals he headed back the way he had just come from. “We wouldn’t want that. It’s not too far from here.” He had very little idea what to expect from royals, but this certain wasn’t it. Either way he planned to keep things as polite and professional as he knew how.

[claycott]

bastienfiore‌

Bastien was just leaving the kitchen for a few hours of rest before his lunch shift, breakfast in hand- he usually didn’t eat in the dining hall, preferring to limit his interactions with royalty, when he could. He stopped when he heard a voice, and paused for a brief moment to adjust his grip on his plate before he spoke. “Oh, it’s just an omelet. We had some leftover veggies and cheese and stuff, nothing too fancy,” he said with a shrug. “Want me to make you one? The kitchen won’t be too busy.” On one hand, feeling like he’d never escape his workspace could be a little suffocating. On the other hand, he was relatively unlikely to have to deal with any of the royals there- the Israeli princess and the English royals being two of the most notable exceptions. And the staff here had to look out for each other and support each other, or they’d probably all go a little nuts. So he was more than happy to make breakfast for Clay. 

There had to be something more than just leftover vegetables that made the omelet smell so overwhelmingly tasty. Clay figured Bastien must be really good chef if he managed to make a simple dish that well. “No, that’s alright. I wouldn’t want to interrupt you from enjoying your own breakfast.” The offer seriously did tempt him, but it would be quite rude to be that kind of a burden. “I’ll just have to catch you a little earlier next time. I’m sure it won’t be long before I get to try something you’ve made.” There would be something else he could scrounge up in the kitchen before he headed off to the gym.

[claycott]

nathanielsgray‌:

“Oh. Right. There might be some leftovers – unless they had it for their own selves.” Which probably wasn’t allowed, or something of the sort, but he wasn’t about to point fingers and blame on others. “Or just like, let me know. There’s no reason you should go hungry or resign yourself to craving someone else’s food.” He punctuated the end of his sentence with a small shrug of his shoulders, eyes fixed on the other man. While the face looked somewhat familiar, he wasn’t sure what the other’s role was – just that he wasn’t one of the guests. “I’m Nate.”

“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll manage to get something from them. The kitchen staff seem to like me.” He explained, with a shrug. He wasn’t even sure why that was, he hadn’t really done much for them,except show them a little human decency. “I’m Clay, I run the gym. If you ever want to stop by, I offer personal training sessions and I’m trying to get some classes set up.” Did Clay feel a bit like a walking advert for the gym? You bet, but he needed more people to stop by, relax, get their endorphins flowing, and maybe drop a secret or two in the locker rooms.

[claycott]

jamesgpeach‌:

By the time most of the castle was up and running James had already done his morning tasks and had the horses ready for a day of royal riding.  He still wasn’t one for the early rises, downing at least two cups of coffee before he started work, but he was used to it.  Despite this he usually still ended up grabbing breakfast at the regular time with the rest of the staff.  He had just grabbed a morsel of something and was heading back out when he was accosted by the gym bunny.  “Uh, I think it’s called like Swarovski… no that’s the jewellery, uh, pirozhki!  Yeah that was it.  It’s a staple over here I think?  All I know is I requested it to have extra cheese and I think I orgasmed back there.” 

“Pirozhki?” Clay repeated it back, the word feeling funny in his mouth. Not having spent much time in Russia, the language was still very strange to him, though he did know a few key words and phrases. “Thanks so much...” he paused, unsure what the other staff member’s name was despite having seen him around many times, “What was your name again? I know I’ve heard others say it, but I can’t recall.” He decided to lean in favor of being over polite as he knew being proper was not always his strong suit.

[claycott]

kala-paswan‌:

Kala laughed softly and shook her head, setting her fork aside. “It’s alright, I suppose I’m still half asleep. Not as quick to my senses as I am after I’ve had a few cups of coffee.” She glanced at the kitchen before back to the man and she nodded. “I would imagine so, I think he made enough to feed at least five more people and I can assure you I have no intention of eating that much food.” 

“Right. After a cup or two myself, I might have realized to approach more cautiously at this hour.” He knew how early it was and really should have been more cautious, but at least she seemed quite kind about his lack of grace. He was really going to need to be a bit more thoughtful around these royals if he wanted to fit in. “That’s great to hear. I’m going to inquire about that. Can I get you more coffee, perhaps?” He nodded towards her mug, then the kitchen.

[claycott]

 josipkovacic‌:

Josip hadn’t really been looking for a conversation either, speaking more to himself than anything, but when a response came, he considered the words seriously before he nodded with a small smile. “Both are good suggestions. Thank you.” Truthfully, swimming - and any kind of exercise, really - would probably prove to be an excellent distraction from his apparent onset of homesickness. “My apologies for disturbing you.”

Clay was glad that his suggestions were taken well and that this wasn’t another royal who wanted to just endlessly complain to him. “That’s quite alright. I always like recommending people stop by the gym. I had no idea it would go so unused when I accepted my job here, especially when it’s such a nice facility.” Now that the conversation had started, he might as well see if he could get the other to stop by the gym. Not only would more patrons at the gym mean he’d get to know more people in a low stress environment, he sort of missed the busy gym he co-managed before diving so deep into the rebels organization that he couldn’t keep up with the job.

[claycott]

claireedarby‌:

Claire wasn’t a woman who broke down and cried but at that moment, that was all she wanted to do. She had learned to live a life where Clay no longer existed, had learned to live without him. Doing so had been painfully difficult but finally she had dragged herself to the surface. Finally she was functioning again. And here he was, completely alive. She didn’t know if she should cry and run away, slap him across the face, or throw her arms around him in a tight embrace. So she did none of that and instead stared at him for what felt like an eternity.

Stared and listened to him. “No, no one told me.” she admitted, feeling the anger grow. Someone had know. Someone had known that Clay was alive and hadn’t bothered to tell her. Hadn’t bothered to tell her that the only man she had ever loved wasn’t dead. It was hard for her to process, to put the thoughts together. Claire took a few steps closer, her hands grasping onto his shirt in tight fists as she pressed her lips to his in a desperate kiss.

And then it was over and she was pulling away. “I….” She trailed off, unsure of how to phrase it. She was unbelievably happy to see him. And yet, unsure of what came next. “I think I need to think.” Claire frowned.

There was an anger starting to fizz and bubble deep inside him. How could no one have told her? How could people keep her in the dark when there group was based on truth and doing what was best for people? Didn’t they know it was best for her to know he was coming? Being face to face with Claire kept the anger at bay. How could he fully focus on anything besides her? He couldn’t. She was too close, too beautiful, too quiet. She would be his main focus even if the shop started falling down around him.

When she closed the distant between him, he sighed lightly, a smile appearing on his lips just as hers touched them. He kissed her with all the passion and rage and fear he’d felt since they’d last talked. His arms wound themselves around her waist, holding her even so gently in fear that anything could scare her off. He also worried that if he held her as tightly as he wanted to he might crush her, he might pull her so close to him that they would fuse into one entity.

When she moved back, he felt as though his heart were physically pained. His hands sat softly on her hips for a moment before he let them fall to his sides. He knew there was no point in trying not to look as disappointed as he felt, she’d see through his facade instantly. “Think with me.” He responded quickly without thinking, taking a small step forward so he could reach one of her hands. He scooped her hand up, holding it in both of his laying a brief kiss on the soft skin of her wrist. Of course, if she wanted time to herself he knew she’d take it, but he didn’t want to let her out of his sight just yet. “I’ve missed you,” he paused, this time thinking of what to say to convince her to stay, “More than I knew was possible, more than I know how to say.” He kissed her wrist one more time, before lowering it and carefully letting go of her hand.

[claycott]

nathanielsgray‌:

“…Oatmeal and tapas?” Nate let out, raising an inquisitive eyebrow at the other male. “You can… try some of mine if you want? It’s not spicy or anything.” His voice was closer to a mumble by the last words of the sentence, not having expected someone so nearby when he was in the slightly unguarded state of eating something that almost tasted homemade. Just a quick bite before he’d find something more active to do, he’d said to himself, only to be weakened by memories of home.

“Oh, that’s very kind of you,” Clay shook his head slowly, trying to politely decline the offer, “But I couldn’t impose on your meal like that.” He was not very unaccustomed to denying himself things out of duty or to seem more proper, but that was the role he was expected to play here. “Perhaps I’ll see if the cooks mind whipping up another batch for me.” He said it hopefully, but he knew if it was too much of a pain to make a dish he’d be denied it. After all the kitchen staff was here to serve the royals, not other staff members.

[claycott]

kala-paswan‌:

Kala could usually sleep until the late hours of the morning without any trouble. However she had tossed and turned all night and woken early feeling cranky and in dire need of food and coffee. She had dressed and headed down to the kitchen, and had practically begged the cook to whip up a dish that felt more like home. Thankfully he had known the dish she had been speaking of and soon enough he was handing a plate over to her with a cup of coffee. She made her way into the dining room and had been just about to eat when he spoke up. Startled she looked up, though she relaxed as she recognized the man who worked in the gym. “This? It’s masala dosa, I’m not sure what I could compare it to.” She admitted with a small laugh. 

“Didn’t mean to frighten you.” He apologized, bowing his head quickly, in what he hoped was a respectful manner. “It smells delicious. Any chance there’s more where that came from?” He nodded towards the kitchen, knowing he could just go ask the kitchen staff, but staying to her answer instead. He needed to get closer with the royals anyways and if taking about food was the way to break the ice, he’d do just that.

[claycott]

josipkovacic‌:

OPEN.

“I miss going to the beach.” Josip’s not homesick, as such, just missing some of the freedoms he’d been afforded before being brought to the Russian castle. He misses his home country and the views there, the familiar routines of life in the Croatian palace. “If I was home, I would be able to walk on the sand by now.”

Clay wasn’t really looking for conversation, but when a man he could only assume was a prince spoke he knew he was in for one. “It’s not the same, but there is a pool. I’ve heard it’s very nice.” He offered, not sure if the prince actually wanted an alternative or if he just wanted to complain. “Or if you’re just looking for something to do, there are some classes at the gym you could sign up for.”

[claycott]

claireedarby‌:

It took Claire a moment to process the question that he was asking. Anyone else here? After a moment of hesitation, she shook her head. “No, just me. And you.” she managed. Just the two of them. That was a concept she never thought would happen again, not after spending the past six months under the impression that he was dead. She swallowed hard as she watched him, studied him, looking for any sign that something about him was different. Part of her still felt as though she was standing there looking at a hallucination or a ghost, but a small part of her was desperate for him to be real.

The woman rubbed her temples as she tried to find the words to say. It was clear that Barclay had no idea of what had been spread through the rebel ranks since the failed kidnapping of the royals. “Clay, they said that you were dead.” she finally managed, her voice breaking. “They said everyone was caught and executed. Including you.” she answered, gaze meeting his. “I spent the last six months thinking that you were dead.”

Clay was at least relieved that they were alone, but that didn’t help that the look on Claire’s face was hurting his heart in a way he was not prepared for. Her gaze felt uncomfortable, too hyper focused. She hadn’t looked at him like that before and all he wanted was for everything to feel normal- to feel right.

Her words caught him by surprise, though maybe they shouldn’t have. His eyebrows pressed together in frustration and perhaps concern. It made sense that everyone would think he had died along with all their fellow rebels, especially since he had only been back in contact for a few days. “No one told you?” He took a slow step towards her, unsure if the advance would make her retreat once more. The last thing he wanted was to scare her off, he just wanted to make her understand. Understand how hard these months had been for him, and how much he had anticipated their reunion. “They told me you were stationed here and I figured someone must have told you I was coming. I thought you would have been looking forward to seeing me. I know I was. I came as soon as I could get away. I ran halfway here.” Maybe he was over explaining. Really though, what else was there to do?

[claycott]

Waking up especially tired the morning after a hard day of meetings and working in the gym, Clay wanted nothing more than to let his head hit the pillow once more. He didn’t let himself indulge, however. He was up and dressed only a few minutes behind schedule and heading toward the kitchen for coffee and a quick bite when he caught a whiff of something overwhelmingly wonderful. “Hey, what that you’ve got there?” He asked the person passing, hoping they would deliver good news that the kitchen had more of whatever dish was making his mouth water.

[claycott]

teganbrb‌:

It had been a whole twenty four hours since Tegan arrived in Russia. He knew he didn’t have too much time before his withdrawals would hit full swing. He could already feel the irritation building up inside him. His hands were trembling, he was beginning to break out in a cold sweat. He knew he needed to get himself pills. Fast. But his father really did doom him here. He had no idea how or when he was going to get his next high. Pacing the gardens, he flicked his lighter frantically as he attempted to light the cigarette between his lips. “Who do I have to blow to get a fucking light in this place ??”  

As the sun was setting and after a particularly hard gym session, in which Clay had pushed himself for no reason other than to see if he could, the trainer found himself wandering the cooling grounds outside the castle. He’d been socializing much more than he was accustom to since he’d arrived in Russia and while he knew that was part of his job there, he still longed for an evening or two to himself. Turning the corner to find a clearly agitated man walking among the flowering hedges and budding trees, Clay knew he could not simply walk away. “I don’t know that you’ll have to go that far.” He gave his shoulders a slight shrug. “Pretty sure I have some matches back in the gym. Would you like me to check?”