The Devious Orator [Archived]

#thewildersofnewhaven #verse: royals #[It has nearly been a full year. I'm leaving this for you just in case you want to return to it.#If not perhaps now that I'll be checking in a bit more often we could think of something else to do?]

The sole movement given at the warning was the inclination of his head. James was certain that, were Sarah not Queen, the measures that could be taken to ensure her children’s safety would be higher. He, however, understood the limitations her job entailed. Every movement she or her children made were scrutinized, the smallest gesture could be taken out of context and the media would begin to circle the royal family much as sharks do to their prey. He lifted his head as she returned her attention towards him, seeing that a plan had formed in her mind where her children were concerned.

He had seen firsthand the kindness that seemed to emanate from the royal family. The kindness they held did not stop at blood, but extended to anyone who needed it or asked for it. It had become their trademark, their stamp on the royal lineage that held the country’s very well-being the palm of their hands. Just as surely and readily was the kindness given was it taken away; as he had witnessed moments ago, the trust that was given readily was not given a second time. For all their kindness, they were firm rulers in judgement; second chances were rare, albeit none at all.

James remained intent on his Queen as she told of the list she had in mind where her children were concerned. A mental note was made of each demand, particularly the one in which he decided who would guard the future kings. The team he had built to protect them had been solid, handpicked specifically to the needs of the royal family, and while he himself held no reason to doubt them, he would do as requested, intent on keeping his vow of protecting the royal family.

“As my Queen commands, it will be done.”

The additional security measures came as no surprise to the advisor. With her children’s lives hanging in the balance, he expected no less. The sudden promotion, however, did catch him off guard. For years, he had prided himself on his reputation as royal advisor, expecting nothing more or less than the praise or criticism given for the assignments given to him. The sudden upheaval, to now be the one person who held the Queen’s utmost trust, was not something expected but it also could not be refused.

He inclined his head, bending at the waist in a bow towards Sarah. “Your Majesty, I would be honored to accept the job.” James straightened, looking at her intently. “I will see to it your orders are carried out immediately.”

When the call came that her children had been found, she had been relieved. Well, there had been a lot of emotions but relieved was the highest on her list. She knew that her title of Queen kept her occupied, so much so that she worried about how her kids fared without her. Sarah had tried to be there for them when they needed her to be, but she worried that their rebellion wasn’t simply just a teenager thing, it was against her and how she had failed them. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and collected herself, her bodyguards following her out to the room she would receive James and her children in.

As she waited, she paced, only stopping when she heard the door open and James and her children walk through the door. Nodding once to him, the gratitude she could feel but not show right then written clearly in her eyes, she turned to her bodyguards. “Leave us, please,” she commanded, her voice unwavering as she finally turned to her children who, she was pleased to see, looked properly ashamed of themselves.

When they left, she tilted her head as she studied them, the ticking of the clock on the wall the only sound in the room. “Care to tell me where you were last night?”

Hunter and Oliver looked at each other before shrugging. “Out. With some friends,” came Hunter’s reply as Oliver nodded in agreement.

“Hmm. And just what were you doing out with these friends?”

The lack of emotion in her voice caused her sons to look at each other for a few seconds longer, the hesitation on their faces clear as they wondered just how to go about the explanation without ratting each other out. “Just hung out. We went to a party,” Oliver piped up as he looked at his mother. “Nothing happened, but it got to be late and we just ended up falling asleep.”

“And, what? You never thought once to tell me that you were alright? Either of you?” She let out a mirthless chuckle when they didn’t respond. “I see how it is. Clearly, you have no respect for me or the people put in place to protect you. You could have gotten yourselves hurt or worse, the people you were with could have set up a trap. Did you think about that?”

The expression on their faces told her that they hadn’t and she shook her head. “From now on, you go nowhere without a guard and you’re to remain here unless there’s an engagement to go to.” She held up a hand to silence them as they began to protest and she glared at them. “You. Will. Not. Fight. Me. On. This. Until you’ve learned that you can’t do whatever you want because you’re ‘future kings’ and until you’ve learned some respect, you’re going to remain here until I say otherwise!”

“I will not let this go on, certainly not when the next time I receive news like this it could be because you both happened to be dead!” Though the anger was still there on their faces, she could see that her words were having some sort of effect. She figured it would do for now. It wasn’t the desired effect, but at least they were listening. “Go now. To your rooms. Saul and Erin will escort you.”

She waited until the door had clicked close behind them to collapse into the chair behind her. “Was I too harsh?”

#thewildersofnewhaven #verse: royals #[forgive me the late and short reply my dear! I wasn't sure of where you intended this to go.]#on a tight schedule [queue]

Standing silently in the corner, he watched as the queen gave the future kings the lay of the land, the boys racing out of the room faster than someone could blink. Eyeing his subordinate as the man waited for him at the door, he shook his head, signaling the other man to his intent, then turned away, only moving towards the queen when the sound of the door latching was heard.

The sudden question caused him to pause for a mere second before inclining his head as he took the seat next to her. “’Harsh’? For two boys who have given you near heart attacks on several occasions, I believe you let them off easy. Though I have no doubt that your words took effect. It is obvious they have much left to learn; perhaps by remaining here they will learn that caution is not only done for fun.”

There were, on occasion, instances where James could see the two boys ruling the same way their mother did. Despite their more...scandalous tendencies, the boys held kind hearts within them and the temper that the queen rarely showed would rise up in the two young kings when someone was in danger. He figured they had inherited their mother’s quality of putting others before themselves if their inclination of rushing into dangerous and unknown situations was of any indication.

“Your Majesty, you did as well as you could. There has been no sign of the press gathering hold of this yet so that does leave us with time to straighten the situation out. The guard and I will assign extra detail to them as well as the grounds and entrances.” His expression softened as he regarded the exhausted woman before him. “Your children will be safe, of this, I assure you.”

thewildersofnewhaven:

Sarah eyed him before shaking her head. “Fire them? That’s your suggestion,” she deadpanned before turning around and gazing out the window. Before her, she could see the expanse of the gardens behind the palace, the flowers dancing in the wind without a care in the world. If only all things could be like those flowers.

She took a few breaths, mulling her options over before turning back to face James. There were so many options at her disposal and firing the ones responsible would make her job both easier and more stressful than it had ever been. Easier because she could know that now, her children would be gaining the proper education they needed and more stressful because where the hell would she find fifteen new staff members before it hurt the newspaper later that evening? All members of the household signed contracts, waivers, and she was fearful that the one time she needed to take a stand, the one time it would be used against her, but what else could she do? Her children were out running about and fifteen people - fifteen sets of eyes - hadn’t been able to find them yet.

“I’ve never had reason to doubt your word so I won’t start doing it now,” she began, her voice soft but carrying an edge to it. She was going to take care of her children because no one else seemed to really value their lives except for her and James. She be damned if she kept people that would do more harm than good to her family near to them. “Effective immediately, all those who have been supposed to tutor, teach, and keep a watchful eye on my sons are fired. Send the bodyguards back into the police academy and follow the letter of their contracts perfectly, I don’t want anything coming back to haunt us.”

“In the meantime, I’ll start searching for replacements and I want you in on the process. I have a meeting to attend before I can even start thinking of all of this so while I’m in that meeting, I want my children found and brought back home. Tell them to tie them to their chairs if needed, but they are not stepping foot out of here once they’re back. This has gone on long enough!”

“Your orders will be carried out.”

Pausing momentarily only to bow as he made his way out the door, he began on the instructions she had given, making certain that those responsible for their idiocy were handled quietly and efficiently. Sarah was right, the last thing the palace needed was another scandal in their midst. Though he would never say such a statement out loud, the future kings had done enough damage to the palace’s reputation already. Finding them was his first priority.

Twenty minutes later, he found himself in a security car, driving down the last street that the cell companies had been able to track the teenagers’ phones. Upon reaching the house, he was out of the car and barging into the home with four other security, in search of the future kings. His eyes narrowed when he saw the two teenagers, passed out on the couch, and it took only a swift kick to the piece of furniture to jolt them awake. Pleased though he was to see the fear in their eyes, he kept his expression neutral. He had tolerated their behavior long enough, as had their mother, and it seemed they already knew exactly how much trouble they were in. This would not be handled similar to any of the other times, not if he had anything to do or say about it.

“If the media had a hold of this, I’m certain this would put your poor mother in her grave,” he declared, his voice echoing in the quiet of the home, the sounds of the other men making their way through the home the only other noise. “She has been up all night, worrying to death over where you two have been and yet you don’t have enough decency to let her know you two are alright?”

His head turned sharply as he was given the announcement of all clear and he returned his eyes to the cowering teenagers. “Both of you - up. This has gone on long enough. You have twenty seconds to be out that door and in the car before we forcibly restrain you. Now is not the time to test our patience. Move it or we will do it for you.”

#thewildersofnewhaven #To Search for the Kings #verse: royals

Sarah Wilder⎜[continued from (x)]

Unaware though he had been of the news, he was not surprised. As much as he cared for the young kings-in-training, they seemed insistent on making their mother’s life one of strife and turmoil. It definitely was not becoming of the royals and there was only so much Sarah could do. With running the kingdom, she was involved with political meetings, financial affairs, and other such pressures that came along with the job.

Mentoring and providing the future kings with the knowledge of ruling a kingdom was instead left to the advisors and the tutors; so far, he had received the impression that that job had been done poorly. If Oliver and Hunter had not been located before then already, he was aware of the need for a personnel change. He could not bear to see the strain in Sarah’s body nor the fear and exhaustion so easily found on her face and in her eyes.

“You know as well as I do that your sons are kind, honest young men,” he began, his tone soft in an attempt to calm. “They will, no doubt, make fine kings in the future, but the problem, I believe lies in their caretakers. You have done as much as you could during the years and it hasn’t gone unnoticed, I’m sure even your advisors could agree on that one.”

Eyeing her, taking in her appearance once more, he allowed a gentle sigh to escape him. A pull within him guided his next move and aware that the next few words out of his mouth would either be the end or accelerant of his career and the bond they had somehow grown to share, he inclined his head, determined in his decision to forage ahead. "I believe you already know the answer, your Majesty.”

“If your children have yet to be found, I believe it is the other advisors and mentors who have fallen on the job. They should already have been keeping an eye on them and have failed, leaving only one option.”

#thewildersofnewhaven #verse: royals #To Search for the Kings #[I hope you don't mind dear one that I started this up.]

#thewildersofnewhaven #verse: royals

“I know your work is important, but you’re going to end up in hospital if you go on like this!” [royals au perhaps?]

Sarah looked up at her advisor, taking in his expression before silently sliding that morning’s newspaper over to him. She stood up and quickly grabbed another cup of coffee before leaning against the wall. “The future kings have been out all night, partying, and some of the men are still out looking for them.”

Rubbing her hand over her eyes, she shook her head. “I’ve been up all night, worrying about them and all the while I have the other advisors breathing down my neck.” Looking back up at James, she shrugged. “What am I supposed to do with them? I can’t control them any longer.”

Justice Is Served⎜James and Richard

#richardmaxters #justice is served #[As usual my dear it has been a pleasure! I look forward to the threads we have planned. :)]#[I have decided to simply reblog and await more threads to discuss the conditions he is in.]

Richard smirked as he shook his head. He knew he was enjoying this far too well for a guy that had come in on the case only a few months previous, but he couldn’t help it. After seeing how much Sarah had to go through, not to mention all those other families, he felt it was his duty to give them the justice and a slight case of mocking they all deserved. “This isn’t even close to the last time you’ll see me, Mr. Sordini.”

“You see, not only is there the court arraignment and actual trial, but also the process of the financial aspects of this entire thing. You won’t exactly be needed in court for the financials as they’ll mostly be dealt with by the banks and I’ll pass on the information when I have it. More than likely, everything you own will be sold off at auction. It’ll be something of a drawn out process, but for how long we plan on keeping you in here, trying to do anything otherwise in order to keep your belongings just looks embarrassing.”

Shrugging, Richard checked his watch before nodding to the guard and upon receiving a nod in return, he turned his attention back to James. There was one last nail in the coffin that needed to be dealt with before he could leave. “Oh, and there’s one more thing. Just so you know, Sarah’s been barred from seeing you as I’m sure that was one of the many questions on your mind. We thought it would be better and easier for her and her family that way so don’t expect sympathy visits any time soon.”

Ever since he had met Sarah, he had longed for the day that he could say that James was behind bars, that the man would never harm Sarah and her family again. Now, he could and he would the second he stepped outside the prison doors. His eyes hardened as he stared the other man down, silence passing between them for a few seconds before he inclined his head, feeling that his point had been made. “Well, I must be off. Mr. Sordini, it has been an honor seeing you behind bars and it will be my pleasure to keep you here. See you in court.” With that, he turned on his heel and followed the guard out, walking out with a smirk and a sense of justice served in his heart.

The bastard finally got what he deserved.

Justice Is Served⎜James and Richard

As he watched James being taken away, Richard felt as though he could breathe normally for the first time in what felt like months. Finally he could say that his job was completed, that Sarah would be free and her family would be safe. He knew he couldn’t celebrate just yet though. Having James put in the back of the police car was only step one in this whole thing - he was going to see James behind bars before he even began to think about celebrating. He followed the officers out the door, locking and shutting the door behind him. He’d figure out what to do with the financial aspects later, for now he had other important issues on his mind.

When he saw them put James in the back and slam the door to the police car shut, he couldn’t help the small smile that appeared. Thankfully though it didn’t border on looking similar to a cat having eaten a canary. He still held his professional demeanor even if that was he was feeling on the inside. Nodding to the officers, he waved one of them over.

“I’ll follow right behind you. I want to see this through.”

True to his word, he followed behind the police car to the station and was there to watch James as he was led out of the car, into the station, and taken directly into booking.

#richardmaxters #justice is served

There was no falter in his steps, despite the knowledge of where he was going and where he would end up at the end. Quiet emanated from the backseat, causing the officers in front to look back several times on the ride to the jailhouse to maintain the certainty that he was there. He knew that even if he could escape the police car, the lawyer was right behind and that man remained behind him even after they had taken him to booking.

His information was given, mug shot taken, fingerprints reported - those took a small amount of time. It was what came afterwards that turned the booking from minutes into hours - the full body search, health screening, DNA samples, followed by the information that was required to know if he would be a problem to other inmates. James knew that despite what he could say when faced with information, the lawyer waiting far too patiently for that jail cell door to slam shut in his face would place him in a far worse cell than one he knew would be assigned to him so remaining with the truth was the option he took.

Handcuffed, he was led by two officers to his home for the foreseeable future and placed inside, the handcuffs on his hands and feet removed as he was told the basics of how the jail operated which he had already heard once before. While it had been years since his last incarceration, the politics and policies remained the same - he wasn’t getting out anytime soon. When the officers were replaced by the lawyer, he tilted his head, his eyes remaining locked on the other’s.

“Come to gloat one final time?”

Justice Is Served⎜James and Richard

Richard narrowed his eyes. The cocky attitude that James had was really, really irritating. “Just as I assume that I do not hold the upper hand, you probably should do that as well. Both of us know that this could go south if you would prefer it to just as it could go south if I prefer it to. We’re both evenly matched, so the dick measuring will stop now.”

“Just know that Sarah will never take you back. It seems that this is what you are holding on to, the thought that Sarah still harbors feelings for you. Well, that flew out the door a long time ago. She has seen what her life is like without you in it and she is thriving.”

Richard leaned forward, his jaw clenched, holding the other man’s gaze. “You will not mess that up, under any circumstances,” he said, his tone dark. “You will not get the chance to. If you take me down, then Bronwyn will take over. She will see you burn, and you’re lucky that it’s me here because I think she would prefer to see you burn alive. To be honest, I would as well, but I think for the time being, we would be very happy at seeing you behind bars.”

Taking in a deep breath, he relaxed back in his seat, staring the other man down. There was no point in waiting any longer. He had longed for the moment when he could call Sarah and tell her that James was no longer a threat. Knocking James down was an added bonus and he was eager to see the deed done. “So, behind bars is where you are staying for the foreseeable future,” he stated as he waved the officers over and pulled out his cell phone. Turning slightly to address the officers as they came over, he let a smirk appear on his face. “You can go ahead and arrest him, I’m just going to video this. I know Bronwyn would appreciate it.”

#richardmaxters #justice is served #[There will be no scene-causing. I think it's high time James paid a bit for his crimes.]

Emotions had been so foreign to him that to realize they still occupied some sliver of his soul was a surprise he would never dare to admit. There had been no room for them, no necessary reason for their presence, and it was not until he had dared to begin the thought of escaping from the life he had led that they had returned - though not in full force. They had crept up on him as a predator does their prey, biding for the moment when the only action left was to pounce.

This was that moment for him.

Anxiety, denial, acceptance, and ultimately even fear settled in the pit of his stomach, grabbing tight and refusing to relinquish the hold they had, only to squeeze tighter as he felt once again the cold metal of handcuffs snapping around his wrists, securing him to his fate. While he was given the chance to go quietly, it was without any decency what with his arrest being filmed as it happened. He had expected worse to be honest and figured that this was indeed the eye before the storm, and if the eye was this quiet, he did indeed wonder what the actual storm would turn out to be like.

Remaining silent, even as his rights were read, he simply stared at the camera, no emotion showing on his face. He refused to give Bronwyn MacAllister and this lawyer any more ammunition or have a further hold on him. While they were taking away everything he had known, he was not allowing them anything else to gloat over. He could at least be content with that.

He was pulled roughly to his feet and searched, his gun being taken away and bagged by the officer to his right as the one to his left continued the search. When it was completed, they pulled on his jacket to move him in the direction of the car and he followed without protest.

Justice Is Served⎜James and Richard

Richard blinked twice before allowing the two officers with him to make their way into the house. After all that he had learned about the other man, he was surprised, to be honest, that there wasn’t more violence. It wasn’t often that someone with a track record as long as Sordini’s would just allow themselves to be arrested and it caused Richard to be on high alert. Stepping past the other man, Richard entered the home, motioning for James to lead the way.

When the two of them were settled in the living room and the officers were stationed at the front and back doors to prevent escape, Richard tilted his head. “I’m not one to beat about the bush, so let’s get down to it. I’m sure you’re wondering why you’re being arrested and the law states that I do have to tell you what it is you’re being charged with.” Reaching into his suit pocket, he pulled out a folded up piece of paper, unfolded it, then cleared his throat. “You, my larcenous friend, are being charged with two counts kidnapping in the first degree, one count intent to do harm, several counts stalking and harassment, several counts first degree murder, several counts arson, and one count attempted murder.”

Smirking, Richard folded the paper back up before settling back into the chair. “The officers will arrest you when I’m ready to see you in the back of a police car, but I have a few things to say to you first.”

#richardmaxters #Justice is Served #[I am excited to see what needs to be said. Also my apologies for a late reply my dear!]

While silence had been a companion as of late, it was now his weapon of choice. It allowed him to listen, think, and assess and his odds of anything happening that would help his chances of escaping were in the negative region. There was no question now who had sent the man and the reason for his visit. There was only one person with enough connections to legally and not-so-legally send him away and the only person who he had committed crimes against in recent years was a certain blonde who happened to call that person a dear friend. It seemed that time had come full circle once more as it had all those years ago.

Despite the odds against him and the very real threat of returning to jail, there was curiosity rising within him to discover what the man so desperately wanted to say. Usually, lawyers were proficient, excited to see results, but this man was a new breed. He could tell that care and thought was taken with every case, but there was something more. His crimes were long, heinous, and worth more than any amount of gold for those intent on making their name in the law industry; while he was certain his crimes played a part, he figured that what needed to be said was on a more personal level where Sarah Wilder was concerned.

Waving his hand in a gesture to continue, James merely inclined his head in unison. “I fear you will burst if you do not say what you would like to, so please, do not hold for suspense on my account.”

Justice Is Served⎜James and Richard

#richardmaxters #[My apologies for the very late reply!]

richardmaxters:

Readjusting the files in his hand, Richard checked his watch before returning his gaze to the road. Having parked a couple of blocks away from James’ home, he and the police officers that were there to do the actual arresting and take away were waiting for the go ahead.

When it was given, Richard stepped out of his car, slamming the door behind him and made his way up to the home with two police officers behind him. He wasn’t necessarily required to be here, but after everything this man had done to Sarah and her family, he felt that this was something that he had to do. He would be able to leave and tell Sarah that James wouldn’t be a blimp on their lives anymore and he had been there to see it happen. He was aware of her trust in him and he was not about to let her down.

Knocking on the door, Richard waited patiently, a smirk making its way across his face when he heard footsteps heading their way. When the door was opened, Richard narrowed his eyes, finding that now that he was so near the other man, there was nothing more he’d like to do than to punch James in the face. The superiority that seemed to radiate from the other was nauseating - he couldn’t wait to knock James down a few pegs.

“Mr. Sordini, these gentleman and I have a warrant for your arrest. If you’d be so kind as to let us in, I have a few things that need to be said first,” he announced.

Silence had permeated every inch of his home within the last few months. The sudden sound of someone knocking at his door had caused his instincts to kick in - hand on his gun, footsteps slow and yet secure in their movements. Pausing only once on his way to the door to press the button on his alarm system to allow him to see who would break the constant silence, his hand immediately fell away from the gun upon seeing two men in uniform and another in a suit standing, waiting on his doorstep.

With no general idea of the nature of their visit nor the overall result, his only option was to answer the door less a shootout become of his trying to run. The way the men held themselves - they were intent on their job, aligned and precise in every movement and action. If it had been someone sent by his enemies, there would already be carnage, destruction. There was no doubt available in his mind that this matter was of a completely legal nature.

Upon opening the door and becoming bombarded with the information that his arrest was imminent though not without a few words spoken from the obvious man in charge, James inclined his head. He had been correct in his assumptions. Two officers in uniform flanked the male who was dressed to work, conquer, and deliver the results he insisted on having. If the smirk on his face, the stance, and attitude told anything, it was that this visit could very well end in his arrest. The other male was blunt in his approach and words, leaving little time for him to argue - though he would never do so - and despite every fiber of his being telling him to run, he instead stepped back, allowing them entrance. There could be no harm in letting the other run his mouth, continuing the pretense of being in charge for a while longer. At the very least, it would allow him time to process, asses, then take action.

“Then come in.”

Sarah smiled softly at him before chuckling. “Really? You and me out to dinner?” While it was a bit sudden, she couldn’t say no and Ethan’s expression certainly wasn’t helping matters. She loved her family, would do anything for them, and she knew he was right - she did deserve a night out. Ethan, she knew, would keep his promise whenever she wanted to return so all there was for her to do was say yes.

Sighing, she nodded her head. “Alright, fine. Dinner, you and me. But we don’t leave until Thomas gets here and I tell him what I need done.” No sooner had the words left her mouth did her phone go off and she reached into her pocket then read the message. When she was done, she mock-glared at him.

“You had this all planned, didn’t you? Because Thomas just texted me saying he is right outside and happy to be help.” Moving away, she opened the front door just as Thomas walked up the porch steps. “Come on in. So, the kids –”

“I’ve got it all under control, Sarah. I still have the list of instructions from last time,” Thomas cut her off with a smile and a pat to one of the pockets of his jacket. “I doubt they’ve changed.”

Biting her lip, she shook her head before grabbing her purse and jacket from the entry hall table. “The only thing that’s changed is Oliver’s bedtime. Get him into bed by about eight if you can.” Looking over at Ethan, she tilted her head, a smile on her face. “Are we going or not?”

#thewildersofnewhaven #verse: client and supplier au #ethan bartlett #[Much love to you my dear!]

Ethan eyed her, a smile highlighting his features as he watched her converse with Thomas. The man had babysat before, the kids having taken a liking to the younger man, but he was aware of how much Sarah worried about her kids. If there was one man in their entire business he trusted other than James, it was Thomas. The man had proven himself loyal and continued to do so - a trait both admired and feared by many. If harm came to Sarah’s family, Ethan knew Thomas would join him in taking down those responsible. It was a quality he respected and it wasn’t often his respect and trust was given.

When Sarah’s voice infiltrated his thoughts, he tossed the rest of his coffee into the trash can before walking towards her, grabbing his jacket on the way out from where it had been tossed earlier onto one of the living room chairs. Nodding to Thomas on his way out the door, he made sure the door was locked himself before turning his attention to Sarah.

“Again, I promise as soon as you say the word, we’ll return. For the time being, though, where would you like to go for dinner?”

“If only my boss thought as you do concerning the pay.” She looked over at him and smiled. “But I still wouldn’t give up my job, I love it far too much.” Sarah placed Oliver in his crib in the dining room, grabbing the remote to the television to turn the volume down. “But pretty much what you see here is what I’m going to do. Take care of my kids, cook some dinner, and that’s about it. No more lesson plans, thankfully.” She wandered back into the kitchen and leaned against the doorway. “Why?”

#thewildersofnewhaven #verse: client and supplier au #ethan bartlett #[Forgive me for the late reply my dear! It's been hectic lately!]

“Tonight, my dear Sarah, we will be going out,” Ethan announced. “And you are not allowed to say no. James has given me the night off and there won’t be much of a change in plans, only venue. You and me - Thomas will be here to take care of the kids.” He stood, sauntering towards her before grabbing her hands in his. “We’ll head back as soon as you said the word and that’s a promise. Between the legal job and the illegal one, your kids who I know are not a hardship on you, and the family that makes even James stay his distance, you deserve a night - just one night - to have some fun.”

Lifting her hands to his lips, he kissed her knuckles before giving her his best puppy dog eyes impression. “And who can say no to a face such as this?”

Chuckling, Sarah nodded her head. “No, no, I hear ya. I feel the same way about tea. If I didn’t have it some days, I think my students wouldn’t like me nearly half as much as they do.” She stepped closer and unhooked Oliver out of the carrier, holding him close then leaning up to kiss Ethan on the cheek. “Thank you, Ethan. Having the day off really helped me get ahead with lesson plans.” She stepped back and looked down at Oliver. “Say ‘thank you’ to Uncle Ethan.” He just waved his arms in reply, causing Sarah to laugh. “Well, he means those arm waves if it’s any consolation.”

#thewildersofnewhaven #[I'm glad that you're happy with this. I just couldn't resist the urge to start something with those gifs.]#verse: client and supplier au #ethan bartlett

Ethan turned his eyes towards Oliver and smiled, feeling his heart swell with happiness at being called Uncle Ethan. While kids of his own were never in the cards for him, watching over and taking care of Sarah's kids was, he was certain, just as meaningful. "I'm glad he meant them, I'd be very upset if he didn't." Reaching for his coffee, he sipped it before taking a seat at the kitchen table. "So, Sarah, besides those wonderful lesson plans that you don't get paid as much as you deserve for, what have you got planned for the evening?"

"It couldn’t have been that bad," Sarah admonished before turning around, her eyes widening when she took in the scene. "My god, you actually - you know you didn’t actually have to use the baby carrier. It was just a suggestion, Ethan.” Tilting her head, a smile appeared on her face as she stepped towards him. “But the coffee carrier on my son’s head, when exactly did that come around?”