witch mumu

[star-crossed-cass]

July 4th || Andrea & Elliot

[witchesofnola]

andrea-copper:

It was difficult to say who was more excited by the festival, but between Andrea and Joaquin, Elliot was likely to have his hands full. Andrea had scooped up Joaquin as they walked closer to the edge of the brightly colored stalls and twirling rides - partly out of protective instinct and partly to share his excitement. Now she had the little boy on her shoulders, spinning whichever way he told her to so they could both take in all the sights and smells. When Joaquin giggled and yelled for Elliot to hurry up, Andrea turned around with an apologetic smile, though her face was still bright with excitement. “Sorry! I think we’re a little over eager,” she teased, releasing one of Joaquin’s legs to reach out and take Elliot’s hand in her own. Leaning up on her toes, she brushed her lips over his quickly. “Thank you again for coming out with me. Both of you,” she added, giving the little boy’s leg a gentle tug as he giggled.

@witchesofnola

It was very clear from the start of the day that the two people that meant the most to Elliot were excited about the day’s festivities.  Elliot couldn’t be happier for them and wished he could make Andrea and Joaquin this happy always.  He followed close behind, letting the two of them pick what they wanted to do all day.  He must have been not following as close as Joaquin would have liked because he was called over to hurry up.  Elliot immediately grinned and shook his head.  “You don’t have to be sorry!  I’m glad you two are enjoying yourselves.”  

Elliot gladly took her hand and gave her a kiss before leaning up and giving Joaquin one as well.  "Oh we wouldn’t have missed this for the world!”  Joaquin patted the top of Andrea’s head and pointed towards the nearest game.  “Can I get a toy?”  Elliot couldn’t help but laugh.  “I honestly am surprised it took him this long to ask for one.”

[witchesofnola]

andrea-copper:

Her cheeks flushed at his praises, but she waved them off. “It has nothing to do with me. I just want you and Joaquin to be free, to not have to constantly watch over your shoulders. I think it’s worth a try, though. Remember, you’ll never have to face them alone.” It had been years and years since Andrea had been physical with someone in such an intimate way, and she’d certainly never been the instigator. The wolf had always worried that her first instinct would be to panic, to lash out or be frozen in fear. There wasn’t a single ounce of doubt or fear in her mind when Elliot pushed back, though. Instead, she was lost in the onslaught of good emotions, surrendering herself to the feeling and melting back into his arms.

"It has everything to do with you.  And I love you.  You’re absolutely amazing.  We will get through this together.”  He was so amazed that she wanted to help and it only made him fall harder and solidify that she was perfect for him and Joaquin.  Elliot could feel his heart race when Andrea kissed him back, it had been a long time for him but everything just felt right.  Sure their meeting and marriage has an unorthodox base but in that moment he knew that things were going to be okay.  After a few moments of kissing her back he pulled away slightly, just slightly out of reach so he could speak.  “So what do you say?  You’ll take me and this weird little family?”

[witchesofnola]

andrea-copper:

“Then I’ll go with you,” she stated firmly, eyes flashing. The Council had no bone to pick with her, and she would like nothing better than to see Elliot removed the weight he had hanging over him. “They would have to go through me to get to you if they were foolish enough to make their move at that time. At least then you can know, once and for all.” Andrea would take them all on if they tried to harm him, especially when he came to them willingly and peacefully. She let him take her hand again as she listened quietly to what he was saying, her eyes glued to his face as her heart lifted. “Oh…” she said softly, before releasing his hand and moving hers up to cup his face. “I want you, as well. And - I don’t have much experience, but I’m pretty sure I love you, too, Elliot.” Andrea smiled up at him, and without giving herself time to overthink it, leaned up and pressed her lips to his, knowing her actions would mean more to him than words.

Elliot grinned at her offer.  No one has shown as much care for him as she did and he was falling for her more and more.  “You are so amazing, you know that?  You really think it would work?”  He was amazed at how strong she was and how willing she was to stand up for him and he couldn’t believe how lucky he was to be in her life.  “Hey that’s okay.  I am not exactly an expert at this myself.”  He offered and before he knew it she was kissing him.  His heart beating fast he immediately pushed back and kissed her passionately.  

[witchesofnola]

andrea-copper:

“Of course you worry about Joaquin. He should always come first. But… Elliot, you can’t run forever. It’s not fair to either of you.” She was thoroughly convinced that if the Council had wanted to deal with him, she never would have met him in the first place. They knew where he was and they now had him in arm’s reach. “Have you considered not keeping your head down? Maybe going to them and pleading your case?” Andrea didn’t think he’d be able to move forward until he could stop worrying about his past hanging over him. At this point it had nothing to do with concern for herself and only fear for Elliot and his son being able to live their lives. His laughter at her reaction made her want to pull away further, her brow furrowing in confusion and a little hurt. She wasn’t entirely sure what she’d done that was so humorous, but she waited, eyes staying on him as he explained his thoughts. “Of course I care about Joaquin! He’s everything to me. You’re everything to me…” she added softly before her heart started racing, her mind trying to process what he had said. Ask. As though he wasn’t being forced into this. As though he had a say and still would choose her. Still, there was a niggling little voice in her head that told her not to get her hopes up. “Ask me… but what about Joaquin’s mother?”

"I know it’s not.  That’s why I’m hoping this I can build a life for us.  All three of us.”  He looked up at Andrea and gave her a reassuring smile.  He was starting to believe that his and Joaquin’s future could finally involve settling down, especially if it was something that Andrea wanted to do with them.  “But see I’m worried that if I show up to them, then that’s when they’ll decide to attack.  I guess it’s worth a shot though.”  Elliot considered it.  He knew he did change and maybe there’s a way to show the council that.  A grin quickly crossed his face at her words.  She really thought so highly of him and even Joaquin?  Elliot was over the moon.  Elliot looked at her a little bit confused until he realized that she was worried about Natalia.  “I mean Natalia is wonderful and all.  And I would love for her to start having a relationship with Joaquin.”  He reached for Andrea’s hand as he said his next words.  “But Andrea, I want you.  I love you and I want to spend the rest of forever with you.”

[witchesofnola]

luminxoeuvre:

xx — “Oh my god,” Savannah gasped. That was the first time she’d ever witnessed a public break up, especially one that ended with food dumped all over someone. “I can’t believe that just happened, I thought that was something that only happened in movies!”

Melanie was watching it all unfolded, she was always a people watcher and this was just feeding her dramatic self.  As soon as she saw someone else comment on the spectacle Melanie started laughing slightly.  “Right?  I’ve seen some arguments but nothing of this level.  I wonder what exactly he did, I couldn’t get close enough to hear.”

[witchesofnola]

andrea-copper:

“And I do appreciate it, Elliot. I just - I don’t want you to fight a pointless fight.” As much as it killed her to have abandoned her offspring, she couldn’t really look at them as hers. She’d never even had a chance to know them. It did warm her heart though, the wolf nuzzling her face against Elliot’s chest. It made it that much harder to pull away once her thoughts started to swirl about. The words were difficult to squeeze past the lump in her throat, so Andrea took a moment to take a deep breath. “I’m sure they had their reason, however flawed it may have been. But still - you’ve changed since then… whether you are with her again or not. Any reason they might have had changed with you. If they still wanted you dead, why bother with forcing you into all this?” Obviously they had found him to pull him here, finishing the job they had started would have been easy enough at that point. Her mind was already wandering through possibilities of how she might be able escape the notice of the council, to free Elliot from his obligations so that he could be with this woman. It would make sense that he would know where Joaquin’s mother was. Andrea was so preoccupied with her thoughts, painful though they were, that she almost missed what he said, staring back at him in confusion for a moment. “I… “ She blinked slowly, the words sinking in. “You… “ Her mouth opened and closed a few times as her train of thought was derailed, the brunette struggling to form a coherent sentence. Finally she just shook her head in denial, sure she hadn’t heard him correctly. “What… why?”

"I understand completely.  But I would gladly get in any fight for you.”  He confessed.  Elliot absolutely meant what he said, Andrea was meaning more and more to him each day and he would protect her no matter what if it was needed.  He shrugged slightly, wanting to believe her words completely but was worried for the worst case scenario.  “I always tell myself that.  That they wouldn’t waste their time setting me up with a marriage if they still wanted to kill me.  But I worry, especially about Joaquin.  So I’m just trying to keep my head low while I’m here.  For both of your sakes.  I don’t want to leave you a widow either.”  Elliot couldn’t help but laugh slightly at her reaction.  He clearly caught her off guard but he didn’t regret saying it.  It was something that was on his mind a lot recently and he knew that she needed to hear it during their talk.  “Andrea you are absolutely amazing.  A beautiful person both inside and out.  You clearly care for not only me but also my son, which automatically makes you an amazing person in my book.  But you are more than I could have ever hopped for in this situation and I feel like the luckiest man to be having the opportunity to be in your life and ask for your hand in marriage.”

[witchesofnola]

ornamentalswords:

It was a shame that most respectable homes no longer owned a piano, Sebastian thought. How uncivilized. Rather than say that to the man’s face, he nodded. “That’s better than no piano at all.” He pinched the child’s cheek fondly and added, “Part of the piano’s is that one doesn’t have to carry it around all day. One can play when the occassion arises, as this little one has figured out. If nothing else, it’ll make him popular at parties when he’s grown.”

"True, plus it’s easier to bring with if we have to move.”  Elliot offered.  He knew it was hard to carry around a big piano from house to house, especially since he was trying to keep a low profile when he and Joaquin did move.  

When he pinched Joaquin’s cheeks, Joaquin giggled and reached up to pinch his cheeks as well.

“It is a bit more sophisticated and you can be subtle about showing off your skills.”  Elliot laughed.  He didn’t know how to admit that he wished Joaquin could show off at parties.  It gave the illusion that he would have a normal life and be invited to parties and Elliot wanted nothing more for his son.  “Plus I heard that if you know piano it’s easy to learn other instruments.  Is that true?”

[witchesofnola]

notyourguarddogs:

“Hey, Uptown Funk needs to be our national anthem. I absolutely endorse it.”

"Sure it’s good and all but god at what cost?  You know how they call those songs ear worms?  Well I want to propose that the song actually infects your mind so it’s all you hear.  Another song would probably be the Oompa Loompa songs.  Those things were terrifying.”

[witchesofnola]

ornamentalswords:

“Cult documentaries? That sounds …. interesting.” Jamie raised a brow at his friend, curious. “Well, whatever that was, it was perfect. I owe you big time. Coffee as a ‘thank you’?”

"Oh it definitely is, there’s some messed up cults out there.  You’d be surprised.”  She shrugged slightly, always up for talking about the weird things people get up to.  “I will never turn down free coffee so most definitely!”

[witchesofnola]

andrea-copper:

She shook her head against him, determined to keep him away from her old pack. With the exception of Hawthorne, whom she still wasn’t certain of, she wanted nothing to do with the abusive wolves she had left behind. “No, Elliot… I appreciate the thought, but I don’t even know who they are - if they’re still alive.” Or worse, if they had become like some of her year mates; the ones who had thrived in the environment, growing up to be just as bad or worse than their tormentors. One of her arms slipped around his back, giving him a gentle squeeze. “But it means the world to me that you’d even consider it.” Andrea listened quietly as Elliot explained, her muscles remaining tight as she felt her heart plummet. The lie - while she was surprised, she couldn’t fault him. She already knew he would do anything for Joaquin. What was shocking was the realization that this woman, someone so vitally important to the two men who now meant so much to Andrea, was still alive. And a wolf, she remembered, her heart sinking further. Someone who would fill the Council’s requirements. All these thoughts raced through her mind as she gazed up at Elliot, but when he couldn’t even look back at her, she sagged in defeat, already starting to pull away. Whoever this woman was, he clearly cared deeply for her and she was Joaquin’s mother. They belonged together. Her voice came out softly, as even toned as she could manage. “But now the council isn’t a threat, and you don’t have to run anymore…”

Elliot sighed sadly, feeling stuck and just wanting to help her somehow.  “I just want to help as much as I can.  So please know I am always here for you and I will never stop fighting for you, okay?”  He pulled her in closer, already loving the feeling of her being close to him.  So when she pulled away from him, he couldn’t help but feel sad that they were no longer touching.  Instead he held her hand, still wanting to show that he wanted to be intimate with her but not wanting to push her.  “But that’s the thing, even though I’m no longer with her there has to be a reason the council wanted me dead in the first place, right?  I’m worried I will never stop running.  Which is why I hate myself that I might have brought you into this.”  He said just as quietly.  Elliot finally looked Andrea in the eyes as he spoke the next part to her.  “I really think I’m falling in love with you, Andrea.”

[witchesofnola]

ornamentalswords:

For a couple of minutes, Sebastian taught the boy the three simple chords that made up an old folk song. He’d taught the same one to Cedric long ago and his wife had taught the boy the words. Being that there was no one around to step in and help him with that part, Sebastian sang them almost in a whisper, meant only for the young boy and perhaps his father to hear. As the child mimicked Sebastian’s example, the vampire turned to the boy’s father. “He’s a bright one. You should consider lessons for him.”

Elliot relaxed as soon as he saw that Joaquin was in good hands.  His son was grinning up at the man, following his every instruction.  It was clear that Joaquin was having a fun time and Elliot didn’t want to interfere with his learning.  Elliot was beyond surprised when he suggested lessons.  “You really think so?  I would just feel guilty because usually we don’t have a piano or anything with us.  Maybe I’ll have to get him a keyboard as well!”

[witchesofnola]

ornamentalswords:

He almost snickered at ‘snuggly bear’ and ‘Brother Matthew’, resisting only by biting the inside of his cheek. Once the woman was gone, he turned to his rescuer and blushed. “I thought you were making us Amish or something. I don’t think I know enough about cults. Or farms. Thank God she didn’t ask questions.” He shook his head. “No, you were perfect! Thank you for that. You have no idea how long I was trying to break away.”

"Honestly I don’t know much either.  I’ve just been into cult documentaries lately so it was the only thing I could think of.”  Melanie laughed with him.  “I’m glad she didn’t ask questions either.  I don’t know what I would have answered if she actually wanted to be in the cult.”  She waved off his thanks.  “Oh you’re welcome.  I’m just happy to be of help.  She honestly looked like she wasn’t getting any of the hints you were giving.”

[witchesofnola]

andrea-copper:

“That’s just it… I don’t feel upset that I killed him. He deserved it. They all did. It took me awhile to see that, and I still lose sight occasionally, but he did.” She let him take her hand again, trembling though it was. “I don’t think you’re a bad person either, Elliot. I never have and I don’t that I can ever think of you that way.” Andrea didn’t know specifics, but Elliot had mentioned his coven a few times. She’d never pried though, having not wanted him to push too hard into her past either. With another small sob at his words, the wolf stopped listening to her head and followed her heart, climbing up onto the bed and curling up against Elliot’s chest, hoping he wouldn’t push her away. She was so wracked with emotions - the guilt, shame, and doubts resurfacing after years of Andrea repressing them - that she felt like she could fall apart. “What if it wasn’t for the best though? What if they’re worse off than they would have been with me? What if - ” Her voice cut off, her body stiffening as his last words sank in. She pulled back enough to tilt her head back, gazing up at him with teary eyes. “I th - thought… you said she died?”

"And that’s okay.  They all deserve it and so much more and some day they will get theirs.”  He rubbed his thumb over her hand.  “And that means you aren’t a bad person either, I want you to know this always.  I’m not going anywhere.”  When she curled up to him, Elliot held her tight against him.  He wanted to prove to her that he really wasn’t going to leave her.  “Then I’ll go back there myself and get them back for you.  But I don’t want you worrying about going back.  “I’ll do it for the both of us.”  Elliot felt her looking up at him but he tried to avoid eye contact while explaining.  “It’s a lie I’ve had to tell for five years.  I was set up to inherit my coven after my father died.  But the council wanted the coven to disband or at least go through major moral changes so they sent someone to kill me.  We ended up starting a relationship and she got pregnant with Joaquin.  We decided it was best if Joaquin and I hid.  So we ran and haven’t stopped running since.”

[witchesofnola]

notyourguarddogs:

“I literally have had Mambo No. 5 stuck in my head for the past two days. I haven’t heard that song in years.”

"Wow what a blast from the past!  At least it isn’t something more annoying.  When Uptown Funk was playing everywhere I would always have that in my head, I literally couldn’t sleep because it was too much sometimes.”

[witchesofnola]

ornamentalswords:

Sebastian had been reading a newspaper nearby when a child approached the piano and began serenading the lobby with a clumsy composition of his own. The small action brought to mind a memory of playing the harpsichord for Cedric when he was a boy, allowing him to sit on his lap and tap away at the keys. It was a simple memory, but it brought a small smile to his face all the same. Sebastian set the paper down and approached the child, intending to kneel at eye-level and ask the boy if he would like to learn a song when the boy’s father apologized. “It doesn’t bother me. It’s only natural he should be curious, particularly if it’s his first time seeing a piano in person.” Sebastian told the man pleasantly, turning his attention to the child. “May I have a turn?” Sebastian asked politely and seated himself at the bench to play Chopin’s “Spring Waltz”. When he was finished, Sebastian turned to the boy and gave him a mischevious smile, but addressed the father. “Would he like to learn a song? Not that one, but something simple.”

Elliot was relieved when the man said that Joaquin wasn’t too much of a bother.  He always felt guilty for the lack of socialization that Joaquin had and he was trying to change.  But Joaquin seemed pleased to have attention from the man and listened intently to the song that was being played.  Elliot was surprised that Joaquin didn’t want to “help out” with the song but figured he was too fascinated to pluck away at the keys with him.  “Yeah of course!  Go ahead!”  Elliot offered.  Joaquin was excited and started hitting the keys, even before any instruction to show that he already knew how to hit them.  Joaquin looked up at him proudly and waited.

[witchesofnola]

andrea-copper:

She nodded softly in answer to his question. “They are the reason I don’t want to return home, as it were. I do not think I would be welcomed back anyway. I… I fought back eventually. I killed a man, Elliot. One of the Alpha’s men.” Andrea wasn’t ashamed of having taken the man’s life, but she was aware it would make people view her differently. “They cast me out after that. None of them would help me. Not that I blame them, not really. Not even Hawthorne,” she added softly, still feeling terribly for the wrath she had unleashed upon him. When Elliot’s fingers tugged softly at her chin, she took a deep breath and raised her eyes to his again, initially flinching at the flare of anger she saw there before relaxing slightly again. His anger wasn’t directed at her - a wonder and a relief - but she still hadn’t finished. “Maybe not all, but Elliot…” She swallowed thickly, glancing in the direction of Joaquin’s room, her heart breaking for both herself and the little boy. Her voice was soft but harsh, coming out barely above a whisper. “I had children. Children I never knew, who never knew me… and I left them.” Her fear that he would find her too broken was bad, but this fear was greater. After everything he had told her he’d gone through for Joaquin, what would he think of her now?

"Hey that doesn’t make you a bad person okay?  The fact that you’re upset about it means that you are a good person.  You’re not the only one who has hurt others, Andrea.”  He said quietly while he reached for her hand.  “I wasn’t a good person before Joaquin.  My coven practiced in dark magic and I have done my fair share of horrible things.  But our past doesn’t define who we are.”  He didn’t know how to begin to describe the person he was.  How he didn’t mind the person he was and probably would still be there if it wasn’t for his son.  Elliot’s heart broke for her when she revealed her next secret.  Not that he thought she was a bad person, he just knew how hard it was.  “You had to do what you had to.  I know it’s a terrible feeling but sometimes it’s for the best.  That’s what Joaquin’s mother had to do.”

[witchesofnola]

andrea-copper:

Her eyes stayed locked on his face after her admission, watching for his reaction. The squeeze he gave her hand was a distant feeling that she couldn’t quite focus on, but his hand against her cheek was a different story. Andrea turned her face into his hand, squeezing her eyes shut to try to hold back further tears when he apologized. She took another shaky breath, shaking her head slightly.  “It was the way of the Pack. It was always like that, my whole life.” His words were counter to what she’d spent her life whole life hearing, but his voice sounded tight and angry. She could understand why. Pulling back slightly, she slipped her hand out of his. “I will understand if you wanted to talk to the council - to try to get them to reverse their decision. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but please know I’ve enjoyed my time with you and Joaquin, and I think you’re a wonderful man,” she choked out. Wiping the tears from her face again, she let out a soft sigh, resigning herself to whatever she would see on his face when she gathered the courage to look his way again. 

Elliot felt his heart drop when she looked so scared and upset.  He wanted nothing more than to make every bad thing in her life go away but he knew that was impossible.  “I am just so sorry that was all you knew.  Where are they now?  Are they the ones in England?”  He asked trying to mentally plan out where he would have to go if he were to get revenge for her.  But the thoughts quickly left Elliot’s mind when she pulled back.  “Hey hey, I’m not leaving for something like this.  I wouldn’t want to leave you ever, for the record, but especially for something like this.”  He said softly and pulled her chin up so she could see how serious he was with his next words.  “None of this is your fault.  Okay?  You have done nothing wrong.  They are the fucks who are going to get theirs some day but this is not your fault at all.”  He didn’t want Andrea blaming herself for something she had no control over, but especially something as horrific as what she went through.